bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term field measurements of climate‐induced thaw subsidence above ice wedges on hillslopes, western Arctic Canada
Authors: Burn Christopher R. , Lewkowicz Antoni G. , Wilson M. Alice
Published: May 2021

Near‐surface wedges of massive ice commonly outline polygons in tundra lowlands, but such polygons have been difficult to identify on hillslopes because soil movement flattens the ridges and infills the troughs that form beside and above the ice wedges. Over the past three decades, the active layer has thickened near the western Arctic coast of Canada and consequent thawing of ice wedges has been detected by remote sensing for flat terrain but not, generally, on hillslopes. Annual field surveys (1996–2018) at the Illisarvik field site of thaw depth and ground surface elevation show the mean subsidence rate above hillslope ice wedges has been up to 32 mm a−1 since thaw depth reached the ice‐wedge tops in 2007. Annual mean ground temperatures at the site are about −3.0°C beneath late‐winter snow depths characteristic of the ice‐wedge troughs but about −5.3°C under conditions of the intervening polygons. The rate of thaw subsidence is high for natural, subaerial disturbances because meltwater from the ice wedges runs off downslope. The rate is constant, because the thickness of seasonally thawed ground above the ice wedges and the ice content of the ground remain the same while the troughs develop. Observations of changes in surface elevation in northern Banks Island between the late 1970s and 2019 show troughs on hillslopes where none was previously visible. Development of these troughs creates regional thermokarst landscapes, distinct from the widely recognized results of thawing relict glacier ice, that are now widespread over Canada's western Arctic coastlands. Recognition of ice‐wedge occurrence and accelerated thaw subsidence on hillslopes is important in the design of infrastructure proposed for construction in rolling permafrost terrain.
Three‐dimensional investigation of an open‐ and a closed‐system Pingo in northwestern Canada
Authors: Kunz Julius , Kneisel Christof
Published: May 2021

The present study presents three‐dimensional investigations of a hydrostatic pingo in the Mackenzie Delta region and a hydraulic pingo in the Ogilvie Mountains and contributes to a better understanding about the internal structures of the two pingo types. A combined approach using quasi‐three‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography, ground‐penetrating radar and frost probing allowed a clear delineation of frozen and unfrozen areas in the subsurface. At the hydrostatic pingo a massive ice core as well as a surrounding talik could be detected, but the location of the ice core and the talik differs from previous published assumptions. In contrast to acknowledged theory, at our site the massive ice core is not located in the center of the pingo but at the western edge, whereas the eastern flank is underlain by a talik, which surrounds the massive ice core. At the hydraulic pingo, the expected internal structure could be confirmed and the pathway of upwelling water could also be detected. The combined approach of the applied methods represents the first known three‐dimensional geoelectrical investigation of pingos and provides new insights into the internal structure and architecture of the two different pingo types. The chosen approach allows further conclusions on the formation of these permafrost‐affected landforms.
Ethylene fractionator pressure relieving system assessment and modification
Authors: Herink Tomáš , Růžička Martin , Malecký Miroslav , Chládek Zdeněk , Waňousová Simona , Henry Philp A. , Sadowski Robert A.
Published: May 2021

The refinery and petrochemical production facilities process and produce the gaseous and liquid flammable hydrocarbons. Most of the processes are operated under high pressure. In case of any failure, improper design or human mistake there must be autonomous and independent pressure relieving systems activated to release the pressure to the flare systems to protect the equipment against the overpressure, damages and other consequences. The article describes a safety assessment of key process pressure relief valve installation at the Steam Cracker in Litvinov, Czech Republic. The intent of the safety assessments was evaluation the functionality of the process relief valve installation, to ensure the system meets the appropriate recognized and generally acceptable engineering practices and to confirm that the system can be operated safely. The article provides results and recommendations for the Ethylene Fractionator pressure relief valves, pipes, and support modifications as well as results of the relieving scenarios determinations and calculation.
A rapid review of measures to support people in isolation or quarantine during the Covid‐19 pandemic and the effectiveness of such measures
Authors: Cardwell Karen , O’Neill Sinéad M. , Tyner Barrie , Broderick Natasha , O’Brien Kirsty , Smith Susan M. , Harrington Patricia , Ryan Mairin , O’Neill Michelle
Published: May 2021

​Summary

This rapid review aimed to identify measures available to support those in isolation or quarantine during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic, and determine their effectiveness in improving adherence to these recommendations and or reducing transmission. The rapid review consisted of two elements, the first was a review of guidance published by national and international agencies relating to measures to support those in isolation (due to case status) or quarantine (due to close contact status) during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Five categories of support measures were identified in the international guidance, they were: Psychological, addiction and safety supports, Essential supplies, Financial aid, Information provision and Enforcement. The second element was a rapid literature review of the effectiveness of measures used to support individuals in isolation or quarantine during any pandemic or epidemic setting, due to respiratory pathogens. A systematic search of published peer‐reviewed articles and nonpeer‐reviewed pre‐prints was undertaken from 1 January 2000 to 26 January 2021. Two Australian publications met the inclusion criteria, both based on data from a survey undertaken during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The first reported that 55% of households were fully compliant with quarantine recommendations, and that there was increased compliance reported in households that understood what they were meant to do compared with those who reported that they did not (odds ratio [OR]: 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–3.80). The second reported that access to paid sick and or carer's leave did not predict compliance with quarantine recommendations (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 0.82–5.23). Neither reported on reduction in transmission.
Solvent Engineering as a Vehicle for High Quality Thin Films of Perovskites and Their Device Fabrication
Authors: Rezaee Ehsan , Zhang Wei , Silva S. Ravi P.
Published: May 2021

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown a significant growth in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) during last decade. Progress in device architecture and high‐quality perovskite film fabrication has led to an incredible efficiency over 25% in close to a decade. Developments in solution‐based thin film deposition techniques for perovskite layer preparation in PSCs provide low cost and ease of process for their manufacturing, making them a potential contender in future solar energy harvesting technologies. From small area single solar cells to large area perovskite solar modules, solvents play crucial roles in thin film quality and therefore, the device performance and stability. A comprehensive overview of solvent engineering toward achieving the highest qualities for perovskite light absorbing layers with various compositions and based on different fabrication processes is provided in this review. The mechanisms indicating the essential roles a solvent, or a solvent mixture can play to improve the crystallinity, uniformity, coverage and surface roughness of the perovskite films, are discussed. Finally, the role of solvent engineering in transferring from small area laboratory scale PSC fabrication to large area perovskite film deposition processes is explored.
Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Interact and Interfere with SARS‐CoV‐2 Surface Proteins and Cell Receptors to Inhibit Infectivity
Authors: Unal Mehmet Altay , Bayrakdar Fatma , Nazir Hasan , Besbinar Omur , Gurcan Cansu , Lozano Neus , Arellano Luis M. , Yalcin Süleyman , Panatli Oguzhan , Celik Dogantan , Alkaya Damla , Agan Aydan , Fusco Laura , Suzuk Yildiz Serap , Delogu Lucia Gemma , Akcali Kamil Can , Kostarelos Kostas , Yilmazer Açelya
Published: May 2021

Nanotechnology can offer a number of options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) acting both extracellularly and intracellularly to the host cells. Here, the aim is to explore graphene oxide (GO), the most studied 2D nanomaterial in biomedical applications, as a nanoscale platform for interaction with SARS‐CoV‐2. Molecular docking analyses of GO sheets on interaction with three different structures: SARS‐CoV‐2 viral spike (open state – 6VYB or closed state – 6VXX), ACE2 (1R42), and the ACE2‐bound spike complex (6M0J) are performed. GO shows high affinity for the surface of all three structures (6M0J, 6VYB and 6VXX). When binding affinities and involved bonding types are compared, GO interacts more strongly with the spike or ACE2, compared to 6M0J. Infection experiments using infectious viral particles from four different clades as classified by Global Initiative on Sharing all Influenza Data (GISAID), are performed for validation purposes. Thin, biological‐grade GO nanoscale (few hundred nanometers in lateral dimension) sheets are able to significantly reduce copies for three different viral clades. This data has demonstrated that GO sheets have the capacity to interact with SARS‐CoV‐2 surface components and disrupt infectivity even in the presence of any mutations on the viral spike. GO nanosheets are proposed to be further explored as a nanoscale platform for development of antiviral strategies against COVID‐19.
On the comprehension of application programming interface usability in game engines
Authors: Venigalla Akhila Sri Manasa , Chimalakonda Sridhar
Published: May 2021

Extensive development of games for various purposes including education and entertainment has resulted in increased development of game engines. Game engines are being used on a large scale as they support and simplify game development to a greater extent. Game developers using game engines are often compelled to use various application programming interfaces (APIs) of game engines in the process of game development. Thus, both quality and ease of development of games are greatly influenced by APIs defined in game engines. Hence, understanding API usability in game engines could greatly help in choosing better game engines among the ones that are available for game development and also could help developers in designing better game engines. In this article, we thus aim to evaluate API usability of 95 publicly available game engine repositories on GitHub, written primarily in C++ programming language. We test API usability of these game engines against the eight structural API usability metrics—AMNOI, AMNCI, AMGI, APXI, APLCI, AESI, ATSI, and ADI. We see this research as a first step toward the direction of improving usability of APIs in game engines. We present the results of the study, which indicate that about 25% of the game engines considered have minimal API usability, with respect to the considered metrics. It was observed that none of the considered repositories have ideal (all metric scores equal to 1) API usability, indicating the need for developers to consider API usability metrics while designing game engines.
Combined soft system methodology and agent‐based simulation for multi‐methodological modelling
Authors: Moumivand Alireza , Azar Adel , Toloie Eshlaghy Abbas
Published: May 2021

The primary aim of this paper is to explore theoretical and practical aspects of the soft system methodology (SSM) and simulation combination as a multi‐paradigm multi‐methodology approach through action research. The important theoretical findings from a systematic literature review show that previously published researches have mainly applied SSM to structure contents of messy problems and for model building. We identified two types of combination designs: (i) simulation enhancement and (ii) mixed methods. To further investigate the practical aspects of combined methodologies, we apply SSM in the conception phase of agent‐based modelling to an Iranian upstream oil and gas company. We show that a combined model offers the following advantages: It (i) improves our understanding of the problem, (ii) reflects upon the modelling process, (iii) provides learning for interveners and (iv) enables the proposition of technically sound, systematically feasible and culturally desirable agreed solutions for improving the situation.
Against Moral Contingentism
Authors: Väyrynen Pekka ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2021

The conventional wisdom in ethics is that pure moral laws are at least metaphysically necessary. By contrast, Moral Contingentism holds that pure moral laws are metaphysically contingent, and at most normatively necessary. This paper raises a normative objection to Moral Contingentism: it is worse equipped than Moral Necessitarianism to account for the normative standing or authority of the pure moral laws to govern the lives of the agents to whom they apply. Since morality is widely taken to have such a standing, failing to account for it would be a significant problem. The objection also shows that the debate about the modal status of moral principles isn't a debate solely within modal metaphysics, but has implications for topics in moral philosophy.
Perceptual perplexity and parameter parsimony
Authors: Beven Keith J. , Chappell Nick A.
Published: May 2021

This article reconsiders the concept of a perceptual model of hydrological processes as the first stage to be considered in developing a procedural model for a particular catchment area. While various perceptual models for experimental catchments have been developed, the concept is not widely used in defining or evaluating catchment models. This is, at least in part, because of the evident complexity possible in a perceptual model and the approximate nature of procedural model structures and parameterizations, particularly where there is a requirement for parameter parsimony. A perceptual model for catchments in Cumbria, North‐West England, is developed as an exemplar and illustrated in terms of time varying distribution functions. Two critical questions are addressed: how can perceptual model hypotheses be tested at scales of interest, and how can constraints then be imposed on the basis of qualitative perceptual knowledge in conditioning predictive models? It is suggested that there is value in perceptual information, particularly in thinking about predicting the impacts of future change and that we still have much to learn about moving from observational and perceptual complexity to parsimonious predictability.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Methods
Long noncoding RNAs in bacterial infection
Authors: Schmerer Nils , Schulte Leon N.
Published: May 2021

Infectious and inflammatory diseases remain major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. To combat bacterial infections, the mammalian immune system employs a myriad of regulators, which secure the effective initiation of inflammatory responses while preventing pathologies due to overshooting immunity. Recently, the human genome has been shown to be pervasively transcribed and to generate thousands of still poorly characterized long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). A growing body of literature suggests that lncRNAs play important roles in the regulatory circuitries controlling innate and adaptive immune responses to bacterial pathogens. This review provides an overview of the roles of lncRNAs in the interaction of human and rodent host cells with bacterial pathogens. Further decoding of the lncRNA networks that underlie pathological inflammation and immune subversion could provide new insights into the host cell mechanisms and microbial strategies that determine the outcome of bacterial infections.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Neutrino lines from DM decay induced by high-scale seesaw interactions
Authors: Coy Rupert , Hambye Thomas
Published: May 2021

Abstract

If the stability of the dark matter (DM) particle is due to an accidental symmetry, nothing prevents UV physics from destabilising it by inducing DM decays suppressed by powers of the UV scale. The seesaw physics, presumably at the origin of neutrino mass, could induce such a decay. We show that if the seesaw scale lies around the usual Weinberg operator scale, the induced DM decay could generically lead to neutrino lines whose intensity is of the order of the present sensitivity of neutrino telescopes. We illustrate this possibility with models in which the DM is made of the gauge boson(s) of an abelian or non-abelian gauge symmetry.
Bootstrapping mixed correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super Yang-Mills
Authors: Bissi Agnese , Manenti Andrea , Vichi Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We perform a numerical bootstrap study of the mixed correlator system containing the half-BPS operators of dimension two and three in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Super Yang-Mills. This setup improves on previous works in the literature that only considered single correlators of one or the other operator. We obtain upper bounds on the leading twist in a given representation of the R-symmetry by imposing gaps on the twist of all operators rather than the dimension of a single one. As a result we find a tension between the large N supergravity predictions and the numerical finite N results already at N∼ 100. A few possible solutions are discussed: the extremal spectrum suggests that at large but finite N, in addition to the double trace operators, there exists a second tower of states with smaller dimension. We also obtain new bounds on the dimension of operators which were not accessible with a single correlator setup. Finally we consider bounds on the OPE coefficients of various operators. The results obtained for the OPE coefficient of the lightest scalar singlet show evidences of a two dimensional conformal manifold.
W-infinity symmetry in the quantum hall effect beyond the edge
Authors: Cappelli Andrea , Maffi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

Abstract

The description of chiral quantum incompressible fluids by the W∞ symmetry can be extended from the edge, where it encompasses the conformal field theory approach, to the non-conformal bulk. The two regimes are characterized by excitations with different sizes, energies and momenta within the disk geometry. In particular, the bulk quantities have a finite limit for large droplets. We obtain analytic results for the radial shape of excitations, the edge reconstruction phenomenon and the energy spectrum of density fluctuations in Laughlin states.
Large N gauge theories with a dense spectrum and the weak gravity conjecture
Authors: Agarwal Prarit , Song Jaewon
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We find large N gauge theories containing a large number of operators within a band of low conformal dimensions. One of such examples is the four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric SU(N) gauge theory with one adjoint and a pair of fundamental/anti-fundamental chiral multiplets. This theory flows to a superconformal theory in the infrared upon a superpotential coupling with gauge singlets. The gap in the low-lying spectrum scales as 1/N and the central charges scale as O(N1) contrary to the usual O(N2) scaling of ordinary gauge theory coming from the matrix degree of freedom. We find the AdS version of the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) holds for this theory, although it cannot be holographically dual to supergravity. This supports the validity of WGC in a more general theory of quantum gravity.
The OASI care bundle quality improvement project: lessons learned and future direction
Authors: Jurczuk Magdalena , Bidwell Posy , Gurol-Urganci Ipek , van der Meulen Jan , Sevdalis Nick , Silverton Louise , Thakar Ranee
Published: May 2021

Rising rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) led to a collaborative effort by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) to develop and evaluate the OASI Care Bundle (OASI-CB). The OASI-CB comprises four practices (antenatal discussion about OASI, manual perineal protection, mediolateral episiotomy at 60° from the midline, and systematic examination of the perineum, vagina and ano-rectum after vaginal birth) and was initially implemented as part of a quality improvement (QI) project—“OASI1”—in 16 maternity units across Great Britain. Evaluation of the OASI1 project found that the care bundle reduced OASI rates and identified several barriers and enablers to implementation. This paper summarises the key findings, including strengths, limitations and lessons learned from the OASI1 QI project, and provides rationale for further evaluation of the OASI-CB.
Integrality of Seshadri constants and irreducibility of principal polarizations on products of two isogenous elliptic curves
Authors: Schmidt Maximilian
Published: May 2021

In this paper we consider the question of when all Seshadri constants on a product of two isogenous elliptic curves $$E_1\times E_2$$

E
1

×

E
2

without complex multiplication are integers. By studying elliptic curves on $$E_1\times E_2$$

E
1

×

E
2

we translate this question into a purely numerical problem expressed by quadratic forms. By solving that problem, we show that all Seshadri constants on $$E_1\times E_2$$

E
1

×

E
2

are integers if and only if the minimal degree of an isogeny $$E_1\rightarrow E_2$$

E
1

→

E
2

equals 1 or 2. Furthermore, this method enables a characterization of irreducible principal polarizations on $$E_1\times E_2$$

E
1

×

E
2

.
Exponential Lower Bound for Berge-Ramsey Problems
Authors: Pálvölgyi Dömötör
Published: May 2021

We give an exponential lower bound for the smallest $$N$$
N
such that no matter how we c-color the edges of a complete $$r$$
r
-uniform hypergraph on $$N$$
N
vertices, we can always find a monochromatic Berge-$$K_n$$

K
n

.
Deep mixed ocean volume in the Labrador Sea in HighResMIP models
Authors: Koenigk Torben , Fuentes-Franco Ramon , Meccia Virna L. , Gutjahr Oliver , Jackson Laura C. , New Adrian L. , Ortega Pablo , Roberts Christopher D. , Roberts Malcolm J. , Arsouze Thomas , Iovino Doroteaciro , Moine Marie-Pierre , Sein Dmitry V.
Published: May 2021

Simulations from seven global coupled climate models performed at high and standard resolution as part of the high resolution model intercomparison project (HighResMIP) are analyzed to study deep ocean mixing in the Labrador Sea and the impact of increased horizontal resolution. The representation of convection varies strongly among models. Compared to observations from ARGO-floats and the EN4 data set, most models substantially overestimate deep convection in the Labrador Sea. In four out of five models, all four using the NEMO-ocean model, increasing the ocean resolution from 1° to 1/4° leads to increased deep mixing in the Labrador Sea. Increasing the atmospheric resolution has a smaller effect than increasing the ocean resolution. Simulated convection in the Labrador Sea is mainly governed by the release of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere and by the vertical stratification of the water masses in the Labrador Sea in late autumn. Models with stronger sub-polar gyre circulation have generally higher surface salinity in the Labrador Sea and a deeper convection. While the high-resolution models show more realistic ocean stratification in the Labrador Sea than the standard resolution models, they generally overestimate the convection. The results indicate that the representation of sub-grid scale mixing processes might be imperfect in the models and contribute to the biases in deep convection. Since in more than half of the models, the Labrador Sea convection is important for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), this raises questions about the future behavior of the AMOC in the models.
Interphotoreceptor coupling: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Cangiano Lorenzo , Asteriti Sabrina
Published: May 2021

In the vertebrate retina, signals generated by cones of different spectral preference and by highly sensitive rod photoreceptors interact at various levels to extract salient visual information. The first opportunity for such interaction is offered by electrical coupling of the photoreceptors themselves, which is mediated by gap junctions located at the contact points of specialised cellular processes: synaptic terminals, telodendria and radial fins. Here, we examine the evolutionary pressures for and against interphotoreceptor coupling, which are likely to have shaped how coupling is deployed in different species. The impact of coupling on signal to noise ratio, spatial acuity, contrast sensitivity, absolute and increment threshold, retinal signal flow and colour discrimination is discussed while emphasising available data from a variety of vertebrate models spanning from lampreys to primates. We highlight the many gaps in our knowledge, persisting discrepancies in the literature, as well as some major unanswered questions on the actual extent and physiological role of cone-cone, rod-cone and rod-rod communication. Lastly, we point toward limited but intriguing evidence suggestive of the ancestral form of coupling among ciliary photoreceptors.
Correction to: How is neck dissection performed in Oral and maxillofacial surgery? Results of a representative nationwide survey among university and non-university hospitals in Germany
Authors: Pabst Andreas , Thiem Daniel G. E. , Goetze Elisabeth , Bartella Alexander K. , Neuhaus Michael T. , Hoffmann Jürgen , Zeller Alexander-N.
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00784-021-03963-z
Glazunov’s electrography—the first electrochemical imaging and the first solid-state electroanalysis
Authors: Scholz Fritz
Published: May 2021

Aleksandr Il’ich Glazunov developed the first electrochemical technique to image the surface of conducting solids giving the technique the name electrography. The electrographic images can mirror the distribution of elements on the surface of solid materials and also the electrochemical activity, caused by variations of “dissolution tension”. Thus, he has established for the first time a kind of spatially resolved electrochemistry. Electrography is also the first direct electroanalytical technique for solid materials. The present paper gives an account of his turbulent life in Russia, Czechoslovakia and Chile, and a discussion of his main scientific achievement, the development of electrography.
A Spin-Perturbation for Minimal Surfaces
Authors: Wu Ruijun
Published: May 2021

We investigate the coupling of the minimal surface equation with a spinor of harmonic type. This arises as the Euler–Lagrange equations of the sum of the volume functional and the Dirac action, defined on an appropriated Dirac bundle. The solutions show a relation to Dirac-harmonic maps under some constraints on the energy-momentum tensor, extending the relation between Riemannian minimal surface and harmonic maps.
Power law model for subjective mental workload and validation through air traffic control human-in-the-loop simulation
Authors: Fürstenau Norbert , Radüntz Thea
Published: May 2021

We provide evidence for a power law relationship between the subjective one-dimensional Instantaneous Self Assessment workload measure (five-level ISA-WL scale) and the radio communication of air traffic controllers (ATCOs) as an objective task load variable. It corresponds to Stevens’ classical psychophysics relationship between physical stimulus and subjective response, with characteristic power law exponent γ of the order of 1. The theoretical model was validated in a human-in-the loop air traffic control simulation experiment with traffic flow as environmental stimulus that correlates positively with ATCOs frequency and duration of radio calls (task load, RC-TL) and their reported ISA-WL. The theoretical predictions together with nonlinear regression-based model parameter estimates expand previously published results that quantified the formal logistic relationship between the subjective ISA measure and simulated air traffic flow (Fürstenau et al. in Theor Issues Ergon Sci 21(6): 684–708, 2020). The present analysis refers to a psychophysics approach to mental workload suggested by (Gopher and Braune in Hum Factors 26(5): 519–532, 1984) that was recently used by (Bachelder and Godfroy-Cooper in Pilot workload esimation: synthesis of spectral requirements analysis and Weber's law, SCL Tech, San Diego, 2019) for pilot workload estimation, with a corresponding power law exponent in the typical range of Stevens’ exponents. Based on the hypothesis of cognitive resource limitation, we derived the power law by combination of the two logistic models for ISA-WL and communication TL characteristics, respectively. Despite large inter-individual variance, the theoretically predicted logistic and power law parameter values exhibit surprisingly close agreement with the regression-based estimates (for averages across participants). Significant differences between logistic ISA-WL and RC-TL scaling parameters and the corresponding Stevens exponents as ratio of these parameters quantify the TL/WL dissociation with regard to traffic flow. The sensitivity with regard to work conditions of the logistic WL-scaling parameter as well as the power law exponent was revealed by traffic scenarios with a non-nominal event: WL sensitivity increased significantly for traffic flow larger than a critical value. Initial analysis of a simultaneously measured new neurophysiological (EEG) load index (dual frequency head maps, DFHM, (Radüntz in Front Physiol 8: 1–15, 2017)) provided evidence for the power law to be applicable to the DFHM load measure as well.
Tumor-associated epilepsy in patients with brain metastases: necrosis-to-tumor ratio forecasts postoperative seizure freedom
Authors: Bahna Majd , Heimann Muriel , Bode Christian , Borger Valeri , Eichhorn Lars , Güresir Erdem , Hamed Motaz , Herrlinger Ulrich , Ko Yon-Dschun , Lehmann Felix , Potthoff Anna-Laura , Radbruch Alexander , Schaub Christina , Surges Rainer , Weller Johannes , Vatter Hartmut , Schäfer Niklas , Schneider Matthias , Schuss Patrick
Published: May 2021

Surgical resection is highly effective in the treatment of tumor-related epilepsy (TRE) in patients with brain metastases (BM). Nevertheless, some patients suffer from postoperative persistent epilepsy which negatively impacts health-related quality of life. Therefore, early identification of patients with potentially unfavorable seizure outcome after BM resection is important. Patients with TRE that had undergone surgery for BM at the authors’ institution between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed with regard to preoperatively identifiable risk factors for unfavorable seizure outcome. Tumor tissue and tumor necrosis ratios were assessed volumetrically. According to the classification of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), seizure outcome was categorized as favorable (ILAE 1) and unfavorable (ILAE 2–6) after 3 months in order to avoid potential interference with adjuvant cancer treatment. Among all 38 patients undergoing neurosurgical treatment for BM with concomitant TRE, 34 patients achieved a favorable seizure outcome (90%). Unfavorable seizure outcome was significantly associated with larger tumor volumes (p = 0.012), a midline shift > 7 mm (p = 0.025), and a necrosis/tumor volume ratio > 0.2 (p = 0.047). The present study identifies preoperatively collectable risk factors for unfavorable seizure outcome in patients with BM and TRE. This might enable to preselect for highly vulnerable patients with postoperative persistent epilepsy who might benefit from accompanying neuro-oncological expertise during further systemical treatment regimes.
Applying matrix factorization to consistency-based direct diagnosis
Authors: Polat Erdeniz Seda , Felfernig Alexander , Atas Muesluem
Published: May 2021

Configuration systems must be able to deal with inconsistencies which can occur in different contexts. Especially in interactive settings, where users specify requirements and a constraint solver has to identify solutions, inconsistencies may more often arise. In inconsistency situations, there is a need of diagnosis methods that support the identification of minimal sets of constraints that have to be adapted or deleted in order to restore consistency. A diagnosis algorithm’s performance can be evaluated in terms of time to find a diagnosis (runtime) and diagnosis quality. Runtime efficiency of diagnosis is especially crucial in real-time scenarios such as production scheduling, robot control, and communication networks. However, there is a trade off between diagnosis quality and the runtime efficiency of diagnostic reasoning. In this article, we deal with solving the quality-runtime performance trade off problem of direct diagnosis. In this context, we propose a novel learning approach based on matrix factorization for constraint ordering. We show that our approach improves runtime performance and diagnosis quality at the same time.
Carbon isotopic composition of Frutexites in subseafloor ultramafic rocks
Authors: Neubeck Anna , Ivarsson Magnus , Broman Curt , Lima-Zaloumis Jonathan , Bach Wolfgang , Whitehouse Martin
Published: May 2021

Micrometer sized stromatolitic structures called Frutexites are features observed in samples from the deep subsurface, and hot-spring environments. These structures are comprised of fine laminations, columnar morphology, and commonly consist of iron oxides, manganese oxides, and/or carbonates. Although a biological origin is commonly invoked, few reports have shown direct evidence of their association with microbial activity. Here, we report for the first time the occurrence of subsurface manganese-dominated Frutexites preserved within carbonate veins in ultramafic rocks. To determine the biogenicity of these putative biosignatures, we analyzed their chemical and isotopic composition using Raman spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). These structures were found to contain macromolecular carbon signal and have a depleted 13C/12C carbon isotopic composition of – 35.4 ± 0.50‰ relative to the entombing carbonate matrix. These observations are consistent with a biological origin for the observed Frutexites structures.
Development of recommendation systems for software engineering: the CROSSMINER experience
Authors: Di Rocco Juri , Di Ruscio Davide , Di Sipio Claudio , Nguyen Phuong T. , Rubei Riccardo
Published: May 2021

To perform their daily tasks, developers intensively make use of existing resources by consulting open source software (OSS) repositories. Such platforms contain rich data sources, e.g., code snippets, documentations, and user discussions, that can be useful for supporting development activities. Over the last decades, several techniques and tools have been promoted to provide developers with innovative features, aiming to bring in improvements in terms of development effort, cost savings, and productivity. In the context of the EU H2020 CROSSMINER project, a set of recommendation systems has been conceived to assist software programmers in different phases of the development process. The systems provide developers with various artifacts, such as third-party libraries, documentation about how to use the APIs being adopted, or relevant API function calls. To develop such recommendations, various technical choices have been made to overcome issues related to several aspects including the lack of baselines, limited data availability, decisions about the performance measures, and evaluation approaches. This paper is an experience report to present the knowledge pertinent to the set of recommendation systems developed through the CROSSMINER project. We explain in detail the challenges we had to deal with, together with the related lessons learned when developing and evaluating these systems. Our aim is to provide the research community with concrete takeaway messages that are expected to be useful for those who want to develop or customize their own recommendation systems. The reported experiences can facilitate interesting discussions and research work, which in the end contribute to the advancement of recommendation systems applied to solve different issues in Software Engineering.
Genetic variability and trait association under thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom) infestation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.)
Authors: Toyinbo Johnson Oluwaseyi , Fatokun Christian , Boukar Ousmane , Fakorede Morakinyo Abiodun Bamidele
Published: May 2021

Flower bud thrips is one of the most destructive insect pests of cowpea in sub-Saharan Africa. Information on genetic variability among cowpea germplasm and interrelationships among traits under thrips infestation would facilitate the development of resistant varieties. The objectives of the study were to assess genetic variability for thrips resistance, estimate heritability of yield and other traits and investigate inter-trait relationships under thrips infestation. One hundred and fifty-six cowpea lines, including one resistant and one susceptible check, were screened for resistance under natural infestation at two locations in Nigeria, in 2016. Test lines were scored for thrips damage weekly for three consecutive weeks, after removal of spreader plants, to obtain damage scores (DS) 1, 2 and 3 while data were collected on agronomic traits. The data were subjected to analysis of variance from which genetic components of the phenotypic variance were computed. Interrelationships among traits were determined using phenotypic and genotypic correlation, and sequential path analyses. Significant variability was observed among test lines. Lines TVu 6824 and TVNu 1307 were identified as possessing thrips resistance. DS3 had significant genetic and phenotypic correlations with DS1, DS2 and yield-related traits. Number of pods per peduncle, number of peduncles per plant and DS3 were identified as first-order traits. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.55 to 0.73. Genetic variability among the lines suggests the possibility of genetic control of thrips while number of pods per peduncle, number of peduncles per plant and DS3 would serve as useful selection criteria for thrips resistance.
Dugong foraging behavior on tropical intertidal seagrass meadows: the influence of climatic drivers and anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Budiarsa Anugrah A. , De Iongh H. H. , Kustiawan Wawan , van Bodegom Peter M.
Published: May 2021

Foraging strategies of dugongs in tropical areas are not yet well understood, and that is particularly true for grazing of fast-growing pioneer seagrass meadows in the intertidal zones. In this study, we investigated the driving factors affecting the number of grazing tracks in intertidal seagrass meadows caused by small herds of dugongs in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesia. We investigated seven intertidal seagrass meadows for which the dynamics of seagrass biomass, the ratio aboveground to belowground biomass, and the number of grazing tracks were recorded and measured based on monthly intervals over a year. Seagrass features showed a significant relationship with wind speed, precipitation, desiccation time, the distance of the grazing sward to a residential area, and fishing activity based on multiple (generalized) linear models. While the intertidal seagrass meadows consisted of 5 species in total, only Halodule pinifolia patches were grazed. Dugong feeding tracks were found in four of the seven sites. The strong variation in the number of tracks throughout the year was significantly affected by seagrass biomass of seagrass, location and wind speed. Our results show how the interplay of site conditions related to both shelter (wind speed) and food availability (seagrass biomass) determines its suitability for dugongs.
Characterization of Gene Expression Signatures for the Identification of Cellular Heterogeneity in the Developing Mammary Gland
Authors: Henry Samantha , Trousdell Marygrace C. , Cyrill Samantha L. , Zhao Yixin , Feigman Mary. J. , Bouhuis Julia M. , Aylard Dominik A. , Siepel Adam , dos Santos Camila O.
Published: May 2021

The developing mammary gland depends on several transcription-dependent networks to define cellular identities and differentiation trajectories. Recent technological advancements that allow for single-cell profiling of gene expression have provided an initial picture into the epithelial cellular heterogeneity across the diverse stages of gland maturation. Still, a deeper dive into expanded molecular signatures would improve our understanding of the diversity of mammary epithelial and non-epithelial cellular populations across different tissue developmental stages, mouse strains and mammalian species. Here, we combined differential mammary gland fractionation approaches and transcriptional profiles obtained from FACS-isolated mammary cells to improve our definitions of mammary-resident, cellular identities at the single-cell level. Our approach yielded a series of expression signatures that illustrate the heterogeneity of mammary epithelial cells, specifically those of the luminal fate, and uncovered transcriptional changes to their lineage-defined, cellular states that are induced during gland development. Our analysis also provided molecular signatures that identified non-epithelial mammary cells, including adipocytes, fibroblasts and rare immune cells. Lastly, we extended our study to elucidate expression signatures of human, breast-resident cells, a strategy that allowed for the cross-species comparison of mammary epithelial identities. Collectively, our approach improved the existing signatures of normal mammary epithelial cells, as well as elucidated the diversity of non-epithelial cells in murine and human breast tissue. Our study provides a useful resource for future studies that use single-cell molecular profiling strategies to understand normal and malignant breast development.
Genetic Determinants of Paget’s Disease of Bone
Authors: Makaram Navnit S. , Ralston Stuart H.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of Review

To provide an overview of the role of genes and loci that predispose to Paget’s disease of bone and related disorders.

Recent Findings

Studies over the past ten years have seen major advances in knowledge on the role of genetic factors in Paget’s disease of bone (PDB). Genome wide association studies have identified six loci that predispose to the disease whereas family based studies have identified a further eight genes that cause PDB. This brings the total number of genes and loci implicated in PDB to fourteen. Emerging evidence has shown that a number of these genes also predispose to multisystem proteinopathy syndromes where PDB is accompanied by neurodegeneration and myopathy due to the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates, emphasising the importance of defects in autophagy in the pathogenesis of PDB.

Genetic factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of PDB and the studies in this area have identified several genes previously not suspected to play a role in bone metabolism. Genetic testing coupled to targeted therapeutic intervention is being explored as a way of halting disease progression and improving outcome before irreversible skeletal damage has occurred.
Eurythenes atacamensis sp. nov. (Crustacea: Amphipoda) exhibits ontogenetic vertical stratification across abyssal and hadal depths in the Atacama Trench, eastern South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Weston Johanna N. J. , Espinosa-Leal Liliana , Wainwright Jennifer A. , Stewart Eva C. D. , González Carolina E. , Linley Thomas D. , Reid William D. K. , Hidalgo Pamela , Oliva Marcelo E. , Ulloa Osvaldo , Wenzhöfer Frank , Glud Ronnie N. , Escribano Rubén , Jamieson Alan J.
Published: May 2021

Eurythenes S.I. Smith in Scudder, 1882 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) are prevalent scavengers of the benthopelagic community from bathyal to hadal depths. While a well-studied genus, molecular systematic studies have uncovered cryptic speciation and multiple undescribed lineages. Here, we apply an integrative taxonomic approach and describe the tenth species, Eurythenes atacamensis sp. nov., based on specimens from the 2018 Atacamex and RV Sonne SO261 Expeditions to the southern sector of the Peru-Chile Trench, the Atacama Trench (24–⁠21°S). Eurythenes atacamensis sp. nov. is a large species, max. observed length 83.2 mm, possesses diagnostic features, including a short gnathopod 1 palm and a chelate gnathopod 2 palm, and a distinct genetic lineage based on a 16S rRNA and COI phylogeny. This species is a dominant bait-attending fauna with an extensive bathymetric range, spanning from 4974 to 8081 m. The RV Sonne SO261 specimens were recovered along a 10-station transect from abyssal to hadal depths and further examined for demographic and bathymetric-related patterns. Ontogenetic vertical stratification was evident across the trench axis, with only juveniles present at abyssal depths (4974–6025 m). Total length-depth analysis revealed that the size of females was unrelated to depth, whereas juveniles followed a sigmoidal relationship with a step-up in size at depths >7200 m. Thus, these bathymetric trends suggest that juveniles and females employ differing ecological strategies in subduction trench environments. This study highlights that even dominant and ecologically important species are still being discovered within the abyssal and hadal environments. Continued systematic expeditions will lead to an improved understanding of the eco-evolutionary drivers of speciation in the world’s largest ecosystem.
A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Working with Autistic People
Authors: Corden Kirsten , Brewer Rebecca , Cage Eilidh
Published: May 2021

Healthcare professionals play a vital role in identifying and supporting autistic people. This study systematically reviewed empirical research examining healthcare professionals’ knowledge, self-efficacy and attitudes towards working with autistic people. Thirty-five studies were included. The included studies sampled a range of countries and professional backgrounds. A modified quality assessment tool found the quality of the included studies was moderately good. Narrative synthesis indicated that healthcare professionals report only moderate levels of autism knowledge and self-efficacy, and often lack training. Variation within and between countries and professional background was not explained by demographic factors. The reviewed evidence suggests health professionals’ limited knowledge and self-efficacy in working with autistic people is a challenge to the provision of healthcare for autistic individuals.