bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality in juvenile Atlantic cod ecotypes and implications for fisheries management
Authors: Beukeboom Rosanne , Phillips Joseph S. , Ólafsdóttir Guðbjörg Ásta , Benhaïm David
Published: April 2023

Animals show among‐individual variation in behaviors, including migration behaviors, which are often repeatable across time periods and contexts, commonly termed “personality.” These behaviors can be correlated, forming a behavioral syndrome. In this study, we assessed the repeatability and correlation of different behavioral traits, i.e., boldness, exploration, and sociality, and the link to feeding migration patterns in Atlantic cod juveniles. To do so, we collected repeated measurements within two short‐term (3 days) and two long‐term (2 months) intervals of these personality traits and genotypes of the Pan I locus, which is correlated with feeding migration patterns in this species. We found high repeatabilities for exploration behavior in the short‐ and long‐term intervals, and a trend for the relationship between exploration and the Pan I locus. Boldness and sociality were only repeatable in the second short‐term interval indicating a possible development of stability over time and did not show a relation with the Pan I locus. We found no indication of behavioral syndromes among the studied traits. We were unable to identify the existence of a migration syndrome for the frontal genotype, which is the reason that the link between personality and migration remains inconclusive, but we demonstrated a possible link between exploration and the Pan I genotype. This supports the need for further research that should focus on the effect of exploration tendency and other personality traits on cod movement, including the migratory (frontal) ecotype to develop management strategies based on behavioral units, rather than treating the population as a single homogeneous stock.
Mule deer fawn recruitment dynamics in an energy disturbed landscape
Authors: Murphy Kilian J. , Roberts David R. , Jensen William F. , Nielsen Scott E. , Johnson Sandra K. , Hosek Brian M. , Stillings Bruce , Kolar Jesse , Boyce Mark S. , Ciuti Simone
Published: April 2023

Wildlife population dynamics are modulated by abiotic and biotic factors, typically climate, resource availability, density‐dependent effects, and predator–prey interactions. Understanding whether and how human‐caused disturbances shape these ecological processes is helpful for the conservation and management of wildlife and their habitats within increasingly human‐dominated landscapes. However, many jurisdictions lack either long‐term longitudinal data on wildlife populations or measures of the interplay between human‐mediated disturbance, climate, and predator density. Here, we use a 50‐year time series (1962–2012) on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) demographics, seasonal weather, predator density, and oil and gas development patterns from the North Dakota Badlands, USA, to investigate long‐term effects of landscape‐level disturbance on mule deer fawn fall recruitment, which has declined precipitously over the last number of decades. Mule deer fawn fall recruitment in this study represents the number of fawns per female (fawn:female ratio) that survive through the summer to October. We used this fawn recruitment index to evaluate the composite effects of interannual extreme weather conditions, energy development, and predator density. We found that density‐dependent effects and harsh seasonal weather were the main drivers of fawn fall recruitment in the North Dakota Badlands. These effects were further shaped by the interaction between harsh seasonal weather and predator density (i.e., lower fawn fall recruitment when harsh weather was combined with higher predator density). Additionally, we found that fawn fall recruitment was modulated by interactions between seasonal weather and energy development (i.e., lower fawn fall recruitment when harsh weather was combined with higher density of active oil and gas wells). Interestingly, we found that the combined effect of predator density and energy development was not interactive but rather additive. Our analysis demonstrates how energy development may modulate fluctuations in mule deer fawn fall recruitment concurrent with biotic (density‐dependency, habitat, predation, woody vegetation encroachment) and abiotic (harsh seasonal weather) drivers. Density‐dependent patterns emerge, presumably due to limited quality habitat, being the primary factor influencing fall fawn recruitment in mule deer. Secondarily, stochastic weather events periodically cause dramatic declines in recruitment. And finally, the additive effects of human disturbance and predation can induce fluctuations in fawn fall recruitment. Here we make the case for using long‐term datasets for setting long‐term wildlife management goals that decision makers and the public can understand and support.
An interlaboratory capillary zone electrophoresis‐UV study of various monoclonal antibodies, instruments, and ε‐aminocaproic acid lots
Authors: Wiesner Rebecca , Zagst Holger , Lan Wenkui , Bigelow Stewart , Holper Peter , Hübner Göran , Josefsson Leila , Lancaster Claire , Lo Lili , Lößner Christopher , Lu Huixin , Neusüß Christian , Rüttiger Carolin , Schlecht Johannes , Schürrle Philipp , Selsam Alexander , van der Burg Debbie , Wang Shao‐Chun , Zhu Yunxiao , Wätzig Hermann , Sänger‐van de Griend Cari
Published: April 2023

Capillary zone electrophoresis ultraviolet (CZE‐UV) has become increasingly popular for the charge heterogeneity determination of mAbs and vaccines. The ε‐aminocaproic acid (eACA) CZE‐UV method has been used as a rapid platform method. However, in the last years, several issues have been observed, for example, loss in electrophoretic resolution or baseline drifts. Evaluating the role of eACA on the reported issues, various laboratories were requested to provide their routinely used eACA CZE‐UV methods, and background electrolyte compositions. Although every laboratory claimed to use the He et al. eACA CZE‐UV method, most methods actually deviate from He's. Subsequently, a detailed interlaboratory study was designed wherein two commercially available mAbs (Waters’ Mass Check Standard mAb [pI 7] and NISTmAb [pI 9]) were provided to each laboratory, along with two detailed eACA CZE‐UV protocols for a short‐end, high‐speed, and a long‐end, high‐resolution method. Ten laboratories participated each using their own instruments, and commodities, showing excellence method performance (relative standard deviations [RSDs] of percent time‐corrected main peak areas from 0.2% to 1.9%, and RSDs of migration times from 0.7% to 1.8% [n = 50 per laboratory], analysis times in some cases as short as 2.5 min). This study clarified that eACA is not the main reason for the abovementioned variations.
Wrestling with Public Input on an Ethical Analysis of Scientific Research
Authors: Martschenko Daphne Oluwaseun , Callier Shawneequa L. , Garrison Nanibaa’ A. , Lee Sandra Soo‐Jin , Turley Patrick , Meyer Michelle N. , Parens Erik
Published: April 2023

Bioethicists frequently call for empirical researchers to engage participants and community members in their research, but don't themselves typically engage community members in their normative research. In this article, we describe an effort to include members of the public in normative discussions about the risks, potential benefits, and ethical responsibilities of social and behavioral genomics (SBG) research. We reflect on what might—and might not— be gained from engaging the public in normative scholarship and on lessons learned about public perspectives on the risks and potential benefits of SBG research and the responsible conduct and communication of such research. We also provide procedural lessons for others in bioethics who are interested in engaging members of the public in their research.
Vaccination uptake for pertussis and influenza vaccines in pregnancy among different practices at a single institution
Authors: Nieuwoudt C. , Reeder C. F. , Moss H. K. , van Nes J. B. , Schoutko W. W. , Jeter J. W. , Fortner K. B.
Published: April 2023

Objective

The authors investigated tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza vaccination during pregnancy following Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP's) recommendation for antenatal pertussis vaccination.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed in 2019 of women receiving prenatal care at our institution between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. Receipt of ACIP‐recommended vaccines were examined using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify initiation of prenatal care, then administration of Tdap and influenza vaccines. Data were examined by individual practice (university faculty, community physicians, obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) residents, and family medicine residents, practice staff composition, vaccination protocol use, and insurance status. Statistical analyses were performed using χ2 testing and χ2 testing of linear trend.

Results

Within our cohort (n = 17 973), highest vaccination uptake occurred in the university‐based OBGYN faculty practice (Tdap = 58.2%, influenza = 56.5%) with lowest uptake in the OBGYN resident practice (Tdap = 28.6%, influenza = 18.5%). Higher uptake occurred in practices with standing orders, more advanced practice providers, lower provider to nursing ratios, and lower rates of Medicaid insurance.

Conclusion

These data demonstrated higher vaccination uptake with standing orders, more advanced practice providers, and lower provider to nurse ratios. Future work optimizing practice staff composition and vaccination protocols may increase vaccine uptake.
Associations between perceptions of shared decision making and health among hysterectomy patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Saleeb Maria , Mohtashami Fariba , Gadermann Anne , Murphy Rachel , Flexman Alana , Crump Trafford , Liu Guiping , Sutherland Jason M.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate patient and clinical factors that are associated with perceptions of shared decision making between hysterectomy patients and surgeons and to evaluate associations between shared decision making and postoperative health.

Methods

This study is based on a prospective cohort scheduled for hysterectomy for benign conditions in Vancouver, Canada. Validated patient‐reported outcomes assessed shared decision making, pelvic health, depression, and pain. Regression analyses measured the association between perceptions of shared decision making with patient and clinical factors. Then, associations between shared decision making with postoperative pelvic health, pain and depression were evaluated using regression analysis and adjusted for patient and clinical factors.

Results

In this study, 308 participants completed preoperative measures, and a subset of 146 participants also completed the postoperative measures. More than 50% of participants reported less than optimal shared decision making scores. No significant associations were identified between patients' perceptions of shared decision making with patients' age, comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, indication for surgery, or preoperative depression and pain. Regression analyses found that higher/better self‐reported shared decision making scores were associated with fewer postoperative pelvic organ symptoms (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Many patients' reporting lower than optimal scores on the shared decision making instrument highlight the opportunity to improve surgeon‐patient communication in this surgical cohort. Strengthening shared decision making between surgeons and their patients may be associated with improved self‐reported postoperative health.
Quantum mechanics/fluctuating charge calculations for absorption spectra of aqueous green fluorescent protein chromophore
Authors: Lu Shih‐I , Wang Bo‐Cheng
Published: April 2023

We applied the quantum mechanics/fluctuating charges (QM/FQ) method to simulate the absorption spectra of three protonated forms of p‐hydroxybenzylidene imidazolone (p‐HBDI) in water. Configurations of solute‐solvent were generated from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation within the context of a hybrid scheme in which solute and solvents were treated at QM and molecular mechanics, respectively. Nonperiodic spherical boundary condition was used. To examine the influence on simulated spectra coming from the geometrical relaxation of solute, the MD simulations were carried out for two cases: frozen and flexible molecular geometry of solute. As a result of our calculations, the simulations using the flexible solute's structure delivered vertical excitation energies closer to experimental data than those of a frozen solute, especially for the neutral case. For spectral broadening, changing from fixed geometry of solute to a flexible one led to a significant increase for both neutral and anionic forms of p‐HBDI, but no effect happened for the cationic one.
Linear arboricity of degenerate graphs
Authors: Chen Guantao , Hao Yanli , Yu Guoning
Published: April 2023

A linear forest is a union of vertex‐disjoint paths, and the linear arboricity of a graph , denoted by , is the minimum number of linear forests into which the edge set of can be partitioned. Clearly, for a graph with maximum degree . On the other hand, the Linear Arboricity Conjecture due to Akiyama, Exoo, and Harary from 1981 asserts that for every graph . This conjecture has been verified for planar graphs and graphs whose maximum degree is at most , or is equal to or . Given a positive integer , a graph is ‐degenerate if it can be reduced to a trivial graph by successive removal of vertices with a degree at most . We prove that for any ‐degenerate graph provided .
Stabilization of high internal‐phase Pickering emulsion using nobiletin crystals: assembly of supramolecular metal‐polyphenolic coordination complexes for surface coating
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zhang Jiajia , Wang Yueming , Wang Xinyi , Wu Di , Liang Hongshan , Li Bin
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

High internal‐phase Pickering emulsions have attracted interest due to their unique properties and they have the potential for broad application in the food field, for example as fat replacers, for packaging, for delivery of nutrients or probiotics, and in the 3D printing of food. However, efficient and edible high internal‐phase Pickering stabilizers are still a persistent challenge for food scientists.

RESULTS

Nobiletin (NOB) was selected as a model substance. The particles’ physicochemical properties (droplet size, rheological behavior, and transmission profile) showed that supramolecular metal‐polyphenolic coordination networks could suppress the ripening and growth of crystals on the oil–water interface. When the ratio of tannic acid (TA) to Fe3+ was 3:1, the growth of NOB crystals could be inhibited effectively. Due to the reduction of energy steric hindrance in the adsorption process, the resulting NOB‐TA3‐Fe3+1 (NT3Fe1) nanoparticles had the greatest potential to extend emulsion storage time.

CONCLUSION

The NOB‐TA3‐Fe3+1 (NT3Fe1) nanoparticles were able to stabilize a high internal‐phase emulsion, of which the oil phase was 80%, for at least 30 days, eventually leading to high system viscosity. The findings in this work provide a novel selection of healthy emulsifiers and an effective emulsion delivery system for hydrophobic and crystalline nutrients. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Going under: The implications of sea‐level rise and reduced light availability on intertidal primary production
Authors: Flowers Georgina J. L. , Needham Hazel R. , Bulmer Richard H. , Lohrer Andrew M. , Pilditch Conrad A.
Published: April 2023

Estuarine intertidal flats are known for high rates of primary production, however, globally these ecosystems are under threat from rising sea‐level and accelerated inputs of terrestrial sediments. These stressors simultaneously alter the duration of submersion/emersion periods and water‐column turbidity impacting seafloor photoperiods. To assess how changes in submergence time and water‐clarity can affect benthic primary production, we derived in situ seasonal photosynthesis‐irradiance (P‐I) curves over 2 yr. These were conducted during submerged and emerged periods in a seagrass meadow (Zostera muelleri) and an unvegetated sandflat (dominated by microphytobenthos). P‐I curves showed strong light responses during submergence in both habitats and seagrass during emergence, but in the exposed sandflat there was little relationship between light availability and photosynthesis. Light‐saturated measures of gross primary production (GPPsat) were 2.1 (submerged) and 4.1 times (emerged) higher in the seagrass than the sandflat habitat. Submerged GPPsat was always higher than emerged GPPsat, but this difference was much more pronounced in the sandflat habitat (2.4 vs. 1.3 times for seagrass). Integrating seasonally averaged P‐I curves for both tidal states into a simple model suggests that increasing submergence time could increase primary production in both habitats. However, reductions in water‐clarity will decrease submerged primary production; an effect that will be exacerbated with sea‐level rise. The sandflat trophic state was more sensitive to these environmental stressors because emerged production could not compensate for reductions during submergence. Collectively, regional management of water‐clarity may be key to providing resilience to intertidal habitats, against the inevitable effects of sea‐level rise.
Gain and bandwidth enhancement of low‐profile unidirectional radiation spiral slot antenna
Authors: Li Changjiang , Liu Yunlin
Published: April 2023

A novel simple antenna based on substrate integrated coaxial‐like waveguide (SICW) is presented to enhance the gain and bandwidth of circularly polarized (CP) antenna with unidirectional radiation. The stepped inner metal strip is introduced in SICW, which results in a stronger radiation gain and wider axial ratio bandwidth. In addition, unlike traditional spiral antennas, the slot spiral antenna can be directly fed by a coaxial line at the inner port of the waveguide. As SICW can make the antenna directly realize unidirectional radiation, the extra reflector is not needed, and the antenna has a low profile of ( is the free space wavelength at the lowest frequency). The simulation and measurement results show that by using SICW with a stepped inner metal strip, the overlapping bandwidth of CP antenna can be increased significantly from 57.3% (2.7–4.85 GHz) to 71.6% (2.6–5.5 GHz) and the boresight gain of the antenna is improved 2 dBi over the entire frequency band.
Intranasal Insulin for the Treatment of Persistent Post‐COVID‐19 Olfactory Dysfunction
Authors: Cherobin Giancarlo B. , Guimarães Roberto E.S. , de Paula Gomes Márcia C. , Vasconcelos Luís O.G. , de Abreu Lígia A.N.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate if intranasal insulin could be a treatment option for those suffering from recalcitrant olfactory dysfunction due to COVID‐19.

Study Design

Prospective interventional cohort with a single group.

Setting

Sixteen volunteers with anosmia, severe hyposmia, or moderate hyposmia for more than 60 days as sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections were selected for the study. All volunteers reported that standard therapies, such as corticosteroids, have failed to improve their olfactory function.

Methods

Olfactory function was assessed by the Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test of olfaction (COT) before and after the intervention. Changes in qualitative, quantitative, and global COT scores were investigated. The insulin therapy session consisted of placing into each olfactory cleft 2 pieces of gelatin sponge soaked with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, 40 IU on each side. The procedure was repeated twice a week for 1 month. Glycaemic blood level was measured before and after each session.

Results

The qualitative COT score rose 1.53 points, p = .0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−2.12 to −0.94). The quantitative COT score increased by 2.00 points, p = .0002, 95% CI (−3.59 to −1.41). Global COT score had an improvement of 2.01 points, p = .00003, 95% CI (−2.7 to −1.3). Glycaemic blood level dropped on average 10.4 mg/dL, p < .00003, 95% CI (8.1‐12.8).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the administration of NPH insulin into the olfactory cleft yields a rapid improvement in the sense of smell of patients suffering from persistent post‐COVID‐19 olfactory dysfunction. Moreover, the procedure seems to be safe and tolerable.
Resting‐State Cerebral Hemodynamics is Associated With Problem Behaviors in Pediatric Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Authors: Isaiah Amal , Teplitzky Taylor B. , Dontu Pragnya , Saini Sumeet , Som Maria , Pereira Kevin D. , Bortfeld Heather
Published: April 2023

Objective

Untreated sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with problem behaviors in children. The neurological basis for this relationship is unknown. We used functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess the relationship between cerebral hemodynamics of the frontal lobe of the brain and problem behaviors in children with SDB.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Urban tertiary care academic children's hospital and affiliated sleep center.

Methods

We enrolled children with SDB aged 5 to 16 years old referred for polysomnography. We measured fNIRS‐derived cerebral hemodynamics within the frontal lobe during polysomnography. We assessed parent‐reported problem behaviors using the Behavioral Response Inventory of Executive Function Second Edition (BRIEF‐2). We compared the relationships between (i) the instability in cerebral perfusion in the frontal lobe measured fNIRS, (ii) SDB severity using apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), and (iii) BRIEF‐2 clinical scales using Pearson correlation (r). A p < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 54 children were included. The average age was 7.8 (95% confidence interval, 7.0‐8.7) years; 26 (48%) were boys and 25 (46%) were Black. The mean AHI was 9.9 (5.7‐14.1). There is a statistically significant inverse relationship between the coefficient of variation of perfusion in the frontal lobe and BRIEF‐2 clinical scales (range of r = 0.24‐0.49, range of p = .076 to <.001). The correlations between AHI and BRIEF‐2 scales were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

These results provide preliminary evidence for fNIRS as a child‐friendly biomarker for the assessment of adverse outcomes of SDB.
Preparation and investigation of nanogenerators based on the flexible BTO/P(VDF‐TrFE) composites
Authors: Cong Yuan , Zhang Hongyuan , Liu Yizhi , Liu Fante , Zhang Zidi , Liu Xu
Published: April 2023

In this article, a piezoelectric thin film was obtained by mixing polyvinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene (P(VDF‐TrFE)) and barium titanate (BTO) via a solvent vaporization process. All the morphologies, crystal phases, thermal and electrical tests, as well as potential simulations by COMSOL, were studied to analyze sample performances. It has been demonstrated that BTO has a positive effect on increasing the piezoelectric functional phase‐β phase within P(VDF‐TrFE). Furthermore, the optimal ratio of BTO to P(VDF‐TrFE) was determined to be 10 wt%. BTO nanoparticles were evenly distributed in the P(VDF‐TrFE) substrate, forming a more directional structure. Based on the most suitable material composition, piezoelectric, and triboelectric nanogenerators were constructed to harvest mechanical energy from human motions. Moreover, the factors influencing the electrical outputs of nanogenerators were systematically studied, such as the force values and frequencies of excitation, as well as the piezoelectric layer materials. The applications of lighting LEDs highlighted the practical use in everyday life. Finally, the comparison between simulations, theoretical analysis, and experimental results demonstrated the effect of BTO in enhancing the overall material properties. This work expands the application potential of piezoelectric nanocomposites in energy collection and storage by designing and optimizing ceramic‐doped piezoelectric polymer composites.
Dynamical changes of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike variants in the highly immunogenic regions impact the viral antibodies escaping
Authors: Di Rienzo Lorenzo , Miotto Mattia , Desantis Fausta , Grassmann Greta , Ruocco Giancarlo , Milanetti Edoardo
Published: April 2023

The prolonged circulation of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus resulted in the emergence of several viral variants, with different spreading features. Moreover, the increased number of recovered and/or vaccinated people introduced a selective pressure toward variants able to evade the immune system, developed against the former viral versions. This process results in reinfections. Aiming to study the latter process, we first collected a large structural dataset of antibodies in complex with the original version of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein. We characterized the peculiarities of such antibodies population with respect to a control dataset of antibody‐protein complexes, highlighting some statistically significant differences between these two sets of antibodies. Thus, moving our attention to the Spike side of the complexes, we identify the Spike region most prone to interaction with antibodies, describing in detail also the energetic mechanisms used by antibodies to recognize different epitopes. In this framework, fast protocols able to assess the effect of novel mutations on the cohort of developed antibodies would help establish the impact of the variants on the population. Performing a molecular dynamics simulation of the trimeric form of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein for the wild type and two variants of concern, that is, the Delta and Omicron variants, we described the physicochemical features and the conformational changes experienced locally by the variants with respect to the original version. Hence, combining the dynamical information with the structural study on the antibody‐spike dataset, we quantitatively explain why the Omicron variant has a higher capability of escaping the immune system than the Delta variant, due to the higher conformational variability of the most immunogenic regions. Overall, our results shed light on the molecular mechanism behind the different responses the SARS‐CoV‐2 variants display against the immune response induced by either vaccines or previous infections. Moreover, our analysis proposes an approach that can be easily extended to both other SARS‐CoV‐2 variants or different molecular systems.
Youth‐inclusive framework for a sustainable future in planetary health action: A conference summary
Authors: Miranda Adriana Viola , Feng Katherine , Põld Ave , Tagari Muhammed Yaseen , Meilianti Sherly , Sharief Shahd , Yin Elaine Tan Su , Afolabi Rahmot
Published: April 2023

The multisectoral nature of emerging global health threats, such as climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and food security, requires holistic solutions. Planetary health, which encompasses the relationship between human systems– political, economic, and social—and Earth's natural systems, is an emerging holistic approach used globally. The Global Health Workforce Network (GHWN) Youth Hub Virtual Conference 2022 was held on 9–10 September 2022 to discuss the role of youth in advancing planetary health. This conference summary introduces a novel youth‐inclusive planetary health framework and describes the current implementation landscape and challenges of planetary health. Based on literature review and discussions at the conference, we identified four supporting pillars of youth‐inclusive planetary health approaches: governance, competency‐based education, research, and digital health. Considering the increasing number of youth in the global health workforce and their huge interests in community participation, meaningful youth engagement should be prioritized to ensure the sustainability of these approaches.
Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Four case reports
Authors: Nakamura Sato , Kawagishi Yukio , Kikushima Akihiro , Muto Atsushi , Suda Yoshifumi , Gohara Kazuki , Takeda Shinichi
Published: April 2023

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) can cause acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). The onset of AHRF in four patients with OHS during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is reported in this study. Two men (23 and 45 years old) and two women (both 77 years old) presented to our hospital with AHRF. In the two elderly women, a prolonged supine position due to falls seemed to be the cause of AHRF. Treatment was started with bilevel positive airway pressure for all patients. While one patient died, the condition of the other three improved; they were discharged with continuous positive airway pressure. AHRF due to OHS was rarely reported in the rural region of Japan. It is suggested that increased rates of obesity due to lifestyle changes during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be responsible for an increase in the prevalence of OHS‐associated AHRF.
Dryland river regime shifts in Iran: Drivers and feedbacks
Authors: Rahimi Majid , Ghorbani Mehdi , Ahmadaali Khaled , Salajeghe Ali , Azadi Hossein
Published: April 2023

In the Anthropocene, human activities have created unprecedented changes and nonlinear relationships between humans and nature. These changes can be much faster and more intense in arid and semiarid areas that have been affected by intense human activities. Iran has climates from very humid to very dry, but arid and semiarid climates cover the country's largest area. Many of these arid areas have undergone severe changes in their surface and groundwater ecosystems in recent years, which have caused severe damage to humans and the environment in the area and surrounding areas. Therefore, in this study, using the theory of regime shifts, the time series of the Zayandeh‐Rud River Basin in the center of Iran were analyzed. First, the data of the desired time series in the period of 1986–2018 was arranged seasonally. Then, using the sequential t‐test method, regime shifts in these time series were identified, and then, causal loop diagrams of these shifts and their drivers and feedbacks were interpreted. The results showed that in the time series of quantity and quality of surface water and groundwater level in the studied stations and aquifers, regime shifts can be identified. Regime shifts were also identified in the time series of agricultural land area. These shifts have occurred with the increase in human activities since the early 1950s in the metropolis of Isfahan, the increase in agricultural and industrial exploitation, and consequently, the increase in population. When this reinforcing feedback loop becomes dominant, the Zayandeh‐Rud River system has shifted from a regime of rich water resources to a regime of poor water resources. However, by recognizing and systematically analyzing these shifts, the Zayandeh‐Rud River system can be directed toward a sustainable system through structural reform, negotiation, and redefining goals.
Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in large river secondary channels: Contemporaneous and legacy effects of flow connectivity
Authors: Harrison Audrey B. , Oliver Amanda J. , Slack William T. , Faucheux Nicky M. , Killgore K. Jack , Ochs Clifford A.
Published: April 2023

In large rivers, secondary channels occur where the main channel is divided by an instream island, forming one or multiple smaller channels outside the main channel. Secondary channels are highly variable in morphometry, flow characteristics, and degree of connectivity to the main channel. Engineered closing structures at the upstream end of most secondary channels restrict inflow from the main channel, resulting in gradients of flow connectivity among secondary channels that vary with river stage. We investigated the relationship of flow connectivity to benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage richness and structure among a series of secondary channels of the Lower Mississippi River. Samples were collected over 2 years at times of high and low river stages. We discovered (1) macroinvertebrate assemblage structure and taxonomic richness varied along the flow connectivity gradient, and (2) there was a legacy effect of prior connection on assemblage structure that lasted up to a year. We contend that for management and restoration planning aimed at conservation of large river biological diversity, an important consideration are the life history requirements of animals utilizing secondary channel habitats.
4D Printing of Butterfly Scale–Inspired Structures for Wide‐Angle Directional Liquid Transport
Authors: Liu Xiaojiang , Li Boyuan , Gu Zhongze , Zhou Kun
Published: April 2023

Unidirectional liquid transport has been extensively explored for water/fog harvesting, electrochemical sensing, and desalination. However, current research mainly focuses on linear liquid transport (transport angle α = 0°), which exhibits hindered lateral liquid spreading and low unidirectional transport efficiency. Inspired by the wide‐angle (0° < α < 180°) liquid transport on butterfly wings, this work successfully achieves linear (α = 0°), wide‐angle, and even ultra‐wide‐angle (α = 180°) liquid transport by four‐dimensional (4D) printing of butterfly scale–inspired re‐entrant structures. These asymmetric re‐entrant structures can achieve unidirectional liquid transport, and their layout can control the Laplace pressure in the forward (structure‐tilting) and lateral directions to adjust the transport angle. Specifically, high transport efficiency and programmable forward/lateral transport paths are simultaneously achieved by the ultra‐wide‐angle transport, where liquid fills the lateral path before being transported forward. Moreover, the ultra‐wide‐angle transport is also validated in 3D space, which provides an innovative platform for advanced biochemical microreaction, large‐area evaporation, and self‐propelled oil–water separation.
Starch Fine Molecular Structure Is the Driving Factor for Starch Gelatinization Property in Both Wheat Flour and Wheat Dough
Authors: Li Cheng , Shao Shuaibo , Yang Chuantian , Li Enpeng
Published: April 2023

The thermal properties of dough are critical for eating and processing quality of wheat flour‐based products. Although the gelatinization properties of wheat starch or flour as affected by starch molecular structures have been investigated, it remains largely unexplored how starch structures determine the gelatinization properties of wheat dough. The gelatinization properties of 10 wheat flours and corresponding doughs with distinct starch fine molecular structures are thus investigated. A parabolic relationship is observed between amylose content and gelatinization temperatures of both wheat flour and dough. Amylopectin molecular size is positively correlated while amylose molecular size negatively correlates with gelatinization onset and peak temperatures of wheat flour. Amylose molecular size is negatively correlated with gelatinization temperatures of wheat dough. Possible mechanisms are further discussed. These results provided first associations between starch molecular structures and thermal properties of wheat dough, and their difference compared to those from wheat flour, which can help the food industry select suitable wheat varieties with improved dough quality.
The Uncertainties of the Topographical Density Variations in View of a Sub-Centimetre Geoid
Authors: Foroughi Ismael , Goli Mehdi , Pagiatakis Spiros , Ferguson Stephen , Vanicek Petr , Santos Marcelo , Sheng Michael
Published: April 2023

We estimate the uncertainty of the modelled geoid heights based on the standard deviations of the topographic mass density variation. We model the geoid using the one-step integration method considering mass density variations along with their associated error estimates to calculate the direct and indirect topographic density effects on the geoid heights in the Helmert space. We employ the UNB_TopoDensT_2v01 global lateral density model and its standard deviations and test our algorithms in the Auvergne test area, in central France. Our results show that the topographic mass density variations are currently known well enough to model the geoid with sub-centimetre internal error in topographically mild regions such as Auvergne.
Spatio-Spectral Assessment of Some Isotropic Polynomial Covariance Functions on the Sphere
Authors: Piretzidis Dimitrios , Kotsakis Christopher , Mertikas Stelios P. , Sideris Michael G.
Published: April 2023

In gravity field modeling, covariance functions are mainly associated with least squares collocation. Prior to the implementation of least squares collocation, the characteristics of the selected analytical covariance function need to be well understood. In this contribution, we study four polynomial covariance functions, i.e., the spherical, Askey,
$$C^{2}$$

C

2

-Wendland and
$$C^{4}$$

C

4

-Wendland models. All of them are defined on the sphere and correspond to isotropic, positive definite and compactly supported functions. We examine them in the spatial and spectral domains, and assess their characteristics, such as the correlation length, the curvature parameter, the spectral maximum and the spectral decay rate. We also provide analytical expressions and numerical estimates for these parameters.
Negotiating (through) the Skin: The Black Body, Pamphleteering, and African American Writing against Biological Exclusion
Authors: Klestil Matthias
Published: April 2023

This chapter turns to antebellum African American pamphlets, a part of the African American writing tradition generally understudied in comparison with the fugitive slave narrative. Considering the ways in which black pamphleteers dealt with the pressing task of tackling stereotypes and racialisms that sought to exclude the black body “biologically,” I demonstrate how their strategies of writing against this “biological exclusion” could also become a means for expressing environmental knowledge. While including seminal texts like David Walker’s “Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World” (1829), this chapter primarily focuses on lesser-known pamphlets by Hosea Easton, John Lewis, and William Whipper. The readings draw attention to alternative lines within the pamphlet tradition and suggest its relevance for ecocriticism.
How Does Crime Fiction ‘talk politics’? Figures of Political Action in Contemporary French Crime Writing
Authors: Amir Lucie
Published: April 2023

What can crime stories tell us about the imaginary of political commitment? In France as in other European countries, the connections between writers and radical left activists were a strong feature of 1980s and 1990s crime fiction, in the wake of Frenchnéo-polar. In contrast, twenty-first-century thrillers seem to be inhabited by disillusioned and disoriented cops, and undecided or fatal commitments. Rather than exploring political issues emerging from crime fiction, this chapter focuses on the representation of political attitudes themselves in contemporary French Noir, to better understand the role played by uncertainty and disarray in European political sensibilities. The analysis is based on a large corpus of French crime fiction, from the early 1970snéo-polarby Jean-Patrick Manchette, to the novels of Caryl Férey, Dominique Manotti, Frédéric Paulin and Olivier Norek.
On the Comparison of Discounted-Sum Automata with Multiple Discount Factors
Authors: Boker Udi , Hefetz Guy
Published: April 2023

We look into the problems of comparing nondeterministic discounted-sum automata on finite and infinite words. That is, the problems of checking for automata $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
and $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
whether or not it holds that for all words w, $${\mathcal {A}}(w)={\mathcal {B}}(w), {\mathcal {A}}(w)\le {\mathcal {B}}(w)$$

A
(
w
)
=
B
(
w
)
,
A
(
w
)
≤
B
(
w
)

, or $${\mathcal {A}}(w)<{\mathcal {B}}(w)$$

A
(
w
)
<
B
(
w
)

.

These problems are known to be decidable when both automata have the same single integral discount factor, while decidability is open in all other settings: when the single discount factor is a non-integral rational; when each automaton can have multiple discount factors; and even when each has a single integral discount factor, but the two are different.

We show that it is undecidable to compare discounted-sum automata with multiple discount factors, even if all are integrals, while it is decidable to compare them if each has a single, possibly different, integral discount factor. To this end, we also provide algorithms to check for given nondeterministic automaton $${\mathcal {N}}$$
N
and deterministic automaton $${\mathcal {D}}$$
D
, each with a single, possibly different, rational discount factor, whether or not $${\mathcal {N}}(w) = {\mathcal {D}}(w)$$

N
(
w
)
=
D
(
w
)

, $${\mathcal {N}}(w) \ge {\mathcal {D}}(w)$$

N
(
w
)
≥
D
(
w
)

, or $${\mathcal {N}}(w) > {\mathcal {D}}(w)$$

N
(
w
)
>
D
(
w
)

for all words w.
Deciding Contextual Equivalence of $$\nu $$-Calculus with Effectful Contexts
Authors: Hirschkoff Daniel , Jaber Guilhem , Prebet Enguerrand
Published: April 2023

We prove decidability for contextual equivalence of the$$\lambda \mu \nu $$λμν-calculus, that is the simply-typed call-by-value$$\lambda \mu $$λμ-calculus equipped with booleans and fresh name creation, with contexts taken in$$\lambda \mu _{\texttt{ref}}$$λμref, that is$$\lambda \mu \nu $$λμν-calculus extended with higher-order references.

The proof exploits a labelled transition system capturing the interactions between$$\lambda \mu \nu $$λμνprograms and$$\lambda \mu _{\texttt{ref}}$$λμrefcontexts. The induced bisimulation equivalence is characterized as equality of certain trees, inspired by the work of Lassen. Since these trees are computable and finite, decidability follows. Bisimulation coincides also with trace equivalence, which in turn coincides with contextual equivalence.
A Higher-Order Language for Markov Kernels and Linear Operators
Authors: de Amorim Pedro H. Azevedo
Published: April 2023

Much work has been done to give semantics to probabilistic programming languages. In recent years, most of the semantics used to reason about probabilistic programs fall in two categories: semantics based on Markov kernels and semantics based on linear operators.

Both styles of semantics have found numerous applications in reasoning about probabilistic programs, but they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Though it is believed that there is a connection between them there are no languages that can handle both styles of programming.

In this work we address these questions by defining a two-level calculus and its categorical semantics which makes it possible to program with both kinds of semantics. From the logical side of things we see this language as an alternative resource interpretation of linear logic, where the resource being kept track of is sampling instead of variable use.
A Strict Constrained Superposition Calculus for Graphs
Authors: Echahed Rachid , Echenim Mnacho , Mhalla Mehdi , Peltier Nicolas
Published: April 2023

We propose a superposition-based proof procedure to reason on equational first order formulas defined over graphs. First, we introduce the considered graphs that are directed labeled graphs with lists of roots standing for pins or interfaces for replacements. Then the syntax and semantics of the considered logic are defined. The formulas at hand are clause sets built on equations and disequations on graphs. Afterwards, a sound and complete proof procedure is provided, and redundancy criteria are introduced to dismiss useless clauses and improve the efficiency of the procedure. In a first step, a set of inferences rules is provided in the case of uninterpreted labels. In a second step, the proposed rules are lifted to take into account labels defined as terms interpreted in some arbitrary theory. Particular formulas of interest are Horn clauses, for which stronger redundancy criteria can be devised. Essential differences with the usual term superposition calculus are emphasized.
The metric measure boundary of spaces with Ricci curvature bounded below
Authors: Bruè Elia , Mondino Andrea , Semola Daniele
Published: April 2023

We solve a conjecture raised by Kapovitch, Lytchak and Petrunin in [KLP21] by showing that the metric measure boundary is vanishing on any $${{\,\textrm{RCD}\,}}(K,N)$$

RCD

(
K
,
N
)

space $$(X,{\textsf{d}},{\mathscr {H}}^N)$$

(
X
,
d
,

H

N

)

without boundary. Our result, combined with [KLP21], settles an open question about the existence of infinite geodesics on Alexandrov spaces without boundary raised by Perelman and Petrunin in 1996.
Operative Behandlung des Torticollis muscularis congenitus
Authors: Ploeger Milena M. , Trillhaase Christoph , Rommelspacher Charlotte , Bornemann Rahel , Ossendorf Robert , Placzek Richard
Published: April 2023

Operationsziel

Operative Korrektur des Torticollis muscularis congenitus (TMC) mit triterminaler Tenotomie des M. sternocleidomastoideus (SCM) sowie postoperativer Behandlung in der Spiegel-Orthese.

Indikationen

Muskulär bedingter Torticollis im Rahmen einer Kontraktur des SCM, nach Versagen der konservativen Therapie ab dem 2. Lebensjahr.

Kontraindikationen

Torticollis im Rahmen einer ossären Anomalie oder aufgrund anderer muskulärer Kontrakturen

Operationstechnik

Durchtrennung des M. sternocleidomastoideus (SCM) am Ursprung und Ansatz (klavikulär und sternal) mit Resektion der Sehne von ca. 1 cm im Bereich des Ansatzes.

Weiterbehandlung

Postoperative Anlage der Spiegel-Orthese. Tragen der Orthese 24 h/Tag für die ersten 6 Wochen postoperativ, danach Tragen der Orthese 12 h/Tag für weitere 6 Wochen.

Ergebnisse

Operiert wurden n = 13 Patienten mit TMC. Das Follow-up betrug im Durchschnitt 25,7 Monate, bei 1 Patienten kam es nach 3 Jahren zu einem Rezidiv. Weder intra- noch postoperative Komplikationen wurden beobachtet.
Spatial extreme model for rainfall depth: application to the estimation of IDF curves in the Basque country
Authors: Mínguez R. , Herrera S.
Published: April 2023

Intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves are commonly used in engineering practice for the hydraulic design of flood protection infrastructures and flood risk management. IDF curves are simple functions between the rainfall intensity, the timescale at which the rainfall process is studied, and the return period. This work proposes and tests a new methodological framework for the spatial analysis of extreme rainfall depth at different timescales, taking advantage of two different precipitation datasets: local observational and gridded products. On the one hand, the proposed method overcomes or reduces known issues related to observational datasets (missing data and short temporal coverage, outliers, systematic biases and inhomogeneities, etc.). On the other hand, it allows incorporating appropriately terrain dependencies on the spatial distribution of the extreme precipitation regime. Finally, it allows to estimate the IDF curves at regional level overcoming the deficiencies of the classical regional approaches commonly used in practice. The method has been tested to compute IDF curves all over the Basque Country, contrasting results with respect to local analyses. Results show the method robustness against outliers, missing data, systematic biases and short length time series. Moreover, since generalized extreme value (GEV)-parameters from daily gridded dataset are used as covariates, the proposed approach allows coherent spatial interpolation/extrapolation of IDF curves properly accounting for the influence of orographic factors. In addition, due to the current coexistence of local observations and gridded datasets at regional (e.g. The Alps), national (e.g. Spain, France, etc.) or international scale (e.g. E-OBS for Europe or Daymet for the United States of America), the proposed methodology has a wide range of applicability in order to fulfill the known gaps of the observational datasets and reduce the uncertainty related to analysis and characterization of the extreme precipitation regime.