bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of M‐ary amplitude and phase shift keying uncoded space‐time labeling diversity with three transmit antennas in nonlinear Rician channels
Authors: Ayanda Dauda
Published: August 2021

This article investigates uncoded space‐time labeling diversity (USTLD) with three transmit antennas schemes based on amplitude and phase shift keying (APSK) modulation. The proposed USTLD schemes are DVB‐S2 and DVB‐S2X standards compatible and provide robustness against nonlinear distortion for both Rician frequency‐flat fast and quasi‐static fading channels. Numerical analysis of the proposed schemes is derived based on pairwise error probability. The analytical results are validated by Monte Carlo simulations, which converge accurately at high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Furthermore, by adapting constellation structure between square quadratic amplitude modulations and concentric rings of APSK modulations, the author proposes mapper design for 16‐APSK, 32‐APSK, and 64‐APSK modulations for USTLD using heuristic algorithm. Finally, the proposed USTLD schemes show bit error rate (BER) improvement over the existing two transmit USTLD scheme with error performance gain of 1.2 and 2.8 dB at a BER of for 16‐APSK and 64‐APSK USTLD scheme, respectively.
Effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on nutrient digestibility and major nutrient transporters in rats fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Sahin Nurhan , Orhan Cemal , Gencoglu Hasan , Er Besir , Ozercan Ibrahim H. , Komorowski James R. , Sahin Kazim
Published: August 2021

Scope

This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of a new combination of root extracts of the Lepidium meyenii (maca) plant, known for its nutritional and energizing features as well as its antioxidant properties, on nutrient digestibility and nutrient transporters expression.

Methods and results

A total of 28 Sprague‐Dawley rats (8‐week‐old) were divided into four groups: (i) control, (ii) Lepidium m., (iii) high‐fat diet (HFD), and (iv) HFD+Lepidium m. Maca was given to the rats as a powdered combination of the plant roots with a daily dose of 40 mg per kg BW. Maca administration significantly increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), and some nutrient transporter (Pept1/2, Fatp1, Glut1/2, and Sglt1)‐expressions compared with non‐treated control and HFD groups in the jejunum and ileum tissues (p < .0001).

Conclusions

Maca supplementation improved the digestibility of nutrients and expressions of nutrient transporters in the small intestine of the rats. These results indicate the positive communication between maca consumption and nutrient absorption in the small intestines of the animals.
Tectonic evolution of Mohe area, North‐east China: Evidence from the Early Ordovician to Early Cretaceous magmatism and tectonism
Authors: Chen Long , Liang Chenyue , Liu Yongjiang , Zheng Changqing , Zhang Qian , Song Zhiwei , Li Dongxue , Qu Shuyue , Liu Xiaojing
Published: August 2021

This article presents new zircon U–Pb ages, data on whole‐rock major and trace elements for the Early Ordovician to Early Cretaceous granitic rocks exposed in the Mohe Basin of North‐east China, and reveals the tectonic evolution history of the Mohe area during this period. The zircon U–Pb dating results indicate that the magmatic activities from the Early Ordovician to Early Cretaceous in the Mohe area can be divided into six stages, which are ~473, ~281, ~247, ~215, ~130, and ~124 Ma, respectively. The granitic rocks mainly originated by partial melting of a depleted and heterogeneous lower crust, except for the quartz diorites at ~130 Ma, derived from the separated crystallization of mantle‐derived subalkaline basaltic magma. The rock associations and their geochemical features indicate that the granitic rocks of ~247 and ~215 Ma formed in an active continental margin setting, whereas the granitic rocks with formation ages of ~473, ~281, ~130, and ~124 Ma were formed in an extensional tectonic setting. Each stage of magmatic activity is consistent with the magmatism and tectonism of the Erguna Block. Based on the achievements of the previous studies, we put forward a comprehensive tectonic evolution of the Mohe area. From Early Ordovician to Late Permian (473 ~ 252 Ma), the Mohe area was influenced by the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean tectonic domain. Magmatism of Late Permian to Late Jurassic (247 ~ 155 Ma) is mainly due to the subduction of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. During the Late Jurassic, the Erguna Block collided with the Siberian Craton and the southern margin of the Siberian Craton was uplifted and started furnishing sediments into the Mohe Basin. In the Early Cretaceous (~130 Ma), the Mohe area may have been controlled by the Palaeo‐Pacific Ocean and the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean tectonic domains.
An innovative outpatient monitor service for gynecological patients in the United Kingdom: Case study evaluation of clinical effectiveness, economic outcomes, patient safety, and service improvement
Authors: Tinelli Michela , Jackson Anne , Siddique Sulman , Hamilton Brian
Published: August 2021

Background

Failure to attend appointments places a huge strain on health care systems around the world, resulting in poorer care for the patients, waste of staff time and increased waiting times. This study looked at the impact of an Outpatient‐Monitor‐Service (OMS) on clinical, economic, patient safety and service improvement outcomes in gynaecology patients compared with care as usual (with no access to the OMS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective match‐pair controlled study at a London‐based hospital. The cohort included adult women who received either (i) gynecological, (ii) hysteroscopy or (iii) vulval procedures. A cost‐consequences analysis compared intervention (who received the OMS) with control (historical cases who did not receive the OMS. Main outcome measures were clinical‐effectiveness, NHS‐cost, patient safety, and service improvement.

Results

The intervention had positive impacts spanning clinical, patient safety and service improvement areas and showed cost saving results for the healthcare in terms of reduced follow‐up consultations and did‐not‐attend occurrences.

Conclusions

The OMS offered by Message Dynamics appears to be a successful digital health technology to monitor gynecological patients' conditions and inform clinical decision making via remote channels, which is particularly relevant in coronavirus disease pandemic.
HOMA‐IR as a risk factor of gestational diabetes mellitus and a novel simple surrogate index in early pregnancy
Authors: Song Shuoning , Zhang Yuemei , Qiao Xiaolin , Duo Yanbei , Xu Jiyu , Peng Zhenyao , Zhang Jing , Chen Yan , Nie Xiaorui , Sun Qiujin , Yang Xianchun , Lu Zechun , Liu Shixuan , Zhao Tianyi , Yuan Tao , Fu Yong , Dong Yingyue , Zhao Weigang , Sun Wei , Wang Ailing
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the association between insulin resistance and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy and find a simple surrogate index of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR).

Methods

A total of 700 pregnant women were included in this prospective, double‐center, observational cohort study. The glucose and lipid metabolic characterization was performed at 6–12 weeks of pregnancy. All participants underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. Linear regression analysis was applied to find a novel surrogate index of HOMA‐IR. Binary logistic analysis was applied to estimate possible associations of different indices with GDM and insulin resistance.

Results

GDM was diagnosed in 145 of 700 women with singleton pregnancies (20.7%). HOMA‐IR was higher in the GDM group than in the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group and was an individual risk factor for GDM (adjusted risk ratio RR 1.371, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.129–1.665, P < 0.001). TyHGB index as the surrogate index of HOMA‐IR was represented as TG/HDL‐C + 0.7*FBG (mmol/L) +0.1*preBMI (kg/m2)(where TG/HDL‐C is triglyceride/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol; FBG is fasting blood glucose, and preBMI is the pre‐pregnancy body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters]). The cut‐off point of the TyHGB index was 6.0 (area under the curve 0.827, 95% CI 0.794–0.861, P < 0.001) for mild insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Increased HOMA‐IR in early pregnancy was a risk factor of GDM. TyHGB index could be a surrogate index of HOMA‐IR and had a predictive value for GDM.
The effect of smoking on COVID‐19–linked biomarkers in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Çetin Kargin Nisa
Published: August 2021

Background

The coronavirus pandemic, an infection (coronavirus disease 2019—COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), continues to have a strong influence worldwide. Although smoking is a major known risk factor for respiratory infectious disease, the effects of smoking on COVID‐19 are unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between smoking and important hematologic (lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, platelet count, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet‐lymphocyte ratio [PLR]), inflammatory, and biochemical biomarkers in the prognosis of hospitalized patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

In a COVID‐19 pandemic hospital between June and August 2020, 200 adult patients aged over 18 years were hospitalized with COVID‐19 inflammatory and hematologic biomarkers at their first admission and smoking data were selected for this study.

Results

The rate of smokers was much higher among men (91.5%) than in women (8.5%) (p = 0.001). Neutrophil counts were evaluated and was significantly higher in current smokers (p < 0.001) and ex‐smokers (p = 0.001), and NLR (p = 0.008) and ferritin (p = 0.004) levels were higher than in never smokers. The saturation of patients had a negative significant linear correlation of NLR, PLR, and pack years of smoking. Compared with never smokers, current smokers had higher neutrophil counts (OR = 0.828 [0.750–0.915]; p = 0.041), NLR values (OR = 0.948 [0.910–0.987]; p = 0.009), and CRP levels (OR = 0.994 [0.990–0.999]; p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Serum neutrophil, NLR, and ferritin levels, which are widely used in determining the prognosis of COVID‐19, were found higher in current smokers/ex‐smokers. These results support the view that a poor prognosis of COVID‐19 is associated with smoking.
Autophagy based cellular physiological strategies target oncogenic progression
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Jagtap Yuvraj Anandrao , Patwa Som Mohanlal , Kinger Sumit , Dubey Ankur Rakesh , Prajapati Vijay Kumar , Dhiman Rohan , Poluri Krishna Mohan , Mishra Amit
Published: August 2021

Evidence accumulated from past findings indicates that defective proteostasis may contribute to risk factors for cancer generation. Irregular assembly of abnormal proteins catalyzes the disturbance of cellular proteostasis and induces the ability of abnormal cellular proliferation. The autophagy mechanism plays a key role in the regular clearance of abnormal/poor lipids, proteins, and various cellular organelles. The results of functional and effective autophagy deliver normal cellular homeostasis, which establishes supportive metabolism and avoids unexpected tumorigenesis events. Still, the precise molecular mechanism of autophagy in tumor suppression has not been clear. How autophagy triggers selective or nonselective bulk degradation to dissipate tumor promotion under stress conditions is not clear. Under proteotoxic insults to knockdown the drive of tumorigenesis, it is critical for us to figure out the detailed molecular functions of autophagy in human cancers. The current article summarizes autophagy‐based theragnostic strategies targeting various phases of tumorigenesis and suggests the preventive roles of autophagy against tumor progression. A better understanding of various molecular partners of autophagic flux will improve and innovate therapeutic approaches based on autophagic‐susceptible effects against cellular oncogenic transformation.
The effects of washing a collagen sample prior to TEM examination
Authors: Oosterlaken Bernette Maria , Friedrich Heiner , de With Gijsbertus
Published: August 2021

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an important analysis technique to visualize (bio)macromolecules and their assemblies, including collagen fibers. Many protocols for TEM sample preparation of collagen involve one or more washing steps to remove excess salts from the dispersion that could hamper analysis when dried on a TEM grid. Such protocols are not standardized and washing times as well as washing solvents vary from procedure to procedure, with each research group typically having their own protocol. Here, we investigate the influence of washing with water, ethanol, but also methanol and 2‐propanol, for both mineralized and unmineralized collagen samples via a protocol based on centrifugation. Washing with water maintains the hydrated collagen structure and the characteristic banding pattern can be clearly observed. Conversely, washing with ethanol results in dehydration of the fibrils, often leading to aggregation of the fibers and a less obvious banding pattern, already within 1 min of ethanol exposure. As we show, this process is fully reversible. Similar observations were made for methanol and propanol. Based on these results, a standardized washing protocol for collagenous samples is proposed.
Survival benefit of a combined surgical approach in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Bilani Nadeem , Yaghi Marita , Singh Jabbal Iktej , Elson Leah , Elimimian Elizabeth Blessing , Liang Hong , Nahleh Zeina
Published: August 2021

Background

We previously reported survival benefit of surgery in patients with stage IV breast cancer (BC); prospective trials yielded inconclusive results.

Methods

We sampled the National Cancer Database (2004–2016) for de novo stage IV BC patients undergoing both primary site resection and metastasectomy. A multivariate Cox‐regression survival model investigated the overall survival (OS) of this surgical approach as compared to lumpectomy/mastectomy alone, metastasectomy alone, or no surgery. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to demonstrate the utility of surgery when metastasis were confined to 1 site stratifying by tissue type.

Results

A total of n = 55,125 patients were included. As compared to lumpectomy/mastectomy alone (43 months), lumpectomy/mastectomy + metastasectomy exhibited the best OS (50 months, p = 0.012), metastasectomy alone showed slightly worse OS (30 months, p < 0.0001), and no surgery had the worst OS (21 months, p < 0.0001). In metastasis confined to 1 site, superior OS with combined lumpectomy/mastectomy and metastasectomy versus lumpectomy/mastectomy alone was observed with liver (72.8 vs. 48.1 months, p < 0.001) or lung (49.2 vs. 36.8 months, p < 0.001) metastasis but not bone (52.2 vs. 49.9 months, p < 0.001) or brain (16.2 vs. 15.5 months, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with metastatic BC undergoing primary site resection and metastasectomy exhibited optimal OS, particularly when metastasis involved only the liver or lung.
Properties of fractional operators with fixed memory length
Authors: T. Ledesma César , V. Baca Josias , Sousa J. Vanterler da C.
Published: August 2021

In this present paper, we discuss some properties of fractional operators with fixed memory length (Riemann–Liouville fractional integral, Riemann–Liouville and Caputo fractional derivatives). Some observations and examples are discussed during the article, in order to make the results well defined and clear. Furthermore, we consider the fundamental theorem of calculus for fractional operators with fixed memory length.
Reconstructing small perturbations of an obstacle for acoustic waves from boundary measurements on the perturbed shape itself
Authors: Zribi Habib
Published: August 2021

We derive relationships between the shape deformation of an impenetrable obstacle and boundary measurements of scattering fields on the perturbed shape itself. Our derivation is rigorous by using a systematic way, based on layer potential techniques and the field expansion (FE) method (formal derivation). We extend these techniques to derive asymptotic expansions of the Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann (DNO) and Neumann‐to‐Dirichlet (NDO) operators in terms of the small perturbations of the obstacle as well as relationships between the shape deformation of an obstacle and boundary measurements of DNO or NDO on the perturbed shape itself. All relationships lead us to very effective algorithms for determining lower order Fourier coefficients of the shape perturbation of the obstacle.
Comparison of the United Kingdom and United States approaches to approval of new neuromuscular therapies
Authors: Gallagher Gary W. , Nowacek Dustin , Gutgsell Olivia , Callaghan Brian C.
Published: August 2021

Many novel therapies are now available for rare neuromuscular conditions that were previously untreatable. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and spinal muscular atrophy are two examples of diseases with new medications that have transformed our field. The United States and the United Kingdom have taken disparate approaches to the approval and coverage of medications, despite both providing incentives to develop therapies targeting rare diseases. The US requires less evidence for approval when compared with medications for common diseases and does not have a mechanism to ensure or even encourage cost‐effectiveness. The Institute of Clinical and Economic Review provides in‐depth cost‐effectiveness analyses in the US, but does not have the authority to negotiate drug costs. In contrast, the UK has maintained a similar scientific threshold for approval of all therapies, while requiring negotiation with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to ensure that medications are cost‐effective for rare diseases. These differences have led to approval of medications for rare diseases in the US that have less evidence than required for common diseases. Importantly, these medications have not been approved in the UK. Even when medications meet traditional scientific thresholds, they uniformly arrive with high list prices in the US, whereas they are available at cost‐effective prices in the UK. The main downsides to the UK approach are that cost‐effective medications are often available months later than in the US, and some medications remain unavailable.
Evaluation of a suggested novel method to adjust BMI calculated from self‐reported weight and height for measurement error
Authors: Flegal Katherine M. , Graubard Barry I. , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: August 2021

Objective

In 2019, Ward et al. proposed a method to adjust BMI calculated from self‐reported weight and height for bias relative to measured data. They did not evaluate the adjusted values relative to measured BMI values for the same individuals.

Methods

A large data set (n = 37,439) with both measured and self‐reported weight and height was randomly divided into two groups. The proposed method was used to adjust the BMI values in one group to the measured data from the other group. The adjusted values were then compared with the measured values for the same individuals.

Results

Before adjustment, 24.9% were incorrectly classified relative to measured BMI categories, including 7.9% in too high a category; after adjustment, 24.3% were incorrectly classified, with 12.8% in too high a category. The variance of the difference was unchanged. The adjustments reduced some errors and introduced new errors. At an individual level, results were unpredictable.

Conclusions

The suggested method has little effect on misclassification, can introduce new errors, and could magnify errors associated with factors, such as age, race, educational level, or other characteristics. State‐level estimates and projections of obesity prevalence from values adjusted by this method may be incorrect.
Transformation and endurance of Indigenous hunting: Kadazandusun‐Murut bearded pig hunting practices amidst oil palm expansion and urbanization in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Kurz David J. , Saikim Fiffy Hanisdah , Justine Vanielie Terrence , Bloem Jordan , Libassi Matthew , Luskin Matthew Scott , Withey Lauren S. , Goossens Benoît , Brashares Justin S. , Potts Matthew D.
Published: August 2021

Land‐use change and political–economic shifts have shaped hunting patterns globally, even as traditional hunting practices endure across many local socio‐cultural contexts. The widespread expansion of oil palm cultivation, and associated urbanization, alters land‐use patterns, ecological processes, economic relationships, access to land and social practices.

In particular, we focus on the socio‐ecological dynamics between Kadazandusun‐Murut (KDM) hunters in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and bearded pigs (Sus barbatus; Malay: ‘babi hutan’), the favoured game animal for non‐Muslim communities throughout much of Borneo. We conducted 38 semi‐structured interviews spanning over 50 hr with bearded pig hunters, asking them about contemporary hunting practices and motivations, changes in hunting practices, changes in pig behaviour, and patterns of animal protein consumption in village and urban contexts.

Amidst widespread land‐use change, primarily driven by oil palm expansion, respondents reported substantially different characteristics of hunting in oil palm plantations as compared to hunting in forests. Additionally, 17 of 38 hunters—including 71% (10/14) of hunters who started hunting before 1985, compared to 26% (6/23) of hunters who started hunting in 1985 or later—mentioned that bearded pigs are behaving in a more skittish or fearful way as compared to the past. Our respondents also reported reductions in hunting frequency and wild meat consumption in urban contexts as compared to rural contexts.

However, despite these substantial changes in hunting and dietary practices, numerous KDM hunting motivations, hunting techniques and socio‐cultural traditions have endured over the last several decades. For some, bearded pig meat remains deeply tied to food provision, gifting and sharing customs, and cultural components of celebrations and feasts.

Oil palm has cultivated new hunting practices that differ from those in forests, and has potentially contributed to altered bearded pig behaviour due to increased hunting accessibility. Together, oil palm and urbanization are helping reshape the KDM‐bearded pig socio‐ecological system. In light of these reshaped connections, we recommend location‐specific management approaches that ensure fair access to the dietary and social benefits of bearded pig hunting while preserving the critical conservation needs of bearded pig populations and habitat. These twin goals are particularly urgent given the confirmed outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), and mass deaths of domestic pigs and wild bearded pigs, in Sabah and Kalimantan in 2021.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events associated with varenicline treatment for smoking cessation among Dutch population: A sequence symmetry analysis
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , van Boven Job F. M. , Bos Jens H. J. , Schuiling‐Veninga Catharina C. M. , Boezen H. Marike , Wilffert Bob , Hak Eelko
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Varenicline is an effective treatment for smoking cessation. While clinical trials did not confirm a causal role, case reports suggested a possible link of varenicline with neuropsychiatric adverse drug events (NPAEs). This study aims to investigate the risk of NPAEs associated with varenicline initiation among the general population in a real‐world setting.

Methods

We conducted a sequence symmetry analysis (SSA) based on the University of Groningen IADB.nl prescription database. We selected incident users of both varenicline and marker drugs for NPAEs, including depression, anxiety and sleep disorder within different time‐intervals. Adjusted sequence ratios (aSR) were calculated for each time‐interval.

Results

Within 365‐days' time‐interval 1066 patients were incident users of both varenicline and NPAE marker drugs. In total, 505 patients were prescribed varenicline before NPAE marker drugs and 561 vice versa (crude sequence ratio [cSR] 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80–1.02). After adjustments for trends in prescriptions, overall a null association was found (aSR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.89–1.13). Regarding specific NPAEs, no increased risks were found for depression nor anxiety within any time‐interval. A small transient increased risk was found for sleep disorders, particularly in earlier time‐intervals 3 and 6 months (aSRs 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10–2.11 and 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15–1.83, respectively). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed similar findings.

Conclusions

Varenicline initiation was unlikely to be associated with an increased risk of taking anti‐depressants nor anti‐anxiety drugs. Yet a small, but statistically significant, transient association with drugs for sleep disorders was noticed, possibly associated with withdrawal symptoms caused by smoking cessation.
Structural Transformations and Magnetic Properties of Mixed Spinel‐Type NiCr1.7Fe0.3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Pandey Gaurav Chandra , Su Yixi , Rath Chandana
Published: August 2021

Structural and magnetic properties of NiCr1.7Fe0.3O4 nanoparticles, synthesized by a facile coprecipitation method, are examined using temperature‐dependent X‐ray diffraction, neutron scattering with XYZ polarizations, and magnetic measurements. The structural analysis demonstrates the stabilization of the cubic phase down to 200 K, followed by a low‐temperature tetragonal phase at 100 K and an orthorhombic phase below 50 K. The refined occupancies of cations demonstrate that the NiCr1.7Fe0.3O4 is a mixed spinel compound, wherein B sites are populated by ≈85% Cr3+ and ≈15% Ni2+ cations and A sites are populated by ≈70% Ni2+ and ≈30% Fe3+ cations. As a consequence, the reduction in the occupancy of Jahn–Teller active Ni2+ (triply degenerate: e4 t4) at A site is attributed to the stabilization of the cubic phase below room temperature. Temperature‐dependent magnetization and neutron scattering with XYZ polarizations measurements reveal the ferrimagnetic nature of the magnetic phase and the absence of spin‐spiral ordering in NiCr1.7Fe0.3O4 nanoparticles. Furthermore, field‐dependent magnetization measurement demonstrates an exchange bias field of ≈134.5 kA m−1 at 5 K. The training effect measurement is performed to discuss the origin of exchange bias based on different phenomenological models such as power‐law and multiexponent models.
Atomic‐Layer‐Ti‐Doped Ga2O3 Thin Films with Tunable Optical Properties and Wide Ultraviolet Optoelectronic Responses
Authors: Liu Weiming , Zhu Xudan , He Junbo , Yang Yan , Huang Tiantian , Chen Xin , Zhang Rongjun
Published: August 2021

Doping and alloying in Ga2O3 to tune electronic and photonic behaviors is still urgent but challenging, whereas Ga2O3 has shown great promise in deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) photodetectors and functional high‐power devices. Herein, atomic‐layer‐Ti‐doped/incorporating Ga2O3 (TGO) thin films with tailored optical properties in the UV region from 200 to 400 nm are described. The Ti content in amorphous TGO thin films is controlled and adjusted up to 11 at% during a plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE‐ALD) process. The composition‐dependent optical constants of both amorphous and polycrystalline TGO thin films are analyzed in the wavelength region of 200–800 nm through spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) with a point‐by‐point fitting method. An obvious bandgap tuning effect and redshifted absorption edges are observed in the transmittance spectra of TGO thin films with increasing Ti concentration. Moreover, composition‐dependent optical constants and wide absorption are also verified by the significant and broadened DUV photoelectronic responses of TGO‐based photodetectors. It is believed that this work will help in understanding the DUV optical constants and bandgap transitions of TGO thin films used for functional optical devices in the UV region below 400 nm.
Selective Current‐Injected Electroluminescence Imaging for Series Resistance Feature Identification
Authors: Wang Yihao , Lee Chin Robert , Paduthol Appu , Zhai Weixin , Hao Xiaojing , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: August 2021

Herein, an electroluminescence (EL)‐based imaging method to detect broken fingers in solar cells is presented. The method is based on the ratio of two EL images taken with different paths of the injected current. The resultant high‐contrast images allow unambiguous separation of various series resistance‐related problems and hence the potential application of identifying broken fingers. The method can be applied to solar cells with both full and partial rear contacts. It can be easily implemented in commercial luminescence imaging systems, significantly extending their capabilities.
The Standard Model quiver in de Sitter string compactifications
Authors: Cicoli M. , García Etxebarria I. , Quevedo F. , Schachner A. , Shukla P. , Valandro R.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We argue that the Standard Model quiver can be embedded into compact Calabi-Yau geometries through orientifolded D3-branes at del Pezzo singularities dPn with n ≥ 5 in a framework including moduli stabilisation. To illustrate our approach, we explicitly construct a local dP5 model via a combination of Higgsing and orientifolding. This procedure reduces the original dP5 quiver gauge theory to the Left-Right symmetric model with three families of quarks and leptons as well as a Higgs sector to further break the symmetries to the Standard Model gauge group. We embed this local model in a globally consistent Calabi-Yau flux compactification with tadpole and Freed-Witten anomaly cancellations. The model features closed string moduli stabilisation with a de Sitter minimum from T-branes, supersymmetry broken by the Kähler moduli, and the MSSM as the low energy spectrum. We further discuss phenomenological and cosmological implications of this construction.
Masses and decay constants of the η and η′ mesons from lattice QCD
Authors:   The RQCD collaboration, Bali Gunnar S. , Braun Vladimir , Collins Sara , Schäfer Andreas , Simeth Jakob
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We determine the masses, the singlet and octet decay constants as well as the anomalous matrix elements of the η and η′ mesons in Nf = 2 + 1 QCD. The results are obtained using twenty-one CLS ensembles of non-perturbatively improved Wilson fermions that span four lattice spacings ranging from a ≈ 0.086 fm down to a ≈ 0.050 fm. The pion masses vary from Mπ = 420 MeV to 126 MeV and the spatial lattice extents Ls are such that LsMπ ≳ 4, avoiding significant finite volume effects. The quark mass dependence of the data is tightly constrained by employing two trajectories in the quark mass plane, enabling a thorough investigation of U(3) large-Nc chiral perturbation theory (ChPT). The continuum limit extrapolated data turn out to be reasonably well described by the next-to-leading order ChPT parametrization and the respective low energy constants are determined. The data are shown to be consistent with the singlet axial Ward identity and, for the first time, also the matrix elements with the topological charge density are computed. We also derive the corresponding next-to-leading order large-Nc ChPT formulae. We find F8 = 115.0(2.8) MeV, θ8 = −25.8(2.3)°, θ0 = −8.1(1.8)° and, in the $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

scheme for Nf = 3, F0(μ = 2 GeV) = 100.1(3.0) MeV, where the decay constants read $$ {F}_{\eta}^8 $$

F
η
8

= F8 cos θ8, $$ {F}_{\eta \prime}^8 $$

F

η
′

8

= F8 sin θ8, $$ {F}_{\eta}^0 $$

F
η
0

= −F0 sin θ0 and $$ {F}_{\eta \prime}^0 $$

F

η
′

0

= F0 cos θ0. For the gluonic matrix elements, we obtain aη(μ = 2 GeV) = 0.0170(10) GeV3 and aη′(μ = 2 GeV) = 0.0381(84) GeV3, where statistical and all systematic errors are added in quadrature.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1, 2, 3 ℓ-conformal Galilei superalgebras
Authors: Galajinsky Anton , Masterov Ivan
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The issue of constructing $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1, 2, 3 supersymmetric extensions of the ℓ-conformal Galilei algebra is reconsidered following the approach in [27]. Drawing a parallel between acceleration generators entering the superalgebra and irreducible supermultiplets of d = 1, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
-extended superconformal group, a new $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 ℓ-conformal Galilei superalgebra, two new $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 variants, and two new $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 versions are built. Realisations in terms of differential operators in superspace are given.
Automated Detection of Ischemic Stroke and Subsequent Patient Triage in Routinely Acquired Head CT
Authors: Finck Tom , Schinz David , Grundl Lioba , Eisawy Rami , Yiğitsoy Mehmet , Moosbauer Julia , Zimmer Claus , Pfister Franz , Wiestler Benedikt
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Advanced machine-learning (ML) techniques can potentially detect the entire spectrum of pathology through deviations from a learned norm.

We investigated the utility of a weakly supervised ML tool to detect characteristic findings related to ischemic stroke in head CT and provide subsequent patient triage.

Methods

Patients having undergone non-enhanced head CT at a tertiary care hospital in April 2020 with either no anomalies, subacute or chronic ischemia, lacunar infarcts of the deep white matter or hyperdense vessel signs were retrospectively analyzed. Anomaly detection was performed using a weakly supervised ML classifier. Findings were displayed on a voxel-level (heatmap) and pooled to an anomaly score. Thresholds for this score classified patients into i) normal, ii) inconclusive, iii) pathological. Expert-validated radiological reports were considered as ground truth. Test assessment was performed with ROC analysis; inconclusive results were pooled to pathological predictions for accuracy measurements.

Results

During the investigation period 208 patients were referred for head CT of which 111 could be included. Definite ratings into normal/pathological were feasible in 77 (69.4%) patients. Based on anomaly scores, the AUC to differentiate normal from pathological scans was 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–1.00). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 100%, 40.6%, 80.6% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the potential of a weakly supervised anomaly-detection tool to detect stroke findings in head CT. Definite classification into normal/pathological was made with high accuracy in > 2/3 of patients. Anomaly heatmaps further provide guidance towards pathologies, also in cases with inconclusive ratings.
Genetic variation at ERBB3/IKZF4 and sexual dimorphism in epitope spreading in single autoantibody-positive relatives
Authors: Vandewalle Julie , Van der Auwera Bart J. , Amin Henna , Quartier Erik , Desouter Aster K. , Tenoutasse Sylvie , Gillard Pieter , De Block Christophe , Keymeulen Bart , Gorus Frans K. , Van de Casteele Mark ,   the Belgian Diabetes Registry
Published: August 2021

Aims/hypothesis

We examined whether the non-HLA susceptibility locus ERBB3/IKZF4 influences progression of type 1 diabetes stage specifically according to sex.

Methods

SNPs of ERBB3 (rs2292239 T/G) and IKZF4 (rs1701704 G/T) were screened by allelic discrimination quantitative PCR assay in first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetes patients who had developed at least one circulating autoantibody. The effect of ERBB3/IKZF4 genotypes and sex, on the progression of single autoantibody positivity to multiple autoantibody positivity and from multiple autoantibody positivity to diabetes, was studied by Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression.

Results

In the cohort of autoantibody-positive first-degree relatives, the risk allele frequencies for ERBB3 rs2292239 (T) and IKZF4 rs1701704 (G) were increased. There was a significant male excess at the stage of multiple autoantibody positivity (p = 0.021). In Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, progression from single to multiple antibody positivity was delayed in female participants with genotype ERBB3 GG (p = 0.018, vs ERBB3 TG+TT) or IKZF4 TT (p = 0.023, vs IKZF4 GT+GG), but not in male participants. In multivariate Cox regression models, the interaction effects between female sex and ERBB3 GG (p = 0.012; HR = 0.305 [95% CI 0.120, 0.773]) or between female sex and IKZF4 TT (p = 0.011; HR = 0.329 [95% CI 0.140, 0.777]) emerged as potential determinants of delayed progression to multiple autoantibodies. The progression from multiple autoantibody positivity to type 1 diabetes appeared not to be influenced by ERBB3/IKZF4.

Conclusions/interpretation

In siblings and offspring of type 1 diabetes patients, polymorphism in region ERBB3/IKZF4 may affect disease progression at the level of epitope spreading in female individuals. Our findings suggest that interaction between sex and ERBB3/IKZF4 may contribute to the post-pubertal male excess in type 1 diabetes.

Graphical abstract
Uniqueness theorem in coupled strain gradient elasticity with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Nazarenko Lidiia , Glüge Rainer , Altenbach Holm
Published: August 2021

The equilibrium equations and the traction boundary conditions are evaluated on the basis of the condition of the stationarity of the Lagrangian for coupled strain gradient elasticity. The quadratic form of strain energy can be written as a function of the strain and the second gradient of displacement and contains a fourth-, a fifth- and a sixth-order stiffness tensor $${\mathbb {C}}_4$$

C
4

, $${\mathbb {C}}_5$$

C
5

and $${\mathbb {C}}_6$$

C
6

, respectively. Assuming invariance under rigid body motions the balance of linear and angular momentum is obtained. The uniqueness theorem (Kirchhoff) for the mixed boundary value problem is proved for the case of the coupled linear strain gradient elasticity (novel). To this end, the total potential energy is altered to be presented as an uncoupled quadratic form of the strain and the modified second gradient of displacement vector. Such a transformation leads to a decoupling of the equation of the potential energy density. The uniqueness of the solution is proved in the standard manner by considering the difference between two solutions.
Letaler Stromunfall in der Badewanne durch ein zum Laden angeschlossenes Smartphone
Authors: Eppler M. , Pankratz H. , Sinicina I. , Münnich G.
Published: August 2021

Stromtodesfälle in der Badewanne sind üblicherweise Folge suizidaler Handlungen oder ereignen sich unfallbedingt. Berichtet wird über einen letalen Stromunfall, bei dem über ein defektes, nicht den hiesigen Normen entsprechendes Ladegerät eines Smartphones, das während eines Vollbades in der Hand gehalten wurde, die volle Netzwechselspannung auf den Körper einer jungen Frau verschleppt wurde, der dadurch Teil eines geschlossenen Stromkreises wurde. Elektrogeräte von minderwertiger Qualität stellen ein nicht abschätzbares Gefährdungspotenzial für die Benutzer dar.
Classifying simply connected wandering domains
Authors: Benini Anna Miriam , Evdoridou Vasiliki , Fagella Núria , Rippon Philip J. , Stallard Gwyneth M.
Published: August 2021

While the dynamics of transcendental entire functions in periodic Fatou components and in multiply connected wandering domains are well understood, the dynamics in simply connected wandering domains have so far eluded classification. We give a detailed classification of the dynamics in such wandering domains in terms of the hyperbolic distances between iterates and also in terms of the behaviour of orbits in relation to the boundaries of the wandering domains. In establishing these classifications, we obtain new results of wider interest concerning non-autonomous forward dynamical systems of holomorphic self maps of the unit disk. We also develop a new general technique for constructing examples of bounded, simply connected wandering domains with prescribed internal dynamics, and a criterion to ensure that the resulting boundaries are Jordan curves. Using this technique, based on approximation theory, we show that all of the nine possible types of simply connected wandering domain resulting from our classifications are indeed realizable.
Prognostic value of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) in patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Authors: El‐Kefraoui Charbel , Rajabiyazdi Fateme , Pecorelli Nicolò , Carli Franco , Lee Lawrence , Feldman Liane S. , Fiore Julio F.
Published: August 2021

Background

Complications are common after colorectal surgery and remain a target for quality improvement. Lower preoperative physical functioning is associated with poor postoperative outcomes, but assessment often relies on subjective judgment or resource‐intensive tests. Recent literature suggests that self‐reported functional capacity, measured using the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), is a strong predictor of postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the extent to which DASI predicts 30‐day complications after colorectal surgery.

Methods

In this observational study, 100 patients undergoing colorectal resection [median age 63, 57% men, 81% laparoscopic, 37% rectal surgery] responded to DASI two weeks preoperatively. Complications were classified according to Clavien–Dindo and quantified using the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Our primary analysis targeted the relationship between preoperative DASI and odds of complications. Secondary analyses focused on 30‐day severe complications, CCI, readmissions, and length of stay (LOS). We also explored the predictive ability of DASI with scores dichotomized based on a previously validated threshold (≤ 34).

Results

Mean preoperative DASI was 48 ± 12. Forty‐six patients (46%) experienced 30‐day complications (8% severe, CCI 9.6 ± 15). Lower DASI scores were associated with higher odds of complications (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.03–1.14; p = 0.001). Preoperative DASI was also an independent predictor of severe complications, CCI, and readmissions. The predictive ability was supported when scores were dichotomized at ≤ 34.

Conclusion

DASI is a significant predictor of postoperative complications after colorectal surgery. This questionnaire can be easily implemented in clinical practice to identify patients with low preoperative functional capacity and target interventions to those at higher risk.
Forced posture of neurology residents in daily routine on the ward in Germany
Authors: Bijanzadeh Anne , Hermanns Ingo , Ellegast Rolf , Fraeulin Laura , Holzgreve Fabian , Groneberg David A. , Ohlendorf Daniela
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the work of neurologists regarding static posture (> 4 s) and to identify awkward postures.

Methods

A total of 9 neurologists (assistant physicians; 3 male, 6 female) participated in this study. Kinematic data were collected using the computer-assisted acquisition and long-term analysis of musculoskeletal loads (CUELA; IFA, Sankt Augustin, Germany) system. Daily work (“office work,” “measures on patients,” and “other activities”) was analyzed with a computer-based task analysis.

Results

During ”measures on patients,” more than 80% of the total percentage of non-neutral posture was assumed with a flexed position of the head and entire back, both during “blood collection” (4.7% of the time) and while “placing intravenous catheters” (8.3% of the time). In contrast, long static postures (> 30 s) in the head and neck area, including the thoracic spine, were adopted during “office work.” Despite the increased total percentage of non-neutral attitudes during measures on patients, the time share of 3.4% of the total working time is so small that the risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is negligible. In contrast, office work, which comprises 50.8% of the total working time and longer static postures, has a potential risk for the development of MSD.

Conclusion

The present study is the first kinematic pilot analysis in the field of in-patient neurological assistants. Non-neutral as well as static postures in everyday work could be identified. Potential MSD can be reduced by optimizing the working height and by taking regular breaks to loosen the musculoskeletal system.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Potential Gene Modules Associated with Cold Tolerance in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Huang Xing , Liang Yongsheng , Zhang Baoqing , Song Xiupeng , Li Yangrui , Li Changning , Qin Zhengqiang , Li Dewei , Wei Jiguang , Wu Jianming
Published: August 2021

Sugarcane is an important crop worldwide, and most sugar is derived directly from sugarcane. Due to its thermophilic nature, the yield of sugarcane is largely influenced by extreme climate conditions, especially cold stress. Therefore, the development of sugarcane with improved cold tolerance is an important goal. However, little is known about the multiple mechanisms underlying cold acclimation at the bud stage in sugarcane. In this study, we emphasized that sensitivity to cold stress was higher for the sugarcane variety ROC22 than for GT42, as determined by physical signs, including bud growth capacity, relative conductivity, malonaldehyde contents, and soluble sugar contents. To understand the factors contributing to the difference in cold tolerance between ROC22 and GT42, comparative transcriptome analyses were performed. We found that genes involved in the regulation of the stability of the membrane system were the relative determinants of difference in cold tolerance. Additionally, genes related to protein kinase activity, starch metabolism, and calcium signal transduction were associated with cold tolerance. Finally, 25 candidate genes, including 23 variety-specific and 2 common genes, and 7 transcription factors were screened out for understanding the possible cold resistance mechanism. The findings of this study provide candidate gene resources for cold resistance and will improve our understanding of the regulation of cold tolerance at the bud stage in sugarcane.
Anticoagulants for stroke prevention in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Schäfer Andreas , Flierl Ulrike , Bauersachs Johann
Published: August 2021

Impaired left-ventricular ejection-fraction (LV-EF) is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with heart failure (HF) even in the absence of atrial fibrillation. While stroke risk is inversely correlated with LV-EF in HF patients with sinus rhythm, strategies using anticoagulation with Vitamin-K antagonists (VKA) were futile as the increase in major bleedings outweighed the potential benefit in stroke reduction. Non-Vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) proved to be an effective and in general safer approach for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and may also have a favourable risk–benefit profile in HF patients. In HF patients with sinus rhythm, the COMPASS trial suggested a potential benefit for rivaroxaban, whereas the more dedicated COMMANDER-HF trial remained neutral on overall ischemic benefit owed to a higher mortality which was not influenced by anticoagulation. More recent data from subgroups in the COMMANDER-HF trial, however, suggest that there might be a benefit of rivaroxaban regarding stroke prevention under certain circumstances. In this article, we review the existing evidence for NOACs in HF patients with atrial fibrillation, elaborate the rationale for stroke prevention in HF patients with sinus rhythm, summarise the available data from anticoagulation trials in HF with sinus rhythm, and describe the patient who might eventually profit from an individualised strategy aiming to reduce stroke risk.

Graphic abstract