bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of lanthanum nitrate on adipogenesis in mice
Authors: Ma Yuhong , Xiao Qianqian , Kang Chenping , Yuan Lilan , Zhao Zhe , Wang Xiaoxia , Liu Qianyi , Guo Wanqian , Wei Xuetao , Hao Weidong
Published: November 2023

Lanthanum (La) is widely used in modern industry and agriculture because of its unique physicochemical properties and is broadly exposed in the population. Some studies have shown that La may have some effects on adipogenesis, but there is a lack of related in vivo evidence. In this study, the effects of La(NO3)3 on adipogenesis and its associated mechanism were studied using C57BL/6J mouse model. The results showed that La(NO3)3 exposure caused a decrease in body weight and the percentage of fat content in mice. In addition, the adipose marker molecules and specific adipogenic transcription factors decreased in both white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Detection of signaling pathway‐related molecules revealed that canonical wnt/β‐catenin pathway‐related molecules were upregulated in both adipose tissues. In summary, in vivo exposure to La(NO3)3 might inhibited adipogenesis in mice, possibly through upregulation of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Decoding energy decomposition analysis: Machine‐learned Insights on the impact of the density functional on the bonding analysis
Authors: Oestereich Toni , Tonner‐Zech Ralf , Westermayr Julia
Published: November 2023

The concept of chemical bonding is a crucial aspect of chemistry that aids in understanding the complexity and reactivity of molecules and materials. However, the interpretation of chemical bonds can be hindered by the choice of the theoretical approach and the specific method utilized. This study aims to investigate the effect of choosing different density functionals on the interpretation of bonding achieved through energy decomposition analysis (EDA). To achieve this goal, a data set was created, representing four bonding groups and various combinations of functionals and dispersion correction schemes. The calculations showed significant variation among the different functionals for the EDA terms, with the dispersion correction terms exhibiting the highest variability. More information was extracted by using machine learning in combination with dimensionality reduction on the data set. Results indicate that, despite the differences in the EDA terms obtained from different functionals, the functional has the least significant impact, suggesting minimal influence on the bonding interpretation.
Assessment of phosphorus status in a calcareous soil receiving long‐term application of chemical fertilizer and different forms of swine manures
Authors: Kodaolu Busayo , Mohammed Ibrahim , Wang Yutao , Zhang Tiequan , Audette Yuki , Longstaffe James
Published: November 2023

The continuous use of organic inputs in crop production calls for an improved understanding of how these inputs might alter soil phosphorus (P). This study assessed how the continuous application of different forms of swine manure influences the mechanism of P transformation and release potential. Soil samples were collected from a clay loam soil receiving no P or 100 kg P ha−1 applied as either chemical fertilizer (CHEM), swine liquid manure (SWL), composted swine manure (SWC), or solid swine manure (SWS) every other year for 16 years in a corn–soybean rotation. Available P increased in soils treated with the chemical and organic fertilizers. The greatest increase was found in the SWC and SWS and was closely related to a 1% increase in the organic C content, and 1.3‐ and 1.2‐unit increase in the soil pH for SWC and SWS treatment, respectively. Nonlabile HCl‐P form was also higher in SWC‐ and SWS‐treated soils. Despite the similarities between SWS and SWC, SWS significantly had a lower maximum P sorption (Qmax) and higher equilibrium P concentration at zero net sorption (EPCO) probably related to the higher organic NaOH‐P. Similarly, higher organic NaOH‐P together with lower cation exchange capacity, aluminum, and calcium explained the lower Qmax in SWL. This suggests that increase in organic NaOH‐P forms limits the soil potential to retain P. Overall, the SWL treatment presents a unique effect on changes in soil property and P chemistry that warrants further investigation.
Outcomes of venetoclax combined with homoharringtonine and cytarabine in fit adults patients with de novo adverse‐risk acute myeloid leukaemia: A single‐centre retrospective analysis
Authors: Song Bao‐Quan , Kong Xin , Pu Yan , Liu Yin , Zhang Jian , Wu De‐Pei , Qiu Hui‐Ying
Published: November 2023

Adverse‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a dismal prognosis. We aimed to investigate the activity and tolerability of venetoclax combined with homoharringtonine (HHT) plus cytarabine (VHA) regimen for de novo adverse‐risk AML. Thirteen de novo AML patients with adverse‐risk factors were treated with venetoclax (100 mg day 1, 200 mg day 2, 400 mg days 3‐21), HHT (1 mg/m2 days 1‐5) and cytarabine (100 mg/m2 days 1‐5) (VHA regimen). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 11/13 patient (84.6%), all of CR responders were measurable residual disease (MRD) negative detected by multi‐parameter flow cytometry (MFC). Grade 3‐4 neutropenia, anaemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in most patients. Grade 3‐4 non haematological adverse events (AEs) included febrile neutropenia (4/13, 30.8%). With a median follow‐up of 10 months (range 4‐19), median overall survival and event‐free survival were not reached. VHA may be a promising and well‐tolerated regimen in de novo adverse‐risk AML.
Liver regeneration after hepatectomy is significantly suppressed in a muscular atrophy mouse model
Authors: Hagiwara Kei , Watanabe Akira , Harimoto Norifumi , Araki Kenichiro , Yokobori Takehiko , Muranushi Ryo , Hoshino Kouki , Ishii Norihiro , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Shirabe Ken
Published: November 2023

Background

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. As reported in previous studies, the loss of skeletal muscle mass is associated with poor liver regeneration after hepatectomy. It is considered important to clarify the effect of sarcopenia on liver regeneration; however, there are no reports about model animals for sarcopenia. We focused on the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1alpha (PGC‐1α) transgenic mice that overexpressed PGC‐1α, specifically for skeletal muscle, and showed significant atrophy of type 2B fiber‐rich muscles like sarcopenia.

Methods

We performed 70% hepatectomy using PGC‐1α transgenic mice and examined the liver regeneration rate and the effects of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) after hepatectomy.

Results

Liver regeneration after 70% hepatectomy was significantly suppressed in the PGC‐1α transgenic mice. In addition, a decrease in the blood BCAA concentration and a decrease in the liver glycogen content after 70% hepatectomy were observed in the PGC‐1α transgenic mice. By administering BCAA before and after surgery, it was clarified that a significant increase in the blood BCAA concentration was observed and the liver regeneration rate was improved in the PGC‐1α transgenic mice.

Conclusions

BCAA administration may improve the suppression of liver regeneration in patients with sarcopenia.
Lower academic performance among children with perinatal HIV exposure in Botswana
Authors: Powis Kathleen M. , Lebanna Lesedi , Schenkel Sara , Masasa Gosego , Kgole Samuel W. , Ngwaca Martha , Kgathi Coulson , Williams Paige L. , Slogrove Amy L. , Shapiro Roger L. , Lockman Shahin , Mmalane Mompati O. , Makhema Joseph M. , Jao Jennifer , Cassidy Adam R.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Studies have reported a higher risk of suboptimal neurodevelopment among children who are HIV‐exposed uninfected (HEU) compared to children HIV‐unexposed uninfected (HUU). Actual academic performance among school‐aged children by HIV exposure status has not been studied.

Methods

Academic performance in Mathematics, Science, English, Setswana and overall among children enrolled in the Botswana‐based FLOURISH study who were attending public primary school and ranging in age from 7.1 to 14.6 years were compared by HIV exposure status using a Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel test. Lower academic performance was defined as a grade of “C” or lower (≤60%). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were fit to assess for an association between HIV exposure and lower academic performance.

Results

Between April 2021 and December 2022, 398 children attending public primary school enrolled in the FLOURSH study, 307 (77%) were HEU. Median age was 9.4 years (IQR 8.9–10.2). Only 17.9% of children HEU were breastfeed versus 100% of children HUU. Among children HEU, 80.3% had foetal exposure to three‐drug antiretroviral treatment, 18.7% to zidovudine only and 1.0% had no antiretroviral exposure. Caregivers of children HEU were older compared to caregivers of children HUU (median 42 vs. 36 years) and more likely to have no or primary education only (15.0% vs. 1.1%). In unadjusted analyses, children HEU were more likely to have lower overall academic performance compared to their children HUU (odds ratio [OR]: 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 3.30]), and lower performance in Mathematics, Science and English. The association was attenuated after adjustment for maternal education, caregiver income, breastfeeding, low birth weight and child sex (aOR: 1.86 [95% CI: 0.78, 4.43]).

Conclusions

In this Botswana‐based cohort, primary school academic performance was lower among children HEU compared to children HUU. Biological and socio‐demographic factors, including child sex, appear to contribute to this difference. Further research is needed to identify modifiable contributors, develop screening tools to identify the risk of poor academic performance and design interventions to mitigate risk.
ARDSに対する腹臥位療法中に小腸憩室穿通を発症し死亡した1例(Perforation of small bowel diverticulum during prone position therapy for ARDS: a case report)
Authors: 剛 鈴木 , 智史 上野 , 徹宏 矢野 , 雅洋 岩渕 , 誠 小野寺 , 雄一郎 喜古 , 憲 伊関
Published: November 2023

腹臥位療法はARDSに対して有効な治療法である。一方，腹臥位療法には圧挫傷など多くの合併症が報告されている。腹臥位療法中に小腸憩室穿通から敗血症性ショックに至り死亡した症例を経験したので報告する。81歳の男性，既往歴に回腸憩室炎に対し回盲部切除術が施行されている。COVID–19の発症2日目に中等症IIと診断された。発症7日目に酸素化の増悪を認め人工呼吸管理を開始した。その後も酸素化は改善せず発症15日目から腹臥位療法を導入した。腹臥位療法導入後から炎症反応の上昇を認めた。発症18日目にショック状態となり，まもなく死亡した。死亡時画像診断では空腸腸管膜内に膿瘍の形成を認めた。病理解剖で空腸腸管膜内に便汁の漏出を認め，空腸憩室が腸管膜へ穿通していた。腹臥位療法中に認める合併症は圧挫傷が最も多く，顔面や四肢骨盤に発生する一方で，腹腔内への圧損傷は考慮されにくい。小腸憩室が存在する場合には腹臥位療法中に腹腔内圧の上昇，もしくは直接的な圧迫により憩室の脆弱部分に負荷がかかり腸管損傷を引き起こす可能性を考慮する必要がある。しかし，小腸憩室は比較的稀な疾患であり腹臥位療法の導入前に認知が困難である。腹臥位療法中に状態の悪化を認めた場合には腹腔内，とくに腸管損傷を疑ってCT検査を行う必要がある。
Screening of probiotic Lactobacillus to reduce peanut allergy and with potential anti‐allergic activity
Authors: Yang Shiyu , Peng Zhen , Hardie William James , Huang Tao , Tang Hui , Liu Zhuo , Liu Qiaozhen , Xiao Muyan , Xiong Tao , Xie Mingyong
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Peanut is a significant source of nutrition and a valuable oilseed crop. It is also a serious allergy source, which poses a threat to 1.1% of the population. This study aimed to screen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with the capacity to alleviate peanut allergenicity and exhibit anti‐allergic properties.

RESULT

The results show that LAB can make use of substances in peanuts to reduce the pH of peanut milk from 6.603 to 3.593–4.500 by acid production and that it can utilize the protein in peanuts to reduce the allergenic content (especially Ara h 1) and improve biological activity in peanut pulp. The content of Ara h 1 peanut‐sensitizing protein was reduced by 74.65% after fermentation. The protein extracted from fermented peanut pulp is more readily digestible by gastrointestinal juices. The inhibitory activity assay of hyaluronidase (an enzyme with strong correlation to allergy) increased from 46.65% to a maximum of 90.57% to reveal that LAB fermentation of peanut pulp exhibited a robust anti‐allergic response.

CONCLUSION

The strains identified in this study exhibited the ability to mitigate peanut allergenicity partially and to possess potential anti‐allergic properties. Lactobacillus plantarum P1 and Lactobacillus salivarius C24 were identified as the most promising strains and were selected for further research. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
ELEVATED LEADERS EMPLOY ELEVATED SYSTEMS THAT ELEVATE THEIR ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Gottfredson Ryan K.
Published: November 2023

The author, a leadership development consultant and professor, discusses the concept of “elevated leadership.” His case study is that of Alan Mulally, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ford as well as Boeing Commercial Airlines. He also points to other elevated leaders, such as Satya Nadella at Microsoft, Mary Barra at General Motors, and Ed Catmull at Pixar and Disney Animation. The author’s explanation of the concept: “Leaders who are more elevated have a greater ability to effectively navigate their tumultuous environments and ensure long‐term success of their teams and organizations, because they employ elevated systems that ultimately elevate their organization.” His Table 1 shows executives at three different levels of adult development: Level 1 (Good Soldiers, 7%), Level 2 (Progress Makers, 85%), and Level 3 (Value Creators, 8%). As a contrast, 64% of all adults fall into the Good Soldiers category. He describes Mulally’s Working Together Leadership and Management System as comprised of five core elements: Governance, Leadership Team, Principles and Practices, Creating Value Roadmap, and Business Plan Review. Benefits of the latter included that it “engendered clarity and focus – It ensured that all leadership team members were clear on and united in the vision, strategy, and plan for moving forward and knew the areas that needed special attention.”
THE TIME HAS COME TO LEAD DIFFERENTLY FROM THE WAY YOU WERE LED
Authors: McGowan Heather E. , Shipley Chris
Published: November 2023

The authors have been thought partners and collaborators for nearly a decade. Their article describes new models of leadership, built on modern mindsets that hold relevance in a world trying to navigate the pandemic and post‐pandemic eras. At the beginning, they claim: “Despite the many remarkable advances in our increasingly digital economy, the relationship between employer and worker remains deeply rooted in an industrial age model that extracts ‐ if not outright exploits ‐ human labor.” The first figure, about how we pick leaders, contrasts old and new models. For instance, within selection criteria, the old model is “best technical expertise, longest tenure, etc.,” while the new model is “best human skills, connector, coach.” For “motivation with,” old: “domination, fear” and new: “Inspiration, Caring, Love.” While introducing their figure 4, they write, “To be successful in this forever changed, post‐pandemic world of work, leaders must make four fundamental shifts, adapting their mindset, culture, approach, and behavior to meet the newly empowered workforce.” For instance, mindset moves from “managing process,” to “enabling (people) success.” Culture moves from “peers as competitors” to “peers as collaborators.” Approach moves from “extrinsic pressure” to “intrinsic motivation.” Behavior moves from “productivity through fear,” to “effectiveness through inspiration.”
CHANGING YOUR MIND, ONE BELIEF AT A TIME
Authors: Carrillo Fernando , Wiseman Liz
Published: November 2023

The authors (Carrillo; a leadership coach, founder of WellWater, and curate at HTB Church in London, England); (Wiseman; former corporate executive who now works as a management researcher, executive advisor, and CEO of The Wiseman Group) believe that “To create a durable change in behavior, we need to change the beliefs behind the behavior. We need a change of mind, and one that lasts.” The article builds on the life story and personal/professional growth of Carrillo. They write: “He hasn’t stopped working on himself, but Fernando’s experience illustrates the slow, steady nature of transformational change and the practices that can help us change for good.” They outline “3 Practices to build better beliefs,” portrayed as a “success cycle” figure. The practices are: 1. Change your thought patterns 2. Gather supporting evidence 3. Help others change their minds. For instance, within practice 1 they note: “Our beliefs often begin with the words and actions of others toward us, which can then shape our sense of self. These beliefs need not actually be true to hold powerful sway over our assumptions and perceptions of reality.” This process takes time: “While we may occasionally experience sudden transformation, change is usually gradual, occurring in almost imperceptible increments.”
Cross ownership, union bargaining with managerial delegation, and stakeholders conflicts
Authors: Wu Di , Sun Ji , Wang Leonard F. S. , Yang Can
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we examine when the owners negotiate union bargaining and delegate production to managers, showing that an increasing degree of cross ownership exacerbates the conflicting interests between the owners and consumers. If the bargaining power of the union is weak, the owners will choose to bargain with the union and delegate to managers simultaneously. Otherwise, the owners will bargain with the union first and then set delegate incentives to managers.
Fabrication of high‐performance poly(vinyl alcohol) tubes via stable melt extrusion by reversible crosslinking of boric acid
Authors: Chen Zhaohui , Pu Lian , Li Li
Published: November 2023

The unique intermolecular interactions of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) endow it with excellent barrier properties to oxygen and nonpolar hydrocarbon organic solvents, thus having potential applications in the fields of oil and gas transmission. In view of the difficulties in thermal processing of PVA and based on the molecular complexation technology established by our research group, the melt extrusion of PVA tubes was achieved. To improve the extrusion stability of PVA tubes, boric acid (BA), which could form reversible crosslinking with PVA, was further introduced, and the influences of BA content on the interactions between BA and PVA, the thermal processability of PVA, as well as the mechanical properties and gasoline barrier properties of PVA tubes were systematically studied. The results showed that BA could form both chemical and physical crosslinking with PVA, so controlled the violent evaporation of water, one of plasticizers with low boiling point, and at the same time ensured the good thermal processing of PVA, lastly realizing the stable melt extrusion of PVA tubes. With the increase of BA content, the crystallinity of PVA decreased, but the glass transition temperature, mechanical properties, thermal dimensional stability, as well as water resistance of PVA tubes increased. The gasoline barrier of PVA tubes reached the best at the BA content of 0.10 wt%, that is, 0.97 g mm/m2 day.
Surface exposed and charged residues drive thermostability in fungi
Authors: Senthilkumar Shricharan , Mahesh Sankar , Jaisankar Subachandran , Yennamalli Ragothaman M.
Published: November 2023

Fungi, though mesophilic, include thermophilic and thermostable species, as well. The thermostability of proteins observed in these fungi is most likely to be attributed to several molecular factors, such as the presence of salt bridges and hydrogen bond interactions between side chains. These factors cannot be generalized for all fungi. Factors impacting thermostability can guide how fungal thermophilic proteins gain thermostability. We curated a dataset of proteins for 14 thermophilic fungi and their evolutionarily closer mesophiles. Additionally, the proteome of Chaetomium thermophilum and its evolutionarily related mesophile Chaetomium globosum was analyzed. Using eggNOG, we categorized the proteomes into clusters of orthologous groups (COGs). While the individual count of proteins is over‐represented in mesophiles (for COGs S, G, L, and Q), there are certain features that are significantly enriched in thermophiles (such as charged residues, exposed residues, polar residues, etc.). Since fungi are known to be cellulolytic and chitinolytic by nature, we selected 37 existing carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZyme) families in Eurotiales, Mucorales, and Sordariales. We looked at closely similar sequences and their modeled structures for further comparison. Comparing solvent accessibilities of thermophilic and mesophilic proteins, exposed and intermediate residues are observed higher in thermophiles whereas buried residues are observed higher in mesophiles. For specific five CAZYme families (GH7, GH11, GH18, GH45, and CBM1) we looked at position‐specific substitutions between thermophiles and mesophiles. We also found that there are relatively more intramolecular interactions in thermophiles compared to mesophiles. Thus, we found factors such as surface exposed residues and charged residues that are highly likely to impart thermostability in fungi, and this study sets the stage for further studies in the area of fungal thermostability.
Biophysical and biochemical characterization of the thioredoxin system from Colwellia psychrerythraea
Authors: Sahtout Naheda , Sanders David A. R.
Published: November 2023

The thioredoxin system is a ubiquitous oxidoreductase system consisting of the enzyme thioredoxin reductase, the protein thioredoxin, and the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. The system has been comprehensively studied from many organisms, such as Escherichia coli; however, structural and functional analysis of this system from psychrophilic bacteria has not been as extensive. In this study, the thioredoxin system proteins of a psychrophilic bacterium, Colwellia psychrerythraea, were characterized using biophysical and biochemical techniques. Analysis of the complete genome sequence of the C. psychrerythraea thioredoxin system suggested the presence of a putative thioredoxin reductase and at least three thioredoxin. In this study, these identified putative thioredoxin system components were cloned, overexpressed, purified, and characterized. Our studies have indicated that the thioredoxin system proteins from E. coli were more stable than those from C. psychrerythraea. Consistent with these results, kinetic assays indicated that the thioredoxin reductase from E. coli had a higher optimal temperature than that from C. psychrerythraea.
Factors Affecting Microscopic Basicity of Silicate Glasses from the Perspective of O1s Binding Energy
Authors: Tsuji Masahiro , Hotta Masahiro , Watanabe Takashi , Endo Rie , Susa Masahiro , Hayashi Miyuki
Published: November 2023

The factor affecting the microscopic basicity of oxygen in the SiOSi bond are investigated on the basis of the O1s binding energy measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The samples used are SiO2, Na2OSiO2, CaOSiO2, CaOMgOSiO2, and CaOAl2O3SiO2. For analysis on clean surfaces, samples are finally prepared by fracturing in a vacuum in an XPS system. From the O1s spectra, derived are the centers of gravity of the O1s spectra and the binding energies of O1s in the SiOSi, SiOAl, AlOAl, SiONa, SiOCa, and SiOMg bonds. A good linear relationship is found between the center of gravity of the O1s spectra and the optical basicity, suggesting that the center of gravity of the O1s spectra is a reasonable basicity index of silicate glasses used in this work. It is also found that there is a linear relationship between the binding energy of O1s in the SiOSi bond and the optical basicity, irrespective of the glass systems. This indicates that the experimental microscopic basicity of oxygen in SiOSi bond is affected not only by the first neighboring ions of oxygen but also by the composition of the sample.
Fabrication of Bijels via Solvent Transfer‐Induced Phase Separation using Liquid‐in‐Liquid Printing
Authors: Amirfattahi Saba , Honaryar Houman , Niroobakhsh Zahra
Published: November 2023

Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels or bijels are a new class of soft materials containing both surfactants and particles. They are, however, distinguished from conventional surfactant‐stabilized and particle‐stabilized systems. Due to the partitioning of percolating sheets of particles in a bicontinuous morphology, the interpenetrating phases are stabilized by kinetically arresting the phase separation process. This leads to the generation of rheological features in bijels with a range of viscoelastic properties based on types, size, anisotropy, and volume fractions of particles. Research on bijels has been around for only about 15 years, and the need for substantial research is recognized in the fabrication of bijels. Herein, the focus is on fabricating on fabricating bijels using solvent transfer‐induced phase separation (STRIPS) and from polar oils, cationic/anionic surfactants, and various nanoparticles to investigate their microstructure–properties relation. Using the newly emerged liquid‐in‐liquid 3D printing approach, the fabrication of these bijels via STRIPS into arbitrary complex designs which are not reported before is shown. The rheological properties of the printed bijels and the baths used for printing are characterized. This work paves the way for the production of bijels using a broader range of materials and hence their application in various fields.
Management of aortic thrombosis in a dog 10 days after surgical removal of necrotic puppies
Authors: Glover Hamish Russell , Haydon Shona , Fraga‐Mantiega Eduardo , Alcoverro Emili
Published: November 2023

A 4‐year‐old, female, entire, miniature, smooth‐haired dachshund was admitted for investigation of acute onset of spinal hyperalgesia and paraplegia. Ten days before presentation, the dog had undergone a caesarean section. Five dead/necrotic puppies were removed. A diagnosis of an aortic thrombosis was reached. Medical management resulted in a significant improvement of the neurological function. The aortic thrombosis was suspected to be secondary to the pregnancy and Caesarean section.
Time evolution of Einstein-Maxwell-scalar black holes after a thermal quench
Authors: Chen Qian , Ning Zhuan , Tian Yu , Wu Xiaoning , Zhang Cheng-Yong , Zhang Hongbao
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We employ the holographic quench technique to drive Einstein-Maxwell-scalar (EMs) black holes out of equilibrium and study the real-time dynamics therein. From the fully nonlinear dynamical simulations, a dynamically unstable Reissner-Nordström anti-de Sitter (RN-AdS) black hole can be scalarized spontaneously after an arbitrarily small quench. On the other hand, a dynamically stable scalarized black hole can be descalarized after a quench of sufficient strength. Interestingly, on the way to descalarization, the scalarized black hole behaves like a holographic superfluid, undergoing a dynamical transition from oscillatory to non-oscillatory decay. Such behaviors are related to the spectrums of quasi-normal modes of scalarized black holes, where the dominant mode migrates toward the imaginary axis with increasing quench strength. In addition, due to the ℤ2-symmetry preserved by the model, the ground state is degenerate. We find that there exists a threshold for the quench strength that induces a dynamical transition of the gravitational system from one degenerate ground state to the other. Near the threshold, the gravitational system is attracted to an excited state, that is, a RN-AdS black hole with dynamical instability.
Deformed Cartan matrices and generalized preprojective algebras II: general type
Authors: Fujita Ryo , Murakami Kota
Published: November 2023

We propose a definition of deformed symmetrizable generalized Cartan matrices with several deformation parameters, which admit a categorical interpretation by graded modules over the generalized preprojective algebras in the sense of Geiß–Leclerc–Schröer. Using the categorical interpretation, we deduce a combinatorial formula for the inverses of our deformed Cartan matrices in terms of braid group actions. Under a certain condition, which is satisfied in all the symmetric cases or in all the finite and affine cases, our definition coincides with that of the mass-deformed Cartan matrices introduced by Kimura–Pestun in their study of quiver$$\mathcal {W}$$W-algebras.
Pilot Study: Short Term Impact of Radiation Therapy on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism
Authors: Thio Quirina C. B. S. , van Wulfften Palthe Olivier D. R. , Bramer Jos A. M. , DeLaney Thomas F. , Bredella Miriam A. , Dempster David W. , Zhou Hua , Hornicek Francis J. , Chen Yen-Lin E. , Schwab Joseph H.
Published: November 2023

Despite the risk of complications, high dose radiation therapy is increasingly utilized in the management of selected bone malignancies. In this study, we investigate the impact of moderate to high dose radiation (over 50 Gy) on bone metabolism and structure. Between 2015 and 2018, patients with a primary malignant bone tumor of the sacrum that were either treated with high dose definitive radiation only or a combination of moderate to high dose radiation and surgery were prospectively enrolled at a single institution. Quantitative CTs were performed before and after radiation to determine changes in volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) of the irradiated and non-irradiated spine. Bone histomorphometry was performed on biopsies of the irradiated sacrum and the non-irradiated iliac crest of surgical patients using a quadruple tetracycline labeling protocol. In total, 9 patients were enrolled. Two patients received radiation only (median dose 78.3 Gy) and 7 patients received a combination of preoperative radiation (median dose 50.4 Gy), followed by surgery. Volumetric BMD of the non-irradiated lumbar spine did not change significantly after radiation, while the BMD of the irradiated sacrum did (pre-radiation median: 108.0 mg/cm3 (IQR 91.8–167.1); post-radiation median: 75.3 mg/cm3 (IQR 57.1–110.2); p = 0.010). The cancellous bone of the non-irradiated iliac crest had a stable bone formation rate, while the irradiated sacrum showed a significant decrease in bone formation rate [pre-radiation median: 0.005 mm3/mm2/year (IQR 0.003–0.009), post-radiation median: 0.001 mm3/mm2/year (IQR 0.001–0.001); p = 0.043]. Similar effects were seen in the cancellous and endocortical envelopes. This pilot study shows a decrease of volumetric BMD and bone formation rate after high-dose radiation therapy. Further studies with larger cohorts and other endpoints are needed to get more insight into the effect of radiation on bone. Level of evidence: IV.
Increasing Salt Marsh Elevation Using Sediment Augmentation: Critical Insights from Surface Sediments and Sediment Cores
Authors: Fard Elizabeth , Brown Lauren N. , Ambrose Richard F. , Whitcraft Christine , Thorne Karen M. , Kemnitz Nathaniel J. , Hammond Douglas E. , MacDonald Glen M.
Published: November 2023

Sea-level rise is particularly concerning for tidal wetlands that reside within an area with steep topography or are constrained by human development and alteration of sedimentation. Sediment augmentation to increase wetland elevations has been considered as a potential strategy for such areas to prevent wetland loss over the coming decades. However, there is little information on the best approaches and whether adaptive management actions can mimic natural processes to build sea-level rise resilience. In addition, the lack of information on long-term marsh characteristics, processes, and variability can hamper development of effective augmentation strategies. Here, we assess a case study in a southern California marsh to determine the nature of the pre-existing sediments and variability of the site in relation to sediments applied during an augmentation experiment. Although sediment cores revealed natural variations in the grain size and organic content of sediments deposited at the site over the past 1500 years, the applied sediments were markedly coarser in grain size than prehistoric sediments at the site (100% maximum sand versus 76% maximum sand). The rate of the experimental sediment application (25.1 ± 1.09 cm in ~2 months) was also much more rapid than natural accretion rates measured for the site historically. In contrast, post-augmentation sediment accretion rates on the augmentation site have been markedly slower than pre-augmentation rates or current rates on a nearby control site. The mismatch between the characteristics of the applied sediment and thickness of application and the historic conditions are likely strong contributors to the slow initial recovery of vegetation. Sediment augmentation has been shown to be a useful strategy in some marshes, but this case study illustrates that vegetation recovery may be slow if applied sediments are not similar or at a thickness similar to historic conditions. However, testing adaptation strategies to build wetland elevations is important given the long-term risk of habitat loss with sea-level rise. Lessons learned in the case study could be applied elsewhere.
Ontogeny and social context regulate the circadian activity patterns of Lake Malawi cichlids
Authors: Lloyd Evan , Rastogi Aakriti , Holtz Niah , Aaronson Ben , Craig Albertson R. , Keene Alex C.
Published: November 2023

Activity patterns tend to be highly stereotyped and critical for executing many different behaviors including foraging, social interactions, and predator avoidance. Differences in the circadian timing of locomotor activity and rest periods can facilitate habitat partitioning and the exploitation of novel niches. As a consequence, closely related species often display highly divergent activity patterns, suggesting that shifts from diurnal to nocturnal behavior, or vice versa, are critical for survival. In Africa’s Lake Malawi alone, there are over 500 species of cichlids, which inhabit diverse environments and exhibit extensive phenotypic variation. We have previously identified a substantial range in activity patterns across adult Lake Malawi cichlid species, from strongly diurnal to strongly nocturnal. In many species, including fishes, ecological pressures differ dramatically across life-history stages, raising the possibility that activity patterns may change over ontogeny. To determine if rest-activity patterns change across life stages, we compared the locomotor patterns of six Lake Malawi cichlid species. While total rest and activity did not change between early juvenile and adult stages, rest-activity patterns did, with juveniles displaying distinct activity rhythms that are more robust than adults. One distinct difference between juveniles and adults is the emergence of complex social behavior. To determine whether social context is required for activity rhythms, we next measured locomotor behavior in group-housed adult fish. We found that when normal social interactions were allowed, locomotor activity patterns were restored, supporting the notion that social interactions promote circadian regulation of activity in adult fish. These findings reveal a previously unidentified link between developmental stage and social interactions in the circadian timing of cichlid activity.
A Topology-Shape-Metrics Framework for Ortho-Radial Graph Drawing
Authors: Barth Lukas , Niedermann Benjamin , Rutter Ignaz , Wolf Matthias
Published: November 2023

Orthogonal drawings, i.e., embeddings of graphs into grids, are a classic topic in Graph Drawing. Often the goal is to find a drawing that minimizes the number of bends on the edges. A key ingredient for bend minimization algorithms is the existence of an orthogonal representation that allows to describe such drawings purely combinatorially by only listing the angles between the edges around each vertex and the directions of bends on the edges, but neglecting any kind of geometric information such as vertex coordinates or edge lengths. In this work, we generalize this idea to ortho-radial representations of ortho-radial drawings, which are embeddings into an ortho-radial grid, whose gridlines are concentric circles around the origin and straight-line spokes emanating from the origin but excluding the origin itself. Unlike the orthogonal case, there exist ortho-radial representations that do not admit a corresponding drawing, for example so-called strictly monotone cycles. An ortho-radial representation is called valid if it does not contain a strictly monotone cycle. Our first main result is that an ortho-radial representation admits a corresponding drawing if and only if it is valid. Previously such a characterization was only known for ortho-radial drawings of paths, cycles, and theta graphs (Hasheminezhad et al. in Australas J Combin 44:171–182, 2009), and in the special case of rectangular drawings of cubic graphs (Hasheminezhad et al. in Comput Geom 43(9):767–780, 2010), where the contour of each face is required to be a combinatorial rectangle. Additionally, we give a quadratic-time algorithm that tests for a given ortho-radial representation whether it is valid, and we show how to draw a valid ortho-radial representation in the same running time. Altogether, this reduces the problem of computing a minimum-bend ortho-radial drawing to the task of computing a valid ortho-radial representation with the minimum number of bends, and hence establishes an ortho-radial analogue of the topology-shape-metrics framework for planar orthogonal drawings by Tamassia (SIAM J Comput 16(3):421–444, 1987).
On Unique Sums in Abelian Groups
Authors: Bedert Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Let A be a subset of the cyclic group $${\textbf{Z}}/p{\textbf{Z}}$$

Z
/
p
Z

with p prime. It is a well-studied problem to determine how small |A| can be if there is no unique sum in $$A+A$$

A
+
A

, meaning that for every two elements $$a_1,a_2\in A$$

a
1

,

a
2

∈
A

, there exist $$a_1',a_2'\in A$$

a
1
′

,

a
2
′

∈
A

such that $$a_1+a_2=a_1'+a_2'$$

a
1

+

a
2

=

a
1
′

+

a
2
′

and $$\{a_1,a_2\}\ne \{a_1',a_2'\}$$

{

a
1

,

a
2

}

≠

{

a
1
′

,

a
2
′

}

. Let m(p) be the size of a smallest subset of $${\textbf{Z}}/p{\textbf{Z}}$$

Z
/
p
Z

with no unique sum. The previous best known bounds are $$\log p \ll m(p)\ll \sqrt{p}$$

log
p
≪
m

(
p
)

≪

p

. In this paper we improve both the upper and lower bounds to $$\omega (p)\log p \leqslant m(p)\ll (\log p)^2$$

ω

(
p
)

log
p
⩽
m

(
p
)

≪

(
log
p
)

2

for some function $$\omega (p)$$

ω
(
p
)

which tends to infinity as $$p\rightarrow \infty $$

p
→
∞

. In particular, this shows that for any $$B\subset {\textbf{Z}}/p{\textbf{Z}}$$

B
⊂
Z
/
p
Z

of size $$|B|<\omega (p)\log p$$

|
B
|
<
ω
(
p
)
log
p

, its sumset $$B+B$$

B
+
B

contains a unique sum. We also obtain corresponding bounds on the size of the smallest subset of a general Abelian group having no unique sum.
Effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication use on injury severity and mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury treated in the intensive care unit
Authors: Vehviläinen Juho , Virta Jyri J. , Skrifvars Markus B. , Reinikainen Matti , Bendel Stepani , Ala-Kokko Tero , Hoppu Sanna , Laitio Ruut , Siironen Jari , Raj Rahul
Published: November 2023

Background

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication are increasingly common and can increase the risks of morbidity and mortality in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Our study aimed to quantify the association of antiplatelet or anticoagulant use in intensive care unit (ICU)–treated TBI patients with 1-year mortality and head CT findings.

Method

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter observational study using the Finnish Intensive Care Consortium database. We included adult TBI patients admitted to four university hospital ICUs during 2003–2013. The patients were followed up until the end of 2016. The national drug reimbursement database provided information on prescribed medication for our study. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between TBI severity, prescribed antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication, and their association with 1-year mortality.

Results

Of 3031 patients, 128 (4%) had antiplatelet and 342 (11%) anticoagulant medication before their TBI. Clopidogrel (2%) and warfarin (9%) were the most common antiplatelets and anticoagulants. Three patients had direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) medication. The median age was higher among antiplatelet/anticoagulant users than in non-users (70 years vs. 52 years, p < 0.001), and their head CT findings were more severe (median Helsinki CT score 3 vs. 2, p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, antiplatelets (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02–2.58) and anticoagulants (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.06–1.94) were independently associated with higher odds of 1-year mortality. In a sensitivity analysis including only patients over 70, antiplatelets (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.16–4.22) and anticoagulants (1.50, 95% CI 0.97–2.32) were associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality.

Conclusions

Both antiplatelet and anticoagulant use before TBI were risk factors in our study for 1-year mortality. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation medication users had a higher radiological intracranial injury burden than non-users defined by the Helsinki CT score. Further investigation on the effect of DOACs on mortality should be done in ICU–treated TBI patients.
Success and complication rates of non-precious alloy telescopic crowns in a general dental practice
Authors: Wierichs R. J. , Kramer E. J. , Meyer-Lueckel H. , Abou-Ayash S.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This retrospective, single-center, practice-based cohort study aimed to analyze factors associated with the success of removable partial dentures retained by telescopic crowns (TRPD).

Materials and methods

TRPD which were placed in a single practice of a practice-based research network were analyzed. Data from 139 patients (age (SD): 66 (11) years; 66 female) with 174 TRPD including 488 non-precious alloy telescopic crowns (TC) between 2004 and 2016 were included. TC without any technical complication were considered as successful, and as survived, if they were still in function at the last check-up. Multilevel Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between clinical factors and time until failure.

Results

Within a mean follow-up period (SD) of 4.2 (3.3) years (min–max: 1 day–12 years), 372 (76%) TC (AFR5years,TC-level: 5.0%) as well as 136 (87%) TRPD (AFR5years,TRPD-level: 5.1%) (“worst-case scenario”) and 150 (86%) TRPD (AFR5years,TRPD-level: 3.4%) (“best-case scenario”) were considered as successful. The main failure types were recementation (n = 39), endodontic treatment (n = 36), and extraction (n = 35). TC in male patients showed 1.6 times higher risk for failure than in female patients (95%CI: 1.1–2.4; p = 0.023). TC on premolars showed 2.2 times higher risk for failure than on incisors (95%CI: 1.1–5.0; p = 0.023) and TC in dentures with ≤ 3TC showed 2.1 times higher risk for failure than TC in dentures with > 3TC (1.3–3.4; p = 0.042). Furthermore, TC on the most distal tooth in an arch showed 2.4 times higher risk for failure than TC on a more mesial tooth (1.5–3.8; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

For removable partial dentures retained by telescopic crowns, high success rates could be found after up to 12 years. Patient-level and tooth-level factors were significantly associated with failure.

Clinical relevance

For removable partial dentures retained by telescopic crowns, high success rates could be found after up to 12 years. Patient-level and tooth-level factors were significantly associated with failure.
Use of the experience sampling method in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a feasibility study
Authors: Lionarons Judith M. , Delespaul Philippe A. E. G. , Hellebrekers Danique M. J. , Broen Martinus P. G. , Klinkenberg Sylvia , Faber Catharina G. , Hendriksen Jos G. M. , Vles Johan S. H.
Published: November 2023

Experience sampling methods (ESM) using mobile health (mHealth) technology with a smartphone application are increasingly used in clinical practice and research. Still, recommendations are limited in young people, and adaptations may be necessary. Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are chronically treated with steroids from a young age. However, the impact of intermittent treatment schedules on fluctuations in somatic, cognitive and behavioural symptoms is poorly investigated. Existing studies are often cross-sectional and occur in controlled clinical settings, which do not provide sufficiently detailed insights into possible correlations. ESM might alleviate these problems. ESM innovates data collection with a smartphone application, which repeatedly assesses specific symptoms and contextual factors at random moments in daily life. We aimed to evaluate its feasibility in adolescents with DMD. In three (without/with/without steroids) 4-day periods of ESM, that were nested in 10/10 or 11/9 day on/off-medication periods, we evaluated its user-friendliness and compliance, and explored its ability to objectify fluctuations in somatic, cognitive and behavioural symptom severity and their relationship with contextual factors in seven DMD patients (age range 12–18 years) using intermittent corticosteroid treatment (dosage range 0.3–0.6 mg/kg/day). Patients reported that ESM was convenient and user-friendly. We were able to capture extensive intra-individual symptom fluctuations during intermittent corticosteroid treatment that were not revealed by routine clinical assessment. Implementing ESM to evaluate symptom fluctuation patterns in relation to treatment effects shows promise in adolescents with DMD. Optimization in further research is needed.
Sea level rise and the increasing frequency of inundation in Australia’s most exposed estuary
Authors: Hanslow David J. , Fitzhenry Martin G. , Hughes Michael G. , Kinsela Michael A. , Power Hannah E.
Published: November 2023

The large tidal lake systems along the Southeast Australian coast are amongst the most vulnerable estuaries in Australia to the effects of sea level rise. In these lakes, reduced tide ranges compared with the ocean, in combination with modest flood extremes, have allowed development to occur in close vertical proximity to the current mean sea level. In this study, we examine water levels within Lake Macquarie, Australia’s most exposed estuary to sea level rise. We analyse water level data from the entrance channel and the lake to investigate recent changes to the frequency and duration of inundation or flooding of low-lying streets and examine the potential impacts of future rises in sea level. Our analysis shows that the numbers of days each year when water levels exceed those of low-lying streets, while subject to some variability, have increased significantly over recent decades. The increasing frequency of inundation is attributed to both mean sea level rise and an increase in tide range over the period of available data, which is thought to be associated with scour processes related to ongoing morphological adjustment to entrance training works undertaken over a century ago. Comparison of the projected behaviour of lake and open coast water levels under sea level rise shows the lake has significantly greater sensitivity to sea level rise. Projected inundation frequency for a given amount of sea level rise within the lake is double that of open coast sites, exposing infrastructure in the estuary to increasing risk of damage.