bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular evaluation and genetic characterisation of Newcastle disease virus's haemagglutinin‐neuraminidase protein isolated from broiler chickens in Iran
Authors: Shafaati Mohammadreza , Ghorbani Masoud , Mahmodi Minoo , Ebadi Mostafa , Jalalirad Reza
Published: October 2021

Background

Newcastle disease (ND) virus (NDV) is one of the major pathogens in poultry farms that causes severe economic damages to the poultry industry, especially broiler chicken and turkey farms. Despite the endemicity of ND and its many epidemics in the country, the nature of the Iranian strain of the Newcastle virus is still largely unknown. This study aimed to characterise and evaluate NDV isolates obtained from commercial poultry farms in Iran in 2019 through haemagglutinin‐neuraminidase (HN) gene sequencing.

Method

HN gene of each NDV isolate was amplified and sequenced using specific primers followed by phylogenetic analysis of full length of HN gene open reading frame and amino acid (aa) sequence of HN.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis of the HN gene showed that the virus is very closely related to genotypes VII and III. Analysis of HN gene nucleotide sequences showed that all isolates encode proteins with a length of 571 aa.

Conclusion

Results of the present study are useful for a better understanding of molecular epidemiology of indigenous NDV strains and determining important molecular differences between fields and commonly used vaccine strains related to main immunogenic proteins.
An in vitro study of ApxI from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 and induction of NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent cell death
Authors: Hernandez‐Cuellar Eduardo , Guerrero‐Barrera Alma Lilián , Avelar‐Gonzalez Francisco Javier , Díaz Juan Manuel , Chávez‐Reyes Jesús , Salazar de Santiago Alfredo
Published: October 2021

Background

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (AP) is the causative agent of porcine pleuropneumonia. Apx exotoxins are the most important virulence factors associated with the induction of lesions. ApxI is highly cytotoxic on a wide range of cells. Besides the induction of necrosis and apoptosis of ApxI on porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), its role in pyroptosis, a caspase‐1‐dependent form of cell death, has not been reported. The aim of this study was to analyse if NLRP3 inflammasome participates in cell death induced by ApxI.

Methods

PAMs, the porcine alveolar macrophage cell line 3D4/21 and a porcine aortic endothelial cell line were used in this study. We used Z‐VAD‐FMK and Ac‐YVAD‐cmk to inhibit caspase‐1. Glyburide and MCC950 were used to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome. A lactate dehydrogenase release assay was used to measure the percentage of cell death. Caspase‐1 expression was analysed by immunofluorescence. End‐point RT‐PCR was used to analyse the expression of NLRP3 mRNA.

Results

Rapid cell death in PAMs, 3D4/21 cells and the endothelial cell line were induced by ApxI. This cell death decreased by using caspase‐1 and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and by blocking the K+ efflux. Expression of NLRP3 mRNA was induced by ApxI in alveolar macrophages while it was constitutive in the endothelial cell line. Detection of caspase‐1 in alveolar macrophages was higher after ApxI treatment and it was blocked by MCC950 or heat inactivation.

Conclusions

To the best of the authors' knowledge, we have described for the first time in vitro induction of ApxI associated pyroptosis in alveolar macrophages and endothelial cells, a rapid cell death that depends on the activation of caspase‐1 via the NLRP3 inflammasome.
AdS2 geometries and non-Abelian T-duality in non-compact spaces
Authors: Ramirez Anayeli
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We obtain an AdS2 solution to Type IIA supergravity with 4 Poincaré supersymmetries, via non-Abelian T-duality with respect to a freely acting SL(2,R) isometry group, operating on the AdS3×S3×CY2 solution to Type IIB. That is, non-Abelian T-duality on AdS3. The dual background obtained fits in the class of AdS2×S3×CY2 solutions to massive Type IIA constructed in [1]. We propose and study a quiver quantum mechanics dual to this solution that we interpret as describing the backreaction of the baryon vertex of a D4-D8 brane intersection.
Quantum work and information geometry of a quantum Myers-Perry black hole
Authors: Pourhassan Behnam , Wani Salman Sajad , Soroushfar Saheb , Faizal Mir
Published: October 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we will obtain quantum work for a quantum scale five dimensional Myers-Perry black hole. Unlike heat represented by Hawking radiation, the quantum work is represented by a unitary information preserving process, and becomes important for black holes only at small quantum scales. It will be observed that at such short distances, the quantum work will be corrected by non-perturbative quantum gravitational corrections. We will use the Jarzynski equality to obtain this quantum work modified by non-perturbative quantum gravitational corrections. These non-perturbative corrections will also modify the stability of a quantum Myers-Perry black hole. We will define a quantum corrected information geometry by incorporating the non-perturbative quantum corrections in the information geometry of a Myers-Perry black hole. We will use several different quantum corrected effective information metrics to analyze the stability of a quantum Myers-Perry black hole.
Deformations of surface defect moduli spaces
Authors: Neitzke Andrew , Shehper Ali
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Given a 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal theory with an $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 2) superconformal surface defect, a marginal perturbation of the bulk theory induces a complex structure deformation of the defect moduli space. We describe a concrete way of computing this deformation using the bulk-defect OPE.
CP-Violation in a composite 2-Higgs doublet model
Authors: De Curtis Stefania , Moretti Stefano , Nagai Ryo , Yagyu Kei
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study CP-Violation (CPV) in a Composite 2-Higgs Doublet Model (C2HDM) based on the global symmetry breaking SO(6)/[SO(4) × SO(2)], wherein the strong sector is modeled by a two-site moose structure. Non-trivial complex phases in the interactions involving fermions in both the elementary and strong sectors can induce CPV in the Higgs potential as well as the Yukawa coupling parameters. We compute both of the latter and analyse their dependence upon the aforementioned complex phases. Finally, we discuss physics observables which are distinctive of this model. Even in the simplest case with only one complex phase in the strong sector we can get significant CPV effects.
Haarwachstum unter Dupilumab bei Alopecia areata universalis und atopischer Dermatitis
Authors: Reinhold L. , Lange K. , Lindhof H. , Homey B. , Firouzi-Memarpuri P.
Published: October 2021

Berichtet wird über eine 46-jährige Patientin, die seit ihrer frühen Kindheit unter einer schweren atopischen Dermatitis leidet und seit ihrem 18. Lebensjahr unter einer Alopecia areata totalis, die mittlerweile in eine Alopecia areata universalis übergegangen ist. Durch die Einleitung einer Therapie mit dem monoklonalen Antikörper Dupilumab wurde erneutes Haarwachstum am Kapillitium, im Gesicht und an den Unterschenkeln beobachtet. Dupilumab blockiert die α‑Untereinheit des IL(Interleukin)-4-Rezeptors, unterbindet die Signalkaskade von IL‑4 und IL-13 und führt so zu einer reduzierten Th2-Immunantwort. Die schwere Ausprägung der Ekzeme und der Juckreiz mit Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen sind bereits 14 Tage nach Beginn der Einnahme zurückgegangen. Die Patientin verträgt das Medikament ohne wesentliche Nebenwirkungen, ihre Lebensqualität ist deutlich verbessert. Patienten mit einer schweren atopischen Dermatitis und einer Alopecia areata könnten von Dupilumab in Zukunft doppelt profitieren.
Job rotation and human–robot collaboration for enhancing ergonomics in assembly lines by a genetic algorithm
Authors: Dalle Mura Michela , Dini Gino
Published: October 2021

Currently, the largest percentage of the employed workforce in the manufacturing industry is involved in the assembly process, making ergonomics a key factor when dealing with assembly-related problems. During these processes, repetitive tasks and heavy component handling are frequent for workers, who may result overloaded from an energetic point of view, thus affecting several aspects not only relating to the human factor but also to potentially reduced productivity. Different organizational strategies and technological solutions could be adopted to overcome these drawbacks. For these purposes, the present paper proposes a genetic algorithm for solving the typical problem of assembly line balancing, taking into account job rotation and human–robot collaboration for enhancing ergonomics of workers. The objectives of the problem are related to both economic aspects and human factor: (i) the cost for implementing the assembly line is minimized, evaluated on the basis of the number of workers and differentiated by skill levels and on equipment installed on workstations, including collaborative robots, and (ii) the energy load variance among workers is also minimized, so as to smooth their energy expenditure in performing the assigned assembly operations, calculated according to their movements, physiological characteristics, job rotations and degree of collaboration with robots. The paper finally presents and discusses the application of the developed tool to an industrial assembly case.
Thermodynamics of semi-specific ligand recognition: the binding of dipeptides to the E.coli dipeptide binding protein DppA
Authors: Zainol Mohamad K. M. , Linforth Robert J. C. , Winzor Donald J. , Scott David J.
Published: October 2021

This investigation of the temperature dependence of DppA interactions with a subset of three dipeptides (AA. AF and FA) by isothermal titration calorimetry has revealed the negative heat capacity ($$\Delta {C}_{p}^{o}$$ΔCpo) that is a characteristic of hydrophobic interactions. The observation of enthalpy–entropy compensation is interpreted in terms of the increased structuring of water molecules trapped in a hydrophobic environment, the enthalpic energy gain from which is automatically countered by the entropy decrease associated with consequent loss of water structure flexibility. Specificity for dipeptides stems from appropriate spacing of designated DppA aspartate and arginine residues for electrostatic interaction with the terminal amino and carboxyl groups of a dipeptide, after which the binding pocket closes to become completely isolated from the aqueous environment. Any differences in chemical reactivity of the dipeptide sidechains are thereby modulated by their occurrence in a hydrophobic environment where changes in the structural state of entrapped water molecules give rise to the phenomenon of enthalpy–entropy compensation. The consequent minimization of differences in the value of ΔG0for all DppA–dipeptide interactions thus provides thermodynamic insight into the biological role of DppA as a transporter of all dipeptides across the periplasmic membrane.
The physical activity paradox: a longitudinal study of the implications for burnout
Authors: de Vries Juriena D. , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the independent and interactive associations of physical job demands and three types of off-job physical activity (during transportation, household, and recreation) with burnout. We use a recently proposed new conceptualization and assessment of burnout including core and secondary burnout symptoms. We predicted that physical job demands would be positively and the three types of off-job physical activity would be negatively related to burnout. Further, we hypothesized that the negative relations between the three types of off-job physical activity and burnout would be stronger for employees with low (vs. high) physical job demands.

Methods

To test our hypotheses, we conducted a two-wave survey study among a heterogeneous sample of full-time workers (N = 355), using a longitudinal design with a half-year time lag. We tested cross-sectional, prospective and longitudinal relations.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses partly confirmed our predictions. Cross-sectionally and prospectively, it was shown that physical job demands were positively related to burnout symptoms. In addition, off-job physical activity was negatively related to primary and secondary burnout symptoms among employees with low physical job demands and positively related to burnout symptoms among employees with high physical job demands. However, these relationships disappeared when investigated longitudinally.

Conclusion

Together, these findings suggest that not all off-job physical activities can prevent burnout, and that potential positive effects of physical activity during off-job time may depend on employees’ physical activity level at work.
Complement catalyzing glomerular diseases
Authors: Zipfel Peter F. , Wiech Thorsten , Gröne Hermann-Josef , Skerka Christine
Published: October 2021

Complement is an evolutionarily conserved system which is important in the defense against microorganisms and also in the elimination of modified or necrotic elements of the body. Complement is activated in a cascade type manner and activation and all steps of cascade progression are tightly controlled and regulatory interleaved with many processes of inflammatory machinery. Overshooting of the complement system due to dysregulation can result in the two prototypes of primary complement mediated renal diseases: C3 glomerulopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy. Apart from these, complement also is highly activated in many other inflammatory native kidney diseases, such as membranous nephropathy, ANCA-associated necrotizing glomerulonephritis, and IgA nephropathy. Moreover, it likely plays an important role also in the transplant setting, such as in antibody-mediated rejection or in hematopoietic stem cell transplant associated thrombotic microangiopathy. In this review, these glomerular disorders are discussed with regard to the role of complement in their pathogenesis. The consequential, respective clinical trials for complement inhibitory therapy strategies for these diseases are described.
A nationwide survey concerning the mortality and risk of progressing severity due to arterial and venous thromboembolism in inflammatory bowel disease in Japan
Authors: Ando Katsuyoshi , Fujiya Mikihiro , Watanabe Kenji , Hiraoka Sakiko , Shiga Hisashi , Tanaka Shinji , Iijima Hideki , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Kobayashi Taku , Nagahori Masakazu , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Kato Shingo , Torisu Takehiro , Kobayashi Kiyonori , Higashiyama Masaaki , Fukui Toshiro , Kagaya Takashi , Esaki Motohiro , Yanai Shunichi , Abukawa Daiki , Naganuma Makoto , Motoya Satoshi , Saruta Masayuki , Bamba Shigeki , Sasaki Makoto , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Fukuda Katsuyuki , Suzuki Hideo , Nakase Hiroshi , Shimizu Toshiaki , Iizuka Masahiro , Watanabe Mamoru , Suzuki Yasuo , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: October 2021

Background

The mortality and risk factors of severe disease and death due to arterial and venous thromboembolism (ATE and VTE, respectively) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unclear, especially in Asia.

Aims

This study aimed to reveal the mortality and risk factors of TE in IBD patients in Japan.

Methods

In the primary surveillance, responses to questionnaires regarding the number of cases of severe TE and TE-associated death in IBD patients in a span of over the past 10 years were obtained from 32 institutions in Japan. In the secondary surveillance, detailed data about IBD patients with TE were collected. The characteristics, laboratory data, therapy status, and situation at the time of TE development were retrospectively collected, and the data were compared between the patients with and without severe TE and TE-associated death.

Results

The incidence of TE was 1.89% among 31,940 IBD patients. The frequencies of severe TE and TE-associated mortality were 10.7% and 1.0% among the total IBD and TE with IBD patients, respectively. The only risk factor for severe ATE and ATE-associated death was ischemic heart disease. The independent risk factors for severe VTE and VTE-associated death were age (≤ 45 years old), the site of VTE, and disease severity, with anti-TNF therapy as a potential negative risk factor. Patients with severe VTE had a high risk of developing persistent VTE and sequelae.

Conclusion

Unlike ATE, the incidence of VTE was comparable in Asian and Western countries. Therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for managing IBD-associated TE in Asia are urgently needed.
Predictors of postoperative urinary retention after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Yrjälä Tommi , Helenius Linda , Taittonen Markku , Oksanen Hanna , Keskinen Heli , Kolari Terhi , Helenius Ilkka
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To determine predictors for postoperative urinary retention in adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. Postoperative urinary retention affects almost every third adolescent after spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. There are limited data regarding the risk factors of postoperative urinary retention in this patient group.

Methods

A retrospective study with prospectively collected urinary retention data from paediatric spine register with 159 consecutive patients (114 females, mean age 15.6 years, range 10–21 years) undergoing pedicle screw instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at a university hospital between May 2010 and April 2020. Postoperative urinary retention was defined as an inability to void after catheter removal and documented residual over 300 mL as confirmed using an ultrasound or by catheterization.

Results

Postoperative urinary retention was diagnosed in 33% (53 of 159) of the patients during hospital stay. Opioid amount on the day of catheter removal (OR 6.74 [95% CI: 2.47, 18.36], p < 0.001), male gender (OR 2.26 [95% CI: 1.01, 5.05], p = 0.048), and increasing weight (OR 1.04 [95% CI: 1.01, 1.07], p = 0.014) were associated with postoperative urinary retention. Mean opioid consumption on the day of catheter removal was 0.81 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.66, 0.96) in the retention group vs 0.57 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.51, 0.64) in the non-retention group, p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Higher total opioid consumption, opioid amount on the day of catheter removal, higher weight, and male gender increases the risk of postoperative urinary retention in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion.
Bridge technique for hemifacial spasm with vertebral artery involvement
Authors: Inoue Takuro , Shitara Satoshi , Goto Yukihiro , Arham Abrar , Prasetya Mustaqim , Radcliffe Lori , Fukushima Takanori
Published: October 2021

Background

To assess efficacy and safety of a newly developed decompression technique in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm (HFS) with vertebral artery (VA) involvement.

Methods

A rigid Teflon (Bard® PTFE Felt Pledget, USA) with the ends placed between the lower pons and the flocculus creates a free space over the root exit zone (REZ) of the facial nerve (bridge technique). The bridge technique and the conventional sling technique for VA-related neurovascular compression were compared retrospectively in 60 patients. Elapsed time for decompression, number of Teflon pieces used during the procedure, and incidences of intraoperative manipulation to the lower cranial nerves were investigated. Postoperative outcomes and complications were retrospectively compared in both techniques.

Results

The time from recognition of the REZ to completion of the decompression maneuvers was significantly shorter, and fewer Teflon pieces were required in the bridge technique than in the sling technique. Lower cranial nerve manipulations were performed less in the bridge technique. Although statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in surgical outcomes except spasm-free at postoperative 1 month, the bridge technique is confirmed to provide spasm-free outcomes in the long-term without notable complications.

Conclusions

The bridge technique is a safe and effective decompression method for VA-involved HFS.
Enzyme prodrug therapy: cytotoxic potential of paracetamol turnover with recombinant horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Humer Diana , Spadiut Oliver
Published: October 2021

Targeted cancer treatment is a promising, less invasive alternative to chemotherapy as it is precisely directed against tumor cells whilst leaving healthy tissue unaffected. The plant-derived enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) can be used for enzyme prodrug cancer therapy with indole-3-acetic acid or the analgesic paracetamol (acetaminophen). Oxidation of paracetamol by HRP in the presence of hydrogen peroxide leads to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine and polymer formation via a radical reaction mechanism. N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine binds to DNA and proteins, resulting in severe cytotoxicity. However, plant HRP is not suitable for this application since the foreign glycosylation pattern is recognized by the human immune system, causing rapid clearance from the body. Furthermore, plant-derived HRP is a mixture of isoenzymes with a heterogeneous composition. Here, we investigated the reaction of paracetamol with defined recombinant HRP variants produced in E. coli, as well as plant HRP, and found that they are equally effective in paracetamol oxidation at a concentration ≥ 400 µM. At low paracetamol concentrations, however, recombinant HRP seems to be more efficient in paracetamol oxidation. Yet upon treatment of HCT-116 colon carcinoma and FaDu squamous carcinoma cells with HRP–paracetamol no cytotoxic effect was observed, neither in the presence nor absence of hydrogen peroxide.

Graphic abstract
Kombination geophysikalischer und hydrogeologischer Methoden zur gezielten Erkundung feinkörniger Talfüllungen
Authors: Klingler Stefan , Martin Simon , Cirpka Olaf A. , Dietrich Peter , Leven Carsten
Published: October 2021

Kurzfassung

Sedimentäre Strukturen können die Fließ- und Stofftransportpfade in feinkörnigen Talfüllungen stark beeinflussen. Diese Strukturen müssen gezielt auf ihre Ausdehnung und Eigenschaften untersucht werden, um Verweilzeiten, Fließpfade und das Abbaupotenzial eingetragener Schadstoffe zu bestimmen. In der quartären Talfüllung der Ammeraue bei Tübingen wurden beispielhaft Torflagen und eine Kiesrinne untersucht, um ihre Einflüsse auf die regionale Hydrogeologie und Hydrochemie zu bewerten. Dafür wurden geophysikalische und hydrogeologische Erkundungsmethoden ausgewählt und kombiniert. Mit geoelektrischen Oberflächenmessungen konnte die Ausdehnung der betrachteten Strukturen erkundet werden. Unterschiedliche Direct-Push-Sondierungen, darunter eine In-situ-Bestimmung der Sedimentfarbe, und bohrlochgeophysikalische Messungen erfassten ihre Geometrie und interne Heterogenität. Die hydraulischen und biogeochemischen Eigenschaften der Sedimente und des Grundwassers wurden anschließend durch gezielte Probennahmen und hydraulische Tests an repräsentativen Ansatzpunkten bestimmt. Die dargestellte Methodenkombination zur Abgrenzung relevanter Teilgebiete mit anschließender hochauflösender Untersuchung lässt sich auch auf die Untersuchung großflächiger Täler übertragen.
A transfer-learning approach for corrosion prediction in pipeline infrastructures
Authors: Canonaco Giuseppe , Roveri Manuel , Alippi Cesare , Podenzani Fabrizio , Bennardo Antonio , Conti Marco , Mancini Nicola
Published: October 2021

Pipeline infrastructures, carrying either gas or oil, are often affected by internal corrosion, which is a dangerous phenomenon that may cause threats to both the environment (due to potential leakages) and the human beings (due to accidents that may cause explosions in presence of gas leakages). For this reason, predictive mechanisms are needed to detect and address the corrosion phenomenon. Recently, we have seen a first attempt at leveraging Machine Learning (ML) techniques in this field thanks to their high ability in modeling highly complex phenomena. In order to rely on these techniques, we need a set of data, representing factors influencing the corrosion in a given pipeline, together with their related supervised information, measuring the corrosion level along the considered infrastructure profile. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to access supervised information for a given pipeline since measuring the corrosion is a costly and time-consuming operation. In this paper, we will address the problem of devising a ML-based predictive model for internal corrosion under the assumption that supervised information is unavailable for the pipeline of interest, while it is available for some other pipelines that can be leveraged through Transfer Learning (TL) to build the predictive model itself. We will cover all the methodological steps from data set creation to the usage of TL. The whole methodology will be experimentally validated on a set of real-world pipelines.
Regional based exposure models to account for local building typologies
Authors: Tocchi G. , Polese M. , Di Ludovico M. , Prota A.
Published: October 2021

The development of building inventory is a fundamental step for the evaluation of the seismic risk at territorial scale. Census data are usually employed for building inventory in large scale application and their use requires suitable rules to assign buildings typologies to vulnerability classes, that is an exposure model specific for the considered vulnerability model. Several exposure models are developed proposing class assignment rules that are calibrated on building typological data available from post-earthquake survey data. However, this approach has the drawback of being based on data from specific geographic areas that have been hit by damaging earthquakes. Indeed, the distribution of building typologies can vary greatly for different areas of a country and the diffusion of one building’s typology rather than another one may depend on the availability of construction material in the area, the evolution of construction techniques and the codes in force at the time of construction. This paper aims to improve the exposure modelling at regional scale, investigating the variability of masonry building typologies distribution. It proposes a methodology to recalibrate the exposure models at regional scale and evaluates the influence of the improved characterization of regional vulnerability on damage and risk assessment. The study shows that the analysis of local building typologies may strongly impact on the evaluation of the seismic risk at territorial scale.
Zerumbone acts as a radiosensitizer in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Schnoell Julia , Stanisz Isabella , Jank Bernhard J. , Stanek Victoria , Schmid Rainer , Brunner Markus , Heiduschka Gregor , Kotowski Ulana
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Zerumbone is a phytochemical compound of the ginger plant Zingiber zerumbet with cytotoxic effects in various cancer cell lines. To date, zerumbone has shown an antiproliferative effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells lines. However, the effect of combination with radiation or cisplatin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zerumbone alone, and in combination with irradiation and cisplatin on HNSCC cell lines. Methods. The three HNSCC cell lines SCC25, Cal27 and FaDu were treated with zerumbone, radiation and/or cisplatin. Cell viability and clonogenic assays were performed. The interaction between zerumbone and radiation or cisplatin was evaluated using the combination index. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and cell migration was assessed using a wound healing assay. Results. Treatment with zerumbone resulted in a dose dependent induction of cytotoxicity and apoptosis in all three cell lines. The combination with cisplatin revealed a synergistic to additive effect in Cal27. The clonogenic assay showed a significant radiosensitizing effect in all three cell lines. The wound healing assay showed a reduction of cell migration in Cal27. Conclusion. The natural compound zerumbone shows a cytotoxic and proapoptotic effect on HNSCC cell lines. Furthermore, zerumbone enhances the radiation effect in all three cell lines and thus may be a suitable candidate for combination therapy in HNSCC.
Blockchain technology in the smart city: a bibliometric review
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Simske Steven J. , Keogh John G.
Published: October 2021

Blockchain can function as a foundational technology with numerous applications in smart cities. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, it provides a detailed overview of the extant literature on blockchain applications in smart cities; second, it reveals the trends and suggests future research directions for scholars who wish to contribute to this rapidly growing field. We conducted a bibliometric review using a keyword co-occurrence network and article co-citation analysis. The analysis includes the assessment of 148 articles published between 2016 and 2020 in 76 academic journals. The review results demonstrate that the number of articles devoted to the study of blockchain applications and smart cities has increased exponentially in recent years. More importantly, the research identifies some of the most influential studies in this area. The paper discusses trends and highlights the challenges related to the deployment of blockchain in smart cities. To the authors’ best knowledge, this represents the first study to review the literature from leading journals on blockchain applications in smart cities using bibliometric techniques.
Arbitrage-free Nelson–Siegel model for multiple yield curves
Authors: Brignone Riccardo , Gerhart Christoph , Lütkebohmert Eva
Published: October 2021

We propose an affine term structure model that allows for tenor-dependence of yield curves and thus for different risk categories in interbank rates, an important feature of post-crisis interest rate markets. The model has a Nelson–Siegel factor loading structure and thus economically well interpretable parameters. We show that the model is tractable in terms of estimation and provides good in-sample fit and out-of-sample forecasting performance. The proposed model is arbitrage-free across maturities and tenors, and thus perfectly suited for risk management and pricing purposes. We apply our framework to the pricing of caplets in order to illustrate its practical applicability and its suitability for stress testing.
A Melt Pool Temperature Model in Laser Powder Bed Fabricated CM247LC Ni Superalloy to Rationalize Crack Formation and Microstructural Inhomogeneities
Authors: Wang Di , Li Sheng , Deng Guowei , Liu Yang , Attallah Moataz M.
Published: October 2021

This study of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of γ′-strengthened Ni superalloy CM247LC focuses on the development of a melt pool temperature model to predict crack density within the alloy. This study also analyzes spatter and elemental evaporation, which might cause defects and inhomogeneities, at different melt pool temperatures. The melt pool temperature model provides more accurate predictions than the widely used energy density model. Spatter particles were collected and characterized to study their sizes and chemical compositions, compared with the virgin powder, recycled powder, and as-built samples, to probe the impact of their entrapment into the melt pool. This study also investigated Al evaporation, revealing that its extent does not correlate with the laser energy density and is believed to be rather limited by comparing the chemistry of the virgin powder and the build. Last, the impact of LPBF process parameters on the formation of these inhomogeneities, and accordingly crack formation, was studied using finite element analysis by estimating the maximum melt pool temperature and correlating it with the formation of the microstructural inhomogeneities. The morphology of the various cracking modes was associated with the process parameters.
Optoelectrical Operation Stability of Broadband PureGaB Ge-on-Si Photodiodes with Anomalous Al-Mediated Sidewall Contacting
Authors: Krakers Max , Knežević Tihomir , Nanver Lis K.
Published: October 2021

An anomalous aluminum-mediated material transport process was investigated in sets of Ge-on-Si photodiodes with broadband optoelectrical characteristics measured at wavelengths from 255 nm to 1550 nm. The diodes had “PureGaB” anode regions fabricated by depositing a Ga wetting layer capped with an 11-nm-thick B-layer on 0.5 µm-thick Ge islands grown on Si. The Al metallization was able to reach the Ge-Si interface through ~ 0.1-µm-wide holes inadvertently etched along the perimeter of the Ge-islands, and then traveled along the Ge-Si interface, displacing and recrystallizing Ge and Si. The rest of the Ge surface was protected from the Al contact metallization by the B-layer. For diodes that had received the standard 400°C Al alloying step, the responsivity was near-theoretical at 406 nm and 670 nm, but, at 1310 nm and 1550 nm, the proximity of Ge-Si interfacial defects caused significant attenuation. Extra annealing at 400°C or 500°C enhanced the formation of Si pits that were filled with modified Ge crystals alloyed with Si andp-doped with Al. All these diodes maintained low dark currents, below 50 µA/cm2at 2 V reverse bias, but the responsivity was degraded, particularly for the long wavelengths. On the other hand, neither responsivity nor degradation of current–voltage (I–V) characteristics was observed for prolonged exposure to normal operating temperatures up to 100°C. Since the direct Al contacting of the Ge sidewalls does not degrade the dark current, for large diodes it could be a low-cost method of obtaining low contact resistance to an anode withp-type sidewall passivation and high fill-factor.
Subtypen der Insomnie – exemplarische Ansätze und offene Fragen
Authors: Spiegelhalder Kai , Benz Fee , Feige Bernd , Riemann Dieter
Published: October 2021

Verschiedene Autorinnen und Autoren nehmen an, dass es klinisch nützlich und wissenschaftlich erkenntnisbringend sein könnte, Subtypen der Insomnie zu identifizieren, um diese spezifisch und damit möglicherweise effektiver zu behandeln, als dies derzeit geschieht. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden folgende exemplarisch ausgewählte Ansätze zur Einteilung der Insomnie in Subtypen vorgestellt: 1) Einteilungen nach klinischen Symptomen; 2) Primäre vs. sekundäre Insomnie; 3) Subtypen nach ICSD‑2; 4) Insomnie mit und ohne objektiv messbare kurze Schlafdauer; 5) Subtypen aus der Netherlands Sleep Registry. Anschließend werden die Stabilität der Zuordnung von einzelnen Patienten zu den verschiedenen Subtypen sowie die klinische Relevanz der Einteilungen kritisch diskutiert.
Case law on standard essential patents in Europe
Authors: Bonadio Enrico , Tanwar Anushka
Published: October 2021

In Europe disputes over SEPs are frequently litigated. In Huawei v ZTE, the CJEU gave a landmark judgement where it established guidelines to balance the interests of SEP owners and those of implementers. In this paper we will cover that case as well as other important SEP-related decisions from courts in the UK, Germany, France, Netherland and Italy.
Clover: An anonymous transaction relay protocol for the bitcoin P2P network
Authors: Franzoni Federico , Daza Vanesa
Published: October 2021

The Bitcoin P2P network currently represents a reference benchmark for modern cryptocurrencies. Its underlying protocol defines how transactions and blocks are distributed through all participating nodes. To protect user privacy, the identity of the node originating a message is kept hidden. However, an adversary observing the whole network can analyze the spread pattern of a transaction to trace it back to its source. This is possible thanks to the so-called rumor centrality, which is caused by the symmetry in the spreading of gossip-like protocols. Recent works try to address this issue by breaking the symmetry of the Diffusion protocol, currently used in Bitcoin, and leveraging proxied broadcast. Nonetheless, the complexity of their design can be a barrier to their adoption in real life. In this work, we propose Clover, a novel transaction relay protocol that protects the source of transaction messages with a simple, yet effective, design. Compared to previous solutions, our protocol does not require building propagation graphs, and reduces the ability of the adversary to gain precision by opening multiple connections towards the same node. Experimental results show that the deanonymization accuracy of an eavesdropper adversary against Clover is up to 10 times smaller compared to Diffusion.
Upgrading Big Brother: Local Strategic Adaptation in China’s Security Industry
Authors: Huang Jingyang , Tsai Kellee S.
Published: October 2021

What are the circumstances under which latecomer firms can develop indigenous innovative capacity and compete globally? China’s construction of a vast domestic security apparatus has contributed to it becoming the world’s largest supplier and consumer of video surveillance products and services. It has also produced several globally competitive companies, including those engaged in digital surveillance. Although security equipment producers initially emerged in Guangdong province, China’s leading technology companies are concentrated in Zhejiang province. This comparative study is motivated by the puzzle of why Guangdong, which has a larger security equipment industry with more local investment and earlier introduction of foreign technology, has lagged behind Zhejiang in technological upgrading. We trace this provincial variation to thepolicy choices of local state bureaucraciesand the business strategies of local enterprises. While macro-level variables such as market demand and establishing national industry standards are important for industrial development, this study demonstrates the critical role of local technocrats and entrepreneurs in facilitating technological innovation in a rapidly evolving surveillance regime. Our analysis also reveals how latecomers to a technology-intensive industry were able to adapt their products strategically to meet the technical demands of a major segment of the domestic market, China’s public security sector.
Fourier multipliers for Triebel–Lizorkin spaces on compact Lie groups
Authors: Cardona Duván , Ruzhansky Michael
Published: October 2021

We investigate the boundedness of Fourier multipliers on a compact Lie group when acting on Triebel-Lizorkin spaces. Criteria are given in terms of the Hörmander-Mihlin-Marcinkiewicz condition. In our analysis, we use the difference structure of the unitary dual of a compact Lie group. Our results cover the sharp Hörmander-Mihlin theorem on Lebesgue spaces and also other historical results on the subject.
Intelligent algorithms and complex system for a smart parking for vaccine delivery center of COVID-19
Authors: Jemmali Mahdi
Published: October 2021

Achieving community immunity against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) depends on vaccinating the largest number of people within a specific period while taking all precautionary measures. To address this problem, this paper presents a smart parking system that will help the health crisis management committee to vaccinate the largest number of people with the minimum period of time while ensuring that all precautionary measures are followed, through a set of algorithms. These algorithms seek to ensure a uniform distribution of persons in parking. This paper proposes a novel complex system for smart parking and nine algorithms to address the NP-hard problem. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithms in terms of gap and time. Applying these algorithms to smart cities to ensure precautionary measures against COVID-19 can help fight against this pandemic.
The Influence of Acid Hardener on the Strength and Hot-Distortion Properties of No-Bake Sand Cores
Authors: Budavári Imre , Gyarmati Gábor , Varga László
Published: October 2021

In this research work, the effects of different amounts of acid hardener (30%, 40%, 60%, 80% weighted to the resin) on the hardening characteristics and hot-distortion properties of no-bake furan and no-bake phenolic bonded sand cores were studied. Bending tests were conducted on test bars with storage times of 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 24h. Hot-distortion tests were carried out on specimens with storage times of 4h and 24h. The bending tests revealed that in the case of the furan binder system, the acid hardener is best utilized in terms of higher bending strength, in an amount of 40–60%, while in the case of the phenolic binder system, the amount of 60–80% acid hardener resulted in higher bending strength of the sand specimens. Too low (30%) acid hardener (catalyst) level produced low bending strength. Too high (80%) amount of acid hardener decreased the strength of the no-bake furan sand samples, and as can be seen from the SEM analysis, it damaged the binder bridges between the sand grains. The hot-distortion tests showed that there is a correlation between the catalyst content and the max. Deformation of the samples both in the furan and in the phenolic no-bake sand cores, which can be described with a maximum curve. Increasing the acid hardener changes the thermoplastic behavior of the phenolic resin, thus the binder bridges become more rigid and brittle. The acid hardener above 40% decreased the thermal stability of the furan and phenolic bonded test pieces. The research work also revealed significant differences between the specimens made with furan and phenolic binder and the effect of the storage time in terms of the bending strength and hot-distortion properties.
Arbeitsintensität und ihre Determinanten. Eine Übersicht über das Analysepotential von Erwerbstätigenbefragungen
Authors: Hünefeld Lena , Ahlers Elke , Vogel Serife Erol , Meyer Sophie-Charlotte
Published: October 2021

Eine langanhaltende hohe Arbeitsintensität kann eine gesundheitsgefährdende Belastung für Beschäftigte darstellen. Für eine angemessene Gestaltung der Arbeit sind Kenntnisse von Determinanten dauerhaft erhöhter Arbeitsintensität von zentraler Bedeutung. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, welche empirischen Grundlagen zur Verfügung stehen, um die Verbreitung hoher Arbeitsintensität in Deutschland zu beschreiben und insbesondere potenzielle Determinanten zu identifizieren. Hierfür wurden sechs Erwerbstätigenbefragungen systematisch analysiert. Es konnten insgesamt 662 Fragebogenitems zum Thema „Arbeitsintensität und ihre Determinanten“ identifiziert und anhand von 11 Hauptkategorien – sechs Kategorien für Arbeitsintensität und fünf für Determinanten – und mehr als 65 Unterkategorien klassifiziert werden. Trotz empirischer Lücken zeigt sich damit, dass in Deutschland eine breite Datenbasis zur Analyse des Themas Arbeitsintensität und deren Determinanten zur Verfügung steht. In zukünftigen Erhebungen sollten auch Informationen zur Leistungspolitik, wie Kundenorientierung oder auch Dienstreisen, Zielvereinbarungen, dem Maß der Ergebnisorientierung und auch Eigenverantwortung als mögliche Determinanten von Arbeitsintensität erhoben werden. Ebenfalls sollte die ausführliche Erhebung von betrieblichen Rahmenbedingungen, wie die Unternehmensform oder auch existierende Personalengpässe stärker mitbedacht werden.

Praktische Relevanz: Die vorliegende Studie verdeutlicht, welche Datenbasis in Deutschland vorhanden ist, um Determinanten von Arbeitsintensität zu beleuchten und somit auch Gestaltungspotentiale für eine angemessene Arbeitsintensität zu identifizieren.
Formalizing Secularism as a Regime of Restrictions and Protections: The Case of Quebec (Canada) and Geneva (Switzerland)
Authors: Barras Amélie
Published: October 2021

In 2019, the province of Quebec and the canton of Geneva passed bills establishing their states as “secular.” While each law is, to a certain extent, context specific, both present noteworthy similarities. First, neutrality (the cornerstone of laïcité) is articulated around two elements: (1) restrictions that affect the religious practices of public servants belonging to minority religions and (2) protections for Christian symbols constructed as “cultural.” The article questions the implications for inclusive citizenship of formalizing regulatory regimes that differentiate between “religion” and “culture.” Second, a comparative lens enables an analysis of how, through whom, and why similar regimes of regulation travel from one area of the world to another. The article argues for the importance of considering transnational influences when analyzing the regulation of religion to better (1) understand why particular models of secularism gain traction and (2) capture power dynamics structuring these processes of traction.
An approach for the quantitative description of uncertainty to support robust design in sensing technology
Authors: Welzbacher Peter , Schulte Fiona , Neu Marcel , Koch Yanik , Kirchner Eckhard
Published: October 2021

Sensing machine elements offer the potential to upgrade conventional machine elements by extending their primary function to be able to measure a quantity of interest at its point of origin in a technical system, the so-called in situ measurement. To ensure the functionality of these next generation machine elements, special attention must be paid to uncertainty in terms of modelling to be able to correctly evaluate the provided signal and obtain reliable information. Consequently, this contribution describes an approach to classify uncertainty in sensing technology, especially in SMEs, based on the amount of available information, which can be used as a point of departure to reduce the impact of occurring uncertainty to improve the robustness of the obtained signal. Starting from the understanding of uncertainty and the corresponding classification scheme as well as its linkage to robust design from the Collaborative Research Centre 805, a quantitative model is presented to determine the impact of uncertainty on a measuring signal. The applicability of the proposed approach is demonstrated using the example of a sensing timing belt by taking into account the uncertainty from the SME itself and also from the surrounding technical system.
Transfer efficiency of an enveloped virus, human coronavirus 229E, from various hard surface fomites to finger pads of the hands
Authors: Gerba Charles P. , Leija Brianna M. , Ikner Luisa A. , Gundy Patricia , Rutala William A.
Published: October 2021

Respiratory viruses can be transmitted by fomite contact, but no data currently exist on the transfer of enveloped viruses. The transfer efficiency of human coronavirus from various hard surfaces ranged from 0.46% to 49.0%. This information can be used to model the fomite transmission of enveloped viruses.
Purely elastic instabilities in the airways and oral area
Authors: Patne Ramkarn
Published: October 2021

The present study considers a shear-thinning viscoelastic liquid layer sheared by the air and flowing past a deformable-solid layer in the presence of a surfactant at the air–liquid interface to model the airflow in the oral area and airways. The stability analysis reveals the existence of purely elastic and unconditionally unstable ‘liquid elastic’ and ‘solid elastic’ modes. The mechanism responsible for the destabilisation of the solid elastic mode is the shear stresses exerted by the air on the liquid and by the liquid on the deformable solid while for the liquid elastic mode, the mechanism is the first normal stress difference across the air–liquid interface. The liquid and solid elastic modes undergo resonance, resulting in the ‘resonance mode’ of instability. The resonance mode exhibits a much higher growth rate than the liquid and solid elastic modes. The shear-thinning characteristic of the liquid and presence of the surfactant leads to enhancement in the growth rate of the resonance mode. An estimate shows a good correlation between the exhaled fluid particle (i.e. droplets and aerosols) diameters and the wavelength of the perturbations with maximum growth rate. In essence, the present analysis predicts that the airflow in the airways and oral area could lead to an elastic instability arising due to the elastic nature of the saliva, mucus and underlying muscle layers.