bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond appetite regulation: Targeting energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and lean mass preservation for sustainable weight loss
Authors: Christoffersen Berit Østergaard , Sanchez‐Delgado Guillermo , John Linu Mary , Ryan Donna H. , Raun Kirsten , Ravussin Eric
Published: March 2022

New appetite‐regulating antiobesity treatments such as semaglutide and agents under investigation such as tirzepatide show promise in achieving weight loss of 15% or more. Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and lean mass preservation are important determinants of weight loss and weight‐loss maintenance beyond appetite regulation. This review discusses prior failures in clinical development of weight‐loss drugs targeting energy expenditure and explores novel strategies for targeting energy expenditure: mitochondrial proton leak, uncoupling, dynamics, and biogenesis; futile calcium and substrate cycling; leptin for weight maintenance; increased sympathetic nervous system activity; and browning of white fat. Relevant targets for preserving lean mass are also reviewed: growth hormone, activin type II receptor inhibition, and urocortin 2 and 3. We endorse moderate modulation of energy expenditure and preservation of lean mass in combination with efficient appetite reduction as a means of obtaining a significant, safe, and long‐lasting weight loss. Furthermore, we suggest that the regulatory guidelines should be revisited to focus more on the quality of weight loss and its maintenance rather than the absolute weight loss. Commitment to this research focus both from a scientific and from a regulatory point of view could signal the beginning of the next era in obesity therapies.
Influence of graphene nanoplatelet concentration on the electrical, mechanical, and piezoresistive properties of glass fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Julio Alejandro , Rubio‐González Carlos
Published: March 2022

This paper reports the effect of weight concentration of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the electrical, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical, and piezoresistive properties of unidirectional glass fiber/epoxy composite laminates. The neat (without GNPs) and multiscale laminates (with GNPs) were fabricated with different GNPs contents (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 wt%) using a simple and feasible process based on spray coating followed by vacuum assisted resin infusion. The morphological analysis on glass fiber surfaces evidenced the presence of an effective GNP network formation which tends to be denser as GNPs content increases. As a result, the electrical conductivity and gauge factor measured on top and bottom surfaces of specimens were greatly increased in laminates. Short beam shear and flexural test results showed that the addition of GNPs to the laminates causes a significant reduction in their interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, and strain to failure with respect to the neat laminate. However, the flexural modulus of laminates does not suffer any apparent change in its reference value and the glass transition temperature was slightly increased in samples with 1.00 wt% GNPs. The fractographic analysis revealed that delamination was the main damage mechanism detected upon mechanical testing, suggesting that relative high concentrations of GNPs cause that interlaminar regions of laminated composites become weaker. In spite of this, excellent strain self‐sensing capabilities and internal damage detection were observed during flexural electromechanical tests performed in beam‐type specimens with higher GNP content.
Profiles of self‐compassion and psychological outcomes in cancer patients
Authors: Wei Liuyu , Xie Juan , Wu Liyang , Yao Juntao , Zhu Lei , Liu Ailan
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The protective role of self‐compassion in cancer patients' psychological outcomes has been confirmed. However, using a composite score of self‐compassion, previous research could not clarify how distinct components of self‐compassion may mutually interact. This study, using a person‐centred approach, aimed to identify profiles of self‐compassion in cancer patients and examined the associations of self‐compassion profiles with sociodemographic and medical variables and psychological outcomes.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 289 patients with heterogeneous cancer types recruited from two hospitals in Xi'an, China. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of self‐compassion. The Bolck‐Croon‐Hagenaars approach was used to examine how these profiles related to sociodemographic and medical characteristics and psychological outcomes.

Results

Five profiles of self‐compassion were identified: ‘average self‐compassion’ (54%), ‘high self‐compassion’ (19.4%), ‘low self‐compassion and low self‐coldness’ (11.4%), ‘high self‐compassion and high self‐coldness’ (8%), and ‘average self‐compassion and high self‐coldness’ (7.2%). Patients with the ‘high self‐compassion’ profile tended to be older and report no cancer recurrence, and those with the ‘low self‐compassion and low self‐coldness’ profile tended to be female. Patients with the ‘high self‐compassion’ profile reported the fewest depressive and anxiety symptoms while patients with the ‘average self‐compassion and high self‐coldness’ profile reported the most depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

The study revealed five self‐compassion profiles in cancer patients, which had different psychological outcomes. Future longitudinal research should investigate the causality between self‐compassion profiles and psychological outcomes.
Two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell/Monte Carlo simulations of streamer formation and propagation in catalyst pores in a surface dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Zuo Xuan , Zhou Youyou , Zhang Quanzhi , Wang Hong‐yu , Li Zihe , Zhu Jingzhe , Jiang Xianwu , Zhang Ya
Published: March 2022

Plasma catalysis is attracting great interest due to its synergistic combination of catalytic and plasma reactor processes. To provide possible controlling methods to this tunability, two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell/Monte Carlo simulations are applied to investigate the propagation mechanisms of plasma streamers in the porous catalyst in a surface dielectric barrier discharge. Dry air at atmospheric pressure is investigated under a subnanosecond voltage pulse. The results show that the presence of the catalyst pores could enhance the steamer intensity and control the direction of the streamers, yielding highly concentrated reactive species inside catalyst pores. The streamer propagation speed is enhanced by increasing the strength of cathode voltage. These high‐density plasma streamers with controllable direction could benefit many applications in plasma‐enhanced catalysis.
The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy in the management of pulmonary metastases: a systematic review
Authors: Lee Yung , Samarasinghe Yasith , Samarasinghe Nadeesha , Patel Janhavi , McKechnie Tyler , Finley Christian , Hanna Wael , Swaminath Anand , Agzarian John
Published: March 2022

While pulmonary metastases are often managed through metastasectomies, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a relatively novel treatment that has shown promise for this disease. This review aimed to summarize the current findings of SBRT in the treatment of pulmonary metastases. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for articles that examined the use of SBRT for patients with pulmonary metastases. Primary outcomes included overall survival, disease‐free survival, and progression‐free survival. Results were pooled where appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed through the Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies tool. After screening, 13 studies with 545 patients conducted between 2006 and 2020 were included in this review. Primary tumor localizations included gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and bone, among others. Pooled overall survival at 1 year was 81%, 41% at 3 years, 34% at 4 years, and 26% at 5 years. Pooled progression‐free survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 60%, 41%, and 31% respectively. Local control at 1, 2, and 3 years were 90%, 79%, and 77%, respectively. Preliminary evidence regarding SBRT for treatment of pulmonary metastases shows promising benefits for overall survival and local control. Further high‐quality prospective trials are required to investigate the effectiveness and treatment‐related adverse effects of SBRT, and should compare it with metastasectomy.
Experimental investigation towards the transport‐optimized design of peelable polymer tray packaging
Authors: Weber P. , Wolf J. , Stephan B. , Hauptmann M.
Published: March 2022

Demands of peelable food packaging require a design to ensure both ease of usage as well as sturdiness in order to endure multiple loadings during transport. To aid the design processes in addressing these criteria, this paper aims to present factors influencing the closure safety and damaging behaviour during transport. Regarding this, we first present a methodology for the experimental investigation of transport safety, based on a substitute test, which aims to reflect the effects of vertical impact during transport. To achieve these conditions, we propose both the construction of a test rig and subsequent evaluation parameters to assess the damage of the packaging's sealed seam. Following that, the specific parameters of the experimental study based on the proposed method are presented. These include strength of a sealed seam, the thicknesses of used polymer films and the tray geometry itself. The results of this study and limitations are addressed in the final chapter, whereby first qualitative influences of the parameters become assessable, along with suggestions for further scientific work on the subject matter.
Three‐dimensional forming of plastic‐coated fibre‐based materials using a thermoforming process
Authors: Afshariantorghabeh Sanaz , Kärki Timo , Leminen Ville
Published: March 2022

Three‐dimensional (3D) forming of fibre‐based materials has been a topic of growing interest over recent years and 3D forming processes using hydroforming, press forming and deep drawing processes have been widely explored. Thermoforming as a potential alternative method for forming these materials remains, however, relatively understudied. This research attempts to provide a fundamental understanding of the thermoforming limitations of plastic‐coated paperboards. In the work, a variety of commercial paperboards are subjected to experimental tests with different forming parameters and moulding depths. Shape accuracy, maximum acquired depth, thickness distribution behaviour and damage mechanisms are used to evaluate thermoformability, and the results linked to the material properties and forming conditions. The research findings indicate that the plastic‐coated paperboards studied are thermoformable but only in simple geometric shapes and with low mould depths. Unlike plastic, thermoforming can result in thickness increase in plastic‐coated paperboards, which is thought to be a result of out‐of‐plane auxetic behaviour of paperboards. Paperboard thermoforming was also found to be hindered by rupture, blistering and curling defects. Tensile strain at break is the key factor determining thermoformability. Additionally, the density of the paperboard can impact the heating step and the rate at which the moisture content of the material changes during the forming process. Furthermore, it was observed that changes in process parameters affected materials differently, with the direction and rate of change differing based on the material being used.
N‐heterocyclic carbene ligated oximes: Exploring the electronic structure and properties
Authors: Dar Mohammad Ovais , Dubey Gurudutt , Singh Tejender , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: March 2022

Compounds with (NHC) → E coordination bond represent a family of chemical species with significant interest and their chemistry is being explored over the past 15 years, where NHC and E represent N‐heterocyclic carbene and main group elements, respectively. NHOs (N‐heterocyclic olefins) are special among these because of the (NHC) → CR2 interaction. NHOs carry nucleophilic exocyclic carbon and many interesting reactions of NHOs are due to this character. Alkylated imidazole oximes (cationic, found useful in medicinal chemistry) [(NHC) → C(H) = NOH]+ carry NHC unit as a functional group. Similarly, the corresponding nitroso‐N‐heterocyclic olefins [(NHC) → C(R)NO] also carry NHC as a functional unit. It is important to establish the interactions between the NHC unit and the rest of the molecule in these species. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to explore the electronic structure details of a series of oximes and nitroso NHOs. The results indicate that a structure with (NHC) → C coordination interaction can be considered as one of the resonance structures of these species.
IoTSim‐Osmosis‐RES: Towards autonomic renewable energy‐aware osmotic computing
Authors: Szydlo Tomasz , Szabala Amadeusz , Kordiumov Nazar , Siuzdak Konrad , Wolski Lukasz , Alwasel Khaled , Habeeb Fawzy , Ranjan Rajiv
Published: March 2022

Internet of Things systems exists in various areas of our everyday life. For example, sensors installed in smart cities and homes are processed in edge and cloud computing centers providing several benefits that improve our lives. The place of data processing is related to the required system response times—processing data closer to its source results in a shorter system response time. The osmotic computing concept enables flexible deployment of data processing services and their possible movement, just like particles in the osmosis phenomenon move between regions of different densities. At the same time, the impact of complex computer architecture on the environment is increasingly being compensated by the use of renewable and low‐carbon energy sources. However, the uncertainty of supplying green energy makes the management of osmotic computing demanding, and therefore their autonomy is desirable. In the article, we present a framework enabling osmotic computing simulation based on renewable energy sources and autonomic osmotic agents, allowing the analysis of distributed management algorithms. We discuss the challenges posed to the framework and analyze various management algorithms for cooperating osmotic agents. In the evaluation we show that changing the adaptation logic of the osmotic agents, it is possible to increase the self‐consumption of renewable energy sources or increase the usage of low emission ones.
Dissociation of Single O2 Molecules on Ag(110) by Electrons, Holes, and Localized Surface Plasmons
Authors: Lee Minhui , Kazuma Emiko , Jung Jaehoon , Trenary Michael , Kim Yousoo
Published: March 2022

A detailed understanding of the dissociation of O2 molecules on metal surfaces induced by various excitation sources, electrons/holes, light, and localized surface plasmons, is crucial not only for controlling the reactivity of oxidation reactions but also for developing various oxidation catalysts. The necessity of mechanistic studies at the single‐molecule level is increasingly important for understanding interfacial interactions between O2 molecules and metal surfaces and to improve the reaction efficiency. We review single‐molecule studies of O2 dissociation on Ag(110) induced by various excitation sources using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The comprehensive studies based on the STM and density functional theory calculations provide fundamental insights into the excitation pathway for the dissociation reaction.
Increasing the Accessibility of Rural Microgrid's Load to Resources in Multi‐Microgrid System with Considering Minimum Operation Cost
Authors: Babanezhad Hamed , Ghafouri Alireza
Published: March 2022

In rural areas due to the low capacity of resources on the one hand and the increase in demand, on the other hand, the use of load management will be a little different. In this paper, load energy management programs considering three modes are used to minimize the cost of operating a rural multi‐microgrid system and increase the accessibility of its controllable load. Consumers in this paper are divided into two sets of controllable and uncontrollable loads, and microgrids will respond economically to the energy management system due to the capacity of renewable resources and distributed generation. Consumption coordination in the form of an optimization program with a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming mathematical model is designed to reduce the overall operating costs in the microgrid. For microgrid's lowest cost, three different scenarios including only the use of uncontrollable loads, simultaneous use of uncontrollable and controllable loads, and the use of adjustable generation sources with considering generation ceiling of distributed generation have been used. Simulations have been performed in different scenarios in a modified IEEE 33 bus system in the GAMS environment with different solvers to achieve the best response, which shows a significant reduction by LINDO and DECOPT solver. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Performance of the StaphGoldELISA test in determining subclinicalStaphylococcus aureusinfections in dairy cows using a Gaussian mixture model
Authors: Yang Danchen Aaron , Laven Richard Anthony
Published: March 2022

Background

A novel ELISA test has been developed to detect antigen‐specific IgG in early and late lactation cows in New Zealand.

Objectives

This study was to evaluate the discriminatory ability of the ELISA based on the detection ofS. aureus‐specific IgG as a screening test.

Methods

The ELISA was used for the composite milk samples taken during routine herd testing in 2018–2019 milking season in New Zealand. In the absence of a gold standard test, the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity was estimated using a Gaussian mixture model.

Results

The ELISA test had a high accuracy (AUC = 0.98) to detect antigen‐specific IgG in early and late lactation cows with high somatic cell count due to either subsequent to or contemporaneous with theS. aureusinvasion. Using an S/P ratio = 0.3 as the cut‐off value, the ELISA test has sensitivity of 0.9 and specificity of 0.95, while the sensitivity increased to 0.94 at a cost of a decreased specificity of 0.9 at a lower cut‐off value 0.26.

Conclusions

The integration of the ELISA test as a screening tool into specific control programs may be useful to reduce the spread ofS. aureusinfections, to aid with treatment decisions, and to establish a correct milking order.
Theoretische Konzeptualisierung: Politisch relevante Netzwerke
Authors: Lütters Stefanie
Published: March 2022

In Anschluss an die Theoretisierung sozialer Netzwerke als zentraler Erklärungsfaktor politischer Beteiligung wird im vorliegenden Kapitel das Untersuchungskonzept dieser Arbeit entwickelt. Dies beinhaltet zunächst die Herleitung und Formulierung der grundlegenden Forschungsfrage. Daran anschließend werden die zentralen Begriffe dieser Arbeit präzisiert und der empirische Forschungsstand zur sozialen Netzwerkeinbettung dargelegt. Dessen Diskussion soll Stärken und Schwächen der aktuellen Auseinandersetzung aufzeigen und damit Anknüpfungspunkte für die weitere Konzeptualisierung liefern. Auf dieser Grundlage werden schließlich theoretische Erklärungsstrategien, das empirische Forschungsmodell und statistisch überprüfbare Hypothesen generiert.
Fazit
Authors: Lütters Stefanie
Published: March 2022

Das demokratische Ideal der politischen Gleichheit setzt normativ eine gleichmäßige Repräsentation aller Bürgerinnen und Bürger voraus. „Allerdings klafft (…) zwischen dem Ziel politischer Gleichheit und ihrer tatsächlichen Realisierung eine große Lücke“ (Dahl 2006: 11). Diese manifestiert sich in Form eines sozialen Ungleichgewichtes der politisch Beteiligten, das sich zuungunsten ressourcenschwächerer Personengruppen ausformt. Empirisch unbestreitbar, ist die theoretische Verbindung von sozialen und politischen Merkmalen längst nicht derart eindeutig. Vor diesem Hintergrund hat sich diese Arbeit der Ergründung von Faktoren gewidmet, die ursächlich für eine sozial verzerrte Inanspruchnahme politischer Teilhaberechte verantwortlich sind. Im Forschungsfokus steht das soziale Kapital, das aus einer Netzwerkperspektive heraus theoretisiert und mit sozialstrukturellen sowie rationalen Handlungstheorien verknüpft wurde.
On 1D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 supersymmetric SYK-type models. Part II
Authors: James Gates S. , Hu Yangrui , Mak S.-N. Hazel
Published: March 2022

Abstract

This paper is an extension of our last 1D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 supersymmetric SYK paper [1]. In this paper we introduced the complex linear supermultiplet (CLS), which is “usefully inequivalent” to the chiral supermultiplet. We construct three types of models based on the complex linear supermultiplet containing quartic interactions from modified CLS kinetic term, quartic interactions from 3-pt vertices integrated over the whole superspace, and 2(q −1)-pt interactions generated via superpotentials respectively. A strong evidence for the inevitability of dynamical bosons for 1D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 SYK is also presented.
2d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (0, 1) gauge theories and Spin(7) orientifolds
Authors: Franco Sebastián , Mininno Alessandro , Uranga Ángel M. , Yu Xingyang
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We initiate the geometric engineering of 2d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 1) gauge theories on D1-branes probing singularities. To do so, we introduce a new class of backgrounds obtained as quotients of Calabi-Yau 4-folds by a combination of an anti-holomorphic involution leading to a Spin(7) cone and worldsheet parity. We refer to such constructions as Spin(7) orientifolds. Spin(7) orientifolds explicitly realize the perspective on 2d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 1) theories as real slices of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) ones. Remarkably, this projection is geometrically realized as Joyce’s construction of Spin(7) manifolds via quotients of Calabi-Yau 4-folds by anti-holomorphic involutions. We illustrate this construction in numerous examples with both orbifold and non-orbifold parent singularities, discuss the role of the choice of vector structure in the orientifold quotient, and study partial resolutions.
Projective Limit Techniques for the Infinite Dimensional Moment Problem
Authors: Infusino Maria , Kuhlmann Salma , Kuna Tobias , Michalski Patrick
Published: March 2022

We deal with the following general version of the classical moment problem: when can a linear functional on a unital commutative real algebra A be represented as an integral with respect to a Radon measure on the character space X(A) of A equipped with the Borel $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebra generated by the weak topology? We approach this problem by constructing X(A) as a projective limit of the character spaces of all finitely generated unital subalgebras of A. Using some fundamental results for measures on projective limits of measurable spaces, we determine a criterion for the existence of an integral representation of a linear functional on A with respect to a measure on the cylinder $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebra on X(A) (resp. a Radon measure on the Borel $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebra on X(A)) provided that for any finitely generated unital subalgebra of A the corresponding moment problem is solvable. We also investigate how to localize the support of representing measures for linear functionals on A. These results allow us to establish infinite dimensional analogues of the classical Riesz-Haviland and Nussbaum theorems as well as a representation theorem for linear functionals non-negative on a “partially Archimedean” quadratic module of A. Our results in particular apply to the case when A is the algebra of polynomials in infinitely many variables or the symmetric tensor algebra of a real infinite dimensional vector space, providing a unified setting which enables comparisons between some recent results for these instances of the moment problem.
The direct influence of climate change on marginal populations: a review
Authors: Kolzenburg Regina
Published: March 2022

Climatic changes and their impact on animals and plants at the margins of their distributions are evident in terrestrial, limnic, and marine environments. I review and summarise the literature related to the direct physiological effects of climate change on marginal populations in all realms and categories. I summarise literature showing physiological and ecological emphasis but do not include studies on modelling, genetic or range shift. I found a great discrepancy in representation of each category, with the majority of studies and the greatest variety of species represented in the marine environment and the least research conducted in limnic environments. The least represented in all environments and marginalities was the plant kingdom, including algae. I identified an uneven distribution of studies around the globe with a major focus on Europe and North America. Literature results show an overarching negative impact on organismal physiology independent of a realm and/or geographic location, potentially leading to species and hence biodiversity loss, and tightly coupled with this, a loss of ecosystem functions at the respective sites. All these points may lead to unstable ecosystems and socio-economic implications at the respective sites.
The PBW Basis of $U_{q,\overline {q}}(\ddot {\mathfrak {g}\mathfrak {l}}_{n})$
Authors: Neguț Andrei
Published: March 2022

We consider the PBW basis of the quantum toroidal algebra of ${\mathfrak {g}\mathfrak {l}}_{n}$

g
l

n

, which was developed in Neguț (Adv. Math. 372, 2020), and prove commutation relations between its generators akin to the ones studied in Burban and Schiffmann (Duke Math. J. 161(7):1171–1231, 2012) for n = 1. This gives rise to a new presentation of the quantum toroidal algebra of type A.
Tilings with Nonflat Squares: A Characterization
Authors: Friedrich Manuel , Seitz Manuel , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: March 2022

Inspired by the modelization of 2D materials systems, we characterize arrangements of identical nonflat squares in 3D. We prove that the fine geometry of such arrangements is completely characterized in terms of patterns of mutual orientations of the squares and that these patterns are periodic and one-dimensional. In contrast to the flat case, the nonflatness of the tiles gives rise to nontrivial geometries, with configurations bending, wrinkling, or even rolling up in one direction.
Prehospital traumatic cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vianen Niek Johannes , Van Lieshout Esther Maria Maartje , Maissan Iscander Michael , Bramer Wichor Matthijs , Hartog Dennis Den , Verhofstad Michael Herman Jacob , Van Vledder Mark Gerrit
Published: March 2022

Background

Circulatory arrest after trauma is a life-threatening situation that mandates urgent action. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis on prehospital traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) were to provide an updated pooled mortality rate for prehospital TCA, to investigate the impact of the time of patient inclusion and the type of prehospital trauma system on TCA mortality rates and neurological outcome, and to investigate which pre- and intra-arrest factors are prognostic for prehospital TCA mortality.

Methods

This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA and CHARMS guidelines. Databases were searched for primary studies published about prehospital TCA patients (1995–2020). Studies were divided into various EMS-system categories. Data were analyzed using MedCalc, Review Manager, Microsoft Excel, and Shinyapps Meta Power Calculator software.

Results

Thirty-six studies involving 51.722 patients were included. Overall mortality for TCA was 96.2% and a favorable neurological outcome was seen in 43.5% of the survivors. Mortality rates were 97.2% in studies including prehospital deaths and 92.3% in studies excluding prehospital deaths. Favorable neurological outcome rates were 35.8% in studies including prehospital deaths and 49.5% in studies excluding prehospital deaths. Mortality rates were 97.6% if no physician was available at the prehospital scene and 93.9% if a physician was available. Favorable neurological outcome rates were 57.0% if a physician was available on scene and 38.0% if no physician was available. Only non-shockable rhythm was associated with a higher mortality (RR 1.12, p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Approximately 1 in 20 patients with prehospital TCA will survive; about 40% of survivors have favorable neurological outcome.
Differential contributions of serotonergic and dopaminergic functional connectivity to the phenomenology of LSD
Authors: Lawn Timothy , Dipasquale Ottavia , Vamvakas Alexandros , Tsougos Ioannis , Mehta Mitul A. , Howard Matthew A.
Published: March 2022

Rationale

LSD is the prototypical psychedelic. Despite a clear central role of the 5HT2a receptor in its mechanism of action, the contributions of additional receptors for which it shows affinity and agonist activity remain unclear.

Objectives

We employed receptor-enriched analysis of functional connectivity by targets (REACT) to explore differences in functional connectivity (FC) associated with the distributions of the primary targets of LSD—the 5HT1a, 5HT1b, 5HT2a, D1 and D2 receptors.

Methods

We performed secondary analyses of an openly available dataset (N = 15) to estimate the LSD-induced alterations in receptor-enriched FC maps associated with these systems. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed as a dimension reduction strategy for subjective experiences associated with LSD captured by the Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) questionnaire. Correlations between these principal components as well as VAS ratings of subjective effects with receptor-enriched FC were explored.

Results

Compared to placebo, LSD produced differences in FC when the analysis was enriched with each of the primary serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. Altered receptor-enriched FC showed relationships with the subjective effects of LSD on conscious experience, with serotonergic and dopaminergic systems being predominantly associated with perceptual effects and perceived selfhood as well as cognition respectively. These relationships were dissociable, with different receptors showing the same relationships within, but not between, the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.

Conclusions

These exploratory findings provide new insights into the pharmacology of LSD and highlight the need for additional investigation of non-5HT2a-mediated mechanisms.
A historical review of calcaneal fractures: from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and Don Juan injuries to the current plate osteosynthesis
Authors: Biz Carlo , Refolo Mariapaola , Zinnarello Felicia Deborah , Crimì Alberto , Dante Federico , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Calcaneal fractures are one of the most challenging injuries to treat and one of the most divisive. The purpose of this historical review is to highlight the evidence of calcaneal fracture and its treatment through history.

Methods

Archaeological, religious, artistic, literary and historical accounts were searched for descriptions of calcaneal fracture to give a thorough overview of the subject. The scientific literature was searched to highlight the evolution of treatment techniques.

Results

For over 2500 years, the only available option was conservative treatment due to the high risk of infection and limb loss in a world without antibiotics, plastic surgery techniques and adequate osteosynthesis devices. At the beginning of the twentieth century, treatment was still rather crude, consisting of closed reduction by impaction by a Cotton’s mallet, immobilisation of the foot into presses and strict bed rest in a plaster cast for five weeks. Only in the case of untreatable pain, triple arthrodesis could be employed. Regardless, the results were dismal. The debate on the superiority of open reduction and primary subtalar arthrodesis over open and closed reduction spans the entire history of medicine.

Conclusion

The long path of history has brought great improvement in the treatment of calcaneus fracture, but the debate about the best treatment is far from being over. There is a lack of good quality randomised control trials conducted according to an agreed set of outcome scores despite some excellent efforts. Therefore, despite the attempts made over the years and new, more precise prognostic scores, the outcomes of each technique in use today are as unique as the individuals who suffer from a calcaneal fracture.
No evidence that grooming is exchanged for coalitionary support in the short- or long-term via direct or generalized reciprocity in unrelated rhesus macaques
Authors: O’Hearn William J. , Ruiz-Lambides Angelina , Platt Michael L. , Brent Lauren J. N.
Published: March 2022

Reciprocity is a prominent explanation for cooperation between non-kin. Studies designed to demonstrate reciprocity often focus on direct reciprocity in the timescale of minutes to hours, whereas alternative mechanisms like generalized reciprocity and the possibility of reciprocation over longer timescales of months and years are less often explored. Using a playback experiment, we tested for evidence of direct and generalized reciprocity across short and longer timescales. We examined the exchange of grooming for coalitionary support between unrelated female rhesus macaques in a population with a complete genetic pedigree. Females that received grooming were not more responsive to calls for coalitionary support from unrelated female group mates compared to control females that received agonism or no interaction — even when the call belonged to a females’ most recent grooming partner. Similarly, females were not more responsive to calls for support from their most frequent unrelated grooming partner of the last two years, nor if they received large amounts of grooming from all other females in their group. We interpret these results as an absence of evidence for direct or generalized reciprocity on any timescale in the exchange of grooming for coalitionary support in rhesus macaques. If grooming is exchanged for support in this population, it is with an intensity below our ability to detect it or over a longer timescale than we examined. We propose by-product explanations may also be at play and highlight the importance of investigating multiple mechanisms when testing apparently cooperative behaviors.

Significance statement

The receipt of help can make some animals more likely to provide help in return, whether it be a singular act, or many acts accumulated over months. Similarly, the receipt of help, be it one act of aid, or a group’s worth of help over time, can make some animals more likely to pay help forward to others. Studies on Old World monkeys suggest females may give grooming and in return receive aid in future physical conflicts. Using a playback experiment, we found female rhesus macaques were not more responsive to calls for intervention in a simulated conflict after being groomed by unrelated females, even if the calling combatant was her most recent, or a long-time grooming partner. Our results suggest females in our study population may be receiving benefits other than support in conflicts for the grooming they provide.
Optimal chance-constrained pension fund management through dynamic stochastic control
Authors: Lauria Davide , Consigli Giorgio , Maggioni Francesca
Published: March 2022

We apply a dynamic stochastic control (DSC) approach based on an open-loop linear feedback policy to a classical asset-liability management problem as the one faced by a defined-benefit pension fund (PF) manager. We assume a PF manager seeking an optimal investment policy under random market returns and liability costs as well as stochastic PF members’ survival rates. The objective function is formulated as a risk-reward trade-off function resulting in a quadratic programming problem. The proposed methodology combines a stochastic control approach, due to Primbs and Sung (IEEE Trans Autom Control 54(2):221–230, 2009), with a chance constraint on the PF funding ratio (FR) and it is applied for the first time to this class of long-term financial planning problems characterized by stochastic asset and liabilities. Thanks to the DSC formulation, we preserve the underlying risk factors continuous distributions and avoid any state space discretization as is typically the case in multistage stochastic programs (MSP). By distinguishing between a long-term PF liability projection horizon and a shorter investment horizon for the FR control, we avoid the curse-of-dimensionality, in-sample instability and approximation errors that typically characterize MSP formulations. Through an extended computational study, we present in- and out-of-sample results which allows us to validate the proposed methodology. The collected evidences confirm the potential of this approach when applied to a stylized but sufficiently realistic long-term PF problem.
Spatial resolution issues in rough wall turbulence
Authors: Gatti Davide , Stroh Alexander , Frohnapfel Bettina , Örlü Ramis
Published: March 2022

The question whether spatial resolution effects should be accounted for when performing hot-wire (or particle image velocimetry) measurements in turbulent wall-bounded flows over rough surfaces in the fully rough regime is addressed and answered by exploiting an existing direct numerical simulation database of open-channel flows at$$Re_\tau =500$$Reτ=500over a rough surface consisting of randomly distributed roughness elements. The results show sizeable attenuation effects of the streamwise velocity fluctuation intensity, similar to smooth-wall flows with up to 70% for a wire width of around 100 viscous units. A suitable correction scheme is applied to successfully compensate for the spatial resolution effects. Both results indicate that spatial resolution effects are relevant also in fully rough flows and can be correcteda posterioriwhen the state-of-the-art criteria on sensor size cannot be achieved in experiments.

Graphical Abstract
Analysis of three-dimensional potential problems in non-homogeneous media with physics-informed deep collocation method using material transfer learning and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Guo Hongwei , Zhuang Xiaoying , Chen Pengwan , Alajlan Naif , Rabczuk Timon
Published: March 2022

In this work, we present a deep collocation method (DCM) for three-dimensional potential problems in non-homogeneous media. This approach utilizes a physics-informed neural network with material transfer learning reducing the solution of the non-homogeneous partial differential equations to an optimization problem. We tested different configurations of the physics-informed neural network including smooth activation functions, sampling methods for collocation points generation and combined optimizers. A material transfer learning technique is utilized for non-homogeneous media with different material gradations and parameters, which enhance the generality and robustness of the proposed method. In order to identify the most influential parameters of the network configuration, we carried out a global sensitivity analysis. Finally, we provide a convergence proof of our DCM. The approach is validated through several benchmark problems, also testing different material variations.
Cerebellar mutism syndrome: the importance of preoperative language assessment
Authors: Catelan S. , Santini B. , Sala F. , Feletti A.
Published: March 2022

Children undergoing surgical removal of tumors in the posterior cranial fossa can encounter a varied and complex constellation of neurological symptoms, called cerebellar mutism, defined as a disturbance in the planning and programming of motor language with preserved understanding, behavioral disorders such as inattention, visual-spatial disorganization, personality change, as well as ataxia and dysmetria. In the last years, several groups have been trying to establish risk factors or even predictive scores in order to be able at least in part to predict the appearance of speech disorders before surgery. We report on a child with pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellar vermis who had already been diagnosed with developmental linguistic delay two years earlier. This disorder initially worsened after surgery and later improved in the following 12 months. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the importance of preoperative neuropsychological evaluation. The present case, along with those reported in the literature, suggests that the risk of long-term cerebellar mutism is higher in children with preoperative speech disorders. In these patients a thorough assessment of cognitive and linguistic functions is therefore necessary to better evaluate the risk of cerebellar mutism after surgery.
Proteomic differences in hippocampus and cortex of sudden unexplained death in childhood
Authors: Leitner Dominique F. , William Christopher , Faustin Arline , Askenazi Manor , Kanshin Evgeny , Snuderl Matija , McGuone Declan , Wisniewski Thomas , Ueberheide Beatrix , Gould Laura , Devinsky Orrin
Published: March 2022

Sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) is death of a child over 1 year of age that is unexplained after review of clinical history, circumstances of death, and complete autopsy with ancillary testing. Multiple etiologies may cause SUDC. SUDC and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) share clinical and pathological features, suggesting some similarities in mechanism of death and possible abnormalities in hippocampus and cortex. To identify molecular signaling pathways, we performed label-free quantitative mass spectrometry on microdissected frontal cortex, hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and cornu ammonis (CA1-3) in SUDC (n = 19) and pediatric control cases (n = 19) with an explained cause of death. At a 5% false discovery rate (FDR), we found differential expression of 660 proteins in frontal cortex, 170 in DG, and 57 in CA1-3. Pathway analysis of altered proteins identified top signaling pathways associated with activated oxidative phosphorylation (p = 6.3 × 10–15, z = 4.08) and inhibited EIF2 signaling (p = 2.0 × 10–21, z = − 2.56) in frontal cortex, and activated acute phase response in DG (p = 8.5 × 10–6, z = 2.65) and CA1-3 (p = 4.7 × 10–6, z = 2.00). Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) of clinical history indicated that SUDC-positive post-mortem virology (n = 4/17) had the most significant module in each brain region, with the top most significant associated with decreased mRNA metabolic processes (p = 2.8 × 10–5) in frontal cortex. Additional modules were associated with clinical history, including fever within 24 h of death (top: increased mitochondrial fission in DG, p = 1.8 × 10–3) and febrile seizure history (top: decreased small molecule metabolic processes in frontal cortex, p = 8.8 × 10–5) in all brain regions, neuropathological hippocampal findings in the DG (top: decreased focal adhesion, p = 1.9 × 10–3). Overall, cortical and hippocampal protein changes were present in SUDC cases and some correlated with clinical features. Our studies support that proteomic studies of SUDC cohorts can advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of these tragedies and may inform the development of preventive strategies.
Treatment of sleep apnoea with tonsillectomy: a retrospective analysis using long-term follow-up data
Authors: Sjöblom Henrik M. , Nahkuri Max , Suomela Miika , Jero Jussi , Piitulainen Jaakko M.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This single-group, retrospective, pre-test–post-test study was performed to examine clinical outcomes in treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) with tonsillectomy alone and had the longest follow-up periods to date.

Methods

We analysed 151 tonsillectomies in our district between the years 2004 and 2018 that had either sleep apnoea or snoring listed as a diagnosis. Twenty-one patients met our criteria and were included. Patient records were analysed for home sleep apnoea test and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores.

Results

We defined success as a > 50% reduction of the Apnoea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) and a total AHI of < 20 post-surgery. The averages before surgery were an AHI of 22.3 and an ESS of 7.22. The success rate was 47.6% after tonsillectomy as the sole treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea in our adult population. Eleven patients were non-responders. The average ESS score reduction was 0.69 and did not reach statistical significance. With follow-up times ranging from 1.8 to 171 months, this study had the longest follow-up period compared to other existing studies. No patient with a follow-up longer than one year was a responder.

Conclusion

Our results support that tonsillectomy is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with tonsillar hypertrophy. With less severe OSA than those reported on previously, our patients also had less severe daytime sleepiness before surgery, and daytime sleepiness score reductions did not reach statistical significance. In the future, long-term results should be further analysed.
Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT): past, present, and future
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Menon Mahesh , Balzan Ryan , Woodward Todd S.
Published: March 2022

This article provides an overview and retrospective on metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT), which first appeared approximately 2 decades ago. We recount how our empirical understanding of psychosis at that time led to the first preliminary version of the program. We describe setbacks and challenges that led to major changes, including revisions to existing modules (e.g., more focus on metacognitive variables, particularly on decision confidence as one of the primary targets of treatment) and the creation of new modules addressing mood, as well as attempts to improve sustainability of effects via homework exercises and a smartphone app (www.uke.de/mct_app). We have also enhanced dissemination efforts by creating new culturally sensitive language versions and facilitating low-threshold training through e-learning courses (www.uke.de/e-mct). Finally, we discuss several meta-analyses on the efficacy of MCT that have been published over the last decade. While reviews were initially inconsistent, possibly reflecting the insufficient statistical power and lower design quality of the first MCT studies, more recent meta-analyses have confirmed the efficacy of MCT on positive symptoms, insight, and cognitive biases, which has led to the inclusion of MCT in some national treatment guidelines for schizophrenia.
MRI predictors for the conversion from contrast-enhancing to iron rim multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Wenzel Nicolas , Wittayer Matthias , Weber Claudia E. , Schirmer Lucas , Platten Michael , Gass Achim , Eisele Philipp
Published: March 2022

Background

In multiple sclerosis (MS), iron rim lesions (IRLs) are characterized by progressive tissue matrix damage. Therefore, early identification could represent an interesting target for therapeutic intervention to minimize evolving tissue damage. The aim of this study was to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters predicting the conversion from contrast-enhancing to IRLs.

Methods

We retrospective identified MS patients scanned on the same 3 T MRI system presenting at least one supratentorial contrast-enhancing lesion (CEL) and a second MRI including susceptibility-weighted images after at least 3 months. On baseline MRI, pattern of contrast-enhancement was categorized as “nodular” or “ring-like”, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were assessed for the presence of a peripheral hypointense rim. Lesion localization, quantitative volumes (ADC, lesion volume) and the presence of a central vein were assessed.

Results

Eighty-nine acute contrast-enhancing lesions in 54 MS patients were included. On follow-up, 16/89 (18%) initially CELs converted into IRLs. CELs that converted into IRLs were larger and demonstrated significantly more often a ring-like contrast-enhancement pattern and a peripheral hypointense rim on ADC maps. Logistic regression model including the covariables pattern of contrast-enhancement and presence of a hypointense rim on ADC maps showed the best predictive performance (area under the curve = 0.932).

Discussion

The combination of a ring-like contrast-enhancement pattern and a peripheral hypointense rim on ADC maps has the ability to predict the evolution from acute to IRLs. This could be of prognostic value and become a target for early therapeutic intervention to minimize the associated tissue damage.