bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial Experience With a Recently Developed Lateral Wall Electrode
Authors: Schwam Zachary G. , Kaul Vivian F. , Perez Enrique , Wanna George B. , Cosetti Maura K.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To review our hearing preservation rates and speech recognition outcomes in patients undergoing cochlear implantation with a recently developed lateral wall electrode.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Retrospective case series of all patients, both pediatric and adult, undergoing cochlear implantation with the Advanced Bionics Hifocus™ SlimJ electrode between December 2017 and January 2020. Main outcomes included hearing preservation rates using several definitions, speech recognition testing primarily through Arizona Biosciences (AzBio) and Consonant‐Nucleus‐Consonant (CNC) testing, intra‐ and postoperative complications.

Results

Sixty‐one ears underwent implantation with the new electrode. Hearing preservation rates were 13.0% to 36.0% depending on the definition used. Speech recognition testing showed significant increases from pre‐ to postoperative condition (Implant‐only AzBio: 24.1 to 48.3, P = .004, binaural AzBio: 46.1 to 65.9, P = .002, Implant‐only CNC: 9.7 to 35.1, P < .001, binaural CNC: 29.8 to 59.40, P < .001) with last speech recognition testing occurring an average of 8.8 months postoperatively. The elderly population had the worst hearing preservation rates across all definitions. Five explantations were required due to two infections and three device failures.

Conclusion

Hearing preservation rates varied significantly depending on the definition used, but users experienced a significant improvement in speech recognition testing after implantation. More work is needed in the community to standardize the definition of residual hearing and hearing preservation.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2782–2788, 2021
Cyclonic eddies modulate temporal and spatial decoupling of particulate carbon, nitrogen, and biogenic silica export in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Zhou Kuanbo , Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Huang Jie , Xiu Peng , Sun Zhenyu , Dai Minhan
Published: July 2021

Mesoscale eddies may enhance nutrient injection into the photic zone and ultimately the magnitude and composition of particle export to depth. Using satellite altimetry, we identified 38 cyclonic eddies that passed in close proximity to the Hawaii Ocean Time‐series (HOT) Station ALOHA, located in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, from 1993 to 2018. Particulate carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and biogenic silica (Si) export rates, measured using free floating sediment traps deployed at 150 m as part of HOT, were then associated with either the eddy core or edge based on distance to the eddy center and time of eddy evolution. Elemental fluxes varied significantly within and among individual eddies depending on season and eddy age. Spatially, biogenic Si fluxes were enhanced relative to particulate C and N fluxes at both the cores and edges, with temporally highest particulate C, N and biogenic Si fluxes occurring during the mature stage (3–8 weeks). On average, biogenic Si fluxes were 200 ± 80% (30–270% increase) higher relative to non‐eddy and during non‐bloom periods, with modest enhanced particulate C (10–30% increase) and N (10–20% increase) fluxes. In contrast, during the bloom season (July and August), elemental fluxes were all reduced by 20% relative to non‐eddy references, suggesting that cyclonic eddies depress export during the bloom period. Our results indicate that cyclonic eddies not only increase, but differentially impact the sinking export of critical biological elements, thereby contributing to long term ecological changes in foodwebs that rely on silica as well as carbon for growth.
Patterns of the fecal microbiota in the Juan Fernández fur seal (Arctocephalus philippii)
Authors: Toro‐Valdivieso Constanza , Toro Frederick , Stubbs Samuel , Castro‐Nallar Eduardo , Blacklaws Barbara
Published: July 2021

As apex predators, pinnipeds are considered to be useful bioindicators of marine and coastal environments. Endemic to a small archipelago in the South Pacific, the Juan Fernandez fur seal (JFFS) is one of the less‐studied members of the pinniped family Otariidae. This study aimed to characterize the fecal microbiome of the JFFS for the first time, to establish a baseline for future studies of host–microbial–environment interactions and monitoring programs. During two consecutive reproductive seasons, 57 fecal samples were collected from seven different JFFS colonies within the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile. Bacterial composition and abundance were characterized by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The overall microbiome composition was dominated by five phyla: Firmicutes (40% ±24), Fusobacteria (30% ±17), Bacteroidetes (22% ±10), Proteobacteria (6% ±4), and Actinobacteria (2% ±3). Alpha diversity was higher in Tierras Blancas. However, location was not found to be a dominant driver of microbial composition. Interestingly, the strongest signal in the data was a negative association between the genera Peptoclostridium and Fusobacterium, which explained 29.7% of the total microbial composition variability between samples. The genus Peptoclostridium has not been reported in other pinniped studies, and its role here is unclear, with interpretation challenging due to a lack of information regarding microbiome functionality in marine mammals. As a first insight into the JFFS fecal microbiome, these results contribute towards our understanding of the natural microbial diversity and composition in free‐ranging pinnipeds.
Changes in patterns of coercion during a nine‐year period in a Norwegian psychiatric service area
Authors: Lassemo Eva , Myklebust Lars Henrik
Published: July 2021

Objective

There is debate regarding the use of coercion in the psychiatric services and how to minimize its use. We examine changes in the use of coercion in one Norwegian psychiatric service area during a nine‐year period.

Methods

All patients receiving psychiatric services during the periods 2003–2006 and 2008–2012 in the study area were identified, subsequently also only those who had been involuntarily admitted or subjected to involuntary outpatient treatment. Yearwise rates of patients admitted to coercion and coercive treatment‐episodes throughout the study period were calculated.

Results

The overall number and the rate of coerced patients decreased to the total patient population. Most of the reduction were initially of the observational period. However, the number of coercive episodes per coerced patient increased. The pattern of outpatient versus inpatient modes of coercion both reflected this main trend.

Conclusion

The use of coercion seem to be reduced overall, although the increase in treatment‐episodes per patient may indicate a complex pattern in use and registration of coercion. The results may be related to legislative changes, restructuring of psychiatric services, or/and modified attitudes of health‐personnel to coercion following a range of efforts to reduce it.
Timing matters: Distinct effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application timing on root system architecture responses
Authors: van Duijnen Richard , Uther Hannah , Härdtle Werner , Temperton Vicky M. , Kumar Amit
Published: July 2021

Aims

Although different plant foraging responses to the two macronutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are well researched, the effect of timing of fertilizer application on root system architecture (RSA) remains largely unknown. We, therefore, aimed to understand how RSA ofHordeum vulgareL. responds to timing of N and P application.

Methods

Plants were grown in rhizoboxes for 38 days in nutrient‐poor soil and watered with nutrient solution, lacking either N or P, with the absent nutrient applied once either 2/3/4 weeks after sowing. Positive controls were continuously receiving N and P and a negative control receiving both N and P only after 3 weeks. We tracked root growth over time, measured plant biomass and nutrient uptake.

Results

Late N application strongly reduced total root biomass and visible root length compared with continuous NP and late P application. Root mass fractions (total root biomass/total plant biomass) remained similar over all treatments, but relative allocation (% of total root biomass) was higher in lower depth with late N application. Shoot P concentrations remained relatively stable, but the plants receiving P later had higher N concentrations.

Conclusions

Late N application had overall more negative effects on early plant growth compared with late P. We propose that future studies under field conditions should try to disentangle the effect of timing from the nutrient availability on RSA responses and hence ultimately plant performance.
Risk factors for first nonscheduled hospital admissions of pediatric patients on home mechanical ventilation
Authors: Özcan Gizem , Zirek Fazılcan , Tekin Merve Nur , Bakirarar Batuhan , Çobanoğlu Nazan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The number of children on home mechanical ventilation (HMV) has increased. Understanding the reasons for nonscheduled hospital admissions during HMV is critical. This study aims to investigate the risk factors of first nonscheduled hospital admissions of pediatric patients on HMV.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients on HMV between May 1, 2014 and October 1, 2020 was performed. Patients' demographic characteristics, duration of the education of the primary caregiver; time of first nonscheduled visit; and type of HMV (noninvasive mechanical ventilation [NIV] or invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV]) were analyzed. The reasons for first nonscheduled hospital visits were categorized as respiratory problems and other reasons.

Results

Of 97 patients, 41 were female (42.3%), and 70 (72%) were on IMV. The median age was 23 months (IQR, 10–91). Twenty‐nine patients (30%), were admitted to hospital before scheduled visit with a mean duration of 18.1 ± 11.6 days; of them, 14 (48.2%) admitted because of respiratory problems. IMV increases the risk of first nonscheduled visit compared to NIV (OR, 16.3; 95% CI, 2.1–127.4; p = .008). If a caregiver spends less than 14 days in hospital for education, risk of nonscheduled visits increases (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.5–11.2; p = .007).

Conclusion

A minimum 14 days seems to be necessary for education of the caregivers of the patients with HMV to reduce the number of nonscheduled visits, which is a burden for both patients and healthcare system.
Differential expression of estrogen receptor subtypes in ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Osaku Daiken , Oishi Tetsuro , Kawamura Naoshi , Iida Yuki , Komatsu Hiroaki , Kudoh Akiko , Chikumi Jun , Sato Shinya , Harada Tasuku
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To investigate the role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the ovary and evaluate ERs as prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer.

Methods

This study included 79 patients with HGSC (n = 38) or CCC (n = 41) treated at our institution between 2005 and 2014. Immunohistochemistry examined protein expression of ERα, ERβ, and G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐1 (GPER‐1); relationships between ERα, ERβ, and GPER‐1 with patient survival were evaluated. Additionally, cell proliferation assay and phosphokinase proteome profiling were performed.

Results

In HGSC patients, expression of ERα, cytoplasmic GPER‐1, or nuclear GPER‐1 was associated with poor progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = .041, P = .010, or P = .013, respectively). Cytoplasmic GPER‐1 was an independent prognostic factor for PFS in HGSC patients (HR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.03‐9.16, P = .007). ER expressions were not associated with prognosis in CCC patients. GPER‐1 knockdown by siRNA reduced the cells number to 60% of siRNA‐control‐treated cells (P < .05), and GPER‐1 antagonist, G‐15 inhibited two HGSC cell lines proliferation (KF and UWB1.289) in a dose‐dependent manner. Phosphoprotein array revealed that GPER‐1 silencing decreased relative phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3.

Conclusions

High GPER‐1 expression is an independent prognostic factor for PFS in HGSC patients, and GPER‐1 may play a role in HGSC cell proliferation.
Probabilistic performance validation of deep learning‐based robust NMPC controllers
Authors: Karg Benjamin , Alamo Teodoro , Lucia Sergio
Published: July 2021

Solving nonlinear model predictive control problems in real time is still an important challenge despite of recent advances in computing hardware, optimization algorithms and tailored implementations. This challenge is even greater when uncertainty is present due to disturbances, unknown parameters or measurement and estimation errors. To enable the application of advanced control schemes to fast systems and on low‐cost embedded hardware, we propose to approximate a robust nonlinear model controller using deep learning and to verify its quality using probabilistic validation techniques. We propose a probabilistic validation technique based on finite families, combined with the idea of generalized maximum and constraint backoff to enable statistically valid conclusions related to general performance indicators. The potential of the proposed approach is demonstrated with simulation results of an uncertain nonlinear system.
Examining the effect of early STEM experiences as a form of STEM capital and identity capital on STEM identity: A gender study
Authors: Cohen Susie M. , Hazari Zahra , Mahadeo Jonathan , Sonnert Gerhard , Sadler Philip M.
Published: July 2021

It is well known that women are underrepresented in science. technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) and that their interest declines more steeply over the schooling years. As such, this study uses a STEM identity theoretical framework to examine the effects of early STEM experiences, focusing particularly on experiences that may be more formative for female students. Given that early experiences are a form of capital, the study is also guided by nuanced perspectives on STEM capital and STEM identity capital. The data used were drawn from surveys administered to 15,725 college students. Blocked regression models were utilized and the results indicated a significant effect on STEM identity for students who reported encouragement in STEM from elementary school teachers, using STEM toys/kits, watching STEM‐related TV programs or movies, playing STEM computer/video games, and observing or studying stars and other astronomical objects. Negative experiences included baking/cooking/kitchen chemistry and writing about STEM. To examine which of these experiences had long‐lasting impact in the face of intervening experiences in middle/high school, controls were provided for middle/high school STEM interest. This indicated early experiences that translated to STEM identity capital in the future. Only observing stars became nonsignificant, while the other early experiences likely contributed to STEM identity capital. The findings highlight early experiences that can be formative for STEM identity years later (i.e., STEM identity capital) despite intervening years of changing STEM interest. As such, the results provide both practical and theoretical insight into understanding the development and maintenance of STEM identity.
Telecoupled environmental impacts are an obstacle to meeting the sustainable development goals
Authors: Zeng Yiwen , Runting Rebecca K. , Watson James E. M. , Carrasco Luis Roman
Published: July 2021

International trade is responsible for connecting human and natural systems across distant countries, and has profound implications for sustainability. In particular, telecoupling, the socioeconomic and environmental interactions between distant countries as a result of, among others, global trade, typically leaves less affluent nations bearing the largest environmental impacts. Telecoupling effects are likely to be pervasive to those trying to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but little is known about how telecoupling affects the SDGs beyond a subset of environment‐related targets. Here, we take a broad global network analysis approach to address this gap, and assess the vulnerability of the SDGs' indicators and their interactions to telecoupling across 180 countries. We find that a majority (~78%) of the SDG indicators are significantly correlated (p‐value <.05) to indicators of telecoupled environmental impacts, indicating that higher performing countries under SDGs indicators do so helped by externalizing their environmental impacts. We also find that, by proactively accounting for telecoupling, connectivity between goals is reduced in 11 of the 17 SDGs, reducing the trade‐offs between environmental‐related and development SDGs in developing countries. Our results reinforce the need for better integration of telecoupling when monitoring progress towards the SDGs for development to be truly sustainable and equitable.
A genome sequence resource for the genus Passiflora, the genome of the wild diploid species Passiflora organensis
Authors: Costa Zirlane Portugal , Varani Alessandro Mello , Cauz‐Santos Luiz Augusto , Sader Mariela Analía , Giopatto Helena Augusto , Zirpoli Bruna , Callot Caroline , Cauet Stephane , Marande Willian , Souza Cardoso Jessica Luana , Pinheiro Daniel Guariz , Kitajima João Paulo , Dornelas Marcelo Carnier , Harand Andrea Pedrosa , Berges Helene , Monteiro‐Vitorello Claudia Barros , Carneiro Vieira Maria Lucia
Published: July 2021

The genus Passiflora comprises a large group of plants popularly known as passionfruit, much appreciated for their exotic flowers and edible fruits. The species (∼500) are morphologically variable (e.g., growth habit, size, and color of flowers) and are adapted to distinct tropical ecosystems. In this study, we generated the genome of the wild diploid species Passiflora organensis Gardner by adopting a hybrid assembly approach. Passiflora organensis has a small genome of 259 Mbp and a heterozygosity rate of 81%, consistent with its reproductive system. Most of the genome sequences could be integrated into its chromosomes with cytogenomic markers (satellite DNA) as references. The repeated sequences accounted for 58.55% of the total DNA analyzed, and the Tekay lineage was the prevalent retrotransposon. In total, 25,327 coding genes were predicted. Passiflora organensis retains 5,609 singletons and 15,671 gene families. We focused on the genes potentially involved in the locus determining self‐incompatibility and the MADS‐box gene family, allowing us to infer expansions and contractions within specific subfamilies. Finally, we recovered the organellar DNA. Structural rearrangements and two mitoviruses, besides relics of other mobile elements, were found in the chloroplast and mt‐DNA molecules, respectively. This study presents the first draft genome assembly of a wild Passiflora species, providing a valuable sequence resource for genomic and evolutionary studies on the genus, and support for breeding cropped passionfruit species.
New bioimaging avenues for organs‐on‐chips by integration of bioluminescence
Authors: Moreira Teixeira Liliana , Mezzanotte Laura
Published: July 2021

The unmet demand for the development of advanced in vitro models that emulate key features of human (patho‐)physiology and organ or tissue functionality led to the emergence of organ‐on‐a‐chip screening platforms. This biomimetic microtechnology enables accurate prediction of human responses, even at the multitissue or organ interaction level. With these advances, the necessity of incorporating biosensing within these platform becomes increasingly evident, to ultimately allow in situ, noninvasive, monitoring of cells, tissues and organs’ behavior. Seamlessly integrated biosensors on‐chip also offer the prospect of uninterrupted and fully automated analysis. The continuous search for biosensors that not only avoid disruptive analyses, but are also highly sensitive and permit instant in situ evaluation, steered further developments of optical biosensors including bioluminescence (BL). BL is particularly suitable to interrogate biological systems at the multiparameter level and it is well matched to address the intrinsic biological systems’ heterogeneity due to its inherent high signal to background ratio, to which the demand of simple measurement equipment can be added. Moreover, BL can be effortlessly integrated into any available organ‐on‐a‐chip platform and provides unique groundbreaking means for online monitoring, at the cellular level, and/or detection of cell secreted/excreted compounds. This review depicts recent advances in biosensors, with particular focus on BL. We highlight current challenges and future directions, aimed at stimulating the application of BL to interface organ‐on‐a‐chip systems, leading to the exponential advancement of both fields.
The impact of improved agricultural technologies on household food security of smallholders in Central Ethiopia: An endogenous switching estimation
Authors: Hailu Mekonnen , Tolossa Degefa , Girma Anteneh , Kassa Belay
Published: July 2021

Combinations of improved agricultural technologies adoption have a significant effect on agricultural productivity and household food security. Their synergies improve soil fertility and suppress weeds, pests, and diseases. Many studies in Ethiopia analyze the impacts of improved technologies adoption in isolation rather than in combinations; little attention was given on multiple combinations of improved technologies adoption on household food security. This study analyses the impact of combinations of improved agricultural technologies adoption on household food security (per capita calorie consumption, dietary diversity score, and food consumption score). Data were collected from household survey questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. An endogenous switching regression model is applied to analyze the impacts through adoption decisions by farm households which can be adopted in various combinations. We find that the adoption of improved agricultural technologies increases dietary energy supply, dietary diversity, and food consumption score significantly and the greatest impact is obtained when improved technologies adopting in combinations rather than in isolation. The adoption of multiple combinations of improved technologies has substantial effects that improve the food security status of smallholders in the study areas. This implies that agricultural research, extension, policymakers, and other actors to promote a combination of improved agricultural technologies to improve household food security through increasing productivity and income.
An Organotin Route for the Preparation of 2,6‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)bromo‐benzene and the Related Bis(Phosphine Oxide). Precursors for Novel Ligands
Authors: Meyer Fabio , Kuzmera Thomas , Lork Enno , Vogt Matthias , Beckmann Jens
Published: July 2021

The 2,6‐difluorophenyltrialkylstannanes 2,6‐F2C6H3SnR3 (1, R=Me; 2, R=Bu) were prepared from commercial products. With Ph2PLi, 1 and 2 underwent nucleophilic substitution to give the 2,6‐bis(diphenylphosphino)phenyltrialkylstannanes 2,6‐(Ph2P)2C6H3SnR3 (3, R=Me; 4, R=Bu). The reaction of 3 with n‐BuLi and BrCH2CH2Br afforded 2,6‐bis(diphenylphosphino)bromobenzene (2,6‐(Ph2P)2C6H3Br, 5), the oxidation of which gave the related bis(phosphine oxide) 2,6‐[Ph2P(O)]2C6H3Br (6). The reaction of 5 with n‐BuLi gave rise to the formation of 2,6‐bis(diphenylphosphino)phenyl lithium, 2,6‐(Ph2P)2C6H3Li (7). Attempts to prepare the related bis(phosphine oxide) 2,6‐[Ph2P(O)]2C6H3Li (8) from 6 in a similar way at low temperatures was hampered by decomposition. Compounds 3, 5 and 7 hold potential for a new anionic tridentate PCP−coordinating ligand, namely, the bis(2,6‐diphenyl)phosphinophenyl ion [2,6‐(Ph2P)2C6H3]−.
Light, long-lived B − L gauge and Higgs bosons at the DUNE near detector
Authors: Bhupal Dev P. S. , Dutta Bhaskar , Kelly Kevin J. , Mohapatra Rabindra N. , Zhang Yongchao
Published: July 2021

Abstract

The low-energy U(1)B−L gauge symmetry is well-motivated as part of beyond Standard Model physics related to neutrino mass generation. We show that a light B − L gauge boson Z′ and the associated U(1)B−L-breaking scalar φ can both be effectively searched for at high-intensity facilities such as the near detector complex of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). Without the scalar φ, the Z′ can be probed at DUNE up to mass of 1 GeV, with the corresponding gauge coupling gBL as low as 10−9. In the presence of the scalar φ with gauge coupling to Z′, the DUNE capability of discovering the gauge boson Z′ can be significantly improved, even by one order of magnitude in gBL, due to additional production from the decay φ → Z′Z′. The DUNE sensitivity is largely complementary to other long-lived Z′ searches at beam-dump facilities such as FASER and SHiP, as well as astrophysical and cosmological probes. On the other hand, the prospects of detecting φ itself at DUNE are to some extent weakened in presence of Z′, compared to the case without the gauge interaction.
The Weyl BMS group and Einstein’s equations
Authors: Freidel Laurent , Oliveri Roberto , Pranzetti Daniele , Speziale Simone
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We propose an extension of the BMS group, which we refer to as Weyl BMS or BMSW for short, that includes super-translations, local Weyl rescalings and arbitrary diffeomorphisms of the 2d sphere metric. After generalizing the Barnich-Troessaert bracket, we show that the Noether charges of the BMSW group provide a centerless representation of the BMSW Lie algebra at every cross section of null infinity. This result is tantamount to proving that the flux-balance laws for the Noether charges imply the validity of the asymptotic Einstein’s equations at null infinity. The extension requires a holographic renormalization procedure, which we construct without any dependence on background fields. The renormalized phase space of null infinity reveals new pairs of conjugate variables. Finally, we show that BMSW group elements label the gravitational vacua.
Cellular and molecular actors of myeloid cell fusion: podosomes and tunneling nanotubes call the tune
Authors: Dufrançais Ophélie , Mascarau Rémi , Poincloux Renaud , Maridonneau-Parini Isabelle , Raynaud-Messina Brigitte , Vérollet Christel
Published: July 2021

Different types of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) of myeloid origin have been described; osteoclasts are the most extensively studied because of their importance in bone homeostasis. MGCs are formed by cell-to-cell fusion, and most types have been observed in pathological conditions, especially in infectious and non-infectious chronic inflammatory contexts. The precise role of the different MGCs and the mechanisms that govern their formation remain poorly understood, likely due to their heterogeneity. First, we will introduce the main populations of MGCs derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage. We will then discuss the known molecular actors mediating the early stages of fusion, focusing on cell-surface receptors involved in the cell-to-cell adhesion steps that ultimately lead to multinucleation. Given that cell-to-cell fusion is a complex and well-coordinated process, we will also describe what is currently known about the evolution of F-actin-based structures involved in macrophage fusion, i.e., podosomes, zipper-like structures, and tunneling nanotubes (TNT). Finally, the localization and potential role of the key fusion mediators related to the formation of these F-actin structures will be discussed. This review intends to present the current status of knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms supporting multinucleation of myeloid cells, highlighting the gaps still existing, and contributing to the proposition of potential disease-specific MGC markers and/or therapeutic targets.
COVID-19-Forschungsdaten leichter zugänglich machen – Aufbau einer bundesweiten Informationsinfrastruktur
Authors: Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Fluck Juliane , Golebiewski Martin , Grabenhenrich Linus , Hahn Horst , Kirsten Toralf , Klammt Sebastian , Löbe Matthias , Sax Ulrich , Thun Sylvia , Pigeot Iris ,   NFDI4Health Task Force Covid-19, Ahrens Wolfgang , Darms Johannes , Henke Jörg , Hu Xiaoming , Klopfenstein Sophie , Langnickel Lisa , Lassen-Schmidt Bianca , Pohlabeln Hermann , Lieser Michael , Näher Anatol-Fiete , Scholz Markus , Vorisek Carina , Waltemath Dagmar , Wünsche Hannes
Published: July 2021

Public-Health-Forschung, epidemiologische und klinische Studien sind erforderlich, um die COVID-19-Pandemie besser zu verstehen und geeignete Maßnahmen zu ergreifen. Daher wurden auch in Deutschland zahlreiche Forschungsprojekte initiiert. Zum heutigen Zeitpunkt ist es ob der Fülle an Informationen jedoch kaum noch möglich, einen Überblick über die vielfältigen Forschungsaktivitäten und deren Ergebnisse zu erhalten. Im Rahmen der Initiative „Nationale Forschungsdateninfrastruktur für personenbezogene Gesundheitsdaten“ (NFDI4Health) schafft die „Task Force COVID-19“ einen leichteren Zugang zu SARS-CoV-2- und COVID-19-bezogenen klinischen, epidemiologischen und Public-Health-Forschungsdaten. Dabei werden die sogenannten FAIR-Prinzipien (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) berücksichtigt, die eine schnellere Kommunikation von Ergebnissen befördern sollen. Zu den wesentlichen Arbeitsinhalten der Taskforce gehören die Erstellung eines Studienportals mit Metadaten, Erhebungsinstrumenten, Studiendokumenten, Studienergebnissen und Veröffentlichungen sowie einer Suchmaschine für Preprint-Publikationen. Weitere Inhalte sind ein Konzept zur Verknüpfung von Forschungs- und Routinedaten, Services zum verbesserten Umgang mit Bilddaten und die Anwendung standardisierter Analyseroutinen für harmonisierte Qualitätsbewertungen. Die im Aufbau befindliche Infrastruktur erleichtert die Auffindbarkeit von und den Umgang mit deutscher COVID-19-Forschung. Die im Rahmen der NFDI4Health Task Force COVID-19 begonnenen Entwicklungen sind für weitere Forschungsthemen nachnutzbar, da die adressierten Herausforderungen generisch für die Auffindbarkeit von und den Umgang mit Forschungsdaten sind.
Activity and electron donor preference of two denitrifying bacterial strains identified by Raman gas spectroscopy
Authors: Blohm Annika , Kumar Swatantar , Knebl Andreas , Herrmann Martina , Küsel Kirsten , Popp Jürgen , Frosch Torsten
Published: July 2021

Human activities have greatly increased the input of reactive nitrogen species into the environment and disturbed the balance of the global N cycle. This imbalance may be offset by bacterial denitrification, an important process in maintaining the ecological balance of nitrogen. However, our understanding of the activity of mixotrophic denitrifying bacteria is not complete, as most research has focused on heterotrophic denitrification. The aim of this study was to investigate substrate preferences for two mixotrophic denitrifying bacterial strains, Acidovorax delafieldii and Hydrogenophaga taeniospiralis, under heterotrophic, autotrophic or mixotrophic conditions. This complex analysis was achieved by simultaneous identification and quantification of H2, O2, CO2, 14N2, 15N2 and 15N2O in course of the denitrification process with help of cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (CERS) multi-gas analysis. To disentangle electron donor preferences for both bacterial strains, microcosm-based incubation experiments under varying substrate conditions were conducted. We found that Acidovorax delafieldii preferentially performed heterotrophic denitrification in the mixotrophic sub-experiments, while Hydrogenophaga taeniospiralis preferred autotrophic denitrification in the mixotrophic incubation. These observations were supported by stoichiometric calculations. The results demonstrate the prowess of advanced Raman multi-gas analysis to study substrate use and electron donor preferences in denitrification, based on the comprehensive quantification of complex microbial gas exchange processes.
Loop Groups and QNEC
Authors: Panebianco Lorenzo
Published: July 2021

We construct and study solitonic representations of the conformal net associated to some vacuum Positive Energy Representation (PER) of a loop group LG. For the corresponding solitonic states, we prove the Quantum Null Energy Condition (QNEC) and the Bekenstein Bound. As an intermediate result, we show that a Positive Energy Representation of a loop group LG can be extended to a PER of $$H^{s}(S^1,G)$$

H
s

(

S
1

,
G
)

for $$s>3/2$$

s
>
3
/
2

, where G is any compact, simple and simply connected Lie group. We also show the existence of the exponential map of the semidirect product $$LG \rtimes R$$

L
G
⋊
R

, with R a one-parameter subgroup of $$\mathrm{Diff}_+(S^1)$$

Diff
+

(

S
1

)

, and we compute the adjoint action of $$H^{s+1}(S^1,G)$$

H

s
+
1

(

S
1

,
G
)

on the stress energy tensor.
Assessment of Biolog EcoplateTM method for functional metabolic diversity of aerotolerant pig fecal microbiota
Authors: Checcucci A. , Luise D. , Modesto M. , Correa F. , Bosi P. , Mattarelli P. , Trevisi Paolo
Published: July 2021

In the last decades, gut microbiota and its role in mammal host development and health have been increasingly investigated. Metabolites produced by gut microbiota can affect intestinal homeostasis and immune system maturity and activation, and in turn, they can influence the health and growth performance of livestock. Therefore, a better understanding of the functional metabolic capability of the gut microbiota would be appreciated by the scientific community. In this study, the BiologTM Ecoplates technology was applied for studying the metabolic potential of the aerotolerant microbial community of pig fecal samples, evaluating the interference of different storage conditions and cell concentrations. The length of time for which a fecal sample maintained detectable and unchanged microbial metabolic activity was also investigated. Two assays aimed to evaluate differences in the metabolic activities between fresh and snap-frozen fecal samples at different dilutions and at different lengths of times of preservation at −80°C were carried out. The biodiversity and the predicted functionality of the entire bacterial community through a targeted metagenomic approach were also explored. The results highlighted that snap freezing of fecal samples preserved the metabolic activity of the microbial community when compared to fresh feces. Sample storage at −80 °C did not significantly affect the metabolic activity of the microbial community, which was stable for 150 days. Furthermore, the highest metabolic activity was detected with 1:2 to 1:5 dilutions of the stock suspension. BiologTM Ecoplates technology is a rapid and useful method to explore microbial communities’ metabolism in animal fecal samples contributing to investigate host animal physiology.

Key points

• Freezing of samples can preserve the functional activity of the aerotolerant microbial community for 150 days.

• The concentration of microbial cells strongly influences metabolic activity detection.

• Sequencing coupled with the BiologTMEcoplates could be a strategy to evaluate the metabolic potential of the microbiota of the fecal sample.

Graphical abstract
A GAN-based approach toward architectural line drawing colorization prototyping
Authors: Sun Qian , Chen Yan , Tao Wenyuan , Jiang Han , Zhang Mu , Chen Kan , Erdt Marius
Published: July 2021

Line drawing with colorization is a popular art format and tool for architectural illustration. The goal of this research is toward generating a high-quality and natural-looking colorization based on an architectural line drawing. This paper presents a new Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based method, named ArchGANs, including ArchColGAN and ArchShdGAN. ArchColGAN is a GAN-based line-feature-aware network for stylized colorization generation. ArchShdGAN is a lighting effects generation network, from which the building depiction in 3D can benefit. In particular, ArchColGAN is able to maintain the important line features and the correlation property of building parts as well as reduce the uneven colorization caused by sparse lines. Moreover, we proposed a color enhancement method to further improve ArchColGAN. Besides the single line drawing images, we also extend our method to handle line drawing image sequences and achieve rotation animation. Experiments and studies demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of our proposed method for colorization prototyping.
Progression of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mariani Laura , Ruoppolo Giovanni , Cilfone Armando , Cocchi Chiara , Preziosi Standoli Jacopo , Longo Lucia , Ceccanti Marco , Greco Antonio , Inghilleri Maurizio
Published: July 2021

Little is known regarding the optimal timing of dysphagia assessment and PEG indication in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study aims to investigate the progression of dysphagia in a cohort of ALS patients and to analyse whether there are variables linked to a faster progression of dysphagia and faster indication of PEG placement. A retrospective cohort study in 108 individuals with ALS. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed 6 monthly until PEG indication or death. Dysphagia severity and PEG indication were assessed using Penetration Aspiration Scale. Progression Index (PI) analysed the risk of disease progression (fast/slow) in relation to dysphagia onset and PEG indication. Patients were grouped based on ALS onset and PI. Person-time incidence rates were computed considering dysphagia onset and PEG indication from ALS symptoms during the entire observation period and have been reported as monthly and 6-month rates. Cox regression survival analysis assessed dysphagia and PEG risk factors depending on onset. Person-time incidence rates of dysphagia progression and PEG risk were increased based on type of ALS onset and PI. Patients with a fast progressing disease and with bulbar onset (BO) show statistically significant increased risk of dysphagia (BO 178.10% hazard ratio (HR) = 2.781 P < 0.01; fast 181.10% HR 2.811 P < 0.01). Regarding PEG risk, fast patients and patients with BO had a statistically significant increased risk (fast 147.40% HR 2.474 P < 0.01, BO 165.40% HR 2.654 P < 0.01). Fast PI predicts the likelihood of faster progression of dysphagia and PEG indication and should be included in multidisciplinary assessments and considered in the design of future guidelines regarding dysphagia management in ALS patients.

Level of Evidence Level IV.
Sexual Orientation, Sexual Arousal, and Finger Length Ratios in Women
Authors: Holmes Luke , Watts-Overall Tuesday M. , Slettevold Erlend , Gruia Dragos C. , Raines Jamie , Rieger Gerulf
Published: July 2021

In general, women show physiological sexual arousal to both sexes. However, compared with heterosexual women, homosexual women are more aroused to their preferred sex, a pattern typically found in men. We hypothesized that homosexual women’s male-typical arousal is due to their sex-atypical masculinization during prenatal development. We measured the sexual responses of 199 women (including 67 homosexual women) via their genital arousal and pupil dilation to female and male sexual stimuli. Our main marker of masculinization was the ratio of the index to ring finger, which we expected to be lower (a masculine pattern) in homosexual women due to increased levels of prenatal androgens. We further measured observer- and self-ratings of psychological masculinity–femininity as possible proxies of prenatal androgenization. Homosexual women responded more strongly to female stimuli than male stimuli and therefore had more male-typical sexual responses than heterosexual women. However, they did not have more male-typical digit ratios, even though this difference became stronger if analyses were restricted to white participants. Still, variation in women's digit ratios did not account for the link between their sexual orientation and their male-typical sexual responses. Furthermore, homosexual women reported and displayed more masculinity than heterosexual women, but their masculinity was not associated with their male-typical sexual arousal. Thus, women’s sexual and behavioral traits, and potential anatomical traits, are possibly masculinized at different stages of gestation.
Desiccation time and rainfall control gaseous carbon fluxes in an intermittent stream
Authors: Arce Maria Isabel , Bengtsson Mia M. , von Schiller Daniel , Zak Dominik , Täumer Jana , Urich Tim , Singer Gabriel
Published: July 2021

Droughts are recognized to impact global biogeochemical cycles. However, the implication of desiccation on in-stream carbon (C) cycling is not well understood yet. We subjected sediments from a lowland, organic rich intermittent stream to experimental desiccation over a 9-week-period to investigate temporal changes in microbial functional traits in relation to their redox requirements, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC). Concurrently, the implications of rewetting by simulated short rainfalls (4 and 21 mm) on gaseous C fluxes were tested. Early desiccation triggered dynamic fluxes of CO2 and CH4 with peak values of 383 and 30 mg C m−2 h−1 (mean ± SD), respectively, likely in response to enhanced aerobic mineralization and accelerated evasion. At longer desiccation, CH4 dropped abruptly, likely because of reduced abundance of anaerobic microbial traits. The CO2 fluxes ceased later, suggesting aerobic activity was constrained only by extended desiccation over time. We found that rainfall boosted fluxes of CO2, which were modulated by rainfall size and the preceding desiccation time. Desiccation also reduced the amount of WSOC and the proportion of labile compounds leaching from sediment. It remains questionable to which extent changes of the sediment C pool are influenced by respiration processes, microbial C uptake and cell lysis due to drying-rewetting cycles. We highlight that the severity of the dry period, which is controlled by its duration and the presence of precipitation events, needs detailed consideration to estimate the impact of intermittent flow on global riverine C fluxes.
An embedded human rights logic? A comparative study of International Baccalaureate schools in different contexts
Authors: Parish Karen
Published: July 2021

This article presents findings from a study that investigated how the global logic of human rights, as incorporated by the International Baccalaureate schools into their policies and practices, is experienced and adhered to by students who are following the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in different contexts. In this study, the cases for comparison were a private school in Norway and a state-funded school in Poland. Although selected for their differences, they offered functional equivalence in the standardized diploma program. The study used a multiple-methods approach, including both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings reveal significant differences between students’ levels of adherence to human rights logic. Reasons for this difference point both to logic hybridity within the school organization and a diverse school learning community.
Changing structures of summertime heatwaves over China during 1961–2017
Authors: An Ning , Zuo Zhiyan
Published: July 2021

Despite the prevalence of artificial separation of daytime and nighttime hot extremes, they may actually co-occur or occur sequentially. Considering their potential lead-lag configuration, this study identified an entire heatwave period as consecutive days with either daytime or nighttime hot extremes and investigated the changes of the prevalence and sequence of daytime and nighttime hot extremes during heatwaves over China from 1961 to 2017. It was found that the majority (82%) of heatwaves were compound heatwaves that had both daytime and nighttime hot extremes exceeding the 90th percentile-based thresholds, while only 7% (11%) were purely daytime (nighttime) heatwaves that contained only daytime (nighttime) hot extremes. During the entire periods of compound heatwaves, daytime hot extremes usually occurred one day or a few days before nighttime hot extremes, which was in accordance with the daily variations in radiation and meteorological conditions, such as the increasing surface humidity and cloud cover, and decreasing solar radiation during the entire heatwave periods. From 1961 to 2017, compound heatwave numbers exhibited the sharpest increase with a statistically significant trend of 0.44 times decade−1, in contrast to an insignificant trend of 0.00 times decade−1 for purely daytime heatwaves and a significant trend of 0.09 times decade−1 for purely nighttime heatwaves. Within the compound heatwave periods, hot nights were starting earlier and ending later, and numbers of concurrent daytime-nighttime hot extremes increased significantly at 0.20 days decade−1. In particular, urban area were not only subject to increasingly more frequent and longer compound heatwaves, but also to more occurrences of concurrent daytime-nighttime hot extremes with more serious impact. This study provides instructions for researchers to customize and select appropriate heatwave indices.
Automated CNN back-propagation pipeline generation for FPGA online training
Authors: Mazouz A. , Bridges C. P.
Published: July 2021

Training of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on embedded platforms to support on-device learning has become essential for the future deployment of CNNs on autonomous systems. In this work, we present an automated CNN training pipeline compilation tool for Xilinx FPGAs. We automatically generate multiple hardware designs from high-level CNN descriptions using a multi-objective optimization algorithm that explores the design space by exploiting CNN parallelism. These designs that trade-off resources for throughput allow users to tailor implementations to their hardware and applications. The training pipeline is generated based on the backpropagation (BP) equations of convolution which highlight an overlap in computation. We translate the overlap into hardware by reusing most of the forward pass (FP) pipeline reducing the resources overhead. The implementation uses a streaming interface that lends itself well to data streams and live feeds instead of static data reads from memory. Meaning, we do not use the standard array of processing elements (PEs) approach, which is efficient for offline inference, instead we translate the architecture into a pipeline where data is streamed through allowing for new samples to be read as they become available. We validate the results using the Zynq-7100 on three datasets and varying size architectures against CPU and GPU implementations. GPUs consistently outperform FPGAs in training times in batch processing scenarios, but in data stream scenarios, FPGA designs achieve a significant speedup compared to GPU and CPU when enough resources are dedicated to the learning task. A 2.8×, 5.8×, and 3× speed up over GPU was achieved on three architectures trained on MNIST, SVHN, and CIFAR-10 respectively.
Why do corporate cash holdings differ within reunified Germany?
Authors: Kupfer Alexander , Oberndorfer Julia , Kunz Felix
Published: July 2021

This study examines German firms’ managerial decision-making from the perspective of corporate cash holdings. An econometric analysis of 89,018 firm-year observations for 2004–2016 shows that East German firms hold significantly more cash than their West German counterparts. It is further demonstrated that no reasonable hypotheses (i.e. structural differences, access to financing, and historical differences) can explain East German firms’ higher cash holdings. Instead, the difference in cash holdings is only relevant for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, East German SMEs adjust excess cash more slowly than West German SMEs. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cultural attributes influence managerial decision-making and imply that the norms and values of the former German Democratic Republic persist.