bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization and dielectric parameters of polyindole/WO3 nanocomposites
Authors: Erdönmez Seda , Karabul Yaşar , Kılıç Mehmet , Güven Özdemir Zeynep , Esmer Kadir
Published: December 2020

In the present study, polyindole/tungsten trioxide (PIn/WO3) nanocomposites have been prepared and characterized in the context of their structural properties as well as frequency‐dependent (ac) electrical features for the first time. While PIn polymer has been synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization, WO3 nanorods have been obtained by using the hydrothermal method. Several studies, that is, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, dielectric properties on these PIn/WO3 nanocomposites have been carried out. These investigations showed the average particle size of WO3 between 15.36 and 44.71 nm. The pure PIn and WO3 were compatible with the surface morphology of the PIn and WO3 reported in the scientific literature. The dielectric analyses have been carried out in the context of both the real and imaginary components of complex permittivity and electrical modulus. The ε′ values of all PIn/WO3 composites have been observed lower than that of pure Pln and ε′ decreased with the increasing amount of WO3 in the PIn matrix for the low‐frequency range. Electric modulus analysis showed that the increase in M′ value with frequency implies a tendency to reach a value which can be interpreted as short‐range mobile charge carriers perform the electrical conductivity.
Effect of secondary filler properties and geometry on the electrical, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon nanotubes/polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites
Authors: Shayesteh Zeraati Ali , Mende Anjaneyalu Abilash , Pawar Shital Patangrao , Abouelmagd Ahmed , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: December 2020

Hybrid polymer nanocomposites based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the matrix, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the primary conductive filler, and metal nanoparticles as secondary fillers were fabricated by melt mixing. Secondary nanofillers with different geometry and properties (nickel nanowire (NiNW), silver nanowire (AgNW), nickel nanoparticle (NiNP), and silver nanoparticle (AgNP) were selected to investigate the effect of geometry and properties of secondary filler on the hybrid polymer nanocomposites' properties. Electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness, and complex microwave properties of the fabricated hybrid nanocomposites were studied in X‐band frequency (8.2–12.4 GHz). The hybrid nanocomposites containing CNT/AgNW demonstrated superior conductivity and EMI shielding compared to individual fillers such as CNT, AgNW, NiNW, AgNP, NiNP, or hybrid system such as CNT/NiNW. The novelty of the present study lies in the unique synergy arising from the combination of nanofillers with similar geometry and high electrical conductivity, which resulted EMI shielding effectiveness as high as 27 dB for a shield with only 1.1 mm thickness. The EMI shielding mechanisms, including negative permittivity were studied and explained in details in the manuscript.
Study on water droplet initiated discharges and charge trap characteristics of laser textured silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Vinod Pabbati , Amizhtan Somasundaram Karthikeyan , Ganesh Parvathy , Kornhuber Stefan , Srinivasan Balaji , Sarathi Ramanujam
Published: December 2020

Silicone rubber micro‐nanocomposites were fabricated and laser texturing was performed on their surface to investigate super hydrophobic properties. Irrespective of type of texture (square, hexagon or diamond), the contact angle is almost the same but a marginal increase in contact angle is observed with increase in wt% of nano fillers in silicone rubber. Water droplet initiated corona inception voltage (CIV) is measured by fluorescence technique and the CIV tends to increase with texturing and is high under—DC followed with +DC and AC voltages. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of the fluorescence signal due to corona discharge indicates that the energy content of the fluorescent signal lies in the range DC to 20 MHz. Surface temperature of the sample after water droplet initiated discharge is found to be high under DC rather than under AC voltages. Textured surface has a relatively lower temperature decay rate under AC and DC voltages profiles, compared to nontextured surface. The formation of shallow charge traps is predominant with the textured specimens. In general, the diamond and hexagonal micro textured surface specimen exhibit better performance in terms of water droplet initiated CIV, hydrophobicity, and surface potential decay characteristics.
Cross‐cultural adaptation of Life Satisfaction Checklist‐11 among persons with stroke in China: A reliability and validity study
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Hu Xiaolei , Zhang Tong , Fugl‐Meyer Kerstin Sjögren , Langhammer Birgitta
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of the present study was to develop a cross‐cultural adaptation and to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the LiSat‐11 test.

Methods

LiSat‐11 was translated into Chinese according to standardized procedures. A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted to examine its reliability and validity, in accordance to COnsensus‐based Standards for the election of health Measurements Instruments guidelines, among persons with stroke approximately 3 years after their discharge from rehabilitation. Participants completed the LiSat‐11, 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). To examine the test–retest reliability, thirty of these participants completed LiSat‐11 again after 2 weeks.

Results

In total, 60 persons with stroke were recruited. The Chinese version of LiSat‐11 demonstrated good internal consistency with Cronbach's alphas at 0.82. Ceiling effects were found in five of the eleven items of LiSat‐11, and there was a floor effect in one item. LiSat‐11 had moderate to high correlations with SF‐36 with Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) ranging from 0.44 to 0.73 (p < 0.01) in a concurrent validity test, and high correlations were also found between LiSat‐11 and HADS‐A/D in a convergent validity test with rho = −0.63/−0.67 (p < 0.01). Low correlations with NIHSS, BI and mRS were found in a divergent validity test, rho = −0.25, 0.17 and −0.26, respectively.

Conclusion

The current study verified that the translated Chinese version of the Life Satisfaction Checklist‐11 is a reliable and valid tool for measuring the life satisfaction of persons with chronic stroke.
The characteristics and spatial distributions of prostate cancer in autopsy specimens
Authors: Zhou Yi , Mai Zhipeng , Yan Weigang , Chen Yuliang , Zhou Zhien , Xiao Yu , Wang Wenze , Shang Zhiyuan , Yuan Runqiang , Ji Zhigang , Li Hanzhong
Published: December 2020

Background

The characteristics of prostate cancer on autopsy and early‐stage prostate cancer are identical. Using autopsy specimens, we analysed prostate cancer characteristics and clarified the spatial distributions of lesions.

Method

We obtained prostate specimens from Chinese donors without a prostate cancer diagnosis and analyzed prostate cancer pathological characteristics on autopsy by whole‐mount sampling. We determined the distributions of lesions in horizontal and vertical dimensions. The horizontal dimension included four horizontal quadrants (left‐anterior, left‐posterior, right‐anterior, and right‐posterior quadrants), the peripheral zone, and the transition zone.

Result

The overall positive rate of prostate cancer among 113 specimens was 35.4%. There were 73 lesions in 40 prostates with prostate cancer. The positive rates of lesions in the left‐anterior, left‐posterior, right‐anterior, and right‐posterior quadrants were 24.7% (18/73), 27.4% (20/73), 26.0% (19/73), and 21.9% (16/73), respectively. The positive rate of prostate cancer was 74% in the areas between the apex above 0.5–0.8 cm and the middle slice. There were 22 (30.1%) and 51 (69.9%) lesions in the superior and inferior half of the prostate. There were no significant differences in the median volume and Gleason grade group between the superior and inferior half (p = .876 and p = .228).

Conclusion

In the horizontal dimension, the positive rate of prostate cancer was consistent in the four quadrants. Prostate cancer mainly originated from the areas between the apex above 0.5–0.8 cm and the middle slice. Compared with the superior half, the inferior half of the prostate had a higher positive rate but the same lesion characteristics.
NR1I2 genetic polymorphisms and the risk of anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Miaomiao , Qiu Yunliang , Jin Yanyu , Liu Wenpei , Wang Qingliang , Yi Honggang , Tang Shaowen
Published: December 2020

Anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) is a serious adverse drug reaction. Conflicting results have been obtained regarding the associations of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 2 (NR1I2) gene polymorphisms on susceptibility to ATDH. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the associations using a systematic review/meta‐analysis approach. PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and SinoMed databases were searched for all eligible studies from inception to June 10, 2020. Pooled adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to evaluate the strength of the association between the NR1I2 polymorphisms and the risk of ATDH. Subgroup analysis was performed by region of origin, and meta‐regression were performed to detect potential sources of heterogeneity. A total of five case‐control studies involving 572 cases and 1867 controls were identified. Fourteen SNPs in the NR1I2 gene have been reported, and the most heavily studied SNPs were rs3814055 and rs7643645. The pooled estimates did not exhibit any significant associations between SNPs rs3814055 and rs7643645 and the risk of ATDH (rs3814055: dominant model, OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.82‐1.22, P = 1.00; recessive model, OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.76‐1.78, P = .48; rs7643645: dominant model, OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.64‐1.68, P = .89; recessive model, OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.65‐1.49, P = .93). Subgroup analysis obtained similar negative results in Chinese patients, and the diagnostic criteria of ATDH may be the source of heterogeneity. Based on the meta‐analysis described in this report, we did not observe any association between NR1I2 gene polymorphisms and ATDH susceptibility. However, this conclusion should be interpreted with caution due to the low number of studies and the relatively small sample size.
A class of goodness‐of‐fit test for the additive hazards model with case‐cohort data
Authors: Cao Yongxiu , Yu Jichang
Published: December 2020

The case‐cohort design is commonly used in epidemiological studies due to its cost‐effectiveness. The additive hazards model is widely used in survival analysis when the hazards difference is constant. In this article, we propose a class of goodness‐of‐fit test statistics for the assumption of the additive hazards model with case‐cohort data through a class of asymptotically mean‐zero multiparameter stochastic processes. We also establish the asymptotic theory of the proposed test statistics and a resampling scheme is adopted to approximate its asymptotic distribution. The performance of the proposed test statistics is evaluated through simulation studies and a real dataset is analyzed to illustrate the proposed method.
One‐dimensional maximum‐likelihood estimation for spaceborne precipitation radar data assimilation
Authors: Ikuta Yasutaka , Okamoto Kozo , Kubota Takuji
Published: December 2020

Spaceborne precipitation radar such as Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)/dual‐frequency precipitation radar (DPR) provides valuable observations of precipitation systems in three dimensions. Assimilation of GPM/DPR data is becoming an important technique for improving the accuracy of forecasting to complement scarce ground‐based observations. This study presents a new, one‐dimensional maximum‐likelihood estimation (1D‐MLE) method developed by the authors that enables the estimation of relative humidity profiles according to a non‐Gaussian probability density function. By assimilating the estimated relative humidity profiles using a four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) method, mesoscale precipitation forecasts by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) have been considerably improved. The displacement of forecast precipitation during a severe weather event, in particular, is improved significantly. It was found that forecasting accuracy was maintained for a narrow GPM/DPR swath and low revisit frequency by repeating the assimilation–forecast cycle. Since the effectiveness was confirmed, the JMA began assimilating GPM/DPR data using the 1D‐MLE approach from March 2016.
The Weibull log‐logistic mixture distributions: Model, theory and application to lifetime data
Authors: Rachid Azzaz , Naima Boudrissa
Published: December 2020

Lifetime data collected from reliability tests are among data that often exhibit significant heterogeneity caused by variations in manufacturing, which makes standard lifetime models inadequate. Finite mixture models provide more flexibility for modeling such data. In this paper, the Weibull‐log‐logistic mixture distributions model is introduced as a new class of flexible models for heterogeneous lifetime data. Some statistical properties of the model are presented including the failure rate function, moments generating function, and characteristic function. The identifiability property of the class of all finite mixtures of Weibull‐log‐logistic distributions is proved. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of model parameters under the Type I and Type II censoring schemes is derived. Some numerical illustrations are performed to study the behavior of the obtained estimators. The model is applied to the hard drive failure data made by the Backblaze data center, where it is found that the proposed model provides more flexibility than the univariate life distributions (Weibull, Exponential, logistic, log‐logistic, Frechet). The failure rate of hard disk drives (HDDs) is obtained based on MLE estimates. The analysis of the failure rate function on the basis of SMART attributes shows that the failure of HDDs can have different causes and mechanisms.
New Genuinely Multipartite Entanglement
Authors: Luo Ming‐Xing
Published: December 2020

The quantum entanglement as one of the important resources has been verified by using different local models. There is no efficient method to verify single multipartite entanglement that is not generated by multisource quantum networks with local operations and shared randomness. The goal in this work is to solve this problem. First, a new local model is proposed for describing all the states that can be generated by using distributed entangled states and shared randomness without classical communication. This model is stronger than the biseparable model and implies new genuinely multipartite entanglement. With the present local model it is proved that all the permutationally symmetric entangled pure states are new genuinely multipartite entanglement. It is further proved that the new feature holds for all the multipartite entangled pure states in the biseparable model with the dimensions of local systems being not larger than three. The new multipartite entanglement is also robust against general noises. Finally, a simple Bell inequality is provided to verify new genuinely multipartite entangled pure qubit states in the present model. The results show new insight into featuring the genuinely multipartite entanglement in the distributive scenarios.
Beware of effects on isotopes of dissolved oxygen during storage of natural iron‐rich water samples: A technical note
Authors: Köhler Inga , Piatka David , Barth Johannes A.C. , Martinez Raul E.
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Investigations of the isotope ratios of dissolved oxygen (δ18ODO) provide valuable information about the oxygen cycle in aquatic systems. However, oxidation of Fe(II) may change pristine δ18ODO values during storage and can lead to a misinterpretation. We sampled an Fe(II)‐rich spring system and measured δ18ODO values at various time intervals in order to determine influences of Fe‐oxidation.

Methods

Water samples were collected from an Fe‐rich spring and related stream and the δ18ODO values were measured in fresh, 4‐ and 13‐day‐old samples with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Three replicates were measured for each sample with a 1σ of ± 0.2‰. On‐site parameters and Fe(II) contents were also measured over the course of the spring system by multi‐parameter probes and spectrophotometry.

Results

The δ18ODO values over the course of the spring system in fresh, 4‐ and 13‐day‐old samples revealed differences of up to 8‰. We explain this increase by the consumption of DO by Fe(II)‐oxidation. After a flow length of 85 m the differences in δ18ODO values between fresh and older samples decreased because most of the Fe(II) was consumed.

Conclusions

False interpretations of δ18ODO values are possible if Fe‐rich water samples are measured after too long storage, and we recommend measurement immediately after sampling.
Scedosporium apiospermum lung disease in a patient with nontuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: Ogata Hiroaki , Harada Eiji , Okamoto Isamu
Published: December 2020

Although tuberculosis is a major underlying cause of pulmonary mycetoma due to Scedosporium apiospermum, little is known about coinfection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and S. apiospermum. A 67‐year‐old man with NTM presented with recurrent haemoptysis. Computed tomography of the chest revealed pulmonary mycetoma in the left upper lobe of the lung, and culture of bronchial washing fluid yielded S. apiospermum. Oral voriconazole therapy ameliorated both haemoptysis and mycetoma findings. As far as we are aware, this is the first reported case of S. apiospermum lung disease in a patient with NTM but without tuberculosis. The possibility of S. apiospermum infection should thus be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary mycetoma. Although S. apiospermum mycetoma resembles aspergilloma, antifungal strategies for these two conditions differ, with the collection of culture specimens such as by bronchoscopy being compulsory for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of S. apiospermum infection.
A note on marginal correlation based screening
Authors: Wang Run , Dutta Somak , Roy Vivekananda
Published: December 2020

Independence screening methods such as the two‐samplet‐test and the marginal correlation based ranking are among the most widely used techniques for variable selection in ultrahigh‐dimensional data sets. In this short note, simple examples are used to demonstrate potential problems with the independence screening methods in the presence of correlated predictors. Also, an example is considered where all important variables are independent among themselves and all but one important variables are independent with the unimportant variables. Furthermore, a real data example from a genome‐wide association study is used to illustrate inferior performance of marginal correlation screening compared to another screening method.
Extreme ensemble of extreme learning machines
Authors: Mansoori Eghbal G. , Sara Massar
Published: December 2020

Extreme learning machine (ELM) has attracted attentions in pattern classification problems due to its preferences in low computations and high generalization. To overcome its drawbacks, caused by the randomness of input weights and biases, the ensemble of ELMs was proposed. The diversity of ELMs forming the ensemble was studied broadly in the literature, via using different activation functions and/or different number of hidden neurons. However, less attention was paid to aggregation mechanism in ensemble of ELMs. To speed up this aggregation process, we propose an ensemble framework for ELMs, called extreme ensemble of ELMs (EEoELMs) because of its extreme speed in ensemble process. In this framework, the input weights of each ELM are randomly pre‐assigned as usual. The ELMs make use of the same/distinct activation functions to increase the diversity of classifiers and so the generalization of ensemble. The output weights of each ELM are set using Moore–Penrose inverse method. However, the aggregation mechanism in EEoELM is novel. Instead of using majority/weighted voting on the prediction results of ELMs, their output neurons are combined in a new decision/ensemble layer. The output of this layer determines the ensemble output. As the weights of this decision layer are also computed using Moore–Penrose inverse method, the ensemble is extremely fast. Experimental results on synthetic and real‐world datasets indicate the acceptable classification performance of EEoELM in much less computational efforts.
Wind extraction? Gifts, reciprocity, and renewability in Colombia's energy frontier
Authors: Schwartz Steven
Published: December 2020

This article examines the circulation of gifts that binds dozens of indigenous Wayúu communities and Jemeiwaa Kai, a wind energy corporation that intends to build five wind farms in Colombia's coastal region of La Guajira. Drawing on long‐term fieldwork, I analyze how the intimate, reciprocal, and meaningful social exchanges that take place as part of the gift‐giving practices between Jemeiwaa Kai and Wayúu residents are critical for the renewability of wind energy itself, as they create and maintain the conditions for harnessing this resource without interruption. Since these exchanges acknowledge the power of Wayúu communities hosting future wind farms to disrupt their operations and infrastructures, they enable recipients to carve out a space of accountability by entangling the corporation in long‐term relationships of obligation and negotiating the ethical ways of harnessing wind in Wayúu land. The centrality of gift giving highlights that extraction, as a concept for theorizing wind energy in La Guajira, falls short of fully making sense of the variegated interactions, ethical predicaments, and forms of value production that take place on the ground, between those who have lived alongside the wind for centuries and the outsiders who now aspire to harness its force.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization of 16S rRNA in Escherichia coli Using Multiple Photo‐Cross‐Linkable Probes
Authors: Fujimoto Kenzo , Watanabe Nanami
Published: December 2020

RNA forms various secondary structures depending on its sequence in cells; the influence of secondary structures must be considered when detecting, regulating, or manipulating RNA. In this study, we utilized the cooperativity of multiple photo‐cross‐linkable assistant probes to evaluate photo‐cross‐linking for RNAs with complex secondary structures. We succeeded in increasing the fluorescence intensity 39.9 times in the region where detection was difficult owing to the formation of a complex secondary structure in the conventional fluorescence in situ hybridization method. This method enables the detection, regulation, and manipulation of RNA that forms various structures depending on the sequence.
Copper Tetracyanoquinodimethane: From Micro/Nanostructures to Applications
Authors: Zheng Yingshuang , Li Jie , Ji Deyang , Dong Huanli , Li Liqiang , Fuchs Harald , Hu Wenping
Published: December 2020

Copper tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ) has been investigated around 40 years as a representative bistable material. Meanwhile, micro/nanostructures of CuTCNQ is considered as the prototype of molecular electronics, which have attracted the world's attention and shown great potential applications in nanoelectronics. In this review, methods for synthesis of CuTCNQ micro/nanostructures are first summarized briefly. Then, the strategies for controlling morphologies and sizes of CuTCNQ micro/nanostructures are highlighted. Afterwards, the devices based on these micro/nanostructures are reviewed. Finally, an outlook of future research directions and challenges in this area is presented.
Near‐Field Nanoscopic Terahertz Imaging of Single Proteins
Authors: Yang Zhongbo , Tang Dongyun , Hu Jiao , Tang Mingjie , Zhang Mingkun , Cui Hong‐Liang , Wang Lihua , Chang Chao , Fan Chunhai , Li Jiang , Wang Huabin
Published: December 2020

Terahertz (THz) biological imaging has attracted intense attention due to its capability of acquiring physicochemical information in a label‐free, noninvasive, and nonionizing manner. However, extending THz imaging to the single‐molecule level remains a challenge, partly due to the weak THz reflectivity of biomolecules with low dielectric constants. Here, the development of graphene‐mediated THz scattering‐type scanning near‐field optical microscope for direct imaging of single proteins is reported. Importantly, it is found that a graphene substrate with high THz reflectivity and atomic flatness can provide high THz contrast against the protein molecules. In addition, a platinum probe with an optimized shaft length is found enabling the enhancement of the amplitude of the scattered THz near‐field signals. By coupling these effects, the topographical and THz scattering images of individual immunoglobulin G (IgG) and ferritin molecules with the size of a few nanometers are obtained, simultaneously. The demonstrated strategy thus opens new routes to imaging single biomolecules with THz.
Sensing the Bike: Creating a Collaborative Understanding of a Multi‐Sensorial Experience in MotoGP Racing
Authors: Salvadori Francesca Astrid , Gobo Giampietro
Published: December 2020

This article concerns the analysis of work interaction of a motorcycle racing team during pre‐season tests, drawing on ethnomethodology, and conversation analysis to explicate the ways in which the manager and the driver collaborate, through everyday gestures and language, to create a shared understanding of the bike's mechanical issues and disambiguate the driver's accounts of the bike's performance. We report on a set of video‐recorded encounters between the manger and the driver, examining how the multi‐sensorial experience of the driver is recollected and understood by team members, while overcoming interactional constraints imposed by the unique professional setting.
Water reforms in Brazil: Challenges and opportunities for promoting water security in a continental‐sized country
Authors: Cunha Libanio Paulo Augusto
Published: December 2020

Brazil's legal and institutional framework for water resources management has recently undergone significant reforms that have reshaped the landscape of Brazil's national and subnational water governance systems in the next years. This paper examines the prospects for water security in the context of these water reforms, considering different water security dimensions. The results of national surveys, studies, plans, and federal programs developed over the last years reveal the necessity of casting the “water security envelope” wide enough to include concerns about water conservation and water governance in Brazil.
Top-induced contributions to H → $$ b\overline{b} $$ and H → $$ c\overline{c} $$ at $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^3\right) $$
Authors: Mondini Roberto , Schubert Ulrich , Williams Ciaran
Published: December 2020

Abstract

In this paper we present a fully-differential calculation for the contributions to the partial widthsH →$$ b\overline{b} $$bb¯andH →$$ c\overline{c} $$cc¯that are sensitive to the top quark Yukawa couplingytto order$$ {\alpha}_s^3 $$αs3. These contributions first enter at order$$ {\alpha}_s^2 $$αs2through terms proportional toytyq(q=b, c). At order$$ {\alpha}_s^3 $$αs3corrections to the mixed terms are present as well as a new contribution proportional to$$ {y}_t^2 $$yt2. Our results retain the mass of the final-state quarks throughout, while the top quark is integrated out resulting in an effective field theory (EFT). Our results are implemented into a Monte Carlo code allowing for the application of arbitrary final-state selection cuts. As an example we present differential distributions for observables in the Higgs boson rest frame using the Durham jet clustering algorithm. We find that the total impact of the top-induced (i.e. EFT) pieces is sensitive to the nature of the final-state cuts, particularlyb-tagging andc-tagging requirements. For bottom quarks, the EFT pieces contribute to the total width (and differential distributions) at around the percent level. The impact is much bigger for theH →$$ c\overline{c} $$cc¯channel, with effects as large as 15%. We show however that their impact can be significantly reduced by the application of jet-tagging selection cuts.
MS renormalization of S-wave quarkonium wavefunctions at the origin
Authors: Chung Hee Sok
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We computeS-wave quarkonium wavefunctions at the origin in the$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$MS¯scheme based on nonrelativistic effective field theories. We include the effects of nonperturbative long-distance behaviors of the potentials, while we determine the short-distance behaviors of the potentials in perturbative QCD. We obtain$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$MS¯-renormalized quarkonium wavefunctions at the origin that have the correct scale dependences that are expected from perturbative QCD, so that the scale dependences cancel in physical quantities. Based on the calculation of the wavefunctions at the origin, we make model-independent predictions of decay constants and electromagnetic decay rates ofS-wave charmonia and bottomonia, and compare them with measurements. We find that the poor convergence of perturbative QCD corrections are substantially improved when we include corrections to the wavefunctions at the origin in the calculation of decay constants and decay rates.
High-dimensional sphere packing and the modular bootstrap
Authors: Afkhami-Jeddi Nima , Cohn Henry , Hartman Thomas , de Laat David , Tajdini Amirhossein
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We carry out a numerical study of the spinless modular bootstrap for conformal field theories with current algebra U(1)c× U(1)c, or equivalently the linear programming bound for sphere packing in 2c dimensions. We give a more detailed picture of the behavior for finite c than was previously available, and we extrapolate as c → ∞. Our extrapolation indicates an exponential improvement for sphere packing density bounds in high dimen- sions. Furthermore, we study when these bounds can be tight. Besides the known cases c = 1/2, 4, and 12 and the conjectured case c = 1, our calculations numerically rule out sharp bounds for all other c < 90, by combining the modular bootstrap with linear programming bounds for spherical codes.
Current and future neutrino oscillation constraints on leptonic unitarity
Authors: Ellis Sebastian A. R. , Kelly Kevin J. , Li Shirley Weishi
Published: December 2020

Abstract

The unitarity of the lepton mixing matrix is a critical assumption underlying the standard neutrino-mixing paradigm. However, many models seeking to explain the as-yet-unknown origin of neutrino masses predict deviations from unitarity in the mixing of the active neutrino states. Motivated by the prospect that future experiments may provide a precise measurement of the lepton mixing matrix, we revisit current constraints on unitarity violation from oscillation measurements and project how next-generation experiments will improve our current knowledge. With the next-generation data, the normalizations of all rows and columns of the lepton mixing matrix will be constrained to ≲10% precision, with thee-row best measured at ≲1% and theτ-row worst measured at∼10% precision. The measurements of the mixing matrix elements themselves will be improved on average by a factor of 3. We highlight the complementarity of DUNE, T2HK, JUNO, and IceCube Upgrade for these improvements, as well as the importance ofντappearance measurements and sterile neutrino searches for tests of leptonic unitarity.
BBN constraints on universally-coupled ultralight scalar dark matter
Authors: Sibiryakov Sergey , Sørensen Philip , Yu Tien-Tien
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Ultralight scalar dark matter can interact with all massive Standard Model particles through a universal coupling. Such a coupling modifies the Standard Model particle masses and affects the dynamics of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. We model the cosmological evolution of the dark matter, taking into account the modifications of the scalar mass by the environment as well as the full dynamics of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. We find that precision measurements of the helium-4 abundance set stringent constraints on the available parameter space, and that these constraints are strongly affected by both the dark matter environmental mass and the dynamics of the neutron freeze-out. Furthermore, we perform the analysis in both the Einstein and Jordan frames, the latter of which allows us to implement the model into numerical Big Bang Nucleosynthesis codes and analyze additional light elements. The numerical analysis shows that the constraint from helium-4 dominates over deuterium, and that the effect on lithium is insufficient to solve the lithium problem. Comparing to several other probes, we find that Big Bang Nucleosynthesis sets the strongest constraints for the majority of the parameter space.
A note on dual gravitational charges
Authors: Oliveri Roberto , Speziale Simone
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Dual gravitational charges have been recently computed from the Holst term in tetrad variables using covariant phase space methods. We highlight that they originate from an exact 3-form in the tetrad symplectic potential that has no analogue in metric variables. Hence there exists a choice of the tetrad symplectic potential that sets the dual charges to zero. This observation relies on the ambiguity of the covariant phase space methods. To shed more light on the dual contributions, we use the Kosmann variation to compute (quasi-local) Hamiltonian charges for arbitrary diffeomorphisms. We obtain a formula that illustrates comprehensively why the dual contribution to the Hamiltonian charges: (i) vanishes for exact isometries and asymptotic symmetries at spatial infinity; (ii) persists for asymptotic symmetries at future null infinity, in addition to the usual BMS contribution. Finally, we point out that dual gravitational charges can be equally derived using the Barnich-Brandt prescription based on cohomological methods, and that the same considerations on asymptotic symmetries apply.
Quenched free energy in random matrix model
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We compute the quenched free energy in the Gaussian random matrix model by directly evaluating the matrix integral without using the replica trick. We find that the quenched free energy is a monotonic function of the temperature and the entropy approaches log N at high temperature and vanishes at zero temperature.
Time-Domain Digital-to-Analog Converter for Spiking Neural Network Hardware
Authors: Uenohara Seiji , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: December 2020

We propose a new digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for realizing a synapse circuit in mixed-signal spiking neural networks. We refer to this circuit as a “time-domain DAC (TDAC)”. It produces weights for converting a digital input code into voltage using one current waveform. Therefore, the TDAC is more compact than a conventional DAC consisting of many current sources and resistors. Moreover, a TDAC with leak resistance reproduces biologically plausible synaptic responses expressed as alpha functions or dual exponential equations. We also present numerical analysis results for a TDAC and circuit simulation results for a circuit designed using the TSMC 40 nm CMOS process.
The role of mucilage envelope in the endozoochory of selected plant taxa
Authors: Kreitschitz A. , Haase E. , Gorb S. N.
Published: December 2020

Myxodiaspory (formation of mucilage envelope around seeds and fruits) is a common adaptation to dry habitats known in many families of Angiosperms. The mucilage envelope of some seeds seems to be also a unique morphological adaptation which protects myxospermatic diaspores while passing through the bird’s digestive system. To evaluate the protective potential of mucilage, we fed the diaspores of seven plant species (representing three different mucilage types and three species of non-mucilaginous plants) to pigeons, Columba livia domestica. Twenty-four hours later, we collected the droppings of pigeons and examined a total of 18,900 non-destroyed diaspores to check for mucilage presence and germination ability. Out of all the examined diaspores, 4.5% were mucilaginous seeds. Among them, the highest number (12.2–13.5%) of viable diaspores belonged to the hemicellulosic type of mucilage (from Plantago species). Only 3.7% of germinating diaspores with pectic mucilage (Linum usitatissimum) were collected, and no seeds representing cellulosic mucilage (e.g., Ocimum basilicum). For non-mucilaginous plants, we collected only a few individual seeds (0.1% out of 8100 seeds used). We noted that the mucilaginous seeds found in the droppings were able to germinate; however, the germination ability was generally smaller in comparison to the control (i.e., not digested) seeds. Our results revealed that the presence of mucilage envelope has an impact on diaspore dispersal and survivability. With our experiments, we demonstrated for the first time that the mucilage envelope, especially of the non-cellulosic type, supports endozoochory. We also showed that non-mucilaginous seeds can be occasionally dispersed via endozoochory and are able to germinate. The results of our studies can explain the ways of plants distribution at a small, local scale as well as in long-distance dispersal, e.g., between islands or even continents.
Identification and characterization of a new potyvirus infecting Muscari in Hungary
Authors: Ágoston János , Almási Asztéria , Salánki Katalin , Palkovics László
Published: December 2020

Grape hyacinths (Muscari spp.) are popular spring flowering bulbs in Europe and also in Hungary. In the spring of 2017, we came across grape hyacinth plants showing mosaic symptoms, which indicated viral infection. Currently Hyacinth mosaic virus (genus Potyvirus), a proposed member of the genus named Muscari mosaic virus, Arabis mosaic virus (genus Nepovirus), Cucumber mosaic virus (genus Cucumovirus) and Tobacco rattle virus (genus Tobravirus) are known to infect grape hyacinth. Leaf samples of symptomatic grape hyacinths were observed, collected and the presence of potyviruses was proved with potyvirus specific monoclonal antibody by ELISA and by potyvirus specific RT-PCR. Laboratory host plants and seed grown Muscari plants were inoculated with leaf sap and symptoms were recorded. Nucleotide sequences of the cloned fragments were compared to GenBank data. In the case of Muscari ‘Helena’ the highest nucleotide identity in the coat protein coding region was found with two Muscari mosaic virus isolates (95.51% and 95.79%). In the case of the clones derived from Muscari ‘Pink Sunrise’ plant, the highest identity was recorded with Muscari mosaic virus isolates (57.65% and 57.80%) and with a Tulip breaking virus strain (55.13%) indicating the existence of a novel potyvirus species, tentatively named Muscari chlorotic mottle virus. The coat protein sequences were aligned and Maximum Likelihood trees were built to analyze phylogenetic relationships.
Justifying method choice: a heuristic-instrumentalist account of scientific methodology
Authors: Grüne-Yanoff Till
Published: December 2020

Scientific methods are heuristic in nature. Heuristics are simplifying, incomplete, underdetermined and fallible problem-solving rules that can nevertheless serve certain goals in certain contexts better than truth-preserving algorithms. Because of their goal- and context-dependence, a framework is needed for systematic choosing between them. This is the domain of scientific methodology. Such a methodology, I argue, relies on a form of instrumental rationality. Three challenges to such an instrumentalist account are addressed. First, some authors have argued that the rational choice of at least some methods, namely those supporting belief formation, is not goal-dependent. Second, some authors have observed that some method choices seem intuitively rational, even though relevant goals are lacking. Thirdly, some authors have argued that instrumental rationality itself depends on a goal-independent form of rationality. It is the heuristic nature of scientific methods that affords me the arguments against these challenges. This heuristic-instrumentalist account provides the means-ends analysis needed to evaluate heuristic method choice. The paper thus offers the conceptual basis for a scientific methodology that is both compatible with the heuristic nature of actual scientific practice and also normatively relevant for assessing method choice.
Gesundheitliche Risikolagen in der Bremer Drogenszene
Authors: Prepeliczay Susanna , Schmidt-Semisch Henning
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Angehörige offener Drogenszenen sind von diversen sozialen und gesundheitlichen Risikolagen betroffen. Die Studie untersucht, welche Substanzen und Konsumformen in der Bremer Drogenszene verbreitetet sind sowie die damit assoziierten Probleme, Risiken und Hilfebedarfe.

Methoden

Im Rahmen dieser qualitativen Studie wurden 50 teilnehmende Beobachtungen in Drogenszenen in vier Bremer Stadtteilen, 36 leitfadengestützte, problemzentrierte Interviews mit Szeneangehörigen sowie 8 Expert*inneninterviews mit Fachkräften aus der Sucht- und Wohnungslosenhilfe durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die körperliche, psychische und soziale Situation von Angehörigen der Bremer Drogenszene ist von erheblichen Risiken und Belastungen geprägt. Der lange Zeit auf wenige deutsche Großstädte beschränkte Konsum von Crack hat sich auch in Bremen etabliert. Von den Befragten werden verschiedene niedrigschwellige und risikomindernde Maßnahmen benannt, die das Bremer Suchthilfesystem weiterentwickeln könnten.

Schlussfolgerung

Das Bremer Suchthilfesystem sollte u. a. durch verlängerte Öffnungszeiten von Hilfsangeboten, eine Ausweitung der psychosozialen Betreuung sowie die Einrichtung einer Diamorphin-Ambulanz weiterentwickelt werden.
Characterization of the taste compounds in 20 pungent spices by high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Huang Yan , Duan Wen , Xiao Junfei , Liu He , Zhou Chenchen , Zhang Yuyu , Tang Yizhuang , Sun Baoguo , Li Zhanming
Published: December 2020

High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the important taste compounds in 20 pungent spices commonly used in food, including seventeen free amino acids, four 5′-nucleotides and twelve organic acids. The equivalent umami concentration (EUC) and taste activity value (TAV) of the analyzed samples were calculated. The results showed that the content of total free amino acids ranged from 0.57 to 46.67 g/kg in 20 pungent spices. The content of total free amino acids in horseradish was the highest. The content of total 5′-nucleotides ranged from 0.80 to 4.30 g/kg, and chive contains the highest 5′-nucleotide content. Inosine 5′-monophosphate was detected in all 20 pungent spices. The content of total organic acids ranged from 9.37 to 339.58 g/kg. The total organic acids content of fieldmint was the highest (339.58 g/kg). Oxalic acid was detected in 18 pungent spices, except white pepper and chilli. The EUC of fieldmint (37.1 g MSG/100 g) was the highest in all 20 pungent spices, followed with peppermint (24.5 g MSG/100 g), and horseradish (18.4 g MSG/100 g). The TAVs of malic acid, lactic acid and 5′-AMP were higher than 1 in more than 10 spices. Lactic acid were higher than 1 in 13 spices, implying these compounds contributed greater to the flavor of pungent spices. The results of this work will provide references for the application value of pungent spices.
Psychiatrische Diagnosesysteme, Konzepte psychischer Störungen, der zivilrechtliche Krankheitsbegriff und das Problem der neurokognitiven Störungen in ICD-11
Authors: Saß Henning , Cording Clemens
Published: December 2020

Die Revision von ICD-10 zu ICD-11 gibt Anlass, die Bedeutung der psychiatrischen Klassifikationen für rechtliche Fragestellungen zu überdenken. Kernpunkte sind dabei der Übergang vom grundlegenden Krankheitskonzept zu einem unverbindlichen Störungsbegriff („disorder“) und die damit verbundenen Verunsicherungen der Beurteilungsnormen. Wenn die Zahl von Diagnoseschlüsseln, die für Zustände gestörten Befindens sowie psychischer und sozialer Dysfunktionen zur Verfügung stehen, immer mehr anwächst, stellt sich die Frage nach der forensischen Erheblichkeit. Kritisch zu sehen sind auch Tendenzen im Maßregelrecht, durch eine juristisch-funktionale Begriffsauslegung „psychische Störung“ mit Gefährlichkeit gleichzusetzen. Dagegen wurde beim zivilrechtlichen Krankheitsbegriff eine Unabhängigkeit von den Änderungen diagnostischer Gepflogenheiten bewahrt.
Alliance Ruptures and Resolutions in Personality Disorders
Authors: Schenk Nathalie , Fürer Lukas , Zimmermann Ronan , Steppan Martin , Schmeck Klaus
Published: December 2020

Purpose of Review

This review provides an overview of the state of research on alliance ruptures and resolutions in the treatment of personality disorders (PDs). We discuss frequently used instruments to measure alliance ruptures and resolutions. We discuss the effectiveness of rupture resolution processes and highlight possible avenues for research to explore. Innovative assessments with the potential to reveal the link of ruptures and resolutions and mechanisms of psychotherapeutic change are discussed.

Recent Findings

The assessment of alliance rupture and resolutions is heterogeneous. Instruments vary largely with respect to a direct or indirect assessment, the time resolution of assessment (integral therapy, phase, session, event), session sampling strategy and perspectives (patient, therapist, observer). The heterogeneity in the instruments and study designs impedes comparability and interpretation of the findings. Results support the hypothesis that ruptures are more frequent in PD. Results also point towards beneficial effects of rupture resolution patterns, early alliance quality, and resolution complexity. Few studies control findings for pretreatment factors.

Evidence points to the direction that rupture resolution processes can be considered a general principle of change in the treatment of PD. The concept of alliance ruptures and resolutions provides a useful tool for the management of the therapeutic alliance and its moments of deteriorations throughout the treatment course. Dimensional pretreatment personality functioning is considered a key variable in future studies to highlight what works for whom.