bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observer design for a class of nonlinear systems combining dissipativity with interconnection and damping assignment
Authors: Biedermann Bastian , Meurer Thomas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA nonlinear observer design approach is proposed that exploits and combines port‐Hamiltonian systems and dissipativity theory. First, a passivity‐based observer design using interconnection and damping assignment for time variant state affine systems is presented by applying output injection to the system such that the observer error dynamics takes a port‐Hamiltonian structure. The stability of the observer error system is assured by exploiting its passivity properties. Second, this setup is extended to develop an observer design approach for a class of systems with a time varying state affine forward and a nonlinear feedback contribution. For a class of nonlinear systems, the theory of dissipative observers is adapted and combined with the results for the passivity‐based observer design using interconnection and damping assignment. The convergence of the compound observer design is determined by a linear matrix inequality. The performance of both observer approaches is analyzed in simulation examples.
Design and Friedlander Reaction Based Synthesis of New Cycloalkyl Ring Fused Quinolines as Multifunctional Agents for Alzheimer's Treatment: In Silico Studies
Authors: Macha Baswaraju , Kulkarni Ravindra , Garige Anil Kumar , Pola Shivani , Akkinepally Raghuramrao , Garlapati Achaiah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new series of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors were designed based on the structure of tacrine and synthesized in multicomponent Friedlander reaction between 2‐aminobenzonitrile and cycloalkanones. The synthesized tacrine analogs were characterized by spectral data and evaluated for acetylcholinesterase and butyryl cholinesterase inhibitory activity by following Ellman method. Compound 11 a and 11 g with piperazine containing acetamide and butyrylamide chains have shown equal potency to that of tacrine with IC50 values 0.71±0.04 and 1.01±0.03 μM, and 0.52±0.03 and 0.73±0.04 μM, against AChE and BuChE respectively when compared to standard tacrine with IC50 of 0.23±0.4 μM and 0.31±0.03, whereas rivastigmine showed 0.47±0.2 and 0.65±0.02 μM against AChE and BuChE, respectively. Also, some of the potent compounds were tested for liver toxicity and were found to be much safer than tacrine. Thus, these new tacrine analogs with five, six and seven membered ‘C’ rings have emerged as new cholinesterase inhibitors for further exploitation as anti‐Alzheimer's agents. Docking studies of all the molecules disclosed close hydrogen bond interactions within the binding site.
Valorization of Chicken Feather Waste: Fabrication of Keratin‐Chitosan Biofilms
Authors: Gül Çelik Mediha , Hakan Morcali M. , Ayhan Ziba Cengiz , Dolaz Mustafa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAccording to scientists, keratin is one of the most abundant fibrous materials in nature after cellulose and chitin in the world. Several nature fibrous materials have a wide range of application starting from biomedical application to the construction sector, and especially the textile sector. The uses of natural fibers in these sectors are economical for increasing their specific properties, such as antibacterial properties, flexibility, tensile strength, shear strength, toughness, etc. This paper presented a new type of keratin‐chitosan biofilms with the separation of keratin from waste chicken feathers. The laboratory‐scale keratin extraction process was designed. The keratin extraction percentage of different lixiviants (NaOH; NaOH+Na2S; Na2S) were studied and compared each other to understand the reaction process. The chosen reaction parameters were lixiviant concentration, reaction time, and temperature in an attempt to figure out their effects on the extraction of keratin. The highest extraction value was achieved at 60 °C and 400 rpm for 6 h, and 0.5 M Na2S per 5 g of chicken feather powder. After obtaining keratin powder from the chicken feather powder, the keratin and chitosan powders were mixed in a certain ratio. Afterwards the polyvinyl alcohol was added into the mixture of keratin and chitosan at 100 °C until forming the biofilms. The properties and structure of the biofilms were characterized and antibacterial properties of films were examined. Owing to its enormous extraction performance using common and cheap chemicals and simple equipment at ambient conditions, the pile processing method has great promise for the keratin bio‐waste's industrially.
The FDA and the COVID‐19: A political economy perspective
Authors: March Raymond J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article utilizes a political economy framework to examine how FDA regulations impacted the U.S. healthcare sector's ability to address COVID‐19. I specifically examine the developing COVID‐19 testing, the approval of the medication remdesivir, and COVID‐19 vaccines. By examining periods before and after the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), my analysis finds that the FDA's regulations enacted before the COVID‐19 pandemic began strongly restricted clinician and patient access to COVID‐19 testing, remdesivir treatment, and approving vaccines. After the FDA issued EUAs, the healthcare sector quickly adopted COVID‐19 testing and remdesivir with little evidence of negative consequences. These findings contribute to the economics literature examining the FDA and contemporary COVID‐19 policy research.
The impact of a stress‐reducing protocol on the quality of pre‐anaesthesia in cats
Authors: Argüelles Juan , Echaniz Mónica , Bowen Jonathan , Fatjó Jaume 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroduction: Transport to the clinic is a major source of stress for cats. The process involves being put into a carrier, driven in a car and handled. Cats are therefore removed from the safe‐haven of their territory and experience many stressful stimuli and interactions.Methods: In the present study, 31 cats were transported to the clinic following a low‐stress transport protocol and compared with a control group of 36 cats whose owners did not follow the protocol. This protocol involved preparing a cat carrier basket with F3 pheromone and keeping it covered and stable during the car journey from the home to the clinic. Pre‐anaesthesia information was recorded for cardiac rate, respiratory rate, tolerance to handling, time for sedation to be achieved and dose of propofol required for induction and endotracheal intubation.Results: The group exposed to the low‐stress transport protocol took less time to reach sedation and needed a lower dose of propofol for induction than the control group.Conclusion: These results suggest that, in cats, pre‐anaesthetic and induction requirements are influenced by lower‐stress transport and handling.
Non‐neoplastic anal sac disorders in UK dogs: Epidemiology and management aspects of a research‐neglected syndrome
Authors: O'Neill Dan G. , Hendricks Anke , Phillips Jennifer A. , Brodbelt Dave C. , Church David B. , Loeffler Anette 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground: Non‐neoplastic anal sac disorders (ASD) are frequent presentations for dogs in primary‐care practice but evidence‐based information on disease occurrence and risk is sparse. This study estimates prevalence, breed associations and other risk factors as well as reporting on clinical management.Methods: A cohort study of dogs attending VetCompass practices between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression methods.Results: Of 104,212 dogs attending 110 UK practices, the 1‐year period prevalence of ASD was 4.40% (95% CI: 4.22–4.57). Compared to crossbreds, six breeds showed increased odds of ASD (Cavalier King Charles spaniel, King Charles spaniel, Cockapoo, Shih‐tzu, Bichon Frise and Cocker spaniel), and six breeds showed reduced odds (Labrador Retriever, Border collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Lurcher, German Shepherd Dog and Boxer). Brachycephalic types had 2.6 times the odds for ASD compared to dolichocephalic types. Medication prescribed for ASD included antimicrobials (n = 480, 20.24%) and analgesics (n = 284, 11.97%). Anal sacculectomy was performed in under 1% of cases.Conclusions: High prevalence, strong breed predispositions and evidence of severity suggested from the antimicrobial and analgesic therapies combined with current substantial knowledge gaps identify ASD as a key research‐neglected syndrome in dogs.
Detection of peste des petits ruminants virus in pneumonic lungs from clinically apparently healthy camels slaughtered at Tambul slaughterhouse, Central Sudan
Authors: Abdalla Nahid A. S. , Alhussain Alaa E. M. , Mohammed Sana I. , Hakeem Mihad , Ahmed Ihsan H. , Mohammed Galal E. , Osman Nussieba A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe study investigated the presence and prevalence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) viral antigens among camels in Tambul area, Gezira State, Central Sudan, regardless of its sex, age and breed, and their possible contribution in the epidemiology of the disease in the Sudan. Hundred pneumonic lung tissues were aseptically collected from clinically apparently healthy camels showed no signs of illness at ante‐mortem examination, from Tambul slaughterhouse, Tambul area, Gezira State, Central Sudan, between November and December 2018. Samples were collected based on presence of the pneumonic signs, at the tissue level, including congestion of the lungs, presence of abscesses, fragility, changes in colour and thickness of the tissue. In order to detect PPR viral antigen, haemagglutination (HA) test was employed on lung tissue homogenate, using chicken RBCs suspension, which gave a positive reaction in 17–19 min. PPRV antigen was detected in 98 of camel samples with an overall antigenic prevalence of 98%. Of note, the HA titres achievable ranged from 4 to 256 HA units (HAU) with mean titre of 14.4 HAU, whereas apparently most of the samples achieved HA titres of 8 HAU. The results demonstrated presence of PPR viral antigens associated with pneumonia in camels indicating exposure of these camels to PPRV and probably presence of subclinical infection. Infection of species other than small ruminants suggests the fact that camels are potential hosts for PPRV and might play a role (or not) in the epidemiology of the disease. Further studies are needed to demonstrate if camels are able to transmit PPRV for in‐contact small ruminants or other animal species.
Lineage‐instructive functions of the E26‐transformation‐specific‐family transcription factor Spi‐C in immune cell development and disease
Authors: Raczkowski Hannah L. , DeKoter Rodney P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCell fate decisions during hematopoiesis are the consequence of a complex mixture of inputs from cell‐intrinsic and cell‐extrinsic factors. In rare cases, expression of a single transcription factor, or a few key factors, may be sufficient to dictate lineage differentiation in a precursor cell. The E26‐transformation‐specific‐family transcription factor Spi‐C has emerged as an example of a lineage‐instructive factor involved in the generation of mature, specialized subsets of both myeloid and lymphoid cells. Spi‐C can instruct differentiation of splenic precursors into red pulp macrophages responsible for phagocytosing senescent red blood cells. In the B cell compartment, Spi‐C acts as a key regulator of cell fate decisions at the pro‐B to pre‐B cell stage and for plasma cell differentiation. Spi‐C regulates key genes including Nfkb1, Bach2, Syk, and Blnk to regulate cell cycle entry and B cell differentiation. Here, we review the biology of the lineage‐instructive transcription factor Spi‐C and its contribution to mechanisms of disease in macrophages and B cells.This article is categorized under:
Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Immune System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Infectious Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics
Molecular magnetic properties of a dysprosium(III) complex coordinated to a nonadentate bispidine ligand
Authors: Cieslik Patrick , Comba Peter , Hergett Waldemar , Klingeler Rüdiger , Plny Günter Finn Peter , Spillecke Lena , Velmurugan Gunasekaran 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe DyIII complex of the nonadentate bispidine L1 (bispidine=3,7‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) has a capped square antiprismatic structure, known to lead to suppressed quantum relaxation of magnetization by quantum tunneling. [DyIIIL1]OTf indeed is an SMM with a modest barrier to magnetization relaxation. The experimentally determined barrier of 46 cm−1 is confirmed by ab initio calculations (43.5 cm−1), and the quantum‐chemical analysis indicates that ligand modifications, leading to a higher symmetry and a stronger axial ligand field should significantly increase the effective barrier to magnetization relaxation.
The multi-field, rapid-turn inflationary solution
Authors: Aragam Vikas , Paban Sonia , Rosati Robert 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
There are well-known criteria on the potential and field-space geometry for determining if slow-roll, slow-turn, multi-field inflation is possible. However, even though it has been a topic of much recent interest, slow-roll, rapid-turn inflation only has such criteria in the restriction to two fields. In this work, we generalize the two-field, rapid-turn inflationary attractor to an arbitrary number of fields. We quantify a limit, which we dub extreme turning, in which rapid-turn solutions may be found efficiently and develop methods to do so. In particular, simple results arise when the covariant Hessian of the potential has an eigenvector in close alignment with the gradient — a situation we find to be common and we prove generic in two-field hyperbolic geometries. We verify our methods on several known rapid-turn models and search two type-IIA constructions for rapid-turn trajectories. For the first time, we are able to efficiently search for these solutions and even exclude slow-roll, rapid-turn inflation from one potential.
Die Zügeloperation bei inkompletter Okulomotoriusparalyse (Rectus-superior- und Rectus-lateralis-Transposition nach nasal unten)
Authors: Gräf Michael 
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung
Ziel
Demonstration der Technik und Wirksamkeit der Zügeloperation bei Okulomotoriusparalyse mit erhaltener Hebungsfähigkeit.

Methode
Transposition der Mm. recti lateralis (hinter Mm. obliquus und rectus inferior) und superior (hinter Obliquus-superior-Sehne und M. rectus medialis) in den nasal unteren Quadranten.

Ergebnisse
Im exemplarisch dargestellten Fall korrigierte der Eingriff ohne wesentlichen Verrollungseffekt eine paralytische Exo-Hypertropie von 30–40°/20–30°.

Schlussfolgerung
Die Zügeloperation erweitert das chirurgische Repertoire zur Korrektur paralytischen Schielens.
High-Speed PIV of shock boundary layer interactions in the transonic buffet flow of a compressor cascade
Authors: Klinner Joachim , Hergt Alexander , Grund Sebastian , Willert Christian E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe dynamics of a transonic buffet flow on the suction side of a highly loaded 2-D compressor blade model is investigated at a chord-based Reynolds number of$$1.4 \times 10^6$$1.4×106and an inlet Mach number of 1.05. Near stall the detached bow shock exhibits pronounced modal shock oscillations at buffet frequencies of$${\omega ^*}=2\pi f c / U_1=2.27$$ω∗=2πfc/U1=2.27which are not related to any structural aeroelastic modes. High-speed PIV at several stations along the chord provides chordwise velocity spectra and wave propagation velocities of shock-induced perturbations. For this purpose, a double-pulse laser system with a high-repetition rate was set up consisting of two combined DPSS lasers. This enables time-resolved PIV using frame straddling at up to 100 kfps and pulse separations down to 800 ns. Synchronized high-speed shadowgraph imaging simultaneously locates the position of the bow shock. Based on cross-correlations between velocity time records at two points and between velocity and shock position, the propagation velocity of the modal perturbations is determined upstream and downstream from the shock. The measured data indicate that feedback occurs between a region immediately downstream of the shock foot and a plane upstream of the shock, up to which transverse velocity disturbances are convected. This observation is contrary to Lee’s model Lee (AIAA J 28(5):942–944, 1990) which describes self-sustained shock-buffet as a consequence of shock–trailing edge interactions.Graphic Abstract
Improving tumor budding reporting in colorectal cancer: a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Haddad Tariq Sami , Lugli Alessandro , Aherne Susan , Barresi Valeria , Terris Benoît , Bokhorst John-Melle , Brockmoeller Scarlet Fiona , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Simmer Femke , El-Zimaity Hala , Fléjou Jean-François , Gibbons David , Cathomas Gieri , Kirsch Richard , Kuhlmann Tine Plato , Langner Cord , Loughrey Maurice B. , Riddell Robert , Ristimäki Ari , Kakar Sanjay , Sheahan Kieran , Treanor Darren , van der Laak Jeroen , Vieth Michael , Zlobec Inti , Nagtegaal Iris D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTumor budding is a long-established independent adverse prognostic marker in colorectal cancer, yet methods for its assessment have varied widely. In an effort to standardize its reporting, a group of experts met in Bern, Switzerland, in 2016 to reach consensus on a single, international, evidence-based method for tumor budding assessment and reporting (International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference [ITBCC]). Tumor budding assessment using the ITBCC criteria has been validated in large cohorts of cancer patients and incorporated into several international colorectal cancer pathology and clinical guidelines. With the wider reporting of tumor budding, new issues have emerged that require further clarification. To better inform researchers and health-care professionals on these issues, an international group of experts in gastrointestinal pathology participated in a modified Delphi process to generate consensus and highlight areas requiring further research. This effort serves to re-affirm the importance of tumor budding in colorectal cancer and support its continued use in routine clinical practice.
A longitudinal analysis of fatigue in colorectal cancer patients during chemotherapy
Authors: Xian Xuemei , Zhu Chenping , Chen Yilin , Huang Binbin , Xu Didi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyze trends in fatigue among colorectal cancer patients during chemotherapy and examine the predictors of multidimensional fatigue.

Methods
A mixed sample of colorectal cancer patients who were receiving chemotherapy (N = 200) was recruited in China. The patients completed the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) at baseline (before chemotherapy) and after 3 and 6 months of chemotherapy. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate the effect of time on the CFS score. The data on violations of the statistical assumptions (independence, normality, and sphericity) from the repeated measures ANOVAs were examined. Stepwise regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations of the potential predictor variables at baseline on the total fatigue score and subscale scores at follow-up.

Results
As chemotherapy progressed, significant increases in the three subscale scores and total scores were observed. Physical fatigue and total fatigue scores increased continuously during chemotherapy (P < 0.001). However, affective fatigue and cognitive fatigue scores increased significantly in the first 3 months (P < 0.001) and basically remained stable thereafter (P > 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression was used to analyze the predictors. The results showed that the baseline fatigue subscale score was the strongest predictor of each dimension of fatigue. In addition, age affected physical fatigue, and monthly income and education affected cognitive fatigue.

Conclusion
Fatigue increased during chemotherapy. Early assessment and intervention may be better for controlling fatigue, especially in patients with higher baseline fatigue level, older age, and lower economic and educational levels.
User-centred design evaluation of symbols for adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane-keeping assistance (LKA)
Authors: Perrier Mickaël Jean Rémy , Louw Tyron Linton , Carsten Oliver 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdvanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) are now numerous, each relieving drivers of their responsibility for the control of different aspects of the driving task. Notably, adaptive cruise control (ACC) for longitudinal control, or lane departure prevention (LDP) and lane centring control (LCC) for lateral control, two variations of the lane-keeping assistance (LKA) system. Drivers must familiarise themselves with various symbols to correctly identify and activate the system they wish to be using and the existing standard graphical symbols for ACC and LKA are often replaced by manufacturers in favour of their own symbols. With a user-centred approach in mind, we previously conducted a focus group where drivers were invited to design their own symbols and discuss those symbols currently in-use. In the present research, we administered an online survey and analysed the responses from 328 drivers regarding different levels of knowledge about ADAS, to evaluate the usability of a selection of these symbols. Our results indicate that the standard ACC symbol would not be the most suitable of the four symbols tested, whereas, the standard LKA/LDP symbol was greatly confused with any of the four LCC symbols we tested, especially if hands were present on the symbol. Finally, drivers without prior knowledge of ADAS had more difficulties interpreting those symbols in general. Considerations for the development and evaluation of graphical symbols are discussed.
Chest-CT mimics of COVID-19 pneumonia—a review article
Authors: Carlicchi Eleonora , Gemma Pietro , Poerio Antonio , Caminati Antonella , Vanzulli Angelo , Zompatori Maurizio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in early December 2019 in China, as an acute lower respiratory tract infection and spread rapidly worldwide being declared a pandemic in March 2020. Chest-computed tomography (CT) has been utilized in different clinical settings of COVID-19 patients; however, COVID-19 imaging appearance is highly variable and nonspecific. Indeed, many pulmonary infections and non-infectious diseases can show similar CT findings and mimic COVID-19 pneumonia. In this review, we discuss clinical conditions that share a similar imaging appearance with COVID-19 pneumonia, in order to identify imaging and clinical characteristics useful in the differential diagnosis.
Positive solutions of the prescribed mean curvature equation with exponential critical growth
Authors: Figueiredo Giovany M. , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we are concerned with the problem $$\begin{aligned} -\text{ div } \left( \displaystyle \frac{\nabla u}{\sqrt{1+|\nabla u|^2}}\right) = f(u) \ \text{ in } \ \Omega , \ \ u=0 \ \text{ on } \ \ \partial \Omega , \end{aligned}$$

-

div

∇
u

1
+

|
∇
u
|

2

=
f

(
u
)

in

Ω
,

u
=
0

on

∂
Ω
,

where $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^{2}$$

Ω
⊂

R

2

is a bounded smooth domain and $$f:{\mathbb {R}}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

f
:
R
→
R

is a superlinear continuous function with critical exponential growth. We first make a truncation on the prescribed mean curvature operator and obtain an auxiliary problem. Next, we show the existence of positive solutions of this auxiliary problem by using the Nehari manifold method. Finally, we conclude that the solution of the auxiliary problem is a solution of the original problem by using the Moser iteration method and Stampacchia’s estimates.