bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Origin of Wake‐Up and Antiferroelectric‐Like Behavior in Ferroelectric Hafnium Oxide
Authors: Lederer Maximilian , Olivo Ricardo , Lehninger David , Abdulazhanov Sukhrob , Kämpfe Thomas , Kirbach Sven , Mart Clemens , Seidel Konrad , Eng Lukas M.
Published: April 2021

Ferroelectric hafnium oxide (HfO2) is considered a very prospective material for applications in integrated devices due to its considerably large spontaneous polarization and superior thickness scaling. In fact, the evolution of the ferroelectric hysteresis upon field cycling plays an important role in most applications; especially the so‐called wake‐up effect that describes the increase of remanent polarization for initial field cycling, needs a profound understanding in HfO2. Herein, the discovery of electric field–induced crystallization in hafnium oxide is reported. In addition, differences in the wake‐up behavior are addressed that finally can be categorized into five different cases, all being relevant when describing the evolution of ferroelectricity. Moreover, analysis of the temperature dependence and transmission Kikuchi diffraction provides insight into the underlying physical mechanisms of different wake‐up behavior scenarios, and proves ferroelastic switching as the origin for the observed antiferroelectric‐like behavior. This knowledge provides clear procedures of 1) how to experimentally quantify and 2) how to prepare and manufacture hafnium oxide phases for the five different wake‐up types.
Evaluation of muscle lipid extraction and non‐lethal fin tissue use for carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope analyses in adult salmonids
Authors: Larocque Sarah M. , Fisk Aaron T. , Johnson Timothy B.
Published: April 2021

Rationale

Chemical lipid extraction or using alternative tissues such as fish fin as opposed to muscle may alter isotopic ratios and influence interpretations of δ13C, δ15N, and previously unassessed δ34S values in stable isotope analyses (SIA). Our objectives were to determine if lipid extraction alters these isotope ratios in muscle, if lipid normalization models can be used for lipid‐rich salmonids, and if fin isotope ratios are comparable with those of muscle in adult salmonids.

Methods

In six adult salmonid species (n = 106) collected from Lake Ontario, we compared three isotope ratios in lipid‐extracted (LE) muscle with bulk muscle, and LE muscle with fin tissue, with paired t‐tests and linear regressions. We compared differences between δ13C values in LE and bulk muscle with predicted values from lipid normalization models and the log‐linear model of best fit and determined model efficiency.

Results

The δ15N values in LE muscle increased (<1‰) relative to bulk muscle for most salmonids, with relationships nearing 1:1. There were either no differences or strong 1:1 relationships in δ34S values between species‐specific bulk and LE muscle. One lipid normalization model had greater model efficiency (97%) than the model of best fit (94%). Fin had higher δ13C values than LE muscle while δ15N trends varied (<1‰); however, both isotope ratios had either no or weak linear relationships with fin and LE muscle within species. The δ34S values in fin were similar to those in LE muscle and had strong 1:1 relationships across species.

Conclusions

We recommend using the lipid normalization model to adjust for δ13C values in lipid‐rich muscle (C:N >3.4). LE muscle could be used without δ15N or δ34S adjustments, but the minimal increase in δ15N values may affect SIA interpretation. With high unexplained variability among adult species in fin‐muscle δ13C and δ15N relationships, species‐specific fin‐muscle adjustments are warranted. No fin‐muscle tissue adjustment would be required for δ34S values.
Do crude oil futures still fuel portfolio performance?
Authors: Vinzelberg Anja , Auer Benjamin R.
Published: April 2021

Motivated by significant changes in the dynamics of crude oil markets, we revisit the question of whether crude oil futures are a valuable addition to typical stock and bond portfolios. To answer this question, we use a mean‐variance framework with established heuristic and classic weighting schemes and, in addition, derive optimal asset weights based on forward‐looking estimates of expected returns (via univariate forecast combinations and multivariate LASSO regressions) and covariances (via DCC‐GARCH and GO‐GARCH models). We find that crude oil futures tend to be of limited benefit for investors. In recent data, their optimal weights are very low and they typically do not enhance out‐of‐sample portfolio performance. These findings hold in a variety of robustness checks with respect to different datasets, estimation windows, regression specifications, GARCH models, and transaction costs.
Microfluidic Generation of Monodisperse Nanobubbles by Selective Gas Dissolution
Authors: Xu Jiang , Salari Alinaghi , Wang Yanjie , He Xiaolin , Kerr Liam , Darbandi Ali , de Leon Al C. , Exner Agata A. , Kolios Michael C. , Yuen Darren , Tsai Scott S. H.
Published: April 2021

Nanotechnology currently enables the fabrication of uniform solid nanoparticles and liquid nano‐emulsions, but not uniform gaseous nanobubbles (NBs). In this article, for the first time, a method based on microfluidics that directly produces monodisperse NBs is reported. Specifically, a two‐component gas mixture of water‐soluble nitrogen and water‐insoluble octafluoropropane as the gas phase are used in a microfluidic bubble generator. First, monodisperse microbubbles (MBs) with a classical microfluidic flow‐focusing junction is generated, then the MBs shrink down to ≈100 nm diameter, due to the dissolution of the water‐soluble components in the gas mixture. The degree of shrinkage is controlled by tuning the ratio of water‐soluble to water‐insoluble gas components. This technique maintains the monodispersity of the NBs, and enables precise control of the final NB size. It is found that the monodisperse NBs show better homogeneity than polydisperse NBs in in vitro ultrasound imaging experiments. Proof‐of‐concept in vivo kidney imaging is performed in live mice, demonstrating enhanced contrast using the monodisperse NBs. The NB monodispersity and imaging results make microfluidically generated NBs promising candidates as ultrasound contrast and molecular imaging agents.
All‐Optical Modulation with Dielectric Nanoantennas: Multiresonant Control and Ultrafast Spatial Inhomogeneities
Authors: Mazzanti Andrea , Pogna Eva Arianna Aurelia , Ghirardini Lavinia , Celebrano Michele , Schirato Andrea , Marino Giuseppe , Lemaítre Aristide , Finazzi Marco , De Angelis Costantino , Leo Giuseppe , Cerullo Giulio , Della Valle Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

The transient optical response of multiresonant all‐dielectric nanoantennas via a combination of broadband ultrafast reflectivity experiments and nonlinear optics nanoscale modeling is studied. Ultrafast all‐optical control of the reflectivity is demonstrated in variably sized nanoantennas over four distinct Mie resonances (including Fano‐like resonances), spanning a broad spectral range, from the red to the near‐infrared. A spatially inhomogeneous dynamical model, which accounts for diffusion of the photogenerated carriers inside the semiconductor, is introduced and exploited to isolate the physical phenomena leading to the overall transient response, namely, Drude plasma formation and Pauli blocking following band filling and thermo‐optical effect. The results pave the way to the development of multiwavelength all‐optically reconfigurable filters for next‐generation ultrafast add/drop multiplexing.
Attributed Graph Matching via Seeds Guiding
Authors: Zhu Hui , Zheng Yali
Published: April 2021

Attributed graph is a typical class of graphs with a set of attributes on nodes, edges, even high‐order structure. Objects in the fields are naturally represented as attributed graphs with considerable noise and a large number of nodes, which make traditional graphs matching techniques confront with some new challenges, such as optimization difficulty, inability to match and so on. In order to solve these problems, we propose a new approach, called Attributed Graph Matching via Seeds Guiding (AGM‐SG) in this paper. Our approach introduces seed nodes to guide attributed graph matching, and considers explicitly the first‐order characteristics difference in the problem formulation. It is formulated as a quadratic optimization, and solved by Frank‐Wolfe algorithm with continuous relaxation. It only has O(n2) space complexity, and is suitable to apply to super‐large graphs under different types. We evaluate the proposed approach on the synthetic dataset and three different real datasets including Wikipedia dataset, Enron mail dataset, and Caenorhabditis elegans dataset. Compared with the existing graph matching algorithms, the proposed algorithm outperforms original SGM, RGM and AGMLG significantly, which has more than 5% matching accuracy improvement on all datasets. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development of Air‐Conditioning Operation‐Planning Method for Large Spaces
Authors: Nakamura Ryosuke , Kawamura Tsutomu
Published: April 2021

When targeting large spaces, temperature distribution occurs due to air flow. Therefore, when evaluating the some state quantity values in large spaces using the single‐mass model, the evaluation values cannot be accurately evaluated. In our developed method, we analyze in advance flow distribution with high computational load and make contributed ratio of indoor climate (CRI). By using CRI for making air‐conditioning operation plan, the air conditioning power consumption and demand response (DR) amount can be quickly obtained. We also conducted an evaluation to compare the difference in these values between our developed method and using the single‐mass model. The air‐conditioning power consumption and DR amount of the developed method were smaller than those of the single‐mass model since it takes into account the temperature difference between upper and lower regions of space. It was also confirmed that the derived room temperature distribution by the CRI had an error within 1 °C compared with the evaluation using computer fluid dynamics (CFD). © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Toward Early Literacy as a Site of Belonging
Authors: Souto‐Manning Mariana , Ghim Hyeyoung , Madu Nicole K.
Published: April 2021

Drawing connections between traditional notions of academic language and literacy and long‐standing systems of marginalization and exclusion, in this article, we invite you to (re)read and (re)story early literacy in the pursuit of linguistic justice.
Picture Books and Young Learners’ Reading Identities
Authors: Niland Amanda
Published: April 2021

The International Literacy Association is a global advocacy organization, and literacy is viewed as a human right worldwide. This department highlights research and research‐to‐practice at the international level to bring global best teaching practices to the forefront. Topics may include best practices for literacy instruction in Europe or other continents/countries, partnership and collaborative projects between international schools/teachers, and advocacy.
Impact of high dietary energy on obesity and oxidative stress in domestic pigeons
Authors: Hosseinian Seyedeh Alemeh , Hasanzadeh Fereshteh
Published: April 2021

Obesity is associated with increased risk of oxidative stress in humans and laboratory animals but information regarding obesity‐induced oxidative stress in birds is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of high‐energy diets (HED) on obesity and oxidative stress in domestic pigeons. Forty‐five adult clinically healthy‐domestic male pigeons were randomly assigned to three equal dietary groups including low (2,850 kcal/kg), medium (3,150 kcal/kg) and high (3,450 kcal/kg) energy diets (named low energy diet, medium‐energy diet and HED, respectively). All birds received formulated diets for 60 consecutive days. Several parameters such as feed intake, body weight (BW), average weight gain (AWG) and total weight gain were determined. Serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐, low‐ and very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterols, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated at days 0, 30 and 60; and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol were also measured at day 60. On day 60, five pigeons from each group were randomly euthanized and some parameters such as weight and relative weight of liver, breast muscle, and abdominal fat were determined. Furthermore, hepatic total fat content was also evaluated. BW, AWG, total weight, and circulating TG, TC, ALT, AST, ALP, MDA and cortisol in HED were significantly higher than other groups. Serum T‐AOC in HED was significantly lower than the other groups. In conclusion, this study showed that increasing dietary energy up to 3,450 kcal/kg in pigeons led to obesity and oxidative stress in them. Accordingly, it could be stated that HED and obesity induce oxidative stress in pigeon and controlling the dietary energy intake of pigeons is necessary to prevent oxidative stress in them.
Comparison of phytoplankton control measures in reducing cyanobacteria assemblage of reservoirs found in the arid region of Southern Africa
Authors: Sirunda Johannes , Oberholster Paul , Wolfaardt Gideon , Botes Marelize , Truter Christoff
Published: April 2021

Ecological restorations of reservoirs are implemented worldwide; however, minimal successes are reported and understood for warmer African lakes like Swakoppoort Dam, Namibia. The objectives of the study were (a) to establish the effectiveness of the two control measures in reducing cyanobacteria growths in comparison with untreated control areas and (b) to compare the results generated before and after control measures with the reference Von Bach Dam. During Phoslock® treatment, the average cyanobacteria cells and total phosphate (TP) were 90,521 cells/ml and 0.3 mg/L in the treated area and 55,338 cells/ml and 0.1 mg/L in the control area. During Solar Powered Circulation (SPC) treatment, the average cyanobacteria cells were on average 906,420 cells/ml in the treated areas and 121,891 cells/ml in the control area. The TP on average was 0.3 mg/L during SPC treatment, while during the combined treatment, the average cyanobacteria cells, TP, and total nitrogen (TN) were 18,387,226 cells/ml, 0.27 mg/L, and 2.41 mg/L before and 22,836,511 cells/ml, 0.42 mg/L, and 1.50 mg/L after treatment. This was higher compared to the reference site. PCA triplot indicates no grouping pattern, and the repeated‐measures mixed model analyses indicate that treatment had no significant effect on cyanobacteria cells. It was evident that the two control measures were ineffective in reducing cyanobacterial cells.

Practitioner points

Key findings of the article:

Two phytoplankton control measures were found ineffective to reduce the cyanobacterial cell numbers.

High cell numbers of cyanobacteria were recorded at the treatment areas compared to untreated control areas during both treatments.

The combined effect of the two control measures was ineffective as more cyanobacterial cells were recorded during the treatment.

During control measure treatment, the Swakoppoort Dam was hypertrophic, which could be due to a malfunctioned WWTP upstream.

The inefficiency of the control measures could be due to small treatment area, higher nutrients, or treatment period.

The implications of the results to water/wastewater practice:

The selection of appropriate mitigation measures considering treatment area for dams with high nutrient situated in warmer arid environments.

There is a need to understand the trophic relationships, climatic conditions, and the sources of the internal and external nutrients to manage water quality.

Focus on point and non‐point sources of nutrients as the root causes of the degradation of Swakoppoort Dam water.
Variables’ classification via equivalence relations for the trophic state of a Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Ellina Georgia , Papaschinopoulos Garyfalos , Papadopoulos Basil K.
Published: April 2021

The trophic state of an aquatic body is influenced by many biotic and abiotic factors. When lots of parameters affect a phenomenon, such as eutrophication, it is difficult to distinguish which are the ones that affect the ecosystem the most. In this paper, we propose an alternative way for data analysis, in order to avoid complex systems with many variables. For the examined Mediterranean shallow lake, the studied parameters are water temperature (°C), ammonia (NH4‐N) (mg/L), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), turbidity (NTU), pH, conductivity (mS/cm), and chlorophyll‐a (μg/L). We formed groups with the variables above based on fuzzy equivalence relations and from each group we chose the parameter influence the studied phenomenon the most. Numerical results of fuzzy linear regression showed strong agreement with the proposed method above and pH, NH4‐N, and dissolved oxygen are the variables influence this ecosystem more than the others.

Practitioner points

When having many parameters in a studied ecosystem, we propose a way we can distinguish the most representative ones, the parameters that influence more the phenomenon we study each time.

Formation of groups in variables can be applied to many case studies in order to have a clear idea of our data and the relevance of each of them in our dependent one.

Fuzzy linear regression can be used in order to check the final results and ensure that the equivalence relations are a such a good method used in the data analysis while the researchers save time in long procedures of analyzing parameters not very close involved to the phenomenon investigated every time.
Characteristics of pediatric thoracic trauma: in view of before and after the establishment of a regional trauma center
Authors: Jung Pil Young , Chung Jae Sik , Youn Youngin , Kim Chang Wan , Park Il Hwan , Kim Oh Hyun , Byun Chun Sung
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Pediatric thoracic trauma differs from those of adult in terms of the small anatomy and rapid tissue recovery. Therefore, it is important to know the characteristics of the pediatric thoracic trauma to improve treatment results. In addition, this study examined the changes in pediatric thoracic trauma features and results from the establishment of a level 1 regional trauma center.

Methods

Data of 168 patients’ ≤ 15 years old diagnosed with thoracic trauma between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Pedestrian traffic accidents were the most common cause of chest injury. The average injury severity score was 17.1 ± 12.4 and the average pediatric trauma score was 5.6 ± 4.1. Lung contusion was the most common in 134 cases. There were 48 cases of closed thoracostomy. There was one thoracotomy for cardiac laceration, one case for extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, and six cases for embolization. Of all, 25 patients died, providing a mortality rate of 14.9%. In addition, independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality were hemopneumothorax and cardiac contusion. Since 2014, when the level 1 regional trauma center was established, more severely injured thoracic trauma patients came. However, the mortality was similar in the two periods.

Conclusions

Understanding the clinical features of pediatric thoracic trauma patients can help in efficient treatment. In addition, as the severity of pediatric thoracic trauma patients has increased due to the establishment of the regional trauma center, so pediatric trauma center should be organized in regional trauma center to improve the outcomes of pediatric thoracic trauma.
Percutaneous operative treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvis may not increase the general rate of complications compared to non-operative treatment
Authors: Gericke Laura , Fritz Annemarie , Osterhoff Georg , Josten Christoph , Pieroh Philipp , Höch Andreas
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Despite an increasing number of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) over the last 2 decades, controversy persists on their therapy with special regard to potential complications. Therefore, the present study compared the complication rates and in-hospital mortality of non-operative therapy, percutaneous treatment and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of pelvic fractures in elderly patients.

Methods

All consecutive patients treated for FFP between January 2013 and December 2017 aged 65 years or older were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. Demographic data and specific patient data were collected with a special focus on pre-existing comorbidities. General and surgical complications, hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality rates were compared.

Results

379 patients (81.3 ± 7.5 years; 81% female) were identified, 211 (55.7%) were treated non-operatively, 74 (19.5%) percutaneously and 94 (24.8%) with ORIF. The rate of general complications did not differ between treatment groups (non-operative: 21.8%; percutaneous: 28.4%; ORIF: 33.0%; p = 0.103). Surgery-related complications were twofold more frequent in the ORIF group as than in the percutaneously treated group (18.1% vs. 9.5%). The LOS differed significantly (non-operatively: 8.9 ± 7.1 days; percutaneous: 16.6 ± 8.2 days; ORIF: 19.3 ± 12.8 days; p < 0.001). Hospital mortality rate was higher in patients with ORIF (5.3%) than percutaneous treatment (0%) (p = 0.044).

Conclusions

Complication rates and hospital mortality in elderly patients with FFPs are high and associated with long LOS. For surgical treatment of FFPs, the complication rate and mortality can be significantly reduced using percutaneous procedures compared to ORIF. Therefore, percutaneous surgery should be preferred where possible.
Discovery of a major QTL for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) resistance in cultivated sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Oloka Bonny Michael , da Silva Pereira Guilherme , Amankwaah Victor A. , Mollinari Marcelo , Pecota Kenneth V. , Yada Benard , Olukolu Bode A. , Zeng Zhao-Bang , Craig Yencho G.
Published: April 2021

Key message

Utilizing a high-density integrated genetic linkage map of hexaploid sweetpotato, we discovered a major dominant QTL for root-knot nematode (RKN) resistance and modeled its effects. This discovery is useful for development of a modern sweetpotato breeding program that utilizes marker-assisted selection and genomic selection approaches for faster genetic gain of RKN resistance.

The root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood] (RKN) causes significant storage root quality reduction and yields losses in cultivated sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. In this study, resistance to RKN was examined in a mapping population consisting of 244 progenies derived from a cross (TB) between ‘Tanzania,’ a predominant African landrace cultivar with resistance to RKN, and ‘Beauregard,’ an RKN susceptible major cultivar in the USA. We performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using a random-effect QTL mapping model on the TB genetic map. An RKN bioassay incorporating potted cuttings of each genotype was conducted in the greenhouse and replicated five times over a period of 10 weeks. For each replication, each genotype was inoculated with ca. 20,000 RKN eggs, and root-knot galls were counted ~62 days after inoculation. Resistance to RKN in the progeny was highly skewed toward the resistant parent, exhibiting medium to high levels of resistance. We identified one major QTL on linkage group 7, dominant in nature, which explained 58.3% of the phenotypic variation in RKN counts. This work represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the genetic architecture of RKN resistance and sets the stage for future utilization of genomics-assisted breeding in sweetpotato breeding programs.
An evolutionary Haar-Rado type theorem
Authors: Rainer Rudolf , Siltakoski Jarkko , Stanin Thomas
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study variational solutions to parabolic equations of the type $$\partial _t u - \mathrm {div}_x (D_\xi f(Du)) + D_ug(x,u) = 0$$

∂
t

u
-

div
x

(

D
ξ

f

(
D
u
)

)

+

D
u

g

(
x
,
u
)

=
0

, where u attains time-independent boundary values $$u_0$$

u
0

on the parabolic boundary and f, g fulfill convexity assumptions. We establish a Haar-Rado type theorem: If the boundary values $$u_0$$

u
0

admit a modulus of continuity $$\omega $$
ω
and the estimate $$|u(x,t)-u_0(\gamma )| \le \omega (|x-\gamma |)$$

|
u

(
x
,
t
)

-

u
0

(
γ
)

|
≤
ω
(
|
x
-
γ
|
)

holds, then u admits the same modulus of continuity in the spatial variable.
Chemotherapy-induced bowel ischemia: diagnostic imaging overview
Authors: Reginelli Alfonso , Sangiovanni Angelo , Vacca Giovanna , Belfiore Maria Paola , Pignatiello Maria , Viscardi Giuseppe , Clemente Alfredo , Urraro Fabrizio , Cappabianca Salvatore
Published: April 2021

Cancer patients need multimodal therapies to treat their disease increasingly. In particular, drug treatment, as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or various associations between them are commonly used to increase efficacy. However, the use of drugs predisposes a percentage of patients to develop toxicity in multiple organs and systems. Principle chemotherapy drugs mechanism of action is cell replication inhibition, rapidly proliferating cells especially. Immunotherapy is another tumor therapy strategy based on antitumor immunity activation trough agents as CTLA4 inhibitors (ipilimumab) or PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors as nivolumab. If, on the one hand, all these agents inhibit tumor growth, on the other, they can cause various degrees toxicity in several organs, due to their specific mechanism of action. Particularly interesting are bowel toxicity, which can be clinically heterogeneous (pain, nausea, diarrhea, enterocolitis, pneumocolitis), up to severe consequences, such as ischemia, a rare occurrence. However, this event can occur both in vessels that supply intestine and in submucosa microvessels. We report drug-related intestinal vascular damage main characteristics, showing the radiological aspect of these alterations. Interpretation of imaging in oncologic patients has become progressively more complicated in the context of “target therapy” and thanks to the increasing number and types of therapies provided. Radiologists should know this variety of antiangiogenic treatments and immunotherapy regimens first because they can determine atypical features of tumor response and then also because of their eventual bowel toxicity.
Factors Affecting Patient Outcomes in Acute Appendicitis in Rural Areas: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Özkurt Enver
Published: April 2021

Background

The most common surgical emergency both in developed and non‐developed countries is acute appendicitis and it has a time‐dependent clinical course. In this observational cohort study, we aim to investigate the factors affecting patient outcomes in acute appendicitis at a rural hospital.

Methods

This observational cohort study was held between November 2012 and May 2014 at a rural hospital. Patients’ pre‐operative, perioperative, and post‐operative data were collected prospectively. Patients were followed‐up for 12‐months.

Results

A total of 151 patients were recorded. Factors significantly associated with complicated cases (abscess/perforation) were referral region as remote towns (OR:7.94, 95%CI [3.46–18.23]; p < 0.001), referral season as winter (OR:2.47, %95CI [1.14–5.36]; p = 0.022), pre‐operative hospital delay (OR:6.52, 95%CI [3.49–12.20]; p < 0.001), and duration of referral (OR:1.01, 95%CI [1.00–1.01]; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only pre‐operative hospital delay remained as a significant factor (OR:5.87, 95%CI [2.85 – 12.07]; p < 0.001).

Factors affecting length of hospital stay (LoHS) were referral region as remote towns (95%CI, β = 3.10 [2.28–3.93], t = 1.91; p < 0.001), abscess/perforation (95%CI, β = 4.70 [4.04–5.36], t = 14.05; p < 0.001), pre‐operative hospital delay (95%CI, β = 1.25 [0.87–1.62], t = 6.58; p < 0.001), and duration of referral (95%CI, β = 0.011 [0.01–0.14], t = 7.34; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, all four factors stayed significant. The rate of complicated appendicitis was significantly high in winter than other seasons for patients referring from remote towns (75% vs 33%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This observational cohort study is the only study specifically focused on the effect of season and region on abscess/perforation rates, LoHS, and accessibility to hospital in patients with acute appendicitis.
Agroinfiltration for transient gene expression and characterisation of fungal pathogen effectors in cool-season grain legume hosts
Authors: Debler Johannes W. , Henares Bernadette M. , Lee Robert C.
Published: April 2021

Key message

Modified pEAQ-HT-DEST1 vectors were used for agroinfiltration in legumes. We demonstrate protein expression and export in pea, lentil, and faba bean; however, the method for chickpea was not successful.

Agroinfiltration is a valuable research method for investigating virulence and avirulence effector proteins from pathogens and pests, where heterologous effector proteins are transiently expressed in plant leaves and hypersensitive necrosis responses and other effector functions can be assessed. Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used for agroinfiltration and the characterisation of broad-spectrum effectors. The method has also been used in other plant species including field pea, but not yet developed for chickpea, lentil, or faba bean. Here, we have modified the pEAQ-HT-DEST1 vector for expression of 6 × histidine-tagged green-fluorescent protein (GFP) and the known necrosis-inducing broad-spectrum effector necrosis and ethylene-inducing peptide (Nep1)-like protein (NLP). Modified pEAQ-based vectors were adapted to encode signal peptide sequences for apoplast targeting of expressed proteins. We used confocal microscopy to assess the level of GFP expression in agroinfiltrated leaves. While at 3 days after infiltration in N. benthamiana, GFP was expressed at a relatively high level, expression in field pea and faba bean at the same time point was relatively low. In lentil, an expression level of GFP similar to field pea and faba bean at 3 days was only observed after 5 days. Chickpea leaf cells were transformed at low frequency and agroinfiltration was concluded to not be successful for chickpea. We concluded that the pEAQ vector is suitable for testing host-specific effectors in field pea, lentil, and faba bean, but low transformation efficiency limits the utility of the method for chickpea.
Analysis and Optimal Velocity Control of a Stochastic Convective Cahn–Hilliard Equation
Authors: Scarpa Luca
Published: April 2021

A Cahn–Hilliard equation with stochastic multiplicative noise and a random convection term is considered. The model describes isothermal phase-separation occurring in a moving fluid, and accounts for the randomness appearing at the microscopic level both in the phase-separation itself and in the flow-inducing process. The call for a random component in the convection term stems naturally from applications, as the fluid’s stirring procedure is usually caused by mechanical or magnetic devices. Well-posedness of the state system is addressed, and optimisation of a standard tracking type cost with respect to the velocity control is then studied. Existence of optimal controls is proved, and the Gâteaux–Fréchet differentiability of the control-to-state map is shown. Lastly, the corresponding adjoint backward problem is analysed, and the first-order necessary conditions for optimality are derived in terms of a variational inequality involving the intrinsic adjoint variables.
Intensity pattern types in broadband Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers operating beyond the ultra-stable regime
Authors: Schmidt Mark , Grill Christin , Lotz Simon , Pfeiffer Tom , Huber Robert , Jirauschek Christian
Published: April 2021

We report on the formation of various intensity pattern types in detuned Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers and identify the corresponding operating conditions. Such patterns are a result of the complex laser dynamics and serve as an ideal tool for the study of the underlying physical processes as well as for model verification. By numerical simulation we deduce that the formation of patterns is related to the spectral position of the instantaneous laser lineshape with respect to the transmission window of the swept bandpass filter. The spectral properties of the lineshape are determined by a long-term accumulation of phase-offsets, resulting in rapid high-amplitude intensity fluctuations in the time domain due to the narrow intra-cavity bandpass filter and the fast response time of the semiconductor optical amplifier gain medium. Furthermore, we present the distribution of the duration of dips in the intensity trace by running the laser in the regime in which dominantly dips form, and give insight into their evolution over a large number of roundtrips.
Long-term outcomes for 2-stage urethroplasty: an analysis of risk factors for urethral stricture recurrence
Authors: Furr James R. , Wisenbaugh Eric S. , Gelman Joel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To report long-term results and patient reported outcomes of staged anterior urethroplasties, and isolate risk factors for recurrence.

Methods

 We reviewed urethroplasty database for all patients who underwent staged urethroplasty from 2000 to 2017. Follow-up included a cystoscopy 4 months after their 2nd stage to assess early success, and then annual follow-up thereafter with post-void residual and symptom assessment. Stricture characteristics, etiology and graft type were analyzed with regards to success.

Results

 Forty-nine patients were eligible for inclusion. The median stricture length was 7 cm (3–17 cm). The early success rate demonstrated by cystoscopy at 4 months was 100%. Long-term success was 96.4% in buccal graft (BMG) only patients; however, long-term success fell considerably to 53% in patients requiring any use split thickness skin graft (STSG) in the first stage. Median follow up time was 57 months (6–240 months). On analysis, age, increased stricture length and especially the use of STSG all appeared to be associated with late recurrence. The recurrence group had longer stricture length and were more likely to be panurethral. All recurrences occurred after the initial 4-month cystoscopy with a median time to recurrence of 78 months.

Conclusion

Staged repairs that are amenable to BMG-only repairs have high long-term success rates. Increasing stricture length and the addition of split-thickness skin graft were associated with lower success rate in staged urethral reconstruction. Patients requiring staged repairs often experience recurrence in a very delayed fashion reinforcing the need for close, long-term follow up.
Predictors of functional mitral regurgitation recurrence after percutaneous mitral valve repair
Authors: Hellhammer Katharina , Haurand Jean M. , Spieker Maximilian , Luedike Peter , Rassaf Tienush , Zeus Tobias , Kelm Malte , Westenfeld Ralf , Horn Patrick
Published: April 2021

We aimed to identify predictors of mitral regurgitation recurrence (MR) after percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Patients with FMR were enrolled who underwent PMVR using the MitraClip® device. Procedural success was defined as reduction of MR of at least one grade to MR grade ≤ 2 + assessed at discharge. Recurrence of MR was defined as MR grade 3 + or worse at one year after initially successful PMVR. A total of 306 patients with FMR underwent PMVR procedure. In 279 out of 306 patients (91.2%), PMVR was successfully performed with MR grade ≤ 2 + at discharge. In 11.4% of these patients, MR recurrence of initial successful PMVR after 1 year was observed. Recurrence of MR was associated with a higher rate of heart failure rehospitalization during the 12 months follow-up (52.0% vs. 30.3%; p = 0.029), and less improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class [68% vs. 19% of the patients presenting with NYHA functional class III or IV one year after PMVR when compared to patients without recurrence (p = 0.001)]. Patients with MR recurrence were characterized by a higher left ventricular sphericity index {0.69 [Interquartile range (IQR) 0.64, 0.74] vs. 0.65 (IQR 0.58, 0.70), p = 0.003}, a larger left atrium volume [118 (IQR 96, 143) ml vs. 102 (IQR 84, 123) ml, p = 0.019], a larger tenting height 10 (IQR 9, 13) mm vs. 8 (IQR 7, 11) mm (p = 0.047), and a larger mitral valve annulus [41 (IQR 38, 43) mm vs. 39 (IQR 36, 40) mm, p = 0.015] when compared to patients with durable optimal long-term results. In a multivariate regression model, the left ventricular sphericity index [Odds Ratio (OR) 1.120, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.039–1.413, p = 0.003)], tenting height (OR 1.207, 95% CI 1.031–1.413, p = 0.019), and left atrium enlargement (OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.000–1.038, p = 0.047) were predictors for MR recurrence after 1 year. In patients with FMR, baseline parameters of advanced heart failure such as spherical ventricle, tenting height and a large left atrium might indicate risk of recurrent MR one year after PMVR.
Seasonally changing contribution of sea ice and snow cover to uncertainty in multi-decadal Eurasian surface air temperature trends based on CESM simulations
Authors: Ding Zhaomin , Wu Renguang
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the impact of sea ice and snow changes on surface air temperature (SAT) trends on the multidecadal time scale over the mid- and high-latitudes of Eurasia during boreal autumn, winter and spring based on a 30-member ensemble simulations of the Community Earth System Model (CESM). A dynamical adjustment method is used to remove the internal component of circulation-induced SAT trends. The leading mode of dynamically adjusted SAT trends is featured by same-sign anomalies extending from northern Europe to central Siberia and to the Russian Far East, respectively, during boreal spring and autumn, and confined to western Siberia during winter. The internally generated component of sea ice concentration trends over the Barents-Kara Seas contributes to the differences in the thermodynamic component of internal SAT trends across the ensemble over adjacent northern Siberia during all the three seasons. The sea ice effect is largest in autumn and smallest in winter. Eurasian snow changes contribute to the spread in dynamically adjusted SAT trends as well around the periphery of snow covered region by modulating surface heat flux changes. The snow effect is identified over northeast Europe-western Siberia in autumn, north of the Caspian Sea in winter, and over eastern Europe-northern Siberia in spring. The effects of sea ice and snow on the SAT trends are realized mainly by modulating upward shortwave and longwave radiation fluxes.
Development of a diagnostic model to identify patients at high risk for cerebellopontine angle lesions
Authors: Hentschel Mayke , Rovers Maroeska , Steens Stefan , Hannink Gerjon , Kunst Henricus
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To develop a diagnostic model to identify patients at high risk of a CPA lesion.

Methods

A consecutive cohort of patients with AAD referred by a general practitioner, who underwent their first MRI examination of the CPA between 2005 and 2015 was included. Demographics, symptoms, findings during physical examination, and pure-tone audiometry were used as potential predictors. The presence of a CPA lesion was used as outcome.

Results

We analyzed data of 2,214 patients, detecting 73 CPA lesions in 69 (3.1%) patients. The final model contained eleven variables, namely gender [male] [OR 1.055 (95% CI 0.885–1.905)], sudden onset of hearing loss [OR 0.768 (95% CI 0.318–0.992)], gradual onset of hearing loss [OR 1.069 (95% CI 0.500–1.450)], unilateral tinnitus [OR 0.682 (95% CI 0.374–0.999)], complaints of unilateral aural fullness [OR 1.006 (95% CI 0.783–2.155)], instability [OR 1.006 (95% CI 0.580–2.121)], headache [OR 0.959 (95% CI 0.059–1.090)], facial numbness [OR 2.746 (95% CI 0.548–11.085)], facial nerve dysfunction during physical examination [OR 1.024 (95% CI 0.280–3.702)], and asymmetry in BC at 1 kHz [OR 1.013 (95% CI 1.000–1.027)] and 4 kHz [OR 1.008 (95% CI 1.000–1.026)].

Conclusion

The proposed diagnostic model is a first step in selecting patients with a high risk of a CPA lesion among those with AAD. It needs to be externally validated prior to its implementation in clinical practice.
Daily 30-min exposure to artificial gravity during 60 days of bed rest does not maintain aerobic exercise capacity but mitigates some deteriorations of muscle function: results from the AGBRESA RCT
Authors: Kramer Andreas , Venegas-Carro María , Zange Jochen , Sies Wolfram , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Gruber Markus , Degens Hans , Moreno-Villanueva María , Mulder Edwin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Spaceflight impairs physical capacity. Here we assessed the protective effect of artificial gravity (AG) on aerobic exercise capacity and muscle function during bed rest, a spaceflight analogue.

Methods

24 participants (33 ± 9 years, 175 ± 9 cm, 74 ± 10 kg, 8 women) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: continuous AG (cAG), intermittent AG (iAG) or control (CTRL). All participants were subjected to 60 days of six-degree head-down tilt bed rest, and subjects of the intervention groups completed 30 min of centrifugation per day: cAG continuously and iAG for 6 × 5 min, with an acceleration of 1g at the center of mass. Physical capacity was assessed before and after bed rest via maximal voluntary contractions, cycling spiroergometry, and countermovement jumps.

Results

AG had no significant effect on aerobic exercise capacity, flexor muscle function and isometric knee extension strength or rate of force development (RFD). However, AG mitigated the effects of bed rest on jumping power (group * time interaction of the rmANOVA p < 0.001; iAG − 25%, cAG − 26%, CTRL − 33%), plantar flexion strength (group * time p = 0.003; iAG − 35%, cAG − 31%, CTRL − 48%) and plantar flexion RFD (group * time p = 0.020; iAG − 28%, cAG − 12%, CTRL − 40%). Women showed more pronounced losses than men in jumping power (p < 0.001) and knee extension strength (p = 0.010).

Conclusion

The AG protocols were not suitable to maintain aerobic exercise capacity, probably due to the very low cardiorespiratory demand of this intervention. However, they mitigated some losses in muscle function, potentially due to the low-intensity muscle contractions during centrifugation used to avoid presyncope.
Post-exercise cardiac autonomic and cardiovascular responses to heart rate-matched and work rate-matched hypoxic exercise
Authors: Fornasiero Alessandro , Zignoli Andrea , Rakobowchuk Mark , Stella Federico , Savoldelli Aldo , Skafidas Spyros , Schena Federico , Pellegrini Barbara , Mourot Laurent
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the effect of performing hypoxic exercise at the same heart rate (HR) or work rate (WR) as normoxic exercise on post-exercise autonomic and cardiovascular responses.

Methods

Thirteen men performed three interval-type exercise sessions (5 × 5-min; 1-min recovery): normoxic exercise at 80% of the WR at the first ventilatory threshold (N), hypoxic exercise (FiO2 = 14.2%) at the same WR as N (H-WR) and hypoxic exercise at the same HR as N (H-HR). Autonomic and cardiovascular assessments were conducted before and after exercise, both at rest and during active squat–stand manoeuvres (SS).

Results

Compared to N, H-WR elicited a higher HR response (≈ 83% vs ≈ 75%HRmax, p < 0.001) and H-HR a reduced exercise WR (− 21.1 ± 9.3%, p < 0.001). Cardiac parasympathetic indices were reduced 15 min after exercise and recovered within 60 min in N and H-HR, but not after H-WR (p < 0.05). H-WR altered cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) both at rest and during SS (specifically in the control of blood pressure fall during standing phases) in the first 60 min after the exercise bout (p < 0.05). Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) did not occur in H-HR (p > 0.05) but lasted longer in H-WR than in N (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Moderate HR-matched hypoxic exercise mimicked post-exercise autonomic responses of normoxic exercise without resulting in significant PEH. This may relate to the reduced WR and the limited associated mechanical/metabolic strain. Conversely, WR-matched hypoxic exercise impacted upon post-exercise autonomic and cardiovascular responses, delaying cardiac autonomic recovery, temporarily decreasing cBRS and evoking prolonged PEH.
Impact of COVID-19 on an established physical activity and behaviour change support programme for cancer survivors: An exploratory survey of the Macmillan Move More service for Northern Ireland
Authors: Brown Malcolm , O’Connor Dominic , Murphy Claire , McClean Maura , McMeekin Alexandra , Prue Gillian
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The recent coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected the delivery of routine cancer care and supportive services. The Macmillan Move More Northern Ireland (MMNI) programme provides access to physical activity and behavioural change support before, during and after cancer treatment. This evaluation details the impact of the pandemic on the MMNI participants and identifies methods to adapt service delivery.

Methods

A multiple-choice and short answer online survey was sent to 730 MMNI participants, to investigate the impact of the initial, national COVID-19 lockdown. Specifically, the survey examined physical activity patterns, the physical/emotional/social impact of restrictions and attitudes towards digitally supported exercise. Free text responses were analysed thematically with findings verified within the research team.

Results

377 participants completed the survey (52% response rate). 50% of respondents had breast cancer, with 36 other diagnoses registered (82% were female). Participants reported physical activity levels decreased during restrictions, citing isolation; declining health/fitness; lack of access and motivation. The dataset trended towards women and those diagnosed with breast cancer. 71% reported the pandemic impacted their physical (n=119) and/or psychosocial (n=231) wellbeing. Many respondents were availing of digitally supported exercise, whilst half of males did not engage (46%). Finally, 80% of respondents were interested in using a MMNI smart application.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected participant physical activity levels. Supervised classes were the most popular (pre-pandemic), with enforced leisure centre closures prompting this reduction. The pandemic has negatively affected the psychosocial wellbeing (mental health) of participants, compounded by the restrictions imposed on the traditional delivery of MMNI. This impact is felt equally across cancer types. Participants with breast cancer are the most engaged in using digital technology to access exercise. Although underrepresented, men require greater targeting to ensure equality in access to online services.
Global higher integrability for minimisers of convex functionals with (p,q)-growth
Authors: Koch Lukas
Published: April 2021

We prove global $$W^{1,q}({\varOmega },{\mathbb {R}}^m)$$

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regularity is also proven for minimisers of the associated relaxed functional. Our main assumptions on F(x, z) are a uniform $$\alpha $$
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