bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First‐Principles Study of Structural, Electronic, and Elastic Properties of Sb2S3 under Pressure
Authors: Liu Wei , Gan Yun-Dan , Liu Fu-Sheng , Tang Bin , Zhu Sheng-Hai , Liu Qi-Jun
Published: November 2021

The effects of pressure on the lattice parameters, electronic properties and elastic properties of Sb2S3 under 0–30 GPa are studied by first‐principles calculation. The calculated results of structural parameters of generalized gradient approximation (GGA)‐Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) are less than 3% different from the previous experimental values. With the increase of pressure, the bandgap of Sb2S3 becomes smaller and smaller. At a pressure of 35 GPa, the conduction band coincides with the valence band. Metallization will occur. The Poisson's ratio results show that the Poisson's ratio of Sb2S3 crystal is 0.2892 at 10 GPa. When the pressure increases to 30 GPa, the mechanical stability criterion is no longer satisfied, and the mechanical properties will be unstable. At atmospheric pressure, there is no virtual screen in the phonon dispersion spectrum of Sb2S3. At 30 GPa, the phonon appears virtual screen and the structure is unstable. This is consistent with the results of the previous mechanical stability calculation. Finally, the wave velocity and anisotropy of Sb2S3 are calculated by its elastic coefficients. All the conclusions, herein, can provide a theoretical basis for the future study of Sb2S3 under high pressure. So, it is necessary to study the skills of Sb2S3 under high pressure.
Suppression of Surface Defects and Vibrational Coupling in GaN by a Graphene Monolayer
Authors: Zheng Changcheng , Ning Jiqiang , Ye Hongang , Zhang Lixia , Xu Ke , Zhao Degang , Ni Zhenhua , Wang Jiannong , Xu Shijie
Published: November 2021

The optical transitions and random walking dynamics of the three types of excitons, namely, free, donor‐bound, and acceptor‐like surface‐defect‐bound excitons, in both the graphene−GaN hybrid structure and bare GaN are comparatively examined using variable‐temperature steady‐state photoluminescence and time‐resolved photoluminescence. The results reveal that the effective suppression of surface defects may be realized by a graphene capping monolayer, evidenced by the strong reduction of the luminescence signal of the surface‐defect‐bound excitons and the simultaneous enhancement of the free exciton luminescence. More interestingly, the coupling strengths between all the three kinds of excitons and the longitudinal optical phonons tend to weaken, especially for the surface‐defect‐bound excitons, which exhibit a reduction of ≈40%. These findings indicate that capping GaN by graphene could be an effective way to passivate harmful surface defects and address the heating problem in GaN‐based devices.
Computing and comparative analysis of topological invariants of Y‐junction carbon nanotubes
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Shabbir Ayesha
Published: November 2021

Recent findings of diverse forms of carbon nanostructures have encouraged research on their applications in several areas. They are used as a structural material in electronic and optical devices, involving transistors, photodetectors, plastic, biological sensors, pharmaceutical and medicine, and drug delivery systems. Since the discovery of Y‐shaped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) junctions, they have drawn interest for future electron devices, for example, three‐terminal transistors, amplifiers, and switches. A topological index is a number that is used to study the physicochemical properties of chemical structures. In this paper, we are providing topological properties of CNT Y‐junctions. The results obtained for different types of Y‐junction graphs appeared with comparisons. According to the best of our knowledge and literature, this is the first report about topological indices on this class of CNT junctions.
Quantitative structure–property relationship of Ev‐degree and Ve‐degree based topological indices : physico‐chemical properties of benzene derivatives
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Naeem Muhammad , Bukhari Saira Usman
Published: November 2021

A quantitative structure–property relationship study was performed for the prediction of physical properties of 22 benzene derivatives using ev‐degree and ve‐degree topological indices. These topological indices correlate certain physico‐chemical property with the chemical structure (like molecular weight, enthalpy, boiling point and π‐electron energy of β‐unit of benzene derivatives). At first, a simple linear regression model was developed using ve‐degree and ev‐degree topological indices and the certain physical properties of the considered benzene derivatives. It is found that the atom bond connectivity index () possesses the best correlating ability among several topological indices to predict the boiling point, the ve‐degree based Randić index is the best predictor of enthalpy, the ev degree based Randić index is the best predictor of π‐electron energy, the sum connectivity index is the best predictor of molecular weight. Second, multiple linear regressions were used for prediction the physical properties (molecular weight, boiling point, enthalpy and π‐electron energy of β‐unit) on the basis of six predictor such as , , , , , and indices. This multi‐linear regression model shows the 100% variation in π‐electron energy of β‐unit. A Maple software based algorithm is used for the calculations of topological indices and the statistical analysis is performed with the SPSS software. The calculations of the ev and ve degree based topological indices of chemical structure of styrene‐butadiene rubber are presented at the end to illustrate the given Maple algorithm.
Firms' responses to changes in frictions in related human capital factor markets
Authors: Allen W. David , Schepker Donald J. , Chadwick Clint
Published: November 2021

Research Summary

Strategic human capital scholars suggest that firms' human capital rents are greater when labor market frictions are more prevalent. Taking this argument further, we suggest that when frictions for one type of human capital decrease, firms are motivated to place greater emphasis on human capital that is interdependent in production where frictions are unchanged. Empirically, we exploit an exogenous institutional change in the National Football League to demonstrate that coaching (managerial) dismissal and replacement is more likely to occur (and is influenced by a wider variety of information) after frictions for player (production worker) human capital decrease. Our findings suggest adding a new dimension—tradeoffs between related labor market segments—to the scholarly conversation about how firms manage their human capital (and other resources) strategically.

Managerial Summary

We often point to the existence of labor market frictions for different types of human capital as reasons why firms would emphasize one type of human capital over another. But changes in frictions in markets for related human capital, the present focus, can influence this decision as well. In particular, our study demonstrates that when the NFL implemented free agency and a salary cap in the market for player talent in 1993, limiting the ability of teams to stockpile talented players, NFL teams responded by increasing their emphasis on coaching talent in the production of wins. This increased emphasis manifested in more frequent coaching dismissals and a greater influence of different types of information on the desirability of replacing a team's head coach after 1993.
Optimizing Microenvironment of Asymmetric N,S‐Coordinated Single‐Atom Fe via Axial Fifth Coordination toward Efficient Oxygen Electroreduction
Authors: Li Longbin , Huang Senhe , Cao Rui , Yuan Kai , Lu Chenbao , Huang Bingyu , Tang Xiannong , Hu Ting , Zhuang Xiaodong , Chen Yiwang
Published: November 2021

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are attractive candidates for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The catalytic performances of SACs are mainly determined by the surrounding microenvironment of single metal sites. Microenvironment engineering of SACs and understanding of the structure–activity relationship is critical, which remains challenging. Herein, a self‐sacrificing strategy is developed to synthesize asymmetric N,S‐coordinated single‐atom Fe with axial fifth hydroxy (OH) coordination (Fe−N3S1OH) embedded in N,S codoped porous carbon nanospheres (FeN/SC). Such unique penta‐coordination microenvironment is determined by cutting‐edge techonologies aiding of systematic simulations. The as‐obtained FeN/SC exhibits superior catalytic ORR activity, and showcases a half‐wave potential of 0.882 V surpassing the benchmark Pt/C. Moreover, theoretical calculations confirmed the axial OH in FeN3S1OH can optimize 3d orbitals of Fe center to strengthen O2 adsorption and enhance O2 activation on Fe site, thus reducing the ORR barrier and accelerating ORR dynamics. Furthermore, FeN/SC containing H2O2 fuel cell performs a high peak power density of 512 mW cm−2, and FeN/SC based Znair batteries show the peak power density of 203 and 49 mW cm−2 in liquid and flexible all‐solid‐state configurations, respectively. This study offers a new platform for fundamentally understand the axial fifth coordination in asymmetrical planar single‐atom metal sites for electrocatalysis.
Multilevel varying coefficient spatiotemporal model
Authors: Li Yihao , Nguyen Danh V. , Kürüm Esra , Rhee Connie M. , Banerjee Sudipto , Şentürk Damla
Published: November 2021

Over 785,000 individuals in the United States have end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), with about 70% of patients on dialysis, a life‐sustaining treatment. Dialysis patients experience frequent hospitalizations. In order to identify risk factors of hospitalizations, we utilize data from the large national database, United States Renal Data System (USRDS). To account for the hierarchical structure of the data, with longitudinal hospitalization rates nested in dialysis facilities and dialysis facilities nested in geographic regions across the United States, we propose a multilevel varying coefficient spatiotemporal model (M‐VCSM) where region‐ and facility‐specific random deviations are modelled through a multilevel Karhunen–Loéve (KL) expansion. The proposed M‐VCSM includes time‐varying effects of multilevel risk factors at the region‐ (e.g., urbanicity and area deprivation index) and facility‐levels (e.g., patient demographic makeup) and incorporates spatial correlations across regions via a conditional autoregressive (CAR) structure. Efficient estimation and inference are achieved through the fusion of functional principal component analysis (FPCA) and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). Applications to the USRDS data highlight significant region‐ and facility‐level risk factors of hospitalizations and characterize time periods and spatial locations with elevated hospitalization risk. Finite sample performance of the proposed methodology is studied through simulations.
Acacia catechu seed extract provokes cytotoxicity via apoptosis by intrinsic pathway in HepG2 cells
Authors: Thangavelu Lakshmi , Geetha Royapuram Veeraragavan , Devaraj Ezhilarasan , Dua Kamal , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Balusamy Sri Renukadevi
Published: November 2021

Acacia catechu Willd (Fabaceae) is a thorny tree widely distributed in India and commonly used as traditional Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments. The current study evaluates the cytotoxic potentials of A. catechu ethanolic seed extract (ACSE) in HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. The HepG2 cells were treated with 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 μg/ml of ACSE and the cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assays. The IC50 of ACSE was found at 77.04 μg/ml and therefore, further studies were carried out with the concentrations of 35 and 70 μg/ml. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis‐related morphological changes were evaluated. Gene expressions of Bax, Bcl‐2, cytochrome C (Cyt‐c), caspases‐9 and 3 were analyzed by qPCR. The ACSE treatments caused LDH leakage was associated with an increased ROS generation. The increased ROS generation was associated with the downregulation of intracellular antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione content. AO/EB and PI staining also confirmed chromatin condensation and apoptosis. The flow cytometric analysis showed an accumulation of HepG2 cells at sub G0/G1 (apoptotic) phase upon ACSE treatments. The ACSE induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were related to increased apoptotic marker gene expressions such as Bax, Cyt‐c, caspase‐9 and 3, and decreased anti‐apoptotic marker Bcl‐2. The current finding suggests that ACSE has apoptosis‐inducing potential via the mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells.
Cryptorchid investigation of an adult cob pony with unknown history
Authors: Watkins Moira
Published: November 2021

A 400 kg, male, adult cob pony presented with a history of stallion‐like behaviour without testicles palpable. The blood oestrone sulphate level was 4.90 ng/ml, consistent with cryptorchidism (0.1–10.0 ng/ml; IDEXX). Age was estimated at 8 years by dentition. Previous veterinary treatment history was unavailable. Examination under general anaesthesia found no evidence of prior surgical castration. Investigation of the inguinal region was unremarkable with no evidence of an inguinal extension of the gubernaculum testis or vaginal process on either side. Exploratory laparotomy of the right abdomen revealed a cystic, 5 × 8 cm mass with homogenous tapering stalk. This was removed by emasculation. Histological examination identified the mass as a benign testicular teratoma. Blood anti‐Mullerian hormone 5 days after the surgery measured 0.9 ng/ml. The pony made a full recovery and the owner reported the behavioural issues have resolved.
Optimization of fluoride adsorption from aqueous solution over mesoporous titania‐alumina composites using Taguchi method
Authors: Al Mesfer Mohammed K. , Danish Mohd , Shah Mumtaj
Published: November 2021

The optimization of fluoride removal from aqueous media was studied over the mesoporous titania‐alumina composites using Taguchi method‐based L25 orthogonal array experimental design. The chemical structure, surface chemistry, and morphology of as‐prepared composite adsorbents were studied utilizing various analytical methods. The findings of the characterization demonstrated that the produced composites have high textural qualities, which are conducive to enhanced fluoride adsorption. The optimum conditions for maximum percentage removal of fluoride from aqueous solution were found as adsorbent type as TA75, adsorbent dose 4 g L−1, initial concentration of fluoride 40 ppm, solution pH 3 with a treatment time of 60 min. Under the optimum conditions, 98% of fluoride adsorption was achieved. Analysis of variance revealed that the solution pH followed by the adsorbent dose was the most significant for fluoride adsorption. The Langmuir model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model fit the adsorption data well, and the TA75 adsorbent had a maximum Langmuir fluoride adsorption capacity of 34.48 mg g−1 at pH = 3. The thermodynamic information suggests that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic under the given operating conditions. The synergic combination of Ti–Al nanoparticles demonstrated a high percentage removal of fluoride under the optimized operating conditions.

Practitioner Points

The Taguchi method‐based design of the experimental approach was implemented in the fluoride adsorption process.

Mesoporous titania‐alumina composites with 0 to 100 wt.% of alumina in titania were prepared and applied to remove fluoride from an aqueous solution.

Solution pH was the most influential parameter for the fluoride adsorption process, while the synergistic combination of 75 wt.% alumina in titania showed the maximum adsorption capacity.
Variational models for the interaction of surfactants with curvature – existence and regularity of minimizers in the case of flexible curves
Authors: Brand Christopher , Dolzmann Georg , Pluda Alessandra
Published: November 2021

Existence and regularity of minimizers for a geometric variational problem is shown. The variational integral models an energy contribution of the interface between two immiscible fluids in the presence of surfactants and includes a Helfrich type contribution, a Frank type contribution and a coupling term between the orientation of the surfactants and the curvature of the interface. Analytical results are proven in a one–dimensional situation for curves.
Detecting an axion-like particle with machine learning at the LHC
Authors: Ren Jie , Wang Daohan , Wu Lei , Yang Jin Min , Zhang Mengchao
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Axion-like particles (ALPs) appear in various new physics models with spon- taneous global symmetry breaking. When the ALP mass is in the range of MeV to GeV, the cosmology and astrophysics bounds are so far quite weak. In this work, we investi- gate such light ALPs through the ALP-strahlung production processes pp → W±a, Za with the sequential decay a → γγ at the 14 TeV LHC with an integrated luminosity of 3000 fb−1 (HL-LHC). Building on the concept of jet image which uses calorimeter towers as the pixels of the image and measures a jet as an image, we investigate the potential of machine learning techniques based on convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify the highly boosted ALPs which decay to a pair of highly collimated photons. With the CNN tagging algorithm, we demonstrate that our approach can extend current LHC sensitivity and probe the ALP mass range from 0.3 GeV to 5 GeV. The obtained bounds are stronger than the existing limits on the ALP-photon coupling.
Global anomalies on the Hilbert space
Authors: Delmastro Diego , Gaiotto Davide , Gomis Jaume
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We show that certain global anomalies can be detected in an elementary fashion by analyzing the way the symmetry algebra is realized on the torus Hilbert space of the anomalous theory. Distinct anomalous behaviours imprinted in the Hilbert space are identified with the distinct cohomology “layers” that appear in the classification of anomalies in terms of cobordism groups. We illustrate the manifestation of the layers in the Hilbert for a variety of anomalous symmetries and spacetime dimensions, including time-reversal symmetry, and both in systems of fermions and in anomalous topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) in 2 + 1d. We argue that anomalies can imply an exact bose-fermi degeneracy in the Hilbert space, thus revealing a supersymmetric spectrum of states; we provide a sharp characterization of when this phenomenon occurs and give nontrivial examples in various dimensions, including in strongly coupled QFTs. Unraveling the anomalies of TQFTs leads us to develop the construction of the Hilbert spaces, the action of operators and the modular data in spin TQFTs, material that can be read on its own.
Finding AdS5 × S5 in 2+1 dimensional SCFT physics
Authors: Van Raamsdonk Mark , Waddell Chris
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We study solutions of type IIB string theory dual to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on half of ℝ3,1 coupled to holographic three-dimensional superconformal field theories (SCFTs) at the edge of this half-space. The dual geometries are asymptotically AdS5×S5 with boundary geometry ℝ2,1×ℝ+, with a geometrical end-of-the-world (ETW) brane cutting off the other half of the asymptotic region of the would-be Poincaré AdS5×S5. We show that by choosing the 3D SCFT appropriately, this ETW brane can be pushed arbitrarily far towards the missing asymptotic region, recovering the “missing” half of Poincaré AdS5×S5. We also show that there are 3D SCFTs whose dual includes a wedge of Poincaré AdS5×S5 with an angle arbitrarily close to π, with geometrical ETW branes on either side.
Spinning amplitudes from scalar amplitudes
Authors: Balasubramanian Mahesh K. N. , Patil Raj , Rudra Arnab
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We provide a systematic method to compute tree-level scattering amplitudes with spinning external states from amplitudes with scalar external states in arbitrary spacetime dimensions. We write down analytic answers for various scattering amplitudes, including the four graviton amplitude due to the massive spinJexchange. We verify the results by computing angular distributions in 3 + 1 dimensions using various identities involving Jacobi polynomials.
Dark matter electromagnetic dipoles: the WIMP expectation
Authors: Hambye Thomas , Xu Xun-Jie
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We perform a systematic study of the electric and magnetic dipole moments of dark matter (DM) that are induced at the one-loop level when DM experiences four-fermion interactions with Standard Model (SM) charged fermions. Related to their loop nature these moments can largely depend on the UV completion at the origin of the four-fermion operators. We illustrate this property by considering explicitly two simple ways to generate these operators, from t- or s-channel tree-level exchange. Fixing the strength of these interactions from the DM relic density constraint, we obtain in particular a magnetic moment that, depending on the interaction considered, lies typically between 10−20 to 10−23 ecm or identically vanishes. These non-vanishing values induce, via photon exchange, DM-nucleus scattering cross sections that could be probed by current or near future direct detection experiments.
Differences in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction between novel subgroups of recent-onset diabetes
Authors: Maalmi Haifa , Herder Christian , Bönhof Gidon J. , Strassburger Klaus , Zaharia Oana-Patricia , Rathmann Wolfgang , Burkart Volker , Szendroedi Julia , Roden Michael , Ziegler Dan ,   GDS Group
Published: November 2021

Aims/hypothesis

In men with diabetes, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases with advanced age and longer diabetes duration and is substantially higher in men with type 2 diabetes than those with type 1 diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among the five novel subgroups of recent-onset diabetes and determine the strength of associations between diabetes subgroups and erectile dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 351 men with recent-onset diabetes (<1 year) from the German Diabetes Study baseline cohort and 124 men without diabetes were included in this cross-sectional study. Erectile dysfunction was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between diabetes subgroups (each subgroup tested against the four other subgroups as reference) and erectile dysfunction (dependent binary variable), adjusting for variables used to define diabetes subgroups, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and depression.

Results

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was markedly higher in men with diabetes than in men without diabetes (23% vs 11%, p = 0.004). Among men with diabetes, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction was highest in men with severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD) (52%), lowest in men with severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID) (7%), and intermediate in men with severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD) and mild age-related diabetes (MARD) (31%, 18% and 29%, respectively). Men with SIRD had an adjusted RR of 1.93 (95% CI 1.04, 3.58) for prevalent erectile dysfunction (p = 0.038). Similarly, men with SIDD had an adjusted RR of 3.27 (95% CI 1.18, 9.10) (p = 0.023). In contrast, men with SAID and those with MARD had unadjusted RRs of 0.26 (95% CI 0.11, 0.58) (p = 0.001) and 1.52 (95% CI 1.04, 2.22) (p = 0.027), respectively. However, these associations did not remain statistically significant after adjustment.

Conclusions/interpretation

The high RRs for erectile dysfunction in men with recent-onset SIRD and SIDD point to both insulin resistance and insulin deficiency as major contributing factors to this complication, suggesting different mechanisms underlying erectile dysfunction in these subgroups.

Graphical abstract
Establishment of a multi-parameters MRI model for predicting small lymph nodes metastases (<10 mm) in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shi Yan-Jie , Liu Bo-Nan , Li Xiao-Ting , Zhu Hai-Tao , Wei Yi-Yuan , Zhao Bo , Sun Shao-Shuai , Sun Ying-Shi , Hao Chun-Yi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the potential role of MR findings and DWI parameters in predicting small regional lymph nodes metastases (with short-axis diameter < 10 mm) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs).

Methods

A total of 127 patients, 82 in training group and 45 in testing group, with histopathologically diagnosed PDACs who underwent pancreatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. PDACs were divided into two groups of positive and negative lymph node metastases (LNM) based on the pathological results. Pancreatic cancer characteristics, short axis of largest lymph node, and DWI parameters of PDACs were evaluated.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that extrapancreatic distance of tumor invasion, short-axis diameter of the largest lymph node, and mean diffusivity of tumor were independently associated with small LNM in patients with PDACs. The combining MRI diagnostic model yielded AUCs of 0.836 and 0.873, and accuracies of 81.7% and 80% in the training and testing groups. The AUC of the MRI model for predicting LNM was higher than that of subjective MRI diagnosis in the training group (rater 1, P = 0.01; rater 2, 0.008) and in a testing group (rater 1, P = 0.036; rater 2, 0.024). Comparing the subjective diagnosis, the error rate of the MRI model was decreased. The defined LNM-positive group by the MRI model showed significantly inferior overall survival compared to the negative group (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

The MRI model showed excellent performance for individualized and noninvasive prediction of small regional LNM in PDACs. It may be used to identify PDACs with small LNM and contribute to determining an appropriate treatment strategy for PDACs.
Year-round movements of Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis from Kolguev Island, Barents Sea
Authors: Quillfeldt Petra , Morkūnas Julius , Kruckenberg Helmut , Kondratyev Alexander , Loshchagina Julia , Aarvak Tomas , Øien Ingar Jostein , Bellebaum Jochen , Glazov Petr
Published: November 2021

Arctic birds migrating southwards face a multitude of challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation of food resources and climate change impacts. Long-tailed Duck winter populations in the Baltic Sea have declined in recent decades. However, precise spatial data are lacking, especially from males. Thus, we aimed to identify the wintering grounds, timing of migration and stopover sites of males and females. We studied spatiotemporal distribution patterns of eight male and five female Long-tailed Ducks using implanted ARGOS satellite transmitters. Birds were tagged in the breeding season on Kolguev Island, Russia. After the breeding period, Long-tailed Ducks from Kolguev used three main post-breeding areas: most males undertook long distance eastward post-breeding migration to areas around the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas, while one male and four females moved short to the southeast coast of Kolguev, and one female moved to Mezhdusharsky Island in the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. Autumn migration included stopover sites in the White Sea, Lake Ladoga, the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga, and all birds except one spent the winter in the southern part of the Baltic Sea, from the Pomeranian coast and Hoburgs bank to the Gulf of Finland. Only one female stayed in the White Sea for the winter. All but one bird used the White Sea as a stopover site in May, suggesting that this area is of special importance.
TBK1 haploinsufficiency results in changes in the K63-ubiquitination profiles in brain and fibroblasts from affected and presymptomatic mutation carriers
Authors: Khoshnood Behzad , Ullgren Abbe , Laffita-Mesa Jose , Öijerstedt Linn , Patra Kalicharan , Nennesmo Inger , Graff Caroline
Published: November 2021

Background

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disease, resulting in progressive problems in language and/or behaviour and is often diagnosed before 65 years of age. Ubiquitin positive protein aggregates in the brain are among the key pathologic hallmarks of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) postmortem. The TANK-binding kinase 1 gene (TBK1) is on the list of genes that can contribute to the development of FTD as well as the related neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

In this study, using an array of clinical and neuropathological data combined with biochemical and proteomics assays, we analyze the TBK1 splice-mutation (c.1340 + 1G > A) in a Swedish family with a history of FTD and ALS. We also explore the K63 ubiquitination landscape in post-mortem brain tissue and fibroblast cultures.

Results

The intronic (c.1340 + 1G > A) mutation in TBK1 results in haploinsufficiency and affects the activity of the protein in symptomatic and pre-symptomatic mutation carriers.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the mutation leads to a significant reduction of TBK1 activity and induce alterations in K63 ubiquitination profile of the cell already in the presymptomatic stages.
Burden of disease in myasthenia gravis: taking the patient’s perspective
Authors: Lehnerer Sophie , Jacobi Jonas , Schilling Ralph , Grittner Ulrike , Marbin Derin , Gerischer Lea , Stascheit Frauke , Krause Maike , Hoffmann Sarah , Meisel Andreas
Published: November 2021

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) leads to exertion-dependent muscle weakness, but also psychological and social well-being are limited. We aim to describe the burden of disease in MG including sociodemographic, economical, psychosocial as well as clinical aspects, to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with MG to the general population (genP) and to explore risk factors for a lower HRQoL.

Methods

This case–control study was conducted with MG patients of the German Myasthenia Association. A questionnaire-based survey included sociodemographic and clinical data as well as standardized questionnaires, e.g. the Short Form Health (SF-36). HRQoL was compared to genP in a matched-pairs analysis. Participants of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) served as control group.

Results

In our study, 1660 MG patients participated and were compared to 2556 controls from the genP. Patients with MG showed lower levels of physical functioning (SF-36 mean 56.0, SD 30.3) compared to the genP (mean 81.8, SD 22.1, adjusted difference: 25, 95% CI 22–29) and lower mental health sub-score (SF-36 mean 67.3, SD 19.8, vs. 74.1, SD 16.7, adjusted difference: 5, 95% CI 2–8). Female gender, higher age, low income, partnership status, lower activities of daily life, symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue and self-perceived low social support were associated with a lower HRQoL in MG patients.

Discussion

HRQoL is lower in patients with MG compared to genP. The burden of MG on patients includes economic and social aspects as well as their emotional well-being. New therapies must achieve improvements for patients in these areas.

Trial registration information

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03979521, submitted: June 7, 2019, first patient enrolled: May 1, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03979521
Von Kossa and his staining technique
Authors: Schneider Marlon R.
Published: November 2021

One hundred and twenty years ago, the Hungarian physician Julius von Kossa developed a now classical staining method for detecting mineral deposits in animal tissues. Since then, this method has been widely adapted and combined with different counterstains, but still bears the name of its original inventor, who, if alive, would have turned 150 in 2015. As a rather inexpensive technique that does not require special instrumentation, von Kossa’s staining method became extremely popular for demonstrating mineralized tissues in vivo and in vitro. This article pays tribute to von Kossa and to his handy staining method.
Does a third intermediate model for the vomeronasal processing of information exist? Insights from the macropodid neuroanatomy
Authors: Torres Mateo V. , Ortiz-Leal Irene , Villamayor Paula R. , Ferreiro Andrea , Rois José Luis , Sanchez-Quinteiro Pablo
Published: November 2021

The study of the α-subunit of Gi2 and Go proteins in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) was crucial for the identification of the two main families of vomeronasal receptors, V1R and V2R. Both families are expressed in the rodent and lagomorph AOBs, according to a segregated model characterized by topographical anteroposterior zonation. Many mammal species have suffered from the deterioration of the Gαo pathway and are categorized as belonging to the uniform model. This scenario has been complicated by characterization of the AOB in the tammar wallaby, Notamacropus eugenii, which appears to follow a third model of vomeronasal organization featuring exclusive Gαo protein expression, referred to as the intermediate model, which has not yet been replicated in any other species. Our morphofunctional study of the vomeronasal system (VNS) in Bennett’s wallaby, Notamacropus rufogriseus, provides further information regarding this third model of vomeronasal transduction. A comprehensive histological, lectin, and immunohistochemical study of the Bennett’s wallaby VNS was performed. Anti-Gαo and anti-Gαi2 antibodies were particularly useful because they labeled the transduction cascade of V2R and V1R receptors, respectively. Both G proteins showed canonical immunohistochemical labeling in the vomeronasal organ and the AOB, consistent with the anterior–posterior zonation of the segregated model. The lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin selectively labeled the anterior AOB, providing additional evidence for the segregation of vomeronasal information in the wallaby. Overall, the VNS of the Bennett’s wallaby shows a degree of differentiation and histochemical and neurochemical diversity comparable to species with greater VNS development. The existence of the third intermediate type in vomeronasal information processing reported in Notamacropus eugenii is not supported by our lectin-histochemical and immunohistochemical findings in Notamacropus rufogriseus.
Temporal and spatial variation in sex-specific abundance of the avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi)
Authors: Common Lauren K. , Sumasgutner Petra , Sumasgutner Shane C. , Colombelli-Négrel Diane , Dudaniec Rachael Y. , Kleindorfer Sonia
Published: November 2021

Understanding the range and behaviour of an invasive species is critical to identify key habitat areas to focus control efforts. Patterns of range use in parasites can differ temporally, across life stages and between sexes. The invasive avian vampire fly,Philornis downsi, spends the larval stage of its life within bird nests, feeding on developing nestlings and causing high levels of mortality and deformation. However, little is known of the ecology and behaviour of the non-parasitic adult fly life stage. Here, we document sex-specific temporal and spatial patterns of abundance of adult avian vampire flies during a single Darwin’s finch breeding season. We analyse fly trapping data collected across 7 weeks in the highlands (N = 405 flies) and lowlands (N = 12 flies) of Floreana Island (Galápagos). Lowland catches occurred later in the season, which supports the hypothesis that flies may migrate from the food-rich highlands to the food-poor lowlands once host breeding has commenced. Fly abundance was not correlated with host nesting density (oviposition site) but was correlated with distance to the agricultural zone (feeding site). We consistently caught more males closer to the agricultural zone and more females further away from the agricultural zone. These sex differences suggest that males may be defending or lekking at feeding sites in the agricultural zone for mating. This temporal and sex-specific habitat use of the avian vampire fly is relevant for developing targeted control methods and provides insight into the behavioural ecology of this introduced parasite on the Galápagos Archipelago.
Agglomerative Clustering of Growing Squares
Authors: Castermans Thom , Speckmann Bettina , Staals Frank , Verbeek Kevin
Published: November 2021

We study an agglomerative clustering problem motivated by interactive glyphs in geo-visualization. Consider a set of disjoint square glyphs on an interactive map. When the user zooms out, the glyphs grow in size relative to the map, possibly with different speeds. When two glyphs intersect, we wish to replace them by a new glyph that captures the information of the intersecting glyphs. We present a fully dynamic kinetic data structure that maintains a set of n disjoint growing squares. Our data structure uses $$O\bigl (n \log n \log \log n\bigr )$$

O

(

n
log
n
log
log
n

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space, supports queries in worst case $$O\bigl (\log ^2 n\bigr )$$

O

(

log
2

n

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time, and updates in $$O\bigl (\log ^5 n\bigr )$$

O

(

log
5

n

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amortized time. This leads to an $$O\bigl (n\,\alpha (n)\log ^5 n\bigr )$$

O

(

n

α

(
n
)

log
5

n

)

time algorithm to solve the agglomerative clustering problem. This is a significant improvement over the current best $$O\bigl (n^2\bigr )$$

O

(

n
2

)

time algorithms.
Real-time super-resolution mapping of locally anisotropic grain orientations for ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation of crystalline material
Authors: Singh Jonathan , Tant Katherine , Curtis Andrew , Mulholland Anthony
Published: November 2021

Estimating the spatially varying microstructures of heterogeneous and locally anisotropic media non-destructively is necessary for the accurate detection of flaws and reliable monitoring of manufacturing processes. Conventional algorithms used for solving this inverse problem come with significant computational cost, particularly in the case of high-dimensional, nonlinear tomographic problems, and are thus not suitable for near-real-time applications. In this paper, for the first time, we propose a framework which uses deep neural networks (DNNs) with full aperture, pitch-catch and pulse-echo transducer configurations, to reconstruct material maps of crystallographic orientation. We also present the first application of generative adversarial networks (GANs) to achieve super-resolution of ultrasonic tomographic images, providing a factor-four increase in image resolution and up to a 50% increase in structural similarity. The importance of including appropriate prior knowledge in the GAN training data set to increase inversion accuracy is demonstrated: known information about the material’s structure should be represented in the training data. We show that after a computationally expensive training process, the DNNs and GANs can be used in less than 1 second (0.9 s on a standard desktop computer) to provide a high-resolution map of the material’s grain orientations, addressing the challenge of significant computational cost faced by conventional tomography algorithms.
On rectifiable measures in Carnot groups: representation
Authors: Antonelli Gioacchino , Merlo Andrea
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with the theory of rectifiability in arbitrary Carnot groups, and in particular with the study of the notion of $$\mathscr {P}$$
P
-rectifiable measure. First, we show that in arbitrary Carnot groups the natural infinitesimal definition of rectifiabile measure, i.e., the definition given in terms of the existence of flat tangent measures, is equivalent to the global definition given in terms of coverings with intrinsically differentiable graphs, i.e., graphs with flat Hausdorff tangents. In general we do not have the latter equivalence if we ask the covering to be made of intrinsically Lipschitz graphs. Second, we show a geometric area formula for the centered Hausdorff measure restricted to intrinsically differentiable graphs in arbitrary Carnot groups. The latter formula extends and strengthens other area formulae obtained in the literature in the context of Carnot groups. As an application, our analysis allows us to prove the intrinsic $$C^1$$

C
1

-rectifiability of almost all the preimages of a large class of Lipschitz functions between Carnot groups. In particular, from the latter result, we obtain that any geodesic sphere in a Carnot group equipped with an arbitrary left-invariant homogeneous distance is intrinsic $$C^1$$

C
1

-rectifiable.
Targeted fluorescent imaging of a novel FITC-labeled PSMA ligand in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhou Haoxi , Gao Yu , Liu Yachao , Wu Yitian , Fang Yan , Wang Baojun , Xu Baixuan
Published: November 2021

In this study, we synthesized a novel fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand (PSMA-FITC) via the Fmoc solid-phase synthesis method, and the application value of PSMA-FITC in targeted fluorescence imaging of PSMA-positive prostate cancer was evaluated. The PSMA ligand developed based on the Glu-urea-Lys structure was linked to FITC by aminocaproic acid (Ahx) to obtain PSMA-FITC. The new probe was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Fluorescence microscopy examination of PSMA-FITC in PSMA(+) LNCaP cells, PSMA(−) PC3 cells, and blocked LNCaP cells showed that the binding of PSMA-FITC with PSMA was target-specific. For in vivo optical imaging, PSMA-FITC exhibited rapid 22Rv1 tumor targeting within 30 min of injection, and the highest tumor-background ratio (TBR) was observed 60 min after injection. The TBR was 3.45 ± 0.31 in the nonblocking group and 0.44 ± 0.13 in the blocking group, which was consistent with the in vitro results. PSMA-FITC is a promising probe and has important reference value for the development of PSMA fluorescent probes. In the future, it can be applied to obtain accurate tumor images for radical prostatectomy.
Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of malignant ascites: section summary in Clinical Practice Guideline for peritoneal dissemination (2021)
Authors: Matsusaki Keisuke , Aridome Kuniaki , Emoto Shigenobu , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Takagaki Nobumasa , Takahashi Takao , Tsubamoto Hiroshi , Nagao Shoji , Watanabe Akihiro , Shimada Hideaki , Kitayama Joji
Published: November 2021

Patients with peritoneal dissemination (PD) caused by abdominal malignancies are often associated with massive ascites, which shows extremely dismal prognosis because of the discontinuation of systemic chemotherapy mostly due to poor performance status. Many treatment methods, such as simple drainage, peritoneovenous shunting (PVS) and cell-free and concentrated reinfusion therapy (CART), have been used for symptom relief. However, the clinical efficacies of these methods have not been fully investigated yet. Recently, we developed the Clinical Practice Guideline for PD caused by various malignancies according to "Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Development Guide 2017". In this guideline, we systematically reviewed information on clinical diagnosis and treatments for PD using PubMed databases (2000 – 2020), and clarified the degree of recommendation for clinical questions (CQ). The evidence level was divided into groups by study design and quality. The literature level and a body of evidence were evaluated in reference to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Based on the results of systematic review, the strength of the recommendations was evaluated at a consensus meeting of the Guideline Committee. This is the English synopsis of the part of treatment of malignant ascites in Clinical Practice Guideline for PD, 2021 in Japanese. The guidelines summarize the general aspect of the treatment of malignant ascites and statements with recommendation strengths, evidence levels, agreement rates and future perspective for four raised clinical questions.
Genetic structure of Eurasian beaver in Romania: insights after two decades from the reintroduction
Authors: Fedorca Ancuta , Ciocirlan Elena , Pasca Claudiu , Fedorca Mihai , Gridan Alexandru , Ionescu Georgeta
Published: November 2021

Once exploited for fur, meat, and extracting the yellowish exudate called castoreum, the Eurasian beaver disappeared from Romania during the eighteenth century. After, the reintroductions carried out two decades ago are currently thriving in the Danube River basin. Using nine nSSR markers, we analysed samples from 98 individuals, and we found no genetic substructure, suggesting high dispersal and gene flow capabilities. The stepwise mutation model (SMM) indicated the existence of a recent genetic bottleneck, though the Eurasian beaver retains high levels of genetic diversity and population growth facilitated variation in nSSR loci. A fine-scale spatial correlation in females was detected, contrasting with males’ dispersal on longer distances. While the movement and establishment of individuals’ new territories were made under natural predation pressure, the mix following natural expansion improved the fitness and could contribute to a higher genetic diversity than the source population. With any reintroduction, a focus on capturing individuals from various geographic origins, as well as securing many and suitable founding individuals (adults, subadults, and juveniles) with mixed origins, could secure the post-genetic bottleneck recovery and higher genetic diversity. Beyond this conservation success, future management strategies should consider building a National Action Plan (NAP) for the species, including a permanent genetic monitoring programme for Eurasian beaver.
The Calluna life cycle concept revisited: implications for heathland management
Authors: Schellenberg Jenny , Bergmeier Erwin
Published: November 2021

Heather,Calluna vulgaris, is a key species of European dry heath and central determinant of its conservation status. The establishedCallunalife cycle concept describes four phases—pioneer, building, mature, and degeneration—distinguishable by growth and vitality characteristics of undisturbed plants grown from seeds. However, little is known about the life cycle and ageing of plants subjected to severe disturbance, although measures to this effect (burning, mowing) are common in heathland management. We studied the vitality of over 400 heather plants by examining multiple morphological (plant height, long shoot and inflorescence lengths, flowering activity), anatomical (growth rings) and environmental (management, nitrogen deposition, climate) attributes. We foundCallunavitality to be mainly determined by the aboveground stem age, and that severe disturbances promote vigorous vegetative regeneration. Ageing-related shifts in the habit and vitality of plants resprouting from stem-base buds is similar to that of seed-based plants, but the former revealed higher vitality when young, at the cost of a shorter life span. In contrast, plants originating from decumbent stems resemble building-stage plants but apparently lack the capacity to re-enter a cycle including stages other than degeneration-type. As a consequence, we supplemented the established heather life cycle concept with a post-disturbance regeneration cycle of plants derived from resprouting. We conclude that management of dry lowland heathlands should include rotational small-scale severe disturbance to support both seed germination and seedling establishment as well as vegetative regeneration chiefly of young heather plants capable of resprouting from buds near rootstock.