bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning isothermal crystallization kinetics by minor similar solute element substitution in novel La‐(AlGa)‐C metallic glasses
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhang Leilei , Li Xuan , Zhuo Longchao , Jian Zengyun
Published: June 2021

In the present text, the effects of minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al on the isothermal crystallization kinetics of novel light RE‐based La‐(AlGa)‐C metallic glasses (MGs) were systematically investigated between La60Al26Ga4C10 MG and the precursor La60Al30C10 MG by using phase analysis, Johnson–Mehl–Avrami and Arrhenius using x‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The incubation period, the accomplishment time of the whole process, and the diversity of both the precipitated phases and the varying trend of the local Avrami exponent are elevated by minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al, respectively. Additionally, the Avrami exponent of different isothermal crystallization temperature changes from g n > 2.5 to a combination of values 1.5 < n < 2.5 and a value n > 2.5 given by minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al, corresponding to the crystallization characteristics changing from crystallization with promoting nucleation rate to a combination of crystallization with a reducing nucleation rate and crystallization with promoting nucleation rate. Moreover, the isothermal crystallization process becomes more difficult after minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al, due to the reduced Avrami exponent and the intensified local activation energy.
Soil salinity and sodicity changes after a one‐time application of flue gas desulphurization gypsum to paddy fields
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Zhao Yonggan , Wang Shujuan , Li Yan , Zhuo Yuqun , Liu Jia
Published: June 2021

Sodic soil is more likely to deteriorate in paddy fields than in other fields. Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum can reclaim sodic soils, but how long a one‐time application of FGD gypsum provides benefits in paddy fields is poorly understood. In this study, soil salinity, sodicity, and soluble and exchangeable cation concentrations were evaluated over a 7‐year period to investigate the reclamation of sodic soil in a paddy field by FGD gypsum. After 7 years, compared with those in the initial soil, the pH, sodium adsorption ratio, and exchangeable sodium percentage of the topsoil (0–20 cm) decreased by at least 2 units, 72.2% and 80.9%, respectively. In the process of FGD gypsum reclamation, substantial changes in topsoil salinity and sodicity occurred mainly between the 4th and 5th years of reclamation, representing the boundary of the FGD gypsum dissolution stage, which was followed by the soil reclamation maintenance stage. In the FGD gypsum dissolution stage, soil salinity was dominated by Ca2+ that accumulated in the 0–10 cm soil layer. Over time, the exchangeable Ca2+ concentration decreased with soil depth to 40 cm. In the reclamation maintenance stage, FGD gypsum was basically depleted, but the sodicity still showed a significant decrease compared with that in the initial soil. These results indicate that FGD gypsum can significantly and effectively reclaim sodic soil in paddy fields for at least 7 years. Though the FGD gypsum was exhausted 5 years after its application, reclamation continued to be maintained due to the presence of exchangeable Ca2+.
Microscopic Carriers of Plasticity in Glassy Polystyrene
Authors: Mols Roy H. M. , Vogiatzis Georgios G. , van Breemen Lambèrt C. A. , Hütter Markus
Published: June 2021

The relevant parts of the microstructure participating in the plastic deformation of glassy polystyrene are identified. This is achieved by performing quasi‐static deformation simulations of an atomistic representation of polystyrene, within a thermodynamic framework, under experimentally realistic boundary conditions (controlled compressive strain, atmospheric pressure in the lateral directions, and room temperature). In particular, it is shown that discontinuities in the free energy in the course of deformation are representative of microscopic plastic events, which are strongly correlated with the heterogeneous non‐affine deformation of the phenyl‐rings. However, despite the induced anisotropy during deformation, the phenyl‐rings do not show any preferred orientation during deformation. The rearrangements of the microstructure during the discontinuities are analyzed further in terms of a local best‐fit deformation gradient tensor (a modified version of the procedure introduced by Falk and Langer in 1998) as well as the stretch‐ and rotation‐components of the local deformation of clusters of atoms that show significant non‐affine deformation. This analysis shows that the local deformation is highly heterogeneous, and locally the strains and rotations can be orders of magnitude larger than the imposed deformation, giving rise to plastic deformation of the material.
Corporate social responsibility, consumer sensitivity, and overcapacity
Authors: Chen Junlong , Sun Chaoqun , Liu Jiali
Published: June 2021

This paper constructs an oligopoly model incorporating corporate social responsibility (β) and consumer sensitivity (e). We analyze the impacts of β and e on overcapacity, profits, consumer surplus, and social welfare under Cournot competition, Stackelberg competition, and Price Leadership competition. The results show that different competition modes produce different degrees of overcapacity. β has complex impacts on profits and affects the comparisons of social welfare. e positively influences equilibrium results. Enterprises have the motivation to voluntarily undertake corporate social responsibility after introducing consumer sensitivity. However, their voluntary commitment level is always lower than that formulated by the government.
Increased diagnosis of enlarged vestibular aqueduct by multiplex PCR enrichment and next‐generation sequencing of the SLC26A4 gene
Authors: Tian Yongan , Xu Hongen , Liu Danhua , Zhang Juanli , Yang Zengguang , Zhang Sen , Liu Huanfei , Li Ruijun , Tian Yingtao , Zeng Beiping , Li Tong , Lin Qianyu , Wang Haili , Li Xiaohua , Lu Wei , Shi Ying , Zhang Yan , Zhang Hui , Jiang Chang , Xu Ying , Chen Bei , Liu Jun , Tang Wenxue
Published: June 2021

Background

The enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is the commonest malformation of inner ear accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss in children. Three genes SLC26A4, FOXI1, and KCNJ10 have been associated with EVA, among them SLC26A4 being the most common. Yet, hotspot mutation screening can only diagnose a small number of patients.

Methods

Thus, in this study, we designed a new molecular diagnosis panel for EVA based on multiplex PCR enrichment and next‐generation sequencing of the exon and flanking regions of SLC26A4. A total of 112 hearing loss families with EVA were enrolled and the pathogenicity of the rare variants detected was interpreted according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Results

Our results showed that 107/112 (95.54%) families carried SLC26A4 biallelic mutations, 4/112 (3.57%) carried monoallelic variants, and 1/112 (0.89%) had none variant, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 95.54%. A total of 49 different variants were detected in those patients and we classified 30 rare variants as pathogenic/likely pathogenic, of which 13 were not included in the Clinvar database.

Conclusion

Our diagnostic panel has an increased diagnostic yield with less cost, and the curated list of pathogenic variants in the SLC26A4 gene can be directly used to aid the genetic counseling to patients.
Algebraic techniques for the least squares problems in elliptic complex matrix theory and their applications
Authors: Kösal Hidayet Hüda , Pekyaman Müge
Published: June 2021

In this study, we introduce concepts of norms of elliptic complex matrices and derive the least squares solution, the pure imaginary least squares solution, and the pure real least squares solution with the least norm for the elliptic complex matrix equation
by using the real representation of elliptic complex matrices. To prove the authenticity of our results and to distinguish them from existing ones, some illustrative examples are also given. Elliptic numbers are generalized form of complex and so real numbers. Thus, the obtained results extend, generalize, and complement some known least squares solutions results from the literature.
Relative Effectiveness of D-Frame Dip Nets, Quatrefoil Light Traps, and Towed Ichthyoplankton Nets for Larval Muskellunge
Authors: Krebs Jared E. , Brandt Ethan J. , Dembkowski Daniel J. , Isermann Daniel A.
Published: June 2021

Muskellunge Esox masquinongy are large, predatory game fish whose association with shallow, complex habitats is well documented, particularly during early life stages. Despite this association, relatively little guidance exists regarding effective sampling of Muskellunge larvae and previous efforts to sample larval Muskellunge have been met with limited success. Therefore, our objective was to determine the relative effectiveness of three sampling gears for capturing naturally produced Muskellunge larvae. Larvae were sampled during 2019 and 2020 at known Muskellunge spawning locations in Snipe Lake, Wisconsin, with D-frame dip nets (1,000-µm mesh), quatrefoil light traps, and towed ichthyoplankton nets (1,000-µm mesh). Sixty larval Muskellunge were captured across all gears, and catches in D-frame dip nets comprised nearly 87% (52 of 60) of the total catch. Furthermore, D-frame dip nets captured the broadest size range of larval Muskellunge (TL range = 14–33 mm). Greater effectiveness of D-frame dip nets in comparison with other gears is likely related to their ability to be used in and around structurally complex habitats without fouling or clogging. Our results suggest that D-frame dip nets should be considered as a cost- and time-effective tool for targeting larval Muskellunge in complex habitats.
9.4 T double‐tuned 13C/1H human head array using a combination of surface loops and dipole antennas
Authors: Avdievich Nikolai I. , Solomakha Georgiy , Ruhm Loreen , Henning Anke , Scheffler Klaus
Published: June 2021

MRI at ultra‐high field (UHF, ≥7 T) provides a natural strategy for improving the quality of X‐nucleus magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging due to the intrinsic benefit of increased signal‐to‐noise ratio. Considering that RF coils require both local transmission and reception at UHF, the designs of double‐tuned coils, which often consist of several layers of transmit and receive resonant elements, become quite complex. A few years ago, a new type of RF coil, ie a dipole antenna, was developed and used for human body and head imaging at UHF. Due to the mechanical and electrical simplicity of dipole antennas, combining an X‐nucleus surface loop array with 1H dipoles can substantially simplify the design of a double‐tuned UHF human head array coil. Recently, we developed a novel bent folded‐end dipole transceiver array for human head imaging at 9.4 T. The new eight‐element dipole array demonstrated full brain coverage, and transmit efficiency comparable to that of the substantially more complex 16‐element surface loop array. In this work, we developed, constructed and evaluated a double‐tuned 13C/1H human head 9.4 T array consisting of eight 13C transceiver surface loops and eight 1H transceiver bent folded‐end dipole antennas all placed in a single layer. We showed that interaction between loops and dipoles can be minimized by placing four 1H traps into each 13C loop. The presented double‐tuned RF array coil substantially simplifies the design as compared with the common double‐tuned surface loop arrays. At the same time, the coil demonstrated an improved 1H longitudinal coverage and good transmit efficiency.
Development of a validated HPTLC‐bioautographic method for evaluation of aromatase inhibitory activity of plant extracts and their constituents
Authors: Dawood Hend M. , Shawky Eman , Hammoda Hala M. , Metwally Aly M. , Ibrahim Reham S.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Aromatase is a CYP450 enzyme that catalyses the conversion of androgens into oestrogens, where the decrease in the production of oestrogens aided by aromatase inhibitors is considered a target in post‐menopausal breast cancer therapy. TLC‐bioautography is a technique employed for combining chromatographic separations on TLC plates with bioassays. This is the first report to evaluate aromatase inhibitory activity using this technique.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a new TLC‐bioautographic method for determination of aromatase inhibitory activity in 14 plant extracts. Two quantitation methods, the peak area method and reciprocal iso‐inhibition volume (RIV) method, were compared and investigated to attain reliable results. Factors affecting the enzymatic reaction (temperature, pH, enzyme and substrate concentrations … etc.) were also investigated to attain the optimum parameters.

Methodology

TLC assisted by digital image processing was implemented for quantitative estimation of the aromatase inhibition of 14 plant extracts using chrysin as positive control. The fluorometric substrate dibenzyl fluorescein (DBF) was utilised for the assay, where inhibitory compounds were visualised as dark spots against a blue fluorescent background. Two software programs, Sorbfil® videodensitometer (in the peak area method) and ImageJ® (in the RIV method), were thoroughly validated using the International Council on Harmonisation (ICH) guideline and used for quantitation.

Results

The RIV method showed superiority over the peak area method in the quantitation results of the tracks with non‐homogenous background with %RSD values of 0.98 and 1.49 compared with 2.86 and 3.58, respectively. Further, the methods allow the comparison of the activity of different unknown inhibitory compounds without the need for a reference or a positive control.

Conclusion

Using the TLC‐bioautographic method by image processing combined with the RIV quantitation method, simultaneous separation and quantitation of aromatase inhibitory components could be applied to estimate the relative activity of various plant extracts.
Comprehensive insights into host‐pathogen interaction between brown planthopper and a fungal entomopathogen by dual RNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Liang , Pan Hai‐Bo , Li Mu‐Yu , Wu Wei , Yu Xiao‐Ping
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive pests of rice, causing tremendous yield and economic losses every year. The fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae was previously proved to have great potential for BPH biocontrol. Genome‐wide insight into the insect‐fungus interaction is crucial for genetic improvement of M. anisopliae to enhance its virulence to BPH but still has been poorly explored.

RESULTS

Using dual RNA‐seq approach, we present here a global view of host and fungal gene expressions in BPH adults during the fungal infection. The results revealed that BPH could initiate strong defense responses against the fungal attack by upregulating the expressions of a large number of genes, including genes involved in cuticle formation, immune response, cell detoxification and biomacromolecule metabolism. Correspondingly, the fungal entomopathogen could induce a series of genes to infect and modulate BPH, including genes involved in fungal penetration, invasive growth, stress resistance and virulence. Three host defense‐related genes (NlPCE4, NlPOD1 and NlCYP4DE1) were chosen for further function analysis. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of NlPCE4 caused a significant decrease in BPH survival, but no obvious effects on the survival rates were detected by the suppression of NlPOD1 and NlCYP4DE1. Combination of dsRNA injection and fungal infection could significantly enhance the BPH‐killing speed, as synergistic mortalities were observed in co‐treatments of RNAi and M. anisopliae infection.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a comprehensive insight into molecular mechanisms of host‐pathogen interaction between BPH and M. anisopliae and contributes to future development of new efficient biocontrol strategies for BPH biocontrol.
Inkjet Printed Heating Elements Based on Nanoparticle Silver Ink with Adjustable Temperature Distribution for Flexible Applications
Authors: Mitra Dana , Thalheim Robert , Zichner Ralf
Published: June 2021

This article reports on developments in the manufacturing of heating elements by means of digital inkjet printing technology. The area coverage of the meander lines ranges from 34 lpi (lines per inch) to 51 and 102 lpi, which mainly influences the temperature distribution and homogeneity. Furthermore, the line width of the meander lines is varied between 250, 500, and 1000 μm. All heating elements are deposited by single‐pass printing of a nanoparticle silver ink with subsequent thermal sintering on a standard flexible polymer film, to demonstrate that inkjet printing allows the manufacturing of printed thin devices also on low‐cost material. The implementation of various designs allows the control of the temperature distribution and heat development. The printed structures are evaluated regarding their optical and electrical characteristics and their thermal performance is assessed using an infrared camera. This research has succeeded in developing bendable printed heaters, which reach homogeneous average temperature of 100 °C over an area of approximately 15 cm2 at a power supply of 12 V. The feasibility of the inkjet printed heaters is demonstrated by a long‐term test over several days with negligible fluctuations in the area temperature and highest stability in the resistance.
Direct infusion and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis of phospholipid regioisomers
Authors: Fabritius Mikael , Yang Baoru
Published: June 2021

Rationale

Phospholipids are important components of cell membranes that are linked to several beneficial health effects such as increasing plasma HDL cholesterol levels, improving cognitive abilities and inhibiting growth of colon cancer. The role of phospholipid (PL) regioisomers in all these health effects is, however, largely not studied due to lack of analytical methods.

Methods

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in negative mode produces structurally informative fragment ions resulting from differential dissociation of fatty acids (FAs) from the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions, primarily high‐abundance [RCOO]− ions. The fragment ion ratios obtained with different ratios of regiopure phospholipid reference compounds were used to construct calibration curves, which allow determination of regioisomeric ratios of an unknown sample. The method was developed using both direct infusion mass spectrometry (MS) and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HILIC‐MS).

Results

The produced calibration curves have high coefficients of determination (R2 >0.98) and the fragment ion ratios in replicate analyses were very consistent. A test mixture containing 60/40% ratios of all available regioisomer pairs was analyzed to test and validate the functionality of the calibration curves. The results were accurate and reproducible. However, regioisomeric quantification of certain chromatographically overlapping compounds is restricted by the relatively wide window in precursor ion selection of the MS instrument used.

Conclusions

This method establishes a framework for analysis of phospholipid regioisomers. Specific regioisomers can be quantified using the existing data, and method development will continue with improving chromatographic separation and exploring the fragmentation patterns and efficiencies of different PL classes and FA combinations, ultimately to refine this method for routine analysis of natural fats and oils.
Plan‐Draw‐Evaluate (PDE) pattern in students' collaborative drawing: Interaction between visual and verbal modes of representation
Authors: Park Joonhyeong , Tang Kok‐Sing , Chang Jina
Published: June 2021

The use of group drawing to promote student‐generated representation is a common instructional strategy as it combines the benefits of using visual representation and collaborative talk. Although the affordances of group drawing have increasingly been emphasized in science education, few studies have investigated how drawing as a visual mode interacts with group discourse as a verbal mode as well as how that interaction facilitates the development of students' collective ideas. Informed by theories in classroom discourse and multimodality, this paper examines the interaction process between a verbal and visual mode of representation as groups of students engaged in collaborative drawing during guided science inquiry lessons. On the basis of the analysis of data from a science class that adopted group drawing, we found and documented a recurring pattern, Plan‐Draw‐Evaluate or PDE pattern, in how the interaction between the verbal and visual modes occurred during collaborative drawing. This PDE pattern consisted of a triad of moves that alternate between the two modes and fulfilled various discursive purposes, such as suggesting, requesting, recording, visualizing, elaborating, agreeing, and rejecting. The PDE pattern provided a basic social structure that facilitated the collaboration and progression of students' ideas. With illustrations of PDE patterns and its variations, we argue that the PDE pattern provides an insight into the dynamic organization of interactions involved in group drawing that takes into consideration the multimodal affordances of verbal and visual modes of representation and the progression of ideas developed through collaborative discourse.
Understanding Carbon Nanotube‐Based Ionic Diodes: Design and Mechanism
Authors: Peng Ran , Pan Yueyue , Liu Biwu , Li Zhi , Pan Peng , Zhang Shuailong , Qin Zhen , Wheeler Aaron R. , Tang Xiaowu (Shirley) , Liu Xinyu
Published: June 2021

The rectification of ion transport through biological ion channels has attracted much attention and inspired the thriving invention and applications of ionic diodes. However, the development of high‐performance ionic diodes is still challenging, and the working mechanisms of ionic diodes constructed by 1D ionic nanochannels have not been fully understood. This work reports the systematic investigation of the design and mechanism of a new type of ionic diode constructed from horizontally aligned multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes decorated at their two entrances. The major design and working parameters of the MWCNT‐based ionic diode, including the ion channel size, the driven voltage, the properties of working fluids, and the quantity and length of charge modification, are extensively investigated through numerical simulations and/or experiments. An optimized ionic current rectification (ICR) ratio of 1481.5 is experimentally achieved on the MWCNT‐based ionic diode. These results promise potential applications of the MWCNT‐based ionic diode in biosensing and biocomputing. As a proof‐of‐concept, DNA detection and HIV‐1 diagnosis is demonstrated on the ionic diode. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the working principle of the MWCNT‐based ionic diodes and will allow rational device design and optimization.
Designer Plasmonic Nanostructures for Unclonable Anticounterfeit Tags
Authors: Ibrar Maha , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: June 2021

Counterfeit goods are pervasive in many sectors of our economy, necessitating development of authentication strategies that enhance security of goods and prevent against economic losses. Unique images and barcodes have proven useful but are susceptible to duplication. In contrast, intrinsically random features can be difficult to replicate and represent an alternative if their encoding capacity (EC) is sufficiently high and their analysis facile. Herein, the creation of such anticounterfeit tags with designer plasmonic nanostructures—those whose optical properties are precisely controlled by nanostructure size and shape—as one promising authentication strategy and also reflects on the metrics that define EC as there is a shift toward covert anticounterfeit tags is discussed.
What is attention?
Authors: Krauzlis Richard J. , Wang Lupeng , Yu Gongchen , Katz Leor N.
Published: June 2021

We define attention as “the set of evolved brain processes that leads to adaptive and effective behavioral selection." Our emphasis is on understanding the biological and neural mechanisms that make the behavioral properties of attention possible. Although much has been learned about the functional operation of attention by postulating and testing different aspects of attention, our view is that the distinctions most frequently relied upon are much less useful for identifying the detailed biological mechanisms and brain circuits. Instead, we adopt an evolutionary perspective that, while speculative, generates a different set of guiding principles for understanding the form and function of attention. We then provide a thought experiment, introducing a device that we intend to serve as an intuition pump for thinking about how the brain processes for attention might be organized, and that illustrates the features of the biological processes that might ultimately answer the question.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Attention

Philosophy > Psychological Capacities
Nesting Status and Chronology of Eared Grebes Along Great Salt Lake, Utah
Authors: Delahoussaye Leah M. , Bell Mark E. , Conover Michael R.
Published: June 2021

Eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) are colonial‐nesting waterbirds that breed in Canada and northern United States. Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, is vital to the survival of this species because all eared grebes in North America stage in the fall either on the GSL or Mono Lake, California. The importance of GSL and its surrounding wetlands for breeding eared grebes is unknown. We studied eared grebe nesting status and chronology in the freshwater wetlands around GSL and found over 4,280 nests distributed among 35 colonies during 2018 and 5,794 nests among 23 colonies during 2019. We also located the 2 largest colonies of this species ever recorded (902 and 1,492 nests). Mean clutch size differed between years and was 2.4 eggs during 2018 and 2.0 during 2019; clutch sizes were lower at GSL than in colonies located in more northern latitudes, perhaps due to a local paucity of invertebrate prey during the egg‐laying period. Grebe nests around the GSL were constructed with, and anchored to, growing Stuckenia pectinate. Eared grebes near GSL started laying eggs in the first week of June during 2018 and a week later during 2019. The number of incubated nests per colony peaked on 27 June during 2018 and 9 July during 2019. Nests continued to be incubated into August in both years. These dates are later than those reported in more‐northern colonies. The later nesting in GSL colonies could be due to the birds' need to wait for Stuckenia pectinata to form mats at the water surface. This plant species needs a water depth of 38 to 45 cm to thrive, and increasing amounts of freshwater from the GSL watershed are diverted for agriculture and human development. If this trend continues, there may not be enough water to maintain the required water depth for dense stands of Stuckenia; the loss of which may prevent the grebes from nesting. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Thermal Imaging Cameras to Conduct Duck Brood Surveys
Authors: Bushaw Jacob D. , Terry Catrina V. , Ringelman Kevin M. , Johnson Michael K. , Kemink Kaylan M. , Rohwer Frank C.
Published: June 2021

Brood surveys are used to estimate productivity in ducks, but road‐side transects, aerial surveys, and double‐observer ground surveys have likely underestimated productivity. Duck broods are elusive and prefer wetlands with emergent vegetation where they hide at signs of disturbance, making it difficult to get accurate brood counts. Estimates of brood detection probabilities are typically below 50% and variable, which makes biological inferences about abundance tenuous. We conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a thermal imaging camera to survey duck broods in 2 study areas. In Manitoba we located 669 broods with the UAV, compared to 344 detected by double‐observer ground surveys. In Minnesota we detected 225 ducks broods with the UAV, whereas only 105 duck broods were detected by ground observers. Using a Huggins closed‐capture model in program MARK we estimated an average detection probability across both sites of 0.55 (SE = 0.02) with the UAV compared to 0.24 (SE = 0.02) for the ground crews. Although the UAV detected twice as many broods as the ground surveys, detection probability with the UAV was impacted by temperature, humidity, vegetation density, and the criteria we used to determine whether a brood could be classified as resighted. Nevertheless, using a UAV equipped with a thermal imaging camera effectively doubled the number of broods detected compared to traditional methods, and surveys were completed 3 times faster. With advancing drone and camera technology we believe UAV brood counts will become increasingly accurate and provide reliable measures of local duck productivity. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Étale cohomology of rank one $$\ell $$-adic local systems in positive characteristic
Authors: Esnault Hélène , Kerz Moritz
Published: June 2021

We show that in positive characteristic special loci of deformation spaces of rank one$$\ell $$ℓ-adic local systems are quasi-linear. From this we deduce the Hard Lefschetz theorem for rank one$$\ell $$ℓ-adic local systems and a generic vanishing theorem.
Renal Pelvis Opacification on Postmyelography Computed Tomography as an Indicator for Cerebrospinal Fluid Loss in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension
Authors: Piechowiak Eike I. , Bär Laura , Häni Levin , Branca Mattia , Kaesmacher Johannes , Mordasini Pasquale , Raabe Andreas , Ulrich Christian T. , Gralla Jan , Beck Jürgen , Dobrocky Tomas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To assess early renal pelvis opacification on postmyelography computed tomography (CT) as a marker for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) loss in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH).

Methods

The SIH patients referred to our hospital between January 2012 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into 2 groups based on the presence of spinal longitudinal extrathecal CSF collection (SLEC): (1) SLEC(+) with, and (2) SLEC(−) without proof of SLEC on multimodal imaging. Non-SIH patients (n = 20) undergoing CT myelography served as controls. The renal pelvis density on postmyelography CT was measured in all patients. Mean difference in renal pelvis density between the groups was calculated.

Results

In total, 111 SIH patients (mean age 48 ± 13 years; 60% female) were included, 71 (64%) SLEC(+) and 40 (36%) SLEC(−). The adjusted renal pelvis density in the SLEC(+), SLEC(−), and the non-SIH group was 108 Hounsfield unit (HU), 83 HU, and 32 HU, respectively, resulting in a significant difference between SLEC(+) vs. control group 1 (75 HU, p < 0.001), SLEC(−) vs. control group 1 (50 HU, p < 0.001), and a tendency for higher density in SLEC(+) than SLEC(−) (25 HU, p = 0.16).

Conclusion

Increased renal pelvis opacification on postmyelography CT was observed in SIH patients, even in the absence of a CSF leak or a CSF venous fistula, when compared to non-SIH patients. Although the provenance of early renal opacification in SLEC (−) SIH patients remains unclear, our results suggest that it may be a surrogate for increased spinal CSF resorption via spinal arachnoid granulations and along spinal nerve sheaths occult to direct imaging.
Prolongierte ulzerierende Laryngitis
Authors: Reetz S. , Brockmann-Bauser M. , Bohlender J. E.
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Die prolongierte ulzerierende Laryngitis ist eine seltene, gutartige, über Monate andauernde entzündliche Veränderung des Larynx. Der lupenlaryngoskopische Befund lässt einen malignen Prozess vermuten und kann somit eine Herausforderung für den behandelnden Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Arzt (HNO-Arzt) darstellen.

Fragestellung

Darstellung der aktuellen Datenlage, um einen für den klinischen Alltag hilfreichen Überblick über Ätiologie, Verlauf und Therapieoptionen zu geben.

Material und Methoden

Präsentation von 3 Fallbeispielen aus der Abteilung für Phoniatrie und Klinische Logopädie der ORL-Klinik des Universitätsspitals Zürich. Analyse und Diskussion der aktuellen Studienlage und von Einzelfallberichten aus der englischsprachigen Literatur.

Ergebnisse

Ätiologie und prädisponierende Faktoren sind unklar. Ein vorangegangener Atemwegsinfekt mit Husten und Heiserkeit scheint die häufigste Ursache zu sein. Die Erkrankung weist einen selbstlimitierenden Krankheitsverlauf ohne strukturell dauerhafte Folgen auf. Biopsien sollten vermieden werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Der typische laryngoskopische Befund zeigt umschriebene korrespondierende lanzettförmige Ulzerationen im mittleren Stimmlippendrittel. Der Krankheitsverlauf scheint selbstlimitierend zu sein und ohne strukturell dauerhafte Folgen abzulaufen. Deswegen sollten eine gute Patientenaufklärung und engmaschige laryngoskopische Kontrollen vorgenommen werden.
Li-Co–Ni-Mn-(REE) veins of the Western Erzgebirge, Germany—a potential source of battery raw materials
Authors: Burisch Mathias , Frenzel Max , Seibel Henning , Gruber Albert , Oelze Marcus , Pfänder Jörg A. , Sanchez-Garrido Cynthia , Gutzmer Jens
Published: June 2021

Situated in the western Erzgebirge metallogenetic province (Vogtland, Germany), the Eichigt prospect is associated with several quartz-Mn-Fe-oxyhydroxide veins that are exposed at surface. Bulk-rock geochemical assays of vein material yield high concentrations of Li (0.6–4.1 kg/t), Co (0.6–14.7 kg/t), and Ni (0.2–2.8 kg/t), as well as significant quantities of Mn, Cu, and light rare earth elements, a very unusual metal tenor closely resembling the mixture of raw materials needed for Li-ion battery production. This study reports on the results of a first detailed investigation of this rather unique polymetallic mineralization style, including detailed petrographic and mineralogical studies complemented by bulk rock geochemistry, electron microprobe analyses, and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The mineralized material comprises an oxide assemblage of goethite hematite, hollandite, and lithiophorite that together cement angular fragments of vein quartz. Lithiophorite is the predominant host of Li (3.6–11.1 kg/t), Co (2.5–54.5 kg/t), and Ni (0.2–8.9 kg/t); Cu is contained in similar amounts in hollandite and lithiophorite whereas light rare earth elements (LREE) are mainly hosted in microcrystalline rhabdophane and florencite, which are finely intergrown with the Mn-Fe-oxyhydroxides.40Ar/39Ar ages (~ 40–34 Ma) of coronadite group minerals coincide with tectonic activity related to the Cenozoic Eger Graben rifting. A low-temperature hydrothermal overprint of pre-existing base metal sulfide-quartz mineralization on fault structures that were reactivated during continental rifting is proposed as the most likely origin of the polymetallic oxyhydroxide mineralization at Eichigt. However, tectonically enhanced deep-reaching fracture-controlled supergene weathering cannot be completely ruled out as the origin of the mineralization.
Linguistic and clinical validation of the acute cystitis symptom score in German-speaking Swiss women with acute cystitis
Authors: Alidjanov Jakhongir F. , Khudaybergenov Ulugbek A. , Ayubov Bekhzod A. , Pilatz Adrian , Mohr Stefan , Münst Julia C. , Ziviello Yuen Olivia N. , Pilatz Sabine , Christmann Corina , Dittmar Florian , Mirsaidov Nodir M. , Buch-Heberling Mareike , Naber Kurt G. , Bjerklund Johansen Truls E. , Wagenlehner Florian M. E.
Published: June 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

The Global Prevalence Study of Infections in Urinary tract in Community Setting (GPIU.COM) includes epidemiological aspects of acute cystitis (AC) in women in Germany and Switzerland. The primary study relates to the German version of the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS), a self-reporting questionnaire for self-diagnosis and monitoring the symptomatic course of AC in women. The current study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of the German ACSS in German-speaking female patients with AC in Switzerland.

Methods

Anonymized patient data were collected and analyzed from women with AC at the first visit (diagnosis) and follow-up visits as baseline and controls, respectively. Data from 97 patients with a median age of 41 years underwent analysis. Psychometric and diagnostic characteristics of the ACSS were measured and statistically analyzed.

Results

Average internal consistency of the ACSS resulted in a Cronbach’s alpha (95% CI) of 0.86 (0.83; 0.89) and did not differ significantly between the Swiss and German cohorts. Diagnostic values of the ACSS for the Swiss cohort were relatively lower than for the German cohort, possible due to discrepancies between definitions of UTI in national guidelines.

Conclusions

The analysis showed that the German version of the ACSS is also suitable for use in the German-speaking female population of Switzerland. Minor differences in definitions of AC between German and Swiss guidelines explain the observed discrepancies in diagnostic values of the ACSS between cohorts.
Regional disease in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: the role of primary tumor characteristics and number of nodal metastases
Authors: Grammatica Alberto , Tomasoni Michele , Fior Milena , Ulaj Emanuela , Gualtieri Tommaso , Bossi Paolo , Battocchio Simonetta , Lombardi Davide , Deganello Alberto , Mattavelli Davide , Nicolai Piero , Girardi Fabio , Piazza Cesare
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To identify potential risk factors impacting on overall survival (OS) of patients affected by lymph node metastasis from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the head and neck (HN), with special emphasis on primary tumor characteristics and pattern of nodal recurrence (intraparotid and/or cervical).

Methods

A bi-institutional retrospective study on consecutive patients affected by cervical and/or intraparotid NM from HN cSCC and surgically treated with curative intent from May 2010 to January 2020 was conducted. OS was considered the outcome of interest.

Results

The study included 89 patients (M:F = 3.4:1; median age, 78 years; range, 22–99). Among the primary tumor characteristics, the most relevant prognostic factors were diameter ≥ 4 cm (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.56, p = 0.010) and depth of infiltration ≥ 6 mm (HR = 3.54, p = 0.027). Cervical NM was associated with worse OS (HR = 2.09, p = 0.016) compared to purely intraparotid NM (5-year OS: 60.9% vs. 28.1%, p = 0.014). At multivariable analysis, age, immunosuppression, pT3-T4 categories and a high burden of nodal disease (> 2 NM) confirmed to be independent risk factors, whereas adjuvant radiotherapy was independently associated with better outcome.

Conclusion

This study confirms the association of several independent prognosticators related to the patient, primary tumor, and nodal burden status. Patients with cervical NM should be considered at risk for harboring a higher number of metastatic lymph nodes.
Isotopic evolution of prehistoric magma sources of Mt. Etna, Sicily: Insights from the Valle Del Bove
Authors: Kempton P. D. , Spence A. , Downes H. , Blichert-Toft J. , Bryce J. G. , Hegner E. , Vroon P. Z.
Published: June 2021

Mount Etna in NE Sicily occupies an unusual tectonic position in the convergence zone between the African and Eurasian plates, near the Quaternary subduction-related Aeolian arc and above the down-going Ionian oceanic slab. Magmatic evolution broadly involves a transition from an early tholeiitic phase (~ 500 ka) to the current alkaline phase. Most geochemical investigations have focussed on either historic (> 130-years old) or recent (< 130-years old) eruptions of Mt. Etna or on the ancient basal lavas (ca. 500 ka). In this study, we have analysed and modelled the petrogenesis of alkalic lavas from the southern wall of the Valle del Bove, which represent a time span of Mt. Etna’s prehistoric magmatic activity from ~ 85 to ~ 4 ka. They exhibit geochemical variations that distinguish them as six separate lithostratigraphic and volcanic units. Isotopic data (143Nd/144Nd = 0.51283–0.51291;87Sr/86Sr = 0.70332–0.70363;176Hf/177Hf = 0.28288–0.28298;206Pb/204Pb = 19.76–20.03) indicate changes in the magma source during the ~ 80 kyr of activity that do not follow the previously observed temporal trend. The oldest analysed Valle del Bove unit (Salifizio-1) erupted basaltic trachyandesites with variations in143Nd/144Nd and87Sr/86Sr ratios indicating a magma source remarkably similar to that of recent Etna eruptions, while four of the five subsequent units have isotopic compositions resembling those of historic Etna magmas. All five magma batches are considered to be derived from melting of a mixture of spinel lherzolite and pyroxenite (± garnet). In contrast, the sixth unit, the main Piano Provenzana formation (~ 42–30 ka), includes the most evolved trachyandesitic lavas (58–62 wt% SiO2) and exhibits notably lower176Hf/177Hf,143Nd/144Nd, and206Pb/204Pb ratios than the other prehistoric Valle del Bove units. This isotopic signature has not yet been observed in any other samples from Mt. Etna and we suggest that the parental melts of the trachyandesites were derived predominantly from ancient pyroxenite in the mantle source of Etna.
The in situ near-total pancreatectomy (LIVOCADO procedure) for end-staged chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Baron Ryan D. , Sheel Andrea R. G. , Farooq Ammad , Kleeff Jörg , Contin Pietro , Halloran Christopher M. , Neoptolemos John P.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Total pancreatectomy for severe pain in end-stage chronic pancreatitis may be the only option, but with vascular involvement, this is usually too high risk and/or technically not feasible. The purpose of the study was to present the clinical outcomes of a novel procedure in severe chronic pancreatitis complicated by uncontrollable pain and vascular involvement.

Methods

We describe an in situ near-total pancreatectomy that avoids peripancreatic vascular dissection (Livocado procedure) and report on surgical and clinical outcomes.

Results

The Livocado procedure was carried out on 18 (3.9%) of 465 patients undergoing surgery for chronic pancreatitis. There were 13 men and 5 women with a median (IQR) age of 48.5 (42.4–57) years and weight of 60.7 (58.0–75.0) kg. All had severe pain and vascular involvement; 17 had pancreatic parenchymal calcification; the median (IQR) oral morphine equivalent dose requirement was 86 (33–195) mg/day. The median (IQR) maximal pain scores were 9 (9–10); the average pain score was 6 (IQR 4–7). There was no peri-operative or 90-day mortality. At a median (IQR) follow-up of 32.5 (21–45.75) months, both maximal and average pain scores were significantly improved post-operatively, and at 12 months, two-thirds of patients were completely pain free. Six (33%) patients had employment pre-operatively versus 13 (72%) post-operatively (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The Livocado procedure was safe and carried out successfully in patients with chronic pancreatitis with vascular involvement where other procedures would be contraindicated. Perioperative outcomes, post-operative pain scores, and employment rehabilitation were comparable with other procedures carried out in patients without vascular involvement.
High incidence of inguinal hernias among patients with congenital abdominal wall defects: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Raitio Arimatias , Kalliokoski Nelly , Syvänen Johanna , Harju Samuli , Tauriainen Asta , Hyvärinen Anna , Gissler Mika , Helenius Ilkka , Sankilampi Ulla
Published: June 2021

The aim of this nationwide population-based case–control study was to assess the incidence of inguinal hernia (IH) among patients with congenital abdominal wall defects. All infants born with congenital abdominal wall defects between Jan 1, 1998, and Dec 31, 2014, were identified in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations. Six controls matched for gestational age, sex, and year of birth were selected for each case in the Medical Birth Register. The Finnish Hospital Discharge Register was searched for relevant diagnosis codes for IH, and hernia incidence was compared between cases and controls. We identified 178 infants with gastroschisis and 150 with omphalocele and selected randomly 1968 matched, healthy controls for comparison. Incidence of IH was significantly higher in gastroschisis girls than in matched controls, relative risk (RR) 7.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25–23.07). In boys with gastroschisis, no statistically significant difference was observed, RR 1.60 (95% CI 0.75–3.38). Omphalocele was associated with higher risk of IH compared to matched controls, RR 6.46 (95% CI 3.90–10.71), and the risk was equally elevated in male and female patients.

Conclusion: Risk of IH is significantly higher among patients with congenital abdominal wall defects than in healthy controls supporting hypothesis that elevated intra-abdominal pressure could prevent natural closure of processus vaginalis. Parents should be informed of this elevated hernia risk to avoid delays in seeking care. We also recommend careful follow-up during the first months of life as most of these hernias are diagnosed early in life.What is Known:• Inguinal hernia is one of the most common disorders encountered by a pediatric surgeon.• Prematurity increases the risk of inguinal hernia.What is New:• Children with congenital abdominal wall defects have a significantly higher risk of inguinal hernia than general population.• Families should be informed of this elevated hernia risk to avoid delays in seeking care.
Compact Sobolev embeddings on non-compact manifolds via orbit expansions of isometry groups
Authors: Farkas Csaba , Kristály Alexandru , Mester Ágnes
Published: June 2021

Given a complete non-compact Riemannian manifold (M, g) with certain curvature restrictions, we introduce an expansion condition concerning a group of isometriesGof (M, g) that characterizes the coerciveness ofGin the sense of Skrzypczak and Tintarev (Arch Math 101(3): 259–268, 2013). Furthermore, under these conditions, compact Sobolev-type embeddings à la Berestycki-Lions are proved for the full range of admissible parameters (Sobolev, Moser-Trudinger and Morrey). We also consider the case of non-compact Randers-type Finsler manifolds with finite reversibility constant inheriting similar embedding properties as their Riemannian companions; sharpness of such constructions are shown by means of the Funk model. As an application, a quasilinear PDE on Randers spaces is studied by using the above compact embeddings and variational arguments.