bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nanoparticle loading and magnetic field application on the thermodynamic, optical, and rheological behavior of thermoresponsive polymer solutions
Authors: Neal Christopher A. P. , Kresge Grace V. , Quan Michelle C. , León Valeria , Chibambo Nondumiso O. , Calabrese Michelle A.
Published: December 2022

Although processing via external stimuli is a promising technique to tune the structure and properties of polymeric materials, the impact of magnetic fields on phase transitions in thermoresponsive polymer solutions is not well‐understood. As nanoparticle (NP) addition is also known to impact these thermodynamic and optical properties, synergistic effects from combining magnetic fields with NP incorporation provide a novel route for tuning material properties. Here, the thermodynamic, optical, and rheological properties of aqueous poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) solutions are examined in the presence of hydrophilic silica NPs and magnetic fields, individually and jointly, via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), magneto‐turbidimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and magneto‐rheology. While NPs and magnetic fields both reduce the phase separation energy barrier and lower optical transition temperatures by altering hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding), infrared spectra demonstrate that the mechanism by which these changes occur is distinct. Magnetic fields primarily alter solvent polarization while NPs provide PNIPAM–NP H‐bonding sites. Combining NP addition with field application uniquely alters the solution environment and results in field‐dependent rheological behavior that is unseen in polymer‐only solutions. These investigations provide fundamental understanding on the interplay of magnetic fields and NP addition on PNIPAM thermoresponsivity which can be harnessed for increasingly complex stimuli‐responsive materials.
Brownian dynamics simulations of biomolecular diffusional association processes
Authors: Muñiz‐Chicharro Abraham , Votapka Lane W. , Amaro Rommie E. , Wade Rebecca C.
Published: December 2022

Brownian dynamics (BD) is a computational method to simulate molecular diffusion processes. Although the BD method has been developed over several decades and is well established, new methodological developments are improving its accuracy, widening its scope, and increasing its application. In biological applications, BD is used to investigate the diffusive behavior of molecules subject to forces due to intermolecular interactions or interactions with material surfaces. BD can be used to compute rate constants for diffusional association, generate structures of encounter complexes for molecular binding partners, and examine the transport properties of geometrically complex molecules. Often, a series of simulations is performed, for example, for different protein mutants or environmental conditions, so that the effects of the changes on diffusional properties can be estimated. While biomolecules are commonly described at atomic resolution and internal molecular motions are typically neglected, coarse‐graining and the treatment of conformational flexibility are increasingly employed. Software packages for BD simulations of biomolecules are growing in capabilities, with several new packages providing novel features that expand the range of questions that can be addressed. These advances, when used in concert with experiment or other simulation methods, such as molecular dynamics, open new opportunities for application to biochemical and biological systems. Here, we review some of the latest developments in the theory, methods, software, and applications of BD simulations to study biomolecular diffusional association processes and provide a perspective on their future use and application to outstanding challenges in biology, bioengineering, and biomedicine.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods

Software > Simulation Methods
Optimizing surveys of fall‐staging geese using aerial imagery and automated counting
Authors: Weiser Emily L. , Flint Paul L. , Marks Dennis K. , Shults Brad S. , Wilson Heather M. , Thompson Sarah J. , Fischer Julian B.
Published: December 2022

Ocular aerial surveys allow efficient coverage of large areas and can be used to monitor abundance and distribution of wild populations. However, uncertainty around resulting population estimates can be large due to difficulty in visually identifying and counting animals from aircraft, as well as logistical challenges in estimating detection probabilities. Photographic aerial surveys can mitigate these challenges and can allow flight at higher altitudes to minimize disturbance of birds and improve safety for surveyors. We evaluated a photographic aerial survey that incorporated a systematic sampling design with automated photo capture and processing for fall‐staging geese at Izembek Lagoon, Alaska, in 2017–2019. Ocular aerial surveys have been completed at Izembek Lagoon for >40 years. For the new photo survey, we used a commercial system to automatically trigger cameras at preset points. We then applied a machine‐learning algorithm trained to automatically identify and count geese in our photos, manually corrected those counts, and quantified the algorithm's accuracy. We translated corrected counts into density and extrapolated mean density across the entire lagoon to estimate total population size for Pacific brant (Branta bernicla) and cackling geese (B. hutchinsii). The automated algorithm undercounted geese, but successfully identified the small subset of photos containing geese. Manual correction was therefore needed only for photos automatically identified as containing geese, allowing substantial reduction of workload. Manually‐corrected, photo‐based estimates of Pacific brant and cackling goose population sizes were larger and more precise than ocular estimates in all 3 years. To reduce costs with little penalty for variance around population estimates, the photographic survey design could be optimized by reducing the number of transects to ~67% of the current number while still manually correcting all photos in which the automated algorithm detected geese. Further years of both ocular and photo surveys would be needed to calibrate the photo estimates against the >40‐year timeseries of the ocular survey, after which the photo series could successfully guide management of Pacific brant. As technologies continue to advance, we expect photographic surveys with automated counting to be easily implemented and advantageous to many monitoring programs.
Testing the detection of large, secretive snakes using camera traps
Authors: Walkup Danielle K. , Ryberg Wade A. , Pierce Josh B. , Smith Emlyn , Childress James , East Forrest , Pierce Brian L. , Brown Price , Fielder Corey M. , Hibbitts Toby J.
Published: December 2022

Novel technologies, such as camera traps, have expanded the opportunities for species detection, especially for rare species. Corresponding changes in data processing must occur to handle the large volume of data gathered from technology like camera traps. Automated image data processing, usually by running images through different types of computer algorithms, is an overarching goal to reduce the number of images that researchers must manually review. However, differences in camera trap setups and species characteristics can make automatic processing a challenge. Here, we evaluated the detection accuracy and efficiency of a time‐lapse triggered camera trapping technique combined with a pixel change detection algorithm as part of a monitoring program for a translocated population of the rare and federally threatened Louisiana Pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni). We paired 5 cameras with automated pit tag readers to collect observations of P. ruthveni. We evaluated an image dataset of 1,500,187 images, collected over 7 months, both manually (i.e., researchers looking at each individual picture to determine snake presence) and automatically using a change detection algorithm. There were 18 P. ruthveni observations recorded by the tag readers, 7 of which occurred while a paired camera was not operational. Ten of the tag reader P. ruthveni observations were captured by the paired camera trap, with an additional P. ruthveni observation from a paired camera trap not recorded by the tag reader. There were 132 snake observations of 13 additional species and 18 observations of unknown snakes from the camera traps. The algorithm reduced the number of images reviewers evaluated by an average of 78.5% per camera (range = 37.3–98.7%) but had a 54.5% success rate at detecting observations of P. ruthveni (47.1% for individual images), and a slightly lower 48.9% success rate detecting other large snakes. Large snakes were 4 times more likely to be flagged by the algorithm than small snakes. Our time‐lapse triggered camera trapping technique performed well with respect to P. ruthveni detection accuracy, compared to the tag readers. However, further research is needed to improve quality assurances of camera trap image filtering and object recognition algorithms across different sites or environments.
Comparison between concentration and type of intracellular cryoprotectants and the presence of sucrose for cryobanks of somatic cells derived from captive Pumas
Authors: Rodrigues Luanna L. V. , Moura Yasmin B. F. , Viana João V. S. , Praxedes Érika A. , Oliveira Lhara R. M. , Silva Herlon V. R. , Pereira Alexsandra F.
Published: December 2022

The loss of wild biodiversity has prompted the development of cryobanks, such as those of somatic cells. This is the reality of Pumas, wild felids of ecological importance that suffer from anthropogenic actions, population decline, and subsequent loss of genetic diversity. Somatic cell banks are a strategy for conserving population diversity. We compared different concentrations and types of intracellular cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO; ethylene glycol, EG) associated with 0.2 M of sucrose (SUC) in the cryopreservation of the somatic cells of captive Pumas. The cells were cryopreserved by slow freezing with different solutions containing Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum and varying concentrations of DMSO and EG in the absence or presence of SUC. The cells were analyzed for morphological characteristics, viability, proliferative activity, metabolic activity, and apoptosis levels. Cells maintained similar fusiform morphology before and after cryopreservation. There was no difference in viability, regardless of the reduction in the concentration and type of intracellular cryoprotectants and sucrose. Similarly, proliferative activity, metabolic activity, and apoptosis levels were not altered by the composition of the cryoprotectants. In summary, we demonstrate that reducing the concentration of DMSO or EG ensures adequate cryopreservation of Puma somatic cells, regardless of the presence of SUC.
Neumann-Rosochatius system for rotating strings in AdS3 × S3 × S3 × S1 with flux
Authors: Chakraborty Adrita , Nayak Rashmi R. , Pandit Priyadarshini , Panigrahi Kamal L.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We wish to construct an integrable Neumann-Rosochatius (NR) model of strings in AdS3 × S3 × S3 × S1 supported by pure NSNS flux. We observe that the forms of the Lagrangian and the Uhlenbeck integrals of motion of the considered system are NR-like with some suitable deformations, which eventually appear due to the presence of flux. We utilize the integrable framework of the deformed NR model to analyze rigidly rotating spiky strings moving only in S3 × S1. We further present a quantitative study on the rounding-off nature of the spike in the presence of non-zero angular momentum J in S1.
Linear power corrections to e+e– shape variables in the three-jet region
Authors: Caola Fabrizio , Ravasio Silvia Ferrario , Limatola Giovanni , Melnikov Kirill , Nason Paolo , Ozcelik Melih Arslan
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We use an abelian model to study linear power corrections which arise from infrared renormalons and affect event shapes in e+e− annihilation into hadrons. While previous studies explored power corrections in the two-jet region, in this paper we focus on the three-jet region, which is the most relevant one for the determination of the strong coupling constant. We show that for a broad class of shape variables, linear power corrections can be written in a factorised form, that involves an analytically-calculable function, that characterises changes in the shape variable when a soft parton is emitted, and a constant universal factor. This universal factor is proportional to the so-called Milan factor, introduced in earlier literature to describe linear power corrections in the two-jet region. We find that the power corrections in the two-jet and in the three-jet regions are different, a result which is bound to have important consequences for the determination of the strong coupling constant from event shapes. As a further illustration of the power of the approach developed in this paper, we provide explicit analytic expressions for the leading power corrections to the C-parameter and the thrust distributions in the N -jet region for arbitrary N, albeit in the abelian model.
Chaos and multifold complexity for an inverted harmonic oscillator
Authors: Qu Le-Chen , Jiang Hong-Yue , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We examine the multifold complexity and Loschmidt echo for an inverted harmonic oscillator. We give analytic expressions for any number of precursors, implementing multiple backward and forward time evolutions of the quantum state, at the leading order in the perturbation. We prove that complexity is dominated by the longest permutation of the given time combination in an alternating “zig-zag” order, the exact same result obtained with holography. We conjecture that the general structure for multifold complexity should hold true universally for generic quantum systems, in the limit of a large number of precursors.
[18F]RO948 tau positron emission tomography in genetic and sporadic frontotemporal dementia syndromes
Authors: Santillo Alexander F. , Leuzy Antoine , Honer Michael , Landqvist Waldö Maria , Tideman Pontus , Harper Luke , Ohlsson Tomas , Moes Svenja , Giannini Lucia , Jögi Jonas , Groot Colin , Ossenkoppele Rik , Strandberg Olof , van Swieten John , Smith Ruben , Hansson Oskar
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To examine [18F]RO948 retention in FTD, sampling the underlying protein pathology heterogeneity.

Methods

A total of 61 individuals with FTD (n = 35), matched cases of AD (n = 13) and Aβ-negative cognitively unimpaired individuals (n = 13) underwent [18F]RO948PET and MRI. FTD included 21 behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) cases, 11 symptomatic C9orf72 mutation carriers, one patient with non-genetic bvFTD-ALS, one individual with bvFTD due to a GRN mutation, and one due to a MAPT mutation (R406W). Tracer retention was examined using a region-of-interest and voxel-wise approaches. Two individuals (bvFTD due to C9orf72) underwent postmortem neuropathological examination. Tracer binding was additionally assessed in vitro using [3H]RO948 autoradiography in six separate cases.

Results

[18F]RO948 retention across ROIs was clearly lower than in AD and comparable to that in Aβ-negative cognitively unimpaired individuals. Only minor loci of tracer retention were seen in bvFTD; these did not overlap with the observed cortical atrophy in the cases, the expected pattern of atrophy, nor the expected or verified protein pathology distribution. Autoradiography analyses showed no specific [3H]RO948 binding. The R406W MAPT mutation carriers were clear exceptions with AD-like retention levels and specific in-vitro binding.

Conclusion

[18F]RO948 uptake is not significantly increased in the majority of FTD patients, with a clear exception being specific MAPT mutations.
Genotype–phenotype characterisation of long survivors with motor neuron disease in Scotland
Authors: Leighton Danielle J. , Ansari Morad , Newton Judith , Parry David , Cleary Elaine , Colville Shuna , Stephenson Laura , Larraz Juan , Johnson Micheala , Beswick Emily , Wong Michael , Gregory Jenna , Carod Artal Javier , Davenport Richard , Duncan Callum , Morrison Ian , Smith Colin , Swingler Robert , Deary Ian J. , Porteous Mary , Aitman Timothy J. , Chandran Siddharthan , Gorrie George H. , Pal Suvankar ,   the Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, Harris Sarah , Prendergast James , Russ Tom , Taylor Adele , Deary Ian ,   and the CARE-MND Consortium, Bethell Andrew , Byrne Suzanne , Craig Gillian , Flett Moira , Haagendrud Hanne , Hafezi Katarzyna , Hatrick Janice , Hutchison Aidan , Lennox Helen , Marshall Laura , McAleer Dympna , McEleney Alison , Millar Kitty , Murrie Louise , Perry David , Saravanan Gowri , Starrs Martin , Stewart Susan , Storey Dorothy , Stott Gill , Thompson David , Thornton Carol , Van Der Westhuizen Tanya , Webber Carolyn
Published: December 2022

Background

We investigated the phenotypes and genotypes of a cohort of ‘long-surviving’ individuals with motor neuron disease (MND) to identify potential targets for prognostication.

Methods

Patients were recruited via the Clinical Audit Research and Evaluation for MND (CARE-MND) platform, which hosts the Scottish MND Register. Long survival was defined as > 8 years from diagnosis. 11 phenotypic variables were analysed. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed and variants within 49 MND-associated genes examined. Each individual was screened for C9orf72 repeat expansions. Data from ancestry-matched Scottish populations (the Lothian Birth Cohorts) were used as controls.

Results

58 long survivors were identified. Median survival from diagnosis was 15.5 years. Long survivors were significantly younger at onset and diagnosis than incident patients and had a significantly longer diagnostic delay. 42% had the MND subtype of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). WGS was performed in 46 individuals: 14 (30.4%) had a potentially pathogenic variant. 4 carried the known SOD1 p.(Ile114Thr) variant. Significant variants in FIG4, hnRNPA2B1, SETX, SQSTM1, TAF15, and VAPB were detected. 2 individuals had a variant in the SPAST gene suggesting phenotypic overlap with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). No long survivors had pathogenic C9orf72 repeat expansions.

Conclusions

Long survivors are characterised by younger age at onset, increased prevalence of PLS and longer diagnostic delay. Genetic analysis in this cohort has improved our understanding of the phenotypes associated with the SOD1 variant p.(Ile114Thr). Our findings confirm that pathogenic expansion of C9orf72 is likely a poor prognostic marker. Genetic screening using targeted MND and/or HSP panels should be considered in those with long survival, or early-onset slowly progressive disease, to improve diagnostic accuracy and aid prognostication.
Why motor imagery is not really motoric: towards a re-conceptualization in terms of effect-based action control
Authors: Bach Patric , Frank Cornelia , Kunde Wilfried
Published: December 2022

Overt and imagined action seem inextricably linked. Both have similar timing, activate shared brain circuits, and motor imagery influences overt action and vice versa. Motor imagery is, therefore, often assumed to recruit the same motor processes that govern action execution, and which allow one to play through or simulate actions offline. Here, we advance a very different conceptualization. Accordingly, the links between imagery and overt action do not arise because action imagery is intrinsically motoric, but because action planning is intrinsically imaginistic and occurs in terms of the perceptual effects one want to achieve. Seen like this, the term ‘motor imagery’ is a misnomer of what is more appropriately portrayed as ‘effect imagery’. In this article, we review the long-standing arguments for effect-based accounts of action, which are often ignored in motor imagery research. We show that such views provide a straightforward account of motor imagery. We review the evidence for imagery-execution overlaps through this new lens and argue that they indeed emerge because every action we execute is planned, initiated and controlled through an imagery-like process. We highlight findings that this new view can now explain and point out open questions.
Vestibular Drop Attacks and Meniere’s Disease as Results of Otolithic Membrane Damage—A Numerical Model
Authors: Senofsky Nicholas , Faber Justin , Bozovic Dolores
Published: December 2022

Meniere’s disease (MD) is a condition of the inner ear with symptoms affecting both vestibular and hearing functions. Some patients with MD experience vestibular drop attacks (VDAs), which are violent falls caused by spurious vestibular signals from the utricle and/or saccule. Recent surgical work has shown that patients who experience VDAs also show disrupted utricular otolithic membranes. The objective of this study is to determine if otolithic membrane damage alone is sufficient to induce spurious vestibular signals, thus potentially eliciting VDAs and the vestibular dysfunction seen in patients with MD. We use a previously developed numerical model to describe the nonlinear dynamics of an array of active, elastically coupled hair cells. We then reduce the coupling strength of a selected region of the membrane to model the effects of tissue damage. As we reduce the coupling strength, we observe large and abrupt spikes in hair bundle position. As bundle displacements from the equilibrium position have been shown to lead to depolarization of the hair-cell soma and hence trigger neural activity, this spontaneous activity could elicit false detection of a vestibular signal. The results of this numerical model suggest that otolithic membrane damage alone may be sufficient to induce VDAs and the vestibular dysfunction seen in patients with MD. Future experimental work is needed to confirm these results in vitro.
Context-aware modeling for knowledge-intensive medicinal product development processes
Authors: Ozturk Yurt Zeynep , Eshuis Rik , Wilbik Anna , Vanderfeesten Irene
Published: December 2022

Due to their unique characteristics, knowledge-intensive processes (KiPs) are difficult to capture with conventional modeling and management approaches. One such KiP is the advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) development process. ATMPs are highly innovative medicinal products that are based on biomedical technology. ATMP development processes need to comply with complex regulatory frameworks. Currently, biomedical scientists that develop ATMPs manage the regulatory aspects of the ATMP development processes in an ad hoc fashion, resulting in inefficiencies such as reworks or even withdrawal of ATMPs from the market. This paper presents an explorative case study in which we use Enterprise Modeling and Context-aware Business Processes to support ATMP scientists in managing the regulatory aspects of ATMP development processes more efficiently and effectively. In our explorative case study, we use enterprise models to describe the important concepts and views in ATMP development processes. By introducing context-awareness to the models, we support ATMP scientists in performing relevant tasks to address the regulatory requirements efficiently and effectively under different contexts. We introduce the novel concept of execution-dependent dynamic context to properly define the context in ATMP development processes. Additionally, this paper takes a broader perspective on the case study by discussing the relevance of the solutions derived for the case study for other KiPs. Thereby this paper aims to present an exemplary approach for context-aware modeling of KiPs. The practical contribution of this paper are the models realized in a real-life ATMP development project. The scientific contribution of this paper is providing an exemplary approach for supporting knowledge workers who perform flexible, KiPs under dynamic contexts and introducing the notion of execution-dependent dynamic context.
Ecosystem type might mask the effect of ecosystem recovery on parasitoids’ biodiversity quality
Authors: Mazón Marina , Romero Oscar , Feest Alan
Published: December 2022

Ecological restoration is considered a tool for repairing anthropogenic habitat disturbances, but the biodiversity recovering needs to be monitored. Here we evaluate a comprehensive approach for biodiversity: Biodiversity Quality, which comprises a set of 10 indices representing different components of diversity and providing an holistic overview. This approach was tested in a hyper-diverse insect group, the Ichneumonidae family in three different levels of conservation, i.e., a degraded area, a well-conserved area and an area undergoing ecological restoration for 10–15 years. Comparisons were done in three different ecosystems from southern Ecuador, i.e., Andean forest, rainforest and dry forest. We also compared the species assemblages through beta diversity indices. A total of 36 Townes style white Malaise traps were installed at three different conservation levels in 12 natural reserves, and all Ichneumonid insects collected were sorted, mounted and identified to operational taxonomic units (OTUs). A total of 2929 individuals in 708 OTUs were collected, which represented 1264.78 g of biomass. No differences were found between conservation levels, but all indices showed significant differences when comparing ecosystem types. Andean forests had significantly more richness, diversity, population and biomass than the other ecosystems, and less dominance and rarity than dry forests. Species composition of Ichneumonidae assemblages were also different between ecosystems and not so between conservation levels. When comparing in every ecosystem separately, degraded areas in dry forest had significantly more density and biomass than conserved areas. This represents a first attempt of applying this comprehensive approach in such a species-rich family.
Analyzing the Impact of Strategic Behavior in an Evolutionary Learning Model Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ferraz Vinícius , Pitz Thomas
Published: December 2022

This study presents an experimental approach to strategic behavior and economic learning by integrating game theory and Genetic Algorithms in a novel heuristic-based simulation model. Inspired by strategic scenarios that change over time, we propose a model where games can change based on agents’ behavior. The goal is to document the model design and examine how strategic behavior impacts the evolution of optimal outcomes in various choice scenarios. For diversity, 144 unique $$ 2\times 2 $$

2
×
2

games and three different strategy selection criteria were used: Nash equilibrium, Hurwicz rule, and a random selection technique. The originality of this study is that the introduced evolutionary algorithm changes the games based on their overall outcome rather than changing the strategies or player-specific traits. The results indicated optimal player scenarios for both The Nash equilibrium and Hurwicz rules, the first being the best-performing strategy. The random selection method failed to converge to optimal values in most of the selected populations, acting as a control feature and reinforcing the need for strategic behavior in evolutionary learning. Two further observations were recorded. First, games were frequently transformed so agents could coordinate their strategies to create stable optimal equilibria. Second, we observed the evolution of game populations into groups of fewer (repeating) isomorphic games with strong preceding game characteristics.
Microstructural and mechanical characterization of Na1+xHf2Si2.3P0.7O10.85+0.5x and Na1+xZr2P3-xSixO12 NASICON-type solid electrolytes
Authors: Gross Jürgen Peter , Dück Gerald , Schäfer Frank , Holzapfel Michael , Finsterbusch Martin , Malzbender Jürgen , Schwaiger Ruth
Published: December 2022

NASICON-type solid electrolytes are promising materials for novel solid-state-batteries aiming toward high energy densities. Na1+xHf2Si2.3P0.7O10.85+0.5x with varying sodium content as well as Sc- or Mg-doped and undoped Na1+xZr2P3-xSixO12 were synthesized by solution-assisted solid-state reaction. Microstructural and mechanical characteristics as well as conductivities were investigated. The electrochemical and microstructural properties of all studied materials appear to be highly affected by the sodium content glassy phase and secondary phase formation as well as bloating. The mechanical properties of the specimens depend mainly on microstructural characteristics. Our findings indicate improved mechanical behavior is achieved when bloating and secondary phase formation are inhibited. However, possible influences of glassy phase content on the material properties need to be further investigated.
Meso-Scale Electrodynamic Coupling of the Earth Magnetosphere-Ionosphere System
Authors: Yu Yiqun , Cao Jinbin , Pu Zuyin , Jordanova Vania K. , Ridley Aaron
Published: December 2022

Within the fully integrated magnetosphere-ionosphere system, many electrodynamic processes interact with each other. We review recent advances in understanding three major meso-scale coupling processes within the system: the transient field-aligned currents (FACs), mid-latitude plasma convection, and auroral particle precipitation. (1) Transient FACs arise due to disturbances from either dayside or nightside magnetosphere. As the interplanetary shocks suddenly compress the dayside magnetosphere, short-lived FACs are induced at high latitudes with their polarity successively changing. Magnetotail dynamics, such as substorm injections, can also disturb the current structures, leading to the formation of substorm current wedges and ring current disruption. (2) The mid-latitude plasma convection is closely associated with electric fields in the system. Recent studies have unraveled some important features and mechanisms of subauroral fast flows. (3) Charged particles, while drifting around the Earth, often experience precipitating loss down to the upper atmosphere, enhancing the auroral conductivity. Recent studies have been devoted to developing more self-consistent geospace circulation models by including a better representation of the auroral conductance. It is expected that including these new advances in geospace circulation models could promisingly strengthen their forecasting capability in space weather applications. The remaining challenges especially in the global modeling of the circulation system are also discussed.
Micro-kernels for portable and efficient matrix multiplication in deep learning
Authors: Alaejos Guillermo , Castelló Adrián , Martínez Héctor , Alonso-Jordá Pedro , Igual Francisco D. , Quintana-Ortí Enrique S.
Published: December 2022

We provide a practical demonstration that it is possible to systematically generate a variety of high-performance micro-kernels for the general matrix multiplication (gemm) via generic templates which can be easily customized to different processor architectures and micro-kernel dimensions. These generic templates employ vector intrinsics to exploit the SIMD (single instruction, multiple data) units in current general-purpose processors and, for the particular type of gemm problems encountered in deep learning, deliver a floating-point throughput rate on par with or even higher than that obtained with conventional, carefully tuned implementations of gemm in current linear algebra libraries (e.g., BLIS, AMD AOCL, ARMPL). Our work exposes the structure of the template-based micro-kernels for ARM Neon (128-bit SIMD), ARM SVE (variable-length SIMD) and Intel AVX512 (512-bit SIMD), showing considerable performance for an NVIDIA Carmel processor (ARM Neon), a Fujitsu A64FX processor (ARM SVE) and on an AMD EPYC 7282 processor (256-bit SIMD).
Breeding in the pandemic: short-term lockdown restrictions in a European capital city did not alter the life-history traits of two urban adapters
Authors: Corsini Michela , Jagiello Zuzanna , Walesiak Michał , Redlisiak Michał , Stadnicki Ignacy , Mierzejewska Ewa , Szulkin Marta
Published: December 2022

Humans are transforming natural habitats into managed urban green areas and impervious surfaces at an unprecedented pace. Yet the effects of human presenceper seon animal life-history traits are rarely tested. This is particularly true in cities, where human presence is often indissociable from urbanisation itself. The onset of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, along with the resulting lockdown restrictions, offered a unique, “natural experiment” to investigate wildlife responses to a sudden reduction in human activity. We analysed four years of avian breeding data collected in a European capital city to test whether lockdown measures altered nestbox occupancy and life-history traits in terms of egg laying date, incubation duration and clutch size in two urban adapters: great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Lockdown measures, which modulated human presence, did not influence any of the life-history traits investigated. In contrast, the interaction between year and tree cover, a distinct ecological attribute of the urban space, was positively associated with clutch size, a key avian life-history and reproductive trait. This highlights the importance of inter-year variation and habitat quality over human activity on urban wildlife reproduction. We discuss our results in the light of other urban wildlife studies carried out during the pandemic, inviting the scientific community to carefully interpret all lockdown—associated shifts in biological traits.
Quantification of insecticides in commercial seafood sold in East Asian markets: risk assessment for consumers
Authors: Ivorra Lucia , Cardoso Patricia G. , Chan Shek Kiu , Cruzeiro Catarina , Tagulao Karen
Published: December 2022

The extraction of 21 insecticides and 5 metabolites was performed using an optimized and validated QuEChERS protocol that was further used for the quantification (GC–MS/MS) in several seafood matrices (crustaceans, bivalves, and fish-mudskippers). Seven species, acquired from Hong Kong and Macao wet markets (a region so far poorly monitored), were selected based on their commercial importance in the Indo-Pacific region, market abundance, and affordable price. Among them, mussels from Hong Kong, together with mudskippers from Macao, presented the highest insecticide concentrations (median values of 30.33 and 23.90 ng/g WW, respectively). Residual levels of fenobucarb, DDTs, HCHs, and heptachlors were above the established threshold (10 ng/g WW) for human consumption according to the European and Chinese legislations: for example, in fish-mudskippers, DDTs, fenobucarb, and heptachlors (5-, 20- and tenfold, respectively), and in bivalves, HCHs (fourfold) had higher levels than the threshold. Risk assessment revealed potential human health effects (e.g., neurotoxicity), especially through fish and bivalve consumption (non-carcinogenic risk; ΣHQLT > 1), and a potential concern of lifetime cancer risk development through the consumption of fish, bivalves, and crustaceans collected from these markets (carcinogenic risk; ΣTCR > 10–4). Since these results indicate polluted regions, where the seafood is collected/produced, a strict monitoring framework should be implemented in those areas to improve food quality and safety of seafood products.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of alkali concentration on the properties of activated tungsten tailings
Authors: Li Shanmei , Shou Kai , Wang Lei , Liu Zhikui
Published: December 2022

The 7d unconfined compressive strength tests of alkali-activated tungsten tailings and the microscopic characteristics tests of scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted to investigate the effect of alkali-solid ratio on the properties of alkali-activated tungsten tailings. The test results indicate that the unconfined compressive strength of alkali-activated tungsten tailings increased with the alkali-solid ratio. However, the strength decreases slightly when the alkali-solid ratio is 12%. The microstructures of the gels generated in the alkali-activated tungsten tailings are affected by the alkali-solid ratio. The details are as follows: the microstructure is honeycomb in low alkali-solid ratio (7%, 8% and 10%), with N-A-S–H as its primary form, and flocculation in high alkali-solid ratio (14% and 15%), mainly in the form of C-A-S–H. When the alkali-solid ratio is at the medium level (12%), the microstructure is a small round bead, and the N-A-S–H is equivalent to the C-A-S–H. The more C-A-S–H content, the greater the strength. This study can provide a scientific basis and technical reference for the resource utilization of tungsten tailings.
Protokoll zur Durchführung eines Scoping Reviews zur Gesundheit von (dual) Studierenden in Gesundheitsfachberufen im deutschsprachigen Raum
Authors: Jürgensen Ivonne-Nadine , Gaidys Uta , Koch Peter , Nienhaus Albert , Petersen-Ewert Corinna
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund

Mit dem vorliegenden A‑priori-Protokoll beschreiben wir den methodischen Ansatz eines geplanten Reviews zur Gesundheit von (dual) Studierenden in Gesundheitsfachberufen. Vor dem Hintergrund steigender beruflicher Anforderungen in der Gesundheitsversorgung in Deutschland sprach sich der Wissenschaftsrat im Jahre 2012 dafür aus, einen Teil der Beschäftigten in den Gesundheitsfachberufen auf hochschulischem Niveau zu qualifizieren. Wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse über Studierende im Allgemeinen weisen darauf hin, dass studienspezifische Anforderungen und Herausforderungen die Gesundheit negativ beeinflussen können. Folglich gewinnen Interventionen zur Gesundheitsförderung von Studierenden zunehmend an Bedeutung. Die Forschungsliteratur zur Gesundheit von Studierenden in Gesundheitsfachberufen wurde bislang jedoch noch nicht umfassend geprüft. Daher möchten wir mit dem Review eine Orientierung über die vorhandene Forschungsliteratur ermöglichen und Evidenzen bündeln.

Ziel

Wir möchten ein Review durchführen, um die Forschungsliteratur zur Gesundheit von (dual) Studierenden in Gesundheitsfachberufen im deutschsprachigen Raum zu identifizieren und darzustellen.

Einschlusskriterien

In dem Review schließen wir (dual) Studierende in den Gesundheitsfachberufen Pflege, Physiotherapie, Ergotherapie und Logopädie ein, unabhängig von Herkunft oder Geschlecht. Rückschlüsse zur Gesundheit der Studierenden erhalten wir durch Einschluss von Gesundheitsindikatoren zum Gesundheitsstatus, zu Verhaltensweisen und personale Ressourcen. Wir schließen empirische Studien und graue Literatur ein, unabhängig von ihrer Qualität.

Methode

Das geplante Review führen wir nach dem vom Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) entwickelten Methodik für Scoping Reviews durch.
Discovering cooperation: Endogenous change in international organizations
Authors: Lenz Tobias , Ceka Besir , Hooghe Liesbet , Marks Gary , Burilkov Alexandr
Published: December 2022

Why do some international organizations (IO) accrete delegated authority over time while in others delegation is static or declines? We hypothesize that the dynamics of delegation are shaped by an IO’s founding contract. IOs rooted in an open-ended contract have the capacity to discover cooperation over time: as new problems arise these IOs can adopt new policies or strengthen collaboration in existing areas. This, in turn, triggers a demand for delegation. However, this logic is mediated by the political regime of the IO. In predominantly democratic IOs, delegation is constrained by politicization which intensifies as an IO’s policy portfolio broadens. These claims are tested using an updated version of the Measure of International Authority dataset covering 41 regional IOs between 1950 and 2019. Controlling for alternative explanations and addressing potential endogeneity across a range of model specifications, we find robust support for our argument.
STRESS granule-associated RNA-binding protein CAPRIN1 drives cancer progression and regulates treatment response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Te , Huang Long , Qin Haide , Mai Shijuan
Published: December 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignancy of the head and neck that is mainly diagnosed in southern China and Southeast Asia, with a strong etiological link to Epstein‒Barr virus infection. Those with advanced-stage disease have a significantly worse prognosis. There is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets for the recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. With a particular focus on Cell Cycle Associated Protein 1 (CAPRIN1), one of the important RNA-binding proteints associated with stress granule formation, we used RT‒qPCR and immunohistochemistry to validate CAPRIN1 expression in NPC tissues and cell lines. Further, CAPRIN1 expression was knocked down using siRNA, and the effect on cell proliferation and migration was systematically assessed by in vitro assays. As a result, we demonstrated that CAPRIN1 was elevated in NPC compared to adjacent normal tissues. Knockdown of CAPRIN1 in NPC cells inhibited proliferation and migration, involving the regulation of cell cycle protein CCND2 and EMT signaling, respectively. Notably, we found that CAPRIN1 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis by regulation of the expression of apoptosis-related proteins cleaved-PARP and cleaved-Caspase3. Knockdown of CAPRIN1 increased NPC cell sensitivity to rapamycin, and increased NPC cell sensitivity to cisplatin and to X-rays. In conclusion, CAPRIN1 might drive NPC proliferation, regulate cell cycle and apoptosis, and affect tumor cell response to anti-cancer agents and X-ray irradiation. CAPRIN1 might serve as a potential target for NPC.
Reduced-intensity conditioning is effective for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in infants with MECOM-associated syndrome
Authors: Irie Masahiro , Niihori Tetsuya , Nakano Tomohiro , Suzuki Tasuku , Katayama Saori , Moriya Kunihiko , Niizuma Hidetaka , Suzuki Nobu , Saito-Nanjo Yuka , Onuma Masaei , Rikiishi Takeshi , Sato Atsushi , Hangai Mayumi , Hiwatari Mitsuteru , Ikeda Junji , Tanoshima Reo , Shiba Norio , Yuza Yuki , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Hashii Yoshiko , Kato Motohiro , Takita Junko , Maeda Miho , Aoki Yoko , Imaizumi Masue , Sasahara Yoji
Published: December 2022

Mutations in the MECOM encoding EVI1 are observed in infants who have radioulnar synostosis with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia. MECOM-associated syndrome was proposed based on clinical heterogeneity. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative treatment for progressive bone marrow failure. However, data regarding allogeneic HSCT for this rare disease are limited. We retrospectively assessed overall survival, conditioning regimen, regimen-related toxicities and long-term sequelae in six patients treated with allogeneic HSCT. All patients received a reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen consisting of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide or melphalan, and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin and/or low-dose total body/thoracic-abdominal/total lymphoid irradiation, followed by allogeneic bone marrow or cord blood transplantation from unrelated donors between 4 and 18 months of age. All patients survived and achieved stable engraftment and complete chimerization with the donor type. Moreover, no patient experienced severe regimen-related toxicities, and only lower grades of acute graft-versus-host disease were observed. Three patients treated with low-dose irradiation had relatively short stature compared to three patients not treated with irradiation. Therefore, allogeneic HSCT with RIC is an effective and feasible treatment for infants with MECOM-associated syndrome. Future studies are needed to evaluate the use of low-dose irradiation to avoid risks of other long-term sequelae.
A UNIVERSAL CHARACTERIZATION OF STANDARD BOREL SPACES
Authors: CHEN RUIYUAN
Published: December 2022

We prove that the category
$\mathsf {SBor}$
of standard Borel spaces is the (bi-)initial object in the 2-category of countably complete Boolean (countably) extensive categories. This means that
$\mathsf {SBor}$
is the universal category admitting some familiar algebraic operations of countable arity (e.g., countable products and unions) obeying some simple compatibility conditions (e.g., products distribute over disjoint unions). More generally, for any infinite regular cardinal
$\kappa $
, the dual of the category
$\kappa \mathsf {Bool}_{\kappa }$
of
$\kappa $
-presented
$\kappa $
-complete Boolean algebras is (bi-)initial in the 2-category of
$\kappa $
-complete Boolean (
$\kappa $
-)extensive categories.
The Fiscal State in Africa: Evidence from a Century of Growth
Authors: Albers Thilo N.H. , Jerven Morten , Suesse Marvin
Published: December 2022

What is the level of state capacity in developing countries today, and what have been its drivers over the past century? We construct a comprehensive new data set of tax and revenue collection for forty-six African polities from 1900 to 2015. Our data show that polities in Africa have been characterized by strong growth in fiscal capacity on average, but that substantial heterogeneity exists. The empirical analysis reveals that canonical state-building factors such as democratic institutions and interstate warfare have limited power to explain these divergent growth paths. On the other hand, accounting for the relationship between African polities and the international environment—through the availability of external finance and the legacy of colonialism—is key to understanding their differing investments in fiscal capacity. These insights add important nuances to established theories of state building. Not only can the availability of external finance deter investment in fiscal capacity, but it also moderates the efficacy of canonical state-building factors.
Incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus for vestibular schwannoma: a systematic review
Authors: Sooby P , Huang X , Kontorinis G
Published: December 2022

Objective

Magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus is a highly sensitive and specific way to diagnose vestibular schwannoma. However, the rate of incidental findings with this method is believed to be high and can lead to increased patient anxiety and health interventions with unclear benefit.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify incidental findings from magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus; 12 studies were identified for inclusion within this review.

Results

A total of 10 666 patients were included within the review. The overall rate of diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma was 0.87 per cent; 21 per cent of the study population had incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus, and 9.56 per cent had clinically significant incidental findings.

Conclusion

Standardised pre-scan counselling may mitigate the risks of overdiagnosis, but future work should be undertaken to assess the benefits of such a strategy as well as the exact significance of some incidental findings.
Who Eats What, When and Where: A Qualitative Analysis of Gastronomic Behavior in Metropolitan New Orleans
Authors: Chubbuck James H. , Renwick Edward F.
Published: December 2022

Huey Long once described himself as sui generis. In the galaxy of American cities: New Orleans fits the same description. There is no other place like it — from the mania and madness of Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras, to the unbelievably hot, humid afternoons of late summer dozing on a bene in Jackson Square or watching the sails move in and out of the Lake Ponchartrain haze.

New Orleans is a city for the senses. The sight of a worn-out streetcar still clanking along under the oak trees of St. Charles Avenue. The smell of beer and whiskey and urine being washed down in the French Quarter by the 5 a.m. street cleaner. The moaning sound of a clarinet as it reaches out for “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.” And the taste of some of the best restaurant cooking in the country.

New Orleans also is a city par excellence of politics and politicians. Its political intrigues and range of personalities challenge the imagination. Louisiana has been described as the “westernmost of Arab States,” with New Orleans as its capitol. The zest and intensity with which the game of politics is played even overwhelms the natives from time to time.