bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar activity and space weather
Authors: Gopalswamy Nat , Mäkelä Pertti , Yashiro Seiji , Akiyama Sachiko , Xie Hong
Published: March 2022

After providing an overview of solar activity as measured by the sunspot number (SSN) and space weather events during solar cycles (SCs) 21-24, we focus on the weak solar activity in SC 24. The weak solar activity reduces the number of energetic eruptions from the Sun and hence the number of space weather events. The speeds of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), interplanetary (IP) shocks, and the background solar wind all declined in SC 24. One of the main heliospheric consequences of weak solar activity is the reduced total (magnetic + gas) pressure, magnetic field strength, and Alfvén speed. There are three groups of phenomena that decline to different degrees in SC 24 relative to the corresponding ones in SC 23: (i) those that decline more than SSN does, (ii) those that decline like SSN, and (iii) those that decline less than SSN does. The decrease in the number of severe space weather events such as high-energy solar energetic particle (SEP) events and intense geomagnetic storms is deeper than the decline in SSN. The reduction in the number of severe space weather events can be explained by the backreaction of the weak heliosphere on CMEs. CMEs expand anomalously and hence their magnetic content is diluted resulting in weaker geomagnetic storms. The reduction in the number of intense geomagnetic storms caused by corotating interaction regions is also drastic. The diminished heliospheric magnetic field in SC 24 reduces the efficiency of particle acceleration, resulting in fewer high-energy SEP events. The numbers of IP type II radio bursts, IP socks, and high-intensity energetic storm particle events closely follow the number of fast and wide CMEs (and approximately SSN) because all these phenomena are closely related to CME-driven shocks. The number of halo CMEs in SC 24 declines less than SSN does, mainly due to the weak heliospheric state. Phenomena such as IP CMEs and magnetic clouds related to frontside halos also do not decline significantly. The mild space weather is likely to continue in SC 25, whose strength has been predicted to be not too different from that of SC 24.
Android application development for push notification feature for Indonesian space weather service based on Google Cloud Messaging
Authors: Maryam Siti , Purwono Adi , Syahril
Published: March 2022

The advances of digital technology bring the era where the communication platform of modern society facilitates the spreading of information which is effortless yet distracting. This paper describes the development of a mobile application on the android platform as a service that provides information on Indonesian space weather conditions where the pushed- notification method is used to deliver information to the service’s stakeholders as the targeted users. The notification which presents the message directly to the users’ device is considered the most effective way to engage the users. A cross-platform message data builder based on GSON and Retrofit interface is implemented to construct information contents in the notification as well as in the application, suitable for use cases that occurred to accommodate the user preference. Furthermore, the application uses mobile device token identification to specifically manage the engagement process served by Firebase, a Google cloud messaging system. The application analytic indicates that the user-application retention of average users is about 80 percent and the success rate of delivered instant messages with push notification is 96 percent respectively during one month of testing from 48 registered users.
The value of early methane mitigation in preserving Arctic summer sea ice
Authors: Sun Tianyi , Ocko Ilissa B , Hamburg Steven P
Published: March 2022

A growing body of literature has identified methane mitigation as a key component of limiting the rate and extent of global warming. However, little is known about how methane mitigation can benefit other critical aspects of the climate system. This study explores the value of early methane mitigation in addition to carbon dioxide mitigation in helping avert an approaching and concerning climate event: the near-complete loss of Arctic summer sea ice. While drastic cuts in carbon dioxide emissions will ultimately control the fate of Arctic summer sea ice, we show that simultaneous early deployment of feasible methane mitigation measures is essential to avoiding the loss of Arctic summer sea ice this century. In fact, the benefit of combined methane and carbon dioxide mitigation on reducing the likelihood of a seasonally ice-free Arctic can be greater than the simple sum of benefits from two independent greenhouse gas policies. The extent to which methane mitigation can help preserve Arctic summer sea ice depends on the implementation timeline. The benefit of methane mitigation is maximized when all technically feasible measures are implemented within this decade, and it decreases with each decade of delay in implementation due to its influence on end-of-century temperature. A key insight is that methane mitigation substantially lowers the risk of losing Arctic summer sea ice across varying levels of concomitant carbon dioxide mitigation. This analysis provides further evidence of the value of early methane mitigation and the need to consider its benefits beyond reduced global temperature and improved air quality.
Streamflow droughts aggravated by human activities despite management
Authors: Van Loon Anne F , Rangecroft Sally , Coxon Gemma , Werner Micha , Wanders Niko , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Tijdeman Erik , Bosman Marianne , Gleeson Tom , Nauditt Alexandra , Aghakouchak Amir , Breña-Naranjo Jose Agustin , Cenobio-Cruz Omar , Costa Alexandre Cunha , Fendekova Miriam , Jewitt Graham , Kingston Daniel G , Loft Jessie , Mager Sarah M , Mallakpour Iman , Masih Ilyas , Maureira-Cortés Héctor , Toth Elena , Van Oel Pieter , Van Ogtrop Floris , Verbist Koen , Vidal Jean-Philippe , Wen Li , Yu Meixiu , Yuan Xing , Zhang Miao , Van Lanen Henny A J
Published: March 2022

Human activities both aggravate and alleviate streamflow drought. Here we show that aggravation is dominant in contrasting cases around the world analysed with a consistent methodology. Our 28 cases included different combinations of human-water interactions. We found that water abstraction aggravated all drought characteristics, with increases of 20%–305% in total time in drought found across the case studies, and increases in total deficit of up to almost 3000%. Water transfers reduced drought time and deficit by up to 97%. In cases with both abstraction and water transfers into the catchment or augmenting streamflow from groundwater, the water inputs could not compensate for the aggravation of droughts due to abstraction and only shift the effects in space or time. Reservoir releases for downstream water use alleviated droughts in the dry season, but also led to deficits in the wet season by changing flow seasonality. This led to minor changes in average drought duration (−26 to +38%) and moderate changes in average drought deficit (−86 to +369%). Land use showed a smaller impact on streamflow drought, also with both increases and decreases observed (−48 to +98%). Sewage return flows and pipe leakage possibly counteracted the effects of increased imperviousness in urban areas; however, untangling the effects of land use change on streamflow drought is challenging. This synthesis of diverse global cases highlights the complexity of the human influence on streamflow drought and the added value of empirical comparative studies. Results indicate both intended and unintended consequences of water management and infrastructure on downstream society and ecosystems.
Black carbon in the Southern Andean snowpack
Authors: Cordero Raúl R , Sepúlveda Edgardo , Feron Sarah , Wang Chenghao , Damiani Alessandro , Fernandoy Francisco , Neshyba Steven , Rowe Penny M , Asencio Valentina , Carrasco Jorge , Alfonso Juan A , MacDonell Shelley , Seckmeyer Gunther , Carrera Juan M , Jorquera Jose , Llanillo Pedro , Dana Jacob , Khan Alia L , Casassa Gino
Published: March 2022

The Andean snowpack is an important source of water for many communities. As other snow-covered regions around the world, the Andes are sensitive to black carbon (BC) deposition from fossil fuel and biomass combustion. BC darkens the snow surface, reduces the albedo, and accelerates melting. Here, we report on measurements of the BC content conducted by using the meltwater filtration (MF) technique in snow samples collected across a transect of more than 2500 km from the mid-latitude Andes to the southern tip of South America. Addressing some of the key knowledge gaps regarding the effects of the BC deposition on the Andean snow, we identified BC-impacted areas, assessed the BC-related albedo reduction, and estimated the resulting snow losses. We found that BC concentrations in our samples generally ranged from 2 to 15 ng g−1, except for the nearly BC-free Patagonian Icefields and for the BC-impacted sites nearby Santiago (a metropolis of 6 million inhabitants). We estimate that the seasonal snowpack shrinking attributable to the BC deposition ranges from 4 mm water equivalent (w.e.) at relatively clean sites in Patagonia to 241 mm w.e. at heavily impacted sites close to Santiago.
A compact microscope for voltage imaging
Authors: Meng Xin , Huismans Lex , Huijben Teun , Szabo Greta , van Tol Ruud , de Heer Izak , Ganapathy Srividya , Brinks Daan
Published: March 2022

Voltage imaging and optogenetics offer new routes to optically detect and influence neural dynamics. Optimized hardware is necessary to make the most of these new techniques. Here we present the Octoscope, a versatile, multimodal device for all-optical electrophysiology. We illustrate its concept and design and demonstrate its capability to perform both 1-photon and 2-photon voltage imaging with spatial and temporal light patterning, in both inverted and upright configurations, in vitro and in vivo.
A robust and flexible pulse wave sensory array enabling real-time non-invasive blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Li Anqi , Lin Jianle , Li Huimin , Yang Qi , Liu Xinghui , Jiang Bowei , Zhang Yuling , Wang Kai
Published: March 2022

Chronical cardiovascular decreases such as hypertension requires real-time and continuous monitoring of blood pressures (BPs). Pulse wave that contains critical and ample information on cardiovascular dynamics is a direct vital sign to extract BP and therefore an epidermal wearable device enabling real-time acquisition of pulse waves becomes necessary. In this work, we propose and study a flexible pulse wave sensory array aiming for real-time wearable pulse wave acquisition with robustness. A piezoelectric sensor together with a thin-film transistor-based sensor interface circuit is used to detect multiple pulse waveforms at the location of radial artery, which are input to a convolutional neural network for a deep-learning BP estimation model training. The estimated BPs are assessed by a correlation study with the BPs measured by conventional sphygmomanometers. Our study shows a reasonable accuracy of mean deviation and standard deviation of 2.84 ± 7.53 mmHg for systolic BP and 0.88 ± 7.06 mmHg for diastolic BP.
Fatigue behaviour of inkjet-printed silver interconnects on silica-coated mesoporous flexible PET substrate
Authors: Khinda Gurvinder Singh , Kokash Maan Z , Alhendi Mohammed , Garakani Behnam , Stoffel Nancy C , Borgesen Peter , Poliks Mark D
Published: March 2022

Inkjet-printed silver conductive patterns are used in many flexible electronics applications ranging from health care, industrial assets management to aviation. Understanding of the electrical behaviour of these printed patterns under different mechanical stresses and environmental conditions is important for their real-life application use. The present work addresses a special system, silver interconnects on silica-coated mesoporous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The combination of the substrate porosity and roughness, and a sintering temperature limited by the low glass transition temperature (T
g) of the PET leads to unique behaviours that may easily be misinterpreted. Thus, while the interconnect resistance increases during stretching and decreases with unloading, the resistance at zero load is lower after a given cycle than before it and it continues to drop in consecutive cycles. This effect is stronger for higher strain amplitudes, but it could be reduced or eliminated by preceding low temperature annealing. Humidity exposure and thermal cycling also led to major drops in resistance, albeit for different reasons, but both led to faster fatigue in subsequent mechanical deformation. Accounting for these behaviours in the assessment of life under realistic use conditions requires a mechanistic understanding.
A note on double rotations of infinite type
Authors: Artigiani M. , Fougeron C. , Hubert P. , Skripchenko A.
Published: March 2022

We introduce a new renormalization procedure on double rotations, which is reminiscent of the classical Rauzy induction. Using this renormalization we prove that the set of parameters which induce infinite type double rotations has Hausdorff dimension strictly smaller than

3
3

. Moreover, we construct a natural invariant measure supported on these parameters and show that, with respect to this measure, almost all double rotations are uniquely ergodic.
On generalized Newton’s aerodynamic problem
Authors: Plakhov A.
Published: March 2022

We consider the generalized Newton’s least resistance problem for convex bodies: minimize the functional
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="double-integral Underscript normal upper Omega Endscripts left-parenthesis 1 plus StartAbsoluteValue nabla u left-parenthesis x comma y right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue squared right-parenthesis Superscript negative 1 Baseline d x d y">

∬
Ω

(
1
+

|

∇
u
(
x
,
y
)

|

2

)

−
1

d
x

d
y

\iint _\Omega (1 + |\nabla u(x,y)|^2)^{-1} dx\, dy

in the class of concave functions

u
:
Ω
→
[
0
,
M
]

u\colon \Omega \to [0,M]

, where the domain

Ω
⊂

R

2

\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^2

is convex and bounded and

M
>
0

M > 0

. It has been known (see G. Buttazzo, V. Ferone, and B. Kawohl [Math. Nachr. 173 (1995), pp. 71–89]) that if

u
u

solves the problem, then

|

∇
u
(
x
,
y
)

|

≥
1

|\nabla u(x,y)| \ge 1

at all regular points

(
x
,
y
)

(x,y)

such that

u
(
x
,
y
)
>
M

u(x,y) > M

. We prove that if the upper level set

L
=
{
(
x
,
y
)
:
u
(
x
,
y
)
=
M
}

L = \{ (x,y)\colon u(x,y) = M \}

has nonempty interior, then for almost all points of its boundary

(

x
¯

,

y
¯

)
∈
∂
L

(\bar {x}, \bar {y}) \in \partial L

one has
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="limit Underscript StartLayout 1st Row left-parenthesis x comma y right-parenthesis right-arrow left-parenthesis x overbar comma y overbar right-parenthesis 2nd Row u left-parenthesis x comma y right-parenthesis greater-than upper M EndLayout Endscripts StartAbsoluteValue nabla u left-parenthesis x comma y right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue equals 1">

lim

(
x
,
y
)
→
(

x
¯

,

y
¯

)

u
(
x
,
y
)
>
M

|

∇
u
(
x
,
y
)

|

=
1

\lim _{\substack {(x,y)\to (\bar {x},\bar {y})\\u(x,y)>M}}|\nabla u(x,y)| = 1

. As a by-product, we obtain a result concerning local properties of convex surfaces near ridge points.
Compact families and typical entropy invariants of measure-preserving actions
Authors: Ryzhikov V.
Published: March 2022

For a compact set of actions, an entropy of Kushnirenko type is chosen in such a way that it vanishes on this set but takes infinite values for the typical actions. As a consequence we find that typical measure-preserving transformations are not isomorphic to isometric rearrangements of a finite set of geometric figures.
Realizing integrable Hamiltonian systems by means of billiard books
Authors: Kibkalo V. , Fomenko A. , Kharcheva I.
Published: March 2022

Fomenko’s conjecture that the topology of the Liouville foliations associated with integrable smooth or analytic Hamiltonian systems can be realized by means of integrable billiard systems is discussed. An algorithm of Vedyushkina and Kharcheva’s realizing 3-atoms by billiard books, which has been simplified significantly by formulating it in terms of

f
f

-graphs, is presented. Note that, using another algorithm, Vedyushkina and Kharcheva have also realized an arbitrary type of the base of the Liouville foliation on the whole 3-dimensional isoenergy surface. This algorithm is illustrated graphically by an example where the invariant of the well-known Joukowsky system (the Euler case with a gyrostat) is realized for a certain energy range. It turns out that the entire Liouville foliation, rather than just the class of its base, is realized there; that is, the billiard and mechanical systems turn out to be Liouville equivalent. Results due to Vedyushkina and Kibkalo on constructing billiards with arbitrary values of numerical invariants are also presented. For billiard books without potential that possess a certain property, the existence of a Fomenko–Zieschang invariant is shown; it is also proved that they belong to the class of topologically stable systems. Finally, an example is presented when the addition of a Hooke potential to a planar billiard produces a splitting nondegenerate 4-singularity of rank 1.
Alternating bounded solutions of a class of nonlinear two-dimensional convolution-type integral equations
Authors: Khachatryan Kh. , Petrosyan A.
Published: March 2022

This paper is devoted to studying a class of nonlinear two-dimensional convolution-type integral equations on

R

2

\mathbb {R}^2

. This class of equations has applications in the theory of

p
p

-adic open-closed strings and in the mathematical theory of the spread of epidemics in space and time. The existence of an alternating bounded solution is proved. The asymptotic behaviour of the constructed solution is also studied in a particular case. At the end of the paper, specific applied examples of these equations are given to illustrate the results. UDK 517.968.4.
CR-manifolds of infinite type in the sense of Bloom and Graham
Authors: Stepanova M.
Published: March 2022

An analogue of the Bloom–Graham theorem for germs of real analytic CR-manifolds of infinite type is devised, and a certain standard form to which they can be transformed (a reduced form) is described. The concept of Bloom–Graham type is refined (as a stratified type). The refined type is also holomorphically invariant. The concept of a quasimodel surface is introduced and it is shown that for biholomorphically equivalent manifolds such surfaces are quasilinearly equivalent. A criterion for the Lie algebra of infinitesimal holomorphic automorphisms to be finite-dimensional is obtained in the case when the type is uniformly infinite (that is, infinite at all points). In combination with the criterion of a finite-dimensional automorphism algebra for manifolds of finite type almost everywhere, this yields a complete criterion for this algebra to be finite-dimensional. The sets of fixed Blooom–Graham type are shown to be semi-analytic and the type of a generic point (lying outside a proper analytic subset) is minimal in a certain sense.
IRF8 as a Novel Marker to Differentiate Between CD30-Positive Large Cell Lymphomas
Authors: McQuaid Daniel C , Katz Samuel G , Xu Mina L
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a new biomarker shown to be positive in monocytic leukemias as well as in B cells. As a transcription factor, it plays a critical role in pre–B-cell differentiation and induction of tolerance pathways, among other functions. Given the frequent diagnostic dilemma in CD30-positive large cell lymphomas that could resemble both Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), we sought to determine whether IRF8 can be useful in distinguishing between these neoplasms that require different treatment strategies.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 74 cases of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) and 7 cases of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) on a tissue microarray (TMA), as well as 15 individual cases of ALK-negative ALCL and 4 cases of ALK-positive ALCL, were stained for IRF8. Paired box 5 (PAX5) immunostaining of the TMA was also performed and compared alongside since that marker is occasionally the only marker to help clinically differentiate between T- and B-cell lymphomas with anaplastic/Hodgkin-like cytology.

Results

None (0%) of the ALCLs were positive for IRF8 while all (100%) of the NLPHLs and 85% of the CHLs were positive for IRF8. Six (8%) cases of CHL were PAX5 negative but IRF8 positive. Conversely, seven (10%) cases of CHL were PAX5 positive but IRF8 negative. Four (6%) cases of CHL were negative for both PAX5 and IRF8.

Conclusions

There is significant morphologic and immunophenotypic (CD30 positive and CD45 and CD20 negative) overlap between CHL and ALCL. Since many ALCLs show downregulation of lineage-specific T-cell markers or are “null cell” type, only PAX5 has been a reliable marker to differentiate between borderline cases. This is further confounded by positivity of PAX5 in some ALCLs due to amplification of PAX5. On the basis of recent discoveries of IRF8 function as well as performance as an immunostain, we tested this marker in human lymphoma samples and found that it aids in the discrimination between these tumors.
The Concept of Ideal Caucasian Male Lips: An Anthropometric Analysis of the Lower Third of the Face
Authors: Pietruski Piotr , Majak Marcin
Published: March 2022

Background

The lips play a significant role in determining the aesthetic perception of a human face. However, there are little data on the perioral region morphometry of attractive males.

Objectives

This study investigates the morphology of the lower third of the face, including the lips and jawline, of attractive young Caucasian males.

Methods

A complex semi-automatic photogrammetric analysis of faces of male photo models (n = 300) of the Caucasian race, aged 18 to 39 years, was performed. Linear, angular, and surface area parameters were evaluated. In addition, an Averaged Body Contours image was created, providing the graphical summarization of facial size and shapes of all analyzed individuals.

Results

The height of the lower third of the face equaled 0.35 ± 0.03 of the total facial height. The average lip width was 50.98 ± 3.74 mm. The upper vermilion height was significantly lower than the lower vermilion height (5.9 ± 1.62 vs 11.15 ± 1.88 mm, P < 0.01). The lip obliquity angle was found to be 1.01° ± 0.73°. The area surface of the lower lip vermilion was considerably larger than the vermilion of the upper lip (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The vast amount of morphometric data, including the novel presentation method as an Averaged Body Contours image, on the attractive male’s lower third of the face may provide the surgeons with practical guidelines for lip surgical and nonsurgical rejuvenation procedures. It may also support the perioral region reconstruction and sex reassignment surgery in achieving satisfactory results.
An evidence-based lexical pattern approach for quality assurance of Gene Ontology relations
Authors: Abeysinghe Rashmie , Yang Yuntao , Bartels Mason , Zheng W Jim , Cui Licong
Published: March 2022

Gene Ontology (GO) is widely used in the biological domain. It is the most comprehensive ontology providing formal representation of gene functions (GO concepts) and relations between them. However, unintentional quality defects (e.g. missing or erroneous relations) in GO may exist due to the large size of GO concepts and complexity of GO structures. Such quality defects would impact the results of GO-based analyses and applications. In this work, we introduce a novel evidence-based lexical pattern approach for quality assurance of GO relations. We leverage two layers of evidence to suggest potentially missing relations in GO as follows. We first utilize related concept pairs (i.e. existing relations) in GO to extract relationship-specific lexical patterns, which serve as the first layer evidence to automatically suggest potentially missing relations between unrelated concept pairs. For each suggested missing relation, we further identify two other existing relations as the second layer of evidence that resemble the difference between the missing relation and the existing relation based on which the missing relation is suggested. Applied to the 15 December 2021 release of GO, this approach suggested a total of 866 potentially missing relations. Local domain experts evaluated the entire set of potentially missing relations, and identified 821 as missing relations and 45 indicate erroneous existing relations. We submitted these findings to the GO consortium for further validation and received encouraging feedback. These indicate that our evidence-based approach can be utilized to uncover missing relations and erroneous existing relations in GO.
Face Identification Using Conditional Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Kais Jameel Samer , Majidpour Jafar , Al-Talabani Abdulbasit K , Anwar Qadir Jihad
Published: March 2022

Most of research studies that have dealt with face corrupted images to the level of being unrecognizable by a human are based on full image reconstruction. In some real scenarios, a single corrupted image might need to be recognized among a limited number of available clean images. This study deals with face identification from artificially corrupted images with various kinds of noises. The work proposes a face identification conditional generative adversarial network (FI-CGAN) model to identify faces based on the CGAN. The proposed models reconstruct the corrupted image based on available clean images to map the corrupted image to a specific label. The classification is made using the nearest neighbor method with peak signal-to-noise ratio, mean squared error and structural similarity index as metrics. The study used the Specs on Faces dataset and achieved a satisfactory performance for face identification.
Integrating palliative care into the modern cardiac intensive care unit: a review
Authors: Kim Joseph M , Godfrey Sarah , O’Neill Deirdre , Sinha Shashank S , Kochar Ajar , Kapur Navin K , Katz Jason N , Warraich Haider J
Published: March 2022

The modern cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) specializes in the care of a broad range of critically ill patients with both cardiac and non-cardiac serious illnesses. Despite advances, most conditions that necessitate CICU admission such as cardiogenic shock, continue to have a high burden of morbidity and mortality. The CICU often serves as the final destination for patients with end-stage disease, with one study reporting that one in five patients in the USA die in an intensive care unit (ICU) or shortly after an ICU admission. Palliative care is a broad subspecialty of medicine with an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on optimizing patient and family quality of life (QoL), decision-making, and experience. Palliative care has been shown to improve the QoL and symptom burden in patients at various stages of illness, however, the integration of palliative care in the CICU has not been well-studied. In this review, we outline the fundamental principles of high-quality palliative care in the ICU, focused on timeliness, goal-concordant decision-making, and family-centred care. We differentiate between primary palliative care, which is delivered by the primary CICU team, and secondary palliative care, which is provided by the consulting palliative care team, and delineate their responsibilities and domains. We propose clinical triggers that might spur serious illness communication and reappraisal of patient preferences. More research is needed to test different models that integrate palliative care in the modern CICU.
Creeping yeast: a simple, cheap and robust protocol for the identification of mating type in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Arras Samantha D M , Hibbard Taylor R , Mitsugi-McHattie Lucy , Woods Matthew A , Johnson Charlotte E , Munkacsi Andrew , Hermann-Le Denmat Sylvie , Ganley Austen R D
Published: March 2022

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an exceptional genetic system, with genetic crosses facilitated by its ability to be maintained in haploid and diploid forms. Such crosses are straightforward if the mating type/ploidy of the strains is known. Several techniques can determine mating type (or ploidy), but all have limitations. Here, we validate a simple, cheap and robust method to identify S. cerevisiae mating types. When cells of opposite mating type are mixed in liquid media, they ‘creep’ up the culture vessel sides, a phenotype that can be easily detected visually. In contrast, mixtures of the same mating type or with a diploid simply settle out. The phenotype is observable for several days under a range of routine growth conditions and with different media/strains. Microscopy suggests that cell aggregation during mating is responsible for the phenotype. Yeast knockout collection analysis identified 107 genes required for the creeping phenotype, with these being enriched for mating-specific genes. Surprisingly, the RIM101 signaling pathway was strongly represented. We propose that RIM101 signaling regulates aggregation as part of a wider, previously unrecognized role in mating. The simplicity and robustness of this method make it ideal for routine verification of S. cerevisiae mating type, with future studies required to verify its molecular basis.
Fraud detection in motor insurance: privacy and data protection concerns under EU Law
Authors: Amankwah Jeffrey , Van Schoubroeck Caroline
Published: March 2022

This article focuses on the privacy and data protection concerns under European Union (EU) law with respect to the detection of insurance fraud in motor insurance.

Insurance fraud—in the context of this article—encompasses all claims where an insured intends to deceive an insurer, aiming to direct payment towards a person who is not the intended recipient, or to procure payment to which the insured is not entitled.

More and more frequently, insurers rely on advanced technologies (such as network analysis) to detect fraudulent claims. Evidently, these techniques need to operate within the boundaries of the law governing the protection of personal data and the right to privacy.

The EU General Data Protection Regulation imposes certain restrictions on the processing of personal data. This article analyses the legal restrictions Articles 6 and 22 General Data Protection Regulation impose on insurers with respect to the processing of personal data for the purpose of fraud detection.

Moreover, insurers work together to identify known fraudsters by sharing access to a database that contains registered cases of fraud (blacklists). This article analyses the legality of such blacklists in light of the EU law on data protection.
Stories about “Us” and “Them”: An Experimental Inquiry into the Relative Appeal of Populist Narratives
Authors: Yanchenko Kostiantyn
Published: March 2022

Due to continued mediatization of politics, storytelling plays an increasingly important role in political communication. Against this background, it is often argued that populist narratives are essentially more appealing than non-populist political narratives, yet empirical evidence to support this assumption was missing. A multi-message experiment was conducted among U.S. citizens (N = 206) to compare how populist and non-populist political stories affect narrative transportation—a psychological state strongly associated with narrative enjoyment. The results show that populist framing significantly increases the ability of political narratives to cause transportation, controlling for the political partisanship and populist predispositions of the participants. This effect is mediated by the identification with story characters and feelings of anger and anxiety. The positive impact of populist framing extends to the story-consistent attitudes of the participants, suggesting a parallel–serial mediation model. The study enhances our understanding of psychological responses to populist storytelling.
Determination of GL(3) Cusp Forms by Central Values of Quadratic Twisted L-Functions
Authors: Hua Shenghao , Huang Bingrong
Published: March 2022

Let $\phi $ and $\phi ^{\prime}$ be two $\operatorname {GL}(3)$ Hecke–Maass cusp forms. In this paper, we prove that $\phi =\phi ^{\prime} \textrm {or }\widetilde {\phi ^{\prime}}$ if there exists a nonzero constant $\kappa $ such that $L(\frac {1}{2},\phi \otimes \chi _{8d})=\kappa L(\frac {1}{2},\phi ^{\prime}\otimes \chi _{8d})$ for all positive odd square-free positive $d$. Here, $\widetilde {\phi ^{\prime}}$ is dual form of $\phi ^{\prime}$ and $\chi _{8d}$ is the quadratic character $(\frac {8d}{\cdot })$. To prove this, we obtain asymptotic formulas for twisted 1st moment of central values of quadratic twisted $L$-functions on $\operatorname {GL}(3)$, which will have many other applications.
Dynamic evolution of imipenem/relebactam resistance in a KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from a single patient during ceftazidime/avibactam-based treatments
Authors: Gaibani Paolo , Bovo Federica , Bussini Linda , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Amadesi Stefano , Bartoletti Michele , Viale Pierlugi , Ambretti Simone
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The novel carbapenem/β-lactamase inhibitor combination imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam has been developed for the treatment of infections due to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Herein, we describe the in vivo evolution of imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam resistance in longitudinal intra-patient Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) strains isolated from a patient following ceftazidime/avibactam-based treatments.

Methods

WGS analysis was performed on KPC-Kp strains isolated at different times and during antimicrobial treatments from the same patient. Genome assemblies were performed using a hybrid approach using Illumina iSeq 100 and Minion Oxford Nanopore platforms. Subpopulation analysis and allele frequency determination was performed by mapping Illumina reads to blaKPC.

Results

During antimicrobial treatment, resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam was observed following 16 days of antimicrobial therapy. WGS results showed that all KPC-Kp exhibited a low SNP rate of divergence, belonged to ST512 and shared similar antimicrobial resistance and porin gene patterns. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the first ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp strain harboured a blaKPC-53 gene in a Tn4401 transposon moved from IncFII(K) to a 43 kb IncX3 plasmid, while a imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam-resistant strain exhibited two copies of the Tn4401 transposon in IncFII(K) and IncX3 plasmids, resulting in an increased blaKPC copy number. Of note, frequency analysis demonstrated that imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam-resistant KPC-Kp consisted of mixed subpopulations harbouring blaKPC-40 and blaKPC-53 alleles.

Conclusions

Our results show the in vivo evolution of genetic rearrangement conferring resistance to imipenem/relebactam in a patient with KPC-Kp infection and treated with different ceftazidime/avibactam-based treatments. The rapid development of mutations and the high adaptability of its genome highlight the potential threat of KPC-Kp.
A comparison of indoor and outdoor calf housing systems using automated and manual feeding methods and their effect on calf health, behavior, growth, and labor
Authors: Sinnott Alison M , Bokkers Eddie A M , Murphy John Paul , Kennedy Emer
Published: March 2022

Housing and feeding are integral to calf rearing, and must meet calf needs while remaining functional for the farmer. This study compared health, behavior, growth, and labor requirements of calves housed in groups indoors and fed via an automatic or manual milk feeding system compared to calves manually fed in individual or group hutches outdoors. Seventy-six (49 Holstein Friesian [HF] and 27 HF × Jersey) dairy heifer calves were balanced for birth weight (35.2 ± 4.95 kg), birth date (1 February ± 7.2 d) and breed. The experiment was a randomized block design with four treatments; 1) indoor group housing with automated feeding (IN_AUTO; 12 calves per pen), 2) indoor group housing with manual feeding (IN_MAN; 12 calves per pen), 3) outdoor group hutch with manual feeding (OUT_G_MAN; 8 calves per pen), and 4) outdoor individual hutch with manual feeding (OUT_I_MAN; 6 calves: 1 per pen). Calves in OUT_treatments moved outdoors at 18 d (± 5.9 d). Each treatment was replicated once. Milk allowance increased gradually from 6 to 8 L/day (15% reconstitution rate) with ad libitum fresh water, concentrates, and hay offered from 3 d old. Gradual weaning occurred at 8 wk old. Measurements were divided into period 1; before movement outdoors, and period 2; after movement outdoors. Health was similar among treatments, regardless of period, with the most frequent score being zero (i.e., healthy). Summarized, standing and lying were observed 24.3% and 29.8%, respectively, in OUT_I_MAN calves, compared to 8.0% and 49.1%, for the other systems, which were similar. No difference in bodyweight (BW) existed between treatments, except at weaning where BW was lower for OUT_I_MAN (67.4 ± 2.84 kg) compared to IN_MAN (74.2 ± 2.01 kg), and day 102 where OUT_I_MAN (94.1 ± 2.85 kg) were lighter than IN_AUTO (101.1 ± 2.10 kg) (P = 0.047). Total labor input was greatest for OUT_I_MAN (00:02:02 per calf per day; hh:mm:ss) and least for IN_AUTO (00:00:21 per calf per day) (P < 0.001). The labor for feeding (00:00:29 per calf per day), feeding inspection (00:00:10 per calf per day), and cleaning equipment (00:00:30 per calf per day) was greatest for OUT_I_MAN. All calves showed good health and growth patterns. Differences in behavior expressed by calves in the OUT_I_MAN, compared to other treatments may indicate compromised welfare. Thus, although outdoor group hutches do not negatively impact calves, indoor housing, particularly using automated feeders, can improve labor efficiency.
Full-fat field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) as a substitute for fish meal and soybean meal for weaning piglets: effects on growth performance, intestinal health, and redox status
Authors: Boontiam Waewaree , Hong Jinsu , Kitipongpysan Sumetee , Wattanachai Suchat
Published: March 2022

Full-fat field cricket meal (FCP) is an alternative protein ingredient in livestock production; however, the effects of replacing conventional protein sources with FCP in nursery diets have not been determined. In this study, the effects of the partial replacement of either fish meal or soybean meal with FCP on weaning pigs were evaluated, including the analyses of growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology,  immunity, oxidative stress, and fecal microbial counts. A total of 100 crossbred weaning pigs [(Landrace × Large White) × Duroc] were allotted to one of the following five treatments with five replicates (four pigs/pen) and fed for 28 d postweaning. Treatments were 1) a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based diet with 5% fish meal (Positive control; PC), 2) a corn-SBM-based diet without fish meal (Negative control; NC), 3) field crickets replacing fishmeal on a total Lys basis (FCP1), 4) field crickets replacing fishmeal on a kg/kg basis (FCP2), and 5) field crickets replacing fish meal and soybean meal (FCP3). The piglets on FCP1 had a higher body weight on days 14 and 28, and an increased average daily gain over the experimental period than NC (P < 0.05); FCP2 and FCP3 were similar to the FCP1 treatment. The incidence of diarrhea was lower under an FCP-supplemented diet than under the NC diet throughout the study (P < 0.05). Pigs fed FCP1 and FCP2 had a higher digestibility of crude  protein (P = 0.041), and all FCP groups increased crude fat digestibility (P = 0.024). FCP1 and FCP2 also increased jejunal villus height  (P = 0.009), whereas the increase in jejunal villus-to-crypt ratios (P = 0.019) was greater in pigs fed the FCP2 diet than those fed the NC diet. Furthermore, FCP2 supplementation increased serum immunoglobulin A levels on days 14 and 28, including reduced serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels (P < 0.05). Pigs fed an FCP2 diet had reduced malondialdehyde levels than those fed a PC diet, while pigs fed an FCP2 diet had higher superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels, and more fecal Lactobacillus spp. than those fed an NC diet (P < 0.05). These results support the use of FCP as an alternative protein ingredient with beneficial effects on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota. In particular, FCP can be used as a partial substitute for fish meal and soybean meal without detrimental effects on weaning pigs.
Comparison of Work- and Nonwork-Related Lower Extremity Burn Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Gurbuz Kayhan , Demir Mete
Published: March 2022

Lower extremity burn injuries are among the most affected anatomical regions in hospitalized burn patients. Our objective was to compare burn patients with work-related isolated lower extremity burn injuries (w-ILEBI) and patients with nonwork-related isolated lower extremity burn injuries (nw-ILEBI). Sixty-four (15.7%) of 407 patients (16–92 years) were in the w-ILEBI cohort. The most extensive burn wounds were among patients in the fire-flame group with a median total body surface area percent (%TBSA) of 27.0 (interquartile range = 11.0%–45.0%). While 50 (76.9%) patients in the electrical group had full-thickness burns, 99 (60%) of the cases in the scald group had superficial partial-thickness burns. Blood and wound sample cultures were positive in 42 (29.4%) patients in the fire-flame group. Approximately one-third of patients in the fire-flame/electrical group required escharotomy/fasciotomy procedures, only one (0.6%) case in the scald group, and none in the chemical/contact groups. Thirty-three (51%) of the patients in the electrical group underwent skin grafting, but 14 (21.5%) required amputations. The highest mortality was detected in 27 (18.9%) patients in the fire-flame group. This study revealed several differences in clinical characteristics of isolated lower extremity burn injuries (ILEBI): burn mechanism and depth, total body surface area percent (%TBSA), infection, surgery requirements, laterality, and mortality. Within the scope of occupational health and safety measures, protective clothing and increased workplace and safety training for employers/employees should be implemented.
Outcomes of nivolumab monotherapy for previously treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a real-world multi-institution data with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up
Authors: Ishihara Hiroki , Nemoto Yuki , Tachibana Hidekazu , Fukuda Hironori , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Kobayashi Hirohito , Iizuka Junpei , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Takagi Toshio , Ishida Hideki , Kondo Tsunenori , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate the long-term follow-up outcomes of nivolumab monotherapy for previously treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma, using real-world data.

Methods

A total of 121 patients were treated with nivolumab monotherapy as subsequent therapy after the failure of prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy between January 2013 and December 2021 at four affiliated institutions. To evaluate the outcome after 2 years or more, we selected patients in whom nivolumab therapy was started in December 2019 or earlier because data collection was performed until the end of December 2021.

Results

Seventy-four patients were evaluated. During the median follow-up period of 25.8 months, 62 (84%) and 40 (54%) patients had disease progression and died, respectively. Nivolumab was administered as second-line therapy in 43 patients (58%). The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 5.52 and 31.1 months, respectively, and objective response rate was 36%. There was no difference in progression-free survival or overall survival based on the treatment line of nivolumab (P = 0.915, P = 0.559). The magnitude of tumor response and development of immune-related adverse events were significantly associated with progression-free survival (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively) and overall survival (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, respectively). Treatment-related adverse events developed in 38 patients (51%), including 33 (45%) who had immune-related adverse events. Steroid administration was needed in nine patients (12%).

Conclusions

The present real-world multi-institution study with long-term follow-up data demonstrates that nivolumab monotherapy is effective for previously treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma, prolonging survival, improving tumor response and has a manageable safety profile.
Seasonality of Ticks and Prevalence of Rickettsiae Species in Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma maculatum Across Oklahoma Pastures
Authors: Noden Bruce H , Dubie Trisha R , Henriquez Brandon E , Gilliland Meghan , Talley Justin L
Published: March 2022

Tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern for people and companion animals in the United States, but there is a need for continued vigilance regarding livestock in pasture systems. The south-central United States has some of the highest incidences of tick-borne diseases, and there is a need to re-examine the ecology of tick vectors in relation to pasture systems and livestock. The objective of this study was to establish a baseline of seasonal activity for tick species in diverse regional Oklahoma pastures and screen for important pathogens in Dermacentor variabilis (Say) and Amblyomma maculatum Koch group that may impact livestock and human health. Between 2015 and 2017, transects in five pastures across Oklahoma were visited each month. DNA extracted from adult D. variabilis and A. maculatum group was tested for the presence of bacterial pathogens. We found that tick communities in pastures across Oklahoma differ by season, abundance, and bacterial presence and prevalence. The peak abundance of Amblyomma americanum (L.) adults and nymphs occurred a month earlier over the 2 yr of the study compared with historical studies in the same regions. Additionally, we observed notable differences in peak activity between A. americanum adults and nymphs collected in pastures in central Oklahoma (April) versus pastures in northern part of the state (May). We detected Rickettsia parkeri, R. bellii, and Anaplasma sp. DNA in D. variabilis from pastures across the state. These results potentially have important ramifications for human and livestock risk of encountering infected ticks in pastures across the southern Great Plains.
Surgical treatment of ductal biliary recurrence of poorly cohesive gastric cancer mimicking primary biliary tract cancer: a case report
Authors: Poletto Edoardo , Ruzzenente Andrea , Turri Giulia , Conci Simone , Ammendola Serena , Luchini Claudio , Scarpa Aldo , Guglielmi Alfredo
Published: March 2022

Ductal biliary recurrence of cancers arising in other anatomical districts is a rare event, usually observed in the setting of disseminated disease; hence surgery is rarely a viable option. We present the case of a 56-year-old male who underwent subtotal gastric resection 7 years earlier for a poorly cohesive gastric cancer, presenting with obstructive jaundice. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan suggested primary malignant obstruction of the main bile duct. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed to palliate jaundice and obtain biopsies; pathological examination suggested a ductal biliary recurrence of gastric carcinoma. Pancreaticoduodenectomy and bile duct resection were performed. Histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular profiling confirmed that the stenosis represented a gastric cancer metastasis. This is the first case of an isolated ductal biliary recurrence of gastric cancer amenable to surgical resection. This clinical case suggests that biliary obstructions in patients with previous oncological history require biliary biopsies to exclude a recurrent disease.