bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Error analysis of TAS‐OSTBC assisted downlink NOMA system over generalized η−μ fading Channel
Authors: Mukhtar Shaika , Begh Gh. Rasool 
Published: June 2022

SummaryIncorporation of multiple antennas in downlink non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system helps in achieving better performance by exploiting different diversity schemes. To this end, we propose a general framework of transmit antenna selection (TAS)‐assisted orthogonal space‐time block code (OSTBC) transmission for multiple NOMA users. We derive exact expressions of probability density function of the TAS‐OSTBC processed signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at the output of maximum‐ratio combiner of the NOMA users. Using well‐known moment generating function approach, we evaluate the error performance of TAS‐OSTBC assisted NOMA users over generalizedη−μfading channel in presence of perfect and imperfect successive interference cancelation. We investigate the proposed system in different multi‐antenna scenarios and accordingly observe better error performance of the users by increasing the number of transmit and receive antennas. We perform their asymptotic analysis leading to full‐diversity order at high SNR. For numerical evaluation, we truncate the infinite series in derived results and examine the upper bound of truncation error. We evaluatenth moment of the output SNR and obtain channel quality estimation index as a performance measure of the proposed NOMA system. Moreover, we investigate the influence of power coefficients and fading parameters,ηandμ, on the error performance of TAS‐OSTBC‐assisted NOMA users. We also compare the derived error performances with the existing schemes, wherein we observe that the proposed system shows remarkable improvement in the bit error rate (BER) of the NOMA users. For validation, we execute simulations which closely match with the derived analytical results.
Amino acid nitrogen and carbon isotope data: Potential and implications for ecological studies
Authors: Yun Hee Young , Larsen Thomas , Choi Bohyung , Won Eun‐Ji , Shin Kyung‐Hoon 
Published: June 2022

AbstractExplaining food web dynamics, stability, and functioning depend substantially on understanding of feeding relations within a community. Bulk stable isotope ratios (SIRs) in natural abundance are well‐established tools to express direct and indirect feeding relations as continuous variables across time and space. Along with bulk SIRs, the SIRs of individual amino acids (AAs) are now emerging as a promising and complementary method to characterize the flow and transformation of resources across a diversity of organisms, from microbial domains to macroscopic consumers. This significant AA‐SIR capacity is based on empirical evidence that a consumer's SIR, specific to an individual AA, reflects its diet SIR coupled with a certain degree of isotopic differences between the consumer and its diet. However, many empirical ecologists are still unfamiliar with the scope of applicability and the interpretative power of AA‐SIR. To fill these knowledge gaps, we here describe a comprehensive approach to both carbon and nitrogen AA‐SIR assessment focusing on two key topics: pattern in AA‐isotope composition across spatial and temporal scales, and a certain variability of AA‐specific isotope differences between the diet and the consumer. On this basis we review the versatile applicability of AA‐SIR to improve our understanding of physiological processes as well as food web functioning, allowing us to reconstruct dominant basal dietary sources and trace their trophic transfers at the specimen and community levels. Given the insightful and opportunities of AA‐SIR, we suggest future applications for the dual use of carbon and nitrogen AA‐SIR to study more realistic food web structures and robust consumer niches, which are often very difficult to explain in nature.
Hybridization and low genetic diversity in the endangered Alabama red‐bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis)
Authors: Moreno Nickolas , Heaton Andrew , Bruening Kaylin , Milligan Emma , Nelson David , Glaberman Scott , Chiari Ylenia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPseudemys alabamensis is one of the most endangered freshwater turtle species in the United States due to its restricted geographic distribution in coastal Alabama and Mississippi. Populations of P. alabamensis are geographically isolated from one another by land and saltwater, which could act as barriers to gene flow. It is currently unknown how differentiated these populations are from one another and whether they have experienced reductions in population size. Previous work found morphological differences between Alabama and Mississippi populations, suggesting that they may be evolutionarily distinct. Other Pseudemys turtles such as P. concinna and P. floridana occur naturally within the same geographic area as P. alabamensis and are known to hybridize with each other. These more abundant species could threaten the unique genetic identity of P. alabamensis through introgression. In order to evaluate the endangered status of P. alabamensis and the level of hybridization with other species, we used mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite markers to assess genetic variation within and among populations of P. alabamensis throughout its range and estimate admixture with co‐occurring Pseudemys species. In P. alabamensis, we found no variation in mitochondrial DNA and an excess of homozygosity in microsatellite data. Our results show genetic differentiation between Alabama and Mississippi populations of P. alabamensis, and low estimated breeding sizes and signs of inbreeding for two populations (Fowl River, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi). We also found evidence of admixture between P. alabamensis and P. concinna/P. floridana. Based on our results, P. alabamensis is highly endangered throughout its range and threatened by both low population sizes and hybridization. In order to improve the species’ chances of survival, focus should be placed on habitat preservation, maintenance of genetic diversity within both the Mississippi and Alabama populations, and routine population‐monitoring activities such as nest surveillance and estimates of recruitment.
Cultivating scientific literacy and a sense of place through course‐based urban ecology research
Authors: Valliere Justin M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUndergraduate research experiences have been shown to increase engagement, improve learning outcomes, and enhance career development for students in ecology. However, these opportunities may not be accessible to all students, and incorporating inquiry‐based research directly into undergraduate curricula may help overcome barriers to participation and improve representation and inclusion in the discipline. The shift to online instruction during the COVID‐19 pandemic has imposed even greater challenges for providing students with authentic research experiences, but the pandemic may also provide a unique opportunity for creative projects conducted remotely. In this paper, I describe a course‐based undergraduate research experience (CURE) designed for an upper‐level ecology course at California State University, Dominguez Hills during remote learning. The primary focus of student‐led research activities was to explore the potential impacts of the depopulation of campus during the pandemic on urban coyotes (Canis latrans), for which there were increased sightings reported during this time. Students conducted two research studies, including an evaluation of urban wildlife activity, behavior, and diversity using camera traps installed throughout campus and analysis of coyote diet using data from scat dissections. Students used the data they generated and information from literature reviews, class discussions, and meetings with experts to develop a coyote monitoring and management plan for our campus and create posters to educate the public. Using the campus as a living laboratory, I aimed to engage students in meaningful research while cultivating a sense of place, despite being online. Students’ research outcomes and responses to pre‐ and post‐course surveys highlight the benefits of projects that are anchored in place‐based education and emphasize the importance of ecological research for solving real‐world problems. CUREs focused on local urban ecosystems may be a powerful way for instructors to activate ecological knowledge and capitalize on the cultural strengths of students at urban universities.
Mixed Valency vs Radical Bridge Formulation in Symmetrically and Asymmetrically Ligated Diruthenium Complexes
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Schwederski Brigitte , Záliš Stanislav , Kaim Wolfgang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe asymmetrical dinuclear [{(trpy*)Ru}2(μ‐adc‐Salph)Cl](PF6) 1(PF6), trpy*=4,4’,4”‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,6,2’,6”‐terpyridine, adc‐Salph=1‐benzoyl‐2‐salicyloylhydrazido(3‐), and the related symmetrical dinuclear [{Cl(trpy*)Ru}2(μ,η2 : η2‐adc‐Ph)](PF6) 2(PF6), adc‐Ph=1,2‐bis(benzoyl)hydrazido(2‐), were synthesized and structurally characterized. Both paramagnetic compounds were compared with the previously reported symmetrical [{(trpy*)Ru}2(μ,η3 : η3‐adc‐Sal)](PF6) 3(PF6) containing the bis‐tridentate bridge 1,2‐bis(salicyloyl)hydrazido(4‐). Molecular structures and magnetic resonance features (1H NMR, EPR) indicate spin density distribution over the metal(s) and the bridging ligand. Reversible one‐electron reduction and oxidation were possible in all instances yielding comproportionation constants Kc of about 109 for the paramagnetic intermediates 1+–3+. Structural results, spin density distribution and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroelectrochemistry were analyzed for 1+ with the help of TD‐DFT calculations for a model compound (tert‐Bu→Me). Intense absorptions around λmax=1450–1650 nm for the cations were assigned to mixed metal/ligand transitions with significant inter‐valence charge transfer (IVCT) character. For both the symmetrical and asymmetrical arrangements the cationic intermediates can be described as considerably mixed metal/ligand systems.
Air flow and sediment transport dynamics on a foredune with contrasting vegetation cover
Authors: Bauer Bernard O. , Hesp Patrick A. , Smyth Thomas A. G. , Walker Ian J. , Davidson‐Arnott Robin G. D. , Pickart Andrea , Grilliot Michael , Rader Alana 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWind flow and sediment transport across a northern California beach‐foredune system with two adjacent vegetation types are examined for the same incident wind conditions. The invasive Ammophila arenaria was taller (c. 1 m) with denser coverage than the neighbouring Elymus mollis alliance canopy (c. 0.65 m), which consisted of a variety of interspersed native plants. Wind flow was measured with rotating cup and sonic anemometry, while sediment transport was measured using laser particle counters. Wind speed profiles over the two canopies were significantly different because of differing vegetation height, coverage density, and stem stiffness. In both cases, there was a lower zone of semi‐stagnant air (below about 0.3 m) that transitioned upward to a shear zone comprising the upper part of the canopy and immediately above. The shear zone above the Elymus canopy was relatively thin (confined to 0.3–0.5 m above‐ground) whereas the shear zone in the Ammophila canopy was thicker extending from a height of about 0.5h (h is average plant height) to about 1.5h. Vertical profiles of Reynolds shear stress (RSS) and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) are consistent with the shear layer structure over these two contrasting vegetation canopies. The degree of topographically‐forced and vegetation‐enhanced flow steering was significant, with Ammophila strongly shifting the highly oblique (55°) incident wind to essentially shore‐perpendicular trajectories. In comparison, the shore‐perpendicular steering effect was not as pronounced for the Elymus canopy. Sediment transport intensity on the beach was continuous, but decreased progressively to the dune toe, and then dropped to essentially zero once the vegetation canopy was encountered (on the stoss slope). Overall, the study illustrates the significant differences in wind flow and turbulence conditions that may occur in contrasting plant canopies on foredunes, suggesting that greater attention needs to be placed on vegetation roughness characteristics in models of foredune morphodynamics and sediment transport potential.
Study on the in vitro digestion process of green wheat protein: Structure characterization and product analysis
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , Wen Qingyu , Wang Yufei , Li Tianqi , Nie Bin , Zhang Yu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this study, the in vitro digestion process of green wheat protein (GWP) was explored by simulating the gastrointestinal digestion. The digestibility of GWP was 65.23%, and was mainly digested by trypsin. During the digestion process of GWP, large‐size particles are digested by pepsin, and medium‐sized particles are digested by trypsin into smaller particles; irregular large block structure with smooth surface was gradually turned into smaller blocks with porous surface; and the spatial conformation was loosened mainly by the unfolding of β‐sheet structure. Gel electrophoresis demonstrated that HMW glutenin and ω‐gliadins in GWP were completely digested, while LMW glutenin and α/β/γ‐gliadins were partially digested. Additionally, the peptide lengths were relatively dispersed after pepsin digestion. Most of the peptides (76.5%) fell into the range 3–15 amino acid after pepsin and trypsin digestion. The molecular weight (MW) of most pepsin digestion products was above 2000 Da, whereas the MW of trypsin digestion products was mainly concentrated in 500–2000 Da. Besides, the sensitizing peptide sequence of wheat protein was detected in the final digestion products of GWP. This research provided a theoretical guidance for the development and application of GWP.
Inflammatory leiomyosarcoma/rhabdomyoblastic tumor: A report of two cases with novel genetic findings
Authors: Sukhanova Madina , Obeidin Farres , Streich Lukas , Alexiev Borislav A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractInflammatory leiomyosarcoma (ILMS) is a malignant neoplasm showing smooth muscle differentiation, a prominent inflammatory infiltrate, and near‐haploidization. These tumors have significant pathologic and genetic overlap with the recently described “inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor (IRT),” suggesting that ILMS and IRT may belong to one entity. Herein, we describe two cases of ILMS/IRT with attention to new cytogenetic and sequencing findings. The tumors were composed of sheets and fascicles of variably pleomorphic tumor cells showing spindled and epithelioid to rhabdoid morphology and a prominent histiocyte‐rich inflammatory infiltrate typical of ILMS/IRT. In case 1, chromosomal microarray analysis showed a near‐haploid pattern with loss of heterozygosity resulting from loss of one copy of all autosomes except for chromosomes 5, 20, 21, and 22. Case 2 showed areas with high‐grade rhabdomyosarcomatous transformation. In this case, the low‐grade tumor component revealed a hyper‐diploid pattern with loss of heterozygosity for most of autosomes but with a normal diploid copy number state except for chromosomes 5, 20, and 22, which showed a relative gain. The high‐grade tumor component showed a similar pattern of copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity with additional abnormalities, including mosaic segmental gains at 1p, 5p, 8q, 9p, 20q, and segmental loss at 8p. Next‐generation sequencing identified sequence variants in NF1, TP53, SMARCA4, KRAS, and MSH6. MSH6 variant was confirmed as germline, consistent with the diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome in one of our study patients and suggestive that ILMS/IRT might be part of the HNPCC cancer spectrum.
Automation and digitalisation of the geological documentation in tunnelling
Authors: Rabensteiner Stefan , Weichenberger Franz Peter , Chmelina Klaus 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn tunnelling, the geological documentation comprises the daily recording and processing of various data for continuously assessing the geological–geotechnical conditions on‐site. One of the core tasks is the documentation of the tunnel face area. With Geodata's Tunnel Mapper, a new measuring system is presented enabling a highly automated data acquisition and the processing of a geo‐referenced three‐dimensional (3D) tunnel face model. Versions of the measuring system for both conventional and mechanised tunnelling have been developed. From the 3D model, high‐quality digital products as well as geometric and geological parameters can be derived, which serve as a basis for decisions on‐site. The data can then be integrated into the geological information system TUGIS.NET of Geoconsult, merged there with other data and further (geologically) evaluated, analysed and visualised. A spatial model that has been interpreted and quantified by the geologist can be established and used for target/actual comparisons and forecasts. The model can be transferred into building information modeling (BIM)‐compatible data structures for integration into an overall BIM model of the project. The further automation and digitalisation of the geological documentation and the full documentation (geometry and geology) of the face area are achieved in the interaction of the systems mentioned.
Ensuring face support and control in soft ground urban tunnels: FEM validation
Authors: Konstantis Spyridon , Prountzopoulos George , Spyridis Panagiotis 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWhen designing and constructing a tunnel in an urban setting with the use of a closed face Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), the objective is to ensure both the tunnel face stability and the control of induced ground deformations within predefined, acceptable limits. Unless the exerted active face pressure will match the in situ ground stresses, there will be ground deformations taking place in the advance core, i.e., face extrusion and pre‐convergence, resulting in settlements or heave for active pressure lower or higher than the in situ stresses, respectively. This article presents the validation through finite element method (FEM) of an analytical methodology that can be applied on soft ground urban tunnels to assess the level of active face support to be considered in numerical analysis, to ensure elastic relaxation in the advance core and thus effective ground deformation control. The methodology combines the classic Anagnostou and Kovari method with the Convergence–Confinement method for face support proposed by Aristaghes and Autuori. In the current article, the methodology is described in detail and subsequently validated through three‐dimensional FEM analyses. The article concludes with a discussion on the results and the applicability range of the methodology.
Update on the management of canine cruciate disease
Authors: Corr Sandra 
Published: June 2022

Background: Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease remains one of the most common hindlimb orthopaedic conditions seen in dogs, and although surgical management provides good outcomes, prevention remains the holy grail.Aim of the article: This article presents a review of the current evidence and what has changed in the past 10 years to aid practitioners in decision‐making on the management of dogs with CCL disease.
Coagulation testing: what to do and how to do it
Authors: Sherry Kate , Gallagher Barbara 
Published: June 2022

Background: Coagulation, or clotting, is the process of blood changing from a liquid to a solid form. Haemostasis is the stopping of blood flow, which occurs naturally to prevent blood loss after vascular injury. This happens through formation of a stable thrombus; however, it is also important that clotting is not excessive. To ensure a stable thrombus, prevent thrombosis or premature clot breakdown, a functioning balance between coagulation, anti‐coagulation and fibrinolysis is required; this process involves complex interactions between blood vessels, platelets, coagulation factors, various proteins and the fibrinolytic pathway. Imbalance in these pathways may result in spontaneous haemorrhage, uncontrolled trauma‐induced haemorrhage, delayed bleeding or thrombosis.Aim of the article: This article reviews the haemostatic process, discusses the cascade and cell‐based models and emphasises the role inflammation can play in thrombin production in the absence of trauma. It outlines the commonly available coagulation tests, discusses their limitations and how to best use these tests to investigate well‐recognised haemostatic disorders.
The addition of a flange does not improve the pressure generated during cemented acetabular cup implantation
Authors: Boote Alexander T. , Deehan David J. , Rankin Kenneth S. , Swailes David C. , Hyde Philip J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFlanged acetabular cups were developed with the rationale that, at insertion, they would increase the pressure of the cement and improve penetration of cement into the acetabular bone. Various studies have been inconclusive regarding their effectiveness. In this work, we aimed to eliminate all confounding factors and measure the pressures generated during acetabular pressurization and cup implantation using a simplified steel acetabulum, high precision pressure transducers, proper surgical techniques and two acetabular cups, identical apart from the addition of a flange to one. It was found that the flanged acetabular component did not significantly increase the pressure in the acetabulum and in some cases reduced the pressures generated when compared to an unflanged cup. The addition of a flange did not reduce the pressure differential between the pole and the rim of the acetabulum, nor did it have a significant effect on pressure lost over the cup implantation period. It was concluded that flanged acetabular cups provide no significant improvement in the pressures generated in the acetabulum during acetabular cup implantation. It is hypothesized that the flange may be seen as a design feature intended to slow the insertion of the cup into the cement, thus requiring the surgeon to apply a larger load in order to correctly position the acetabular cup; in this way larger pressure will be generated.
Demographic determinants of work deviant behaviors of rural community‐based primary school teachers: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Okeke Charity C. , Okeke Chinedu I. O. , Ugwuanyi Christian S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSchools across the globe and especially in Nigeria have witnessed situations in which teachers work outside their work ethics. This situation breeds exhibition of work deviant behaviors among the teachers at different levels of education as evidenced in the literature. However, literature is scarce on the influence of teachers' demographic characteristics on their work deviant behaviors in primary schools. Thus, this study was necessitated to explore the determinants of work deviant behaviors of rural community‐based primary school teachers in Enugu State, Nigeria. This study was anchored on the affective events theory propounded by Weiss and Cropanzano. Basing the study on the quantitative research approach, a correlational survey research design was adopted using a sample of 254 rural community‐based primary school teachers. Necessary information for the study were collected using researchers' adapted questionnaire on work deviant behaviors with 28 items. The questionnaire items had an internal consistency reliability index of 0.87. Data collected were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and the structural equation modeling approach. It was revealed that among the demographic characteristics (age, working status, qualification, marital status, gender, years of teaching experience, and location) of the teachers, only age and qualification were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) related to work deviant behaviors. The implication of this study, therefore, is that the age and qualification of rural community‐based primary school teachers determine the nature of their work deviant behaviors. Thus, it was recommended that the age and qualification of teachers should be considered very paramount in the employment of teachers.