bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the spatial resolution of hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MRI of human brain metabolism using structure guidance
Authors: Ehrhardt Matthias J. , Gallagher Ferdia A. , McLean Mary A. , Schönlieb Carola‐Bibiane
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Dynamic nuclear polarization is an emerging imaging method that allows noninvasive investigation of tissue metabolism. However, the relatively low metabolic spatial resolution that can be achieved limits some applications, and improving this resolution could have important implications for the technique.

Methods

We propose to enhance the 3D resolution of carbon‐13 magnetic resonance imaging (13C‐MRI) using the structural information provided by hydrogen‐1 MRI (1H‐MRI). The proposed approach relies on variational regularization in 3D with a directional total variation regularizer, resulting in a convex optimization problem which is robust with respect to the parameters and can efficiently be solved by many standard optimization algorithms. Validation was carried out using an in silico phantom, an in vitro phantom and in vivo data from four human volunteers.

Results

The clinical data used in this study were upsampled by a factor of 4 in‐plane and by a factor of 15 out‐of‐plane, thereby revealing occult information. A key finding is that 3D super‐resolution shows superior performance compared to several 2D super‐resolution approaches: for example, for the in silico data, the mean‐squared‐error was reduced by around 40% and for all data produced increased anatomical definition of the metabolic imaging.

Conclusion

The proposed approach generates images with enhanced anatomical resolution while largely preserving the quantitative measurements of metabolism. Although the work requires clinical validation against tissue measures of metabolism, it offers great potential in the field of13C‐MRI and could significantly improve image quality in the future.
Neuromuscular ultrasound training courses in the post COVID‐19 era: Is virtual training here to stay, and should the pre‐pandemic training design be revised?
Authors: Pelosi Luciana , Simon Neil G.
Published: October 2021

See article on pages 29–33 in this issue.
Identifying a patient‐centered outcome measure for a comparative effectiveness treatment trial in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Narayanaswami Pushpa , Sanders Donald B. , Bibeau Kathie , Krueger Andrew , Venitz Jurgen , Guptill Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2021

Introduction/Aims

Data regarding the comparative effectiveness of myasthenia gravis (MG) treatments is not available. We used patient input to identify a patient‐centered outcome measure (PCOM) for PROMISE‐MG, a comparative effectiveness trial of MG treatments.

Methods

First, a questionnaire survey was administered to 58 people with MG at the patient meeting of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), evaluating the impact of MG‐related symptoms and MG treatments on patients' lives. Second, an online focus group of 13 patients with MG was conducted. Third, a potential outcome measure was selected. Fourth, the selected PCOM was evaluated by patients to assess how completely and accurately it captured their experiences with MG.

Results

The patient survey showed that limb weakness had the most impact on patients' lives. Weight gain, mood swings, insomnia, and diarrhea were the most bothersome treatment side effects. Avoiding hospitalization was very important. Focus group participants reported fatigue as one of the most bothersome symptoms and differentiated it from myasthenic weakness. They defined an ideal treatment as having minimal or no side effects and an 80% improvement in symptoms.

Discussion

Based on patient input, the 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life—Revised (MG‐QOL15R) scale, a validated patient‐reported outcome measure (PRO), was selected as the primary PCOM for PROMISE‐MG. Avoiding hospitalization and having minimal to no treatment adverse effects were selected as additional outcome measures. The patient‐centeredness of a PRO depends on the context of a study: PROs should be evaluated for appropriateness as a PCOM for every study.
An integrated approach to the evaluation of patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic hyperCKemia
Authors: Gemelli Chiara , Traverso Monica , Trevisan Lucia , Fabbri Sabrina , Scarsi Elena , Carlini Barbara , Prada Valeria , Mongini Tiziana , Ruggiero Lucia , Patrone Serena , Gallone Salvatore , Iodice Rosa , Pisciotta Livia , Zara Federico , Origone Paola , Rota Eugenia , Minetti Carlo , Bruno Claudio , Schenone Angelo , Mandich Paola , Fiorillo Chiara , Grandis Marina
Published: October 2021

Introduction/Aims

Currently, there are no straightforward guidelines for the clinical and diagnostic management of hyperCKemia, a frequent and nonspecific presentation in muscle diseases. Therefore, we aimed to describe our diagnostic workflow for evaluating patients with this condition.

Methods

We selected 83 asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with persistent hyperCKemia for participation in this Italian multicenter study. Patients with facial involvement and distal or congenital myopathies were excluded, as were patients with suspected inflammatory myopathies or predominant respiratory or cardiac involvement. All patients underwent a neurological examination and nerve conduction and electromyography studies. The first step of the investigation included a screening for Pompe disease. We then evaluated the patients for myotonic dystrophy type II–related CCTG expansion and excluded patients with copy number variations in the DMD gene. Subsequently, the undiagnosed patients were investigated using a target gene panel that included 20 genes associated with isolated hyperCKemia.

Results

Using this approach, we established a definitive diagnosis in one third of the patients. The detection rate was higher in patients with severe hyperCKemia and abnormal electromyographic findings.

Discussion

We have described our diagnostic workflow for isolated hyperCKemia, which is based on electrodiagnostic data, biochemical screening, and first‐line genetic investigations, followed by successive targeted sequencing panels. Both clinical signs and electromyographic abnormalities are associated with increased diagnostic yields.
Can R&D investment reduce the impact of COVID‐19 on firm performance?—Evidence from India
Authors: Biswas Shreya
Published: October 2021

This study examines whether investing in R&D reduces the impact of exogenous shocks like the COVID‐19 on stock market performance and accounting performance of manufacturing firms in India. For the sample of listed manufacturing firms, the paper finds that the firms engaged in R&D activities had lower negative cumulative abnormal return than those firms that did not invest in R&D in the pre‐pandemic period using multiple event windows. The result suggests that R&D investments can lower value erosion for the shareholders during a severe crisis period. Further, using a difference‐in‐difference fixed effects model, the study finds that manufacturing firms engaged in R&D activities in the pre‐pandemic period exhibited higher return on sales and growth of total income during the pandemic quarter vis‐à‐vis the non‐R&D firms. The favorable accounting performance indicates the possibility of firm‐level R&D being associated with the firm's ability to adjust its functioning during a crisis, thereby reducing the effect of the crisis. Finally, the study documents that government intervention to reduce the spread of the virus had a differential impact on firms based on their industry of operation. The findings have implications for investors, corporate managers, and policymakers in India.
COMPARED: A solvent vapor explosion in Germany and a combustible dust explosion in the United States
Authors: Cartwright Paul , Prugh Richard W. , Ebadat Vahid
Published: October 2021

Combustible dust explosions and gas/vapor explosions have many features in common—but there are important differences. We take the opportunity to look at two recent industrial explosions and explore the similarities and the differences between solvent vapor and dust cloud explosions as a means of improving our understanding of both dust and vapor explosions.
Estimation of Maximum Photoresponsivity of n‐SnO2/p‐Si Heterojunction‐Based UV Photodetectors
Authors: Ozel Kenan , Yildiz Abdullah
Published: October 2021

Photoresponsivity (PR) in photodetectors is of profound importance in evaluation of the performance of the devices. A detailed study of PR for n‐SnO2/p‐Si heterojunction‐based photodetectors is performed. The PR is analyzed within the framework of its relationship with incident power intensity (Pin). Experimental results clearly indicate that the PR reaches its maximum value at low Pin values, where it almost becomes independent of Pin. This follows primarily from the experimentally observed incident power intensity and dark current dependences of PR. The detailed analyses in terms of incident power intensity and dark current in the investigated power intensity regime are utilized to extract the values for maximum attainable PR limit of the devices, which is estimated as 46.3 A W−1. Evidently, the knowledge gained this work can be applicable to extract the maximum PR value for other heterojunction‐based UV photodetectors.
Plausible changes in wheat‐growing periods and grain yield in China triggered by future climate change under multiple scenarios and periods
Authors: Liu Yujie , Chen Qiaomin , Chen Jie , Pan Tao , Ge Quansheng
Published: October 2021

Wheat is one of the most common and productive crops in the world, and the growth and production of wheat are sensitive to climate change. Climate change affects wheat phenology by influencing sowing/maturity dates and the duration of growing stages, and ultimately affects the grain yield. Reliable prediction of changes in wheat yield is significant for maintaining global food security. However, studies addressing the potential impact of crop phenology changes on grain yield are rarely reported, which is a big challenge. Using the CERES‐Wheat model and first‐order differential equation models, we quantified the impact of future climate change on wheat phenology and grain yield for two periods (P1: 2011–2040; P2: 2041–2070) under three representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5) in China's two main wheat‐growing areas (Northwest Spring Wheat‐Growing Area (NWSWA) and Huang–Huai–Hai Winter Wheat‐Growing Area (HHWWA)); the baseline period was 1981–2010. Accumulated thermal time during the whole growing period (WGP) tends to significantly increase in NWSWA and HHWWA under all RCPs and periods. This rising accumulated thermal time will reduce the time to anthesis and maturity and shorten the vegetative growing period (VGP), reproductive growing period (RGP), and the WGP. In P2, spring wheat grain yield is projected to diminish by a regional average of 2.67% for RCP2.6, 4.07% for RCP4.5, and 5.66% for RCP8.5, which is dominated by the lower accumulated solar radiation during the VGP in NWSWA. Additionally, for the winter wheat grain yield in HHWWA in P2, its grain yield reduction is projected to decline by 4.8% (RCP2.6), 7.9% (RCP4.5), and 9.8% (RCP8.5), which is caused by increasing accumulated thermal time in the VGP. These results suggest that breeding high‐temperature‐tolerant varieties with high calorie requirements is an adaptive strategy to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on wheat yield in the study areas.
Climate variability and impacts on maize (Zea mays) yield in Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Atiah Winifred A. , Amekudzi Leonard K. , Akum Robert A. , Quansah Emmanuel , Antwi‐Agyei Philip , Danuor Sylvester K.
Published: October 2021

Rain‐fed agriculture is predominantly the primary source of livelihood in sub‐Saharan Africa. In Ghana, it employs over 60% of the population and contributes to about 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite the relevance of rain‐fed agriculture to the socioe‐conomic development of the country, studies investigating the impacts of climate variability on crop yield in the region are limited. This prevents the growth of relevant policy frameworks to address the threats posed by climate variability on crop production. As a contribution to guide policy planning and food security in Ghana, the present study seeks to analyze the vulnerability of maize yield to rainfall, soil moisture, and minimum and maximum temperature variability in Ghana. Moreover, the study assesses the impact of below‐normal and above‐normal rainfall conditions on maize yield in the country. The results show a decreasing trend in rainfall and soil moisture and an increasing trend in the maize yield and minimum and maximum temperature in Ghana. The individual climate variables (rainfall, soil moisture, minimum and maximum temperature) account for approximately 4.2, 22.5, 39.2, and 23.1%, respectively, of the annual maize yield variations throughout the study period. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that soil moisture and minimum and maximum temperature account for approximately 75% of the variation of maize yield under wetter‐than‐normal conditions in Ghana. This implies that, under wetter‐than‐normal rainfall conditions, 25% of the variation in maize yield could be attributable to non‐climatic conditions or practices. In like manner, climatic parameters account for 40.8% of maize yield under drier‐than‐normal rainfall conditions in the country. This study, therefore, recommends investment in climate‐smart agronomic technologies such as access to improved seed, extension and mechanization services, and other farm management practices to maximize maize yield in the country.
Resource origins and search
Authors: Felin Teppo , Kauffman Stuart , Zenger Todd
Published: October 2021

Research Summary

The search for new resources is costly and difficult within the resource‐based view. Because search is costly, a common prescription is for firms to focus on their endowments—the resources they already possess. However, is there a way for firms to somehow find value amongst the “vast reservoirs” of external resources? We review existing forms of resource search and then suggest an alternative. Extending arguments from biology, we develop the idea of a firm‐specific search image and highlight how search images can reveal resources not obvious to others. The search image notion speaks to how firms might uniquely identify dormant resources, even in seemingly efficient factor markets. We conclude with a discussion of how our arguments pertain to the resource‐based view and the origins of resources.

Managerial Summary

How do managers and entrepreneurs search, identify, and find assets and resources in relentlessly competitive markets? Existing arguments largely suggest that firms shouldnotengage in costly and competitive “external” search—instead they should focus “inside,” leveraging the endowments and resources they already possess. We argue that vast reservoirs of dormant resources are available, and that a particular form of external resource search offers a powerful alternative to the prescription to “look inside.” Specifically, we highlight how a “search image” can enable entrepreneurs and managers to search and see resources and value that is not obvious to others. In particular, the search for a functional need—and solution to a formulated problem—can help firms recognize and find dormant resources and create value.
Exploring the Structure–Property Relationship in Spheroidized C45EC Steel Using Full Phase Crystal Plasticity Numerical Simulations
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Qayyum Faisal , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Guk Sergey , Kirschner Markus , Korpala Grzegorz , Prahl Ulrich
Published: October 2021

Herein, micromechanical simulations for three different states of spheroidized steel (C45EC) are conducted under quasi‐static tensile loading based on the actual texture and crystallographic orientation from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data. Data denoising is conducted with MTex (open‐source Toolbox with MATLAB) for cleaning up the EBSD data. Crystal plasticity‐based full phase numerical simulations are performed on these constructed representative volume elements (RVEs) to analyze the local stress and strain evolution in C45EC steels. The local results of the simulations exhibit important insights into deformation evolution influenced by the size and clustering of cementite particles as well as crystallographic orientations of ferrite grains. It is observed that the full phase simulation model helps predict the local microstructural details for overall mechanically improved properties of the steels. Spheroidized steel samples (97%) show the most favorable mechanical response as adequate strain hardening with extended elongation is desired for cold‐working of parts. The current work is another step forward to fine‐tune the microstructural attributes of medium carbon steels for an improved mechanical response.
Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement for grading radiographs of thoracolumbar spinous processes in healthy horses during a pre‐purchase examination
Authors: Looijen Maty G. P. , Hanousek Katherine , Maree Jacques T. M. , Visser Margriet C. , Berner Dagmar
Published: October 2021

Background

There is wide variability in radiographic grading systems in thoracolumbar spinous processes in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement of grading different parameters, and combinations of those, in radiographs of the spinous processes of the equine thoracolumbar spine in the scope of a pre‐purchase examination. We hypothesized that agreement is variable and interpretation of these radiographs is difficult.

Methods

Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine of healthy horses (N = 100) were assessed by three observers. Spinous processes were separately graded for interspinous space width, modelling, radiopacities, radiolucencies and isolated opacities dorsally. Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement was assessed for individual and combinations of parameters.

Results

Agreement (inter‐ and intra‐observer) was good for the following parameters: interspinous space width, isolated opacities dorsally, beak‐shaped formations craniodorsally and modelling cranioventrally. The agreement increased slightly for a sum of specific parameters such as radiopacities, modelling, dorsal abnormalities and related abnormalities involving increased opacity, modelling and osseous cyst‐like lesions. Agreement for the total radiographic abnormalities per back was moderate.

Conclusions

Grading of thoracolumbar radiographs in horses without back pain showed good inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement for specific parameters and these should be used in future grading of spinous processes. Limitations should be considered in pre‐purchase examinations.
Understanding Medical Biostatistics
Authors: Sapra R. L.
Published: October 2021

Variation is a law of nature that makes this universe beautiful. In healthcare, two human beings, though genetically similar, may not respond equally to the same drug. The same drug may also have a varying response and become ineffective in an individual over a period of time. When we look at a population of individuals, variations are so prominent that no two individuals are ever exactly alike. There may be several factors for these variations among individuals which include those which are due to biological, genetic, environmental, or ecological effects [1]. Variations also occur when we sample these individuals. Moreover, variability in the observers themselves may also contribute to variations in assessment. These variations are bound to occur whatever may be the reasons and consequently lead to uncertainties in clinical practice, identification of risk factors, and policy planning.
Who Should Be An Author?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

An author is a person who creates a manuscript or paper. He is the one who initiates the process of crafting the document. He is also called a writer, a person who begins the process or plan or an idea. Before venturing into the authorship of biomedical research, one should know if one is entering ‘a sweet fruit of inspiration’ or drifting ‘towards a bitter fruit of the trade’. Stephen Lock has summed up authorship as not being ‘a bread ticket; it is an intellectual responsibility’. Incidence of inappropriate authorship even in Cochrane review has increased.
How to Choose a Title?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet’ is a famous quote from Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. However, in biomedical research, the title or name of the article is without any reservation the most important part of the paper and the most read part in the journal. The title is the face of the research and it should sum up the main notion of the experiment/research in such a way that in the fewest possible words one can summarize the facts of the paper and attract the reader as well. ‘Being concise, precise, and meticulous is the key’ for planning a title [1].
How to Write the Material (Patients) and Methods Section
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

In this segment, you should describe exactly and in detail how you did the study so that the readers will be able to (Fig. 19.1):
Why Should We Publish Papers?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Academic medicine traditionally includes three principal pursuits, i.e., educating doctors and biomedical scientists, discovering the causes and cures of illness, and using knowledge to improve patient care. Teaching, research, and service are the triad of academic medicine (Fig. 2.1). It has also been described as ‘the capacity of the system for health and health care to think, study, research, discover, evaluate, innovate, teach, learn, and improve’ [1].
How to Write a Case Report?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

The various types of medical publications include:
Overcoming the Initial Barriers to Publication and the Role of the Mentors?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Although India has 1.3 billion inhabitants, which is 17.7% of the world’s population, it contributes only1.6% of all the articles to the medical literature (1998–2008) [1, 2]. The top two countries with the largest number of scientific publications are the United States and China. The other countries that are at the top after they are the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany (Fig. 3.1). There is, however, a large difference between the number of papers published by America and other top countries. Although India ranked among the top 20 countries based on the number of publications from 2008 to 2012 [2]. It produced much fewer papers than the world’s leading nations.
To Which Journal Should You Submit Your Article?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Medical journals help physicians to upgrade their knowledge. Beside education, they also contain news and views about the profession and provide a forum for doctors to debate other issues. Journals are an amalgamation of clinical medicine, basic science and popular journalism and can be divided into two major categories based on the content they publish:
Publication Algorithm
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

There is a famous proverb by Sir Francis Bacon, ‘reading makes a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man’. The first two are still easy to achieve but for the last, there are many barriers. It is a fact that only 10–30% of science research is published in journals [1]. A first-time publication is associated with fear and excitement for the author but it is the role of his mentor to guide him or her closely and make it an enjoyable experience (Fig. 31.1).
How to Start a New Medical Journal?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

A medical journal encourages research and promotes publication from the institution which publishes it. Many of the best academic institutions abroad and in India publish medical journals, e.g., the Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic Proceedings) in the USA and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (The National Medical Journal of India).
E-Learning in the Developing World
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Medicine is a changing field and so is the art of teaching medicine. To cope up with technology and science is a major challenge. We all have been trained by conventional classroom teaching, which includes seminars, demonstrations, and bedside clinics but should now be aware of e-learning, blended learning, use of smartphones and tablets, webinars, telemedicine, and tele-education. There is lots of medical content in social media (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn), which is very easy to access. This chapter gives an overview of how electronics have changed the way we practice, keep our records, learn, and teach.
Developing Learning Objectives and Evaluation: Multiple Choice Questions/Objective Structured Practical Examinations
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

The practice of medicine depends on qualified doctors who strive to achieve and maintain appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitude. Competent doctors are the need of the hour and hence tests of clinical competence, which allow a decision to be made about whether or not a doctor is fit to practice are in demand. This demand poses a challenge for all involved in medical education. Therefore, assessment and evaluation of medical trainees play important role in choosing good doctors.
Clinical Audit
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Audit literally means ‘official inspection of an organization’s data or finances, typically by an independent body’. While most audits relate to financial matters, medical audits are used by health care professionals to evaluate, estimate, and improve the care of their patients in an organized way. These can be internal or external. Medical audit provides a systemic feedback to health authorities about the quality of medical care that was being given. With the help of audits, doctors learn about what they have been practicing, comparing their results with other benchmarks, and thus changing their practice to improve its effectiveness [1].
How to Think of a Research Question?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

A research question is the central theme of a scientific experiment around which everything revolves. It is a probing statement for which an answer is required. If the research question is not clear at the beginning the whole research becomes questionable and doubtful. Thus, formulating a question is the critical step towards biomedical research [1]. The research question is a signpost that indicates the direction of a study [2] and is based on the gaps in our knowledge.
Flavor-violating Higgs decays and stellar cooling anomalies in axion models
Authors: Badziak Marcin , Grilli di Cortona Giovanni , Tabet Mustafa , Ziegler Robert
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study a class of DFSZ-like models for the QCD axion that can address observed anomalies in stellar cooling. Stringent constraints from SN1987A and neutron stars are avoided by suppressed couplings to nucleons, while axion couplings to electrons and photons are sizable. All axion couplings depend on few parameters that also control the extended Higgs sector, in particular lepton flavor-violating couplings of the Standard Model-like Higgs boson h. This allows us to correlate axion and Higgs phenomenology, and we find that BR(h → τe) can be as large as the current experimental bound of 0.22%, while BR(h → μμ) can be larger than in the Standard Model by up to 70%. Large parts of the parameter space will be tested by the next generation of axion helioscopes such as the IAXO experiment.
Two-component scalar dark matter in Z2n scenarios
Authors: Yaguna Carlos E. , Zapata Óscar
Published: October 2021

Abstract

In multi-component scalar dark matter scenarios, a single ZN (N ≥ 4) symmetry may account for the stability of different dark matter particles. Here we study the case where N is even (N = 2n) and two species, a complex scalar and a real scalar, contribute to the observed dark matter density. We perform a phenomenological analysis of three scenarios based on the Z4 and Z6 symmetries, characterizing their viable parameter spaces and analyzing their detection prospects. Our results show that, thanks to the new interactions allowed by the Z2n symmetry, current experimental constraints can be satisfied over a wider range of dark matter masses, and that these scenarios may lead to observable signals in direct detection experiments. Finally, we argue that these three scenarios serve as prototypes for other two-component Z2n models with one complex and one real dark matter particle.
On a Class of Linear Cooperative Systems with Spatio-temporal Degenerate Potentials
Authors: Álvarez-Caudevilla P. , Belinchón F. , Brändle C.
Published: October 2021

This paper analyses a class of parabolic linear cooperative systems in a cylindrical domain with degenerate spatio-temporal potentials. In other words, potentials vanish in some non-empty connected subdomains which are disjoint and increase in size temporally. Then, the vanishing subdomains for the potentials are not cylindrical. Following a similar idea to the semiclassical analysis behaviour, but done here for parabolic problems, under these geometrical assumptions, the asymptotic behaviour of the system is ascertained when a parameter, in front of these potentials, goes to infinity. In particular, the strong convergence of the solutions of the system is obtained using energy methods and the theory associated with the $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-convergence. Also, the exponential decay of the solutions to zero in the exterior of the subdomains where the potentials vanish is achieved.
Translationally Invariant Universal Quantum Hamiltonians in 1D
Authors: Kohler Tamara , Piddock Stephen , Bausch Johannes , Cubitt Toby
Published: October 2021

Recent work has characterized rigorously what it means for one quantum system to simulate another and demonstrated the existence of universal Hamiltonians—simple spin lattice Hamiltonians that can replicate the entire physics of any other quantum many-body system. Previous universality results have required proofs involving complicated ‘chains’ of perturbative ‘gadgets.’ In this paper, we derive a significantly simpler and more powerful method of proving universality of Hamiltonians, directly leveraging the ability to encode quantum computation into ground states. This provides new insight into the origins of universal models and suggests a deep connection between universality and complexity. We apply this new approach to show that there are universal models even in translationally invariant spin chains in 1D. This gives as a corollary a new Hamiltonian complexity result that the local Hamiltonian problem for translationally invariant spin chains in one dimension with an exponentially small promise gap is PSPACE-complete. Finally, we use these new universal models to construct the first known toy model of 2D–1D holographic duality between local Hamiltonians.
Dietary determinants of postprandial blood glucose control in adults with type 1 diabetes on a hybrid closed-loop system
Authors: Vetrani Claudia , Calabrese Ilaria , Cavagnuolo Luisa , Pacella Daniela , Napolano Elsa , Di Rienzo Silvia , Riccardi Gabriele , Rivellese Angela A. , Annuzzi Giovanni , Bozzetto Lutgarda
Published: October 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this work was to assess the relationship between meal nutrients and postprandial blood glucose response (PGR) in individuals with type 1 diabetes on a hybrid closed-loop system (HCLS).

Methods

The dietary composition of 1264 meals (398 breakfasts, 441 lunches and 425 dinners) was assessed by 7-day food records completed by 25 individuals with type 1 diabetes on HCLSs (12 men/13 women, mean ± SD age 40 ± 12 years, mean ± SD HbA1c 51 ± 10 mmol/mol [6.9 ± 0.2%]). For each meal, PGR (continuous glucose monitoring metrics, glucose incremental AUCs) and insulin doses (pre-meal boluses, post-meal microboluses automatically delivered by the pump and adjustment boluses) over 6 h were evaluated.

Results

Breakfast, lunch and dinner significantly differed with respect to energy and nutrient intake and insulin doses. The blood glucose postprandial profile showed an earlier peak after breakfast and a slow increase until 4 h after lunch and dinner (p < 0.001). Mean ± SD postprandial time in range (TIR) was better at breakfast (79.3 ± 22.2%) than at lunch (71.3 ± 23.9%) or dinner (70.0 ± 25.9%) (p < 0.001). Significant negative predictors of TIR at breakfast were total energy intake, per cent intake of total protein and monounsaturated fatty acids, glycaemic load and absolute amounts of cholesterol, carbohydrates and simple sugars consumed (p < 0.05 for all). No significant predictors were detected for TIR at lunch. For TIR at dinner, a significant positive predictor was the per cent intake of plant proteins, while negative predictors were glycaemic load and intake amounts of simple sugars and carbohydrate (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions/interpretation

This study shows that nutritional factors other than the amount of carbohydrate significantly influence postprandial blood glucose control. These nutritional determinants vary between breakfast, lunch and dinner, with differing effects on postprandial blood glucose profile and insulin requirements, thus remaining a challenge to HCLSs.

Graphical abstract
The effects of electrically exploding gold bridgewires into inert and explosive powder beds
Authors: Rae P. J. , Rettinger R. C.
Published: October 2021

The particle velocity created in beds of both low-density inert sugar and explosive PETN as a function of distance from an exploding bridgewire was measured using optical velocimetry and a silvered PMMA window. As expected, more violent bridge-bursts (from a greater-stored-energy capacitive discharge unit) resulted in greater particle velocities and a better supported compaction wave in sugar. In all cases, ramp waves, not shocks, were observed in the inert sugar. Large window velocities were observed for very powerful bursts (up to 270 m/s), but bursts required for stochastic detonator operation conditions resulted in sugar/PMMA window velocities of only 8–10 m/s 0.85 mm from the bridge location. In contrast, after a distance of only 0.65 mm, a building shock wave was observed in PETN under both threshold and reliable firing conditions. Subsequently a hot-spot-driven shock-to-detonation (SDT) process was observed prior to full detonation. The measured buildup process accounts for $$\approx $$
≈
 66% of the so-called excess transit time (ETT) between the observed and theoretical total function time for the particular exploding-bridge-wire (EBW) detonator studied. The remainder must occur in the powerful output pellet region. In contrast to a common understanding, the ETT is found to be a weak function of the discharge energy. Thus, the operation of the detonator after a bridge-burst energy-to-powder reaction transition process is found to be hot-spot-driven SDT in both the low- and high-density pellets.
Persistent autism-relevant behavioral phenotype and social neuropeptide alterations in female mice offspring induced by maternal transfer of PBDE congeners in the commercial mixture DE-71
Authors: Kozlova Elena V. , Valdez Matthew C. , Denys Maximillian E. , Bishay Anthony E. , Krum Julia M. , Rabbani Kayhon M. , Carrillo Valeria , Gonzalez Gwendolyn M. , Lampel Gregory , Tran Jasmin D. , Vazquez Brigitte M. , Anchondo Laura M. , Uddin Syed A. , Huffman Nicole M. , Monarrez Eduardo , Olomi Duraan S. , Chinthirla Bhuvaneswari D. , Hartman Richard E. , Kodavanti Prasada Rao S. , Chompre Gladys , Phillips Allison L. , Stapleton Heather M. , Henkelmann Bernhard , Schramm Karl-Werner , Curras-Collazo Margarita C.
Published: October 2021

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are known neuroendocrine disrupting chemicals with adverse neurodevelopmental effects. PBDEs may act as risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), characterized by abnormal psychosocial functioning, although direct evidence is currently lacking. Using a translational exposure model, we tested the hypothesis that maternal transfer of a commercial mixture of PBDEs, DE-71, produces ASD-relevant behavioral and neurochemical deficits in female offspring. C57Bl6/N mouse dams (F0) were exposed to DE-71 via oral administration of 0 (VEH/CON), 0.1 (L-DE-71) or 0.4 (H-DE-71) mg/kg bw/d from 3 wk prior to gestation through end of lactation. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated in utero and lactational transfer of PBDEs (in ppb) to F1 female offspring brain tissue at postnatal day (PND) 15 which was reduced by PND 110. Neurobehavioral testing of social novelty preference (SNP) and social recognition memory (SRM) revealed that adult L-DE-71 F1 offspring display deficient short- and long-term SRM, in the absence of reduced sociability, and increased repetitive behavior. These effects were concomitant with reduced olfactory discrimination of social odors. Additionally, L-DE-71 exposure also altered short-term novel object recognition memory but not anxiety or depressive-like behavior. Moreover, F1 L-DE-71 displayed downregulated mRNA transcripts for oxytocin (Oxt) in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and supraoptic nucleus, and vasopressin (Avp) in the BNST and upregulated Avp1ar in BNST, and Oxtr in the paraventricular nucleus. Our work demonstrates that developmental PBDE exposure produces ASD-relevant neurochemical, olfactory processing and behavioral phenotypes that may result from early neurodevelopmental reprogramming within central social and memory networks.
Numerical analysis of a finite element formulation of the P2D model for Lithium-ion cells
Authors: Bermejo R.
Published: October 2021

The mathematical P2D model is a system of strongly coupled nonlinear parabolic-elliptic equations that describes the electrodynamics of lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, we present the numerical analysis of a finite element-implicit Euler scheme for such a model. We obtain error estimates for both the spatially semidiscrete and the fully discrete systems of equations, and establish the existence and uniqueness of the fully discrete solution.
Investigating the Accuracy of Quantitative Echocardiographic-Modified Task Force Criteria for Arrhythmogenic Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in Adolescent Male Elite Athletes
Authors: Sharma Chetanya , Dorobantu Dan M. , Ryding Diane , Perry Dave , McNally Steven R. , Stuart A. Graham , Williams Craig A. , Pieles Guido E.
Published: October 2021

Athlete preparticipation screening focuses on preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) by detecting diseases such as arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (AVC), which affects primarily the right ventricular myocardium. Diagnosis may be obscured by physiological remodeling of the athlete heart. Healthy athletes may meet the 2010 Task Force Criteria right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dimension cut-offs, questioning the suitability of the modified Task Force Criteria (mTFC) in adolescent athletes. In this study, 67 male adolescent footballers undergoing preparticipation screening were reviewed. All athletes underwent a screening for resting ECG and echocardiogram according to the English FA protocol, as well as cardiopulmonary exercise testing, stress ECG, and exercise echocardiography. Athletes’ right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) that met the major AVC diagnostic criteria for dilatation were identified. Of 67 evaluated athletes, 7 had RVOT dilatation that met the major criteria, all in the long axis parasternal view measurement. All had normal right ventricular systolic function, including normal free-wall longitudinal strain (ranging from − 21.5 to − 32.7%). Left ventricular ejection fraction ranged from 52 to 67%, without evidence of structural changes. Resting ECGs and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were normal in all individuals. In a series of healthy athletes meeting the major AVC diagnostic criteria for RVOT dilatation, none had any other pathological changes on a detailed screening including ECG, exercise testing, and echocardiography. This report highlights that current AVC echocardiographic diagnosis criteria have limitations in this population.
Sociality and parasite transmission
Authors: Schmid-Hempel Paul
Published: October 2021

Parasites and their social hosts form many different relationships. But what kind of selection regimes are important? A look at the parameters that determine fitness of the two parties suggests that social hosts differ from solitary ones primarily in the structure of transmission pathways. Because transmission is, both, the physical encounter of a new host and infecting it, several different elements determine parasite transmission success. These include spatial distance, genetic distance, or the temporal and ecological niche overlaps. Combing these elements into a ‘generalized transmission distance’ that determines parasite fitness aids in the identification of the critical steps. For example, short-distance transmission to genetically similar hosts within the social group is the most frequent process under sociality. Therefore, spatio-genetical distances are the main driver of parasite fitness. Vice versa, the generalized distance identifies the critical host defences. In this case, host defences should be primarily selected to defend against the within-group spread of an infection, especially among closely related group members.
Mantle versus crustal contributions in crustal-scale magmatic systems (Sesia Magmatic System, northern Italy) from coupling Hf isotopes and numerical modelling
Authors: Storck Julian-Christopher , Laurent Oscar , Karakas Ozge , Wotzlaw Jörn-Frederik , Galli Andrea , Sinigoi Silvano , Bachmann Olivier , Chelle-Michou Cyril
Published: October 2021

The growth and evolution of crustal-scale magmatic systems play a key role in the generation of the continental crust, the largest eruptions on Earth, and the formation of metal resources vital to our society. However, such systems are rarely exposed on the Earth’s surface, limiting our knowledge about the magmatic processes occurring throughout the crust to indirect geochemical and petrographic data obtained from the shallowest part of the system. The Hf isotopic composition of accessory zircon is widely used to quantify crust-mantle evolution and mass transfers to and within the crust. Here we combine single-grain zircon Hf isotopic analysis by LA-MC-ICP-MS with thermal modelling to one of the best-studied crustal-scale igneous systems (Sesia Magmatic System, northern Italy), to quantify the relative contribution of crustal- and mantle-derived magmas in the entire system. Zircons from the deep gabbroic units define a tight range of εHf (−2.5 ± 1.5). Granites and rhyolites overlap with this range but tail towards significantly more negative values (down to −9.5). This confirms that the entire system consists of hybrid magmas that stem from both differentiation of mantle-derived magmas and melting of the crust. Thermal modelling suggests that crustal melting and assimilation predominantly occurs during emplacement and evolution of magmas in the lower crust, although melt production is heterogeneous within the bodies both spatially and temporally. The spatial and temporal heterogeneity resolved by the thermal model is consistent with the observed Hf isotope variations within and between samples, and in agreement with published bulk-rock Sr–Nd isotopic data. On average, the crustal contribution to the entire system determined by mixing calculations based on Hf isotopic data range between 10 and 40%, even with conservative assumptions, whereas the thermal model suggests that this space- and time-averaged contribution does not exceed 20%. However, spatial and temporal variations in the crustal melt proportion (from 0 up to 80% as observed in the thermal model) may impart significant isotopic variability to different batches of magma observed on the outcrop scale, emphasizing the need to consider a magmatic system as a whole, i.e., by integrating all spatial and temporal scales, to more precisely quantify crustal growth vs. reworking.
National survey on deceased donor organ transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Ito Taihei , Kenmochi Takashi , Ota Atsuhiko , Kuramitsu Kaori , Soyama Akihiko , Kinoshita Osamu , Eguchi Susumu , Yuzawa Kenji , Egawa Hiroto
Published: October 2021

Purpose

We investigated the status of deceased organ donation and transplantation through a questionnaire distributed to transplant centers in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The questionnaire was distributed electronically to 206 transplant centers for heart (n = 11), lung (n = 10), liver (n = 25), kidney (n = 130), pancreas (n = 18), and small intestine (n = 12) transplantation. Organ donations and organ transplantation data were extracted from the Japan Organ Transplant Network website.

Results

We received questionnaire responses from 177 centers (response rate, 86%). In 2020, the number of brain-dead donors (BDDs) decreased to 68 (69% of the year-on-year average) and the number of donors after cardiac death (DCDs) decreased to 9 (32% of the year-on-year average). Eighty-five (48%) transplant centers (heart, n = 0; lung, n = 0; liver, n = 4; kidney, n = 78; pancreas, n = 22; and small intestine, n = 0) suspended transplant surgeries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the number of organ transplantations from deceased donors was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2019.

Conclusion

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had less impact in Japan than in other countries, it has affected transplantation activity significantly, suspending transplantation surgeries in 48% of the transplantation centers, including 78% of the kidney transplantation centers, and reducing the number of organ donations to 61% of the year-on-year average.
Protein clearance strategies for disease intervention
Authors: Hommen Franziska , Bilican Saygın , Vilchez David
Published: October 2021

Protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, is essential for cell function and viability. Unwanted, damaged, misfolded and aggregated proteins are degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Growing evidence indicates that alterations in these major proteolytic mechanisms lead to a demise in proteostasis, contributing to the onset and development of distinct diseases. Indeed, dysregulation of the UPS or autophagy is linked to several neurodegenerative, infectious and inflammatory disorders as well as cancer. Thus, modulation of protein clearance pathways is a promising approach for therapeutics. In this review, we discuss recent findings and open questions on how targeting proteolytic mechanisms could be applied for disease intervention.