bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registration of GA‐BatSten1 and GA‐MagSten1, two induced allotetraploids derived from peanut wild relatives with superior resistance to leaf spots, rust, and root‐knot nematode
Authors: Bertioli D.J. , Gao D. , Ballen‐Taborda C. , Chu Y. , Ozias‐Akins P. , Jackson S.A. , Holbrook C.C. , Leal‐Bertioli S.C.M.
Published: May 2021

Wild relatives of peanut harbor alleles that confer strong resistance to diseases and pests and adaptation to environmental stresses, traits that frequently cannot be found in Arachis hypogaea. However, most wild species are diploid, while cultivated peanut (A. hypogaea L.) is tetraploid. When crossed, they produce sterile progeny, thus hindering their direct use in peanut breeding. To make the alleles of three wild species accessions directly available for breeding, we developed at the University of Georgia two fertile artificially induced allotetraploids (also known as amphidiploids or neotetraploids): GA‐BatSten1 (Reg. no. GP‐239, PI 695418) and GA‐MagSten1 (GP‐240, PI 695417). They derive from crosses between wild diploid species of peanut, A. batizocoi × A. stenosperma, and A. magna × A. stenosperma, respectively. Cuttings from the sterile diploid F1s were treated with colchicine. From some of these cuttings, fertile induced tetraploid seed were produced. These induced tetraploids are compatible with cultivated peanut, carry resistance to early and late leaf spot and root‐knot nematode, and are being used in breeding programs in the United States for the production of resistant cultivars.
Data protection and tech startups: The need for attention, support, and scrutiny
Authors: Norval Chris , Janssen Heleen , Cobbe Jennifer , Singh Jatinder
Published: May 2021

Though discussions of data protection have focused on the larger, more established organisations, startups also warrant attention. This is particularly so for tech startups, who are often innovating at the ‘cutting‐edge’—pushing the boundaries of technologies that typically lack established data protection best‐practices. Initial decisions taken by startups could well have long‐term impacts, and their actions may inform (for better or for worse) how particular technologies and the applications they support are implemented, deployed, and perceived for years to come. Ensuring that the innovations and practices of tech startups are sound, appropriate and acceptable should therefore be a high priority. This paper explores the attitudes and preparedness of tech startups to issues of data protection. We interviewed a series of UK‐based emerging tech startups as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect, which revealed areas in which there is a disconnect between the approaches of the startups and the nature and requirements of the GDPR. We discuss the misconceptions and associated risks facing innovative tech startups and offer a number of considerations for the firms and supervisory authorities alike. In light of our discussions, and given what is at stake, we argue that more needs to be done to help ensure that emerging technologies and the practices of the companies that operate them better align with the regulatory obligations. We conclude that tech startups warrant increased attention, support, and scrutiny to raise the standard of data protection for the benefit of us all.
Cyclic allylic sulfide based photopolymer for holographic recording showing high refractive index modulation
Authors: Galli Paola , Evans Richard A. , Bertarelli Chiara , Bianco Andrea
Published: May 2021

The development and characterization of a new holographic photopolymer system showing high refractive index modulation (∆n) is presented. It exploits the ring‐opening polymerization reaction of a cyclic allylic sulfide (CAS) monomer, which is dispersed in a cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) polymer matrix together with a blue sensitive radical photoinitiator. Volume Phase Holographic Gratings (VPHGs) obtained using these films show a very good fidelity of the transferred pattern, without deviations from the theoretical curves. A high ∆n is obtained due to the addition to this system of a tetrafunctional thiol crosslinker, which maximizes the material potential (formula limit) of the formulation. It also allows for a thermal post process of the gratings, further enhancing the ∆n. The photopolymer properties are evaluated as function of the monomer and thiol concentration to determine the optimal composition, at which a ∆n greater than 0.03 is obtained. This is a considerably high value in the field of photopolymers for holography and it enables the manufacturing of efficient holograms.
BLB8, an antiviral protein from Brevibacillus laterosporus strain B8, inhibits Tobacco mosaic virus infection by triggering immune response in tobacco
Authors: Li Yanfang , Jiao Yubing , Shi Jia , Xie Jingjing , Yin Jing , Zhao Xiuxiang , Chen Huamin
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is one of destructive plant viruses, causing serious economic losses in the world. Using antiviral proteins or elicitors to inhibit viral infection or promote plant immunity is one of the efficient strategies against TMV. Our previous study identified that the fermentation broth of Brevibacillus laterosporus strain B8 showed strong antiviral activity against TMV. However, the active antiviral ingredient is still unclear.

RESULTS

Here, BLB8 (B. laterosporus strain B8 protein, BLB8), an antiviral protein from B. laterosporus strain B8 was isolated and characterized. BLB8 showed protective, inactive and curative effects against TMV, and the inhibition rate reached up to 63%, 83% and 55%, respectively. BLB8 infiltrated around the infection site of the recombinant virus TMV‐GFP inhibited the systemic extend and movement of TMV. Pretreatment of the bottom leaves with BLB8 inhibited the spread and accumulation of TMV in upper systemic leaves. Furthermore, BLB8 caused hypersensitive response (HR) in a dose‐dependent way, promoted H2O2 accumulation, and induced the expression of defense‐relative genes in Nicotiana benthamiana.

CONCLUSION

The antiviral protein BLB8 from B. laterosporus strain B8 effectively inhibits TMV infection in inactivation, protective and curative effects through triggering plant immunity in tobacco. Therefore, the present study provides a new antiviral agent for prevention and control of viral disease. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of the Nitrogen Interstitial as Origin of the 3.1 eV Photoluminescence Band in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Khorasani Elham , Frauenheim Thomas , Aradi Bálint , Deák Peter
Published: May 2021

Nitrogen interstitials () have the lowest formation energy among intrinsic defects of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) under n‐type and N‐rich conditions. Using an optimized hybrid functional, which reproduces the gap and satisfies the generalized Koopman's condition, an configuration is found, which is lower in energy than the ones reported so far. The (0/–) charge transition level is also much deeper, so acts as a very efficient compensating center in n‐type samples. Its calculated photoluminescence (PL) at 3.0 eV agrees well with the position of an N‐sensitive band measured at 3.1 eV. It is also found that the nitrogen vacancy () cannot be the origin of the three‐boron‐center (TBC) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) center and in thermal equilibrium it is even unlikely to exist in n‐type samples.
Dasatinib‐induced chylothorax in a patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Hsu Chao‐Chin , Hsu Jui‐Feng , Wu Kuan‐Li
Published: May 2021

Dasatinib is a potent and effective second‐generation oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is clinically indicated for the treatment of imatinib‐resistant or imatinib‐intolerant breakpoint cluster region‐Abelson (BCR‐ABL)‐positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) or for Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphocytic leukaemia. The most common adverse events associated with dasatinib therapy are skin rash, gastrointestinal upset, pancytopenia, pulmonary hypertension, and fluid retention, including pleural effusion. However, chylothorax secondary to dasatinib administration has rarely been reported. Although the underlying mechanism leading to dasatinib‐induced chylothorax is uncertain, the preferred treatment options are usually supported with diuretics or systemic steroids. Moreover, the discontinuation of the drug is mandatory in refractory cases. Here, we present the case of a patient with dasatinib‐induced chylothorax, and review the previously reported cases in the literature.
“Peanut saves the day”: an innovative solution to massive, cryptogenic haemoptysis—a case study
Authors: Chetana Shanmukhappa Sanjana , Lokeshwaran Srivatsa , Kumar K Sunil , Doraiswamy Prakash
Published: May 2021

Massive (or life‐threatening) haemoptysis is a time‐sensitive emergency encountered by a physician that requires an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort to arrest the bleeding in a prompt and timely manner. Placement of an endobronchial Watanabe spigot (EWS) to halt haemoptysis is a relatively recent technique finding its wide application in airway pathology, with the current extension of its use to bronchial bleeding. However, the lack of immediate access to EWS gives rise to the need to innovate with day‐to‐day materials used in routine surgical practice and available in resource‐limited settings, which may serve the purpose of a spigot. In this report, we bring to light a case of life‐threatening, cryptogenic haemoptysis that was managed by a novel technique of using peanut gauze as a spigot resulting in a successful endobronchial tamponade.
Case series analysis of eight underground tunnellers with chronic silicosis in Queensland
Authors: Seevnarain Kalesh , Burke Nicholas , Newbigin Katrina
Published: May 2021

Within Australia, chronic silicosis has been long thought of as being a well‐controlled occupational lung disease. While recent cases of acute silicosis in artificial stone benchtop cutters have emerged, chronic silicosis within the general workforce population has not been recorded. Our case series describes the re‐emergence of chronic silicosis amongst workers within the tunnelling industry representing the potential for a more widespread insidious occupational lung disease. While undertaking pre‐employment medicals, eight tunnellers have been diagnosed with chronic silicosis. These eight tunnellers had a minimum of 10 years of cumulative dust exposure prior to diagnosis. Diagnosis was made by radiological evaluation of chest X‐rays and computerized tomography scans by International Labour Organization B Readers. The re‐emergence of chronic pneumoconiosis as illustrated by this case series suggests the presence of undiagnosed occupational lung disease with far reaching implications for workers, employers, compensation systems, and the public healthcare sectors.
Recurrent spindle cell carcinoma of the lung successfully treated by chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Akaba Tomohiro , Shiota Yuno , Onizawa Fumi , Isaka Tamami , Nagashima Yoji , Tagaya Etsuko
Published: May 2021

There is limited evidence for the treatment of sarcomatoid lung carcinoma, especially spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) because of the rarity of disease. Although the efficacy of combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy (i.e. chemoimmunotherapy) for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is well recognized, the effect for SpCC is not fully elucidated. A 72‐year‐old woman underwent surgical resection for the treatment of stage IIIA SpCC. Recurrence occurred three months after surgery, and then she received combination of carboplatin, paclitaxel, bevacizumab, and atezolizumab. A clinically favourable response was achieved by four cycles of chemoimmunotherapy and sequential maintenance therapy with bevacizumab and atezolizumab. The prognosis of advanced SpCC is generally poor, but chemoimmunotherapy can be a good therapeutic option for the first‐line treatment of SpCC.
Cooperative operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam reduces Nile riverine floods
Authors: Basheer Mohammed
Published: May 2021

The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River has triggered much debate between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt on the dam's effects. Once completed, the GERD will be Africa's largest hydropower plant. This study analyzes the implications of cooperative long‐term operation of the GERD for Nile riverine flooding downstream of the dam. A daily river system model of the Eastern Nile is developed and used to examine how cooperative long‐term operation of the GERD would affect the occurrence of three flood alarm levels (alert, critical, and flooding) in Sudan downstream of the dam. A reconnaissance‐level flood inundation model is developed for the Nile within Khartoum State (Sudan's capital) to assess the GERD's impacts on the flood extent in the state based on simulated flows from the river system model. Assuming the GERD is operated to achieve a 90% power reliability and active upstream‐downstream data sharing between Ethiopia and Sudan on the dam's daily outflows, results show that the GERD would reduce the occurrence of the three alarm levels. Based on 34 simulated river flow sequences, the proportion of years with at least one flooding alarm day at Khartoum Gage declined from 37% without the GERD to 11% with the GERD. Seasonal coordination and planning between Ethiopia and Sudan are necessary to mitigate the remaining riverine flood hazard. Although cooperative long‐term operation of the GERD could play a positive role in reducing the riverine flood hazard in Sudan, the associated river flow alterations would adversely impact recession agriculture and the environment.
Capturing hedgerow structure and flowering abundance with UAV remote sensing
Authors: Smigaj Magdalena , Gaulton Rachel
Published: May 2021

Hedgerows are an abundant and ecologically important feature of many rural areas. Their biodiversity value depends on composition, structure and availability of food resources, which can be significantly impacted by poor management. However, information about hedgerow condition is very limited due to field surveys being costly and labour‐intensive. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with miniaturized cameras could prove a more cost‐effective and time‐efficient hedgerow surveying solution while preserving a high level of detail unattainable with airborne or satellite sensors. This study explored whether UAV remote sensing is a viable alternative for performing hedgerow condition surveys at local scale, focusing on hedgerow structure and flowering abundance. We acquired UAV Red, Green and Blue (RGB) and multispectral nadir and oblique imagery of structurally different hedgerows and used them to generate 3D point clouds and models with SfM workflow. Height thresholding allowed extraction of hedgerow extents, with root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of height and width ranging from 0.11 to 0.23 m. RGB flower classification showed poor relationship with ground measurements (R2 = 0.31–0.42) due to confusion with woody material of hedgerows. Inclusion of a near‐infrared channel in multispectral imagery significantly improved the relationship (R2 = 0.68–0.75, RMSE = 10%). Our study shows UAV remote sensing has high potential for performing detailed surveys of hedgerows, providing better characterization of structural variations and distribution of flowers than traditional ground surveys due to larger coverage. More comprehensive understanding of hedgerow, or other vegetated buffer strips, conditions offered by UAV surveys can enable better informed decisions on habitat management and biodiversity conservation in rural areas. Acquisitions over larger areas, potentially integrated with satellite remote sensing, can allow assessment of hedgerow connectivity over farm to landscape scales, contributing to better understanding of the hedgerow network and its role as a wildlife corridor.
Hypothesis‐Driven Palladium‐Catalyzed Transformations for the Construction of New Molecular Architectures
Authors: Kumar Ketan , Kumar Prashant , Singh Bara , Yadav Sonu , Mishra Uttam K. , Ansari Arshad J. , Ramasastry S. S. V.
Published: May 2021

The development of new synthetic protocols to access diverse molecular scaffolds from readily available starting compounds is of significance in both academia and industry. Towards this, the catalysis by transition metals has been employed as a powerful tool to access molecules with broad structural and functional diversity. An overview of the recent literature manifested the tremendous potential of transition metal‐catalyzed processes in advancing organic synthesis in a new direction. This account compiles new conceptual advancements in the palladium‐catalyzed Alder‐ene type cycloisomerization reactions, C−H functionalizations, and one‐pot multicatalytic processes, which have become essential tools to access new classes of molecules.
Assessment of the relationship between microbiological quality of groundwater sources and the status of the sources
Authors: Fadipe Olusola Olayemi , Oladepo Kamar Taiwo , Oguntola Babajide Benjamin , Zubayr Rasheedah Olamide
Published: May 2021

Groundwater contamination is now a global issue, and the sources of contamination differ from countries. The study reports the assessment of microbiological characteristics of different groundwater sources in Ilesa west local government area for potability status. Also, it examined the strength of the relationship between the microbiological results with the construction and sanitation characteristics of the sources to determine the cause of the pollution. The work involved an on‐site survey of 69 drinking water sources extracted from a gridded map of the study area to gather information on water sources, treatment, construction, and sanitary status. Water sampling from each household was conducted during rainy and dry seasons for microbiological characteristics using the most probable number (MPN) of counting coliforms. Most of the water samples were heavily polluted and exceeded the WHO guidelines with MPN/100 mL ranging from 0 to > 1.1 × 103. The Kendall's tau_b correlation revealed that the water source in form of hand‐dug wells has the strongest correlation (r = 0.94) with the microbiological result. The hand‐dug wells that were partially lined, and those not lined at all, correlate (r = 0.95 and r = 0.94), respectively, with the microbiological results. The microbiological loads of all the water sources are high, and the status of the casing has proved to be the major factor influencing the pollution in the hand‐dug wells. There is a need to enforce the construction standards for household hand‐dug wells, perform routine water quality assessment for boreholes, and authority should encourage the treatment of all water sources before drinking.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Thermal Analyses of Two New Antimony Tellurite Sulfates: [Sb2(TeO4)](SO4) and [Sb2(TeO3)2](SO4)
Authors: Zhang Jiayuan , Zhao Xiao , Wu Yuandong , Mei Dajiang , Wen Shaoguo , Doert Thomas
Published: May 2021

Two new antimony (III) tellurite sulfates [Sb2(TeO4)](SO4) (1) and [Sb2(TeO3)2](SO4) (2) were successfully synthesized through a conventional hydrothermal method and their crystal structures were determined by X‐ray single crystal analysis. [Sb2(TeO4)](SO4) crystallizes in the triclinic space group Pī (No. 2) with lattice parameters a=5.572(2), b=7.247(2), c=9.540(3) Å, V=358.5(2) Å3, and Z=2, while [Sb2(TeO3)2](SO4) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (No. 61) with lattice parameters a=7.368(2), b=14.571(3), c=16.521(3) Å, V=1773.7(6) Å3, and Z=8. The structure of [Sb2(TeO4)](SO4) features a three‐dimensional framework, composed of [SbO4] trigonal bipyramids and [TeO4] polyhedra to form a cationic 2∞[Sb2(TeO4)]2+ corrugated cationic layers along [100], linked by SO42− anions. [Sb2(TeO3)2](SO4) forms a three‐dimensional framework consisting of two dimensional wrinkled layers of 2∞[Sb2(TeO3)2]2+ that are linked by SO42− anions. The band gaps of 4.16 eV and 3.72 eV for [Sb2(TeO4)](SO4) and [Sb2(TeO3)2](SO4) respectively are estimated from the solid state UV‐vis‐NIR diffuse reflectance spectra. Thermal analysis indicated that both compounds are thermally stable up to about 500 °C. The electrochemical specific capacity of [Sb2(TeO4)](SO4) was determined to 245 mA h g−1 on the first cycle in a Li‐ion half‐cell, the capacity remains at about 106 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles.
Applying Insights of Theories of Migration to the Study of Environmental Migration Aspirations
Authors: Van Praag Lore
Published: May 2021

The growing interest in environmental migration has led to a wide range of organisations raising awareness on this topic. Politicians and policymakers, for instance, are using arguments that reference environmental migration in their political discourses or increasingly reflect on how to manage this seemingly emerging trend. The rise of this topic on ‘the agenda’ of policymakers, politicians, non-governmental organisations, and artists, to name a few, immediately calls for some scientific support, framing, or input, which is suddenly in high demand. Also, from a scientific perspective, how people are dealing with ongoing and increasing environmental changes lays bare existing social, ethnic, and gender inequalities. To be specific, when studying environmental changes and disasters, more knowledge can be derived about a society’s social and economic structure, relationship dynamics, and the nature of its adaptation capacity. Additionally, more knowledge can be gained about how external communities or countries are related to the studied society (Oliver-Smith 1999).
Connecting Environmental Changes, Migration Causality, and Transnational Practices. Insights from the Moroccan Diaspora in Belgium
Authors: Hut Elodie , Zickgraf Caroline
Published: May 2021

In this chapter we turn to relevant findings arising from fieldwork conducted in Belgium in the context of the MIGRADAPT project. Although the Moroccan case study that forms the core of this book must be interpreted independently from the empirical data provided in this chapter (and vice versa), both case studies hinge on the same theoretical framework and are, as such, inherently complementary and connected, although not meant to be directly comparative.
Migrant Cosmopolitanism in Emirati and Saudi Cities: Practices and Belonging in Exclusionary Contexts
Authors: Thiollet Hélène , Assaf Laure
Published: May 2021

Mass migration to the Gulf cities has produced, over time, de facto cosmopolitan situations. Even though cosmopolitanism is somewhat present in national narratives and official propaganda, foreign residents face exclusionary contexts where policies and practices keep them excluded from the national community. This chapter unpacks the internal tensions characteristic of cosmopolitanism in the exclusionary contexts of the Gulf by comparing cities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These tensions operate within migrants’ everyday practices and modes of consumption in urban spaces. We argue that these practices are best understood as a form of segregated cosmopolitanism through which the different migrant communities both acknowledge (and at times consume) urban diversity and maintain certain boundaries. Building upon the analysis of discourses and ethnographic fieldwork in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Jeddah, this research engages with theories of cosmopolitanism from a situated perspective. It moves away from the classical, normative approach to cosmopolitanism and highlights the fragility of everyday cosmopolitan situations.
Dakar by Night: Engaging with a Cosmopolitanism by Contrast
Authors: Fouquet Thomas
Published: May 2021

Drawing on 20 years of anthropological research in Dakar, this study aims at bringing to light some ways of being-in-town that organize towards desires for being-in-the-world. It relies on a simple and yet substantial premise: a very large number of urban Senegalese youths express a strong willingness to move North, or West, while only a small minority is able to achieve such an expectation. The questioning focuses on those who actually stay, but whose modes of sticking here are deeply influenced by their longings for a larger world. Such configurations can be understood through the concrete urban cosmopolitan experiences they convey, which rely on inherently relational terms, that is: being cosmopolitan ‘rather than…’, citizen of the world ‘rather than…’, and so on. This relative, relational and contrastive cosmopolitanism emerges in the wake of constant non-travelers’ paths into the city, as compared to “frequent travelers” moving around the world. Empirically, these issues are addressed from the standpoint of the contrasted uses of urban temporalities, the nocturnal one in particular. The Dakar-by-night is thus engaged as a scene revealing thecosmopoliticaldynamics that inhabit, cross or impregnate the metropolis.
AI and ML for Human-Robot Cooperation in Intelligent and Flexible Manufacturing
Authors: Ruiz Garcia Manuel A. , Rauch Erwin , Vidoni Renato , Matt Dominik T.
Published: May 2021

Human–robot cooperation aims to increase the flexibilization of manufacturing systems. This requires safe human–machine interaction (e.g. with collaborative robots) as well as self and environment awareness capabilities to interact autonomously and smartly between humans and machines. Therefore, the goal of this chapter is to conceptualize and identify the set of real-time information processing and decision-making capabilities required for collaborative robots to be considered as a safe companion in the context of human–robot cooperation (HRC). In particular, the chapter provides an overview of appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) concepts, formally introduces the concept of a safety-aware cyber-physical system and defines a general taxonomy for the perceptive and cognitive problems arising in the context of intelligent and flexible HRC.
Transition of SMEs Towards Smart Factories: Business Models and Concepts
Authors: Modrák Vladimír , Šoltysová Zuzana
Published: May 2021

When focusing on business models in the context of Industry 4.0 transformation, it is quite obvious that such models will need to adopt new businesses trends, such as mass customization, platform-based businesses, networking manufacturing or creativity-based businesses, respectively. This chapter aims to analyse implementation success factors of Industry 4.0 especially from business models perspective, and also to address some features of human-centred manufacturing in terms of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The motivation of this research is awareness of the importance that just a combination of the selected decisive success factors can significantly help businesses to become more competitive and improving their performance.
WannaCry as a Creeping Crisis
Authors: Prevezianou Maria F.
Published: May 2021

This chapter deepens our understanding of cyber crises with the help of the creeping crisis concept. The chapter shows that although emerging technologies make malicious activities in cyberspace more sophisticated, vulnerabilities enabling such threats have been inherent in cyber assets for a very long time in the form of creeping crises. The question is: was WannaCry the acute crisis or just a precursor event to a bigger explosion? It is argued that the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 should be considered a wake-up call. The chapter demonstrates how the cyber threat was lurking in the background, gradually evolving in time and space in a non-linear fashion and receiving varying levels of attention.
Remaining Foreign Fighters: Fear, Misconceptions and Counterproductive Responses
Authors: Landström Yrsa
Published: May 2021

The Syrian conflict gave rise to a large mobilization of Islamist foreign fighters. In recent years, many of these foreign fighters have asked to be repatriated from overcrowded refugee camps in northern Syria, camps known as hotbeds for radicalization. While researchers and humanitarian organizations largely agree that repatriation can prevent further radicalization and transnational threats, political leaders refuse to act. As the dire humanitarian situation in the camps and a denial of responsibility at home intensify, the situation is becoming more acute. This chapter explores the issue of remaining foreign fighters in Syria and the evolving threat situation as an example of a creeping crisis. The chapter focuses specifically on the Swedish handling of these foreign fighters. At least three hundred Swedish citizens traveled to Syria in 2012. In recent years, many of these have asked to be repatriated. Similar to its European counterparts, the Swedish government has refused to meet these foreign fighters’ requests, potentially generating a broader global threat. The Swedish response is the focus of this chapter and illuminates one of the key aspects of a creeping crisis.
Resonant third-generation leptoquark signatures at the Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Haisch Ulrich , Polesello Giacomo
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Given the hints of lepton-flavour non-universality in B-meson decays, leptoquarks (LQs) are enjoying a renaissance. We propose novel Large Hadron Collider (LHC) searches for such hypothetical states that do not rely on strong production only, but can also receive important contributions from quark-lepton annihilation. For the cases of a resonant signal involving a bottom quark and a tau lepton (b + τ), a top quark and missing transverse energy ($$ {E}_T^{\mathrm{miss}} $$

E
T
miss

) and light-flavour jets plus $$ {E}_T^{\mathrm{miss}} $$

E
T
miss

, we develop realistic analysis strategies and provide detailed evaluations of the achievable sensitivities for the corresponding LQ signatures at future LHC runs. Our analyses allow us to derive a series of stringent constraints on the masses and couplings of third-generation singlet vector LQs, showing that at LHC Run III and the high-luminosity LHC the proposed search channels can probe interesting parts of the LQ parameter space addressing the B-physics anomalies. In view of the reach of the proposed b + τ signature, we recommend that dedicated resonance searches for this final state should be added to the exotics search canon of both ATLAS and CMS.
Genetic predisposition in the 2′-5′A pathway in the development of type 1 diabetes: potential contribution to dysregulation of innate antiviral immunity
Authors: Pedersen Kristina , Haupt-Jorgensen Martin , Krogvold Lars , Kaur Simranjeet , Gerling Ivan C. , Pociot Flemming , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut , Buschard Karsten
Published: May 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing more rapidly than can be explained by genetic drift. Viruses may play an important role in the disease, as they seem to activate the 2′-5′-linked oligoadenylate (2′-5′A) pathway of the innate antiviral immune system. Our aim was to investigate this possibility.

Methods

Innate antiviral immune pathways were searched for type 1 diabetes-associated polymorphisms using genome-wide association study data. SNPs within ±250kb flanking regions of the transcription start site of 64 genes were examined. These pathways were also investigated for type 1 diabetes-associated RNA expression profiles using laser-dissected islets from two to five tissue sections per donor from the Diabetes Virus Detection (DiViD) study and the network of Pancreatic Organ Donors (nPOD).

Results

We found 27 novel SNPs in genes nominally associated with type 1 diabetes. Three of those SNPs were located upstream of the 2′-5′A pathway, namely SNP rs4767000 (p = 1.03 × 10−9, OR 1.123), rs1034687 (p = 2.16 × 10−7, OR 0.869) and rs739744 (p = 1.03 × 10−9, OR 1.123). We also identified a large group of dysregulated islet genes in relation to type 1 diabetes, of which two were novel. The most aberrant genes were a group of IFN-stimulated genes. Of those, the following distinct pathways were targeted by the dysregulation (compared with the non-diabetic control group): OAS1 increased by 111% (p < 1.00 × 10−4, 95% CI −0.43, −0.15); MX1 increased by 142% (p < 1.00 × 10−4, 95% CI −0.52, −0.22); and ISG15 increased by 197% (p = 2.00 × 10−4, 95% CI −0.68, −0.18).

Conclusions/interpretation

We identified a genetic predisposition in the 2′-5′A pathway that potentially contributes to dysregulation of the innate antiviral immune system in type 1 diabetes. This study describes a potential role for the 2′-5′A pathway and other components of the innate antiviral immune system in beta cell autoimmunity.

Graphical abstract
Contact interactions in complex fibrous metamaterials
Authors: Spagnuolo Mario , Cazzani Antonio M.
Published: May 2021

In this work, an extension of the strain energy for fibrous metamaterials composed of two families of parallel fibers lying on parallel planes and joined by connective elements is proposed. The suggested extension concerns the possibility that the constituent fibers come into contact and eventually scroll one with respect to the other with consequent dissipation due to friction. The fibers interact with each other in at least three different ways: indirectly, through microstructural connections that could allow a relative sliding between the two families of fibers; directly, as the fibers of a family can touch each other and can scroll introducing dissipation. From a mathematical point of view, these effects are modeled first by introducing two placement fields for the two fiber families and adding a coupling term to the strain energy and secondly by adding two other terms that take into account the interdistance between the parallel fibers and the Rayleigh dissipation potential (to account for friction).
A complexity problem for Borel graphs
Authors: Todorčević Stevo , Vidnyánszky Zoltán
Published: May 2021

We show that there is no simple (e.g. finite or countable) basis for Borel graphs with infinite Borel chromatic number. In fact, it is proved that the closed subgraphs of the shift graph on $$[\mathbb {N}]^\mathbb {N}$$

[
N
]

N

with finite (or, equivalently, $$\le 3$$

≤
3

) Borel chromatic number form a $$\varvec{\Sigma }^1_2$$

Σ

2
1

-complete set. This answers a question of Kechris and Marks and strengthens several earlier results.
Mixed-integer programming approaches for the time-constrained maximal covering routing problem
Authors: Sinnl Markus
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study the recently introduced time-constrained maximal covering routing problem. In this problem, we are given a central depot, a set of facilities, and a set of customers. Each customer is associated with a subset of the facilities which can cover it. A feasible solution consists ofkHamiltonian cycles on subsets of the facilities and the central depot. Each cycle must contain the depot and must respect a given distance limit. The goal is to maximize the number of customers covered by facilities contained in the cycles. We develop two exact solution algorithms for the problem based on new mixed-integer programming models. One algorithm is based on a compact model, while the other model contains an exponential number of constraints, which are separated on-the-fly, i.e., we use branch-and-cut. We also describe preprocessing techniques, valid inequalities and primal heuristics for both models. We evaluate our solution approaches on the instances from literature and our algorithms are able to find the provably optimal solution for 267 out of 270 instances, including 123 instances, for which the optimal solution was not known before. Moreover, for most of the instances, our algorithms only take a few seconds, and thus are up to five magnitudes faster than previous approaches. Finally, we also discuss some issues with the instances from literature and present some new instances.
First proof-of-concept evaluation of the FUSION-X-US-II prototype for the performance of automated breast ultrasound in healthy volunteers
Authors: Schaefgen Benedikt , Juskic Marija , Hertel Madeleine , Barr Richard G. , Radicke Marcus , Stieber Anne , Hennigs André , Riedel Fabian , Sohn Christof , Heil Joerg , Golatta Michael
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The FUSION-X-US-II prototype was developed to combine 3D-automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and digital breast tomosynthesis in a single device without decompressing the breast. We evaluated the technical function, feasibility of the examination workflow, image quality, breast tissue coverage and patient comfort of the ABUS device of the new prototype.

Methods

In this prospective feasibility study, the FUSION-X-US-II prototype was used to perform ABUS in 30 healthy volunteers without history of breast cancer. The ABUS images of the prototype were interpreted by a physician with specialization in breast diagnostics. Any detected lesions were measured and classified using BI-RADS® scores. Image quality was rated subjectively by the physician and coverage of the breast was measured. Patient comfort was evaluated by a questionnaire after the examination.

Results

One hundred and six scans were performed (61 × CC, 23 × ML, 22 × MLO) in 60 breasts. Image acquisition and processing by the prototype was fast and accurate. Breast coverage by ABUS was approximately 90.8%. Sixteen breast lesions (all benign, classified as BIRADS® 2) were identified. The examination was tolerated by all patients.

Conclusion

The FUSION-X-US-II prototype allows a rapid ABUS scan with mostly high patient comfort. Technical developments resulted in an improvement of quality and coverage compared to previous prototype versions. The results are encouraging for a test of the prototype in a clinical setting in combination with tomosynthesis.
Preservation of nasal turbinates in endoscopic, anterior skull base surgery—yes, we can!
Authors: Wolf Axel , Andrianakis Alexandros , Tomazic Peter Valentin , Mokry Michael , Clarici Georg , Holl Etienne , Weiland Thomas , Kiss Peter , Vasicek Sarah , Brunner Anna , Lehner Christian , Schwarz Johannes , Gellner Verena
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the frequency, type and indications of nasal turbinate (NT) resection during endoscopic, anterior skull base surgery and to analyze factors that may have an impact on the need of NT removal.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 306 subjects (150 males and 156 females, mean age 55.4 ± 15.3 years) who underwent multidisciplinary, transnasal, endoscopic tumor surgery of the anterior skull base using 4-handed techniques between 2011 and 2019 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Graz, were included.

Results

In the majority of interventions (n = 281/306; 91.8%), all NT were preserved. Significant factors influencing the need of NT resections turned out to be type of endoscopic approach (p < 0.001; V = 0.304), sagittal (p = 0.003; d = 0.481) and transversal (p = 0.017; d = 0.533) tumor diameter, tumor type (p < 0.001; V = 0.355) and tumor location (p < 0.001; V = 0.324).

Conclusions

NT can be preserved in the majority of patients undergoing tumor resection in anterior, transnasal, skullbase surgery and routine resection of NT should be avoided. Variables that have an impact on the need of NT resections are types of endoscopic approaches, sagittal and transversal tumor extension and tumor type. These factors should be considered in planning of surgery and preoperative information of patients.
Inter-eye relationship of intraocular pressure change after unilateral trabeculectomy, filtering canaloplasty, or PreserFlo™ microshunt implantation
Authors: Aghayeva Fidan A. , Chronopoulos Panagiotis , Schuster Alexander K. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Hoffmann Esther M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study assesses short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) change in the fellow eye of glaucoma patients after mitomycin C–augmented trabeculectomy, filtering canaloplasty, or PreserFlo™ microshunt implantation in the treated eye.

Materials and methods

Retrospective chart review of 235 glaucoma patients (235 eyes) was performed. Patients underwent initial trabeculectomy (187 patients), filtering canaloplasty (25 patients), or PreserFlo™ microshunt implantation (23 patients) in one eye, while the fellow eye was naïve to any previous glaucoma surgery. IOP was evaluated before and on the 1st and 2nd days and at 1 week after surgery. Main outcome measure was IOP change in the fellow eye. Secondary outcomes were proportion of clinically significant IOP elevation in the fellow eye and evaluation of potential risk factors associated with postoperative IOP fluctuation.

Results

IOP in the fellow eye at 1 week after trabeculectomy was statistically significantly lower than preoperatively (p < 0.0001), while the IOP did not change significantly in the fellow eyes in filtering canaloplasty or PreserFlo groups. The higher the preoperative IOP was in the fellow eye, the larger was the intraocular pressure-lowering effect at 1 week after trabeculectomy (p < 0.0001). A clinically significant IOP elevation was noted in 14.2%, 9.5%, and 5% of fellow eyes after trabeculectomy, filtering canaloplasty, or PreserFlo™ microshunt implantation, respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows an IOP-lowering effect in the fellow eye of glaucoma patients after trabeculectomy. Significant IOP rise might occur in the fellow eye of some glaucoma patients after different types of glaucoma surgery.
Scleraxis expressing scleral cells respond to inflammatory stimulation
Authors: Atta Ghada , Schroedl Falk , Kaser-Eichberger Alexandra , Spitzer Gabriel , Traweger Andreas , Heindl Ludwig M. , Tempfer Herbert
Published: May 2021

The sclera is an ocular tissue rich of collagenous extracellular matrix, which is built up and maintained by relatively few, still poorly characterized fibroblast-like cells. The aims of this study are to add to the characterization of scleral fibroblasts and to examine the reaction of these fibroblasts to inflammatory stimulation in an ex vivo organotypic model. Scleras of scleraxis-GFP (SCX-GFP) mice were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR for the expression of the tendon cell associated marker genes scleraxis (SCX), mohawk and tenomodulin. In organotypic tissue culture, explanted scleras of adult scleraxis GFP reporter mice were exposed to 10 ng/ml recombinant interleukin 1-ß (IL1-ß) and IL1-ß in combination with dexamethasone. The tissue was then analyzed by immunofluorescence staining of the inflammation- and fibrosis-associated proteins IL6, COX-2, iNOS, connective tissue growth factor, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP13 as well as for collagen fibre degradation using a Collagen Hybridizing Peptide (CHP) binding assay. The mouse sclera displayed a strong expression of scleraxis promoter-driven GFP, indicating a tendon cell-like phenotype, as well as expression of scleraxis, tenomodulin and mohawk mRNA. Upon IL1-ß stimulation, SCX-GFP+ cells significantly upregulated the expression of all proteins analysed. Moreover, IL1-ß stimulation resulted in significant collagen degradation. Adding the corticosteroid dexamethasone significantly reduced the response to IL1-ß stimulation. Collagen degradation was significantly enhanced in the IL1-ß group. Dexamethasone demonstrated a significant rescue effect. This work provides insights into the characteristics of scleral cells and establishes an ex vivo model of scleral inflammation.
Cocoa-flavanols enhance moderate-intensity pulmonary $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$ kinetics but not exercise tolerance in sedentary middle-aged adults
Authors: Sadler Daniel G. , Draijer Richard , Stewart Claire E. , Jones Helen , Marwood Simon , Thijssen Dick H. J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Cocoa flavanols (CF) may exert health benefits through their potent vasodilatory effects, which are perpetuated by elevations in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. These vasodilatory effects may contribute to improved delivery of blood and oxygen (O2) to exercising muscle.

Purpose

Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine how CF supplementation impacts pulmonary O2 uptake ($$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

) kinetics and exercise tolerance in sedentary middle-aged adults.

Methods

We employed a double-blind cross-over, placebo-controlled design whereby 17 participants (11 male, 6 female; mean ± SD, 45 ± 6 years) randomly received either 7 days of daily CF (400 mg) or placebo (PL) supplementation. On day 7, participants completed a series of ‘step’ moderate- and severe-intensity exercise tests for the determination of $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

kinetics.

Results

During moderate-intensity exercise, the time constant of the phase II $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

kinetics ($$\tau \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

τ

V
˙

O
2

) was decreased by 15% in CF as compared to PL (mean ± SD; PL 40 ± 12 s vs. CF 34 ± 9 s, P = 0.019), with no differences in the amplitude of $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

(A$$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

; PL 0.77 ± 0.32 l min−1 vs. CF 0.79 ± 0.34 l min−1, P = 0.263). However, during severe-intensity exercise, $$\tau \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

τ

V
˙

O
2

, the amplitude of the slow component ($${\text{SC}}\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

SC

V
˙

O
2

) and exercise tolerance (PL 435 ± 58 s vs. CF 424 ± 47 s, P = 0.480) were unchanged between conditions.

Conclusion

Our data show that acute CF supplementation enhanced $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

kinetics during moderate-, but not severe-intensity exercise in middle-aged participants. These novel effects of CFs, in this demographic, may contribute to improved tolerance of moderate-activity physical activities, which appear commonly present in daily life.

Trial registration

Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT04370353, 30/04/20 retrospectively registered
Aortic valve surgery: management and outcomes in the paediatric population
Authors: Zaidi Mariam , Premkumar Ganeshkumar , Naqvi Rimel , Khashkhusha Arwa , Aslam Zahra , Ali Adil , Tarmahomed Abdulla , Ashry Amr , Harky Amer
Published: May 2021

Congenital anomalies of the aortic valve frequently necessitate intervention in childhood. The most common aortic valve pathologies present in childhood are aortic stenosis and insufficiency. Presentation of aortic valve disease depends on severity and presence of concomitant syndromes and valvular disorders. Treatment options are largely categorised as medical, percutaneous repair or surgical repair and replacement. Surgical techniques have been refined over the last few years making this the mainstay of treatment in paediatric cases. Whilst repair is considered in most instances before replacement, there are substantial limitations which are reflected in the frequency of reintervention and restenosis rate. Replacements are typically undertaken with tissue or mechanical prosthesis. The current gold-standard aortic valve replacement surgery is called the Ross procedure—where replacement is undertaken with a competent pulmonic valve and a simultaneous pulmonary homograft.

Conclusion: In this review, we aim to outline the various surgical options and discuss efficacy and complications of various interventions.

What is Known: • Congenital aortic valve defects repair options medically and surgically

What is New: • Comparisons between surgical options for aortic valve repair including efficacy, risks and long-term outcomes.