bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid composition of the methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii grown under low‐ and high‐methanol conditions
Authors: Ma Pengli , Takashima Shigeo , Fujita Chikako , Yamada Saya , Oshima Yusuke , Cai Hao‐Liang , Yurimoto Hiroya , Sakai Yasuyoshi , Hayakawa Takashi , Shimada Masaya , Ning Xia , Wei Baoyao , Nakagawa Tomoyuki
Published: June 2021

In this study, we analysed the intracellular fatty acid profiles of Komagataella phaffii during methylotrophic growth. K. phaffii grown on methanol had significantly lower total fatty acid contents in the cells compared with glucose‐grown cells. C18 and C16 fatty acids were the predominant fatty acids in K. phaffii, although the contents of odd‐chain fatty acids such as C17 fatty acids were also relatively high. Moreover, the intracellular fatty acid composition of K. phaffii changed in response to not only carbon sources but also methanol concentrations: C17 fatty acids and C18:2 content increased significantly as methanol concentration increased, whereas C18:1 and C18:3 contents were significantly lower in methanol‐grown cells. The intracellular content of unidentified compounds (CnH2nO4), on the other hand, was significantly greater in cells grown on methanol. As the intracellular contents of these CnH2nO4 compounds were significantly higher in a gene‐disrupted strain for glutathione peroxidase (gpx1Δ) than in the wild‐type strain, we presume that the CnH2nO4 compounds are fatty acid peroxides. These results indicate that K. phaffii can coordinate intracellular fatty acid composition during methylotrophic growth in order to adapt to high‐methanol conditions and that certain fatty acid species such as C17:0, C17:1, C17:2 and C18:2 may be related to the physiological functions by which K. phaffii adapts to high‐methanol conditions.
A fully differential SMEFT analysis of the golden channel using the method of moments
Authors: Banerjee Shankha , Gupta Rick S. , Ochoa-Valeriano Oscar , Spannowsky Michael , Venturini Elena
Published: June 2021

Abstract

The Method of Moments is a powerful framework to disentangle the relative contributions of amplitudes of a specific process to its various phase space regions. We apply this method to carry out a fully differential analysis of the Higgs decay channel h → 4ℓ and constrain gauge-Higgs coupling modifications parametrised by dimension-six effective operators. We find that this analysis approach provides very good constraints and minimises degeneracies in the parameter space of the effective theory. By combining the decay h → 4ℓ with Higgs-associated production processes, Wh and Zh, we obtain the strongest reported bounds on anomalous gauge-Higgs couplings.
A Unified Approach to the Decomposition Theorems in Baer $$*$$-Rings
Authors: Burdak Zbigniew , Kosiek Marek , Pagacz Patryk , Słociński Marek
Published: June 2021

The aim of the paper is to generalize decomposition theorems showed in Bagheri-Bardi et al. (Linear Algebra Appl 583:102–118, 2019; Linear Algebra Appl 539:117–133, 2018) by a unified approach. We show a general decomposition theorem with respect to a hereditary property. Then the vast majority of decompositions known in the algebra of Hilbert space operators is generalized to elements of Baer $$*$$

∗

-rings by this theorem. The theorem yields also results which are new in the algebra of bounded Hilbert space operators. Additionally, the model of summands in Wold–Słociński decomposition is given in Baer $$*$$

∗

-rings.
Camera and inertial sensor fusion for the PnP problem: algorithms and experimental results
Authors: D’Alfonso Luigi , Garone Emanuele , Muraca Pietro , Pugliese Paolo
Published: June 2021

In this work, we face the problem of estimating the relative position and orientation of a camera and an object, when they are both equipped with inertial measurement units (IMUs), and the object exhibits a set of n landmark points with known coordinates (the so-called Pose estimation or PnP Problem). We present two algorithms that, fusing the information provided by the camera and the IMUs, solve the PnP problem with good accuracy. These algorithms only use the measurements given by IMUs’ inclinometers, as the magnetometers usually give inaccurate estimates of the Earth magnetic vector. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is assessed by numerical simulations and experimental tests. The results of the tests are compared with the most recent methods proposed in the literature.
Fluctuations in the wage gap between vocational and general secondary education: lessons from Portugal
Authors: Hartog Joop , Raposo Pedro , Reis Hugo
Published: June 2021

We document and analyse the wage gap between vocational and general secondary education in Portugal between 1994 and 2013. As Portuguese workers have been educated in different school systems, we have to distinguish between birth cohorts. Analysing the wage gaps within cohorts, we find no support for either the human capital prediction of crossing wage profiles or the hypothesis that general graduates increasingly outperform vocational graduates in late career. We discover that the lifecycle wage profiles have shifted over time. We link the pattern of shifting cohort profiles to changes in the school system and in the structure of labour demand. We conclude that assessing the relative value of vocational education requires assessing how the vocational curriculum responds to changes in economic structure and technology. We show that the decline in assortative matching between workers and firms has benefited vocationally educated workers.
Experimental investigation of the two-phase local heat transfer coefficients for condensation of R134a in a micro-structured plate heat exchanger
Authors: Wang Ru , Sun Tingyan , Polzin Anja-Elsa , Kabelac Stephan
Published: June 2021

Plate heat exchangers are widely used for two-phase heat transfer in the industrial applications, and recently more attention has been paid to the plate heat exchangers with enhanced surface due to their better heat transfer performance. In this paper, the local condensation heat transfer coefficients are studied using R134a in a micro-structured plate heat exchanger. In order to obtain a more accurate prediction model, a series of measurements are conducted under various operating conditions. The mass flux of R134a varied from 47 kg/m2s to 77 kg/m2s, the saturation pressure in the condenser ranged from 6.32 bar to 8.95 bar, and the value of the heat flux was between 13 kW/m2 and 22 kW/m2. The local two-phase Nusselt number increases with the increase of the mass flux. As the saturation pressure increases, the local two-phase Nusselt number increase at the beginning of the condensation and decrease at the end of the condensation. However, the effect of heat flux on local heat transfer is irregular, due to the interaction of these parameters in the experiment. Comparing with the unstructured plate heat exchanger, R134a condenses faster at the beginning of the process in the micro-sturctured plate heat exchanger, and the local heat transfer performs better when the vapor quality is lower. Combing with the phenomenon that the overall heat flux in micro-structured plate is larger under the same working conditions, it shows that the overall heat transfer of the micro-structured plate is improved, but the local heat transfer uprades only at lower vapor qualities. A new correlation is developed, it predicts all the experimental data within the root mean square error 10%, and a new correlation for the waterside is suggested as well.
Increased serum cholesterol and long-chain fatty acid levels are associated with the efficacy of nivolumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Karayama Masato , Inui Naoki , Inoue Yusuke , Yoshimura Katsuhiro , Mori Kazutaka , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Asada Kazuhiro , Uto Tomohiro , Fujii Masato , Matsui Takashi , Matsuura Shun , Hashimoto Dai , Toyoshima Mikio , Kusagaya Hideki , Matsuda Hiroyuki , Inami Nao , Kaida Yusuke , Niwa Mitsuru , Ito Yasuhiro , Suda Takafumi
Published: June 2021

Background

Lipids have immunomodulatory functions and the potential to affect cancer immunity.

Methods

The associations of pretreatment serum cholesterol and long-chain fatty acids with the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in 148 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received nivolumab.

Results

When each lipid was separately evaluated, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (P = 0.014), total cholesterol (P = 0.007), lauric acid (P = 0.015), myristic acid (P = 0.022), myristoleic acid (P = 0.035), stearic acid (P = 0.028), linoleic acid (P = 0.005), arachidic acid (P = 0.027), eicosadienoic acid (P = 0.017), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (P = 0.036), and behenic acid levels (P = 0.032) were associated with longer PFS independent of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Meanwhile, increased LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001), HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.009), total cholesterol (P = 0.036), linoleic acid (P = 0.014), and lignoceric acid levels (P = 0.028) were associated with longer OS independent of PD-L1 expression. When multiple lipids were evaluated simultaneously, LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.003), HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.036), and lauric acid (P = 0.036) were independently predictive of PFS, and LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.008) and HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.031) were predictive of OS. ORR was not associated with any serum lipid.

Conclusions

Based on the association of prolonged survival in patients with increased serum cholesterol and long-chain fatty acid levels, serum lipid levels may be useful for predicting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Laser-induced incandescence (2λ and 2C) for estimating absorption efficiency of differently matured soot
Authors: Török Sandra , Mannazhi Manu , Bengtsson Per-Erik
Published: June 2021

Two-wavelength and two-color laser-induced incandescence (2λ–2C-LII) was used to study the absorption properties of three types of cold soot of different maturity from a mini-CAST soot generator. LII fluence curve analysis allowed for estimating absorption wavelength dependence in terms of dispersion coefficients ξ by the use of two excitation wavelengths (532 and 1064 nm). The estimated ξ (based on E(m, λ) ∝ λ1−ξ) spanned from ~ 1.2 for the mature soot, up to 2.3 for the young soot. The results for the mature soot showed good agreement with previous measurement using multi-wavelength extinction. For the young soot, however, some discrepancy was observed suggesting a weaker wavelength dependence (lower ξ) from the LII fluence analysis. Furthermore, an estimation of the E(m, λ) for the different types of soot was done from the experimental fluence curves with temperature analysis in the low-fluence regime and simulations using an LII model. Additionally, uncertainties and limitations were discussed. Finally, it should be pointed out that caution has to be taken when interpreting 2λ-LII results to obtain quantitative absorption properties of less mature soot, which may be influenced by thermal annealing during the laser pulse and by absorption from non-refractory species externally/internally mixed with the soot.
Contributors to linkage between Arctic warming and East Asian winter climate
Authors: Xu Xinping , He Shengping , Gao Yongqi , Zhou Botao , Wang Huijun
Published: June 2021

Previous modelling and observational studies have shown discrepancies in the interannual relationship of winter surface air temperature (SAT) between Arctic and East Asia, stimulating the debate about whether Arctic change can influence midlatitude climate. This study uses two sets of coordinated experiments (EXP1 and EXP2) from six different atmospheric general circulation models. Both EXP1 and EXP2 consist of 130 ensemble members, each of which in EXP1 (EXP2) was forced by the same observed daily varying sea ice and daily varying (daily climatological) sea surface temperature (SST) for 1982–2014 but with different atmospheric initial conditions. Large spread exists among ensemble members in simulating the Arctic–East Asian SAT relationship. Only a fraction of ensemble members can reproduce the observed deep Arctic warming–cold continent pattern which extends from surface to upper troposphere, implying the important role of atmospheric internal variability. The mechanisms of deep Arctic warming and shallow Arctic warming are further distinguished. Arctic warming aloft is caused primarily by poleward moisture transport, which in conjunction with the surface warming coupled with sea ice melting constitutes the surface-amplified deep Arctic warming throughout the troposphere. These processes associated with the deep Arctic warming may be related to the forcing of remote SST when there is favorable atmospheric circulation such as Rossby wave train propagating from the North Atlantic into the Arctic.
Correction to: Current clinical practice of electroconvulsive therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychiatry, a German sample
Authors: Timäus Charles , Vogelgsang Jonathan , Kis Bernhard , Radenbach Katrin , Wolff-Menzler Claus , Mavridou Kiriaki , Gyßer Stephan , Hessmann Philipp , Wiltfang Jens
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-021-01275-7
Dying of VOC-202012/01 — multimodal investigations in a death case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant
Authors: Heinrich Fabian , Romich Carina , Zimmermann Tamara , Kniep Inga , Fitzek Antonia , Steurer Stefan , Glatzel Markus , Nörz Dominik , Günther Thomas , Czech-Sioli Manja , Fischer Nicole , Grundhoff Adam , Lütgehetmann Marc , Ondruschka Benjamin
Published: June 2021

The current pandemic with Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 has been taking on new dynamics since the emergence of new variants last fall, some of them spreading more rapidly. Many countries currently find themselves in a race to ramp up vaccination strategies that have been initiated and a possible third wave of the pandemic from new variants, such as the Variant of Concern-202012/01 from the B.1.1.7 lineage. Until today, many investigations in death cases of Coronavirus-disease-19 have been conducted, revealing pulmonary damage to be the predominant feature of the disease. Thereby, different degrees of macroscopic and microscopic lung damage have been reported, most of them resembling an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Far more, systemic complications of the disease such as pulmonary embolisms have been described. However, neither morphologic nor virologic findings of patients dying of the new variants have yet been reported. Here, we report on a comprehensive analysis of radiologic, morphologic, and virologic findings in a fatal case of this variant.
A 3-D virtual human thermoregulatory model to predict whole-body and organ-specific heat-stress responses
Authors: Unnikrishnan Ginu , Hatwar Rajeev , Hornby Samantha , Laxminarayan Srinivas , Gulati Tushar , Belval Luke N. , Giersch Gabrielle E. W. , Kazman Josh B. , Casa Douglas J. , Reifman Jaques
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study aimed at assessing the risks associated with human exposure to heat-stress conditions by predicting organ- and tissue-level heat-stress responses under different exertional activities, environmental conditions, and clothing.

Methods

In this study, we developed an anatomically detailed three-dimensional thermoregulatory finite element model of a 50th percentile U.S. male, to predict the spatiotemporal temperature distribution throughout the body. The model accounts for the major heat transfer and thermoregulatory mechanisms, and circadian-rhythm effects. We validated our model by comparing its temperature predictions of various organs (brain, liver, stomach, bladder, and esophagus), and muscles (vastus medialis and triceps brachii) under normal resting conditions (errors between 0.0 and 0.5 °C), and of rectum under different heat-stress conditions (errors between 0.1 and 0.3 °C), with experimental measurements from multiple studies.

Results

Our simulations showed that the rise in the rectal temperature was primarily driven by the activity level (~ 94%) and, to a much lesser extent, environmental conditions or clothing considered in our study. The peak temperature in the heart, liver, and kidney were consistently higher than in the rectum (by ~ 0.6 °C), and the entire heart and liver recorded higher temperatures than in the rectum, indicating that these organs may be more susceptible to heat injury.

Conclusion

Our model can help assess the impact of exertional and environmental heat stressors at the organ level and, in the future, evaluate the efficacy of different whole-body or localized cooling strategies in preserving organ integrity.
Physical activity accumulation along the intensity spectrum differs between children and adults
Authors: Rantalainen Timo , Ridgers Nicola D. , Gao Ying , Belavý Daniel L. , Haapala Eero A. , Finni Taija
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Detailed exploration of physical activity accumulation with fine grading along the intensity spectrum has indicated the potential pragmatic utility of such an approach. However, it is currently unclear what sorts of accumulation patterns along particular intensity bands are found in the children and adult populations. Therefore, we conducted a comparison of activity accumulation in specific intensity bands between four distinct populations: children, adults with sedentary lifestyles, habitual joggers, habitual marathon runners.

Methods

Free-living waist-worn accelerometry records from 28 children aged 7 to 11, and 61 adults aged 25 to 35 were analysed. Activity intensity was evaluated in 5 s non-overlapping epochs as mean amplitude deviation (MAD) and normalised to acceleration intensities corresponding to walking at 3 metabolic equivalents of a task (METs). Adult data were normalised to 0.091 g MAD based on literature, and data from children to 0.170 g MAD based on laboratory experimentation. The normalised epoch values were divided into 100 intensity gradations.

Results

Children accumulated more activity in 0.74 to 1.58 normalised acceleration intensities (all p < 0.005) compared to adults. Adult joggers/runners accumulated more activity in normalised acceleration intensities from 7.1 to 11.1 compared to the other groups (p < 0.008).

Conclusion

The primary bulk of children’s free-living activities are of relatively low intensity not likely to provoke cardiometabolic improvement. These sorts of explorations could be used in informing intervention development aiming at optimising healthy development. Evidence is mounting to justify randomised controlled trials based on intervention targets identified based on exploring the intensity spectrum.
Locked fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus: postoperative results and a proposed modification of the classification
Authors: Schmalzl Jonas , Graf Annika , Gilbert Fabian , Kimmeyer Michael , Gerhardt Christian , Lehmann Lars-Johannes
Published: June 2021

Background

Locked dislocations of the glenohumeral joint are disabling and often painful conditions and the treatment is challenging. This study evaluates the functional outcome and the different prosthetic treatment options for chronic locked dislocations of the glenohumeral joint and a subclassification is proposed.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective case series, all patients with a chronic locked dislocation treated surgically during a four-year period were analyzed. Constant score (CS), Quick Disabilities of Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH), patient satisfaction (subjective shoulder value (SSV)), revision rate and glenoid notching were analyzed.

Results

26 patients presented a chronic locked dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. 16 patients (62%) with a mean age of 75 [61–83] years were available for follow-up at 24 ± 18 months. CS improved significantly from 10 ± 6 points to 58 ± 21 points (p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up, the mean DASH was 27 ± 23 and the mean SSV was 58 ± 23 points. The complication rate was 19% and the revision rate was 6%; implant survival was 94%. Scapular notching occurred in 2 (13%) cases (all grade 1).

Conclusion

With good preoperative planning and by using the adequate surgical technique, good clinical short-term results with a low revision rate can be achieved. The authors suggest extending the Boileau classification for fracture sequelae type 2 and recommend using a modified classification to facilitate the choice of treatment as the suggested classification system includes locked posterior and anterior dislocations with and without glenoid bone loss.

Level of evidence:

IV.
Alarin alleviated cardiac fibrosis via attenuating oxidative stress in heart failure rats
Authors: Li Jinshuang , Ding Hao , Li Yong , Zhou Hao , Wang Wanhong , Mei Yong , Zhang Ronglin
Published: June 2021

The present study was to explore whether alarin could alleviate heart failure (HF) and attenuate cardia fibrosis via inhibiting oxidative stress. The fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) was induced by angiotensin (Ang) II. HF models were induced by ligation of the left anterior descending artery to cause ischemia myocardial infarction (MI) in Sprague–Dawley rats. Alarin (1.0 nM/kg/d) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection for 28 days. The decreases of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), the maximum of the first differentiation of LV pressure (LV ± dp/dtmax) and LV systolic pressure (LVSP), and the increases of LV volume in systole (LVVS), LV volume in diastole (LVVD), LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in MI rats were improved by alarin treatment. The increases in the expression levels of collagen I, collagen III, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were inhibited by alarin treatment in CFs and in the hearts of MI rats. The levels of NADPH oxidase (Nox) activity, superoxide anions and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased, and the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced in Ang II-treated CFs, which were reversed by alarin. Nox1 overexpression reversed the effects of alarin on attenuating the increases of collagen I, collagen III and TGF-β expression levels induced by Ang II in CFs. These results indicated that alarin improved HF and cardiac fibrosis via inhibiting oxidative stress in HF rats. Nox1 played important roles in the regulation of alarin effects on attenuating CFs fibrosis induced by Ang II.
Home activities and cognitive skills in relation to early literacy and numeracy: testing a multifactorial model in preschoolers
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Trambagioli Nicole , Bernabini Luca , Tobia Valentina
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to test environmental and cognitive variables as possible cross-domain predictors of early literacy and numeracy skills. One hundred forty-eight preschool children (mean age = 64.36 months ± 3.33) were enrolled in the study. The battery included a home literacy and home numeracy questionnaire, measures and phonological and visuo-spatial working memory, tasks tapping response inhibition, and predictors of literacy (vocabulary, phonological awareness, letter knowledge) and numeracy (magnitude comparison, number knowledge) skills. The structural equation model indicated that verbal working memory and, to a lesser extent, inhibition represented cross-domain predictors, whereas home numeracy activities and visuo-spatial working memory explained additional variance only for early numeracy skills. Implications for parents and educators are discussed.
Test–retest assessment of non-contrast MRI sequences to characterise and quantify the small bowel wall in healthy participants
Authors: Alyami Ali. S. , Williams Hannah. G. , Argyriou Konstantinos , Gunn David , Wilkinson-Smith Victoria , White Jonathan. R. , Alyami Jaber , Gowland Penny. A. , Moran Gordon. W. , Hoad Caroline. L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging sequences have been investigated as objective imaging biomarkers of fibrosis and inflammation in Crohn’s disease.

Aim

To determine the repeatability and inter- and intra-observer agreement of these measures in the prepared small bowel wall.

Methods

Ten healthy participants were scanned at 3 T on 2 separate occasions using T1 and T2 relaxometry, IVIM-DWI and MT sequences. Test–retest repeatability was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CoV) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to evaluate the intra- and inter-observer agreement

Results

Test–retest repeatability in the bowel wall was excellent for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR), T1, and diffusion coefficient D (CoV 5%, 7%, 8%, and 10%, respectively), good for perfusion fraction (PF) (CoV 20%) and acceptable for T2 (CoV 21%). Inter-observer agreement was good for the T2, D and ADC (ICC = 0.89, 0.86, 0.76, respectively) and moderate for T1 (ICC = 0.55). Intra-observer agreement was similar to inter-observer agreement.

Discussion

This study showed variable results between the different parameters measured. Test–retest repeatability was at least acceptable for all parameters except pseudo-diffusion coefficient D*. Good inter- and intra-observer agreement was obtained for T2, ADC and D, with these parameters performing best in this technical validation study.
Tackling the scaling-up problem of digital health applications
Authors: Richter Peggy , Harst Lorenz
Published: June 2021

Aim

The purpose of this editorial is to provide guidance for the readers concerning the broad realm of approaches towards successful implementation of digital health applications into the health care system. Recent developments due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic are used as a current angle.

Subject and Methods

All contributions within the special issue were scanned for their most decisive contribution to the special issue and the field of implementation science, with a focus on digital health. Micro, meso, and macro layers of implementation processes, as well as the technological perspective itself, are used as broad categories for sorting the contributions and structuring the special issue.

Results

The ten contributions to this special issue cover micro (n = 1), technology (n = 1), meso (n = 4) and macro (n = 2) perspectives on the implementation process of digital health applications. Two further contributions also tackle the issue from a wider perspective when aiming to structure telemedicine application types and barriers encountered when implementing digital health.

Conclusion

Considering the wide array of research fields represented in this special issue, an emphasis is put on the importance of interdisciplinary work required for tackling the scale-up problem of digital health. As such, the special issue can assist in leveraging the full potential of digital health, not only when dealing with situations as out-of-the-ordinary as the current pandemic but also well beyond that, for example when dealing with the upcoming challenges of demographic change.
Metabarcoding of Soil Fungi from Different Urban Greenspaces Around Bournemouth in the UK
Authors: Marczylo Emma L. , Macchiarulo Sameirah , Gant Timothy W.
Published: June 2021

Soil microbes are important for public health. Increasing urbanisation is adversely affecting soil microbiota, which may be contributing to the global rise of immune-related diseases. Fungi are key components of urban environments that can be negatively impacted by altered land-use, land-management and climate change, and are implicated in the development and exacerbation of non-communicable diseases such as allergy, asthma and chronic inflammatory conditions. Fungal metagenomics is building knowledge on fungi within different environments (the environmental mycobiome), fungi on and within the human body (the human mycobiome), and their association with disease. Here, we demonstrate the added value of a multi-region metabarcoding approach to analyse soil mycobiomes from five urban greenspaces (lawns, parklands, bareground, young forest and old forest). While results were comparable across the three regions (ITS1, ITS2 and LSU), each identified additional fungal taxa that were unique to the region. Combining the results therefore provided a more comprehensive analysis across all fungal taxonomic ranks, identifying statistically significant differences in the fungal composition of the five soil types. Assignment of fungal taxa into ecological guilds revealed those differences of biological relevance to public health. The greatest differences were between the soil mycobiome of lawns and forests. Of most concern was the significant increase in the known human allergensAlternaria,Bipolaris,CladosporiumandFusariumwithin urban lawn and parklandvsforest soils. By improving our understanding of local variations in fungal taxa across urban greenspaces, we have the potential to boost the health of local residents through improved urban planning.
Incidence of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–2015: The Interplay Between Social Determinants and Behavioral Risk Factors
Authors: Jahagirdar Deepa , Walters Magdalene , Vongpradith Avina , Dai Xiaochen , Novotney Amanda , Kyu Hmwe H. , Wang Haidong
Published: June 2021

HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa declined substantially between 2000 and 2015. In this analysis, we consider the relative associations of nine structural and individual determinants with this decline. A linear mixed effects model of logged HIV incidence rates versus determinants was used. The data were from mathematical modelling as part of the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study in 43 sub-Saharan African countries. We used forwards selection to determine a single final model of HIV incidence rate. The association of economic variables and HIV knowledge with incidence was found to be driven by education, while ART coverage had the largest impact on other determinants’ coefficients. In the final model, education years per capita contributed the most to explaining variation in HIV incidence rates; a 1-year increase in mean education years was associated with a 0.39 (− 0.56; − 0.2, t = − 4.48 p < 0.01) % decline in incidence rate while a unit increase in ART coverage was associated with a 0.81 (− 1.34; − 0.28, t = − 3.01, p < 0.01) % decline in incidence rate.
Approximate reasoning with fuzzy rule interpolation: background and recent advances
Authors: Li Fangyi , Shang Changjing , Li Ying , Yang Jing , Shen Qiang
Published: June 2021

Approximate reasoning systems facilitate fuzzy inference through activating fuzzy if–then rules in which attribute values are imprecisely described. Fuzzy rule interpolation (FRI) supports such reasoning with sparse rule bases where certain observations may not match any existing fuzzy rules, through manipulation of rules that bear similarity with an unmatched observation. This differs from classical rule-based inference that requires direct pattern matching between observations and the given rules. FRI techniques have been continuously investigated for decades, resulting in various types of approach. Traditionally, it is typically assumed that all antecedent attributes in the rules are of equal significance in deriving the consequents. Recent studies have shown significant interest in developing enhanced FRI mechanisms where the rule antecedent attributes are associated with relative weights, signifying their different importance levels in influencing the generation of the conclusion, thereby improving the interpolation performance. This survey presents a systematic review of both traditional and recently developed FRI methodologies, categorised accordingly into two major groups: FRI with non-weighted rules and FRI with weighted rules. It introduces, and analyses, a range of commonly used representatives chosen from each of the two categories, offering a comprehensive tutorial for this important soft computing approach to rule-based inference. A comparative analysis of different FRI techniques is provided both within each category and between the two, highlighting the main strengths and limitations while applying such FRI mechanisms to different problems. Furthermore, commonly adopted criteria for FRI algorithm evaluation are outlined, and recent developments on weighted FRI methods are presented in a unified pseudo-code form, easing their understanding and facilitating their comparisons.
Increased iron content in the heart of the Fmr1 knockout mouse
Authors: Talvio Karo , Kanninen Katja M. , White Anthony R. , Koistinaho Jari , Castrén Maija L.
Published: June 2021

Trace elements have important functions in several processes involved in cellular homeostasis and survival. Dysfunctional metal ion homeostasis can make an important impact on cellular defence mechanisms. We assessed the concentrations of 23 trace minerals in different tissues (brain, spleen, heart and liver) of Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice that display the main phenotype of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), an intellectual disability syndrome and the best-known monogenic model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Altogether, seven minerals—Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and P—were above the detection limit with the analysis revealing increased iron content in the heart of Fmr1 KO mice. In addition, levels of iron were higher in the cerebellum of the transgenic mouse when compared to wild type controls. These results implicate a role for dysregulated iron homeostasis in FXS tissues and suggest that defective iron-related mechanisms contribute to increased tissue vulnerability in FXS.
Activity of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in 3D cell culture
Authors: Boyer Jean Zheng , Phillips Gail D. Lewis , Nitta Hiro , Garsha Karl , Admire Brittany , Kraft Robert , Dennis Eslie , Vela Elizabeth , Towne Penny
Published: June 2021

Background

Cell spheroids and aggregates generated from three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods are similar to in vivo tumors in terms of tissue morphology, biology, and gene expression, unlike cells grown in 2D cell cultures. Breast cancer heterogeneity is one of the main drug resistant mechanisms and needs to be overcome in order to increase the efficacy of drug activity in its treatments.

Methods

We performed a unique 3D cell culture and drug efficacy study with trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla®, T-DM1) across five breast cancer cell lines (BT-474, SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-361, MDA-MB-175, and MCF-7) that were previously investigated in 2D cell culture. We performed HER2 IHC staining, cell viability experiments, Gene-protein-assay (GPA), and T-DM1 internalization studies.

Results

We obtained significantly different results including higher IC50 for some of the cell lines. Our GPA showed some significant heterogeneous HER2 gene and protein expression in 3D cultured spheroids or aggregates. The fluorescent images also showed that a longer incubation time is needed for T-DM1 to be internalized effectively into 3D cultured spheroids or aggregates.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the difference of T-DM1 drug activity in 3D spheroids or aggregates might be due to tumor heterogeneity and less efficient internalization of T-DM1 that is not seen using 2D cell culture models. Drug studies using 3D cell culture are expected to provide biologically relevant models for determining drug activity in tumor tissue in future drug response and resistance research.
Integrating a Sport-Based Trauma-Sensitive Program in a National Youth-Serving Organization
Authors: Shaikh M. , Bean C. , Bergholz L. , Rojas M. , Ali M. , Forneris T.
Published: June 2021

There is a pressing need to equip youth-serving community organizations to respond to the unique needs of trauma-exposed children. Early prevention measures can be an effective means of redirecting children to self-regulatory healing, while facilitating their transition toward strength-based thriving. Sport can offer a powerful opportunity to reach these children; however there remains little information on how to effectively develop, deliver, evaluate, and sustain trauma-sensitive sport programs in a community context. The purpose of this paper is to outline a case study of integrating sport-based trauma-sensitive practices with BGC Canada’s national Bounce Back League program. An interdisciplinary partnership of academic, community, and practice experts used a community-based participatory action research approach, paired with a knowledge translational approach, to guide the process of program development. Mixed methods (e.g., surveys, logbooks, interviews, focus groups, online communications) were used to generate ongoing insights of staff’s training experiences, successes and challenges of program implementation, and potential impact of program on club members. Several stages of program development are described, including: (a) collaboratively planning the program; (b) piloting the program to three clubs; (c) adapting the program using pilot insights; (d) expanding the adapted program to ten clubs; and (e) creating opportunities to maintain, sustain, and scale-out practices throughout grant duration and beyond. Lessons learned regarding the leadership team’s experiences in terms of developing, adapting, and integrating trauma-sensitive practices in this community context are shared.
Connectivity of Alpine newt populations (Ichthyosaura alpestris) exacerbates the risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans outbreaks in European fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra)
Authors: Beninde Joscha , Keltsch Florian , Veith Michael , Hochkirch Axel , Wagner Norman
Published: June 2021

The pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) was introduced from Asia to Europe, most likely via the pet trade. It is currently causing a severe local decline in populations of the European fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra). Laboratory tests confirmed that all infected individuals succumbed to the disease within two weeks. Furthermore, mass mortality events in the wild were observed in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Some newt species, including the Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris), can also become infected with Bsal. However, they seem to be ‘tolerant’ and can often survive the disease, but maintain an infectious load, which they could spread among connected populations. It is, therefore, hypothesized that this species functions as a vector of the disease and threatens syntopic populations of susceptible species such as the European fire salamander. To assess the risk of Alpine newts as vectors for Bsal, we sampled 233 individuals from 50 sites in 2017 and performed a genetic population connectivity analysis using microsatellites. The results showed that populations of Alpine newts are not spatially structured, suggesting high gene flow across the study area. Tests for Bsal of all Alpine newts and 150 individuals of two other newt species confirmed five infected individuals. Infected newts can thus function as reservoirs and vectors of Bsal and spread it through dispersal. As a result, the risk of European fire salamander declines in this region is further exacerbated by the connectivity of syntopic Alpine newt populations.
Wildlife conservation in a fragmented landscape: the Eurasian red squirrel on the Isle of Wight
Authors: Hardouin Emilie A. , Butler Helen , Cvitanović Marin , Ulrich Rainer G. , Schulze Vanessa , Schilling Anna-Katarina , Lurz Peter W. W. , Meredith Anna , Hodder Kathy H.
Published: June 2021

Island populations may have a higher extinction risk due to reduced genetic diversity and need to be managed effectively in order to reduce the risk of biodiversity loss. The Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in the south of England only survive on three islands (the Isle of Wight, Brownsea and Furzey islands), with the Isle of Wight harbouring the largest population in the region. Fourteen microsatellites were used to determine the genetic structure of red squirrel populations on the Isle of Wight, as well as their relatedness to other populations of the species. Our results demonstrated that squirrels on these islands were less genetically diverse than those in Continental mainland populations, as would be expected. It also confirmed previous results from mitochondrial DNA which indicated that the squirrels on the Isle of Wight were relatively closely related to Brownsea island squirrels in the south of England. Importantly, our findings showed that genetic mixing between squirrels in the east and west of the Isle of Wight was very limited. Given the potential deleterious effects of small population size on genetic health, landscape management to encourage dispersal of squirrels between these populations should be a priority.
A Bootstrap Method to Test Granger-Causality in the Frequency Domain
Authors: Farnè Matteo , Montanari Angela
Published: June 2021

We propose a bootstrap test for unconditional and conditional Granger-causality spectra in the frequency domain. Our test aims to detect if the causality at a particular frequency is systematically different from zero. In particular, we consider a stochastic process derived applying independently the stationary bootstrap to the original series. At each frequency, we test the sample causality against the distribution of the median causality across frequencies estimated for that process. Via our procedure, we infer about the relationship between money stock and GDP in the Euro Area during the period 1999–2017. We point out that the money stock aggregate M1 had a significant impact on economic output at all frequencies, while the opposite relationship is significant only at low frequencies.
Combinatorial invariants for nets of conics in $$\mathrm {PG}(2,q)$$
Authors: Lavrauw Michel , Popiel Tomasz , Sheekey John
Published: June 2021

The problem of classifying linear systems of conics in projective planes dates back at least to Jordan, who classified pencils (one-dimensional systems) of conics over $${\mathbb {C}}$$
C
and $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
in 1906–1907. The analogous problem for finite fields $$\mathbb {F}_q$$

F
q

with q odd was solved by Dickson in 1908. In 1914, Wilson attempted to classify nets (two-dimensional systems) of conics over finite fields of odd characteristic, but his classification was incomplete and contained some inaccuracies. In a recent article, we completed Wilson’s classification (for q odd) of nets of rank one, namely those containing a repeated line. The aim of the present paper is to introduce and calculate certain combinatorial invariants of these nets, which we expect will be of use in various applications. Our approach is geometric in the sense that we view a net of rank one as a plane in $$\mathrm {PG}(5,q)$$

PG
(
5
,
q
)

, q odd, that meets the quadric Veronesean in at least one point; two such nets are then equivalent if and only if the corresponding planes belong to the same orbit under the induced action of $$\mathrm {PGL}(3,q)$$

PGL
(
3
,
q
)

viewed as a subgroup of $$\mathrm {PGL}(6,q)$$

PGL
(
6
,
q
)

. Since q is odd, the orbits of lines in $$\mathrm {PG}(5,q)$$

PG
(
5
,
q
)

under this action correspond to the aforementioned pencils of conics in $$\mathrm {PG}(2,q)$$

PG
(
2
,
q
)

. The main contribution of this paper is to determine the line-orbit distribution of a plane $$\pi $$
π
corresponding to a net of rank one, namely, the number of lines in $$\pi $$
π
belonging to each line orbit. It turns out that this list of invariants completely determines the orbit of $$\pi $$
π
, and we will use this fact in forthcoming work to develop an efficient algorithm for calculating the orbit of a given net of rank one. As a more immediate application, we also determine the stabilisers of nets of rank one in $$\mathrm {PGL}(3,q)$$

PGL
(
3
,
q
)

, and hence the orbit sizes.
Head teachers’ opinions on the future of school education conditioned by emergency remote teaching
Authors: Potyrała Katarzyna , Demeshkant Nataliia , Czerwiec Karolina , Jancarz-Łanczkowska Beata , Tomczyk Łukasz
Published: June 2021

The study explores the school transformation process as evidenced by the opinions of head teachers. The main goal of the research was to present a content analysis study of the Polish educational environment on the basis of primary and secondary head teachers’ views on the risks and perspectives brought by the global Covid-2019 lockdown. The conceptual framework was based on the theoretical perspective (the cognitive and affective processes in multimedia learning, the theory of motivation, and goal setting) as well as the model of the school as a learning organization and the assumptions ofEmergency Remote Teaching.The categorized interviews with the head teachers were conducted using a categorized interview questionnaire and the respondents considered various categories problems within educational practice related to the functioning of schools during the pandemic. The selection of study participants was deliberate using the snowball sampling method, 18 head teachers participated in this study. The research conducted allowed the specification of the different areas of influence ofEmergency Remote Teachingon the transformation of the school as a learning organization (e.g. the functioning of the school in mutual internal and external network cooperation, the dissemination and extending of communication areas using information technologies, the strengthening of the network interaction through information technologies, and other areas). The paper contains numerous recommendations that can improve the school's functioning in the future, based on the experience gained duringEmergency Remote Teaching. These experiences can accelerate the organizational and didactic development of the school as a learning organization.
Ecosystem Shifts: Implications for Groundwater Management
Authors: Esteban Encarna , Calvo Elena , Albiac Jose
Published: June 2021

Freshwater ecosystems provide a large number of benefits to society. However, extensive human activities threat the viability of these ecosystems, their habitats, and their dynamics and interactions. One of the main risks facing these systems is the overexploitation of groundwater resources that hinders the survival of several freshwater habitats. In this paper, we study optimal groundwater paths when considering freshwater ecosystems. We contribute to existing groundwater literature by including the possibility of regime shifts in freshwater ecosystems into a groundwater management problem. The health of the freshwater habitat, which depends on the groundwater level, presents a switch in its status that occurs when a critical water level (‘tipping point’) is reached. Our results highlight important differences in optimal extraction paths and optimal groundwater levels compared with traditional models. The outcomes suggest that optimal groundwater withdrawals are non-linear and depend on the critical threshold and the ecosystem’s health function. Our results show that the inclusion of regime shifts in water management calls for a reformulation of water policies to incorporate the structure of ecosystems and their interactions with the habitat.
The instructional situations in which mathematics teachers provide substantive feedback
Authors: Stovner Roar B. , Klette Kirsti , Nortvedt Guri A.
Published: June 2021

Feedback provided by mathematics teachers usually addresses procedural skills and, to a much lesser extent, other competencies such as conceptual understanding or engagement in mathematical practices. As most previous literature has studied feedback provided on homework or video prompts, how teachers provide such feedback in the classroom is poorly understood. Here, sixteen lessons taught by five teachers were purposefully sampled from a larger video study (172 lessons) as lessons with high-quality feedback according to a standardized observation instrument. The analysis focused on the instructional situations in which teachers provided feedback. When teachers provided procedural feedback, the situations were orderly and effective. Feedback on conceptual understanding and mathematical practices was provided in situations when students were especially challenged, and entailed a series of complex decisions, thereby placing demands on the teachers to manage both the students’ understanding and behavior. We argue that researchers should focus on how teachers and students negotiate the instructional situation to allow for feedback on conceptual understanding or mathematical practices.