bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seminal vesiculitis in a Vietnamese pot‐bellied boar
Authors: Savitske Bridget , White Bradley , Rogovskyy Artem , Washburn Kevin
Published: October 2021

An 8‐month‐old Vietnamese pot‐bellied boar was presented with a 3‐week history of constipation and an enlarged scrotum. Abdominal and scrotal ultrasonography was performed to assess the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. An obstructive gastrointestinal lesion was ruled out, although a large cavitated heterogeneous mass was identified dorsal to the body of the bladder, which was consistent with the location of the seminal vesicles. Culture of a sample of preputial discharge revealed growth of four bacterial types, includingEscherichia coliandTrueperella abortisuis. Given the clinical findings, a diagnosis of seminal vesiculitis was made and antimicrobial therapy was initiated.
Sugar‐seeking insects as a source of diverse bread‐making yeasts with enhanced attributes
Authors: Madden Anne A. , Lahue Caitlin , Gordy Claire L. , Little Joy L. , Nichols Lauren M. , Calvert Martha D. , Dunn Robert R. , Smukowski Heil Caiti
Published: October 2021

Insects represent a particularly interesting habitat in which to search for novel yeasts of value to industry. Insect‐associated yeasts have the potential to have traits relevant to modern food and beverage production due to insect–yeast interactions, with such traits including diverse carbohydrate metabolisms, high sugar tolerance, and general stress tolerance. Here, we consider the potential value of insect‐associated yeasts in the specific context of baking. We isolated 63 yeast strains from 13 species of hymenoptera from the United States, representing 37 yeast species from 14 genera. Screening for the ability to ferment maltose, a sugar important for bread production, resulted in the identification of 13 strains of Candida, Lachancea, and Pichia species. We assessed their ability to leaven dough. All strains produced baked loaves comparable to a commercial baking strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The same 13 strains were also grown under various sugar and salt conditions relevant to osmotic challenges experienced in the manufacturing processes and the production of sweet dough. We show that many of these yeast strains, most notably strains of Lachancea species, grow at a similar or higher rate and population size as commercial baker's yeast. We additionally assessed the comparative phenotypes and genetics of insect‐associated S. cerevisiae strains unable to ferment maltose and identified baking‐relevant traits, including variations in the HOG1 signaling pathway and diverse carbohydrate metabolisms. Our results suggest that non‐conventional yeasts have high potential for baking and, more generally, showcase the success of bioprospecting in insects for identifying yeasts relevant for industrial uses.
How to Write an Abstract?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

An abstract is a crisp, short, powerful, and self-contained summary of a research manuscript used to help the reader swiftly determine the paper’s purpose. Although the abstract is the first paragraph of the manuscript it should be written last when all the other sections have been addressed.
How to Write a Letter to the Editor?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Most journals have a section called ‘Letters to the Editor’, the purpose of which is to obtain feedback from the readers of an article regarding whether they have a different interpretation of the results, wish to provide constructive comments or clarify any missing links in the piece [1, 2]. This is usually in the form of a short communication and written in response to original articles, case reports or reviews. The editors prefer this type of communication to be sent online initially as it is quicker and for the person who writes such a letter it is an additional publication when it is printed.
How to Give an Oral Presentation?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

An oral presentation is a form of communication, where you impart and then exchange information with your audience. This can be either one-way, a didactic, or two-way called a Socratic or a Dialectic presentation. There are many forms of oral presentation and you should find out where and when you are required to speak [1]. The National Training Laboratory in Maine, USA has suggested a ‘cone’ of learning or learning ‘pyramid’. In this, they have found that the most effective way of learning is through teaching others. Most students remembered only 10% of the material given in books but remembered 90% of the facts they learned when they had to teach others [2] (Fig. 38.1).
When Should We Start Doing Research and Publishing Papers?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Although basic statistics are covered during the Preventive Medicine posting in the majority of medical schools in India there is no attention paid to research. However, globally many leading universities encourage their undergraduates to do research. A classic example of this was in 1923 when Charles Best was an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, he together with Banting and Mcleod, discovered insulin. Banting shared the Nobel Prize that he was subsequently awarded with his student Best. Another Nobel laureate, Alan Hodgkin, won the Nobel Prize in 1972 for his work on nerve transmission that he had begun as an undergraduate in Cambridge, England.
Does Research Improve Patient Care?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Patient care and research are complementary. If you do research it helps you to become a better clinician. The first step in doing clinical research is to formulate a research question [1]. The chain of events which helps in studying gaps in knowledge comes from regularly reading published scientific papers which in turn are based upon the data generated by others. Patients are living teachers and each one teaches us something new.
De Sitter quantum breaking, swampland conjectures and thermal strings
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Kneißl Christian , Makridou Andriana
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We argue that under certain assumptions the quantum break time approach and the trans-Planckian censorship conjecture both lead to de Sitter swampland constraints of the same functional form. It is a well known fact that the quantum energy-momentum tensor in the Bunch-Davies vacuum computed in the static patch of dS breaks some of the isometries. Proposing that this is a manifestation of quantum breaking of dS, we analyze some of its consequences. In particular, this leads to a thermal matter component that can be generalized to string theory in an obvious way. Imposing a censorship of quantum breaking, we recover the no eternal inflation bound in the low temperature regime, while the stronger bound from the dS swampland conjecture follows under a few reasonable assumptions about the still mysterious, presumably topological, high-temperature regime of string theory.
More about the Grassmann tensor renormalization group
Authors: Akiyama Shinichiro , Kadoh Daisuke
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We derive a general formula of the tensor network representation for d-dimensional lattice fermions with ultra-local interactions, including Wilson fermions, staggered fermions, and domain-wall fermions. The Grassmann tensor is concretely defined with auxiliary Grassmann variables that play a role in bond degrees of freedom. Compared to previous works, our formula does not refer to the details of lattice fermions and is derived by using the singular value decomposition for the given Dirac matrix without any ad-hoc treatment for each fermion. We numerically test our formula for free Wilson and staggered fermions and find that it properly works for them. We also find that Wilson fermions show better performance than staggered fermions in the tensor renormalization group approach, unlike the Monte Carlo method.
Subgroups of patients with young-onset type 2 diabetes in India reveal insulin deficiency as a major driver
Authors: Prasad Rashmi B. , Asplund Olof , Shukla Sharvari R. , Wagh Rucha , Kunte Pooja , Bhat Dattatrey , Parekh Malay , Shah Meet , Phatak Sanat , Käräjämäki Annemari , Datta Anupam , Kakati Sanjeeb , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Saboo Banshi , Ahlqvist Emma , Groop Leif , Yajnik Chittaranjan S.
Published: October 2021

Aim/hypothesis

Five subgroups were described in European diabetes patients using a data driven machine learning approach on commonly measured variables. We aimed to test the applicability of this phenotyping in Indian individuals with young-onset type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We applied the European-derived centroids to Indian individuals with type 2 diabetes diagnosed before 45 years of age from the WellGen cohort (n = 1612). We also applied de novo k-means clustering to the WellGen cohort to validate the subgroups. We then compared clinical and metabolic-endocrine characteristics and the complication rates between the subgroups. We also compared characteristics of the WellGen subgroups with those of two young European cohorts, ANDIS (n = 962) and DIREVA (n = 420). Subgroups were also assessed in two other Indian cohorts, Ahmedabad (n = 187) and PHENOEINDY-2 (n = 205).

Results

Both Indian and European young-onset type 2 diabetes patients were predominantly classified into severe insulin-deficient (SIDD) and mild obesity-related (MOD) subgroups, while the severe insulin-resistant (SIRD) and mild age-related (MARD) subgroups were rare. In WellGen, SIDD (53%) was more common than MOD (38%), contrary to findings in Europeans (Swedish 26% vs 68%, Finnish 24% vs 71%, respectively). A higher proportion of SIDD compared with MOD was also seen in Ahmedabad (57% vs 33%) and in PHENOEINDY-2 (67% vs 23%). Both in Indians and Europeans, the SIDD subgroup was characterised by insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia, MOD by obesity, SIRD by severe insulin resistance and MARD by mild metabolic-endocrine disturbances. In WellGen, nephropathy and retinopathy were more prevalent in SIDD compared with MOD while the latter had higher prevalence of neuropathy.

Conclusions /interpretation

Our data identified insulin deficiency as the major driver of type 2 diabetes in young Indians, unlike in young European individuals in whom obesity and insulin resistance predominate. Our results provide useful clues to pathophysiological mechanisms and susceptibility to complications in type 2 diabetes in the young Indian population and suggest a need to review management strategies.

Graphical abstract
Medial bicompartmental arthroplasty patients display more normal gait and improved satisfaction, compared to matched total knee arthroplasty patients
Authors: Garner Amy J. , Dandridge Oliver W. , van Arkel Richard J. , Cobb Justin P.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Medial bicompartmental arthroplasty, the combination of ipsilateral medial unicompartmental and patellofemoral arthroplasty, is an alternative to total knee arthroplasty for patients with medial tibiofemoral and severe patellofemoral arthritis, when the lateral tibiofemoral compartment and anterior cruciate ligament are intact. This study reports the gait and subjective outcomes following medial bicompartmental arthroplasty.

Methods

Fifty-five subjects were measured on the instrumented treadmill at top walking speeds, using standard metrics of gait. Modular, single-stage, medial bicompartmental arthroplasty subjects (n = 16) were compared to age, body mass index, height- and sex-matched healthy (n = 19) and total knee arthroplasty (n = 20) subjects. Total knee arthroplasty subjects with pre-operative evidence of tricompartmental osteoarthritis or anterior cruciate ligament dysfunction were excluded. The vertical component of ground reaction force and temporospatial measurements were compared using Kruskal–Wallis, then Mann–Whitney test with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05). Oxford Knee and EuroQoL EQ-5D scores were compared.

Results

Objectively, the medial bicompartmental arthroplasty top walking speed of 6.7 ± 0.8 km/h was 0.5 km/h (7%) slower than that of healthy controls (p = 0.2), but 1.3 km/h (24%) faster than that of total knee arthroplasty subjects (5.4 ± 0.6 km/h, p < 0.001). Medial bicompartmental arthroplasty recorded more normal maximum weight acceptance (p < 0.001) and mid-stance forces (p = 0.03) than total knee arthroplasty subjects, with 11 cm (15%) longer steps (p < 0.001) and 21 cm (14%) longer strides (p = 0.006). Subjectively, medial bicompartmental arthroplasty subjects reported Oxford Knee Scores of median 41 (interquartile range 38.8–45.5) compared to total knee arthroplasty Oxford Knee Scores of 38 (interquartile range 30.5–41, p < 0.02). Medial bicompartmental arthroplasty subjects reported EQ-5D median 0.88 (interquartile range 0.84–0.94) compared to total knee arthroplasty median 0.81 (interquartile range 0.73–0.89, p < 0.02.)

Conclusion

This study finds that, in the treatment of medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis with severe patellofemoral arthritis, medial bicompartmental arthroplasty results in nearer-normal gait and improved patient-reported outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty.

Level of evidence

III.
Simultaneous serotonin and dopamine monitoring across timescales by rapid pulse voltammetry with partial least squares regression
Authors: Movassaghi Cameron S. , Perrotta Katie A. , Yang Hongyan , Iyer Rahul , Cheng Xinyi , Dagher Merel , Fillol Miguel Alcañiz , Andrews Anne M.
Published: October 2021

Many voltammetry methods have been developed to monitor brain extracellular dopamine levels. Fewer approaches have been successful in detecting serotonin in vivo. No voltammetric techniques are currently available to monitor both neurotransmitters simultaneously across timescales, even though they play integrated roles in modulating behavior. We provide proof-of-concept for rapid pulse voltammetry coupled with partial least squares regression (RPV-PLSR), an approach adapted from multi-electrode systems (i.e., electronic tongues) used to identify multiple components in complex environments. We exploited small differences in analyte redox profiles to select pulse steps for RPV waveforms. Using an intentionally designed pulse strategy combined with custom instrumentation and analysis software, we monitored basal and stimulated levels of dopamine and serotonin. In addition to faradaic currents, capacitive currents were important factors in analyte identification arguing against background subtraction. Compared to fast-scan cyclic voltammetry-principal components regression (FSCV-PCR), RPV-PLSR better differentiated and quantified basal and stimulated dopamine and serotonin associated with striatal recording electrode position, optical stimulation frequency, and serotonin reuptake inhibition. The RPV-PLSR approach can be generalized to other electrochemically active neurotransmitters and provides a feedback pipeline for future optimization of multi-analyte, fit-for-purpose waveforms and machine learning approaches to data analysis.

Graphical abstract
The Time-Evolution of States in Quantum Mechanics according to the ETH-Approach
Authors: Fröhlich Jürg , Pizzo Alessandro
Published: October 2021

It is argued that the Schrödinger equation does not yield a correct description of the quantum-mechanical time evolution of states of isolated physical systems featuring events. A general statistical law replacing unitary Schrödinger evolution of states is then formulated within the so-called ETH-Approach to Quantum Mechanics. This law eliminates the infamous “measurement problem.” Our general concepts and results are illustrated by an analysis of simple models describing a very heavy atom coupled to the quantized radiation field. In the limit where the speed of light tends to infinity these models can be treated quite explicitly.
On the Transition of Charlier Polynomials to the Hermite Function
Authors: Nilsson Martin N. P.
Published: October 2021

It has been known for over 70 years that there is an asymptotic transition of Charlier polynomials to Hermite polynomials. This transition, which is still presented in its classical form in modern reference works, is valid if and only if a certain parameter is integer. In this light, it is surprising that a much more powerful transition exists from Charlier polynomials to the Hermite function, valid for any real value of the parameter. This greatly strengthens the asymptotic connections between Charlier polynomials and special functions, with applications in queueing theory, where this transition is crucial for solving first-passage problems with moving boundaries. It is shown in this paper that the convergence is locally uniform, and a sharp rate bound is proved. In addition, it is shown that there is a transition of derivatives of Charlier polynomials to the derivative of the Hermite function, again with a sharp rate bound. Finally, it is proved that zeros of Charlier polynomials converge to zeros of the Hermite function.
Physical working conditions and subsequent sickness absence: a record linkage follow-up study among 19–39-year-old municipal employees
Authors: Mänty M. , Kouvonen A. , Nordquist H. , Harkko J. , Pietiläinen O. , Halonen J. I. , Rahkonen O. , Lallukka T.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Physical work exposures are associated with sickness absence among older employees. We aimed to examine if they similarly contribute to all-cause sickness absence during early and mid-careers.

Methods

We used questionnaire data on physical work exposures linked to register data on sickness absence from 3542 municipal employees aged 19–39 years. Follow-up for the number of sickness absence days was 12 months. Exposures to physical workload, occupational environmental hazards, and sedentary work were divided into quartiles. In addition, duration of daily exposure to heavy work was included. Negative binomial regression models were used.

Results

Higher exposure to physical workload or hazardous exposures was associated with a higher number of sickness absence days. The age and gender adjusted rate ratios for sickness absence days among the participants whose exposure to physical workload was in the highest exposure quartile were 2.1 (95% CI 1.8‒2.5) compared with those whose exposure was in the lowest quartile. In addition, rate ratios for sickness absence days among participants who reported that they do heavy physical work 1.1‒2.0 h, 2.1‒4.0 h or over 4 h daily were 1.6 (1.3‒1.9), 1.5 (1.3‒1.8) and 1.7 (1.5‒2.1), respectively, compared with those who reported not doing physical work. Further adjustment for lifestyle factors or health characteristics attenuated the associations only slightly.

Conclusion

Exposure to physically demanding work is associated with a higher number of sickness absence days among municipal employees below 40 years of age. Physical working conditions should be considered when aiming to support later work ability.
The Millennium Eruption of Changbaishan Tianchi Volcano is VEI 6, not 7
Authors: Yang Qingyuan , Jenkins Susanna F. , Lerner Geoffrey A. , Li Weiran , Suzuki Takehiko , McLean Danielle , Derkachev A. N. , Utkin I. V. , Wei Haiquan , Xu Jiandong , Pan Bo
Published: October 2021

The Millennium Eruption (AD 946–947) of Changbaishan Tianchi Volcano is one of the largest known eruptions in recorded history. With the help of previously published isopachs and distal ash thicknesses, we re-calculate the bulk volume of its distal eruptive product, the B-Tm ash, as 27–62 km3 and the total eruption volume as 40–98 km3. The updated volume estimates are around half of those estimated by previous studies of this seminal eruption. Our work shows that the Millennium Eruption is a VEI-6 eruption, rather than VEI-7 as previously envisaged, and its magnitude is also lower than previously thought. This has implications for regional frequency-magnitude relationships and may also partially explain the limited regional, rather than global, climatic effects of the Millennium Eruption.
An experimental analysis on evolutionary ontology meta-matching
Authors: Ferranti Nicolas , de Souza Jairo Francisco , Sã Rosário Furtado Soares Stênio
Published: October 2021

Every year, new ontology matching approaches have been published to address the heterogeneity problem in ontologies. It is well known that no one is able to stand out from others in all aspects. An ontology meta-matcher combines different alignment techniques to explore various aspects of heterogeneity to avoid the alignment performance being restricted to some ontology characteristics. The meta-matching process consists of several stages of execution, and sometimes the contribution/cost of each algorithm is not clear when evaluating an approach. This article presents the evaluation of solutions commonly used in the literature in order to provide more knowledge about the ontology meta-matching problem. Results showed that the more characteristics of the entities that can be captured by similarity measures set, the greater the accuracy of the model. It was also possible to observe the good performance and accuracy of local search-based meta-heuristics when compared to global optimization meta-heuristics. Experiments with different objective functions have shown that semi-supervised methods can shorten the execution time of the experiment but, on the other hand, bring more instability to the result.
Sharing Economy trifft ÖPNV — das neue Personenbeförderungsgesetz
Authors: Ritzer-Angerer Petra
Published: October 2021

Am 1.8.2021 ist das neue Personenbeförderungsgesetz in Kraft getreten. Es definiert neue Formen der Mobilität. Die Reform enthält zwei Neuerungen: Erstens wird ein neuer Gelegenheitsverkehr, der gebündelte Bedarfsverkehr, zugelassen und damit die Rechtsgrundlage für derartige Mobilitätsdienste geschaffen. Zweitens ermöglicht das neue Gesetz einen bedarfsgesteuerten Linienverkehr als Ergänzung zum regulären öffentlichen Personennahverkehr. Kritik an dem neuen Gesetz wurde mit unterschiedlicher Begründung geübt. Es wird sich erst herausstellen, welche Wirkungen das Gesetz entfalten und welchen zukünftigen Reformbedarf es auslösen wird.
Mindestlohnbetriebe in der zweiten Corona-Welle
Authors: Kagerl Christian , Ohlert Clemens
Published: October 2021

Die Mindestlohnbetriebe können es in der Corona-Pandemie aus verschiedenen Gründen besonders schwer haben. Wir stellen fest, dass Mindestlohnbetriebe zu Beginn 2021 häufiger von der Corona-Pandemie betroffen waren als die übrige Wirtschaft, was auf die Branchenzusammensetzung der Mindestlohnbetriebe und nicht auf den Mindestlohn selbst zurückzuführen ist. Die Ergebnisse zeigen auch, dass Mindestlohnbetriebe häufiger Kurzarbeit einsetzen als andere Betriebe. Auch das Arbeitsvolumen wird in Mindestlohnbetrieben häufiger als in anderen Betrieben durch den Abbau von Überstunden reduziert. Zudem werden Lohnerhöhungen und Sonderzahlungen häufiger gekürzt oder ausgesetzt.
Drivers of oak establishment in Mediterranean old fields from 25-year-old woodland islets planted to assist natural regeneration
Authors: Martínez-Baroja Loreto , Rey-Benayas José María , Pérez-Camacho Lorenzo , Villar-Salvador Pedro
Published: October 2021

Planted woodland islets can provide seeds for restoring forest ecosystems in Mediterranean old fields lacking seed sources, but other factors than seed arrival can also hinder the establishment of woody species. We experimentally examined factors affecting the emergence, survival, growth and recruitment of holm oak (Quercus ilex) seedlings juveniles from 25-year-old 100-m2 oak woodland islets planted in a Mediterranean old field. Wet springs and summers increased seedling emergence and survival. Distance to the islets per se did not affect seedling performance. However, emergence and survival increased in microsites close to the islets in less sun-exposed orientations of the islets and far from the islets in more sun-exposed orientations. Damage by wild boar reduced emergence, and unsheltered seedlings had 26% lower survival than sheltered ones, reflecting herbivory. Herb community biomass and light reduction by herbs increased with distance from nearest islet; the sparse herb cover around islets was due to competition from woodland islets, not to herbivory. There was a mismatch between the pattern of seedling survival and how the abundance of naturally recruited oaks varied with distance from the nearest islet; this suggests that other drivers can counteract the spatial pattern of seedling survival. We conclude that natural regeneration of Q. ilex in old fields from planted woodland islets is slow (5.7 seedlings ha−1 yr−1) due to acorn and seedling predation, and drought during spring and summer. Despite their small size, planted islets affected survival of oak juveniles depending on the orientation and distance relative to the islets.
Integrating multiple datasets into spatially-explicit capture-recapture models to estimate the abundance of a locally scarce felid
Authors: Ferreras Pablo , Jiménez José , Díaz-Ruiz Francisco , Tobajas Jorge , Alves Paulo Célio , Monterroso Pedro
Published: October 2021

The conservation of animal populations often requires the estimation of population size. Low density and secretive behaviour usually determine scarce data sources and hampers precise abundance estimations of carnivore populations. However, joint analysis of independent scarce data sources in a common modeling framework allows unbiased and precise estimates of population parameters. We aimed to estimate the density of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in a protected area of Spain, by combining independent datasets in a spatially-explicit capture-recapture (SCR) framework. Data from live-capture with individual identification, camera-trapping without individual identification and radio-tracking concurrently obtained were integrated in a joint SCR and count data model. Ten live captures of five wildcats were obtained with an effort of 2034 trap-days, whereas seven wildcat independent events were recorded in camera traps with 3628 camera-days. Two wildcats were radio-tagged and telemetry information on their movements was obtained. The integration of the different data sources improved the precision obtained by the standard SCR model. The mean (± SD) density estimated with the integrated model (0.038 ± 0.017 wildcats/km2, 95% highest posterior density 0.013–0.082) is among the lowest values ever reported for this species, despite corresponding to a highly protected area. Among the likely causes of such low density, low prey availability could have triggered an extinction vortex process. We postulate that the estimated low density could represent a common situation of wildcat populations in the southern Iberia, highlighting the need for further studies and urgent conservation actions in the furthermost southwestern range of this species in Europe.
Use of Thermal Image Velocimetry to Measure a Dust-Devil-Like Vortex Within a Sports Ground in a Residential Area
Authors: Inagaki Atsushi , Kanda Manabu
Published: October 2021

We investigate the characteristics of a dust-devil-like vortex (DDLV) observed using thermal image velocimetry (TIV) at a sports ground in Tokyo. Thermal image velocimetry provides unique observations of the two-dimensional velocity distribution for a DDLV with high spatio–temporal resolution (i.e., tens of cm s−1) near the ground. Two DDLVs were detected, one each in summer and winter, and the quantitative features of the larger, stronger DDLV in the winter are examined. The size and strength of the detected DDLV, which are quantified using TIV, are within the ranges reported in past observations and numerical simulations of dust devils. The vortex appears at the boundary of a cold-air current near a 55-m building wall, and persists for more than 3 min.
Low neutral and immunogenetic diversity in northern fringe populations of the green toad Bufotes viridis: implications for conservation
Authors: Höglund Jacob , Bolender Lucas , Cortazar-Chinarro Maria , Meurling Sara , Laurila Anssi , Hermaniuk Adam , Dufresnes Christophe
Published: October 2021

Genetic variation is often lower at high latitudes, which may compromise the adaptability and hence survival of organisms. Here we show that genetic variability is negatively correlated with northern latitude in European green toads (Bufotes viridis). The result holds true for both putatively neutral microsatellite variation and supposedly adaptive MHC Class IIB variation. In particular, our findings have bearing on the conservation status of this species in Sweden, on the northern limit of its distribution where local populations are small and fragmented. These genetically impoverished populations are closely related to other populations found around the Baltic Sea basin. The low neutral and adaptive variation in these fringe populations compared to population at central ranges confirms a pattern shared across all other amphibians so far studied. In Sweden, the situation of green toads is of concern as the remaining populations may not have the evolutionary potential to cope with present and future environmental challenges.
A new WFD—compliant littoral macroinvertebrate index for monitoring and assessment of Mediterranean lakes (HeLLBI)
Authors: Mavromati Efpraxia , Kemitzoglou Dimitra , Tsiaoussi Vasiliki , Lazaridou Maria
Published: October 2021

A new multimetric index (HeLLBI) based on littoral benthic macroinvertebrates is presented in this paper for classification of Greek natural lakes, in compliance with the requirements of Water Framework Directive (WFD). The method was developed based on the collection of littoral benthic invertebrate fauna and environmental data from 109 sampling sites in 21 natural lakes of the Greek National Water Monitoring Network. We focused the analysis on the effects of shore morphological alterations and eutrophication to the littoral invertebrate fauna, identified to family level, except oligochaetes, which were identified as a class, and more particularly to taxonomic composition and abundance, to taxa sensitivity, and to richness/diversity. Three metrics were included in the multimeric index: the relative abundance of Odonata classes, the Average Score per Taxon, and the Simpson’s diversity index. The metrics were converted to ecological quality ratios and ecological class boundaries were defined. The final multimetric index HeLLBI is expressed as an arithmetic average of normalized ecological quality ratios of the above metrics and a final score was assigned to each lake. Pressure-response relationships of HeLLBI scores were statistically tested for morphological alterations, expressed as percentage of artificial shoreline, and eutrophication, expressed as total phosphorus. The HeLLBI scores correspond to ecological classes, according to WFD, and sampling sites with different ecological status contained distinct biological communities; those at high status where more diverse and with sensitive taxa and as the water quality deteriorated, macroinvertebrate assemblages consisted of fewer and more tolerant to degradation taxa. The HeLLBI method gave a reliable assessment of littoral benthic invertebrate fauna of Greek natural lakes and could be a useful tool for the classification of ecological status of other Mediterranean lakes.
A Numbers-Based Approach to a Free Particle’s Proper Spacetime
Authors: Ferber R.
Published: October 2021

This paper contains a proposal for a free, nonzero-rest-mass particle’s proper spacetime, determined exclusively by the particle’s rest mass $$m_0$$

m
0

and numbers. The approach defines proper time as de Broglie time, which is isomorphic to a sequence of natural numbers $$1, 2, \ldots , n$$

1
,
2
,
…
,
n

that count de Broglie time units $$(h/c^2)(m_0^{-1})$$

(
h
/

c
2

)

(

m
0

-
1

)

(see Ferber in Found Phys Lett 9:575, 1996). The approach is based on defining the spatial coordinate as proper following the constructive definition of positive and negative integers as all possible differences of ordered pairs of natural numbers multiplied by the Compton unit $$(h/c)(m_0^{-1})$$

(
h
/
c
)

(

m
0

-
1

)

. The spatial and temporal coordinates that form the particle’s proper spacetime are constructed as Euclidean projections of the de Broglie time. The corresponding expression in the form of an energy-momentum relation reveals the existence, aside from the rest energy term $$m_0c^2$$

m
0

c
2

, of an additional energy term of the same order of magnitude, which is related to large intervals of the $$m_0$$

m
0

-particle’s proper space. The relation of the numbers-based approach to the foundations of the special theory of relativity and of quantum mechanics is discussed.
X-Linked TLR7 Deficiency Underlies Critical COVID-19 Pneumonia in a Male Patient with Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Authors: Abolhassani Hassan , Vosughimotlagh Ahmad , Asano Takaki , Landegren Nils , Boisson Bertrand , Delavari Samaneh , Bastard Paul , Aranda-Guillén Maribel , Wang Yating , Zuo Fanglei , Sardh Fabian , Marcotte Harold , Du Likun , Zhang Shen-Ying , Zhang Qian , Rezaei Nima , Kämpe Olle , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Hammarström Lennart , Pan-Hammarström Qiang
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibits a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic to critical conditions. Understanding the mechanism underlying life-threatening COVID-19 is instrumental for disease prevention and treatment in individuals with a high risk.

Objectives

We aimed to identify the genetic cause for critical COVID-19 pneumonia in a patient with a preexisting inborn error of immunity (IEI).

Methods

Serum levels of specific antibodies against the virus and autoantibodies against type I interferons (IFNs) were measured. Whole exome sequencing was performed, and the impacts of candidate gene variants were investigated. We also evaluated 247 ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) patients in the Iranian IEI registry.

Results

We report a 7-year-old Iranian boy with a preexisting hyper IgM syndrome who developed critical COVID-19 pneumonia. IgM only specific COVID-19 immune response was detected but no autoantibodies against type I IFN were observed. A homozygous deleterious mutation in the ATM gene was identified, which together with his antibody deficiency, radiosensitivity, and neurological signs, established a diagnosis of A-T. Among the 247 A-T patients evaluated, 36 had SARS-CoV-2 infection, but all had mild symptoms or were asymptomatic except the index patient. A hemizygous deleterious mutation in the TLR7 gene was subsequently identified in the patient.

Conclusions

We report a unique IEI patient with combined ATM and TLR7 deficiencies. The two genetic defects underlie A-T and critical COVID-19 in this patient, respectively.
CEO selection in intergovernmental organizations: the clash between control and efficiency in governance
Authors: Federo Ryan , Saz-Carranza Angel , Fernandez-í-Marin Xavier , Losada Carlos
Published: October 2021

CEO selection is a crucial governance function influencing and driving the strategic direction of organizations. Extant research has largely assumed that boards are an efficient mechanism vested with the CEO selection function. However, boards are not always delegated with this function. In some organizations, the principals directly select the CEOs to keep effective control over the organization. Drawing on the clashing rationales of control and efficiency, this article identifies the factors influencing the governance choice of whether CEO selection is directly carried out by the principals or channeled through the board. Using a Bayesian logistic regression on a dataset of all global intergovernmental organizations, we find that the substantive character of ownership (i.e., capacity and incentive) matters more than the structure (i.e., diversity and dispersion) in such a governance choice. We also find that organizational characteristics barely have direct and moderating effects on the relationship between ownership structures and the governance choice of CEO selection. Our study has important implications for the literature on CEO selection, and strategic corporate governance research in general.
A non-damped stabilization algorithm for multibody dynamics
Authors: Fernández de Bustos Igor , Uriarte Haritz , Urkullu Gorka , García-Marina Vanessa
Published: October 2021

The stability of integrators dealing with high order Differential Algebraic Equations (DAEs) is a major issue. The usual procedures give rise to instabilities that are not predicted by the usual linear analysis, rendering the common checks (developed for ODEs) unusable. The appearance of these difficult-to-explain and unexpected problems leads to methods that arise heavy numerical damping for avoiding them. This has the undesired consequences of lack of convergence of the methods, along with a need of smaller stepsizes. In this paper a new approach is presented. The algorithm presented here allows us to avoid the interference of the constraints in the integration, thus allowing the linear criteria to be applied. In order to do so, the integrator is applied to a set of instantaneous minimal coordinates that are obtained through the application of the null space. The new approach can be utilized along with any integration method. Some experiments using the Newmark method have been carried out, which validate the methodology and also show that the method behaves in a predictable way if one considers linear stability criteria.
Homosexual Desire in the Poetry of Blai Bonet
Authors: Fernàndez Josep-Anton
Published: October 2021

This article examines the interplay between homosexual desire and anxiety in the poetry of Blai Bonet, one of the most important, complex, and problematic figures in modern Catalan literature. Bonet is usually presented as a homosexual author, but the way his poetry articulates same-sex desire is far from straightforward. Critics have highlighted the sensuality and eroticism of his poetry, as well as the importance of mysticism and Catholic imagery. However, a specific analysis of homosexual desire in Bonet’s poetry has never been undertaken. Through a psychoanalytically-oriented reading of various poems by Bonet, this essay traces the movement and the effect of anxiety in a textual corpus characterised by a tension between a body mortified by pain, illness, and guilt, and an ecstatic body that seeks satisfaction in the social underworld, in voyeurism and fantasy, and in textual play. Blai Bonet’s literary project promotes a textual revolution through the dissolution of genres and the proliferation of voices: he defines himself as “a poet without intimacy” whose work performs a radical dispersal of the subject, yet paradoxically his own name is constantly enunciated in the poems, while his body remains silent, concealed behind ellipses or in elusive references to (gay) sex. This article argues that following the trace of anxiety in Bonet’s poetry allows us to move towards the locus where he confronts the complexities of his desire: through an act of sublimation that restates the sexual in creative life, Bonet turns anxiety into comedy, guilt into a sense of humour, and textual experimentation into a form of ascesis.
The effect of soil properties on the relation between soil management and Fusarium wilt expression in Gros Michel bananas
Authors: Segura Rafael A. , Stoorvogel Jetse J. , Sandoval Jorge A.
Published: October 2021

Aims

This study looks whether the response of soil management (liming and nitrogen fertilization) on the incidence of Fusarium wilt (Foc Race 1) in Gros Michel banana (Musa AAA) varies with different soil properties.

Methods

The effect of inoculation with Foc Race 1 was studied in a factorial greenhouse trial with soil samples from eight representative soil types from the Costa Rican banana region, two pH levels; and three levels of N-fertilization. After an 8-week period, plant biomass and a disease index were measured.

Results

There were significant effects of soil pH and N, and their interactions on disease expression. Low pH levels and high N-fertilization increased the disease expression. The response to changes in soil pH and N-fertilization differed considerably between the different soils.

Conclusions

Although soil pH and N influence Fusarium wilt in banana, each soil differs in its response to these soil properties. This complicates the development of standard soil management strategies in terms of e.g., N-fertilization and liming to mitigate or fight the disease.
Integrated mosquito management in rice field in China
Authors: Zhao Tong-Yan , Xue Rui-De
Published: October 2021

Rice cultivation is important in China with over 29.33 million hm2 of rice fields, producing 28.9% of rice yields worldwide. Rice fields are mass breeding sites for mosquitoes with approximately 40 mosquito species found breeding amongst them. Anopheles sinensis, Anopheles lesteri, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus are the three main species that are found breeding in rice fields. An. sinensis and An. lesteri are important vectors of malaria in flat areas of China, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus is a main vector of Japanese B encephalitis. This review provides the principles of mosquito control used to target the species of mosquitoes breeding in rice fields, as well as some main approaches that have been tested and implemented for mosquito control in the past 70 years. The irrigation management of rice fields is included, such as intermittent irrigation, wet irrigation, controlled irrigation, and rotation of rice fields and dry fields. Biocontrol measures and agents, including rice-fish coculture, Azolla, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), and Bacillus sphaericus, for mosquito control are discussed. These control methods benefit the prevention and control of mosquito-borne disease, especially malaria elimination in China.
Investigation on operating parameters and cost using an electrocoagulation process for wastewater treatment
Authors: Ebba Million , Asaithambi Perumal , Alemayehu Esayas
Published: October 2021

Wastewater generated from different sources affects the health of living organisms and the natural environment due to the availability of different pollutants. Electrocoagulation (EC) is a good technology implemented for wastewater treatment before discharging to an environment as effluents. The electrocoagulation process is an effective method to the remove the color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, and consumption of less energy from wastewater by considering different operating parameters. In this study, the major operating parameters for the electrocoagulation process such as pH (3–7.50), electric current (0.03–0.09 A), electrolytic concentration (1–3 g/L), the distance between electrodes (1–2 cm), electrolysis time (20–60 min) and combination of electrodes (Fe–Fe and Al–Al) were studied. The maximum removal of color–94.40%, COD–97.02%, and turbidity–90.91% with required energy consumption –36kWhr/m3 was obtained at the electric current–0.09 A, electrolyte concentration–3 g/L, pH–7, electrode combination–Fe–Fe, and distance between electrodes–3 cm, respectively. The studied parameters were affected the removal % color, % COD, % turbidity, and also the consumption of energy depending on the desired setup of fixed values of the parameter. Consumption of energy and electrode dissolution is related to the cost of operating in electrocoagulation in addition to the cost of labor and the small amount of sludge produced for disposal.
Time Machines: Artificial Intelligence, Process, and Narrative
Authors: Coeckelbergh Mark
Published: October 2021

While today there is much discussion about the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), less work has been done on the philosophical nature of AI. Drawing on Bergson and Ricoeur, this paper proposes to use the concepts of time, process, and narrative to conceptualize AI and its normatively relevant impact on human lives and society. Distinguishing between a number of different ways in which AI and time are related, the paper explores what it means to understand AI as narrative, as process, or as the emergent outcome of processes and narratives. It pays particular attention to what it calls the “narrator” and “time machine” roles of AI and the normative implications of these roles. It argues that AI processes and narratives shape our time and link past, present, and future in particular ways that are ethically and politically significant.
Obligations de comportement et obligations de résultat dans la jurisprudence de la Cour internationale de Justice
Authors: DEMARIA TIPHAINE
Published: October 2021

Cet article s’interroge sur la typologie des obligations internationales et, plus spécialement, la distinction entre les obligations de comportement et de résultat. Considérée comme opposant deux formes d’obligations — de s’efforcer ou de réussir — cette summa divisio est particulièrement utile dans l’examen de la violation du droit international, elle-même condition de l’engagement de la responsabilité internationale. À partir du constat d’une large utilisation dans la jurisprudence de la Cour internationale de Justice, seront interrogés les critères, les conséquences mais aussi les vertus — et limites — de cette catégorisation.
Data sharing and collaborations with Telco data during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Vodafone case study
Authors: Lourenco Pedro Rente , Kaur Gurjeet , Allison Matthew , Evetts Terry
Published: October 2021

With the outbreak of COVID-19 across Europe, anonymized telecommunications data provides a key insight into population level mobility and assessing the impact and effectiveness of containment measures. Vodafone’s response across its global footprint was fast and delivered key new metrics for the pandemic that have proven to be useful for a number of external entities. Cooperation with national governments and supra-national entities to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic was a key part of Vodafone’s response, and in this article the different methodologies developed are analyzed, as well as the key collaborations established in this context. In this article we also analyze the regulatory challenges found, and how these can pose a risk of the full benefits of these insights not being harnessed, despite clear and efficient Privacy and Ethics assessments to ensure individual safety and data privacy.
Pilot Testing of Simulation in the Evaluation of a Novel, Rapidly Deployable Electronic Health Record for use in Disaster Intensive Care
Authors: Applebury David E. , Robinson Eric J. , Gold Jeffrey A. , Davis Jeffrey D. , Zonies David
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid creation and management of ICU field hospitals with effective remote monitoring which is dependent on the rapid deployment and integration of an Electronic Health Record (EHR). We describe the use of simulation to evaluate a rapidly scalable hub-and-spoke model for EHR deployment and monitoring using asynchronous training.

Methods:

We adapted existing commercial EHR products to serve as the point of entry from a simulated hospital and a separate system for tele-ICU support and monitoring of the interfaced data. To train our users we created a modular video-based curriculum to facilitate asynchronous training. Effectiveness of the curriculum was assessed through completion of common ICU documentation tasks in a high-fidelity simulation. Additional endpoints include assessment of EHR navigation, user satisfaction (Net Promoter), system usability (System Usability Scale-SUS), and cognitive load (NASA-TLX).

Results:

A total of 5 participants achieved a 100% task completion on all domains except ventilator data (91%). Systems demonstrated high degrees of satisfaction (Net Promoter = 65.2), acceptable usability (SUS = 66.5), and acceptable cognitive load (NASA-TLX = 41.5); with higher levels of cognitive load correlating with the number of screens employed.

Conclusions:

Clinical usability of a comprehensive and rapidly deployable EHR was acceptable in an intensive care simulation which was preceded by < 1 hour of video education about the EHR. This model should be considered in plans for integrated clinical response with remote and accessory facilities.