bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ohashia, a new genus ofDerris‐like Millettioid legumes (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) as revealed by molecular phylogenetic evidence
Authors: Zhang Ruo‐Peng , Huang Yun‐Feng , Zhu Xiang‐Yun
Published: September 2021

Derrishas been one of the most complex genera in the Millettioid s.str. group. Phylogenetic studies have resulted in the transfer of some species intoAganopeandBrachypterumto ensure the monophyly ofDerriss.str. However, the Chinese endemic speciesDerris yunnanensiswas not included in these phylogenies. Compared to the other monophyletic genera of the Millettioid s.str. group, this species has received special attention due to its distinctive morphological characters. This paper aims to provide evidence that supports recognition ofD. yunnanensisas a separate monospecific genus based on morphology and molecular data including complete chloroplast genome and nuclear ITS/5.8S as well astrnK‐matK,trnL‐FIGS, andpsbA‐trnHIGS chloroplast DNA sequences.Derris yunnanensisis consistently recovered in a clade as sister to the genusAntheroporum. The species differs from the other genera of the Millettioid s.str. group by having a pseudoraceme with 6–10 flowers per brachyblast, abaxially puberulent standard, conspicuous calyx teeth with the upper 2 connate and the lowermost distinctly longer than the others, a yellowish‐brown puberulent pod having an adaxial suture with a 1–2 mm wide wing, and ovules 3–6 per ovary. Hence, a new genusOhashiais proposed here.
The Mixed‐Valence Catena‐Heteropolycation (Bi2S2)+
Authors: Knies Maximilian , Nawroth Paul , Golub Pavlo , Isaeva Anna , Ruck Michael
Published: September 2021

The reaction of Bi and Bi2S3 in the Lewis‐acidic ionic liquid [BMIm]Cl ⋅ 4.3AlCl3 (BMIm=1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) at 200 °C yielded air‐sensitive black crystals of (Bi2S2)[AlCl4]. X‐ray diffraction on single‐crystals revealed a monoclinic structure containing infinite chains
. These polycations contain bismuth(II,III) and sulfur(‐II) atoms, connected by polar covalent Bi−S and Bi−Bi bonds. The assignment of bonds is ambiguous as a distinction between primary and secondary interactions is arbitrary based on interatomic distances. A real‐space quantum chemical bonding analysis, including delocalization indices, helped to quantify the interactions and charge distribution, confirming that a simple Lewis formula is inappropriate to describe the polycation.
Overcoming the Barriers to Service Excellence
Authors: West Shaun , Gaiardelli Paolo , Saccani Nicola
Published: September 2021

The seven barriers to be overcome on the way to successful implementation of servitization are as follows: customers; organizational structure and culture; knowledge and information; products and activities; competitors, suppliers, and partners; economic and finance; and society and environment. We will look at each of the barriers in more detail, based on the ranking described in Chap. 1. This chapter draws from the published and unpublished work of the authors using the survey data and the interview insights. This chapter will use cases to describe how others overcame the barriers (Fig. 2.1).
Evidence for the unbinding of the 𝜙4 kink’s shape mode
Authors: Evslin Jarah
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The 𝜙4 double-well theory admits a kink solution, whose rich phenomenology is strongly affected by the existence of a single bound excitation called the shape mode. We find that the leading quantum correction to the energy needed to excite the shape mode is −0.115567λ/M in terms of the coupling λ/4 and the meson mass M evaluated at the minimum of the potential. On the other hand, the correction to the continuum threshold is −0.433λ/M. A naive extrapolation to finite coupling then suggests that the shape mode melts into the continuum at the modest coupling of λ/4 ∼ 0.106M2, where the ℤ2 symmetry is still broken.
The permanent tide and the International Height Reference Frame IHRF
Authors: Mäkinen Jaakko
Published: September 2021

The International Height Reference System (IHRS), adopted by International Association of Geodesy (IAG) in its Resolution No. 1 at the XXVI General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) in Prague in 2015, contains two novelties. Firstly, the mean-tide concept is adopted for handling the permanent tide. While many national height systems continue to apply the mean-tide concept, this was the first time that the IAG officially introduced it for a potential field quantity. Secondly, the reference level of the height system is defined by the equipotential surface where the geopotential has a conventional value W0 = 62,636,853.4 m2 s–2. This value was first determined empirically to provide a good approximation to the global mean sea level and then adopted as a reference value by convention. I analyse the tidal aspects of the reference level based on W0. By definition, W0 is independent of the tidal concept that was adopted for the equipotential surface, but for different concepts, different functions are involved in the W of the equation W = W0. I find that, in the empirical determination of the adopted estimate W0, the permanent tide is treated inconsistently. However, the consistent estimate from the same data rounds off to the same value. I discuss the tidal conventions and formulas for the International Height Reference Frame (IHRF) and the realisation of the IHRS. I propose a simplified definition of IHRF geopotential numbers that would make it possible to transform between the IHRF and zero-tide geopotential numbers using a simple datum-difference surface. Such a transformation would not be adequate if rigorous mean-tide formulas were imposed. The IHRF should adopt a conventional (best) estimate of the permanent tide-generating potential, such as that which is contained in the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service Conventions, and use it as a basis for other conventional formulas. The tide-free coordinates of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame and tide-free Global Geopotential Models are central in the modelling of geopotential for the purposes of the IHRF. I present a set of correction formulas that can be used to move to the zero-tide model before, during, or after the processing, and finally to the mean-tide IHRF. To reduce the confusion around the multitude of tidal concepts, I propose that modelling should primarily be done using the zero-tide concept, with the mean-tide potential as an add-on. The widespread use of the expression “systems of permanent tide” may also have contributed to the confusion, as such “systems” do not have the properties that are generally associated with other “systems” in geodesy. Hence, this paper mostly uses “concept” instead of “system” when referring to the permanent tide.
The influence of the Earth’s magnetic field on strapdown inertial gravimetry using Q-Flex accelerometers: static and dynamic experiments
Authors: Johann Felix , Becker David , Becker Matthias , Hoss Matthias , Löwer Alexander , Förste Christoph
Published: September 2021

In recent strapdown airborne and shipborne gravimetry campaigns with servo accelerometers of the widely used Q-Flex type, results have been impaired by heading-dependent measurement errors. This paper shows that the effect is, in all likelihood, caused by the sensitivity of the Q-Flex type sensor to the Earth’s magnetic field. In order to assess the influence of magnetic fields on the utilised strapdown IMU of the type iMAR iNAV-RQH-1003, the IMU has been exposed to various magnetic fields of known directions and intensities in a 3-D Helmholtz coil. Based on the results, a calibration function for the vertical accelerometer is developed. At the example of five shipborne and airborne campaigns, it is outlined that under specific circumstances the precision of the gravimetry results can be strongly improved using the magnetic calibration approach: The non-adjusted RMSE at repeated lines decreased from 1.19 to 0.26 mGal at a shipborne campaign at Lake Müritz, Germany. To the knowledge of the authors, a significant influence of the Earth’s magnetic field on strapdown inertial gravimetry is demonstrated for the first time.
Systems of conductive skin for power transfer in clinical applications
Authors: Kourouklis Andreas P. , Kaemmel Julius , Wu Xi , Potapov Evgenij , Cesarovic Nikola , Ferrari Aldo , Starck Christoph , Falk Volkmar , Mazza Edoardo
Published: September 2021

The primary aim of this article is to review the clinical challenges related to the supply of power in implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) by means of transcutaneous drivelines. In effect of that, we present the preventive measures and post-operative protocols that are regularly employed to address the leading problem of driveline infections. Due to the lack of reliable wireless solutions for power transfer in LVADs, the development of new driveline configurations remains at the forefront of different strategies that aim to power LVADs in a less destructive manner. To this end, skin damage and breach formation around transcutaneous LVAD drivelines represent key challenges before improving the current standard of care. For this reason, we assess recent strategies on the surface functionalization of LVAD drivelines, which aim to limit the incidence of driveline infection by directing the responses of the skin tissue. Moreover, we propose a class of power transfer systems that could leverage the ability of skin tissue to effectively heal short diameter wounds. In this direction, we employed a novel method to generate thin conductive wires of controllable surface topography with the potential to minimize skin disruption and eliminate the problem of driveline infections. Our initial results suggest the viability of the small diameter wires for the investigation of new power transfer systems for LVADs. Overall, this review uniquely compiles a diverse number of topics with the aim to instigate new research ventures on the design of power transfer systems for IMDs, and specifically LVADs.
Development and validation of a novel 3D-printed simulation model for open oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair
Authors: Neville Jonathan J. , Chacon Carmen S. , Haghighi-Osgouei Reza , Houghton Natasha , Bello Fernando , Clarke Simon A.
Published: September 2021

Background

The role of simulation training in paediatric surgery is expanding as more simulation devices are designed and validated. We aimed to conduct a training needs assessment of UK paediatric surgical trainees to prioritise procedures for simulation, and to validate a novel 3D-printed simulation model for oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA-TOF) repair.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to UK trainee paediatric surgeons surveying the availability and utility of simulation. The operation ranked as most useful to simulate was OA-TOF repair. 3D-printing techniques were used to build an OA-TOF model. Content, face and construct validity was assessed by 40 paediatric surgeons of varying experience.

Results

Thirty-four paediatric surgeons completed the survey; 79% had access to surgical simulation at least monthly, and 47% had access to paediatric-specific resources. Perceived utility of simulation was 4.1/5. Validation of open OA-TOF repair was conducted by 40 surgeons. Participants rated the model as useful 4.9/5. Anatomical realism was scored 4.2/5 and surgical realism 3.9/5. The model was able to discriminate between experienced and inexperienced surgeons.

Conclusion

UK paediatric surgeons voted OA-TOF repair as the most useful procedure to simulate. In response we have developed and validated an affordable 3D-printed simulation model for open OA-TOF repair.
Exploring the development of environmentally sustainable products through reward-based crowdfunding
Authors: Corsini Filippo , Frey Marco
Published: September 2021

Literature on crowdfunding is rapidly expanding by exploring typologies of crowdfunding projects, success factors of the projects, and how success factors might change depending on the project typologies. Firstly, based on the literature that suggests crowdfunding platforms provide a good alternative for financing innovative ideas, the present exploratory research aims to analyze how the crowdfunding instrument has been used in supporting the development of sustainable products. Secondly, based on researches that focus on success factors of crowdfunding campaigns, the present work aims to explore the success determinants of projects developing sustainable products. The results of the investigation show that the impact of crowdfunding in supporting the development and commercialization of sustainable products is quite marginal and only a few successful projects showed a high impact potential to contribute to the pathway to more sustainability by directing influencing incumbents. Moreover, through an in-depth examination of the campaigns aimed at developing sustainable products, we found that adopting just a generic keyword (i.e. sustainable, ecologic) to describe a sustainable product might weaken the success probability of the campaign. In light of the results achieved, the paper formulates some managerial suggestions illustrating how crowdfunding platforms could stimulate the collection of more environmentally friendly projects.
The spectrum of simplicial volume of non-compact manifolds
Authors: Heuer Nicolaus , Löh Clara
Published: September 2021

We show that, in dimension at least 4, the set of locally finite simplicial volumes of oriented connected open manifolds is $$[0,\infty ]$$

[
0
,
∞
]

. Moreover, we consider the case of tame open manifolds and some low-dimensional examples.
"These Questions Have Everything That Happens to me": Analysis of a Femicide Risk Assessment Tool for Abused Women in Brazil
Authors: Evans Dabney P. , Xavier Hall Casey D. , da Rocha Raiza Wallace Guimarães , Prado Sandra Marques , Signorelli Marcos C.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this mixed-methods triangulation study was to assess the face validity and comprehension of a femicide risk assessment tool, the Danger Assessment-Brazil (DA-Brazil) among women seeking care in a one stop center for abused women in Curitiba, Brazil. Our secondary aim was to assess professionals' perceptions of feasibility for using the DA-Brazil in the same setting.

Method

Fifty-five women experiencing relationship violence completed the instrument and participated in cognitive interviews about their experience; professionals attending survivors were also interviewed.

Results

The vast majority of women described the DA-Brazil instrument as being easy to comprehend (n = 41, 73.2%). Nearly half of participants (n = 26, 46.4%) had some kind of question regarding the DA-Brazil calendar, a tool to visualize abuse frequency and severity. Queries aligned with five categories: recollection of dates, scale, relationship status, terminology, and discomfort. Professionals reported that the DA-Brazil instrument would support referral decision-making.

Conclusion

The overall face validity and comprehension of the DA-Brazil appears to be high. The majority of challenges were around the calendar activity. Professional perceptions of the DA-Brazil suggest a high degree of feasibility for its use in Brazilian healthcare settings. In order for the DA-Brazil to effectively be administered with facilitated support there is a need for training on the best use of the instrument. Accurate assessment of femicide risk is critical in a country like Brazil with high rates of femicide. The DA-Brazil provides a valid assessment of femicide risk and has the potential to trigger early intervention for those at risk.
ResGCN: attention-based deep residual modeling for anomaly detection on attributed networks
Authors: Pei Yulong , Huang Tianjin , van Ipenburg Werner , Pechenizkiy Mykola
Published: September 2021

Effectively detecting anomalous nodes in attributed networks is crucial for the success of many real-world applications such as fraud and intrusion detection. Existing approaches have difficulties with three major issues: sparsity and nonlinearity capturing, residual modeling, and network smoothing. We propose Residual Graph Convolutional Network (ResGCN), an attention-based deep residual modeling approach that can tackle these issues: modeling the attributed networks with GCN allows to capture the sparsity and nonlinearity, utilizing a deep neural network allows direct residual ing from the input, and a residual-based attention mechanism reduces the adverse effect from anomalous nodes and prevents over-smoothing. Extensive experiments on several real-world attributed networks demonstrate the effectiveness of ResGCN in detecting anomalies.
Two Dimensions of Opacity and the Deep Learning Predicament
Authors: Boge Florian J.
Published: September 2021

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have become increasingly successful in applications from biology to cosmology to social science. Trained DNNs, moreover, correspond to models that ideally allow the prediction of new phenomena. Building in part on the literature on ‘eXplainable AI’ (XAI), I here argue that these models are instrumental in a sense that makes them non-explanatory, and that their automated generation is opaque in a unique way. This combination implies the possibility of an unprecedented gap between discovery and explanation: When unsupervised models are successfully used in exploratory contexts, scientists face a whole new challenge in forming the concepts required for understanding underlying mechanisms.
Embodied higher cognition: insights from Merleau-Ponty’s interpretation of motor intentionality
Authors: Halák Jan
Published: September 2021

This paper clarifies Merleau-Ponty’s original account of “higher-order” cognition as fundamentally embodied and enacted. Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy inspired theories that deemphasize overlaps between conceptual knowledge and motor intentionality or, on the contrary, focus exclusively on abstract thought. In contrast, this paper explores the link between Merleau-Ponty’s account of motor intentionality and his interpretations of our capacity to understand and interact productively with cultural symbolic systems. I develop my interpretation based on Merleau-Ponty’s analysis of two neuropathological modifications of motor intentionality, the case of the brain-injured war veteran Schneider, and a neurological disorder known as Gerstmann’s syndrome. Building on my analysis of Schneider’s sensorimotor compensatory performances in relation to his limitations in the domains of algebra, geometry, and language usage, I demonstrate a strong continuity between the sense of embodiment and enaction at all these levels. Based on Merleau-Ponty’s interpretations, I argue that “higher-order” cognition is impaired in Schneider insofar as his injury limits his sensorimotor capacity to dynamically produce comparatively more complex differentiations of any given phenomenal structure. I then show how Merleau-Ponty develops and specifies his interpretation of Schneider’s intellectual difficulties in relation to the ambiguous role of the body, and in particular the hand, in Gerstmann’s syndrome. I explain how Merleau-Ponty defends the idea that sensorimotor and quasi-representational cognition are mutually irreducible, while maintaining that symbol-based cognition is a fundamentally enactive and embodied process.
Insights Into Genetics and Pathophysiology of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gerull Brenda , Brodehl Andreas
Published: September 2021

Purpose of Review

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic disease characterized by life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in apparently healthy young adults. Mutations in genes encoding for cellular junctions can be found in about half of the patients. However, disease onset and severity, risk of arrhythmias, and outcome are highly variable and drug-targeted treatment is currently unavailable.

Recent Findings

This review focuses on advances in clinical risk stratification, genetic etiology, and pathophysiological concepts. The desmosome is the central part of the disease, but other intercalated disc and associated structural proteins not only broaden the genetic spectrum but also provide novel molecular and cellular insights into the pathogenesis of ACM. Signaling pathways and the role of inflammation will be discussed and targets for novel therapeutic approaches outlined.

Genetic discoveries and experimental-driven preclinical research contributed significantly to the understanding of ACM towards mutation- and pathway-specific personalized medicine.
Modeling the outcome of supernova explosions in binary population synthesis using the stellar compactness
Authors: Dabrowny Maciej , Giacobbo Nicola , Gerosa Davide
Published: September 2021

Following the collapse of their cores, some of the massive binary stars that populate our Universe are expected to form merging binaries composed of black holes and neutron stars. Gravitational-wave observations of the resulting compact binaries can reveal precious details on the inner workings of the supernova mechanism and the subsequent formation of compact objects. Within the framework of the population-synthesis code mobse, we present the implementation of a new supernova model that relies on the compactness of the collapsing star. The model has two free parameters, namely the compactness threshold that separates the formation of black holes and that of neutron stars, and the fraction of the envelope that falls back onto the newly formed black holes. We compare this model extensively against other prescriptions that are commonly used in binary population synthesis. We find that the cleanest signatures of the role of the pre-supernova stellar compactness are (1) the relative formation rates of the different kinds of compact binaries, which mainly depend on the compactness threshold parameter, and (2) the location of the upper edge of the mass gap between the lightest black holes and the heaviest neutron stars, which mainly depends on the fallback fraction.
Selective and self-validating breath-level detection of hydrogen sulfide in humid air by gold nanoparticle-functionalized nanotube arrays
Authors: Panes-Ruiz Luis Antonio , Riemenschneider Leif , Al Chawa Mohamad Moner , Löffler Markus , Rellinghaus Bernd , Tetzlaff Ronald , Bezugly Viktor , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: September 2021

We demonstrate the selective detection of hydrogen sulfide at breath concentration levels under humid airflow, using a self-validating 64-channel sensor array based on semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sc-SWCNTs). The reproducible sensor fabrication process is based on a multiplexed and controlled dielectrophoretic deposition of sc-SWCNTs. The sensing area is functionalized with gold nanoparticles to address the detection at room temperature by exploiting the affinity between gold and sulfur atoms of the gas. Sensing devices functionalized with an optimized distribution of nanoparticles show a sensitivity of 0.122%/part per billion (ppb) and a calculated limit of detection (LOD) of 3 ppb. Beyond the self-validation, our sensors show increased stability and higher response levels compared to some commercially available electrochemical sensors. The cross-sensitivity to breath gases NH3 and NO is addressed demonstrating the high selectivity to H2S. Finally, mathematical models of sensors’ electrical characteristics and sensing responses are developed to enhance the differentiation capabilities of the platform to be used in breath analysis applications.
A statistical DEM approach for modelling heterogeneous brittle materials
Authors: Wessling Albin , Larsson Simon , Jonsén Pär , Kajberg Jörgen
Published: September 2021

By utilizing numerical models and simulation, insights about the fracture process of brittle heterogeneous materials can be gained without the need for expensive, difficult, or even impossible, experiments. Brittle and heterogeneous materials like rocks usually exhibit a large spread of experimental data and there is a need for a stochastic model that can mimic this behaviour. In this work, a new numerical approach, based on the Bonded Discrete Element Method, for modelling of heterogeneous brittle materials is proposed and evaluated. The material properties are introduced into the model via two main inputs. Firstly, the grains are constructed as ellipsoidal subsets of spherical discrete elements. The sizes and shapes of these ellipsoidal subsets are randomized, which introduces a grain shape heterogeneity Secondly, the micromechanical parameters of the constituent particles of the grains are given by the Weibull distribution. The model was applied to the Brazilian Disc Test, where the crack initiation, propagation, coalescence and branching could be investigated for different sets of grain cement strengths and sample heterogeneities. The crack initiation and propagation was found to be highly dependent on the level of heterogeneity and cement strength. Specifically, the amount of cracks initiating from the loading contact was found to be more prevalent for cases with higher cement strength and lower heterogeneity, while a more severe zigzag shaped crack pattern was found for the cases with lower cement strength and higher heterogeneity. Generally, the proposed model was found to be able to capture typical phenomena associated with brittle heterogeneous materials, e.g. the unpredictability of the strength in tension and crack properties.
Adiposità dell’osso e fragilità scheletrica
Authors: Cipriani Cristiana
Published: September 2021

Sommario

Nell’ambito del reciproco cross-talk tra metabolismo osseo e tessuto adiposo, lo studio del tessuto adiposo midollare (BMAT) è uno degli spunti di ricerca più interessanti degli ultimi anni. Un aumento del BMAT è descritto in diverse condizioni cliniche, in cui vi è una correlazione inversa tra BMAT, densità minerale ossea e qualità dell’osso. Nella presente rassegna vengono riassunti i dati sperimentali e clinici più recenti circa l’interrelazione tra danno scheletrico e aumento del BMAT.
Towards Green 3D-Microfabrication of Bio-MEMS Devices Using ADEX Dry Film Photoresists
Authors: Roos Michael M. , Winkler Andreas , Nilsen Madeleine , Menzel Siegfried B. , Strehle Steffen
Published: September 2021

Current trends in miniaturized diagnostics indicate an increasing demand for large quantities of mobile devices for health monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics. This comes along with a need for rapid but preferably also green microfabrication. Dry film photoresists (DFPs) promise low-cost and greener microfabrication and can partly or fully replace conventional silicon-technologies being associated with high-energy demands and the intense use of toxic and climate-active chemicals. Due to their mechanical stability and superior film thickness homogeneity, DFPs outperform conventional spin-on photoresists, such as SU-8, especially when three-dimensional architectures are required for micro-analytical devices (e.g. microfluidics). In this study, we utilize the commercial epoxy-based DFP ADEX to demonstrate various application scenarios ranging from the direct modification of microcantilever beams via the assembly of microfluidic channels to lamination-free patterning of DFPs, which employs the DFP directly as a substrate material. Finally, kinked, bottom-up grown silicon nanowires were integrated in this manner as prospective ion-sensitive field-effect transistors in a bio-probe architecture directly on ADEX substrates. Hence, we have developed the required set of microfabrication protocols for such an assembly comprising metal thin film deposition, direct burn-in of lithography alignment markers, and polymer patterning on top of the DFP.
The structure and behaviour of hierarchical infrastructure networks
Authors: Robson Craig , Barr Stuart , Ford Alistair , James Philip
Published: September 2021

Critical services depend on infrastructure networks for their operation and any disruption to these networks can have significant impacts on society, the economy, and quality of life. Such networks can be characterised as graphs which can be used to understand their structural properties, and the effect on their behaviour and robustness to hazards. Using a suite of graphs and critical infrastructure networks, this study aims to show that networks which exhibit a hierarchical structure are more likely to be less robust comparatively to non-hierarchical networks when exposed to failures, including those which supply critical services. This study investigates the properties of a hierarchical structure through identifying a set of key characteristics from an ensemble of graph models which are then used in a comparative analysis against a suite of spatial critical infrastructure networks. A failure model is implemented and applied to understand the implications of hierarchical structures in real world networks for their robustness to perturbations. The study concludes that a set of three graph metrics, cycle basis, maximum betweenness centrality and assortativity coefficient, can be used to identify the extent of a hierarchy in graphs, where a lack of robustness is linked to the hierarchical structure, a feature exhibited in both graph models and infrastructure networks.
Appraising discrepancies and similarities in semantic networks using concept-centered subnetworks
Authors: Medeuov Darkhan , Roth Camille , Puzyreva Kseniia , Basov Nikita
Published: September 2021

This article proposes an approach to compare semantic networks using concept-centered sub-networks. A concept-centered sub-network is defined as an induced network whose vertex set consists of the given concept (ego) and all its adjacent concepts (alters) and whose link set consists of all the links between the ego and alters (including alter-alter links). By looking at the vertex and link overlap indices of concept-centered networks we infer semantic similarity of the underlying concepts. We cross-evaluate the semantic similarity by close-reading textual contexts from which networks are derived. We illustrate the approach on written and interview texts from an ethnographic study of flood management practice in England.
Visualization and Perception of Data Gaps in the Context of Citizen Science Projects
Authors: Hoyer Tom , Moritz Julia , Moser Jana
Published: September 2021

Citizen Science initiatives often collect the data in an unsystematic way and dependent on the voluntary participation of interested citizens. The visualization of such data must present this incompleteness in a way that is understandable and comprehensible even to scientific laypersons if the correct conclusions are to be drawn. Using the project “Experiencing Biodiversity” as an example, this article shows how these requirements can be taken into account in the development of an online portal. Thereby, we discuss how data gaps can be pointed out by means of maps in order to be able to better interpret the significance of crowd-based data. We use empirical user studies to show the extent to which this was successful in the “Experiencing Biodiversity” project and the role of additional interpretation aids. Finally, we discuss how the findings of this project could be transferred to other use cases.
Expertise Detection in Crowdsourcing Forums Using the Composition of Latent Topics and Joint Syntactic–Semantic Cues
Authors: Woldemariam Yonas Demeke
Published: September 2021

We develop an NLP method for inferring potential contributors among multitude of users within crowdsourcing forums (CSFs). The method basically provides a way to predict expertise from their structures (syntax–semantic patterns) when crowdsourced votes are unavailable. It primarily deals with tackling core adverse conditions, which hinder the identification of crowds’ expertise levels, and standardization of measuring linguistic quality of crowdsourced text. To solve the former, an expertise estimation and linguistic feature annotation algorithm is developed. To approach the later, a comprehensive linguistic characterization of crowdsourced text, along with extensive joint syntax–punctuation analyses, have been carried out. The entire corpora are comprised of approximately 8 different domains, 3 million and 50,000 sentences, and 32 million and 90,000 words, contributed by a crowd of 50,000 users. The analyses revealed six major linguistic patterns, identified on the basis of ordered lists of structural (syntactic) categories, learned from grammatical constructions, practiced by major groups of experts. In addition, nine different text-oriented expertise dimensions are identified, as crucial steps towards establishing standard linguistic-based expertise-framework for most CSFs. Potentially, the resulting framework simplifies the measurement of crowds’ proficiency, in those particular forums, where crowds’ tasks (e.g., answering questions, technically discerning deep features within images of galaxies for classifying them into certain categories) are intimately connected with their writing (e.g., describing answers illustratively, expressing complex phenomena observed in classified images). Moreover, wide varieties of linguistic annotations: latent topic annotations, named entities, syntactic and punctuation annotations, semantic and character set annotations, word and character n-grams (n= 2 and 3) annotations, are extracted. That is for building baseline and enhanced versions of expertise models (about 20 different models built). The successive achievements of enhancing baseline models, with iteratively adding linguistic feature annotations in a two-stage enhancement process, indicate the adaptability of the learned models.
Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Nastase Horatiu
Published: September 2021

Quantum Field Theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding fields and the particles associated with them, and is the basis of particle physics and condensed matter research. This graduate level textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to quantum field theory, giving equal emphasis to operator and path integral formalisms. It covers modern research such as helicity spinors, BCFW construction and generalized unitarity cuts; as well as treating advanced topics including BRST quantization, loop equations, and finite temperature field theory. Various quantum fields are described, including scalar and fermionic fields, Abelian vector fields and Quantum ElectroDynamics (QED), and finally non-Abelian vector fields and Quantum ChromoDynamics (QCD). Applications to scattering cross sections in QED and QCD are also described. Each chapter ends with exercises and an important concepts section, allowing students to identify the key aspects of the chapter and test their understanding.
Revisiting Daily MODIS Evapotranspiration Algorithm Using Flux Tower Measurements in China
Authors: Huang Lei , Steenhuis Tammo S. , Luo Yong , Tang Qiuhong , Tang Ronglin , Zheng Junqing , Shi Wen , Qiao Chen
Published: September 2021

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the major component of the hydrology cycle. Satellites provide a convenient way for gathering information to estimate regional ET. The most widely applied method for converting the instantaneous satellite measurement to daily scale assumes that evaporative fraction (EF), defined as the ratio of ET to the available energy, is constant during the daytime. However, this method was proved to underestimate the daily ET. This study implemented a theoretically improved EF algorithm to calculate daily ET with the decoupling factor method based on the Penman‐Monteith and McNaughton‐Jarvis equations. Seven improved algorithms were developed by assuming that various parameters remain constant during the day. The satellite‐based ET estimates were compared with seven local flux tower measurements in China. The results showed that: (a) The original ET method calculated the daily evaporation more accurately than the other algorithms. However, the good fit was based on two compensating inaccuracies. Compared to the flux tower measurement, the original ET method underestimated the daily EF by 26% and overestimated the daily net radiation by 30%. (b) Six of the seven proposed algorithms underpredicted the daily ET by 30%–60%, mainly due to the inaccurate daily net radiation. (c) The algorithm that assumed that the instantaneous decoupling parameter was equal to its daily value method calculated EF and ET with relative errors of 8% and 10% separately when the inaccurate estimated daily net radiation was replaced by the observed flux tower data.
How the “Best Accidental Climate Treaty” Stopped Runaway Climate Change
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: September 2021

The Montreal Protocol halted the destruction of the ozone layer. In the process, it saved one of Earth’s most important carbon sinks.
Noise Integration Kernel Design for the Wave Distribution Function Method: Robust Direction Finding With Different Sensor Noise Levels
Authors: Tanaka Yuji , Ota Mamoru , Kasahara Yoshiya
Published: September 2021

Plasma wave direction determined by propagation characteristics and remote sensing technology provides important information for understanding not only the local plasma environment but also the global features of space plasma. The wave distribution function method, a direction finding method, derives the directional distribution of wave energy density using a priori information such as the propagation mode, plasma density, and geomagnetic field intensity. The Markov random field model includes a noise integration kernel that corresponds to the noise used for the estimation, which improves the robustness of the model. However, the effectiveness of this noise integration kernel was only verified for the case where the electromagnetic field sensor noise levels were equal. The noise levels of the electromagnetic field sensors on board scientific satellites often change due to the degradation of the sensors during long‐term instrument operation. Therefore, we proposed two design methods for a noise integration kernel to improve the estimation accuracy when the noise levels among electromagnetic field sensors are different. In proposed model 1, the noise integration kernel was designed for each sensor, and in proposed model 2, the noise integration kernel was designed with the information that the noise level ratio between the sensors was known. The simulation results showed that proposed model 2 improved the misalignment of the peak in the direction of arrival when the noise levels were different regardless of whether the sensor was parallel or perpendicular to the external magnetic field.
Integrative brain transcriptome analysis links complement component 4 and HSPA2 to the APOE ε2 protective effect in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Panitch Rebecca , Hu Junming , Chung Jaeyoon , Zhu Congcong , Meng Gaoyuan , Xia Weiming , Bennett David A. , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Ikezu Tsuneya , Au Rhoda , Stein Thor D. , Farrer Lindsay A. , Jun Gyungah R.
Published: September 2021

Mechanisms underlying the protective effect of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 against Alzheimer disease (AD) are not well understood. We analyzed gene expression data derived from autopsied brains donated by 982 individuals including 135APOEɛ2/ɛ3 carriers. Complement pathway genesC4AandC4Bwere among the most significantly differentially expressed genes between ɛ2/ɛ3 AD cases and controls. We also identified anAPOEε2/ε3 AD-specific co-expression network enriched for astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells containing the genesC4A, C4B, andHSPA2. These genes were significantly associated with the ratio of phosphorylated tau at position 231 to total Tau but not with amyloid-β 42 level, suggesting thisAPOEɛ2 related co-expression network may primarily be involved with tau pathology.HSPA2expression was oligodendrocyte-specific and significantly associated with C4B protein. Our findings provide the first evidence of a crucial role of the complement pathway in the protective effect ofAPOEε2 for AD.
Neuropharmacokinetic visualization of regional and subregional unbound antipsychotic drug transport across the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Luptáková Dominika , Vallianatou Theodosia , Nilsson Anna , Shariatgorji Reza , Hammarlund-Udenaes Margareta , Loryan Irena , Andrén Per E.
Published: September 2021

Comprehensive determination of the extent of drug transport across the region-specific blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a major challenge in preclinical studies. Multiple approaches are needed to determine the regional free (unbound) drug concentration at which a drug engages with its therapeutic target. We present an approach that merges in vivo and in vitro neuropharmacokinetic investigations with mass spectrometry imaging to quantify and visualize both the extent of unbound drug BBB transport and the post-BBB cerebral distribution of drugs at regional and subregional levels. Direct imaging of the antipsychotic drugs risperidone, clozapine, and olanzapine using this approach enabled differentiation of regional and subregional BBB transport characteristics at 20-µm resolution in small brain regions, which could not be achieved by other means. Our approach allows investigation of heterogeneity in BBB transport and presents new possibilities for molecular psychiatrists by facilitating interpretation of regional target-site exposure results and decision-making.
PPFIBP1 induces glioma cell migration and invasion through FAK/Src/JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Dong Caihua , Li Xinying , Yang Jiao , Yuan Detian , Zhou Yuanshuai , Zhang Yina , Shi Guohua , Zhang Ruobing , Liu Jianping , Fu Peng , Sun Minxuan
Published: September 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor, with a 5-year survival ratio <5%. Invasive growth is a major determinant of the poor prognosis in GBM. In this study, we demonstrate that high expression of PPFIA binding protein 1 (PPFIBP1) correlates with remarkable invasion and poor prognosis of GBM patients. Using scratch and transwell assay, we find that the invasion and migration of GBM cells are promoted by overexpression of PPFIBP1, while inhibited by knockdown of PPFIBP1. Then, we illustrate that overexpression of PPFIBP1 facilitates glioma cell infiltration and reduces survival in xenograft models. Next, RNA-Seq and GO enrichment analysis reveal that PPFIBP1 regulates differentially expressed gene clusters involved in the Wnt and adhesion-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PPFIBP1 activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and c-Jun, thereby enhancing Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression probably through interacting with SRCIN1 (p140Cap). Finally, inhibition of phosphorylation of Src and FAK significantly reversed the augmentation of invasion and migration caused by PPFIBP1 overexpression in GBM cells. In conclusion, these findings uncover a novel mechanism of glioma invasion and identify PPFIBP1 as a potential therapeutic target of glioma.
Deep learning with digital holographic microscopy discriminates apoptosis and necroptosis
Authors: Verduijn Joost , Van der Meeren Louis , Krysko Dmitri V. , Skirtach André G.
Published: September 2021

Regulated cell death modalities such as apoptosis and necroptosis play an important role in regulating different cellular processes. Currently, regulated cell death is identified using the golden standard techniques such as fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. However, they require fluorescent labels, which are potentially phototoxic. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new label-free methods. In this work, we apply Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) coupled with a deep learning algorithm to distinguish between alive, apoptotic and necroptotic cells in murine cancer cells. This method is solely based on label-free quantitative phase images, where the phase delay of light by cells is quantified and is used to calculate their topography. We show that a combination of label-free DHM in a high-throughput set-up (~10,000 cells per condition) can discriminate between apoptosis, necroptosis and alive cells in the L929sAhFas cell line with a precision of over 85%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time deep learning in the form of convolutional neural networks is applied to distinguish—with a high accuracy—apoptosis and necroptosis and alive cancer cells from each other in a label-free manner. It is expected that the approach described here will have a profound impact on research in regulated cell death, biomedicine and the field of (cancer) cell biology in general.
Zanthoxylum-specific whole genome duplication and recent activity of transposable elements in the highly repetitive paleotetraploid Z. bungeanum genome
Authors: Feng Shijing , Liu Zhenshan , Cheng Jian , Li Zihe , Tian Lu , Liu Min , Yang Tuxi , Liu Yulin , Liu Yonghong , Dai He , Yang Zujun , Zhang Qing , Wang Gang , Zhang Jisen , Jiang Huifeng , Wei Anzhi
Published: September 2021

Zanthoxylum bungeanum is an important spice and medicinal plant that is unique for its accumulation of abundant secondary metabolites, which create a characteristic aroma and tingling sensation in the mouth. Owing to the high proportion of repetitive sequences, high heterozygosity, and increased chromosome number of Z. bungeanum, the assembly of its chromosomal pseudomolecules is extremely challenging. Here, we present a genome sequence for Z. bungeanum, with a dramatically expanded size of 4.23 Gb, assembled into 68 chromosomes. This genome is approximately tenfold larger than that of its close relative Citrus sinensis. After the divergence of Zanthoxylum and Citrus, the lineage-specific whole-genome duplication event η-WGD approximately 26.8 million years ago (MYA) and the recent transposable element (TE) burst ~6.41 MYA account for the substantial genome expansion in Z. bungeanum. The independent Zanthoxylum-specific WGD event was followed by numerous fusion/fission events that shaped the genomic architecture. Integrative genomic and transcriptomic analyses suggested that prominent species-specific gene family expansions and changes in gene expression have shaped the biosynthesis of sanshools, terpenoids, and anthocyanins, which contribute to the special flavor and appearance of Z. bungeanum. In summary, the reference genome provides a valuable model for studying the impact of WGDs with recent TE activity on gene gain and loss and genome reconstruction and provides resources to accelerate Zanthoxylum improvement.
Insights into angiosperm evolution, floral development and chemical biosynthesis from the Aristolochia fimbriata genome
Authors: Qin Liuyu , Hu Yiheng , Wang Jinpeng , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhao Ran , Shan Hongyan , Li Kunpeng , Xu Peng , Wu Hanying , Yan Xueqing , Liu Lumei , Yi Xin , Wanke Stefan , Bowers John E. , Leebens-Mack James H. , dePamphilis Claude W. , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Kong Hongzhi , Jiao Yuannian
Published: September 2021

Aristolochia, a genus in the magnoliid order Piperales, has been famous for centuries for its highly specialized flowers and wide medicinal applications. Here, we present a new, high-quality genome sequence ofAristolochia fimbriata, a species that, similar toAmborella trichopoda, lacks further whole-genome duplications since the origin of extant angiosperms. As such, theA. fimbriatagenome is an excellent reference for inferences of angiosperm genome evolution, enabling detection of two novel whole-genome duplications in Piperales and dating of previously reported whole-genome duplications in other magnoliids. Genomic comparisons betweenA. fimbriataand other angiosperms facilitated the identification of ancient genomic rearrangements suggesting the placement of magnoliids as sister to monocots, whereas phylogenetic inferences based on sequence data we compiled yielded ambiguous relationships. By identifying associated homologues and investigating their evolutionary histories and expression patterns, we revealed highly conserved floral developmental genes and their distinct downstream regulatory network that may contribute to the complex flower morphology inA. fimbriata. Finally, we elucidated the genetic basis underlying the biosynthesis of terpenoids and aristolochic acids inA. fimbriata.