bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does resident leverage volatility affect corporate profitability?: An empirical study from Chinese A‐share listed companies
Authors: Xie Guo , Li Kai
Published: January 2023

The increase in resident leverage is expected to promote the growth of retail consumption, thereby creating favorable macro conditions for companies to reduce leverage and destock. However, the increase in resident leverage in China has been accompanied by a continuous decline in the growth of retail consumption, which has a negative impact on the external environment of enterprises. The unbalanced panel data of 2218 nonfinancial listed companies in China from 2010 to 2018 were used to investigate the relationship and mechanism between resident leverage and corporate profitability. The empirical results show that the increase in resident leverage has a negative impact on the profitability of Chinese companies. In addition to the direct impact, resident leverage has a transmission mechanism that affects corporate profitability through debt level, degree of financialization, and degree of zombification. In order to avoid the heterogeneity of research results caused by differences in corporate characteristics, the heterogeneity test was conducted by distinguishing the nature of enterprise ownership, innovation input, and financing constraints. The test of the heterogeneity of enterprise ownership shows that residents' increased leverage has a greater restraint on the profitability of state‐owned enterprises than private enterprises. The test of the heterogeneity of enterprise innovation investment shows that residents' increasing leverage reduces the profitability of high‐innovation enterprises more strongly than low‐innovation enterprises. The heterogeneity test of financing constraints shows that residents' increasing leverage has a more obvious effect on reducing the profitability of companies with high financing constraints than with low financing constraints.
Performance investment and price decisions of two‐sided platforms under multiple quality regulation strategies
Authors: Jing Chang , Ke Hou , Yangpeng Zhu
Published: January 2023

Quality regulation is an important issue in platform governance. Quality regulation strategies can be targeted either to the platform or to the complementors. Different from a large number of previous studies on a single strategy, this paper investigates the combination of several quality regulation strategies for two‐sided platforms. This paper constructs a profit maximization model to explore the optimal performance investment and price decisions of the platform under multiple quality regulation strategies. Based on the existing research, this study considers the proportion of high‐quality complementors on the optimal performance decision, so that the two types of quality regulation strategies, platform‐oriented and complementor‐oriented, can be combined. This study finds that the optimal performance investment decision is influenced by the implementation effect of other quality regulation strategies for complementors. Therefore, platform owners should combine subsidies with quality regulation strategies when making performance investments. In addition, our results demonstrate that the combination of several quality regulation strategies can eliminate the problem caused by a certain single strategy, such as free‐riding and closed platforms.
A compact 5G band N77 bandpass filter with multiple zeros based on GaAs integrated passive device process
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Jing , Yang Tao
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a compact 5G band N77 bandpass filter (BPF) with multiple zeros is designed based on GaAs integrated passive device (IPD) process. The BPF consists of lumped capacitors and inductors. Hybrid resonator technology which consists of a combination of shunt and series resonant tanks are proposed to produce six transmission zeros in the stopband and significantly improve the filter selectivity. In addition, a series resonator at the output port of the filter was introduced to produce another transmission zero at the upper stopband and further improve the stopband suppression. Meanwhile, to reduce the area and insertion loss of the filter, a stacked inductor is designed by using IPD technology, which can greatly reduce the area and size of the filter. The minimum insertion loss is 1.782 dB. The size of the entire BPF is 1.3 mm × 0.7 mm.
Fetal intestinal loop dilatation: Follow‐up and outcome of a series of 133 consecutive cases (the DILDIG study)
Authors: Mangione Raphaële , Voirin‐Mathieu Etienne , Yvert Marianne , Fries Nicolas , Mousty Eve , Castaigne Vanina , Muller Françoise , Dreux Sophie ,   for the DILDIG Study Group
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To define the prognostic markers of fetal dilated bowel loops.

Methods

National non‐interventional study of 133 consecutive prenatal observations of dilated loops including ultrasound examinations, complementary laboratory tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), outcomes, and postnatal diagnosis.

Results

One hundred twenty seven cases were classified according to outcome: Group 1, very severe (n = 43), Group 2, children needing specific care (n = 39), and Group 3, healthy children (n = 45). Prenatal ultrasound scan suggested duodenal obstruction in 30 cases, small bowel obstruction in 81, colonic obstruction in 11, and diffuse dilatation in 5. Diameter of dilated loops did not significantly differ between the groups. A poor prognosis was significantly associated with duodenal obstruction, genetic anomalies (53% vs. 21.8%), including aneuploidies or CFTR gene mutations and abnormal amniotic fluid biochemistry (86.4% vs. 38.7%). A good prognosis was associated with regression of dilatation and normal MRI.

Conclusion

In this study, postnatal outcomes for fetuses with intestinal dilatation were best predicted by assessing the level of obstruction with prenatal ultrasound and MRI, determining the presence of associated malformations, amniotic fluid biochemical and genetic testing, and monitoring for regression of bowel dilatation. These results should help inform future guidelines on the prenatal and neonatal management of congenital intestinal obstruction.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy evaluation of nonthermal plasma restoration for ductile metals in cultural heritage artifacts
Authors: Giménez‐Barrera Patricia , Colominas Sergi , Borrós Salvador
Published: January 2023

Despite the large number of studies devoted to understanding the degradation process of ductile metals in cultural heritage, there is still a lack of consolidated protocols for their restoration. Traditional restorations such as chemical cleaning and electrochemical treatments are carried out for the recovery of corroded ductile metals. However, these techniques are usually very aggressive to the metallic surface. For this reason, a cold plasma design is presented to restore ductile metals through the minimum intervention criterion. Lead samples were induced to atmospheric acetic acid corrosion to recreate models of degradation for practical restoration and characterization. The material after plasma treatment was analyzed with different techniques of characterization, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The present work demonstrated the potential of this technique to provide an accurate analysis of its surface.
The mechanism of Cry41‐related toxin against Myzus persicae based on its interaction with Buchnera‐derived ATP‐dependent 6‐phosphofructokinase
Authors: Jin Liang , Zhang Bin‐Wu , Lu Jing‐Wen , Liao Jun‐Ao , Zhu Qi‐Jun , Lin Yi , Yu Xiao‐Qiang
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most notorious pests of many crops worldwide. Most Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis show very low toxicity to M. persicae; however, a study showed that Cry41‐related toxin had moderate toxic activity against M. persicae. In our previous work, potential Cry41‐related toxin‐binding proteins in M. persicae were identified, including cathepsin B, calcium‐transporting ATPase, and Buchnera‐derived ATP‐dependent 6‐phosphofructokinase (PFKA). Buchnera is an endosymbiont present in almost all aphids and it provides necessary nutrients for aphid growth. This study investigated the role of Buchnera‐derived PFKA in Cry41‐related toxicity against M. persicae.

RESULTS

In this study, recombinant PFKA was expressed and purified, and in vitro assays revealed that PFKA bound to Cry41‐related toxin, and Cry41‐related toxin at 25 μg ml−1 significantly inhibited the activity of PFKA. In addition, when M. persicae was treated with 30 μg ml−1 of Cry41‐related toxin for 24 h, the expression of dnak, a single‐copy gene in Buchnera, was significantly decreased, indicating a decrease in the number of Buchnera.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Cry41‐related toxin interacts with Buchnera‐derived PFKA to inhibit its enzymatic activity and likely impair cell viability, resulting in a decrease in the number of Buchnera, and finally leading to M. persicae death. These findings open up new perspectives in our understanding of the mode of action of Cry toxins and are useful in helping improve Cry toxicity for aphid control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Isolated α‐turns in peptides: a selected literature survey
Authors: Biondi Barbara , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio , Peggion Cristina , Crisma Marco
Published: January 2023

The results of classifying into various types the 68 examples of isolated α‐turns in the X‐ray diffraction crystal structures of peptides documented in the literature are presented and discussed in this review article. α‐Turns characterized by the trans disposition of all ω torsion angles are common for the backbone linear peptides investigated. In contrast, the cis arrangement of the N‐terminal (ωi + 1) torsion angle, among those generated by the three residues internal to the α‐turn, is a peculiar feature of 65% of the cyclic peptides. Among linear and cyclic peptides featuring the all‐trans disposition of the ω torsion angles, only one third of the α‐turns display φ,ψ values not too far from those characterizing regular α‐helices. In general, our findings, taken together, suggest that a significant conformational diversity is compatible with the formation of an intramolecularly H‐bonded C13‐member pseudocycle (α‐turn) in linear and cyclic peptides.
QCM‐D Study of the Formation of Solid‐Supported Artificial Lipid Membranes: State‐of‐the‐Art, Recent Advances, and Perspectives
Authors: Bar Laure , Villanueva Martín Eduardo , Neupane Shova , Cordoyiannis George , Losada-Pérez Patricia
Published: January 2023

Solid‐supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are excellent platforms for studying the biophysical properties of cell membranes. Among the existing approaches used to form SLBs, vesicle fusion and rupture onto solid supports are most commonly employed owing to their straightforward procedure. The current understanding of the mechanisms behind this approach has greatly benefited from the use of surface‐sensitive techniques, especially quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) in combination with other analytical techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) or localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Herein, an overview of the pathways of vesicle adsorption and rupture under various experimental conditions is provided. Examples including recent findings of how the variation of the properties of lipid vesicles (size, charge), aqueous buffer (pH, ionic strength, osmotic pressure), and solid support (surface energy) affect the pathway mechanism of adsorption and rupture are provided. Recent reports on poorly understood properties such as surface roughness and topography are provided, together with the need for further studies relevant to biomimetic and sensing purposes.
Half‐Metallic Full‐Heusler and Half‐Heusler Compounds with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Faleev Sergey V. , Filippou Panagiotis Ch. , Garg Chirag , Jeong Jaewoo , Samant Mahesh G. , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: January 2023

Herein, a mechanism is proposed as to how thin films formed from a Heusler compound can simultaneously have both perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and be half‐metallic. It is proposed that a thin film formed from a half‐metallic full‐Heusler or half‐Heusler compound that is cubic in the bulk can undergo a tetragonal distortion by adopting the lattice constant of the underlayer material during the thin film deposition process. The value of this distortion can be tuned by using underlayer materials with different in‐plane lattice constants. The distortion can thereby be optimized so that it is large enough to give rise to sufficient PMA, while, simultaneously, small enough to retain the half‐metallic properties (and, therefore, high tunneling magnetoresistance properties) of the Heusler compound. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations that are carried out for 90 full‐Heuslers and 147 half‐Heuslers that have been identified in the literature as half‐metals show that of these, 14 full‐Heusler and 59 half‐Heusler compounds display both half‐metallicity and PMA for optimal tetragonal distortions.
Sequential analysis of δ15N in guard hair suggests late gestation is the most critical period for muskox calf recruitment
Authors: Schmidt Niels Martin , Michelsen Anders , Hansen Lars Holst , Aggerbeck Marie Rønne , Stelvig Mikkel , Kutz Susan , Mosbacher Jesper Bruun
Published: January 2023

Rationale

Analysis of stable isotopes in tissue and excreta may provide information about animal diets and their nutritional state. As body condition may have a major influence on reproduction, linking stable isotope values to animal demographic rates may help unravel the drivers behind animal population dynamics.

Methods

We performed sequential analysis of δ15N values in guard hair from 21 muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) from Zackenberg in high arctic Greenland. We were able to reconstruct the dietary history for the population over a 5‐year period with contrasting environmental conditions. We examined the linkage between guard hair δ15N values in 12 three‐month periods and muskox calf recruitment to detect critical periods for muskox reproduction. Finally, we conducted similar analyses of the correlation between environmental conditions (snow depth and air temperature) and calf recruitment.

Results

δ15N values exhibited a clear seasonal pattern with high levels in summer and low levels in winter. However, large inter‐annual variation was found in winter values, suggesting varying levels of catabolism depending on snow conditions. In particular δ15N values during January–March were linked to muskox recruitment rates, with higher values coinciding with lower calf recruitment. δ15N values were a better predictor of muskox recruitment rates than environmental conditions.

Conclusions

Although environmental conditions may ultimately determine the dietary δ15N signal in muskox guard hairs, muskox calf recruitment was more strongly correlated with δ15N values than ambient snow and temperature. The period January–March, corresponding to late gestation, appears particularly critical for muskox reproduction.
Identification of dual‐rate sampled nonlinear systems based on the cycle reservoir with regular jumps network
Authors: Xie Li , Pan Yapu , Tao Hongfeng , Yang Huizhong
Published: January 2023

There are two main difficulties for identification of dual‐rate sampled nonlinear systems; one is the unknown nonlinear properties and the other is the dual‐rate sampled data. Considering the above two points, this paper proposes a cycle reservoir with regular jumps (CRJ) network based recursive identification algorithm. Unlike a traditional method, the proposed one does not require a priori knowledge of the nonlinearity and can handle dual‐rate data; therefore, its applicability can be guaranteed. Firstly, the CRJ network is used to describe the nonlinear characteristics of the target systems. However, the update of the CRJ network requires the missing outputs, thus the auxiliary model identification theory is adopted and the missing outputs are replaced by the estimated outputs of the network. In this process, the output weights of the CRJ network are updated at a slow rate, while the estimates of the missing outputs are updated quickly, resulting in an interactive estimation computation process. Then, to improve the identification accuracy, the hyper‐parameters of the CRJ network are optimized by means of the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
STEM‐related outcomes for adolescents with differing perceptions of school racial climate: A latent class analysis
Authors: Cerda‐Smith Jacqueline , Joy Angelina , Mathews Channing , Knox Jerica , Mulvey Kelly Lynn
Published: January 2023

Racially minoritized groups are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree programs and careers, warranting the need to examine students' racialized experiences in K‐12 settings that may influence their STEM persistence. In particular, the current study explored adolescent perceptions of school racial climate (SRC) as a potential contributor to pre‐college racial disparities in STEM. We used latent class analysis to group adolescents based on their SRC perceptions and explored group differences in their interest in a STEM career and their belonging, psychological needs satisfaction, and engagement in STEM courses. Adolescent participants (N = 412, 50.2% female, 36.9% male, 12.9% other/not reported, Mage = 15.72 years, standard deviation = 1.24) attending five high schools in the Southeastern United States, were grouped into five classes based on their perceptions of SRC: Critical SRC (CritSRC), Average SRC, Average with Stereotyping, Positive SRC (PosSRC), and Positive with Stereotyping. Latent class membership differed by race, age, and learning environment. Results revealed that students with more positive perceptions of SRC reported greater belonging, engagement, and needs satisfaction in their STEM courses and more interest in a STEM career compared to students with CritSRC perceptions. Findings also indicated that White students were more likely than Black students to perceive a PosSRC. Recommendations for areas of future research and policy implications are discussed.
Lattice Mismatch–Induced Formation of Copper Nanoplates with Embedded Ultrasmall Platinum or Palladium Cores for Tunable Optical Properties
Authors: Qiao Zhun , Yang Hao , Fan Qikui , Liu Zhaojun , Liu Kai , Wen Zhibin , Wang Zhengyan , Cheng Tao , Gao Chuanbo
Published: January 2023

Although noble metal nanocrystals have been studied extensively in the past decades, the shape‐controlled synthesis of non‐noble metal nanocrystals has remained challenging with limited success, which is a grand obstacle to their wide applications. Herein, a novel lattice mismatch–involved shape‐control mechanism of Cu nanocrystals in a seed‐mediated synthesis is reported, which can produce Cu nanoplates in high yield with tailored sizes (28–130 nm), holding great potential in optical and catalytic applications. The lattice mismatch between Cu and the seed is found effective in inducing crystallographic defects for symmetry breaking toward anisotropic nanocrystals. While a too‐large lattice mismatch (11.7% for Au seeds) leads to multiple twin defects to form quasi‐spherical Cu nanocrystals, an appropriately large lattice mismatch (7.7% for Pt and 6.9% for Pd seeds) successfully induces planar defects for the formation of Cu nanoplates. The size of the Cu nanoplates is customizable by controlling the concentration of the seeds, leading to tunable optical properties. A prototype of a colorimetric indicator with Cu nanoplates, potentially applicable to the safety control of foods and drugs is demonstrated. This mechanism paves a new way for the shape‐controlled synthesis of Cu and other metal nanocrystals for a broad range of applications.
Dual Mechanism for Sodium based Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Miao , Zhang Junfei , Sun Zhen , Huang Lu , Xie Tian , Wang Xianwen , Wang Dong , Wu Yingpeng
Published: January 2023

A dual‐mechanism energy storage strategy is proposed, involving the electrochemical process of sodium ion battery (SIB) and sodium metal battery (SMB). This strategy is expected to achieve a higher capacity than SIB, and obtain dendrite‐free growth of SMB with a well‐designed anode. Here, self‐constructed bismuth with “sodiophilic” framework and rapid ion transmission characteristics is employed as the sodium host (anode) integrating alloy/de‐alloy and plating/stripping process that suppresses the dendrite growth and overcomes the limited capacity of traditional anode. Benefited from this, the capacity (capacity contributed by alloy and plating of sodium in total) of 2000 mAh g−1 can be reached, which can retain up to 800 h at 1 A g−1. Also, the capacity of 3100 mAh g−1 can be achieved that is ≈7.7 times than that of alloyed‐bismuth (Bi). This work proposes a dual‐mechanism strategy to tackle the dilemma of high‐performance sodium (Na) storage devices, which opens a new avenue for the development of next‐generation energy storage device.
Designing Intelligent Nanomaterials to Achieve Highly Sensitive Diagnoses and Multimodality Therapy of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Li Guanlin , Wu Sicheng , Chen Wenzhe , Duan Xiaolu , Sun Xinyuan , Li Shujue , Mai Zanlin , Wu Wenzheng , Zeng Guohua , Liu Hongxing , Chen Tianfeng
Published: January 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) is among the most common malignant tumors of the genitourinary system worldwide. In recent years, the rate of BC incidence has increased, and the recurrence rate is high, resulting in poor quality of life for patients. Therefore, how to develop an effective method to achieve synchronous precise diagnoses and BC therapies is a difficult problem to solve clinically. Previous reports usually focus on the role of nanomaterials as drug delivery carriers, while a summary of the functional design and application of nanomaterials is lacking. Summarizing the application of functional nanomaterials in high‐sensitivity diagnosis and multimodality therapy of BC is urgently needed. This review summarizes the application of nanotechnology in BC diagnosis, including the application of nanotechnology in the sensoring of BC biomarkers and their role in monitoring BC. In addition, conventional and combination therapies strategy in potential BC therapy are analyzed. Moreover, different kinds of nanomaterials in BC multimodal therapy according to pathological features of BC are also outlined. The goal of this review is to present an overview of the application of nanomaterials in the theranostics of BC to provide guidance for the application of functional nanomaterials to precisely diagnose and treat BC.
A comparison of methods for estimating juvenile salmon habitat capacity to assist with restoration planning and evaluation
Authors: Roni Philip , Camp Meghan J. , Connelly Kristin , Ross Kai , Berge Hans
Published: January 2023

Objective

A variety of analytical approaches have been developed in recent years to estimate salmon Oncorhynchus spp. freshwater habitat capacity to assist with planning and evaluating habitat restoration. We compared and contrasted seven different methods for estimating juvenile Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha habitat rearing capacity (total number of fish that a given area of habitat can support), abundance, and habitat suitability in a 3.2-km reach of the Grande Ronde River, Oregon.

Methods

This included approaches that used statistical methodologies applied to existing empirical data sets, including quantile random forests (QRFs) and spatial stream networks (i.e., Fish Data Analysis Tool [FDAT]), and deterministic models that included the habitat suitability index, the unit characteristic method (UCM), and three habitat expansion methods.

Result

We hypothesized that the methods would provide comparable estimates. However, the approaches provided very divergent estimates for the same stream reach, ranging from 1048 to 24,530 juvenile Chinook Salmon. The simple habitat expansion methods appeared to be the most similar to the actual parr (juvenile) abundance obtained from recent snorkel surveys (4179 juveniles). The fish density data (fish/m2) and habitat data used in the models were likely the main drivers of the differences between the UCM and habitat expansion methods.

Conclusion

The habitat expansion approaches, which are based on detailed habitat surveys, appear to be particularly suitable for estimating capacity within a reach; thus, they may be suitable for evaluating changes due to habitat restoration. The model-based approaches (QRF and FDAT) appear to yield coarser estimates, in part because they use various inputs at the reach and landscape scales. As such, they are more useful for relative comparisons among reaches in watersheds to assist with watershed-scale restoration planning and prioritization. Because all of the methods rely on fish density in different types of habitats, regional or local data on fish densities would improve their accuracy.
DNA methylation‐mediated inhibition of MGARP is involved in impaired progeny testosterone synthesis in mice exposed to DBP in utero
Authors: Li Huan , Jiang Yutong , Liu Minhui , Yu Jiaxin , Feng Xinyue , Xu Xiaolei , Wang Hongyan , Zhang Jing , Sun Xiuling , Yu Yan
Published: January 2023

The dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been detected in fetuses and infants and can cause damage to the reproductive system in adulthood, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of intrauterine DBP exposure on offspring reproductive function and explore possible mechanisms. SPF C57BL/6 pregnant mice were given DBP (0.5, 5, 75 mg/kg/d) or corn oil from day 5 to day 19 by gavage. After weaning, the pups were fed a standard diet for 5 weeks. In addition, TM3 Leydig cell cultures were used to study the relevant mechanisms in vitro. The results showed that intrauterine DBP exposure could reduce sperm density and sperm motility, cause testicular tissue damage, down‐regulate serum T and LH levels, and up‐regulate serum FSH levels at 75 mg/kg/d. Western blot and methylation detection revealed intrauterine exposure to DBP down‐regulated testosterone synthesis‐related proteins StAR, P450scc, 3β‐HSD, PKA, and PKC expression, while up‐regulated the levels of methyltransferase proteins expression and DNA 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) in testicular tissue of mouse offspring at 75 mg/kg/d. Further detection found in utero 75 mg/kg/d DBP exposure down‐regulated MGARP protein expression, and induced incomplete methylation of the MGARP gene. An in vitro analysis showed that MGARP inhibition is involved in an impaired testosterone synthesis in TM3 cells. Cell culture results suggest that MGARP down‐regulation may be involved in impaired testosterone production in monobutyl phthalate‐treated cells. The present study revealed that 75 mg/kg/d DBP exposure in utero resulted in testosterone synthesis disorders and reproductive function impairment in mouse offspring, and the mechanism may be related to DNA methylation‐mediated down‐regulation of MGARP in the testis.
Matrix entanglement
Authors: Gautam Vaibhav , Hanada Masanori , Jevicki Antal , Peng Cheng
Published: January 2023

Abstract

In gauge/gravity duality, matrix degrees of freedom on the gauge theory side play important roles for the emergent geometry. In this paper, we discuss how the entanglement on the gravity side can be described as the entanglement between matrix degrees of freedom. Our approach, which we call ‘matrix entanglement’, is different from ‘target-space entanglement’ proposed and discussed recently by several groups. We consider several classes of quantum states to which our approach can play important roles. When applied to fuzzy sphere, matrix entanglement can be used to define the usual spatial entanglement in two-brane or five-brane world-volume theory nonperturbatively in a regularized setup. Another application is to a small black hole in AdS5×S5 that can evaporate without being attached to a heat bath, for which our approach suggests a gauge theory origin of the Page curve. The confined degrees of freedom in the partially-deconfined states play the important roles.
Long-lived heavy neutral leptons from mesons in effective field theory
Authors: Beltrán Rebeca , Cottin Giovanna , Helo Juan Carlos , Hirsch Martin , Titov Arsenii , Wang Zeren Simon
Published: January 2023

Abstract

In the framework of the low-energy effective field theory of the Standard Model extended with heavy neutral leptons (HNLs), we calculate the production rates of HNLs from meson decays triggered by dimension-six operators. We consider both lepton-number-conserving and lepton-number-violating four-fermion operators involving either a pair of HNLs or a single HNL. Assuming that HNLs are long-lived, we perform simulations and investigate the reach of the proposed far detectors at the high-luminosity LHC to (i) active-heavy neutrino mixing and (ii) the Wilson coefficients associated with the effective operators, for HNL masses below the mass of the B-meson. We further convert the latter to the associated new-physics scales. Our results show that scales in excess of hundreds of TeV and the active-heavy mixing squared as small as 10−15 can be probed by these experiments.
Schlag auf Schlag – Bericht über feuerwerksbedingte Knalltraumata zum Jahreswechsel 2021/2022
Authors: Flockerzi Veronika , Schick Bernhard ,   die German Acoustic Fireworks-associated Traumata Study (GAFATS) Group, Hackenberg Stephan , Ilgner Justus , Hesse Gerhard , Jecker Peter , Drews Tanja , Eichwald Herbert , Dommerich Steffen , Gerstner Andreas O. H. , Hoppe Stephanie , Ebmeyer Jörg , Thomas Jan Peter , Papst Friedemann , Hornung Joachim , Lang Stephan , Knopf Andreas , Dost Philipp , Arens Christoph , Wrobel Christian , Langer Jörg , Münscher Adrian , Gliese Alexandra , Lenarz Thomas , Bulut Olcay Cem , Hein Matti , Inhestern Johanna , Flockerzi Veronika , Schick Bernhard , Bozzato Alessandro , Federspil Philippe , Ambrosch Petra , Schmidt Sandra , Ebeling O. , Papatsoutsos Efastathios , Scherl Claudia , Gouveris Haralampos , Schmidt Sandra , Stuck Boris A. , Hofauer Benedikt , Al Kadah Base , Bumm Klaus , Jäckel Martin C. , Hilger Gregor , Muschal Birgit , Becker Sven , Evers Theo , Bozzato Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Ziel war die Erhebung, wie häufig und welche Art von feuerwerksbedingten Knalltraumata in Deutschland um Silvester 2021 trotz Verkaufsverbots für Feuerwerkskörper aufgrund der COVID-19-Pandemie auftraten.

Material und Methoden

Der Erhebungszeitraum umfasste 7 Tage (28. Dezember 2021 bis 03. Januar 2022). In einem Fragebogen wurden Datum, Art und Behandlung des Traumas, Geschlecht und Alter der Patienten erhoben sowie abgefragt, ob das Trauma beim Zünden oder Betrachten von Feuerwerk auftrat. Die Hörbeeinträchtigung wurde nach der Einteilung der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO-Grade 0–4) klassifiziert und begleitender Tinnitus, Schwindel oder andere Verletzungen erfasst. Der Fragebogen wurde an die Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Abteilungen von 171 Krankenhäusern in Deutschland verschickt.

Ergebnisse

Von 37 HNO-Abteilungen meldeten 16 keine und 21 Abteilungen meldeten 50 Patienten mit feuerwerksbedingtem Knalltrauma. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 29 ± 16 Jahre. Die Mehrzahl der Patienten war männlich (41 von 50). Es stellten sich 22 Patienten ohne und 28 mit Hörverlust vor, 32 berichteten über Tinnitus und 3 über Schwindel. Beim Zünden verletzten sich 20 Patienten und 30 als Bystander. Die Hörminderung wurde in 14 × WHO-Grad 0, 5 × WHO-Grad 1, 4 × WHO-Grad 2, 2 × WHO-Grad 3 und 3 × WHO-Grad 4 eingestuft. Stationär wurden 8 Patienten behandelt, 11 erlitten gleichzeitig Brandverletzungen.

Schlussfolgerung

Trotz des Verkaufsverbots gab es zum Jahreswechsel 2021/2022 einige Knalltraumata durch Feuerwerkskörper. Einige davon führten zu Krankenhausaufenthalten, eine deutlich höhere Dunkelziffer ist zu vermuten. Diese Studie kann als Grundlage dienen für weitere jährliche Erhebungen, um das Bewusstsein für die Gefahr des scheinbar harmlosen Feuerwerks für den Einzelnen zu schärfen.
Recipient design in human–robot interaction: the emergent assessment of a robot’s competence
Authors: Tuncer Sylvaine , Licoppe Christian , Luff Paul , Heath Christian
Published: January 2023

People meeting a robot for the first time do not know what it is capable of and therefore how to interact with it—what actions to produce, and how to produce them. Despite social robotics’ long-standing interest in the effects of robots’ appearance and conduct on users, and efforts to identify factors likely to improve human–robot interaction, little attention has been paid to how participants evaluate their robotic partner in the unfolding of actual interactions. This paper draws from qualitative analyses of video-recorded interactions between a robot and groups of participants, in the framework of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis. We analyse the particular ways in which participants shape their embodied actions, how they can reproduce a prior action that failed to obtain a response from the robot; and how they explore the robot’s embodied nature. We find a set of recurrent methods or practices, showing that robot-recipient design displays not only participants’ initial assumptions about the robot’s competences, but also more importantly perhaps their continuous assessment of the robot’s behaviour, and their attempts to adapt to it. Participants locally produce and constantly revise their understanding of the robot as a more or less competent co-participant, drawing from its past, current, and projected conduct and responsiveness. We discuss the implications of these findings for research in robotics and human–robot interactions, and the value of the approach to shed new light on old questions by paying attention to the quality of gesture and the sequential organisation of interaction.
Eineinhalb Jahre E-Scooter – Zwischenbilanz in Hamburg
Authors: Kähler Antonia , Püschel Klaus , Ondruschka Benjamin , Müller Alexander , Iwersen-Bergmann Stefanie , Sperhake Jan-Peter , Heinemann Axel , Fitzek Antonia
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Seitdem im Juni 2019 Elektro-Scooter als urbanes Fortbewegungsmittel in Hamburg eingeführt wurden, wurde eine hohe Anzahl von Verstößen gegen die geltenden Gesetze im Straßenverkehr (StVG, StGB) bezüglich Alkoholkonsums durch E‑Scooter-Fahrer festgestellt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Diese Studie hat zum Ziel, einen Überblick über Gefährdung des Straßenverkehrs von E‑Scooter-Fahrern unter Alkoholeinfluss zu erlangen, deren Relevanz hinsichtlich anderer Verkehrsteilnehmergruppen aufzuzeigen und eine erste Zwischenbilanz in Bezug auf deren Frequenz nach eineinhalb Jahren zu ziehen.

Material und Methoden

Die Daten der durch das Institut für Rechtsmedizin des Universitätsklinikums Hamburg-Eppendorf zwischen dem 15.06.2019 und dem 31.12.2020 hinsichtlich ihrer Blutalkoholkonzentration untersuchten alkoholisierten E‑Scooter-Fahrer (n = 342) wurden bezüglich ihrer demografischen Informationen sowie der ärztlichen Untersuchungsergebnisse retrospektiv ausgewertet und in den Kontext mit der Gesamtzahl der Verstöße gegen die Gesetze im Straßenverkehr mit anschließender Blutalkoholmessung gebracht.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 9,6 % der Gesamtzahl der Verstöße gegen die Gesetze im Straßenverkehr in Verbindung mit anschließender Bestimmung der Blutalkoholkonzentration wurden von E‑Scooter-Fahrern verübt. 87,7 % der Untersuchten waren männlich. Die Blutalkoholkonzentration lag bei 76,9 % der Untersuchten über der für eine absolute Fahruntüchtigkeit beim Benutzen eines Pkw gültigen Grenze von 1,10 ‰. Eine Häufung der Fälle war v. a. in den Nachtstunden sowie an den Wochenenden auffällig.

Aufgrund unpräziser Aufzeichnungen ist eine gewisse Dunkelziffer von E‑Scooter-Vorfällen unter den nicht näher bezeichneten Kraftfahrzeugen anzunehmen.

Diskussion

Da E‑Scooter-Fahrer einen bedeutenden Anteil unter den alkoholisierten Verkehrsteilnehmern einnehmen und die Vorfälle meist nachts und am Wochenende stattfanden, scheinen eine vermehrte Aufklärung über Gefahren bei Nutzung der E‑Scooter unter Alkoholeinfluss und ggf. ein Fahrverbot zu diesen Zeiten sinnvoll zu sein.
Eineinhalb Jahre E-Scooter – Zwischenbilanz in Hamburg
Authors: Kähler Antonia , Püschel Klaus , Ondruschka Benjamin , Thiesen Darius , Kleinertz Holger , Fitzek Antonia
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Seit der Verbreitung der sog. Elektro-Scooter durch Verleihservices in Hamburg ab Juni 2019 sind Unfälle durch die Nutzung dieser Fortbewegungsmittel regelmäßig registriert worden. Die häufigsten Verletzungsmuster bei verunfallten E‑Scooter-Fahrern betrafen die obere Extremität und den Kopf. Es zeigte sich dabei eine relevante Anhäufung alkoholisierter Fahrer unter den verletzten Personen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist der Vergleich zwischen den Unfallmustern alkoholisierter und nichtalkoholisierter E‑Scooter-Fahrer.

Material und Methoden

Die Daten der Unfallchirurgie des Universitätsklinikums Hamburg-Eppendorf wurden retrospektiv zu Unfällen mit E‑Scootern und hieraus resultierenden Verletzungsmustern ausgewertet. Hierfür wurden das Geschlecht, das Alter, das Verletzungsmuster der Personen, der Unfallhergang sowie Informationen über einen vorangegangenen Alkoholkonsum deskriptiv für den Zeitraum Juni 2019 bis Dezember 2021 erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Die Fahrer der Gesamtkohorte waren durchschnittlich 32 (Intervall: 15 bis 88 Jahre) Jahre alt und diejenigen unter Alkoholeinfluss überwiegend männlich (69,9 %). Unfälle fanden v. a. im Sommer und nachts statt. Häufige Verletzungsmuster waren Verletzungen des Gesichts, des Kopfes und der Extremitäten.

Schlussfolgerung

Festzuhalten ist, dass unter Alkoholeinfluss häufiger Verletzungen des Gesichts und des Kopfes vorlagen als bei Nüchternheit. Die Sensibilität für gesundheitliche und rechtliche Folgen von E‑Scooter-Fahrten unter Alkoholeinfluss muss verbessert werden. Zudem stellen eine Helmpflicht oder nächtliche Fahrverbote mögliche Maßnahmen zur Reduktion von Unfällen mit E‑Scootern dar.
A Laplacian to Compute Intersection Numbers on $$\overline{{{\mathcal {M}}}}_{g,n}$$ and Correlation Functions in NCQFT
Authors: Hock Alexander , Grosse Harald , Wulkenhaar Raimar
Published: January 2023

Let$$F_g(t)$$Fg(t)be the generating function of intersection numbers of$$\psi $$ψ-classes on the moduli spaces$$\overline{{{\mathcal {M}}}}_{g,n}$$M¯g,nof stable complex curves of genusg. As by-product of a complete solution of all non-planar correlation functions of the renormalised$$\Phi ^3$$Φ3-matrical QFT model, we explicitly construct a Laplacian$$\Delta _t$$Δton a space of formal parameters$$t_i$$tiwhich satisfies$$\exp (\sum _{g\ge 2} N^{2-2g}F_g(t))=\exp ((-\Delta _t+F_2(t))/N^2)1$$exp(∑g≥2N2-2gFg(t))=exp((-Δt+F2(t))/N2)1as formal power series in$$1/N^2$$1/N2. The result is achieved via Dyson-Schwinger equations from noncommutative quantum field theory combined with residue techniques from topological recursion. The genus-gcorrelation functions of the$$\Phi ^3$$Φ3-matricial QFT model are obtained by repeated application of another differential operator to$$F_g(t)$$Fg(t)and taking for$$t_i$$tithe renormalised moments of a measure constructed from the covariance of the model.
Intensive lipid-lowering therapy for early achievement of guideline-recommended LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (“Jena auf Ziel”)
Authors: Makhmudova Umidakhon , Samadifar Beasat , Maloku Aurel , Haxhikadrija Pellumb , Geiling Jens-Arndt , Römer Robert , Lauer Bernward , Möbius-Winkler Sven , Otto Sylvia , Schulze P. Christian , Weingärtner Oliver
Published: January 2023

Background and aims

Currently, less than 20% of patients at very high-risk achieve ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guideline-recommended LDL-C target levels in Europe. “Jena auf Ziel—JaZ” is a prospective cohort study in which early combination therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg was initiated on admission in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and lipid-lowering therapy was escalated during follow-up with bempedoic acid and PCSK9 inhibitors to achieve recommended LDL-C targets in all patients. Moreover, we evaluated side-effects of lipid-lowering therapy.

Methods

Patients admitted with STEMI at Jena University Hospital were started on atorvastatin 80 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg on admission. Patients were followed for EAS/ESC LDL-C target achievement during follow-up.

Results

A total of 85 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. On discharge, 32.9% achieved LDL-C targets on atorvastatin 80 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg. After 4–6 weeks, 80% of all patients on atorvastatin 80 mg and ezetimibe started at the index event were on ESC/EAS LDL-C targets. In 20%, combined lipid-lowering therapy was escalated with either bempedoic acid or PCSK9 inhibitors. All patients achieved LDL-C levels of or below 55 mg/dL during follow-up on triple lipid-lowering therapy. Combined lipid-lowering therapy was well-tolerated with rare side effects.

Conclusions

Early combination therapy with a high-intensity statin and ezetimibe and escalation of lipid-lowering therapy with either bempedoic acid or PCSK9 inhibitors gets potentially all patients with STEMI on recommended ESC/EAS LDL-C targets without significant side effects.

Graphical abstract
Introduction of laparoscopic nephrectomy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease as the standard procedure
Authors: Thomas M. N. , Datta R. R. , Wahba R. , Buchner D. , Chiapponi C. , Kurschat C. , Grundmann F. , Urbanski A. , Tolksdorf S. , Müller R. , Henze J. , Petrescu-Jipa V.-M. , Meyer F. , Bruns C. J. , Stippel D. L.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common hereditary disorder and accounts for 5–10% of all cases of kidney failure. 50% of ADPKD patients reach kidney failure by the age of 58 years requiring dialysis or transplantation. Nephrectomy is performed in up to 20% of patients due to compressive symptoms, renal-related complications or in preparation for kidney transplantation. However, due to the large kidney size in ADPKD, nephrectomy can come with a considerable burden. Here we evaluate our institution’s experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) as an alternative to open nephrectomy (ON) for ADPKD patients.

Materials and methods

We report the results of the first 12 consecutive LN for ADPKD from August 2020 to August 2021 in our institution. These results were compared with the 12 most recent performed ON for ADPKD at the same institution (09/2017 to 07/2020). Intra- and postoperative parameters were collected and analyzed. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the SF36 questionnaire.

Results

Age, sex, and median preoperative kidney volumes were not significantly different between the two analyzed groups. Intraoperative estimated blood loss was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (33 ml (0–200 ml)) in comparison to the open group (186 ml (0–800 ml)) and postoperative need for blood transfusion was significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.0462). Operative time was significantly longer if LN was performed (158 min (85–227 min)) compared to the open procedure (107 min (56–174 min)) (p = 0.0079). In both groups one postoperative complication Clavien Dindo ≥ 3 occurred with the need of revision surgery. SF36 HRQol questionnaire revealed excellent postoperative quality of life after LN.

Conclusion

LN in ADPKD patients is a safe and effective operative procedure independent of kidney size with excellent postoperative outcomes and benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Compared with the open procedure patients profit from significantly less need for transfusion with comparable postoperative complication rates. However significant longer operation times need to be taken in account.
Pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma of the prostate: clinicopathologic analysis and oncological outcomes
Authors: Bilé-Silva Andreia , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Rasteiro Henrique , Vau Nuno , Blanca Ana , Gomez Enrique , Gaspar Frederico , Cheng Liang
Published: January 2023

We report on the clinicopathologic features of 27 pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma (PGCC) cases of the prostate identified in 20 patients with an age range of 51 to 84 years (68 ± 9; median 71 years). Charlson comorbidity index ranged from 3 to 12. Serum PSA ranged from 4.30 to 662 ng/mL (median 13 ng/mL). On histologic examination, bizarre giant cells with pleomorphic nuclei characterized pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma of the prostate. PGCC component was present in 5% to 100%, with half of the patients presenting with ≥ 20%. Half of the patients initially presented with T4 and 26% with T3 disease. All patients were considered Gleason scores of 9 to 10 (ISUP grade 5). A combination of hormone therapy with chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy was applied in 68% of patients. On follow-up, 14 patients (52%) were alive with disease (1–69 months) or dead of disease (1–38 months). Patients diagnosed earlier with lower TNM stage had longer survival than those diagnosed at a later T-stage or with metastatic disease (p = 0.02). The percentage of PGCC was not related to survival in the current study. Molecular alterations in 3 samples showed a microsatellite-stable disease with low tumor mutation burden and variable PTEN, PTCH1, KDM6A, ARv7, and PIK3CA loss/alteration, TP53 mutation, TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, and MYC, PIK3CB, RICTOR, or IRS2 amplification. Our findings suggest that PGCC is a rare and aggressive subtype of prostate carcinoma whose recognition may steer clinicians to adopt more aggressive treatments and investigate new therapeutic strategies.
Plant Traits and Phylogeny Predict Soil Carbon and Nutrient Cycling in Mediterranean Mixed Forests
Authors: Prieto-Rubio J. , Perea A. , Garrido J. L. , Alcántara J. M. , Azcón-Aguilar C. , López-García A. , Rincón A.
Published: January 2023

Soil functioning is closely linked to the interactions between biological communities with the physical environment. Yet, the impact of plant community attributes on metabolic processes promoting soil nutrient cycling remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that the plant community acts as a regulating agent of nutrient mobilization in soils according to the phylogenetic and morpho-functional traits of plant species of which it is composed. Rhizosphere soils were collected in autumn and spring under 32 tree and shrub species in two Mediterranean mixed forests (four plots in each) located in southern Spain, and nine soil enzymatic activities related to C, N and P mobilization were assessed. Phylogeny and morpho-functional traits of plant species were recorded and their imprint in soil enzymatic activities across forests was determined. The results showed a plant phylogenetic signal for N mobilization in both forests, while it varied across forests for non-labile C and P mobilization. The plant phylogenetic signals were primarily driven by lineages that diversified through the Miocene, about 25 Myr ago. In addition, leaf traits and plant’s mycorrhizal type explained soil enzymatic activities independently from phylogeny. C and P mobilization increased under ectomycorrhizal plants, whilst enhanced N mobilization did occur under arbuscular mycorrhizal ones. The plant community composition led to a different carbon and nutrient mobilization degree, which in turn was mediated by distinct microbial communities mirroring differentiated resource-acquisition strategies of plants. Our results highlight the role of plant traits and mycorrhizal interactions in modulating carbon and nutrient cycling in Mediterranean mixed forest soils.