2,486 research outputs found
Longitudinal analysis of serum neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 in patients receiving monoclonal antibodies
No full textThe emergence of Omicron sublineages impacts the therapeutic efficacy of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Here, we evaluate neutralization and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activities of 6 therapeutic mAbs against Delta, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5. The Omicron subvariants escape most antibodies but remain sensitive to bebtelovimab and cilgavimab. Consistent with their shared spike sequence, BA.4 and BA.5 display identical neutralization profiles. Sotrovimab is the most efficient at eliciting ADCC. We also analyze 121 sera from 40 immunocompromised individuals up to 6 months after infusion of Ronapreve (imdevimab + casirivimab) or Evusheld (cilgavimab + tixagevimab). Sera from Ronapreve-treated individuals do not neutralize Omicron subvariants. Evusheld-treated individuals neutralize BA.2 and BA.5, but titers are reduced. A longitudinal evaluation of sera from Evusheld-treated patients reveals a slow decay of mAb levels and neutralization, which is faster against BA.5. Our data shed light on antiviral activities of therapeutic mAbs and the duration of effectiveness of Evusheld pre-exposure prophylaxis
Boundary Algebra: A Simpler Approach to Boolean Algebra and the Sentential Connectives
No full textBoundary algebra [BA] is a algebra of type , and a simplified notation for Spencer-Brown’s (1969) primary algebra. The syntax of the primary arithmetic [PA] consists of two atoms, () and the blank page, concatenation, and enclosure between ‘(‘ and ‘)’, denoting the primitive notion of distinction. Inserting letters denoting, indifferently, the presence or absence of () into a PA formula yields a BA formula. The BA axioms are A1: ()()= (), and A2: “(()) [abbreviated ‘⊥’] may be written or erased at will,” implying (⊥)=(). The repeated application of A1 and A2 simplifies any PA formula to either () or ⊥. The basis for BA is B1: abc=bca (concatenation commutes & associates); B2, ⊥a=a (BA has a lower bound, ⊥); B3, (a)a=() (BA is a complemented lattice); and B4, (ba)a=(b)a (implies that BA is a distributive lattice). BA has two intended models: (1) the Boolean algebra 2 with base set B={(),⊥}, such that () ⇔ 1 [dually 0], (a) ⇔ a′, and ab ⇔ a∪b [a∩b]; and (2) sentential logic, such that () ⇔ true [false], (a) ⇔ ~a, and ab ⇔ a∨b [a∧b]. BA is a self-dual notation, facilitates a calculational style of proof, and simplifies clausal reasoning and Quine’s truth value analysis. BA resembles C.S. Peirce’s graphical logic, the symbolic logics of Leibniz and W.E. Johnson, the 2 notation of Byrne (1946), and the Boolean term schemata of Quine (1982).Boundary algebra; boundary logic; primary algebra; primary arithmetic; Boolean algebra; calculation proof; G. Spencer-Brown; C.S. Peirce; existential graphs
Auswirkungen der Einbringung von Buche (Fagus sylvatica L.) auf die Artendiversität und Naturnähe von Nadelholzbeständen in Niedersachsen
No full textThe promotion and extension of continuous cover mixed stands with a simultaneous reduction of conifer-monocultures play a major role in current silvicultural practices in Central Europe. It is assumed that the admixture of the natural dominant beech (Fagus sylvatica) in pure non site-specific conifer stands automatically indicates better conditions in terms of nature conservation and forest management. To test this hypothesis three different conifer-beech-comparisons of pure and mixed stands in Lower Saxony are studied, analyzing plant species diversity and naturalness of understory vegetation as one important indicator for the ecological status of forests. Each comparison includes pure coniferous stands (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii), mixed coniferous-beech-stands, and pure beech stands on similar acidic mineral soils where the potential natural vegetation will be an oligotrophic beech forest (L u z u l o - Fa g e t um). The age of stands varies between 50 and 150 years. To specify tree species influence on site conditions and vegetation, the study also includes light climate and soil data of the stands. It is observed that, with regard to all comparisons, the admixture of beech reduces plant species diversity but increases naturalness of the stands. The intensity of beech admixture effects differs. While in Scots pine stands the impact of admixed beech is very noticeable, with the mixed stands being nearly identical with pure beech stands, the species change in Douglas-fir and Norway spruce stands proceeds more slowly. Assuming that the status in nature conservation and forest management is improving with increasing plant species diversity and increasing naturalness, the results of this study show a contrary development on a stand scale, as the potential natural vegetation of the L u z u l o - F a g e t u m is in its self very species poor on vascular plants.Die Förderung und Ausweitung von Mischwäldern bei gleichzeitiger Reduktion reiner Nadelholz-Bestände spielt aktuell eine große Rolle im mitteleuropäischen Waldbau. Gemeinhin wird angenommen, dass die Beimischung der standortsgemäßen Buche (Fagus sylvatica) in standortsfremden Nadelholz Monokulturen die Bedingungen im Sinne des Naturschutzes und der Forstwirtschaft verbessert. Diese Hypothese wird auf der Grundlage von drei unterschiedlichen Nadelholz- Buchen-Versuchsreihen geprüft. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei die Bodenvegetation als wichtiger und sensitiver Indikator für den ökologischen Zustand von Wäldern. Jede Versuchsreihe umfasst reine Nadelholz-Bestände (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii), Nadelholz-Buchen- Mischbestände und reine Buchen-Bestände auf sauren Mineralböden, auf denen von Natur aus nährstoffarme Buchenwälder (L u z u l o - Fa g e t um) vorherrschen würden. Das Alter der Bestände variiert zwischen 50 und 150 Jahren. Schwerpunkte der Analyse sind die Artenvielfalt und Naturnähe der Bodenvegetation. Um den Einfluss der Baumarten auf den Standort und die Vegetation zu bewerten, werden die Licht- und Bodenverhältnisse der Bestände charakterisiert. Es zeigt sich, dass mit der Beimischung der Buche in allen Versuchsreihen die Pflanzenartenvielfalt abnimmt und die Naturnähe zunimmt. Unterschiedlich ist dabei die Intensität der Veränderungen. Zwischen den Kiefern-Buchen-Mischbeständen und den Kiefern-Reinbeständen bestehen sehr deutliche Unterschiede im Aufbau der Bodenvegetation, so dass die Mischbestände den Buchen-Reinbeständen bereits sehr ähnlich sind. In den Douglasien- und Fichten-Versuchsreihen vollzieht sich der Artenwechsel vergleichsweise unauffällig und kontinuierlich. Wenn man davon ausgeht, dass der naturschutzfachliche und waldbauliche Status sich sowohl mit zunehmender Phytodiversität als auch bei zunehmender Naturnähe verbessert, so zeigen diese Ergebnisse auf Bestandesebene eine gegenläufige Entwicklung, da das in der Region der potenziell natürlichen Vegetation entsprechende L u z u l o - Fa g e tum von Natur aus sehr artenarm an Gefäßpflanzen ist
Interactive effects of 6-BA, GA4+7 and prohexadione-calcium on ‘Gala’ apples
No full textGibberellic acid (GA4+7) and the cytokinin 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) are used during bloom and fruit set to reduce russeting and improve typiness of select apple cultivars. The gibberellin synthesis inhibitor, prohexadione-calcium (P-Ca), is used at the same developmental stage to reduce vegetative growth and susceptibility to fireblight. The use of GA4+7/6-BA for enhancing typiness of ‘Gala’ and the interaction of GA4+7/6-BA and P-Ca was investigated in a two-year experiment on mature ‘Royal Gala’/Bud.9 trees. Six treatments were imposed: i) untreated control; ii-iv) 5.5, 11 and 21 mg L-1 each of GA4+7 and 6-BA; v) 123 mg L-1 P-Ca, and; vi) a tank mix of 21 mg L-1 GA4+7/6-BA and 123 mg L-1 P-Ca. Trees treated with P-Ca had 21-45% less growth than the untreated trees or trees treated with GA4+7/6-BA. In one of two years, the addition of GA4+7 and 6-BA tank-mixed with P-Ca reduced the efficacy of P-Ca on shoot growth. GA4+7/6-BA decreased soluble solids and fruit firmness in one year, suggesting a delay in fruit maturity. P-Ca alone reduced scarf skin by 7-10%; however, this effect was negated when combined with GA4+7 plus 6-BA in one of the two years. GA4+7 plus 6-BA increased fruit typiness and length:diameter ratios.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author
Single- and Multi-carrier Quadrature Amplitude Modulation: Principles and Applications for Personal Communications, WATM and Broadcasting: 2nd
No full textSingle- and Multi-carrier Quadrature Amplitude Modulation Principles and Applications for Personal Communications, WLANs and Broadcasting L. Hanzo Department of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, UK W. Webb Motorola, Arlington Heights, USA formerly at Multiple Access Communications Ltd, Southampton, UK T. Keller Ubinetics, Cambridge Technology Centre, Melbourn, UK formerly at Department of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, UK Motivated by the rapid evolution of wireless communication systems, this expanded second edition provides an overview of most major single- and multi-carrier Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) techniques commencing with simple QAM schemes for the uninitiated through to complex, rapidly-evolving areas, such as arrangements for wide-band mobile channels. Targeted at the more advanced reader, the multi-carrier modulation based second half of the book presents a research-orientated outlook using a variety of novel QAM-based arrangements. * Features six new chapters dealing with the complexities of multi-carrier modulation which has found applications ranging from Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) to Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) * Provides a rudimentary introduction for readers requiring a background in the field of modulation and radio wave propagation * Discusses classic QAM transmission issues relevant to Gaussian channels * Examines QAM-based transmissions over mobile radio channels * Incorporates QAM-related orthogonal techniques, considers the spectral efficiency of QAM in cellular frequency re-use structures and presents a QAM-based speech communications system design study * Introduces Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) over both Gaussian and wideband fading channels By providing an all-encompassing self-contained treatment of single- and multi- carrier QAM based communications, a wide range of readers including senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, practising engineers and researchers alike will all find the coverage of this book attractive
Repositioning the graphic designer as researcher
No full textIn academic terms, the discipline of graphic design is relatively young. Consequently the position of the discipline within academic territory, and the role of the designer, continue to be debated. In part, these debates have been a product of attempts to define and defend the discipline’s borders from within, in order to establish a sense of the role of graphic design and the graphic designer as commensurate with other disciplines both within and beyond art and design. In recent years graphic designers have variously been defined as ‘authors’, ‘producers’ and ‘readers’, yet none of these definitions seem to have provided any kind of productive or lasting impact within the academy. This paper suggests that rather than continue to seek territorial definitions and positions from within, it could be more productive to look beyond the confines of the discipline. Gaining a broader, interdisciplinary perspective on, and understanding of, qualitative research methods from other disciplines may enable the graphic designer to more fully position his or her practice within the wider academy. Such a perspective could help facilitate the repositioning and redefinition of the graphic designer as ‘researcher’ - a move that would be productive in relation to the future development of postgraduate research within the discipline
In vitro germination and micropropagation of the Balkan endemic Lilium chalcedonicum L., a potential ornamental lily
No full textLilium chalcedonicum L., a bulbous perennial endemic to the Balkans, is recognized for its considerable ornamental potential. In this study, seeds were gathered from a wild population and subjected to surface disinfection. Subsequently, they were placed in Petri dishes containing a half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient substrate (MS/2), with temperature conditions at 15 °C and 20 °C, followed by cycles of 5 °C and return to 15 °C and 20 °C, respectively. The in vitro-cultivated seedlings were then transplanted for further growth in MS medium enriched with either 30 g L-1 or 60 g L-1 sucrose and 0.1 mg L-1 6-N-benzyladenine (BA). In the following stage, the resulting bulblets were separated and cultivated in MS/2, either without hormones (Hf) or with BA at concentrations of 0.2 mg L-1, 0.5 mg L-1, or 1 mg L-1. Moreover, the combined influence of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at a concentration of 1.0 mg L-1 and 0.2 mg L-1 BA was examined. This stage was succeeded by a further division of the bulblets, and the explants were cultured in Hf, MS/2 or with the inclusion of 0.5 mg L-1 BA or a combination of BA and NAA at ratios of 0.2/1 and 0.5/0.05 mg L-1; zeatin at 0.5 mg L-1 was also used, combined with 0.05 mg L-1 NAA. Notably, all seeds exhibited a 100% germination rate following alternating temperature regimes including periods of low temperature. During the initial cultivation phase, each seedling gave rise to two bulblets measuring 0.6 cm in diameter. Subsequent subcultures on Hf substrates and those containing BA without NAA, resulted in the highest number of bulblets (1.6–2.2 bulbs/plant) of the largest diameter (0.8–0.9 cm). Particularly noteworthy was the substantial increase in the average number of produced bulblets during the subsequent subcultures (multiplication stage), where 16.9 bulbs were formed in MS/2 medium containing 0.5 mg L-1 BA, with a median diameter of 1.7 cm. The journal offers free, immediate, and unrestricted access to peer-reviewed research and scholarly work. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. License - Articles published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca are Open-Access, distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) License. © Articles by the authors; Licensee UASVM and SHST, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright/to retain publishing rights without restriction
Wireless myths, realities, and futures: from 3G/4G to optical and quantum wireless
No full textThis paper evaluates both the operational third-generation (3G) as well as the emerging fourth-generation (4G) wireless systems and investigates new technologies that might transpire and change things in the future.<br/
Comparative Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing Infections and Disease Progression from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 and BA.2, Portugal
No full textAuthor affiliations: Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal (I. Kislaya, V. Borges, C. Matias Dias, S. Duarte, L. Coelho, R. Ferreira, J. Isidro, M. Pinto, D. Sobral, A. Nunes, D. Santos, L. Vieira, J.P. Gomes, B. Nunes, A. Machado).We estimated comparative primary and booster vaccine effectiveness (VE) of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 and BA.2 lineages against infection and disease progression. During April-June 2022, we implemented a case-case and cohort study and classified lineages using whole-genome sequencing or spike gene target failure. For the case-case study, we estimated the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of vaccination using a logistic regression. For the cohort study, we estimated VE against disease progression using a penalized logistic regression. We observed no reduced VE for primary (aOR 1.07 [95% CI 0.93-1.23]) or booster (aOR 0.96 [95% CI 0.84-1.09]) vaccination against BA.5 infection. Among BA.5 case-patients, booster VE against progression to hospitalization was lower than that among BA.2 case-patients (VE 77% [95% CI 49%-90%] vs. VE 93% [95% CI 86%-97%]). Although booster vaccination is less effective against BA.5 than against BA.2, it offers substantial protection against progression from BA.5 infection to severe disease.The acquisition of sequencing equipment and reagents used
in this study by the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor
Ricardo Jorge was partially funded by the HERA project
(grant no. 2021/PHF/23776) supported by the European
Commission through the European Centre for Disease
Control, and also partially funded by the GenomePT
project (grant no. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184), supported
by COMPETE 2020–Operational Programme for
Competitiveness and Internationalisation, Lisboa Portugal Regional Operational Programme, Algarve
Portugal Regional Operational, under the Portugal 2020
Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional
Development Fund, and by the Portuguese Science and
Technology Foundation. Algarve Biomedical Center
Laboratory received public funding through the Project
ALG-D2-2021-06 Variants Screen in Southern Portugal–
Monitoring Variants of Concern in Southern Portugal and
the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation
national support through the Comprehensive Health
Research Center (grant no. UIDP/04923/2020)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
On operator bands
No full textA multiplicative semigroup of idempotent operators is called an operator band. We prove that for each K > 1 there exists an irreducible operator band on the Hilbert space l(2) which is norm-bounded by K. This implies that there exists an irreducible operator band on a Banach space such that each member has operator norm equal to 1. Given a positive integer r, we introduce a notion of weak r-transitivity of a set of bounded operators on a Banach space. We construct an operator band on l(2) that is weakly r-transitive and is not weakly (r + 1)-transitive. We also study operator bands S satisfying a polynomial identity p(A, B) = 0 for all non-zero A, B epsilon S, where p is a given polynomial in two non-commuting variables. It turns out that the polynomial p(A, B) = (AB - BA)(2) has a special role in these considerations.PT: J; CR: CONWAY JB, 1990, COURSE FUNCTIONAL AN DRNOVSEK R, 1997, STUD MATH, V125, P97 FILLMORE P, 1999, SEMIGROUP FORUM, V59, P362 GREEN JA, 1952, P CAMBRIDGE PHILOS S, V48, P35 LIVSHITS L, IN PRESS J OPERATOR LIVSHITS L, 1998, J OPERAT THEOR, V40, P35 PETRICH M, 1977, LECT SEMIGROUPS; NR: 7; TC: 0; J9: STUD MATH; PG: 10; GA: 348YKSource type: Electronic(1
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