bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local stability properties of complex, species‐rich soil food webs with functional block structure
Authors: de Castro Francisco , Adl Sina M. , Allesina Stefano , Bardgett Richard D. , Bolger Thomas , Dalzell Johnathan J. , Emmerson Mark , Fleming Thomas , Garlaschelli Diego , Grilli Jacopo , Hannula Silja Emilia , de Vries Franciska , Lindo Zoë , Maule Aaron G. , Öpik Maarja , Rillig Matthias C. , Veresoglou Stavros D. , Wall Diana H. , Caruso Tancredi
Published: November 2021

Ecologists have long debated the properties that confer stability to complex, species‐rich ecological networks. Species‐level soil food webs are large and structured networks of central importance to ecosystem functioning. Here, we conducted an analysis of the stability properties of an up‐to‐date set of theoretical soil food web models that account both for realistic levels of species richness and the most recent views on the topological structure (who is connected to whom) of these food webs. The stability of the network was best explained by two factors: strong correlations between interaction strengths and the blocked, nonrandom trophic structure of the web. These two factors could stabilize our model food webs even at the high levels of species richness that are typically found in soil, and that would make random systems very unstable. Also, the stability of our soil food webs is well‐approximated by the cascade model. This result suggests that stability could emerge from the hierarchical structure of the functional organization of the web. Our study shows that under the assumption of equilibrium and small perturbations, theoretical soil food webs possess a topological structure that allows them to be complex yet more locally stable than their random counterpart. In particular, results strongly support the general hypothesis that the stability of rich and complex soil food webs is mostly driven by correlations in interaction strength and the organization of the soil food web into functional groups. The implication is that in real‐world food web, any force disrupting the functional structure and distribution pattern of interaction strengths (i.e., energy fluxes) of the soil food webs will destabilize the dynamics of the system, leading to species extinction and major changes in the relative abundances of species.
Seed dispersal by wind decreases when plants are water‐stressed, potentially counteracting species coexistence and niche evolution
Authors: Zhu Jinlei , Lukić Nataša , Rajtschan Verena , Walter Julia , Schurr Frank M.
Published: November 2021

Hydrology is a major environmental factor determining plant fitness, and hydrological niche segregation (HNS) has been widely used to explain species coexistence. Nevertheless, the distribution of plant species along hydrological gradients does not only depend on their hydrological niches but also depend on their seed dispersal, with dispersal either weakening or reinforcing the effects of HNS on coexistence. However, it is poorly understood how seed dispersal responds to hydrological conditions. To close this gap, we conducted a common‐garden experiment exposing five wind‐dispersed plant species (Bellis perennis, Chenopodium album, Crepis sancta, Hypochaeris glabra, and Hypochaeris radicata) to different hydrological conditions. We quantified the effects of hydrological conditions on seed production and dispersal traits, and simulated seed dispersal distances with a mechanistic dispersal model. We found species‐specific responses of seed production, seed dispersal traits, and predicted dispersal distances to hydrological conditions. Despite these species‐specific responses, there was a general positive relationship between seed production and dispersal distance: Plants growing in favorable hydrological conditions not only produce more seeds but also disperse them over longer distances. This arises mostly because plants growing in favorable environments grow taller and thus disperse their seeds over longer distances. We postulate that the positive relationship between seed production and dispersal may reduce the concentration of each species to the environments favorable for it, thus counteracting species coexistence. Moreover, the resulting asymmetrical gene flow from favorable to stressful habitats may slow down the microevolution of hydrological niches, causing evolutionary niche conservatism. Accounting for context‐dependent seed dispersal should thus improve ecological and evolutionary models for the spatial dynamics of plant populations and communities.
Impact of natriuretic peptide polymorphisms on diastolic and metabolic function in a populational cohort: insights from the STANISLAS cohort
Authors: Xhaard Constance , Rouget Raphaël , Vodovar Nicolas , Le Floch Edith , Dandine‐Roulland Claire , Wagner Sandra , Bacq‐Daian Delphine , Thuillier Quentin , Boivin Jean‐Marc , Branlant Christiane , Deleuze Jean‐François , Behm‐Ansmant Isabelle , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick , Girerd Nicolas
Published: November 2021

Aims

Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N‐terminal fragment of its pro‐hormone (NT‐proBNP) have become established biomarkers for heart failure and are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Investigating sources of inter‐individual heterogeneity, particularly genetic factors, could help better identify patients at risk of future cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of circulating NT‐proBNP levels, to perform a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and gene‐candidate analysis focused on NPPB–NPPA genes on these levels, and to examine their association with cardiovascular or metabolic outcomes.

Methods and results

A total of 1555 individuals from the STANISLAS study were included. The heritability of circulating NT‐proBNP levels was estimated at 15%, with seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reaching the significant threshold in the GWAS. All above SNPs were located on the same gene cluster constituted of MTHFR, CLCN6, NPPA, NPPB, and C1orf167. NPPA gene expression was also associated with NT‐proBNP levels. Moreover, six other SNPs from NPPA–NPPB genes were associated with diastolic function (lateral e′ on echocardiography) and metabolic features (glycated haemoglobin).

Conclusions

The heritability of natriuretic peptides appears relatively low (15%) and mainly based on the same gene cluster constituted of MTHFR, CLCN6, NPPA, NPPB, and C1orf167. Natriuretic peptide polymorphisms are associated with natriuretic peptide levels and diastolic function. These results suggest that natriuretic peptide polymorphisms may have an impact in the early stages of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
A novel ultrasound‐assisted vacuum drying technique for improving drying efficiency and physicochemical properties of Schisandra chinensis extract powder
Authors: Wang Xuecheng , Xu Shijun , Wu Zhicheng , Li Yuanhui , Wang Yaqi , Wu Zhenfeng , Zhu Genhua , Yang Ming
Published: November 2021

Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) extract powder is an important intermediate for the preparation of many prepared medicines and health products. The physicochemical properties of S. chinensis extract powder have been found to vary tremendously and this has been attributed to the long drying time in the traditional drying method. In this study, S. chinensis specimens were authenticated as the dry fruit of S. chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. S. chinensis were extracted twice with 8 L kg−1 (liquid to solid ratio) distilled water. The extracts were mixed and concentrated under reduced pressure to 1.24 g cm−3. Ultrasound‐assisted vacuum drying (UAVD) was employed as a new approach to improve the efficiency in drying S. chinensis extract powder and produce a higher quality product. The effects of drying temperature (70, 80, 90°C), ultrasonic power (40, 120, 200 W), and ultrasonic application time (4, 12, 20 min every 20 min) on the kinetics and quality of S. chinensis extract were investigated and compared with the conventional vacuum drying (CVD). It was shown that, with the increase in drying temperature, ultrasonic power, and time of UAVD, the drying time for S. chinensis extract to reach the equilibrium moisture decreased. The drying time was reduced by more than 25% when utilizing UAVD compared to the CVD method. The effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) values for CVD and UAVD were 3.48 × 10–9 m2·s–1 and 7.41 × 10–9 m2 s–1, respectively, at the drying temperature of 80°C, indicating an increase of 112.93%. It was also found that a Weibull distribution model was suitable for predicting the moisture content of S. chinensis extract (R2 > 0.95). Furthermore, the content of Schisandrol A in the extracts obtained from UAVD was 12.79% higher than that obtained using CVD at 90°C. This demonstrates that UAVD is an efficient drying technique for S. chinensis extract.
Mortality risk factors in kidney‐transplanted patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review and regression analysis
Authors: Navari Yasaman , Bagheri Amir Behzad , Akhavan Rezayat Arash , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Najafi Sara , Barzegary Alireza , Asadollahi‐Amin Ali
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

The kidney transplant patients who receive immunosuppressive and specific medication may lead to different mortality risk factors between kidney transplant patients with COVID‐19 and the general population. We aimed to provide a model predictor and a risk analysis of mortality in kidney transplant COVID‐19 positive patients.

Methods

We performed our search using PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify English articles published from the beginning of December 2019 through August 2020. Excluded manuscripts had no full text, lacked information, were not the original article, or consisted of less than three cases. We gathered information about demographic information, comorbidities, COVID‐19 symptoms, lung radiographic findings, history of medication therapy, and changes in the kidney maintenance therapy after confirming their COVID‐19 on the data extraction forms.

Results

We found a total of 31 eligible articles. We set a 10% mortality rate as our cutoff point. The most common sign and symptoms were cough (53.22 [29.42]), dyspnea (50.80 [24.55]). In the bivariate analysis, fatigue (P = .04, OR of 0.92; 95% CI: 0.85‐1.00), hypertension (P = .07, OR of 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00‐1.07), and dyspnea (P = .08, OR of 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00‐1.09) showed a statistically significant relationship with increases in mortality.

In multivariate regression analysis, an independent association was only found between hypertension and mortality (P = .035; AOR of 1.064; CL: 1.004‐1.127).

Conclusion

Clinicians should pay special attention to modifiable risk factors for COVID‐19 infection mortality, such as hypertension among kidney transplant patients, because it may be possible to decrease mortality by controlling these factors.
The positive threshold of the immunohistochemical parameter Ki67 for predicting the recurrence of cervical cancer
Authors: Tu Yuan , Jiang Peng , Zhang Jingni , Jiang Shan , Yi Qianlin , Yuan Rui
Published: November 2021

Objective

To find the optimal threshold of Ki67 and evaluate its significance in predicting recurrence of stage I–II cervical cancer.

Methods

A total of 1130 patients were included after screening. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to select factors associated with recurrence of cervical cancer. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the optimal threshold of Ki67. The differences of clinicopathological parameters and the survival analysis between the two groups divided based on the optimal threshold of Ki67 were compared.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Ki67 (p < 0.001) was significant prognostic predictor for recurrence of cervical cancer. The optimal threshold of Ki67 was 42%. The recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and the overall survival (OS) of cervical cancer patients in the high‐Ki67 group (Ki67≥42%) were much lower than those in the low‐Ki67 group (Ki67<42%) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Among the 380 patients with low‐risk cervical cancer, the RFS and OS of patients in the high‐Ki67 group were also lower than those in the low‐Ki67 group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Ki67 was a useful prognostic factor in patients with stage I–II cervical cancer, and the Ki67 labeling index 42.0% was optimal threshold for predicting recurrence.
Serum HE4 is associated with clinical prognostic factors and survival outcome in female patients with primary peritoneal carcinoma
Authors: Mi Dong , Zhang Yuexiang , Chen Shuqin
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum HE4 was associated with clinical risk prognostic factors and survival outcome.

Methods

In this study, 72 patients with primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) from January 2011 to October 2019 participated. Serum HE4 and CA125 levels were detected at primary diagnosis, post‐surgery, pre‐recurrence and the presence of recurrence. The relations between serum HE4 levels with clinical prognostic factors were analyzed, and the hazard ratios between serum HE4 levels with overall survival and recurrence‐free survival were also analyzed by univariate and multivariate survival analysis.

Results

HE4 and CA125 levels were significantly elevated in serous type, high histological grade, advanced stage and positive lymph node status and residual tumor diameter more than 1 cm, respectively, compared with those in non‐serous type, low histological grade, early stage, negative lymph node status and residual tumor diameter no more than 1 cm, respectively. HE4 was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence‐free survival and overall survival with hazard ratios of 5.36 (95% confidence interval: 2.19–13.15) and 4.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.87–10.74), respectively.

Conclusion

HE4 is correlated with clinical risk prognostic factors in PPC and is effective in the recurrence detection and predicting outcome in PPC patients.
Effects of immediate‐reinforcement training on delay discounting behavior in rats
Authors: Fox Adam E.
Published: November 2021

Chronic exposure to delayed reinforcement has been shown to increase choice for larger, later reinforcement in a subsequent delay discounting task. In the three experiments presented in this paper, the opposite was tested: effects of chronic exposure to immediate reinforcement on choice in a subsequent delay discounting task. In Experiment 1, larger, later reinforcement choice was significantly reduced as a result of exposure to immediate reinforcement, compared to a maturation/handle control group, in experienced, male Lewis rats. In Experiment 2, with naive male and female Wistar rats, and Experiment 3, with naïve male Long Evans rats, the impact of exposure to immediate reinforcement was less robust, but directionally consistent with results from Experiment 1. These results align with some previous work reporting that exposure to immediate reinforcement may decrease choice for larger, later reinforcement in a delay discounting task, and/or blunt maturational increases in choice for larger, later reinforcement. These findings have implications for future research investigating experience‐based interventions to manipulate delay discounting behavior. They also have clinical implications for understanding and treating disorders involving maladaptive choice.
PsychOpen CAMA: Publication of community‐augmented meta‐analyses in psychology
Authors: Burgard Tanja , Bosnjak Michael , Studtrucker Robert
Published: November 2021

To enable optimal decision‐making based on the best evidence available, open syntheses are called for. To make data accessible and comprehensible even for decision‐makers without proficient knowledge in meta‐analysis, a graphical user interface (GUI) provides flexible data visualizations including interpretation aids. Moreover, due to a growing number of research findings, efficient and easy updating of meta‐analyses is crucial to prevent waste in research. One label for a concept to meet these needs is community‐augmented meta‐analysis (CAMA). The research community at the one hand feeds the data repository of a CAMA with new data and on the other hand benefits from easy access to data and meta‐analyses on a GUI. PsychOpen CAMA has been released recently to serve the psychological research community as a whole by covering a broad scope of potential research domains. PsychOpen CAMA relies on a web application with an OpenCPU server for the R calculations. To achieve interoperability of different datasets with the analysis functions used in PsychOpen CAMA, a template for meta‐analytic data and machine‐readable metadata are used. In the future, the automation of workflows, flexibility of analysis options, and the scope of the platform will be further developed by making use of synergies with other resources and tools at ZPID. The article provides an overview on the rationale for the necessity of open syntheses and the CAMA approach, as well as a presentation of the architecture, user interface, functionalities and future challenges of PsychOpen CAMA.
3D Printable and Sub‐Micrometer Porous Polymeric Monoliths with Shape Reconfiguration Ability by Miniemulsion Templating
Authors: Lo Tzu‐Hsuan , Yu Sheng‐Sheng
Published: November 2021

Porous monoliths prepared by high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templating have received various attentions in the fields of catalysis, separation, and tissue engineering. However, the application of the monoliths from HIPE is limited by their poor mechanical performance and the difficulty of fabricating hierarchically porous structures. Additive manufacturing is an emerging technique that achieves high design freedom by depositing materials layer‐by‐layer. This work designs medium internal phase emulsion (MIPE) ink with the concept of miniemulsion to prepare 3D printable porous polymeric monoliths with sub‐micrometer pores. High shear energy is used to reduce the droplet size of the internal phase and jam the emulsion ink. The jammed MIPE ink shows prominent shear‐thinning behavior and appropriate elastic modulus for direct ink writing (DIW). After printing, the external phase composed of stearyl acrylate and hexanediol diacrylate can be cured by photopolymerization to produce poly(MIPE) with interconnected pores in the size of several hundred nanometers. The printed poly(MIPE) demonstrates high mechanical strength and can be reprogrammed into complex geometries difficult for the common DIW processes. The proposed technique provides a new route to fabricate hierarchically porous monoliths with a drastic change of pore dimension, high mechanical strength, and tunable shape reconfiguration.
The unbearable lightness of scientometric indices
Authors: Migheli Matteo , Ramello Giovanni B.
Published: November 2021

This paper advances the debate on scholarly publishing and the role of bibliometric indices in evaluating authors and their research, through a theoretical discussion and an empirical case study focused on economics and the impact factor. The rationale of the current bibliometric system is that reputation, assessed by citation figures, can be converted into an objective measure. We instead argue that it provides questionable results, because it fails to properly consider the meaning of indicators built for different purposes, as well as the psychological bias generated by the wrong interpretation of those indicators. However, the potential for abating these distortions exists.
Towards new general double integral transform and its applications to differential equations
Authors: Meddahi Meryem , Jafari Hossein , Yang Xiao‐Jun
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a new general double integral transform is introduced. We present its essential properties and proved some useful results such as the double convolution theorem and derivative properties. Furthermore, we apply the proposed double general integral transform to solve some partial differential equations such as telegraph and Klein–Gordon equations.
Reliable extended dissipative control for switched systems based on event‐triggered communication scheme
Authors: Li Tianrui , Wang Weiqun , Chen Weimin
Published: November 2021

This paper considers the reliable extended dissipative control for a class of switched systems with time‐varying delay and actuator failure using an event‐triggered transmission mechanism. Under the proposed event‐triggered mechanism, there is a mismatch between subsystems and their corresponding controllers; a merged switching signal is thus introduced to obtain the closed‐loop switched systems. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional with the merged switching signal, some sufficient criteria are proposed to guarantee the extended dissipativity of the switched systems under asynchronous switching; thus, H∞, passivity, dissipativity, and L2 − L∞ performance of such switched system can be addressed in a unified framework. The reliable controller gains are achieved by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, numerical example and comparison results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Polymer‐based microfluidic devices: A comprehensive review on preparation and applications
Authors: Han Xue , Zhang Yonghui , Tian Jingkun , Wu Tiange , Li Zongwen , Xing Fei , Fu Shenggui
Published: November 2021

As key components in life science, microfluidics devices play increasingly important roles in the fields of biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and biology due to its high detection efficiency. Also, microfluidics devices have many applications in label‐free detection, thanks to their low cost and ease of operation. Traditionally, microfluidic devices are fabricated with glass and silicon materials. As an alternative, polymer materials are commonly used in the fabrication of microfluidic devices for their lower cost, versatile fabrication methods, biocompatibility, and repeatability. In this review, the methods for fabricating polymer microfluidic systems are described in detail, including lithography, hot embossing and imprinting, soft lithography, laser ablation, 3D printing, and other technologies. In particular, the merits and demerits of each of the methods are discussed comprehensively. This review also focuses on the applications of polymer‐based microfluidic systems in the areas of biology, medicine and production, typical application scenarios including blood, tumor cell and nucleic acid testing, oil adsorption detection, and pesticide detection. This review emphasizes the device preparation methods and application scenarios of polymer‐based microfluidic systems and was expected to arise more extensive discussions in this field.
Interdisciplinary teams: A model to support students with autism
Authors: Kunze Megan , Machalicek Wendy
Published: November 2021

To present interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) as foundational to effective assessment for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This conceptual paper encourages IDTs by (a) presenting practice guidelines and research supporting effective IDTs; (b) describing vital team characteristics; (c) introducing a new model of teaming practices with a clinical case example; and (d) discussing IDT implementation barriers and recommendations specific to professionals supporting students with ASD. IDT members (e.g., school psychologists, teachers, behavior analysts, occupational therapists, speech‐language pathologists) should use assessment results to navigate goal‐setting and intervention planning allowing students with ASD to benefit from several therapeutic and educational approaches. Skilled professionals support a student's educational trajectory, increasing the likelihood of meeting developmental and academic milestones, and, ultimately leading to better life opportunities.
The accuracy and precision of birthplace reporting in the 1851–1911 censuses: Place as a component of identity in nineteenth‐century England and Wales
Authors: Day Joseph
Published: November 2021

If migration between 1851 and 1911 is to be analysed using individual‐level census data, it must be proven that individuals' place of birth was reliably recorded. However, existing studies have primarily been concerned with establishing only the level of absolute error, rather than how such errors were introduced. Through assessing the determinants of inaccuracy in the 1851–1911 censuses, this article finds that while birthplaces were generally reported accurately, the errors which did exist were not only the fault of the individual in question, but also of the householder whose responsibility it was to fill in the census form, and of those charged with transcribing the original, handwritten schedules into a machine‐readable format. By demonstrating that individuals' ability to identify their place of birth was a function of their age and the distance they migrated from their place of birth, rather than either their intelligence or familiarity with their place of birth per se, shows that individuals' ability to identify their birthplace accurately was a function of the relevance it held in their lives. Consequently, this article argues that individuals' ability to identify their place of birth reflected its role as a component of their identity, becoming less relevant the further from it they became, but increasingly relevant as they aged.
Costs and benefits of living in a vegetated, compared with non‐vegetated, enclosure in male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Alejandro Josue , Huffman Michael A. , Bercovitch Fred B.
Published: November 2021

Improving captive environments for primates has been an important tool to enhance animal welfare. One method has been to provide primates with naturalistic vegetated enclosures to promote species‐specific behaviors, enhancing interactions with their social and natural environment, such as an increase in feeding, foraging, and positive social behaviors such as play. To investigate the benefits in which living in naturalistic environments promote general animal well‐being, we observed immature and adult males living in two outdoor housed groups of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in the Kyoto University Primate Research Institute (KUPRI), Inuyama, Japan, from June of 2015 until June 2016. One enclosure was naturally vegetated and the other was not. We recorded male activity budgets, affiliative (groom, play) behaviors, and rates of agonistic interactions. To examine health status, we recorded and compared coat conditions for both groups. We found that males in the vegetated enclosure spent more time in social play than males in the non‐vegetated enclosure, while males in the non‐vegetated enclosure displayed more stereotypic behaviors and agonistic interactions. We recorded better coat conditions in the vegetated enclosure males while rates of social grooming or self‐grooming were no different between males in the two enclosures. The males in the vegetated enclosure did not have activity budgets more similar to their wild counterparts; but they spent more time in feeding‐related activities and less time resting, which was more similar to their wild counterparts than males in the non‐vegetated enclosure. Our findings suggest that individuals housed in naturalistic environments have significantly greater behavioral and physical markers of wellbeing than those housed in unnatural, large outdoor enclosures. Although we found that males in both types of enclosures overall had similar time budgets to males in the wild, the detailed behavioral and health results suggest that the welfare benefits to males were greater in the vegetated enclosure, compared with non‐vegetated enclosures. Efforts to mimic more natural environments should promote the well‐being of primates.
Comparison of non-invasive Staphylococcus aureus sampling methods on lesional skin in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lagler Heimo , Bangert Christine , Quint Tamara , Österreicher Zoe , Nussbaumer-Pröll Alina , Eberl Sabine , Weber Maria , Karer Matthias , Sommer Morten O. A. , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: November 2021

There is evidence that Staphylococcus aureus colonisation is linked to severity of atopic dermatitis. As no gold standard for S. aureus sampling on atopic dermatitis skin lesions exists, this study compared three commonly used methods. In addition, effectiveness of standard skin disinfection to remove S. aureus colonisation from these inflamed skin lesions was investigated. In 30 atopic dermatitis patients, three different S. aureus sampling methods, i.e. detergent scrubbing, moist swabbing and tape stripping, were performed on naïve and disinfected skin lesions. Two different S. aureus selective media, mannitol salt agar and chromID agar, were used for bacterial growing. Quantifying the S. aureus load varied significantly between the different sampling methods on naïve skin lesions ranging from mean 51 to 1.5 × 104 CFU/cm2 (p < 0.001). The qualitative detection on naïve skin was highest with the two detergent-based techniques (86% each), while for tape stripping, this value was 67% (all on chromID agar). In comparison, mannitol salt agar was less sensitive (p < 0.001). The disinfection of the skin lesions led to a significant reduction of the S. aureus load (p < 0.05) but no complete eradication in the case of previously positive swab. The obtained data highlight the importance of the selected sampling method and consecutive S. aureus selection agar plates to implement further clinical studies for the effectiveness of topical anti-staphylococcal antibiotics. Other disinfection regimes should be considered in atopic dermatitis patients when complete de-colonisation of certain skin areas is required, e.g. for surgical procedures.
Advantages of petrosectomy for superficial temporal artery to superior cerebellar artery bypass based on three-dimensional distance measurements using cadaver heads
Authors: Uda Kenji , Tanahashi Kuniaki , Mamiya Takashi , Kanamori Fumiaki , Yokoyama Kinya , Nishihori Masahiro , Izumi Takashi , Araki Yoshio , Saito Ryuta
Published: November 2021

Superficial temporal artery (STA) to superior cerebellar artery (SCA) bypass is usually performed via the subtemporal approach (StA), anterior transpetrosal approach (ApA), or combined petrosal approach (CpA), but no study has yet reported a quantitative comparison of the operative field size provided by each approach, and the optimal approach is unclear. The objective of this study is to establish evidence for selecting the approach by using cadaver heads to measure the three-dimensional distances that represent the operative field size for STA–SCA bypass. Ten sides of 10 cadaver heads were used to perform the four approaches: StA, ApA with and without zygomatic arch osteotomy (ApA-ZO− and ApA-ZO+), and CpA. For each approach, the major-axis length and the minor-axis length at the anastomosis site (La-A and Li-A), the major-axis length and the minor-axis length at the brain surface (La-B and Li-B), the depth from the brain surface to the anastomosis site (Dp), and the operating angles of the major axis and the minor axis (OAa and OAi) were measured. Shallower Dp and wider operating angle were obtained in the order CpA, ApA-ZO+, ApA-ZO−, and StA. In all parameters, ApA-ZO− extended the operative field more than StA. ApA-ZO+ extended La-B and OAa more than ApA-ZO−, whereas it did not contribute to Dp and OAi. CpA significantly decreased Dp, and widened OAa and OAi more than ApA-ZO+. ApA and CpA greatly expanded the operative field compared with StA. These results provide criteria for selecting the optimal approach for STA-SCA bypass in light of an individual surgeon’s anastomosis skill level.
Term structure modeling under volatility uncertainty
Authors: Hölzermann Julian
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we study term structure movements in the spirit of Heath et al. (Econometrica 60(1):77–105, 1992) under volatility uncertainty. We model the instantaneous forward rate as a diffusion process driven by a G-Brownian motion. The G-Brownian motion represents the uncertainty about the volatility. Within this framework, we derive a sufficient condition for the absence of arbitrage, known as the drift condition. In contrast to the traditional model, the drift condition consists of several equations and several market prices, termed market price of risk and market prices of uncertainty, respectively. The drift condition is still consistent with the classical one if there is no volatility uncertainty. Similar to the traditional model, the risk-neutral dynamics of the forward rate are completely determined by its diffusion term. The drift condition allows to construct arbitrage-free term structure models that are completely robust with respect to the volatility. In particular, we obtain robust versions of classical term structure models.
The Role and Impact of Minimal Residual Disease in NSCLC
Authors: Frisone Daniele , Friedlaender Alex , Addeo Alfredo
Published: November 2021

Purpose of Review

There has been a huge development in the assessment of malignancies through liquid biopsies last years, especially for NSCLC, where its use has become part of clinical practice in some settings. We aim to summarize current evidence about minimal residual disease and its use in lung cancer.

Recent Findings

Recent studies using ctDNA in NSCLC but also in other types of cancer found strong correlations between the presence of ctDNA and the risk of disease progression or death after curative intent, despite current technical difficulties in performing this analysis (high sensitivity and specificity required).

Evaluation of MRD in NSCLC, especially through ctDNA, could be an important point in future trial designs and could permit a more “targeted” adjuvant treatment.
Is Myelodysplasia a Consequence of Normal Aging?
Authors: Heibl Sonja , Stauder Reinhard , Pfeilstöcker Michael
Published: November 2021

Purpose of Review

To review available data on the relationship of MDS and aging and to address the question if biological changes of (premature) aging are a prerequisite for the development of MDS.

Recent Findings

Whereas the association of MDS with advanced age and some common biologic features of aging and MDS are well established, additional evidence for both, especially on the role of stem cells, the stem cell niche, and inflammation, has been recently described.

Biologically, many but not all drivers of aging also play a role in the development and propagation of MDS and vice versa. As a consequence, aging contributes to the development of MDS which can be seen as an interplay of clonal disease and normal and premature aging. The impact of aging may be different in specific MDS subtypes and risk groups.
Pulsed Light (PL) Treatments on Almond Kernels: Salmonella enteritidis Inactivation Kinetics and Infrared Thermography Insights
Authors: Harguindeguy Maitê , Gómez-Camacho Carlos E.
Published: November 2021

Extending the shelf-life and ensuring microbiological safety of food products while preserving the nutritional properties are key aspects that must be addressed. Heat processing of food matrices has been the golden standard during the last decades, while certain non-thermal processing options have recently gained ground. In the present study, experimental pulsed light (PL) surface inactivation treatments of Salmonella enteritidis on almonds kernels are performed. The PL system is set to test different operative conditions, namely power (1000, 1250, and 1500 W) and frequency (1.8, 3.0, and 100.0 Hz) at different treatment times (from 5 to 250 s), which result in applied fluence doses in the 0–100 J·cm−2 range. Additionally, temperature measurements are collected at each operative condition on the almond surface (using infrared (IR) thermography) and at the superficial layer of the almond (1-mm depth using a thermocouple). The observed PL inactivation kinetics are then modelled using four different models. The best goodness-of-fit is found for the two-parameter Weibull model (R2 > 0.98 and RMSE < 0.33 for all cases). The maximum achieved log-CFU reductions are 6.02 for the 1.8-Hz system, 4.69 for the 3.0-Hz system, and 3.66 for 100.0-Hz system. The offset between the collected temperature readings by the two sensors is contrasted against the inactivation rate (following the two-parameter Weibull model). It was found that the highest inactivation rate corresponds approximately to the point where the infrared camera detects a slowdown in the surface heating.

Graphical Abstract
Sensitivity of scale resolving aft-body flow simulations to numerical model parameter variations
Authors: Schumann Jan-Erik , Hannemann Volker , Hannemann Klaus
Published: November 2021

The sensitivity of hybrid RANS-LES methods like Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) to numerical model parameter variations related to generic space launch vehicle aft-body flows is investigated. In particular, the changes resulting from the choice of the time-step size, the turbulence model, the fluid modelling, the circumferential grid resolution, the filter length definition, and the data collection period is considered. The results are also compared to experimental and numerical data taken from the available literature. The sensitivity to the time-step size and the turbulence model is minuscule with respect to the obtained mean flow field, wall pressure distributions, azimuthal modes, and wall pressure frequency spectra. However, circumferential resolution, fluid model, and filter length definition affect the solution to a higher extent. Buffeting spectra are very sensitive to the data collection period.
The relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment among older adults living with HIV
Authors: Serrano Vanessa B. , Montoya Jessica L. , Campbell Laura M. , Sundermann Erin E. , Iudicello Jennifer , Letendre Scott , Heaton Robert K. , Moore David J.
Published: November 2021

Older people with HIV (PWH) experience increased risk of age-related neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive decline, such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between aMCI and plasma VEGF biomarkers among older PWH. Data were collected at a university-based research center from 2011 to 2013. Participants were 67 antiretroviral therapy-treated, virally suppressed PWH. Participants completed comprehensive neurobehavioral and neuromedical evaluations. aMCI status was determined using adapted Jak/Bondi criteria, classifying participants as aMCI + if their performance was > 1 SD below the normative mean on at least two of four memory assessments. VEGF family plasma biomarkers (i.e., VEGF, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and PIGF) were measured by immunoassay. Logistic regression models were conducted to determine whether VEGF biomarkers were associated with aMCI status. Participants were mostly non-Hispanic white (79%) men (85%) with a mean age of 57.7 years. Eighteen (26.9%) participants met criteria for aMCI. Among potential covariates, only antidepressant drug use differed by aMCI status, and was included as a covariate. VEGF-D was significantly lower in the aMCI + group compared to the aMCI − group. No other VEGF levels (VEGF, VEGF-C, PIGF) differed by aMCI classification (ps > .05). In a sample of antiretroviral therapy-treated, virally suppressed PWH, lower levels of VEGF-D were associated with aMCI status. Longitudinal analyses in a larger and more diverse sample are needed to support VEGF-D as a putative biological marker of aMCI in HIV.
European colonisation, law, and Indigenous marine dispossession: historical perspectives on the construction and entrenchment of unequal marine governance
Authors: Wilson David
Published: November 2021

European colonisation played a fundamental role in Indigenous marine dispossession and the entrenchment of unequal and state-dominated marine governance regimes across diverse bodies of water. This article charts this process, utilising examples from waters and communities across the globe that experienced disparate forms of European colonisation and marine dispossession. These examples span between the sixteenth and twenty-first centuries and traverse waters from the Caribbean to Oceania. This long historical context is necessary to interrogating how colonisation has produced unequal access to marine space, resources, and decision-making in different ways through different methods across time and space, which continues to this day. One of the article’s main contentions is that marine dispossession played out vastly differently across each locale and that it is only with deep and highly localised historical study that the heterogenous impacts and ongoing legacies of colonisation on the marine rights, governance, and access of specific Indigenous Peoples and local communities can begin to be grappled with. While the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to marine spaces and resources have received some affirmation within recent international legal instruments, including the protection of customary marine tenure and access to aquatic resources, there continues to be key constraints surrounding the definitions, representations, and jurisdictions of Indigenous or ‘customary’ marine rights as they have been codified or ‘recognised’ within national and interstate frameworks. This has led to fundamental challenges that need to be navigated time and time again in order to attain, claim, or protect Indigenous and ‘customary’ marine jurisdictions. As this article outlines, the emergence of these issues is intrinsically tied to the colonisation of terrestrial and marine spaces. To understand these ongoing struggles, we need to pay close attention to the deep entanglements of law, colonialism, and marine rights in the past and present.
Keep on Learning
Authors: Brunsbach Sandra , Kattenbach Ralph , Weber Ines
Published: November 2021

Since the onset of the Corona pandemic in early 2020, teaching and learning at universities has changed profoundly due to the measures aimed at contact reduction. The present study aims to evaluate online teaching in political science from a students’ perspective. Based on a quantitative online survey, an evaluation of sub-facets of online teaching compared with classroom teaching has been measured.

Moreover, three impact factors on the global evaluation level have been identified and tested. Study constraints are supposed to influence online teaching evaluation negatively. Dialogue with lecturers as well as social exchange with fellow students are assumed to have a favourable effect. A mediating role of academic exhaustion is hypothesised to explain the effect of these factors on teaching evaluations both for online lectures and online seminars.

Our data support the assumed negative effect of study constraints on teaching evaluation and a positive effect of social exchange. Dialogue with lecturers has no significant impact. While the relationship between study constraints and evaluation is fully mediated, the impact of social exchange is partly mediated by academic exhaustion. These interrelationships are evident for both online lectures and online seminars. Practical implications for future teaching in political science are discussed.
Platforms and Institutions in the Post-Pandemic University: a Case Study of Social Media and the Impact Agenda
Authors: Carrigan Mark , Jordan Katy
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we argue that digital platforms play an important role within higher education, not least of all when Covid-19 has made remote working the norm. An increasingly rich field of theoretical and empirical work has helped us understand platforms as socio-technical infrastructures which shape the activity of their users. Their insertion into higher education raises urgent institutional questions which necessitate dispensing with the individualised mode of analysis and instrumentalised conception of technology which often accompany these topics. We outline an alternative approach through a case study of social media in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, exploring the incorporation of platforms into research evaluation. Our findings suggest social media is invoked differently across disciplinary groupings, as well as platform metrics being cited in a naive and problematic matter. We offer a neo-institutionalist analysis which identifies a tendency towards isomorphism, with perceived ‘best practice’ being seized upon in response to uncertainty. We suggest such an approach is urgently needed given the role which digital platforms will play in building the post-Pandemic university.
Biologia Futura: potential of different forms of microalgae for soil improvement
Authors: Mutum Lamnganbi , Janda Tibor , Ördög Vince , Molnár Zoltán
Published: November 2021

Products derived from microalgae have great potential in diverse field. As a part of the enhancing agriculture application, various forms of microalgae applications have been developed so far. They are known to influence soil properties. The various forms of application may enhance soil in more or less similar manner. They can help improve soil health, nitrogen, and phosphorus content, and even carbon sequestration. Thus, overall, it can enhance fertility of the soil.
Popular Dictatorships
Authors: Matovski Aleksandar
Published: November 2021

Electoral autocracies – regimes that adopt democratic institutions but subvert them to rule as dictatorships – have become the most widespread, resilient and malignant non-democracies today. They have consistently ruled over a third of the countries in the world, including geopolitically significant states like Russia, Turkey, Venezuela, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and Pakistan. Challenging conventional wisdom, Popular Dictators shows that the success of electoral authoritarianism is not due to these regimes' superior capacity to repress, bribe, brainwash and manipulate their societies into submission, but is actually a product of their genuine popular appeal in countries experiencing deep political, economic and security crises. Promising efficient, strong-armed rule tempered by popular accountability, elected strongmen attract mass support in societies traumatized by turmoil, dysfunction and injustice, allowing them to rule through the ballot box. Popular Dictators argues that this crisis legitimation strategy makes electoral authoritarianism the most significant threat to global peace and democracy.
Flooding and Management of Large Fluvial Lowlands
Authors: Hudson Paul F.
Published: November 2021

Pressure on large fluvial lowlands has increased tremendously during the past twenty years because of flood control, urbanization, and increased dependence upon floodplains and deltas for food production. This book examines human impacts on lowland rivers, and discusses how these changes affect different types of riverine environments and flood processes. Surveying a global range of large rivers, it provides a primary focus on the lower Rhine River in the Netherlands and the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana. A particular focus of the book is on geo-engineering, which is described in a straight-forward writing style that is accessible to a broad audience of advanced students, researchers, and practitioners in global environmental change, fluvial geomorphology and sedimentology, and flood and water management.