bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation and Microstructural Evolution of Nanostructured Pearlite under Tension versus Torsion
Authors: Khiratkar Vaibhav N. , Mishra Kushal , Singh Aparna
Published: November 2020

In the current work, nanostructured pearlitic steels in bulk with interlamellar spacing of 86 and 168 nm, respectively, are developed through suitable alloying combined with appropriate heat treatment. The specimens extracted from the steels are tested separately in tension and torsion. Under tensile extension, finer pearlite shows a higher yield strength and ultimate tensile strength but fractures at a lower value of strain. However, under torsion testing, finer pearlite deforms to higher shear stress while fracturing at marginally larger shear strain than the coarser pearlite. Under torsion loading, the fractured surface of the finer pearlite presents a larger length of ductile crack propagation (DCP) extending from the circumference toward the center before initiation of cleavage fracture. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the DCP region are used to characterize the deformation of cementite lamellae, whereas electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) maps reveal the misorientation changes in ferrite due to torsion. A more frequent and irregular change in ferrite misorientation for coarser pearlite in the DCP region is observed compared with finer pearlite. Bending and fragmentation of cementite lamellae are observed to be higher for fine pearlite, suggesting better strain accommodation. Thus, decreasing the lamellar spacing in nanostructured pearlite improves the torsional response.
Opportunity novelty, improvisation and network adaptation in the internationalization of SwedishSMEs
Authors: Hilmersson Mikael , Johanson Martin , Lundberg Heléne , Papaioannou Stylianos
Published: November 2020

By deviating from previous ways of working and improvising new solutions to problems in the internationalization process, small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) will increase the likelihood of developing novel international opportunities. In this way, for instance, unforeseen customer demand, rather than following a specific plan, may govern market choice. Such novel opportunities, in turn, are likely to require network adaptation in order for the firm to reach an insidership position in the international business network. By integrating international opportunity theory with theories on improvisational behavior, three hypotheses are developed between the constructs of international opportunity novelty, improvisation, and network adaptation. The hypotheses were tested with Structural Equation Modelling on 258 realized international opportunities developed by Swedish SMEs (European Union definition: number of employees 10–250) and were observed through on‐site visits. It is revealed that improvisation increases the degree of international opportunity novelty as well as the need for network adaptation. The degree of novelty of realized international opportunities positively influences the need for adaptation to a foreign network. Novelty can be seen as a proxy for opportunity's wealth‐creating potential, and developing improvisation capabilities seems to be a way to increase the novelty of international opportunities developed. Managers that are risk averse and therefore refrain from improvisation risk missing valuable novel opportunities.
Symmetries and stabilisers in modular invariant flavour models
Authors: de Medeiros Varzielas Ivo , Levy Miguel , Zhou Ye-Ling
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The idea of modular invariance provides a novel explanation of flavour mixing. Within the context of finite modular symmetries ΓN and for a given element γ ∈ ΓN, we present an algorithm for finding stabilisers (specific values for moduli fields τγ which remain unchanged under the action associated to γ). We then employ this algorithm to find all stabilisers for each element of finite modular groups for N = 2 to 5, namely, Γ2 ≃ S3, Γ3 ≃ A4, Γ4 ≃ S4 and Γ5 ≃ A5. These stabilisers then leave preserved a specific cyclic subgroup of ΓN. This is of interest to build models of fermionic mixing where each fermionic sector preserves a separate residual symmetry.
Axion quality from the (anti)symmetric of SU($$ \mathcal{N} $$)
Authors: Ardu Marco , Di Luzio Luca , Landini Giacomo , Strumia Alessandro , Teresi Daniele , Wang Jin-Wei
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We propose two models where a U(1) Peccei-Quinn global symmetry arises accidentally and is respected up to high-dimensional operators, so that the axion solution to the strong CP problem is successful even in the presence of Planck-suppressed operators. One model is SU($$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
) gauge interactions with fermions in the fundamental and a scalar in the symmetric. The axion arises from spontaneous symmetry breaking to SO($$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
), that confines at a lower energy scale. Axion quality in the model needs $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
≳ 10. SO bound states and possibly monopoles provide extra Dark Matter candidates beyond the axion. In the second model the scalar is in the anti-symmetric: SU($$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
) broken to Sp($$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
) needs even $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
≳ 20. The cosmological DM abundance, consisting of axions and/or super-heavy relics, can be reproduced if the PQ symmetry is broken before inflation (Boltzmann-suppressed production of super-heavy relics) or after (super-heavy relics in thermal equilibrium get partially diluted by dark glue-ball decays).
The potential of quantum annealing for rapid solution structure identification
Authors: Pang Yuchen , Coffrin Carleton , Lokhov Andrey Y. , Vuffray Marc
Published: November 2020

The recent emergence of novel computational devices, such as quantum computers, coherent Ising machines, and digital annealers presents new opportunities for hardware-accelerated hybrid optimization algorithms. Unfortunately, demonstrations of unquestionable performance gains leveraging novel hardware platforms have faced significant obstacles. One key challenge is understanding the algorithmic properties that distinguish such devices from established optimization approaches. Through the careful design of contrived optimization tasks, this work provides new insights into the computation properties of quantum annealing and suggests that this model has the potential to quickly identify the structure of high-quality solutions. A meticulous comparison to a variety of algorithms spanning both complete and local search suggests that quantum annealing’s performance on the proposed optimization tasks is distinct. This result provides new insights into the time scales and types of optimization problems where quantum annealing has the potential to provide notable performance gains over established optimization algorithms and suggests the development of hybrid algorithms that combine the best features of quantum annealing and state-of-the-art classical approaches.
My Meat Does Not Have Feathers: Consumers’ Associations with Pictures of Different Chicken Breeds
Authors: Escobedo del Bosque Cynthia I. , Busch Gesa , Spiller Achim , Risius Antje
Published: November 2020

The use of traditional chicken breeds with a dual purpose (egg and meat production) has become a relevant topic in Germany mainly due to animal welfare concerns and the importance of conserving genetic variability in poultry farming. However, consumers have little knowledge about the different chicken breeds used in the industry; making it challenging to communicate traditional breeds and their advantages to consumers. Hence, this study takes the approach to look at consumers’ perceptions of different breeds. We analyze consumers’ evaluations of pictures showing four dual-purpose chicken breeds. First, an eye-tracking study (n = 24) and think-aloud protocols (n = 28) were used to obtain open associations consumers make with each breed. Based on the results, an online survey was conducted (n = 933) to quantify consumers associations with different breeds and consumers’ interest in meat products with animal pictures on the packaging. Results show that consumers’ attention to pictures of chickens is mostly focused on their body and head, particularly with the Vorwerkhuhn. Consumers associate white breeds to white egg and meat production, while brown breeds are associated to brown egg production. Only a smaller segment of consumers (32%; n = 292), who are more engaged to animal welfare, accept pictures of animals on meat packages. We conclude that the marketing of meat products of traditional chicken breeds by using pictures is not a useful approach for the mass market. However, within smaller market concepts, such pictures can be used to communicate an alternative chicken meat production system that may lead to purchases of traditional dual-purpose breeds.
$$^3$$He Universe 2020
Authors: Volovik G. E.
Published: November 2020

The latest news from $$^3$$

3

He Universe are presented together with the extended map of the Universe.
Anticonvulsant Effectiveness and Neurotoxicity Profile of 4-butyl-5-[(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)methyl]-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione (TPL-16) in Mice
Authors: Drabik Magdalena , Głuszak Mariusz , Wróblewska-Łuczka Paula , Plewa Zbigniew , Jankiewicz Marek , Kozińska Justyna , Florek-Łuszczki Magdalena , Plech Tomasz , Łuszczki Jarogniew J.
Published: November 2020

Protective (antiseizure) effects of 4-butyl-5-[(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-methyl]-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione (TPL-16) and acute neurotoxic effects were determined in the tonic-clonic seizure model and rotarod test in mice. The interaction profile of four classic antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproate) with TPL-16 was also determined in the tonic-clonic seizure model in mice. The protective effects of TPL-16 from tonic-clonic seizures (as ED50 values) and acute neurotoxic effects of TPL-16 (as TD50 values) were determined in 4 pretreatment times (15, 30, 60 and 120 min after its i.p. administration), in adult male albino Swiss mice. The interaction profile of TPL-16 with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproate in the tonic-clonic seizure model was determined with isobolographic analysis. Total concentrations of carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproate were measured in the mouse brain homogenates. The candidate for novel antiepileptic drug (TPL-16) administered separately 15 min before experiments, has a beneficial profile with protective index (as ratio of TD50 and ED50 values) amounting to 5.58. The combination of TPL-16 with valproate produced synergistic interaction in the tonic-clonic seizure model in mice. The combinations of TPL-16 with carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin produced additive interaction in terms of protection from tonic-clonic seizures in mice. None of the total brain concentrations of classic AEDs were changed significantly after TPL-16 administration in mice. Synergistic interaction for TPL-16 with valproate and the additive interaction for TPL-16 with carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin in the tonic-clonic seizures in mice allows for recommending TPL-16 as the promising drug for further experimental and clinical testing.
Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben als Präventions- und Personalbindungsstrategie
Authors: Raiber Lea , Boscher Claudia , Fischer Florian , Winter Maik H.-J.
Published: November 2020

Hintergrund

Der hohe Bedarf an Pflegekräften macht wirksame Strategien zu ihrer Rekrutierung und Bindung derzeit notwendiger denn je. Dazu gehören Maßnahmen zur Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben, die zugleich der Personalbindung sowie der Prävention und somit der Gesunderhaltung von Pflegenden dienen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Der Beitrag analysiert die Erfolgseinschätzung, Potenziale und Umsetzung von Maßnahmen zur Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben in Pflegeeinrichtungen.

Methoden

Die Daten wurden mittels schriftlicher Befragung von Personalverantwortlichen in Pflegeeinrichtungen der Region Bodensee-Oberschwaben erhoben (n = 59) und anhand des χ2-Tests und Korrelationsanalysen nach Spearman ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Hohe Arbeitsbelastung des Pflegepersonals, zu geringe Personalkapazität zur Dienstplangestaltung und der Wunsch nach Arbeitszeitreduzierung stellen häufig große Probleme in den Pflegeeinrichtungen dar. Maßnahmen zur Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie gelten überwiegend als erfolgreich für die Fachkräftesicherung. Das größte zukünftige Potenzial wird in Maßnahmen zur Steigerung der Dienstplanverlässlichkeit und im Angebot flexibler Arbeitszeitformen gesehen. In der Praxis wird beides jedoch sehr heterogen realisiert. Die Umsetzung steht u. a. in Zusammenhang mit den Problemlagen in den Pflegeeinrichtungen.

Diskussion

Obwohl Maßnahmen zur Vereinbarkeit in der Pflegebranche an Relevanz gewinnen, werden sie dennoch vergleichsweise selten angewandt. Dies deutet auf ein bislang ungenutztes Potenzial – sowohl im Sinne der Mitarbeiter*innenbindung als auch der Prävention – hin, das einen doppelten Gewinn impliziert: Für die Pflegenden, da sie gesünder und zufriedener sind, und für die Arbeitgeber, da das Erwerbstätigenpotenzial länger erhalten bleibt.
Stretchable piezoresistive vs. capacitive silicon sensors integrated into ski base layer pants for measuring the knee flexion angle
Authors: Hermann Aljoscha , Ostarhild Julius , Mirabito Yakira , Bauer Nicole , Senner Veit
Published: November 2020

The knee is the most often injured body part in alpine skiing. The loads on different structures of the knee, and thus the risk of injury, is influenced by the flexion angle of the knee joint. A mechatronic ski binding continuously supplied with information about the knee joint’s flexion angle could adjust its release settings to react to the situation appropriately. In this study, a silicon-based piezoresistive sensor fibre and capacitive silicon sensor were compared with respect to their ability to measure the knee flexion angle. Each sensor type was incorporated in base layer compression pants. These sensor-underwear-systems were validated using a flexion test rig and in a human subject test (n = 20). The pants with capacitive sensors performed better, as they were more accurate (e.g. mean error 3.4° ± 5.1° of the capacitive sensor vs. 10.6° ± 7.5° of the resistive sensor in the human subject test) and had fewer hysteresis effects. Flexible sensors integrated into compression underwear can provide valuable data of the knee angles for performance measurements in sports or safety systems, and thus may help to reduce knee injuries.
First Expert Evaluation of a New Steerable Catheter in an Isolated Beating Heart
Authors: Ali Awaz , Szili-Torok Tamas , Stijnen Marco , Breedveld Paul , Dodou Dimitra
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In previous studies we developed two mechanical prototypes of steerable catheters: theSigma, which uses joysticks to actuate two steerable tip segments, and theEpsilon, which has a handle that is an enlarged version of the tip. In this study, we present a first performance evaluation of the prototypes in the cardiac environment. The evaluation was carried out by an expert user, an electrophysiologist with over 20 years of experience, to obtain insight in clinically relevant factors.

Methods

Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, theSigmawas used in a passive beating heart setup connected to pumps with a saline solution and camera visualization, and compared with the expert’s past experience with conventional steerable catheters. In the second experiment, theSigmawas used in an active beating heart setup with blood perfusion through the coronary arteries and echo visualization, and compared with theEpsilonprototype. The prototype was evaluated through questionnaires on task performance, catheter usability, and workload. After each of the experiments, the catheter characteristics were evaluatedviaa survey and followed by an in-depth interview.

Results & Conclusions

The expert user found the passive beating heart setup to more successful than the active beating heart setup for the purpose of this experiment, with insightful visualization while the heart was in beating condition. The steerability of the prototypes was experienced as useful and clinically relevant. Based on the questionnaires and interview we were able to identify future design improvements and developments for the steerable catheter prototypes.
Thermal Analyses of Power Electronics Integrated with Vapour Chamber Cooling
Authors: Chen Yiyi , Yan Yuying , Li Bo
Published: November 2020

Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power module is used for power switching transistor devices in the power supply and motor control circuits in both hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. The target of heat flux of IGBT is continuously increasing due to the demand for power rating improvements and miniaturisation. Without suitable efficient cooling technologies, excessively high temperature and uneven temperature distribution can cause high thermal stress, eventually leading to severe module failures. Therefore, highly efficient cooling solutions are highly required. Vapour chamber with phase change can provide quick heat transfer and low temperature gradient. This study proposes a new IGBT structure integrated with vapour chamber. The tests and simulation results indicate that the thermal and thermo-mechanical performances of IGBT integrated with vapour chamber are better than those of the IGBT with copper baseplate module. The thermal resistance between the junction and heat sink is reduced from 0.25 to 0.14 °C/W, and the temperature uniformity is greatly improved due to the phase change in the vapour chamber. The simulation also investigates the thermal stress distribution, deformation and thermal fatigue lifespan of IGBT power electronics module. A reduction of 21.8% in thermal stress and an increase of 9% in lifespan of Sn–3.5Ag solder are achieved.
Motivated Reasoning and Implicit Carbon Prices: Overcoming Public Opposition to Carbon Taxes and Emissions Trading Schemes
Authors: DOMINIONI Goran
Published: November 2020

Analysts agree that public opposition is one of the main factors that hinder ambition in many countries’ carbon pricing policy agenda. This article argues that motivated reasoning contributes to this opposition by inducing the public to underestimate the effectiveness of carbon pricing to mitigate climate change and yield co-benefits. This article also argues that measures of implicit carbon pricing can help overcome public opposition to carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes due to motivated reasoning. These measures are becoming increasingly available thanks to recent work by the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and private-sector actors, and therefore they offer a potential instrument for reducing public opposition to carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes in various countries. A strength of the approach proposed in this article – compared to some of the mainstream approaches to risk regulation – is that it tries is to keep the regulation of climate risks in line with public attitudes towards these risks.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Wu Mingyang , Xie Cong , Wu Ran , Shu Yanling , Wang Lulin , Li Mingyan , Wang Youjie
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Hubei Province, China.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Participants:

The participants in this study are cases identified by epidemiological investigation in Hubei Province, as of February 27, 2020, and were followed until March 7, 2020. In total, 1,989 HCWs and 41,137 other occupational cases were included for analysis.

Methods:

We used descriptive statistics to summarize patient characteristics.

Results:

Of 1,989 laboratory-confirmed HCWs, 297 (14.93%) had severe or critical cases, 73 (3.67%) had asymptomatic infections, and 18 died of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The case fatality rate was 0.9%. The proportion of severe or critical cases decreased from the beginning to the end of the outbreak (from 21.29% to 3.52%), and the proportion of asymptomatic cases increased from 0.0% to 47.18%. Nearly half of HCWs with confirmed COVID-19 reported no known contact with COVID-19 patients (969, 48.72%). Fever and cough were the most common symptoms at disease onset in both HCWs and other occupational cases; however, HCWs had higher rates of fatigue (30.90% vs 25.02%; P < .001) and myalgia (19.15% vs 13.43%; P < .001). Additionally, compared with other occupational groups, HCWs were associated with a lower risk of death after adjustment for potential confounders (odd ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30–0.79).

Conclusions:

Compared with COVID-19 cases in other occupational groups, HCWs with COVID-19 have half the risk of death, although they have been shown to have higher rates of fatigue and myalgia.
EL GIGANTE CON PIES DE BARRO: ¿FUE LA ARGENTINA REALMENTE RICA? EL CAPITAL HUMANO DURANTE LA PRIMERA GLOBALIZACIÓN EN UNA PERSPECTIVA COMPARADA
Authors: Ladeuix Joaquín , Schiaffino Pablo
Published: November 2020

El presente trabajo pretende explorar un aspecto pasado por alto por la literatura de historia económica comparada entre Argentina, Australia y Canadá: el capital humano. Mediante la comparación con estos países en los años de la Primera Globalización, analiza los stocks de capital humano con los que contaba la Argentina durante fines del siglo XIX y la primera parte del XX, y realiza un aporte principal: la Argentina del período presenta un problema de desigualdad regional (y de persistencia de esa desigualdad) ausente en el resto de las “economías de reciente poblamiento”.
Dialects, registers and intraindividual variation: Outside the scope of generative frameworks?
Authors: Eide Kristin Melum , Åfarli Tor A.
Published: November 2020

This article explores intraindividual microvariation in dialect syntax. We argue that in many cases the speaker has internalized a different (sub)grammar for each dialectal variety, in line with the hypothesis of universal bilingualism and parallel grammars argued for by Roeper (1999 et seq.). We discuss the question of how we can distinguish parallel grammars from optionality within one grammar, suggesting that the identification of correlating contextual factors might be a promising criterion. However, we also explore a more subtle type of variation, namely cases where a standard variety influences a potentially more vulnerable non-standard variety in a way that makes it exceedingly difficult for the language user and even for a trained linguist to discern what is what. We discuss whether or not these properties should be analysed as properties of another subgrammar (the standard grammar) or as fully integrated (albeit acquired) properties of the non-standard dialect.
Sievers’ Law and the Skåäng Stone
Authors: Mees Bernard
Published: November 2020

Early runic inscriptions are the best evidence for the oldest historical development of North Germanic. Yet among the many unexpected features of the inscriptions as they are usually presented is the apparent presence of vowels before glides that seem to occur contrary to Sievers’ Law. These include perhaps most prominently the sequence usually read as  on the Skåäng stone where the Vimose comb preserves the expected form . Rather than assume that a Neogrammarian sound law is violated in a runic text, a more profitable approach is usually to assume that it is the interpretation that is at fault. Many of the instances where Sievers’ Law vocalizations seem to occur in an aberrant manner are texts that are better explained in manners other than have traditionally been accepted.
Profitability prospects, risk aversion and time preferences of soybean producers in the region of Santarém, Brazilian Amazon: perspectives for an ecological transition
Authors: Leblanc Gabriel , Lucotte Marc , Mertens Frédéric , Séguin Charles
Published: November 2020

Reducing adverse environmental consequences of modern industrial agriculture requires an ecological transition of agricultural practices. An important determinant of adoption of new agricultural practices by producers is the perceived profitability of these practices. The profitability of ecological agricultural practices tends to rely on improved crop prices and reduced input use. Transition to such practices often entails increased profit volatility (risk) and long-term returns (temporal profile). Ideal candidates for transition would therefore be aware of the output price and input costs dimensions of their profitability, as well as willing to assume some risks and show patience to value long-term returns. We assessed the potential for such a transition along these three dimensions (profitability, risk aversion and time preferences) in a group of soybean producers in the agricultural frontier of the Brazilian Amazon. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire and economic tests in the region of Santarém (State of Pará, Brazil). We found that, while these producers have a low-risk aversion that could favor the adoption of new ecological practices, their focus on increasing yields to enhance profits and their high discount rates considerably reduces their propensity to adopt these practices.
Historicist Architecture and Stalinist Futurity
Authors: Kalashnikov Antony
Published: November 2020

Architectural practice in the Stalinist USSR saw the sudden and rapid revival of historical forms and styles. One approach interprets this development as part of a reactionary shift in Soviet temporal culture, a “Great Retreat” across all spheres of social and political life. The rival conception sees in historicism an aesthetic of “timelessness” and “perfection,” which expressed Stalinism's self-characterization as an eternal, utopian present. This paper presents a third perspective, arguing that the revival of historicism stemmed, paradoxically, from a future-oriented impulse. This revolved around the charge that Stalinist architecture “immortalize the memory” of the era, to ensure posterity's gratitude and admiration. Accordingly, Stalinist architects drew upon supposedly enduring historical styles, which they expected to remain understandable to future generations. Further, time-tested traditional materials, forms, and decorative mediums were employed to ensure the physical durability of Stalinist architectural monuments. The paper concludes by situating this logic in the global context of interwar monumental architecture and considering some implications for our understanding of Stalinist temporality.
Plasma Density and Magnetic Field Fluctuations in the Ion Gyro‐Frequency Range Near the Diamagnetic Cavity of Comet 67P
Authors: Odelstad E. , Eriksson A. I. , André M. , Graham D. B. , Karlsson T. , Vaivads A. , Vigren E. , Goetz C. , Nilsson H. , Henri P. , Stenberg‐Wieser G.
Published: November 2020

We report the detection of large‐amplitude, quasi‐harmonic density fluctuations with associated magnetic field oscillations in the region surrounding the diamagnetic cavity of comet 67P. Typical frequencies are ∼0.1 Hz, corresponding to ∼10 times the water and
times the proton gyro‐frequencies, respectively. Magnetic field oscillations are not always clearly observed in association with these density fluctuations, but when they are, they consistently have wave vectors perpendicular to the background magnetic field, with the principal axis of polarization close to field‐aligned and with a ∼90° phase shift with respect to the density fluctuations. The fluctuations are observed in association with asymmetric plasma density and magnetic field enhancements previously found in the region surrounding the diamagnetic cavity, occurring predominantly on their descending slopes. This is a new type of waves not previously observed at comets. They are likely ion Bernstein waves, and we propose that they are excited by unstable ring, ring‐beam, or spherical shell distributions of cometary ions just outside the cavity boundary. These waves may play an important role in redistributing energy between different particle populations and reshape the plasma environment of the comet.
Hail Climatology Along the Northeastern Adriatic
Authors: Jelić Damjan , Megyeri Otília Anna , Malečić Barbara , Belušić Vozila Andreina , Strelec Mahović Nataša , Telišman Prtenjak Maja
Published: November 2020

General awareness and overall interest regarding hailstorms and hail properties in Europe have increased significantly in the last several decades and have resulted in numerous local, national, and even Europe‐wide studies on hail and hail properties. To contribute to this field, we determined the hail climatology in the northeastern (NE) Adriatic region and analyzed its spatial and temporal patterns and performed an objectively derived weather type analysis of ERA5 daily mean data and instability indices. We studied the NE Adriatic region due to its focus on agricultural activities and on quality wine production. Our results are based on approximately 60 years of high spatial resolution measurements collected from 27 stations across complex terrain. The results show (i) high levels of spatial variability, (ii) significant annual variations, and (iii) hail throughout the whole year that (iv) intensifies in summer months. Furthermore, redistribution of hail among seasons (in particular, from summer to spring) was detected. Most significant changes were visible in the June–October period, with a negative trend of −0.06 hail days/year, and the period from November to March exhibited a positive trend of 0.13 hail cases/year. We found that deep cyclonic systems in front of and above our domain were most responsible for hail generation, often supported by southwesterly winds. Additionally, the vast majority of observed hail events occurred in unstable and sheared environments.
Mutational profiles associated with resistance in patients with BRAFV600E mutant colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab and encorafenib +/− binimetinib or alpelisib
Authors: Huijberts Sanne C. F. A. , Boelens Mirjam C. , Bernards Rene , Opdam Frans L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Treatment strategies inhibiting BRAF in combination with EGFR have been developed in patients with BRAFV600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, but intrinsic and secondary resistance remains a challenge. We aimed to investigate which genetic alterations cause intrinsic non-response and/or acquired resistance in these patients receiving therapies consisting of a backbone of BRAF and EGFR inhibition.

Methods

This was a cohort study on genetic alterations in patients with BRAFV600E mutant advanced colorectal cancer treated with inhibitors of the MAPK pathway. We examined tumour tissue for genetic alterations at baseline, during treatment and at progression.

Results

In total, 37 patients were included in this cohort. Genetic alterations in EGFR and in PIK3CA are associated with non-response. A greater fraction of non-responders (75%) versus responders (46%) had at least one genetic alteration in other genes than TP53, APC or BRAF. Secondary resistance mutations (n = 16 patients) were observed most frequently in the PI3K pathway (n = 6) and in receptor tyrosine kinases (n = 4), leading to increased upstream signalling.

Conclusions

Genetic alterations in the PI3K and upstream receptor tyrosine kinases were mostly associated with intrinsic and acquired resistance. By understanding these alterations, simultaneous or alternating treatments with targeted inhibitors might improve response duration.
Mutational drivers of cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Novikov Nikita M. , Zolotaryova Sofia Y. , Gautreau Alexis M. , Denisov Evgeny V.
Published: November 2020

Genomic instability and mutations underlie the hallmarks of cancer—genetic alterations determine cancer cell fate by affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis and immune response, and increasing data show that mutations are involved in metastasis, a crucial event in cancer progression and a life-threatening problem in cancer patients. Invasion is the first step in the metastatic cascade, when tumour cells acquire the ability to move, penetrate into the surrounding tissue and enter lymphatic and blood vessels in order to disseminate. A role for genetic alterations in invasion is not universally accepted, with sceptics arguing that cellular motility is related only to external factors such as hypoxia, chemoattractants and the rigidity of the extracellular matrix. However, increasing evidence shows that mutations might trigger and accelerate the migration and invasion of different types of cancer cells. In this review, we summarise data from published literature on the effect of chromosomal instability and genetic mutations on cancer cell migration and invasion.
SARS-CoV-2 structure and replication characterized by in situ cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Klein Steffen , Cortese Mirko , Winter Sophie L. , Wachsmuth-Melm Moritz , Neufeldt Christopher J. , Cerikan Berati , Stanifer Megan L. , Boulant Steeve , Bartenschlager Ralf , Chlanda Petr
Published: November 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the COVID19 pandemic, is a highly pathogenic β-coronavirus. As other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is enveloped, replicates in the cytoplasm and assembles at intracellular membranes. Here, we structurally characterize the viral replication compartment and report critical insights into the budding mechanism of the virus, and the structure of extracellular virions close to their native state by in situ cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. We directly visualize RNA filaments inside the double membrane vesicles, compartments associated with viral replication. The RNA filaments show a diameter consistent with double-stranded RNA and frequent branching likely representing RNA secondary structures. We report that assembled S trimers in lumenal cisternae do not alone induce membrane bending but laterally reorganize on the envelope during virion assembly. The viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs) are accumulated at the curved membrane characteristic for budding sites suggesting that vRNP recruitment is enhanced by membrane curvature. Subtomogram averaging shows that vRNPs are distinct cylindrical assemblies. We propose that the genome is packaged around multiple separate vRNP complexes, thereby allowing incorporation of the unusually large coronavirus genome into the virion while maintaining high steric flexibility between the vRNPs.
X-ray flares from the stellar tidal disruption by a candidate supermassive black hole binary
Authors: Shu Xinwen , Zhang Wenjie , Li Shuo , Jiang Ning , Dou Liming , Yan Zhen , Xie Fu-Guo , Shen Rongfeng , Sun Luming , Liu Fukun , Wang Tinggui
Published: November 2020

Optical transient surveys have led to the discovery of dozens of stellar tidal disruption events (TDEs) by massive black hole in the centers of galaxies. Despite extensive searches, X-ray follow-up observations have produced no or only weak X-ray detections in most of them. Here we report the discovery of delayed X-ray brightening around 140 days after the optical outburst in the TDE OGLE16aaa, followed by several flux dips during the decay phase. These properties are unusual for standard TDEs and could be explained by the presence of supermassive black hole binary or patchy obscuration. In either scenario, the X-rays can be produced promptly after the disruption but are blocked in the early phase, possibly by a radiation-dominated ejecta which leads to the bulk of optical and ultraviolet emission. Our findings imply that the reprocessing is important in the TDE early evolution, and X-ray observations are promising in revealing supermassive black hole binaries.
Phased-array combination of 2D MRS for lipid composition quantification in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Mallikourti Vasiliki , Cheung Sai Man , Gagliardi Tanja , Senn Nicholas , Masannat Yazan , McGoldrick Trevor , Sharma Ravi , Heys Steven D. , He Jiabao
Published: November 2020

Lipid composition in breast cancer, a central marker of disease progression, can be non-invasively quantified using 2D MRS method of double quantum filtered correlation spectroscopy (DQF-COSY). The low signal to noise ratio (SNR), arising from signal retention of only 25% and depleted lipids within tumour, demands improvement approaches beyond signal averaging for clinically viable applications. We therefore adapted and examined combination algorithms, designed for 1D MRS, for 2D MRS with both internal and external references. Lipid composition spectra were acquired from 17 breast tumour specimens, 15 healthy female volunteers and 25 patients with breast cancer on a clinical 3 T MRI scanner. Whitened singular value decomposition (WSVD) with internal reference yielded maximal SNR with an improvement of 53.3% (40.3–106.9%) in specimens, 84.4 ± 40.6% in volunteers, 96.9 ± 54.2% in peritumoural adipose tissue and 52.4% (25.1–108.0%) in tumours in vivo. Non-uniformity, as variance of improvement across peaks, was low at 21.1% (13.7–28.1%) in specimens, 5.5% (4.2–7.2%) in volunteers, 6.1% (5.0–9.0%) in peritumoural tissue, and 20.7% (17.4–31.7%) in tumours in vivo. The bias (slope) in improvement ranged from − 1.08 to 0.21%/ppm along the diagonal directions. WSVD is therefore the optimal algorithm for lipid composition spectra with highest SNR uniformly across peaks, reducing acquisition time by up to 70% in patients, enabling clinical applications.
The relationship between specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, morbid obesity and weight loss after bariatric surgery
Authors: Schulte Fabian , Asbeutah Abdul Aziz , Benotti Peter N. , Wood G. Craig , Still Christopher , Bistrian Bruce R. , Hardt Markus , Welty Francine K.
Published: November 2020

Obesity and diabetes are associated with chronic inflammation. Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs)—resolvins (Rv), protectins (PD) and maresins (MaR)—actively resolve inflammation. Bariatric surgery achieves remission of diabetes, but mechanisms are unclear. We measured SPMs and proinflammatory eicosanoid levels using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 29 morbidly obese subjects (13 with diabetes) and 15 nondiabetic, mildly obese subjects. Compared to the mildly obese, the morbidly obese had higher levels of SPMs—RvD3, RvD4 and PD1—and white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. Post-surgery, SPM and platelet levels decreased in morbidly obese nondiabetic subjects but not in diabetic subjects, suggesting continued inflammation. Despite similar weight reductions 1 year after surgery (44.6% vs. 46.6%), 8 diabetes remitters had significant reductions in WBC and platelet counts whereas five non-remitters did not. Remitters had a 58.2% decrease (p = 0.03) in 14-HDHA, a maresin pathway marker; non-remitters had an 875.7% increase in 14-HDHA but a 36.9% decrease in MaR1 to a median of 0. In conclusion, higher levels of RvD3, PD1 and their pathway marker, 17-HDHA, are markers of leukocyte activation and inflammation in morbid obesity and diabetes and diminish with weight loss in nondiabetic but not diabetic subjects, possibly representing sustained inflammation in the latter. Lack of diabetes remission after surgically-induced weight loss may be associated with reduced ability to produce MaR1 and sustained inflammation.
Genome-wide association study to identify genomic regions and positional candidate genes associated with male fertility in beef cattle
Authors: Sweett H. , Fonseca P. A. S. , Suárez-Vega A. , Livernois A. , Miglior F. , Cánovas A.
Published: November 2020

Fertility plays a key role in the success of calf production, but there is evidence that reproductive efficiency in beef cattle has decreased during the past half-century worldwide. Therefore, identifying animals with superior fertility could significantly impact cow-calf production efficiency. The objective of this research was to identify candidate regions affecting bull fertility in beef cattle and positional candidate genes annotated within these regions. A GWAS using a weighted single-step genomic BLUP approach was performed on 265 crossbred beef bulls to identify markers associated with scrotal circumference (SC) and sperm motility (SM). Eight windows containing 32 positional candidate genes and five windows containing 28 positional candidate genes explained more than 1% of the genetic variance for SC and SM, respectively. These windows were selected to perform gene annotation, QTL enrichment, and functional analyses. Functional candidate gene prioritization analysis revealed 14 prioritized candidate genes for SC of whichMAP3K1andVIPwere previously found to play roles in male fertility. A different set of 14 prioritized genes were identified for SM and five were previously identified as regulators of male fertility (SOD2, TCP1, PACRG, SPEF2, PRLR). Significant enrichment results were identified for fertility and body conformation QTLs within the candidate windows. Gene ontology enrichment analysis including biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components revealed significant GO terms associated with male fertility. The identification of these regions contributes to a better understanding of fertility associated traits and facilitates the discovery of positional candidate genes for future investigation of causal mutations and their implications.
Artificial intelligence for the detection of vertebral fractures on plain spinal radiography
Authors: Murata Kazuma , Endo Kenji , Aihara Takato , Suzuki Hidekazu , Sawaji Yasunobu , Matsuoka Yuji , Nishimura Hirosuke , Takamatsu Taichiro , Konishi Takamitsu , Maekawa Asato , Yamauchi Hideya , Kanazawa Kei , Endo Hiroo , Tsuji Hanako , Inoue Shigeru , Fukushima Noritoshi , Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Sato Hiroki , Yamamoto Kengo
Published: November 2020

Vertebral fractures (VFs) cause serious problems, such as substantial functional loss and a high mortality rate, and a delayed diagnosis may further worsen the prognosis. Plain thoracolumbar radiography (PTLR) is an essential method for the evaluation of VFs. Therefore, minimizing the diagnostic errors of VFs on PTLR is crucial. Image identification based on a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) has been recognized to be potentially effective as a diagnostic strategy; however, the accuracy for detecting VFs has not been fully investigated. A DCNN was trained with PTLR images of 300 patients (150 patients with and 150 without VFs). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of diagnosis of the model were calculated and compared with those of orthopedic residents, orthopedic surgeons, and spine surgeons. The DCNN achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity rates of 86.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 82.0–90.0%], 84.7% (95% CI 78.8–90.5%), and 87.3% (95% CI 81.9–92.7%), respectively. Both the accuracy and sensitivity of the model were suggested to be noninferior to those of orthopedic surgeons. The DCNN can assist clinicians in the early identification of VFs and in managing patients, to prevent further invasive interventions and a decreased quality of life.
Monitoring atmospheric particulate matters using vertically resolved measurements of a polarization lidar, in-situ recordings and satellite data over Tehran, Iran
Authors: Panahifar Hossein , Moradhaseli Ruhollah , Khalesifard Hamid Reza
Published: November 2020

The highly polluted atmosphere above Tehran has been investigated by using a polarization lidar operating at 532 nm, in-situ particulate matter suites distributed over the city, and meteorological observations. The measurement campaign is conducted from Nov. 2014 to Jan. 2016. Three typical cases are studied in detail where, the atmosphere is polluted with urban pollution, mixture of urban pollution and dust particles from local sources, and long range transported dust from the Arabian Peninsula. For these cases, vertical profiles of the lidar backscatter coefficient, extinction coefficients, particle depolarization ratio ($$\delta _{\text {p}}$$

δ
p

) and mass concentrations of atmospheric aerosols (separated into dust and non-dust particles) are presented. Using the lidar recordings, variations of the planetary boundary layer height above the city are investigated along the year. During November to February, lidar profiles frequently show polluted boundary layers that are reaching up to 1 km above the ground level. The depolarization ratio ($$\delta _{\text {p}}$$

δ
p

) varies between 0.04 and 0.08 in the polluted boundary layer. During the campaign, for 103 days the urban pollution was dominant, 45 recorded dust events ($$0.15<\delta _{\text {p}}<0.20$$

0.15
<

δ
p

<
0.20

) were originated from the dry regions in the south of Tehran and 15 dust events ($$0.20<\delta _{\text {p}}<0.35$$

0.20
<

δ
p

<
0.35

) impacted the city that were originated from the Arabian Desert and Mesopotamia.
Insights for the application of TILs and AR in the treatment of TNBC in routine clinical practice
Authors: Losurdo Agnese , De Sanctis Rita , Fernandes Bethania , Torrisi Rosalba , Masci Giovanna , Agostinetto Elisa , Gatzemeier Wolfgang , Errico Valentina , Testori Alberto , Tinterri Corrado , Roncalli Massimo , Santoro Armando
Published: November 2020

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), usually presenting with a very aggressive phenotype, is a heterogeneous entity. We aim to discuss new biomarkers, suitable for prognostic and predictive purposes. We retrospectively collected clinical variables and immunohistochemical characteristics of early TNBCs, specifically focusing on the prognostic and predictive significance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and androgen receptor (AR) expression, assessing their correlation with clinical variables. Among 159 patients, TILs were significantly higher in younger patients and with lower BMI, and in tumors with higher ki-67 and greater nodal involvement; conversely, AR was significantly higher in older patients and in tumors with lower ki-67. Interestingly and in line with literature, both TILs level and ARs expression were lower within metastatic sites, in patients who developed distant metastases, compared to those found in the primary site. Small (pT1) and node negative tumors were highly represented and no correlation of either TILs or AR with prognosis could be observed. Our findings support the use of stromal TILs to identify a more aggressive, but chemo-sensitive phenotype, mostly represented in younger women, while AR may identify a less aggressive, slow-growing luminal TNBC subtype, more common among older patients. TILs and AR are worth implementing in routine clinical practice to refine prognosis even if, in our case series, we couldn’t identify a significant correlation of the two variables with either disease-free and overall survival.