bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A coral-like polyaniline/barium titanate nanocomposite electrode with double electric polarization for electrochromic energy storage applications
Authors: Peng Hongchao , Yan Bin , Jiang Mengjin , Liu Baicang , Gu Yingchun , Yao Guo , Zhang Yong , Ye Lanlin , Bai Xue , Chen Sheng
Published: December 2020

A hybrid electrode based on a coral-like BT/PANI nanocomposite exhibits ultra-high capacitance (340 F g−1) and excellent electrochromic performance ( reaching 42.9).
Synthesis of Z-scheme cobalt porphyrin/nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot heterojunctions for efficient molecule-based photocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Zhong Zhou , Liu Jingjing , Xu Xiao , Cao Aihui , Tao Zhijie , You Weifeng , Kang Longtian
Published: December 2020

CoP nanowires are transformed to 0D Z-scheme CoP/NGQDs heterojunctions in the present of NGQDs, which exhibit the currently highest POE rate on the molecule (350 μmol g−1 h−1) due to the generation of a new excited state of (CoP+·NGQDs−)*.
Functions and regulation of the serine/threonine protein kinase CK1 family: moving beyond promiscuity
Authors: Fulcher Luke J. , Sapkota Gopal P.
Published: December 2020

Regarded as constitutively active enzymes, known to participate in many, diverse biological processes, the intracellular regulation bestowed on the CK1 family of serine/threonine protein kinases is critically important, yet poorly understood. Here, we provide an overview of the known CK1-dependent cellular functions and review the emerging roles of CK1-regulating proteins in these processes. We go on to discuss the advances, limitations and pitfalls that CK1 researchers encounter when attempting to define relationships between CK1 isoforms and their substrates, and the challenges associated with ascertaining the correct physiological CK1 isoform for the substrate of interest. With increasing interest in CK1 isoforms as therapeutic targets, methods of selectively inhibiting CK1 isoform-specific processes is warranted, yet challenging to achieve given their participation in such a vast plethora of signalling pathways. Here, we discuss how one might shut down CK1-specific processes, without impacting other aspects of CK1 biology.
Holomorphic embedding approach for VSC‐based AC/DC power flow
Authors: Huang Ying , Ai Xiaomeng , Fang Jiakun , Yao Wei , Wen Jinyu
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of voltage source converter based high‐voltage direct current, power flow analysis becomes increasingly important for AC/DC hybrid systems. This study extends the holomorphic embedding (HE) method to the VSC‐based AC/DC power flow problem. With an appropriate embedding technique, a general embedded model is established for AC/DC power flow with VSCs, which can not only preserve the deterministic property of HE that enables it to derive the desired solution in an explicit manner but also flexibly accommodate various bus types, VSC configurations, control strategies and operating conditions. Moreover, the sparsity of the recursive matrix in power series calculations and the introduction of the iterative calculation of the inverse matrix (ICIM) to rational approximants contribute to the high computational efficiency of the model. The proposed method is shown to be feasible and efficient by illustrative cases and is further extended to multi‐terminal (VSC‐MTDC) configurations to verify its flexibility.
Robust space‐time adaptive processing for airborne radar with coprime arrays in presence of gain and phase errors
Authors: Wang Xiaoye , Yang Zhaocheng , Huang Jianjun
Published: December 2020

Space‐time adaptive processing (STAP) for sparse arrays such as coprime and nested arrays is shown to have improved performance for clutter suppression in airborne radar as compared with uniform linear arrays with the same size. However, most of the existing STAP algorithms are derived based on the assumption that the array manifold is exactly known. In this study, a robust STAP algorithm for the clutter suppression with coprime arrays in the presence of gain and phase (GP) errors is proposed. In particular, the virtual space‐time signal with GP errors is first formulated using the covariance matrix of the perturbed array received data under the Gaussian distributed interference assumption. Then, the problem of the clutter spectrum and GP errors' estimates is formulated as a joint minimization optimization problem by exploiting the sparsity of the clutter in the angle–Doppler plane. Finally, a two‐step approach based on the sparse recovery and least‐squared method is developed to solve the resultant optimization problem and the STAP filter can be designed using the clutter spectrum and GP errors' estimates. Compared with the existing sparsity‐based STAP algorithms for coprime arrays, the proposed algorithm shows more robustness to GP errors as illustrated by simulation results.
COPD in Germany: Use of Diagnostic Measures Including Blood Eosinophil Counts in Daily Practice
Authors: Greulich T. , Töpfer V. , Hennig M. , Orehounig C. C. , Ams K. , Mohrlang C. D. , Killian P. H. , Kardos P.
Published: December 2020

Background Accumulating evidence on the role of blood eosinophils as a biomarker prompted the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) committee to refine the existing treatment algorithm by incorporating eosinophil counts into treatment recommendations. However, there is a lack of data on when, why and how frequently such blood tests and other measures are being performed by German private respiratory specialists.

Methods A questionnaire evaluating doctors’ opinions on the use of diagnostic measures at initial diagnosis and during follow-up, including blood eosinophil count in patients with COPD, was completed by 27 respiratory specialists. Medical records from the past 12 months of 251 patients treated by the same physicians were reviewed retrospectively to investigate the use of these measures.

Results Body plethysmography (100 % of doctors) and chest X-ray (96.3 %) were the most commonly used measures according to the doctor’s questionnaire; other measures were COPD assessment test (CAT; 85.2 %) and blood eosinophil count (81.5 %). The evaluation of patients’ medical records revealed that body plethysmography was performed in 72.7 %, the CAT in 61.8 % and chest X-ray in 40.6 % of patients. Blood eosinophil count was measured in 7.2 %.

Conclusions In line with the GOLD recommendations, these results confirm that lung function, imaging and patient-reported outcome questionnaires play a crucial role in managing COPD. Our analyses reveal that measurement of the blood eosinophil count gained importance due to physicians’ increased awareness of these cells as a useful biomarker. However, this test seems to be performed mainly for initial diagnosis and not on a regular basis.
Messwertunterschiede und Messgenauigkeit von Systemen zum kontinuierlichen Glukosemonitoring
Authors: Thomas Andreas , Kolassa Ralf
Published: December 2020

Das kontinuierliche Glukosemonitoring (CGM) etabliert sich zunehmend. Dabei ist es nicht nur von Bedeutung für Einblicke in die Glukoseregulation, sondern auch hilfreich für ein gutes Management jeder Form einer flexiblen Therapie. Vor allem aber ist CGM ein essenzieller Bestandteil für die automatisierte Insulinabgabe. Darüber hinaus kann die Methode die Grundlage für die Digitalisierung der Diabetesbehandlung sein, beispielsweise in Patienten-Entscheidungssystemen. Eine wichtige Voraussetzung ist, dass CGM das Vertrauen der Anwender besitzt. Das setzt eine Messgenauigkeit voraus, die therapeutische Entscheidungen unter Alltagsbedingungen garantiert. Dabei ist es wichtig zu wissen, dass CGM nicht im Blut, sondern im Interstitium misst und dass es unter bestimmten Bedingungen zu physiologischen Abweichungen kommt, was einen Einfluss auf das Therapiemanagement haben kann. Diese Thematik wird nachfolgend im Zusammenhang mit der Messgenauigkeit diskutiert. Generell hat die Zuverlässigkeit der CGM-Systeme in den letzten Jahren zugenommen, was diese Form der Therapieunterstützung und -steuerung zu einem festen Bestandteil der Therapie insulinbehandelter Patienten werden lässt.
Diabetesdiagnostik in der Praxis
Authors: Tytko Andrea , Schlüter Sandra , Freckmann Guido
Published: December 2020

Der Begriff Diabetes mellitus steht für Störungen des Glukosestoffwechsels mit chronischer Hyperglykämie. Durch Symptome wie Gewichtsverlust, Durst, Polyurie und Müdigkeit macht sich der Typ-1-Diabetes in den meisten Fällen in einem kurzen Zeitraum bemerkbar. Der Typ-2-Diabetes, dessen Symptome sich schleichend entwickeln, bleibt dagegen oft lange Zeit unentdeckt. Das führt dazu, dass bei der Diagnose häufig bereits Folgeerkrankungen aufgrund der chronisch erhöhten Blutzuckerwerte eingetreten sind. Daher ist eine Beachtung von Risikofaktoren, familiärer Vorbelastung und diabetesspezifischen Symptomen für die rechtzeitige Diagnosestellung von hoher Bedeutung. Der Glukosetoleranztest hat noch immer einen hohen Stellenwert in der Diagnostik. Zur Diagnostik kommen auch venöse Glukosemessungen oder der HbA1c zur Anwendung. Hierbei ist auf die Einhaltung der präanalytischen Vorgaben und auf eine angemessene Qualitätskontrolle zu achten.
Role of Regular Physical Exercise in Tumor Vasculature: Favorable Modulator of Tumor Milieu
Authors: Esteves Mário , Monteiro Mariana P. , Duarte Jose Alberto
Published: December 2020

The tumor vessel network has been investigated as a precursor of an inhospitable tumor microenvironment, including its repercussions in tumor perfusion, oxygenation, interstitial fluid pressure, pH, and immune response. Dysfunctional tumor vasculature leads to the extravasation of blood to the interstitial space, hindering proper perfusion and causing interstitial hypertension. Consequently, the inadequate delivery of oxygen and clearance of by-products of metabolism promote the development of intratumoral hypoxia and acidification, hampering the action of immune cells and resulting in more aggressive tumors. Thus, pharmacological strategies targeting tumor vasculature were developed, but the overall outcome was not satisfactory due to its transient nature and the higher risk of hypoxia and metastasis. Therefore, physical exercise emerged as a potential favorable modulator of tumor vasculature, improving intratumoral vascularization and perfusion. Indeed, it seems that regular exercise practice is associated with lasting tumor vascular maturity, reduced vascular resistance, and increased vascular conductance. Higher vascular conductance reduces intratumoral hypoxia and increases the accessibility of circulating immune cells to the tumor milieu, inhibiting tumor development and improving cancer treatment. The present paper describes the implications of abnormal vasculature on the tumor microenvironment and the underlying mechanisms promoted by regular physical exercise for the re-establishment of more physiological tumor vasculature.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (CEUS LI-RADS) for Differentiating Between Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Other Hepatic Malignancies in High-Risk Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jiawu , Yang Lulu , Ma Lin , Lu Qiang , Luo Yan
Published: December 2020

Objectives The American College of Radiology (ACR) contrast-enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system (CEUS LI-RADS), which includes diagnostic criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other hepatic malignancies (OM), is increasingly used in clinical practice. This study performed a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS LI-RADS for differentiating between HCC and OM in high-risk patients.

Methods PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane (CENTRAL) were searched for relevant studies. All studies that reported the percentage of HCC and OM in the LI-RADS categories were included. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve.

Results Eight studies involving 4215 focal liver lesions were included in the final analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the LR-5 criteria for HCC were 0.71 (95 % CI, 0.69–0.72) and 0.88 (0.85–0.91), respectively, the DOR was 18.36 (7.41–45.52), and the area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.8128. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the LR-M criteria for OMs were 0.85 (0.81–0.88) and 0.86 (0.85–0.87), the DOR was 27.82 (11.83–65.40), respectively, and the SROC AUC was 0.9098.

Conclusion The CEUS LI-RADS can effectively distinguish HCC from other hepatic malignancy in high-risk patients based on LR-5 criteria and LR-M criteria. However, further studies are needed for validation due to the limited number of included studies and the potential heterogeneity among the included studies.
Percutaneous Imaging-Guided versus Open Musculoskeletal Biopsy: Concepts and Controversies
Authors: Vasilevska Nikodinovska Violeta , Ivanoski Slavcho , Samardziski Milan , Janevska Vesna
Published: December 2020

Bone and soft tissue tumors are a largely heterogeneous group of tumors. Biopsy of musculoskeletal (MSK) tumors is sometimes a challenging procedure. Although the open biopsy is still considered the gold standard for the biopsy of MSK lesions, core needle biopsy can replace it in most cases, with similar accuracy and a low complication rate. The biopsy should be performed in a tertiary sarcoma center where the multidisciplinary team consists of at minimum a tumor surgeon, an MSK pathologist, and an MSK radiologist who can assess all steps of the procedure. Several factors can influence the success of the biopsy including the lesion characteristics, the equipment, and the method used for the procedure. This review highlights some of the important aspects regarding the biopsy of the MSK tumors, with special attention to imaging a guided core needle biopsy and highlighting some of the recent advancements and controversies in the field.
Interventional Techniques for Bone and Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Tumors: Current Practices and Future Directions - Part I. Ablation
Authors: Dalili Danoob , Isaac Amanda , Bazzocchi Alberto , Åström Gunnar , Bergh Jonas , Lalam Radhesh , Weber Marc-André , Fritz Jan , Mansour Ramy
Published: December 2020

Musculoskeletal (MSK) image-guided oncologic intervention is an established field within radiology. Numerous studies have described its clinical benefits, safety, cost effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life, thereby establishing image-guided oncologic intervention as a preferred pathway in treating patients presenting with specific benign MSK tumors. But there is a paradigm shift on the horizon because these techniques may also support established pillars (surgery, systemic treatment, radiotherapy) in the treatment of malignant MSK tumors. Unlike benign tumors, where they are used as primary therapy lines with curative intent, such interventions can be selected for malignant tumors as adjuvant treatment in painful or unstable bone or soft tissue lesions or as more palliative therapy strategies. Using examples from our clinical practices, we elaborate on the benefits of applying a multidisciplinary approach (traditionally involving MSK radiologists, oncologists, orthopaedic surgeons, microbiologists, pathologists, physiotherapists, and pain management experts), ideally within a sarcoma treatment center to deliver a patient-specific therapy plan and illustrate methods to assess the benefits of this model of care.

In this article, we review the current repertoire of ablation techniques, demonstrate why such procedures offer value-based alternatives to conventional treatments of specific tumors, and reflect on future directions. Additionally, we review the advantages and limitations of each technique and offer guidance to improve outcomes.
Therapy-Related Imaging Findings in Patients with Sarcoma
Authors: Bloem Johan L. , Vriens Dennis , Krol Augustinus D.G. , Özdemir Murat , Sande Michiel A.J. van de , Gelderblom Hans , Bovee Judith V.M.G. , Hage Jos A. van der , Noebauer-Huhmann Iris M.
Published: December 2020

Knowledge of imaging findings related to therapy administered to patients with sarcoma is pivotal in selecting appropriate care for these patients. Imaging studies are performed as surveillance in asymptomatic patients or because symptoms, including anxiety, develop. In addition to detection of recurrent disease and assessment of response to therapy, diagnosis of conditions related to therapy that may or may not need treatment has a marked positive impact on quality of life. The purpose of this review is to assist radiologists, nuclear physicians, and others clinicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients in recognizing imaging findings related to therapy and not to activity of the previously treated sarcoma. Imaging findings are time dependent and often specific in relation to therapy given.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Follow-up Imaging: Strategies to Distinguish Post-treatment Changes from Recurrence
Authors: Noebauer-Huhmann Iris-M. , Chaudhary Snehansh R. , Papakonstantinou Olympia , Panotopoulos Joannis , Weber Marc-André , Lalam Radhesh K. , Albtoush Omar M. , Fueger Barbara J. , Szomolanyi Pavol , Grieser Thomas , Bloem Johan L.
Published: December 2020

Soft tissue sarcomas encompass multiple entities with differing recurrence rates and follow-up intervals. The detection of recurrences and their differentiation from post-therapeutic changes is therefore complex, with a central role for the clinical radiologist. This article describes approved recommendations. Prerequisite is a precise knowledge of the current clinical management and surgical techniques. We review recurrence rates and treatment modalities. An adequate imaging technique is paramount, and comparison with previous imaging is highly recommended. We describe time-dependent therapy-related complications on magnetic resonance imaging compared with the spectrum of regular post-therapeutic changes. Early complications such as seromas, hematomas, and infections, late complications such as edema and fibrosis, and inflammatory pseudotumors are elucidated. The appearance of recurrences and radiation-associated sarcomas is contrasted with these changes. This systematic approach in follow-up imaging of soft tissue sarcoma patients will facilitate the differentiation of post-therapeutic changes from recurrences.
Sonoelastography of Normal Canine Common Calcaneal Tendon: Preliminary Results
Authors: Del Signore Francesca , De Dominicis Stefania , Mastromatteo Giovanni , Simeoni Francesco , Scapolo Pier Augusto , Tamburro Roberto , Vignoli Massimo
Published: December 2020

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a feasible and newly developed ultrasonographic technique which is able to assess elasticity of tissues. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of SWE on the normal canine common calcaneal tendon (CCT) evaluating the intra-operator repeatability and reproducibility of single measurements and stiffness of different anatomic CCT portions was examined. Tendons were first evaluated with B-mode ultrasound with a linear probe 8.5 to 10 MHz in longitudinal section with slight flexed tarsocrural joint and a gel-pad. Common calcaneal tendon was divided into three different anatomical regions. Shear wave elastography was performed in each region by two operators and quantitative evaluation (m/s and kPa) was performed on the most representative images. Region of interest (0.15 cm) was settled. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) results were classified using the following scale: 0.00 to 0.20 = poor; 0.20 to 0.40 = fair; 0.40 to 075 = good; >0.75 = excellent. Ten adult dogs were enrolled. Intra-operator ICC values were >0.75 for both operators in every tendon portion. Inter-operator SWE ICC values for m/s measurements were 0.3, 0.61 and 0.61 for the enthesis, intermediate portion and the myotendinous junction respectively; for kPa measurements, values were respectively 0.3, 0.7 and 0.81. The three CCT portions were significantly different in stiffness (p-value < 0.001 for both m/s and kPa measurements). These preliminary results provide evidence that SWE is potentially appliable to assess mechanical properties of canine CCT affected by tendinopathies.
Pollination interactions promoting plant invasions.
Authors: Montero-Castaño Ana , Traveset Anna
Published: December 2020

Most plant species rely on, or benefit from, animal pollination. Therefore, pollination interactions are expected to play a key role in the reproduction and invasion success of non-native plants in their new areas. Understanding this role will allow us to better predict certain plant invasions. Also, it will allow us to explore the potential of invasion management measures based on disrupting or avoiding pollination interactions. In this chapter we review the available information on reproductive systems and their degree of dependence on animal-mediated pollination of non-native plant species. We review the characteristics of resident pollinators feeding on non-native plants and the different environmental setups that allow or impede non-native plants to reproduce in their new areas. Finally, we explore the scarce literature on invasion management measures based on disrupting pollination interactions and discuss their potentiality. Evidence so far shows that animal pollination does not usually act as an effective barrier to invasion. Most introduced plants are able to receive suitable pollination service from resident pollinators, while others are able to minimize their reliance on pollinators through different mechanisms (e.g. selfing or asexual reproduction). The environmental settings where the introduction occurs (for instance, the presence of neighbours with similar or dissimilar flower morphologies), can play an important role on the success or failure of non-native plants overcoming reproductive barriers. Although it seems that most introduced plants do not face pollination barriers, we consider that, for certain species, the disruption or avoidance of pollination interactions as control or prevention measures deserve further exploration.
Ungulates as dispersal vectors of non-native plants.
Authors: Baltzinger Christophe , Shukla Ushma , Msweli Lindelwa S. , Downs Colleen T.
Published: December 2020

Ungulates are present worldwide with 257 recorded species, including livestock. They cover different functional gradients, be it feeding regime, digestive strategy, body size, body mass, fur characteristics or sociality. All these specificities may intervene at different stages of animal-mediated plant dispersal. Ungulates move diaspores from both native and non-native plants, through endo- and epizoochory. Initially introduced by humans, non-native plants bearing specific traits can be carried over long distances and to new environments by ungulates. These vectors can further free local resources necessary for the germination and the subsequent growth of the released diaspores. We first looked at trait-based plant community changes at different timescales in the presence of different native ungulates. We then reviewed the literature on endozoochory, regurgitation and fur-epizoochory assisted by ungulates, focusing on the dispersal of non-native plants. We made an overall assessment of ungulate-mediated non-native plant dispersal by biogeographical zone and dispersal mode, and then provided additional information on plant growth form and taxonomy, vectors and associated modes of dispersal. Results are presented for four main ungulate families: Cervidae, Bovidae, Suidae and Equidae. For each family, we highlight our findings either by ungulate if sufficiently represented (e.g. Odocoileus virginianus, Bison bison, Bos taurus) or by group of species. According to their feeding regime, grazers dispersed solely forbs and graminoids whereas omnivores also dispersed plants from other growth forms (i.e. cactus, vine, shrub and tree). Numerous non-native plants are dispersed by ungulates around the world, but this is probably the visible part of the iceberg, as only 32 ungulates (i.e. 12%) have been studied as vectors so far, suggesting their overall contribution is certainly underrated.
The role of plant-plant facilitation in non-native plant invasions.
Authors: Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: December 2020

Biological invasions are one the most important drivers of the current environmental changes generating important biodiversity losses. Although several hypotheses have been proposed to understand the mechanisms underpinning biological invasions, most of them relate to negative interactions among native and invasive species, where the capacity for many invasive species to reduce diversity is often attributed to a greater competitiveness. However, neighbouring species can also show facilitative interactions, where the presence of one species can facilitate another directly by improving environmental conditions or indirectly through negative effects on a third party species. This chapter reviews the scientific literature on plant invasion, seeking examples of where facilitative interactions either among native and non-native plant species or among non-native species were demonstrated. There are several examples of native species that directly facilitate a non-native species, while examples of native species having a negative effect either on a native or a non-native species that compete with a target non-native, generating a net indirect facilitative effect of the native on the target non-native, are less numerous. Direct facilitation among non-native species has been reported as part of the 'invasional meltdown' phenomenon (Chapter 8, this volume). There are cases where non-native species can have a negative effect on a native species that competes with a target non-native, generating a net indirect facilitative effect among the non-natives. Finally, a non-native species can have a direct facilitative effect on native species, which might have important implications in restoration.
How direct and indirect non-native interactions can promote plant invasions, lead to invasional meltdown and inform management decisions.
Authors: Kuebbing Sara E.
Published: December 2020

In 1999, Daniel Simberloff and Betsy Von Holle introduced the term 'invasional meltdown'. The term and the concept have been embraced and critiqued but have taken a firm hold within the invasion biology canon. The original formulation of the concept argued two key points: first, biologists rarely study how non-natives interact with one another. Second, nearly all the conceptual models about the success and impact of invasive species are predicated on the importance of competitive interactions and an implicit assumption that non-natives should interfere with establishment, spread and impact of other non-natives. In response, Simberloff and Von Holle called for more research on invader interactions and proposed an alternative consequence of non-native species interactions - invasional meltdown - where facilitative interactions among non-natives could increase the invasion rate or ecological impacts in invaded systems. This chapter outlines the primary pathways in which direct and indirect interactions among non-natives could lead to invasional meltdown. It provides examples of how different types of interactions among non-natives could lead to net positive effects on the invasion success of non-native plants or the impact of non-native plants on invaded ecosystems. Direct effects are by far the most commonly explored form of non-native- non- native interaction, primarily focusing on plant mutualisms with pollinators, seed dispersers or soil microbial mutualists. There are, however, also examples of non-native plants that benefit from commensal and even herbivorous interactions with other non-natives. Indirect interactions among non-natives are very infrequently studied. Although examples are scarce, non-natives may indirectly benefit other non-native plants through trophic cascades, apparent competition and indirect mutualisms. It remains unclear whether indirect effects are important pathways to invasional meltdown. More work is needed on studying ecosystems that are invaded by multiple non-native species and we need to consider the full range of interactions among non-natives that could either stymie or promote their spread, population growth and impact. Only then can we address how common facilitative interactions are relative to competitive interactions among non-natives or provide robust suggestions on how to manage ecosystems.
Biotic resistance to plant invasions.
Authors: Parker John D. , Devaney John L. , Lemoine Nathan P.
Published: December 2020

Biotic resistance to plant invasions takes many forms: consumption by native herbivores, competition with native plants and infection by native pathogens. But how often does biotic resistance prevent the damaging monocultures that typify the most problematic plant invaders, and how often is biotic resistance overwhelmed by the direct and indirect impacts of human activities? This chapter attempts to answer these questions, drawing on the long history of research into biotic resistance. We first briefly describe the major forms of biotic resistance to exotic plant invasions as an antecedent to other, more detailed chapters on competition, herbivory and pathogens. We then describe a new neutral model where variance in disturbance promotes invasions over the short term, but over longer timescales only propagule pressure drives invasions. These findings are a cautionary tale; pending increases in global trade and travel, particularly to the tropics, may provide the prerequisite disturbance and propagule pressure needed to ultimately stoke further invasions. Finally, we highlight case studies where invasions have been mitigated by restoration of biotic resistance from native herbivores and competitors. These studies provide strong empirical support that conservation of native biodiversity can be a nature-based solution to some invasions, although it remains to be seen if climate change will alter these effects over longer timescales.
Impacts of non-native plants on plant-pollinator interactions.
Authors: Aizen Marcelo A. , Morales Carolina L.
Published: December 2020

There has been growing interest in the consequences of invasive non-native plants for the plant-pollinator mutualism, most likely because of its relevance for the maintenance of terrestrial biodiversity and food production. However, the development of this research field has been thematically uneven and the overall evidence inconclusive. Many studies have focused on how non-native plants interact with native plants via pollinator sharing, which have allowed meta-analytical syntheses, whereas several others have looked at how frequently non-native plants integrate into native plant-pollinator webs and how they affect network structure. However, relatively few studies have addressed the consequences of invasive plants for pollinators. Overall, the research approach in this area has been predominantly phenomenological rather than mechanistic, which has hindered our understanding of apparently contradictory evidence. One key characteristic of invasive non-native plants that seems to mediate negative effects on the pollination mutualism is the high relative abundance that they reach at late stages of invasion. This high dominance is apparently the main trigger of all the disruptive direct and indirect effects that are discussed in this chapter. Finally, we identify several intriguing questions on the ecological and evolutionary consequences of invasive plants for the plant-pollinator mutualism waiting to be answered.
How a network approach has advanced the field of plant invasion ecology.
Authors: Emer Carine , Timóteo Sérgio
Published: December 2020

Every organism on Earth, whether in natural or anthropogenic environments, is connected to a complex web of life, the famous 'entangled bank' coined by Darwin in 1859. Non-native species can integrate into local 'banks' by establishing novel associations with the resident species. In that context, network ecology has been an important tool to study the interactions of non-native species and the effects on recipient communities due to its ability to simultaneously investigate the assembly and disassembly of species interactions as well as their functional roles. Its visually appealing tools and relatively simple metrics gained momentum among scientists and are increasingly applied in different areas of ecology, from the more theoretical grounds to applied research on restoration and conservation. A network approach helps us to understand how plant invasions may or may not form novel species associations, how they change the structure of invaded communities, the outcomes for ecosystem functionality and, ultimately, the implications for the conservation of ecological interactions. Networks have been widely used on pollination studies, especially from temperate zones, unveiling their nested patterns and the mechanisms by which non-native plants integrate into local communities. Yet, very few papers have used network approaches to assess plant invasion effects in other systems such as plant-herbivore, plant-pathogen or seed-dispersal processes. Here we describe how joining network ecology with plant invasion biology started and how it has developed over the last few decades. We show the extent of its contribution, despite contradictory results and biases, to a better understanding of the role of non-native plant species in shaping community structure. Finally, we explore how it can be further improved to answer emerging questions.
How can progress in the understanding of antagonistic interactions be applied to improve biological control of plant invasions?
Authors: Hill Martin P. , Coetzee Julie A.
Published: December 2020

Classical biological control has been used as a management tool for invasive non-native plant species globally for over 200 years. There have been some very successful programmes, most notably on waterweeds, cacti and seed reduction in perennial trees. Seventy per cent of agents released have established in at least one instance, and 66% of the targeted invasive species have showed some level of control. However, some programmes have failed to meet expectations, for example on Lantana camara. The most commonly cited reasons for the failure of establishment or limited efficacy of biological control agents are unsuitable climatic conditions and genotype incompatibility. We propose that antagonistic biotic interactions play a significant role in the outcomes of weed biological control programmes. Induced plant defences (physical and chemical) that can be mounted rapidly by the invasive non-native plants can result in the reduction in agent populations after initial attack. Rapid induction of plant defences have been implicated in the lack of long-term establishment of the agent Falconia intermedia that showed great initial promise against the widespread invasive shrub L. camara. Host range expansion by native natural enemies onto biological control agents have also been shown to reduce population growth of agents. Finally, competition from indigenous plant species aids invasive alien plant population reduction in the presence of herbivory. All three factors have been poorly studied and further work is needed to better explain the outcomes of weed biological control programmes.
Multiple feedbacks due to biotic interactions across trophic levels can lead to persistent novel conditions that hinder restoration.
Authors: Yelenik Stephanie G. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Rehm Evan M. , Caldwell Iain R.
Published: December 2020

Unlike traditional successional theory, Alternate Stable Equilibrium (ASE) theory posits that more than one community state is possible in a single environment, depending on the order that species arrive. ASE theory is often invoked in management situations where initial stressors have been removed, but native-dominated communities are not returning to degraded areas. Fundamental to this theory is the assumption that equilibria are maintained by positive feedbacks between colonizers and their environment. While ASE has been relatively well studied in aquatic ecosystems, more complex terrestrial systems offer multiple challenges, including species interactions across trophic levels that can lead to multiple feedbacks. Here, we discuss ASE theory as it applies to terrestrial, invaded ecosystems, and detail a case study from Hawai'i that exemplifies how species interactions can favour the persistence of invaders, and how an understanding of interactions and feedbacks can be used to guide management. Our system includes intact native-dominated mesic forest and areas cleared for pasture, planted with non-native grasses, and later planted with a monoculture of a native nitrogen-fixing tree in an effort to restore forests. We discuss interactions between birds, understorey fruiting native species, understorey non-native grasses, soils and bryophytes in separate feedback mechanisms, and explain our efforts to identify which of these feedbacks is most important to address in a management context. Finally, we suggest that using models can help overcome some of the challenges that terrestrial ecosystems pose when studying ASE.
Leprosy: current status and clinical management
Authors: Rathod Santoshdev P. , Chaudhary Raju G. , Brar Arwinder
Published: December 2020

Around the world nations have adopted the global leprosy strategy 2016–2020 developed by the world health organization to achieve the objective of a leprosy-free world. Despite the disease having been declared as eliminated from most developed nations and parts of the world, every year more than 2,00,000 new cases of leprosy still continue to occur mainly in south east Asian regions (India, Indonesia, Philippines) and south American region of Brazil. The diagnosis of leprosy has remained more or less the same over the years with recent advances in the form of PCR-based molecular diagnosis and immunological markers. Much of the success of national programs have been due to multi-drug therapy. Recently, anti-microbial resistance surveys have shown the need to monitor for drug resistance in leprosy. The countries where the disease is still endemic need to shift their policy towards active surveillance and case finding in the affected districts. We are in the last year of the Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020 by WHO: accelerating towards a Leprosy free world, but eradication of the disease seems a distant possibility as of now.
Efficient homing of antibody-secreting cells to the bone marrow requires RNA-binding protein ZFP36L1
Authors: Saveliev Alexander , Bell Sarah E. , Turner Martin
Published: December 2020

Cell migration relies on coordinated activity of chemotactic and guidance receptors. Here, we report a specific role for the RNA-binding protein ZFP36L1 in limiting the abundance of molecules involved in the homing of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) to the bone marrow (BM). In the absence of ZFP36L1, ASCs build up in the spleen and the liver and show diminished accumulation in the BM. ZFP36L1 facilitates migration by directly regulating G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and the integrin chains α4 and β1 in splenic ASCs. Expression of CXCR4 and of the integrins α4 and β1 is differentially regulated on ASCs produced at the early and late stages of the immune response. Consequently, deletion of the Zfp36l1 gene has a stronger effect on BM accumulation of high-affinity ASCs formed late in the response. Thus, ZFP36L1 is an integral part of the regulatory network controlling gene expression during ASC homing.
Electrolytic conductivity at pure water level
Authors: Seitz Steffen , Roziková Matilda , Vičarová Martina , Thirstrup Carsten , DeLeeBeeck Lisa Carol , Dumańska Joanna , Gonzaga Fabiano Barbieri , Cunha Kleiton da Cruz , Hernán Galli Ariel , Stoica Daniela , Wang Hai , Haraldsson Conny , Smirnov Aleksey
Published: December 2020

Main text

Electrolytic conductivity in aqueous solutions is a common electrochemical measurement technique in industry. Since it is sensitive to the amount content of dissolved ions in a solution, a limiting value for conductivity is a clear and simple quality criterium for the ionic purity of pure water, roughly ranging from 0.055 μS/cm to 150 μS/cm at 25 °C. International regulations are becoming stricter with regards to metrological traceability to guarantee compliance of measurement results with relevant standards. Consequently, the NMIs active in this area have been facing an increasing request for the calibration of respective conductivity sensors and for adequate CRMs over the past years. A first, regional comparison has been conducted in 2013/14 (EURAMET 1271). Since an increasing number of NMIs, also from other regions, seek providing respective services and establishing CMCs, EURAMET, i.e. the Sub-Committee on Electro Analysis of TC-MC, opened a follow-up comparison to other regions in terms of a supplementary CCQM comparison (EURAMET.QM-S12). The comparison has been conducted in terms of a Round Robin scheme. A conductivity sensor has been sent around between ten participants for calibration at four conductivity levels (0.055, 0.5, 5 and 50 μS/cm at 25 °C). Basically, the measured measurement errors of the device have been compared in terms of conductivity. Additionally, the cell constants calculated from the calibration results have been compared. Apart from very few outliers, the comparison has demonstrated good equivalence of the calibration capabilities.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Massive particles in the Einstein–Lovelock–anti-de Sitter black hole spacetime
Authors: Konoplya R A , Zhidenko A
Published: December 2020

An interpretation to the physics of stable geodesics of massive particles in black hole backgrounds has been recently proposed in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence. It was argued that the existence of stable orbits indicates that the dual state does not thermalize on a thermal time scale and the bulk excitations can be interpreted as metastable states in the dual field theory. Here we study motion of massive particles in the background of the D-dimensional asymptotically anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes in the Einstein–Lovelock theory. We show that, unlike the asymptotically flat case, for any kind of higher curvature Lovelock corrections there appear a stable circular orbit at a distance from the black hole. We find the general analytical expressions for the frequencies of distant circular orbits and radial oscillation frequencies. We show that the corresponding correction has the same power as in the Schwarzschild–AdS case, implying a universal scaling with the temperature for any Lovelock theory.
Balloon and chain: an instructive variable mass system
Authors: Denny Mark
Published: December 2020

The physics of variable mass systems is not as widely known as it should be; the required modifications to Newton’s laws and to the Euler–Lagrange equation are here outlined with a simple example of a chain lifted by a balloon. The confusion surrounding this subject is clarified, and a useful technique for avoiding the pitfalls of variable mass analysis is presented.
Hydrothermal synthesis of SrFe12O19 nanoparticles: effect of the choice of base and base concentration
Authors: Eikeland Anna Zink , Hölscher Jennifer , Christensen Mogens
Published: December 2020

Platelet shaped strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) crystallites were hydrothermally synthesized in an autoclave to study the effect of (a) Fe/Sr molar ratio, (b) choice of base NaOH/KOH and (c) base concentration. The influence of these parameters on the final product is evaluated with regards to phase composition, structure and magnetic properties. Rietveld refinements were performed on powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) data to determine the phase composition, structural changes, crystallite sizes, and preferred orientation, while the magnetic properties were measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer. When NaOH is used as the base, the samples consist mostly (>95 wt.%) of SrFe12O19 up to the same molar ratio of Fe/Sr = 8, independent of the concentration of the base. In contrast, when using KOH, the phase composition depends on both the molar ratio of Fe/Sr and the concentration of KOH. High concentrations of Sr2+ and OH− (Fe/Sr = 1 and OH−/NO3
− = 4) result in the growth of wide crystallites (>400 nm). The thickness of the crystallites are in all cases around 40 nm causing the crystallites to have an anisotropic shape, which can align without applying an external magnetic field. In the case of KOH as base instead of NaOH, an expansion of the unit cell is observed, which can be attributed to K+ substituting Sr2+ in the structure. This is corroborated by increasing microstrain when increasing the KOH/NO3
− ratio. Variations in the observed coercivity may be attributed to substitution of Sr2+ by K+. The present study illustrates that meticulous control of all reaction parameters and a meticulous analysis of the crystal structure is key for preparing and understanding hard-magnetic SrFe12O19.
Concurrent deep UV diffractions enabled by the Bragg condition and crystal symmetry in silica inverse opals
Authors: Rout Dipak , Kumar Govind , Vijaya R
Published: December 2020

Understanding the unexplored deep ultraviolet (UV) diffraction from photonic crystals will pave the way forward for developing diffractive optical elements in the deep UV wavelength range (190–250 nm). Herein we optically characterized the deep UV diffraction from our highly ordered 3D silica inverse opals fabricated by a co-assembly method and calculated their photonic band structures. Presence of a photonic stopband along their ΓL crystallographic direction is observed from the band structure. Presence of cracks and defects in these inverse opals impacts their deep UV photonic stopbands. Angle dependent diffraction measurements quantify the spacing of the (111) planes in the face-centered cubic inverse opal. Laser diffraction in the deep UV range yields a hexagonally symmetric six-spot pattern surrounding a central bright spot associated with Bragg diffraction in these inverse opals. Unlike earlier work, this feature has been observed with light at multiple wavelengths well within the stopband. Analysis of the deep UV diffraction pattern leads to the possibility of concurrent Bragg diffraction and (111) plane symmetry derived diffraction from our inverse opal PhC that are wavelength dependent.
AdVLP: unsupervised visible light positioning by adversarial deep learning
Authors: Hua Luchi , Zhuang Yuan , Gu Fuqiang , Qi Longning , Yang Jun
Published: December 2020

Visible light positioning (VLP) is a promising technique to bring location-based service for numerous Internet of Things applications. Recent advances in VLP have shown that machine learning (ML)-based positioning algorithms show satisfying performance in physical environments under highly noisy and interference-rich conditions. With so many ML methods proposed, one major concern is that trained models could fail due to environmental heterogeneity. In this paper, we propose AdVLP, a novel adversarial training method for VLP based on deep neural networks, to address the issue of the vulnerability of data-driven approaches, which happens when channel parameters change. Our proposed method, which is inspired by generative adversarial networks, manages to adapt the two domains of the source dataset and the target dataset. The channel parameters, e.g. the Lambertian order of light-emitting diode (LED) lights and a photodiode, the LED power as well as the location error of the lights, were discussed. We observed in experiments that the accuracy of a neural network method would decrease as the bias of the parameters became larger. Secondly, a higher dimension of the parameter change would make the neural network method more vulnerable. However, our proposed approach could achieve substantial improvement in positioning accuracy.