bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic features of an intravascular lobular capillary hemangioma originating in the basilic vein: Case report and literature review
Authors: Jing Wenli , Wen Xiaorong , Zhang Mei , Zhou Chenyun , Huang Jing , He Ying
Published: May 2021

Intravascular lobular capillary hemangioma (ILCH) is a rare variant of pyogenic granuloma, which develops within the lumen of a blood vessel. Here, we report the case of a 38‐year‐old male presenting with a mobile, incompressible, nonpulsatile nodule in the superficial fascia of the forearm. A first ultrasonographic examination diagnosed the mass as intravascular thrombosis with partial recanalization. Three months later, a second ultrasonographic examination concluded to the existence of an intravascular tumor, which finally turned out at pathological examination to be ILCH. Here, we report the ultrasonographic features of ILCH and the differential diagnosis between ILCH and other intravascular masses like thrombus.
Study on volume change and scanning electron microscopy observation of silica‐filled solution polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber/cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene rubber blends upon stretching
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zheng Shanliang , Zheng Lina , Liu Feng , Song Yudian , Wang Meng‐Jiao
Published: May 2021

Solution polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber/cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene rubber (SBR/BR) blends filled with silica is widely used system in tread compounds for passenger tires. The application of silane coupling agents greatly improves the interaction between polymer and filler through chemical bonds. By testing a series of SBR/BR blends filled with different specific surface area and content of silica, we measured the volume change data of the compounds upon stretching and plotted the corresponding ΔV/V‐ε curves. In order to normalize for stress differences, ΔV/(Vσ)‐ε curves were also plotted using stress–strain data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the microstructures in the vulcanizate in situ when stretched. The dispersion, agglomeration, and vacuole formation process can be visualized clearly in the SEM images.
Kinetic simulations of the effect of antioxidants on the metmyoglobin reactions with hydrogen peroxide and their relevance and application to the Trolox equivalent equivalent antioxidant assay
Authors: Parsons Barry J.
Published: May 2021

Using software based on a stochastic approach to the kinetic simulation of complex reaction schemes having a wide dynamic range, existing experimental data on the reactions of ascorbate and Trolox C (a soluble form of vitamin E) on the metmyoglobin/hydrogen peroxide reactions have been used for simulation. To match both kinetic and static data, a scheme of 15 reactions was required of which five were either significant revisions of existing rate constants or the proposal of a new mechanism. In this way, new rate constants for the reactions of •MbFeIVO and MbFeIVO with both ascorbate and Trolox C have been estimated together with that for MbFeIVO + TrolO•. Simulations of the metmyoglobin/hydrogen peroxide reaction scheme in the presence of both ascorbate and Trolox C in the presence of ABTS (ABTS+•) were also used to establish an overall mechanism for the time‐resolved evolution of the ABTS cation radical, which can provide both a static or kinetic endpoint of the assay. Rate constants have thus been estimated for the reactions of the ABTS cation radical with both ascorbate and Trolox C, these fast reactions being a prerequirement for the appearance of distinct lag phases for formation of ABTS+• . In the case of the latter reaction with Trolox C, it is proposed that TrolO• reacts with the ABTS+• It is also clear from simulations that the reactions of the ABTS cation radical with antioxidants must have rate constants 104 M−1 s−1 or greater to produce well‐defined lag phases. Lower values result in either no or indistinct lag phases, as sometimes observed with natural antioxidants. Consequences for factors affecting the sensitivity of the TEAC assay and the determination of inhibition factors are discussed.
Oral iron supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease: Can it be harmful to the gut microbiota?
Authors: Ribeiro Marcia , Fonseca Larissa , Anjos Juliana S. , Capo‐chichi Jean C. C. , Borges Natália A. , Burrowes Jerrilynn , Mafra Denise
Published: May 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have several pathophysiological alterations, including anemia, one of the first changes in CKD patients. More recently, researchers have observed that the intestinal microbiota alterations are also another complication in these patients. The most common treatment for anemia is oral (mainly ferrous sulfate) or intravenous iron supplementation. Despite being a necessary treatment, recent studies have reported that supplementation with oral iron may increase its availability in the intestine, leading to disturbance in the gut microbiota and also to oxidative stress in the enterocytes, which may change the permeability and the microbiota profile. Although it is a therapy routinely used in patients with CKD, supplementation with oral iron on the gut microbiota has been rarely studied in these patients. Thus, this review will discuss the relationship between iron and the gut microbiota and the possible effects of oral iron supplementation on gut microbiota in patients with CKD.
Effect of characteristic scale on the extrudate swelling behavior of polypropylene melt in a micro‐extrusion process
Authors: Liu Kui , Wang Minjie , Li Hongxia , Zhao Danyang , Jin Yifei
Published: May 2021

The swelling behavior in micro‐extrusion has a significant effect on the dimensional and shape accuracy of microproducts. In this study, the effect of characteristic scale, defined as the gap of die land in an annular micro‐extrusion die, on the extrudate swelling behavior of viscoelastic melt is analyzed through numerical simulations and micro‐extrusion experiments. The results show that the swelling behavior displays an obvious dependence on the characteristic scale. An increase in the characteristic scale reduces the swell ratio and retards the process to reach the equilibrium state. In contrast, a decrease in the characteristic scale results in a larger magnitude of change in velocity field and faster relaxation development of stress field. The location of the maximum velocity layer for the laminar flow gradually deviates from the geometric center of channel toward the wall of mandrel with the increase in the characteristic scale. Moreover, an increase in the flow rate results in a larger swell ratio for a constant characteristic scale. The elastic effect plays a more dominant role than the viscous effect in determining the viscoelastic swell behavior. It is imperative to consider the complicated swelling behavior and remarkable viscoelastic effect simultaneously in micro‐extrusion process.
Registration of the sorghum nested association mapping (NAM) population in RTx430 background
Authors: Perumal Ramasamy , Tesso Tesfaye T. , Morris Geoffrey P. , Jagadish S.V. Krishna , Little Christopher R. , Bean Scott R. , Yu Jianming , Prasad P.V. Vara , Tuinstra Mitchell R.
Published: May 2021

The sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] nested association mapping (NAM) population developed and released at Kansas State University in August 2020 is composed of 2,121 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). These KS‐RTx430NAM RILs were derived from 10 founder lines, each crossed separately to RTx430 to develop 10 biparental subpopulations with name designations (KS‐RTx430NAM1‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM1‐220, KS‐RTx430NAM2‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM2‐225, KS‐RTx430NAM3‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM3‐225, KS‐RTx430NAM4‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM4‐204, KS‐RTx430NAM5‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM5‐199, KS‐RTx430NAM6‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM6‐220, KS‐RTx430NAM7‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM7‐211, KS‐RTx430NAM8‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM8‐227, KS‐RTx430NAM9‐7 to KS‐RTx430NAM9‐215, and KS‐RTx430NAM10‐1 to KS‐RTx430NAM10‐175) (Reg. no. MP‐3, NSL 537757 MAP). All KS‐RTx430NAM RILs have been genotyped through genotype‐by‐sequencing using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 with a high‐output flow cell and 100‐cycle single‐end sequencing, and 90,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) captured 70% of known global SNP variation in sorghum and 57,411 recombination events. KS‐RTx430NAM RILs are currently being used to identify quantitative trait loci markers for many complex yield, grain quality, and abiotic and biotic stress related traits.
Quantitative proteomics analysis identifies salivary biomarkers for early detection of pregnancy loss in a Singaporean cohort—A pilot study
Authors: Balan Preethi , Chong Yap Seng , Qingsong Lin , Lim Teck Kwang , Wong Mun Loke , LOPEZ Violeta , HE Hong‐Gu , Seneviratne Chaminda Jayampath
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is one of the most common complications encountered in clinical practice. As most of EPLs occur relatively early on during pregnancy, they are often misunderstood as an expected menstrual cycle. Thus, it is essential to investigate the diagnostic biomarkers for monitoring pregnancy loss for continuous non‐invasive monitoring of EPL.

Experimental design

Unstimulated saliva was collected from 10 subjects with EPL and a matched cohort of healthy pregnant women as controls. Samples were analyzed using iTRAQ analysis, and ELISA was performed to validate results.

Results

Enrichment analysis of the 38 differentially abundant proteins identified that regulation of nucleobase, nucleoside, nucleotide, and nucleic acid metabolism was significantly affected in EPL. The nucleosome assembly pathway was significantly underrepresented in EPL and was associated with depletion of histone proteins (H2B, H3, and H4). These results were validated with ELISA experiments. A depletion of histones can impair nucleosome assembly and cause the nuclear machinery to fail.

Conclusion

Regulation of nucleosome is critical for the maintenance of genome stability and epigenetic information, lack of which may lead to pregnancy loss. Thus, assessing and monitoring salivary histone levels in patients with threatened miscarriage can be a quick and easy method of obtaining periodic diagnostic information that can speed up treatment decisions.

Clinical relevance

There is considerable uncertainty regarding the prognosis of threatened pregnancy, making it stressful for expecting mothers and healthcare professionals. Most EPLs are often misunderstood or ignored as an expected menstrual cycle. Thus it is essential to develop screenings and rapid detection devices using a medium that can be non‐invasive and self‐performed for continuous monitoring. Using saliva, we have identified that the nucleosome assembly gets affected in EPL with depletion of histone proteins (H2B, H3, and H4). With further verification, these findings can help saliva be utilized as a medium to determine which patients will/will not progress to miscarriage and at what point of their pregnancy. Assessing and monitoring EPL using salivary diagnostics can be a quick and easy method of obtaining periodic diagnostic information that can speed up treatment decisions. Hence, these findings need to be investigated further to improve the prediction of outcomes in women with threatened pregnancy.
Traversable Wormhole Geometries in Gravity
Authors: Hassan Zinnat , Mandal Sanjay , Sahoo P.K.
Published: May 2021

The current interests in the universe motivate us to go beyond Einstein's General theory of relativity. One of the interesting proposals comes from a new class of teleparallel gravity named symmetric teleparallel gravity, i.e., gravity, where the non‐metricity term Q is accountable for fundamental interaction. These alternative modified theories of gravity's vital role are to deal with the recent interests and to present a realistic cosmological model. This manuscript's main objective is to study the traversable wormhole geometries in gravity. We construct the wormhole geometries for three cases: (i) by assuming a relation between the radial and lateral pressure, (ii) considering phantom energy equation of state (EoS), and (iii) for a specific shape function in the fundamental interaction of gravity (i.e. for linear form of ). Besides, we discuss two wormhole geometries for a general case of with two specific shape functions. Then, we discuss the viability of shape functions and the stability analysis of the wormhole solutions for each case. We have found that the null energy condition (NEC) violates each wormhole model which concluded that our outcomes are realistic and stable. Finally, we discuss the embedding diagrams and volume integral quantifier to have a complete view of wormhole geometries.
Two bias‐corrected Kaplan‐Meier estimators
Authors: Jiang Renyan
Published: May 2021

The Kaplan‐Meier estimator (KME) is a classical nonparametric reliability estimator for incomplete data. Although it has been widely used, its two drawbacks have not been addressed well in the literature: (a) as a staircase function, it actually has two reliability estimates for each failure observation, and (b) it is biased. This paper aims to address these two issues. First, an ideal reliability estimator for complete data is defined and used as a benchmark to quantitatively evaluate the performance of a nonparametric reliability estimator. Then, two bias‐corrected KMEs are proposed. One is a weighted average of the two‐point moving averaged KME and the modified KME and defined at the failure observations; the other is also a weighted KME but defined at the midpoint of two successive failure observations. Through combining these two estimators, a data‐augmented estimator can be obtained, which is particularly useful for parameter estimation on heavily censored data. It is shown that the proposed estimators are almost unbiased and can be conveniently implemented in a spreadsheet program.
Finite time asymmetric bipartite consensus for multi‐agent systems based on iterative learning control
Authors: Liang Jiaqi , Bu Xuhui , Cui Lizhi , Hou Zhongsheng
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the finite‐time asymmetric bipartite consensus problem of multi‐agent systems with signed digraph is considered. Firstly, an asymmetric index is introduced to describe a desired output relationship of the agents in terms of quantity. Based on the information of the agent's communication and the index, a novel iterative learning control protocol is proposed. By establishing the input and output errors relationship of the agents along the iteration domain, a sufficient condition is derived and a defined leaderless tracking error is proved to be asymptotically convergence as iteration increases. The result shows that the proposed design can ensure the agents achieve the asymmetric bipartite consensus goal in the finite‐time. Moreover, the proposed design is also extended to deal with the problem of the multi‐agent systems with heterogeneous dynamics. Finally, numerical simulation examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed protocol.
“The machine does it!”: Using convenience technologies to analyze care, reproductive labor, gender, and class in urban Morocco
Authors: Dike M. Ruth
Published: May 2021

Convenience technologies have the ability to change the way people do reproductive labor, or labor associated with caregiving and domestic roles, in their households. Reproductive labor is disproportionately performed by women across the globe and underpins capitalism by creating cheap labor. This article investigates how convenience technology challenges and reinforces gender roles and socioeconomic class for urban Moroccans. Although experiences of “convenience” are highly variable, gender and socioeconomic class influence experiences of convenience technologies. Convenience technologies help urban Moroccan women by opening up reproductive labor to men and children but, simultaneously, hurt urban Moroccan women by devaluing their reproductive labor in relation to men's labor. Convenience technologies reinforce socioeconomic class by supporting a household's reputation and validating urban Moroccans' perceptions of themselves as citizens of a developed nation‐state. Besides expressing class, convenience technologies can contribute to a restructuring of women's position within the household. The article analyzes data collected during seventeen months of ethnographic fieldwork in Rabat‐Salé, Morocco, from 2018 to 2019. I conducted fifty‐three semistructured interviews with married middle‐ and lower‐class Moroccans in Moroccan Arabic, as well as extensive informal participant observation. I analyze the gendered and classed politics of reproductive labor in relation to convenience technologies.
Investigation of an ancient eared cup excavated in China using pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, laser Raman spectroscopy, and radiocarbon dating
Authors: Niimura Noriyasu , Miyakoshi Tetsuo , Miyazato Masako , Nishioka Hideo , Onodera Hiroshi , Uetake Yusuke
Published: May 2021

Natural lacquer has been used as a coating material for daily necessities for thousands of years. In the archeology and conservation science, identifying them provides useful information for the lacquer culture research and restoration work. In this study, an eared cup excavated in China was investigated by multiple analytical methods. The surface structure of ancient lacquerware has a multilayered structure. The type of lacquer was identified by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PyGC/MS). The layered structure and pigments were investigated by scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX), which clearly showed elemental maps of the cross‐section of the lacquer layers. Laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) was used to distinguish between the types of carbon compound in the black layers. Additionally, the age of the eared cup was measured by radiocarbon dating. By combining these complementary results, we were able to derive a reliable interpretation of ancient lacquer processing techniques. This demonstrates the importance of properly combining multiple methods for analyzing the microscopic and complex structures of lacquerware.
Indole‐2‐Carboxaldehyde: An Emerging Precursor for the Construction of Diversified Imperative Skeleton
Authors: Das Arunima , Thakur Seema , Das Tapas
Published: May 2021

Indole heterocycles constitute the structural framework of innumerable biologically active molecules and natural products having drug‐like properties and other biochemical utilities. These compounds have been extensively studied by synthetic and medicinal chemists and various synthetic strategies have been established using indole‐2‐carboxaldehyde derivatives as a starting material. In this review we elaborately report indole‐2‐carboxaldehydes as a starting material for the synthesis of diversified indole scaffolds in the last decade (2010‐2019).
Molecular Structure‐Property Relationships of the Asymmetric Thienoacenes: Naphtho[2,3‐b]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene, Anthra[2,3‐b]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene, and their Thienyl Derivatives
Authors: Matsunaga Amane , Ogawa Yuta , Tamura Shigeki , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Katagiri Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Polycyclic aromatic compounds are attractive candidates for organic semiconductor materials whose optical and charge transport properties are significantly influenced by the molecular and packing structures. In this work, we investigated the crystal structure and physical properties of asymmetric bent‐shaped thienoacenes, which have a thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene unit at the end of the fused aromatic ring core, and their thienyl extended‐type derivatives. Among the naphthalene‐based analogs, naphtho[2,3‐b]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene and its thienyl derivative gave an antiparallel slip‐stack structure. In contrast, among the anthracene‐based analogs, anthra[2,3‐b]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene produced an antiparallel slip‐stack structure, while its thienyl derivative gave a layered structure with a large molecular orbital overlap. In extended conjugated systems, molecular symmetry of the long axis and dispersion forces were improved, resulting in the formation of crystal structures with large intermolecular interactions. These results suggest the importance of both the extension and molecular symmetry of a conjugated system to controlling the molecular structure.
Fabrication and Simulation of a Two‐Stage Mold with Low Magnetic Shielding for Soft‐Contact Electromagnetic Continuous Casting
Authors: Li Donggang , Cui Penghe , Jin Baigang , Ge Ximing , Liu Jianan , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2021

A new low magnetic shielding (LMS) copper alloy (Cu–40Mn–2Al) connected with copper through tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding to form a new two‐stage mold for soft‐contact electromagnetic continuous casting is described. Experimental and numerical simulation methods are used to study the LMS effect, the cooling performance, and the strength of the two‐stage mold. With the solid solution of a large proportion of the Mn and a little of Al elements in the copper, the electrical resistivity of the copper alloy increases significantly. Furthermore, the thickness of the skin layer is about 1.5 times larger than that of the base alloy (Cu–10Mn–5Si–3Al–1.2P–1Ti), which greatly reduces the LMS effect. Numerical simulation results agree well with the experimental results on the LMS effect of the copper alloy. The electromagnetic force reaches the maximum value at the meniscus and gradually attenuates from the surface to the center of the billet. Critically, the electromagnetic force exceeds the critical value required for pushing the molten steel away the wall of the mold. Thus, the developed copper alloy achieves the requirements for two‐stage mold with the properties of the LMS effect, the well cooling effect, the high strength.
Method of Evaluating Probability of Pressboard Failure in Power Transformer with Disc‐Type Winding Due to Electromagnetic Force by External Short Circuit
Authors: Miyazaki Satoru , Mizutani Yoshinobu
Published: May 2021

The evaluation of the failure probability is essential in the reliability‐centered and risk‐based maintenance of power transformers. The breakage of the pressboard in disc‐type transformers is one of the critical factors determining the lifetimes of power transformers. In this paper, a hierarchical method for evaluating the probability of pressboard failure, which is the breakage of the pressboard, in power transformers that considers the axial displacement of the winding is introduced. In the method, the diagnosis of the axial displacement is classified into three distinct classes. In class 1, no diagnosis is implemented, and the probability of failure is evaluated with the maximum possible axial displacement. In class 2, the diagnosis determines whether the winding is axially displaced. When the winding is diagnosed to be displaced, the probability of failure is evaluated with the maximum possible axial displacement. In class 3, the axial displacement is diagnosed quantitatively, and the probability of failure is then evaluated using the diagnosis result. Examples of the evaluated probabilities of pressboard failure are introduced, and the extension of the evaluated lifetimes of power transformers via the diagnosis of winding axial displacement is demonstrated. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Four-body decays B(s) → (Kπ)S/P(Kπ)S/P in the perturbative QCD approach
Authors: Rui Zhou , Li Ya , Li Hsiang-nan
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We investigate the four-body decays B(s) → (Kπ)S/P(Kπ)S/P in the Kπ-pair invariant mass region around the K*(892) resonance in the perturbative QCD (PQCD) approach, where (Kπ)S/P denotes a S- or P-wave Kπ configuration. The contributions from the P-wave resonance K*(892) and from possible S-wave components are included into the parametrization of the Kπ two-meson distribution amplitudes, which are the non-perturbative inputs in this formalism. We calculate the branching ratio for each resonance and observe sizable S-wave contributions to the Bs modes, well consistent with recently available LHCb data. We also deduce the polarization fractions for the $$ {K}^{\ast }{\overline{K}}^{\ast } $$

K
∗

K
¯

∗

final states, and compare our predictions to those in previous PQCD analyses of the corresponding two-body B → $$ {K}^{\ast }{\overline{K}}^{\ast } $$

K
∗

K
¯

∗

decays. The polarization puzzle associated with the two U-spin related channels B0 → $$ {K}^{\ast 0}{\overline{K}}^{\ast 0} $$

K

∗
0

K
¯

∗
0

and $$ {B}_s^0\to {K}^{\ast 0}{\overline{K}}^{\ast 0} $$

B
s
0

→

K

∗
0

K
¯

∗
0

still exists. In addition to direct CP asymmetries, triple-product asymmetries and S-wave induced direct CP asymmetries originating from the interference among various helicity amplitudes, are presented. It is shown that true triple-product asymmetries are rather small, while direct CP asymmetries and S-wave-induced direct CP asymmetries are significant in some decays. Our results will be subject to stringent tests with precise data from B factories in the near future.
On hyperbolicity of the dynamic equations for plastic fluid-saturated solids
Authors: Osinov Vladimir A.
Published: May 2021

The paper deals with the analysis of hyperbolicity of the dynamic equations for plastic solids, including one-phase solids and porous fluid-saturated solids with zero and nonzero permeability. Hyperbolicity defined as diagonalizability of the matrix of the system is necessary for the boundary value problems to be well posed. The difference between the system of equations for a plastic solid and the system for an elastic solid is that the former contains additional evolution equations for the dependent variables involved in the plasticity model. It is shown that the two systems agree with each other from the viewpoint of hyperbolicity: they are either both hyperbolic or both non-hyperbolic. Another issue addressed in the paper is the relation between hyperbolicity and the properties of the acoustic tensor (matrix). It remained unproved whether the condition for the eigenvalues of the acoustic matrix to be real and positive is not only necessary but also sufficient for hyperbolicity. It is proved in the paper that the equations are hyperbolic if and only if the eigenvalues of the acoustic matrix are real and positive with a complete set of eigenvectors. The analysis of the whole system of equations for a plastic solid can thus be reduced to the analysis of the acoustic matrix. The results are not restricted to a particular plasticity model but applicable to a wide class of models.
Voruntersuchungen zur Einsetzbarkeit des Walzprofilierens zur Herstellung bistabiler dünner Bleche
Authors: Pavliuchenko P. , Teller M. , Hirt G.
Published: May 2021

Bistabile Bleche verfügen aufgrund der über Umformprozesse eingebrachten Eigenspannungen über zwei stabile Strukturen: Im Transportzustand können sie platzsparend transportiert werden, bevor sie am Einsatzort in eine gestreckte Form entfaltet werden. Die gestreckte Form weißt eine größere Stabilität auf, wenn sie vollständig geschlossen bzw. rohrförmig ist. Da für die Erreichung bistabiler Eigenschaften Bleche mit einer hohen Streckgrenze und geringer Dicke genutzt werden müssen, werden häufig inkrementelle Umformverfahren bei der Herstellung eingesetzt. Obwohl ein inkrementelles Biegen über zwei orthogonale Achsen bereits die Herstellung vollständig geschlossener bistabiler Bleche von hoher Qualität ermöglicht, ist es als nachteilig zu bewerten, dass die maximale Größe einer solchen Struktur durch die Gesenkbreite begrenzt wird. Ziel dieses Artikels ist daher die Untersuchung des Walzprofilierens als alternatives Umformverfahren zur Herstellung bistabiler Blechstrukturen mit nahezu beliebiger Länge. Es werden Ergebnisse mit einem vereinfachten Ersatzmodell präsentiert, sodass der Einfluss der Walzdurchläufe auf die erreichbaren Krümmungsradien vorab simulativ abgeschätzt werden kann. Anschließend werden Walzprofilierversuche an vorab unverformten Blechen und an Blechen mit vorheriger inkrementeller Biegung präsentiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass durch eine Kombination von inkrementellem Biegen (1. Umformschritt) und anschließendem Walzprofilieren (2. Umformschritt) bistabile Blechstrukturen erzeugt werden können. Die erreichbaren Krümmungsradien hängen von den durchgeführten Walzdurchläufen bzw. dem Abstand zwischen den einzelnen Walzbahnen ab. Es wird somit eine neue Prozessroute zur Herstellung von bistabilen Blechstrukturen mit nahezu beliebiger Länge präsentiert.
T stage-dependent lymph node and distant metastasis and the accuracy of lymph node assessment in rectal cancer
Authors: Ptok Henry , Meyer Frank , Croner Roland S. , Gastinger Ingo , Garlipp Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Objective

To analyze data obtained in a representative number of patients with primary rectal cancer with respect to lymph node diagnostics and related tumor stages.

Methods

In pT2-, pT3-, and pT4 rectal cancer lesions, the impact of investigated lymph nodes on the frequency of pN+ status, the cumulative risk of metachronous distant metastases, and overall survival was studied by means of a prospective multicenter observational study over a defined period of time.

Results

From 2000 to 2011, the proportion of surgical specimens with ≥ 12 investigated lymph nodes increased significantly, from 73.6% to 93.2% (p < 0.001; the number of investigated lymph nodes from 16.2 to 20.8; p < 0.001). Despite this, the percentage of pN+ rectal cancer lesions varied only non-significantly (39.9% to 45.9%; p = 0.130; median, 44.1%). For pT2-, pT3-, and pT4 rectal cancer lesions, there was an increasing proportion of pN+ findings correlating significantly with the number of investigated lymph nodes up to n = 12 investigated lymph nodes. Only in pT3 rectal cancer was there a significant increase in pN+ findings in case of > 12 lymph nodes (p = 0.001), but not in pT2 (p = 0.655) and pT4 cancer lesions (p = 0.256). For pT3pN0cM0 rectal cancer, the risk of metachronous distant metastases and overall survival did not depend on the number of investigated lymph nodes.

Conclusion

In rectal cancer, at least n = 12 lymph nodes are to be minimally investigated. The investigation of fewer lymph nodes is associated with a higher risk of false-negative pN0 findings. In particular, in pT3 rectal cancer, the investigation of more than 12 lymph nodes lowers the risk of false-negative pN0 findings. An upstaging effect by the investigation of a possibly maximal number of lymph nodes could not be detected.
Shannon Entropy Rate of Hidden Markov Processes
Authors: Jurgens Alexandra M. , Crutchfield James P.
Published: May 2021

Hidden Markov chains are widely applied statistical models of stochastic processes, from fundamental physics and chemistry to finance, health, and artificial intelligence. The hidden Markov processes they generate are notoriously complicated, however, even if the chain is finite state: no finite expression for their Shannon entropy rate exists, as the set of their predictive features is generically infinite. As such, to date one cannot make general statements about how random they are nor how structured. Here, we address the first part of this challenge by showing how to efficiently and accurately calculate their entropy rates. We also show how this method gives the minimal set of infinite predictive features. A sequel addresses the challenge’s second part on structure.
Energy efficient cutting parameter optimization
Authors: Chen Xingzheng , Li Congbo , Tang Ying , Li Li , Li Hongcheng
Published: May 2021

Mechanical manufacturing industry consumes substantial energy with low energy efficiency. Increasing pressures from energy price and environmental directive force mechanical manufacturing industries to implement energy efficient technologies for reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency of their machining processes. In a practical machining process, cutting parameters are vital variables set by manufacturers in accordance with machining requirements of workpiece and machining condition. Proper selection of cutting parameters with energy consideration can effectively reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency of the machining process. Over the past 10 years, many researchers have been engaged in energy efficient cutting parameter optimization, and a large amount of literature have been published. This paper conducts a comprehensive literature review of current studies on energy efficient cutting parameter optimization to fully understand the recent advances in this research area. The energy consumption characteristics of machining process are analyzed by decomposing total energy consumption into electrical energy consumption of machine tool and embodied energy of cutting tool and cutting fluid. Current studies on energy efficient cutting parameter optimization by using experimental design method and energy models are reviewed in a comprehensive manner. Combined with the current status, future research directions of energy efficient cutting parameter optimization are presented.
Quantification of Classified Nickel Species in Spent FFC Catalysts
Authors: Dapiaggi Monica , Alloni Marco , Carli Riccardo , Rotiroti Nicola , Confalonieri Giorgia
Published: May 2021

The paper presents a quick method for the quantification of nickel species in spent FFC catalysts; the quantification of known quantities NiO and $$\hbox{NiAl}_2\hbox{O}_{4}$$

NiAl
2

O
4

is first done in a matrix of fresh zeolite Y, and then in a complex matrix, similar to the one of a real spent catalyst. The method is carefully checked and the errors in the quantification are critically evaluated. After the validation of the method with known quantities of NiO, well below the law limit for direct re-use, a set of real spent catalysts (representative of a period of 12 months) is analysed.

Graphic Abstract
Growth, yield components, and yield response of food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to the application of sulfur nutrient under balanced fertilization at North Central Highland of Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Shawl , Shewangizaw Beza , Yassin Kenzemed Kassie , Getaneh Lisanu
Published: May 2021

Deficiency of sulfur (S) is increasingly being reported in the soils of Ethiopia. While some studies have shown significant response of barley to S application, information on the response of barley to S application is conspicuously lacking. The average yield of barley in Ethiopia is lower compared to the world and potential yield. It is mostly constrained by the depletion of soil fertility, caused by imbalanced fertilization, limited application of organic manure, intensive cropping. A field experiment was conducted at two locations for three consecutive years (2014–2016) to determine the effect of S on growth, yield components, and yield of food barley. An experiment consisting of six levels S (0, 10, 20,30,40, and 50 kg ha−1) laid out in RCB design with three replications. The study results revealed that growth and yield components of barley were not affected by various levels of S. In the case of barley grain and straw yield was significantly affected by S levels compared to control treatment. Application of S at 20 kg ha−1 increased grain and straw yield of food barley by 16.8 and 20.2% compared to control, respectively. Application of 20 kg S ha−1 produced the highest marginal rate of return (MMR) (3493.2%). The present result revealed that barley yield has been improved by the application of S fertilizer. Therefore, the application of 20 kg S ha−1 is initiate to be the further most economically feasible treatment for food barley production in the Basona woreba district.
Vascular Sema3E-Plexin-D1 Signaling Reactivation Promotes Post-stroke Recovery through VEGF Downregulation in Mice
Authors: Yu Ri , Kim Nam-Suk , Li Yan , Jeong Jin-Young , Park Sang-Joon , Zhou Bin , Oh Won-Jong
Published: May 2021

Post-stroke vascular remodeling, including angiogenesis, facilitates functional recovery. Proper vascular repair is important for efficient post-stroke recovery; however, the underlying mechanisms coordinating the diverse signaling pathways involved in vascular remodeling remain largely unknown. Recently, axon guidance molecules were revealed as key players in injured vessel remodeling. One such molecule, Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E), and its receptor, Plexin-D1, control vascular development by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. In this study, using a mouse model of transient brain infarction, we aimed to investigate whether Sema3E-Plexin-D1 signaling was involved in cerebrovascular remodeling after ischemic injury. We found that ischemic damage rapidly induced Sema3e expression in the neurons of peri-infarct regions, followed by Plexin-D1 upregulation in remodeling vessels. Interestingly, Plexin-D1 reemergence was concurrent with brain vessels entering an active angiogenic process. In line with this, Plxnd1 ablation worsened neurological deficits, infarct volume, neuronal survival rate, and blood flow recovery. Furthermore, reduced and abnormal vascular morphogenesis was caused by aberrantly increased VEGF signaling. In Plxnd1 knockout mice, we observed significant extravasation of intravenously administered tracers in the brain parenchyma, junctional protein downregulation, and mislocalization in regenerating vessels. This suggested that the absence of Sema3E-Plexin-D1 signaling is associated with blood–brain barrier (BBB) impairment. Finally, the abnormal behavioral performance, aberrant vascular phenotype, and BBB breakdown defects in Plxnd1 knockout mice were restored following the inhibition of VEGF signaling during vascular remodeling. These findings demonstrate that Sema3E-Plexin-D1 signaling can promote functional recovery by downregulating VEGF signaling in the injured adult brain.
Clinical characteristics of Polish patients with molecularly confirmed Mowat-Wilson syndrome
Authors: Jakubiak Aleksandra , Szczałuba Krzysztof , Badura-Stronka Magdalena , Kutkowska-Kaźmierczak Anna , Jakubiuk-Tomaszuk Anna , Chilarska Tatiana , Pilch Jacek , Braun-Walicka Natalia , Castaneda Jennifer , Wołyńska Katarzyna , Wiśniewska Marzena , Kugaudo Monika , Bielecka Monika , Pesz Karolina , Wierzba Jolanta , Latos-Bieleńska Anna , Obersztyn Ewa , Krajewska-Walasek Małgorzata , Śmigiel Robert
Published: May 2021

Mowat-Wilson syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the ZEB2 gene, intragenic deletions of the ZEB2 gene, and microdeletions in the critical chromosomal region 2q22-23, where the ZEB2 gene is located. Mowat-Wilson syndrome is characterized by typical facial features that change with the age, severe developmental delay with intellectual disability, and multiple congenital abnormalities. The authors describe the clinical and genetic aspects of 28th patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome diagnosed in Poland. Characteristic dysmorphic features, psychomotor retardation, intellectual disability, and congenital anomalies were present in all cases. The incidence of most common congenital anomalies (heart defect, Hirschsprung disease, brain defects) was similar to presented in literature. Epilepsy was less common compared to previously reported cases. Although the spectrum of disorders in patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome is wide, knowledge of characteristic dysmorphic features awareness of accompanying abnormalities, especially intellectual disability, improves detection of the syndrome.
E-FUCA: enhancement in fuzzy unequal clustering and routing for sustainable wireless sensor network
Authors: Mehra Pawan Singh
Published: May 2021

With huge cheap micro-sensing devices deployed, wireless sensor network (WSN) gathers information from the region and delivers it to the base station (BS) for further decision. The hotspot problem occurs when cluster head (CH) nearer to BS may die prematurely due to uneven energy depletion resulting in partitioning the network. To overcome the issue of hotspot or energy hole, unequal clustering is used where variable size clusters are formed. Motivated from the aforesaid discussion, we propose an enhanced fuzzy unequal clustering and routing protocol (E-FUCA) where vital parameters are considered during CH candidate selection, and intelligent decision using fuzzy logic (FL) is taken by non-CH nodes during the selection of their CH for the formation of clusters. To further extend the lifetime, we have used FL for the next-hop choice for efficient routing. We have conducted the simulation experiments for four scenarios and compared the propound protocol’s performance with recent similar protocols. The experimental results validate the improved performance of E-FUCA with its comparative in respect of better lifetime, protracted stability period, and enhanced average energy.
Folic Acid Self-Assembly Enabling Manganese Single-Atom Electrocatalyst for Selective Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Wang Xuewan , Wu Dan , Liu Suyun , Zhang Jiujun , Fu Xian-Zhu , Luo Jing-Li
Published: May 2021

Efficient and robust single-atom catalysts (SACs) based on cheap and earth-abundant elements are highly desirable for electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to ammonia (NRR) under ambient conditions. Herein, for the first time, a Mn–N–C SAC consisting of isolated manganese atomic sites on ultrathin carbon nanosheets is developed via a template-free folic acid self-assembly strategy. The spontaneous molecular partial dissociation enables a facile fabrication process without being plagued by metal atom aggregation. Thanks to well-exposed atomic Mn active sites anchored on two-dimensional conductive carbon matrix, the catalyst exhibits excellent activity for NRR with high activity and selectivity, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 32.02% for ammonia synthesis at  − 0.45 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Density functional theory calculations unveil the crucial role of atomic Mn sites in promoting N2 adsorption, activation and selective reduction to NH3 by the distal mechanism. This work provides a simple synthesis process for Mn–N–C SAC and a good platform for understanding the structure-activity relationship of atomic Mn sites.

Graphic Abstract
Coevolution in Economic Systems
Authors: Almudi Isabel , Fatas-Villafranca Francisco
Published: May 2021

Coevolution in economic systems plays a key role in the dynamics of contemporary societies. Coevolution operates when, considering several evolving realms within a socio-economic system, these realms mutually shape their respective innovation, replication and/or selection processes. The processes which emerge from coevolution should be analyzed as being globally codetermined in dynamic terms. The notion of coevolution has been appearing in the literature on modern innovation economics since the neo-Schumpeterian inception, four decades ago. In this Element, these antecedents are drawn upon to formally clarify and develop how the coevolution notion can expand the analytical and methodological scope of evolutionary economics, allowing for further unification and advance of evolutionary subfields.
Multimodal Political Networks
Authors: Knoke David , Diani Mario , Hollway James , Christopoulos Dimitris
Published: May 2021

Research on social networks has become a significant area of investigation in the social sciences, and social network concepts and tools are widely employed across many subfields within the field. This volume introduces political theorists and researchers to new theoretical, methodological, and substantive tools for extending political network research into new realms and revitalizing established domains. The authors synthesize new understandings of multimodal political networks, consisting of two or more types of social entities - voters, politicians, parties, events, organizations, nations - and the complex relations between them. They discuss ways to theorize about multimodal connections, methods for measuring and analyzing multimodal datasets, and how the results can reveal new insights into political structures and action. Several empirical applications demonstrate in great detail how multimodal analysts can detect and visualize political communities consisting of diverse social entities.
Religious and conspiracist? An analysis of the relationship between the dimensions of individual religiosity and belief in a big pharma conspiracy theory
Authors: Ladini Riccardo
Published: May 2021

In the increasing scholars' attention to factors associated with conspiracy beliefs, religiosity has been under-investigated, at least in empirical research. This study aims to address the issue by analysing to what extent and in which forms individual religiosity is associated with conspiracy beliefs. Religion and conspiracy theories could show both similarities and dissimilarities. First, as alternative religiosity and conspiracy theories tend to spread knowledge stigmatized by the authorities, we expect that alternative religious beliefs are positively associated with conspiracy beliefs. Second, as religion and conspiracy theories explain events with the agency of invisible forces and detect patterns in nature, also conventional religious beliefs are supposed to be positively associated with conspiracy beliefs. Third, church attendance is hypothesized to discourage conspiracy beliefs, as exposure to religious authorities could deter the adhesion to unofficial narratives. By employing data coming from the Italian joint edition of the European Values Study–World Values Survey 2018, the paper tests the hypotheses by analysing the association between the multiple dimensions of individual religiosity and belief in a conspiracy theory on pharmaceutical companies. Results show that, after controlling for confidence in political and religious institutions and attitudes towards science, only alternative religious beliefs, here measured by belief in the reincarnation, are positively associated with belief in the big pharma conspiracy theory. Empirical evidence suggests taking caution when looking at similarities between conventional religiosity and conspiracy beliefs.
Use of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap to protect the carotid artery during laryngectomy
Authors: Fleming J C , Fuson A R , Jeyarajan H , Thomas C M , Greene B
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This paper describes a simple method of securing tissue coverage of the great vessels at the initial surgery by rotating the divided sternal heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, a routine step during laryngectomy, and approximating them to the prevertebral fascia. The paper presents an illustrated case example where this technique in a salvage laryngectomy repair resulted in a protected vascular axis following a salivary leak.

Results

Since utilising this technique, there has been a marked reduction in the requirement of subsequent flap procedures to protect vessels, and no episodes of threatened or actual carotid blowout.