bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New governing equations for fluid dynamics
Authors: Liu Chaoqun , Liu Zhining
Published: November 2021

The difference in the governing equation between inviscid and viscous flows is the introduction of viscous terms. Traditional Navier–Stokes (NS) equations define stress based on Stokes’s assumptions. In NS equations, stress is supposedly proportional to strain, and both strain and stress tensors are symmetric. There are several questions with NS equations, which include the following: 1. Both symmetric shear terms and stretching terms in strain and stress are coordinate-dependent and thus not Galilean invariant. 2. The physical meaning of both diagonal and off-diagonal elements is not clear, which is coordinate-dependent. 3. It is hard to measure strain and stress quantitatively, and viscosity is really measured by vorticity, not by symmetric strain. 4. There is no vorticity tensor in NS equations, which plays an important role in fluid flow, especially for turbulent flow. The newly proposed governing equations for fluid dynamics use the vorticity tensor only, which is anti-symmetric. The advantages include the following: 1. Both shear and stress are anti-symmetric, which are Galilean invariants and independent of coordinate rotation. 2. The physical meaning of off-diagonal elements is clear, which is anti-symmetric shear stress. 3. Viscosity coefficients are obtained by experiments, which use vorticity. 4. The vorticity term can be further decomposed into rigid rotation and anti-symmetric shear, which are important to turbulence research. 5. The computation cost for the viscous term is reduced to half as the diagonal terms are all zero and six elements are reduced to three. Several computational examples are tested, which clearly demonstrate both NS and new governing equations have exactly the same results. As shown below, the new governing equation is identical to NS equations in mathematics, but the new one has lower cost and the several advantages mentioned above, including the possibility to study turbulent flow better. It is recommended to use the new governing equation instead of NS equations. The unique definition and operation of vectors and tensors by matrix and matrix operation are also discussed in this paper.
Reactivation of unaccusative and unergative verbs in Mandarin
Authors: Lin Yowyu
Published: November 2021

Intransitives can be classified into two subclasses: unaccusative verbs and unergative verbs. According to the Unaccusative Hypothesis, the difference between unaccusatives and unergatives lies in where the single argument is generated in the underlying syntactic structure. Subjects of unaccusative verbs are base-generated in the object position and moved to the subject positions. Subjects of unergative verbs, however, are external and thus are not resulted from arguments moving from the object position. If the Unaccusative Hypothesis is correct, a trace is left at the original place for unaccusative verbs when movement occurs but no trace for unergative verbs. Friedmann et al. (2008) used the cross-modal lexical priming paradigm to examine the Unaccusative Hypothesis but their results could only lend limited support for the Unaccusative Hypothesis. Since the argument of Mandarin unaccusative verbs can occur preverbally and postverbally, it offers us a balanced testing ground to re-examine reactivation during sentence comprehension. Results of the current study lend support for the Unaccusative Hypothesis. When the argument occurred preverbally, a V-shaped line was observed. An inverted V-shaped line was observed when the argument occurred postverbally. For unergative verbs, the line showed a decay of reactivation.
The trappings of order
Authors: Oenbring Raymond , Klumm Matthias
Published: November 2021

This study builds off of previous research into Caribbean Standard Englishes (which has largely used newspaper genres) by comparing the rates of features found in corpora of Bahamian, Jamaican, British, and American administrative writing, paying particular attention to whether and how the noted formality of Caribbean Standard Englishes manifests itself in administrative writing. The study employs expanded versions of ICE administrative subcorpora for the analysis. Features analyzed include lexis, orthography, as well as different morphosyntactic constructions such as be-passives and modals of obligation and necessity. The study finds that the contemporary British administrative writing corpus contains the most informal lexical choice of the national corpora studied, problematizing a Caribbean folk narrative that associates formality in administrative language and practice with Britishness.
The sociolinguistic city
Authors: Johnstone Barbara
Published: November 2021

What might we learn if sociolinguists’ objects of study were cities rather than speech communities within cities? Drawing on urban sociology, I suggest that we think of a city as a site of encounter among different sociolinguistic worlds. This would force us to confront heterogeneity, to ask how and when disparate linguistic resources, language ideologies, and communicative practices bump up against each other and impinge on each other. We would have to consider urban mobilities and their sociolinguistic consequences. We would also need to rethink how sociolinguistic practices circulate in non-face-to-face contexts, asking about the role of material artifacts in this process. I illustrate each of these points with examples from my and others’ research.
Ascochyta koolunga
. [Distribution map].
Authors: CABI  , EPPO
Published: November 2021

A new distribution map is provided for
Ascochyta koolunga
(Davidson et al.) Hou, Cai and Crous (Dothideomycetes: Didymellaceae: Pleosporales). Host: field pea (
Pisum sativum
). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Oceania (Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia).
Meloidogyne marylandi
. [Distribution map].
Authors: CABI  , EPPO
Published: November 2021

A new distribution map is provided for
Meloidogyne marylandi
Jepson and Golden. Chromodorea: Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae. Hosts: turfgrasses, including Bermuda grass (
Cynodon dactylon
) and Zoysiagrass (
Zoysia japonica
). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Asia (Israel, Japan, Kyushu, Korea Republic) and North America (Costa Rica, USA, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah).
Evaluation of the tribological properties of two PEEKs sliding against Al2O3, WC and DLC coatings under dry friction and water lubrication
Authors: Lin Bin , Zou Hongbo , Meng Yaqi , Sui Tianyi , Yan Shuai
Published: November 2021

The tribology performance of two carbon fiber-reinforced polyether-ether-ketones (450FC30 and WG101) sliding against stainless steel 3Cr13 and 3Cr13 coated with aluminium oxide (Al2O3), tungsten carbide (WC) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) under dry friction and water lubrication were studied to reduce the coefficient of friction and improve the wear resistance of water-lubricated bearings. The friction and wear mechanism of different tribopairs were determined via pin-on-disc sliding tests. Experimental results showed that the WG101/Al2O3 tribopair exhibited excellent wear resistance under dry friction and water lubrication. Carbon fibers were exposed on the friction surface of WG101 when WG101 slid against Al2O3. These carbon fibers bore most of the load to reduce wear. This work provides a practical basis for selecting the optimal tribopair for water-lubricated bearings.
Improvement of tool life of a commercial drill bits by cryogenic treatment while machining widmanstatten Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Sert Abdullah , Çakir Fatih Hayati
Published: November 2021

In this study, the performance of Ø 8 mm WC-Co (10%) drill bits with a TiAlN coating was tested for machining of Ti6Al4V alloy with a Widmanstatten structure. In order to improve the tool life, cutting tools were subjected to deep cryogenic treatment. In total, three groups of tools were prepared for this study. The first group was used for reference as the supplied state; the second group was subjected to 24 h deep cryogenic treatment at −196 °C, and the third group was subjected to 24 h deep cryogenic at −196 °C, additionally was tempered 2 h at 200 °C. Machining experiments were done by drilling and a set of 60 holes were drilled with each drill bit, and tool wear were observed and recorded with a stereo microscope. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were carried on to understand the tool wear better. The microhardness of Cryo-treated and tempered cutting tools hardness increased up to 20 Hv (about 1%), and the toughness value did not change significantly. Cutting performance was observed by measuring the cutting forces during drilling experiments. According to these results, deep cryogenic treatment on WC-Co-based inserts decreased cutting forces by approximately 7% compared to the reference drill bit, which affected the cutting tool life. The dominant wear mechanism was Built-up edge (BUE) formation, and cryo-treatment lowered the BUE amount 8% and cryo-treated and tempered drill bit 45% compared to the reference drill bit.
Black phosphorus phase retarder based on anisotropic refractive index dispersion
Authors: Lee Seong-Yeon , Yee Ki-Ju
Published: November 2021

Black phosphorus (BP) has gained wide interest as a promising layered material for its unique physical properties. In particular, the anisotropic optical property of BP can act as a retarder or a polarizer in nano-optoelectronic devices, for which quantitative qualification of the phase retardation and the anisotropic refractive index dispersion are essential. Here, we report the anisotropic refractive index and extinction coefficient dispersions of BP in the visible and near infrared range of 540–1500 nm, and then characterize optical phase retardation in a BP flake. Cauchy absorbent equations are provided for the refractive index dispersions along both armchair and zigzag directions, which well reproduce the experimentally measured reflectance and transmittance contrast spectra of BP flakes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a linear polarized light through BP becomes elliptical, a finding that agrees well with simulation results using the obtained anisotropic refractive index dispersions. The two-dimensional phase retarder in this work is expected to find various applications in novel polarization-sensitive nano-optoelectronic devices.
Investigations of the size distribution and magnetic properties of nanoparticles of Cu2OSeO3
Authors: Holt S J R , Štefančič A , Loudon J C , Lees M R , Balakrishnan G
Published: November 2021

Skyrmions in confined geometries have been a subject of increasing interest due to the different properties that they exhibit compared to their bulk counterparts. In this study, nanoparticles of skyrmion-hosting Cu2OSeO3 have been synthesised using a precipitation method followed by thermal treatment. This enables us to produce nanoparticles whose mean size varies from tens of nanometers to a few micrometers by varying the temperature and duration of the thermal decomposition of the precursor. These sizes span the ∼63 nm diameter of skyrmions in Cu2OSeO3, allowing investigations into how the magnetic state changes when the size of the geometrical confinement is similar to and smaller than the size of an isolated magnetic skyrmion. AC susceptibility measurements performed on nanoparticles with a size distribution from 15 to 250 nm show a change in the magnetic phase diagram compared to bulk Cu2OSeO3.
Hemi-ellipsoidal microlensed fiber based on polishing and polymer technology
Authors: Boulaiche Nadjiba , Rochard Philippe , Guessoum Assia , Demagh Nacer-Eddine , Thual Monique
Published: November 2021

This paper represents a development of a new advanced technology to fabricate and characterize micro-collimators with hemi-ellipsoidal microlenses at single-mode fibers outputs. The proposed method utilizes the controlled mechanical micromachining technique based on the variation of the speed of the fiber around its axis in both X and Y directions followed by the injection of a quantity of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form the hemi-ellipsoidal microlenses. The experimental results show that this technique allows to obtain a wide variety of ellipticity diameters ratios from 0.68 to 0.84. An elliptical ratio of radii of curvature Ry/Rx in a range of 0.51 at 0.86 is also obtained. In this investigation a mode field diameters MFD in an interval between 3.26 μm and 9.93 μm have been realized. The measurement results demonstrate that the proposed technology allows to fabricate hemi-ellipsoidal microlenses having an MFD ellipticity ratios of about 0.60 to 0.97 in near field promising for micro-collimator suitable to match an elliptical laser beam to the circular one of a fiber.
Bio-inspired computing by nonlinear network dynamics—a brief introduction
Authors: S Neves Fabio , Timme Marc
Published: November 2021

The field of bio-inspired computing has established a new Frontier for conceptualizing information processing, aggregating knowledge from disciplines as different as neuroscience, physics, computer science and dynamical systems theory. The study of the animal brain has shown that no single neuron or neural circuit motif is responsible for intelligence or other higher-order capabilities. Instead, complex functions are created through a broad variety of circuits, each exhibiting an equally varied repertoire of emergent dynamics. How collective dynamics may contribute to computations still is not fully understood to date, even on the most elementary level. Here we provide a concise introduction to bio-inspired computing via nonlinear dynamical systems. We first provide a coarse overview of how the study of biological systems has catalyzed the development of artificial systems in several broad directions. Second, we discuss how understanding the collective dynamics of spiking neural circuits and model classes thereof, may contribute to and inspire new forms of ‘bio-inspired’ computational paradigms. Finally, as a specific set of examples, we analyze in more detail bio-inspired approaches to computing discrete decisions based on multi-dimensional analogue input signals, via k-winners-take-all functions. This article may thus serve as a brief introduction to the qualitative variety and richness of dynamical bio-inspired computing models, starting broadly and focusing on a general example of computation from current research. We believe that understanding basic aspects of the variety of bio-inspired approaches to computation on the coarse level of first principles (instead of details about specific simulation models) and how they relate to each other, may provide an important step toward catalyzing novel approaches to autonomous and computing machines in general.
Is the New EN689 a Better Standard to Test Compliance With Occupational Exposure Limits in the Workplace?
Authors: D’Errico Antonio , Houba Remko , Kromhout Hans
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the performance of three measurement strategies to test compliance with occupational exposure limits of similarly exposed groups (SEGs): the old and new versions of EN689, and the BOHS-NVvA guidance on measuring compliance.

Methods

Respirable dust exposures concentrations (n = 1383) measured within the member companies of IMA-Europe were used to compare compliance decisions between the three measurement strategies. A total of 210 SEGs of which 158 with repeated measurements were analysed. An R studio OHcomplianceStrategies package was created for the purpose.

Results

The old EN689 strategy resulted in the highest number of compliant SEGs in the preliminary tests and statistical test (49–52% and 83%) with lower percentages of compliance with the new EN689 standard (32–44% and 71%). The percentage of non-compliant SEGs was relatively similar between the old and new EN689 for the preliminary tests (1–12% versus 6–11%). However, the new EN689 declared almost twofold more SEGs non-compliant when applying the statistical test (29% versus 17%). The BOHS-NVvA individual test showed results in between the 26% non-compliant SEGs.

Conclusion

This study showed differences in compliance decisions between the old and new EN689, with the new EN689 being considerably more stringent and resulting in more non-compliant SEGs.
Influence of Pliocene and Pleistocene climates on hybridization patterns between two closely related oak species in China
Authors: Li Yao , Zhang Xingwang , Wang Lu , Sork Victoria L , Mao Lingfeng , Fang Yanming
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Contemporary patterns of genetic admixture reflect imprints of both ancient and recent gene flow, which can provide us with valuable information on hybridization history in response to palaeoclimate change. Here, we examine the relationships between present admixture patterns and past climatic niche suitability of two East Asian Cerris oaks (Quercus acutissima and Q. chenii) to test the hypothesis that the mid-Pliocene warm climate promoted while the Pleistocene cool climate limited hybridization among local closely related taxa.

Methods

We analyse genetic variation at seven nuclear microsatellites (1111 individuals) and three chloroplast intergenic spacers (576 individuals) to determine the present admixture pattern and ancient hybridization history. We apply an information-theoretic model selection approach to explore the associations of genetic admixture degree with past climatic niche suitability at multiple spatial scales.

Key Results

More than 70 % of the hybrids determined by Bayesian clustering analysis and more than 90 % of the individuals with locally shared chloroplast haplotypes are concentrated within a mid-Pliocene contact zone between ~30°N and 35°N. Climatic niche suitabilities for Q. chenii during the mid-Pliocene Warm Period [mPWP, ~3.264–3.025 million years ago (mya)] and during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ~0.022 mya) best explain the admixture patterns across all Q. acutissima populations and across those within the ancient contact zone, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that palaeoclimate change shapes present admixture patterns by influencing the extent of historical range overlap. Specifically, the mid-Pliocene warm climate promoted ancient contact, allowing widespread hybridization throughout central China. In contrast, the Pleistocene cool climate caused the local extinction of Q. chenii, reducing the probability of interspecific gene flow in most areas except those sites having a high level of ecological stability.
Amyloid-β, p-tau and reactive microglia are pathological correlates of MRI cortical atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Frigerio Irene , Boon Baayla D C , Lin Chen-Pei , Galis-de Graaf Yvon , Bol John , Preziosa Paolo , Twisk Jos , Barkhof Frederik , Hoozemans Jeroen J M , Bouwman Femke H , Rozemuller Annemieke J M , van de Berg Wilma D J , Jonkman Laura E
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cortical atrophy on MRI and abnormal depositions of amyloid-beta, phosphorylated-tau and inflammation pathologically. However, the relative contribution of these pathological hallmarks to cortical atrophy, a widely used MRI biomarker in Alzheimer’s disease, is yet to be defined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the histopathological correlates of MRI cortical atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease donors, and its typical amnestic and atypical non-amnestic phenotypes. Nineteen Alzheimer’s disease (of which 10 typical and 9 atypical) and 10 non-neurological control brain donors underwent post-mortem in situ 3T 3D-T1, from which cortical thickness was calculated with Freesurfer. Upon subsequent autopsy, 12 cortical brain regions from the right hemisphere and 9 from the left hemisphere were dissected and immunostained for amyloid-beta, phosphorylated-tau and reactive microglia, and percentage area load was calculated for each marker using ImageJ. In addition, post-mortem MRI was compared to ante-mortem MRI of the same Alzheimer’s disease donors when available. MRI-pathology associations were assessed using linear mixed models. Higher amyloid-beta load weakly correlated with higher cortical thickness globally (r = 0.22, P = 0.022). Phosphorylated-tau strongly correlated with cortical atrophy in temporal and frontal regions (−0.76 < r < −1.00, all P < 0.05). Reactive microglia load strongly correlated with cortical atrophy in the parietal region (r = −0.94, P < 0.001). Moreover, post-mortem MRI scans showed high concordance with ante-mortem scans acquired <1 year before death. In conclusion, distinct histopathological markers differently correlated with cortical atrophy, highlighting their different roles in the neurodegenerative process, and therefore contributing to the understanding of the pathological underpinnings of MRI atrophic patterns in Alzheimer’s disease. In our cohort, no or only subtle differences were found in MRI-pathology associations in Alzheimer’s disease phenotypes, indicating that the histopathological correlates of cortical atrophy in typical and atypical phenotypes might be similar. Moreover, we show that post-mortem in situ MRI can be used as proxy for ante-mortem in vivo MRI.
Treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1
Authors: Gupta Asheeta , Somers Michael J G , Baum Michelle A
Published: November 2021

Supportive treatment for primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) focuses on high fluid intake and crystallization inhibitors. A subset of patients with specific PH1 genotypes (c.508G>A and c.454T>A) will respond to pyridoxine, defined as a >30% reduction in urinary oxalate excretion. Response to pyridoxine is variable and in some patients, urinary oxalate may normalize. The first focused treatment for PH1 using an RNA interference agent to reduce urinary oxalate was approved in 2020, and such therapies may significantly alter treatment approaches and long-term outcomes in PH1. Currently PH1 often presents with kidney function impairment and frequently results in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). With kidney dysfunction, urinary oxalate clearance decreases and multisystem deposition of oxalate (oxalosis) occurs, commonly in bones, eyes, heart and skin. Once plasma oxalate levels exceed 30 µmol/L, aggressive haemodialysis is indicated to prevent oxalosis, even if the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remains better than for typical dialysis initiation. Peritoneal dialysis alone does not achieve the needed oxalate clearance. Dialysis is a bridge to future transplantation. Liver transplantation restores hepatic alanine-glyoxylate transaminase enzyme activity, allowing glyoxylate detoxification and preventing further oxalosis. The native liver must be removed as part of this process to avoid ongoing pathologic oxalate production. The timing and type of liver transplantation are dependent on pyridoxine sensitivity, age, weight, residual GFR and evidence of systemic oxalate deposition in extrarenal organs. Liver transplant can be isolated or combined with kidney transplantation in a sequential or simultaneous fashion. Isolated kidney transplantation is generally reserved for pyridoxine-sensitive patients only. Although liver transplantation is curative for PH1 and kidney transplantation treats ESKD, ensuing necessary immunosuppression and potential allograft dysfunction impart significant long-term risks.
Double-brooding and annual breeding success of great tits in urban and forest habitats
Authors: Bukor Boglárka , Seress Gábor , Pipoly Ivett , Sándor Krisztina , Sinkovics Csenge , Vincze Ernő , Liker András
Published: November 2021

Urban areas differ from natural habitats in several environmental features that influence the characteristics of animals living there. For example, birds often start breeding seasonally earlier and fledge fewer offspring per brood in cities than in natural habitats. However, longer breeding seasons in cities may increase the frequency of double-brooding in urban compared with nonurban populations, thus potentially increasing urban birds’ annual reproductive output and resulting in lower habitat difference in reproductive success than estimated by studies focusing on first clutches only. In this study, we investigated 2 urban and 2 forests great tit Parus major populations from 2013 to 2019. We compared the probability of double-brooding and the total number of annually fledged chicks per female between urban and forest habitats, while controlling for the effects of potentially confounding variables. There was a trend for a higher probability of double-brooding in urban (44% of females) than in forest populations (36%), although this was not consistent between the 2 urban sites. Females produced significantly fewer fledglings annually in the cities than in the forest sites, and this difference was present both within single- and double-brooded females. Furthermore, double-brooded urban females produced a similar number of fledglings per season as single-brooded forest females. These results indicate that double-brooding increases the reproductive success of female great tits in both habitats, but urban females cannot effectively compensate in this way for their lower reproductive output per brood. However, other mechanisms like increased post-fledging survival can mitigate habitat differences in reproductive success.
Transthoracic guidance of percutaneous tricuspid valve repair: a case report
Authors: Patrascu Alexandru , Binder Donat , Polleit Benjamin , Ott Ilka
Published: November 2021

Background

Percutaneous tricuspid valve (TV) repair for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is arising as a viable treatment option in high-risk patients and can lead to symptom control an improvement in quality of life (QoL). Newest devices have greatly increased safety and efficacy of interventional TR therapy. However, as with any emerging medical procedure, safety aspects need to be considered and procedural risks gradually reduced.

Case summary

We present the case of an 87-year-old woman with massive TR despite successful percutaneous mitral valve repair. The patient was turned down for surgery and eventually underwent percutaneous TV repair using the TriClip™ (Abbott Medical) device. Significant TR reduction with sustained procedural success at 30-day follow-up were associated with functional and clinical improvement. Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance of the procedure, thanks to excellent parasternal TV visualization, is highlighted, while the complex anatomy of the TV is pointed out.

Discussion

Tricuspid regurgitation is an individual predictor of morbidity but frequently found in elderly patients who are deemed very high risk for surgical treatment. This case underscores the use of modern interventional techniques and devices for addressing TR and improving QoL, whether as a stand-alone procedure or as part of complete interventional therapy of the atrioventricular valves.
Digoxin use in contemporary heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: an analysis from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Kapelios Chris J , Lund Lars H , Benson Lina , Dahlström Ulf , Rosano Giuseppe M C , Hauptman Paul J , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: November 2021

Aims

Digoxin is included in some heart failure (HF) guidelines but controversy persists about the true role for and impact of treatment with this drug, particularly in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to assess the association between clinical characteristics and digoxin use and between digoxin use and mortality/morbidity in a large, contemporary cohort of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) stratified by history of AF.

Methods and results

Patients with HFrEF (EF < 40%) enrolled in the Swedish HF registry between 2005 and 2018 were analysed. The independent association between digoxin use and patient characteristics was assessed by logistic regression, and between digoxin use and outcomes [composite of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization (HFH), all-cause mortality, and HFH] by Cox regressions in a 1:1 propensity score matched population. Digoxin use was analysed at baseline and as a time-dependent variable. Of 42 456 patients with HFrEF, 16% received digoxin, 29% in the AF group and 2.8% in the non-AF group. The main independent predictors of use were advanced HF, higher heart rate, history of AF, preserved renal function, and concomitant use of beta blockers. Digoxin use was associated with lower risk of all-cause death/HFH [hazard ratio (HR): 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91–0.99] in AF, but with higher risk in non-AF (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.09–1.43). Consistent results were observed when digoxin use was analysed as a time-dependent variable.

Conclusion

The great majority of digoxin users had a history of AF. Digoxin use was associated with lower mortality/morbidity in patients with AF, but with higher mortality/morbidity in patients without AF.
Ade novogenome assembly and annotation of the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Authors: Wolf Jesse F , Bowman Jeff , Keobouasone Sonesinh , Taylor Rebecca S , Wilson Paul J
Published: November 2021

Northern (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern (Glaucomys volans) flying squirrels are widespread species distributed across North America. Northern flying squirrels are common inhabitants of the boreal forest, also occurring in coniferous forest remnants farther south, whereas the southern flying squirrel range is centered in eastern temperate woodlands. These two flying squirrel species exhibit a hybrid zone across a latitudinal gradient in an area of recent secondary contact. Glaucomys hybrid offspring are viable and can successfully backcross with either parental species, however, the fitness implications of such events are currently unknown. Some populations of G. sabrinus are endangered, and thus, interspecific hybridization is a key conservation concern in flying squirrels. To provide a resource for future studies to evaluate hybridization and possible introgression, we sequenced and assembled a de novo long-read genome from a G. volans individual sampled in southern Ontario, Canada, while four short-read genomes (two G. sabrinus and two G. volans, all from Ontario) were resequenced on Illumina platforms. The final genome assembly consisted of approximately 2.40 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 455.26 Kb. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs reconstructed 3,742 (91.2%) complete mammalian genes and genome annotation using RNA-Seq identified the locations of 19,124 protein-coding genes. The four short-read individuals were aligned to our reference genome to investigate the demographic history of the two species. A principal component analysis clearly separated resequenced individuals, while inferring population size history using the Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent model noted an approximate species split 1 million years ago, and a single, possibly recently introgressed individual.
Trade, Jews, and the Soviet Economy in Western Belorussia, 1939–1941
Authors: Karpenkina Yanina
Published: November 2021

An analysis of Soviet economic and social policy in Western Belorussia between 1939 and 1941 illustrates the changing social status of one-time Jewish merchants—thus shedding light on how Sovietization influenced interethnic relations prior to, and during, the Holocaust. The author observes that Soviet economic transformation was self-defeating in nature, causing an artificial economic crisis that exacerbated interethnic tensions. The socio-economic situation that emerged in 1939–1941 thus contributed to the outbreak of anti-Jewish violence after the German invasion.
Behavior near time infinity of solutions of nonautonomous systems with unbounded perturbations
Authors: Naser M F M
Published: November 2021

This paper derives convergence results for a class of nonnegative absolutely continuous functions that satisfy some differential inequality. These results are shown to be advantageous in studying the behavior at infinity of a class of unboundedly perturbed continuous and discontinuous time-varying systems that is frequently encountered in Lyapunov theory. In particular, sufficient conditions are given to ensure the positivity, the asymptotic stability and the instability of solutions of unidimensional and multidimensional systems. To illustrate the proposed results, several examples are simulated.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to Addressing the New Synthetic Opioid 2-Benzylbenzimidazole Nitazene Analogs by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC–QQQ-MS)
Authors: Walton Sara E , Krotulski Alex J , Logan Barry K
Published: November 2021

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to represent a threat to public health and safety. The number of new drugs in the latest emergent synthetic opioid class—the 2-benzylbenzimidazole analogs—also called the nitazenes—has begun to dominate the current new synthetic opioid (NSO) subclass of NPS. We describe a liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry method for the quantification of nine analogs and/or metabolites of drugs in this series: isotonitazene, metonitazene, protonitazene, etonitazene, clonitazene, flunitazene, N-desethyl isotonitazene, 5-amino isotonitazene and 4ʹ-hydroxy nitazene in human whole blood, urine, and tissue. Samples were prepared for analysis using a basic liquid–liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a C-18 analytical column. Multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for detection. The calibration range for the analytes was 0.5–50 ng/mL (except for 5-amino isotonitazene, which was 1.0–50 ng/mL). The limit of detection was 0.1 ng/mL, and the limit of quantitation was 0.5 ng/mL. The method had no carryover or interferences. Ionization enhancement was observed but did not affect quantitation. All analytes passed the method validation assessment. Authentic human samples suspected of containing NSOs were obtained from a medical examiner and coroner offices, as well as partnering forensic toxicology laboratories. Isotonitazene was confirmed in 92 blood samples, and its metabolites were confirmed across various matrices. Metonitazene (n = 35), flunitazene (n = 5), protonitazene (n = 3), etodesnitazene (n = 2) and butonitazene (n = 1) were also detected in cases. These newly emerging 2-benzylbenzimidazole analogs were commonly found in combination with NPS benzodiazepines and opioids (e.g., flualprazolam, fentanyl). Nitazene analogs are potent esoteric drugs that may not be identified during routine toxicological screening, and specialized assays based on sensitive instrumentation are needed to accurately characterize these NSOs.
Negative Impact of COVID-19 Associated Health System Shutdown on Patients Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study From a Large Tertiary Center in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Forse Catherine L , Petkiewicz Stephanie , Teo Iris , Purgina Bibianna , Klaric Kristina-Ana , Ramsay Tim , Wasserman Jason K
Published: November 2021

Background

In March 2020, a directive to halt all elective and non-urgent procedures was issued in Ontario, Canada because of COVID-19. The directive caused a temporary slowdown of screening programs including surveillance colonoscopies for colorectal cancer (CRC). Our goal was to determine if there was a difference in patient and tumour characteristics between CRC patients treated surgically prior to the COVID-19 directive compared to CRC patients treated after the slowdown.

Methods

CRC resections collected within the Champlain catchment area of eastern Ontario in the 6 months prior to COVID-19 (August 1, 2019–January 31, 2020) were compared to CRC resections collected in the 6 months post-COVID-19 slowdown (August 1, 2020–January 31, 2021). Clinical (e.g., gender, patient age, tumour site, and clinical presentation) and pathological (tumour size, tumour stage, nodal stage, and lymphovascular invasion) features were evaluated using chi-square tests, T-tests, and Mann–Whitney tests where appropriate.

Results

Three hundred and thirty-eight CRC specimens were identified (173 pre-COVID-19, 165 post-COVID-19 slowdown). CRC patients treated surgically post-COVID-19 slowdown had larger tumours (44 mm vs. 35 mm; P = 0.0048) and were more likely to have presented emergently (24% vs. 10%; P < 0.001). Although there was a trend towards higher tumour stage, nodal stage, and clinical stage, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Other demographic and pathologic variables including patient gender, age, and tumour site were similar between the two cohorts.

Interpretation

The COVID-19 slowdown resulted in a shift in the severity of disease experienced by CRC patients in Ontario. Pandemic planning in the future should consider the long-term consequences to cancer diagnosis and management.
Biliary tract melanoma metastasis mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Piltcher-da-Silva Rodrigo , Sasaki Vivian Laís , Hutten Debora Oliveira , Percicote Ana Paula , Trippia Carlos Henrique , Junior Raul Alberto Anselmi , da Costa Marco Aurélio Raeder , Coelho Júlio Cezar Uili
Published: November 2021

Malignant melanoma is the 19th leading cause of cancer worldwide. It is an aggressive neoplastic disease in which pathophysiological understanding and management has been in constant evolution in recent decades. The primary site is the skin, uvea and mucous membranes and has the capacity to metastasize to any organ. There are few reports of primary or secondary involvement of the biliary tract. We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with a bile duct lesion suggestive of cholangiocarcinoma and a final diagnosis of a single melanoma metastasis. Surgical treatment was performed due to oligometastatic stage IV melanoma with possibility of R0 resection followed by immune checkpoint therapy.
Inter-population differences in coyote diet and niche width along an urban–suburban–rural gradient
Authors: Sugden Scott , Murray Maureen , Edwards Mark A , St. Clair Colleen Cassady
Published: November 2021

Many generalist species thrive in urban environments by supplementing their diets with anthropogenic food, which creates numerous challenges for managing urban wildlife. Management could be advanced with more information on how spatial and temporal variation in habitat use by urban animals predicts variation in their dietary ecology. In this study, we used stable isotope analysis complemented with GPS collar location data to determine how diet composition and the dietary niche of coyotes (Canis latrans) varied across a sample of 169 individuals collected along an urban-to-rural gradient in Alberta, Canada. We further categorized urban individuals as either matrix (frequent use of developed areas) or greenspace (use of natural areas) via GPS locations. Matrix coyotes were isotopically distinct from all other coyote populations: they had the largest dietary niche, exhibited the most among-individual variation in diet, consumed the most anthropogenic food and fruit, and consumed the least amount of prey. Greenspace coyotes consumed more anthropogenic food than rural and suburban coyotes but otherwise exhibited similar niche width, among-individual heterogeneity, and prey consumption. We further tested for seasonal dietary variation and found that urban coyotes had a larger dietary niche during the summer, when they also consumed more anthropogenic food. Our conclusions were robust to our choice of mixing model parameters, including discrimination factors, suggesting that these methodological choices have limited effect when discerning relative trends among populations. Overall, our results suggest that management of urban coyotes should target the food sources accessible to coyotes in the urban matrix to reduce human–coyote conflict.
‘The library is like a mother’: Arrival infrastructures and migrant newcomers in East London
Authors: Wessendorf Susanne
Published: November 2021

It is often assumed that migrants settle into contexts populated by national majorities or co-ethnics. Yet, new migrants often move into ‘arrival areas’, sites settled by earlier migrants of various backgrounds. Such arrival areas can typically be found at the margins of ‘arrival cities’ which have seen immigration (and emigration) over many decades. Past movements bequeath a wealth of ‘arrival infrastructures’, consisting of institutions, organisations, social spaces, and actors which specifically facilitate arrival. These include, for example, shops as information hubs, religious sites, language classes, and hairdressers established by people with migration backgrounds. This article looks at the interactions and transfer of knowledge and resources between long-established migrants and more recent newcomers through arrival infrastructures and within a marginalised urban area. By drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in East London (UK) and using the example of two recently arrived female migrants, it investigates how newcomers access settlement information and the role played by arrival infrastructures in this process. It specifically focuses on newcomers who arrive with few social contacts and for whom physically visible arrival infrastructures like libraries and shops are particularly relevant. The article aims to open up debate about arrival infrastructures, their manifestation in different urban contexts, and their relation to both new forms of solidarity and new and ongoing forms of exploitation between long-established residents and newcomers.
INNV-11. COMPLETE RESPONSE TO SELPERCATINIB IN A PATIENT WITH RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA AND RET AMPLIFICATION
Authors: Chen Ashley , Czech Cameron , Morgan Katherine , Khagi Simon
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant central nervous system tumor that remains largely incurable. Limited treatment options currently exist after disease progression on the standard of care first-line therapy. However, repurposing the use of approved therapies in patients with potentially targetable genomic alterations continues to be an emerging area of interest. Here, we present the first reported case of a patient with isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type GBM with an underlying RET amplification who demonstrated a near-complete response (CR) while receiving therapy with the targeted RET inhibitor, selpercatinib.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with sudden onset of dizziness and confusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed two rim enhancing lesions in the right parietal lobe and the patient underwent surgical resection with subsequent pathology revealing a GBM. Genomic analysis identified a RET amplification. After standard adjuvant therapy, the patient was treated with selpercatinib 160 mg twice daily as a continuous regimen with near CR on MRI after six weeks of treatment. The patient was continued on therapy for a total of eight months before having disease progression requiring discontinuation of selpercatinib and was then transitioned to the next line of therapy for disease stabilization. To better characterize the response, further whole-exome sequencing and analysis were performed on the original specimen.

CONCLUSION

Although selpercatinib is approved in RET-fusion positive lung and thyroid cancer, we present a remarkable case of a recurrent, RET-amplified GBM having a CR to selpercatinib. The case highlights the excellent blood-brain barrier penetration of selpercatinib, as well as its potential role in RET-amplified GBM. Larger biomarker-enriched studies are needed to confirm the results of this case report. However, given the rare incidence of RET alterations in GBM, findings from this report can help guide and support optimal treatment strategies for patients with RET-altered GBM.
Of Popes and Unicorns
Authors: Hutchings David , Ungureanu James C.
Published: November 2021

This book is a popular-level study of the conflict thesis: the notion that science and religion have been at war with each other throughout history, and that humanity must ultimately make its choice between the two. The origins of the conflict thesis are usually given as two works by nineteenth-century Americans, John William Draper and Andrew Dickson White, who wrote History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science (1876) and A History of the Warfare Between Science and Theology in Christendom (1896), respectively. In these volumes, Draper and White relate stories such as the Church’s suppression of the sphericity of the Earth and of heliocentrism; its banning of dissection, anesthetic, and inoculation; its persecution of scientists; its dedication to irrationality in the face of reason; and much more. Yet their thesis has been thoroughly debunked in the literature, and their tales largely found to be myths. Despite this, they still circulate today, and many still believe that we must pick a side: God or science. This book uses accessible stories and anecdotes to analyze Draper, White, their true motivations, their books, their thorough debunking, the modern persistence of their flawed views, and the possibility of moving beyond them—toward true reconciliation. It is a history of science and religion, and of how, despite the common acceptance of the contrary, the latter has actually been of great benefit to the former. Rumors of a centuries-old war between God and science, it turns out, have been greatly exaggerated.
Developing an Outline
Authors: Schwartz Seth J.
Published: November 2021

This chapter covers how to create an outline based on a set of ideas that an author has for a manuscript. The chapter provides outlines from published empirical and non-empirical articles and suggests ways in which outlines can be used as templates for writing a manuscript. Advantages of using outlines are provided, such as ensuring that all of the author’s key points are covered and avoiding the “all over the place” trap. Examples for outlining various sections of empirical and non-empirical articles are provided, and situations where outlines may be most beneficial are proposed.
Principles of Good Writing
Authors: Schwartz Seth J.
Published: November 2021

This chapter reviews the mechanics of writing, from grammar and sentence structure through sentence and paragraph flow, flow between sections, and the overall organization and structure of a manuscript. Key grammatical and sentence structure issues are covered, and common errors are reviewed. Ways in which writers can maximize the quality and readability of their work are discussed. The chapter also includes tips for writers whose first language is not English can practice and improve their English-language writing. The primary point of the chapter is that grammatical and sentence structure problems will compromise the readability of a manuscript and will obscure the points that the authors are attempting to convey.
Editing, Filling in Gaps, and Cutting
Authors: Schwartz Seth J.
Published: November 2021

This chapter covers how to move from first draft to submittable draft. The chapter enumerates many of the writing problems that are present in first drafts, such as redundancy, logical leaps, unfinished thoughts, and unjustified statements. Ways to correct these problems are suggested, and writers are advised to consult with their mentors and coauthors as often as they feel they need to. The chapter also offers suggestions for cutting length to meet target journals’ space limits. The iterative character of editing is stressed, where text that is essential to the paper may become tangential (and vice versa) as the manuscript evolves. Authors are cautioned not to view earlier writing sessions as a waste of time if text generated during those sessions is removed from the paper.