bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking the origin of worked elephant ivory of a medieval chess piece from Belgium through analysis of ancient DNA
Authors: Goffette Quentin , Suarez Gonzalez Nathalie , Vanmechelen Raphaël , Verheyen Erik , Sonet Gontran
Published: September 2021

The morphological identification of raw biological material used to produce archeological artifacts is sometimes difficult or even impossible. In recent years, newly developed biochemical techniques have allowed more reliable identification of exploited animal species, even for otherwise taxonomically undiagnostic fragments, and thus can help pinpoint the geographical origin of the raw material. However, in addition to being costly, these techniques involve destructive sampling. This explains why they are rarely applied to archeological artifacts, especially those made of precious, imported raw material or those representing intact works of art. Here, we analyzed the ancient DNA (aDNA) of a medieval chess piece made of ivory of unknown origin, recovered from a medieval settlement in Jambes (Namur), Belgium. This chess piece was broken during excavation. We took this unfortunate event as an opportunity to perform aDNA extraction, to try to answer three questions: (1) What Proboscidean species does the ivory come from?; (2) Can we establish the geographic origin of the ivory more precisely?; and (3) Does doing so help our understanding of (part of) the trade route followed by the ivory? We sequenced two short fragments of the mitochondrial genome and compared them with publicly available DNA data. This enabled the identification of the raw material as an African elephant (genus Loxodonta). Although the results cannot exclude that the ivory comes from a forest elephant, the recovered DNA sequence is currently found only among savanna elephant DNA records. The ivory likely originates from an eastern or southern African country and was therefore probably transported along the African trade route passing through the Swahili Corridor. However, the precise itinerary followed by this ivory from the African shore of the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, and then to the archeological site from which it was recovered, remains unknown. Such identification contributes to documenting past trade networks and long‐distance exchange.
Adverse generational changes in obesity development converge at midlife without increased cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Ibi Dorina , Rietman M. Liset , Picavet H. S. J. , van Klinken Jan Bert , van Dijk Ko Willems , Dollé Martijn E. T. , Verschuren W.M. Monique
Published: September 2021

Objective

Obesity is becoming a global public health problem, but it is unclear how it impacts different generations over the life course. Here, a descriptive analysis of the age‐related changes in anthropometric measures and related cardiometabolic risk factors across different generations was performed.

Methods

The development of anthropometric measures and related cardiometabolic risk factors was studied during 26 years of follow‐up in the Doetinchem Cohort Study (N = 6,314 at baseline). All analyses were stratified by sex and generation, i.e., 10‐year age groups (20‐29, 30‐39, 40‐49, and 50‐59 years) at baseline. Generalized estimating equations were used to test for generational differences.

Results

Weight, BMI, waist circumference, and prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher, in general, in the younger generations during the first 10 to 15 years of follow‐up. From age 50 to 59 years onward, these measures converged in all generations of men and women. Among cardiometabolic risk factors, only type 2 diabetes showed an unfavorable shift between the two oldest generations of men.

Conclusions

It was observed that, compared with the older generations, the younger generations had obesity at an earlier age but did not reach higher levels at midlife and beyond. This increased exposure to obesity was not (yet) associated with increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors.
In Reply
Authors: Corty Robert W.
Published: September 2021

This letter to the editor responds to remarks on the authors’ article reporting on gemcitabine-related adverse events associated with antibacterial use.
Crop modeling defines opportunities and challenges for drought escape, water capture, and yield increase using chilling‐tolerant sorghum
Authors: Raymundo Rubí , Sexton‐Bowser Sarah , Ciampitti Ignacio A. , Morris Geoffrey P.
Published: September 2021

Many crop species, particularly those of tropical origin, are chilling sensitive, so improved chilling tolerance can enhance production of these crops in temperate regions. For the cereal crop sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), early planting and chilling tolerance have been investigated for >50 years, but the potential value or tradeoffs of this genotype × management change have not been formally evaluated with modeling. To assess the potential of early planted chilling‐tolerant grain sorghum in the central US sorghum belt, we conducted CERES‐Sorghum simulations and characterized scenarios under which this change would be expected to enhance (or diminish) drought escape, water capture, and yield. We conducted crop growth modeling for full‐ and short‐season hybrids under rainfed systems that were simulated to be planted in very early (April), early (May 15), and normal (June 15) planting dates over 1986–2015 in four locations in Kansas representative of the central US sorghum belt. Simulations indicated that very early planting will generally lead to lower initial soil moisture, longer growing periods, and higher evapotranspiration. Very early planting is expected to extend the growing period by 20% for short‐ or full‐season hybrids, reduce evaporation during fallow periods, and increase plant transpiration in the two‐thirds of years with the highest precipitation (mean > 428 mm), leading to 11% and 7% increase grain yield for short‐ and full‐season hybrids, respectively. Thus, in this major sorghum growing region, very early and early planting could reduce risks of terminal droughts, extend seasons, and increase rotation options, suggesting that further development of chilling‐tolerant hybrids is warranted.
Using 2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazine to explore the effect of monomer distribution and polymer architecture on the thermoresponsive behavior of copolymers
Authors: Warne Nicole M. , Finnegan John R. , Feeney Orlagh M. , Kempe Kristian
Published: September 2021

Poly(cyclic imino ether)s (PCIE) have emerged as a highly promising class of polymer for use in biomedical applications with their value being derived from their excellent biocompatibility, diverse chemistry, and tunable hydrophilicity. Here, we investigate the properties of poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazine) (PiPrOz), a relatively unexplored PCIE, determining it to have a cloud point temperature (Tcp) below physiological temperature, not to crystallize from bulk or in solution, and to be highly biocompatible. Furthermore, a series of copolymers consisting of iPrOz and 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazine (MeOz) was investigated with regard to the effect of monomer distribution and polymer architecture on thermoresponsive properties. To this end, linear block and statistical co‐poly(2‐oxazine)s (co‐POz), along with three comb‐shaped POz with block or statistical POz side chains were prepared. Each of the five polymers showed distinct thermoresponsive behavior, with the linear block co‐POz undergoing micelle formation and the other polymers macroscopic phase‐separation at different Tcps. The variety observed in response to heating clearly highlights the importance of monomer sequence and polymer architecture when designing thermoresponsive polymers. We anticipate that our findings will prove useful to polymer chemists seeking to prepare novel thermoresponsive biomaterials.
A proposed CT classification of progressive lung parenchymal injury complicating pediatric lymphobronchial tuberculosis: From reversible to irreversible lung injury
Authors: Andronikou Savvas , Lucas Susan , Zouvani Andrea , Goussard Pierre
Published: September 2021

Lymphobronchial tuberculosis (LBTB) is tuberculous lymphadenopathy affecting the airways, which is particularly common in children with primary TB. Airway compression by lymphadenopathy causes downstream parenchymal pathology, which may ultimately result in irreversible lung destruction, if not treated timeously. Computed tomography (CT) is considered the “gold standard” for detecting mediastinal lymph nodes in children with TB. CT is also the best way of imaging the airways of children with LBTB. The CT findings of the parenchymal complications and associations of LBTB on CT have been described, but no severity classification was provided to aid management decisions. Identifying the parenchymal complications of LBTB and recognizing their severity has clinical relevance. Using prior publications on LBTB and post obstructive lung injury we have used an image bank of CT scans in children with pulmonary TB, presenting with airway symptoms, to create a CT severity staging of lung injury in LBTB. The staging focuses on distinguishing nonsalvageable destruction (nonenhancing or cavitated lung) from salvageable lung parenchymal disease (enhancing and noncavitated) to inform the management decisions, which range from bronchoscopic airway clearance to surgical decompression of the compressing nodes.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Berksoy Emel , Kanik Ali , Çiçek Alper , Bardak Şefika , Elibol Pelin , Demir Gülşah , Yilmaz Nisel , Nalbant Tuğçe , Gökalp Gamze , Yilmaz Çiftdoğan Dilek
Published: September 2021

We describe the demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings of 422 children (0–18 year‐of‐age) suspected of having severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection admitted to a pediatric emergency department between March 23, and July 23, 2020. We compared the characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients to SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative patients. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was confirmed in 78 (18.4%). Fever (51.2%) and cough (43.5%) were the most commonly reported signs in the SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients. Isolated rhinorrhea (7.2%) was reported only in the SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative group (p = .0014). Patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were classified according to severity, with the percentages of asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical cases determined to be 29.5%, 56.4%, 12.9%, 1.2%, and 0%, respectively. Of the 422 children, 128 (30.3%) underwent nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction testing for other respiratory viral pathogens; 21 (16.4%) were infected with viral pathogens other than SARS‐CoV‐2. Only one patient (4.7%) with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) disease was coinfected with respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus. The results indicate lower median white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, lower lactate dehydrogenase, d‐dimer, and procalcitonin levels in the SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive group (p ≤ .001). Our findings confirm that COVID‐19 in children has a mild presentation. In our cohort, no patient with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection had isolated rhinorrhea.
Influence of androgen deprivation therapy on the severity of COVID‐19 in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Jiménez‐Alcaide Estíbaliz , García‐Fuentes Clara , Hernández Virginia , De la Peña Enrique , Pérez‐Fernández Elia , Castro Alejandro , Caballero‐Perea Begoña , Guijarro Ana , Llorente Carlos
Published: September 2021

Background

The TMPRSS2 protein has been involved in severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The production is regulated by the androgen receptor (AR). It is speculated that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may protect patients affected by prostate cancer (PC) from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients treated for COVID‐19 in our institution who had a previous diagnosis of PC. We analyzed the influence of exposure of ADT on the presence of severe course of COVID‐19.

Results

A total of 2280 patients were treated in our center for COVID‐19 with a worse course of disease in males (higher rates of hospitalization, intense care unit [ICU] admission, and death). Out of 1349 subjects registered in our PC database, 156 were on ADT and 1193 were not. Out of those, 61 (4.52%) PC patients suffered from COVID‐19, 11 (18.0%) belonged to the ADT group, and 50 (82.0%) to the non‐ADT group. Regarding the influence of ADT on the course of the disease, statistically significant differences were found neither in the death rate (27.3% vs. 34%; p = 0.481), nor in the presence of severe COVID‐19: need for intubation or ICU admission (0% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.561) and need for corticoid treatment, interferon beta, or tocilizumab (60% vs. 34.7%; p = 0.128). Multivariate analysis adjusted for clinically relevant comorbidities did not find that ADT was a protective factor for worse clinical evolution (risk ratio [RR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–1.83; p = 0.77) or death (RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.26–1.74; p = 0.41).

Conclusions

Our study confirms that COVID‐19 is more severe in men. However, the use of ADT in patients with PC was not shown to prevent the risk of severe COVID‐19.
An introduction to analysis of Rényi complexity ratio of quantum states for central potential
Authors: Nath Debraj
Published: September 2021

Rényi complexity ratio of two density functions is introduced for three and multidimensional quantum systems. Localization property of several density functions are defined and five theorems about near continuous property of Rényi complexity ratio are proved by Lebesgue measure. Some properties of Rényi complexity ratio are demonstrated and investigated for different quantum systems. Exact analytical forms of Rényi entropy, Rényi complexity ratio, statistical complexities based on Rényi entropy for integral order have been presented for solutions of pseudoharmonic and a family of isospectral potentials. Some properties of Rényi complexity ratio are verified for six diatomic molecules (CO, NO, N2, CH, H2, and ScH) and for other quantum systems.
Drawing lessons from the COVID‐19 pandemic: Seven obstacles to learning from public inquiries in the wake of the crisis
Authors: Eriksson Kerstin , Staupe‐Delgado Reidar , Holst Jørgen
Published: September 2021

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the emerging COVID‐19 threat a pandemic following the global spread of the virus. A year later, a number of governments are being handed the concluding reports of national public inquiries tasked with investigating responses, mishaps, and identifying lessons for the future. The present article aims to identify a set of learning obstacles that may hinder effective lessons drawing from the COVID‐19 pandemic responses. The seven obstacles discussed in this article are: (1) retaining lessons and implementing them effectively, (2) effectively drawing lessons from other countries, (3) the potential for reforms to introduce unanticipated vulnerabilities elsewhere in the system, (4) political pressure, (5) drawing the conclusions from observations, (6) experts versus decision makers, and (7) reforms may not be related to the actual crisis. Exploring these obstacles will be central to future discussions concerning which kinds of responses will set precedent for future pandemics and global health crises.
Comparison of merging strategies for building machine learning models on multiple independent gene expression data sets
Authors: Krepel Jessica , Kircher Magdalena , Kohls Moritz , Jung Klaus
Published: September 2021

High‐dimensional gene expression data are regularly studied for their ability to separate different groups of samples by means of machine learning (ML) models. Meanwhile, a large number of such data are publicly available. Several approaches for meta‐analysis on independent sets of gene expression data have been proposed, mainly focusing on the step of feature selection, a typical step in fitting a ML model. Here, we compare different strategies of merging the information of such independent data sets to train a classifier model. Specifically, we compare the strategy of merging data sets directly (strategy A), and the strategy of merging the classification results (strategy B). We use simulations with pure artificial data as well as evaluations based on independent gene expression data from lung fibrosis studies to compare the two merging approaches. In the simulations, the number of studies, the strength of batch effects, and the separability are varied. The comparison incorporates five standard ML techniques typically used for high‐dimensional data, namely discriminant analysis, support vector machines, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, random forest, and artificial neural networks. Using cross‐study validations, we found that direct data merging yields higher accuracies when having training data of three or four studies, and merging of classification results performed better when having only two training studies. In the evaluation with the lung fibrosis data, both strategies showed a similar performance.
Simple and Label‐Free Liquid‐Crystal‐Based Detection of Acetylcholinesterase through Interactions between Liquid Crystals and Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Droplets
Authors: Jeon Dong Yoon , Jang Chang‐Hyun
Published: September 2021

Here, we report a liquid crystal (LC)‐based sensing method for the detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its inhibitor. The LC and glyceryl trioleate (GT)‐in‐water emulsion droplets were decorated with myristoylcholine chloride (Myr). The decoration helps to prevent the coalescence between the LC and GT emulsion droplets and therefore keeps the LCs in the nematic state, resulting in a bright optical image. In the presence of AChE, Myr was hydrolyzed, causing coalescence of LC and GT emulsion droplets, inducing the phase transition of LCs from the nematic to the isotropic state, resulting in a dark optical image. The biosensor exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 100 ng/mL. Moreover, the biosensor was highly specific for AChE and showed a high sensitivity for the detection of AChE inhibitor, with a LOD of 10 μg/mL. The biosensor is a simple and convenient sensing platform for the detection of AChE and its inhibitors.
Glycerol‐Triazole Conjugated Rhodamine as Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Sensor for Cu2+
Authors: Verma Abhishek , Gahlyan Parveen , Bawa Rashim , Dash Soumya Ranjan , Prasad Ashok K. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: September 2021

A glycerol‐triazole tethered rhodamine based colorimetric and fluorimetric sensor 3′,6′‐bis(diethylamino)‐2‐(((1‐(1,3‐dihydroxypropan‐2‐yl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methylene)aminospiro [isoindoline‐1,9′‐xanthen]‐3‐one (L1) is designed and synthesized for the selective recognition of Cu2+ ion. The sensor L1 allows naked eye detection of Cu2+ ion with a fast response (<1 min). Among the various metal ions tested, the sensor L1 shows selective binding with Cu2+ through turn‐on fluorescence mechanism. The sensor shows 1 : 2 binding stoichiometry with binding constant, Ka=1.1×106 M−2 as revealed by job's plot & Benesi‐Hildebrand plot (B−H plot), respectively. The detection limit of L1 with Cu2+ ion is found to be 3.3 μM. Further, the experimental results are also validated using density functional theoretical (DFT) study. The optimized geometries indicates that the formation of the L1‐Cu2+ complex is thermodynamically favourable by ΔG=−11.7 kcal/mol. The HOMO‐LUMO gap of the ligand L1 is found to be 3.49 eV, which decreases to 1.76 eV upon complexation with copper.
Nanomaterials in Smart Packaging Applications: A Review
Authors: Siddiqui Junaid , Taheri Mahtab , Alam Arif Ul , Deen M. Jamal
Published: September 2021

Food wastage is a critical and world‐wide issue resulting from an excess of food supply, poor food storage, poor marketing, and unstable markets. Since food quality depends on consumer standards, it becomes necessary to monitor the quality to ensure it meets those standards. Embedding sensors with active nanomaterials in food packaging enables customers to monitor the quality of their food in real‐time. Though there are many different sensors that can monitor food quality and safety, pH sensors and time‐temperature indicators (TTIs) are the most critical metrics in indicating quality. This review showcases some of the recent progress, their importance, preconditions, and the various future needs of pH sensors and TTIs in food packaging for smart sensors in food packaging applications. In discussing these topics, this review includes the materials used to make these sensors, which vary from polymers, metals, metal‐oxides, carbon‐based materials; and their modes of fabrication, ranging from thin or thick film deposition methods, solution‐based chemistry, and electrodeposition. By discussing the use of these materials, novel fabrication process, and problems for the two sensors, this review offers solutions to a brighter future for the use of nanomaterials for pH indicator and TTIs in food packaging applications.
Designed Synthesis and Catalytic Mechanisms of Non‐Precious Metal Single‐Atom Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Tong Miaomiao , Wang Lei , Fu Honggang
Published: September 2021

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the important half‐reaction for metal–air batteries and fuel cells (FCs), which plays the decisive role for the performance of whole devices. Developing high‐efficiency non‐precious metal ORR catalysts is urgent and still challenging. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are considered to be one of the promising substitutes for Pt due to their maximum atom utilization efficiency and mass activity. Despite considerable efforts in preparing various SACs, the reaction mechanism and intrinsic activity modulation during the ORR reaction are still not understood in‐depth. In this review, the latest advances in the current synthetic strategies for SACs are summarized. The effect of various coordination environments including central metal atoms, coordination atoms, environmental atoms, and guest groups on the intrinsic ORR activity of SACs are discussed. The electrocatalytic mechanisms are clarified by combining density functional theory calculations with in situ advanced characterization technologies. Then, the applications of SACs in FCs and Zn–air batteries are reviewed. Finally, the prospects and challenges for further development of SACs are highlighted.
The evolution of the Arjuna transaction processing system
Authors: Little Mark C. , Shrivastava Santosh K.
Published: September 2021

TheArjunatransaction processing system began life in the mid‐1980s as an academic research project to examine the use of object‐oriented techniques in the development of fault‐tolerant distributed systems. Thirty‐five years later, and available in open source form, it forms an integral part of various middleware products from Red Hat where it is used to provide ACID as well as non‐ACID transaction services. This journey from an academic to a commercial environment has been neither easy nor smooth but it has been interesting from many different perspectives. This article gives an overview of this journey, discusses the features ofArjunathat enables it to support a wide variety of transaction services and concludes by presenting lessons learned.
Transgender Possibilities and the Cisgendering of Family among Cisgender Women
Authors: Sumerau J. E. , Holway Giuseppina Valle
Published: September 2021

In this article, we examine vocabularies of motive concerning the possibility of transgender partners and children. Data from 20 in‐depth interviews with (mostly white) cisgender college‐aged women in the southeastern United States were analyzed to determine how they construct familial ideals predicated upon cisgender norms and assumptions. Participants respond to the possibility of transgender family members by mobilizing vocabularies of (1) claiming exemptions and (2) emphasizing difficulty. We draw out implications for understanding vocabularies of cisgendering family that create the conditions for transgender marginalization within families, and the consequences cisgendering family has for the reproduction of inequality.
Making Personal Connections to Words to Increase Early Childhood Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Neugebauer Sabina Rak , Ellis Emmaline , Coyne Michael
Published: September 2021

Making personal connections to words is a strategy that can bolster young students’ vocabulary learning. The personal connections strategy involves teacher‐initiated prompts that propel teacher–student conversations that connect students’ experiences with new word learning. In this article, we draw from complementary theoretical frameworks, research on evidence‐based practices, and our own empirical findings from classroom observations to showcase the value of using this strategy in combination with other evidence‐based strategies for encouraging students’ word learning. We provide guidance on ways to use this strategy effectively.
Non‐material finite element rod model for the lateral run‐off in a two‐pulley belt drive
Authors: Schmidrathner Christian , Vetyukov Yury , Scheidl Jakob
Published: September 2021

A novel mixed Eulerian‐Lagrangian rod finite element formulation based on the theory of unshearable, extensible rods is presented. Geometric imperfections (natural curvature) are introduced to investigate and predict the phenomenon of lateral run‐off in the benchmark problem of a two‐pulley belt drive. The concise description of normal and tangential contact between pulleys and belt contributes to the efficient computation of transient solutions. In resemblance of belt shear theory, it relies on the notion of a thin intermediate layer that connects the belt and the pulleys elastically. Various practically relevant transient solutions are validated against corresponding shell finite element computations available in the literature.
Integrierte Datenanalyse und Interpretation
Authors: Schachler Viviane
Published: September 2021

Um Werkstattratsarbeit umfänglich zu untersuchen und die Fragen dieser Arbeit mehrperspektivisch beantworten zu können, wurde ein qualitativ-quantitatives Vertiefungsdesign gewählt. Die sequenziell gewonnenen Ergebnisse wurden in den vorangegangenen Kapiteln im Detail vorgestellt und analysiert. Um umfassende empirische Antworten auf die leitenden Fragen der Arbeit zu finden, werden die Ergebnisse nun gemeinsam betrachtet.
Effective GUP-modified Raychaudhuri equation and black hole singularity: four models
Authors: Blanchette Keagan , Das Saurya , Rastgoo Saeed
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The classical Raychaudhuri equation predicts the formation of conjugate points for a congruence of geodesics, in a finite proper time. This in conjunction with the Hawking-Penrose singularity theorems predicts the incompleteness of geodesics and thereby the singular nature of practically all spacetimes. We compute the generic corrections to the Raychaudhuri equation in the interior of a Schwarzschild black hole, arising from modifications to the algebra inspired by the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) theories. Then we study four specific models of GUP, compute their effective dynamics as well as their expansion and its rate of change using the Raychaudhuri equation. We show that the modification from GUP in two of these models, where such modifications are dependent of the configuration variables, lead to finite Kretchmann scalar, expansion and its rate, hence implying the resolution of the singularity. However, the other two models for which the modifications depend on the momenta still retain their singularities even in the effective regime.
Portal Effective Theories. A framework for the model independent description of light hidden sector interactions
Authors: Arina Chiara , Hajer Jan , Klose Philipp
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We present a framework for the construction of portal effective theory (PETs) that couple effective field theories of the Standard Model (SM) to light hidden messenger fields. Using this framework we construct electroweak and strong scale PETs that couple the SM to messengers carrying spin zero, one half, or one. The electroweak scale PETs encompass all portal operators up to dimension five, while the strong scale PETs additionally contain all portal operators of dimension six and seven that contribute at leading order to quark-flavour violating transitions. Using the strong scale PETs, we define a set of portal currents that couple hidden sectors to QCD, and construct portal chiral perturbation theory (χPTs) that relate these currents to the light pseudoscalar mesons. We estimate the coefficients of the portal χPT Lagrangian that are not fixed by SM observations using non-perturbative matching techniques and give a complete list of the resulting one- and two-meson portal interactions. From those, we compute transition amplitudes for three golden channels that are used in hidden sector searches at fixed target experiments: i) charged kaon decay into a charged pion and a spin zero messenger, ii) charged kaon decay into a charged lepton and a spin one half messenger, and iii) neutral pion decay into a photon and a spin one messenger. Finally, we compare these amplitudes to specific expressions for models featuring light scalar particles, axion-like particles, heavy neutral leptons, and dark photons.
Quantitative Global-Local Mixing for Accessible Skew Products
Authors: Giulietti Paolo , Hammerlindl Andy , Ravotti Davide
Published: September 2021

We study global-local mixing for a family of accessible skew products with an exponentially mixing base and non-compact fibers, preserving an infinite measure. For a dense set of almost periodic global observables, we prove rapid mixing, and for a dense set of global observables vanishing at infinity, we prove polynomial mixing. More generally, we relate the speed of mixing to the “low frequency behavior” of the spectral measure associated to our global observables. Our strategy relies on a careful choice of the spaces of observables and on the study of a family of twisted transfer operators.
Do legacy effects of deposited fine sediment influence the ecological response of drifting invertebrates to a fine sediment pulse?
Authors: Milner Victoria S. , Maddock Ian P. , Jones Iwan , Bunting George C.
Published: September 2021

The deposition of excess fine sediment and clogging of benthic substrates is recognised as a global threat to ecosystem functioning and community dynamics. Legacy effects of previous sedimentation create a habitat template on which subsequent ecological responses occur, and therefore, may have a long-lasting influence on community structure. Our experimental study examined the effects of streambed colmation (representing a legacy effect of fine sediment deposition) and a suspended fine sediment pulse on macroinvertebrate drift and community dynamics. We used 12 outdoor stream mesocosms that were split into two sections of 6.2 m in length (24 mesocosm sections in total). Each mesocosm section contained a coarse bed substrate with clear bed interstices or a fine bed substrate representing a colmated streambed. After 69 days, a fine sediment pulse with three differing fine sediment treatments was applied to the stream mesocosms. Added fine sediment influenced macroinvertebrate movements by lowering benthic density and taxonomic richness and increasing drift density, taxonomic richness, and altering drift assemblages. Our study found the highest dose of sediment addition (an estimated suspended sediment concentration of 1112 mg l−1) caused significant differences in benthic and drift community metrics and drift assemblages compared with the control treatment (30 l of water, no added sediment). Our results indicate a rapid response in drifting macroinvertebrates after stressor application, where ecological impairment varies with the concentration of suspended sediment. Contrary to expectations, bed substrate characteristics had no effect on macroinvertebrate behavioural responses to the fine sediment pulse.
Control-Bounded Analog-to-Digital Conversion
Authors: Malmberg Hampus , Wilckens Georg , Loeliger Hans-Andrea
Published: September 2021

A control-bounded analog-to-digital converter consists of a linear analog system that is subject to digital control, and a digital filter that estimates the analog input signal from the digital control signals. Such converters have many commonalities with delta–sigma converters, but they can use more general analog filters. The paper describes the operating principle, gives a transfer function analysis, and describes the digital filtering. In addition, the paper discusses two examples of such architectures. The first example is a cascade structure reminiscent of, but simpler than, a high-order MASH converter. The second example combines two attractive properties that have so far been considered incompatible. Its nominal conversion noise (assuming ideal components) essentially equals that of the first example. However, its analog filter is a fully connected network to which the input signal is fed in parallel, which potentially makes it more robust against nonidealities.
Investigation into deep hole drilling of austenitic steel with advanced tool solutions
Authors: Felinks Nils , Rinschede Timo , Biermann Dirk , Stangier Dominic , Tillmann Wolfgang , Fuß Moritz , Abrahams Hendrik
Published: September 2021

Deep hole drilling processes for high-alloyed materials are characterised by worn guide pads and chatter vibrations. In order to increase feed rates, process stability and bore quality in STS deep hole drilling, various investigations were carried out with adjustments to the tool. First, a new process chain for the production of tribologically optimised guide pads and their effects on the guide pad shape is described in detail. The results of these studies show that the shape change in the area of the axial run-in chamfer through a micro finishing process leads to a better bore hole quality. Furthermore, the influence of guide pad coating and cooling lubricant on the deep hole drilling process was investigated. In addition, the machining of the austenitic steel AISI 304 is analysed by using a conventional steel boring bar and an innovative carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)-boring bar. While the conventional drill tube oscillates with different eigenfrequencies, the CFRP-boring bar damps chatter vibrations of the drill head and stabilises the process. Even at higher feed rates up tof= 0.3 mm, it is possible to machine austenitic, difficult-to-cut-materials with significantly reduced vibrations.
Territoriality is just an option: allocation of a resource fundamental to the resource defense polygyny in the European wool carder bee, Anthidium manicatum (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Seidelmann Karsten
Published: September 2021

The wool carder bee Anthidium manicatum is one textbook example of resource defense polygyny among solitary bees, known for intense male–male competition, forced copulations, and the extreme form of interspecific territoriality toward other flower visitors. This mating system depends on the spatial structure of the defended resource and requires several adaptations in males. The allocation of patches with host plants as well as male body size and phenology was analyzed over 3 years in the diverse habitat of a botanical garden. Anthidium manicatum males searched in groups up to 12 individuals a wide diversity of patches with various food plants of foraging females. Territories were established in small high-quality patches only. Males abandoned aggressive and territorial behavior in large patches. Available patches were occupied by males of the various body size fractions independently of each other according to patch profitability. The higher competitive weight of large males in small patches compared to spacious ones was balanced by an opposing correlation of patch profitability. Although the mating system in A. manicatum is clearly a resource defense polygyny, males were found to be plastic in their behavior, and territoriality was not consistently observed. Mate acquiring tactics, be they territory holder (bourgeois), sneaker, floater, or scrambler for mating, can be considered to be different behavioral phenotypes within one environmentally sensitive conditional strategy.

Significance statement

Territoriality is a rare and derived pattern in solitary bee mating behavior. In most cases of territoriality, males defend rendezvous places to meet freshly emerged, virgin females. While this type of mating behavior fits still into the framework of ancestral monandry of aculeate Hymenoptera, the continually polyandric resource defense polygyny found in the genus Anthidium is highly derived. Males occupy flower resources exploited for larval provisions and extort copulations from provisioning nesting females. Territoriality in Anthidium does not lead to a monopolization of females, the exclusion of many competitors from reproduction, and a reduction of sperm competition as is typical for resource-based mating systems. Contrary, Anthidium is a highly promiscuous species and both males and females are lifelong engaged in copulations with multiple mates. Also, the allocation of the resource fundamental to the defense polygyny was found to be more fairly balanced than expected. This study diversifies the mating system of anthidiine bees and demonstrates unusually high plasticity in the resource allocation of a territorial species.
IMproving Preclinical Assessment of Cardioprotective Therapies (IMPACT) criteria: guidelines of the EU-CARDIOPROTECTION COST Action
Authors: Lecour Sandrine , Andreadou Ioanna , Bøtker Hans Erik , Davidson Sean M. , Heusch Gerd , Ruiz-Meana Marisol , Schulz Rainer , Zuurbier Coert J. , Ferdinandy Péter , Hausenloy Derek J. ,   on behalf of the European Union-CARDIOPROTECTION COST ACTION CA16225, Adamovski Pavle , Andreadou Ioanna , Batirel Saime , Barteková Monika , Bertrand Luc , Beauloye Christophe , Biedermann David , Borutaite Vilmante , Bøtker Hans Erik , Chlopicki Stefan , Dambrova Maija , Davidson Sean , Devaux Yvan , Di Lisa Fabio , Djuric Dragan , Erlinge David , Falcao-Pires Ines , Ferdinandy Péter , Galatou Eleftheria , Garcia-Sosa Alfonso , Girao Henrique , Giricz Zoltan , Gyongyosi Mariann , Hausenloy Derek J , Healy Donagh , Heusch Gerd , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Jovanic Jelena , Kararigas George , Kerkal Risto , Kolar Frantisek , Kwak Brenda , Leszek Przemysław , Liepinsh Edgars , Lonborg Jacob , Longnus Sarah , Marinovic Jasna , Muntean Danina Mirela , Nezic Lana , Ovize Michel , Pagliaro Pasquale , Da Costa Gomes Clarissa Pedrosa , Pernow John , Persidis Andreas , Pischke Søren Erik , Podesser Bruno , Potočnjak Ines , Prunier Fabrice , Ravingerova Tanya , Ruiz-Meana Marisol , Serban Alina , Slagsvold Katrine , Schulz Rainer , van Royen Niels , Turan Belma , Vendelin Marko , Walsh Stewart , Zidar Nace , Zuurbier Coert , Yellon Derek
Published: September 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the heart failure (HF) which may follow are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. As such, new therapeutic interventions are still needed to protect the heart against acute ischemia/reperfusion injury to reduce myocardial infarct size and prevent the onset of HF in patients presenting with AMI. However, the clinical translation of cardioprotective interventions that have proven to be beneficial in preclinical animal studies, has been challenging. One likely major reason for this failure to translate cardioprotection into patient benefit is the lack of rigorous and systematic in vivo preclinical assessment of the efficacy of promising cardioprotective interventions prior to their clinical evaluation. To address this, we propose an in vivo set of step-by-step criteria for IMproving Preclinical Assessment of Cardioprotective Therapies (‘IMPACT’), for investigators to consider adopting before embarking on clinical studies, the aim of which is to improve the likelihood of translating novel cardioprotective interventions into the clinical setting for patient benefit.
Towards a universal shear correction factor in filament stretching rheometry
Authors: van Berlo F. P. A. , Cardinaels R. , Peters G. W. M. , Anderson P. D.
Published: September 2021

Filament stretching rheometry is a prominent experimental method to determine rheological properties in extensional flow whereby the separating plates determine the extension rate. In literature, several correction factors that can compensate for the errors introduced by the shear contribution near the plates have been introduced and validated in the linear viscoelastic regime. In this work, a systematic analysis is conducted to determine if a material-independent correction factor can be found for non-linear viscoelastic polymers. To this end, a finite element model is presented to describe the flow and resulting stresses in the filament stretching rheometer. The model incorporates non-linear viscoelasticity and a radius-based controller for the plate speed is added to mimic the typical extensional flow in filament stretching rheometry. The model is validated by comparing force simulations with analytical solutions. The effects of the end-plates on the extensional flow and resulting force measurements are investigated, and a modification of the shear correction factor is proposed for the non-linear viscoelastic flow regime. This shows good agreement with simulations performed at multiple initial aspect ratios and strain rates and is shown to be valid for a range of polymers with non-linear rheological behaviour.
Altered ceramide metabolism is a feature in the extracellular vesicle-mediated spread of alpha-synuclein in Lewy body disorders
Authors: Kurzawa-Akanbi Marzena , Tammireddy Seshu , Fabrik Ivo , Gliaudelytė Lina , Doherty Mary K. , Heap Rachel , Matečko-Burmann Irena , Burmann Björn M. , Trost Matthias , Lucocq John M. , Gherman Anda V. , Fairfoul Graham , Singh Preeti , Burté Florence , Green Alison , McKeith Ian G. , Härtlova Anetta , Whitfield Phillip D. , Morris Christopher M.
Published: September 2021

Mutations in glucocerebrosidase (GBA) are the most prevalent genetic risk factor for Lewy body disorders (LBD)—collectively Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Despite this genetic association, it remains unclear how GBA mutations increase susceptibility to develop LBD. We investigated relationships between LBD-specific glucocerebrosidase deficits, GBA-related pathways, and α-synuclein levels in brain tissue from LBD and controls, with and without GBA mutations. We show that LBD is characterised by altered sphingolipid metabolism with prominent elevation of ceramide species, regardless of GBA mutations. Since extracellular vesicles (EV) could be involved in LBD pathogenesis by spreading disease-linked lipids and proteins, we investigated EV derived from post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue from GBA mutation carriers and non-carriers. EV purified from LBD CSF and frontal cortex were heavily loaded with ceramides and neurodegeneration-linked proteins including alpha-synuclein and tau. Our in vitro studies demonstrate that LBD EV constitute a “pathological package” capable of inducing aggregation of wild-type alpha-synuclein, mediated through a combination of alpha-synuclein–ceramide interaction and the presence of pathological forms of alpha-synuclein. Together, our findings indicate that abnormalities in ceramide metabolism are a feature of LBD, constituting a promising source of biomarkers, and that GBA mutations likely accelerate the pathological process occurring in sporadic LBD through endolysosomal deficiency.
Eduard Gamper (1887–1938): cases and accidents
Authors: Ruzicka Evzen , Hinterhuber Hartmann , Förstl Hans
Published: September 2021

Eduard Gamper (1887–1938) was Head of the Department of Neuropsychiatry at the Charles University’s German Faculty of Medicine in Prague. He had trained in Innsbruck, where he undertook groundbreaking work on the midbrain in an anencephalic child and in a series of patients who had died from Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Gamper identified the mamillary bodies as key in the performance of declarative memory. Considered an expert in memory disorders, he was chosen by the Medical Faculty in Innsbruck to provide expert opinion on the notorious case of Philipp Halsmann, who was suspected of murdering his father. Details of the case remained unresolved and Gamper’s opinion caused both professional and political controversy. When in Prague, Gamper made great efforts to improve patient care and clinical services, establishing a special ward for patients with neurological conditions. This task was not nearly completed, when he and his wife died after their car drove over a cliff into the Walchensee in Bavaria. Rumours surrounded his death: that Gamper had just examined Adolf Hitler; that he was a political victim; that the Gestapo were behind the accident. After an investigation of the available evidence, we can report that an unusual 22 cm of snow fell in the area of the Walchensee on April 20, 1938, the day of the Gampers’ deaths. We were unable to find any evidence for foul play in what appears to have been a tragic accident.
Diagnostik und Therapie bei Haarausfall und Hirsutismus
Authors: Kopera Daisy
Published: September 2021

Kaum ein Symptom kann so irritierend sein wie die unwillentliche Veränderung des Behaarungsmusters. Haarverlust an sich ist ein Phänomen, das durch die asynchron verlaufenden Wachstumsphasen der einzelnen Haarfollikel physiologisch zum Verlust von etwa 100 Kopfhaaren pro Tag führt. Die Ursachen für einen darüber hinausgehenden Haarausfall sind vielfältig: Sie können hormonell, psychosomatisch oder autoimmunologisch sein, aber auch alimentär oder paraneoplastisch. In diesem Beitrag werden die unterschiedlichen Formen von Haarausfall (Alopezien) erläutert, ergänzend wird auch das unerwünscht vermehrte Haarwachstum bei Frauen (Hirsutismus) erklärt. Die Behandlung der jeweiligen Alopezie ist aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Ursachen nicht in einen allgemeingültigen Algorithmus zu fassen.
The Effects of Verapamil, Hydralazine, and Doxazosin on Renin, Aldosterone, and the Ratio Thereof
Authors: Veldhuizen Gregory P. , Alnazer Rawan M. , de Leeuw Peter W. , Kroon Abraham A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Hydralazine, doxazosin, and verapamil are currently recommended by the Endocrine Society as acceptable bridging treatment in those in whom full cessation of antihypertensive medication is infeasible during screening for primary aldosteronism (PA). This is under the assumption that they cause minimal to no effect on the aldosterone-to-renin ratio, the most widely used screening test for PA. However, limited evidence is available regarding the effects of these particular drugs on said ratio.

Methods

In the present study, we retrospectively assessed the changes in aldosterone, renin, and aldosterone-to-renin values in essential hypertensive participants before and after treatment with either hydralazine (n = 26) or doxazosin (n = 20) or verapamil (n = 15). All samples were taken under highly standardized conditions.

Results

Hydralazine resulted in a borderline significant rise in active plasma renin concentration (19 vs 25 mIU/L, p = 0.067) and a significant fall in the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (38 vs 24, p = 0.017). Doxazosin caused declines in both plasma aldosterone concentration (470 vs 330 pmol/L, p = 0.028) and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (30 vs 20, p = 0.020). With respect to verapamil, we found no statistically significant effect on any of these outcome variables.

Conclusion

We conclude that the assumption that these drugs can be used with little consequence to the aldosterone-to-renin cannot be substantiated. While it is possible that they are indeed the best option when full antihypertensive drug cessation is infeasible, the potential effects of these drugs must still be taken into account when interpreting the aldosterone-to-renin ratio.