bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkalinity export to the ocean is a major carbon sequestration mechanism in a macrotidal saltmarsh
Authors: Yau Yvonne Y.Y. , Xin Pei , Chen Xiaogang , Zhan Lucheng , Call Mitchell , Conrad Stephen R. , Sanders Christian J. , Li Linwei , Du Jinzhou , Santos Isaac R.
Published: June 2022

Saltmarshes are a blue carbon ecosystem accumulating large quantities of organic carbon in sediments. Some of this carbon can be transformed into dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and methane (CH4) that may eventually be exported to the ocean or atmosphere. Although extensive studies have quantified specific components of the carbon budget such as carbon burial, limited attention has been given to pore‐water‐derived carbon and total alkalinity (TA) exports to the ocean. Here, we quantified lateral exports to the ocean (outwelling) of 202 ± 160 and 78 ± 75 mmol m−2 d−1 of DIC and TA, respectively. The TA : DIC concentration ratio in the creek waters was ~ 1, implying TA production from anaerobic mineralization in sediments. The lateral TA exports were comparable to the local (94 ± 48 mmol m−2 d−1) and national (~ 50 mmol m−2 d−1) organic carbon burial. High TA exports could locally increase the ocean buffering capacity and contribute bicarbonate to the coastal ocean, acting as a long‐term carbon storage. Pore water traced by radon contributed 28–37% and 58–69% of DIC and TA exports. Separating the two major DIC components (i.e., CO2 emissions and alkalinity exports) is essential to resolve the carbon sequestration potential from saltmarshes. Here, dissolved CO2 emissions to the atmosphere accounted for 3–5% of total DIC outwelling. CH4 emissions played a minor role offsetting around 0.3 to 6% of the carbon sequestration. Overall, we demonstrate that alkalinity export into the ocean can be an overlooked carbon sequestration pathway in saltmarshes at rates comparable to carbon burial.
Comparison of inversion methods inMRelastography: An open‐access pipeline for processing multifrequency shear‐wave data and demonstration in a phantom, human kidneys, and brain
Authors: Meyer Tom , Marticorena Garcia Stephan , Tzschätzsch Heiko , Herthum Helge , Shahryari Mehrgan , Stencel Lisa , Braun Jürgen , Kalra Prateek , Kolipaka Arunark , Sack Ingolf
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) maps the viscoelastic properties of soft tissues for diagnostic purposes. However, different MRE inversion methods yield different results, which hinder comparison of values, standardization, and establishment of quantitative MRE markers. Here, we introduce an expandable, open‐access, webserver‐based platform that offers multiple inversion techniques for multifrequency, 3D MRE data.

Methods

The platform comprises a data repository and standard MRE inversion methods including local frequency estimation (LFE), direct‐inversion based multifrequency dual elasto‐visco (MDEV) inversion, and wavenumber‐based (k‐) MDEV. The use of the platform is demonstrated in phantom data and in vivo multifrequency MRE data of the kidneys and brains of healthy volunteers.

Results

Detailed maps of stiffness were generated by all inversion methods showing similar detail of anatomy. Specifically, the inner renal cortex had higher shear wave speed (SWS) than renal medulla and outer cortex without lateral differences.k‐MDEV yielded higher SWS values than MDEV or LFE (full kidney/braink‐MDEV: 2.71 ± 0.19/1.45 ± 0.14 m/s, MDEV: 2.14 ± 0.16/0.99 ± 0.11 m/s, LFE: 2.12 ± 0.15/0.89 ± 0.06 m/s).

Conclusion

The freely accessible platform supports the comparison of MRE results obtained with different inversion methods, filter thresholds, or excitation frequencies, promoting reproducibility in MRE across community‐developed methods.
Single fiber electromyography and measuring jitter with concentric needle electrodes
Authors: Sanders Donald B. , Kouyoumdjian João A. , Stålberg Erik V.
Published: June 2022

This monograph contains descriptions of the single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) method and of the more recently implemented method of recording jitter with concentric needle electrodes (CNEs). SFEMG records action potentials from single muscle fibers (SFAPs), which permits measuring fiber density (FD), a sensitive measure of reinnervation, and jitter, a sensitive measure of abnormal neuromuscular transmission (NMT). With voluntary activation, jitter is measured between two SFAPs with acceptable amplitude and rise time. With activation by axon stimulation, jitter is measured between the stimulus and individual SFAPs. Pitfalls due to unstable triggers and inconstant firing rates during voluntary activation and subliminal stimulation during axon stimulation should be identified and avoided. In CNE recordings, spikes with shoulders or rising phases that are not parallel are produced by summation of SFAPS; these should be excluded and reference values for CNE jitter should be used. CNE and SFEMG have similar and very high sensitivity in detecting increased jitter, as in myasthenia gravis and other myasthenic conditions. However, jitter is also seen in ongoing reinnervation and some myopathic conditions. With SFEMG, these can be identified by increased FD; however, FD cannot be measured with CNE, and conventional electromyography should be performed in muscles with increased jitter to detect neurogenic or myogenic abnormalities. Jitter is abnormal after injections of botulinum toxin, even in muscles remote from the injection site, and can persist for 6 mo or more. This can complicate the detection or exclusion of abnormal NMT.
Long‐Term and Short‐Term Creep Characteristic Analysis for HTPB Propellant
Authors: Deng Kuangwei , Li Haiyang , Xu Jie , Cui Huiru , Shen Zhibin
Published: June 2022

A solid rocket motor is in storage for most of its life cycle, and propellant creep occurs subjected to gravity load. To analyse the creep characteristics of HTPB propellant during long‐term storage, MSC Marc is used to calculate the maximum von Mises stress of the motor under horizontal and vertical storage conditions. Based on the numerical results, the short‐term reciprocating creep test and long‐term creep test are designed and carried out. The results illustrate that the process of propellant creep from deformation to final failure can be divided into four stages: instantaneous deformation stage, attenuation creep stage, steady‐state creep stage and accelerated creep failure stage. When the creep stress level is less than 0.1 MPa, the creep characteristics tend to be stable. When the creep strain exceeds a certain critical value, the propellant will enter the steady‐state creep stage. The damage caused by creep rises with the increase of creep time and stress. When the maximum creep strain is less than 10 %, the creep damage can be fully recovered. The splicing curve of short‐term creep test data is in good agreement with that of long‐term creep test data. A mechanical long‐term creep test method is provided, and the parameters of the modified Burgers model are fitted. The text methods and conclusions can provide a reference for the evaluation of structural integrity and storage life of solid motor.
Sustainable development in the wine industry: The impact of the natural environment and gender‐diverse leadership
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy , Tisch Daniel
Published: June 2022

There is a robust stream of research studying the external and internal drivers of cleaner production practices, yet little of this research has combined an examination of the natural environment and the demography of human agents. Building on natural resource dependence theory (NRDT), this study establishes that wine firms are highly dependent on nature (temperature, rainfall) and face uncertainties surrounding access to eco‐system services, which act as a driver of cleaner production practices. Further, because women leaders are more likely than their male counterparts to demonstrate sensitivity towards and respect for the natural environment and sustainable development, a hypothesis is put forth that gender‐diverse leadership shapes (moderates) the main effects relationships. By studying a sample of 1886 wine firms operating in Australia over the years 2004–2018, these relationships are tested and the hypotheses confirmed. The results are discussed, with implications for theory, empirical research, practice and policy.
Using principal stratification in analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Lipkovich Ilya , Ratitch Bohdana , Qu Yongming , Zhang Xiang , Shan Mingyang , Mallinckrodt Craig
Published: June 2022

The ICH E9(R1) addendum (2019) proposed principal stratification (PS) as one of five strategies for dealing with intercurrent events. Therefore, understanding the strengths, limitations, and assumptions of PS is important for the broad community of clinical trialists. Many approaches have been developed under the general framework of PS in different areas of research, including experimental and observational studies. These diverse applications have utilized a diverse set of tools and assumptions. Thus, need exists to present these approaches in a unifying manner. The goal of this tutorial is threefold. First, we provide a coherent and unifying description of PS. Second, we emphasize that estimation of effects within PS relies on strong assumptions and we thoroughly examine the consequences of these assumptions to understand in which situations certain assumptions are reasonable. Finally, we provide an overview of a variety of key methods for PS analysis and use a real clinical trial example to illustrate them. Examples of code for implementation of some of these approaches are given in Supplemental Materials.
Solution‐Based Synthesis Routes for the Preparation of Noncentrosymmetric 0‐D Oxide Nanocrystals with Perovskite and Nonperovskite Structures
Authors: Dantelle Géraldine , Beauquis Sandrine , Le Dantec Ronan , Monnier Virginie , Galez Christine , Mugnier Yannick
Published: June 2022

With the miniaturization of electronic‐based devices, the foreseen potential of new optical nanoprobes and the assessment of eventual size and shape effects, elaboration of multifunctional noncentrosymmetric nanocrystals with ferroelectric, pyroelectric, piezoelectric, and nonlinear optical properties are the subject of an increasing research interest. Here, the recent achievements from the solution‐based methods (coprecipitation in homogeneous and nanostructured media, sol‐gel processes including various chemistries and hydro/solvothermal techniques) to prepare 0‐D perovskite and nonperovskite oxides in the 5–500 nm size range are critically reviewed. To cover a representative list of covalent‐ and ionic‐type materials, BaTiO3 and its derivatives, niobate compounds (i.e., K/Na/LiNbO3), multiferroic BiFeO3, and crystals of lower symmetry including KTiOPO4 and some iodate compounds such as Fe(IO3)3 and La(IO3)3 are systematically in focus. The resulting size, morphology, and aggregation state are discussed in light of the proposed formation mechanisms. Because of a higher complexity related to their chemical composition and crystalline structures, improving the rational design of these multifunctional oxides in terms of finely‐tuned compositions, crystalline hosts and structure–property relationships still need in the future a special attention of the research community to the detailed understanding of the reaction pathways and crystallization mechanisms.
Single‐Atom Catalysts (SACs) for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction with H2O: Activity, Product Selectivity, Stability, and Surface Chemistry
Authors: Hiragond Chaitanya B. , Powar Niket S. , Lee Junho , In Su‐Il
Published: June 2022

In recent years, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted the interest of researchers owing to their suitability for various catalytic applications. For instance, their optoelectronic features, site‐specific activity, and cost‐effectiveness make SACs ideal for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The activity, product selectivity, and photostability of SACs depend on various factors such as the nature of the metal/support material, the interaction between the metal atoms and support, light‐harvesting ability, charge separation behavior, CO2 adsorption ability, active sites, and defects. Consequently, it is necessary to investigate these factors in depth to elucidate the working principle(s) of SACs for catalytic applications. Herein, the recent progress in the development of SACs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction with H2O is reviewed. First, a brief overview of CO2 photoreduction and SACs for CO2 conversion is provided. Several synthesis strategies and useful techniques for characterizing SACs employed in heterogeneous catalysis are then described. Next, the challenges of SACs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and related optimization strategies, in terms of activity, product selectivity, and stability, are explored. The progress in the development of noble metal– and transition metal–based SACs and dual‐SACs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction is discussed. Finally, the prospects of SACs for CO2 reduction are considered.
Excellent Stability in Polyetherimide/SiO2 Nanocomposites with Ultrahigh Energy Density and Discharge Efficiency at High Temperature
Authors: Sun Binzhou , Hu Penghao , Ji Xumin , Fan Mingzhi , Zhou Le , Guo Mengfan , He Shan , Shen Yang
Published: June 2022

Polymer dielectrics with excellent thermal stability are the essential core material for thin film capacitors applied in a harsh‐environment. However, the dielectric and mechanical properties of polymers are commonly deteriorated with temperature rising. Herein, polyetherimide (PEI)‐based nanocomposites contained with SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2‐NPs) are fabricated by a solution casting method. It is found that the introduction of SiO2‐NPs decreases the electric conductivity and significantly enhances the breakdown strength of the nanocomposites, especially under high temperatures. As a result, the 5 vol% PEI/SiO2‐NPs nanocomposite film displays a superior dielectric energy storage performance, e.g., a discharged energy density of 6.30 J cm‐3 and a charge–discharge efficiency of 90.5% measured at 620 MV m‐1 and 150 °C. In situ scanning Kelvin probe microscopy characterization indicates that the charge carriers can be trapped in the interfacial regions between the polymer matrix and the SiO2‐NPs till the temperature reaches as high as 150 °C. This work demonstrates an effective strategy to fabricate high‐temperature dielectric polymer nanocomposites by embedding inorganic nanoparticles and provides a method for directly detecting charge behavior at the nanoscale inside the matrix.
Construction of Efficient and Stable FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells through Bifunctional Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Crystallization and Defect Passivation
Authors: Miao Yawei , Wang Zhenyong , Chen Cheng , Ding Xingdong , Zhai Mengde , Liu Licheng , Xia Ziyang , Wang Haoxin , Cheng Ming
Published: June 2022

FAPbI3 is considered one of the most ideal perovskite materials to construct highly efficient perovskite solar cell (PSC), but the poor phase stability and film‐forming properties hinder further performance improvements. Herein, an ionic liquid 3‐(2‐amino‐2‐oxoethyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium chloride (AOMCl) with multifunctional cations and Cl anion to assist crystallization, reduce defects, and stabilize α‐FAPbI3 is reported. Results show that the perovskite film's nonradiative recombination and phase transition are suppressed after AOMCl treatment. The PSCs with AOMCl treatment obtain a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 22.01% with negligible hysteresis. In addition, the large‐area (1 cm2) device achieves a PCE of 17.11%. The AOMCl‐treated unencapsulated device exhibits impressive stability, maintaining an initial efficiency of over 94% after 1600 h in air environment. This work provides a strategy for designing FAPbI3 additive ideally.
Study on the interaction between big data and artificial intelligence
Authors: Li Jin , Ye Ziwei , Zhang Caiming
Published: June 2022

The explosive growth of information has rapidly ushered people into the era of big data. Due to the large volume, high variety, and rapid velocity characteristics of big data, most traditional data mining methods developed for a centralized data analysis process cannot be applied directly. AI leverages machine intelligence to provide insights, automation, and new methods to interact with data, thereby promoting data literacy throughout the organization. Based on the theory of Big Data Cycle, this paper discusses the relationship between big data and AI and how they interact and influence each other. It adopts the integrative review research method to screen latest literature and summarizes the role of AI in different phases of big data cycle. We also provide an insight into the applications of big data and AI in three different areas, that is, social network, health care, and finance.
Functional bowel disorders with diarrhoea: Clinical guidelines of the United European Gastroenterology and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility
Authors: Savarino Edoardo , Zingone Fabiana , Barberio Brigida , Marasco Giovanni , Akyuz Filiz , Akpinar Hale , Barboi Oana , Bodini Giorgia , Bor Serhat , Chiarioni Giuseppe , Cristian Gheorghe , Corsetti Maura , Di Sabatino Antonio , Dimitriu Anca Mirela , Drug Vasile , Dumitrascu Dan L. , Ford Alexander C. , Hauser Goran , Nakov Radislav , Patel Nisha , Pohl Daniel , Sfarti Cătălin , Serra Jordi , Simrén Magnus , Suciu Alina , Tack Jan , Toruner Murat , Walters Julian , Cremon Cesare , Barbara Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS‐D) and functional diarrhoea (FDr) are the two major functional bowel disorders characterized by diarrhoea. In spite of their high prevalence, IBS‐D and FDr are associated with major uncertainties, especially regarding their optimal diagnostic work‐up and management. A Delphi consensus was performed with experts from 10 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 31 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for all the statements. The panel agreed with the potential overlapping of IBS‐D and FDr. In terms of diagnosis, the consensus supports a symptom‐based approach also with the exclusion of alarm symptoms, recommending the evaluation of full blood count, C‐reactive protein, serology for coeliac disease, and faecal calprotectin, and consideration of diagnosing bile acid diarrhoea. Colonoscopy with random biopsies in both the right and left colon is recommended in patients older than 50 years and in presence of alarm features. Regarding treatment, a strong consensus was achieved for the use of a diet low fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides and polyols, gut‐directed psychological therapies, rifaximin, loperamide, and eluxadoline. A weak or conditional recommendation was achieved for antispasmodics, probiotics, tryciclic antidepressants, bile acid sequestrants, 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐3 antagonists (i.e. alosetron, ondansetron, or ramosetron). A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on the definition, diagnosis, and management of IBS‐D and FDr.
Choosing an optimal duck season: integrating hunter values and duck abundance
Authors: Stiller Joshua C. , Siemer William F. , Perkins Kelly A. , Fuller Angela K.
Published: June 2022

State wildlife agencies have long struggled to identify optimal hunting season dates for migratory game bird species that meet the diverse and often competing interests of stakeholders. Many approaches have been used to ensure the regulated community participates in the decision‐making process, including public hearings, hunter season‐date preference surveys, and hunter task forces or committees. Although hearings, surveys, and task force approaches include portions of the regulated community (typically the most avid) they may not necessarily reflect the opinions and values of all stakeholders. Additionally, these approaches rely heavily on limited anecdotal observations that may be unduly influenced by hunter avidity (e.g., days spent afield), hunter density, species preferences, and property access. To address the challenges caused by engaging only portions of the stakeholder community, we used a structured decision‐making framework that included a 2017 duck hunter survey to elucidate values of a representative sample of the regulated community in each waterfowl hunting zone in the state of New York, USA. Rather than asking duck hunters about their specific duck hunting season date preferences, we asked them to rank 6 objectives describing what they value in their hunting experience (e.g., maximizing the opportunity to see mallards [Anas platyrhynchos] and black ducks [Anas rubripes], maximizing the number of weekend days). Four of the 6 objectives described duck species availability (i.e., abundance or immigration) and the remaining 2 described considerations that affect an individual hunter's opportunity or limitation to going duck hunting (i.e., holidays or conflicting hunting seasons). We used spatiotemporal abundance models derived from eBird citizen science data to estimate abundance and immigration rates of ducks in each waterfowl zone. We evaluated up to 9 unique season date alternatives developed by duck hunter task forces to determine which season date alternative best satisfied the competing objectives of duck hunters in each zone. The approach we developed allowed for selection of optimal duck hunting season dates and successfully involved avid duck hunters in the regulation development stages, while ensuring that the values of a representative sample of all stakeholders were directly considered through a clear and transparent decision‐making process.
Making Do with the Resources at Hand to Improve One’s Life and Others’ Lives
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Parida Vinit , Wincent Joakim
Published: June 2022

This chapter—“Making Do with the Resources at Hand to Improve One’s Life and Others’ Lives”—highlights the bright side of entrepreneurial action in response to chronic adversity. In this chapter, we discuss how most prior research has emphasized the importance of slack resources to explain creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. However, scholars have tended to under-emphasize the role of necessity in generating innovations and to over-emphasize the firm level of analysis when investigating value creation and capture. To add more balance to this discussion, in this chapter, we detail a study on problem solvers in an extremely resource-poor environment in rural India and the creative process they engage in to overcome their chronic adversity. This creative problem-solving process, known locally as jugaad, relies on individuals’ assertive defiance to engage in trial-and-error experiential learning so they can recombine at-hand resources for new purposes to devise frugal quick-fix solutions. By exploring this creative problem-solving process in a resource-poor environment, we provide new insights into the entrepreneurial responses of those confronting chronic adversity. Moreover, we describe why these entrepreneurial responses are unlikely to be sources of competitive advantage for firms but instead serve as sources of inclusive growth in the form of enhanced well-being for the respective entrepreneurs and their communities.
Celestial operator products from the worldsheet
Authors: Adamo Tim , Bu Wei , Casali Eduardo , Sharma Atul
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We compute the operator product expansions of gluons and gravitons in celestial CFT from the worldsheet OPE of vertex operators of four-dimensional ambitwistor string theories. Remarkably, the worldsheet OPE localizes on the short-distance singularity between vertex operator insertions which in turn coincides with the OPE limit of operator insertions on the celestial sphere. The worldsheet CFT dynamically produces known celestial OPE coefficients — as well as infinite towers of SL(2, ℝ) descendant contributions to the celestial OPE — without any truncations or approximations. We obtain these results for all helicities and incoming/outgoing configurations. Furthermore, the worldsheet OPE encodes the infinite-dimensional symmetry algebras associated with the conformally soft sectors of gauge theory and gravity. We provide explicit operator realizations of the currents generating these symmetries on ambitwistor space in terms of vertex operators for soft gluons and gravitons, also computing their actions on hard particles of all helicities. Lastly, we show that the worldsheet OPE for momentum eigenstates produces the collinear splitting functions of gluons and gravitons.
On matched asymptotic expansions of backreacting metastable anti-branes
Authors: Nguyen Nam , Niarchos Vasilis
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We construct analytically a perturbative supergravity solution that captures the backreaction of a metastable state of anti-branes in the background of a particular modification of the Klebanov-Strassler throat in a long-wavelength approximation. Our solution, which has no unphysical singularities, describes how non-supersymmetric spherical NS5-branes with dissolved anti-D3 brane charge backreact in a fluxed throat geometry. It supports previous claims that there is a well-behaved supergravity description of the metastable state of wrapped NS5-branes proposed years ago by Kachru, Pearson, and Verlinde.
Hadronic molecule model for the doubly charmed state $$ {T}_{cc}^{+} $$
Authors: Agaev S. S. , Azizi K. , Sundu H.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

The mass, current coupling, and width of the doubly charmed four-quark meson $$ {T}_{cc}^{+} $$

T
cc
+

are explored by treating it as a hadronic molecule $$ {M}_{cc}^{+}\equiv {D}^0{D}^{\ast +} $$

M
cc
+

≡

D
0

D

∗
+

. The mass and current coupling of this molecule are calculated using the QCD two-point sum rule method by including into analysis contributions of various vacuum condensates up to dimension 10. The prediction for the mass m = (4060 ± 130) MeV exceeds the two-meson D0D∗+ threshold 3875.1 MeV, which makes decay of the molecule $$ {M}_{cc}^{+} $$

M
cc
+

to a pair of conventional mesons D0D∗+ kinematically allowed process. The strong coupling G of particles at the vertex $$ {M}_{cc}^{+}{D}^0{D}^{\ast +} $$

M
cc
+

D
0

D

∗
+

is found by applying the QCD three-point sum rule approach, and used to evaluate the width of the decay $$ {M}_{cc}^{+}\to {D}^0{D}^{\ast +} $$

M
cc
+

→

D
0

D

∗
+

. Obtained result for the width Γ = (3.8 ± 1.7) MeV demonstrates that $$ {M}_{cc}^{+} $$

M
cc
+

is wider than the resonance $$ {T}_{cc}^{+} $$

T
cc
+

.
Dressed propagators, fakeon self-energy and peak uncertainty
Authors: Anselmi Damiano
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We study the resummation of self-energy diagrams into dressed propagators in the case of purely virtual particles and compare the results with those obtained for physical particles and ghosts. The three geometric series differ by infinitely many contact terms, which do not admit well-defined sums. The peak region, which is outside the convergence domain, can only be reached in the case of physical particles, thanks to analyticity. In the other cases, nonperturbative effects become important. To clarify the matter, we introduce the energy resolution ∆E around the peak and argue that a “peak uncertainty” ∆E ≳ ∆Emin ≃ Γf/2 around energies E ≃ mf expresses the impossibility to approach the fakeon too closely, mf being the fakeon mass and Γf being the fakeon width. The introduction of ∆E is also crucial to explain the observation of unstable long-lived particles, like the muon. Indeed, by the common energy-time uncertainty relation, such particles are also affected by ill-defined sums at ∆E = 0, whenever we separate their observation from the observation of their decay products. We study the regime of large Γf, which applies to collider physics (and situations like the one of the Z boson), and the regime of small Γf, which applies to quantum gravity (and situations like the one of the muon).
A Parabolic Harnack Principle for Balanced Difference Equations in Random Environments
Authors: Berger Noam , Criens David
Published: June 2022

We consider difference equations in balanced, i.i.d. environments which are not necessary elliptic. In this setting we prove a parabolic Harnack inequality (PHI) for non-negative solutions to the discrete heat equation satisfying a (rather mild) growth condition, and we identify the optimal Harnack constant for the PHI. We show by way of an example that a growth condition is necessary and that our growth condition is sharp. Along the way we also prove a parabolic oscillation inequality and a (weak) quantitative homogenization result, which we believe to be of independent interest.
Inventory management with advance demand information and flexible shipment consolidation
Authors: Ralfs Jana , Kiesmüller Gudrun P.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study a stochastic single-item, single-stage inventory system, in which orders from several production facilities are placed at one warehouse. An (R, Q) policy is applied to control the inventory at the warehouse, and orders arrive according to a Poisson process and include a due date such that some information about future demand is available. This advance demand information (ADI) can be used to adapt a time-based shipment consolidation policy applied to replenish stock at the production facilities. We develop a model to incorporate flexible deliveries, indicating that orders can be shipped before their due date if sufficient reserved transportation capacity is available. We derive analytical, approximate expressions for the expected inventory and shipment costs and therefore enable the evaluation of different inventory and shipment policies including outbound transportation capacities. We additionally show how to compute the optimal policy parameters and conduct a detailed numerical study. Our computational experiments indicate that our approximation works extremely well, with an average total cost deviation of 0.20%, and finds optimal policy parameters in more than 90% of our instances. In line with existing research, we can show that ADI leads to large cost reductions. However, the main cause of the cost reduction is the flexible delivery option. To be able to completely utilize this option, even larger safety stocks are obtained compared to systems without ADI, but savings due to a more efficient transportation policy far exceed the cost increase due to higher safety stocks.
Glaukomversorgung in Deutschland – Ergebnisse einer Mitglieder-Umfrage von DOG und BVA: Teil 2: Therapie
Authors: Wolfram Christian , Schuster Alexander K.
Published: June 2022

Hintergrund

Die Therapieoptionen beim Glaukom sind vielfältig. Das ruft die Frage hervor, welche Verfahren sich in der Alltagsversorgung als praktikabel und sinnvoll erweisen. Unter den Mitgliedern der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft (DOG) und des Berufsverbands der Augenärzte Deutschlands (BVA) wurde eine anonymisierte Befragung durchgeführt, um die aktuelle Versorgungspraxis für Deutschland abzubilden.

Ziel der Arbeit

Diese Publikation gibt ein Meinungsbild unter der deutschen Augenärzteschaft wieder zur aktuellen Glaukomversorgung, Therapiestrategien und der Rolle der Glaukomchirurgie.

Material und Methoden

Die Befragung wurde durch einen Online-Fragebogen mit 26 Fragen (107 Antwort-Items) zur praktizierten Glaukomversorgung durchgeführt. Vollständige Fragebögen lagen von 1361 Personen vor.

Ergebnisse

84,8 % der Befragten formulieren einen Zieldruck „häufig“ bis „eher häufig“. Einen systemischen Therapieansatz verfolgen 44,9 %. Zwei Drittel der Befragten stellen eine Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität durch Nebenwirkungen von Augentropfen fest, wovon konjunktivale Rötung und Brennen am häufigsten sind. Durchschnittlich schätzen Augenärzte 32 % der Patienten als non-adhärent in ihrer Therapie ein. Bei 5–10 % der Patienten erfolgt eine glaukomchirurgische Therapie. Unter den interventionellen Therapieverfahren halten über 90 % die Trabekulektomie für sinnvoll, gefolgt von minimal-invasiven Operationsverfahren (MIGS) und der selektiven Lasertrabekuloplastik (SLT). MIGS und SLT werden jedoch am häufigsten durchgeführt.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei der Wahl der Therapieoption gilt es, die gewünschte Dauerhaftigkeit der Drucksenkung mit der Praktikabilität und Zumutbarkeit der Verfahren zu harmonisieren. Dem Wunsch nach mehr Übersicht und Struktur der Glaukomversorgung sollte Rechnung getragen werden.
Blocking autophagy with chloroquine aggravates lipid accumulation and reduces intracellular energy synthesis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, both contributing to its anti-proliferative effect
Authors: Xu Fengming , Tautenhahn Hans-Michael , Dirsch Olaf , Dahmen Uta
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The autophagy inhibitor chloroquine enhances the effect of targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitor in liver cancer. We would like to further understand the specific mechanism by which chloroquine inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells.

Methods

We used a human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2) as cell culture model. In contrast to the control groups (treated only with complete medium), cells in experimental groups were treated either with complete medium + 40 ng/ml Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), or with complete medium + 60 μM chloroquine or with complete medium + 40 ng/ml HGF + 60 μM chloroquine for 24 h. Cell number and ATP content were investigated using spectrophotometric assays. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cell morphological alterations were examined by Giemsa and H&E staining. Cellular lipid content was determined by Oil Red O staining and Triglyceride quantification assay. Autophagy-related proteins (LC3B and p62) and hepatocyte proliferation-related protein (S6K1) were examined using western blot. The autophagic flux of cells was assessed by mRFP-EGFP-LC3 transfection assay.

Results

We found that chloroquine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, as evidenced by a decrease in cellular ATP content, Ki-67 and S6K1 protein expression and a reduction in cell number. This finding was associated with an increase in lipid content. As expected, chloroquine inhibited autophagy of HepG2 cells, as evidenced by the accumulation of LC3B-II and the significant upregulation of p62. mRFP-EGFP-LC3 transfection assay showed that indeed chloroquine blocked the autophagic flux in HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

Chloroquine impaired proliferation of HepG2 cells might be due to intracellular accumulation of lipids and inhibition of energy synthesis.
Dissipative probability vector fields and generation of evolution semigroups in Wasserstein spaces
Authors: Cavagnari Giulia , Savaré Giuseppe , Sodini Giacomo Enrico
Published: June 2022

We introduce and investigate a notion of multivalued $$\lambda $$
λ
-dissipative probability vector field (MPVF) in the Wasserstein space $$\mathcal {P}_2({\textsf {X} })$$

P
2

(
X
)

of Borel probability measures on a Hilbert space $${\textsf {X} }$$
X
. Taking inspiration from the theories of dissipative operators in Hilbert spaces and of Wasserstein gradient flows for geodesically convex functionals, we study local and global well posedness of evolution equations driven by dissipative MPVFs. Our approach is based on a measure-theoretic version of the Explicit Euler scheme, for which we prove novel convergence results with optimal error estimates under an abstract stability condition, which do not rely on compactness arguments and also hold when $${\textsf {X} }$$
X
has infinite dimension. We characterize the limit solutions by a suitable Evolution Variational Inequality (EVI), inspired by the Bénilan notion of integral solutions to dissipative evolutions in Banach spaces. Existence, uniqueness and stability of EVI solutions are then obtained under quite general assumptions, leading to the generation of a semigroup of nonlinear contractions.
The learning curve of laparoscopic, robot-assisted and transanal total mesorectal excisions: a systematic review
Authors: Burghgraef Thijs A. , Sikkenk Daan J. , Verheijen Paul M. , Moumni Mostafa El , Hompes Roel , Consten Esther C. J.
Published: June 2022

Background

The standard treatment of rectal carcinoma is surgical resection according to the total mesorectal excision principle, either by open, laparoscopic, robot-assisted or transanal technique. No clear consensus exists regarding the length of the learning curve for the minimal invasive techniques. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current literature regarding the learning curve of minimal invasive TME.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for studies with the primary or secondary aim to assess the learning curve of either laparoscopic, robot-assisted or transanal TME for rectal cancer. The primary outcome was length of the learning curve per minimal invasive technique. Descriptive statistics were used to present results and the MINORS tool was used to assess risk of bias.

Results

45 studies, with 7562 patients, were included in this systematic review. Length of the learning curve based on intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, pathological outcomes, or a composite endpoint using a risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis was 50 procedures for the laparoscopic technique, 32–75 procedures for the robot-assisted technique and 36–54 procedures for the transanal technique. Due to the low quality of studies and a high level of heterogeneity a meta-analysis could not be performed. Heterogeneity was caused by patient-related factors, surgeon-related factors and differences in statistical methods.

Conclusion

Current high-quality literature regarding length of the learning curve of minimal invasive TME techniques is scarce. Available literature suggests equal lengths of the learning curves of laparoscopic, robot-assisted and transanal TME. Well-designed studies, using adequate statistical methods are required to properly assess the learning curve, while taking into account patient-related and surgeon-related factors.
Genetic assessment in primary hyperoxaluria: why it matters
Authors: Mandrile Giorgia , Beck Bodo , Acquaviva Cecile , Rumsby Gill , Deesker Lisa , Garrelfs Sander , Gupta Asheeta , Bacchetta Justine , Groothoff Jaap ,   on behalf of the OxalEurope Consortium/Erknet Guideline Workgroup On Hyperoxaluria
Published: June 2022

Accurate diagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria (PH) has important therapeutic consequences. Since biochemical assessment can be unreliable, genetic testing is a crucial diagnostic tool for patients with PH to define the disease type. Patients with PH type 1 (PH1) have a worse prognosis than those with other PH types, despite the same extent of oxalate excretion. The relation between genotype and clinical phenotype in PH1 is extremely heterogeneous with respect to age of first symptoms and development of kidney failure. Some mutations are significantly linked to pyridoxine-sensitivity in PH1, such as homozygosity for p.G170R and p.F152I combined with a common polymorphism. Although patients with these mutations display on average better outcomes, they may also present with CKD stage 5 in infancy. In vitro studies suggest pyridoxine-sensitivity for some other mutations, but confirmatory clinical data are lacking (p.G47R, p.G161R, p.I56N/major allele) or scarce (p.I244T). These studies also suggest that other vitamin B6 derivatives than pyridoxine may be more effective and should be a focus for clinical testing. PH patients displaying the same mutation, even within one family, may have completely different clinical outcomes. This discordance may be caused by environmental or genetic factors that are unrelated to the effect of the causative mutation(s). No relation between genotype and clinical or biochemical phenotypes have been found so far in PH types 2 and 3. This manuscript reviews the current knowledge on the genetic background of the three types of primary hyperoxaluria and its impact on clinical management, including prenatal diagnosis.
Spontaneous Breathing Rate Variations Linked to Social Exclusion and Emotion Self-assessment
Authors: Hidalgo-Muñoz Antonio R. , Cuadrado Esther , Castillo-Mayén Rosario , Luque Bárbara , Tabernero Carmen
Published: June 2022

The emotional reactions to social exclusion can be associated with physiological responses that could allow researchers to estimate the valence and intensity of the ongoing affective state. In this work, respiratory activity was analysed to verify whether breathing rate variations can be considered as predictive factors of subsequent positive and negative affect after inclusion and exclusion in young women. A standard Cyberball task was implemented and manipulated information was provided to the participants to create both conditions. The participants were socially excluded by limiting their participation to 6% of the total number of passes among three teammates and providing negative feedback about them. The results suggest that breathing rate can be a good option to infer subjective feelings during social interactions and a promising feature to incorporate into modern emotion monitoring systems as an alternative to other physiological measures. Furthermore, the interaction between metaemotion and physiology was studied by recording breathing rate while completing the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, evidencing a breathing rate increase during the emotion self-assessment only after exclusion.
Explaining the relationship between ethnicity and depressive symptoms: The roles of climate for inclusion, job self-efficacy, and job demands
Authors: Adamovic Mladen , Sojo Victor , Schachtman Rebecca , Vargas Adriana
Published: June 2022

Prior research indicates that employees from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to experience depression and other mental health problems than their ethnic majority counterparts. To understand what drives these negative outcomes, we integrate research on ethnic minorities at work with the job demands-resources (JDR) model. Based on the JDR model, we consider climate for inclusion as a key job resource for ethnic minority employees that mitigates the deleterious effects of ethnic minority status on job self-efficacy, perceived job demands, and depressive symptoms. We conducted a two-wave survey study (Time 1: N = 771; Time 2: N = 299, six months apart) with employees from five medium sized not-for-profit and local government organizations in Australia. Our empirical results indicate that ethnic minorities report a higher job-self-efficacy and fewer depressive symptoms when they perceive a high climate for inclusion.
Response of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plant to bio-fertilizer and plant residues in sandy soil
Authors: El-sherbeny T. M. S. , Mousa Abeer M. , Zhran Mostafa A.
Published: June 2022

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer has been intensively used to improve peanut productivity. However, the high cost of N fertilizer, and the need for sustainable alternative fertilizer sources have increased the strategic importance of nitrogen fixation (NF). Thus, field experiments were conducted in an experimental farm with a drip irrigation system, at the Atomic Energy Authority, Inshas, Egypt, in order to measure the impact of efficiency symbiotic Bradyrhizobium sp. and asymbiotic Azotobacter sp. on NF, from air and soil, in the presence or absence of plant residues on the growth and yield of peanut plant. All treatments received nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 72 kg N per hectare. Nitrogen dose was applied using ammonium sulphate 15N labeled of 10% atom excess from the peanut. Results indicated that the application of Bradyrhizobium sp. with plant residues significantly increased fresh and dry weight/m2, pod and seed weight/plant−1,100- seed weight, and biological yield kg ha−1, where the highest mean values of seed yield (4648 and 4529 kg ha−1), oil % (52.29 and 52.21%), seed protein percentage (16.09 and 15.89%), as well as nitrogen derived from air (63.14 and 66.20%) in the first and second seasons were recorded under the application of Bradyrhizobium sp, respectively. Bradyrhizobium sp. inoculation showed nearly close portions of Ndfa to those recorded with Azotobacter sp., in both the presence and absence of plant residue application through the two seasons. The investigated yield signs and their properties were significantly enhanced by bacterial inoculation with plant residue application. The present study shows that both possibility of NF of peanut, and nitrogen uptake in the soil are enhanced by field inoculation with effective Bradyrhizobium sp. with plant residue application. In practice, inoculation is a great strategy to improve soil fertility for subsequent planting, since it helps boost the import of nitrogen from plant biomass into the soil.
Mobile, hierarchical, normative, decadent and conflict prone: understanding academia through fictional conferences
Authors: Henderson Emily F. , Reynolds Pauline J.
Published: June 2022

Representations of higher education in fiction-based sources contribute to forming public perceptions of academia, and so are a form of public pedagogy. Within popular culture representations, understandings of academics are constructed using particular tropes which build shared meanings of the profession. Conferences are one of these tropes and can thus be used as a focus to explore the construction of the academic profession in popular culture representations of higher education. This paper draws on a research project which explored representations of conferences in narrative fiction texts (novels, graphic novels, short stories). In this paper, we analyse references to conferences for what they teach us about the academic profession. The paper is based on analysis of 98 symbolic references to conferences from a sample of 23 fictional texts. Symbolic references are short references which serve as a shorthand to signal aspects of the academic profession, and in this paper, they have been analysed in terms of what they portray and where they position the reader. The paper argues that popular culture representations of academia are pedagogical, in that they show the profession to be desirable to others but encourage a disidentification with academics, reinforcing the exclusionary nature of the profession.
Resource preference of two stream detritivores in the laboratory largely differs from the supply of detritus below eucalypt plantations
Authors: Basaguren Ana , Larrañaga Aitor , Otermin Ainhoa , Molinero Jon , Larrañaga Santiago , Pozo Jesús
Published: June 2022

Detritivores are pivotal in forest streams as they process detritus and promote secondary production. Many studies have addressed the preference of freshwater detritivores towards materials of differing quality. Nevertheless, few studies compare the resource preferences in the laboratory with the availability in the field. In the present study, feeding preferences of two stream detritivores (the caddisflySericostoma pyrenaicumand the amphipodEchinogammarus tarragonensis),over three native leaf species (alder, chestnut and oak) and an exotic species (eucalypt) were quantified in the laboratory. Preference for eucalypt leaves conditioned for 1, 2 and 3 weeks was also described. We then contrasted the preference patterns in the laboratory feeding experiments with a 15-month-long benthic standing stock time series of a stream below a native deciduous forest and another below a eucalypt plantation. Both detritivores preferred consuming alder leaves and more conditioned eucalypt leaves, although the amphipod was more selective than the caddisfly. The consumption preference in the laboratory was unmatched by the availability in the field, especially under eucalypt plantations and for the amphipod. Our results show that the strength of the preference for high-quality resources can differ among different taxa, which can modulate their response to land use changes.