bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable recovery of weighted sparse signals from phaseless measurements via weighted l1 minimization
Authors: Huo Haiye
Published: January 2022

The goal of phaseless compressed sensing is to recover an unknown sparse or approximately sparse signal from the magnitude of its measurements. However, it does not take advantage of any support information of the original signal. Therefore, our main contribution in this paper is to extend the theoretical framework for phaseless compressed sensing to incorporate with prior knowledge of the support structure of the signal. Specifically, we investigate two conditions that guarantee stable recovery of a weighted k‐sparse signal via weighted l1 minimization without any phase information. We first prove that the weighted null space property (WNSP) is a sufficient and necessary condition for the success of weighted l1 minimization for weighted k‐sparse phase retrievable. Moreover, we show that if a measurement matrix satisfies the strong weighted restricted isometry property (SWRIP), then the original signal can be stably recovered from the phaseless measurements.
The long exercise test: New insights on an old technique
Authors: Logigian Eric
Published: January 2022

See article on pages 581–585 in1 this issue
Direct costs of adhering to selected Duchenne muscular dystrophy Care Considerations: Estimates from a midwestern state
Authors: Conway Kristin M. , Grosse Scott D. , Ouyang Lijing , Street Natalie , Romitti Paul A.
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Aims

The multidisciplinary Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Care Considerations were developed to standardize care and improve outcomes. We provide cumulative cost estimates for selected key preventive (ie, excluding new molecular therapies and acute care) elements of the care considerations in eight domains (neuromuscular, rehabilitation, respiratory, cardiac, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, psychosocial management) independent of completeness of uptake or provision of nonpreventive care.

Methods

We used de‐identified insurance claims data from a large midwestern commercial health insurer during 2018. We used Current Procedural Terminology and national drug codes to extract unit costs for clinical encounters representing key preventive elements of the DMD Care Considerations. We projected per‐patient cumulative costs from ages 5 to 25 years for these elements by multiplying a schedule of recommended frequencies of preventive services by unit costs in 2018 US dollars.

Results

Assuming a diagnosis at age 5 years, independent ambulation until age 11, and survival until age 25, we estimated 670 billable clinical events. The 20‐year per‐patient cumulative cost was $174 701 with prednisone ($2.3 million with deflazacort) and an expected total of $12 643 ($29 194) for out‐of‐pocket expenses associated with those events and medications.

Discussion

Standardized monitoring of disease progression and treatments may reduce overall costs of illness. Costs associated with these services would be needed to quantify potential savings. Our approach demonstrates a method to estimate costs associated with implementation of preventive care schedules.
High‐Skilled Immigration and the Labor Market: Evidence from the H‐1B Visa Program
Authors: Turner Patrick S.
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the effect of high‐skilled immigration on the wages of U.S.‐born college graduates. Descriptive evidence suggests that workers with different college majors compete in separate labor markets. Because immigrants are more likely than natives to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), a standard labor market model predicts that the relative wages of native STEM majors should fall as skilled immigration increases. Using an IV strategy that leverages large changes in the cap of H‐1B visas and controls for major‐ and age‐specific unobservable characteristics, I find that workers most exposed to increased competition from immigration have lower wages than one would expect. A 10‐percentage point increase in a skill group's immigrant‐native ratio decreases their relative wages by 1 percent. Overall, I estimate that the STEM wage premium decreased 4 to 12 percentage points from 1990 to 2010 because of immigration.
Effect of poly(isoprene‐random‐3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) random copolymer on the properties of kaolin‐reinforced styrene‐butadiene rubber
Authors: Hua Yu , Zhao Haibing , Xiang Yixin , Shen Xianrong , Fang Yong , Gao Jiangang
Published: January 2022

In this article, we report the effect of poly (isoprene‐random‐3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) random copolymer (PIPMSI) on the properties of kaolin‐reinforced styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR). First, PIPMSI was prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization as a modifier of kaolin. Then, the PIPMSI solution in dichloromethane was sprayed onto the surface of kaolin and dried to obtain kaolin grafted with polyisoprene (MSi‐Kaol). Fourier transform infrared spectral studies indicated that the MSi‐Kaol surface was covered with a layer of PIPMSI. The storage modulus (G′) of SBR/MSi‐Kaol compounds at low strains was significantly higher than that of SBR/kaolin blends, and the vulcanization rate of SBR/MSi‐Kaol compounds was significantly lower than that of SBR/kaolin. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that kaolin domains in SBR/MSi‐Kaol vulcanizates were much better dispersed and distributed than in SBR/kaolin composites. Compared with SBR/kaolin composites, tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength of SBR/MSi‐Kaol composites were significantly improved.
Remendable conductive polyethylene composite with simultaneous restoration of electrical and mechanical behavior
Authors: Waldman Laura J. , Keller Michael W.
Published: January 2022

Conductive polymer composites can be customized through the addition of conductive fillers to the matrix. Fillers added to a conductive polymer composite modify the mechanical properties of the material as well as the electrical properties. Previous work with conductive polymer composites determined that conductive polymers with carbon‐based materials exhibit more brittle behavior when compared with unmodified polymers, reducing strains to failure of the material. A conductive polymer with self‐healing functionality could be healed to repair damage. This work demonstrates a conductive polyethylene composite, which can simultaneously restore electrical and mechanical performance when heated with induction. Because carbon‐based conductive composites cannot be sufficiently heated for healing, aluminum flake added to the composite served as the susceptor for induction heating. Conductive polyethylene specimens with 20% aluminum flake by volume demonstrated similar mechanical behavior both during the initial test and after healing.
Influence of surface activation on the microporosity of PE‐CVD and PE‐ALD SiOx thin films on PDMS
Authors: Hoppe Christian , Mitschker Felix , Mai Lukas , Liedke Maciej Oskar , de los Arcos Teresa , Awakowicz Peter , Devi Anjana , Attallah Ahmed Gamal , Butterling Maik , Wagner Andreas , Grundmeier Guido
Published: January 2022

The microporosity, structure and permeability of SiOx thin films deposited by microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PE‐CVD) and plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE‐ALD) on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates were investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy and complementary technique, such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, time of flight mass spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The SiOx films were deposited onto spin‐coated PDMS substrates, which were previously exposed to an oxygen plasma thus achieving the conversion of the top polymer layer into SiOx. The presence of this oxidised surface near the region led to an overall decrease in micropore density and to a shift towards smaller pore sizes within the deposited SiOx films. A correlation between the oxygen fluence during the oxygen plasma treatment and the microporosity of the PE‐CVD and PE‐ALD SiOx films could be established.
Construction of dynamic protein interaction network based on gene expression data and quartile one principle
Authors: Noori Soheir , Al‐A'araji Nabeel , Al‐Shamery Eman
Published: January 2022

Real protein interaction network (PIN) is dynamic. Researchers created dynamic PIN by combining static PIN with gene expression data to explain the dynamicity evolution of protein interactions. However, all available approaches failed to recognize low‐ or high‐expression proteins as active proteins. Therefore, determining an adequate threshold is one of the system's biological challenges. In this study, a quartile one (q‐one) method is proposed to determine the active time points for each protein according to its expression value's features and construct dynamic protein interaction networks (DPINs) in which a protein is added to the network if it is active in two successive time points. This leads to reduce the number of DPINs to half. The efficiency of the q‐one approach and three‐sigma (3‐sigma) method in detecting protein complexes is evaluated using Markov cluster method, clique percolation method, and ClusterONE algorithms. In most cases, q‐one outperforms the 3‐sigma method in recall, precision and F‐measure. This is in addition to its ability to reveal the dynamicity within the protein–protein interaction network and identify essential proteins.
Molten Barium Hydroxide as Defect Selective Drop Etchant for Dislocation Analysis on Aluminum Nitride Layers
Authors: Matiwe Lucinda , Hartmann Carsten , Cancellara Leonardo , Bickermann Matthias , Klump Andrew , Wollweber Jürgen , Hagedorn Sylvia , Weyers Markus , Straubinger Thomas
Published: January 2022

In this article, the suitability of the etchants NaOH/KOH and Ba(OH)2 for defect etching of metalorganic vapour‐phase epitaxy (MOVPE) grown AlN layers with a MgO‐assisted “drop method” is compared. Defect selectivity for the new etchant Ba(OH)2 is confirmed by the local TEM analysis. Temperature dependence (420–500 °C) of etch pit sizes of a‐, mixed‐, and c‐type dislocations for both etchants are investigated by statistical evaluation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Additionally, the etch pit shape is analyzed for samples etched at 460 °C by atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. While a‐ and mixed‐type dislocations result in pits of comparable size and shape for both etchants, c‐type dislocations are already strongly etched with NaOH/KOH at low temperatures leading to over‐etching and MgO precipitation. Ba(OH)2, in contrast, generates smaller c‐type etch pits at low and medium etching temperatures and no MgO precipitates and is therefore preferable for drop etching.
Structure, Dielectric, and Electrochemical Studies on Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐Co‐Hexafluoropropylene)/IonicLiquid 1‐Ethyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Tricyanomethanide‐Based Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Singh Pramod K. , Agarwal Daksh , Singh Dhapola Pawan , Sharma Tejas , Savilov Serguei V. , Arkhipova Ekaterina A. , Singh Manoj K. , Singh Abhimanyu
Published: January 2022

Solid polymer electrolyte films blended with ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide (EMImTCM) and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) are prepared via solution cast technique. The physical characterization of polymeric film is performed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), polarized optical microscopy (POM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) studies. The gel electrolyte film with 300 wt% of IL shows the high ionic conductivity value of 3.7 × 10−2 S cm−1, and operating voltage from −0.5 to 1.5 V, i.e., electrochemical stability window (ESW) ≈ 2.0 V. The dielectric properties of the polymeric films such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent (Tan δ), relaxation frequency, and time are evaluated.
Quantum Magnetic Properties and Metal‐to‐Insulator Transition in Chemically Doped Calcium Ruthenate Perovskite
Authors: Singh Deepak K. , Ernst Arthur , Dugaev Vitalii , Chen Yiyao , Gunasekera Jagath
Published: January 2022

Ruthenates provide a comprehensive platform to study a plethora of novel properties, such as quantum magnetism, superconductivity, and magnetic fluctuation mediated metal–insulator transition (MIT). Herein, an overview of quantum mechanical phenomenology in calcium ruthenium oxide with varying compositions is provided. While the stoichiometric composition of exhibits non‐fermi liquid (FL) behavior with quasi‐criticality, chemically doped compounds depict prominent signatures of quantum magnetic fluctuations at low temperature that in some cases are argued to mediate in metal–insulator transition. In the case of cobalt‐doped , an unusual continuum fluctuation is found to persist deep inside the glassy phase of the material. These observations reflect the richness of the ruthenate research platform in the study of quantum magnetic phenomena of fundamental importance.
Experimental Evaluation of 3D Heat Flow Using Magneto‐Thermoelectric Effects in a Ferromagnetic Nanowire
Authors: Kamruzzaman Md , Hu Shaojie , Ohnishi Kohei , Kimura Takashi
Published: January 2022

Herein, a systematic measurement of magneto‐thermoelectric voltage induced in a ferromagnetic permalloy nanowire under the operation of a laterally configured nanospintronic device is performed. It is shown that the angular dependences of the magneto‐thermoelectric signals with various probe configurations can be quantitatively understood by the combination of the magneto‐Seebeck and anomalous Nernst effects. Surprisingly, the contribution of the transverse magneto‐Seebeck effect becomes significant in a certain probe configuration, indicating the importance of the transverse heat flow. These results allow us to analyze the 3D distribution of the heat flow inside the permalloy nanowire. The present demonstration indicates that the magneto‐thermoelectric effect is a powerful and reliable tool for analyzing the heat distribution in nanostructured devices.
Theoretical study of 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives as potential antennas in lanthanide complexes: Photophysical properties and elucidation of energy transfer pathways
Authors: Santoyo‐Flores Juan Julián , Páez‐Hernández Dayán
Published: January 2022

A series of 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives were theoretically characterized and tested as potential antennas in a set of designed lanthanide complexes. The molecular structure and ligand localized nature of the excited states were studied in the framework of the multiconfigurational methods CASSCF/NEVPT2 combined with TD‐DFT‐based approaches, which allow applying a fragmentation scheme in the analysis of the most probable sensitization pathway via antenna effect. The photophysical properties of all the complexes and antennas were carefully analyzed, predicting the most probable energy transfer pathways. Rate constants for photophysical processes involved in the mechanism showed a significant contribution of the vibronic coupling in all cases, and the predominant intersystem‐crossing between S1 and T1 states was demonstrated from the analysis of the nature of the wave function of those states. The energy transfer process described herein demonstrates the possibility of Eu(III) and Nd(III) sensitization by the studied ligands. The proposed methodology gives a complete picture of the antenna excited state dynamics.
Dependence of Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotube Alignment on the Filter Membrane Interface in Slow Vacuum Filtration
Authors: Walker Joshua S. , Macdermid Zia J. , Fagan Jeffrey A. , Kolmakov Andrei , Biacchi Adam J. , Searles Thomas A. , Walker Angela R. Hight , Rice William D.
Published: January 2022

The recent introduction of slow vacuum filtration (SVF) technology has shown great promise for reproducibly creating high‐quality, large‐area aligned films of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from solution‐based dispersions. Despite clear advantages over other SWCNT alignment techniques, SVF remains in the developmental stages due to a lack of an agreed‐upon alignment mechanism, a hurdle which hinders SVF optimization. In this work, the filter membrane surface is modified to show how the resulting SWCNT nematic order can be significantly enhanced. It is observed that directional mechanical grooving on filter membranes does not play a significant role in SWCNT alignment, despite the tendency for nanotubes to follow the groove direction. Chemical treatments to the filter membrane are shown to increase SWCNT alignment by nearly 1/3. These findings suggest that membrane surface structure acts to create a directional flow along the filter membrane surface that can produce global SWCNT alignment during SVF, rather serving as an alignment template.
Perspectives on Working Voltage of Aqueous Supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Tiezhu , Zhou Di , Pang Lixia , Sun Shikuan , Zhou Tao , Su Jinzhan
Published: January 2022

Aqueous supercapacitors have the superiorities of high safety, environmental friendliness, inexpensive, etc. High energy density supercapacitors are not conducive to manufacturing due to the limitation of water thermodynamic decomposition potential, resulting in a narrow working voltage window. To address such challenges, a great endeavor has started to investigate high voltage aqueous supercapacitors as well as making some progress. This review summarizes key strategies regarding the realization of wide working voltage of aqueous supercapacitors and analyzes the involved mechanism, including the optimization of electrodes, electrolytes, diaphragms, and supercapacitor structures. From the perspective of extending the theoretical voltage window, electrode functionalization, heteroatom doping, neutral electrolyte, water‐in‐salt electrolyte, introducing redox mediators into electrolyte, and designing asymmetric structure are effective strategies for achieving this goal. Further, the actual voltage window can be maximized by optimizing the electrode mass ratio, adjusting potential of zero voltage, and electrode functionalization. The challenge and future of expanding working voltage of aqueous supercapacitors are further discussed. Importantly, this review provides inspiration for the development of supercapacitors with high energy density.
Engineering Responsive Ultrasound Contrast Agents Through Crosslinked Networks on Lipid‐Shelled Microbubbles
Authors: Dubey Dragana , Christiansen Michael G. , Vizovisek Matej , Gebhardt Samuel , Feike Jasmin , Schuerle Simone
Published: January 2022

Ultrasound imaging with contrast agents, especially with lipid‐shelled microbubbles, has become a vital tool in clinical diagnostics. Efforts to adapt these agents for molecular imaging have typically focused on targeted binding. More recently, crosslinking the lipid shell to alter its mechanical properties, followed by decrosslinking upon exposure to a stimulus, has been shown as a promising approach for imaging soluble molecular targets. Nevertheless, a systematic study of the influence of crosslinker concentration and structure on the mechanical properties of microbubbles has not been undertaken. An improved understanding of the role of these parameters is necessary to more effectively design contrast agents that detect proteases, an informative class of soluble disease markers. Here, the influence of crosslinker parameters on the acoustic properties of microbubbles, developing a model of crosslinker network formation on microbubble shells that explains the experimental observations, are studied. By incorporating cleavable elements that respond to UV light or proteolysis, kinetically resolved acoustic detection of these stimuli and the relevance of crosslinker design are demonstrated. The framework established in this study can be readily adapted to other protease‐cleavable units and provides a basis for the future development of responsive ultrasound contrast agents for molecular imaging of proteolytic activity.
Natural Porous Materials for Interfacial Solar Steam Generation toward Clean Water Production
Authors: Saleque Ahmed Mortuza , Nowshin Nadia , Ivan Md. Nahian Al Subri , Ahmed Safayet , Tsang Yuen Hong
Published: January 2022

The progression of photothermal materials with broad solar absorption and improved photothermal conversion efficiency is critical for developing interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG)‐based water desalination and purification systems. This green solar‐driven water vaporization technology has regained popularity as a sustainable solution to water shortage. Among many other photothermal materials, natural porous material‐based photothermal evaporators have piqued the interest of researchers owing to their biodegradability, abundance, low thermal conductivity, low cost, natural capillary mechanism, and hydrophilicity. In this review, recent advances in photothermal material design based on various natural porous materials are reported, systems considering contact mode and the water transportation route are categorized, optical absorbance is assessed, and thermal management issues and water purification as well as desalination applications are discussed. This review stimulates further investigation and research interest in the utilization of natural porous materials for large‐scale ISSG‐based application implementation.
A review of literature that uses the lens of the next generation science crosscutting concepts: 2012–2019
Authors: Fick Sarah J. , Arias Anna Maria
Published: January 2022

New reforms in science education call for three‐dimensional learning by integrating disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts (CCCs). These reforms defined the new term, crosscutting concept (CCC), as a lens that has explanatory power across disciplines. To describe how researchers are examining and using the CCCs related to science teaching and learning, a literature review was conducted to identify articles that included the term “crosscutting concept” since its introduction in 2012. The articles were narrowed to those that use the term CCC as a component of the framing, analysis, findings, or discussion of their empirical or nonempirical article. A subset of the identified papers elaborated on the CCCs beyond existing policy documents and references. These papers were open‐coded to identify themes in how the CCCs were used. The identified themes suggest that the CCCs are useful for science teaching, learning, and research in terms of creating opportunities to learn, connecting to the big idea, linking to practice, drawing on funds of knowledge, and connecting across topics and disciplines. These themes were analyzed to identify areas of existing focus and those in need of additional research. This synthesis of the literature has implications for using and studying the CCCs within three‐dimensional teaching and learning.
Antioxidant potential and mineral content of medicinal plants grown in urban area of India
Authors: Sahu Pravin Kumar , Chakradhari Suryakant , Sharma Prasanna Kumar , Patel Khageshwar Singh , Yurdakul Sema , Martín‐Ramos Pablo
Published: January 2022

Medicinal plants accumulate minerals and synthesize phytochemicals valuable for treating human diseases. The objective of this work has been to characterize the polyphenol and mineral contents of 25 medicinal plant leaves grown in the urban environment of India to know their antioxidant, nutritional potentiality, and ease of contamination with toxic elements. Total polyphenol (TPh) and flavonoid (Fla), and mineral concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically and by X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The leaves under study were found to be rich in polyphenols, nutrients (P, S, Cl, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mo), and other metals (Rb, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Co, As, Se, and Pb), with concentrations ranging from 1.28 to 3.96 g 100 g−1, from 219.8 to 7159.9 mg 100 g−1, and from 4.3 to 334.0 mg 100 g−1, respectively. Maximum polyphenol and mineral (nutrient and other elements) concentrations were detected in Melia azadirachta L. and Solanum lycopersicum L. leaves. Enrichment factors, correlations among elements, sources, health hazards associated with heavy metals, and potential applications of plant leaves are also discussed.
Production performance, egg quality and some blood parameters of heat‐stressed laying hens as affected by dietary supplemental Vit B6, Mg and Zn
Authors: Gholizadeh Hossein , Torki Mehran , Mohammadi Hamed
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The effects of dietary supplements, including magnesium sulfate (Mg), zinc oxide (Zn) and vitamin B6 (Vit B6), on the performance of laying hens reared under normal (NC) and heat‐stress (HSC) conditions were investigated.

Material and Methods

A total of 288 30‐week‐old Lohmann LSL‐Lite laying hens were randomly divided into 48 cages and assigned to receive one of the eight diets with six replicates and six hens per replicate, based on a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Dietary supplements, including two levels (0 & 600 mg/kg) of Mg, two levels (0 & 30 mg/kg) of Zn and two levels (0 & 8 mg/kg) of Vit B6, in normal and heat‐stress conditions, were tested at 30–40 and 41–45 weeks of age, respectively.

Results

In the Vit B6 group, a decrease in feed intake (FI), egg production (EP), albumin, Zn, Fe and Mg, and an increase in triglyceride and insulin in HSC were observed, in addition to a decrease in cholesterol and an increase in egg weight (EW) in NC. Supplemental Mg decreased EP, blood triglycerides and copper in NC, and Zn, Fe and Mg in HSC as well. Feeding Zn, increased egg shape index, total protein and copper in addition to yolk index in NC and Fe in HSC. EWs were higher in hens supplemented with Vit B6+Mg in HSC. Increased insulin and decreased glutathione peroxidase activity were detected with the Vit B6+Zn compared to feeding either Vit B6 or Zn in HSC.

Conclusions

The results indicated Vit B6 could improve EWs and suppress blood cholesterol in NC. Zn improved the egg shape index in NC.
God’s Work in the World: The Deep Compatibility of Real Liberalism with Any Abrahamic Religion
Authors: McCloskey Deirdre Nansen
Published: January 2022

I propose, in brief, an intimate, perhaps desirable, but anyway necessary, connection between free will in Abrahamic theology and free action in liberal ideology. The economy, its work, its consumption, even its banking, are not inconsistent with a Christian life if achieved by free will. That is to say, contrary to a century-long supposition among theologians and their enemies, belief in a just and loving God does not entail socialism. The Christian gospels and many a Christian theologian attack wealth, surprisingly harshly by the standards of the rest of the world’s religious canon. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the nineteenth century, a bourgeois but Christian Europe invented the idea of socialism. But statism is by no means necessary for a Christian community. I gesture here towards a much longer case made earlier and recently by me and other Christian admirers of commercially tested betterment. The great liberal era was brief, from 1776 to 1848. It established freedom of religion. But freedom is freedom is freedom. A free-willed person should be, in God’s eyes, free from human interference in religion and behavior and business.
On discrete anomalies in chiral gauge theories
Authors: Smith Philip Boyle , Karasik Avner , Lohitsiri Nakarin , Tong David
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study two well-known SU(N) chiral gauge theories with fermions in the symmetric, anti-symmetric and fundamental representations. We give a detailed description of the global symmetry, including various discrete quotients. Recent work argues that these theories exhibit a subtle mod 2 anomaly, ruling out certain phases in which the theories confine without breaking their global symmetry, leaving a gapless composite fermion in the infra-red. We point out that no such anomaly exists. We further exhibit an explicit path to the gapless fermion phase, showing that there is no kinematic obstruction to realising these phases.
Perturbatively exact w1+∞ asymptotic symmetry of quantum self-dual gravity
Authors: Ball Adam , Narayanan Sruthi A. , Salzer Jakob , Strominger Andrew
Published: January 2022

Abstract

The infinite tower of positive-helicity soft gravitons in any minimally coupled, tree-level, asymptotically flat four-dimensional (4D) gravity was recently shown to generate a w1+∞ asymptotic symmetry algebra. It is natural to ask whether this classical algebra acquires quantum corrections at loop level. We explore this in quantum self-dual gravity, whose amplitudes acquire known one-loop exact all-plus helicity quantum corrections. We show using collinear splitting formulae that, remarkably, the w1+∞ algebra persists in quantum self-dual gravity without corrections.
Disturbed lipid and amino acid metabolisms in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Masoodi Mojgan , Peschka Manuela , Schmiedel Stefan , Haddad Munif , Frye Maike , Maas Coen , Lohse Ansgar , Huber Samuel , Kirchhof Paulus , Nofer Jerzy-Roch , Renné Thomas
Published: January 2022

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is overwhelming the healthcare systems. Identification of systemic reactions underlying COVID-19 will lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for monitoring and early intervention in this viral infection. We performed targeted metabolomics covering up to 630 metabolites within several key metabolic pathways in plasma samples of 20 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 37 matched controls. Plasma metabolic signatures specifically differentiated severe COVID-19 from control patients. The identified metabolic signatures indicated distinct alterations in both lipid and amino acid metabolisms in COVID-19 compared to control patient plasma. Systems biology-based analyses identified sphingolipid, tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, arginine, and arachidonic acid metabolism as mostly impacted pathways in COVID-19 patients. Notably, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was significantly reduced in COVID-19 patients and GABA plasma levels allowed for stratification of COVID-19 patients with high sensitivity and specificity. The data reveal large metabolic disturbances in COVID-19 patients and suggest use of GABA as potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the infection.
Artificial intelligence ELSI score for science and technology: a comparison between Japan and the US
Authors: Hartwig Tilman , Ikkatai Yuko , Takanashi Naohiro , Yokoyama Hiromi M.
Published: January 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become indispensable in our lives. The development of a quantitative scale for AI ethics is necessary for a better understanding of public attitudes toward AI research ethics and to advance the discussion on using AI within society. For this study, we developed an AI ethics scale based on AI-specific scenarios. We investigated public attitudes toward AI ethics in Japan and the US using online questionnaires. We designed a test set using four dilemma scenarios and questionnaire items based on a theoretical framework for ethics, legal, and social issues (ELSI). We found that country and age are the most informative sociodemographic categories for predicting attitudes for AI ethics. Our proposed scale, which consists of 13 questions, can be reduced to only three, covering ethics, tradition, and policies. This new AI ethics scale will help to quantify how AI research is accepted in society and which area of ELSI people are most concerned with.
Feral ungulate and macropod responses to resource scarcity and predation risk at savanna waterholes
Authors: Mihailou Helenna , Nimmo Dale G. , Massaro Melanie
Published: January 2022

When exotic species are introduced to new environments, they often have a competitive advantage over native species. In northern Australia, pigs, cattle, and water buffalo have established widespread, feral populations. As ungulates have high water requirements, they typically congregate near waterpoints. We used a fencing experiment to test whether native macropods preferentially visited savanna waterholes where large ungulates were excluded. We also investigated whether water scarcity affected the visitation behaviour and temporal activity patterns of herbivores at waterholes and whether increasing prey aggregation at waterholes increased dingo presence. We found that macropods did not use fenced waterholes preferentially over unfenced ones. Cattle presence at waterholes increased as water became scarce, while macropod and pig presence peaked in the middle of the dry season. Macropod activity declined rapidly at the end of the dry season when cattle activity was greatest, suggesting that macropods may avoid waterholes in areas utilised by cattle when competition for resources is high. Macropods and all ungulates visited waterholes more during a drought year compared to an average rainfall year. Despite increasing prey activity, dingo presence at waterholes did not increase when water became scarce. However, dingo presence increased significantly on moonless nights. Our results suggest that competition between macropods and ungulates may intensify during periods of water scarcity. Climate change and pastoral intensification are likely to increase competition for resources between ungulates and macropods in Australian savannas, potentially threatening macropod populations across the landscape in the future.

Significance statement

In northern Australia, feral populations of pigs, cattle, and water buffalo compete with native wildlife for access to water sources. As interspecific competition favours species with a size advantage, we tested whether kangaroos and wallabies (macropods) preferentially use waterholes where large ungulates (cattle and buffalo) were excluded. We found that macropods avoided waterholes when cattle presence was high but did not preferentially use waterholes where livestock were excluded. When water scarcity peaked during a drought, macropods and all three feral ungulate species visited waterholes more. However, increased prey presence at waterholes during the drought did not correspond with increased predator (dingo) presence. Our study advances the understanding of behavioural interactions between invasive and native species at important shared resources, and how this may affect wildlife conservation in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
Long-term cost-effectiveness of matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation in the German health care system: a discrete event simulation
Authors: Vogelmann Tobias , Roessler Philip P. , Buhs Matthias , Ostermeier Sven , Gille Justus , Hoburg Arnd , Zöllner York , Schwarz Sebastian , Schubert Tino , Grebe Marco , Zinser Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Cartilage defects in the knee can be caused by injury, various types of arthritis, or degeneration. As a long-term consequence of cartilage defects, osteoarthritis can develop over time, often leading to the need for a total knee replacement (TKR). The treatment alternatives of chondral defects include, among others, microfracture, and matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (M-ACI). The purpose of this study was to determine cost-effectiveness of M-ACI in Germany with available mid- and long-term outcome data, with special focus on the avoidance of TKR.

Materials and methods

We developed a discrete-event simulation (DES) that follows up individuals with cartilage defects of the knee over their lifetimes. The DES was conducted with a status-quo scenario in which M-ACI is available and a comparison scenario with no M-ACI available. The model included 10,000 patients with articular cartilage defects. We assumed Weibull distributions for short- and long-term effects for implant failures. Model outcomes were costs, number of TKRs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). All analyses were performed from the perspective of the German statutory health insurance.

Results

The majority of patients was under 45 years old, with defect sizes between 2 and 7 cm2 (mean: 4.5 cm2); average modeled lifetime was 48 years. In the scenario without M-ACI, 26.4% of patients required a TKR over their lifetime. In the M-ACI scenario, this was the case in only 5.5% of cases. Thus, in the modeled cohort of 10,000 patients, 2700 TKRs, including revisions, could be avoided. Patients treated with M-ACI experienced improved quality of life (22.53 vs. 21.21 QALYs) at higher treatment-related costs (18,589 vs. 14,134 € /patient) compared to those treated without M-ACI, yielding an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 3376 € /QALY.

Conclusion

M-ACI is projected to be a highly cost‐effective treatment for chondral defects of the knee in the German healthcare setting.
Locking suture repair versus ligament augmentation—a biomechanical study regarding the treatment of acute lateral collateral ligament injuries of the elbow
Authors: Ott Nadine , Harland Arne , Lanzerath Fabian , Leschinger Tim , Hackl Michael , Wegmann Kilian , Müller Lars Peter
Published: January 2022

Background

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tears are frequently observed in fractures and dislocations of the elbow. Recent biomechanical evidence suggests that additional ligament augmentation may improve repair stability. The aim of this biomechanical in-vitro study was to compare the resistance of a locking suture repair of the LCL with a ligament augmentation technique.

Material and methods

Eight fresh frozen cadaveric elbows were evaluated for stability against varus/posterolateral rotatory forces (3 Nm). A strain gauge (µm/m; negative values) was placed at the origin and insertion of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) and cyclic loading was performed for 1000 cycles. We analyzed three distinct scenarios: (A) native LCL, (B) locking transosseou suture repair of the LCL, (C) simple LCL repair with additional ligament augmentation of the LUCL.

Results

The mean measured strain was − 416.1 µm/m (A), − 618 µm/m (B) and − 288.5 µm/m (C) with the elbow flexion at 90°; the strain was significantly higher in scenario B compared to C (p = .01). During the cyclic load (1000) the mean measured strain was − 523.1 µm/m (B) and − 226.3 µm/m (C) with the elbow flexion at 60°; the strain was significantly higher in scenario B compared to C (p = .01). No significant difference between the first and the last cycles was observed (p = .09; p = .07). One failure of the LCL repair was observed after 1000 cycles; none of the ligament augmentations failed.

Conclusion

Ligament augmentation (C) provides higher resistance compared to the native LCL (A) and to the locking suture repair technique (B). Both techniques, however, hold up during 1000 cycles. While ligament augmentation might enhance the primary stability of the repair, future clinical studies have to show whether this increase in resistance leads to negative effects like higher rates of posttraumatic elbow stiffness.

Level of evidence

Basic science study, biomechanics.
Socioeconomic disparities in endometrial cancer survival in Germany: a survival analysis using population-based cancer registry data
Authors: Bedir Ahmed , Abera Semaw Ferede , Vordermark Dirk , Medenwald Daniel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Area-based socioeconomic deprivation has been established as an important indicator of health and a potential predictor of survival. In this study, we aimed to measure the effect of socioeconomic inequality on endometrial cancer survival.

Methods

Population-based data on patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer between 2004 and 2014 were obtained from the German Centre for Cancer Registry Data. Socioeconomic inequality was defined by the German Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation. We investigated the association of deprivation and overall survival through Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional regression models.

Results

A total of 21,602 women, with a mean age of 67.8 years, were included in our analysis. The observed 5-year overall survival time for endometrial cancer patients living in the most affluent districts (first quintile) was 78.6%. The overall survival rate decreased as the level of deprivation increased (77.2%, 73.9%, 76.1%, 74.7%, for patients in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintile (most deprived patients), respectively). Cox regression models showed stage I patients living in the most deprived districts to have a higher hazard of overall mortality when compared to the cases living in the most affluent districts [Hazard ratio: 1.20; 95% Confidence interval (0.99–1.47)] after adjusting for age, tumor characteristics, and treatment.

Conclusion

Our results indicate differences in endometrial cancer survival according to socioeconomic deprivation among stage I patients. Considering data limitations, future studies with access to individual-level patient information should be conducted to examine the underlying causes for the observed disparity in cancer survival.
Trends in drought occurrence and severity at mid-latitude European stations (1951–2015) estimated using standardized precipitation (SPI) and precipitation and evapotranspiration (SPEI) indices
Authors: Dukat Paulina , Bednorz Ewa , Ziemblińska Klaudia , Urbaniak Marek
Published: January 2022

One of the negative consequences of climate change is the also increase in the severity, frequency and length of droughts appearing in Europe. The effects of meteorological drought are often substantial, not only for the natural environment but also for humans. Hence, the main purpose of this research was to determine the trends in the severity and occurrence of droughts in Europe during the period 1951–2015 using the standardized precipitation index and the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index (SPEI). For six European sites located in mid latitudes, the number of dry months was determined and the trend of their occurrence was examined. Moreover, for the summer months in which the indicators fell below 0, the trend related to the severity of the drought was determined for each site. Despite the absence of a statistically significant trend of an increase in the occurrence of dry months in general, an increase in the severity of droughts occurring in summer was observed for the SPEI over a 6-month scale for all the investigated stations. The highest number of dry months since the 1970s appeared during the last 5 years of analysis.
Simultaneous mass spectrometry analysis of cisplatin with oligonucleotide-peptide mixtures: implications for the mechanism of action
Authors: Mansouri Farangis , Patiny Luc , Ortiz Daniel , Menin Laure , Davey Curtis A. , Mohammadi Fakhrossadat , Dyson Paul J.
Published: January 2022

Although genomic DNA is the primary target of anticancer platinum-based drugs, interactions with proteins also play a significant role in their overall activity. In this study, competitive binding of cisplatin with an oligonucleotide and two peptides corresponding to segments of H2A and H2B histone proteins was investigated by mass spectrometry. Following the determination of the cisplatin binding sites on the oligonucleotide and peptides by tandem mass spectrometry, competitive binding was studied and transfer of platinum fragments from the platinated peptides to the oligonucleotide explored. In conjunction with previous studies on the nucleosome, the results suggest that all four of the abundant histone proteins serve as a platinum drug reservoir in the cell nucleus, providing an adduct pool that can be ultimately transferred to the DNA.

Graphical abstract
Adoptive parents’ finances and employment status: a 5-year longitudinal study
Authors: Paine Amy L. , Fahey Kevin , Thompson Rebecca , Shelton Katherine H.
Published: January 2022

We investigated risk and facilitating factors related to families’ change in finances and employment over 5 years following adoption of a child from local authority care in a prospective, longitudinal study of children placed for adoption between 2014 and 2015 (N = 96). Parents completed questionnaires at approximately 5, 21, 36, 48 and 60 months post-placement. We used time series analysis to examine the impact of child (e.g. pre-placement experiences, mental health), family structure (e.g. number of siblings, parent relationship status), and parent (e.g. mental health) factors on change in household income and parent employment status after adoption. We also examined the tendency for parents to comment on employment and finances and the emotional valence of their comments to gauge their concern about their circumstances. Children’s mental health problems were associated with primary caregivers reducing their time spent in employment and parents’ tendency to comment on their financial and work circumstances. Children who experienced more moves in care were more likely to have a primary caregiver not in full-time work, as were children with higher prosocial behaviour scores. Being in full-time work was associated with parents’ symptoms of anxiety. We also detected associations between structural features of the family and changes in income and employment. This study represents one of the first empirical investigations of factors associated with the socioeconomic features of adoptive families’ lives and informs ongoing discussion regarding the support needs of families and the timing, nature, and delivery of post-adoption professional services.
Projections of indices of daily temperature and precipitation based on bias-adjusted CORDEX-Africa regional climate model simulations
Authors: Dosio Alessandro , Lennard Christopher , Spinoni Jonathan
Published: January 2022

We present a dataset of daily, bias-adjusted temperature and precipitation projections for continental Africa based on a large ensemble of regional climate model simulations, which can be useful for climate change impact studies in several sectors. We provide guidance on the benefits and caveats of using the dataset by investigating the effect of bias-adjustment on impact-relevant indices (both their future absolute value and change). Extreme threshold-based temperature indices show large differences between original and bias-adjusted values at the end of the century due to the general underestimation of temperature in the present climate. These results indicate that when biases are accounted for, projected risks of extreme temperature-related hazards are higher than previously found, with possible consequences for the planning of adaptation measures. Bias-adjusted results for precipitation indices are usually consistent with the original results, with the median change preserved for most regions and indices. The interquartile and full range of the original model ensemble is usually well preserved by bias-adjustment, with the exception of maximum daily precipitation, whose range is usually greatly reduced by the bias-adjustment. This is due to the poor simulation and extremely large model range for this index over the reference period; when the bias is reduced, most models converge in projecting a similar change. Finally, we provide a methodology to select a small subset of simulations that preserves the overall uncertainty in the future projections of the large model ensemble. This result can be useful in practical applications when process-based impact models are too expensive to be run with the full ensemble of model simulations.
Novel insights on GM1 and Parkinson's disease: A critical review
Authors: Fazzari Maria , Di Biase Erika , Lunghi Giulia , Mauri Laura , Chiricozzi Elena , Sonnino Sandro
Published: January 2022

GM1 is a crucial component of neuronal membrane residing both in the soma and nerve terminals. As reported in Parkinson’s disease patients, the reduction of GM1 determines the failure of fundamental functional processes leading to cumulative cell distress up to neuron death. This review reports on the role of GM1 in the pathogenesis of the disease, illustrating the current data available but also hypotheses on the additional mechanisms in which GM1 could be involved and which require further study. In the manuscript we discuss these points trying to explain the role of diminished content of brain GM1, particularly in the nigro-striatal system, in Parkinson’s disease etiology and progression.