bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomics as a tool to decipher plant responses in arbuscular mycorrhizal interactions: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Domingo Guido , Vannini Candida , Bracale Marcella , Bonfante Paola
Published: December 2022

The beneficial symbiosis between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi leads to a deep reprogramming of plant metabolism, involving the regulation of several molecular mechanisms, many of which are poorly characterized. In this regard, proteomics is a powerful tool to explore changes related to plant–microbe interactions. This study provides a comprehensive proteomic meta‐analysis conducted on AM‐modulated proteins at local (roots) and systemic (shoots/leaves) level. The analysis was implemented by an in‐depth study of root membrane‐associated proteins and by a comparison with a transcriptome meta‐analysis. A total of 4262 differentially abundant proteins were retrieved and, to identify the most relevant AM‐regulated processes, a range of bioinformatic studies were conducted, including functional enrichment and protein‐protein interaction network analysis. In addition to several protein transporters which are present in higher amounts in AM plants, and which are expected due to the well‐known enhancement of AM‐induced mineral uptake, our analysis revealed some novel traits. We detected a massive systemic reprogramming of translation with a central role played by the ribosomal translational apparatus. On one hand, these new protein‐synthesis efforts well support the root cellular re‐organization required by the fungal penetration, and on the other they have a systemic impact on primary metabolism.
Improving SWATH‐MS analysis by deep‐learning
Authors: Sun Bo , Smialowski Pawel , Aftab Wasim , Schmidt Andreas , Forne Ignasi , Straub Tobias , Imhof Axel
Published: December 2022

Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) of tandem mass spectrometry spectra has emerged as a promising technology to improve coverage and quantification of proteins in complex mixtures. The success of DIA experiments is dependent on the quality of spectral libraries used for data base searching. Frequently, these libraries need to be generated by labor and time intensive data dependent acquisition (DDA) experiments. Recently, several algorithms have been published that allow the generation of theoretical libraries by an efficient prediction of retention time and intensity of the fragment ions. Sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH‐MS) is a DIA method that can be applied at an unprecedented speed, but the fragmentation spectra suffer from a lower quality than data acquired on Orbitrap instruments. To reliably generate theoretical libraries that can be used in SWATH experiments, we developed deep‐learning for SWATH analysis (dpSWATH), to improve the sensitivity and specificity of data generated by Q‐TOF mass spectrometers. The theoretical library built by dpSWATH allowed us to increase the identification rate of proteins compared to traditional or library‐free methods. Based on our analysis we conclude that dpSWATH is a superior prediction framework for SWATH‐MS measurements than other algorithms based on Orbitrap data.
Salidroside alleviates dexamethasone‐induced inhibition of bone formation via transforming growth factor‐beta/Smad2/3 signaling pathway
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Zhou Huan , Liu Hongyu , Liao Shiyi , Zhou Chenhui , Xu Daohua
Published: December 2022

Glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis is the third epidemic osteoporosis following postmenopausal and senileosteoporosis. According to one study, salidroside made ovariectomized rats' bones strong. Salidroside's potential for treating glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis remains unproven. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of salidroside on dexamethasone‐induced osteogenic differentiation and bone formation in MC3T3‐E1 cells and zebrafish. The study proved that salindroside had no harmful impact on MC3T3E1 cells. Salidroside significantly relieved dexamethasone‐induced inhibition of ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity and mineralization in MC3T3‐E1 cells, and promoted osteogenic differentiation of cells. Salidroside increased the expression of osteopontin (OPN), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix (Osx), transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) proteins and promoted the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in MC3T3‐E1 cells treated with dexamethasone. In addition, the effect of salidroside in relieving dexamethasone‐induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 cells can be blocked by TGF‐β receptor type I/II inhibitor (LY2109761). At the same time, we found that salidroside significantly alleviated the inhibition of dexamethasone‐induced bone formation in zebrafish and promoted the mineralization of zebrafish skulls. LY2109761 reversed the protective impact of salidroside on dexamethasone‐mediated bone impairment in zebrafish. These findings suggested that salidroside alleviated dexamethasone‐induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and bone formation via TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
Buriti oil and natural surfactant improve the properties of cassava starch and carboxymethylcellulose films
Authors: dos Santos Rogério Willian Silva , de Santana Neto Deocleciano Cassiano , Leite Manuela Souza , Jorge Regina Maria Matos , Dantas Tirzhá Lins Porto
Published: December 2022

Due to the environmental problem related to the disposal of non‐biodegradable packaging and its aggravation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, buriti oil (BO) and Yucca schidigera (YS) surfactant were added to the cassava starch and carboxymethylcellulose films to create a new emulsified biofilm with better properties. The influence of BO and YS on mechanical and barrier properties was evaluated. All properties differed significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the base film. Incorporation of BO and YS increased tensile strength by 1.100% and opacity by 375% and reduced elongation. In addition, the two variables generated a reduction in water vapour permeability (~47%) and water solubility (~70%), making the films less hydrophilic. Both attenuated total reflectance (ATR)–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were able to generate important correlations, observing the effects of BO and YS on the uniformity and cohesion of the structures of the emulsified films. Overall, the emulsified films showed great potential for application as primary and/or secondary packaging.
Impacts of an intensive community‐based support for patients with severe or morbid obesity in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study
Authors: Bond Mick , Haywood Annette , Holding Eleanor , Goyder Elizabeth , Bissell Paul , Stephenson John , Holt Rachel
Published: December 2022

Background: To explore the long‐term impact of a UK specialist service providing intensive weight management support for patients with severe and complex obesity. An interview‐based study of former patients about their contact with the service and how it had affected their subsequent weight management. The questions covered areas of difference between those who had received lifestyle change support and those who had also had weight loss surgery.

Methods: This qualitative study took place with former patients of a community‐based weight management service for people with severe or morbid obesity who had been discharged for at least 2 years. Nineteen interviews took place with patients initially contacted by questionnaire about their experiences of involvement with the service. Participants interviewed all had support to change their lifestyle, and some also had bariatric surgery. A narrative interview approach was employed to explore participants’ weight management after involvement with the service.

Results: Most participants maintained their weight loss. The self‐esteem of some participants had significantly improved. For some, the weight loss came with significant problems in terms of dietary restrictions and loose skin. Participants said they would like more open‐ended contact, particularly for those who had bariatric surgery.

Conclusions: The study supported current research findings that both those who had bariatric surgery or who just had lifestyle change support experienced a significant reduction in their weight. In this respect, participants thought it was a success. However, for a number, it was at a price in terms of the amount and type of food they could eat. The study adds to the understanding of the impact of bariatric surgery and weight management support from the patients’ perspective and of the support needs of patients having lifestyle support and surgery to help them manage the long‐term impact of obesity and treatment side‐effects.
An efficient online citrus counting system for large‐scale unstructured orchards based on the unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Zheng Zhenhui , Xiong Juntao , Wang Xiao , Li Zexing , Huang Qiyin , Chen Haoran , Han Yonglin
Published: December 2022

The accurate detection and counting of fruits in natural environments are key steps for the early yield estimation of orchards and the realization of smart orchard production management. However, existing citrus counting algorithms have two primary limitations: the performance of counting algorithms needs to be improved, and their system operation efficiency is low in practical applications. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel end‐to‐end orchard fruit counting pipeline that can be used by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in parallel to help overcome the above problems. First, to obtain on‐board camera images online, an innovative UAV live broadcast platform was developed for the orchard scene. Second, for this challenging specific scene, a detection network named Citrus‐YOLO was designed to detect fruits in the video stream in real‐time. Then, the DeepSort algorithm was used to assign a specific ID to each citrus fruit in the online UAV scene and track the fruits across video frames. Finally, a nonuniform distributed counter was proposed to correct the fruit count during the tracking process, and this can significantly reduce the counting errors caused by tracking failure. This is the first work to realize online and end‐to‐end counting in a field orchard environment. The experimental results show that the F1 score and mean absolute percentage error of the method are 89.07% and 12.75%, respectively, indicating that the system can quickly and accurately achieve fruit counting in large‐scale unstructured citrus orchards. Although our work is discussed in the context of fruit counting, it can be extended to the detection, tracking and counting of a variety of other objects of interest in UAV application scenarios
Current treatments after spinal cord injury: Cell engineering, tissue engineering, and combined therapies
Authors: Shen Yingbo , Cao Xinyue , Lu Minhui , Gu Hongcheng , Li Minli , Posner David A.
Published: December 2022

Both traumatic and non‐traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be categorized as damages done to our central nervous system (CNS). The patients' physical and mental health may suffer greatly because of traumatic SCI. With the widespread use of motor vehicles and increasingly aged population, the occurrence of SCI is more frequent than before, creating a considerable burden to global public health. The regeneration process of the spinal cord is hampered by a series of events that occur following SCI like edema, hemorrhage, formation of cystic cavities, and ischemia. An effective strategy for the treatment of SCI and functional recovery still has not been discovered; however, recent advances have been made in bioengineering fields that therapies based on cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules have proved effective in the repair of the spinal cord. In the light of worldwide importance of treatments for SCI, this article aims to provide a review of recent advances by first introducing the physiology, etiology, epidemiology, and mechanisms of SCI. We then put emphasis on the widely used clinical treatments and bioengineering strategies (cell‐based, biomaterial‐based, and biomolecule‐based) for the functional regeneration of the spinal cord as well as challenges faced by scientists currently. This article provides scientists and clinicians with a comprehensive outlook on the recent advances of preclinical and clinical treatments of SCI, hoping to help them find keys to the functional regeneration of SCI.
Early adaptations of true flies (Diptera) to moist and aquatic continental environments
Authors: Peñalver Enrique , Matamales‐Andreu Rafel , Nel André , Pérez‐de la Fuente Ricardo
Published: December 2022

Insect colonization of continental aquatic ecosystems and their immediate surroundings was paramount for the establishment of complex trophic nets and organic‐matter recycling in those environments. True flies and other insects such as mayflies developed crucial ecological roles in early continental aquatic ecosystems, as early as the Triassic. However, the mode and tempo of these processes remain poorly known, partly due to a critical fossil record gap before the Middle Triassic. Here we study the dipterans from the early Middle Triassic Konservat‐Lagerstätte of Pedra Alta (Aegean, early Anisian, Spain), which yields the oldest records of the order. Protoanisolarva juarezi gen. et sp. nov., based on an exceptionally preserved larva, shares key features with the extant nematoceran family Anisopodidae. Developing in inferred moist terrestrial environments contiguous with pools inhabited by aquatic organisms, it represents the only known Triassic dipteran larva with terrestrial affinities indicating that the amphipneustic respiratory system of insect larvae extends back to c. 247 Ma. Two nematoceran aquatic pupae are also described: one classified as Voltziapupa cf. cornuta, and the other as an indeterminate taxon. Finally, an egg cluster belonging to the ootaxon Clavapartus latus is likely to have been produced by chironomids. These eggs were included in a mucilaginous matrix, a probable adaptation against predation and/or changing conditions, including desiccation. These new findings provide key data on the early evolutionary history of the mega‐diverse order Diptera, the ecology of their ancestral pre‐adult forms, and the functioning of early Middle Triassic continental aquatic ecosystems.
Anatomy, palaeoautecology and phylogenetic affinity of tubular Glossolites magnus from the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota, South China
Authors: Sun Haijing , Zhao Fangchen , Zhu Maoyan
Published: December 2022

A number of well‐preserved fossil taxa from the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota of South China have played important roles in the construction and analysis of the early evolutionary tree of metazoans. Certain other Chengjiang taxa, erected based on limited characters, have yielded little or no information concerning key aspects of their palaeobiology, and consequently their phylogenetic significance has been difficult to assess. One such taxon is the large conical animal Glossolites magnus. Exceptionally preserved new material of this soft‐bodied species herein, bearing oral tentacles and internal structures, indicates that G. magnus is not, as previously proposed, a hyolith. This work provides further information about possible biological affinities and palaeoautecology, which still remain open questions.
Influence of Heat Treatment Parameters on the Carbide Morphology of PM High‐Speed Steel HS 6‐5‐3‐8
Authors: Disch Niklas , Benito Santiago , Röttger Arne , Weber Sebastian
Published: December 2022

The influence of heat treatment parameters on the carbide morphology of the powder metallurgic high‐speed steel HS 6‐5‐3‐8 is examined. To that end, diverse heat treatment parameters are selected and applied by quenching dilatometry. In particular, different austenitizing temperatures, as well as an isothermal holding stage during quenching in the temperature regime of the transformation gap at temperatures between 450 and 600 °C, are produced. Extensive computer‐aided image analysis is performed to investigate the carbide morphology. It is found that the circularity of the tungsten‐rich M6C carbides increases significantly after short holding times at a temperature of 550 °C due to the carbide precipitation from metastable and supersaturated austenite onto pre‐existing carbides. Longer holding times lead to further growth of the carbides, while the circularity of the carbides does not change. It is further shown that the hardness of the isothermally treated material is increased, all other parameters being equal. Increased carbide circularity might be helpful for increasing the toughness while reaching the same hardness and wear resistance as the conventional heat‐treated material. Moreover, it might be possible to enhance the austenitizing temperature with regain of positive carbide morphology properties during the isothermal holding stage. Thus, improved material properties could be achieved.
Analytical reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method development for silodosin and solifenacin in bulk and marketed formulation using analytical quality by design approach
Authors: Dhiman Shubham , Kurmi Balak Das , Asati Vivek
Published: December 2022

A reliable HPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of Silodosin and Solifenacin was developed using the quality by design approach. In this study, the main goal was to find a dependable chromatographic system for acceptable component separation. The peaks were sharp within a reasonable run time. For the risk measurement related to the study, critical quality attributes were evaluated. To create an analytical design and a control strategy, the quantitative relationship between critical materials attributes and critical quality attributes was built utilizing the Box‐Behnken design. The optimum and ideal mobile phase ratio selected as per the quality by design approach was acetonitrile:methanol:buffer (50:20:30, v/v/v) which has a pH 4.5 flow rate of 1 ml/min. The buffer system used in this mobile phase was potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate. The retention time for Silodosin and Solifenacin determined was 3.626 and 5.754 min. respectively at λmax = 210 nm. The R2 value calculated for Silodosin and Solifenacin was 0.9994 and 0.9982, respectively. The related standard deviation was less than 2% for the developed method showing good reproducibility and recovery. A simple, precise, and repeatable high‐performance liquid chromatography method for regular quality control testing was developed simultaneously by applying a quality by design approach.
Predictive maintenance analytics and implementation for aircraft: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Stanton Izaak , Munir Kamran , Ikram Ahsan , El‐Bakry Murad
Published: December 2022

The increase in available data from sensors embedded in industrial equipment has led to a recent rise in the use of industrial predictive maintenance. In the aircraft industry, predictive maintenance has become an essential tool for optimizing maintenance schedules, reducing aircraft downtime, and identifying unexpected faults. Despite this, there is currently no comprehensive survey of predictive maintenance applications and techniques solely devoted to the aircraft manufacturing industry. This article is an in‐depth state‐of‐the‐art systematic literature review of the different data types, applications, projects, and opportunities for predictive maintenance in this industry. The goal of this review is to identify, and highlight the challenges and opportunities for future research in this field. This review found that the current focus of research is too biased towards aircraft engines due to a lack of publicly available data sets, and that greater automation is an important step to optimize aircraft maintenance to its full potential.
A Pandemic Partnership: Preservice Teachers and Fourth Graders Engage in Virtual Book Clubs
Authors: Kelly Katie , Cameron Likens Alyssa
Published: December 2022

When preservice teachers were no longer able to visit schools due to the pandemic, their university professor partnered with an alum who teaches fourth grade to design and implement virtual book clubs. The preservice teachers created book trailers for the fourth graders to view and choose from for their book club. The groups connected using a variety of digital platforms and modalities to discuss the selected books. Through this virtual experience, the preservice teachers learned how to individualize their responses using the Four‐N‐Framework as a guide to nurture and nudge each reader through virtual book club conversations.
Differentiating Strongylus vulgaris‐associated, non‐strangulating intestinal infarctions from idiopathic peritonitis and acute colitis in horses
Authors: Poulsen Lea , Henriksson Frida V. , Dahl Melissa , Honoré Marie Louise , Olsen Susanne N. , Leifsson Páll S. , Stærk‐Østergaard Jacob , Jacobsen Stine , Pihl Tina H.
Published: December 2022

Background

Horses with non‐strangulating intestinal infarction (NSII) are often misdiagnosed with idiopathic peritonitis or acute colitis. Early diagnosis is essential to ensure early surgical intervention and improve survival.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data from horses admitted to the University of Copenhagen Large Animal Teaching Hospital with NSII, idiopathic peritonitis or acute colitis between 2009 and 2018 were used for univariate comparisons and a multivariable logistic regression model for prediction of NSII.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐one horses were included. A multivariable model for the prediction of NSII included gastric reflux (more than 5 L) (odds ratio [OR] 8.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–36.2), abnormal findings palpated per rectum (intestinal dilatations/impactions [OR 4.43; 95% CI 1.43–13.38], colon displacements [OR 23.16; 95% CI 5.26–101.97] or intestinal mass [OR 179.7; 95% CI 23.5–1375.5]), white blood cell count (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.4), packed cell volume (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8–0.9), age (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8–1.0) and heart rate (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.1). The model had a low false positive rate (5%), but a high false negative rate (50%).

Limitations

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, sample collection was inconsistent, resulting in missing values.

Conclusion

The model had some capability in predicting NSII. However, the high risk of false negatives means that exploratory laparotomy should be considered in horses with peritonitis of unknown aetiology in areas where Strongylus vulgaris is prevalent and occurrence of idiopathic peritonitis is low.
Skeletal muscle dissemination in a dog with T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Magni Tommaso , Signore Francesca Del , Vignoli Massimo , Terragni Rossella , Poli Alessandro , Parisi Francesca , Sampaolo Michele , Boari Andrea , Miglio Arianna , Crisi Paolo Emidio
Published: December 2022

A 5‐year‐old spayed female American Staffordshire was referred for weakness, reluctance to move and distension of the abdomen. Three weeks before, the dog underwent surgery for excision of a nodular mass suspected to be a non‐epitheliotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (NE‐CTCL). Computed tomography revealed heterogeneous enhancing mesenteric masses and nodular lesions of soft tissue density, and infiltration of the abdominal muscular wall. Moreover, a pattern of diffuse muscle nodules in the skeletal muscles was visible, with lesions showing homogenous, heterogeneous or ring enhancement. Necrosis was histologically observed and these lesions were infiltrated by CD3‐positive and CD20‐, CD79a‐ and Iba1‐negative neoplastic lymphocytes. On the basis of the immunopathological features metastatic NE‐CTCL was suspected. Skeletal muscle metastasis has been rarely reported in small animals and this case report further confirms that this possibility should be considered in dogs with lymphoma.
Idiopathic pancreatic haematoma in a lurcher dog
Authors: Henry Perrine , Loane Samantha , Peschard Anne‐Lorraine , Greville‐Heygate Oliver , Skelly Barbara
Published: December 2022

A 5‐year‐old, male, neutered lurcher dog was presented for investigation of a cranial abdominal mass and suspected acute pancreatitis. Advanced diagnostic imaging revealed the presence of a cavitated mass, multiple splenic nodules and coeliac lymphadenopathy. Fluid analysis from ultrasound‐guided mass‐lesion aspiration was suggestive of a pancreatic origin. After medical stabilisation, the dog underwent celiotomy where partial left limb pancreatectomy, splenectomy and coeliac lymphadenectomy were performed. Histopathological examination was consistent with a chronic pancreatic haematoma, splenic nodular hyperplasia with sinus histiocytosis and sinus erythrocytosis of the coeliac lymph node. Post‐operatively, the dog recovered rapidly with supportive care. Re‐examination 3 months later showed that it remained clinically normal with no symptoms of pancreatitis, and no evidence of recurrence of the haematoma or metastatic disease. This report describes the presentation of a large pancreatic lesion, compatible with a haematoma, and its successful surgical treatment in a dog.
A retrospective study of choke (oesophageal obstruction) in 64 one‐hump Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zabady Mohamed K. , Shawaf Turke
Published: December 2022

Background

Choke (oesophageal obstruction) is an important oesophageal disorder in large domestic animals. Published studies on choke in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) are few in number and deal with small number of cases.

Methods

Sixty‐four camels with choke were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, King Faisal University. History, breed, age, sex, duration of obstruction and clinical signs were recorded. The diagnosis was established using examination with a stomach tube, oesophageal radiography and endoscopy. Choke was managed either by using alligator forceps guided endoscope or by cervical oesophagotomy.

Results

Choke was recorded in camels less than 1 year old (84.38%) more than camels more than 1 year of age (15.62%) and complete obstruction more than partial. Most cases had obstruction involving the cervical oesophagus (96.87%). In the majority of obstructive masses, there were pieces of fabric (48.44%) and plastic bags (35.94%). Most obstructive masses were slightly radio‐opaque (62.5%). Surgical and non‐surgical managements were effective (91.3% and 94.44%, respectively) in resolving the choke.

Conclusions

Choke was most likely in animals less than 1 year of age with complete obstruction of the cervical oesophagus. Surgical and non‐surgical methods were effective in resolving the choke in the dromedary camels. It was not practical to use forceps extraction in all adult camels due to the limited length of the alligator forceps.
A survey of smoothing techniques based on a backfitting algorithm in estimation of semiparametric additive models
Authors: Ahmed Syed Ejaz , Aydın Dursun , Yılmaz Ersin
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to present an overview of Semiparametric additive models. An estimation of the finite‐parameters of semiparametric regression models that involve additive nonparametric components is explained, including their historical background. In addition, three different smoothing techniques are considered in order to show the working procedures of the estimators and to explore their statistical properties: smoothing splines, kernel smoothing and local linear regression. These methods are compared with respect to both their theoretical and practical behaviors. A simulation study and a real data example are carried out to reveal the performances of the three methods. Accordingly, the advantages and disadvantages of each method regarding semiparametric additive models are presented based on their comparative scores using determined evaluation metrics for loss of information.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis

Statistical Models > Semiparametric Models
Core Optimizations
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

Perhaps one of the most important questions in a numerical library or software is, “how to make it run faster?” You can never have a piece of scientific computation program that runs too fast or takes too little memory. That is surely also the primary concern when we are designing Owl. In this chapter, we discuss the optimization of the module, the core module that underlies almost all computation in Owl. We first introduce this module and how it interfaces to C code. Next, we briefly introduce the basic principles in optimizing numerical code, including some common techniques. Then we use the code examples in Owl to demonstrate how these techniques are applied in Owl. We finish this chapter with a bit of touch on the topic of automatic performance tuning in numerical libraries.
Algorithmic Differentiation
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

Differentiation is key to numerous scientific applications including maximizing or minimizing functions, solving systems of ODEs, physical simulation, etc. Of existing methods, algorithmic differentiation, or AD, is a computer-friendly technique for performing differentiation that is both efficient and accurate. AD is a central component of the architecture design of Owl. In this chapter, we will show, with hands-on examples, how the AD engine is designed and implemented in Owl. AD will be used in some of the other chapters to show its application in optimization and machine learning.
Computation Graph
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

A computation graph is a basic theoretical tool that underlines modern deep learning libraries. It is also an important component in Owl. This chapter first gives a bird’s-eye view on the computation graph in Owl and its importance in computing. We then demonstrate how to use it in Owl with some examples. Then we will continue to cover the design and implementation details of the computation graph module and how it is fitted into Owl’s functor stack.
Performance Accelerators
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) has become one of the most important types of hardware accelerators. It is designed to render 3D graphics and videos and still is core to the gaming industry. Besides creating stunning visual effects, programmers also take advantage of the GPU’s advantage in parallel processing in many fields to perform computing-heavy tasks, such as in health data analytics, physical simulation, artificial intelligence, etc.
Compiler Backends
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

For a numerical library, it is always beneficial and challenging to extend to multiple execution backends. We have seen how we support accelerators such as the GPU by utilizing a symbolic representation and computation graph standard such as ONNX. In this chapter, we introduce how Owl can be used on more edge-oriented backends, including JavaScript and unikernel.
Fluid-electromagnetic helicities and knotted solutions of the fluid-electromagnetic equations
Authors: Nastase Horatiu , Sonnenschein Jacob
Published: December 2022

Abstract

In this paper we consider an Euler fluid coupled to external electromagnetism. We prove that the Hopfion fluid-electromagnetic knot, carrying fluid and electromagnetic (EM) helicities, solves the fluid dynamical equations as well as the Abanov Wiegmann (AW) equations for helicities, which are inspired by the axial-current anomaly of a Dirac fermion. We also find a nontrivial knot solution with truly interacting fluid and electromagnetic fields. The key ingredients of these phenomena are the EM and fluid helicities. An EM dual system, with a magnetically charged fluid, is proposed and the analogs of the AW equations are written down. We consider a fluid coupled to a nonlinear generalizations for electromagnetism. The Hopfions are shown to be solutions of the generalized equations. We write down the formalism of fluids in 2+1 dimensions, and we dimensionally reduce the 3+1 dimensional solutions. We determine the EM knotted solutions, from which we derive the fluid knots, by applying special conformal transformations with imaginary parameters on un-knotted null constant EM fields.
Electron beam weld penetration depth prediction improved by beam characterisation
Authors: Yin Yi , Kennedy Andrew , Mitchell Tim , Sieczkiewicz Norbert , Jefimovs Vitalijs , Tian Yingtao
Published: December 2022

Predicting the penetration depth during electron beam welding (EBW) is important, but the accuracy of current predictive models is highly varied, depending on the type and number of data used. This paper develops and compares several penetration depth prediction models for EBW and uniquely compares the influence of the number and type of data used, as well as the measurement and modelling methods. Although accelerating voltage, beam current and welding speed data are essential modelling inputs, additional data for beam focal position and beam shape, measured using a novel 4-slit beam probing method, greatly improve the accuracy of predictions for models based on an empirical equation, a second-order regression and an artificial neural network (ANN). Optimised models predict weld depths that deviate, on average, by less than 5% from measured depths, are valid for very broad linear electron beam power density ranges (86–324 J/mm) and are close to the estimated 4% inherent variability in the process and its measurement. Within this linear electron beam power density range, the ANN yields accurate and reliable depth predictions, demanding as few as 36 welding trials, decreasing the number required for models that do not consider beam focal position and shape, for the same targeted accuracy, by more than 60%. Adding large volumes of virtual data generated by less reliable analytical or regression models did not improve the predictive capability for the ANN developed in this study.
Pseudomonadota in the oral cavity: a glimpse into the environment-human nexus
Authors: Leão Inês , de Carvalho Teresa Bento , Henriques Valentina , Ferreira Catarina , Sampaio-Maia Benedita , Manaia Célia M.
Published: December 2022

The phylum Pseudomonadota is amongst the most represented in the environment, with a comparatively lower prevalence in the human oral cavity. The ubiquity of Pseudomonadota and the fact that the oral cavity is the most likely entry portal of bacteria from external sources underlie the need to better understand its occurrence in the interface environment-humans. Yet, the relevance oral Pseudomonadota is largely underexplored in the scientific literature, a gap that this review aims at addressing by making, for the first time, an overview of the diversity and ecology of Pseudomonadota in the oral cavity. The screening of scientific literature and human microbiome databases unveiled 1328 reports of Pseudomonadota in the oral cavity. Most of these belonged to the classes Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, mainly to the families Neisseriaceae, Campylobacteriaceae, and Pasteurelaceae. Others also regularly reported include genera such as Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Escherichia, Burkholderia, or Citrobacter, whose members have high potential to acquire virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. This review provides evidence that clinically relevant environmental Pseudomonadota may colonize humans via oral cavity. The need for further investigation about Pseudomonadota at the environment-oral cavity interface and their role as vectors potentially involved in virulence and antibiotic resistance transmission is demonstrated.

Key points

• Neisseriaceae, Campylobacteriaceae, and Pasteurelaceae are part of the core oral microbiome

• Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter, or Burkholderia are frequent in the oral microbiome

• Gut dysbiosis may be associated with colonization by ubiquitous oral Pseudomonadota

Graphical abstract
Emergency surgical decompression for spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in octogenarians: risk factors, clinical outcomes, and complications
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Knittelfelder Marilena , Gülec Gelo , Kiening Karl , Unterberg Andreas W. , Ishak Basem
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare but disabling disease. Although several cases have been reported in the literature, their treatment remains unclear, especially in patients with advanced age. We, therefore, aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of cervical SSEH in octogenarians with an acute onset of neurological illness undergoing laminectomy.

Methods

Electronic medical records from a single institution between September 2005 and December 2020 were retrieved. Data on patient demographics, neurological conditions, functional status, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital course, and 90-day mortality were also collected.

Results

Twenty-two patients aged ≥ 80 years with SSEH undergoing laminectomy were enrolled in this study. The mean Charlson comorbidity index was 9.1 ± 2.0, indicating a poor baseline reserve. Ten individuals (45.5%) were taking anticoagulant agents with a pathologic partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 46.5 ± 3.4 s. Progressive neurological decline, as defined by the motor score (MS), was observed on admission (63.8 ± 14.0). The in-hospital and 90-day mortality were 4.5% and 9.1%, respectively. Notably, the MS (93.6 ± 8.3) improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.05). Revision surgery was necessary in 5 cases due to recurrent hematoma. Anticoagulant agents and pathological PTT are significant risk factors for its occurrence. Motor weakness and comorbidities were unique risk factors for loss of ambulation.

Conclusions

Laminectomy and evacuation of the hematoma in octogenarians with progressive neurological decline induce clinical benefits. Emergent surgery seems to be the “state of the art” treatment for SSEH. However, potential complications associated with adverse prognostic factors, such as the use of anticoagulants, should be considered.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on offline and online grocery shopping: New normal or old habits?
Authors: Brüggemann Philipp , Olbrich Rainer
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing future trends in retailing and e-commerce immensely. Recent research revealed a considerable increase in online grocery shopping (OGS) since the COVID-19 pandemic started. In addition, current statistics indicate a steady increase in OGS over the coming years. Despite this, less is known about whether consumers’ behavior is evolving to a ‘new normal’ or returning to ‘old habits’ after pandemic restrictions are withdrawn. To address this research gap, we operationalize and empirically analyze offline and online purchasing behavior before, during, and after pandemic restrictions. To this end, we use an extensive household panel dataset of 17,766 households reporting their purchases before, during and after the first lockdown in Germany in 2020. Our findings on offline purchase patterns show that while more than 10% of the consumers avoided brick-and-mortar retail during the lockdown, almost all of them returned afterwards. Looking at online purchase patterns, we find high volatility in OGS for both separate and combined purchase patterns. The combined analysis of purchase patterns (online and offline), reveal that households that avoided brick-and-mortar stores during the lockdown did not switch (completely) to the online channel. Based on our findings that consumers are still in reach of brick-and-mortar retailers we suggest offline retailers act now to retain their customers, e.g., by offering competitive benefits in their stores. OGS operators should urgently analyze the customer churn revealed in this analysis and derive measures to retain them. They do not seem to have succeeded in retaining their customers and keeping them loyal to the online channel during the entire observation period. Even worse, they also failed to convince consumers to use OGS who stayed at home due to the lockdown. The fact that a total of 96.75% of the observed consumers did not practice OGS at all shows that OGS in Germany was in 2020 still in its infancy. However, as current statistics forecast a further substantial increase in OGS over the coming years, our results are increasingly relevant for brand managers, brick-and-mortar retailers and OGS providers in Germany and beyond.
Declarative Data Flow in a Graph-Based Distributed Memory Runtime System
Authors: Knorr Fabian , Thoman Peter , Fahringer Thomas
Published: December 2022

Runtime systems can significantly reduce the cognitive complexity of scientific applications, narrowing the gap between systems engineering and domain science in HPC. One of the most important angles in this is automating data migration in a cluster. Traditional approaches require the application developer to model communication explicitly, for example through MPI primitives. Celerity, a runtime system for accelerator clusters heavily inspired by the SYCL programming model, instead provides a purely declarative approach focused around access patterns. In addition to eliminating the need for explicit data transfer operations, it provides a basis for efficient and dynamic scheduling at runtime. However, it is currently only suitable for accessing array-like data from runtime-controlled tasks, while real programs often need to interact with opaque data local to each host, such as handles or database connections, and also need a defined way of transporting data into and out of the virtualised buffers of the runtime. In this paper, we introduce a graph-based approach and declarative API for expressing side-effect dependencies between tasks and moving data from the runtime context to the application space.
Effectiveness and safety of VISULAS® green selective laser trabeculoplasty: a prospective, interventional multicenter clinical investigation
Authors: Pillunat Karin R. , Kretz Florian T. A. , Koinzer Stefan , Ehlken Christoph , Pillunat Lutz E. , Klabe Karsten
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) with the SLT mode of the VISULAS® green laser in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

This prospective, interventional multicenter clinical investigation included patients with POAG who either needed a treatment escalation because the individual intraocular pressure (IOP) target was not met or treatment initiation and had an IOP ≥ 17 mmHg at baseline in the study eye. The study was conducted in five research centers across Germany. Approximately 100 laser applications were delivered to 360° of the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma medications were not modified during the 3-month follow-up to allow evaluation of the sole effect of VISULAS® green with SLT. Efficacy outcomes were postoperatively absolute and relative IOP changes at 1 and 3 months. Safety outcomes analyzed the rate of intra- and postoperative adverse events.

Results

Thirty-four eyes of 34 POAG patients were included. The overall mean number of preoperative glaucoma medications was 2.2 ± 1.4 in 29 treated eyes, 5 eyes were treatment naïve. Mean baseline IOP (mmHg) was 21.0 ± 2.69 and was reduced by − 3.53 ± 3.34 [95% CI − 4.61; − 2.45] and − 3.59 ± 3.41 [95% CI − 4.64; − 2.53] at the 1- and 3-month follow-up, respectively (p < 0.0001), with 48.5% of cases achieving a ≥ 20% IOP reduction at 3 months [95% CI = 30.8%; 66.5%]. The mean relative IOP reduction was − 16.4% and − 16.3% at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). Potentially device- or procedure-related adverse events were mild to moderate and included 3 postoperative IOP-spikes and 6 reports regarding eye pain and discomfort. All were resolved without sequelae.

Conclusions

SLT performed with the VISULAS® green laser achieved clinically significant additional IOP reductions in medically treated as well as in treatment naïve eyes with POAG and there were no relevant safety issues. The results are comparable to other reported SLT studies.
Autonomous and Non-autonomous Unbounded Attractors in Evolutionary Problems
Authors: Banaśkiewicz Jakub , Carvalho Alexandre N. , Garcia-Fuentes Juan , Kalita Piotr
Published: December 2022

If the semigroup is slowly non-dissipative, i.e., its solutions can diverge to infinity as time tends to infinity, one still can study its dynamics via the approach by the unbounded attractors—the counterpart of the classical notion of global attractors. We continue the development of this theory started by Chepyzhov and Goritskii (Unbounded attractors of evolution equations. Advances in Soviet mathematics, American Mathematical Society, Providence, 1992). We provide the abstract results on the unbounded attractor existence, and we study the properties of these attractors, as well as of unbounded $$\omega $$
ω
-limit sets in slowly non-dissipative setting. We also develop the pullback non-autonomous counterpart of the unbounded attractor theory. The abstract theory that we develop is illustrated by the analysis of the autonomous problem governed by the equation $$u_t = Au + f(u)$$

u
t

=
A
u
+
f

(
u
)

. In particular, using the inertial manifold approach, we provide the criteria under which the unbounded attractor coincides with the graph of the Lipschitz function, or becomes close to the graph of the Lipschitz function for large argument.
Mediating Role of Rumination Between Anger and Anxious-Depressive Symptomatology in Family Members of People with Gambling Disorder
Authors: Estévez A. , Jauregui P. , Momeñe J. , Macía L. , Etxaburu N.
Published: December 2022

Gambling disorder is characterized by a behavioural pattern of dysfunctional gambling that persists despite its negative implications in different areas of people’s daily life. One of the most negatively affected areas is the one related to family members. This study aimed, firstly, to study the differences between family members of people with gambling disorder and a general population sample in anger (state, trait, expression-out, expression-in. control-out and control-in), rumination (brooding, reflection and total), and anxiety and depression. The second aim was to analyse the correlation between these variables in the family members of people with gambling disorder, and thirdly, to analyse the mediating role of rumination between anger, anxiety and depression. This study consisted of 170 people, of whom 87 were family members of people with a gambling disorder, and 83 were from the general population. Instruments measuring anger, anxiety, depression, and ruminative responses were administered. Results showed that family members had significantly higher scores in anger (state), depression, anxiety, rumination (total and brooding). Also, results showed that anger correlated positively and significantly with rumination, depression and anxiety, which also correlated positively and significantly with each other. Third, rumination mediated the relationship between the following variables: anger (state) and depression; anger (trait) and anxiety and depression; anger (external expression) and anxiety and depression. A complete mediating effect was found in the latter case and a partial mediating effect in the first two cases. In conclusion, it is found that having a family member with a gambling disorder may increase levels of anger, anxiety, depression and rumination. Furthermore, it is shown that working on rumination may reduce depression and anxiety in family members of gamblers.