bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil enzymes illustrate the effects of alder nitrogen fixation on soil carbon processes in arctic and boreal ecosystems
Authors: Heslop Calvin B. , Ruess Roger W. , Kielland Knut , Bret‐Harte M. Syndonia
Published: November 2021

As tall shrubs increase in extent and abundance in response to a changing climate, they have the potential to substantially alter Arctic and boreal ecosystem nutrient cycling and carbon (C) balance. Siberian alder (Alnus viridisssp.fruticosa), a nitrogen (N) fixing shrub, is among the species responding to climate warming in both the Arctic and boreal forests. By relieving N limitation of microbial activity, alder‐fixed N has the potential to increase decomposition of labile soil C. Simultaneously, it may also decrease decomposition of recalcitrant soil C by downregulating microbial N mining. The microbial response to N additions is influenced by differences in the soil organic matter (SOM) chemistry and could ultimately determine whether alder N additions result in a net sink or source of C to the atmosphere. We measured the activities of three extracellular enzymes in bulk organic soils under and away from alder canopies in stands differing in SOM chemistry in both the arctic and boreal forest regions of Alaska, USA. In the Arctic, samples taken from under alder had higher activities of both recalcitrant and labile C‐degrading enzymes than samples taken away, regardless of SOM chemistry. In the boreal forest, enzyme activities did not differ with alder proximity nor stand SOM chemistry, possibly due to long legacies of alder N inputs in these stands. As arctic and boreal forest ecosystems experience shifts in the distribution and abundance of this N‐fixing shrub, alders' influence on soil decomposition could have significant consequences for high latitude soil C budgets.
Spatial and temporal partitioning of mustelids in Southeast Alaska
Authors: Kupferman Caitlin A. , Crupi Anthony P. , Waits Lisette P. , Gilbert Sophie L.
Published: November 2021

As species’ distributions shift in response to changing environmental conditions, novel species interactions are emerging, challenging researchers and managers alike. When new species enter existing ecological communities, their effects on fellow guild members are difficult to predict. Competition between species within the same guild can regulate populations and influence community structure, but niche partitioning is a way for sympatric species to coexist through differential use of space, time, and resources. The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is a carnivore species that has recently colonized Southeast Alaska (SEAK), the northern margin of its range. Although currently considered at low density, the fisher has been expanding its distribution in SEAK in recent years and may impact the native SEAK forest carnivore guild through competitive interactions. We examined the potential for competition between fisher, American marten (Martes americana), and ermine (Mustela erminea) in SEAK during the winter of 2018 by investigating patterns of spatial and temporal overlap between the species at both local and landscape scales. Using data collected from remote‐sensed habitat features, climate characteristics, species detections from 25 systematic camera stations (50 unique cameras), and single‐species occupancy models, we found that fisher occupancy was positively correlated with vegetation height, and detection decreased with increased snow density. Using two‐species occupancy models, we found evidence of temporal, rather than spatial, avoidance patterns among the SEAK mustelid species investigated, although our inference was limited by sample size. Fisher, the largest mustelid evaluated, did not exhibit changes in occupancy or detection in the presence of marten or ermine. Likewise, detection and occupancy parameters of the mid‐sized marten and small‐sized ermine were not affected by the presence of the other mustelids. Instead, analysis of diel activity patterns showed that marten and ermine reduced temporal overlap with fisher, exhibiting less activity during times of peak fisher activity. Overall, these results show that mustelids in SEAK displayed a pattern of hierarchical temporal partitioning during winter, with smaller‐bodied mustelids avoiding larger, more dominant mustelids. However, if the fisher population continues to expand its range and abundance in SEAK, species interactions may shift and increase the potential for competition between the fisher, marten, and ermine mustelid guild.
Whisker growth in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) and applications for stable isotope studies
Authors: Attard Marie R. G. , Lewis Anna , Wroe Stephen , Hughes Channing , Rogers Tracey L.
Published: November 2021

Individual longitudinal records of diet, movement, and physiological state of endangered Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are needed for effective management of wild populations, yet most traditional techniques are expensive or labor‐intensive. Stable isotope analysis of inert tissue, such as vibrissae (whiskers), provides a viable and minimally invasive solution to chronologically record the foraging ecology and habitat use of individuals. Species‐specific information on whisker growth (i.e., time‐position growth of isotopic signatures), retention time, and arrangement on the face is required before the implementation of stable isotope analysis in wild populations. Here, whiskers of six captive Tasmanian devils were internally marked with 13C‐ and 15N‐labeled glycine at three‐month intervals followed by isotopic analysis of the longest whisker to provide a time stamp for whisker growth and estimate retention time. Intradermal and extradermal lengths of wild Tasmanian devil whiskers were used to assess the arrangement and relative length of whiskers on the face. We found that whiskers can record at least nine months of an animal's ecological history and that whisker growth is not linear, the growth gradually slows down as the whisker lengthens. Our findings demonstrate that sequentially sampled whiskers have the potential to track monthly and seasonal isotopic changes of an individual animal in the wild, both within its historical range and in areas to which it has recently been introduced. Such information can be used to identify temporal shifts in habitat and prey preferences within populations and help select suitable individuals for translocations. We recommend that the longest mystacial whiskers, positioned posteriorly at the third and fourth row, should be preferentially used for stable isotope studies in this species. The timeframe represented by the root of the whisker (˜3–63 d) can be used to adjust the base of cut whiskers to the correct time period.
Increasing home‐time after a first diagnosis of heart failure in Sweden, 20 years trends
Authors: Ekestubbe Sofia , Fu Michael , Giang Kok Wai , Lindgren Martin , Rosengren Annika , Schioler Linus , Schaufelberger Maria
Published: November 2021

Aims

This study was performed to compare trends in home‐time for patients with heart failure (HF) between those of working age and those of retirement age in Sweden from 1992 to 2012.

Methods and results

The National Inpatient Register (IPR) was used to identify all patients aged 18 to 84 years with a first hospitalization for HF in Sweden from 1992 to 2012. Information on date of death, comorbidities, and sociodemographic factors were collected from the Swedish National Register on Cause of Death, the IPR, and the longitudinal integration database for health insurance and labour market studies, respectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to their age: working age (<65 years) and retirement age (≥65 years). Follow‐up was 4 years. In total, following exclusions, 388 775 patients aged 18 to 84 years who were alive 1 day after discharge from a first hospitalization for HF were included in the study. The working age group comprised 62 428 (16%) patients with a median age of 58 (interquartile range, 53–62) years and 31.2% women, and the retirement age group comprised 326 347 (84%) patients with a median age of 77 (interquartile range, 73–81) years and 47.4% women. Patients of working age had more home‐time than patients of retirement age (83.8% vs. 68.2%, respectively), mainly because of their lower 4 year mortality rate (14.2% vs. 29.7%, respectively). Home‐time increased over the study period for both age groups, but the increase levelled off for older women after 2007, most likely because of less reduction in mortality in older women than in the other groups.

Conclusions

This nationwide study showed increasing home‐time over the study period except for women of retirement age and older for whom the increase stalled after 2007, mainly because of a lower mortality reduction in this group. Efforts to improve patient‐related outcome measures specifically targeted to this group may be warranted.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma: A case report of a rare post‐cesarean complication managed conservatively
Authors: Mohanpuria Amita , Salvi Vinita , Shah Mohit , Surti Ami
Published: November 2021

The present study reports a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma. This is a rare post‐cesarean complication which the authors managed conservatively.
Integration of dynamic growth modeling and hydrodynamics in an internal‐loop split photobioreactor
Authors: Sabri Laith S , Ojha Aastha , Sultan Abbas J , Aldahhan Muthanna H
Published: November 2021

In this study, new high‐quality experimental data for culturing green microalgae Scenedesmus in tubular and cylindrical split airlift photobioreactors were obtained under different operating conditions. The obtained experimental data of culturing microalgae Scenedesmus in a tubular photobioreactor were used for determining the kinetic parameters of the photosynthetic reaction. On the other hand, the culturing of green microalgae in a split airlift photobioreactor was used to measure the microalgae cell trajectory using an advanced radioactive particle tracking (RPT) technique. The obtained results in terms of kinetic parameters of the photosynthetic reaction and microalgae cell trajectory were integrated for the first time to obtain the three‐state dynamic growth model. This integration between dynamic growth and cell trajectories will provide a direct and comprehensive tool for photobioreactor analysis, which is essential for proper and efficient reactor design and scale‐up for large‐scale biomass production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of quinoline‐conjugated 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives as antileishmanial agents
Authors: Tapkir Sandeep R. , Patil Rajendra H. , Galave Sharad A. , Phadtare Ganesh R. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Garud Dinesh R.
Published: November 2021

In the present work, we have synthesized novel quinoline‐conjugated 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives 6a–l starting from substituted acetanilides in five steps. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antileishmanial activity. Quinoline‐conjugated 1,2,3‐triazole compounds 6c (IC50 = 15.1 μg/ml), 6d (IC50 = 14.6 μg/ml) and 6e (IC50 = 14.3 μg/ml) displayed potent antileishmanial activity when compared with standard sodium stibogluconate (IC50 = 14.3 ± 1.5 μg/ml). A molecular docking study against Leishmania major pteridine reductase (Lm‐PTR1) suggests that these compounds have the potential to become lead molecules in antileishmanial drug discovery.
Evaluation of Settling Chamber Hydraulic Retention Time in a Sunshine Bass Biofloc Production System
Authors: Green Bartholomew W. , Ray Candis L.
Published: November 2021

High total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations that result from the high feeding rates used in biofloc technology production systems can negatively impact fish performance. Excess TSS are removed from biofloc production tanks by side-stream settling chambers. The effects on solids removal, water quality dynamics, and performance of sunshine bass (female White Bass Morone chrysops × male Striped Bass M. saxatilis) from three settling chamber hydraulic retention times (HRTs; 18, 43, and 87 min; designated HRT18, HRT43, and HRT87, respectively) were evaluated in this 126-d study in biofloc tanks. Corresponding settling chamber flow rates were 7.2, 3.0, and 1.5 L/min, respectively, and corresponding tank turnover times were 8.3, 20.0, and 40.0 h. Upon activation of settling chambers, the TSS concentration decreased faster in the HRT87 treatment than in the other two treatments. The dry matter mass of solids discharged each time the settling chambers were drained and the total dry matter mass of solids discharged both increased linearly with HRT. Compared to the HRT43 and HRT87 treatments, nitrate-nitrogen in the HRT18 treatment accumulated about 17% more slowly and 25% less sodium bicarbonate was needed, which suggests that nitrification was impacted negatively by the elevated settling chamber flow rate. Denitrification was not detected in settling chambers given the absence of significant differences between influent and effluent dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations in all treatments. Sunshine bass performed well in all treatments, with overall production averaging 4.4 kg/m3 at 81.9% survival. Although sunshine bass were grown successfully to market size in biofloc culture, future research should address higher stocking rates and settling chamber operational parameters to maintain higher TSS concentrations and promote denitrification. Thus, the results of this study suggest that a minimum settling chamber HRT of 43 min is appropriate for biofloc culture of hybrid striped bass.
Recent advances to decrease shrinkage stress and enhance mechanical properties in free radical polymerization: a review
Authors: Fang Huayang , Guymon C. Allan
Published: November 2021

Free radical polymerizations have been widely used for a variety of applications, including coating, packaging, adhesives, inks and dental materials. However, shrinkage stress in network systems due to volumetric shrinkage during polymerization often results in poor mechanical performance of final materials, often limiting end use. Delaying gelation during polymerization while incorporating functional structure or functionalized groups into the polymer networks may lead to significantly reduced shrinkage stress and, consequently, enhanced thermomechanical properties. In this review, we summarize several practical methods, including thiol–ene radical polymerization, addition–fragmentation chain transfer, controlled radical polymerization, covalent adaptable networks, ring‐opening polymerization and cyclopolymerization, that have shown promise in reducing volumetric shrinkage and associated stress in network‐forming systems. The resulting enhanced (thermo)mechanical material properties of these modified polymers are also introduced. These methods have proven to be powerful tools for fabricating polymers with novel functionality and properties and thereby show potential to expand application of free radical thermoset materials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Exceptional Algebroids and Type IIB Superstrings
Authors: Bugden Mark , Hulík Ondřej , Valach Fridrich , Waldram Daniel
Published: November 2021

In this note we study exceptional algebroids, focusing on their relation to type IIB superstring theory. We show that a IIB‐exact exceptional algebroid (corresponding to the group , for ) locally has a standard form given by the exceptional tangent bundle. We derive possible twists, given by a flat ‐connection, a covariantly closed pair of 3‐forms, and a 5‐form, and comment on their physical interpretation. Using this analysis we reduce the search for Leibniz parallelisable spaces, and hence maximally supersymmetric consistent truncations, to a simple algebraic problem. We show that the exceptional algebroid perspective also gives a simple description of Poisson–Lie U‐duality without spectators and hence of generalised Yang–Baxter deformations.
Population differentiation and epidemic tracking of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in China based on chromosome‐level assembly and whole‐genome sequencing data
Authors: Ding Xiaolei , Guo Yunfei , Ye Jianren , Wu Xiaoqin , Lin Sixi , Chen Fengmao , Zhu Lihua , Huang Lin , Song Xiaofeng , Zhang Yi , Dai Ling , Xi Xiaotong , Huang Jinsi , Wang Kai , Fan Ben , Li De‐Wei
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the pinewood nematode, kills millions of pine trees worldwide every year, and causes enormous economic and ecological losses. Despite extensive research on population variation, there is little understanding of the population‐wide variation spectrum in China.

RESULTS

We sequenced an inbred B. xylophilus strain using Pacbio+Illumina+Bionano+Hi‐C and generated a chromosome‐level assembly (AH1) with six chromosomes of 77.1 Mb (chromosome N50: 12 Mb). The AH1 assembly shows very high continuity and completeness, and contains novel genes with potentially important functions compared with previous assemblies. Subsequently, we sequenced 181 strains from China and the USA and found ~7.8 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Analysis shows that the B. xylophilus population in China can be divided into geographically bounded subpopulations with severe cross‐infection and potential migrations. In addition, distribution of B. xylophilus is dominated by temperature zones while geographically associated SNPs are mainly located on adaptation related GPCR gene families, suggesting the nematode has been evolving to adapt to different temperatures. A machine‐learning based epidemic tracking method has been established to predict their geographical origins, which can be applied to any other species.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides the community with the first high‐quality chromosome‐level assembly which includes a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations. It provides insights into population structure and effective tracking method for this invasive species, which facilitates future studies to address a variety of applied, genomic and evolutionary questions in B. xylophilus as well as related species.
Both male‐ and female‐produced pheromones influence Colorado potato beetle movement in the field
Authors: Haber Ariela I , Weber Donald C
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say); Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae] is a widespread key pest of potatoes and other solanaceous crops of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Its evolution of multiple pesticide resistance is a continuing threat if chemical control is relied upon for pest management. An integrated approach including semiochemicals and other non‐pesticidal tactics is essential to sustainable management. In addition to the known volatile aggregation pheromone produced by male adult beetles that is attractive to both females and males, there is a yet‐unidentified female‐produced sex pheromone. Using caged ‘bait plants’ in the field in Maryland, USA, we tested the attraction of male and female beetles to groups of male‐only, female‐only, larvae, and uninfested bait plants.

RESULTS

Results of five field experiments demonstrate that the female‐produced sex pheromone is attractive to male beetles, whereas the male‐produced pheromone is attractive to both females and males. Male attraction increased with higher densities of females on bait plants, but female attraction did not change with female density on bait plants.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to demonstrate male attraction to the female sex pheromone in the field, and to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate a beetle species using bidirectional communication between males and females. Use of semiochemicals for monitoring and management of Colorado potato beetle should consider male‐, female‐, as well as plant‐produced volatiles as important tools for pest manipulation in potato integrated pest management. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Successful management of a dog with endotracheal tube lodgement using tracheostomy and tracheotomy
Authors: Grzywa Katarzyna M. , Barker David A.
Published: November 2021

Complications with endotracheal extubation are well described in the veterinary literature, although progression to surgical intervention is rare. This report describes endotracheal tube immobility upon attempt extubation. Medical management was unsuccessful; therefore, surgical intervention was required.
Introduction
Authors: Larsson Jesper , Päiviö Sjaunja Eva-Lotta
Published: November 2021

In the first chapter we set the scene for the books overarching question: How did early modern indigenous Sami inhabitants in interior northwest Fennoscandia build institutions for governance of natural resources? We explain why we consider self-governance and colonialism as two parallel processes that are not mutually exclusive and how the book contributes to the discussion about the nature of indigenous peoples’ rights to land and water by focusing on early modern strategies for natural resource use. This can contribute to the discussion about decolonization of present-day practices and policies. We explain why an interdisciplinary approach is required that not only focuses on social organization but also analyzes how societies and ecological settings were interwoven.
Lule Lappmark and Sources
Authors: Larsson Jesper , Päiviö Sjaunja Eva-Lotta
Published: November 2021

In this chapter, we describe the study area, Lule lappmark, and the sources we used. We discuss how land use was influenced by differences in environmental settings and argue that empirical material from Lule lappmark in northern Sweden can be used to draw valid conclusions about general features regarding Sami land use and property rights in other regions as well. We introduce the reader to our interpretations of some important concepts necessary to understand the development of natural resource governance and argue that some earlier interpretations of the pre-modern Sami organization have led to misconceptions about that development.
Trade, Taxation, and Population
Authors: Larsson Jesper , Päiviö Sjaunja Eva-Lotta
Published: November 2021

The chapter presents three main variables that impacted how and why Sami land use changed in the early modern period. The first one is trade, that gained importance in the seventeenth century with fundamental changes in its infrastructure. Sami households accumulated a surplus in their growing herds of domesticated reindeer. The other variable is taxation and it was a complicated task for the government. They tried different methods for taxing Sami before they finally decided on a collective tax paid in money in 1695. It meant lowered tax levies and a more predictable tax for individual Sami. It had a positive effect on the household economy as well as on population numbers in the eighteenth century. The last variable to be defined is population size.
Fishing
Authors: Larsson Jesper , Päiviö Sjaunja Eva-Lotta
Published: November 2021

The chapter describes Sami fishing in interior lakes, streams, and rivers in detail. Fishing has specific characteristics for various species and seasons. The waters in interior Fennoscandia generally are considered low in productivity, but waters in the two regions, forest and mountains, differ. The main argument put forward is that users who had access to rivers, lakes, and streams in the boreal forest had better possibilities to create a livelihood based on fishing compared to those who lived in or closer to the mountains. To create social and economic stability for the household, fishing was organized as an exclusive right, resembling private property. At the end of the early modern period, these areas became smaller and it became harder to survive on fishing.
Discrimination of tomato seeds belonging to different cultivars using machine learning
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Piecko Jan
Published: November 2021

This study was aimed at developing the discriminant models for distinguishing the tomato seeds based on texture parameters of the outer surface of seeds calculated from the images (scans) converted to individual color channelsR,G,B,L,a,b,X,Y,Z. The seeds of tomatoes ‘Green Zebra’, ‘Ożarowski’, ‘Pineapple’, Sacher F1 and Sandoline F1 were discriminated in pairs. The highest results were observed for models built based on sets of textures selected individually from color channelsR,LandXand sets of textures selected from all color channels. In all cases, the tomato seeds ‘Green Zebra’ and ‘Ożarowski’ were discriminated with the highest average accuracy equal to 97% for the Multilayer Perceptron classifier and 96.25% for Random Forest for color channelR, 95.25% (Multilayer Perceptron) and 95% (Random Forest) for color channelL, 93% (Multilayer Perceptron) and 95% (Random Forest) for color channelX, 99.75% (Multilayer Perceptron) and 99.5% (Random Forest) for a set of textures selected from all color channels (R,G,B,L,a,b,X,Y,X). The highest average accuracies for other pairs of cultivars reached 98.25% for ‘Ożarowski’ vs. Sacher F1, 95.75% for ‘Pineapple’ vs. Sandoline F1, 97.5% for ‘Green Zebra’ vs. Sandoline F1, 97.25% for Sacher F1 vs. Sandoline F1 for models built based on textures selected from all color channels.The obtained results may be used in practice for the identification of cultivar of tomato seeds. The developed models allow to distinguish the tomato seed cultivars in an objective and fast way using digital image processing. The results confirmed the usefulness of texture parameters of the outer surface of tomato seeds for classification purposes. The discriminative models allow to obtain a very high probability and may be applied to authenticate and detect seed adulteration.
Combined Echo and Fluoroscopy-Guided Pulmonary Valvuloplasty in Neonates and Infants: Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Brown Nicholas K. , Husain Nazia , Arzu Jennifer , Ramlogan Sandhya R. , Nugent Alan W. , Tannous Paul
Published: November 2021

Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) is the treatment of choice for isolated pulmonary valve stenosis. While this procedure is highly efficacious and has an excellent safety profile, as currently practiced, patients are obligatorily exposed to the secondary risks of ionizing radiation and contrast media. To mitigate these risks, we developed a protocol which utilized echo guidance for portions of the procedure which typically require fluoroscopy and/or angiography. Ten cases of echo-guided pulmonary valvuloplasty (EG-PBPV) for isolated pulmonary stenosis in children less than a year of age were compared to a historical cohort of nineteen standard cases using fluoroscopy/angiography alone, which demonstrated equivalent procedural outcomes and safety, while achieving a median reduction in radiation (total dose area product) and contrast load of 80% and 84%, respectively. Our early experience demonstrates that EG-PBPV in neonates and infants has results equivalent to standard valvuloplasty but with less radiation and contrast.
Change to a healthy diet in people over 70 years old: the PREDIMED experience
Authors: Casas Rosa , Ribó-Coll Margarida , Ros Emilio , Fitó Montserrat , Lamuela-Raventos Rosa-María , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Zazpe Itziar , Martínez-González Miguel-Angel , Sorlí Jose V. , Estruch Ramon , Sacanella Emilio
Published: November 2021

Purpose

It is difficult to change dietary habits and maintain them in the long run, particularly in elderly people. We aimed to assess whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and cardiovascular risk factor were similar in the middle-aged and oldest participants in the PREDIMED study.

Methods

We analyzed participants belonging to the first and fourth quartiles of age (Q1 and Q4, respectively) to compare between-group differences in adherence to the nutritional intervention and cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) control during a 3-year follow-up. All participants underwent yearly clinical, nutritional, and laboratory assessments during the following.

Results

A total of 2278 patients were included (1091 and 1187 in Q1 and Q4, respectively). At baseline, mean ages were 59.6 ± 2.1 years in Q1 and 74.2 ± 2.6 years in Q4. In Q4, there were more women, greater prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, and lower obesity and smoking rates than the younger cohort (P ≤ 0.001, all). Adherence to the MedDiet was similar in Q1 and Q4 at baseline (mean 8.7 of 14 points for both) and improved significantly (P < 0.01) and to a similar extent (mean 10.2 and 10.0 points, respectively) during follow-up. Systolic blood pressure, low density–lipoprotein cholesterol, and body weight were similarly reduced at 3 years in Q1 and Q4 participants.

Conclusion

The youngest and oldest participants showed improved dietary habits and CRFs to a similar extent after 3 years’ intervention. Therefore, it is never too late to improve dietary habits and ameliorate CRF in high-risk individuals, even those of advanced age.

Registration

The trial is registered in the London-based Current Controlled Trials Registry (ISRCTN number 35739639).
Subtyping non-small cell lung cancer by histology-guided spatial metabolomics
Authors: Neumann Judith Martha , Freitag Hinrich , Hartmann Jasmin Saskia , Niehaus Karsten , Galanis Michail , Griesshammer Martin , Kellner Udo , Bednarz Hanna
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Most cancer-related deaths worldwide are associated with lung cancer. Subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) into adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) is of importance, as therapy regimes differ. However, conventional staining and immunohistochemistry have their limitations. Therefore, a spatial metabolomics approach was aimed to detect differences between subtypes and to discriminate tumor and stroma regions in tissues.

Methods

Fresh-frozen NSCLC tissues (n = 35) were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) of small molecules (< m/z 1000). Measured samples were subsequently stained and histopathologically examined. A differentiation of subtypes and a discrimination of tumor and stroma regions was performed by receiver operating characteristic analysis and machine learning algorithms.

Results

Histology-guided spatial metabolomics revealed differences between AC and SqCC and between NSCLC tumor and tumor microenvironment. A diagnostic ability of 0.95 was achieved for the discrimination of AC and SqCC. Metabolomic contrast to the tumor microenvironment was revealed with an area under the curve of 0.96 due to differences in phospholipid profile. Furthermore, the detection of NSCLC with rarely arising mutations of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene was demonstrated through 45 times enhanced oncometabolite levels.

Conclusion

MALDI-MSI of small molecules can contribute to NSCLC subtyping. Measurements can be performed intraoperatively on a single tissue section to support currently available approaches. Moreover, the technique can be beneficial in screening of IDH-mutants for the characterization of these seldom cases promoting the development of treatment strategies.
Hyperseries in the non-Archimedean ring of Colombeau generalized numbers
Authors: Tiwari Diksha , Giordano Paolo
Published: November 2021

This article is the natural continuation of the paper: Mukhammadiev et al. Supremum, infimum and hyperlimits of Colombeau generalized numbers in this journal. Since the ring "Equation missing" of Robinson-Colombeau is non-Archimedean and Cauchy complete, a classical series $$\sum _{n=0}^{+\infty }a_{n}$$

∑

n
=
0

+
∞

a
n

of generalized numbers "Equation missing" is convergent if and only if $$a_{n}\rightarrow 0$$

a
n

→
0

in the sharp topology. Therefore, this property does not permit us to generalize several classical results, mainly in the study of analytic generalized functions (as well as, e.g., in the study of sigma-additivity in integration of generalized functions). Introducing the notion of hyperseries, we solve this problem recovering classical examples of analytic functions as well as several classical results.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the willingness to sacrifice for the environment: The Austrian case
Authors: Klösch Beate , Wardana Rebecca , Hadler Markus
Published: November 2021

Previous analyses of environmentally conscious intentions showed that the willingness to sacrifice for the environment decreased during the COVID-19 crisis in Austria. There is a large body of empirical research and theoretical models dealing with the explanation of environmental behavior, but these explanations have always been considered in the context of a pandemic-free society. The aim of this research note is therefore to consider the willingness to sacrifice in a crisis period. The data used for the analyses is the Austrian part of the international ‘Values in Crisis’ survey. For this purpose, more than 2000 individuals were surveyed online about their values, social orientations and their current life situation during the first COVID-19 wave (May 2020). Blockwise regression models are used to examine the influence of crisis perceptions, environmental attitudes and values on the willingness to sacrifice for the environment. The analyses show a relatively strong influence of environmental attitudes and values, but also additional effects of concerns about the COVID-19 crisis and especially its economic impact.
Human-related capabilities in big data analytics: a taxonomy of human factors with impact on firm performance
Authors: Korherr Philipp , Kanbach Dominik
Published: November 2021

This study intends to provide scholars and practitioners with an understanding of human resource challenges in the context of Big Data Analytics (BDA). This paper provides a holistic framework of human-related capabilities that organizations must consider when implementing BDA to facilitate decision-making. For this purpose, the authors conducted a systematic literature review adapted from Tranfield et al. (BJM 14:207–222, 2003) to identify relevant studies. The 75 publications reviewed provided the sample for an inductive, and systematic data evaluation following the well-known and accepted approach introduced by Gioia et al. (ORM 16:15–31, 2012). The comprehensive review uncovered 33 first-order concepts linked to human-related capabilities, which were distilled into 15 s-order themes and then merged into five aggregated dimensions: Personnel Capability, Management Capability, Organizational Capability, Culture and Governance Capability, and Strategy and Planning Capability. The study is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first to categorize all relevant human-related capabilities for successful BDA application. As such, it not only provides the scientific basis for further research, but also serves as a useful overview of the critical factors for BDA use in decision-making processes.
Analysis of the oscillation behavior during ultrasonic welding of EN AW-1070 wire strands and EN CW004A terminals
Authors: Gester Andreas , Wagner Guntram , Pöthig Pascal , Bergmann Jean Pierre , Fritzsche Marco
Published: November 2021

For fulfilling the demand of durable yet lightweight electrical connections in transportation industries, ultrasonic metal welding (USMW) sees widespread use in these branches. As the ultrasound oscillations utilized in the welding procedure occur at a range of only a few micrometers at frequencies of 20–100 kHz for an overall duration of only 50–1500 ms, it is not possible to observe the compaction behavior with the bare eye. This paper focusses on investigating the oscillation behavior of the horn, the anvil, and the joining partners during the welding procedure by utilizing an array of synchronized laser vibrometers and performing welds with incrementing time stages. The oscillation data is correlated with temperature measurements in the welding zone as well as tensile testing results. Inter alia the formation of sidebands at the fundamental frequency as well as 2nd- and 3rd-order harmonics has been observed for the anvil, terminal, and wire front face when exceeding optimal weld time which would lead to maximum joint strength. Following the assumption of other research groups, the cause of these sidebands could be a change in relative motion of these components. As the terminal is slipping with increasing weld time, it could be assumed that the reason for the sidebands is low-frequency movement of the anvil, modulated onto the fundamental frequency, additionally indicating successful bonding of the stranded wire and the terminal. Furthermore, this slipping of the terminal on the anvil could lead to increased wear of the anvil knurls.
Computing Interior Eigenvalues of Large Sparse Symmetric Matrices
Authors: Dax Achiya
Published: November 2021

In this paper we present new restarted Krylov methods for calculating interior eigenvalues of large sparse symmetric matrices. The proposed methods are compact versions of the Heart iteration which are modified to retain the monotonicity property. Numerical experiments illustrate the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Physics of magnetized dusty plasmas
Authors: Melzer Andre , Krüger H. , Maier D. , Schütt S.
Published: November 2021

In this review, we summarize recent advances in the field of dusty plasmas at strong magnetic fields. Special emphasis is put on situations where experimental laboratory observations are available. These generally comprise dusty plasmas with magnetized electrons and ions, but unmagnetized dust. The fundamental parameters characterizing a magnetized (dusty) plasma are given and various effects in dusty plasmas under magnetic fields are presented. As examples, the reaction of the dust component to magnetic-field modified plasma properties, such as filamentation, imposed structures, dust rotation, nanodusty plasmas and the resulting forces on the dust are discussed. Further, the behavior of the dust charge is described and shown to be relatively unaffected by magnetic fields. Wake field formation in magnetized discharges is illustrated: the strength of the wake field is found to be reduced with increased magnetic field. The propagation of dust acoustic waves in magnetized dusty plasmas is experimentally measured and analyzed indicating that the wave dynamics are not heavily influenced by the magnetic field. Only at the highest fields ($$B> 1$$B>1 T) the wave activity is found to be reduced. Moreover, it is discussed how dust-cyclotron waves might be used to indicate a magnetized dust component. Finally, implications of a magnetized dusty plasma are illustrated.
Using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to Characterise Parenting Interventions to Prevent Intergenerational Child Abuse
Authors: Younas Fatima , Gutman Leslie Morrison
Published: November 2021

Research shows that parents with a history of child abuse are at risk of perpetuating the cycle of abuse; however, exploration of intervention content is still a neglected area. This qualitative study identifies intervention components and corresponding mechanisms of change of parenting interventions to prevent intergenerational child abuse. Interviews with ten heads of interventions from the UK and USA were coded using deductive framework analysis. The Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy and Behaviour Change Wheel were used to code intervention components including BCTs and intervention functions. Mechanisms of change were coded using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Twelve BCTs and eight intervention functions were identified including education, enablement and training delivered through BCTs of instruction on how to perform a behaviour, restructuring the environment and social support. Corresponding mechanisms of change include behaviour regulation, knowledge and social influences, among others. This study offers insight into targeting and tailoring services to improve outcomes for parents with a history of child abuse. Findings suggest that there are possible mechanisms through which vulnerable parents can be helped to break the cycle of abuse including promoting social support, regulating parents’ behaviour through trauma-informed approaches and enhancing knowledge, self-esteem and confidence in parenting.
Hybrid quantum classical graph neural networks for particle track reconstruction
Authors: Tüysüz Cenk , Rieger Carla , Novotny Kristiane , Demirköz Bilge , Dobos Daniel , Potamianos Karolos , Vallecorsa Sofia , Vlimant Jean-Roch , Forster Richard
Published: November 2021

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) will be upgraded to further increase the instantaneous rate of particle collisions (luminosity) and become the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC). This increase in luminosity will significantly increase the number of particles interacting with the detector. The interaction of particles with a detector is referred to as “hit”. The HL-LHC will yield many more detector hits, which will pose a combinatorial challenge by using reconstruction algorithms to determine particle trajectories from those hits. This work explores the possibility of converting a novel graph neural network model, that can optimally take into account the sparse nature of the tracking detector data and their complex geometry, to a hybrid quantum-classical graph neural network that benefits from using variational quantum layers. We show that this hybrid model can perform similar to the classical approach. Also, we explore parametrized quantum circuits (PQC) with different expressibility and entangling capacities, and compare their training performance in order to quantify the expected benefits. These results can be used to build a future road map to further develop circuit-based hybrid quantum-classical graph neural networks.
Classification of Companion Diagnostics: A New Framework for Biomarker-Driven Patient Selection
Authors: Huber Cynthia , Friede Tim , Stingl Julia , Benda Norbert
Published: November 2021

Background

Modern personalized medicine strategies builds on therapy companion diagnostics to stratify patients into subgroups with differential benefit/risk. In general, stratification for drug response implies a treatment-by-subgroup interaction. This interaction is usually suggested by the drug’s mechanism of action and investigated in pharmacological research or in clinical studies. In these candidate genes or pathway approaches, either biological reasons for a differential benefit/risk or statistical interaction regarding a pharmacological or clinical endpoint or both may be given. For successful drug approval, demonstration of a positive benefit/risk balance in the intended patient population is required. This also applies to situations with biomarker-selected populations. However, further regulatory considerations relate to the usefulness and plausibility of the selected patients and benefit/risk extrapolations or alternative therapy options in biomarker-negative populations.

Methods

To facilitate the specification of regulatory requirements and support the design of clinical development programmes, a systematic classification of biomarker-drug pairs is needed, in particular with regard to the expected underlying molecular mechanism and the clinical evidence.

Results

A classification of five biomarker-drug categories is proposed related to increasing evidence on the biomarker’s predictive value in relation to a specific drug. We classified biomarkers into five ascending categories with increasing evidence on the predictive nature of the biomarker in relation to a specific drug according to the comparative pharmacological and clinical evidence.

Conclusions

The proposed classification will facilitate regulatory decision-making and support drug development with respect to biomarker-related subgrouping, both, during clinical programme and at the time of marketing authorization application, since the grade of evidence on the differential power of the biomarker can be considered as an indicator for the usefulness of a biomarker-related subgrouping.
Experimental approach to modeling of the plasticizing operation in the hot plate welding process
Authors: Wałęsa Krzysztof , Talaśka Krzysztof , Wilczyński Dominik , Górecki Jan , Wojtkowiak Dominik
Published: November 2021

The paper discusses the topic of butt welding of polyurethane drive belts by the hot plate method in the context of modeling the process of this technological operation. Based on the analysis of the butt welding process, a series of studies of the thermomechanical properties of the material from which the belt is made has been planned. The results will be used for mathematical modeling of the welding process, and in particular its most important phase: the plasticizing operation. On this basis, the study of the compression of cylindrical specimens taken from the belt has been performed at two different speeds. Their result is the relationship between the compressive stress σ
c and the modulus of longitudinal elasticity E
c at compression and: deformation ε
c, temperature value T, as well as the compressive velocity v
c. In the next step, dynamic viscosity η of the belt material was determined based on the results of dynamic thermomechanical analysis. The research work culminated in the attempts to plasticize the material on a hot plate, in conditions similar to the process of industrial welding. These studies were performed at different speeds v
pl, resulting in the correlation between the force required for plasticizing F
pl and the value of the speed of the belt end v
pl relative to the hot plate heated to a temperature T
p. The obtained results will be used to formulate a mathematical model of plasticizing the material, based on the selected mechanical deformation models.
Computational model of grid cells based on back‐propagation neural network
Authors: Li Baozhong , Liu Yanming , Lai Lei
Published: November 2021

To simulate the firing pattern of biological Grid cells (GCs), an efficient computational model based on back‐propagation neural network (BPNN), which allows for the generation of regular hexagonal grids, is described. For each GC, it is associated with the output of a learned BPNN. The firing characteristics of GCs can be controlled by the adjustment factors (AFs) flexibly. During the vehicle's space exploration, GCs can exhibit hexagonal firing patterns with different characteristics according to the settings of the AFs. Simulation results validate the proposed model's accuracy as they are in agreement with GCs' biological experimental electroencephalogram results. Meanwhile, the application of the three‐layer BPNN can greatly reduce the computational complexity, which lay a foundation for its application in realistic bio‐inspired autonomous navigation systems.
Finite‐control‐set model prediction current control of five‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor based on eight‐switch fault‐tolerant inverter
Authors: Fu Changxin , Ma Xiao , Zhang Lixin
Published: November 2021

The existence of unbalanced voltage and current harmonics is one of the most pressing issues when the failure happens on the inverter, which will render the inverter less reliable or even failed. Therefore, an improved finite‐control‐set model predictive current control (FCS‐MPCC) is proposed for eight‐switch fault‐tolerant inverter (ESFTI)‐driven five‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (FPPMSM). First, the topological structure of the whole system and the mathematical model of FPPMSM are presented. Second, the unbalance voltage and the predictable current vector of the controlled system are analysed in terms of FCS‐MPCC. After that, the information of the corresponding control voltage vector is obtained by utilizing the deadbeat current control, which realizes the partial vector enumeration in the ideal voltage vector plane. Furthermore, the concept of two‐step forward prediction is integrated to induce the manipulated variables at next sampling time such that the time delay may be alleviated, whose corresponding minimum cost function is constructed by extra considering the fluctuation of the capacitor voltages. Finally, the comparative simulation studies between the traditional FCS‐MPCC and the proposed one are carried out to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.