bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Hypoxia on Habitat Quality of Reservoir Largemouth Bass, Saugeye, and White Crappie
Authors: Budnik Richard R. , Steinhart Geoffrey B. , Conroy Joseph D. , Dillon Rebecca A. , Zweifel Richard D. , Ludsin Stuart A.
Published: October 2020

Hypoxia induced by eutrophication and high summer temperatures is common in most Midwestern reservoirs, with uncertain effects on resident fishes. To evaluate the potential influence of low dissolved oxygen (DO) and high‐temperature conditions on habitat quality for three common sport fishes (Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, saugeye [Walleye Sander vitreus × Sauger S. canadensis], and White Crappie Pomoxis annularis), we used spatially explicit bioenergetics models to measure growth rate potential (GRP) in three Ohio reservoirs of varying productivity and size. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and prey biomass data were collected throughout each study reservoir during August in 2015 or 2016, when temperature and hypoxia levels were expected to be at or near their peak. Growth rate potential was generally low in hypoxic bottom waters and higher in the epilimnion due to prey concentrating above the oxycline. The amount of high‐quality habitat (HQH; i.e., GRP > 0 g/g/d) always declined owing to hypoxia; however, the extent of the decline depended on the modeled species and reservoir. Among species, hypoxia‐induced losses of HQH were small, differing by less than 8% in each reservoir. Among‐reservoir differences in HQH were greater; reductions in HQH ranged from 31.3% to 42.5% among species in the reservoir with the lowest DO (mean ± SE = 2.7 ± 0.04 mg/L) and highest gape‐appropriate prey biomass (5.1 ± 0.07 to 5.3 ± 0.07 g/m3), whereas they varied by 0.3–0.6% in the reservoir with the highest DO (5.1 ± 0.07 mg/L) and lowest gape‐appropriate prey biomass (0.2 ± 0.004 to 0.6 ± 0.01 g/m3). Even so, the reservoir with the lowest mean DO (i.e., greatest hypoxic extent) had the highest mean GRP and percentage HQH owing to high prey biomass. Collectively, our findings indicate that bottom hypoxia can reduce sport fish habitat quality in temperate reservoirs, but high prey biomass may mitigate the negative effect of hypoxia.
Survival of Florida Largemouth Bass in a Coastal Refuge Habitat across Years of Varying Drying Severity
Authors: Pierce Jessica L. , Lauretta Matthew V. , Rezek Ryan J. , Rehage Jennifer S.
Published: October 2020

In aquatic systems, refuge habitats increase resistance to drying events and maintain populations in disturbed environments. However, reduced water availability and altered flow regimes threaten the function of these habitats. We conducted a capture–mark–recapture study, integrating angler citizen science. Our objectives were to quantify variation in survival of Florida Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus in a coastal refuge habitat across seasonal hydrological periods and over 4 years of varying drying severity and to determine the contribution of angler sampling to improving capture probabilities. Apparent survival of Florida Largemouth Bass in the coastal Everglades was highest in wet and drying periods and lowest in dry and reflooding periods. Interannual survival was closely tied to the length of upstream marsh drying, with the lowest observed survival (0.21) during a drought year. The inclusion of angler sampling improved recapture probabilities, suggesting that angler data can supplement standardized electrofishing sampling. Findings show that during short drying events Florida Largemouth Bass survival can be relatively high, with implications for Everglades restoration. Understanding the ability of refuge habitats to buffer populations from drying disturbance is a key component for conservation and restoration, particularly under climate change scenarios.
The Impact of Cirrhosis on Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Schizas Dimitrios , Peppas Spyridon , Giannopoulos Stefanos , Lagopoulou Vasiliki , Mylonas Konstantinos S. , Giannopoulos Spyridon , Moris Dimitrios , Felekouras Evangelos , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: October 2020

Background

Cirrhosis has been considered a contraindication to major abdominal surgeries, due to increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of pancreatectomy in cirrhotic versus non‐cirrhotic patients.

Methods

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. All meta‐analyses were performed using the random effects model.

Results

Eight studies were eventually included, enrolling 1229 patients (cirrhotics: 722; and Child–Pugh A: 593; Child–Pugh B/C: 129) who underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 66% (51%–80%). Infections (26%) and ascites formation/worsening (23%) were the most common postoperative complications, followed by anastomotic leak/fistula (17%). Non‐cirrhotic patients were less likely to suffer from anastomotic leak/fistula (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.65) and infections (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.25–0.67). Postoperative mortality rate was statistically significantly lower in non‐cirrhotic versus cirrhotic patients (OR: 0.18; 95% CI:0.18–0.39). The odds ratios of 1 year (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.30–1.30), 2 year (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.25–1.83) and 3 year all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 20.03–2.99) were not significantly different between cirrhotic versus non‐cirrhotic patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that non‐cirrhotic patients were less likely to undergo any type of re‐intervention and had statistically significant lower postoperative mortality rates compared to patients with cirrhosis.
Phenotypic flexibility in heat production and heat loss in response to thermal and hydric acclimation in the zebra finch, a small arid-zone passerine
Authors: Wojciechowski Michał S. , Kowalczewska Anna , Colominas-Ciuró Roger , Jefimow Małgorzata
Published: October 2020

To maintain constant body temperature (Tb) over a wide range of ambient temperatures (Ta) endothermic animals require large amounts of energy and water. In hot environments, the main threat to endothermic homeotherms is insufficient water to supply that necessary for thermoregulation. We investigated flexible adjustment of traits related to thermoregulation and water conservation during acclimation to hot conditions or restricted water availability, or both, in the zebra finch,Taeniopygia guttataa small arid-zone passerine. Using indirect calorimetry, we measured changes in whole animal metabolic rate (MR), evaporative heat loss (EHL) andTbbefore and after acclimation to 23 or 40 °C, with different availability of water. Additionally, we quantified changes in partitioning of EHL into respiratory and cutaneous avenues in birds exposed to 25 and 40 °C. In response to heat and water restriction zebra finches decreased MR, which together with unchanged EHL resulted in increased efficiency of evaporative heat loss. This facilitated more preciseTbregulation in heat-acclimated birds. Acclimation temperature and water availability had no effect on the partitioning of EHL into cutaneous or respiratory avenues. At 25 °C, cutaneous EHL accounted for ~ 60% of total EHL, while at 40 °C, its contribution decreased to ~ 20%. Consistent among-individual differences in MR and EHL suggest that these traits, provided that they are heritable, may be a subject to natural selection. We conclude that phenotypic flexibility in metabolic heat production associated with acclimation to hot, water-scarce conditions is crucial in response to changing environmental conditions, especially in the face of current and predicted climate change.
Measurement and rendering of complex non-diffuse and goniochromatic packaging materials
Authors: Sole Aditya , Guarnera Giuseppe Claudio , Farup Ivar , Nussbaum Peter
Published: October 2020

Realistic renderings of materials with complex optical properties, such as goniochromatism and non-diffuse reflection, are difficult to achieve. In the context of the print and packaging industries, accurate visualisation of the complex appearance of such materials is a challenge, both for communication and quality control. In this paper, we characterise the bidirectional reflectance of two homogeneous print samples displaying complex optical properties. We demonstrate that in-plane retro-reflective measurements from a single input photograph, along with genetic algorithm-based BRDF fitting, allow to estimate an optimal set of parameters for reflectance models, to use for rendering. While such a minimal set of measurements enables visually satisfactory renderings of the measured materials, we show that a few additional photographs lead to more accurate results, in particular, for samples with goniochromatic appearance.
New method for quantification of severity of isolated scaphocephaly linked to intracranial volume
Authors: Kronig Otto D. M. , Kronig Sophia A. J. , Van Adrichem Léon N. A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim is to implement Utrecht Cranial Shape Quantificator (UCSQ) for quantification of severity of scaphocephaly and compare UCSQ with the most used quantification method, cranial index (CI). Additionally, severity is linked to intracranial volume (ICV).

Methods

Sinusoid curves of 21 pre-operative children (age < 2 years) with isolated scaphocephaly were created. Variables of UCSQ (width of skull and maximum occiput and forehead) were combined to determine severity. CI was calculated. Three raters performed visual scoring for clinical severity (rating of 6 items; total score of 12 represents most severe form). Pearson’s correlation test was used for correlation between UCSQ and visual score and between both CIs. ICV was calculated using OsiriX. ICV was compared to normative values and correlated to severity.

Results

Mean UCSQ was 22.00 (2.00–42.00). Mean traditional CI was 66.01 (57.36–78.58), and mean visual score was 9.1 (7–12). Correlations between both traditional CI and CI of UCSQ and overall visual scores were moderate and high (r = − 0.59; p = 0.005 vs. r = − 0.81; p < 0.000). Mean ICV was 910 mL (671–1303), and ICV varied from decreased to increased compared to normative values. Negligible correlation was found between ICV and UCSQ (r = 0.26; p > 0.05) and between ICV and CI and visual score (r = − 0.30; p > 0.05 and r = 0.17; p > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Our current advice is to use traditional CI in clinical practice; it is easy to use and minimally invasive. However, UCSQ is more precise and objective and captures whole skull shape. Therefore, UCSQ is preferable for research. Additionally, more severe scaphocephaly does not result in more deviant skull volumes.
Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of obesity: a prospective cohort study of UK Biobank
Authors: Rauber Fernanda , Chang Kiara , Vamos Eszter P. , da Costa Louzada Maria Laura , Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Millett Christopher , Levy Renata Bertazzi
Published: October 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between ultra-processed food consumption and risk of obesity among UK adults.

Methods

Participants aged 40–69 years at recruitment in the UK Biobank (2006–2019) with dietary intakes collected using 24-h recall and repeated measures of adiposity––body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage of body fat (% BF)––were included (N = 22,659; median follow-up: 5 years). Ultra-processed foods were identified using the NOVA classification and their consumption was expressed as a percentage of total energy intake. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of several indicators of obesity according to ultra-processed food consumption. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics.

Results

947 incident cases of overall obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 1900 incident cases of abdominal obesity (men: WC ≥ 102 cm, women: WC ≥ 88 cm) were identified during follow-up. Participants in the highest quartile of ultra-processed food consumption had significantly higher risk of developing overall obesity (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.06─3.03) and abdominal obesity (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.14─1.48). They had higher risk of experiencing a ≥ 5% increase in BMI (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.20─1.43), WC (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.25─1.45) and %BF (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03─1.25), than those in the lowest quartile of consumption.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence that higher consumption of ultra-processed food is strongly associated with a higher risk of multiple indicators of obesity in the UK adult population. Policy makers should consider actions that promote consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods and reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods.
A derivation of Griffith functionals from discrete finite-difference models
Authors: Crismale Vito , Scilla Giovanni , Solombrino Francesco
Published: October 2020

We analyze a finite-difference approximation of a functional of Ambrosio–Tortorelli type in brittle fracture, in the discrete-to-continuum limit. In a suitable regime between the competing scales, namely if the discretization step$$\delta $$δis smaller than the ellipticity parameter$$\varepsilon $$ε, we show the$$\varGamma $$Γ-convergence of the model to the Griffith functional, containing only a term enforcing Dirichlet boundary conditions and no$$L^p$$Lpfidelity term. Restricting to two dimensions, we also address the case in which a (linearized) constraint of non-interpenetration of matter is added in the limit functional, in the spirit of a recent work by Chambolle, Conti and Francfort.
Toward error estimates for general space-time discretizations of the advection equation
Authors: Gander Martin J. , Lunet Thibaut
Published: October 2020

We develop new error estimates for the one-dimensional advection equation, considering general space-time discretization schemes based on Runge–Kutta methods and finite difference discretizations. We then derive conditions on the number of points per wavelength for a given error tolerance from these new estimates. Our analysis also shows the existence of synergistic space-time discretization methods that permit to gain one order of accuracy at a given CFL number. Our new error estimates can be used to analyze the choice of space-time discretizations considered when testing Parallel-in-Time methods.
Farmers’ perception and reasons for practicing farmer managed natural regeneration in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Kibru Tigist , Husseini Rikiatu , Birhane Emiru , Haggar Jeremy , Solomon Negasi
Published: October 2020

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a rapid, low cost and easily replicated approach to restore and improve degraded agricultural, forest and pasture lands. The study was conducted in low (500–1500 m.a.s.l) and mid (1500–2300 m.a.s.l) altitude agro-ecologies of Tigray region assessing farmer’s perception and reasons to practice FMNR. Purposive sampling was used to select three peasant associations (PA’s) from each agro-ecology. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents from household heads practicing FMNR. There were 15 respondents from each PA. Total respondents used for the study in both agro-ecologies were 90. All the data required for the study was collected through in-depth household survey and group discussions. Forty two percent (42.2%) of the respondents had 21–30 years of FMNR experience. Seventeen percent of the respondents with FMNR experience were from lowland and 26% were from mid land agro-ecology. FMNR has been practiced for more than two decades in the study areas. In both low and midland agro-ecologies, motivation of the respondents to practice FMNR was the training received from expert’s (37.1%) and neighbors’ success (29.2%). In the lowland, respondent’s main purpose to practice FMNR was fuel wood and fruit collection (49%) while in the midland the objectives were for fuel wood (50%), soil conservation (47%) and fodder (47%). FMNR has enormous importance in the livelihoods of the rural people especially in providing fuel wood, food/fruits, construction materials and farm equipment.
Characterizing NTU-bankruptcy rules using bargaining axioms
Authors: Dietzenbacher Bas , Peters Hans
Published: October 2020

This paper takes an axiomatic bargaining approach to bankruptcy problems with nontransferable utility, by using properties from bargaining theory in order to characterize bankruptcy rules. In particular, we derive new axiomatic characterizations of the proportional rule, the truncated proportional rule, and the constrained relative equal awards rule, using properties which concern changes in the estate or in the claims.
CUT&RUN detects distinct DNA footprints of RNA polymerase II near the transcription start sites
Authors: Miura Michi , Chen Honglin
Published: October 2020

CUT&RUN is a powerful tool to study protein-DNA interactions in vivo. DNA fragments cleaved by the targeted micrococcal nuclease identify the footprints of DNA-binding proteins on the chromatin. We performed CUT&RUN on human lung carcinoma cell line A549 maintained in a multi-well cell culture plate to profile RNA polymerase II. Long (> 270 bp) DNA fragments released by CUT&RUN corresponded to the bimodal peak around the transcription start sites, as previously seen with chromatin immunoprecipitation. However, we found that short (< 120 bp) fragments identify a well-defined peak localised at the transcription start sites. This distinct DNA footprint of short fragments, which constituted only about 5% of the total reads, suggests the transient positioning of RNA polymerase II before promoter-proximal pausing, which has not been detected in the physiological settings by standard chromatin immunoprecipitation. We showed that the positioning of the large-size-class DNA footprints around the short-fragment peak was associated with the directionality of transcription, demonstrating the biological significance of distinct CUT&RUN footprints of RNA polymerase II.
Unphysical Critical Curves of Binary Mixtures Predicted with GERG Models
Authors: Deiters Ulrich K. , Bell Ian H.
Published: October 2020

When applied to asymmetric binary mixtures (e.g., methane + pentane or heavier alkanes, hydrogen-containing mixtures), the GERG equation of state (GERG-2004 or GERG-2008) predicts critical curves with physically unreasonable temperature maxima above the critical temperature of the heavier component. These maxima are associated with physically impossible vapor–liquid equilibria. The phenomenon is probably caused by corrections for critical anomalies that were built into the empirical pure-fluid equations of state forming the foundation of the GERG model. These corrections ensure that the model represents thermodynamic data of pure fluids quite well even close to their critical points. For mixtures, however, the corrections can cause artifacts.
Parents’ Perspectives and Societal Acceptance of Implementation of Newborn Screening for SCID in the Netherlands
Authors: Blom Maartje , Bredius Robbert G. M. , Jansen Marleen E. , Weijman Gert , Kemper Evelien A. , Vermont Clementien L. , Hollink Iris H. I. M. , Dik Willem A. , van Montfrans Joris M. , van Gijn Mariëlle E. , Henriet Stefanie S. , van Aerde Koen J. , Koole Wouter , Lankester Arjan C. , Dekkers Eugènie H. B. M. , Schielen Peter C. J. I. , de Vries Martine C. , Henneman Lidewij , van der Burg Mirjam ,   on behalf of the SONNET-Study Group
Published: October 2020

Purpose

While neonatal bloodspot screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) has been introduced more than a decade ago, implementation in NBS programs remains challenging in many countries. Even if high-quality test methods and follow-up care are available, public uptake and parental acceptance are not guaranteed. The aim of this study was to describe the parental perspective on NBS for SCID in the context of an implementation pilot. Psychosocial aspects have never been studied before for NBS for SCID and are important for societal acceptance, a major criterion when introducing new disorders in NBS programs.

Methods

To evaluate the perspective of parents, interviews were conducted with parents of newborns with abnormal SCID screening results (N = 17). In addition, questionnaires about NBS for SCID were sent to 2000 parents of healthy newborns who either participated or declined participation in the SONNET-study that screened 140,593 newborns for SCID.

Results

Support for NBS for SCID was expressed by the majority of parents in questionnaires from both a public health perspective and a personal perspective. Parents emphasized the emotional impact of an abnormal screening result in interviews. (Long-term) stress and anxiety can be experienced during and after referral indicating the importance of uniform follow-up protocols and adequate information provision.

Conclusion

The perspective of parents has led to several recommendations for NBS programs that are considering screening for SCID or other disorders. A close partnership of NBS programs’ stakeholders, immunologists, geneticists, and pediatricians-immunologists in different countries is required for moving towards universal SCID screening for all infants.
Carbamoylethylated Wood Pulp as a New Sorbent for Removal of Hg (II) from Contaminated Water: Isotherm and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Hashem A. , Fletcher A. J. , Safri A. , Ghith A. , Hussein D. M.
Published: October 2020

Mercury is a persistent, heavy metal present in watercourses, and this paper presents the synthesis of a new, low-cost sorbent, based on wood pulp, for the targeted removal of Hg (II) from aqueous solutions. Carbamoylethylated wood pulp sorbents were obtained from the reaction of wood pulp with acrylamide, in basic media, to produce a suite of materials with varying nitrogen concentration (0.251.51%). Batch sorption techniques were used to determine the sorption capacity of each sorbent for Hg (II), as a function of pH, contact time, as well as sorbate and sorbent concentrations. The samples were evaluated for bulk and surface chemistry (nitrogen concentration and FTIR) as well as surface morphology and textural properties (SEM and surface area measurements). Sorption analysis via Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models, showed that the data were best represented by the Temkin isotherm model suggesting influence from surface heterogeneity in the adsorption process. Langmuir analysis provides an indication of the maximum sorption uptake at 787.6 mg g−1, while Freundlich analysis shows the sorption process to be favourable but with some slight suppression at low concentrations. The results indicate the importance of nitrogen concentration and corresponding sorption capacity in Hg (II) sorption kinetics and are consistent with the recovery rates observed. Sorption tests demonstrate that these sorbents have remarkable potential, which is validated through 39% removal of Hg (II) from aqueous solution, and modelling of the kinetic data showed that the system closely flows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
Complex Formation of Alkyl-N-iminodiacetic Acids and Hard Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution and Solid State
Authors: Lindblad Cecilia , Cassel Anders , Persson Ingmar
Published: October 2020

The calcium(II), iron(III) and chromium(III) alkyl-N-iminodiacetate systems have been studied in aqueous solution with respect to stability, acid–base properties and structure. The calcium(II) ion forms only one weak complex with methyl-N-iminodiacetic acid in water, K1 = 12.9 (2) mol–1⋅dm3, while iron(III) and chromium(III) form very stable complexes with alkyl-N-iminodiacetic acids. The calcium(II)–methyl-N-iminodiacetate complex is octahedral in the solid state with most probably water in the remaining positions giving a mean Ca–O bond distance of ca. 2.36 Å. The iron(III) alkyl-N-iminodiacetate complexes have low solubility due to a strong tendency to form polymeric structures. Depending on pH in the solution at their preparation, the degree of hydrolysis in the resulting compound(s) may differ. In the solid state, the polymeric iron(III) alkyl-N-iminodiacetate compounds seem to have the mean composition Fe2O(Cx-IDA)5; the mean Fe–O bond distances to the oxo group and the alkyl-N-iminodiacetate ligands are 1.92 and 2.02 Å, respectively. In these complexes the nitrogen atoms are bound at much longer bond distances, 0.1–0.2 Å, than the carboxylate oxygens. This distribution with short strong Fe–O bonds and much longer and weaker Fe–N bonds is also found in most other structurally characterized iron(III) carboxylated amine/polyamine complexes. The chromium(III) alkyl-N-iminodiacetate complexes are octahedral in both solution and solid state, and the low solubility of the solid compounds indicates a polymeric structure with the ligands bridging chromium(III) ions. Also, chromium(III) binds oxygen atoms in carboxylated amines at significantly shorter distance than the nitrogen stoms. The chromium(III) alkyl-N-iminodiacetate complexes display such slow kinetics at titration with strong base that the back-titration with strong acid shows completely different acid–base properties, thus the acid–base reactions are irreversible.
On the Mean-Field Limit for the Vlasov–Poisson–Fokker–Planck System
Authors: Huang Hui , Liu Jian-Guo , Pickl Peter
Published: October 2020

We rigorously justify the mean-field limit of anN-particle system subject to Brownian motions and interacting through the Newtonian potential in$${\mathbb {R}}^3$$R3. Our result leads to a derivation of the Vlasov–Poisson–Fokker–Planck (VPFP) equations from the regularized microscopicN-particle system. More precisely, we show that the maximal distance between the exact microscopic trajectories and the mean-field trajectories is bounded by$$N^{-\frac{1}{3}+\varepsilon }$$N-13+ε($$\frac{1}{63}\le \varepsilon <\frac{1}{36}$$163≤ε<136) with a blob size of$$N^{-\delta }$$N-δ($$\frac{1}{3}\le \delta <\frac{19}{54}-\frac{2\varepsilon }{3}$$13≤δ<1954-2ε3) up to a probability of$$1-N^{-\alpha }$$1-N-αfor any$$\alpha >0$$α>0. Moreover, we prove the convergence rate between the empirical measure associated to the regularized particle system and the solution of the VPFP equations. The technical novelty of this paper is that our estimates rely on the randomness coming from the initial data and from the Brownian motions.
Grassland-to-crop conversion in agricultural landscapes has lasting impact on the trait diversity of bees
Authors: Le Provost Gaëtane , Badenhausser Isabelle , Violle Cyrille , Requier Fabrice , D’Ottavio Marie , Roncoroni Marilyn , Gross Louis , Gross Nicolas
Published: October 2020

Context

Global pollinator decline has motivated much research to understand the underlying mechanisms. Among the multiple pressures threatening pollinators, habitat loss has been suggested as a key-contributing factor. While habitat destruction is often associated with immediate negative impacts, pollinators can also exhibit delayed responses over time.

Objectives

We used a trait-based approach to investigate how past and current land use at both local and landscape levels impact plant and wild bee communities in grasslands through a functional lens.

Methods

We measured flower and bee morphological traits that mediate plant–bee trophic linkage in 66 grasslands. Using an extensive database of 20 years of land-use records, we tested the legacy effects of the landscape-level conversion of grassland to crop on flower and bee trait diversity.

Results

Land-use history was a strong driver of flower and bee trait diversity in grasslands. Particularly, bee trait diversity was lower in landscapes where much of the land was converted from grassland to crop long ago. Bee trait diversity was also strongly driven by plant trait diversity computed with flower traits. However, this relationship was not observed in landscapes with a long history of grassland-to-crop conversion. The effects of land-use history on bee communities were as strong as those of current land use, such as grassland or mass-flowering crop cover in the landscape.

Conclusions

Habitat loss that occurred long ago in agricultural landscapes alters the relationship between plants and bees over time. The retention of permanent grassland sanctuaries within intensive agricultural landscapes can offset bee decline.
The role of AMPK in metabolism and its influence on DNA damage repair
Authors: Szewczuk Michał , Boguszewska Karolina , Kaźmierczak-Barańska Julia , Karwowski Bolesław T.
Published: October 2020

One of the most complex health disproportions in the human body is the metabolic syndrome (MetS). It can result in serious health consequences such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis or insulin resistance. The center of energy regulation in human is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which modulates cells’ metabolic pathways and protects them against negative effects of metabolic stress, e.g. reactive oxygen species. Moreover, recent studies show the relationship between the AMPK activity and the regulation of DNA damage repair such as base excision repair (BER) system, which is presented in relation to the influence of MetS on human genome. Hence, AMPK is studied not only in the field of counteracting MetS but also prevention of genetic alterations and cancer development. Through understanding AMPK pathways and its role in cells with damaged DNA it might be possible to improve cell’s repair processes and develop new therapies. This review presents AMPK role in eukaryotic cells and focuses on the relationship between AMPK activity and the regulation of BER system through its main component—8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1).
Visual link retrieval and knowledge discovery in painting datasets
Authors: Castellano Giovanna , Lella Eufemia , Vessio Gennaro
Published: October 2020

Visual arts are of inestimable importance for the cultural, historic and economic growth of our society. One of the building blocks of most analysis in visual arts is to find similarity relationships among paintings of different artists and painting schools. To help art historians better understand visual arts, this paper presents a framework for visual link retrieval and knowledge discovery in digital painting datasets. Visual link retrieval is accomplished by using a deep convolutional neural network to perform feature extraction and a fully unsupervised nearest neighbor mechanism to retrieve links among digitized paintings. Historical knowledge discovery is achieved by performing a graph analysis that makes it possible to study influences among artists. An experimental evaluation on a database collecting paintings by very popular artists shows the effectiveness of the method. The unsupervised strategy makes the method interesting especially in cases where metadata are scarce, unavailable or difficult to collect.
Hybrid coupled mode modelling of the evanescent excitation of a dielectric tube by semi-guided waves at oblique angles
Authors: Hammer Manfred , Ebers Lena , Förstner Jens
Published: October 2020

A dielectric step-index optical fiber with tube-like profile is considered, being positioned with a small gap on top of a dielectric slab waveguide. We propose a 2.5-D hybrid analytical/numerical coupled mode model for the evanescent excitation of the tube through semi-guided waves propagating in the slab at oblique angles. The model combines the directional polarized modes supported by the slab with analytic solutions for the TE-, TM-, and orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) modes of the tube-shaped fiber. Implementational details of the scheme are discussed, complemented by finite-element simulations for verification purposes. Our results include configurations with resonant in-fiber excitation of OAM modes with large orbital angular momentum and strong field enhancement.
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing knee replacements: comparison of real-world outcomes
Authors: Hasan Syed Shahzad , Sunter Wendy , Ahmed Nadia , Dawoud Dalia , Zaidi Syed Tabish Razi
Published: October 2020

Background Increasing evidence for the use of the aspirin in patients undergoing an orthopaedic surgery for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis has led to a change in the national guidelines substituting anticoagulants with aspirin. Little is known about the impact of such substitution on real-world outcomes from clinical practice. Objective The study was designed to examine clinical outcomes associated with the use of aspirin and apixaban. Setting Two large-scale general hospitals in West Yorkshire region of England. Method A 1-year observational study among adults who underwent elective knee replacements and received venous thromboembolism prophylaxis within the first 14 days post replacements. Main outcome measure The incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism, leaking wounds during the hospital stay, and 30-day any readmission for the two drugs. Results A total of 420 patients were included. There was a significant drop in apixaban prescribing (from 80.37 to 10.51%) and increase in aspirin use (from 19.02 to 81.71%) after the implementation of the revised guidelines. There were 52 (12.38%) cases of leaking wound, 16 (3.81%) cases of postoperative venous thromboembolism, 45 (10.71%) cases of 30-day readmission and no case of 30-day major bleeding. The leaking wounds and 30-day readmissions were almost twice more frequent in obese compared to non-obese patients. Multivariate logistic regression found an increased risk of leaking wound with apixaban and postoperative venous thromboembolism and 30-day readmission with aspirin use but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion The results suggest aspirin to be as effective as apixaban in preventing venous thromboembolism and readmission. Apixaban usage decreased with a corresponding increase in Aspirin use. The impact of obesity and length of hospital stay need further investigations.
Analysis of the evolution and collaboration networks of citizen science scientific publications
Authors: Pelacho M. , Ruiz G. , Sanz F. , Tarancón A. , Clemente-Gallardo J.
Published: October 2020

The term citizen science refers to a broad set of practices developed in a growing number of areas of knowledge and characterized by the active citizen participation in some or several stages of the research process. Definitions, classifications and terminology remain open, reflecting that citizen science is an evolving phenomenon, a spectrum of practices whose classification may be useful but never unique or definitive. The aim of this article is to study citizen science publications in journals indexed by WoS, in particular how they have evolved in the last 20 years and the collaboration networks which have been created among the researchers in that time. In principle, the evolution can be analyzed, in a quantitative way, by the usual tools, such as the number of publications, authors, and impact factor of the papers, as well as the set of different research areas including citizen science as an object of study. But as citizen science is a transversal concept which appears in almost all scientific disciplines, this study becomes a multifaceted problem which is only partially modelled with the usual bibliometric magnitudes. It is necessary to consider new tools to parametrize a set of complementary properties. Thus, we address the study of the citizen science expansion and evolution in terms of the properties of the graphs which encode relations between scientists by studying co-authorship and the consequent networks of collaboration. This approach - not used until now in research on citizen science, as far as we know- allows us to analyze the properties of these networks through graph theory, and complement the existing quantitative research. The results obtained lead mainly to: (a) a better understanding of the current state of citizen science in the international academic system-by countries, by areas of knowledge, by interdisciplinary communities-as an increasingly legitimate expanding methodology, and (b) a greater knowledge of collaborative networks and their evolution, within and between research communities, which allows a certain margin of predictability as well as the definition of better cooperation strategies.
The role of school identification and self-efficacy in school satisfaction among Norwegian high-school students
Authors: Simonsen Inge-Ernald , Rundmo Torbjørn
Published: October 2020

School satisfaction is a key indicator of education quality in addition to academic achievement and student’s coping efficacy, as well as an important factor to prevent school dropout. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how high-school students’ school identification and self-efficacy were associated with school satisfaction. The study included controls for gender, education programme and parental education level. A self-report questionnaire was administered to high-school students at three upper secondary schools in Norway. The sample included 794 first year students. No respondents refrained from participating in the study. Most of the students in the study were satisfied with school. The current study underscores the importance of school identification. School identification was found to be more important for the students’ school satisfaction than self-efficacy. Moreover, according to the results, teachers’ social identity leadership appears to play an important role in students’ school satisfaction. The findings imply that the teachers’ social identity leadership is imperative in classroom management.
As-Built and Post-treated Microstructures of an Electron Beam Melting (EBM) Produced Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Goel Sneha , Mehtani Hitesh , Yao Shu-Wei , Samajdar Indradev , Klement Uta , Joshi Shrikant
Published: October 2020

The microstructures of an electron beam melted (EBM) nickel-based superalloy (Alloy 718) were comprehensively investigated in as-built and post-treated conditions, with particular focus individually on the contour (outer periphery) and hatch (core) regions of the build. The hatch region exhibited columnar grains with strong 〈001〉 texture in the build direction, while the contour region had a mix of columnar and equiaxed grains, with no preferred crystallographic texture. Both regions exhibited nearly identical hardness and carbide content. However, the contour region showed a higher number density of fine carbides compared to the hatch. The as-built material was subjected to two distinct post-treatments: (1) hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and (2) HIP plus heat treatment (HIP + HT), with the latter carried out as a single cycle inside the HIP vessel. Both post-treatments resulted in nearly an order of magnitude decrease in defect content in hatch and contour regions. HIP + HT led to grain coarsening in the contour, but did not alter the microstructure in the hatch region. Different factors that may be responsible for grain growth, such as grain size, grain orientation, grain boundary curvature and secondary phase particles, are discussed. The differences in carbide sizes in the hatch and contour regions appeared to decrease after post-treatment. After HIP + HT, similar higher hardness was observed in both the hatch and contour regions compared to the as-built material.
The Influence of Iron and Zinc Supplementation on Iron Apparent Absorption in Rats Fed Vitamins and Minerals Reduced Diets
Authors: Rolf Katarzyna , Januszko Olga , Frąckiewicz Joanna , Madej Dawid , Kaluza Joanna
Published: October 2020

Deficient human diet is usually reduced in many nutrients, but animal studies on iron absorption have been only carried out for rats fed well-balanced (control) and iron-deficient diets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of iron or iron/zinc supplementation on iron apparent absorption (IAA) in rats fed a diet reduced in all vitamins and minerals (R). The study was conducted on 77, 6-week-old male Wistar rats in 3 stages as follows: stage I, 4-week period of adaptation to R diet (50% less vitamins and minerals compared to AIN-93M recommendations); stage II, 4-week supplementation period with iron (RSFe) or iron/zinc (RSFeZn); stage III, 2-week post-supplementation period (rats fed R diet). Feces samples to IAA determination were collected at the 20–22nd days of stage I and II and the 10–12th days of stage III. To determine the changes in IAA after introducing and discontinuation of supplementation, feces were collected for 3 days after introducing (stage II) and 5 days after the supplementation discontinuation (stage III). At the end of stage II, compared to R rats, the IAA was statistically significantly higher in RSFe and RSFeZn rats (30.3 ± 2.0% vs. 47.4 ± 1.2% and 51.0 ± 1.7%, respectively). After introducing iron or iron/zinc supplementation, the IAA stabilized fast already in the first day, while after discontinuation of the supplementation, at least 4 days was required to the stabilization. At the end of stage III, the IAA was significantly lower in RSFe (15.8 ± 6.6%) than in RSFeZn rats (43.4 ± 5.9%). In conclusion, to confirm that iron and zinc supplementation is more beneficial than iron supplementation only, especially after discontinuation of supplementation, further research among humans is necessary.
Nearly Gorenstein cyclic quotient singularities
Authors: Caminata Alessio , Strazzanti Francesco
Published: October 2020

We investigate the nearly Gorenstein property among d-dimensional cyclic quotient singularities $$\Bbbk \llbracket x_1,\dots ,x_d\rrbracket ^G$$

k
〚

x
1

,
⋯
,

x
d

〛
G

, where $$\Bbbk $$
k
is an algebraically closed field and $$G\subseteq {\text {GL}}(d,\Bbbk )$$

G
⊆
GL
(
d
,
k
)

is a finite small cyclic group whose order is invertible in $$\Bbbk $$
k
. We prove a necessary and sufficient condition to be nearly Gorenstein that also allows us to find several new classes of such rings.
Sex Differences in Intimacy Levels in Best Friendships and Romantic Partnerships
Authors: Pearce Eiluned , Machin Anna , Dunbar Robin I. M.
Published: October 2020

Objectives Close romantic and friendship relationships are crucial for successful survival and reproduction. Both provide emotional support that can have significant effects on an individual’s health and wellbeing, and through this their longer term survival and fitness. Nonetheless, the factors that create and maintain intimacy in close relationships remain unclear. Nor is it entirely clear what differentiates romantic relationships from friendships in these terms. In this paper, we explore which factors most strongly predict intimacy in these two kinds of relationship, and how these differ between the two sexes. Results Aside from best friendships being highly gendered in both sexes, the dynamics of these two types of relationships differ between the sexes. The intimacy of female relationships was influenced by similarity (homophily) in many more factors (notably dependability, kindness, mutual support, sense of humour) than was the case for men. Some factors had opposite effects in the two sexes: gift-giving had a negative effect on women’s friendships and a positive effect on men’s, whereas shared histories had the opposite effect. Conclusion These results confirm and extend previous findings that the dynamics of male and female relationships are very different in ways that may reflect differences in their functions.
African Lightning and its Relation to Rainfall and Climate Change in a Convection‐Permitting Model
Authors: Finney D. L. , Marsham J. H. , Wilkinson J. M. , Field P. R. , Blyth A. M. , Jackson L. S. , Kendon E. J. , Tucker S. O. , Stratton R. A.
Published: October 2020

Global climate models struggle to simulate both the convection and cloud ice fundamental to lightning formation. We use the first convection‐permitting, future climate simulations for the lightning hot spot of Africa, at the same time utilizing an ice‐based lightning parametrization. Both the model and observations show that lightning over Africa's drier areas, as well as the moist Congo, have more lightning per rainfall than other regions. Contrary to results in the literature, the future projection shows little increase in total lightning (~107 flashes (or 2%) per degree warming). This is a consequence of increased stability reducing the number of lightning days, largely offsetting the increased graupel and updraft velocity driving an increase in lightning per lightning day. The next step is to establish if these results are robust across other models and, if combined with parametrized‐convection models, whether ensemble‐based information on the possible responses of lightning to climate change can be investigated.
Evaluating the Performance of Climate Models Based on Wasserstein Distance
Authors: Vissio Gabriele , Lembo Valerio , Lucarini Valerio , Ghil Michael
Published: October 2020

We propose a methodology for intercomparing climate models and evaluating their performance against benchmarks based on the use of the Wasserstein distance (WD). This distance provides a rigorous way to measure quantitatively the difference between two probability distributions. The proposed approach is flexible and can be applied in any number of dimensions; it allows one to rank climate models taking into account all the moments of the distributions. By selecting the combination of climatic variables and the regions of interest, it is possible to highlight specific model deficiencies. The WD enables a comprehensive evaluation of the skill of a climate model. We apply this approach to a selected number of physical fields, ranking the models in terms of their performance in simulating them and pinpointing their weaknesses in the simulation of some of the selected physical fields in specific areas of the Earth.
Evaluation of Neural Network Emulations for Radiation Parameterization in Cloud Resolving Model
Authors: Roh Soonyoung , Song Hwan‐Jin
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the forecast performance of neural network (NN)‐based radiation emulators with 300 to 56 neurons developed under the cloud‐resolving simulation. These emulators are 20–100 times faster than the original parameterization and express evolutionary features well for 6 hr. The results suggest that the frequent use of an NN emulator can improve not only computational speed but also forecasting accuracy in comparison to the infrequent use of original radiation parameterization, which is commonly used for speedup but can induce numerical instability as a result of imbalance with other processes. The forecast error of the emulator results was much improved in comparison with that for infrequent radiation runs with similar computational cost. The 56‐neuron emulator results were even more accurate than the infrequent runs, which had a computational cost five times higher. The speed and accuracy advantages of radiation emulators can be utilized for weather forecasting.
Spatial Variability of Antarctic Bottom Water in the Australian Antarctic Basin From 2018–2020 Captured by Deep Argo
Authors: Thomas George , Purkey Sarah G. , Roemmich Dean , Foppert Annie , Rintoul Stephen R.
Published: October 2020

There are two varieties of Antarctic Bottom Water present in the Australian Antarctic Basin (AAB): locally produced Adélie Land Bottom Water (ALBW) and distantly produced Ross Sea Bottom Water (RSBW). Between 2014 and 2018, RSBW has rebounded from a multidecade freshening trend. The return of the salty RSBW to the AAB is revealed by six Deep Argo floats that have occupied the region from January of 2018 to March of 2020. The floats depict a zonal variation in temperature and salinity in the bottom waters of the AAB, driven by the inflow of RSBW. A simple Optimum Multiparameter Analysis based on potential temperature and salinity gives a sense of scale to the composition of the bottom waters, which are nearly 80% of the new, salty RSBW in the south‐east corner of the basin by 2019 and generally less than 40% to the west closer to the ALBW outflow region and the abyssal plain.