bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABC-transporter CFTR folds with high fidelity through a modular, stepwise pathway
Authors: Im Jisu , Hillenaar Tamara , Yeoh Hui Ying , Sahasrabudhe Priyanka , Mijnders Marjolein , van Willigen Marcel , Hagos Azib , de Mattos Eduardo , van der Sluijs Peter , Braakman Ineke
Published: January 2023

The question how proteins fold is especially pointed for large multi-domain, multi-spanning membrane proteins with complex topologies. We have uncovered the sequence of events that encompass proper folding of the ABC transporter CFTR in live cells by combining kinetic radiolabeling with protease-susceptibility assays. We found that CFTR folds in two clearly distinct stages. The first, co-translational, stage involves folding of the 2 transmembrane domains TMD1 and TMD2, plus one nucleotide-binding domain, NBD1. The second stage is a simultaneous, post-translational increase in protease resistance for both TMDs and NBD2, caused by assembly of these domains onto NBD1. Our assays probe every 2–3 residues (on average) in CFTR. This in-depth analysis at amino-acid level allows detailed analysis of domain folding and importantly also the next level: assembly of the domains into native, folded CFTR. Defects and changes brought about by medicines, chaperones, or mutations also are amenable to analysis. We here show that the well-known disease-causing mutation F508del, which established cystic fibrosis as protein-folding disease, caused co-translational misfolding of NBD1 but not TMD1 nor TMD2 in stage 1, leading to absence of stage-2 folding. Corrector drugs rescued stage 2 without rescuing NBD1. Likewise, the DxD motif in NBD1 that was identified to be required for export of CFTR from the ER we found to be required already upstream of export as CFTR mutated in this motif phenocopies F508del CFTR. The highly modular and stepwise folding process of such a large, complex protein explains the relatively high fidelity and correctability of its folding.
On the critical exponent and sharp lifespan estimates for semilinear damped wave equations with data from Sobolev spaces of negative order
Authors: Chen Wenhui , Reissig Michael
Published: January 2023

We study semilinear damped wave equations with power nonlinearity $$|u|^p$$

|
u
|

p

and initial data belonging to Sobolev spaces of negative order $$\dot{H}^{-\gamma }$$

H
˙

-
γ

. In the present paper, we obtain a new critical exponent $$p=p_{\textrm{crit}}(n,\gamma ):=1+\frac{4}{n+2\gamma }$$

p
=

p
crit

(
n
,
γ
)

:
=
1
+

4

n
+
2
γ

for some $$\gamma \in (0,\frac{n}{2})$$

γ
∈
(
0
,

n
2

)

and low dimensions in the framework of Sobolev spaces of negative order. Precisely, global (in time) existence of small data Sobolev solutions of lower regularity is proved for $$p>p_{\textrm{crit}}(n,\gamma )$$

p
>

p
crit

(
n
,
γ
)

, and blow-up of weak solutions in finite time even for small data if $$1<p<p_{\textrm{crit}}(n,\gamma )$$

1
<
p
<

p
crit

(
n
,
γ
)

. Furthermore, in order to more accurately describe the blow-up time, we investigate sharp upper bound and lower bound estimates for the lifespan in the subcritical case.
Geometric multipole expansion and its application to semi-neutral inclusions of general shape
Authors: Choi Doosung , Kim Junbeom , Lim Mikyoung
Published: January 2023

We consider the conductivity problem with a simply connected or multi-coated inclusion in two dimensions. The potential perturbation due to an inclusion admits a classical multipole expansion whose coefficients are the so-called generalized polarization tensors (GPTs). The GPTs have been fundamental building blocks in conductivity inclusion problems. In this paper, we present a new concept of geometric multipole expansion and its expansion coefficients, named the Faber polynomial polarization tensors (FPTs), using the conformal mapping and the Faber polynomials associated with the inclusion. The proposed expansion leads us to a series solution method for a simply connected or multi-coated inclusion of general shape, while the classical expansion leads us to a series solution only for a single- or multilayer circular inclusion. We also provide matrix expressions for the FPTs using the Grunsky matrix of the inclusion. In particular, for the simply connected inclusion with extreme conductivity, the FPTs admit simple formulas in terms of the conformal mapping associated with the inclusion. As an application of the concept of the FPTs, we construct semi-neutral inclusions of general shape that show relatively negligible field perturbations for low-order polynomial loadings. These inclusions are of the multilayer structure whose material parameters are determined such that some coefficients of geometric multipole expansion vanish.
Thermoforming of wood-plastic composites: a compolytics-approach translating combined polymer and policy analyses into industrial design principles
Authors: Friedrich Daniel
Published: January 2023

Wood-plastic composite (WPC) saves plastics, but products are still limited to linear decking and cladding. For advanced productions of three-dimensional WPCs, design principles were derived from seven published pre-studies on thermoforming. For this, a combined method of polymer research and socio-technological investigations reported in WPC research as compolytics-approach, derived a total effect-model for thermoforming and developed a decision tree with target group-specific settings of production parameters. Fourteen application-relevant material properties were influenced (p = 0.001) by thermoforming, with the strongest effects on colour (max. R2 = 0.93), followed by strength criteria (max. R2 = 0.41). Satisfying private deciders’ preferences for optimal façade appearance, a highest possible temperature should be applied for narrow bending under high wood content. Professionals value maximal strength, which demands a compound-independent wider bending at lower heat. The applicability of the design principles was assessed by case studies serving further research on WPC product development.
Novel eco-friendly [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives efficiency against fungal deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage, Egypt
Authors: Geweely Neveen S. , Soliman Mona M. , Ali Rania A. , Hassaneen Hamdi M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: January 2023

Fungal deterioration is one of the major factors that significantly contribute to mummy cartonnage damage. Isolation and molecular identification of thirteen fungal species contributing to the deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage located in El-Lahun regions, Fayoum government, Egypt was performed. The most dominant deteriorated fungal species are Aspergillus flavus (25.70%), Aspergillus terreus (16.76%), followed by A. niger (13.97%). A newly synthesized series of tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activities in vitro against the isolated deteriorated fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Athelia bombacina, Aureobasidium iranianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. ramotenellum, Penicillium crustosum, P. polonicum, Talaromyces atroroseus, T. minioluteus and T. purpureogenus). The most efficient chalcone derivatives are new chalcone derivative numbers 9 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1 to 3 mg/mL followed by chalcone derivatives number 5 with MIC ranging from 1 to 4 mg/mL.
Contributions of Resin Cast Etching to Visualising the Osteocyte Lacuno-Canalicular Network Architecture in Bone Biology and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Sato Mari , Shah Furqan A.
Published: January 2023

Recent years have witnessed an evolution of imaging technologies towards sophisticated approaches for visualising cells within their natural environment(s) and for investigating their interactions with other cells, with adjacent anatomical structures, and with implanted biomaterials. Resin cast etching (RCE) is an uncomplicated technique involving sequential acid etching and alkali digestion of resin embedded bone to observe the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network using scanning electron microscopy. This review summarises the applicability of RCE to bone and the bone-implant interface. Quantitative parameters such as osteocyte size, osteocyte density, and number of canaliculi per osteocyte, and qualitative metrics including osteocyte shape, disturbances in the arrangement of osteocytes and canaliculi, and physical communication between osteocytes and implant surfaces can be investigated. Ageing, osteoporosis, long-term immobilisation, spinal cord injury, osteoarthritis, irradiation, and chronic kidney disease have been shown to impact osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network morphology. In addition to titanium, calcium phosphates, and bioactive glass, observation of direct connectivity between osteocytes and cobalt chromium provides new insights into the osseointegration potential of materials conventionally viewed as non-osseointegrating. Other applications include in vivo and in vitro testing of polymer-based tissue engineering scaffolds and tissue-engineered ossicles, validation of ectopic osteochondral defect models, ex vivo organ culture of whole bones, and observing the effects of gene dysfunction/deletion on the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network. Without additional contrast staining, any resin embedded specimen (including clinical biopsies) can be used for RCE. The multitude of applications described here attest to the versatility of RCE for routine use within correlative analytical workflows, particularly in biomaterials science.
Drag reduction using longitudinal vortices on a flat-back Ahmed body
Authors: Darabasz T. , Bonnavion G. , Cadot O. , Goraguer Y. , Borée J.
Published: January 2023

The paper presents different cavity wall designs at the rear of a flat-back Ahmed body to achieve drag reduction. The wake balance is assessed using the variance of the base pressure gradient and correlated to the obtained drag reduction. Without the rear cavity, the flat-back Ahmed body is subject to a steady instability producing a strong wake imbalance in the horizontal direction. The low drag rear design consists of a $$5^\circ$$

5
∘

inclined spoiler at the bottom (refered to as a diffuser) that first provokes a vertical imbalance and a non-inclined top spoiler with central imprints that re-balance the wake. The drag reduction is 11.5%, the wake structure is observed to respect the symmetry of the body base in both lateral and vertical directions suggesting a full stabilization of the initial steady instability. Both the wake balance and the stabilization are associated with the formation of a longitudinal vortex pair initiated at the imprint edges and penetrating the recirculating area.
Optic flow based spatial vision in insects
Authors: Egelhaaf Martin
Published: January 2023

The optic flow, i.e., the displacement of retinal images of objects in the environment induced by self-motion, is an important source of spatial information, especially for fast-flying insects. Spatial information over a wide range of distances, from the animal's immediate surroundings over several hundred metres to kilometres, is necessary for mediating behaviours, such as landing manoeuvres, collision avoidance in spatially complex environments, learning environmental object constellations and path integration in spatial navigation. To facilitate the processing of spatial information, the complexity of the optic flow is often reduced by active vision strategies. These result in translations and rotations being largely separated by a saccadic flight and gaze mode. Only the translational components of the optic flow contain spatial information. In the first step of optic flow processing, an array of local motion detectors provides a retinotopic spatial proximity map of the environment. This local motion information is then processed in parallel neural pathways in a task-specific manner and used to control the different components of spatial behaviour. A particular challenge here is that the distance information extracted from the optic flow does not represent the distances unambiguously, but these are scaled by the animal’s speed of locomotion. Possible ways of coping with this ambiguity are discussed.
Cryo-EM structures of amyloid-β filaments with the Arctic mutation (E22G) from human and mouse brains
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Wenjuan , Murzin Alexey G. , Schweighauser Manuel , Huang Melissa , Lövestam Sofia , Peak-Chew Sew Y. , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Macdonald Jennifer , Lavenir Isabelle , Ghetti Bernardino , Graff Caroline , Kumar Amit , Nordberg Agneta , Goedert Michel , Scheres Sjors H. W.
Published: January 2023

The Arctic mutation, encoding E693G in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene [E22G in amyloid-β (Aβ)], causes dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we report the high-resolution cryo-EM structures of Aβ filaments from the frontal cortex of a previously described case (AβPParc1) with the Arctic mutation. Most filaments consist of two pairs of non-identical protofilaments that comprise residues V12–V40 (human Arctic fold A) and E11–G37 (human Arctic fold B). They have a substructure (residues F20–G37) in common with the folds of type I and type II Aβ42. When compared to the structures of wild-type Aβ42 filaments, there are subtle conformational changes in the human Arctic folds, because of the lack of a side chain at G22, which may strengthen hydrogen bonding between mutant Aβ molecules and promote filament formation. A minority of Aβ42 filaments of type II was also present, as were tau paired helical filaments. In addition, we report the cryo-EM structures of Aβ filaments with the Arctic mutation from mouse knock-in line AppNL−G−F. Most filaments are made of two identical mutant protofilaments that extend from D1 to G37 (AppNL−G−F murine Arctic fold). In a minority of filaments, two dimeric folds pack against each other in an anti-parallel fashion. The AppNL−G−F murine Arctic fold differs from the human Arctic folds, but shares some substructure.
Blunt force trauma and blast injuries to head and chest caused by a potent pyrotechnic device: a case report
Authors: Hunold Thomas , Wittschieber Daniel , Ortmann Christian , Niederegger Senta , Eckardt Niklas , Mall Gita , Muggenthaler Holger
Published: January 2023

In times of peace and except for terrorist attacks, fatalities by explosions are rare. Fireworks have deadly potential, especially self-made or illegally acquired devices. The use of professional pyrotechnics by untrained persons poses a life-threatening hazard. We present a case of devastating blunt force and blast injuries to the head and chest of a young man. After ignition of a display shell (syn. a real shell or mortar shell) without the use of a launching pipe, the device hit the man’s face, nearly simultaneously followed by the explosion of the burst charge. The autopsy revealed injuries to the face and forehead as well as extensive tissue structure damage and a massive contusion with a bloody edema of the lungs. Autopsy results are supplemented with CT imaging and 3D reconstruction of the fractured mid face, as well as histological and toxicological examinations. This case of a misused display shell demonstrates both its devastating destructive potential and the corresponding and rarely observed injury pattern.
Co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway by patients, carers, and health professionals: the CanEAT pathway
Authors: Loeliger Jenelle , Dewar Sarah , Kiss Nicole , Dumbrell Jodi , Elliott Andrea , Kaegi Kate , Kelaart Amber , McIntosh Rebecca , Swan Wendy , Stewart Jane
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Limited practical resources exist to guide optimal nutrition care for patients, carers, and health professionals (HPs). This study aimed to co-design a cancer nutrition care pathway to guide and improve the provision of consistent, evidence-based care with consumers and HPs.

Methods

This study utilised an experienced-based co-design (EBCD) approach over five stages. Stage 1 involved stakeholder engagement and a literature review. Stage 2 included a survey and focus groups with patients/carers. Co-design workshops were conducted within stage 3, key stakeholder consultation within stage 4, and the finalisation and dissemination of the cancer nutrition care pathway formed stage 5. Results of stages 3 to 5 are the focus of this paper.

Results

Two co-design workshops were held with patients, carers, and HPs (n = 32 workshop 1; n = 32 workshop 2), who collectively agreed on areas of focus and key priorities. Following this, a consultation period was completed with patients, carers, and HPs (n = 45) to refine the pathway. The collective outcome of all study stages was the co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway (the CanEAT pathway) defining optimal cancer nutrition care that combines evidence-based practice tips into a centralised suite of resources, tools, and clinical guidance.

Conclusion

The CanEAT pathway was co-designed by patients, carers, and HPs. The EBCD approach is a meaningful way to develop targeted improvements in cancer care. The CanEAT pathway is freely available to guide and support patients, carers, and HPs to aid the implementation of optimal nutrition care into clinical practice.
Velocity pausing particle swarm optimization: a novel variant for global optimization
Authors: Shami Tareq M. , Mirjalili Seyedali , Al-Eryani Yasser , Daoudi Khadija , Izadi Saadat , Abualigah Laith
Published: January 2023

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is one of the most well-regard metaheuristics with remarkable performance when solving diverse optimization problems. However, PSO faces two main problems that degrade its performance: slow convergence and local optima entrapment. In addition, the performance of this algorithm substantially degrades on high-dimensional problems. In the classical PSO, particles can move in each iteration with either slower or faster speed. This work proposes a novel idea called velocity pausing where particles in the proposed velocity pausing PSO (VPPSO) variant are supported by a third movement option that allows them to move with the same velocity as they did in the previous iteration. As a result, VPPSO has a higher potential to balance exploration and exploitation. To avoid the PSO premature convergence, VPPSO modifies the first term of the PSO velocity equation. In addition, the population of VPPSO is divided into two swarms to maintain diversity. The performance of VPPSO is validated on forty three benchmark functions and four real-world engineering problems. According to the Wilcoxon rank-sum and Friedman tests, VPPSO can significantly outperform seven prominent algorithms on most of the tested functions on both low- and high-dimensional cases. Due to its superior performance in solving complex high-dimensional problems, VPPSO can be applied to solve diverse real-world optimization problems. Moreover, the velocity pausing concept can be easily integrated with new or existing metaheuristic algorithms to enhance their performances. The Matlab code of VPPSO is available at:https://uk.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/119633-vppso.
Characterization and genome analysis of Escherichia phage fBC-Eco01, isolated from wastewater in Tunisia
Authors: Grami Emna , Badawy Shimaa , Kiljunen Saija , Saidi Neila , Skurnik Mikael
Published: January 2023

The rise of antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains has led to vigorous exploration for alternative treatments. To this end, phage therapy has been revisited, and it is gaining increasing attention, as it may represent an efficient alternative for treating multiresistant pathogenic bacteria. Phage therapy is considered safe, and phages do not infect eukaryotic cells. There have been many studies investigating phage-host bacteria interactions and the ability of phages to target specific hosts. Escherichia coli is the causative agent of a multitude of infections, ranging from urinary tract infections to sepsis, with growing antibiotic resistance. In this study, we characterized the Escherichia phage fBC-Eco01, which was isolated from a water sample collected at Oued, Tunis. Electron microscopy showed that fBC-Eco01 phage particles have siphovirus morphology, with an icosahedral head of 61 ± 3 nm in diameter and a non-contractile tail of 94 ± 2 nm in length and 12 ± 0.9 nm in width. The genome of fBC-Eco01 is a linear double-stranded DNA of 43.466 bp with a GC content of 50.4%. Comparison to databases allowed annotation of the functions to 39 of the 78 predicted gene products. A single-step growth curve revealed that fBC-Eco01 has a latent period of 30 minutes and a burst size of 175 plaque-forming units (PFU) per infected cell. Genomic analysis indicated that fBC-Eco01 is a member of the subfamily Guernseyvirinae. It is most closely related to a group of phages of the genus Kagunavirus that infect Enterobacter, Raoultella, and Escherichia strains.
Non-functional requirements for machine learning: understanding current use and challenges among practitioners
Authors: Habibullah Khan Mohammad , Gay Gregory , Horkoff Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Systems that rely on Machine Learning (ML systems) have differing demands on quality—known as non-functional requirements (NFRs)—from traditional systems. NFRs for ML systems may differ in their definition, measurement, scope, and comparative importance. Despite the importance of NFRs in ensuring the quality ML systems, our understanding of all of these aspects is lacking compared to our understanding of NFRs in traditional domains. We have conducted interviews and a survey to understand how NFRs for ML systems are perceived among practitioners from both industry and academia. We have identified the degree of importance that practitioners place on different NFRs, including cases where practitioners are in agreement or have differences of opinion. We explore how NFRs are defined and measured over different aspects of a ML system (i.e., model, data, or whole system). We also identify challenges associated with NFR definition and measurement. Finally, we explore differences in perspective between practitioners in industry, academia, or a blended context. This knowledge illustrates how NFRs for ML systems are treated in current practice, and helps to guide future RE for ML efforts.
Alterations of CD8+ T cells in the blood and salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Li Hongxia , Zhou Yaxin , Wang Pengyu , Wang Yafei , Feng Yuan , Zhang Yan , Wu Zhenbiao
Published: January 2023

Objective

To identify the alterations of CD8+ T cells in blood and labial salivary glands (LSGs) of patients with Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Methods

Blood samples from 24 pSS patients were assayed for CD38+ HLA-DR+ CD8+ (activated CD8+, aCD8+) T cells and serum IFN-γ and TNF-α, using flow cytometry and ELISA respectively, and compared with samples from 27 healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to count CD8+ T cells in LSG tissues of 24 pSS patients and of 6 control patients with normal pathology.

Results

pSS patients had more aCD8+ T cells than aCD4+ T cells (medians 33.13% vs. 9.43%, p < 0.0001), and had an increased level of aCD8+ T cells (medians 33.13% vs. 16.48%, p < 0.0001) and serum IFN-γ (medians 1026 pg/mL vs. 0.00 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) compared to the healthy controls. The levels of aCD8+ T cells and IFN-γ were both significant positively correlated with European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index, IgG, anti-nuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor. The LSGs focus score (FS) ≥1 group had more CD8+ T cell counts than 0≤ FS <1 group and control group (medians 256/mm2 vs. 126/mm2 and 256/mm2 vs. 64/mm2 respectively, both p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The aCD8+ T cells and IFN-γ are positively correlated with each other, and predominantly elevated in the blood of pSS patients. In the LSG tissues of pSS, CD8+ T cell counts increase with severity of the lesions. CD8+ T cells may play crucial role in the pathogenesis of pSS.

Key Points• Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic and systemic autoimmune disease. pSS patients had elevated blood levels of CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+T cells and IFN-γ.• The CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+T cells positively correlated with disease parameters and serum IFN-γ.• The salivary glands of pSS patients had appreciable CD8+lymphocyte infiltration. CD8+T cells may play crucial role in the pathogenesis of pSS.
Information extraction pipelines for knowledge graphs
Authors: Jaradeh Mohamad Yaser , Singh Kuldeep , Stocker Markus , Both Andreas , Auer Sören
Published: January 2023

In the last decade, a large number of knowledge graph (KG) completion approaches were proposed. Albeit effective, these efforts are disjoint, and their collective strengths and weaknesses in effective KG completion have not been studied in the literature. We extendPlumber, a framework that brings together the research community’s disjoint efforts on KG completion. We include more components into the architecture ofPlumber  to comprise 40 reusable components for various KG completion subtasks, such as coreference resolution, entity linking, and relation extraction. Using these components,Plumberdynamically generates suitable knowledge extraction pipelines and offers overall 432 distinct pipelines. We study the optimization problem of choosing optimal pipelines based on input sentences. To do so, we train a transformer-based classification model that extracts contextual embeddings from the input and finds an appropriate pipeline. We study the efficacy ofPlumberfor extracting the KG triples using standard datasets over three KGs: DBpedia, Wikidata, and Open Research Knowledge Graph. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness ofPlumberin dynamically generating KG completion pipelines, outperforming all baselines agnostic of the underlying KG. Furthermore, we provide an analysis of collective failure cases, study the similarities and synergies among integrated components and discuss their limitations.
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans’ Amphibian Host Species and Invasion Range
Authors: Castro Monzon Federico , Rödel Mark-Oliver , Ruland Florian , Parra-Olea Gabriela , Jeschke Jonathan M.
Published: January 2023

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), a species related to the destructive pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), was found and identified in Europe in 2013. Now, a decade later, a large amount of information is available. This includes data from studies in the field, reports of infection in captive amphibians, laboratory studies testing host susceptibility, and data from prospective studies that test for Bsal’s presence in a location. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature and compiled a dataset of Bsal tests. We identified 67 species that have been reported positive for Bsal, 20 of which have a threatened conservation status. The distribution of species that have been found with infection encompasses 69 countries, highlighting the potential threat that Bsal poses. We point out where surveillance to detect Bsal have taken place and highlight areas that have not been well monitored. The large number of host species belonging to the families Plethodontidae and Salamandridae suggests a taxonomic pattern of susceptibility. Our results provide insight into the risk posed by Bsal and identifies vulnerable species and areas where surveillance is needed to fill existing knowledge gaps.
Genomic evidence uncovers inbreeding and supports translocations in rescuing the genetic diversity of a landlocked seal population
Authors: Sundell Tarja , Kammonen Juhana I. , Mustanoja Ella , Biard Vincent , Kunnasranta Mervi , Niemi Marja , Nykänen Milaja , Nyman Tommi , Palo Jukka U. , Valtonen Mia , Paulin Lars , Jernvall Jukka , Auvinen Petri
Published: January 2023

Fragmentation of isolated populations increases the risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The endemic Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world with a population of only ~ 400 individuals. The current genetic diversity of this subspecies, isolated in Lake Saimaa in Finland for ca. 1000 generations, is alarmingly low. We performed whole-genome sequencing on Saimaa ringed seals (N = 30) and analyzed the level of homozygosity and genetic composition across the individual genomes. Our results show that the Saimaa ringed seal population has a high number of runs of homozygosity (RoH) compared with the neighboring Baltic ringed seal (Pusa hispida botnica) reference population (p < 0.001). There is also a tendency for stillborn seal pups to have more pronounced RoH. Since the population is divided into semi-isolated subpopulations within the Lake Saimaa exposing the population to deleterious genomic effects, our results support augmented gene flow as a genetic conservation action. Based on our results suggesting inbreeding depression in the population, we recommend Pihlajavesi as a potential source and Southern Saimaa as a potential recipient subpopulation for translocating individuals. The Saimaa ringed seal is a recognized subspecies and therefore translocations should be considered only within the lake to avoid an unpredictable risk of disease, the introduction of deleterious alleles, and severe ecological issues for the population.
Total ammonia and coliform concentrations at the end of the Mississippi River from 1900 to 2019
Authors: Turner R. Eugene
Published: January 2023

Total ammonia (TA) concentrations (NH3 +NH4+) at four locations at the terminal end of the Mississippi River, the largest river on the North American continent, were assembled to examine trends and relationships with point and non-point loadings from 1980 to 2019 and compared to values in 1900 to 1901. TA concentrations were lowest in 1900 to 1901, highest in 1980 and then declined, and then rose slightly in the last 2 decades. Variations in individual measurements and in situ temperature are indirectly related because of the influence temperature has on ammonia solubility and protein degradation rates. Importantly, the average annual concentrations of TA were directly related to both total coliform and fecal coliform densities. The highest measured average annual TA concentrations in the river (15.5 ± 1.5 SE µmol in 1985) were below the currently recommended toxicity thresholds for freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Sewerage loadings are implicated as controlling factors on TA concentrations, not nitrogen stabilizers added to fertilizers to reduce ammonia conversion to nitrate, nor the fertilizer loadings.
Distributed Calculations with Algorithmic Skeletons for Heterogeneous Computing Environments
Authors: Herrmann Nina , Kuchen Herbert
Published: January 2023

Contemporary HPC hardware typically provides several levels of parallelism, e.g. multiple nodes, each having multiple cores (possibly with vectorization) and accelerators. Efficiently programming such systems usually requires skills in combining several low-level frameworks such as MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA. This overburdens programmers without substantial parallel programming skills. One way to overcome this problem and to abstract from details of parallel programming is to use algorithmic skeletons. In the present paper, we evaluate the multi-node, multi-CPU and multi-GPU implementation of the most essential skeletons Map, Reduce, and Zip. Our main contribution is a discussion of the efficiency of using multiple parallelization levels and the consideration of which fine-tune settings should be offered to the user.
Laser-assisted hatching improves pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles of cleavage-stage embryos: a large retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching
Authors: Wei Chaofeng , Xiang Shan , Liu Danqi , Wang Chenggang , Liang Xiaoyu , Wu Haicui , Lian Fang
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Laser-assisted hatching (LAH) is a commonly used adjunct technique; however, its effectiveness has not been fully established.

Objective

We evaluated the effects of LAH on pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles of cleavage-stage embryos.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study involved 5779 FET cycles performed at the Reproductive and Genetic Center in the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2016 and December 2020. After propensity score matching, 3535 FET cycles were included, out of which 1238 were subjected to LAH while the remaining 2297 cycles were non-LAH (NLAH). The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) while secondary outcomes included implantation rate (IR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), ectopic pregnancy rate (EPR), pregnancy loss rate (PLR), multiple pregnancy rate (MPL), and monozygotic twinning rate (MTR). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for possible confounders. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on the endometrial preparation regimen.

Results

The LAH group exhibited a higher LBR, compared to the NLAH group (34.9% vs. 31.4%, OR = 1.185, 95% CI = 1.023, 1.374,P = 0.024). Additionally, the LAH group showed a decreasing trend in PLR and EPR; however, differences were insignificant (P = 0.078,P = 0.063 respectively). Differences in IR (24.6% vs. 24.3%), BPR (41.8% vs. 40.4%), CPR (40.7% vs. 38.3%), MPR (14.1% vs. 17.3%), and MTR (1.4% vs. 1.1%) were insignificant. Subgroup analysis revealed that LAH may be more conducive for pregnancy outcomes in hormone replacement cycles.

Conclusions

In summary, LAH has an increased chance of achieving live births. However, further prospective studies should be performed to confirm our findings.
Clinical Differences of mild, Moderate, and Severe Gambling Disorder in a Sample of Treatment Seeking Pathological Gamblers in Sweden
Authors: Mide Mikael , Arvidson Elin , Gordh Anna Söderpalm
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Gambling disorder (GD) is classified among the addictive disorders in the DSM-5 and the severity of the diagnosis can be specified as mild, moderate and severe. It has been seen that individuals with more severe gambling problems have a higher rate of comorbid disorders and other health problems compared to individuals with a milder clinical picture. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore clinical psychiatric differences related to the severity of disorder in treatment-seeking patients with GD. Method: A sample of 163 patients with GD seeking treatment at an outpatient clinic was diagnosed using the SCI-GD, screened for comorbid diagnoses using the MINI, and further completed a range of self-report questionnaires measuring alcohol-, and drug-problems, symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, cognitive distortions, and quality of life. Results: Greater severity was associated to more problems with alcohol and illicit drugs. Severe gamblers were more likely to gamble to “escape”, and had more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Participants with moderate and severe gambling disorder had more difficulties with emotion regulation. Cognitive distortions were the same between severities. All groups had Quality-of-Life problems at a clinical level. Discussion: There are some distinctive differences between GD of different severities. The features shown by patients with severe GD indicates a more emotionally vulnerable group with increased symptom severity. Further knowledge about the features of GD severity levels is important for treatment planning in the clinic.
Patterns, predictors and prognostic relevance of high-grade hematotoxicity after temozolomide or temozolomide-lomustine in the CeTeG/NOA-09 trial
Authors: Weller J. , Schäfer N. , Schaub C. , Tzaridis T. , Zeyen T. , Schneider M. , Potthoff A. L. , Giordano F. A. , Steinbach J. P. , Zeiner P. S. , Kowalski T. , Sabel M. , Hau P. , Krex D. , Grauer O. , Goldbrunner R. , Schnell O. , Tabatabai G. , Ringel F. , Schmidt-Graf F. , Brehmer S. , Tonn J. C. , Bullinger L. , Vajkoczy P. , Glas M. , Vatter H. , Herrlinger U. , Seidel C.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In the randomized phase III trial CeTeG/NOA-09, temozolomide (TMZ)/lomustine (CCNU) combination therapy was superior to TMZ in newly diagnosed MGMT methylated glioblastoma, albeit reporting more frequent hematotoxicity. Here, we analyze high grade hematotoxicity and its prognostic relevance in the trial population.

Methods

Descriptive and comparative analysis of hematotoxicity adverse events ≥ grade 3 (HAE) according to the Common Terminology of Clinical Adverse Events, version 4.0 was performed. The association of HAE with survival was assessed in a landmark analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict HAE during the concomitant phase of chemotherapy.

Results

HAE occurred in 36.4% and 28.6% of patients under CCNU/TMZ and TMZ treatment, respectively. The median onset of the first HAE was during concomitant chemotherapy (i.e. first CCNU/TMZ course or daily TMZ therapy), and 42.9% of patients with HAE receiving further courses experienced repeat HAE. Median HAE duration was similar between treatment arms (CCNU/TMZ 11.5; TMZ 13 days). Chemotherapy was more often discontinued due to HAE in CCNU/TMZ than in TMZ (19.7 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.036). The occurrence of HAE was not associated with survival differences (p = 0.76). Regression analysis confirmed older age (OR 1.08) and female sex (OR 2.47), but not treatment arm, as predictors of HAE.

Conclusion

Older age and female sex are associated with higher incidence of HAE. Although occurrence of HAE was not associated with shorter survival, reliable prediction of patients at risk might be beneficial to allow optimal management of therapy and allocation of supportive measures.

Trial registration

NCT01149109.
The eruption in Fagradalsfjall (2021, Iceland): how the operational monitoring and the volcanic hazard assessment contributed to its safe access
Authors: Barsotti S. , Parks M. M. , Pfeffer M. A. , Óladóttir B. A. , Barnie T. , Titos M. M. , Jónsdóttir K. , Pedersen G. B. M. , Hjartardóttir Á. R. , Stefansdóttir G. , Johannsson T. , Arason Þ. , Gudmundsson M. T. , Oddsson B. , Þrastarson R. H. , Ófeigsson B. G. , Vogfjörd K. , Geirsson H. , Hjörvar T. , von Löwis S. , Petersen G. N. , Sigurðsson E. M.
Published: January 2023

After more than a year of unrest, a small effusive eruption commenced in Fagradalsfjall, Iceland, on 19 March 2021. The eruption lasted six months. The first six weeks were characterized by multiple fissure openings, and the remainder was dominated by effusive activity from a single crater. During the eruption, lava and low-level gases propagated over the complex terrain: a hyaloclastite massif with mountain peaks up to about 350 m asl with valleys in between. The area is uninhabited, but easily accessible at about 30 km distance from Reykjavík. While the eruption was ongoing, more than 356,000 tourists visited the eruptive site. To maintain low risk access to the area, it was critical to monitor the eruption (including opening of new fissures) in real-time, forecast the transport of gas and lava flow emplacement, and assess the evolving hazards. In addition to data accessibility and interpretation, managing this volcanic crisis was possible thanks to strong collaboration between the scientific institutions and civil protection agencies. The eruption presented an opportunity to tune, test and validate a variety of numerical models for hazard assessment as well as to refine and improve the delivery of information to the general public, communities living near the eruption site and decision makers. The monitoring team worked long hours during both the pre- and syn-eruptive phases for identifying low risk access areas to the eruption site and to provide a regular flow of information. This paper reviews the eruption and its associated hazards. It also provides an overview of the monitoring setup, the adopted numerical tools and communication materials disseminated to the general public regarding current exclusion zones, hazards and possible future eruptive scenarios.
Travelling wave solution for the Landau-Ginburg-Higgs model via the inverse scattering transformation method
Authors: Ali Mohamed R. , Khattab Mahmoud A. , Mabrouk S. M.
Published: January 2023

The Landau-Ginzburg-Higgs (LGH) equation explains the ocean engineering models, superconductivity and drift cyclotron waves in radially inhomogeneous plasma for coherent ion-cyclotron waves. In this paper, with a simple modification of the Ablowitz-Kaup-Newell-Segur (AKNS) formalism, the integrability of LGH equation is proved by deriving the Lax pair. Hence for that, the inverse scattering transformation (IST) is applied, and the travelling wave solutions are obtained and graphically represented in 2d and 3d profiles.
Behavior of bismuth ions in the two glassy systems of 50 LiF-50 P2O5 and 50 LiF-50 B2O3 (mol %) assessed by optical, FTIR and photoluminescence spectra in addition to thermal expansion properties
Authors: ElBatal F. H. , Marzouk M. A. , ElBatal H. A. , Hamdy Y. M.
Published: January 2023

Glasses from two varieties of (LiF-B2O3) and (LiF-P2O5) systems with equal 50 mol % for each partner together with samples doped with 1 or 2% Bi2O3 were synthesized by melting–annealing mechanism. Multiple optical, FTIR and photoluminescence spectral measurements were carried out. Optical spectra of Bi2O3—doped glasses exhibit UV-near visible peaks owing to the specific absorption of Bi3+ ions. FTIR spectra elucidate the presence of characteristic vibrational bands from (LiF-B2O3) glass due to (BO3) and (BO3F) groups beside (LiF4) groups while the fluorophosphate glasses (LiF-P2O5) show vibrations due to PO4 and (PO3F) groups and also the possible sharing of (LiF4) groups. Photoluminescence spectral data reveal extended emission from about 375 to 700 nm and is more prominent in (LiF-B2O3) system than (LiF-P2O5) system. The thermal expansion data reveal similar behavior and the derived transition and softening temperatures are slightly lower in (LiF-P2O5) glasses than (LiF-B2O3) glasses.
Uplink serial relay laser satellite communication over turbulent channel: performance analysis
Authors: Refaai Ali , Newagy Fatma , Fathy Abo Sree Mohamed , Aly Moustafa H. , Elhennawy Hadia , Abaza Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Optical space communication as a relay satellite system has been employed. The use of laser satellite communication (SatCom) can alleviate the issues that RF satellite communication encounters. In this study, channel turbulence, additional technologies, intensity modulation direct detection (IM/DD), decoding, and forwarding (DF) are used to evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed laser uplink satellite relay communication model in terms of outage probability (OP) and bit error rate (BER) indicators. This article looks at the necessary channel properties to analyze how operating wavelength affects system performance and compares our results with those of the optical direct link. The performance of the system is investigated by looking at the necessary system parameters, which show the superiority of the proposed system over the optical downlink SatCom, which can improve the required aperture radius up to 10% and the overall system performance up to 57%.
Dealing with Institutional Sexism: the Coping Strategies of Hong Kong Clergywomen
Authors: Yih Caroline
Published: January 2023

Clergywomen in the male sphere of the deeply patriarchal and hierarchical church system are exposed to many types of gender maltreatment requiring them to constantly adapt and manage the challenges in their role. In this article, I examine how Hong Kong clergywomen cope when facing gravely oppressive and marginalising gender maltreatment at work. I identify four primary types of coping strategies: tolerance, defying the status quo, seeking external support, and quitting. Collectively, these coping behaviours are utilised by women ministers to endure and fulfil their ministerial callings in the face of discriminatory and oppressive actions of their colleagues. The article aims to raise awareness and draw attention to the prevailing conditions of institutional sexism within the church and to the need to address the enduring impacts of wounds inflicted on clergywomen.
The Contrasting Effects of Ethnic and Partisan Identity on Performance Evaluation
Authors: Gutiérrez-Romero Roxana
Published: January 2023

Why is voting behaviour tied to ethnicity in many new democracies? A predominant view, offered by the instrumentalist theory, argues that voters use candidates’ identity -ethnic or partisan- as a signal of expected performance. However, voters will reward well-performing politicians by being more likely to vote for them and punish bad performance regardless of candidates’ identity. To test these assumptions, we conduct a nationally representative survey in Kenya asking voters about their spending preference for the country’s main anti-poverty programme, which is managed by MPs in collaboration with citizens. We find that voters, regardless of ethnicity or party, have an erroneous view of how their MP spent the anti-poverty funds. Then in an experiment, we share with voters the spending made by the MPs and audit results probing for corruption. Once voters are aware that their MP’s spending does not match their spending priorities, their approval and likelihood of voting for the MP decreases if primed to view the politician as partisan. Voters also electorally punish MPs for corruption whether copartisan or non-copartisan. In contrast to instrumentalist expectations, if voters are primed to view their MP in ethnic terms, they are more likely to vote for their coethnic overlooking bad performance and corruption. The availability of alternative parties in local elections may explain why voters attach partisanship to performance evaluation. Still, in our case study, as in other new democracies, politicians continue mobilising support along ethnic lines, perhaps explaining why voters prioritise group loyalties if primed to think about ethnicity.
The risks of autonomous machines: from responsibility gaps to control gaps
Authors: Hindriks Frank , Veluwenkamp Herman
Published: January 2023

Responsibility gaps concern the attribution of blame for harms caused by autonomous machines. The worry has been that, because they are artificial agents, it is impossible to attribute blame, even though doing so would be appropriate given the harms they cause. We argue that there are no responsibility gaps. The harms can be blameless. And if they are not, the blame that is appropriate is indirect and can be attributed to designers, engineers, software developers, manufacturers or regulators. The real problem lies elsewhere: autonomous machines should be built so as to exhibit a level of risk that is morally acceptable. If they fall short of this standard, they exhibit what we call ‘a control gap.’ The causal control that autonomous machines have will then fall short of the guidance control they should emulate.
Integrated modeling to achieve global goals: lessons from the Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land-use, and Energy (FABLE) initiative
Authors: Jones Sarah K. , Monjeau Adrian , Perez-Guzman Katya , Harrison Paula A.
Published: January 2023

Humanity is challenged with making progress toward global biodiversity, freshwater, and climate goals, while providing food and nutritional security for everyone. Our current food and land-use systems are incompatible with this ambition making them unsustainable. Papers in this special feature introduce a participatory, integrated modeling approach applied to provide insights on how to transform food and land-use systems to sustainable trajectories in 12 countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Finland, India, Mexico, Rwanda, Sweden, the UK, and USA. Papers are based on work completed by members of the Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land-use, and Energy (FABLE) initiative, a network of in-country research teams engaging policymakers and other local stakeholders to co-develop future food and land-use scenarios and modeling their national and global sustainability impacts. Here, we discuss the key leverage points, methodological advances, and multi-sector engagement strategies presented and applied in this collection of work to set countries and our planet on course for achieving food security, biodiversity, freshwater, and climate targets by 2050.