bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autosomal recessive monilethrix: Novel variants of the DSG4 gene in three Chinese families
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Wang Pei , Yang Dingquan , Liao Wenjun , Guo Qing , Li Jiacheng , Wen Guangdong , Zheng Shuying , Zhang Xue , Wang Rongrong , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: February 2022

Background

Monilethrix is a rare hereditary hair loss disorder characterized by hair fragility and beaded hair shaft alterations. Monilethrix is classically inherited in an autosomal dominant (AD) fashion caused by variants in the hair keratin genes KRT81, KRT83, or KRT86. Interestingly, an autosomal recessive (AR) form of monilethrix with variants in DSG4 gene has also been reported in recent years.

Objective

To identify causative variants in Chinese patients with autosomal recessive (AR) form of monilethrix.

Methods

Three families with AR form of monilethrix were observed and sequence variant analysis of DSG4 was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative real‐time PCR, and DNA sequencing.

Results

All the patients had sparse, fragile hair involving the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes with keratotic follicular papules and pruritus since birth. Atypical‐beaded hairs and broken hair shaft fragments were identified in all the patients under dermoscopy. Heterozygous variants c.837del and c. 2389C > T, a homozygous splice site variant c.2355 + 1G > A, and a homozygous 48,644 bp large deletion variant g.31381440_31430084del in the DSG4 gene were identified and verified in the families.

Conclusion

This report provided further evidence for the phenotypic spectrum and clinical features of, and the expanded variant database of AR form of monilethrix.
Exploring the long‐term risk factors associated with intestinal failure–associated liver disease in pediatric and adult patients: The role of lipid injectable emulsions in the development of liver disease
Authors: Melendez Marvick , Yeh Daniel Dante
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite parenteral nutrition (PN) being life sustaining, one of the risk factors associated with its long‐term use is intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD), which increases the risk for morbidity and mortality. This review examines some of the risk factors associated with IFALD.

Methods

A literature review using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL between 2010 and 2020 was performed using search terms, including long‐term total PN and liver failure, serum plant sterols and liver failure, and complications and PN. Articles in English using both human and animal participants were included.

Results

The pathophysiology associated with PN and liver disease is multifactorial and influenced by the remaining small‐bowel length, presence of the ileal cecal valve, lack of enteral stimulation, type of lipid injectable emulsion (ILE), plant sterol content, and excessive calories. The type of ILE plays a major role because of the phytosterol (PS) content, affecting the microbiome composition and inhibiting key gut signals. The PS content is highest in soy oil (SO)–based ILE, which increases inflammation and impairs biliary flow.

Conclusion

Serum PS correlates with liver biomarker abnormalities and is highest in SO‐based ILE use compared with mixed‐oil emulsions. Selection of a low‐PS content ILE is recommended to reduce the risk of biliary cholestasis. Stimulation of the gut, if possible, is recommended to maintain gut integrity and reduce bacterial overgrowth. Fish oil (FO) shows promise in IFALD reversal however, large randomized controlled trials are needed to further establish support for the use of FO in adults.
Gender and ethnicity's influence on first‐year nursing students' educational motivation and career expectations: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maurud Sigurd , Børøsund Elin , Moen Anne
Published: February 2022

Aim

Given the apparent link between gender and ethnicity, and the diversity and career opportunities in nursing, this study examined gender and ethnicity's influence on first‐year nursing students' educational motivation and career expectations.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Through bootstrapped linear regressions, we analysed data on 504 Norwegian first‐year nursing students' self‐reported educational motivation and career expectations, from the StudData survey at the Centre for the Study of Professions (SPS) at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet).

Results

The sample consisted of 67 (13%) male and 437 (87%) female nursing students. Female students were more motivated compared to male students by professional interest and to pursue a specialization, less likely to assume leadership positions in the future, and more likely to prioritize family and pursue positions in the traditional nursing field. In total, 425 (84%) respondents stated a Norwegian background. Respondents who stated that both of their parents were born in a country other than Norway made up the 79 (16%) students of immigrant background. Those with immigrant backgrounds were more motivated than other students by income, status and flexible working hours and less likely to pursue a specialization or future employment in the nursing field.
Coinage Metal Complexes of Bis(quinoline‐2‐ylmethyl)phenylphosphine‐Simple Reactions Can Lead to Unprecedented Results
Authors: Kirst Christin , Tietze Jonathan , Mayer Peter , Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Karaghiosoff Konstantin
Published: February 2022

The different coordination behavior of the flexible yet sterically demanding, hemilabile P,N ligand bis(quinoline‐2‐ylmethyl)phenylphosphine (bqmpp) towards selected CuI, AgI and AuI species is described. The resulting X‐ray crystal structures reveal interesting coordination geometries. With [Cu(MeCN)4]BF4, compound 1 [Cu2(bqmpp)2](BF4)2 is obtained, wherein the copper(I) atoms display a distorted square planar and square pyramidal geometry. The steric demand and π‐stacking of the ligand allow for a short Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distance (2.588(9) Å). CuI complex 2 [Cu4Cl3(bqmpp)2]BF4 contains a rarely observed Cu4Cl3 cluster, probably enabled by dichloromethane as the chloride source. In the cluster, even shorter Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distances (2.447(1) Å) are present. The reaction of Ag[SbF6] with the ligand leads to a dinuclear compound (3) in solution as confirmed by 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. During crystallization, instead of the expected phosphine complex 3, a tris(quinoline‐2‐ylmethyl)bisphenyl‐phosphine (tqmbp) compound [Ag2(tqmbp)2](SbF6)2 4 is formed by elimination of quinaldine. The Au(I) compound [Au2(bqmpp)2]PF6 (5) is prepared as expected and shows a linear arrangement of two phosphine ligands around AuI.
The expense of sending cerebrospinal fluid for analysis on all lumbar punctures in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients
Authors: Wilson Janet , Liebman Mira F. , Johnston Donna L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients is uncommon. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with ALL is routinely sampled at each intrathecal chemotherapy treatment to screen for CNS relapse. The analysis of CSF is both time consuming and resource intensive and must be completed approximately 20 times per patient throughout treatment. Our objective was to examine the expense of routine screening on all CSF samples for CNS relapse in ALL patients, and to identify if CNS relapse can be detected clinically.

Methods

We identified all patients diagnosed with ALL at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) between January 2001 and June 2021. We collected the total number of CSF samples in these patients and the number of CSF samples positive for CNS relapse. An in‐depth chart review on the patients who relapsed in the CNS was completed to identify symptoms at relapse.

Results

Over the study period, 351 patients were diagnosed with ALL and underwent a total of 6515 lumbar punctures (LPs), each of which examined the CSF. The cost of CSF sample analysis is $14.32 (Canadian dollars [CDN]); thus, the total cost for the study sample was $93,294.80 (CDN). There were 14 CNS relapses and although symptoms including headache, vomiting, and fatigue were common, two patients were asymptomatic at relapse.

Conclusions

Given the marginal cost of routine CSF screening and the lack of specific and sensitive symptoms for CNS relapse, we conclude that the routine practice of sending all CSF samples for analysis of CNS relapse in ALL patients is relatively inexpensive and beneficial.
Novel lignin microspheres reinforced poly (lactic acid) composites for fused deposition modeling
Authors: Hu Liangke , Long Haibo , Yang Feiwen , Cai Qilong , Wu Yixuan , Li Zhiyuan , Xiao Jialin , Xiao Dingshu , Zhang Shuting , Guan Litao , Zheng Wenxu , Zhou Wuyi , Dong Xianming
Published: February 2022

Lignin microspheres were prepared by the solvent‐anti‐solvent method and blended with pure poly (lactic acid) (PLA) to prepare lignin microspheres/PLA composites for fused deposition modeling. Lignin microspheres were successfully prepared by using deionized water as the anti‐solvent and methanol (MAL), ethanol (EAL), and n‐propanol (NPA) as solvent, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of lignin microspheres showed that the best microspheres were prepared by NPA at 60 C (NPA‐60), with the size range of microspheres between 800 and 1000 nm. Moreover, the lignin microspheres/PLA composites showed the best mechanical properties when 0.375 wt% NPA‐60 was doped into PLA matrix. Compared with pure PLA, the tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of the 0.375 wt% NPA‐60/PLA composites were increased by 49.80%, 25.00%, and 112.64%, respectively. Therefore, the lignin microsphere/PLA composites prepared by using a small amount of lignin microspheres as reinforcing filler has excellent mechanical properties, which are ideal 3D printing materials for fused deposition modeling.
Static and fatigue behavior of a carbon‐fiber SMC‐R composite under combined tensile and shear stresses
Authors: Urapakam Ramakrishnan Monish , Mallick Pankaj Kumar
Published: February 2022

Randomly oriented short fiber reinforced sheet molding compound composites (SMC‐R) are among the most commonly used composites for automotive and many non‐automotive structural applications. Many studies have reported the static and fatigue properties of SMC‐R composites under uniaxial stress conditions. However, there are many applications in which they may be subjected to biaxial stress conditions and their biaxial properties have not been reported in literature. The current study considers the static and fatigue characteristics of a randomly oriented carbon fiber SMC‐R under both uniaxial and biaxial loading conditions with various combinations of tensile and shear stresses. A butterfly shaped Arcan specimen was used to conduct the biaxial stress tests. Since both static strength and fatigue life data exhibited significant variability, statistical analysis was conducted using Weibull distribution to analyse the variations in these properties of the material. In biaxial conditions in which a shear stress is imposed along with a tensile stress, the tensile strength of the material decreases with increasing shear stress. A failure envelope drawn based on von Mises equation shows reasonable agreement with the experimental results. As a percentage of the static strength, the fatigue strengths at 1 million cycles in tension and combined equal tension and shear are significantly higher than the fatigue strength in pure shear.
Allelopathy as an evolutionary game
Authors: McCoy Rachel M. , Widhalm Joshua R. , McNickle Gordon G.
Published: February 2022

In plants, most competition is resource competition, where one plant simply preempts the resources away from its neighbors. Interference competition, as the name implies, is a form of direct interference to prevent resource access. Interference competition is common among animals that can physically fight, but in plants, one of the main mechanisms of interference competition is allelopathy. Allelopathic plants release cytotoxic chemicals into the environment which can increase their ability to compete with surrounding organisms for limited resources. The circumstances and conditions favoring the development and maintenance of allelochemicals, however, are not well understood. Particularly, despite the obvious benefits of allelopathy, current data suggest it seems to have only rarely evolved. To gain insight into the cost and benefit of allelopathy, we have developed a matrix game to model the interaction between plants that produce allelochemicals and plants that do not. Production of an allelochemical introduces novel cost associated with both synthesis and detoxifying a toxic chemical but may also convey a competitive advantage. A plant that does not produce an allelochemical will suffer the cost of encountering one. Our model predicts three cases in which the evolutionarily stable strategies are different. In the first, the nonallelopathic plant is a stronger competitor, and not producing allelochemicals is the evolutionarily stable strategy. In the second, the allelopathic plant is the better competitor, and production of allelochemicals is the more beneficial strategy. In the last case, neither is the evolutionarily stable strategy. Instead, there are alternating stable states, depending on whether the allelopathic or nonallelopathic plant arrived first. The generated model reveals circumstances leading to the evolution of allelochemicals and sheds light on utilizing allelochemicals as part of weed management strategies. In particular, the wide region of alternative stable states in most parameterizations, combined with the fact that the absence of allelopathy is likely the ancestral state, provides an elegant answer to the question of why allelopathy seems to rarely evolve despite its obvious benefits. Allelopathic plants can indeed outcompete nonallelopathic plants, but this benefit is simply not great enough to allow them to go to fixation and spread through the population. Thus, most populations would remain purely nonallelopathic.
Optical properties of plasma‐treated PEEK: Monitoring colour and crystallinity for applications in medicine and dentistry using ellipsometry
Authors: Katsifis Georgio A. , Suchowerska Natalka , McKenzie David R.
Published: February 2022

Poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) is a widely used and versatile polymer. Here, we use ellipsometry to determine the wavelength‐dependent optical properties of PEEK before and after the surface is modified by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII), a technique that renders the surface hydrophilic and bio‐active. Lorentz and Gaussian oscillator models are used to fit the data for extraction of the optical constants and the dielectric function. The effect of PIII, even for short treatment times, changes the optical properties of PEEK, indicative of an amorphisation of the initial semicrystalline structure that broadens the electronic density of states distribution. The progressive changes in the optical properties with treatment time allow assessment of colour changes and estimation of ion dose in the PIII process.
An age‐dependent mathematical model of neurofilament trafficking in healthy conditions
Authors: Paris Alessio , Bora Pranami , Parolo Silvia , Monine Michael , Tong Xiao , Eraly Satish , Masson Eric , Ferguson Toby , McCampbell Alexander , Graham Danielle , Domenici Enrico , Nestorov Ivan , Marchetti Luca
Published: February 2022

Neurofilaments (Nfs) are the major structural component of neurons. Their role as a potential biomarker of several neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated in past years with promising results. However, even under physiological conditions, little is known about the leaking of Nfs from the neuronal system and their detection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. This study aimed at developing a mathematical model of Nf transport in healthy subjects in the 20–90 age range. The model was implemented as a set of ordinary differential equations describing the trafficking of Nfs from the nervous system to the periphery. Model parameters were calibrated on typical Nf levels obtained from the literature. An age‐dependent function modeled on CSF data was also included and validated on data measured in serum. We computed a global sensitivity analysis of model rates and volumes to identify the most sensitive parameters affecting the model’s steady state. Age, Nf synthesis, and degradation rates proved to be relevant for all model variables. Nf levels in the CSF and in blood were observed to be sensitive to the Nf leakage rates from neurons and to the blood clearance rate, and CSF levels were also sensitive to rates representing CSF turnover. An additional parameter perturbation analysis was also performed to investigate possible transient effects on the model variables not captured by the sensitivity analysis. The model provides useful insights into Nf transport and constitutes the basis for implementing quantitative system pharmacology extensions to investigate Nf trafficking in neurodegenerative diseases.
Potential clinical applications of phytopharmaceuticals for the in‐patient management of coagulopathies in COVID‐19
Authors: Mukherjee Ashis K. , Chattopadhyay Dhruba J.
Published: February 2022

Thrombotic complications occur in many cardiovascular pathologies and have been demonstrated in COVID‐19. The currently used antithrombotic drugs are not free of adverse reactions, and COVID‐19 patients in particular, when treated with a therapeutic dose of an anticoagulant do not receive mortality benefits. The clinical management of COVID‐19 is one of the most difficult tasks for clinicians, and the search for safe, potent, and effective antithrombotic drugs may benefit from exploring naturally bioactive molecules from plant sources. This review describes recent advances in understanding the antithrombotic potential of herbal drug prototypes and points to their future clinical use as potent antithrombotic drugs. Although natural products are perceived to be safe, their clinical and therapeutic applications are not always apparent or accepted. More in‐depth studies are necessary to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of plant‐derived, bioactive compounds. In addition, holistic approaches in systematic investigations and the identification of antithrombotic mechanisms of the herbal bioactive molecule(s) need to be conducted in pre‐clinical studies. Moreover, rigorous studies are needed to compare the potency of herbal drugs to that of competitor chemical antithrombotic drugs, and to examine their interactions with Western antithrombotic medicines. We have also proposed a road map to improve the commercialization of phytopharmaceuticals.
Composite fiscal decentralisation and green innovation: Imperative strategy for institutional reforms and sustainable development in OECD countries
Authors: Sun Yunpeng , Razzaq Asif
Published: February 2022

Improving environmental quality and fiscal management has become one of the utmost imperative policy agendas for sustainable development. Although many studies explore multiple deriving factors of environmental sustainability; however, very little is known regarding the impact of composite (revenue and expenditure) fiscal decentralisation (FD) on environmental quality. Manifestly, the intergovernmental fiscal relations advocate to ensure the alignment of tax and spending powers to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. Therefore, we explore the asymmetric linkages between composite FD, green innovation, institutional governance and carbon emissions in 32 OECD countries. Our preliminary results confirm non‐linearity and structural changes in data, which instigate us to apply the asymmetric method of moments quantile regression. The overall findings exhibit that composite FD significantly mitigates carbon emissions only at medium to higher (5th–9th) emissions quantiles. In contrast, green innovation reduces carbon emissions from lower to medium (1st–5th) emissions quantiles. Institutional reforms promote environmental sustainability across all emissions quantiles (1st–9th). Interestingly, the emissions‐reducing effect of composite FD, green innovation and institutional governance is highest for higher emissions quantiles and lowest for lower emissions quantiles. These results provide valuable policy recommendations for all stakeholders.
Training and capacity building in medical statistics in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Impact of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine MSc in Medical Statistics, 1969 to 2021
Authors: Carpenter James R. , Todd Jim , Baisley Kathy , Bradley John , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Musonda Patrick , Chirwa Tobias
Published: February 2022

Since its inception in 1969, the MSc in medical statistics program has placed a high priority on training students from Africa. In this article, we review how the program has shaped, and in turn been shaped by, two substantial capacity building initiatives: (a) a fellowship program, funded by the UK Medical Research Council, and run through the International Statistical Epidemiology Group at the LSHTM, and (b) the Sub‐Saharan capacity building in Biostatistics (SSACAB) initiative, administered through the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science in Africa (DELTAS) program of the African Academy of Sciences. We reflect on the impact of both initiatives, and the implications for future work in this area.
Fabrication of Oriented Colloidal Crystals from Capillary Assembly of Polymer‐Tethered Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Gao Yutong , Zhou Youshuang , Xu Xiangyun , Chen Chungui , Xiong Bijin , Zhu Jintao
Published: February 2022

Self‐assembled colloidal crystals (CCs) or nanoparticle (NPs) superlattices have attracted significant attention due to their potential applications in many fields. However, due to the complex interactions that govern the self‐assembly, it is difficult to predict and control the superstructure organization of CCs. Herein, a facile yet effective way is demonstrated to fabricate oriented CCs from capillary assembly of polymer‐tethered gold NPs (AuNPs). Assembly mechanism of polymer‐tethered AuNPs and their superlattice structures are systematically studied by in situ small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) technology. The results show that the oriented CCs of polymer‐tethered AuNPs can be obtained upon solvent evaporation in a capillary tube and the oriented structure is mainly determined by the chain length of polymer ligands and size of AuNPs. Assembly of AuNPs tethered by short‐chain ligand can result in oriented face‐centered cubic (fcc) superlattice, whereas AuNPs tethered by long‐chain ligand can assemble into an oriented body‐centered tetragonal (bct) superlattice structure. Interestingly, in situ SAXS study shows that for the sample of bct superlattice structure, a transformation from fcc to bct superlattice upon solvent evaporation is observed, which strongly depends on chain length of ligands. This work provides a useful guide for polymer‐tethered AuNPs to prepare orientation colloidal crystals.
Ambient Ammonia Synthesis via Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate Enabled by NiCo2O4 Nanowire Array
Authors: Liu Qian , Xie Lisi , Liang Jie , Ren Yuchun , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Longcheng , Yue Luchao , Li Tingshuai , Luo Yongsong , Li Na , Tang Bo , Liu Yang , Gao Shuyan , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Shakir Imran , Agboola Philips O. , Kong Qingquan , Wang Qingyuan , Ma Dongwei , Sun Xuping
Published: February 2022

NiCo2O4 nanowire array on carbon cloth (NiCo2O4/CC) is proposed as a highly active electrocatalyst for ambient nitrate (NO3−) reduction to ammonia (NH3). In 0.1 m NaOH solution with 0.1 m NaNO3, such NiCo2O4/CC achieves a high Faradic efficiency of 99.0% and a large NH3 yield up to 973.2 µmol h−1 cm−2. The superior catalytic activity of NiCo2O4 comes from its half‐metal feature and optimized adsorption energy due to the existence of Ni in the crystal structure. A Zn‐NO3− battery with NiCo2O4/CC cathode also shows a record‐high battery performance.
Academic freedom, institutions, and productivity
Authors: Berggren Niclas , Bjørnskov Christian
Published: February 2022

The issue of what explains differences in the wealth of nations is one of the most classic in economics. We propose de facto academic freedom as an explanatory variable. The main idea is that such freedom allows for the development of new useful knowledge through research unconstrained by powerholders in business and politics. Using a new global panel‐data set, encompassing up to 127 countries over the period 1960–2015, we show that there is indeed a positive relationship between de facto academic freedom and both labor and total‐factor productivity growth. However, this effect only appears as long as the quality of the legal system is sufficiently high. We suggest that this is because such institutional quality offers protection that stimulates entrepreneurs to make use of the new knowledge produced in academia in innovative activities, which in turn benefits productivity growth.
What is Potentilla? A phylogeny‐based taxonomy for Potentillinae (Rosaceae)
Authors: Eriksson Torsten , Persson Nannie L. , Smedmark Jenny E.E.
Published: February 2022

Classification of Potentilla L. has varied considerably through time. Some authors have collapsed all of the Potentilleae tribe into a single genus, while others have divided it into more than 20 genera. All those classifications, except for the one that collapsed them all, have rendered the genus Potentilla polyphyletic. We discuss Potentilla from a phylogenetic perspective in order to achieve a reasonable classification in which Potentilla is based on a clade (monophyly). Other criteria are taken into account, namely: history, phylogenetic stability, gene flow, information content and ease of identification. All previously described genera in Potentillinae are briefly discussed and assigned to major clades. In order to do this, it was necessary to designate types for: Fraga Lapeyr., Trichothalamus Spreng., and Dactylophyllum Spenn. We discuss seven scenarios, representing the effects of classifying Potentilla at the seven major clades in Potentillinae, and conclude that the most supported and least disruptive is to classify Potentilla as the clade comprising all of Potentillinae excluding the Anserina clade.
Almost there: On the importance of a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem for developing sustainable urban food forest enterprises
Authors: Wiek Arnim , Albrecht Stefanie
Published: February 2022

Sustainable food forests offer multiple benefits to urban sustainability challenges. Research to date mostly describes structure and services of individual food forests but provides little evidence and guidance for implementation. This study analyzes and evaluates an ongoing, multiyear, transdisciplinary project developing a sustainable urban food forest enterprise in Phoenix, AZ, through a collaboration between researchers and a coalition of nonprofit organizations. Unlike other food forest projects run by nonprofit organizations, this food forest originated as a sustainable enterprise that would provide jobs and livelihood opportunities in an economically marginalized urban area while pursuing social and environmental goals such as providing healthy food and a cooler microclimate. Efforts to date have built a coalition of supporters, secured a suitable site, codeveloped a vision and an action plan, and fundraised a major start‐up donation. We evaluate these outcomes against a suite of success factors derived from implementation of other food forests and explain challenges in realizing these factors through the lens of a comprehensive sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Data for the accompanying research was collected through direct and participant observations, review of project documents, informal conversations, a stakeholder survey, and research diary reflections. Research findings indicate that despite achieving all the success factors, at least to some extent, the underdeveloped sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem jeopardizes long‐term success and multiplication efforts. These findings confirm the importance of a sufficiently developed entrepreneurial ecosystem for successful development of sustainable food enterprises. They offer guidance to food entrepreneurs, urban developers, and city officials on how to develop and support sustainable food forest enterprises.
Learning to Diagnose Students’ Behavioral, Developmental, and Learning Disorders in a Simulation-Based Learning Environment for Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Bauer Elisabeth , Sailer Michael , Kiesewetter Jan , Schulz Claudia , Gurevych Iryna , Fischer Martin R. , Fischer Frank
Published: February 2022

Reasoning about students who might have behavioral, developmental, or learning disorders is a relevant aspect of teachers’ everyday practice (Reinke et al., Sch Psychol Q 26(1):1, 2011). Therefore, this content area should be part of teacher education. Accordingly, we developed a simulation-based learning environment in which pre-service teachers gather information about six individual students. Learners examine reports about students’ behavior, e.g., in the classroom or at home, and analyze the students’ performance and records of their work. The pre-service teachers’ task is to integrate the given information and draw a diagnostic conclusion for each student. Several design aspects were investigated using the simulation. The most challenging design aspect was to automatically generate adaptive feedback on epistemic diagnostic activities and diagnostic outcomes (Schulz et al., e-teaching. org Themenspecial, Was macht Lernen mit digitalen Medien erfolgreich, 2019). The studies we conduct are replicated in a parallel project in medical education.
Ambitwistor strings and the scattering equations on AdS3×S3
Authors: Roehrig Kai , Skinner David
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We construct an ambitwistor string that describes Type II supergravity on AdS3×S3with pure NS flux. The background Einstein equations ensure that the model is anomaly free. The spectrum consists of supergravity fluctuations around this background, with no higher string states. This theory transforms the problem of computingn-point tree-level amplitudes on AdS3into that of understanding an$$ {\mathfrak{sl}}_2 $$sl2Gaudin integrable system, whose representations are determined by the dual boundary operators and whose spectral parameters correspond to the worldsheet insertion points. The scattering equations take a similar form to flat space, withn(n −3)/2 parametersτijparametrizing the eigenvalues of the Gaudin model.
Gravitational waves from bubble collisions in FLRW spacetime
Authors: Zhong Haowen , Gong Biping , Qiu Taotao
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB) is a promising tool to probe the very early universe where the standard model of particle physics and cosmology are connected closely. As a possible component of SGWB, gravitational waves (GW) from bubble collisions during the first order cosmological phase transitions deserve comprehensive analyses. In 2017, Ryusuke Jinno and Masahiro Takimoto proposed an elegant analysis approach to derive the analytical expressions of energy spectra of GW from bubble collisions in Minkowski spacetime avoiding large-scale numerical simulations for the first time [26]. However, they neglect the expansion of the universe and regard the duration of phase transitions as infinity in their derivation which could deviate their estimations from true values. For these two reasons, we give a new expression of GW spectra by adopting their method, switching spacetime background to FLRW spacetime, and considering a finite duration of phase transitions. By denotingσas the fraction of the speed of phase transitions to the expansion speed of the universe, we find whenσis around$$ \mathcal{O} $$O(10), the maxima of estimated GW energy spectra drop by around 1 order of magnitude than the results given by their previous work. Even whenσ= 100, the maximum of GW energy spectrum is only 65% of their previous estimation. Such a significant decrease may bring about new challenges for the detectability of GW from bubble collisions. Luckily, by comparing new spectra with PLI (power-law integrated) sensitivity curves of GW detectors, we find that the detection prospect for GW from bubble collisions is still promising for DECIGO, BBO, LISA, and TianQin in the foreseeable future.
Increased inflammatory response is associated with less favorable functional results 5 years after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lützner Jörg , Beyer Franziska , Lützner Cornelia , Thomas Peter , Summer Burkhard
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Allergy against implant materials is discussed controversially and still not fully understood. Despite these controversies, a relevant number of patients receive hypoallergenic knee implants. The aim of this study was to compare a new coating system with the standard implant in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Additionally, the influence of proinflammatory cytokines on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) was investigated.

Methods

120 patients without known metal allergy and without previous metal implants were included. The patients were randomized to receive a coated or standard TKA of the same knee system. 105 patients completed the 5 year follow-up. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including knee function (Oxford Knee Score, OKS), quality of life (SF36) and UCLA activity scale were assessed. Additionally, several cytokines with a possible role in implant allergy were measured in patient`s serum (IL-1beta, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IP-10, IFN γ, TNF α). Group comparison was performed using Mann–WhitneyUtest for continuous values and chi-square test for categorical values.

Results

There were no differences in PROMs between both groups at any follow-up. The majority of patients demonstrated no elevation of the measured blood cytokines. The blood cytokine pattern after 5 years demonstrated no differences between study groups. There was a significant association between elevated IL-8 values and worse results in the overall OKS (p = 0.041), the OKS function component (p = 0.004), the UCLA activity scale (p = 0.007) and the physical component of SF36 (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

There were no problems with the new coating during mid-term follow-up and no differences in PROMs between coated and standard TKA. Patients with an increased inflammatory response demonstrated worse functional results, regardless of the implant.

Level of evidence

I.

Clinical trial registration

The study protocol was registered in the US National Institutes of Health’s database (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) registry under NCT00862511.
Micro-texturing of polymer surfaces using lasers: a review
Authors: Obilor Amarachi F. , Pacella Manuela , Wilson Andy , Silberschmidt Vadim V.
Published: February 2022

Micro- and nanoscale structures produced on surfaces of metals, polymers, ceramics, and glasses have many important applications in different fields such as engineering, medical, biological, etc. Laser ablation using ultrashort pulses has become the prominent technique for generating different surface structures for various functional applications. Ultrashort laser ablation proved to be ideal for producing structures with dimensions down to the nanometre scale. In comparison to other texturing techniques employed to create micro/nano features such as electrochemical machining, micro-milling, ion-beam etching, hot embossing, lithography, and mechanical texturing, ultrashort laser ablation produces high-quality surfaces at low cost in a one-step non-contact process. Advantageous characteristics of polymers such as high strength-to-weight ratio, non-corrosive nature, and high electrical and thermal resistance, have made polymers the preferred choice compared to other materials (e.g., steel, aluminium, titanium) in several fields of application. As a result, laser ablation of polymers has been of great interest for many researchers. This paper reviews the current state-of-the art research and recent progress in laser ablation of polymers starting from laser-material interaction, polymer properties influenced by laser, laser texturing methods, and achievable surface functionalities such as adhesion, friction, self-cleaning, and hydrophilicity on commonly used polymeric materials. It also highlights the capabilities and drawbacks of various micro-texturing techniques while identifying texture geometries that can be generated with these techniques. In general, the objective of this work is to present a thorough review on laser ablation and laser surface modification of a variety of industrially used polymers. Since direct laser interference patterning is an emerging area, considerable attention is given to this technique with the aim of forming a basis for follow-up research that could pave the way for potential technological ideas and optimization towards obtaining complex high-resolution features for future novel applications.
Influence of the roll leveler setup parameters on the quality of high-strength steel leveling operation
Authors: Perzynski Konrad , Pyzynski Kamil , Swierczynski Sebastian , Pidvysots’kyy Valeriy , Klis Janusz , Madej Lukasz
Published: February 2022

The computer-aided development of the leveling technology for high-strength steel flat sheet products is the primary goal of the research. The roll leveler setups are evaluated from the final product point of view with an acceptable flatness level and stress state at the same time. First, a reliable hardening model is developed based on experimental and numerical investigation. The combined isotropic-kinematic model is selected to capture material behavior under cyclic loading conditions. The inverse analysis approach is used for the high-quality model parameters identification stage. Then the roll leveling process for a wide range of machine setups is simulated using a finite element model. Examples of results in the form of final flatness and stress distributions are presented within the work. As an outcome, a set of process parameters is identified that provides a good quality product for both investigated criteria.
Minkowski Inequalities via Nonlinear Potential Theory
Authors: Agostiniani Virginia , Fogagnolo Mattia , Mazzieri Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we prove an extended version of the Minkowski Inequality, holding for any smooth bounded set $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^n$$

Ω
⊂

R

n

, $$n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

. Our proof relies on the discovery of effective monotonicity formulas holding along the level set flow of the p-capacitary potentials associated with $$\Omega $$
Ω
, for every p sufficiently close to 1. These formulas also testify the existence of a link between the monotonicity formulas derived by Colding and Minicozzi for the level set flow of Green’s functions and the monotonicity formulas employed by Huisken, Ilmanen and several other authors in studying the geometric implications of the Inverse Mean Curvature Flow. In dimension $$n\ge 8$$

n
≥
8

, our conclusions are stronger than the ones obtained so far through the latter mentioned technique.
Comparative analysis of microbial communities from different full-scale haloalkaline biodesulfurization systems
Authors: Gupta Suyash , Plugge Caroline M. , Klok Johannes B. M. , Muyzer Gerard
Published: February 2022

In biodesulfurization (BD) at haloalkaline and dO2-limited conditions, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) effectively convert sulfide into elemental sulfur that can be used in agriculture as a fertilizer and fungicide. Here we show which bacteria are present in this biotechnological process. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of biomass from ten reactors sampled in 2018 indicated the presence of 444 bacterial Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). A core microbiome represented by 30 ASVs was found in all ten reactors, with Thioalkalivibrio sulfidiphilus as the most dominant species. The majority of these ASVs are phylogenetically related to bacteria previously identified in haloalkaline BD processes and in natural haloalkaline ecosystems. The source and composition of the feed gas had a great impact on the microbial community composition followed by alkalinity, sulfate, and thiosulfate concentrations. The halophilic SOB of the genus Guyparkeria (formerly known as Halothiobacillus) and heterotrophic SOB of the genus Halomonas were identified as potential indicator organisms of sulfate and thiosulfate accumulation in the BD process.

Key points

• Biodesulfurization (BD) reactors share a core microbiome

• The source and composition of the feed gas affects the microbial composition in the BD reactors

• Guyparkeria and Halomonas indicate high concentrations of sulfate and thiosulfate in the BD process
The yeast Dbf4 Zn2+ finger domain suppresses single-stranded DNA at replication forks initiated from a subset of origins
Authors: Bachant Jeff , Hoffman Elizabeth A. , Caridi Chris , Nugent Constance I. , Feng Wenyi
Published: February 2022

Dbf4 is the cyclin-like subunit for the Dbf4-dependent protein kinase (DDK), required for activating the replicative helicase at DNA replication origin that fire during S phase. Dbf4 also functions as an adaptor, targeting the DDK to different groups of origins and substrates. Here we report a genome-wide analysis of origin firing in a budding yeast mutant, dbf4-zn, lacking the Zn2+ finger domain within the C-terminus of Dbf4. At one group of origins, which we call dromedaries, we observe an unanticipated DNA replication phenotype: accumulation of single-stranded DNA spanning ± 5kbp from the center of the origins. A similar accumulation of single-stranded DNA at origins occurs more globally in pri1-m4 mutants defective for the catalytic subunit of DNA primase and rad53 mutants defective for the S phase checkpoint following DNA replication stress. We propose the Dbf4 Zn2+ finger suppresses single-stranded gaps at replication forks emanating from dromedary origins. Certain origins may impose an elevated requirement for the DDK to fully initiate DNA synthesis following origin activation. Alternatively, dbf4-zn may be defective for stabilizing/restarting replication forks emanating from dromedary origins during replication stress.
Fully automatic classification of automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) imaging according to BI-RADS using a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Hejduk Patryk , Marcon Magda , Unkelbach Jan , Ciritsis Alexander , Rossi Cristina , Borkowski Karol , Boss Andreas
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and test a post-processing technique for detection and classification of lesions according to the BI-RADS atlas in automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) based on deep convolutional neural networks (dCNNs).

Methods and materials

In this retrospective study, 645 ABUS datasets from 113 patients were included; 55 patients had lesions classified as high malignancy probability. Lesions were categorized in BI-RADS 2 (no suspicion of malignancy), BI-RADS 3 (probability of malignancy < 3%), and BI-RADS 4/5 (probability of malignancy > 3%). A deep convolutional neural network was trained after data augmentation with images of lesions and normal breast tissue, and a sliding-window approach for lesion detection was implemented. The algorithm was applied to a test dataset containing 128 images and performance was compared with readings of 2 experienced radiologists.

Results

Results of calculations performed on single images showed accuracy of 79.7% and AUC of 0.91 [95% CI: 0.85–0.96] in categorization according to BI-RADS. Moderate agreement between dCNN and ground truth has been achieved (κ: 0.57 [95% CI: 0.50–0.64]) what is comparable with human readers. Analysis of whole dataset improved categorization accuracy to 90.9% and AUC of 0.91 [95% CI: 0.77–1.00], while achieving almost perfect agreement with ground truth (κ: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.69–0.95]), performing on par with human readers. Furthermore, the object localization technique allowed the detection of lesion position slice-wise.

Conclusions

Our results show that a dCNN can be trained to detect and distinguish lesions in ABUS according to the BI-RADS classification with similar accuracy as experienced radiologists.

Key Points

• A deep convolutional neural network (dCNN) was trained for classification of ABUS lesions according to the BI-RADS atlas.

• A sliding-window approach allows accurate automatic detection and classification of lesions in ABUS examinations.
Artificial intelligence for the detection, prediction, and management of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Isaksen Jonas L. , Baumert Mathias , Hermans Astrid N. L. , Maleckar Molly , Linz Dominik
Published: February 2022

The present article reviews the state of the art of machine learning algorithms for the detection, prediction, and management of atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as of the development and evaluation of artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiology and beyond. Today, AI detects AF with a high accuracy using 12-lead or single-lead electrocardiograms or photoplethysmography. The prediction of paroxysmal or future AF currently operates at a level of precision that is too low for clinical use. Further studies are needed to determine whether patient selection for interventions may be possible with machine learning.
Vulvodynia: a neuroinflammatory pain syndrome originating in pelvic visceral nerve plexuses due to mechanical factors
Authors: Bornstein Jacob , Palzur Eilam , Swash Michael , Petros Peter
Published: February 2022

This short opinion aimed to present the evidence to support our hypothesis that vulvodynia is a neuroinflammatory pain syndrome originating in the pelvic visceral nerve plexuses caused by the failure of weakened uterosacral ligaments (USLs) to support the pelvic visceral nerve plexuses, i.e., T11–L2 sympathetic and S2–4 parasympathetic plexuses. These are supported by the USLs, 2 cm from their insertion to the cervix. They innervate the pelvic organs, glands, and muscles. If the USLs are weak or lax, gravitational force or even the muscles may distort and stimulate the unsupported plexuses. Inappropriate afferent signals could then be interpreted as originating from an end-organ site. Activation of sensory visceral nerves causes a neuro-inflammatory response in the affected tissues, leading to neuroproliferation of small peripheral sensory nerve fibers, which may cause hyperalgesia and allodynia in the territory of the damaged innervation. Repair of the primary abnormality of USL laxity, responsible for mechanical stimulation of the pelvic sensory plexus, may lead to resolution of the pain syndrome.