bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible resolution of the Hubble tension with Weyl invariant gravity
Authors: Shimon Meir
Published: April 2022

We explore cosmological implications of a
genuinely Weyl invariant (WI) gravitational interaction.
The latter reduces to general relativity in a particular
conformal frame for which the gravitational coupling and
active gravitational masses are fixed.
Specifically, we consider a cosmological model in this
framework that is dynamically identical to the
standard model (SM) of cosmology.
However, kinematics of test particles traveling
in the new background metric is modified
thanks to a new (cosmological) fundamental
mass scale, γ, of the model that emerges
as an integration constant of the classical field equations.
Since the lapse-function of the new metric is
radially-dependent any incoming photon experiences (gravitational)
red/blueshift in the comoving frame, unlike in the SM.
Distance scales are modified as well due to the scale γ.
The claimed 4.4σ tension level between the locally measured
Hubble constant, H
0, with SH0ES and the corresponding
value inferred from the cosmic microwave background (CMB)
could then be significantly alleviated by
an earlier-than-thought recombination. Assuming
vanishing spatial curvature, either one of
the Planck 2018 (P18) or dark energy survey (DES)
yr1 data sets subject to the SH0ES prior
imply that γ
-1 is O(100)
times larger than the Hubble scale,    H
0
-1.
Considering P18+SH0ES or P18+DES+SH0ES data set combinations, the odds
against vanishing γ are over 1000:1 and 2000:1, respectively,
and the model is strongly favored over the SM with a
deviance information criterion (DIC) gain ≳ 10
and ≳ 12, respectively.
The H
0 tension is reduced in this model
to ∼ 1.5 and 1.3 σ, respectively.
Allowing for a non-vanishing spatial curvature, γ
-1
halves to O(50) times H
0
-1.
The capacity of two other major cosmological
probes, baryonic oscillations and type Ia supernovae,
SNIa, to distinguish between the models is also
discussed. We conclude that the H
0 tension may
simply result from a yet unrecognized fundamental
symmetry of the gravitational interaction — Weyl invariance.
Freeze-in and freeze-out generation of lepton asymmetries after baryogenesis in the νMSM
Authors: Eijima S. , Shaposhnikov M. , Timiryasov I.
Published: April 2022

The νMSM — an extension of the Standard Model by three relatively light singlet Majorana fermions N
1,2,3 — allows for the generation of lepton asymmetry which is several orders of magnitude larger than the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe. The lepton asymmetry is produced in interactions of N
2,3 (with masses in the GeV region) at temperatures below the sphaleron freeze out T ≲ 130 GeV and can enhance the cosmological production of dark matter (DM) sterile neutrinos N
1 (with the mass of the keV scale) happening at T ∼ 200 MeV due to active-sterile neutrino mixing.
This asymmetry can be generated in freeze-in, freeze-out, or later in decays of heavy neutral leptons.
In this work, we address the question of the magnitude of the late-time asymmetry (LTA) generated by the heavy neutral leptons N
2,3 during their freeze-in and freeze-out, leaving the decays for later work. We study how much of this asymmetry can survive down to the lower temperatures relevant for the sterile neutrino DM creation. We find that this LTA could result in the production of a sizeable fraction of dark matter. We also examine a role played by magnetic fields and the Abelian chiral anomaly in the generation of LTA, not accounted for in the previous studies. We argue that the production of LTA can be increased significantly and make an estimate of the influence of this effect.
Discord and decoherence
Authors: Martin Jérôme , Micheli Amaury , Vennin Vincent
Published: April 2022

In quantum information theory, quantum discord has been proposed as a tool to characterise the presence of “quantum correlations” between the subparts of a given system. Whether a system behaves quantum-mechanically or classically is believed to be impacted by the phenomenon of decoherence, which originates from the unavoidable interaction between this system and an environment. Generically, decoherence is associated with a decrease of the state purity, i.e. a transition from a pure to a mixed state. In this paper, we investigate how quantum discord is modified by this quantum-to-classical transition. This study is carried out on systems described by quadratic Hamiltonians and Gaussian states, with generalised squeezing parameters. A generic parametrisation is also introduced to describe the way the system is partitioned into two subsystems. We find that the evolution of quantum discord in presence of an environment is a competition between the growth of the squeezing amplitude and the decrease of the state purity. In phase space, this corresponds to whether the semi-minor axis of the Wigner ellipse increases or decreases, which has a clear geometrical interpretation. Finally, these considerations are applied to primordial cosmological perturbations, thus allowing us to investigate how large-scale structures in our universe, which are believed to arise from quantum fluctuations, can exhibit classical properties.
A Deep Investigation of Two Poorly Studied Open Clusters Haffner 22 and Melotte 71 in the Gaia era
Authors: Bisht D. , Zhu Qingfeng , Yadav R. K. S. , Rangwal Geeta , Sariya Devesh P. , Durgapal Alok , Jiang Ing-Guey
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a deep investigation of two open clusters, Haffner 22 and Melotte 71, using astrometric and photometric data from Gaia EDR3. We identified 382 and 597 most probable cluster members with membership probability higher than 50%. Mean proper motions in R.A. and decl. are estimated as (−1.631 ± 0.009, 2.889 ± 0.008) and (−2.398 ± 0.004, 4.210 ± 0.005) mas yr−1 for Haffner 22 and Melotte 71, respectively. A comparison of observed CMDs with the theoretical isochrones leads to an age of 2.25 ± 0.25 and 1.27 ± 0.14 Gyr for these clusters. The distances 2.88 ± 0.10 and 2.28 ± 0.15 kpc based on the parallax are comparable with the values derived by the isochrone fitting method. Five and four blue straggler stars (BSS) are identified as cluster members in Haffner 22 and Melotte 71. Based on the relative number of high-velocity (binary) and single stars, we inferred binary fractions for both clusters in the range of ∼10% ≤ f
bin ≤ 14%, for both core and o?-core regions. We found binary content is larger in the core region. Mass function slope is in good agreement with the Salpeter’s value for Melotte 71 (x = 1.23 ± 0.38 within mass range 1–3.4 M
⊙) while it is quite a flat slope for Haffner 22 (x = 0.63 ± 0.30 within mass range 1–2.3 M
⊙). Evidence for the existence of mass-segregation effect is observed in both clusters. Using the Galactic potential model, Galactic orbits are derived, indicating that both clusters follow a circular path around the Galactic center, evolving slowly.
Phenol in High-mass Star-forming Regions
Authors: Ghosh Rana , Sil Milan , Kumar Mondal Suman , Gorai Prasanta , Sahu Dipen , Kumar Kushwaha Rahul , Sivaraman Bhalamurugan , Das Ankan
Published: April 2022

Phenol, which belongs to the C6H6O isomeric group, is the simplest molecule in the family of alcohol of the aromatic series. Although phenol has yet to be detected in the interstellar medium, a tentative identification was reported toward the Orion KL hot core using the IRAM-30 m line survey. To explore some more species of this isomeric group, we consider ten species to study the fate of their astronomical detection. It is noticed that phenol is the most energetically favorable isomer of this group. In contrast, propargyl ether is the least favorable (having relative energy ∼103 kcal mol−1 compared to phenol) species of this group. So far, the studies associated with the formation of phenol are heavily concentrated on combustion chemistry. Here, we suggest a few key reactions (C6H6 + OH → C6H5 + H2O, C6H6 + O → C6H5OH, C6H6 + H → C6H5 + H2, and C6H5 + OH → C6H5OH + h
ν) for the formation of phenol. All these pathways are included in a large gas-grain chemical network to study its formation in high mass star-forming regions and dark cloud environments. It is noticed that the phenyl (−C6H5) formation by the ice-phase hydrogen abstraction reaction of benzene (i.e., C6H6 + OH → C6H5 + H2O if allowed at ∼10 K) could serve as the starting point for the formation of phenol in the gas phase by radiative association reaction C6H5 + OH → C6H5OH + h
ν. The gas-phase reaction C6H6 + O → C6H5OH significantly contributes to the formation of phenol, when the ice-phase reaction C6H6 + OH → C6H5 + H2O is not considered at low temperature. Band 4 ALMA archival data of a hot molecular core, G10.47+0.03, are analyzed. It yields an upper limit on phenol abundance of 5.19 × 10−9. Our astrochemical model delivers an upper limit on phenol abundance of ∼2.20 × 10−9 in the hot molecular core, whereas its production in the dark cloud is not satisfactory.
The Multiple Images of the Plasma Lensing FRB
Authors: Wang Yu-Bin , Wen Zhi-Gang , Yuen Rai , Wang Na , Yuan Jian-Ping , Zhou Xia
Published: April 2022

We investigate the formation of multiple images as the radio signals from fast radio bursts (FRBs) pass through the plane of a plasma clump. The exponential model for the plasma clump is adopted to analyze the properties of the multiple images. By comparing with the classical dispersion relations, we find that one image has exhibited specific inverse properties to others, such as their delay times at high frequency is higher than that at low frequency, owing to the lensing effects of the plasma clump. We demonstrate that these inverse effects should be observable in some repeating FRBs. Our results predict deviation in the estimated dispersion measure (DM) across multiple images, consistent with the observations of FRB 121102 and FRB 180916.J0158+65. If other plasma lenses have effects similar to an exponential lens, we find that they should also give rise to a similar dispersion relation in the multiple images. For some repeating FRBs, analysis of the differences in time delay and in DM between multiple images at different frequencies can serve as a method to reveal the plasma distribution.
Life cycle assessment of simultaneous pyrethroid extraction in soil matrices: A comparative study with QuEChERS method
Authors: Ariyani Miranti , Pitoi Mariska Margaret , Sari Ajeng Arum , Yusiasih Retno , Koesmawati Tiny Agustini , Sunardi
Published: April 2022

The gate-to-gate system boundary was employed to determine the greenness of sample preparation methods for simultaneous pyrethroids analysis using life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA of an established QuEChERS method was assessed and compared to the proposed modified QuEChERS method. A comparative LCA was carried out with a functional unit defined as the amount of pyrethroid recovered (80-110%) from a 5 g soil. The life cycle inventory and life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) were performed on Open LCA 1.10.3 software. The inventory analysis shows that the amount of equipment, material, and energy input were greater in the proposed modified QuEChERS method than the established QuEChERS method, except for chemicals used. The life cycle assessment impact shows that among the nine impact parameters generated, the established QuEChERS method was more environmentally benign than the proposed modified QuEChERS method. However, in term of carcinogenic toxicity impact on humans, the proposed modified QuEChERS method outperformed the established QuEChERS method. This study confirmed the contribution of life cycle assessment to assess the environmental impact for the analytical procedure.
Application of myco-light expanded clay aggregate for real textile wastewater treatment in rotating drum biological contactor
Authors: Ardiati Fenny Clara , Yanto Dede Heri Yuli , Anita Sita Heris , Ramadhan Kharisma Panji , Laksana Raden Permana Budi , Harsono Susila Tri , Panelin Yandes , Widiyatno
Published: April 2022

Textile effluent could endanger human health and the water environment, but it is very challenging to be treated due to its complex composition. Biological methods for textile wastewater treatment by using fungi has been extensively studied in a lab-scale yet the investigation on a larger scale is still limited. In this study, a preliminary investigation of immobilized Trametes hirsuta D7 in light expanded clay aggregate (myco-LECA) application was conducted to treat the real textile wastewater in a rotating drum biological contactor. The undiluted wastewater without any addition of carbon and nutrients was used in the experiment and treated for 72 hours in the batch-mode bioreactor. The results revealed the maximum decolorization of 74.62% along with the highest laccase activity observed at 107 UL−1. Moreover, the pH was successfully reduced from 12.94 to 8.57 while the chemical oxygen demand still fluctuated. In terms of nutrients, 57.4% of phosphorus (PO4-P) removal was achieved but no observation of the nitrification process. Based on the toxicity assay using Artemia salina larvae, the treatment could reduce the toxicity level and performed a total chromium removal up to 36.5%. These findings showed the promising abilities of myco-LECA for textile wastewater treatment prior to the full-scale application.
Elevated temperature erosion performance of plasma sprayed NiCrAlY/TiO2 coating on MDN 420 steel substrate
Authors: Reddy G Madhu Sudana , Prasad C Durga , Patil Pradeep , Kakur Naresh , Ramesh M R
Published: April 2022

The current study deals with the erosion behaviour of a plasma-sprayed 70% NiCrAlY + 30% TiO2 coating on MDN 420 steel substrate at extreme temperatures. The coating was characterized by using an optical microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The coating’s porosity, microhardness, surface roughness, and adhesion strength were all examined. The solid particle erosion experiments were carried out at temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C, with impact angles of 30° and 90°. The tests were conducted by using the alumina as an erodent in the hot air jet erosion testing machine. The erosion volume loss of coated and uncoated samples was measured using an optical profilometer. It is observed that erosion resistance of the coating was found to be more when compared to the substrate for the different test temperatures chosen. As the temperature increases, the erosion resistance of the coating also found increased from 300 °C to 700 °C at both impact angles of 30° and 90°. The morphology of the eroded coating surface reveals that the generalized behaviour of the coating is ductile in nature.
Numerical simulations and optimization of foam filled free-curved surface composite part
Authors: Chen Siyu , Jing Xishuang , Xie Xin , Zhang Chengyang , Xie Fubao
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study is to predict the curing deformation of a foam-filled free-curved surface composite part and reduce the occurrence of curing deformation through process optimization. This research introduces a finite element simulation method and an optimization method for forming parameters for a foam-filled free-curved surface composite part. Meanwhile, sample manufacturing experiments and a comparative analysis between the simulation and actual objects were conducted. The results showed that finite element simulation analysis could effectively predict the curing deformation of the composite part. After the optimization simulation analysis of the molding process parameters, it was found that the curing deformation of the foam-filled free-curved surface composite part could be as small as 2.30 mm.
Isotope detection in molecules with ultrafast electron diffraction and rotational spectrometry
Authors: Xiong Yanwei , Zhao Haoran , Saha Sajib Kumar , Muvva Sri Bhavya , Wilkin Kyle J , Centurion Martin
Published: April 2022

Gas phase electron diffraction is a powerful technique to measure the structure of molecules in the gas phase, and time-resolved ultrafast electron diffraction has been successful in capturing structural dynamics taking place on femtosecond and picosecond time scales. Diffraction measurements, however, are not sensitive to isotope substitution, and thus cannot distinguish between isotopologues. Here we show that by impulsively aligning the molecules with a short laser pulse and observing the anisotropy in the diffraction signal over multiple revivals of the rotational wavepacket, the relative abundance of molecules with different isotopes can be determined. We demonstrate the technique experimentally and theoretically by studying the rotational dynamics of chloromethane with two naturally occurring chlorine isotopes 35Cl and 37Cl. We have determined the relative abundance and mass difference of the isotopes. This new methodology adds a new capability to the existing technique of ultrafast electron diffraction.
Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension Among US Women of Reproductive Age by Race/Hispanic Origin
Authors: Ford Nicole D , Robbins Cheryl L , Hayes Donald K , Ko Jean Y , Loustalot Fleetwood
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

To explore the prevalence, pharmacologic treatment, and control of hypertension among US nonpregnant women of reproductive age by race/Hispanic origin to identify potential gaps in care.

METHODS

We pooled data from the 2011 to March 2020 (prepandemic) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles. Our analytic sample included 4,590 nonpregnant women aged 20–44 years who had at least 1 examiner-measured blood pressure (BP) value. We estimated prevalences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hypertension, pharmacologic treatment, and control based on the 2003 Joint Committee on High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) and the 2017 American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines. We evaluated differences by race/Hispanic origin using Rao–Scott chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Applying ACC/AHA guidelines, hypertension prevalence ranged from 14.0% (95% CI: 12.0, 15.9) among Hispanic women to 30.9% (95% CI: 27.8, 34.0) among non-Hispanic Black women. Among women with hypertension, non-Hispanic Black women had the highest eligibility for pharmacological treatment (65.5%, 95% CI: 60.4, 70.5); current use was highest among White women (61.8%, 95% CI: 53.8, 69.9). BP control ranged from 5.2% (95% CI: 1.1, 9.3) among women of another or multiple non-Hispanic races to 18.6% (95% CI: 12.1, 25.0) among Hispanic women.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of monitoring hypertension, pharmacologic treatment, and control by race/Hispanic origin and addressing barriers to equitable hypertension care among women of reproductive age.
Effects of Intracranial Interventional Embolization and Intracranial Clipping on the Cognitive and Neurologic Function of Patients with Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Gao Ping , Jin Zhibin , Wang Peng , Zhang Xiang
Published: April 2022

Background

Intracranial interventional embolization and intracranial clipping have been two typical therapies for the emergent rescue of intracranial aneurysm. However, there are still controversies over the impact of these two surgical treatments of aneurysms on cognitive and neurological functions of patients.

Methods

A total of 144 patients with intracranial aneurysms were enrolled as the test subjects, who were randomly and evenly divided into the Intracranial Clipping group and the Interventional Embolization group. Cognitive and neurologic functions were evaluated by Glasgow Outcome Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scales, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100β.

Results

There were no significant differences in the preoperative MMSE, MoCA, NIHSS or ADL scale between two groups (p > 0.05). However, after operation, the MMSE and MoCA scores of the interventional embolization group were significantly higher, whereas the NIHSS and ADL scales were significantly lower than those of the intracranial clipping group (p < 0.05). The levels of NSE and S100β in the intracranial clipping group were significantly higher than in the interventional embolization group.

Conclusion

Intracranial interventional embolization exerts better effects on the cognitive and neurologic functions than intracranial clipping.
Pay (to pay) to play: drillable immersion at transmedia theme parks
Authors: Moulton Carter
Published: April 2022

Weaving together analyses of theme park industry discourses, park experiences, ride architectures, and ticket-price data, this article extends Mittell’s (2013) work on “drillable” textuality to outline three distinct ways in which drillable immersion is being built into the experience of transmedia theme parks. In addition to being a set of forensic-minded exploratory practices and a spatially-layered arena of play, drillable immersion is also being used as an industry strategy to encourage additional capitalistic consumption and to further entrench symbolic conceptions of awe and wonder into commercialized experiences. By outlining how new media and convergence logics are being extended and mapped onto physical spaces, the article opens up new ways of thinking about the relationships between media industries and fans, adjacent cultural sites of experience, tourism, and broader histories of immersive culture.
Accessible from the open web: a qualitative analysis of the available open-source information involving cyber security and critical infrastructure
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan (Cicilia) , Frank Richard , Warkentin Noelle , Zakimi Naomi
Published: April 2022

In order to efficiently manage and operate industrial-level production, an increasing number of industrial devices and critical infrastructure (CI) are now connected to the internet, exposed to malicious hackers and cyberterrorists who aim to cause significant damage to institutions and countries. Throughout the various stages of a cyber-attack, Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) tools could gather data from various publicly available platforms, and thus help hackers identify vulnerabilities and develop malware and attack strategies against targeted CI sectors. The purpose of the current study is to explore and identify the types of OSINT data that are useful for malicious individuals intending to conduct cyber-attacks against the CI industry. Applying and searching keyword queries in four open-source surface web platforms (Google, YouTube, Reddit, and Shodan), search results published between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed and qualitatively analyzed to categorize CI information that could be useful to hackers. Over 4000 results were analyzed from the open-source websites, 250 of which were found to provide information related to hacking and/or cybersecurity of CI facilities to malicious actors. Using thematic content analysis, we identified three major types of data malicious attackers could retrieve using OSINT tools: indirect reconnaissance data, proof-of-concept codes, and educational materials. The thematic results from this study reveal an increasing amount of open-source information useful for malicious attackers against industrial devices, as well as the need for programs, training, and policies required to protect and secure industrial systems and CI.
The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in named manometric patterns of dysmotility according to the Chicago Classification 4.0
Authors: de Padua Filipe , Herbella Fernando A M , Patti Marco G
Published: April 2022

Esophageal motility disorders (EMD) may be considered primary disorders only in the absence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If GERD is present, treatment should be directed toward correction of the abnormal reflux. The actual prevalence of GERD in manometric dysmotility patterns according to the new Chicago Classification 4.0 (CC4) is still elusive. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of GERD in patients with esophageal motility disorders according to the CC4. We reviewed 400 consecutive patients that underwent esophageal manometry and pH monitoring. Esophageal motility was classified according to the CC4 and GERD + was defined by a DeMeester score > 14.7. Normal motility or unclassified dysmotility was present in 290 (73%) patients, with GERD+ in 184 of them (63%). There were a total of 110 patients (27%) with named esophageal motility disorders, with GERD+ in 67 (61%). The incidence of ineffective esophageal motility was 59% (n = 65) with 69% GERD +, diffuse esophageal spasm was 40% (n = 44) with 48% GERD +, and hypercontractile esophagus was 0.01% (n = 1) with 100% GERD +. There was no correlation between the presence of GERD and the number of non-peristaltic swallows. Our results show that: (i) manometry only is not enough to select patients’ treatment as >60% of patients with named esophageal motility disorders have GERD; (ii) there was no correlation between the presence of GERD and the number of non-peristaltic swallows.
Importance of genotype for risk stratification in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy using the 2019 ARVC risk calculator
Authors: Protonotarios Alexandros , Bariani Riccardo , Cappelletto Chiara , Pavlou Menelaos , García-García Alba , Cipriani Alberto , Protonotarios Ioannis , Rivas Adrian , Wittenberg Regitze , Graziosi Maddalena , Xylouri Zafeirenia , Larrañaga-Moreira José M , de Luca Antonio , Celeghin Rudy , Pilichou Kalliopi , Bakalakos Athanasios , Lopes Luis Rocha , Savvatis Konstantinos , Stolfo Davide , Dal Ferro Matteo , Merlo Marco , Basso Cristina , Freire Javier Limeres , Rodriguez-Palomares Jose F , Kubo Toru , Ripoll-Vera Tomas , Barriales-Villa Roberto , Antoniades Loizos , Mogensen Jens , Garcia-Pavia Pablo , Wahbi Karim , Biagini Elena , Anastasakis Aris , Tsatsopoulou Adalena , Zorio Esther , Gimeno Juan R , Garcia-Pinilla Jose Manuel , Syrris Petros , Sinagra Gianfranco , Bauce Barbara , Elliott Perry M
Published: April 2022

Aims

To study the impact of genotype on the performance of the 2019 risk model for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Methods and results

The study cohort comprised 554 patients with a definite diagnosis of ARVC and no history of sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA). During a median follow-up of 6.0 (3.1,12.5) years, 100 patients (18%) experienced the primary VA outcome (sustained ventricular tachycardia, appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator intervention, aborted sudden cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death) corresponding to an annual event rate of 2.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–3.3]. Risk estimates for VA using the 2019 ARVC risk model showed reasonable discriminative ability but with overestimation of risk. The ARVC risk model was compared in four gene groups: PKP2 (n = 118, 21%); desmoplakin (DSP) (n = 79, 14%); other desmosomal (n = 59, 11%); and gene elusive (n = 160, 29%). Discrimination and calibration were highest for PKP2 and lowest for the gene-elusive group. Univariable analyses revealed the variable performance of individual clinical risk markers in the different gene groups, e.g. right ventricular dimensions and systolic function are significant risk markers in PKP2 but not in DSP patients and the opposite is true for left ventricular systolic function.

Conclusion

The 2019 ARVC risk model performs reasonably well in gene-positive ARVC (particularly for PKP2) but is more limited in gene-elusive patients. Genotype should be included in future risk models for ARVC.
Concurring Data Policy Cycles? Global Data Strategies Conference, University of Passau, 20 and 21 September 2021
Authors: Dittmar Josefine
Published: April 2022

Global data law is on the rise, and the competitiveness of societies is at stake. Today, the competing approaches to data law around the world are still manifold. But is it likely that these approaches will be unified by a strategic turn towards a global data strategy? The first conference of the Global Data Law Conference Series of the University of Passau Research Centre of Law and Digitalisation (FREDI) turned to this question in September 2021. The ensuing discussions led by international experts highlighted the interplay between policymakers and private corporations in shaping data strategies and protecting as well as empowering data subjects. Different data protection levels worldwide were evaluated and factored against the data-driven competitive advantages of private corporations. The range of aspects spread from prospects of a global data governance architecture, the notion of data colonialism and the European digital single market to the Chinese digital silk road.
Motor unit recovery following Smn restoration in mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Comley Laura H , Kline Rachel A , Thomson Alison K , Woschitz Victoria , Landeros Eric Villalón , Osman Erkan Y , Lorson Christian L , Murray Lyndsay M
Published: April 2022

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a childhood motor neuron disease caused by anomalies in the SMN1 gene. Although therapeutics have been approved for the treatment of SMA, there is a therapeutic time window, after which efficacy is reduced. Hallmarks of motor unit pathology in SMA include loss of motor-neurons and neuromuscular junction (NMJs). Following an increase in Smn levels, it is unclear how much damage can be repaired and the degree to which normal connections are re-established. Here, we perform a detailed analysis of motor unit pathology before and after restoration of Smn levels. Using a Smn-inducible mouse model of SMA, we show that genetic restoration of Smn results in a dramatic reduction in NMJ pathology, with restoration of innervation patterns, preservation of axon and endplate number and normalized expression of P53-associated transcripts. Notably, presynaptic swelling and elevated Pmaip levels remained. We analysed the effect of either early or delayed treated of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting SMN2 on a range of differentially vulnerable muscles. Following ASO administration, the majority of endplates appeared fully occupied. However, there was an underlying loss of axons and endplates, which was more prevalent following a delay in treatment. There was an increase in average motor unit size following both early and delayed treatment. Together this work demonstrates the remarkably regenerative capacity of the motor neuron following Smn restoration, but highlights that recovery is incomplete. This work suggests that there is an opportunity to enhance neuromuscular junction recovery following administration of Smn-enhancing therapeutics.
Epigenetic and environmental regulation of adipocyte function
Authors: Matsumura Yoshihiro , Osborne Timothy F , Sakai Juro
Published: April 2022

Adipocytes play an essential role in the maintenance of whole-body energy homeostasis. White adipocytes regulate energy storage, whereas brown and beige adipocytes regulate energy expenditure and heat production. De novo production of adipocytes (i.e. adipogenesis) and their functions are dynamically controlled by environmental cues. Environmental changes (e.g. temperature, nutrients, hormones, cytokines) are transmitted via intracellular signaling to facilitate short-term responses and long-term adaptation in adipocytes; however, the molecular mechanisms that link the environment and epigenome are poorly understood. Our recent studies have demonstrated that environmental cues dynamically regulate interactions between transcription factors and epigenomic chromatin regulators, which together trigger combinatorial changes in chromatin structure to influence gene expression in adipocytes. Thus, environmental sensing by the concerted action of multiple chromatin-associated protein complexes is a key determinant of the epigenetic regulation of adipocyte functions.
Bundle Selection and Variety Seeking: The Importance of Combinatorics
Authors: O’Donnell Michael , Critcher Clayton R , Nelson Leif D
Published: April 2022

When consumers select bundles of goods, they may construct those sequentially (e.g., building a bouquet one flower at a time) or make a single choice of a prepackaged bundle (e.g., selecting an already-complete bouquet). Previous research suggested that the sequential construction of bundles encourages variety seeking. The present research revisits this claim and offers a theoretical explanation rooted in combinatorics and norm communication. When constructing a bundle, a consumer chooses among different choice permutations, but when selecting amongst prepackaged bundles, the consumer typically considers unique choice combinations. Because variety is typically overrepresented among permutations compared to combinations, certain consumers (in particular, those with similar attitudes toward items that could compose a bundle) are induced by these different numbers of pathways to variety to display more or less variety-seeking behavior. This is in part explained by the variety norms communicated by different choice architectures, cues most likely to be inferred and used by those who are indifferent between the potential bundle components and thus looking for guidance. Across 5 studies in the main text and 11 in the web appendix, this article tests this account and offers preliminary exploration of newly identified residual effects that the pathways-to-variety account cannot explain.
New insights and advances on pyomelanin production: from microbial synthesis to applications
Authors: Lorquin Faustine , Piccerelle Philippe , Orneto Caroline , Robin Maxime , Lorquin Jean
Published: April 2022

Pyomelanin is a brown-black phenolic polymer and results from the oxidation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in the L-tyrosine pathway. As part of the research for natural and active ingredients issued from realistic bioprocesses, this work re-evaluates the HGA pigment and makes an updated inventory of its syntheses, microbial pathways, and properties, with tracks and recent advances for its large-scale production. The mechanism of the HGA polymerization is also well documented. In alkaptonuria, pyomelanin formation leads to connective tissue damage and arthritis, most probably due to the ROS issued from HGA oxidation. While UV radiation on human melanin may generate degradation products, pyomelanin is not photodegradable, is hyperthermostable, and has other properties better than L-Dopa melanin. This review aims to raise awareness about the potential of this pigment for various applications, not only for skin coloring and protection but also for other cells, materials, and as a promising (semi)conductor for bioelectronics and energy.
Injection of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles to Treat Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Behroozi Zahra , Rahimi Behnaz , Hamblin Michael R , Nasirinezhad Farinaz , Janzadeh Atousa , Ramezani Fatemeh
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effects of local injection of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) in a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: controls (healthy animals), sham (laminectomy), SCI (laminectomy+SCI induction), and treatment (laminectomy+SCI induction+intrathecal injection of CeONPs immediately after injury). SCI was induced using an aneurysm clip at the T12-T13 vertebral region. Motor performance and pain threshold tests were performed weekly; H&E staining and measurement of cavity sizes were performed 6 weeks after injury. The expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), P44/42 MAPK, P-P44/42 MAPK, Tau, myelin-associated glycoprotein(MAG) was evaluated after 6 weeks by Western blot. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scoring scales improved in animals receiving CeONPs compared with SCI animals. The cavity sizes were less in the treatment group. GCSF expression was similar in the animals receiving CeONPs compared with the SCI group but the expression of ERK1/ERK2 and phospho-ERK was lower than in the SCI group. Expression levels of Tau and MAG were significantly increased in treated animals compared to the SCI group. These data indicate that the use of CeONPs may improve motor functional recovery in SCI.
Aprisco Field Station: the spatial structure of a new experimental site focused on agroecology
Authors: O’Brien Michael J , Carbonell Elisa P , Schöb Christian
Published: April 2022

The Dehesa ecosystem provides important social and economic values across the Iberian Peninsula. Assessing the temporal dynamics of this system under climate change is important for the maintenance and conservation of these highly valuable ecosystems. Here, we present the baseline data of an observational plot network in the Dehesa that will form the foundation for monitoring long-term dynamics and for experimental manipulations testing the mechanisms driving resilience within the Dehesa. The initial surveys indicate that the forest structure is typical for the Dehesa, which suggests it is an exemplary site for examining temporal dynamics of this ecosystem. We present these initial data to encourage collaborations from international scientists via either direct experimental projects or meta-analyses.
Association of volumetric-modulated arc therapy with radiation pneumonitis in thoracic esophageal cancer
Authors: Inoo Hiroyuki , Sakanaka Katsuyuki , Fujii Kota , Ishida Yuichi , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: April 2022

The lung volume receiving low-dose irradiation has been reported to increase in volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) compared with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for thoracic esophageal cancer, which raises concerns regarding radiation pneumonitis (RP) risk. This single institutional retrospective cohort study aimed to explore whether VMAT for thoracic esophageal cancer was associated with RP. Our study included 161 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer, of whom 142 were definitively treated with 3DCRT and 39 were treated with VMAT between 2008 and 2018. Radiotherapy details, dose–volume metrics, reported RP risk factors and RP incidence were collected. The RP risk factors were assessed via multivariate analysis. Dose–volume analysis showed that VMAT delivered more conformal dose distributions to the target volume (P < 0.001) and reduced V30 Gy of heart (57% vs 41%, P < 0.001) but increased V5 Gy (54% vs 41%, P < 0.001) and V20 Gy (20% vs 17%, P = 0.01) of lungs compared with 3DCRT. However, the 1-year incidence rates of RP did not differ between the two techniques (11.3% in 3DCRT vs 7.7% in VMAT, P = 0.53). The multivariate analysis suggested that the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (P = 0.01) and V20 Gy of lungs ≥20% (P = 0.008) were associated with RP. Conclusively, VMAT increased the lung volume receiving low to middle doses irradiation, although this might not be associated with RP. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of using VMAT for delivering conformal dose distributions on RP.
Facilitating deployment of transportable nuclear power plants through a new regime of mutual recognition
Authors: Handrlica Jakub
Published: April 2022

Further developments towards future deployment of transportable nuclear power plants (TNPPs) are recently under way in several States. Major advantages have been identified with respect to potential deployment of TNPPs in the future. The availability of a TNPP may provide benefits of both secure and economical energy. Also, opting for a TNPP may eliminate the long-term commitment of the host State to the management of radioactive waste. Lastly, choosing the export scenario may reduce the potential national investment required to benefit from nuclear power. At the same time, a high level of nuclear safety must be guaranteed with respect to the prospective deployment of TNPPs. Thus, each TNPP must be duly licenced by the competent regulatory authority. The future legal framework must balance both interest for speedy deployment of this new technology and the need to maintain a high level of nuclear safety. This article argues that new licensing regimes, as established by bilateral agreements between the supplier States and the host States, may represent a legal tool for facilitating deployment of these promising technologies. This article also argues that concluding such bilateral agreements on mutual recognition would be in line with the incentive character of the Convention on Nuclear Safety.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of a French Version of the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey (TRNS-FR) in a PTSD Veteran Population
Authors: Saguin Emeric , Hulot Lieutenant Jean , Roseau Jean-Baptiste , Metlaine Arnaud , Paul Frédéric , Nicolas Florian , Sipahimalani Lieutenant Gilles , Leger Damien , Gomez-Merino Danielle , Chennaoui Mounir
Published: April 2022

Introduction

In the military population, trauma-related nightmares (TRNs) are highly associated with deployments and combat-related events. Trauma-related nightmares are also correlated with severity, treatment resistance, and chronicity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, to date, no specific measure of TRNs has been validated for use in the French language. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the English version of the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey into French and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the translation on veterans.

Materials and Methods

After the translation and cultural adaptation process, we evaluated the reliability and validity of the French version of the questionnaire (TRNS-FR) in a population of veterans suffering from PTSD with nightmare complaints (n = 56 patients for test-retest and n = 60 for internal consistency), recruited from five French military hospitals.

Results

Analyses demonstrated that TRNS-FR has good test-retest reliability (r = 0.59) and good internal consistency with PTSD symptoms, insomnia symptoms, and subjective sleep parameters assessed at home. This questionnaire provides a rapid and comprehensive assessment of sleep disturbance and a specific description of TRNs in the population of veterans with severe PTSD. Our results allowed us to propose a valid and reliable French adaptation of the questionnaire.

Conclusion

Because sleep disturbances and TRNs require specific therapeutic management, the psychometric qualities of TRNS-FR make it a tool of choice for assessing TRNs in future clinical research settings.
Close detached white dwarf + brown dwarf binaries: further evidence for low values of the common envelope efficiency
Authors: Zorotovic Monica , Schreiber MatthiasR
Published: April 2022

Common envelope evolution is a fundamental ingredient in our understanding of the formation of close binary stars containing compact objects that include the progenitors of type Ia supernovae, short gamma-ray bursts, and most stellar gravitational wave sources. To predict the outcome of common envelope evolution, we still rely to a large degree on a simplified energy conservation equation. Unfortunately, this equation contains a theoretically rather poorly constrained efficiency parameter (αCE) and, even worse, it is unclear if energy sources in addition to orbital energy (such as recombination energy) contribute to the envelope ejection process. In previous works, we reconstructed the evolution of observed populations of post-common envelope binaries (PCEBs) consisting of white dwarfs with main-sequence star companions and found indications that the efficiency is rather small (αCE ≃ 0.2–0.3) and that extra energy sources are only required in very few cases. Here, we used the same reconstruction tool to investigate the evolutionary history of a sample of observed PCEBs with brown dwarf companions. In contrast to previous works, we found that the evolution of observationally well-characterized PCEBs with brown dwarf companions can be understood assuming a low common envelope efficiency (αCE = 0.24–0.41), similar to that required to understand PCEBs with main-sequence star companions, and that contributions from recombination energy are not required. We conclude that the vast majority of PCEBs form from common envelope evolution that can be parametrized with a small efficiency and without taking into account additional energy sources.
LAMOST J045019.27 + 394758.7, with peculiar abundances of N, Na, V, Zn, is possibly a Sculptor dwarf galaxy escapee
Authors: Purandardas Meenakshi , Goswami Aruna , Shejeelammal J , Sonamben Mayani , Pawar Ganesh , Mkrtichian David , Doddamani Vijayakumar H , Joshi Santosh
Published: April 2022

We present the results of the high-resolution (R ∼ 60 000) spectroscopic analysis of the star LAMOSTJ045019.27 + 394758.7 (hereafter J045) from the list of carbon stars of LAMOST DR2. From our analysis, we find that J045 does not exhibit the spectral characteristics of carbon stars. It is found to be a metal-poor ([Fe/H] = −1.05) giant that shows very unusual elemental abundances, particularly for N, Na, V, and Zn. J045 shows α-elements (Mg, Si, Ca) with near-solar values (<[α/Fe]> = 0.09) in contrast to Galactic stars that show [α/Fe] in the range 0.2–0.3 dex. In J045, Sc and Ti are under abundant with [X/Fe] ≤ −0.25. Vanadium gives [V/Fe] = 0.51 and zinc is under-abundant with [Zn/Fe] = −0.62. The object exhibits near-solar abundances for Sr, Y, Ba, Pr, and Sm. The La is marginally enhanced, and Ce and Nd are marginally under-abundant in J045. With [Ba/Eu]  = −0.38, the object falls into the category of neutron-capture rich r-I stars. The estimated abundances of various elements show that the observed abundance pattern is not compatible with the abundances characteristic of Galactic metal-poor stars but matches quite closely with the abundance pattern of Sculptor Dwarf galaxy stars of similar metallicity. Based on the above observational evidences, we suggest that the object is a possible Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy escapee.
AGBE: a dual deaminase-mediated base editor by fusing CGBE with ABE for creating a saturated mutant population with multiple editing patterns
Authors: Liang Yanhui , Xie Jingke , Zhang Quanjun , Wang Xiaomin , Gou Shixue , Lin Lihui , Chen Tao , Ge Weikai , Zhuang Zhenpeng , Lian Meng , Chen Fangbing , Li Nan , Ouyang Zhen , Lai Chengdan , Liu Xiaoyi , Li Lei , Ye Yinghua , Wu Han , Wang Kepin , Lai Liangxue
Published: April 2022

Establishing saturated mutagenesis in a specific gene through gene editing is an efficient approach for identifying the relationships between mutations and the corresponding phenotypes. CRISPR/Cas9-based sgRNA library screening often creates indel mutations with multiple nucleotides. Single base editors and dual deaminase-mediated base editors can achieve only one and two types of base substitutions, respectively. A new glycosylase base editor (CGBE) system, in which the uracil glycosylase inhibitor (UGI) is replaced with uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG), was recently reported to efficiently induce multiple base conversions, including C-to-G, C-to-T and C-to-A. In this study, we fused a CGBE with ABE to develop a new type of dual deaminase-mediated base editing system, the AGBE system, that can simultaneously introduce 4 types of base conversions (C-to-G, C-to-T, C-to-A and A-to-G) as well as indels with a single sgRNA in mammalian cells. AGBEs can be used to establish saturated mutant populations for verification of the functions and consequences of multiple gene mutation patterns, including single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels, through high-throughput screening.