bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic amendments facilitate soil carbon sequestration via organic carbon accumulation and mitigation of inorganic carbon loss
Authors: Tian Yanfang , Wang Qiqi , Gao Wei , Luo Yu , Wu Lei , Rui Yichao , Huang Yaping , Xiao Qiong , Li Xin , Zhang Wenju
Published: February 2022

Both soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) are important carbon reservoirs involved in the global carbon cycle. Fertilization especially organic amendments can increase SOC sequestration, while nitrogen fertilization‐induced soil acidification leads to significant SIC loss in alkline soil. How fertilization changes SIC and SOC via altering abiotic and biotic properties remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of mineral fertilizer with/without organic amendments (manure, straw, green manure) on SIC and SOC in bulk soil and particle‐size fractions, as well as their interrelationship based on a 38‐year field trial. Results showed that compared to the unfertilized soil, mineral fertilization significantly decreased SIC by 13.38%–15.69%, primarily due to decreased soil pH. However, mineral nitrogen plus manure (NM) largely increased SIC by 26.55%, likely resulting from the reprecipitated by Ca2+ and/or Mg2+ compensation. Mineral nitrogen plus manure and straw (NM, NS) increased SOC by 11.12%–100.35%. For bulk soil and particle‐size fractions >0.25 mm, SIC content was positively correlated with SOC. Random forest model revealed that SOC was regulated by soil nutrients (total nitrogen [TN], Olsen‐P), microbial biomass and β‐1,4‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase. The change in SIC was directly regulated by soil Mg2+, and indirectly by soil nutrients (e.g., TN, Olsen‐P) which affected crop‐derived C input. Our findings suggested that organic manure amendments can facilitate SOC accumulation and mitigate SIC loss by occluded more SIC in large soil particles. The results are of fundamental significance for understanding the role of optimal manure application played in SOC sequestration and SIC accumulation.
Effects of surface wettability and thermal conductivity on the wear performance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/graphite and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/graphene oxide composites
Authors: Shahemi Nur Hidayah , Liza Shahira , Sawae Yoshinori , Morita Takehiro , Shinmori Hironori , Yaakob Yazid
Published: March 2022

Recent studies have found a rapid increase of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear in the presence of proteins from the synovial fluid. Due to UHMWPE's high hydrophobicity, it tends to adsorb a tremendous amount of proteins. Moreover, since UHMWPE has low thermal conductivity, a temperature rise in the center of the contact area due to frictional heating could cause protein denaturation from the synovial fluid. It has been shown that the denatured protein may increase the adhesive wear response. This study aimed to address the effects of graphite and graphene oxide (GO) addition on the wear properties of UHMWPE in protein environments. The surface properties were characterized using surface roughness profiler, surface energy evaluation, zeta potential, and Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR). Following that, wear properties of UHMWPE composite were evaluated using a multidirectional pin‐on‐disc wear test under a bovine serum lubricated condition. The worn surface of the UHMWPE composite sample was evaluated, and the dominating factors of wear properties were determined. The effect of protein adsorption on the composite surface was also assessed after the wear test. The hydrophilicity of UHWMPE/1.0GO is considered to be the dominant contribution determining protein adsorption in static conditions. UHMWPE composite's wear resistance improvement was primarily dominated by GO filler (1.0 wt%) near the sliding surface, which has improved the subsurface strength of the material and heat dissipation effect, which reduces the denaturation of the proteins.
Comparative genomics of primary prostate cancer and paired metastases: insights from 12 molecular case studies
Authors: Cyrta Joanna , Prandi Davide , Arora Arshi , Hovelson Daniel H , Sboner Andrea , Rodriguez Antonio , Fedrizzi Tarcisio , Beltran Himisha , Robinson Dan R , Gopalan Anuradha , True Lawrence , Nelson Peter S , Robinson Brian D , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Tomlins Scott A , Shen Ronglai , Demichelis Francesca , Rubin Mark A
Published: February 2022

Primary prostate cancer (PCa) can show marked molecular heterogeneity. However, systematic analyses comparing primary PCa and matched metastases in individual patients are lacking. We aimed to address the molecular aspects of metastatic progression while accounting for the heterogeneity of primary PCa. In this pilot study, we collected 12 radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from men who subsequently developed metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We used histomorphology (Gleason grade, focus size, stage) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) (ERG and p53) to identify independent tumors and/or distinct subclones of primary PCa. We then compared molecular profiles of these primary PCa areas to matched metastatic samples using whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and amplicon‐based DNA and RNA sequencing. Based on combined pathology and molecular analysis, seven (58%) RP specimens harbored monoclonal and topographically continuous disease, albeit with some degree of intratumor heterogeneity; four (33%) specimens showed true multifocal disease; and one displayed monoclonal disease with discontinuous topography. Early (truncal) events in primary PCa included SPOP p.F133V (one patient), BRAF p.K601E (one patient), and TMPRSS2:ETS rearrangements (eight patients). Activating AR alterations were seen in nine (75%) mCRPC patients, but not in matched primary PCa. Hotspot TP53 mutations, found in metastases from three patients, were readily present in matched primary disease. Alterations in genes encoding epigenetic modifiers were observed in several patients (either shared between primary foci and metastases or in metastatic samples only). WES‐based phylogenetic reconstruction and/or clonality scores were consistent with the index focus designated by pathology review in six out of nine (67%) cases. The three instances of discordance pertained to monoclonal, topographically continuous tumors, which would have been considered as unique disease in routine practice. Overall, our results emphasize pathologic and molecular heterogeneity of primary PCa, and suggest that comprehensive IHC‐assisted pathology review and genomic analysis are highly concordant in nominating the ‘index’ primary PCa area. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exhibits stress memory in the accumulation of triacylglycerols induced by nitrogen deprivation
Authors: Mikulski Pawel , Santos‐Aberturas Javier
Published: March 2022

Stress memory is a phenomenon whereby exposure to initial stress event influences a response to subsequent stress exposures. Studying stress memory is important to understand the cellular behavior in dynamic environment, especially nowadays, in times with growing environmental instability. Stress memory has been characterized in vascular plants but its occurrence in nonvascular plant species has been rarely investigated. We hypothesized that stress memory occurs in nonvascular plants in relation to metabolic stress. We sought to test it using accumulation of lipids (triacylglycerols) in model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii subjected to nitrogen deprivation stress as a model system. Here, we established stress memory protocol on C. reinhardtii cells. Using a blend of microscopy and gas chromatography methods, we showed that the cells exposed to recurrent stress show differential accumulation of triacylglycerols on the quantitative level without qualitative changes in lipid composition, comparing to single stress controls. Overall, our results suggest that metabolic stress memory does occur in nonvascular plant C. reinhardtii and provides a starting point to characterize mechanistic principles of metabolic stress memory. Due to the commercial potential of algae, our findings are relevant for basic science, as well as industrial production of algae‐derived compounds.
Improving pain‐related communication in children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability
Authors: Fitzpatrick Rachel , McGuire Brian E. , Lydon Helena K.
Published: March 2022

The communication of pain in individuals with co‐morbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disability (ASD‐ID) is largely unexplored. The communication deficits associated with ASD‐ID can result in nonverbal behavior such as self‐injurious behavior, aggression, irritability, and reduced activity as a means to communicate that pain is present. The objective of this study was to determine whether a behavioral‐based educational intervention could increase the pain‐related communication of children with ASD‐ID who experience pain frequently. Specifically, the study aimed to determine if children with ASD‐ID can label the location of their pain or quantify pain severity and request pain relief. The sample included three children with ASD‐ID who experienced pain frequently. The intervention utilized educational materials and behavioral reinforcements and the intervention was conducted using a series of case studies. Pain was assessed daily by caregivers using the Non‐Communicating Children's Pain Checklist—Postoperative (NCCPC‐PV) and the ability of the individual to identify and express pain was recorded using the Wong Baker FACES Pain (WBFPS) Scale. Challenging behavior was recorded based on frequency count. The results indicated that all participants displayed the ability to independently respond to a question about how they were feeling by vocalizing the location of pain or indicating their level of pain on the WBFPS and requesting pain relief. The results suggest a role for behavioral‐based educational interventions to promote communication of pain in people with ASD‐ID.
Lung ultrasound scores in neonatal clinical practice: A narrative review of the literature
Authors: Corsini Iuri , Ficial Benjamim , Ciarcià Martina , Capasso Letizia , Migliaro Fiorella , Rodriguez‐Fanjul Javier , Clemente Maria , Raimondi Francesco , Dani Carlo
Published: March 2022

Lung ultrasound (LU) has in recent years increasingly been used as a point‐of‐care method. Initially, LU was used as a so‐called descriptive diagnostic method for neonatal respiratory diseases. Instead, this review article focuses on the use of LU as a “functional” tool using classification of findings in patterns or using semiquantitative scores. We review and describe the evidence that led to the implementation of LU in predicting the need for surfactant replacement therapy in preterm infants and in the identification of newborns at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. LU appears to be a very promising method for the future of clinical management of newborns in both acute and chronic phases of pulmonary pathologies related to prematurity. However, further studies are needed to define its role before full implementation.
Pediatric pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease associated with a novel BMPR2 variant
Authors: Takemori Wataru , Yamamura Kenichiro , Tomita Yoshitaka , Egami Naoki , Eguchi Katsuhide , Nagata Hazumu , Shirouzu Hiromitsu , Ishikawa Yuichi , Nakajima Daisuke , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Date Hiroshi , Ohga Shouichi
Published: March 2022

Pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease (PVOD) and idiopathic/heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (I/HPAH) cause progressive PH on the distinct genetic impact. A 29‐month‐old boy presented with a loss of consciousness. He had severe PH refractory to pulmonary vasodilators. Hypoxemia and ground‐glass opacity on the chest computed tomography were present, and significant pulmonary edema developed after the introduction of continuous intravenous prostaglandin I2. Based on the clinical diagnosis of PVOD, he underwent a single living‐donor lobar lung transplantation with the right lower lobe of his mother. The pathological findings of his explanted lung showed intimal thickening and luminal narrowing of the pulmonary vein. A genetic test revealed a novel heterozygous splice acceptor variant (c.77‐2A>C) in BMPR2, which is typically associated with I/HPAH. This is the first pediatric case of PVOD with BMPR2 variant, supporting the concept that I/HPAH and PVOD are part of a spectrum of pulmonary vascular disease.
Can double PPO mutations exist in the same allele and are such mutants functional?
Authors: Porri Aimone , Noguera Matheus M , Betz Michael , Sälinger Daniel , Brändle Frank , Bowe Steven J , Lerchl Jens , Meyer Lucie , Knapp Michael , Roma‐Burgos Nilda
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)‐inhibiting herbicides is endowed primarily by target‐site mutations at the PPX2 gene that compromise binding of the herbicide to the catalytic domain. In Amaranthus spp. PPX2, the most prevalent target mutations are deletion of the G210 codon, and the R128G and G339A substitutions. These mutations strongly affect the dynamic of the PPO2 binding pocket, resulting in reduced affinity with the ligand. Here we investigated the likelihood of co‐occurrence of the most widespread target site mutations in the same PPX2 allele.

RESULTS

Plants carrying R128G+/+ ΔG210+/−, where + indicates presence of the mutation, were crossed with each other. The PPX2 of the offspring was subjected to pyrosequencing and E. coli‐based Sanger sequencing to determine mutation frequencies and allele co‐occurrence. The data show that R128G ΔG210 can occur in one allele only; the second allele carries only one mutation. Double mutation in both alleles is less likely because of significant loss of enzyme activity. The segregation of offspring populations derived from a cross between heterozygous plants carrying ΔG210 G399A also showed no co‐occurrence in the same allele. The offspring exhibited the expected mutation distribution patterns with few exceptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Homozygous double‐mutants are not physiologically viable. Double‐mutant plants can only exist in a heterozygous state. Alternatively, if two mutations are detected in one plant, each mutation would occur in a separate allele. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Monitoring the damage of armyworm as a pest in summer corn by unmanned aerial vehicle imaging
Authors: Tao Wancheng , Wang Xinsheng , Xue Jing‐Hao , Su Wei , Zhang Mingzheng , Yin Dongqin , Zhu Dehai , Xie Zixuan , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The timely, rapid, and accurate near real‐time observations are urgent to monitor the damage of corn armyworm, because the rapid expansion of armyworm would lead to severe yield losses. Therefore, the potential of machine learning algorithms for identifying the armyworm infected areas automatically and accurately by multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dataset is explored in this study. The study area is in Beicuizhuang Village, Langfang City, Hebei Province, which is the main corn‐producing area in the North China Plain.

RESULTS

Firstly, we identified the optimal combination of image features by Gini‐importance and the comparation of four kinds of machine learning methods including Random Forest (RF), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Naive Bayesian (NB) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) was done. And RF was proved to be the most potential with the highest Kappa and OA of 0.9709 and 0.9850, respectively. Secondly, the armyworm infected areas and healthy corn areas were predicted by an optimized RF model in the UAV dataset, and the armyworm incidence levels were classified subsequently. Thirdly, the relationship between the spectral characteristics of different bands and pest incidence levels within the Sentinel‐2 and UAV images were analyzed, and the B3 in UAV images and the B6 in Sentinel‐2 image were less sensitive for armyworm incidence levels. Therefore, the Sentinel‐2 image was used to monitor armyworm in two towns.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimized dataset and RF model are effective and reliable, which can be used for identifying the corn damage by armyworm using UAV images accurately and automatically in field‐scale. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antiinflammatory activity of natural triterpenes—An overview from 2006 to 2021
Authors: Miranda Rodrigo de Souza , de Jesus Bárbara da Silva Mascarenhas , da Silva Luiz Sandra Regina , Viana Cristina Borges , Adão Malafaia Camila Rodrigues , Figueiredo Fabiana de Souza , Carvalho Tatiane dos Santos Conceição , Silva Matheus Lopes , Londero Vinicius Silva , da Costa‐Silva Thais Alves , Lago João Henrique Ghilardi , Martins Roberto Carlos Campos
Published: March 2022

Terpenes are one of the most abundant classes of secondary metabolites produced by plants and can be divided based on the number of isoprene units (C5) in monoterpenes (2 units—C10), sesquiterpenes (3 units—C15), diterpenes (4 units—C20), triterpenes (6 units—C30), etc. Chemically, triterpenes are classified based on their structural skeleton including lanostanes, euphanes, cycloartanes, ursanes, oleananes, lupanes, tirucallanes, cucurbitanes, dammaranes, baccharanes, friedelanes, hopanes, serratanes etc. Additionally, glycosylated (saponins) or highly oxidated/degraded (limonoids) triterpenes could be found in nature. The antiinflammatory effect and action as immunomodulators of these secondary metabolites have been demonstrated in different studies. This review reports an overview of articles published in the last 15 years (from 2006 to 2021 using PubMed and SciFinder database) describing the antiinflammatory effects of different triterpenes with their presumed mechanism of action, suggesting that triterpenes could be appointed as natural products with future pharmaceutical applicability.
A simple and efficient derivatization strategy combined with switchable solvent liquid–liquid microextraction hydroxychloroquine methyl acetate‐d3‐based quadruple isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry for the determination of hydroxychloroquine sulfate in biological fluids
Authors: Erarpat Sezin , Bodur Süleyman , Öner Miray , Günkara Ömer Tahir , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: March 2022

Rationale

A derivatization switchable solvent liquid–liquid microextraction quadruple isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry (D‐SS‐LLME‐ID4‐GC/MS) method is presented for the determination of hydroxychloroquine sulfate in human biofluids.

Methods

While mixing type/period and concentration of NaOH were optimized via a univariate optimization approach, a multivariate optimization approach was used to determine optimum values for relatively more important parameters such as volumes of derivatization agent (acetic anhydride), NaOH and switchable solvent.

Results

Under the optimum experimental conditions, limit of detection and limit of quantification were calculated as 0.03 and 0.09 mg/kg (mass based), respectively. An isotopically labelled material (hydroxychloroquine methyl acetate‐d3) was firstly synthesized to be used in ID4 experiments which give highly accurate and precise recovery results. After the application of D‐SS‐LLME‐ID4, superior percent recovery results were recorded as 99.9 ± 1.6–101.3 ± 1.2 for human serum, 99.9 ± 1.7–99.8 ± 1.8 for urine and 99.6 ± 1.5–101.0 ± 1.1 for saliva samples.

Conclusions

The developed D‐SS‐LLME‐ID4‐GC/MS method compensates the complicated matrix effects of human biofluids and provides highly accurate quantification of an analyte with precise results.
Simplified abstract syntax tree based semantic features learning for software change prediction
Authors: Yang Xinyue , Zhang Xiaofang , Tong Yao
Published: March 2022

Software change prediction aims to identify the change‐prone parts of source code, which can help software practitioners allocate resources more efficiently, increase the quality of software products, and reduce maintenance costs. In recent years, researchers have built many change prediction models based on product and process metrics using traditional classification algorithms. However, source code contains rich semantic structural information, which traditional features cannot usually capture. Therefore, extracting the semantic features of code can help improve the performance of existing models. To bridge the gap between semantic features and change prediction, we introduce a novel change prediction approach based on a simplified abstract syntax tree (AST). Specifically, we first extract semantic features from partial AST nodes that pay attention to the syntax and semantic of code instead of all AST nodes. Then, a bidirectional recurrent neural network is utilized to model the deep semantic information of the code for change prediction. We also propose a new dataset that to some extent alleviates the data‐imbalance problem, which has become an active research topic. We conducted extensive experiments on the proposed dataset. The results show the effectiveness of semantic features for change prediction. Further, our model outperformed a state‐of‐the‐art code representation method.
Targeting neonatal Fc receptor: potential clinical applications in pregnancy
Authors: Moise K. J. , Oepkes D. , Lopriore E. , Bredius R. G. M.
Published: March 2022

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) plays an important role in the transfer of the immunoglobulin G isotype (IgG) from the mother to the fetus. FcRn expressed on endothelial cells also binds to IgG and albumin, regulating the circulating half‐lives of these proteins. Alloimmune and autoimmune IgG antibodies have been implicated in various perinatal immune‐mediated diseases. FcRn‐mediated placental transfer of pathogenic antibodies can result in cell and tissue injury in the fetus and neonate, with devastating outcomes. Thus, blockade of FcRn may be an effective treatment strategy in managing these conditions and could additionally reduce the concentration of pathogenic antibodies in the maternal circulation by preventing IgG recycling. In this review, we discuss the biology of FcRn, the rationale and considerations for development of FcRn‐blocking agents, and their potential clinical applications in various perinatal immune‐mediated diseases. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Clinical signs, diagnostic imaging and histopathology in a dog with granulomatous meningoencephalitis manifested as a polyneuropathy
Authors: Benito Miguel Benito , Fuentes Miriam Portero , Manso‐Diaz Gabriel , Madonado Belén Sánchez , Diaz Carmen Pérez
Published: February 2022

An 11‐year‐old, female, neutered Labrador retriever with a history of chronic and progressive right hindlimb lameness and facial asymmetry was referred for brain and lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Multifocal non‐enhancing T2‐weighted images of hyperintense lesions were observed in the caudate nuclei and medulla oblongata. The right oculomotor nerve was markedly enlarged and showed marked enhancement on T1‐weighted images after contrast injection, and there was diffuse enlargement of the sciatic and femoral nerves in the right hindlimb. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a mixed pleocytosis. Histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation affecting the brain, oculomotor and pelvic limb nerves, consistent with a diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis.
Groups of p-rank 2 containing an isolated element of order p
Authors: Toborg Imke
Published: February 2022

Let p be an odd prime and G be a finite group with $$O_{p'}(G)=1$$

O

p
′

(
G
)

=
1

of p-rank at most 2 that contains an isolated element of order p. If $$x\notin Z(G)$$

x
∉
Z
(
G
)

, we show that $$F^*(G)$$

F
∗

(
G
)

is simple and we describe the structure of a Sylow p-subgroup P of $$F^*(G)$$

F
∗

(
G
)

as well as the fusion system $$\mathcal F_P(F^*(G))$$

F
P

(

F
∗

(
G
)

)

without using the classification of finite simple groups.
Ubr1-induced selective endophagy/autophagy protects against the endosomal and Ca2+-induced proteostasis disease stress
Authors: Wang Ben B. , Xu Haijin , Isenmann Sandra , Huang Cheng , Elorza-Vidal Xabier , Rychkov Grigori Y. , Estévez Raúl , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Lukacs Gergely L. , Apaja Pirjo M.
Published: March 2022

The cellular defense mechanisms against cumulative endo-lysosomal stress remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify Ubr1 as a protein quality control (QC) E3 ubiquitin-ligase that counteracts proteostasis stresses by facilitating endosomal cargo-selective autophagy for lysosomal degradation. Astrocyte regulatory cluster membrane protein MLC1 mutations cause endosomal compartment stress by fusion and enlargement. Partial lysosomal clearance of mutant endosomal MLC1 is accomplished by the endosomal QC ubiquitin ligases, CHIP and Ubr1 via ESCRT-dependent route. As a consequence of the endosomal stress, a supportive QC mechanism, dependent on both Ubr1 and SQSTM1/p62 activities, targets ubiquitinated and arginylated MLC1 mutants for selective endosomal autophagy (endophagy). This QC pathway is also activated for arginylated Ubr1-SQSTM1/p62 autophagy cargoes during cytosolic Ca2+-assault. Conversely, the loss of Ubr1 and/or arginylation elicited endosomal compartment stress. These findings underscore the critical housekeeping role of Ubr1 and arginylation-dependent endophagy/autophagy during endo-lysosomal proteostasis perturbations and suggest a link of Ubr1 to Ca2+ homeostasis and proteins implicated in various diseases including cancers and brain disorders.
XPG: a multitasking genome caretaker
Authors: Muniesa-Vargas Alba , Theil Arjan F. , Ribeiro-Silva Cristina , Vermeulen Wim , Lans Hannes
Published: March 2022

The XPG/ERCC5 endonuclease was originally identified as the causative gene for Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group G. Ever since its discovery, in depth biochemical, structural and cell biological studies have provided detailed mechanistic insight into its function in excising DNA damage in nucleotide excision repair, together with the ERCC1–XPF endonuclease. In recent years, it has become evident that XPG has additional important roles in genome maintenance that are independent of its function in NER, as XPG has been implicated in protecting replication forks by promoting homologous recombination as well as in resolving R-loops. Here, we provide an overview of the multitasking of XPG in genome maintenance, by describing in detail how its activity in NER is regulated and the evidence that points to important functions outside of NER. Furthermore, we present the various disease phenotypes associated with inherited XPG deficiency and discuss current ideas on how XPG deficiency leads to these different types of disease.
CHARACTERIZATION OF n-DIMENSIONAL NORMAL AFFINE SLn-VARIETIES
Authors: REGETA ANDRIY
Published: March 2022

We show that any normal irreducible affinen-dimensional SLn-varietyXis determined by its automorphism group seen as an ind-group in the category of normal irreducible affine varieties. In other words, ifYis an irreducible affine normal algebraic variety such that Aut(Y) ≃ Aut(X) as an ind-group, thenY≃Xas a variety. If we drop the condition of normality onY, then this statement fails. In casen≥ 3, the result above holds true if we replace Aut(X) by 𝒰(X), where 𝒰(X) is the subgroup of Aut(X) generated by all one-dimensional unipotent subgroups. In dimension 2 we have some interesting exceptions.
Einstein’s energy and space isotropy
Authors: Hill James M.
Published: March 2022

In this note, we derive an extension of the conventional Einstein variation of mass formula with a specific expression arising from a Lorentz invariant equation for the energy rate $$\hbox {d}e/\hbox {d}p$$

d
e
/
d
p

where $$e = mc^2$$

e
=
m

c
2

is the particle energy, $$p = mu$$

p
=
m
u

the particle momentum and u the velocity. This is the simplest one-parameter Lorentz-invariant extension of the Einstein mass–energy relation. Implicit in the new expression is space–time anisotropy such that the particle has different rest masses in the positive and negative x directions. While numerous experiments have been undertaken aimed at testing such hypothesis, and all indicate the veracity of the assumption that space is isotropic, nevertheless since it is generally believed that black-holes exist at the centres of galaxies, space must be intrinsically anisotropic in some sense. Finally, we note a very curious connection with both the conventional Einstein energy–mass expression $$e = e_0/ (1 - (u/c)^2)^{1/2}$$

e
=

e
0

/

(
1
-

(
u
/
c
)

2

)

1
/
2

and the new expression derived here with certain singular integral equations usually associated with aero-foil problems, fluid mechanics and punch problems in elasticity, and that this connection is not some vague intangible relationship, but involves an exact correspondence.
Fast simulation of tempered stable Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes
Authors: Sabino Piergiacomo , Petroni Nicola Cufaro
Published: February 2022

Constructing Lévy-driven Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes is a task closely related to the notion of self-decomposability. In particular, their transition laws are linked to the properties of what will be hereafter called thea-remainderof their self-decomposable stationary laws. In the present study we fully characterize the Lévy triplet of these$$a$$a-remainders and we provide a general framework to deduce the transition laws of the finite variation Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes associated with tempered stable distributions. We focus finally on the subclass of the exponentially-modulated tempered stable laws and we derive the algorithms for an exact generation of the skeleton of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes related to such distributions, with the further advantage of adopting procedures which are tens of times faster than those already available in the existing literature.
Portfolio optimization: not necessarily concave utility and constraints on wealth and allocation
Authors: Escobar-Anel Marcos , Kschonnek Michel , Zagst Rudi
Published: February 2022

We consider a portfolio optimization problem for a utility maximizing investor who is simultaneously restricted by convex constraints on portfolio allocation and upper and lower bounds on terminal wealth. After introducing a capped version of the Legendre–Fenchel-transformation, we use it to suitably extend the well-known auxiliary market framework for convex allocation constraints to derive equivalent optimality conditions for our setting with additional bounds on terminal wealth. The considered utility does not have to be strictly concave or smooth, as long as it can be concavified.
Supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty with ileum or ileocecum in the treatment of ulcerative interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a 14-year follow-up
Authors: Queissert Fabian , Bruecher Benedict , van Ophoven Arndt , Schrader Andres J.
Published: March 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

This study analyzes the long-term results of supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty in patients with severe ulcerative interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and reduced bladder capacity.

Methods

Outcome data were retrospectively and prospectively collected and analyzed in women who underwent supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty for ulcerative IC/BPS at Muenster University Hospital between 1991 and 2006. We used cross-tabulation and Pearson’s Chi-squared test to examine how outcome is influenced by age, preoperative functional bladder volume, and choice of augmentation material.

Results

After a median 171-month follow-up, analysis could be done in 26 of 27 patients. Persistent pain necessitated early revision in 2 patients (7.7%). Mean postoperative O’Leary Sant IC Score was 12.7 in the prospectively questioned patients. Responses to Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) were: “very much better” in 15 cases (65.2%) and “much better” in 7 (30.4%). Twelve patients (52.2%) emptied their augmented bladder voluntarily, whereas 7 (32%) needed intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). The rate of patients requiring ISC tended to be lower when detubularized ileocecal bowel was used. All 5 patients (19.2%) with late relapse of ulcerative IC/BPS needed ISC.

Conclusions

Severe ulcerative IC/BPS can be curatively treated in some patients by supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation, which is associated with a high satisfaction rate and few long-term complications even over a very long follow-up. In our analysis, the need for ISC is a risk factor for late relapse, although ileocecal augmentation could increase the proportion of patients with sufficient voluntary micturition.
Simplified screening approach of anabolic steroid esters using a compact atmospheric solid analysis probe mass spectrometric system
Authors: Arrizabalaga-Larrañaga Ane , Zoontjes Paul W. , Lasaroms Johan J. P. , Nielen Michel W. F. , Blokland Marco H.
Published: February 2022

Due to the absence of chromatographic separation, ambient ionization mass spectrometry had the potential to improve the throughput of control laboratories in the last decades and will soon be an excellent approach for on-site use as well. In this study, an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) with a single quadrupole mass analyzer has been evaluated to identify anabolic steroid esters rapidly. Sample introduction, applied scan time, and probe temperature were optimized for sensitivity. The in-source fragmentations of seventeen selected steroid esters, commonly found in illicit samples, were determined by applying different cone voltages (12, 20, 30, and 40 V). A spectral library was created for these steroid esters based on the four stages of in-source fragmentation spectra. The applicability of this method was demonstrated for the rapid identification of steroid esters in oily injection solutions, providing test results in less than 2 min.

Graphical abstract
Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging can identify pelvic nerves in patients with cervical cancer in real time during radical hysterectomy
Authors: He Kunshan , Li Pengfei , Zhang Zeyu , Liu Jiaqi , Liu Pan , Gong Shipeng , Chi Chongwei , Liu Ping , Chen Chunlin , Tian Jie
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Radical hysterectomy combined with pelvic lymphadenectomy is the standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer, but unrecognized pelvic nerves are vulnerable to irreversible damage during surgery. This early clinical trial investigated the feasibility and safety of intraoperative near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging (NIR-FI) with indocyanine green (ICG) for identifying pelvic nerves during radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

Methods

Sixty-six adults with cervical cancer were enrolled in this prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-center clinical trial. NIR-FI was performed in vivo to identify genitofemoral (GN), obturator (ON), and hypogastric (HN) nerves intraoperatively. The primary endpoint was the presence of fluorescence in pelvic nerves. Secondary endpoints were the ICG distribution in a nerve specimen and potential underlying causes of fluorescence emission in pelvic nerves.

Results

In total, 63 patients were analyzed. The ON was visualized bilaterally in 100% (63/63) of patients, with a mean fluorescence signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of 5.3±2.1. The GN was identified bilaterally in 93.7% (59/63) of patients and unilaterally in the remaining 4 patients, with a mean SBR of 4.1±1.9. The HN was identified bilaterally in 81.0% (51/63) of patients and unilaterally in 7.9% (5/63) of patients, with a mean SBR of 3.5±1.3. ICG fluorescence was detected in frozen sections of a nerve specimen, and was mainly distributed in axons. No ICG-related complications were observed.

Conclusion

This early clinical trial demonstrated the feasibility and safety of NIR-FI to visualize pelvic nerves intraoperatively. Thus, NIR-FI may help surgeons adjust surgical decision-making, avoid nerve damage, and improve surgical outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04224467
Induction therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE procures long-term survival in locally advanced or oligometastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm patients
Authors: Minczeles Noémie S. , van Eijck Casper H. J. , van Gils Marjon J. , van Velthuysen Marie-Louise F. , Nieveen van Dijkum Els J. M. , Feelders Richard A. , de Herder Wouter W. , Brabander Tessa , Hofland Johannes
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE induces objective response in up to 57% of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs). Therefore, PRRT may comprise a downstaging option for panNEN patients who are not eligible for upfront curative surgery or are at high risk for recurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the potency of induction PRRT for locally advanced panNENs and to evaluate the effect of surgery after PRRT on overall survival (OS).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of panNEN patients treated with induction 177Lu-DOTATATE.

Results

After PRRT, 26 out of 49 patients underwent pancreatic surgery with curative intent (PRRT + surgery). Partial objective response was obtained in 62% of the PRRT + surgery group versus 26% of the patients not undergoing panNEN surgery (PRRT-only group, p = 0.02). Downstaging in tumour-vessel interface was observed in 38% of all patients with at least one involved vessel. Median OS was 14.7 years (95% CI 5.9–23.6) for the PRRT + surgery group compared to 5.5 years (95% CI 4.5–6.5) for the PRRT-only group (p = 0.003). In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, surgery was not significantly associated with OS after propensity score adjustment with cumulative activity, performance status, tumour size after PRRT, and tumour grade. Median progression-free survival was 5.3 years (95% CI 2.4–8.1) for the PRRT + surgery group and 3.0 years (95% CI 1.6–4.4) for the PRRT-only group (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Early administration of PRRT followed by surgery is associated with favourable long-term outcomes in patients with locally advanced or oligometastatic panNEN and can be considered for selected patients with vascular involvement and/or increased risk of recurrence.
New distribution records of kelp in the Kitikmeot Region, Northwest Passage, Canada, fill a pan-Arctic gap
Authors: Bluhm Bodil A. , Brown Kristina , Rotermund Lina , Williams William , Danielsen Seth , Carmack Eddy C.
Published: March 2022

Kelps play important roles in ecosystems as they provide structural habitat and protection, and supply food. Given these beneficial roles and observed increases in seaweed biomass and distribution ranges across the Arctic, mapping kelp occurrence around Arctic coasts is both timely and necessary for future conservation. Here, we fill spatial gaps in the knowledge of kelp distribution in the southern Northwest Passage, Canadian Arctic Archipelago; specifically, we report the occurrence of Laminaria solidungula, Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta from Victoria and Dease straits and Bathurst Inlet in the Kitikmeot Region at depths mostly from 10 to 30 m (max. 40 m; upper extent vessel-limited). Kelp specimens were found at bottom water temperatures from sub-zero to 1 °C (surface-T to ~ 6 °C) and bottom water salinities of ~ 28 (surface-S < 20) in August–September. Kelp sites were characterized by both strong tidal currents (max. estimates from a tidal model 20–70 cm s−1 in center of passages) and hard substrates, interspersed with finer sediments. Co-occurring identifiable epibenthos was dominated by suspension-feeders preferring currents (sea cucumbers, soft corals, Hiatella clams), potential kelp consumers (sea urchins Strongylocentrotus sp., Margarites snails, limpets) and predatory invertebrates (sea stars, lyre crabs). At the same and some deeper nearby sites, loose kelp fragments were also found at the seabed, suggesting that kelps contribute to the regional detrital food web by supplying carbon to less productive sites. Kelps in the region may expand their ranges and/or growing season with reduced ice cover and warming, although constraints through local turbidity sources, extreme temperatures, low salinity and low nutrient concentrations are also recognized.
Pediatric age estimation from radiographs of the knee using deep learning
Authors: Demircioğlu Aydin , Quinsten Anton S. , Forsting Michael , Umutlu Lale , Nassenstein Kai
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Age estimation, especially in pediatric patients, is regularly used in different contexts ranging from forensic over medicolegal to clinical applications. A deep neural network has been developed to automatically estimate chronological age from knee radiographs in pediatric patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 3816 radiographs of the knee from pediatric patients from a German population (acquired between January 2008 and December 2018) were collected to train a neural network. The network was trained to predict chronological age from the knee radiographs and was evaluated on an independent validation cohort of 423 radiographs (acquired between January 2019 and December 2020) and on an external validation cohort of 197 radiographs.

Results

The model showed a mean absolute error of 0.86 ± 0.72 years and 0.9 ± 0.71 years on the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. Separating age classes (< 14 years from ≥ 14 years and < 18 years from ≥ 18 years) showed AUCs between 0.94 and 0.98.

Conclusions

The chronological age of pediatric patients can be estimated with good accuracy from radiographs of the knee using a deep neural network.

Key Points

• Radiographs of the knee can be used for age estimations in pediatric patients using a standard deep neural network.

• The network showed a mean absolute error of 0.86 ± 0.72 years in an internal validation cohort and of 0.9 ± 0.71 years in an external validation cohort.

• The network can be used to separate the age classes < 14 years from ≥ 14 years with an AUC of 0.97 and < 18 years from ≥ 18 years with an AUC of 0.94.
High stability in near-infrared spectroscopy: part 2, optomechanical analysis of an optical contacted V-shaped cavity
Authors: Jobert Nicolas , Casado Mathieu , Kassi Samir
Published: February 2022

Optical feedback is a powerful technique to stabilise and narrow semi-conductor lasers. As a step forward for field deployable, ultra-stable yet tunable sources, we analyse and model the opto-mechanical design of a V-shaped cavity optical feedback (VCOF) reference cavity. We estimate the relative contributions of sources of external disturbance on the optical resonance frequency of the cavity, and ultimately define the minimal thermal and mechanical shielding requirements to face field conditions. We attest of the robustness of the developed system, and show that external sources of disturbance are only secondary contributors to the overall stability of the cavity. The suite of analytical tools developed in the process paves the way for lighter and more compact cavity designs, more adapted to field deployment.
A low-effort and inexpensive methodology to determine beam separation distance of multi-foci FLDI
Authors: Camillo Giannino Ponchio , Wagner Alexander
Published: March 2022

A new method is presented to measure the separation distance between probing volumes of closely spaced multi-foci Focused Laser Differential Interferometers (FLDI). The accuracy and precision of this distance measurement directly translate into the quality of convection velocity measurements performed by means of arrays of FLDI. The suggested method is based on the detection of a propagating weak blast wave, generated with a simple and inexpensive apparatus using an automotive spark plug. Demonstration is conducted using an FLDI with two foci (D-FLDI). The generated blast wave is probed at multiple distances from its source to verify its weakening into an acoustic pulse, which offers ideal conditions to the proposed methodology. D-FLDI separation distance measurement using the new approach is compared to measurements using beam profiler images and to the alternative currently established in the literature, based on the FLDI response to a moving weak lens. Tests are made on varying internal configurations of the D-FLDI, while the distance between the two systems is kept constant. Results show the present method to have improved accuracy and robustness in comparison with the moving lens approach, while requiring significantly less effort. Measured separation distances obtained from blast wave detections in a single location are within $$0.5 \%$$

0.5
%

of the reference value measured through the beam profiler. This procedure is therefore a practical and reliable alternative to the measurement using beam profiler imaging, with similar quality. Its advantages concern associated costs, flexibility when measuring in constrained spaces such as in proximity to walls, and applicability to systems in which beam imaging is not an option, such as multi-point line FLDI.
Impacts of New Implementing Strategies for Surface and Model Physics Perturbations in TREPS on Forecasts of Landfalling Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zhang Xubin
Published: February 2022

To improve the ensemble prediction system of the tropical regional atmosphere model for the South China Sea (TREPS) in predicting landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs), the impacts of three new implementing strategies for surface and model physics perturbations in TREPS were evaluated for 19 TCs making landfall in China during 2014–16. For sea surface temperature (SST) perturbations, spatially uncorrelated random perturbations were replaced with spatially correlated ones. The multiplier f, which is used to form perturbed tendency in the Stochastically Perturbed Parameterization Tendency (SPPT) scheme, was inflated in regions with evident convective activity (f-inflated SPPT). Lastly, the Stochastically Perturbed Parameterization (SPP) scheme with 14 perturbed parameters selected from the planetary boundary layer, surface layer, microphysics, and cumulus convection parameterizations was added. Overall, all these methods improved forecasts more significantly for non-intensifying than intensifying TCs. Compared with f-inflated SPPT, the spatially correlated SST perturbations generally showed comparable performance but were more (less) skillful for intensifying (non-intensifying) TCs. The advantages of the spatially correlated SST perturbations and f-inflated SPPT were mainly present in the deterministic guidance for both TC track and wind and in the probabilistic guidance for reliability of wind. For intensifying TCs, adding SPP led to mixed impacts with significant improvements in probability-matched mean of modest winds and in probabilistic forecasts of rainfall; while for non-intensifying TCs, adding SPP frequently led to positive impacts on the deterministic guidance for track, intensity, strong winds, and moderate rainfall and on the probabilistic guidance for wind and discrimination of rainfall.