bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracardiac MR imaging (ICMRI) guiding‐sheath with amplified expandable‐tip imaging and MR‐tracking for navigation and arrythmia ablation monitoring: Swine testing at 1.5 and 3T
Authors: Schmidt Ehud J. , Olson Gregory , Tokuda Junichi , Alipour Akbar , Watkins Ronald D. , Meyer Eric M. , Elahi Hassan , Stevenson William G. , Schweitzer Jeffrey , Dumoulin Charles L. , Johnson Thomas , Kolandaivelu Aravindan , Loew Wolfgang , Halperin Henry R.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Develop a deflectable intracardiac MR imaging (ICMRI) guiding‐sheath to accelerate imaging during MR‐guided electrophysiological (EP) interventions for radiofrequency (500 kHz) ablation (RFA) of arrythmia. Requirements include imaging at three to five times surface‐coil SNR in cardiac chambers, vascular insertion, steerable‐active‐navigation into cardiac chambers, operation with ablation catheters, and safe levels of MR‐induced heating.

Methods

ICMRI’s 6 mm outer‐diameter (OD) metallic‐braided shaft had a 2.6 mm OD internal lumen for ablation‐catheter insertion. Miniature‐Baluns (MBaluns) on ICMRI’s 1 m shaft reduced body‐coil‐induced heating. Distal section was a folded “star”‐shaped imaging‐coil mounted on an expandable frame, with an integrated miniature low‐noise‐amplifier overcoming cable losses. A handle‐activated movable‐shaft expanded imaging‐coil to 35 mm OD for imaging within cardiac‐chambers. Four MR‐tracking micro‐coils enabled navigation and motion‐compensation, assuming a tetrahedron‐shape when expanded. A second handle‐lever enabled distal‐tip deflection. ICMRI with a protruding deflectable EP catheter were used for MR‐tracked navigation and RFA using a dedicated 3D‐slicer user‐interface. ICMRI was tested at 3T and 1.5T in swine to evaluate (a) heating, (b) cardiac‐chamber access, (c) imaging field‐of‐view and SNR, and (d) intraprocedural RFA lesion monitoring.

Results

The 3T and 1.5T imaging SNR demonstrated >400% SNR boost over a 4 × 4 × 4 cm3 FOV in the heart, relative to body and spine arrays. ICMRI with MBaluns met ASTM/IEC heating limits during navigation. Tip‐deflection allowed navigating ICMRI and EP catheter into atria and ventricles. Acute‐lesion long‐inversion‐time‐T1‐weighted 3D‐imaging (TWILITE) ablation‐monitoring using ICMRI required 5:30 min, half the time needed with surface arrays alone.

Conclusion

ICMRI assisted EP‐catheter navigation to difficult targets and accelerated RFA monitoring.
Time, Skills and Networks: 3 Reasons Your Nonprofit Needs Gig Workers
Authors: Parekh Sima
Published: February 2022

Freelancer. Contractor. Flex worker. There are plenty of terms to describe the myriad of specialists who make up today's gig economy. Non‐standard workers choosing to forego the traditional employer–employee relationship in favor of a more flexible, project‐ or time‐based payment arrangement have been around for a long time. From writers to rideshare, finance to farming, almost every industry offers an opportunity for gig workers to thrive. And the benefits flow in both directions; without the need to supply employee benefits, equipment or designated office space, companies that bring on gig workers can often find the exact specialist they need without the additional costs associated with hiring a full‐time staffer
MR fingerprinting for semisolid magnetization transfer and chemical exchange saturation transfer quantification
Authors: Perlman Or , Farrar Christian T. , Heo Hye‐Young
Published: February 2022

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI has positioned itself as a promising contrast mechanism, capable of providing molecular information at sufficient resolution and amplified sensitivity. However, it has not yet become a routinely employed clinical technique, due to a variety of confounding factors affecting its contrast‐weighted image interpretation and the inherently long scan time. CEST MR fingerprinting (MRF) is a novel approach for addressing these challenges, allowing simultaneous quantitation of several proton exchange parameters using rapid acquisition schemes. Recently, a number of deep‐learning algorithms have been developed to further boost the performance and speed of CEST and semi‐solid macromolecule magnetization transfer (MT) MRF. This review article describes the fundamental theory behind semisolid MT/CEST‐MRF and its main applications. It then details supervised and unsupervised learning approaches for MRF image reconstruction and describes artificial intelligence (AI)‐based pipelines for protocol optimization. Finally, practical considerations are discussed, and future perspectives are given, accompanied by basic demonstration code and data.
Giving and going: US congregational participation in disaster response
Authors: Gazley Beth , Fulton Brad R. , Zebrowski Wesley Mlsna , King David P.
Published: February 2022

With the increase in the severity of natural disasters linked to climate change, the role religious congregations play in response is not well known, despite their substantial involvement in general charitable activity. Most disaster response research is event‐based, ex post, and not focused on religious institutions or donor capacity considerations. Data from the National Study of Congregational Economic Practices fill this gap. The findings indicate that in 2017, a substantial percentage of US congregations participated in disaster‐related charitable giving and volunteering. However, the profiles of participating congregations are nuanced and do not always follow prior theory. A congregation's religious tradition is less predictive than some might expect in the context of disasters. Consistent with open systems theory, we find that congregations' interorganizational networks and their proximity to disaster areas are better predictors of participating in disaster relief efforts. Based on our finding of robust congregational participation in disasters, we call for more integration of religious institutions in nonprofit disaster response research.
Theoretical study on excited state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of thiazole complex in different kinds of solvents
Authors: Liu Xiumin , Li Qingyue , Wang Conggang , Tian Jing , Fei Xu , Wang Yi , Wang Nan
Published: February 2022

The excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) processes of 3‐(benzo[d]‐ thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxybenzaldehyde (BTHMB) in four kinds of solvents were studied using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) method. As the solvent dielectric constant decreases, the strength of hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) in the excited state decreases. After photoexciation, the electron density rearrangement could be affected by the solvents, while the degree of charge transfer and the hydrogen bond interaction in the excited state became lower as the solvent dielectric constant decreased. The potential energy curves displayed the complete process of ESIPT, indicating that the ESIPT process of BTHMB was affected by the solvent polarity. When the solvent dielectric constant decreased, the tendency of proton transfer followed the trend: acetonitrile (ACN) > dichloromethane (DCM) > chloroform (CHCl3) > 1,4‐dioxane (DOX). Therefore, the ESIPT process was affected by the solvent polarity and became more difficult to occur as the solvent dielectric constant decreased.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel xanthine‐acrylamides and xanthine‐acrylates as insecticidal agents
Authors: Zhang Shuyun , Liu Hang , Yang Na , Xiong Lixia , Wang Baolei
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The design and discovery of novel pesticidal agents according to bioactive natural products is an important aspect of agrochemical innovation. New xanthine derivatives derived from natural xanthine or methylxanthines are rich resources that possess great potential to afford new active pesticidal molecules. Herein novel xanthine derivatives were designed through a strategy of combining the methylxanthine caffeine skeleton with the acrylamide or acrylate motif of cinnamic acid derivatives.

RESULTS

A series of novel (E)‐3‐(1,3,7‐trimethyl‐2,6‐dioxo‐2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H‐purin‐8‐yl)acrylic acid derivatives, caffeine‐(E)‐acrylamides and caffeine‐(E)‐acrylates, were synthesized and confirmed via melting points, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. A single crystal of compound I12 was obtained to illustrate the trans‐configuration of the vinyl double bond. Preliminary insecticidal evaluations showed that some of the compounds had favorable insecticidal potentials against Mythimna separata Walker at 200 mg L−1. Some of the compounds exhibited excellent insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella L. at low test concentrations, e.g. I18 and I24 with LC50 values of 0.0435 and 0.0133 mg L−1, respectively, were found to be more potent than the insecticide control triflumuron. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis is also given in detail.

CONCLUSION

Compounds I12, I18, I24 and I26 generated from the integration of natural methylxanthine (caffeine) and acrylate moieties could be novel insecticidal leading compounds for further structural optimization. The SAR analysis may bring a new inspiration to the extensive and deep investigations on new xanthine derivatives in the agrochemical area.
Cardamonin attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the HIF‐1α/VEGFA pathway
Authors: Ni Hongzao , Li Jinxiao , Zheng Jinyu , Zhou Botao
Published: February 2022

Cardamonin is a chalcone with neuroprotective activity. The aim of our study was to explore the functions and mechanism of action of cardamonin in ischemic stroke. Oxygen–glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R)‐induced human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model were utilized to mimic ischemic stroke. Cell viability was analyzed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide. Permeability was investigated via fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran assay. Apoptosis was detected by TdT‐Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling staining. Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) protein levels were measured using Western blotting. Brain injury was evaluated by 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, neurological score and brain water content. The 37 overlapping targets of ischemic stroke and cardamonin were predicted to be associated with the HIF‐1/VEGFA signaling. Cardamonin alleviated OGD/R‐induced viability reduction and increase of permeability and apoptosis in HBMECs. Cardamonin increased OGD/R‐induced activation of the HIF‐1α/VEGFA pathway. Inhibition of the HIF‐1α/VEGFA signaling using inhibitor relieved the effect of cardamonin on cell viability, permeability and apoptosis in HBMECs under OGD/R. Cardamonin mitigated brain injury and promoted activation of the HIF‐1α/VEGFA signaling in MCAO‐treated mice. Overall, cardamonin protected against OGD/R‐induced HBMEC damage and MACO‐induced brain injury through activating the HIF‐1α/VEGFA pathway.
Chromone‐Appended Zn(II) tRNA‐Targeted Potential Anticancer Chemotherapeutic Agent: Structural Details, in vitro ct‐DNA/tRNA Binding, Cytotoxicity Studies And Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Khursheed Salman , Zehra Siffeen , Riosnel Theirry , Tabassum Sartaj , Arjmand Farukh
Published: February 2022

A 3‐formyl‐chromone‐appended zinc(II) intercalator drug candidate of the formulation [bis(chromone)(H 2 O)2 Zn(II)] was prepared as a potent anticancer agent and thoroughly characterized by multi‐spectroscopic and single X‐ray crystallographic studies.   Preliminary binding studies of complex 1 with ct‐DNA/tRNA were carried out employing various complementary biophysical techniques and the corroborative results of these experiments suggested strong binding propensity via  intercalation binding mode towards ct‐DNA/tRNA  therapeutic targets, with higher preference for tRNA as quantified by  binding constant { K b , K and K sv } parameters. The cleavage studies with pBR322 DNA were performed which implied that 1 cleaved the DNA by hydrolytic cleavage pathway which was further validated by T4 religation assay. Moreover, 1  was found to exhibit the tRNA cleavage behavior in a concentration and time‐dependent manner. The cytotoxicity of complex 1 was evaluated against Huh‐7, DU‐145 and the PNT2 cell lines by MTT assay. A dose‐dependent growth inhibition of the Huh‐7 and DU‐145 cells at low micromolar concentrations was observed and in another set of experiments, lipid peroxidation & glutathione (GSH) depletion were induced in the presence of the tested drug candidate. Interestingly, drug candidate 1 demonstrated selective cytotoxic activity for the DU‐145 cancer cell line with LC50 value of 3.2 μM which was further visualized by confocal microscopy.
In‐Situ Stabilizing Nano‐Ag onto Nonwoven Fabrics via a Mussel‐Inspired Approach for Continuous‐Flow Catalysis Reduction of Organic Dyes
Authors: Sha Zhou , Fan Jiahui , Lu Jian , He Huan , Hong Bo , Fei Xiang , Zhu Meifang
Published: February 2022

A novel nonwoven‐fabric‐supported‐nano‐Ag (NWF/Ag) reactor was obtained via a mussel‐inspired in‐situ fabrication method. The resulting NWF/Ag features a high catalytic activity for the reduction reaction of organic dyes in the presence of sodium borohydride. More importantly, it is also feasible for the scale‐up catalysis in NWF/Ag‐assembled continuous‐flow reactors. Such a NWF/Ag catalyst preserves the fiber‐based three‐dimensional architecture to effectively drive the continuous‐flow catalysis reactions at unprecedented efficiency, benefiting from it the easy diffusion of dye molecules to access the active catalytic sites of nano‐Ag. Moreover, the resulting NWF/Ag composites can serve as versatile platforms to assemble continuous‐flow reactors in different shapes, sizes, and configurations to extend the catalysis applications. In this study, the catalytic reduction conversion of methylene blue can reach more than 98 % in 270 seconds using the NWF/Ag‐based channel‐type continuous‐flow reactor. It also preserves good catalytic reduction performance to other organic dyes, including methyl orange and acid orange 7. The NWF‐based platforms, combined with a rational designed approach of surface functionalization and hybridization, probably provide new insights into the catalytic reduction of organic dyes in a continuous‐flow way.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Tungstate Bimetallic Nanoparticles with Application in Electrocatalytic Determination of Paracetamol
Authors: Azizi Somayeh , Asadpour‐Zeynali Karim
Published: February 2022

In this work binary, cobalt‐nickel tungstate nanoparticles (CoNiWO4‐NPs) were electrochemically synthesized on glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemically synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized using different techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDX), and elemental distribution maps. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has also been used to determine the electrocatalytic properties of CoNiWO4 nanoparticles. The electrochemical behaviour of paracetamol was studied on a glassy carbon electrode modified with CoNiWO4‐NPs. This sensor exhibits excellent electrocatalytic properties for the oxidation of paracetamol and can be successfully used to determine paracetamol in various samples, including paracetamol tablets and syrup.
Copper Azide Nanoparticle‐Encapsulating MOF‐Derived Porous Carbon: Electrochemical Preparation for High‐Performance Primary Explosive Film
Authors: Yu Chunpei , Zhang Wenchao , Xian Mingchun , Wang Jiaxin , Chen Junhong , Chen Yajie , Shi Wei , Yang Gexing , Ye Jiahai , Ma Kefeng , Zhu Junwu
Published: February 2022

It is highly desired but still remains challenging to design a primary explosive‐based nanoparticle‐encapsulated conductive skeleton for the development of powerful yet safe energetic films employed in miniaturized explosive systems. Herein, a proof‐of‐concept electrochemical preparation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derived porous carbon embedding copper‐based azide (Cu(N3)2 or CuN3, CA) nanoparticles on copper substrate is described. A Cu‐based MOF, i.e., Cu‐BTC is fabricated based on anodized Cu(OH)2 nanorods, as a template, to achieve CA/C film through pyrolysis and electrochemical azidation. Such a CA/C film, which is woven by numerous ultrafine nanofibers, favorably demonstrates excellent energy release (945–2090 J g‐1), tunable electrostatic sensitivity (0.22–1.39 mJ), and considerable initiation ability. The performance is superior to most reported primary explosives, since the CA nanoparticles contribute to high brisance and the protection of the porous carbon network. Notably, the growth mechanism of the CA/C film is further disclosed by detailed experimental investigation and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. This work will offer new insight to design and develop a CA‐based primary explosive film for applications in advanced explosive systems.
Understanding software architecture erosion: A systematic mapping study
Authors: Li Ruiyin , Liang Peng , Soliman Mohamed , Avgeriou Paris
Published: February 2022

Architecture erosion (AEr) can adversely affect software development and has received significant attention in the last decade. However, there is an absence of a comprehensive understanding of the state of research about the reasons and consequences of AEr, and the countermeasures to address AEr. This work aims at systematically investigating, identifying, and analyzing the reasons, consequences, and ways of detecting and handling AEr. With 73 studies included, the main results are as follows: (1) AEr manifests not only through architectural violations and structural issues but also causing problems in software quality and during software evolution; (2) non‐technical reasons that cause AEr should receive the same attention as technical reasons, and practitioners should raise awareness of the grave consequences of AEr, thereby taking actions to tackle AEr‐related issues; (3) a spectrum of approaches, tools, and measures has been proposed and employed to detect and tackle AEr; and (4) three categories of difficulties and five categories of lessons learned on tackling AEr were identified. The results can provide researchers a comprehensive understanding of AEr and help practitioners handle AEr and improve the sustainability of their architecture. More empirical studies are required to investigate the practices of detecting and addressing AEr in industrial settings.
Treatment of an aneurysmal bone cyst in a young dog: A case report
Authors: Olimpo Matteo , Del Magno Sara , Morello Emanuela , Lenarduzzi Giulio , Buracco Paolo , Piras Lisa Adele
Published: February 2022

Background

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare benign lytic lesion affecting the medullary canal of long bones. It has been widely reported in human medicine, but rarely described in domestic animals.

Objective

To report the surgical treatment and long term follow‐up of a dog affected by ABC.

Methods

An 8‐month‐old, intact female Weimaraner was presented with lameness affecting the left front limb and progressive swelling of the mid‐distal radius. Survey radiographs revealed a mid‐distal diaphyseal radial lesion. Fine needle aspirates, biopsy, CT scan and histopathology results supported the diagnosis of ABC. Treatment consisted of partial corticotomy of the affected radius, filling of the cystic cavity with demineralised bone matrix and autologous bone graft and stabilisation using lag screws and a neutralisation plate.

Results

The long‐term follow‐up, at 36 post‐operative months, showed no recurrence of the cyst and bone modelling. Comparing preoperative radiographs with those at 36 months, bone modelling reduced the radial area by 23.3% in the craniocaudal radiographic view and 30% in the mediolateral projection.

Conclusions

This treatment was sucessful in the case here described, with a 3 years follow‐up.
Infectious coryza in a grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) recovered from captivity
Authors: Nsengimana Olivier , Habarugira Gervais , Ojok Lonzy , Ruhagazi Deo , Kayitare Albert , Shyaka Anselme
Published: February 2022

We report Avibacterium paragallinarum and Klebsiella pneumoniae coinfection in a grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum). The crane was recovered from illegal captivity and released at a grey crowned crane (GCC) rehabilitation facility located at Akagera National Park in Rwanda. One year after being transferred, the bird presented with clinical signs suggesting a respiratory disease. Those signs included severe dyspnoea with mouth breathing, sneezing and nasal discharge. The crane was put on a 3‐day treatment with antibiotics (ceftiofur 200 mg/ml at 50 mg/kg intramuscularly) and anti‐inflammatory drug (meloxicam, intramuscular injection at a dose of 2 mg/kg), after which the crane seemed to have recovered. A month later, the same crane presented similar clinical signs and was treated with enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg intramuscularly. Despite the treatment, the crane died 19 h later. At necropsy, adhesive air sacculitis and hydroperitoneum were observed, and a reddish fluid in air sacs and in the abdominal cavity was found. Also, a marked hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were observed. Samples were collected for laboratory examination. Molecular tests done on the tracheal and cloacal swabs revealed A. paragallinarum and K. pneumoniae, respectively. This is the first case of A. paragallinarum and K. pneumoniae coinfection reported in a grey crowned crane. Our study contributes to knowledge on the ecological distribution of both these pathogens in wild birds. It provides an opportunity to investigate further the clinical significance of infectious coryza in Rwanda's wild and domestic birds.
Spin structures and AdS4 holography
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Bomans Pieter
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We study the importance of spin structures as defining data for 11d supergravity backgrounds of the form AdS4 × S7/Zk with a free orbifold action. For a generic choice of the orbifold action, there is only one spin structure that preserves invariant Killing spinors. There are, however, orbifold actions that allow for more than one spin structure with preserved Killing spinors. In these cases the two different spin structures should lead to distinct holographically dual 3d SCFTs with different amounts of supersymmetry. We illustrate this phenomenon by studying the KK spectrum of 11d supergravity on AdS4 × S7/Z4. For one choice of spin structure this background is dual to the 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 ABJM theory at level k = 4. For the alternative choice of spin structure our results suggest that the holographic dual is a different 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFT and we discuss some of its properties.
Holevo information and ensemble theory of gravity
Authors: Qi Xiao-Liang , Shangnan Zhou , Yang Zhenbin
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Holevo information is an upper bound for the accessible classical information of an ensemble of quantum states. In this work, we use Holevo information to investigate the ensemble theory interpretation of quantum gravity. We study the Holevo information in random tensor network states, where the random parameters are the random tensors at each vertex. Based on the results in random tensor network models, we propose a conjecture on the holographic bulk formula of the Holevo information in the gravity case. As concrete examples of holographic systems, we compute the Holevo information in the ensemble of thermal states and thermo-field double states in the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model. The results are consistent with our conjecture.
Inhibition of neurogenic contractions in renal arteries and of cholinergic contractions in coronary arteries by the presumed inhibitor of ADP-ribosylation factor 6, NAV2729
Authors: Huang Ru , Li Bingsheng , Tamalunas Alexander , Waidelich Raphaela , Stief Christian G. , Hennenberg Martin
Published: February 2022

NAV2729 is a presumed inhibitor of the monomeric GTPase ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) and inhibits smooth muscle contraction outside the cardiovascular system. Its effects on vascular smooth muscle contraction or a possible role of ARF6 in vasocontraction have not yet been examined. Here, we report effects of NAV2729 on neurogenic and agonist-induced contractions in renal interlobar and coronary arteries. Contractions of pig interlobar and coronary arteries were induced in an organ bath by agonists or by electric field stimulation (EFS). Owing to divergent characteristics of both vessel types, EFS-induced contractions were only examined in interlobar arteries, and contractions by agonists acting on muscarinic receptors only in coronary arteries. NAV2729 inhibited frequency-dependent EFS-induced contractions of interlobar arteries. The degree of inhibition was similar using 5 µM and 10 µM NAV2729. Inhibition of EFS-induced contractions was resistant to a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and to diclofenac. The neurogenic and adrenergic character of EFS-induced contractions was confirmed by inhibition by tetrodotoxin and prazosin. In coronary arteries, NAV2729 (5 µM) inhibited concentration-dependent contractions induced by carbachol and methacholine. Contractions induced by α1-adrenergic agonists, endothelin-1, the thromboxane receptor agonist U46619, or serotonin remained unchanged by NAV2729 in both vessel types. NAV2729 inhibits neurogenic contractions in interlobar arteries and contractions induced by cholinergic agonists in coronary arteries. In both vessel types, NAV2729 does not inhibit contractions induced by receptor agonists other than those acting on muscarinic receptors. Addressing effects in other vessels and in other smooth muscle–rich organs merits further attention.
Ambidexterity in chromatic homotopy theory
Authors: Carmeli Shachar , Schlank Tomer M. , Yanovski Lior
Published: February 2022

We extend the theory of ambidexterity developed by M. J. Hopkins and J. Lurie and show that the $$\infty $$
∞
-categories of $$T\!\left( n\right) $$

T

n

-local spectra are $$\infty $$
∞
-semiadditive for all n, where $$T\!\left( n\right) $$

T

n

is the telescope on a $$v_{n}$$

v
n

-self map of a type n spectrum. This generalizes and provides a new proof for the analogous result of Hopkins–Lurie on $$K\!\left( n\right) $$

K

n

-local spectra. Moreover, we show that $$K\!\left( n\right) $$

K

n

-local and $$T\!\left( n\right) $$

T

n

-local spectra are respectively, the minimal and maximal 1-semiadditive localizations of spectra with respect to a homotopy ring, and that all such localizations are in fact $$\infty $$
∞
-semiadditive. As a consequence, we deduce that several different notions of “bounded chromatic height” for homotopy rings are equivalent, and in particular, that $$T\!\left( n\right) $$

T

n

-homology of $$\pi $$
π
-finite spaces depends only on the nth Postnikov truncation. A key ingredient in the proof of the main result is a construction of a certain power operation for commutative ring objects in stable 1-semiadditive $$\infty $$
∞
-categories. This is closely related to some known constructions for Morava E-theory and is of independent interest. Using this power operation we also give a new proof, and a generalization, of a nilpotence conjecture of J. P. May, which was proved by A. Mathew, N. Naumann, and J. Noel.
Ecological and environmental predictors of escape among birds on a large tropical island
Authors: Ekanayake Kasun B. , Gnanapragasam Jonathan Jebamaithran , Ranawana Kithsiri , Vidanapathirana Dulan Ranga , Abeyawardhana U. Tiran , Fernando Chandima , McQueen Alexandra , Weston Michael A. , Symonds Matthew R. E.
Published: February 2022

Ecological and environmental traits can influence avian escape behaviour but most data underpinning our current understanding relates to continental and temperate areas and species. We conducted a phylogenetically controlled comparative analysis of flight-initiation distance (FID) against a variety of environmental, behavioural and life history attributes for Sri Lankan birds (202 species; n = 2540). As with other studies, body mass was positively associated with FID, and longer FIDs occurred in areas where human population density was lower. We also found that the effect of human population density was more pronounced in larger birds. Birds that were in groups when approached tended to have longer FIDs. Unlike the findings of other comparative analyses, based mostly on continental, temperate populations, most other ecological variables did not feature in the best models predicting FID (time of year, breeding system, clutch size, habitat, migratory behaviour, development [altricial/precocial], elevation and diet). Thus, some associations (body mass and exposure to humans) may be universal, while others may not manifest themselves among tropical avifaunas. Further tropical datasets are required to confirm truly universal associations of environmental and ecological attributes and escape distances among birds.

Significance statement

Escape responses in birds are influenced by the environment in which they live, the conditions under which they face a threat and their own biological characteristics. The vast majority of our knowledge of avian escape behaviour is derived from continental, temperate species. We examined the environmental and ecological factors that shape flight-initiation distance (FID), the distance at which a bird reacts to an approaching threat (a walking human) by escaping, using 2540 observations of 202 bird species on a large tropical island—Sri Lanka. Several predictors of FIDs in birds are clearly influential for Sri Lankan birds: body mass, human population density and whether the bird is alone or in as group. However, many other putative predictors are not, suggesting that tropical island avifaunas may have different responses to approaching threats compared to their temperate continental counterparts.
A review of the effects of incubation conditions on hatchling phenotypes in non-squamate reptiles
Authors: Gatto Christopher R. , Reina Richard D.
Published: February 2022

Developing embryos of oviparous reptiles show substantial plasticity in their responses to environmental conditions during incubation, which can include altered sex ratios, morphology, locomotor performance and hatching success. While recent research and reviews have focused on temperature during incubation, emerging evidence suggests other environmental variables are also important in determining hatchling phenotypes. Understanding how the external environment influences development is important for species management and requires identifying how environmental variables exert their effects individually, and how they interact to affect developing embryos. To address this knowledge gap, we review the literature on phenotypic responses in oviparous non-squamate (i.e., turtles, crocodilians and tuataras) reptile hatchlings to temperature, moisture, oxygen concentration and salinity. We examine how these variables influence one another and consider how changes in each variable alters incubation conditions and thus, hatchling phenotypes. We explore how incubation conditions drive variation in hatchling phenotypes and influence adult populations. Finally, we highlight knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions.
A damage phase-field model for fractional viscoelastic materials in finite strain
Authors: da Costa-Haveroth T. C. , Haveroth G. A. , Bittencourt M. L. , Boldrini J. L.
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a thermodynamically consistent phase-field damage model for viscoelastic materials following the strategy developed by Boldrini et al. (Methods Appl Mech Eng 312:395–427, 2016). Suitable free-energy and pseudo-potentials of dissipation are developed to build a model leading to a stress-strain relation, under the assumption of finite strain, in terms of fractional derivatives. A novel degradation function, which properly couples stress response and damage evolution for viscoelastic materials, is proposed. We obtain a set of differential equations that accounts for the evolution of motion, damage, and temperature. In the present work, for simplicity, this model is numerically solved for isothermal cases by using a semi-implicit/explicit scheme. Several numerical tests, including fitting with experimental data, show that the developed model accounts appropriately for damage in viscoelastic materials for small and finite strains. Non-isothermal numerical simulations will be considered in future works.
Unbiased decision making in location-routing problems with uncertain customer demands
Authors: De Maio Annarita , Musmanno Roberto , Vocaturo Francesca
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we focus on a location-routing problem (LRP) in the dairy industry. This problem consists of locating a cold storage warehouse, from which vehicles of limited capacity are dispatched to serve a given number of supermarkets with uncertain service requirements, and determining the order of supermarkets served by each vehicle. First, the LRP is solved by using a classical approach based on a deterministic model where the service requirements, i.e. customer demands, are defined through sample means. Second, we propose an indifference zone approach to the LRP. The indifference zone procedures are specific ranking and selection methods aimed at selecting the best option from a set of alternative configurations. In particular, they attempt to guarantee the probability of correct choice, while minimising the computational effort. The numerical results presented in the paper highlight the risk of biased decision making when mere sample means are used in a deterministic model. In addition, they show the effectiveness of indifference zone approaches to the dairy products distribution activity.
The acoustic bases of human voice identity processing in dogs
Authors: Gábor Anna , Kaszás Noémi , Faragó Tamás , Pérez Fraga Paula , Lovas Melinda , Andics Attila
Published: February 2022

Speech carries identity-diagnostic acoustic cues that help individuals recognize each other during vocal–social interactions. In humans, fundamental frequency, formant dispersion and harmonics-to-noise ratio serve as characteristics along which speakers can be reliably separated. The ability to infer a speaker’s identity is also adaptive for members of other species (like companion animals) for whom humans (as owners) are relevant. The acoustic bases of speaker recognition in non-humans are unknown. Here, we tested whether dogs can recognize their owner’s voice and whether they rely on the same acoustic parameters for such recognition as humans use to discriminate speakers. Stimuli were pre-recorded sentences spoken by the owner and control persons, played through loudspeakers placed behind two non-transparent screens (with each screen hiding a person). We investigated the association between acoustic distance of speakers (examined along several dimensions relevant in intraspecific voice identification) and dogs’ behavior. Dogs chose their owner’s voice more often than that of control persons’, suggesting that they can identify it. Choosing success and time spent looking in the direction of the owner’s voice were positively associated, showing that looking time is an index of the ease of choice. Acoustic distance of speakers in mean fundamental frequency and jitter were positively associated with looking time, indicating that the shorter the acoustic distance between speakers with regard to these parameters, the harder the decision. So, dogs use these cues to discriminate their owner’s voice from unfamiliar voices. These findings reveal that dogs use some but probably not all acoustic parameters that humans use to identify speakers. Although dogs can detect fine changes in speech, their perceptual system may not be fully attuned to identity-diagnostic cues in the human voice.
Prediction of transcription factors associated with DNA demethylation during human cellular development
Authors: Miyajima Yurina , Noguchi Shuhei , Tanaka Yuki , Li Jing-Ru , Nishimura Hajime , Kishima Mami , Lim Joanne , Furuhata Erina , Suzuki Takahiro , Kasukawa Takeya , Suzuki Harukazu
Published: February 2022

DNA methylation of CpG dinucleotides is an important epigenetic modification involved in the regulation of mammalian gene expression, with each type of cell developing a specific methylation profile during its differentiation. Recently, it has been shown that a small subgroup of transcription factors (TFs) might promote DNA demethylation at their binding sites. We developed a bioinformatics pipeline to predict from genome-wide DNA methylation data TFs that promote DNA demethylation at their binding site. We applied the pipeline to International Human Epigenome Consortium methylome data and selected 393 candidate transcription factor binding motifs and associated 383 TFs that are likely associated with DNA demethylation. Validation of a subset of the candidate TFs using an in vitro assay suggested that 28 of 49 TFs from various TF families had DNA-demethylation-promoting activity; TF families, such as bHLH and ETS, contained both TFs with and without the activity. The identified TFs showed large demethylated/methylated CpG ratios and their demethylated CpGs showed significant bias toward hypermethylation in original cells. Furthermore, the identified TFs promoted demethylation of distinct sets of CpGs, with slight overlap of the targeted CpGs among TF family members, which was consistent with the results of a gene ontology (GO) term analysis of the identified TFs. Gene expression analysis of the identified TFs revealed that multiple TFs from various families are specifically expressed in human cells and tissues. Together, our results suggest that a large number of TFs from various TF families are associated with cell-type-specific DNA demethylation during human cellular development.
Institutional Response to Trafficking in Human Beings in Spain: Are All Victims Equally Protected?
Authors: Villacampa Carolina , Torres Clàudia , Miranda Xavier
Published: February 2022

Trafficking in human beings is closely related to the cross-border movements of people and smuggling of migrants. However, the victim-centred regulatory approach to this reality internationally adopted places the protection of victims’ human rights at the centre and demands an institutional response focused on their detection and protection. In order to determine whether this type of approach is being adopted in Spain, an online survey was conducted of 150 bodies, units and organisations that may have come into contact with such victims. The research results make it possible to determine how cases of trafficking are brought to light and which bodies are most effective at detecting them. They also offer information about the type of assistance offered to victims and the protection measures provided for under immigration law that are used depending on the type of trafficking suffered. These findings confirm that the institutional response to trafficking in human beings in Spain remains too focused on the trafficking of foreign women for sexual exploitation. Alternatives are proposed to overcome this highly biased response to the phenomenon.
Young People, Antisocial Behavior and Unemployment: Toward a Trans-Disciplinary Analysis of Criminalization
Authors: Fergusson Ross
Published: February 2022

This article considers the diverse use of the concept of criminalization in criminological and socio-legal analyses, the meanings attached to it, and the differentiated modes and manifestations of the processes of criminalization in the United Kingdom. It draws together the contributions of both disciplines (criminology and socio-legal studies) to extend understanding and theorization of the concept of criminalization, and it applies them to antisocial behavior legislation and unemployment policy concerning young people. The article identifies three distinctive modes of criminalization—illegalizing, impelling and imputing—through which the criminalization of targeted young people is realized. The article argues that criminological assessments and theorizations of criminalization and assessments developed in socio-legal studies have largely developed independently. It considers the prospects for a trans-disciplinary approach to criminalization in theory and in practice that would attempt to build on complementarities between the critiques developed by both disciplines, and it identifies possibilities for synthesizing their insights.
“I’ll Choose My Own Way”: Delinquent Girls and Boys in Search of Gender Hegemony
Authors: Weil Armelle
Published: February 2022

This article analyzes juvenile delinquency through the concept of “gender projects.” It argues that delinquency makes the embodiment of specific masculinities and femininities possible, and thereby contributes to “gender achievement” (or “gender accomplishment”). Drawing on in-depth interviews conducted with Swiss juvenile offenders and using Raewyn Connell’s (1987, 1995) notion of “hegemonic masculinity,” this article examines “gender projects” that boys and girls pursue through a variety of offenses and trajectories in the criminal justice system. By inscribing the youth’s delinquent trajectories in social space and by paying attention to the intersection of power relations they face, this article discusses how delinquency can be a tactic to sustain, produce or overcome gender hegemony.
On the Equivalence of Causal Propagators of the Dirac Equation in Vacuum-Destabilising External Fields
Authors: Beesley Jonathan J.
Published: February 2022

In QED, an external electromagnetic field can be accounted for non-perturbatively by replacing the causal propagators used in Feynman diagram calculations with Green’s functions for the Dirac equation under the external field. If the external field destabilises the vacuum, then it is a difficult problem to determine which Green’s function is appropriate, and multiple approaches have been developed in the literature whose equivalence, in many cases, is not clear. In this paper, we demonstrate for a broad class of external fields that includes all that act for a finite time, that four Green’s functions used in the literature are equivalent: Schwinger’s “proper-time” propagator; the “causal propagator” used in the “Bogoliubov transformation” method based on the canonical quantization of the field operator; and two defined using analytic continuation from complexified parameters. To do so, we formulate Schwinger’s “proper-time quantum mechanics" as a Schrödinger wave mechanics, and use this to re-derive Schwinger’s expression for the propagator as a statement relating solutions of the inhomogeneous Dirac equation to those of the inhomogeneous “proper-time Dirac equation”. This is done by constructing direct integral spectral decompositions of the Hamiltonians of both equations, and deriving a form for solutions of the inhomogeneous Dirac equation in terms of these decompositions. We then show that all four propagators return solutions of the inhomogeneous Dirac equation that satisfy the same boundary condition, which under a physically reasonable assumption is sufficient to specify the solution uniquely.
A model-based approach to generating annotated pressure support waveforms
Authors: van Diepen A. , Bakkes T. H. G. F. , De Bie A. J. R. , Turco S. , Bouwman R. A. , Woerlee P. H. , Mischi M.
Published: February 2022

Large numbers of asynchronies during pressure support ventilation cause discomfort and higher work of breathing in the patient, and are associated with an increased mortality. There is a need for real-time decision support to detect asynchronies and assist the clinician towards lung-protective ventilation. Machine learning techniques have been proposed to detect asynchronies, but they require large datasets with sufficient data diversity, sample size, and quality for training purposes. In this work, we propose a method for generating a large, realistic and labeled, synthetic dataset for training and validating machine learning algorithms to detect a wide variety of asynchrony types. We take a model-based approach in which we adapt a non-linear lung-airway model for use in a diverse patient group and add a first-order ventilator model to generate labeled pressure, flow, and volume waveforms of pressure support ventilation. The model was able to reproduce basic measured lung mechanics parameters. Experienced clinicians were not able to differentiate between the simulated waveforms and clinical data (P = 0.44 by Fisher’s exact test). The detection performance of the machine learning trained on clinical data gave an overall comparable true positive rate on clinical data and on simulated data (an overall true positive rate of 94.3% and positive predictive value of 93.5% on simulated data and a true positive rate of 98% and positive predictive value of 98% on clinical data). Our findings demonstrate that it is possible to generate labeled pressure and flow waveforms with different types of asynchronies.
Technical efficiency and firm heterogeneity in stochastic frontier models: application to smallholder maize farms in Ethiopia
Authors: Oumer Ali M. , Mugera Amin , Burton Michael , Hailu Atakelty
Published: February 2022

This study estimates the technical efficiency measures of maize producing farm households in Ethiopia using stochastic frontier (SF) panel models that take different approaches to model firm heterogeneity. The efficiency measures are found to vary depending on how the estimation model treats both unobserved and observed firm heterogeneity. Estimates from the ‘true’ random effects (TRE) models that treat firm effects as heterogeneity are found to be identical to those from pooled SF models. Those results differ from the ones generated from the basic random effects (RE) models that treat firm effects as part of overall technical inefficiency. The more flexible generalised ‘true’ random effects (GTRE) model that splits the error term into firm effects, persistent inefficiency, transient inefficiency, and a random noise component indicates the presence of higher levels of persistent inefficiency than transient inefficiency. The basic truncated-normal RE model and heteroscedastic RE model yields similar efficiency estimates. The GTRE model predict persistent efficiency measures similar to those from the basic RE and flexible RE model with environmental variables incorporated in the variance function as well as in the deterministic production frontier. These results imply that the RE and GTRE panel models provide reliable efficiency estimates for our data compared to the TRE models. All the estimated SF models generate comparable production function parameters in terms of magnitude and sign. Overall, the results underscore the importance of scrutinising stochastic frontier models for their reliability of analytical results before drawing policy inferences.