bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonoids improve the stability and function of P23H rhodopsin slowing down the progression of retinitis pigmentosa in mice
Authors: Ortega Joseph Thomas , Parmar Tanu , Carmena‐Bargueño Miguel , Pérez‐Sánchez Horacio , Jastrzebska Beata
Published: February 2022

The balanced homeostasis of the G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR), rhodopsin (Rho), is required for vision. Misfolding mutations in Rho cause photoreceptor death, leading to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and consequently blindness. With no cure currently available, the development of efficient therapy for RP is an urgent need. Pharmacological supplementation with molecular chaperones, including flavonoids, improves stability, folding, and membrane targeting of the RP Rho mutants in vitro. Thus, we hypothesized that flavonoids by binding to P23H Rho and enhancing its conformational stability could mitigate detrimental effects of this mutation on retinal health. In this work, we evaluated the pharmacological potential of two model flavonoids, quercetin and myricetin, by using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models of P23H Rho. Our computational analysis showed that quercetin could interact within the orthosteric binding pocket of P23H Rho and shift the conformation of its N‐terminal loop toward the wild type (WT)‐like state. Quercetin added to the NIH‐3T3 cells stably expressing P23H Rho increased the stability of this receptor and improved its function. Systemic administration of quercetin to P23H Rho knock‐in mice substantially improved retinal morphology and function, which was associated with an increase in levels of Rho and cone opsins. In addition, treatment with quercetin resulted in downregulation of the UPR signaling and oxidative stress‐related markers. This study unravels the pharmacological potential of quercetin to slow down the progression of photoreceptor death in Rho‐related RP and highlights its prospective as a lead compound to develop a novel therapeutic remedy to counter RP pathology.
Genetic and seasonal variability of bioactive polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant‐based phytonutrient promise of diverse vegetable amaranths of Indo‐Gangetic plains of West Bengal
Authors: Sen Debasmita , Bhattacharjee Soumen
Published: February 2022

Background

Though vegetable amaranths harbor good pool of phenolic compounds, but till date, there is no systematic database on seasonal and genetic diversity based antioxidant‐dependent phytonutrient promise of amaranths of Gangetic plains of West Bengal particularly those derived from chalcone and cinnamic acids of phenyl propanoid metabolism and hence is the subject of present investigation.

Results

A comparative evaluation based on RP‐HPLC (Reverse Phase‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography) coupled photodiode assay of twenty one pharmacologically important bioactive polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) along with sensitive biomarkers of antioxidant properties (reducing property, metal chelating property, superoxide radical scavenging property, hydroxyl radical scavenging property, antilipid peroxidation, anti‐inflammatory property, and antidiabetic property) has been done for the assessment of genotype‐based seasonal variation of antioxidant‐based phytonutrient promise of vegetable amaranths of Indo‐Gangetic plains of West Bengal. The work exhibited genotype‐specific accumulation of bioactive polyphenolic compounds and associated antioxidant properties, with A. hypochondriacus L. exhibiting significantly greater abundance of majority of polyphenolic compounds tested, followed by A. viridis L. and A. hybridus L. The work also recorded the genotype‐specific seasonal elicitation of the synthesis of bioactive polyphenolic compounds.

Conclusion

Taken as a whole, the work suggests genotype‐specific seasonal variations in the accumulation of bioactive polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant‐based phytonutrient promise in diverse amaranth germplasms of Gangetic plain of West Bengal and identified lead germplasms as low‐cost antioxidant supplement for utilization in crop diversification program.
Effect of pulping methods on the physicochemical properties of the Kenyan red and white‐fleshed guava pulp
Authors: Omayio Duke G. , Abong' George O. , Okoth Michael W. , Gachuiri Charles K. , Mwang'ombe Agnes W.
Published: February 2022

Background

Although fruit pulping is a highly effective global practice for ensuring a steady supply of fruit for processing during the off‐season, industrial pulping of Kenyan guava cultivars is lacking, contributing to their annual losses. The present study compared the yield characteristics, physicochemical profile, and nutrient retention of pulp extracted from white and red‐fleshed Kenyan guavas using cold and hot extraction methods.

Results

The pulp yield was highest in the red guava with the pulp to by‐product ratio being significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 2.58, 2.97, and 3.30 for cold, hot water, and steam‐blanched compared to 1.66, 1.95, and 2.03 for the white guava respectively. Although hot extraction methods resulted in significantly (p < 0.0001) higher yields (67%–77%) compared to the cold (62%–73%), the heat‐labile nutrients were affected with as much as 60% and 64% of the white and the red guava's vitamin C being lost. The steam blanched pulps exhibited significantly (p < 0.0001) high overall color changes (∆E) ranging from 22–30 in the pasteurized white guava pulp compared to the red's (−0.24–6). The cold extraction method resulted in better retention of β‐carotene (1.9 ± 0.4 mg), zinc (5.6 ± 2.1 mg), iron (20.1 ± 8.6 mg), flavonoids (241.3 ± 56mgCE), phenolics (1548.7 ± 25.8mgGAE) and antioxidant activities (1998.6 ± 333μMTE) per 100 g in the red guava pulp.

Conclusion

Compared to the white cold‐extracted pulp, the red guava pulp was more suitable for further processing due to its high nutrient retention, high pulp to by‐products ratio, and textural properties therefore recommended for the adoption of processing the Kenyan guava cultivars.
Radiological Findings in Laryngeal Anterior Commissure Invasion: CT Scan Highlights
Authors: Cristalli Giovanni , Vidiri Antonello , Mercante Giuseppe , Ferreli Fabio , De Virgilio Armando , Donelli Filippo , Davì Luigi , Gasparin Pierpaola , Cocco Patrizia , Giudici Fabiola , Boscolo Nata Francesca
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Preoperative anterior commissure (AC) evaluation in glottic cancer is crucial for therapeutic decisions. Endoscopy is often inadequate to precisely detect the presence of cancer in the AC; thus, computed tomography (CT) scan could help. We investigated the relation between AC thickness on CT scan (in mm), AC involvement by cancer at histology, and radiologic signs of anterior paraglottic space (PGS) infiltration.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

An experienced radiologist retrospectively measured AC thickness and identified signs of anterior PGS infiltration on pretreatment contrast‐enhanced CT scans of 80 patients with primary glottic cancer. The gold standard to define the presence of cancer in the AC was histology. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the potential cut‐off values of AC thickness (Youden index method) able to maximize both sensitivity and specificity in identifying the presence of cancer in the AC at histology and PGS infiltration on CT scan.

Results

AC was significantly thicker in patients with cancer in the AC at histology (P < .001) and in patients with PGS infiltration on CT scan (P < .001). The cut‐off values to discriminate the presence of cancer at histology and PGS infiltration on CT scan were 3.62 and 2.6 mm, respectively. We found a substantial agreement between anterior PGS infiltration on CT scan and the presence of cancer in the AC at histology (Cohen Kappa: P = .70).

Conclusion

AC thickness and radiologic signs of PGS infiltration on pretreatment CT scan could represent a method to predict the presence of cancer in the AC at histology.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:2427–2433, 2022
Terpyridine‐Based 3D Discrete Metallosupramolecular Architectures
Authors: Yu Xiujun , Guo Chenxing , Lu Shuai , Chen Zhi , Wang Heng , Li Xiaopeng
Published: February 2022

Terpyridine (tpy)‐based 3D discrete metallosupramolecular architectures, which are often inspired by polyhedral geometry and the biological structures found in nature, have drawn significant attention from the community of metallosupramolecular chemistry. Because of the linear tpy–M(II)–tpy connectivity, the creation of sophisticated 3D metallosupramolecules based on tpy remains a formidable synthetic challenge. Nevertheless, with recent advancement in ligand design and self‐assembly, diverse 3D metallosupramolecular polyhedrons, such as Platonic solids, Archimedean solids, prims as well as Johnson solids, have been constructed and their potential applications have been explored. This review summarizes the progress on tpy‐based discrete 3D metallosupramolecules, aiming to shed more light on the design and construction of novel discrete architectures with molecular‐level precision through coordination‐driven self‐assembly.
A microwave system based on a UWB microstrip antenna for non‐invasive in vitro measurement of glycemia in human blood: An experimental study
Authors: El Hassani Oumaima , Saadi Adil
Published: February 2022

The current study focuses on a non‐invasive microwave system based on a UWB antenna for blood glucose measurements in the frequency range of 1–4 GHz. Calculations of the minimal values of microwave reflection coefficient (S11 Min) corresponding to various blood glycemia, as well as comparisons to measured values using the Vector Network Analyzer Anritsu MS46121B, were the major findings of this study. The results were in good agreement, with a shift of less than 5%, demonstrating the effectiveness of our microwave method in detecting blood glycemia. To define an experimental approach between blood and dextrose solution, a comparative study in terms of slops in a linear approximation of both S11 Min and resonant frequency versus glucose concentration for the two mediums was interesting. The deviations in the results are less than 5% in the range of 1–2 GHz. However, it is not the case in the ranges of 2–3 GHz and 3–4 GHz since the two mediums show contrary behavior regarding S11 Min and resonant frequency. Consequently, D‐Solution might be used to simulate blood using our system for the investigation of glycemia only in the range of 1–2 GHz.
In situ monitoring of sandwich structure in liquid composite molding process using multifunctional MXene/carbon nanotube sensors
Authors: Zhang Lu , Lu Yao , Lu Shaowei , Wang Xiaoqiang , Ma Chengkun , Ma Keming
Published: February 2022

This paper prepares a flexible MXene/CNT film by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly process. Based on excellent conductivity and good compatibility with resin, MXene/CNT can be used for on‐line monitoring of large and complex liquid composite molding (LCM). In this paper, the MXene/CNT will be used as a novel micro‐nano sensor. The MXene/CNT sensor is embedded between the sandwich layers of the sandwich composite structure. The resistance information of the MXene/CNT sensor was collected by online monitoring system during LCM. The tube cross‐linked network's conductive model will be established to reveal the resistance response sensing mechanisms of MXene/CNT sensors and the response rules of resin flow states and resistance signals. Using the real‐time monitoring information collected by the MXene/CNT sensor, combined with Darcy's law, the comparison results of different permeability are obtained. The monitoring results show that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) interlayer significantly influences the resin flow trend and penetration of the core layer. Simultaneously, the interlayer's presence will also affect the resin flow trend and penetration of the lower layer of the PVC sandwich layer. The research results will provide theoretical guidance and technical support for designing process parameters and in situ real‐time monitoring of LCM in the engineering industry.
Stable abnormalities of contrast discrimination sensitivity in subthreshold depression: A longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Shiyu , Zhong Han , Mei Gaoxing
Published: February 2022

Subthreshold depression (StD), as a subclinical state, is highly prevalent and increases the risk for developing major depressive disorder (MDD). Although several studies have reported deficits of contrast sensitivity in MDD patients, it is unclear whether individuals with StD could demonstrate deficits of contrast sensitivity and whether the deficits could remain stable over time. Here we used a contrast discrimination task (a suprathreshold task) and a contrast detection task (a near‐threshold task) to compare contrast sensitivity of the StD group with that of matched non‐depressed controls. For each task, a spatial four‐alternative forced‐choice method and a psychophysical QUEST procedure were used to measure contrast discrimination threshold or contrast detection threshold. Participants performed an initial assessment and a follow‐up assessment 4 months later. Compared to the non‐depressed controls, individuals with StD demonstrated reduced contrast discrimination sensitivity, not only at the initial assessment but also at the follow‐up assessment, indicating a stable abnormality. Contrast discrimination thresholds at the initial assessment did not predict changes of depression symptom severity over time. For contrast detection sensitivity, there was no significant difference between the StD group and non‐depressed controls. We concluded that contrast discrimination testing might provide a trait‐dependent biomarker for depression.
The profile of unusual beliefs associated with metacognitive thinking and attributional styles
Authors: Coleman Elle P. , Croft Rodney J. , Barkus Emma
Published: February 2022

Cognitive interpretations of daily events may differ in people from the general population who hold unusual beliefs. It is also important to understand whether different belief profiles exist to appreciate which patterns of beliefs are less psychologically healthy. Cluster analysis was used to form unusual belief profiles in a general population sample (n = 578; Mage = 22 years, SD = 6.98; 80% female) across paranoid, paranormal, and magical ideation beliefs, and we assessed whether they differed in attribution style and metacognitive beliefs about worry. Four clusters were formed: low on all measures (low all); high on all measures (high all); comparably higher on paranormal beliefs (paranormal group); and comparably higher on paranoid beliefs (paranoid group). For total Metacognitions Questionnaire‐30, the high all and high paranoid clusters did not differ, and both clusters scored higher than the high paranormal group, who all scored higher than the low all cluster. For attributional styles (Attributional Styles Questionnaire), lower scores on internal positive attribution were found for the high all and high paranoid clusters compared to the low all and high paranormal clusters. The high paranormal cluster had higher scores than the high paranoid cluster on self‐serving bias. Differences in attributional style appeared to be driven by mental health diagnosis. Our results suggest different profiles of unusual beliefs are detectable in the general population that differ in their metacognitive beliefs and perceived causation of events in their environment. Future studies investigating delusional proneness need to consider multiple unusual beliefs as well as assessing mood state and distress.
Heat‐responsive microRNAs and phased small interfering RNAs in reproductive development of flax
Authors: Pokhrel Suresh , Meyers Blake C.
Published: February 2022

Plants will face increased heat stress due to rising global temperatures. Heat stress affects plant reproductive development and decreases productivity; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these processes are poorly characterized. Plant small RNAs (sRNAs) have important regulatory roles in plant reproductive development following abiotic stress responses. We generated sRNA transcriptomes of reproductive bud stages at three different time points to identify sRNA‐mediated pathways responsive to heat stress in flax (Linum usitatissimum). With added sRNA transcriptomes of vegetative tissues, we comprehensively annotated miRNA and phasiRNA‐encoding genes (PHAS) in flax. We identified 173 miRNA genes, of which 42 are newly annotated. Our analysis revealed that 141 miRNA genes were differentially accumulated between tissue types, while 18 miRNA genes were differentially accumulated in reproductive tissues following heat stress, including members of miR482/2118 and miR2275 families, known triggers of reproductive phasiRNAs. Furthermore, we identified 68 21‐PHAS flax loci from protein‐coding and noncoding regions, four 24‐PHAS loci triggered by miR2275, and 658 24‐PHAS‐like loci with unknown triggers, derived mostly from noncoding regions. The reproductive phasiRNAs are mostly downregulated in response to heat stress. Overall, we found that several previously unreported miRNAs and phasiRNAs are responsive to heat stress in flax reproductive tissues.
Assessment of Lead‐Free Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells Using J–V Hysteresis
Authors: Dixit Himanshu , Boro Binita , Ghosh Subrata , Paul Mrittika , Kumar Ashish , Singh Trilok
Published: February 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as one of the most promising alternatives for existing solar cells due to its excellent optoelectronic properties and high efficiency. However, lead has posed a serious issue due to its toxicity which may hinder the commercial use of lead‐based perovskite solar panels/arrays. There has been substantial work progress to find an environment‐friendly alternative metal ion to replace lead. Tin (Sn)‐based PSCs have been successfully synthesized and optimized with high efficiency, making it the most promising active material for lead‐free PSCs. In this review, the role of J–V hysteresis in tin halide PSCs is discussed from the perspective of system structure, working concepts, and interfacial carrier dynamics in detail. The problem of hysteresis in PSCs is closely linked to ion migration, ferroelectric effects, capacitive effects, and trap‐assisted recombination processes, which are highlighted in this review. Further, remediation to reduce the hysteresis by various strategies is explained for tin‐based perovskites. The core focus of this review is to analyze the deterioration of device performance and stability caused due to the generation of defects in the perovskite films, leading to a time‐dependent hysteresis of the current–voltage curves.
Disorder‐Induced Broadband‐Distributed Bragg Reflectors in Dielectric and Nanoporous GaN Systems
Authors: Monavarian Morteza , Abaie Behnam , Mishkat-Ul-Masabih Saadat , Mirkhosravi Farnood , Mafi Arash , Feezell Daniel
Published: February 2022

Distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) are the key building blocks of various optoelectronic and photonics devices. Broadband DBRs in the visible spectral range using the concept of Anderson localization of light in a disordered system are presented. The results demonstrate a ≈2.5X (from ≈80 to ≈200 nm) enhancement of the stopband width for a random DBR compared with a periodic DBR with the same configuration for both dielectric and nanoporous GaN material systems. The described method is beneficial for various applications, including air‐guiding waveguides and light‐emitting diodes with improved light‐extraction efficiency.
DE‐SLAM: SLAM for highly dynamic environment
Authors: Xing Zhiwei , Zhu Xiaorui , Dong Dingcheng
Published: February 2022

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is crucial for autonomous mobile robots. Most of the current SLAM systems are based on an assumption: the environment is static. However, the real environment is full of dynamic elements, such as pedestrians or vehicles, as well as changes in illumination and appearance over time. In this paper, DE‐SLAM, a visual SLAM system that can deal with short‐term and long‐term dynamic elements at the same time is proposed. A novel dynamic detection and tracking module that utilizes both semantic and metric information is proposed, and the localization accuracy is highly improved by eliminating features falling on the dynamic objects. A unified loop detection, loop check and global optimization module is used to perform loop closure. Experimental results on datasets and real environments show that DE‐SLAM outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art SLAM systems in dynamic environments.
Airflow Synergistic Needleless Electrospinning of Instant Noodle‐like Curly Nanofibrous Membranes for High‐Efficiency Air Filtration
Authors: Yang Zihao , Zhang Xunlong , Qin Zhikun , Li Han , Wang Jian , Zeng Guangyong , Liu Chunhai , Long Jianping , Zhao Yixia , Li Yafang , Yan Guilong
Published: February 2022

Particulate matter (PM) pollution has become a serious environmental concern. Nanofibrous filters are widely reported to remove PM from polluted air. Herein, efficient and lightweight PM air filters are presented using airflow synergistic needleless electrospinning composed of auxiliary fields such as an airflow field and a secondary inductive electric field. Compared to needleless electrospinning with other spinnerets, it significantly improves productivity, fiber diameter, and porosity of fibrous air filters. The instant noodle‐like nanofiber structure can also be controlled by adjusting the airflow velocity. These air filters exhibit high (2.5 μm particulate matter) PM2.5 removal efficiency (99.9%) and high (0.3 μm particulate matter) PM0.3 removal efficiency (99.1%), low pressure drop (56 Pa for PM2.5 and 78 Pa for PM0.3), and large dust holding capacitance (the maximum value is 168 g m−2 for PM2.5, while 102 g m−2 for PM0.3). Meanwhile, the proposed PM filters are also tested suitable and stable to other polluted air filtrations such as cigarette smoke and sawdust. The large‐scale synthesis of such an attractive nanofiber structure presents the great potential of high‐performance filtration/separation materials.
Evaluation of the treatment of equine glandular gastric disease with either long‐acting‐injectable or oral omeprazole
Authors: Gough Sarah , Hallowell Gayle , Rendle David
Published: February 2022

Background

Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is common in domesticated horses and can be challenging to treat. Oral omeprazole (ORLO) is used widely but the clinical response is frequently poor.

Objectives

To compare rates of EGGD healing and improvement between ORLO and a long‐acting injectable omeprazole preparation (LAIO).

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

The case records and gastroscopy images of horses presenting to masked for peer review over a 12‐month period were reviewed, with images blindly assessed by one of the authors. Treatment responses to 4 mg/kg LAIO administered every 7 days for 2 and 4 weeks were compared with ORLO 4 mg/kg PO q24hrs for 4 weeks. Data were compared using a Mann‐Whitney U test with post‐hoc Dunn's test, Chi‐squared test and a Fisher's exact test.

Results

Thirty‐three horses that received LAIO and 12 that received ORLO were identified. Nine horses in the LAIO had received other treatments previously. The groups were comparable in signalment and EGGD lesion severity. Long‐acting injectable omeprazole was found to be non‐inferior to ORLO. LAIO was associated with better healing rates than ORLO at 4 weeks (LAIO‐80%; ORLO‐42%; p = 0.02), and reduction in lesion severity at 2 and 4 weeks in the LAIO group but not in the ORLO group at 4 weeks. Eighteen percent of horses in the LAIO group and 50% in the ORLO group did not heal at 4 weeks. There was no association between rate of healing or improvement and resolution or improvement of clinical signs. Six localised and self‐limiting injection site reactions were identified in 4 horses treated with LAIO (6.7%).

Main limitations

Retrospective design, small numbers and the use of other treatments prior to use of LAIO.

Conclusions

LAIO was found to be non‐inferior to oral omeprazole for EGGD. Larger blinded randomised clinical trials are justified.
Applying a Qualitative Case Study Approach to Study Values in Public–Private Partnerships
Authors: Reynaers Anne-Marie
Published: February 2022

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are used for the provision of public infrastructure such as roads, schools and hospitals and related services such as maintenance, cleaning and catering. They are often considered to be an organisational manifestation of the new public management (NPM) paradigm. Whereas critical scholars suggest that the introduction of private sector management techniques and values into the public sector may harm so-called public values such as accountability, transparency and quality, supporters of the NPM paradigm believe the opposite, even suggesting that public values may be strengthened. This chapter goes beyond the often normative debate on the desirability of PPPs to instead describe how a multiple qualitative case study approach analysing how actors in PPPs give meaning to public values in practice can be applied to assess the extent to which public values are safeguarded in PPPs.
Values-Based Participatory Action Research in Development Ethics
Authors: Chachine Isaias Ezequiel
Published: February 2022

This chapter explores the pros and cons of values-based participatory action research, from an ethics of regards, to discuss how a values-based participatory action research could be articulated as a values-adding paradigm shift in values-based research methodologies. Values-based participatory action research is a community-engaging research methodology that emphasises values, participation, and common action as methods of enquiry. Along with the ethics of regards, it argues that how values are understood may impact participatory-decision, research design, and possible outcomes. Participation is more than involvement but a context where values are identified, shared, or even contested. To engage the paradigm, development ethics will be used as a research context.
Readers with Disabilities
Authors: Richardson John T. E.
Published: February 2022

As mentioned in Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-90984-0_8, any differences in the legibility of serif and sans serif typefaces might become more apparent in readers whose visual systems are challenged as the result of disablement. Relatively few studies have been carried out into the legibility of serif and sans serif typefaces by people with disabilities when the material is read on computer monitors or other screens. In principle, visual impairment can arise from a variety of causes, but research has focused on readers with dyslexia and readers with age-related macular degeneration.
Younger and Older Readers
Authors: Richardson John T. E.
Published: February 2022

As novice readers, young children may be disproportionately affected by different typefaces. The use of different typefaces may also affect how readily children acquire the ability to read. Research by Burt and Kerr is often cited in support of the idea that serif typefaces are more legible. Zachrisson provided a more thorough account of the role of typographic variables in reading among children of different ages using various research methods. It has been known for more than 100 years that children tend to confuse letters that are mirror images of each other (such as p and q), and this may in principle be affected by the presence or absence of serifs. Older readers tend to suffer from visual problems which may depend on typographical factors. This is of practical importance, as in the design of labels for medication containers.
Readers with Disabilities
Authors: Richardson John T. E.
Published: February 2022

Any differences in the legibility of serif and sans serif typefaces might become more apparent in readers whose visual systems are challenged as the result of disablement. Some researchers have focused on children in special education. In particular, children with visual impairment might be more sensitive to typographical factors. It has been suggested that the effects of congenital visual impairment might be different from those of acquired visual impairment. Finally, a majority of people with aphasia also exhibit an impairment of reading, while other people without aphasia may exhibit the specific disorder of reading known as dyslexia.
Implementing the three-particle quantization condition for π+π+K+ and related systems
Authors: Blanton Tyler D. , Romero-López Fernando , Sharpe Stephen R.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Recently, the formalism needed to relate the finite-volume spectrum of systems of nondegenerate spinless particles has been derived. In this work we discuss a range of issues that arise when implementing this formalism in practice, provide further theoretical results that can be used to check the implementation, and make available codes for implementing the three-particle quantization condition. Specifically, we discuss the need to modify the upper limit of the cutoff function due to the fact that the left-hand cut in the scattering amplitudes for two nondegenerate particles moves closer to threshold; we describe the decomposition of the three-particle amplitude $$ \mathcal{K} $$
K
df,3 into the matrix basis used in the quantization condition, including both s and p waves, with the latter arising in the amplitude for two nondegenerate particles; we derive the threshold expansion for the lightest three-particle state in the rest frame up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1/L5); and we calculate the leading-order predictions in chiral perturbation theory for $$ \mathcal{K} $$
K
df,3 in the π+π+K+ and π+K+K+ systems. We focus mainly on systems with two identical particles plus a third that is different (“2+1” systems). We describe the formalism in full detail, and present numerical explorations in toy models, in particular checking that the results agree with the threshold expansion, and making a prediction for the spectrum of π+π+K+ levels using the two- and three-particle interactions predicted by chiral perturbation theory.
Stable Z-strings with topological polarization in two Higgs doublet model
Authors: Eto Minoru , Hamada Yu , Nitta Muneto
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We find that a Z-string is stable in a wide range of parameter space of the two Higgs doublet model due to a split into a pair of two topological Z-strings with fractional Z fluxes. This configuration, a bound state of the two strings connected by a domain wall, is called a vortex molecule. Although the vortex molecule has no net topological charge, the locally induced topological charge density is polarized, namely distributed positively around one constituent string and negatively around the other constituent string, leading to the stability of the molecule. We numerically show that the vortex molecule is indeed a stable solution of the equation of motions in a much wider parameter space of the model than the usual axially symmetric Z-string in the Standard Model and the two Higgs doublet model, although it is not the case for experimental values of the parameters.
Systems of rank one, explicit Rokhlin towers, and covering numbers
Authors: Weiss Christian
Published: February 2022

Rotations$$f_\alpha $$fαof the one-dimensional torus (equipped with the normalized Lebesgue measure) by an irrational angle$$\alpha $$αare known to be dynamical systems of rank one. This is equivalent to the property that the covering number$$F^*(f_\alpha )$$F∗(fα)of the dynamical system is one. In other words, there exists a basisBsuch that for arbitrarily highh, an arbitrarily large proportion of the unit torus can be covered by the Rokhlin tower$$(f_\alpha ^kB)_{k=0}^{h-1}$$(fαkB)k=0h-1. AlthoughBcan be chosen with diameter smaller than any fixed$$\varepsilon > 0$$ε>0, it is not always possible to take an interval forBbut this can only be done when the partial quotients of$$\alpha $$αare unbounded. In the present paper, we ask what maximum proportion of the torus can be covered whenBis the union of$$n_B \in {\mathbb {N}}$$nB∈Ndisjoint intervals. This question has been answered in the case$$n_B =1$$nB=1by Checkhova, and here we address the general situation. If$$n_B = 2$$nB=2, we give a precise formula for the maximum proportion. Furthermore, we show that for fixed$$\alpha $$α, the maximum proportion converges to 1 when$$n_B \rightarrow \infty $$nB→∞. Explicit lower bounds can be given if$$\alpha $$αhas constant partial quotients. Our approach is inspired by the construction involved in the proof of the Rokhlin lemma and furthermore makes use of the three gap theorem.
Qualitätssicherung in medizinischen Laboratorien – Eine Unentbehrlichkeit mit Nutzen und Risiken
Authors: Kleymann-Hilmes Janine , Brünschwitz Sophia , Müller Michael
Published: February 2022

Der Stellenwert von Qualitätssicherung (QS) und Qualitätsmanagement (QM) in medizinischen Laboratorien ist gerade seit Beginn der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie ein Thema in vielen politischen und öffentlichen Diskussionen. Einheitliche Standards werden benötigt, um Vergleichbarkeit nicht nur in Deutschland unter den medizinischen Laboratorien zu schaffen, sondern auch über die Landesgrenze hinaus. Dafür gibt es in Deutschland zwei federführende Systeme: die Richtlinie der Bundesärztekammer zur Qualitätssicherung laboratoriumsmedizinischer Untersuchungen (Rili-BÄK) und die Akkreditierung nach der Norm DIN EN ISO 15189.

Der Artikel dient der Sensibilisierung für Qualität in medizinischen Laboren zur Gewährleistung der Patientensicherheit durch eine kompetente Diagnostik am Patienten. Es wurde eine Literaturrecherche u. a. von Gesetzestexten, Normen sowie weiterführenden Dokumenten und Veröffentlichungen des QM durchgeführt sowie Erfahrungswerte von Vertretern unterschiedlicher Institutionen berücksichtigt.

Ein umfassendes QM-System unterstützt die Arbeit in der medizinischen Laboratoriumsdiagnostik maßgeblich. Die Wahrung des Vertrauens in die Leistungsfähigkeit von medizinischen Laboratorien und die jeweils tragenden Einrichtungen ist für eine bestmögliche Versorgung der Bevölkerung von großer Bedeutung. Auch der Mehraufwand, der mit einer Akkreditierung einhergeht, ist mit Blick auf die Patientensicherheit gerechtfertigt, sollte jedoch keine zusätzliche Bürokratie erfahren.
Lagged oceanic effects on the East African short rains
Authors: Kolstad Erik W. , MacLeod David
Published: February 2022

The East African ‘short rains’ in October–December (OND) exhibit large interannual variability. Drought and flooding are not unusual, and long-range rainfall forecasts can guide planning and preparedness for such events. Although seasonal forecasts based on dynamical models are making inroads, statistical models based on sea surface temperature (SST) precursors are still widely used, making it important to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of such models. Here we define a simple statistical forecast model, which is used as a tool to shed light on the dynamics that link SSTs and rainfall across time and space, as well as on why such models sometimes fail. Our model is a linear regression, where the August states of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) predict about 40% of the short rains variability in 1950–2020. The forecast errors are traced back to the initial SSTs: too-wet (too-dry) forecasts are linked linearly to positive (negative) initial ENSO and IOD states in August. The link to the initial IOD state is mediated by changes in the IOD between August and OND, highlighting a physical mechanism for prediction busts. We also identify asymmetry and nonlinearity: when ENSO and/or the IOD are positive in August, the range and variance of OND forecast errors are larger than when the SST indices are negative. Upfront adjustments of predictions conditional on initial SSTs would have helped in some years with large forecast busts, such as the dry 1987 season during a major El Niño, for which the model erroneously predicts copious rainfall, but it would have exacerbated the forecast in the wet 2019 season, when the IOD was strongly positive and the model predicts too-dry conditions.
Machine learning prediction model for postoperative outcome after perforated appendicitis
Authors: Eickhoff Roman M. , Bulla Alwin , Eickhoff Simon B. , Heise Daniel , Helmedag Marius , Kroh Andreas , Schmitz Sophia M. , Klink Christian D. , Neumann Ulf P. , Lambertz Andreas
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Appendectomy for acute appendicitis is one of the most common operative procedures worldwide in both children and adults. In particular, complicated (perforated) cases show high variability in individual outcomes. Here, we developed and validated a machine learning prediction model for postoperative outcome of perforated appendicitis.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of patients with clinically and histologically verified perforated appendicitis over 10 years were performed. Demographic and surgical baseline characteristics were used as competing predictors of single-patient outcomes along multiple dimensions via a random forest classifier with stratified subsampling. To assess whether complications could be predicted in new, individual cases, the ensuing models were evaluated using a replicated 10-fold cross-validation.

Results

A total of 163 patients were included in the study. Sixty-four patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, whereas ninety-nine patients got a primary open procedure. Interval from admission to appendectomy was 9 ± 12 h and duration of the surgery was 74 ± 38 min. Forty-three patients needed intensive care treatment. Overall mortality was 0.6 % and morbidity rate was 15%. Severe complications as assessed by Clavien-Dindo > 3 were predictable in new cases with an accuracy of 68%. Need for ICU stay (> 24 h) could be predicted with an accuracy of 88%, whereas prolonged hospitalization (greater than 7–15 days) was predicted by the model with an accuracy of 76%.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that complications following surgery, and in particular, health care system-related outcomes like intensive care treatment and extended hospitalization, may be well predicted at the individual level from demographic and surgical baseline characteristics through machine learning approaches.
Association of intraindividual tacrolimus variability with de novo donor-specific HLA antibody development and allograft rejection in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with low immunological risk
Authors: Baghai Arassi Maral , Gauche Laura , Schmidt Jeremy , Höcker Britta , Rieger Susanne , Süsal Caner , Tönshoff Burkhard , Fichtner Alexander
Published: February 2022

Background

Tacrolimus (Tac) intraindividual variability (TacIPV) in pediatric kidney transplant patients is only poorly understood. We investigated the impact of TacIPV on de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies (dnDSA) development and allograft rejection in Caucasian pediatric recipients of a living or deceased donor kidney with low immunological risk.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study including 48 pediatric kidney transplant recipients. TacIPV was calculated based on coefficient of variation (CV%) 6–12 months posttransplant. TacIPV cutoff was set at the median (25%). Outcome parameters were dnDSA development and rejection episodes.

Results

In total, 566 Tac levels were measured with median 11.0 (6.0–17.0) measurements per patient. The cutoff of 25% corresponded to the median CV% in our study cohort (25%, IQR 18–35%) and was comparable to cutoffs determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. High TacIPV was associated with higher risk of dnDSA development (HR 3.4, 95% CI 1.0–11.1, P = 0.047; Kaplan–Meier analysis P = 0.018) and any kind of rejection episodes (HR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1–14.8, P = 0.033; Kaplan–Meier analysis P = 0.010). There was a clear trend towards higher TacIPV below the age of 6 years. TacIPV (CV%) was stable over time. A TacIPV (CV%) cutoff of 30% or IPV quantification by mean absolute deviation (MAD) showed comparable results.

Conclusions

High TacIPV is associated with an increased risk of dnDSA development and rejection episodes > year 1 posttransplant even in patients with low immunological risk profile. Therefore, in patients with high TacIPV, potential causes should be addressed, and if not resolved, changes in immunosuppressive therapy should be considered.

Graphical abstract

A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
An innovative FDIR approach for the power supply of the PRETTY SDR satellite payload
Authors: Hörmer Andreas Johann , Wenger Manuela , Zeif Reinhard
Published: February 2022

CubeSat missions are characterized by short development times and challenging budget constraints. Due to the constraints in terms of mass, volume, and power, it is often not possible to increase reliability by adding redundant subsystems to the spacecraft. Therefore, it is necessary to implement important error-proofing mechanisms to still be able to derive a high scientific benefit from these missions. Once the satellite has been launched, physical access to the satellite’s hardware is no longer possible. For this reason, systems are often implemented that allow automatic failure detection, isolation of the failure from other systems, as well as automatic recovery (FDIR). This paper describes the advantages and areas of application of software-defined radio platforms (SDRs) on board of small satellites and CubeSats. In addition, important aspects of the hardware FDIR concept of the PRETTY SDR payload system are presented. In order to prevent the hardware from being damaged with a fault-free power supply, different levels of fault monitoring are described as well.
Aspirin use in relation to long-term survival after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Holmberg Dag , Kauppila Joonas H. , Mattsson Fredrik , Asplund Johannes , Leijonmarck Wilhelm , Xie Shao-Hua , Lagergren Jesper
Published: February 2022

Background

Low-dose aspirin use may reduce cancer incidence and mortality, but its influence on gastric adenocarcinoma survival is unclear. This study aimed to assess whether aspirin use improves long-term survival following gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This population-based cohort study included almost all patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma in Sweden from 2006 to 2015, with follow-up throughout 2020. Preoperative exposure to a daily low-dose (75–160 mg) aspirin for 1 (main exposure), 2 and 3 years and for 1 year after gastrectomy was examined in relation to 5-year all-cause mortality (primary outcome) and disease-specific mortality. Multivariable Cox regression provided hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age, sex, education, calendar year, comorbidity, statin use, tumour location, tumour stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgeon volume of gastrectomy and surgical radicality.

Results

Among 2025 patients, 545 (26.9%) used aspirin at the date of gastrectomy. Aspirin use within 1 year before surgery did not decrease the adjusted risk of 5-year all-cause mortality (HR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.85–1.13) or disease-specific mortality (HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.86–1.17). Preoperative aspirin use for 2 years (HR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.84–1.15) or 3 years (HR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.79–1.12) did not decrease the risk of 5-year all-cause mortality. Patients remaining on aspirin during the first year after gastrectomy had a similar 5-year all-cause mortality as non-users of aspirin (HR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.82–1.25).

Conclusions

Low-dose aspirin use might not improve long-term survival after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma and may thus not be a target for adjuvant therapy in this group of patients.
COVID-19: average time from infection to death in Poland, USA, India and Germany
Authors: Wiliński Antoni , Kupracz Łukasz , Senejko Aneta , Chrząstek Grzegorz
Published: February 2022

There are many discussions in the media about an interval (delay) from the time of the infections to deaths. Apart from the curiosity of the researchers, defining this time interval may, under certain circumstances, be of great organizational and economic importance. The study considers an attempt to determine this difference through the correlations of shifted time series and a specific bootstrapping that allows finding the distance between local maxima on the series under consideration. We consider data from Poland, the USA, India and Germany. The median of the difference’s distribution is quite consistent for such diverse countries. The main conclusion of our research is that the searched interval has rather a multimodal form than unambiguously determined.
Machine learning models effectively distinguish attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using event-related potentials
Authors: Ghasemi Elham , Ebrahimi Mansour , Ebrahimie Esmaeil
Published: February 2022

Accurate diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a significant challenge. Misdiagnosis has significant negative medical side effects. Due to the complex nature of this disorder, there is no computational expert system for diagnosis. Recently, automatic diagnosis of ADHD by machine learning analysis of brain signals has received an increased attention. This paper aimed to achieve an accurate model to discriminate between ADHD patients and healthy controls by pattern discovery. Event-Related Potentials (ERP) data were collected from ADHD patients and healthy controls. After pre-processing, ERP signals were decomposed and features were calculated for different frequency bands. The classification was carried out based on each feature using seven machine learning algorithms. Important features were then selected and combined. To find specific patterns for each model, the classification was repeated using the proposed patterns. Results indicated that the combination of complementary features can significantly improve the performance of the predictive models. The newly developed features, defined based on band power, were able to provide the best classification using the Generalized Linear Model, Logistic Regression, and Deep Learning with the average accuracy and Receiver operating characteristic curve > %99.85 and > 0.999, respectively. High and low frequencies (Beta, Delta) performed better than the mid, frequencies in the discrimination of ADHD from control. Altogether, this study developed a machine learning expert system that minimises misdiagnosis of ADHD and is beneficial for the evaluation of treatment efficacy.

Graphical abstract
Die Bedeutung der Interessenkongruenz für die Schulzufriedenheit in der beruflichen Oberstufe
Authors: Junkuhn Brit , Nagy Gabriel
Published: February 2022

Interessenkongruenz ist eine zentrale Determinante des Erlebens und Verhaltens in beruflichen Kontexten. Die Bedeutung der Interessenkongruenz in schulischen Kontexten mit spezifischen Schwerpunkten wurde bis dato nicht genauer untersucht, obwohl entsprechende Angebote unter anderem mit dem Ziel eingeführt wurden, die Erprobung beruflicher Interessen zu ermöglichen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht den Kongruenzeffekt auf die Schulzufriedenheit in der beruflichen gymnasialen Oberstufe. Die Auswertungen basierten auf einer Circumplex-Modellierung individueller Interessenprofile, die in Mehrebenenmodellen als Prädiktoren der Schulzufriedenheit fungierten. Die Ergebnisse stützen die Kongruenzhypothese, da die Nähe der dominanten individuellen Interessen zu den zentralen Tätigkeitsbereichen der beruflichen Gymnasien mit einer höheren Zufriedenheit einherging und sich dieser Effekt als robust gegenüber zentralen Kovariaten erwies (Geschlecht, kognitive Grundfähigkeit und Persönlichkeitsdispositionen). Erwartungsgemäß konnte dieser Effekt im allgemeinbildenden Gymnasium nicht nachgewiesen werden. Die berufliche Oberstufe scheint demnach die Erprobung beruflicher Interessen zu ermöglichen.