bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Committed versus contingent pricing under cost uncertainty
Authors: Peng Jing
Published: December 2021

In practice, managers often face a trade‐off of choosing between committed and contingent pricing under cost uncertainty because contingent pricing may increase the firm's profit but may decrease consumer surplus and market share. This article compares the two pricing strategies under cost uncertainty in terms of the firm's profit, consumer surplus, and market share. We find conditions under which committed pricing would lead to higher consumer surplus and market share than contingent pricing and conditions under vice versa. The results highlight the properties of consumers' valuation distribution in the trade‐offs of choosing between committed and contingent pricing, specifically the properties of the so‐called Mills' ratio which is defined as the reciprocal of hazard rate. According to the curvature of Mills' ratio, we define three types of distributions. We then categorize some commonly used continuous distributions into the three types which lead to different preferences in the trade‐offs. Finally, we fit two sets of household income data from China and the United States into income distributions as the proxies of consumers' valuation distributions in an economy to illustrate those trade‐offs embedded in the two pricing strategies.
Do patients fed enterally post–gastrointestinal surgery experience more complications when fed a fiber‐enriched feed compared with a standard feed? A systematic review
Authors: Eleftheriadis Konstantinos , Davies Robert
Published: December 2021

The role of enteral feeding with fiber‐enriched feeds in minimizing infections, shortening length of hospital stay (LOHS), and preventing or treating feeding complications has been widely researched. However, there is limited evidence to evaluate the role of fiber‐enriched enteral feeding in gastrointestinal surgery patients postoperatively. This systematic review aims to identify the role of fiber‐enriched enteral feeds on postoperative feeding complications of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension, flatulence, cramps, LOHS, and infection rates after gastrointestinal surgery. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Manual reference lists were searched on identified studies and the SCOPUS database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted on any gastrointestinal surgery type that included enteral nutrition with high‐fiber enteral feeds and/or fiber supplements were included. All studies included were screened for risk of bias with Cochrane's risk‐of‐bias tool, and data were extracted with Cochrane Collaboration's data extraction tool. In total, 3 RCTs out of 231 screened citations including fiber‐enriched feeds and probiotics were included in this review. No significant effect on LOHS or postoperative infections was found. No safety risks were identified. Limited, low‐quality evidence suggests fiber‐enriched feeds may minimize diarrhea incidence. The effects of fiber‐enriched feeds postoperatively in gastrointestinal surgery remain under‐researched. Studies evaluating fiber and probiotics were low quality and at high risk of bias because of the misreporting of outcomes and the lack of detailed outlines of probiotic strains utilized. However, fiber‐enriched enteral feeding appears safe, may yield benefits, and is recommended in stable gastrointestinal surgical patients.
Expert opinions on reducing dietary self‐monitoring burden and maintaining efficacy in weight loss programs: A Delphi study
Authors: Krukowski Rebecca A. , Harvey Jean , Borden Janna , Stansbury Melissa L. , West Delia Smith
Published: December 2021

Objective

Dietary self‐monitoring is consistently related to both short‐ and long‐term weight loss, but typically declines over time. Adopting an abbreviated approach to self‐monitoring might reduce burden and potentially increase engagement while maintaining efficacy.

Methods

Using a Delphi‐type study, experts were queried about abbreviated self‐monitoring approaches that might best balance efficacy and burden and asked to identify when these approaches might best be implemented within a behavioral weight loss program. Experts were surveyed three times until consensus was reached.

Results

Experts identified three main categories of promising strategies for abbreviated self‐monitoring regardless of whether individuals have been successful with weight loss or full dietary self‐monitoring: (1) self‐weighing only, (2) reducing the foods/beverages self‐monitored to those that are often less routine and higher in caloric density, and (3) reducing the number of days per week to engage in full dietary self‐monitoring. Experts recommended transitioning to abbreviated self‐monitoring after 2 weeks of no self‐monitoring among individuals who were struggling and after reaching 5%–10% weight loss among successful individuals.

Conclusions

These expert opinions offer a foundation to experimentally manipulate promising strategies for reducing burden and increasing long‐term engagement in self‐monitoring, with a goal of enhancing long‐term weight control.
Development and technical validation of a smartphone‐based pediatric cough detection algorithm
Authors: Kruizinga Matthijs D. , Zhuparris Ahnjili , Dessing Eva , Krol Fas J. , Sprij Arwen J. , Doll Robert‐Jan , Stuurman Frederik E. , Exadaktylos Vasileios , Driessen Gertjan J. A. , Cohen Adam F.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Coughing is a common symptom in pediatric lung disease and cough frequency has been shown to be correlated to disease activity in several conditions. Automated cough detection could provide a noninvasive digital biomarker for pediatric clinical trials or care. The aim of this study was to develop a smartphone‐based algorithm that objectively and automatically counts cough sounds of children.

Methods

The training set was composed of 3228 pediatric cough sounds and 480,780 noncough sounds from various publicly available sources and continuous sound recordings of 7 patients admitted due to respiratory disease. A Gradient Boost Classifier was fitted on the training data, which was subsequently validated on recordings from 14 additional patients aged 0–14 admitted to the pediatric ward due to respiratory disease. The robustness of the algorithm was investigated by repeatedly classifying a recording with the smartphone‐based algorithm during various conditions.

Results

The final algorithm obtained an accuracy of 99.7%, sensitivity of 47.6%, specificity of 99.96%, positive predictive value of 82.2% and negative predictive value 99.8% in the validation dataset. The correlation coefficient between manual‐ and automated cough counts in the validation dataset was 0.97 (p < .001). The intra‐ and interdevice reliability of the algorithm was adequate, and the algorithm performed best at an unobstructed distance of 0.5–1 m from the audio source.

Conclusion

This novel smartphone‐based pediatric cough detection application can be used for longitudinal follow‐up in clinical care or as digital endpoint in clinical trials.
E‐cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) in the time of COVID‐19: A clinical dilemma
Authors: Helfgott Daniel , Capozzoli Gabrielle , Madray Jovanna , Baig Aisha , Uppaluri Lakshmi , Gaur Sunanda , Simon Mitchell , Amorosa Judith , Ramagopal Maya
Published: December 2021

Aim

To report on the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings of adolescents who presented during the SARS‐CoV‐2 surge with symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), did not test positive for the infection, and were diagnosed with E‐cigarette and vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI).

Methods

A retrospective review of 12 cases of EVALI admitted to the Bristol Meyers Squibb Children's Hospital between February 2020 and June 2020 was conducted.

Results

The ages of the patients ranged from 14 to 19 years. There were six males and six females. Three patients had a past history of anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric/mental health disorder, 9 had prolonged coagulation profile (prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and/or International Normalized Ratio), and 11 had elevated inflammatory markers. Eight needed respiratory support. All 12 were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR. Four were tested for IgG antibodies and were negative. As these cases were admitted to rule out COVID infection, initial treatment included hydroxychloroquine. Steroids were started only after SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR was shown to be negative. Urine tetrahydrocannabinol was positive in all cases. Chest X‐ray and computed tomography findings showed ground glass opacities.

Conclusions

Clinical and radiological features are similar in both EVALI and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Inflammatory markers are elevated in both conditions. A detailed social and substance use history in patients presenting with “typical” COVID pneumonia like illness is important. EVALI should be ruled in early to start the appropriate treatment. Given the ongoing pandemic, pediatricians and other health‐care providers need to be aware of other conditions that can masquerade as SARS‐CoV‐2.
Genetic counseling access for parents of newborns who screen positive for cystic fibrosis: Consensus guidelines
Authors: Langfelder‐Schwind Elinor , Raraigh Karen S. ,   The CF Newborn Screening Genetic Counseling Workgroup, Parad Richard B.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

A risk associated with cystic fibrosis newborn screening (CFNBS) is parental misunderstanding of genetic information generated by the over 6600 positive screens reported annually in the United States. CFNBS algorithms incorporating DNA analysis can generate genetic information that requires clinical interpretation and has significance for the newborn, parents, and other relatives. Engagement between CF care centers and trained genetic counseling providers, such as licensed and/or certified genetic counselors (GCs), is variable and limited in providing information to CFNBS positive (CFNBS+) families.

Methods

Using a modified Delphi process, a workgroup of CFNBS experts developed recommendation statements for engagement of genetic counseling services in CF care centers where CFNBS + diagnostic evaluations are performed. Statements were assessed over three rounds of surveys, one face‐to‐face meeting, and through public feedback.

Results

Seventeen statements achieved >80% consensus (range: 82%–100%). The workgroup affirmed prior CFF policy statements recommending genetic counseling for parents of infants with CFNBS+. The remaining statements addressed infrastructure and logistics of genetic counseling services, including defining appropriate training for genetic counseling providers and counseling content, establishing a path to equal access to genetic counseling providers across CF care centers, and setting a standard for client‐centered CFNBS genetic counseling that is respectful of diverse patient needs and autonomy.

Conclusions

Implementation of client‐centered genetic counseling for CFNBS+ families in CF care centers by providers with expertise in both CF and genetic counseling will require efforts to further define core concepts, enhance the education of providers, and develop opportunities for access via telemedicine.
Corticosteroids in the prevention and treatment of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Part II. Inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with surfactants
Authors: Szabó Hajnalka , Baraldi Eugenio , Colin Andrew A.
Published: December 2021

This paper is the second in a two‐part State‐of‐the‐Art series that reviews the latest relevant clinical trials investigating the short‐term and long‐term effects of corticosteroids in the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Inhaled postnatal corticosteroids demonstrate low systemic bioavailability and rapid systemic clearance with high pulmonary deposition and were expected to reduce the incidence of BPD with reduced adverse effects, however, increased rate of mortality in the neonatal period and at the 18–24 months follow‐up was observed. In a milestone study, intratracheal instillation of corticosteroids combined with surfactant decreased the incidence of BPD without increasing the mortality or the long‐term neurodevelopmental adverse outcomes. However, subsequent trials using different types of surfactants, different surfactant to budesonide ratio, different time of the drug administration for infants with different severity of respiratory distress syndrome could not reproduce all the beneficial effects. Future perspectives for the identification of premature infants at high risk of BPD and the prevention or treatment of established BPD are discussed.
O‐Glycosidequercetin derivatives: Biological activities, mechanisms of action, and structure–activity relationship for drug design, a review
Authors: Alizadeh Seyedeh Roya , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2021

Quercetin as a valuable natural flavonoid has shown extensive biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti‐Alzheimer, antifungal, antiviral, antithalassemia, iron chelation, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antihypertension, and antiphospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities, by the modulation of various targets and signaling pathways that have attracted much attention. However, the low solubility and poor bioavailability of quercetin have limited its applications; therefore, the researchers have tried to design and synthesize many new derivatives of quercetin through different strategies to modify quercetin restrictions and improve its biological activities. This review categorized theO‐glycoside derivatives of Quercetin into two main classes, 3‐O‐glycoside and otherO‐glycoside derivatives. Also, it studied biological activities, structure–activity relationship (SAR), and the action mechanism ofO‐glycoside quercetin derivatives. Overall, we summarized past and present research for discovering new potent lead compounds.

Highlights

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with a valuable scaffold.

O‐Glycoside quercetin derivatives represents broad‐spectrum biological activities.

The structure–activity relationship investigation is discussed after modifying the scaffold of quercetin.

This review can help researchers to rationally design/develop various drugs.
On future packaging Technology and Science
Authors: Wang Jun
Published: December 2021

This editorial introduces some recent editorial changes to the journal, including the appointment of a new Editor. It outlines the new editorial team's vision for PTS before noting some recent and forthcoming highlights.
Rheumatology and functional genome analysis in East Asia
Authors: Fujio Keishi
Published: December 2021

Rheumatic diseases differ in severity and outcome across ethnic groups. Although genetic predisposition is an important factor influencing the development of rheumatic diseases, genomic data to date have been accumulated mainly in Europeans. However, East Asia has become an influential center for genetic studies worldwide, and there is also a growing need for a functional genome database for East Asians. Expression quantitative trait locus data for immune cell subsets can be extremely useful in interpreting the function of disease‐associated genetic polymorphisms. The development of a functional genome database for East Asians is expected to make a significant contribution to the understanding and stratification of the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases in this population in the future.
Transport property characterization of sparse CNT networks via AFM images
Authors: Inaba Takumi , Morimoto Takahiro , Okazaki Toshiya
Published: December 2021

A simulation method for correlating the resistivity and resistance of sparse carbon nanotube (CNT) networks via atomic force microscopy images was proposed. For the demonstration, resistance values simulated by this method were compared with values obtained by directory measuring the resistance of sparse CNT networks. Results were also compared with those obtained by a thin‐film approximation in which CNT networks are approximated as thin rectangles. Simulated resistance values were closer to the experimental values of the same samples than those estimated on the basis of the thin‐film approximation. The use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) images enabled the implementation of inhomogeneity to numerical models, as well as one‐to‐one comparison between real samples and numerical models.
Multifunctional Composite Based on Cotton Fabric and Starch‐Copper Ferrite Hydrogel Prepared through Facile Room Temperature Preparation Approach
Authors: Nematollahi Mohammad Reza , Montazer Majid , Mianehro Ali
Published: December 2021

Hydrogels demonstrate interesting features and applications in various fields including biomedical, environmental, and smart materials. Unfortunately, they provide a favorable environment for growth of microorganisms without exhibiting adequate mechanical properties. To overcome these shortcomings and prepare a multifunctional nanocomposite, in this research a facile industrially applicable method is introduced for preparation of starch‐copper ferrite hydrogel on cotton fabric at room temperature. The preparation conditions are optimized using central composite design based response surface methodology. The magnetic properties and swelling behavior of all samples are investigated and the optimal sample is selected for further characterization. XRD pattern indicates the presence and successful synthesis of copper ferrite and magnetite in hydrogel. FE‐SEM images demonstrate unique structure shaped with nanosegments with symmetric multilateral shape and average size of 300 nm. The absorption capacity of nanocomposite rises to 3.96 g g−1 indicating 253.57% improvement, and also exhibits 100% antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and negative model bacteria. In this manner, a promising nanocomposite with verified multifunctionality is proposed even as synthesis of copper ferrite and hydrogel attachment to the fabric are also merged to single‐step via a simple method with hope of being applicable for scalable production.
Re‐shooting Resistant Blind Watermarking Framework Based on Feature Separation With Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Yakoh Takahiro , Oi Motoaki
Published: December 2021

Watermarking is a technology to embed digital data into a digital image. In particular, blind watermarking is expected to ensure the authenticity and/or accountability of digital images without compromising the visual impression of viewing. A re‐shooting resistant blind watermarking method is proposed in this study. This method uses the features of a given image to select regions, which are modified to embed digital data. As the proposed embedding process preserves these image features, no markers are required to extract the embedded data from the watermarked image. Furthermore, based on the estimation of the watermarked image region, the method crops the re‐shot image before the extraction. Therefore, the proposed method works, even if the re‐shot image includes the outer area surrounding the watermarked image region. Moreover, the proposed method compensates for the geometric transformation of the re‐shot image based on the definition of the coordinate system, which is based on the distribution of the image feature points. Therefore, the proposed method works when the re‐shot image is taken diagonally in front of the watermarked image. Experimental results validated that the proposed method can extract the embedded digital data from re‐shot images of a watermarked image under considerable conditions of re‐shooting. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Transport of micro‐polar fluids in an exponentially diverging tube by means of peristaltic waves of dilating amplitude
Authors: Pandey Sanjay Kumar , Chandra Subhash
Published: December 2021

The paper models a peristaltically driven flow when the cross section of the tube changes exponentially. This may resemble the shape of the oesophagus when it suffers from sliding hiatus hernia, that is, when the abdomen protrudes through the hiatus. The fluid transported is considered micro‐polar while the peristaltic waves propagating along wall too dilate exponentially. Bulging, caused by herniation, in tube is examined considering two different cases: (i) tube diverging entirely from the first end to the other, and (ii) tube diverging partly limited to the other end only. Effects of dilating amplitude, the coupling number and the micro‐polar parameter are also investigated. Non‐linear governing equations are linearized by the method of low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations and computer simulation is used to estimate the numerical results. It is observed that whether the tube diverges entirely or partly, pressure required for carrying the fluid is less, hence facilitating easier swallowing, which causes sliding hiatus hernia to go unnoticed. Exponential divergence in the tube geometry makes swallowing easier than linear divergence. While pressure increases with the coupling number, it declines with the micropolar parameter. Reflux region is further found to shrink once the wave amplitude dilates.
The non‐conservative forced Toda oscillator
Authors: El‐Dib Yusry O. , Mady Amal A.
Published: December 2021

The vibration theory has become a hot topic in both mathematics and engineering. This work is an attempt to reduce the complexity of the Toda model and to exploit the advantages of annihilator operators. The reducing rank method is proposed for the outcoming jerk oscillator model. The modified homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is presented to solve the resulting model. Besides, to simplify the model, the outstanding features of the resonance reaction are preserved. It is declared that the obtained results are robust as they can exist in a wide range of oscillators. It is found that the amplitude of oscillation greatly affects its periodic nature and has an exponential form. The dynamics of a non‐autonomous oscillator in which the frequency of the external force depends on the dynamical variable is studied. It is also revealed that the linear damping coefficient plays a dual role in the stability behavior, while the nonlinear counterpart exerts a destabilizing influence on the resonance response.
Empirical Research on Military Ethical Behaviour
Authors: Messervey Deanna L. , Squires Erinn C.
Published: December 2021

This chapter presents an overview of key empirical research examining ethical and unethical behaviour in the military. Early research examined the impact of atrocities on the psychological well-being of Vietnam War veterans. In later conflicts, researchers examined battlefield attitudes, behaviours, willingness to report fellow unit members for ethical violations, and the adequacy of training. In addition to battlefield ethics, researchers have also investigated individual, situational, and organizational factors that increase the risk of unethical behaviour (i.e., ethical risk factors). This chapter summarizes research that highlights how individual differences in moral identity and malevolent traits can impact ethical and unethical behaviour among military personnel. It also discusses how situational factors, such as sleep deprivation and anger, can increase the likelihood of military personnel engaging in unethical behaviour. Lastly, the chapter discusses how organizational factors, such as ethical climate and culture and ethical leadership, play a role in ethical and unethical behaviour.
The colored Jones polynomials as vortex partition functions
Authors: Manabe Masahide , Terashima Seiji , Terashima Yuji
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We construct 3D $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 abelian gauge theories on $$ \mathbbm{S} $$
S
2 × $$ \mathbbm{S} $$
S
1 labeled by knot diagrams whose K-theoretic vortex partition functions, each of which is a building block of twisted indices, give the colored Jones polynomials of knots in $$ \mathbbm{S} $$
S
3. The colored Jones polynomials are obtained as the Wilson loop expectation values along knots in SU(2) Chern-Simons gauge theories on $$ \mathbbm{S} $$
S
3, and then our construction provides an explicit correspondence between 3D $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 abelian gauge theories and 3D SU(2) Chern-Simons gauge theories. We verify, in particular, the applicability of our constructions to a class of tangle diagrams of 2-bridge knots with certain specific twists.
Two-loop electroweak corrections to the Top-Quark Contribution to ϵK
Authors: Brod Joachim , Kvedaraitė Sandra , Polonsky Zachary
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The parameter ϵK measures CP violation in the neutral kaon system. It is a sensitive probe of new physics and plays a prominent role in the global fit of the Cabibbo-Kobabyashi-Maskawa matrix. The perturbative theory uncertainty is currently dominated by the top-quark contribution. Here, we present the calculation of the full two-loop electroweak corrections to the top-quark contribution to ϵK, including the resummation of QED-QCD logarithms. We discuss different renormalization prescriptions for the electroweak input parameters. In the traditional normalization of the weak Hamiltonian with two powers of the Fermi constant GF, the top-quark contribution is shifted by −1%.
A formal notion of genericity and term-by-term vanishing superpotentials at supersymmetric vacua from R-symmetric Wess-Zumino models
Authors: Brister James , Sun Zheng , Yang Greg
Published: December 2021

Abstract

It is known in previous literature that if a Wess-Zumino model with an R-symmetry gives a supersymmetric vacuum, the superpotential vanishes at the vacuum. In this work, we establish a formal notion of genericity, and show that if the R-symmetric superpotential has generic coefficients, the superpotential vanishes term-by-term at a supersymmetric vacuum. This result constrains the form of the superpotential which leads to a supersymmetric vacuum. It may contribute to a refined classification of R-symmetric Wess-Zumino models, and find applications in string constructions of vacua with small superpotentials. A similar result for a scalar potential system with a scaling symmetry is discussed.
Perturbative renormalization of the $$ \mathrm{T}\overline{\mathrm{T}} $$-deformed free massive Dirac fermion
Authors: Dey Anshuman , Fortinsky Aryeh
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In this paper we explicitly carry out the perturbative renormalization of the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformed free massive Dirac fermion in two dimensions up to second order in the coupling constant. This is done by computing the two-to-two S-matrix using the LSZ reduction formula and canceling out the divergences by introducing counterterms. We demonstrate that the renormalized Lagrangian is unambiguously determined by demanding that it gives the correct S-matrix of a $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformed integrable field theory. Remarkably, the renormalized Lagrangian is qualitatively very different from its classical counterpart.
On the extremal compatible linear connection of a generalized Berwald manifold
Authors: Vincze Csaba
Published: December 2021

Generalized Berwald manifolds are Finsler manifolds admitting linear connections such that the parallel transports preserve the Finslerian length of tangent vectors (compatibility condition). It is known (Vincze in J AMAPN 21:199–204, 2005) that such a linear connection must be metrical with respect to the averaged Riemannian metric given by integration of the Riemann-Finsler metric on the indicatrix hypersurfaces. Therefore the linear connection (preserving the Finslerian length of tangent vectors) is uniquely determined by its torsion. If the torsion is zero then we have a classical Berwald manifold. Otherwise, the torsion is some strange data we need to express in terms of the intrinsic quantities of the Finsler manifold. The paper presents the idea of the extremal compatible linear connection of a generalized Berwald manifold by minimizing the pointwise length of its torsion tensor. It is uniquely determined because the number of the Lagrange multipliers is equal to the number of the equations for the compatibility of the linear connection with the Finslerian metric. Using the reference element method, the extremal compatible linear connection can be expressed in terms of the canonical data as well. It is an intrinsic algorithm to check the existence of compatible linear connections on a Finsler manifold because it is equivalent to the existence of the extremal compatible linear connection.
Novel interaction between neurotrophic factor-α1/carboxypeptidase E and serotonin receptor, 5-HTR1E, protects human neurons against oxidative/neuroexcitotoxic stress via β-arrestin/ERK signaling
Authors: Sharma Vinay Kumar , Yang Xuyu , Kim Soo-Kyung , Mafi Amirhossein , Saiz-Sanchez Daniel , Villanueva-Anguita Patricia , Xiao Lan , Toulabi Leila , Inoue Asuka , Goddard William A. , Loh Y. Peng
Published: December 2021

Protecting neurons from death during oxidative and neuroexcitotoxic stress is key for preventing cognitive dysfunction. We uncovered a novel neuroprotective mechanism involving interaction between neurotrophic factor-α1 (NF-α1/carboxypeptidase E, CPE) and human 5-HTR1E, a G protein-coupled serotonin receptor with no previously known neurological function. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays confirmed interaction between NFα1/CPE and 5-HTR1E and 125I NF-α1/CPE-binding studies demonstrated saturable, high-affinity binding to 5-HTR1E in stably transfected HEK293 cells (Kd = 13.82 nM). Treatment of 5-HTR1E stable cells with NF-α1/CPE increased pERK 1/2 and pCREB levels which prevented a decrease in pro-survival protein, BCL2, during H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Cell survival assay in β-arrestin Knockout HEK293 cells showed that the NF-α1/CPE-5-HTR1E-mediated protection against oxidative stress was β-arrestin-dependent. Molecular dynamics studies revealed that NF-α1/CPE interacts with 5-HTR1E via 3 salt bridges, stabilized by several hydrogen bonds, independent of the serotonin pocket. Furthermore, after phosphorylating the C-terminal tail and intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) of NF-α1/CPE-5-HTR1E, it recruited β-arrestin1 by forming numerous salt bridges and hydrogen bonds to ICL2 and ICL3, leading to activation of β-arrestin1. Immunofluorescence studies showed 5-HTR1E and NF-α1/CPE are highly expressed and co-localized on cell surface of human hippocampal neurons. Importantly, knock-down of 5-HTR1E in human primary neurons diminished the NF-α1/CPE-mediated protection of these neurons against oxidative stress and glutamate neurotoxicity-induced cell death. Thus, NF-α1/CPE uniquely interacts with serotonin receptor 5-HTR1E to activate the β-arrestin/ERK/CREB/BCL2 pathway to mediate stress-induced neuroprotection.
Diatom response to environmental gradients in the high mountain lakes of the Colombia’s Eastern Range
Authors: Muñoz-López Claudia Liliana , Rivera-Rondón Carlos A.
Published: December 2021

A survey of 60 high mountain lakes of Colombia’s Eastern Range was performed to evaluate the response of surface-sediment diatoms to environmental variables. In each one of these lakes, water samples were taken for physical and chemical characterization, and diatoms were collected from the superficial bottom sediment at the deepest part. Multivariate statistical analyses were made to determine the relationships between environmental and biological data, specifically which environmental variables explain the diatom distribution. For each of these significant environmental variables, optima and ecological tolerances were calculated using the weighted-average method, which allowed for the classification of the species according to their environmental preferences. The lakes showed a wide range of environmental gradients in variables such as pH, alkalinity, and nutrients. In addition, the depth of the lakes was a direct determinant of the light environment of the water column. A total of 339 diatom taxa were identified belonging mainly to the genera Eunotia and Pinnularia. Variables related to pH-alkalinity gradient, trophic condition (nitrates and phosphorus), and physical factors (radiation at the bottom) had a significant effect on diatom composition. Despite the fact that the total organic carbon environmental range was high, the effect of this variable on diatom species composition was not significant. In conclusion, the diatoms of the studied lakes showed a significant ecological relationship with environmental variables which are potentially important in environmental reconstruction. Diatoms in the study sites can provide useful and independent quantitative information to investigate the recent impacts of global change on tropical high mountain ecosystems.
The effect of lichen secondary metabolites on Aspergillus fungi
Authors: Furmanek Łukasz , Czarnota Paweł , Seaward Mark R. D.
Published: December 2021

A systematic review of literature data on the antifungal potential of extracted lichen compounds and individual secondary metabolites against mold species of the genus Aspergillus is provided. Crude extracts from 49 epiphytic, 16 epigeic and 22 epilithic species of lichens and 44 secondary metabolites against 10 species, Aspergillus candidus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, A. restrictus, A. stellatus and A. ustus, were analysed. Several measuring techniques were employed for such analyses. Lichen substances were extracted with alcoholic and other organic solvents mainly using the Soxhlet apparatus. Among the three most-studied mold species, the results showed that the crude extracts from the thalli of the lichens Cladonia foliacea, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, Leucodermia leucomelos, Platismatia glauca and Pseudevernia furfuracea against Aspergillus flavus, from C. foliacea, Nephroma arcticum and Parmelia sulcata against A. fumigatus and from Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, Umbilicaria cylindrica and Variospora dolomiticola against A. niger have the greatest antifungal potential. The lichen secondary metabolites showed a higher inhibitory potential, e.g. protolichesterinic acid against A. flavus, lecanoric acid against A. fumigatus and orsellinic acid against A. niger; the other seven species of Aspergillus have been poorly studied and require further investigation. A comparison of the inhibitory potential of the tested mixtures of lichen substances and their secondary metabolites shows that they can compete with commonly used antifungal substances, such as ketoconazole and clotrimazole against A. flavus, A. nidulans, A. niger and A. parasiticus and fluconazole in the case of A. fumigatus.
eDNA metabarcoding for diet analyses of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: Díaz-Abad Lucía , Bacco-Mannina Natassia , Madeira Fernando Miguel , Neiva João , Aires Tania , Serrao Ester A. , Regalla Aissa , Patrício Ana R. , Frade Pedro R.
Published: December 2021

Understanding sea turtle diets can help conservation planning, but their trophic ecology is complex due to life history characteristics such as ontogenetic shifts and large foraging ranges. Studying sea turtle diet is challenging, particularly where ecological foraging observations are not possible. Here, we test a new minimally invasive method for the identification of diet items in sea turtles. We fingerprinted diet content using DNA from esophageal and cloacal swab samples by metabarcoding the 18S rRNA gene. This approach was tested on samples collected from green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from a juvenile foraging aggregation in the Bijagós archipelago in Guinea-Bissau. Esophagus samples (n = 6) exhibited a higher dietary richness (11 ± 5 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) per sample; average ± SD) than cloacal ones (n = 5; 8 ± 2 ASVs). Overall, the diet was dominated by red macroalgae (Rhodophyta; 48.2 ± 16.3% of all ASVs), with the main food item in the esophagus and cloaca being a red alga belonging to the Rhodymeniophycidae subclass (35.1 ± 27.2%), followed by diatoms (Bacillariophyceae; 7.5 ± 7.3%), which were presumably consumed incidentally. Seagrass and some invertebrates were also present. Feeding on red algae was corroborated by field observations and barcoding of food items available in the benthic habitat,validating the approach for identifying diet content. We conclude that identification of food items using metabarcoding of esophageal swabs is useful for a better understanding of the relationships between the feeding behavior of sea turtles and their environment.
Influence of different weather aspects on breeding performance, food supply and nest-space use in hoopoe offspring
Authors: Nuhlíčková Soňa , Svetlík Ján , Eckenfellner Manfred , Knauer Felix , Hoi Herbert
Published: December 2021

In this study, we investigated the influence of different weather aspects on breeding performance, food supply and nest-space use in hoopoe offspring (Upupa epops). Camera recordings of 88 nests were used to examine how ambient environmental conditions influence food supply, offspring nest-space use and the trade-off nestlings face regarding the two mainly used locations in the nest. Therefore, we provide a comprehensive analysis involving different factors including weather parameters together with food provisioned to nestlings on different temporal scales to identify the factors having the most influence on nest-space use. We found that different breeding conditions significantly influenced how nestlings used the nest. During excessively humid weather, nestlings spent more time under the entrance hole when small food was delivered. However, nestlings supplied with large prey more often remained hidden in the distant area, despite the adverse weather situation. In all three aspects and temporal scales, our analysis confirmed that prey was the most important factor influencing offspring nest-space use, suggesting a crucial role of large insects for hoopoes. Finally, we found that long-term effects of weather affect overall food provisioned to nestlings and thus offspring behaviour. We provide evidence that parental feeding location and prey size, which are in turn influenced by weather conditions, are the most influential factors for nest-space use. This study expands our knowledge of parent–offspring communication and how environmental factors may lead to differential nest-space use, which may be regarded as the earliest form of habitat preference in birds.

Significance statement

Nests are usually constrained in space but designed to protect offspring from the environment while giving them limited possibilities to express behavioural diversity. This is particularly true for bird nests, where nestlings are usually packed in close contact with one another and without much space for movement, except begging. Here we demonstrate that nest features, such as available nest space together with environmental conditions surrounding a nest, influence nestling strategies and behaviours, including social interactions between nest mates, which further leads to fitness consequences. Our results seem to be of great importance for habitat selection theory in birds, in particular regarding the early development of habitat preferences (imprinting) and use. On the other hand, the result may also have important implications for conservation issues given that nestling behaviour may be used as a determinant of environmental quality.
Integrated zone picking and vehicle routing operations with restricted intermediate storage
Authors: Ostermeier Manuel , Holzapfel Andreas , Kuhn Heinrich , Schubert Daniel
Published: December 2021

The competitiveness of a retailer is highly dependent on an efficient distribution system. This is especially true for the supply of stores from distribution centers. Stores ask for high flexibility when it comes to their supply. This means that fast order processing is essential. Order processing affects different subsystems at the distribution center: orders are picked in multiple picking zones, transferred to intermediate storage, and delivered via dedicated tours. These processing steps are highly interdependent. The schedule for picking needs to be synchronized with the routing decisions to ensure availability of orders at the DC’s loading docks when their associated tours are scheduled. Concurrently, intermediate storage represents a bottleneck as capacity for order storage is limited. The simultaneous planning of picking and routing operations with restricted intermediate storage is therefore relevant for retail practice but has not so far been considered within an integrated planning approach. Our work addresses this task and discusses an integrated zone picking and vehicle routing problem with restricted intermediate storage. We present a comprehensive model formulation and introduce a general variable neighborhood search for simultaneous consideration of the given planning stages. We also present two alternative sequential approaches that are motivated by the prevailing planning situation in industry. Numerical experiments and a case study show the need for an integrated planning approach to obtain practicable results. Further, we identify the impact of the main problem characteristics on overall planning and provide valuable insights for the application of these findings in industry.
Theoretical investigation of applicability and limitations of advanced noise reduction methods for wavelength modulation spectroscopy
Authors: Röder Lenard L. , Fischer Horst
Published: December 2021

In this study, the applicability and limitations of several statistical and mathematical methods for noise reduction in wavelength modulation spectroscopy are analyzed. Background noise is simulated for different frequencies and frequency confinement. The noise is added to an absorption line of varying amplitude. The noise reduction methods (NRMs) are applied to the simulated signals and their performances are analyzed and compared. All NRMs show great increase in signal to noise ratio (SNR) while keeping bias low under certain conditions of the simulated signal. For each NRM the subspace of best performance is summarized and highlighted. Little to no overlap is found between these subspaces. Therefore, the optimal NRM strongly depends on measurement conditions and NRM quality cannot be compared in a general context.
Forced and mixed convection experiments in a confined vertical backward facing step at low-Prandtl number
Authors: Schaub Thomas , Arbeiter Frederik , Hering Wolfgang , Stieglitz Robert
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we present experimental results for a non-isothermal vertical confined backward facing step conducted with a low-Prandtl number fluid. The eutectic alloy gallium–indium–tin is used as the working fluid. We conducted experiments for different Reynolds and Richardson numbers covering both forced and mixed convection regimes. Time-averaged velocity profiles were measured at six streamwise positions along the test section center-plane with so-called permanent magnet probes. The local Nusselt number was measured in streamwise and spanwise directions along the heating plate mounted right after the step. We further ran RANS simulations of the experiment to study the qualitative influence of assuming a constant specific heat flux thermal boundary condition for the experiment heating plate. The measured velocity profiles show the expected behavior for both studied convection regimes, while the measured streamwise local Nusselt number profiles do not. This is explained by how the heating plate thermal boundary condition is defined. We performed an order of magnitude estimate to estimate the forced- to mixed convection transition onset. The estimate shows good agreement with the experimental data, although further measurements are needed to further validate the estimated transition threshold. The measurement of fluctuating quantities remains an open task to be addressed in future experiments, since the permanent magnet probe measurement equation needs further adjustments.

Graphical Abstract
Does a prior hysterectomy complicate transvaginal/transumbilical hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy?—a comparative analysis of prospectively collected data
Authors: Bulian Dirk R. , Sauerwald Axel , Thomaidis Panagiotis , Seefeldt Claudia S. , Richards Dana C. , Schulz Sissy-A. , Weltermann Niklas J. , Heiss Markus M. , Eisenberger Claus F.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Hysterectomy alters the anatomy of the posterior vaginal vault used as access for transvaginal/transumbilical hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy (NC), creating potential consequences for the feasibility and complication rate of the procedure. Therefore, the aim of our retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was to analyze the postoperative course after NC in previously hysterectomized (PH) patients compared with patients who had not undergone hysterectomy (NH).

Methods

A total of 126 NH patients and 50 PH patients aged over 42 who had an NC from 12/2008 to 04/2021 were compared regarding age, body mass index (BMI), ASA classification, number of percutaneous trocars, need for intraoperative urinary bladder catheterization, length of procedure, conversion rate, and intraoperative and postoperative complication rate according to the Clavien/Dindo classification, Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI), mortality, and hospital length of stay.

Results

PH patients were older than NH patients (63.0 vs 51.5 years;P < 0.001) but did not differ significantly in ASA classification (P = 0.595) and BMI (26.8 vs 27.9 kg/m2;P = 0.480). They required more percutaneous trocars (P = 0.047) and longer procedure time (66.0 vs. 58.5 min;P = 0.039). Out of all 287 scheduled NC only one had to be “converted” to traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, Clavien/Dindo classification, CCI, need for intraoperative urinary bladder catheterization, and length of stay did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Our results indicate an increased degree of difficulty of NC in PH patients, although there is no major impact on intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. Urinary bladder perforation is a specific access-related complication in PH patients.
Spatio-temporal analysis of the extent of an extreme heat event
Authors: Cebrián Ana C. , Asín Jesús , Gelfand Alan E. , Schliep Erin M. , Castillo-Mateo Jorge , Beamonte María A. , Abaurrea Jesús
Published: December 2021

Evidence of global warming induced from the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere suggests more frequent warm days and heat waves. The concept of an extreme heat event (EHE), defined locally based on exceedance of a suitable local threshold, enables us to capture the notion of a period of persistent extremely high temperatures. Modeling for extreme heat events is customarily implemented using time series of temperatures collected at a set of locations. Since spatial dependence is anticipated in the occurrence of EHE’s, a joint model for the time series, incorporating spatial dependence is needed. Recent work by Schliep et al. (J R Stat Soc Ser A Stat Soc 184(3):1070–1092, 2021) develops a space-time model based on a point-referenced collection of temperature time series that enables the prediction of both the incidence and characteristics of EHE’s occurring at any location in a study region. The contribution here is to introduce a formal definition of the notion of the spatial extent of an extreme heat event and then to employ output from the Schliep et al. (J R Stat Soc Ser A Stat Soc 184(3):1070–1092, 2021) modeling work to illustrate the notion. For a specified region and a given day, the definition takes the form of a block average of indicator functions over the region. Our risk assessment examines extents for the Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón in northeastern Spain. We calculate daily, seasonal and decadal averages of the extents for two subregions in this comunidad. We generalize our definition to capture extents of persistence of extreme heat and make comparisons across decades to reveal evidence of increasing extent over time.