bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing zooplankton fecal pellets as a component of the biological pump using compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids
Authors: Doherty Shannon C. , Maas Amy E. , Steinberg Deborah K. , Popp Brian N. , Close Hilary G.
Published: May 2021

Zooplankton contribute a major component of the vertical flux of particulate organic matter to the ocean interior by packaging consumed food and waste into large, dense fecal pellets that sink quickly. Existing methods for quantifying the contribution of fecal pellets to particulate organic matter use either visual identification or lipid biomarkers, but these methods may exclude fecal material that is not morphologically distinct, or may include zooplankton carcasses in addition to fecal pellets. Based on results from seven pairs of wild‐caught zooplankton and their fecal pellets, we assess the ability of compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA) to chemically distinguish fecal pellets as an end‐member material within particulate organic matter. Nitrogen CSIA‐AA is an improvement on previous uses of bulk stable isotope ratios, which cannot distinguish between differences in baseline isotope ratios and fractionation due to metabolic processing. We suggest that the relative trophic position of zooplankton and their fecal pellets, as calculated using CSIA‐AA, can provide a metric for estimating the dietary absorption efficiency of zooplankton. Using this metric, the zooplankton examined here had widely ranging dietary absorption efficiencies, where lower dietary absorption may equate to higher proportions of fecal packaging of undigested material. The nitrogen isotope ratios of threonine and alanine statistically distinguished the zooplankton fecal pellets from literature‐derived examples of phytoplankton, zooplankton biomass, and microbially degraded organic matter. We suggest that δ15N values of threonine and alanine could be used in mixing models to quantify the contribution of fecal pellets to particulate organic matter.
On‐Demand Coherent Perfect Absorption in Complex Scattering Systems: Time Delay Divergence and Enhanced Sensitivity to Perturbations
Authors: del Hougne Philipp , Yeo K. Brahima , Besnier Philippe , Davy Matthieu
Published: May 2021

Non‐Hermitian photonic systems capable of perfectly absorbing incident radiation recently attracted much attention both because fundamentally they correspond to an exotic scattering phenomenon (real‐valued scattering matrix zero) and because their extreme sensitivity holds great technological promise. The sharp reflection dip is a hallmark feature underlying many envisioned applications in precision sensing, secure communication, and wave filtering. However, a rigorous link between the underlying scattering anomaly and the system's sensitivity to a perturbation is still missing. Here, a theoretical description in complex scattering systems is developed which quantitatively explains the reflection dip's shape. It is furthermore demonstrated that coherent perfect absorption (CPA) is associated with a phase singularity and that the sign of the diverging time delay is related to the mismatch between excitation rate and intrinsic decay rate. The theoretical predictions are confirmed in experiments based on a 3D chaotic cavity excited by eight channels. Rather than relying on operation frequency and attenuation inside the system to be two free parameters, “on‐demand” CPA is achieved at an arbitrary frequency by tweaking the chaotic cavity's scattering properties with programmable meta‐atom inclusions. Finally, the optimal sensitivity of the CPA condition to minute perturbations of the system is proven theoretically and verified experimentally.
Polymer‐Based Drug‐Free Therapeutics for Anticancer, Anti‐Inflammatory, and Antibacterial Treatment
Authors: Tavares Marina Rodrigues , Pechar Michal , Chytil Petr , Etrych Tomáš
Published: May 2021

This paper summarizes the area of biomedicinal polymers, which serve as nanomedicines even though they do not contain any anticancer or antiinflammatory drugs. These polymer nanomedicines with unique design are in the literature highlighted as a novel class of therapeutics called “drug‐free macromolecular therapeutics.” Their therapeutic efficacy is based on the tailored multiple presentations of biologically active vectors, i.e., peptides, oligopeptides, or oligosaccharides. Thus, they enable, for example, to directly induce the apoptosis of malignant cells by the crosslinking of surface slowly internalizing receptors, or to deplete the efficacy of tumor‐associated proteins. The precise biorecognition of natural binding motifs by multiple vectors on the polymer construct remains the crucial part in the designing of these drug‐free nanomedicines. Here, the rationales, designs, synthetic approaches, and therapeutic potential of drug‐free macromolecular therapeutics consisting of various active vectors are described in detail. Recent developments and achievements for namely B‐cell lymphoma treatment, Gal‐3‐positive tumors, inflammative liver injury, and bacterial treatment are reviewed and highlighted. Finally, a possible future prospect within this highly exciting new field of nanomedicine research is presented.
Patients with Cervical Dystonia Demonstrated Decreased Cognitive Abilities and Visual Planning Compared to Controls
Authors: Bastos Marina S.C. , Nickel Renato , Camargo Carlos H.F. , Teive Hélio A.G.
Published: May 2021

Background

Cervical dystonia (CD) involves clinical and motor manifestations, and visual and cognitive dysfunctions may also be frequent.

Objective

To evaluate functional vision, visual attention, and cognitive aspects in patients with CD compared with a control group.

Methods

Fifty patients with CD were assessed using the Useful Field of View Test (UFOV), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Trail Making Tests (TMT‐A and TMT‐B), and compared with an identical number of health controls matched by sex, age, and educational level.

Results

No differences were seen between the groups in terms of MMSE score (P = 0.481), but the CD patient group had poorer scores for the TMA‐A (P = 0.004) and TMT‐B (P = 0.004). For the UFOV subtests, a decrease was found for visual processing speed (P < 0.001), divided attention (P < 0.001), and selective attention (P = 0.001), as well as higher frequency in the categories with higher risk index in the UFOV test (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with CD may exhibit decreased functional vision and visual attention, as well as higher risk in performing complex activities.
Statistical harmonization can improve the development of a multicenter CT‐based radiomic model predictive of nonresponse to induction chemotherapy in laryngeal cancers
Authors: Masson Ingrid , Da‐ano Ronrick , Lucia François , Doré Mélanie , Castelli Joel , Goislard de Monsabert Camille , Ramée Jean‐François , Sellami Selima , Visvikis Dimitris , Hatt Mathieu , Schick Ulrike
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To develop a radiomic model predicting nonresponse to induction chemotherapy in laryngeal cancers, from multicenter pretherapeutic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) and evaluate the benefit of feature harmonization in such a context.

Methods

Patients (n = 104) eligible for laryngeal preservation chemotherapy were included in five centers. Primary tumor was manually delineated on the CE‐CT images. The following radiomic features were extracted with an in‐house software (MIRAS v1.1, LaTIM UMR 1101): intensity, shape, and textural features derived from Gray‐Level Co‐occurrence Matrix (GLCM), Neighborhood Gray Tone Difference Matrix (NGTDM), Gray‐Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM), and Gray‐Level Size Zone Matrix (GLSZM). Harmonization was performed using ComBat after unsupervised hierarchical clustering, used to determine labels automatically, given the high heterogeneity of imaging characteristics across and within centers. Patients with similar feature distributions were grouped with unsupervised clustering into an optimal number of clusters (2) determined with “silhouette scoring.” Statistical harmonization was then carried out with ComBat on these 2 identified clusters. The cohort was split into training/validation (n = 66) and testing (n = 32) sets. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) were used to evaluate the ability of radiomic features (before and after harmonization) to predict nonresponse to chemotherapy, and specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Se) were used to quantify their performance in the testing set.

Results

Without harmonization, none of the features identified as predictive in the training set remained significant in the testing set. After ComBat, one textural feature identified in the training set keeps a predictive trend in the testing set—Zone Percentage, derived from the GLSZM, was predictive of nonresponse in the training set (AUC = 0.62, Se = 70%, Sp = 64%, P = 0.04) and obtained a satisfactory performance in the testing set (Se = 80%, Sp = 67%, P = 0.03), although significance was limited by the size of the testing set. These results are consistent with previously published findings in head and neck cancers.

Conclusions

Radiomic features from CE‐CT could help in the selection of patients for induction chemotherapy in laryngeal cancers, with relatively good sensitivity and specificity in predicting lack of response. Statistical harmonization with ComBat and unsupervised clustering seems to improve the predictive value of features extracted in such a heterogeneous multicenter setting.
Quality of life in patients with endometrial carcinoma: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chen Jiebing , Zou Qiaojian , Chen Xuanmin , Liu Xiaochen , Ding Sha , Mo Yinglei , Yao Shuzhong
Published: May 2021

Aim

To investigate the quality of life in patients with endometrial carcinoma and provide theoretical basis for nursing care.

Design

In this study, 69 patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma from 2016–2018 were included in the cohort.

Methods

Sixty‐nine patients from our hospital who underwent endometrial cancer surgeries were selected. The SF‐36 was used to investigate and analyse the patients’ quality of life in the first, second and third months after their operations. Questionnaires were administered to analyse the factors affecting postoperative quality of life.

Results

Quality of life for the second and third months was obviously better than that for the first month after the operation (p < .05). Based on multivariate regression analysis, we found that patients with higher family income had better quality of life after surgery(p < .05). These results can provide some guidance for daily nursing work after endometrial cancer operation.
Aging of bolted joints prepared from electron‐beam‐cured multiwalled carbon nanotube‐based nanocomposites with variable torques
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Saini Jaswinder Singh , Bhunia Haripada , Chowdhury Subhendu Ray
Published: May 2021

We evaluate the behavior of a bolted joint prepared from electron beam (EB)‐cured carbon/epoxy nanocomposites under accelerated weathering environment at varying bolt tightening torques. For strength improvement, different weight percentages (wt%) of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the range 0.1–0.5 wt% were incorporated into the composite laminates; 0.3 wt% of MWCNT had the maximum tensile strength. The properties of EB‐cured composites were compared with those of thermally cured ones. For accelerated weathering, cyclic exposure of ultraviolet (UV) radiation as well as condensation at elevated temperatures was conducted for 1000 h on the nanocomposite specimens. The chemical, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied under accelerated aging conditions. To determine the failure loads in the bolted joints, specimens were prepared as per ASTM D5961. It was found that after 1000 h of aging, there was only 5% reduction in the ultimate failure load for joints prepared with the addition of MWCNTs. It was also found that the bolt torque had a positive effect on the performance of the joints. The experimental results were validated with progressive damage analysis using the characteristic curve method along with the Hashin damage criteria.
Mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis of the effect of storage temperature on non‐invasively collected samples of human stratum corneum
Authors: Azimi Ali , Teh Rachel , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The collection of human stratum corneum (SC) samples by tape‐stripping promises to deliver a non‐invasive method for biomarker analysis of skin diseases. The current study examines the effect of storage temperature and SC layer depth on the proteome profile of SC samples.

Experimental Design

The samples were collected from healthy volunteers (n = 5) using 10 sequential adhesive discs. Discs were pooled by five (discs 1–5, 6–10) and stored at various temperatures for 10 days before their analysis by mass spectrometry.

Results

No statistically significant difference was seen in the protein yield between discs 1–5 (14.8 mg) and 6–10 (14.4 mg), or between discs stored at ‐80°C (14.7 mg), ‐20°C (15.8 mg), 4°C (14.9 mg) or room temperature (13.2 mg). Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the storage of SC samples at higher temperatures does not affect their proteome profile considerably (< 4.7% peptide precursor loss at lower temperatures vs. ‐80°C). On the other hand, while 95.3% of the identified peptide precursors were shared between discs 1–5 and 6–10, the level of 17 proteins was significantly changed between these conditions.

Conclusions

The findings of this study will likely have major implications on the conduct of proteomic studies involving SC sample collection, storage, and transportation.
Florylpicoxamid, a new picolinamide fungicide with broad spectrum activity
Authors: Yao Chenglin , Meyer Kevin G , Gallup Courtney , Bowling Andrew J , Hufnagl Andrea , Myung Kyung , Lutz Jamie , Slanec Thomas , Pence Heather E , Delgado Javier , Wang Nick X
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Following the introduction of fenpicoxamid, a natural product‐based fungicide targeting the Qi site of mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex, a second generation fully synthetic picolinamide, florylpicoxamid, was discovered and its biological activity and attributes were characterized.

RESULTS

In vitro fungal growth inhibition assays and in planta glasshouse biological activity evaluations showed florylpicoxamid was active against 21 different plant pathogenic fungi within the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Among the pathogens evaluated, florylpicoxamid was most potent against Zymoseptoria tritici, the causal organism of wheat leaf blotch, providing 80% growth inhibition in vitro at 0.0046 mg L−1 and 80% disease control in planta at 0.03 mg L−1 when applied as a preventative treatment. Florylpicoxamid was more efficacious than epoxiconazole, fluxapyroxad, and benzovindiflupyr versus a Z. tritici wild‐type isolate when applied as curative and preventative treatments, with superior 10‐day curative reachback activity. Analytical studies and in planta tests demonstrated that florylpicoxamid partitioned into plants quickly and showed good systemicity and translaminar activity on both monocot and dicot plants. No cross‐resistance was observed between florylpicoxamid and strobilurin or azole fungicides. Florylpicoxamid exerts its preventative effect by preventing spore germination on the leaf surface and curative activity by arresting mycelial growth and pycnidia development in leaf tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

With strong broad spectrum fungicidal activity, florylpicoxamid delivers an innovative solution for growers to sustain high productivity and quality of many crops, and also provides a new option for developing effective strategies for fungicide resistance management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Honeycomb‐like structures in sarcoidosis pathologically showing granulomas in walls of clustered bronchioles
Authors: Sawahata Michiru , Takemura Tamiko , Kawanobe Takeshi , Hagiwara Koichi , Kono Chiyoko , Yamaguchi Tetsuo
Published: May 2021

In the clinical setting, it is often difficult to judge whether honeycomb‐like structures represent progression of fibrosis in pulmonary sarcoidosis or a complication by interstitial pneumonitis. This report described a valuable case in which pathology of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery specimens collected from the lungs with honeycomb‐like structures that were continuous with the dilated bronchioles on chest computed tomography (CT) showed granulomas in the membranous bronchiole walls, thereby demonstrating that the honeycomb‐like structures were lung lesions of sarcoidosis. Pathological features of these structures on chest CT included cystic changes attributable to incorporation of peripheral alveoli into dilated bronchioles in lobules: these findings in lung sarcoidosis were different from those corresponding to honeycomb lung in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia. Radiological and pathological findings showed the possibility that progressive clustering of dilated bronchi and bronchioles causes cystic changes, resulting in the formation of honeycomb‐like structures as fibrosis progresses in sarcoidosis with lung involvement.
Study on the Grain Boundary Misorientation Change and Texture Evolution in SUS304 Austenitic Stainless Steel at Low Cold‐Rolling Reductions
Authors: Li Junchen , Huang Yaping , Pei Weiyang , Zhao Dejiang , Shi Xulin
Published: May 2021

To study the grain boundary misorientation change and texture evolution in austenitic stainless steel at low cold‐rolling reductions, SUS304 austenitic stainless steel samples with a cold‐rolling reduction of 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 23% are prepared. The electron backscatter diffraction analysis reveals that with the increase in the cold‐rolling reduction, the proportions of low‐angle grain boundary (LAGB) and high‐angle grain boundary (HAGB) gradually increase and decrease, respectively. The decrease in HAGB reduces the toughness of the material. With the increase in cold‐rolling reduction, the strain area inside the material increases, which enhances the toughness and strength of the steel plate. Austenite textures at different cold‐rolling reductions are composed of Brass, Goss, S, and shear texture {011}<122>. The intensity of the Brass‐type texture increases with the increasing cold‐rolling reduction. The martensite texture mainly consists of R‐Cube, Brass, shear texture {111}<110>, {111}<112>, and {332}<113>. When the cold‐rolling reduction is less than 15%, the Brass texture appears in the α′‐martensite phase. In addition, the intensity of the R‐Cube texture increases with the increasing cold‐rolling reduction. The martensite phase texture is affected by the austenite phase texture, and its formation can be attributed to the Kurdjumov–Sachs orientation relationship.
Fire response of steel connections using gene expression programming and finite element method
Authors: Ketabdari Hesamoddin , Saedi Daryan Amir , Hassani Nemat , Safi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the behavior of bolted and welded beam‐to‐column connections exposed to high temperatures is investigated. In this regard, 16 effective parameters are considered as the inputs, along with the connection rotation as the output. Finite element models of bolted and welded connections have been verified and used to generate sufficient data for equation training by the gene expression programming (GEP) method. The results indicated that the relative error of the bolted and welded models is equal to 11% and 12.5%, andR2coefficients were 0.9 and 0.85, respectively. Comparing the results acquired from the GEP model and experimental tests approves a proper performance with an acceptable rate of error of the developed equations for both bolted and welded connections in fire conditions. This performance has adequate reliability, particularly in critical temperatures, where the connection failure occurs. Moreover, the development of formulas with such a degree of accuracy indicates the utmost importance of employing applicable algorithms in simulating complex interaction of structure and fire.
The Road to Structurally Defined β‐Glucans
Authors: Ross Patrick , Farrell Mark P.
Published: May 2021

β‐glucans are polymers of glucose that have been isolated from a variety of organisms. Isolated β‐glucans have been used for medical purposes for centuries; however, efforts to define the biological activities of β‐glucans experimentally were initiated in the 1940’s. The diversity of structure associated with isolated β‐glucans has impeded said investigations, and efforts to leverage the biological activity of β‐glucans for clinical applications. In recognition of the need for defined β‐glucans that retain the biological activity of isolated β‐glucans, considerable investment has been made to facilitate the synthesis of structurally defined β‐glucans. Here, we review the different approaches that have been applied to prepare β‐glucans. In addition, we summarize the approaches that have been utilized to conjugate β‐glucans to proteins.
Sharing Power in Read‐Alouds with Emergent Bilingual Students
Authors: Christ Tanya , Cho Hyonsuk
Published: May 2021

This article addresses a growing call for the use of more culturally relevant texts and pedagogy in classrooms. We present how a teacher sharing power with emergent bilingual (EB) students during read‐aloud discussions with culturally relevant texts supports EB students’ literacy opportunities. These opportunities include (1) initiating new topics in the discussions, (2) providing cognitive or linguistic supports for one another, (3) using multilingual abilities to identify vocabulary, and (4) using cultural knowledge to make spontaneous inferences. For each of these four opportunities, we discuss (a) how power is shared by the teacher with her EB students, (b) how sharing power opens learning opportunities for others, (c) how the culturally relevant text supports the learning opportunities, and (d) how students are positioned in the discussion. Finally, we present how teachers can share power, and choose culturally relevant texts that will facilitate these learning opportunities, in their own classrooms.
Celestial double copy from the worldsheet
Authors: Casali Eduardo , Sharma Atul
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Using the ambitwistor string, we compute tree-level celestial amplitudes for biadjoint scalars, Yang-Mills and gravity to all multiplicities. They are presented in compact CHY-like formulas with operator-valued scattering equations and numerators acting on a generalized hypergeometric function. With these we extend the celestial double copy to tree-level amplitudes with arbitrary number of external states. We also show how color-kinematics duality is implemented in celestial amplitudes and its interpretation in terms of a generalized twisted cohomology theory.
Some remarks on the stability of the Cauchy equation and completeness
Authors: Fripertinger Harald , Schwaiger Jens
Published: May 2021

It was proved in Forti and Schwaiger (C R Math Acad Sci Soc R Can 11(6):215–220, 1989), Schwaiger (Aequ Math 35:120–121, 1988) and with different methods in Schwaiger (Developments in functional equations and related topics. Selected papers based on the presentations at the 16th international conference on functional equations and inequalities, ICFEI, Bȩdlewo, Poland, May 17–23, 2015, Springer, Cham, pp 275–295, 2017) that under the assumption that every function defined on suitable abelian semigroups with values in a normed space such that the norm of its Cauchy difference is bounded by a constant (function) is close to some additive function, i.e., the norm of the difference between the given function and that additive function is also bounded by a constant, the normed space must necessarily be complete. By Schwaiger (Ann Math Sil 34:151–163, 2020) this is also true in the non-archimedean case. Here we discuss the situation when the bound is a suitable non-constant function.
Predictive value of NLR, TILs (CD4+/CD8+) and PD-L1 expression for prognosis and response to preoperative chemotherapy in gastric cancer
Authors: Zurlo Ina Valeria , Schino Mattia , Strippoli Antonia , Calegari Maria Alessandra , Cocomazzi Alessandra , Cassano Alessandra , Pozzo Carmelo , Di Salvatore Mariantonietta , Ricci Riccardo , Barone Carlo , Bria Emilio , Tortora Giampaolo , Larocca Luigi Maria , Basso Michele , Martini Maurizio
Published: May 2021

The combination of perioperative chemotherapy plus complete surgical resection is currently accounted as the first-choice strategy in patients with locally advanced Gastric Cancer (LAGC). Nevertheless, the partial response rate makes it necessary to search biological parameters useful to select patients who would benefit most from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAD-CT). We performed a retrospective analysis on a cohort of 65 LAGC cases, EBV negative and without MMR defect, submitted to perioperative chemotherapy plus surgical resection. We evaluated the neutrophil-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood, the TILs density (reported as CD4/CD8 tissue ratio) and PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry on bioptic tissues before the treatment. Results were correlated with the biological features, histological response (TRG) and clinical outcome (PFS and OS). We found that NLR, TILs and PD-L1 expression showed a significant correlation with TNM stage, lymphovascular invasion and response to NAD-CT (TRG). Correlating the NLR, TILs and PD-L1 expression with PFS and OS, we found that patients with lower NLR levels (< 2.5 ratio), lower TILs (< 0.2 ratio) and higher PD-L1 level (CPS ≥ 1) had a significantly better PFS and OS than those with higher NLR, higher TILs and lower PD-L1 expression (p < 0.0001). Multivariate and multiple regression analyses confirmed the predictive and prognostic role of all three parameters, especially when all three parameters are combined. Our study demonstrated that pre-treatment NLR, TILs and PD-L1 expression are predictive and prognostic parameters in NAD-CT-treated LAGC suggesting a pivotal role of the systemic and tumor microenvironment immunological profile in the response to chemotherapy.
Gender trends in authorships and publication impact in Academic Radiology—a 10-year perspective
Authors: Molwitz Isabel , Yamamura Jin , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Wedekind Ilka , Nguyen Thai-An , Wolf Liesa , Kamo Minobu , Zhao Jing , Can Elif , Keller Sarah
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To analyze the development of publication numbers of female authors in high-, medium-, and low-impact radiological journals.

Methods

In this bibliometric analysis, gender of the first (FA) and senior author (SA) was assigned to all original research articles and reviews, published in 10 high-, medium-, and low-impact radiological journals in 2007/8 and 2017/18. The adjusted event rate (AER) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were calculated using mixed logistic and multinomial logistic regression models to assess and compare female publications according to impact factor, journal, author position, and combination.

Results

The proportion of female FA and female SA in N = 6979 (2007/2008) and N = 7383 (2017/2018) articles increased to 29.1% and 16.1% in 2017/2018, respectively. While most female authorships were continuously observed in medium-impact journals, the strongest increase occurred for both female FA (AOR 2.0; p < .0001) and SA (AOR 2.1; p < .0001) in low-impact journals. Female SA published significantly more often in a low- (AOR 1.5) or medium- (AOR 1.8) than in a high-ranking journal. Among the high-ranking journals, female FA published most frequently in European Radiology (32.4%; 95% CI [29.3–35.8]; p < .0001), female SA in Investigative Radiology (15.9%; 95% CI [13.7–18.4]; p < .0001). Male same-sex authorships decreased (AOR 0.9), but remained at least twice as common as all-female or mixed authorships.

Conclusion

The increase in female authorship is reflected in all impact areas. Female FA and SA increased most in low-ranking journals but are most common in medium-ranking journals. Female SA remain rare, especially in high impact journals.

Key Points

• Compared to the proportion of female radiologists worldwide, female senior authors are underrepresented in all impact areas, in particular in high-impact journals.

• Among the included high-ranking radiological journals, female first authors and senior authors were strongest represented in European Radiology and Investigative Radiology, while across all impact areas they mostly published in medium-ranking journals.

• Female author combinations were more frequent in low- and medium- than in high-ranking journals, whereas male author combinations remained more common than female senior author collaborations in all impact areas.
Reynolds stress tensor measurements using magnetic resonance velocimetry: expansion of the dynamic measurement range and analysis of systematic measurement errors
Authors: Schmidt Simon , John Kristine , Kim Seung Jun , Flassbeck Sebastian , Schmitter Sebastian , Bruschewski Martin
Published: May 2021

This study presents magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) Reynolds Stress measurements in a periodic hill channel with a hill Reynolds number of Re = 29,500. The velocity encoding scheme is based on the ICOSA6 method with six icosahedral encoding directions and multiple encoding values are measured to increase the dynamic range. The full Reynolds stress tensor is obtained from a voxel-wise three-dimensional Gaussian fit using the magnitude data of all acquisitions. The MRV results are compared to a wall-resolved large eddy simulation and laser Doppler velocimetry measurements conducted in the same channel. It is shown that the MRV Reynolds stress data have excellent precision and agree qualitatively with the reference data. However, there are apparent systematic deviations. One of the most prominent error contributions is the signal attenuation caused by higher orders of motion, which leads to an overestimation of the turbulence level. Another fundamental error is identified in the assumption that the turbulence is Gaussian distributed. With the presented reconstruction technique, the MRV data are fitted to a statistical model, and depending on the examined flow setup, the Gaussian model can lead to considerable errors. Possible ways of how to reduce all identified errors are presented. In summary, this technique enables Reynolds stress tensor measurements in complex internal flows with high dynamic range and excellent precision. However, several issues need to be resolved to make the turbulence quantification more accurate.

Graphic abstract
Symptoms of depression are associated with reduced leisure-time physical activity in adult individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ahola Aila J. , Tikkanen-Dolenc Heidi , Forsblom Carol , Harjutsalo Valma , Groop Per-Henrik ,   on behalf of the FinnDiane Study Group
Published: May 2021

Aims

Here, we investigated the association between depressive symptoms and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Data from adult individuals with type 1 diabetes without evidence of diabetic kidney disease or macrovascular complications, participating in the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study, were included. Based on a questionnaire, weekly LTPA as metabolic equivalent of task hour was calculated. Activity levels (inactive, moderately active, active), weekly frequencies (< 1, 1–2, > 2), intensities (low, moderate, high), and single session durations (< 30, 31–60, > 60 min) were assessed. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We calculated a continuous BDI score and divided participants into those with (BDI score ≥ 16) and without (BDI score < 16) symptoms of depression. For sensitivity analyses, we additionally defined symptoms of depression with antidepressant agent purchases within a year from the study visit.

Results

Of the 1339 participants (41.7% men, median age 41 years), 150 (11.2%) reported symptoms of depression. After adjustments, both higher BDI scores and depressive symptomatology were associated with more inactive lifestyle, and lower frequency and intensity of the LTPA. The BDI score was additionally associated with shorter single session duration. For antidepressant purchases, lower odds were observed in those with higher intensity and longer single session duration of LTPA.

Conclusions

Depressive mood is harmfully related to LTPA in type 1 diabetes. In order to improve the long-term health of individuals with type 1 diabetes, efforts to increase both mental well-being and physical activity should be taken.
VerifyThis 2019: a program verification competition
Authors: Dross Claire , Furia Carlo A , Huisman Marieke , Monahan Rosemary , Müller Peter
Published: May 2021

VerifyThis is a series of program verification competitions that emphasize the human aspect: participants tackle the verification of detailed behavioral properties—something that lies beyond the capabilities of fully automatic verification and requires instead human expertise to suitably encode programs, specifications, and invariants. This paper describes the 8th edition of VerifyThis, which took place at ETAPS 2019 in Prague. Thirteen teams entered the competition, which consisted of three verification challenges and spanned 2 days of work. This report analyzes how the participating teams fared on these challenges, reflects on what makes a verification challenge more or less suitable for the typical VerifyThis participants, and outlines the difficulties of comparing the work of teams using wildly different verification approaches in a competition focused on the human aspect.
High-cell-density fed-batch cultivations of Vibrio natriegens
Authors: Thiele Isabel , Gutschmann Björn , Aulich Linus , Girard Marcel , Neubauer Peter , Riedel Sebastian L.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

With generation times of less than 10 min under optimal conditions, the halophilic Vibrio natriegens is the fastest growing non-pathogenic bacterium isolated so far. The availability of the full genome and genetic engineering tools and its ability to utilize a wide range of carbon sources make V. natriegens an attractive host for biotechnological production processes. However, high-cell-density cultivations, which are desired at industrial-scale have not been described so far.

Results

In this study we report fed-batch cultivations of V. natriegens in deep-well plates and lab-scale bioreactor cultivations at different temperatures in mineral salt medium (MSM). Upon switching from exponential glucose to constant glucose-feeding cell death was induced. Initial NaCl concentrations of 15–18 g L−1 and a temperature reduction from 37 to 30 °C had a positive effect on cell growth. The maximal growth rate in MSM with glucose was 1.36 h−1 with a specific oxygen uptake rate of 22 mmol gCDW−1 h−1. High biomass yields of up to 55 g L−1 after only 12 h were reached.

Conclusions

The shown fed-batch strategies demonstrate the potential of V. natriegens as a strong producer in industrial biotechnology.
Screen-printing of microfibrillated cellulose for an improved moisture management, strength and abrasion resistant properties of flame-resistant fabrics
Authors: Kokol Vanja , Vivod Vera , Peršin Zdenka , Kamppuri Taina , Dobnik-Dubrovski Polona
Published: May 2021

Low moisture absorbency of hydrophobically coated flame-resistant (FR) fabrics do not correlate well with the thermophysiological comfort. In this frame, we were the first to study the effect of screen-printed microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on fabric’s breathability and moisture build-up and transfer as user-friendly and wear-related comfortable coating. The amount of MFC applied and its patterning was varied using different printing parameters, the density and thickness of FR fabric, and studied by add-on measurement and microscopic imaging. The effect of MFC coating and its durability (attachment) after a post-printing of hydrophobic polyacrylate on the same (layer-by-layer) or other side of the fabrics was considered, thus to maintain one side of the fabric (facing towards the wearer) hydrophilic while keeping the other side (facing outward) hydrophobic. The results showed that MFC provides uniform and repeatable printing, which gave homogeneous patterning with good layering on the fabrics, although, resulting in the MFC concentration, squeegee’ pressure, and fabric’ structure dependent add-on, its imprinting and co-crosslinking within the polyacrylate. This slightly reduced the fabric air-permeability, but increased it surfaces wetting, moisture uptake kinetic and capacity (hydroscopicity), without affecting the water vapour transfer. Besides, the polyacrylate could fix the MFC pre-printed on the other side of the fabric, thus maintaining its hydrophilicity, being more pronounced in the case of less open and thicker fabric, while improving its tensile/tear strengths and abrasion resistance, without deterioration of the fabric`s flammability.
Attributable human-induced changes in the magnitude of flooding in the Houston, Texas region during Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Wehner Michael , Sampson Christopher
Published: May 2021

The human influence on precipitation during tropical cyclones due to the global warming is now well documented in the literature. Several studies have found increases in Hurricane Harvey’s total precipitation over the Greater Houston area ranging from the Clausius-Clapeyron limit of 7% to as much as 38% locally. Here we use a hydraulic model to translate these attribution statements about precipitation to statements about the resultant flooding and associated damages. We find that while the attributable increase in the total volume of flood waters is the same as the attributable increase in precipitation, the attributable increase in the total area of the flood is less. However, we also find that in the most heavily flooded parts of Houston, the local attributable increases in flood area and volume are substantially larger than the increase in total precipitation. The results of this storyline attribution analysis of the Houston flood area are used to make an intuitive best estimate of the cost of Hurricane Harvey attributable to anthropogenic global warming as thirteen billion US dollars.
Creating Community and Engaging Community: The Foundations of the Estate Little Princess Archaeology Project in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands
Authors: Flewellen Ayana Omilade , Odewale Alicia , Dunnavant Justin , Jones Alexandra , White William
Published: May 2021

This article discusses how Co-Principal Investigators that designed and executed the Estate Little Princess Archaeology Project (ELPAP) came together as a community, to demonstrate how such a formation within the discipline, with all its ups and downs, facilitates the skills needed to conduct community archaeology. By using the ELPAP as a case study, this article provides a multiscale examination of the ELPAP, expanding the discourse on community archaeology to include community building practices among archaeologists, between organizations, and with communities impacted by archaeological work.
Does hemispheric vascular regulation differ significantly in glaucoma patients with altitudinal visual field asymmetry? A single-center, prospective study
Authors: Kuerten David , Kotliar Konstantin , Fuest Matthias , Walter Peter , Hollstein Muriel , Plange Niklas
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Vascular risk factors and ocular perfusion are heatedly discussed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The retinal vessel analyzer (RVA, IMEDOS Systems, Germany) allows noninvasive measurement of retinal vessel regulation. Significant differences especially in the veins between healthy subjects and patients suffering from glaucoma were previously reported. In this pilot-study we investigated if localized vascular regulation is altered in glaucoma patients with altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry.

Methods

15 eyes of 12 glaucoma patients with advanced altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry were included. The mean defect was calculated for each hemisphere separately (−20.99 ± 10.49 profound hemispheric visual field defect vs −7.36 ± 3.97 dB less profound hemisphere). After pupil dilation, RVA measurements of retinal arteries and veins were conducted using the standard protocol. The superior and inferior retinal vessel reactivity were measured consecutively in each eye.

Results

Significant differences were recorded in venous vessel constriction after flicker light stimulation and overall amplitude of the reaction (p < 0.04 and p < 0.02 respectively) in-between the hemispheres. Vessel reaction was higher in the hemisphere corresponding to the more advanced visual field defect. Arterial diameters reacted similarly, failing to reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Localized retinal vessel regulation is significantly altered in glaucoma patients with asymmetric altitudinal visual field defects. Veins supplying the hemisphere concordant to a less profound visual field defect show diminished diameter changes. Vascular dysregulation might be particularly important in early glaucoma stages prior to a significant visual field defect.
Correction to: Mental Health and Religiosity in the Sardinian Blue Zone: Life Satisfaction and Optimism for Aging Well
Authors: Fastame Maria Chiara , Ruiu Marilena , Mulas Ilaria
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01288-5
Integrating climate change adaptation in coastal governance of the Barcelona metropolitan area
Authors: Sauer Inga J. , Roca Elisabet , Villares Míriam
Published: May 2021

Coastal cities are exposed to high risks due to climate change, as they are potentially affected by both rising sea levels and increasingly intense and frequent coastal storms. Socio-economic drivers also increase exposure to natural hazards, accelerate environmental degradation, and require adaptive governance structures to moderate negative impacts. Here, we use a social network analysis (SNA) combined with further qualitative information to identify barriers and enablers of adaptive governance in the Barcelona metropolitan area. By analyzing how climate change adaptation is mainstreamed between different administrative scales as well as different societal actors, we can determine the governance structures and external conditions that hamper or foster strategical adaptation plans from being used as operational adaptation tools. We identify a diverse set of stakeholders acting at different administrative levels (local to national), in public administration, science, civil society, and the tourism economy. The metropolitan administration acts as an important bridging organization by promoting climate change adaptation to different interest groups and by passing knowledge between actors. Nonetheless, national adaptation planning fails to take into account local experiences in coastal protection, which leads to an ineffective science policy interaction and limits adaptive management and learning opportunities. Overcoming this is difficult, however, as the effectiveness of local adaptation strategies in the Barcelona metropolitan area is very limited due to a strong centralization of power at the national level and a lack of polycentricity. Due to the high touristic pressure, the legal framework is currently oriented to primarily meet the demands of recreational use and tourism, prioritizing these aspects in daily management practice. Therefore, touristic and economic activities need to be aligned to adaptation efforts, to convert them from barriers into drivers for adaptation action. Our work strongly suggests that more effectively embedding adaptation planning and action into existing legal structures of coastal management would allow strategic adaptation plans to be an effective operational tool for local coastal governance.
Endless elastic beam travelling on a moving rough surface with zones of stick and sliding
Authors: Vetyukov Yury
Published: May 2021

We study the planar deformation of a beam that travels across a given control domain supported by a moving rough plane, which is a prototype for various technological processes. A sufficiently small misalignment between the guideways at the ends of the domain results in a stationary regime of motion, which features a zone of sticking contact near the entry to the control domain, followed by infinitely many segments of transverse sliding with alternating directions. Self-similarity of this solution of an essentially nonlinear boundary value problem is the primary novel result of the present contribution. Closed-form analytic results are validated against a finite element simulation of the transient evolution process, which demonstrates stability of the obtained solution and provides insights regarding the characteristic time scales of establishing of subsequent zones of sliding.
The Characterisation of Hydrogen on Nickel and Cobalt Catalysts
Authors: Davidson Alisha L. , Lennon David , Webb Paul B. , Albers Peter W. , Berweiler Monika , Poss René , Roos Meike , Reinsdorf Arne , Wolf Dorit , Parker Stewart F.
Published: May 2021

We have investigated a series of supported and unsupported nickel and cobalt catalysts, principally using neutron vibrational spectroscopy (inelastic neutron scattering, INS). For an alumina supported Ni catalyst we are able to detect hydrogen on the metal for the first time, all previous work has used Raney Ni. For an unsupported Ni foam catalyst, which has similar behaviour to Raney Ni but with a much lower density, the spectra show that there are approximately equal numbers of (100) and (111) sites, in contrast to Raney Ni that shows largely (111) sites. The observation of hydrogen on cobalt catalysts proved to be extremely challenging. In order to generate a cobalt metal surface, reduction in hydrogen at 250–300 °C is required. Lower temperatures result in a largely hydroxylated surface. The spectra show that on Raney Co (and probably also on a Co foam catalyst), hydrogen occupies a threefold hollow site, similar to that found on Co($$10\bar{1}0$$101¯0). The reduced surface is highly reactive: transfers between cells in a high quality glovebox were sufficient to re-hydroxylate the surface.
Modeling the effects of fracture infill on frequency-dependent anisotropy and AVO response of a fractured porous layer
Authors: He Yan-Xiao , Li Xin-Long , Tang Gen-Yang , Dong Chun-Hui , Chen Mo , Wang Shang-Xu
Published: May 2021

In a fractured porous hydrocarbon reservoir, wave velocities and reflections depend on frequency and incident angle. A proper description of the frequency dependence of amplitude variations with offset (AVO) signatures should allow effects of fracture infills and attenuation and dispersion of fractured media. The novelty of this study lies in the introduction of an improved approach for the investigation of incident-angle and frequency variations-associated reflection responses. The improved AVO modeling method, using a frequency-domain propagator matrix method, is feasible to accurately consider velocity dispersion predicted from frequency-dependent elasticities from a rock physics modeling. And hence, the method is suitable for use in the case of an anisotropic medium with aligned fractures. Additionally, the proposed modeling approach allows the combined contributions of layer thickness, interbedded structure, impedance contrast and interferences to frequency-dependent reflection coefficients and, hence, yielding seismograms of a layered model with a dispersive and attenuative reservoir. Our numerical results show bulk modulus of fracture fluid significantly affects anisotropic attenuation, hence causing frequency-dependent reflection abnormalities. These implications indicate the study of amplitude versus angle and frequency (AVAF) variations provides insights for better interpretation of reflection anomalies and hydrocarbon identification in a layered reservoir with vertical transverse isotropy (VTI) dispersive media.