bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial covariation in nutrient enrichment and fishing of herbivores in an oceanic coral reef ecosystem
Authors: Holbrook Sally J. , Wencélius Jean , Dubel Alexandra K. , Adam Thomas C. , Cook Dana C. , Hunter Chelsea E. , Lauer Matthew , Lester Sarah E. , Miller Scott D. , Rassweiler Andrew , Schmitt Russell J.
Published: December 2021

Both natural and anthropogenic stressors are increasing on coral reefs, resulting in large‐scale loss of coral and potential shifts from coral‐ to macroalgae‐dominated community states. Two factors implicated in shifts to macroalgae are nutrient enrichment and fishing of reef herbivores. Although either of these factors alone could facilitate establishment of macroalgae, reefs may be particularly vulnerable to coral‐to‐algae phase shifts in which strong bottom‐up forcing from nutrient enrichment is accompanied by a weakening of herbivore control of macroalgae via intense fishing. We explored spatial heterogeneity and covariance in these drivers on reefs in the lagoons of Moorea, French Polynesia, where the local fishery heavily targets herbivorous fishes and there are spatially variable inputs of nutrients from agricultural fertilizers and wastewater systems. Spatial patterns of fishing and nutrient enrichment were not correlated at the two landscape scales we examined: among the 11 interconnected lagoons around the island or among major habitats (fringing reef, mid‐lagoon, back reef) within a lagoon. This decoupling at the landscape scale resulted from patterns of covariation between enrichment and fishing that differed qualitatively between cross‐shore and long‐shore directions. At the cross‐shore scale, nutrient enrichment declined but fishing increased from shore to the crest of the barrier reef. By contrast, nutrient enrichment and fishing were positively correlated in the long‐shore direction, with both increasing with proximity to a pass in the barrier reef. Contrary to widespread assumptions in the scientific literature that human coastal population density correlates with impact on marine ecosystems and that fishing effort declines linearly with distance from the shore, these local stressors produced a complex spatial mosaic of reef vulnerabilities. Our findings support spatially explicit management involving the control of anthropogenic nutrients and strategic reductions in fishing pressure on herbivores by highlighting specific areas to target for management actions.
Is evolution faster at ecotones? A test using rates and tempo of diet transitions in Neotropical Sigmodontinae (Rodentia, Cricetidae)
Authors: Luza André Luís , Maestri Renan , Debastiani Vanderlei Júlio , Patterson Bruce D. , Hartz Sandra Maria , Duarte Leandro D. S.
Published: December 2021

We evaluated whether evolution is faster at ecotones as niche shifts may be needed to persist under unstable environment. We mapped diet evolution along the evolutionary history of 350 sigmodontine species. Mapping was used in three new tip‐based metrics of trait evolution – Transition Rates, Stasis Time, and Last Transition Time – which were spatialized at the assemblage level (aTR, aST, aTL). Assemblages were obtained by superimposing range maps on points located at core and ecotone of the 93 South American ecoregions. Using Linear Mixed Models, we tested whether ecotones have species with more changes from the ancestral diet (higher aTR), have maintained the current diet for a shorter time (lower aST), and have more recent transitions to the current diet (lower aLT) than cores. We found lower aTR, and higher aST and aLT at ecotones than at cores. Although ecotones are more heterogeneous, both environmentally and in relation to selection pressures they exert on organisms, ecotone species change little from the ancestral diet as generalist habits are necessary toward feeding in ephemeral environments. The need to incorporate phylogenetic uncertainty in tip‐based metrics was evident from large uncertainty detected. Our study integrates ecology and evolution by analyzing how fast trait evolution is across space.
A motivational framework of religion: Tying together the why and the how of religion
Authors: Vishkin Allon , Ben‐Nun Bloom Pazit , Arikan Gizem , Ginges Jeremy
Published: December 2021

Two lines of research in the psychology of religion have developed independently of each other: why people are religious and how they are religious. Leveraging theories of goal constructs, we propose that these two lines of research are connected, such that religious expressions are the manifestation of religious motivations. In Part I, we build and test a model of relations between religious motivations and religious expressions using data from Christians in the United Kingdom (Study 1; N = 418) and Jews in Israel (Study 2; N = 505). In Part II, we demonstrate the utility of the model by showing how relations between religiosity and political ideology can be understood by this integrated model. We discuss how this model advances research on the psychology of religion beyond the refinement of typologies and how it can be used to model associations between religiosity and other constructs.
Impact of preoperative and intraoperative management on outcomes in osteoradionecrosis requiring free flap reconstruction
Authors: Mayland Erica , Curry Joseph M. , Wax Mark K. , Thomas Carissa M. , Swendseid Brian P. , Kejner Alexandra E. , Kain Joshua J. , Cannady Steven B. , Miles Brett A. , DiLeo Michael , McMullen Caitlin , Tasche Kendall , Ferrandino Rocco M. , Sarwary Juliana , Petrisor Daniel , Sweeny Larissa
Published: December 2021

Background

Perioperative management of advanced osteoradionecrosis of the head and neck requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction varies. Our objectives included assessment of practice patterns and outcomes.

Methods

Multi‐institutional, retrospective review of FF reconstruction for head and neck osteoradionecrosis (n = 260).

Results

Administration of preoperative antibiotics did not correlate with reduction in postoperative complications. Preoperative alcohol use correlated with higher rates of hardware exposure (p = 0.03) and 30‐day readmission (p = 0.04). Patients with FF compromise had higher TSH (p = 0.04) and lower albumin levels (p = 0.005). Prealbumin levels were lower in patients who required neck washouts (p = 0.02) or a second FF (p = 0.03). TSH levels were higher in patients undergoing postoperative debridement (p = 0.03) or local flap procedures (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Malnutrition, hypothyroidism, and substance abuse correlated with a higher incidence of postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing FF reconstruction for advanced osteoradionecrosis. Preoperative antibiotics use did not correlate with a reduction in postoperative wound complications.
Use of the comprehensive geriatric assessment for the prediction of postoperative complications in elderly patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Han Seung Hoon , Cho Deuktae , Mohammad Ramla , Jung Young Ho , Ahn Soon‐Hyun , Cha Wonjae , Jeong Woo‐Jin
Published: December 2021

Background

To determine the efficacy of preoperative Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in predicting postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery.

Methods

Medical records of patients aged ≥70 who underwent elective head and neck cancer surgery were reviewed. CGA scores were prospectively collected prior to surgery and analyzed to determine their association with postoperative complications.

Results

Of the 65 patients enrolled in this study, 34 (52.3%) with deficits in two or more preoperative CGA domains were categorized as “frail.” Fourteen patients (21.5%) experienced postoperative complications. Age was not a risk factor for the complications (p = 0.504). The multivariate analysis indicated that major postoperative complications were significantly associated with frailty (odds ratio [OR] = 21.9, p = 0.039), operation time (OR = 39, p = 0.048), and estimated blood loss (OR = 19.8, p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Frailty assessed by preoperative CGA, but not chronological age, was significantly associated with major postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery.
The experimental study of regeneration of annulus fibrosus using decellularized annulus fibrosus matrix/poly(ether carbonate urethane)urea‐blended fibrous scaffolds with varying elastic moduli
Authors: Liu Chen , Li Yu , Zhang Yu , Xu Hongguang
Published: December 2021

Although tissue engineering has attracted increasing attention for the treatment of degenerative intervertebral disc disease, the biochemical properties, structural organization, and mechanical characteristics of annulus fibrosus tissue have restricted progress. Differentiation of annulus fibrosus‐derived stem cells (AFSCs) can be regulated by the elasticity of substrates such as poly(ether carbonate urethane)urea (PECUU). Decellularized annulus fibrosus matrix (DAFM) has good biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it suitable for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, we used a coaxial electrospinning method to synthesize DAFM/PECUU‐blended fibrous scaffolds with elasticities approximating that of native inner and outer annulus fibrosus tissue. AFSCs cultured on DAFM/PECUU‐blended fibrous scaffolds exhibited increased collagen type I gene expression with increasing elasticity of the scaffold material; notably, collagen type II and aggrecan gene expression exhibited the opposite trend. Regarding extracellular matrix secretion, collagen type I content gradually increased with substrate elasticity, while collagen type II and aggrecan contents decreased. In vivo evaluations employing magnetic resonance imaging, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry indicated that DAFM/PECUU‐blended fibrous scaffolds could effectively repair defects of annulus fibrosus tissue. Our findings provide a theoretical and practical basis for the development of bionic annulus fibrosus tissue that closely mimics the biological properties, mechanical function, and matrix composition of native tissue.
Insight into the interaction mechanisms of N2/H2O/CO2/C mixture at extreme conditions by reactive molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Ji Jincheng , Zhu Weihua
Published: December 2021

In this study, reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) is used to simulate the dynamics of a four‐component mixture containing the detonation products H2O, CO2, N2, and C under high temperatures coupled with high pressures. The thermodynamic properties and interactions of the system were analyzed, and the existence form of carbon clusters was clarified. The results show that the higher the temperature, the faster the potential energy of the system reaches the stable value. There are different types of carbon clusters formed in the system, and most of them include C, N, and O. Carbon clusters with only C atoms are very few. This is due to the high activity of the N and O radicals at high temperature, which form new bonds with the C atoms easily. Besides, the ring‐shaped carbon clusters appear with the increase in pressure. It may be inferred that large carbon clusters are easy to form in the temperature range 2000–3000 K and pressure range 25–35 GPa. Our research provides a new insights into the interaction and thermodynamic properties of four‐component detonation products under extreme conditions and is helpful for designing new explosives and establishing their equations of state.
Cross‐Cohort Automatic Knee MRI Segmentation With Multi‐Planar U‐Nets
Authors: Perslev Mathias , Pai Akshay , Runhaar Jos , Igel Christian , Dam Erik B.
Published: December 2021

Background

Segmentation of medical image volumes is a time‐consuming manual task. Automatic tools are often tailored toward specific patient cohorts, and it is unclear how they behave in other clinical settings.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of the open‐source Multi‐Planar U‐Net (MPUnet), the validated Knee Imaging Quantification (KIQ) framework, and a state‐of‐the‐art two‐dimensional (2D) U‐Net architecture on three clinical cohorts without extensive adaptation of the algorithms.

Study Type

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects

A total of 253 subjects (146 females, 107 males, ages 57 ± 12 years) from three knee osteoarthritis (OA) studies (Center for Clinical and Basic Research [CCBR], Osteoarthritis Initiative [OAI], and Prevention of OA in Overweight Females [PROOF]) with varying demographics and OA severity (64/37/24/53/2 scans of Kellgren and Lawrence [KL] grades 0–4).

Field Strength/Sequence

0.18 T, 1.0 T/1.5 T, and 3 T sagittal three‐dimensional fast‐spin echo T1w and dual‐echo steady‐state sequences.

Assessment

All models were fit without tuning to knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with manual segmentations from three clinical cohorts. All models were evaluated across KL grades.

Statistical Tests

Segmentation performance differences as measured by Dice coefficients were tested with paired, two‐sided Wilcoxon signed‐rank statistics with significance threshold α = 0.05.

Results

The MPUnet performed superior or equal to KIQ and 2D U‐Net on all compartments across three cohorts. Mean Dice overlap was significantly higher for MPUnet compared to KIQ and U‐Net on CCBR ( vs. and ), significantly higher than KIQ and U‐Net OAI ( vs. and , and not significantly different from KIQ while significantly higher than 2D U‐Net on PROOF ( vs. , , and . The MPUnet performed significantly better on KL grade 3 CCBR scans with vs. for KIQ and for 2D U‐Net.

Data Conclusion

The MPUnet matched or exceeded the performance of state‐of‐the‐art knee MRI segmentation models across cohorts of variable sequences and patient demographics. The MPUnet required no manual tuning making it both accurate and easy‐to‐use.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
External Validation of the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa Model Performance in Evaluating the Risk of Ovarian Carcinoma Before Surgery in China: A Tertiary Center Study
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Zhao Yuli , Feng Li
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model was developed by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group to assess the risk of an ovarian mass being malignant. This study aimed to externally validate the ADNEX model performance in a tertiary center in China.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐center university hospital study assessed the model diagnostic accuracy. All patients were examined by transvaginal ultrasonography, and serum CA125 levels were measured. Moreover, clinicopathological information was collected. The diagnostic performance of the ADNEX model was calculated with and without CA125 as a predictor.

Results

We retrieved data of 335 patients, of which 53 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria. Of the included 282 patients, 178 (63.1%) had benign tumors, and 104 (36.9%) had malignant tumors. When CA125 was factored in, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the distinction between benign and malignant tumors was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–0.96), whereas it was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88–0.95) without CA125. The concordance between the predicted risk of malignancy and the proportion of observed malignancies was well demonstrated by the calibration plots.

Conclusions

The proper performance of the ADNEX model was verified externally in a tertiary center in China, showing a good distinction between tumour subtypes. Our findings suggest the ADNEX model is a valuable tool in clinical practice and may help in managing patients with adnexal masses.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant: Characteristics and prevention
Authors: He Xuemei , Hong Weiqi , Pan Xiangyu , Lu Guangwen , Wei Xiawei
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has brought about a great threat to global public health. Recently, a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variant B.1.1.529 has been reported in South Africa and induced a rapid increase in COVID‐19 cases. On November 24, 2021, B.1.1.529 named Omicron was designated as a variant under monitoring (VUM) by World Health Organization (WHO). Two days later, the Omicron variant was classified as a variant of concern (VOC). This variant harbors a high number of mutations, including 15 mutations in the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of spike. The Omicron variant also shares several mutations with the previous VOC Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants, which immediately raised global concerns about viral transmissibility, pathogenicity, and immune evasion. Here we described the discovery and characteristics of the Omicron variant, compared the mutations of the spike in the five VOCs, and further raised possible strategies to prevent and overcome the prevalence of the Omicron variant.
Mild Chronic Colitis Triggers Parkinsonism in LRRK2 Mutant Mice Through Activating TNF‐α Pathway
Authors: Lin Chin‐Hsien , Lin Han‐Yi , Ho En‐Pong , Ke Yi‐Ci , Cheng Mei‐Fang , Shiue Chyng‐Yann , Wu Chi‐Han , Liao Peng‐Hsiang , Hsu Angela Yu‐Huey , Chu Li‐An , Liu Ya‐Ding , Lin Ya‐Hui , Tai Yi‐Cheng , Shun Chia‐Tung , Chiu Han‐Mo , Wu Ming‐Shiang
Published: December 2021

Background

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a common risk gene for Parkinson's disease (PD) and inflammatory bowel disorders. However, the penetrance of the most prevalent LRRK2 mutation, G2019S, is <50%. Factors other than genetic mutations are needed in PD process.

Objectives

To examine whether and how gut inflammation may act as an environmental trigger to neurodegeneration in PD.

Methods

A mild and chronic dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis mice model harboring LRRK2 G2019S mutation was established. The colitis severity, immune responses, locomotor function, dopaminergic neuron, and microglia integrity were compared between littermate controls, transgenic LRRK2 wild type (WT), and LRRK2 G2019S mice.

Results

The LRRK2 G2019S mice are more vulnerable to DSS‐induced colitis than littermate controls or LRRK2 WT animals with increased intestinal expressions of pattern‐recognition receptors, including toll‐like receptors (TLRs), nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines secretion, especially tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Notably, the colonic expression of α‐synuclein was significantly increased in LRRK2 G2019S colitis mice. We subsequently observed more aggravated locomotor defect, microglia activation, and dopaminergic neuron loss in LRRK2 G2019S colitis mice than control animals. Treatment with anti‐TNF‐α monoclonal antibody, adalimumab, abrogated both gut and neuroinflammation, mitigated neurodegeneration, and improved locomotor function in LRRK2 G2019S colitis mice. Finally, we validated increased colonic expressions of LRRK2, TLRs, and NF‐κB pathway proteins and elevated plasma TNF‐α level in PD patients compared to controls, especially in those with LRRK2 risk variants.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that chronic colitis promotes parkinsonism in genetically susceptible mice and TNF‐α plays a detrimental role in the gut‐brain axis of PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A generalization of a SIS epidemic model with fluctuations
Authors: Esen Oğul , Fernández‐Saiz Eduardo , Sardón Cristina , Zając Marcin
Published: December 2021

In a recent paper (Nakamura and Martinez, 2019), the classical epidemic compartmental susceptible‐infectious‐susceptible (SIS) model has been upgraded to a form which permits fluctuations in terms of the mean and the variance of infected individuals. This novel model happens to admit a Hamiltonian realization involving a constant ρ0 that is related to the reproduction number R0. In this work, we generalize ρ0 as a t‐dependent function to arrive at a non‐autonomous system of differential equations that we call SISt model. We make use of the theory of Lie systems to provide a (nonlinear) superposition rule for the general solution of SISt model. To conclude, we present a quantum version of the same model, giving rise to a parametric family of SISt systems. We provide a superposition rule for the general solution of the quantum extension as well.
High‐frequency noise modeling of GAN HEMT with double recessed barrier layer
Authors: Wu Zhaohui , Li Shanshan , Li Bin
Published: December 2021

A physics‐based high‐frequency noise model of AlGaN/GaN HEMT with double recessed barrier layer (DRBL) is presented. A conventional GaN HEMT model is established on TCAD and verified by measurement results. A noise model of DRBL GaN HEMT up to 40 GHz is investigated based on the established model. The results show that DRBL HEMT reduces the high frequency noise and the reduction becomes more obvious as the frequency increases. Further investigation about noise performance is studied by changing the depth and length of the recessed regions. The results show that DRBL HEMT obtains the best noise performance when the length and depth are 400 nm and 9 nm respectively and has application potential in the development of millimeter waves low noise devices.
High rate of abnormal findings in Prenatal Exome Trio in low risk pregnancies and apparently normal fetuses
Authors: Vaknin Noam , Azoulay Noy , Tsur Erez , Tripolszki Kornelia , Urzi Alice , Rolfs Arndt , Bauer Peter , Achiron Reuven , Lipitz Shlomo , Goldberg Yael , Berger Rachel , Shohat Mordechai
Published: December 2021

Objective

Data on the value of exome sequencing in fetuses with no structural anomalies are limited, especially in the early stages of pregnancy and in low risk pregnancies. We investigated the yield of targeted clinical prenatal trio exome sequencing (pES) in pregnancies with and without fetal structural anomalies.

Methods

We performed pES in 353 pregnancies: Group 1 included 143 pregnancies with high clinical suspicion for a genetic disease: pregnancies with increased nuchal translucency, ultrasound structural defects, intrauterine growth restriction, polyhydramnios, or effusion/nuchal edema. Group 2 included 210 pregnancies with no notable abnormal fetal ultrasound findings. 2a. Low risk pregnancies with minor ultrasound findings, referred to the geneticist due to mildly increased risk for genetic disease (50); and 2b. Normal pregnancy surveillance (160).

Results

Overall, 26 (7.36%) fetal analyses had pathogenic (P)/likely pathogenic (LP) variants. In group 1, 20/143 (13.99%) cases had P/LP variants. In group 2, 6/210 (2.86%) cases were found to have P/LP variants [5/50 in (2a) and 1/160 in (2b)].

Conclusion

These results show a high rate of abnormal findings on pES even in apparently normal pregnancies.
Modifiable environmental factors predispose term infants to bronchiolitis but bronchiolitis itself predisposes to respiratory sequelae
Authors: Frassanito Antonella , Nenna Raffaella , Arima Serena , Petrarca Laura , Pierangeli Alessandra , Scagnolari Carolina , Di Mattia Greta , Mancino Enrica , Matera Luigi , Porta Daniela , Rusconi Franca , Midulla Fabio
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Viral bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection in infants. Environmental and genetic factors can favor respiratory tract infections.

Aim

The aim of this study is to analyze risk factors for bronchiolitis and to investigate the predisposing factors for developing transient wheezing and asthma through a 6‐year follow‐up after hospitalization for bronchiolitis compared with a group of healthy controls that belonged to Piccolipiù cohort, who never had bronchiolitis.

Methods

We enrolled 645 infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and clinical data. At 6 years of age, 370 cases and 183 controls were investigated for the presence of asthma by the structured questionnaire, for prick test and for spirometry, and were classified to asthmatic, transient wheezing, and no wheezing/no asthma.

Results

Breastfeeding was an independent protective factor (odds ratio [OR]: 0.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.2–0.4,p < 0.001) and tobacco smoke was a risk factor for the development of bronchiolitis (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.1,p < 0.001). Analyzing follow‐up, bronchiolitis increased the risk of developing transient wheezing by 12.9 (95% CI: 6.3–26.1,p < 0.001) and of developing asthma by 4.6 (95% CI: 1.9–10.7,p < 0.001). A positive family history of atopy increased the risk of developing asthma by 3.1 (95% CI: 1.4–6.7,p = 0.005). Asthmatic patients had a lower % FEV1, a lower % flow‐volume curve (FVC), and a lower FEV1/FVC value, and they had more frequently positive skin prick test.

Conclusion

Bronchiolitis is influenced by environmental factors: tobacco smoke increases its risk and breastfeeding is a protective factor. At the end of 6 years of follow‐up, bronchiolitis is a significant risk factor to have pre‐school wheezing and asthma.
OC6 Phase II: Integration and verification of a new soil–structure interaction model for offshore wind design
Authors: Bergua Roger , Robertson Amy , Jonkman Jason , Platt Andy , Page Ana , Qvist Jacob , Amet Ervin , Cai Zhisong , Han Huali , Beardsell Alec , Shi Wei , Galván Josean , Bachynski‐Polić Erin , McKinnon Gill , Harnois Violette , Bonnet Paul , Suja‐Thauvin Loup , Hansen Anders Melchior , Mendikoa Alonso Iñigo , Aristondo Ander , Battistella Tommaso , Guanche Raúl , Schünemann Paul , Pham Thanh‐Dam , Trubat Pau , Alarcón Daniel , Haudin Florence , Nguyen Minh Quan , Goveas Akhilesh
Published: December 2021

This paper provides a summary of the work done within the OC6 Phase II project, which was focused on the implementation and verification of an advanced soil–structure interaction model for offshore wind system design and analysis. The soil–structure interaction model comes from the REDWIN project and uses an elastoplastic, macroelement model with kinematic hardening, which captures the stiffness and damping characteristics of offshore wind foundations more accurately than more traditional and simplified soil–structure interaction modeling approaches. Participants in the OC6 project integrated this macroelement capability to coupled aero‐hydro‐servo‐elastic offshore wind turbine modeling tools and verified the implementation by comparing simulation results across the modeling tools for an example monopile design. The simulation results were also compared to more traditional soil–structure interaction modeling approaches like apparent fixity, coupled springs, and distributed springs models. The macroelement approach resulted in smaller overall loading in the system due to both shifts in the system frequencies and increased energy dissipation. No validation work was performed, but the macroelement approach has shown increased accuracy within the REDWIN project, resulting in decreased uncertainty in the design. For the monopile design investigated here, that implies a less conservative and thus more cost‐effective offshore wind design.
The grain quality of wheat wild relatives in the evolutionary context
Authors: Zeibig Frederike , Kilian Benjamin , Frei Michael
Published: December 2021

Key message

We evaluated the potential of wheat wild relatives for the improvement in grain quality characteristics including micronutrients (Fe, Zn) and gluten and identified diploid wheats and the timopheevii lineage as the most promising resources.

Domestication enabled the advancement of civilization through modification of plants according to human requirements. Continuous selection and cultivation of domesticated plants induced genetic bottlenecks. However, ancient diversity has been conserved in crop wild relatives. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; Triticum durum Desf.) is one of the most important staple foods and was among the first domesticated crop species. Its evolutionary diversity includes diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid species from the Triticum and Aegilops taxa and different genomes, generating an AA, BBAA/GGAA and BBAADD/GGAAAmAm genepool, respectively. Breeding and improvement in wheat altered its grain quality. In this review, we identified evolutionary patterns and the potential of wheat wild relatives for quality improvement regarding the micronutrients Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn), the gluten storage proteins α-gliadins and high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), and the secondary metabolite phenolics. Generally, the timopheevii lineage has been neglected to date regarding grain quality studies. Thus, the timopheevii lineage should be subject to grain quality research to explore the full diversity of the wheat gene pool.
Multiphasic modelling and computation of metastatic lung-cancer cell proliferation and atrophy in brain tissue based on experimental data
Authors: Ehlers Wolfgang , Morrison Markus , Schröder Patrick , Stöhr Daniela , Wagner Arndt
Published: December 2021

Cancer is one of the most serious diseases for human beings, especially when metastases come into play. In the present article, the example of lung-cancer metastases in the brain is used to discuss the basic problem of cancer growth and atrophy as a result of both nutrients and medication. As the brain itself is a soft tissue that is saturated by blood and interstitial fluid, the biomechanical description of the problem is based on the Theory of Porous Media enhanced by the results of medication tests carried out in in-vitro experiments on cancer-cell cultures. Based on theoretical and experimental results, the consideration of proliferation, necrosis and apoptosis of metastatic cancer cells is included in the description by so-called mass-production terms added to the mass balances of the brain skeleton and the interstitial fluid. Furthermore, the mass interaction of nutrients and medical drugs between the solid and the interstitial fluid and its influence on proliferation, necrosis and apoptosis of cancer cells are considered. As a result, the overall model is appropriate for the description of brain tumour treatment combined with stress and deformation induced by cancer growth in the skull.
The course of birch pollen seasons in Sosnowiec (Southern Poland) in 1997–2020 in relation to meteorological conditions
Authors: Dąbrowska-Zapart Katarzyna , Niedźwiedź Tadeusz
Published: December 2021

The study's main objective was to specify the extent to which weather conditions were related to the course of birch pollen seasons in the years 1997–2020. The impact of atmospheric conditions on the daily concentrations of birch pollen grains, the Annual pollen integral (APIn), and the length of pollen seasons were studied. The dependency between each meteorological condition and various features of the birch pollen season was determined using Spearman’s rho correlation, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and cluster analysis with the k-means method. It has been shown that the duration of sunshine and average air temperature occurring within 14 days preceding the season has the most significant influence on the beginning of a birch pollen season. The value of daily birch pollen concentrations in Sosnowiec showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the duration of sunlight and the average and maximum wind speed. The daily concentration also depended on the synoptic situation: the mass airflow direction, the type of air mass inflow, and the type of weather front. The near-ground temperature influenced the APIn of birch pollen grains during the period of 14 days before the beginning of the season and the meteorological conditions occurring in the summer of the preceding year such as the maximum temperature, duration of sunlight, the maximum and average wind speed, and the relative air humidity. It was concluded that the length of birch pollen seasons decreased year by year.
Eine Frage der Erwartungen?
Authors: Wicke Nina
Published: December 2021

Wissenschaftskommunikation trägt dazu bei, wissenschaftliches Wissen für die breite Öffentlichkeit zugänglich zu machen. Welche Ansprüche das Publikum hierbei an die Vermittlung richtet und inwiefern dies den Vorstellungen der Kommunikator*innen entspricht, wird bislang in Forschung und Praxis wenig berücksichtigt. Eine Auseinandersetzung mit Qualitätsfragen befindet sich in der Wissenschaftskommunikation noch in ihren Anfängen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird auf der Grundlage des wissenschaftsjournalistischen Qualitätsdiskurses ein Vorschlag für mögliche Qualitätsdimensionen von Wissenschaftskommunikation entwickelt und am Beispiel des etablierten Formats der wissenschaftlichen Expert*innendebatte operationalisiert. Im Rahmen einer Pre-Post-Befragung erhebt die vorliegende Studie, orientiert an den Annahmen der Theorie der subjektiven Qualitätsauswahl von Wolling, Qualitätserwartungen und -bewertungen aus Publikumssicht. Die Perspektive der Formatverantwortlichen und was ihrer Ansicht nach die Qualität von Wissenschaftskommunikation kennzeichnet, wird kontrastierend in leitfadengestützten Expert*inneninterviews thematisiert.

Das Publikum erwartet insbesondere Glaubwürdigkeit, Zugänglichkeit, Unabhängigkeit, Neutralität und Vielfalt von dem Format und den debattierenden Expert*innen. Diese Dimensionen stellen gewissermaßen Grundvoraussetzungen dar, damit Teilnehmende den vermittelten Inhalten vertrauen und sie gegebenenfalls in ihrem Verhalten berücksichtigen können. Obwohl sich das Format in seiner Konzeption am Public Engagement-Paradigma orientiert, ist ihnen eine Einbindung weniger wichtig. Es zeigen sich Inkongruenzen zu dem, worauf die Kommunikator*innen beim Debattenformat Wert legen. Sie erachten im Unterschied zum Publikum eine hohe Themenaktualität und gesellschaftliche Relevanz als zentrale Qualitätsmerkmale. Das Spannungsfeld zwischen einem normativen Anspruch an Wissenschaftskommunikation und dessen Umsetzung in der Praxis spiegelt sich in ihren Aussagen wider.
Translating the ‘water scarcity – water reuse’ situation into an information system for decision-making
Authors: Müller Andrea B. , Avellán Tamara , Schanze Jochen
Published: December 2021

One key challenge of water resources management is the identification and processing of the information necessary for decision-making. This article aims to provide avenues for translating a ‘water scarcity–water reuse’ (WS–WR) situation into an information system. It is dedicated to supporting an integrated assessment in decision-making with the final goal of optimising water scarcity risk reduction and water reuse sustainability. The approach combines the following two strands: (1) specific interpretation of systems thinking and (2) systemic characterisation and interlinkage of indicators. The result is an analytical concept that translates the WS–WR situation into an information system consisting of two structured components, a multi-layer (ML) and a lane-based (LB) approach. While the multi-layer approach supports the description of the elements of the biophysical and information systems such as endpoints and descriptors, respectively, the lane-based approach aids in understanding the importance of indicators within the entire system and their distribution across risk and sustainability realms. The findings from a generic exemplification of the analytical concept depict the feasibility of identifying system-based endpoints representing the WS–WR situation and their translation via descriptors to an interlinked indicator set to jointly assess water scarcity risk and sustainability of the water reuse measures. Therefore, this analytical concept supports addressing the water resources management information challenge via a structured representation of the system’s complexity and the quantification and visualisation of interlinkages between the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of water scarcity risk and water reuse sustainability.
Optimality conditions for robust weak sharp efficient solutions of nonsmooth uncertain multiobjective optimization problems
Authors: Kerdkaew Jutamas , Wangkeeree Rabian , Wangkeereee Rattanaporn
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we investigate an uncertain multiobjective optimization problem involving nonsmooth and nonconvex functions. The notion of a (local/global) robust weak sharp efficient solution is introduced. Then, we establish necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for local and/or the robust weak sharp efficient solutions of the considered problem. These optimality conditions are presented in terms of multipliers and Mordukhovich/limiting subdifferentials of the related functions.
A vortex sheet based analytical model of the curled wake behind yawed wind turbines
Authors: Bastankhah Majid , Shapiro Carl R. , Shamsoddin Sina , Gayme Dennice F. , Meneveau Charles
Published: December 2021

Motivated by the need for compact descriptions of the evolution of non-classical wakes behind yawed wind turbines, we develop an analytical model to predict the shape of curled wakes. Interest in such modelling arises due to the potential of wake steering as a strategy for mitigating power reduction and unsteady loading of downstream turbines in wind farms. We first estimate the distribution of the shed vorticity at the wake edge due to both yaw offset and rotating blades. By considering the wake edge as an ideally thin vortex sheet, we describe its evolution in time moving with the flow. Vortex sheet equations are solved using a power series expansion method, and an approximate solution for the wake shape is obtained. The vortex sheet time evolution is then mapped into a spatial evolution by using a convection velocity. Apart from the wake shape, the lateral deflection of the wake including ground effects is modelled. Our results show that there exists a universal solution for the shape of curled wakes if suitable dimensionless variables are employed. For the case of turbulent boundary layer inflow, the decay of vortex sheet circulation due to turbulent diffusion is included. Finally, we modify the Gaussian wake model by incorporating the predicted shape and deflection of the curled wake, so that we can calculate the wake profiles behind yawed turbines. Model predictions are validated against large-eddy simulations and laboratory experiments for turbines with various operating conditions.
Secondary instabilities in Taylor–Couette flow of shear-thinning fluids
Authors: Topayev S. , Nouar C. , Dusek J.
Published: December 2021

The stability of the Taylor vortex flow in Newtonian and shear-thinning fluids is investigated in the case of a wide gap Taylor–Couette system. The considered radius ratio is$\eta = R_1/R_2=0.4$. The aspect ratio (length over the gap width) of experimental configuration is 32. Flow visualization and measurements of two-dimensional flow fields with particle image velocimetry are performed in a glycerol aqueous solution (Newtonian fluid) and in xanthan gum aqueous solutions (shear-thinning fluids). The experiments are accompanied by axisymmetric numerical simulations of Taylor–Couette flow in the same gap of a Newtonian and a purely viscous shear-thinning fluid described by the Carreau model. The experimentally observed critical Reynolds and wavenumbers at the onset of Taylor vortices are in very good agreement with that obtained from a linear theory assuming a purely viscous shear-thinning fluid and infinitely long cylinders. They are not affected by the viscoelasticity of the used fluids. For the Newtonian fluid, the Taylor vortex flow (TVF) regime is found to bifurcate into a wavy vortex flow with a high frequency and low amplitude of axial oscillations of the vortices at${Re} = 5.28 \, {Re}_c$. At${Re} = 6.9 \, {Re}_c$, the frequency of oscillations decreases and the amplitude increases abruptly. For the shear-thinning fluids the secondary instability conserves axisymmetry. The latter is characterized by an instability of the array of vortices leading to a continuous sequence of creation and merging of vortex pairs. Axisymmetric numerical simulations reproduce qualitatively very well the experimentally observed flow behaviour.
Synchronization of low Reynolds number plane Couette turbulence
Authors: Nikolaidis Marios-Andreas , Ioannou Petros J.
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate that in plane Couette turbulence a separation of the velocity field in large and small scales according to a streamwise Fourier decomposition allows us to identify an active subspace comprising a small number of the gravest streamwise components of the flow that can synchronize all the remaining streamwise flow components. The critical streamwise wavelength,

$\ell _{x c}$

, that separates the active from the synchronized passive subspace is identified as the streamwise wavelength at which perturbations to the time-dependent turbulent flow with streamwise wavelengths

$\ell _x<\ell _{xc}$

have negative characteristic Lyapunov exponents. The critical wavelength is found to be approximately 130 wall units and obeys viscous scaling at these Reynolds numbers.
High spectral resolution multi-tone Spacecraft Doppler tracking software: Algorithms and implementations
Authors: Molera Calvés G. , Pogrebenko S. V. , Wagner J. F. , Cimò G. , Gurvits L. I. , Bocanegra-Bahamón T. M. , Duev D. A. , Nunes N. V.
Published: December 2021

We present a software package for single-dish data processing of spacecraft signals observed with VLBI-equipped radio telescopes. The Spacecraft Doppler tracking (SDtracker) software allows one to obtain topocentric frequency detections with a sub-Hz precision and reconstructed and residual phases of the carrier signal of any spacecraft or landing vehicle at any location in the Solar System. These data products are estimated using the ground-based telescope’s highly stable oscillator as a reference, without requiring an a priori model of the spacecraft dynamics nor the downlink transmission carrier frequency. The software has been extensively validated in multiple observing campaigns of various deep space missions and is compatible with the raw sample data acquired by any standard VLBI radio telescope worldwide. In this paper, we report the numerical methodology of SDtracker, the technical operations for deployment and usage, and a summary of use cases and scientific results produced since its initial release.
ON THE INCREASING PARTIAL QUOTIENTS OF CONTINUED FRACTIONS OF POINTS IN THE PLANE
Authors: LÜ MEIYING , ZHANG ZHENLIANG
Published: December 2021

For any x in
$[0,1)$
, let
$[a_1(x),a_2(x),a_3(x),\ldots ]$
be its continued fraction. Let
$\psi :\mathbb {N}\to \mathbb {R}^+$
be such that
$\psi (n) \to \infty $
as
$n\to \infty $
. For any positive integers s and t, we study the set
$$ \begin{align*}E(\psi)=\{(x,y)\in [0,1)^2: \max\{a_{sn}(x), a_{tn}(y)\}\ge \psi(n) \ {\text{for all sufficiently large}}\ n\in \mathbb{N}\} \end{align*} $$

and determine its Hausdorff dimension.
The technique ‘joint and individual variance explained’ highlights persistent aspects of the diet using longitudinal food frequency data
Authors: Jones M. Beatrix , Merchant Amaan , Morales-Soto Larisa , Thompson John M. D. , Wall Clare R.
Published: December 2021

Dietary pattern analysis is typically based on dimension reduction and summarises the diet with a small number of scores. We assess ‘joint and individual variance explained’ (JIVE) as a method for extracting dietary patterns from longitudinal data that highlights elements of the diet that are associated over time. The Auckland Birthweight Collaborative Study, in which participants completed an FFQ at ages 3·5 (n549), 7 (n591) and 11 (n617), is used as an example. Data from each time point are projected onto the directions of shared variability produced by JIVE to yield dietary patterns and scores. We assess the ability of the scores to predict future BMI and blood pressure measurements of the participants and make a comparison with principal component analysis (PCA) performed separately at each time point. The diet could be summarised with three JIVE patterns. The patterns were interpretable, with the same interpretation across age groups: a vegetable and whole grain pattern, a sweets and meats pattern and a cerealv. sweet drinks pattern. The first two PCA-derived patterns were similar across age groups and similar to the first two JIVE patterns. The interpretation of the third PCA pattern changed across age groups. Scores produced by the two techniques were similarly effective in predicting future BMI and blood pressure. We conclude that when data from the same participants at multiple ages are available, JIVE provides an advantage over PCA by extracting patterns with a common interpretation across age groups.
Climate change impact on the distribution of Tossa jute using maximum entropy and educational global climate modelling
Authors: Mollah Tanjinul Hoque , Shishir Sharmin , Momotaz  , Rashid Md. Shahedur
Published: December 2021

Tossa (Corchorus olitorius L.) is a significant cash crop, cultivated commercially in the lower flood plain of Bangladesh. The climatic regimes in Bangladesh are changing as well as the world does. However, this species is threatened by climate change. Occurrences of data on threatened and endangered species are frequently sparse which makes it difficult to analyse the species suitable habitat distribution using various modelling approaches. The current paper used maximum entropy (Maxent) and educational global climate model (EdGCM) modelling to predict and conserve the suitable habitat distributions for Tossa species in Bangladesh to the year 2100. Nine environmental variables, 239 occurrence data and two Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) were used for the Maxent modelling to project the impact of climate change on the Tossa distributions. Furthermore, the EdGCM was used to study the climatic space suitability for the Tossa species in the context of Bangladesh. Both of the climatic scenarios were used for the prediction to the year 2100. The Maxent model performed better than random for the Tossa species with a high AUC value of 0.86. Under the RCP scenarios, the Maxent model predicted habitat reduction for RCP4.5 is 2%, RCP8.5 is 9% and EdGCM is 10.2% from the current localities. The predictive modelling approach presented here is promising and can be applied to other important species for conservation planning, monitoring and management, especially those under the threat of extinction due to climate change.
Multivariate phenomenological models for real-time short-term forecasts of hospital capacity for COVID-19 in Belgium from March to June 2020
Authors: Nguyen M. H. , Braeye T. , Hens N. , Faes C.
Published: December 2021

Phenomenological models are popular for describing the epidemic curve. We present how they can be used at different phases in the epidemic, by modelling the daily number of new hospitalisations (or cases). As real-time prediction of the hospital capacity is important, a joint model of the new hospitalisations, number of patients in hospital and in intensive care unit (ICU) is proposed. This model allows estimation of the length of stay in hospital and ICU, even if no (or limited) individual level information on length of stay is available. Estimation is done in a Bayesian framework. In this framework, real-time alarms, defined as the probability of exceeding hospital capacity, can be easily derived. The methods are illustrated using data from the COVID-19 pandemic in March–June 2020 in Belgium, but are widely applicable.