bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress of NiO‐Based Anodes for High‐Performance Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Guolang , Ding Wenhao , Guan Yu , Wang Tianshi , Liu Cheng , Zhang Lili , Yin Jingzhou , Fu Yongsheng
Published: June 2022

Rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are of great significance to the development of renewable energy. The traditional graphite anode is gradually unable to meet increasing demands for high energy density and power density due to its low theoretical capacity. NiO has gained considerable attention because of its high theoretical capacity, low toxicity, and stable chemical properties. This review summarizes the research progress of NiO‐based nanomaterials in LIBs and centers on the electrochemical reaction mechanism, synthesis methods, and strategies for improving the electrochemical properties of NiO anodes. The results demonstrate that the electrochemical characteristics highly depend on the synthesis method, morphology, surface area, conductive substrate, etc. Compared with pure NiO, NiO‐based composites including NiO/carbon‐based materials and NiO/metal oxide often present higher capacity and cycle stability. Furthermore, challenges and future perspectives of NiO‐based anodes are also discussed.
Primary vs patch‐based skin closure for in‐utero spina bifida repair
Authors: Fishel Bartal M. , Bergh E. P. , Tsao K. , Austin M. T. , Moise K. J. , Fletcher S. A. , Garnett J. , Mann L. , Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Johnson A. , Papanna R.
Published: June 2022

Objective

During in‐utero spina bifida (SB) repair, closure of large defects is often challenging, requiring tissue graft for watertight skin closure. No prior studies have compared primary skin closure vs patch‐based repair. Our objective was to compare neonatal and 1‐year outcomes associated with these two types of skin closure for in‐utero SB repair.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 102 patients undergoing open prenatal SB repair from September 2011 to August 2021 at a single institution. All patients met the inclusion criteria of the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), and the surgical procedure for in‐utero SB repair was similar to that described in the MOMS trial. During the surgery, if primary skin approximation was not feasible due to the large size of the defect, the decision was at the discretion of the pediatric neurosurgeon to utilize a patch for closure. Neonatal outcomes at birth and 1‐year outcomes were compared between the primary skin and patch‐based closure groups.

Results

Of 102 patients included in the study, 70 (68.6%) underwent primary skin closure and 32 (31.4%) patch‐based closure. The patch type included acellular bovine skin matrix (Durepair®; n = 31) and human acellular dermal matrix (Alloderm®; n = 1). Fetuses with myeloschisis were more likely to require patch‐based repair than those with myelomeningocele. The median time of fetal repair was 4 min longer for patch‐based compared with primary skin closure (37 vs 33 min; P = 0.001). Following patch‐based repair, neonates had a longer length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by 24 days (adjusted risk ratio, 2.40 (95% CI, 1.41–4.29)) compared to those that underwent primary skin closure. There was no difference between the two groups in the other neonatal outcomes, including the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Outcome at 1 year of age was available for 90 infants. Need for wound revision within their first year after birth was more common in infants who underwent patch‐based vs those with primary skin closure (19.4% vs 5.1%; P = 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in other 1‐year outcomes, including the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement by 1 year of age and surgery for tethered cord.

Conclusions

Patch‐based closure during SB repair is often needed in fetuses with myeloschisis and is associated with prolonged fetal surgery time, long NICU stay and need for wound revision within the first year after birth. Further studies are required to identify optimal patches for SB repair or alternative methods to improve outcome. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A review of 100% renewable energy scenarios on islands
Authors: Meschede Henning , Bertheau Paul , Khalili Siavash , Breyer Christian
Published: June 2022

Globally, more than 740 million people live on islands which are often seen as ideal environments for the development of renewable energy systems. Hereby, they play the role to demonstrate technical solutions as well as political transition pathways of energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The growing number of articles on 100% renewable energy systems on islands is analyzed with a focus on technical solutions for transition pathways. Since the first “100% renewable energy systems on islands”‐article in a scientific journal in 2004, 97 articles handling 100% renewable energy systems on small islands were published and are reviewed in this article. In addition, a review on 100% renewable energy systems on bigger island states is added. Results underline that solar PV as well as wind are the main technologies regarding 100% RES on islands. Not only for the use of biomass but for all RES area limitation on islands needs to be taken more seriously, based on full energy system studies and respective area demand. Furthermore, it is shown that there is still not the same common sense in the design approach including and starting at the energy needs as well as on multi‐sectoral approach. The consideration of maritime transport, aviation, cooling demands, and water systems beyond seawater desalination is only poorly considered in existing studies. Future research should also focus on developing pathways to transform the existing conventional infrastructure stepwise into a fully renewable system regarding also the interconnections with the mainland and neighboring islands.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Economics > Green Economics and Financing

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Analysis > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Analysis > Systems and Infrastructure
Defining Long Words Succinctly in FO and MSO
Authors: Hella Lauri , Vilander Miikka
Published: June 2022

We consider the length of the longest word definable in FO and MSO via a formula of size n. For both logics we obtain as an upper bound for this number an exponential tower of height linear in n. We prove this by counting types with respect to a fixed quantifier rank. As lower bounds we obtain for both FO and MSO an exponential tower of height in the order of a rational power of n. We show these lower bounds by giving concrete formulas defining word representations of levels of the cumulative hierarchy of sets. In addition, we consider the Löwenheim-Skolem and Hanf numbers of these logics on words and obtain similar bounds for these as well.
String modes, propagators and loops on fuzzy spaces
Authors: Steinacker Harold C. , Tekel Juraj
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We present a systematic organization of functions and operators on the fuzzy 2-sphere in terms of string modes, which are optimally localized in position and momentum space. This allows to separate the semi-classical and the deep quantum regime of non-commutative quantum field theory, and exhibits its nonlocal nature. This organization greatly simplifies the computation of loop contributions, avoiding oscillatory integrals and providing the effective action directly in position space. UV/IR mixing is understood as nonlocality arising from long string modes in the loops. The method is suited for any quantized symplectic space.
Seeing behind black hole horizons in SYK
Authors: Gao Ping , Lamprou Lampros
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We present an explicit reconstruction of the interior of an AdS2 black hole in Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity, that is entirely formulated in the dual SYK model and makes no direct reference to the gravitational bulk. We do this by introducing a probe “observer” in the right wormhole exterior and using the prescription of [arXiv:2009.04476] to transport SYK operators along the probe’s infalling worldline and into the black hole interior, using an appropriate SYK modular Hamiltonian. Our SYK computation recovers the precise proper time at which signals sent from the left boundary are registered by our observer’s apparatus inside the wormhole. The success of the computation relies on the universal properties of SYK and we outline a promising avenue for extending it to higher dimensions and applying it to the computation of scattering amplitudes behind the horizon.
The distinct phenotype of primary adipocytes and adipocytes derived from stem cells of white adipose tissue as assessed by Raman and fluorescence imaging
Authors: Stanek Ewa , Pacia Marta Z. , Kaczor Agnieszka , Czamara Krzysztof
Published: June 2022

Spectroscopy-based analysis of chemical composition of cells is a tool still scarcely used in biological sciences, although it provides unique information about the cell identity accessible in vivo and in situ. Through time-lapse spectroscopic monitoring of adipogenesis in brown and white adipose tissue-derived stem cells we have demonstrated that considerable chemical and functional changes occur along with cells differentiation and maturation, yet yielding mature adipocytes with a similar chemical composition, independent of the cellular origin (white or brown adipose tissue). However, in essence, these stem cell-derived adipocytes have a markedly different chemical composition compared to mature primary adipocytes. The consequences of this different chemical (and, hence, functional) identity have great importance in the context of selecting a suitable methodology for adipogenesis studies, particularly in obesity-related research.
Bounds for an Integral Involving the Modified Lommel Function of the First Kind
Authors: Gaunt Robert E.
Published: June 2022

Simple upper and lower bounds are established for the integral $$\int _0^x\mathrm {e}^{-\beta u}u^\nu t_{\mu ,\nu }(u)\,\mathrm {d}u$$

∫
0
x

e

-
β
u

u
ν

t

μ
,
ν

(
u
)

d
u

, where $$x>0$$

x
>
0

, $$0<\beta <1$$

0
<
β
<
1

, $$\mu +\nu >-2$$

μ
+
ν
>
-
2

, $$\mu -\nu \ge -3$$

μ
-
ν
≥
-
3

, and $$t_{\mu ,\nu }(x)$$

t

μ
,
ν

(
x
)

is the modified Lommel function of the first kind. Our bounds complement and improve on existing bounds for this integral, by either being sharper or increasing the range of validity. Our bounds also generalise recent bounds for an integral involving the modified Struve function of the first kind, and in some cases more a direct approach lead to sharper bounds when our general bounds are specialised to the modified Struve case.
Complications and range of motion of patients with an elbow dislocation treated with a hinged external fixator: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Van Tunen Bart , Van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Mader Konrad , Den Hartog Dennis
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Elbow dislocations are at risk for persistent instability and stiffness of the joint. Treatment with a hinged external fixation provides elbow joint stability, and allows early mobilization to prevent stiffness. Mounting a hinged elbow fixator correctly, however, is technically challenging. The low incidence rate of elbow dislocations with persistent instability suggests that centralization would result in higher surgeon exposure and consequently in less complications. This study aimed to investigate the results of treatment of elbow dislocations with a hinged elbow fixator on the rate of complications, range of motion, level of pain and restrictions in activities of daily living.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study in a level I trauma center, in which the majority of patients was treated by a dedicated elbow surgeon, was performed. All patients of 16 years or older treated with a hinged external elbow fixator between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 were included. The fixator could be used (1) for the treatment of persistent instability in acute/residual simple and complex dislocations or (2) as revision surgery to treat joint incongruency or a stiff elbow. Patient and injury characteristics, details on treatment, complications, secondary interventions, and range of motion were extracted from the patients’ medical files.

Results

The results of treatment of 34 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 13 months. The fixator was removed after a median period of 48 days. Fixator-related complications encountered were six pintract infections, one redisclocation, one joint incongruency, one muscle hernia, and one hardware failure. The median range of motion at the end of follow-up was 140° flexion, 15° constraint in extension, 90° pronation, and 80° supination.

Conclusion

A hinged elbow fixator applied by a dedicated elbow surgeon in cases of elbow instability after elbow dislocations can result in excellent joint function. Fixator-related complications are mostly mild and only temporary.
Artificial intelligence with American values and Chinese characteristics: a comparative analysis of American and Chinese governmental AI policies
Authors: Hine Emmie , Floridi Luciano
Published: June 2022

As China and the United States strive to be the primary global leader in AI, their visions are coming into conflict. This is frequently painted as a fundamental clash of civilisations, with evidence based primarily around each country’s current political system and present geopolitical tensions. However, such a narrow view claims to extrapolate into the future from an analysis of a momentary situation, ignoring a wealth of historical factors that influence each country’s prevailing philosophy of technology and thus their overarching AI strategies. In this article, we build a philosophy-of-technology-grounded framework to analyse what differences in Chinese and American AI policies exist and, on a fundamental level, why they exist. We support this with Natural Language Processing methods to provide an evidentiary basis for our analysis of policy differences. By looking at documents from three different American presidential administrations––Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden––as well as both national and local policy documents (many available only in Chinese) from China, we provide a thorough comparative analysis of policy differences. This article fills a gap in US–China AI policy comparison and constructs a framework for understanding the origin and trajectory of policy differences. By investigating what factors are informing each country’s philosophy of technology and thus their overall approach to AI policy, we argue that while significant obstacles to cooperation remain, there is room for dialogue and mutual growth.
Integration of a social robot and gamification in adult learning and effects on motivation, engagement and performance
Authors: Riedmann Anna , Schaper Philipp , Lugrin Birgit
Published: June 2022

Learning is a central component of human life and essential for personal development. Therefore, utilizing new technologies in the learning context and exploring their combined potential are considered essential to support self-directed learning in a digital age. A learning environment can be expanded by various technical and content-related aspects. Gamification in the form of elements from video games offers a potential concept to support the learning process. This can be supplemented by technology-supported learning. While the use of tablets is already widespread in the learning context, the integration of a social robot can provide new perspectives on the learning process. However, simply adding new technologies such as social robots or gamification to existing systems may not automatically result in a better learning environment. In the present study, game elements as well as a social robot were integrated separately and conjointly into a learning environment for basic Spanish skills, with a follow-up on retained knowledge. This allowed us to investigate the respective and combined effects of both expansions on motivation, engagement and learning effect. This approach should provide insights into the integration of both additions in an adult learning context. We found that the additions of game elements and the robot did not significantly improve learning, engagement or motivation. Based on these results and a literature review, we outline relevant factors for meaningful integration of gamification and social robots in learning environments in adult learning.
An infinitary propositional probability logic
Authors: Baratella Stefano
Published: June 2022

We introduce a logic for a class of probabilistic Kripke structures that we call type structures, as they are inspired by Harsanyi type spaces. The latter structures are used in theoretical economics and game theory. A strong completeness theorem for an associated infinitary propositional logic with probabilistic operators was proved by Meier. By simplifying Meier’s proof, we prove that our logic is strongly complete with respect to the class of type structures. In order to do that, we define a canonical model (in the sense of modal logics), which turns out to be a terminal object in a suitable category. Furthermore, we extend some standard model-theoretic constructions to type structures and we prove analogues of first-order results for those constructions.
Structural time series models and synthetic controls—assessing the impact of the euro adoption
Authors: Dreuw Peter
Published: June 2022

So far, empirical research on an ex-post benchmark of the euro adoption has relied on the synthetic control method by Abadie & Gardeazabal (Am Econ Rev 93:112-132, 2003) and Abadie et al. (J Am Stat Assoc 105:493-505, 2010, Am J Polit Sci, 59:495-510, 2015). However, the evidence obtained with this method is not overly consistent, leading to the conclusion that the method is not too robust to different settings of the adjustment screws. Using a new method developed by Harvey & Thiele (J Appl Econ 36:71–85, 2021) based on structural time series models, I find that France and Italy are clear losers from the euro while there are no real winners until 2019. Spain, Netherlands, Greece gain in the period before the financial crisis, but afterwards they lose. In fact, only the German economy is robust to the two crises but it loses until 2008. Relating the theories of optimum currency areas to the estimated gaps of the euro adopters from their synthetic controls, I find that openness, real convergence, and net migration are the main drivers of gains from a euro adoption, while the main drivers of losses are low levels of competitiveness, fiscal instability and labour market rigidity. Examining the crisis channels of the financial and euro crisis shows that fiscal instability, labour market rigidity and also business cycle synchronization cause large losses during the crises. Net migration helps to dampen these shocks. While openness is beneficial during the pre-crises period, it cannot help dampen the shock of the crises.
Complementary decompositions of monomial ideals and involutive bases
Authors: Hashemi Amir , Orth Matthias , Seiler Werner M.
Published: June 2022

Complementary decompositions of monomial ideals—also known as Stanley decompositions—play an important role in many places in commutative algebra. In this article, we discuss and compare several algorithms for their computation. This includes a classical recursive one, an algorithm already proposed by Janet and a construction proposed by Hironaka in his work on idealistic exponents. We relate Janet’s algorithm to the Janet tree of the Janet basis and extend this idea to Janet-like bases to obtain an optimised algorithm. We show that Hironaka’s construction terminates, if and only if the monomial ideal is quasi-stable. Furthermore, we show that in this case the algorithm of Janet determines the same decomposition more efficiently. Finally, we briefly discuss how these results can be used for the computation of primary and irreducible decompositions.
A Model for Cell Proliferation in a Developing Organism
Authors: Pollett Philip K. , Tafakori Laleh , Taylor Peter G.
Published: June 2022

In mathematical biology, there is a great deal of interest in producing continuum models by scaling discrete agent-based models governed by local stochastic rules. We discuss a particular example of this approach: a model for the proliferation of neural crest cells that can help us understand the development of Hirschprung’s disease, a potentially-fatal condition in which the enteric nervous system of a new-born child does not extend all the way through the intestine and colon. Our starting point is a discrete-state, continuous-time Markov chain model proposed by Hywood et al. (2013a) for the location of the neural crest cells that make up the enteric nervous system. Hywood et al. (2013a) scaled their model to derive an approximate second order partial differential equation describing how the limiting expected number of neural crest cells evolve in space and time. In contrast, we exploit the relationship between the above-mentioned Markov chain model and the well-known Yule-Furry process to derive the exact form of the scaled version of the process. Furthermore, we provide expressions for other features of the domain agent occupancy process, such as the variance of the marginal occupancy at a particular site, the distribution of the number of agents that are yet to reach a given site and a stochastic description of the process itself.
Cell death induced by mycotoxin fumonisin B1 is accompanied by oxidative stress and transcriptional modulation in Arabidopsis cell culture
Authors: Lanubile Alessandra , De Michele Roberto , Loi Martina , Fakhari Safieh , Marocco Adriano , Paciolla Costantino
Published: June 2022

Key message

Fumonisin B1 induces rapid programmed cell death in Arabidopsis cells, oxidative and nitrosative bursts, and differentially modulates cell death responsive genes. Glutathione is the main antioxidant involved in the stress response.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a fungal toxin produced by Fusarium spp. able to exert pleiotropic toxicity in plants. FB1 is known to be a strong inducer of the programmed cell death (PCD); however, the exact mechanism underling the plant–toxin interactions and the molecular events that lead to PCD are still unclear. Therefore, in this work, we provided a comprehensive investigation of the response of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana at the nuclear, transcriptional, and biochemical level after the treatment with FB1 at two different concentrations, namely 1 and 5 µM during a time-course of 96 h. FB1 induced oxidative and nitrosative bursts and a rapid cell death in Arabidopsis cell cultures, which resembled a HR-like PCD event. Different genes involved in the regulation of PCD, antioxidant metabolism, photosynthesis, pathogenesis, and sugar transport were upregulated, especially during the late treatment time and with higher FB1 concentration. Among the antioxidant enzymes and compounds studied, only glutathione appeared to be highly induced in both treatments, suggesting that it might be an important stress molecule induced during FB1 exposure. Collectively, these findings highlight the complexity of the signaling network of A. thaliana and provide information for the understanding of the physiological, molecular, and biochemical responses to counteract FB1-induced toxicity.
Movements of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from Davis Base, Antarctica: combining population genetics and tracking data
Authors: Chua Michelle , Ho Simon Y. W. , McMahon Clive R. , Jonsen Ian D. , de Bruyn Mark
Published: June 2022

Marine animals such as the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) rely on a productive marine environment and are vulnerable to oceanic changes that can affect their reproduction and survival rates. Davis Base, Antarctica, acts as a moulting site for southern elephant seals that forage in Prydz Bay, but the mitochondrial haplotype diversity and natal source populations of these seals have not been characterized. In this study, we combined genetic and animal tracking data on these moulting seals to identify levels of mitochondrial haplotype diversity, natal source population, and movement behaviours during foraging and haul-out periods. Using partial sequences of the mitochondrial control region, we identified two major breeding mitochondrial lineages of seals at Davis Base. We found that the majority of the seals originated from breeding stocks within the South Atlantic Ocean and South Indian Ocean. One seal was grouped with the Macquarie Island breeding stock (South Pacific Ocean). The Macquarie Island population, unlike the other two stocks, is decreasing in size. Tracking data revealed long-distance foraging activity of the Macquarie Island seal around Crozet Islands. We speculate that changes to the Antarctic marine environment can result in a shift in foraging and movement strategies, which subsequently affects seal population growth rates.
Projected near-term changes in monsoon precipitation over Peninsular Malaysia in the HighResMIP multi-model ensembles
Authors: Liang Ju , Tan Mou Leong , Catto Jennifer L. , Hawcroft Matthew K. , Hodges Kevin I. , Haywood James M.
Published: June 2022

Changes in the monsoon season rainfall over Peninsular Malaysia by the mid-21st century are examined using multi-model ensemble data from the CMIP6 HighResMIP experiments. We examine simulations of the present and future climate simulations run under a high emission scenario of greenhouse gases from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP5-8.5). The combined effects of horizontal and vertical resolutions on the projected changes in monsoon rainfall and associated environmental fields are investigated by comparing the ensemble mean of the projected changes utilizing appropriate multi-model groupings. The results indicate a projected decrease (by up to 11% near Mersing of eastern Johor, for the period 2031–2050 relative to 1981–2000) in monsoon precipitation along the southeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia during the northeast monsoon season associated with the projected weakening of the monsoon flow during boreal winter. For the northwestern regions (e.g. Perak) often affected by severe floods, a significant increase in precipitation (by up to 33%) is projected during the southwest monsoon season, partly driven by the projected strengthening of the cross-equatorial flow and the weakened low-level anti-cyclonic shear of winds in boreal summer. However, the magnitudes and signal-to-noise ratios of the projected changes vary considerably with respect to different horizontal and vertical resolutions. Firstly, models with relatively high horizontal and vertical resolutions project a more significant decrease in precipitation during the northeast monsoon season. Secondly, for the southwest monsoon season, models with relatively high horizontal resolutions project larger magnitudes of increases in precipitation over the northern region, while smaller increases are found in simulations with relatively high vertical resolutions. Generally, reduced ensemble spread and increased signal-to-noise ratios are found in simulations at higher horizontal and vertical resolutions, suggesting increased confidence in model projections with increased model resolution.
Ovarian torsion in the pediatric population: predictive factors for ovarian-sparing surgery—an international retrospective multicenter study and a systematic review
Authors: Spinelli Claudio , Tröbs Ralf-Bodo , Nissen Matthias , Strambi Silvia , Ghionzoli Marco , Bertocchini Alessia , Cagnetta Domass Valentina , Sanna Beatrice , Morganti Riccardo , Molinaro Francesco , Messina Mario , Tursini Stefano , Briganti Vito , Gennari Fabrizio , Lisi Gabriele , Lelli Chiesa Pierluigi
Published: June 2022

Study objective

Ovarian torsion (OT) in pediatric age is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. To date, there is still no clear consensus about its management. Our aim was to assess some possible associated factors that can help surgeons in decision-making.

Design

We conducted a retrospective multicentric study of pediatric OT surgically treated between 2010 and 2020 in six Italian and German institutions, comparing our findings with a literature review of the last 10 years (2010–2020).

Participants

Patients aged 0–18 years with a diagnosis of OT intraoperatively confirmed and surgically treated at the involved institutions.

Results

Ninety-seven patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 8.37 years were enrolled in the study. Severe abdominal pain was present in 82 patients (84.5%). Eighty children (82.5%) presented an enlarged ovary with an US diameter > 5 cm and only 32 (40%) of them underwent conservative surgery. A laparoscopic approach was performed in 60 cases (61.9%) although in 15 (15.5%) conversion to open surgery was deemed necessary. A functional cyst was present in 49 patients (50.5%) while 11 children (11.3%) suffered from OT on a normal ovary.

Conclusions

Our results showed that a post-menarchal age (p = .001), a pre-operative US ovarian size < 5 cm, (p = .001), the presence of severe abdominal pain (p = .002), a laparoscopic approach (p < .001), and the presence of a functional cyst (p = .002) were significantly associated with conservative surgery.
Effects of acute intermittent hypoxia on corticospinal excitability within the primary motor cortex
Authors: Radia Shivani , Vallence Ann-Maree , Fujiyama Hakuei , Fitzpatrick Rose , Etherington Sarah , Scott Brendan R. , Girard Olivier
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) is a safe and non-invasive treatment approach that uses brief, repetitive periods of breathing reduced oxygen air alternated with normoxia. While AIH is known to affect spinal circuit excitability, the effects of AIH on cortical excitability remain largely unknown. We investigated the effects of AIH on cortical excitability within the primary motor cortex.

Methods

Eleven healthy, right-handed participants completed two testing sessions: (1) AIH (comprising 3 min in hypoxia [fraction of inspired oxygen ~ 10%] and 2 min in normoxia repeated over five cycles) and (2) normoxia (NOR) (equivalent duration to AIH). Single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulations were delivered to the primary motor cortex, before and 0, 25, and 50 min after AIH and normoxia.

Results

The mean nadir in arterial oxygen saturation was lower (p < 0.001) during the cycles of AIH (82.5 ± 4.9%) than NOR (97.8 ± 0.6%). There was no significant difference in corticospinal excitability, intracortical facilitation, or intracortical inhibition between AIH and normoxia conditions at any time point (all p > 0.05). There was no association between arterial oxygen saturation and changes in corticospinal excitability after AIH (r = 0.05, p = 0.87).

Conclusion

Overall, AIH did not modify either corticospinal excitability or excitability of intracortical facilitatory and inhibitory circuits within the primary motor cortex. Future research should explore whether a more severe or individualised AIH dose would induce consistent, measurable changes in corticospinal excitability.
Post-execution monitoring in dishonesty
Authors: Foerster Anna , Pfister Roland , Wirth Robert , Kunde Wilfried
Published: June 2022

When telling a lie, humans might engage in stronger monitoring of their behavior than when telling the truth. Initial evidence has indeed pointed towards a stronger recruitment of capacity-limited monitoring processes in dishonest than honest responding, conceivably resulting from the necessity to overcome automatic tendencies to respond honestly. Previous results suggested monitoring to be confined to response execution, however, whereas the current study goes beyond these findings by specifically probing for post-execution monitoring. Participants responded (dis)honestly to simple yes/no questions in a first task and switched to an unrelated second task after a response–stimulus interval of 0 ms or 1000 ms. Dishonest responses did not only prolong response times in Task 1, but also in Task 2 with a short response–stimulus interval. These findings support the assumption that increased monitoring for dishonest responses extends beyond mere response execution, a mechanism that is possibly tuned to assess the successful completion of a dishonest act.
Apalutamide and autophagy inhibition in a xenograft mouse model of human prostate cancer
Authors: Eberli Daniel , Kranzbühler Benedikt , Prause Lukas , Baumgartner Valentin , Preda Sheryl , Sousa Rosa , Lehner Fabienne , Salemi Souzan
Published: June 2022

Background

Apalutamide (APA) is a next-generation androgen receptor antagonist for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. We have previously shown that upregulation of autophagy is one of the mechanisms by which prostate cancer (PC) cells survive APA anti-tumor treatment in vitro. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of the autophagic response to APA treatment, alone and in combination with autophagy inhibition, in an in vivo model.

Methods

Tumor cells were injected into previously castrated nude mice. Four groups of mice bearing LNCaP xenografts were treated with daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of vehicle (control), APA (10 mg/kg), APA (10 mg/kg) + Chl (Chloroquine, 10 mg/kg) or Chl (10 mg/kg). The animals of each treatment group (3/treatment) were kept for the duration of 2 and 3 weeks. At the end of the experiments, the animals were sacrificed and all samples assessed for tumor weight and size, histological analysis, immunoblotting (WES) and immunofluorescence.

Results

The tumor weight was significantly reduced in mice treated with APA + Chl (203.2 ± 5.0, SEM, P = 0.0066) compared to vehicle control (380.4 ± 37.0). Importantly, the combined treatment showed a higher impact on tumor weight than APA (320.4 ± 45.5) or Chl (337.9 ± 35) alone. The mice treated with the combination of APA + Chl exhibited a reduced expression of ATG5 (autophagy-related five protein), Beclin 1 and LC3 punctuations and an increase in P62 as visualized by immunofluorescence and WES. In addition, Ki-67 nuclear staining was detected in all samples however reduced in APA + Chl (58%) compared to vehicle control (100%). The reduction in Ki-67 protein was associated with an increase in caspase 3 and endothelial CD31 protein expression.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that a treatment with APA + Chl leads to reduced autophagy levels and to tumor suppression compared to the APA monotherapy. Hence, the increased antitumor effect of APA in combination with autophagy inhibitors might provide a new therapeutic approach potentially translatable to patients.
Expression pattern and prognostic potential of histamine receptors in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Kraus Fabian B. T. , Topalov Nicole E. , Deuster E. , Hysenaj I. , Mayr D. , Chelariu-Raicu A. , Beyer S. , Kolben T. , Burges A. , Mahner S. , Trillsch F. , Jeschke U. , Czogalla B.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Despite recent advances in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC), long-term remissions remain scarce. For a targeted approach, prognostic markers are indispensable for predicting survival and treatment response. Given their association with multiple hallmarks of cancer, histamine receptors (HR) are emerging as promising candidates. Here, we investigate their expression pattern and prognostic value in OC.

Methods

Specimens of 156 epithelial OC patients were collected during cytoreductive surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU, between 1990 and 2002 and combined in a tissue microarray. Immunohistochemical staining of the HR H1, H2, H3 and H4 was quantified by an immunoreactive score and linked with clinico-pathological data by Spearman’s correlation. Via ROC curve analysis, optimal cut-off values for potential prognostic markers were defined. Overall survival (OS) was visualized in Kaplan–Maier curves and significances determined by log-rank testing. A Cox regression model was applied for multivariate analysis.

Results

HR H3 and H4 expression was restricted to the cytosol of OC cells, while H1 was also present in the nucleus. A significant association between HR H1, H3 and H4 expression with several clinico-pathological parameters was revealed. In addition, HR H1 and H3 expression correlated positively, HR H4 expression negatively with OS. In addition, HR H3 was identified as independent prognostic marker for OS. HR H2 expression had no prognostic value.

Conclusions

HR H1, H3 and H4 could serve as potential predictors for OS of OC patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate their pathophysiologic role and their predictive and therapeutic potential in OC.
Joint Transformer and Multi-scale CNN for DCE-MRI Breast Cancer Segmentation
Authors: Qin Chuanbo , Wu Yujie , Zeng Junying , Tian Lianfang , Zhai Yikui , Li Fang , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: June 2022

Automatic segmentation of breast cancer lesions in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is challenged by low accuracy of delineation of the infiltration area, variable structure and shapes, large intensity heterogeneity changes, and low boundary contrast. This study constructed a two-stage breast cancer image segmentation framework and proposes a novel breast cancer lesion segmentation model (TR-IMUnet). The benchmark U-Net network model enables a rough delineation of the breast area in the acquired images and eliminates the influence of unrelated tissues (chest muscle, fat, and heart) on breast tumor segmentation. Based on the extracted results of the region of interest, the rectified linear unit (ReLU) function of the encoding–decoding structure in the model was replaced by an improved ReLU function to reserve and adjust the data dynamically according to input information. The segmentation accuracy of breast cancer lesions was improved by embedding a multi-scale fusion block and a transformer module in the coding path of the model, thereby obtaining multi-scale and global attention information. The experimental results showed that the breast tumor segmentation indexes Dice coefficient (Dice), Intersection over Union (IoU), Sensitivity (SEN), and Positive Predictive Value (PPV) increased by 4.27, 5.21, 3.37, and 3.68%, respectively, relative to the U-Net reference model. The proposed model improves the segmentation results of breast cancer lesions and reduces small area mis-segmentation and calcification segmentation.
A layer-level multi-scale architecture for lung cancer classification with fluorescence lifetime imaging endomicroscopy
Authors: Wang Qiang , Hopgood James R. , Fernandes Susan , Finlayson Neil , Williams Gareth O. S. , Akram Ahsan R. , Dhaliwal Kevin , Vallejo Marta
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we introduce our unique dataset of fluorescence lifetime imaging endo/microscopy (FLIM), containing over 100,000 different FLIM images collected from 18 pairs of cancer/non-cancer human lung tissues of 18 patients by our custom fibre-based FLIM system. The aim of providing this dataset is that more researchers from relevant fields can push forward this particular area of research. Afterwards, we describe the best practice of image post-processing suitable per the dataset. In addition, we propose a novel hierarchically aggregated multi-scale architecture to improve the binary classification performance of classic CNNs. The proposed model integrates the advantages of multi-scale feature extraction at different levels, where layer-wise global information is aggregated with branch-wise local information. We integrate the proposal, namely ResNetZ, into ResNet, and appraise it on the FLIM dataset. Since ResNetZ can be configured with a shortcut connection and the aggregations by Addition or Concatenation, we first evaluate the impact of different configurations on the performance. We thoroughly examine various ResNetZ variants to demonstrate the superiority. We also compare our model with a feature-level multi-scale model to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of multi-scale architectures at different levels.
Gastric cancer and genomics: review of literature
Authors: Onoyama Takumi , Ishikawa Shumpei , Isomoto Hajime
Published: June 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health concern in many countries. GC is a heterogeneous disease stratified by histopathological differences. However, these variations are not used to determine GC management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have become widely used, and cancer genomic analysis has recently revealed the relationships between various malignant tumors and genomic information. In 2014, studies using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for GC revealed the entire structure of GC genomics. Genomics with NGS has been used to identify new therapeutic targets for GC. Moreover, personalized medicine to provide specific therapy for targets based on multiplex gene panel testing of tumor tissues has become of clinical use. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been used for GC treatment; however, their response rates are limited. To predict the anti-tumor effects of ICIs for GC and to select patients suitable for ICI treatment, genomics also provides informative data not only of tumors but also of tumor microenvironments, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. In therapeutic strategies for unresectable or recurrent malignant tumors, the target is not only the primary lesion but also metastatic lesions, and metastatic lesions are often resistant to chemotherapy. Unlike colorectal carcinoma, there is a heterogeneous status of genetic variants between the primary and metastatic lesions in GC. Liquid biopsy analysis is also helpful for predicting the genomic status of both primary and metastatic lesions. Genomics has become an indispensable tool for GC treatment and is expected to be further developed in the future.
Genetic landscape of early-onset dementia in Hungary
Authors: Csaban Dora , Illes Anett , Renata Toth-Bencsik , Balicza Peter , Pentelenyi Klara , Molnar Viktor , Gezsi Andras , Grosz Zoltan , Gal Aniko , Kovacs Tibor , Klivenyi Peter , Molnar Maria Judit
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Early-onset dementias (EOD) are predominantly genetically determined, but the underlying disease-causing alterations are often unknown. The most frequent forms of EODs are early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Patients

This study included 120 Hungarian patients with EOD (48 familial and 72 sporadic) which had a diagnosis of EOAD (n = 49), FTD (n = 49), or atypical dementia (n = 22).

Results

Monogenic dementia was detected in 15.8% of the patients. A pathogenic hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene was present in 6.7% of cases and disease-causing variants were detected in other known AD or FTD genes in 6.7% of cases (APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, GRN). A compound heterozygous alteration of the TREM2 gene was identified in one patient and heterozygous damaging variants in the CSF1R and PRNP genes were detected in two other cases. In two patients, the coexistence of several heterozygous damaging rare variants associated with neurodegeneration was detected (1.7%). The APOE genotype had a high odds ratio for both the APOE ɛ4/3 and the ɛ4/4 genotype (OR = 2.7 (95%CI = 1.3–5.9) and OR = 6.5 (95%CI = 1.4–29.2), respectively). In TREM2, SORL1, and ABCA7 genes, 5 different rare damaging variants were detected as genetic risk factors. These alterations were not present in the control group.

Conclusion

Based on our observations, a comprehensive, targeted panel of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing investigating several neurodegeneration-associated genes may accelerate the path to achieve the proper genetic diagnosis since phenotypes are present on a spectrum. This can also reveal hidden correlations and overlaps in neurodegenerative diseases that would remain concealed in separated genetic testing.
Divide and conquer: the engineering of delegation
Authors: Settepanella Simona , Amendola Gennaro , Marengo Luigi , Minto Connor
Published: June 2022

Members of an organization have conflicting preferences. Principal-agent theory analyzes how and under which conditions this conflict can be resolved by means of incentives. In this paper we discuss an alternative to incentives: the engineering of delegation. The principal can divide the organizational decision making problem into subproblems and appropriately delegate different subproblems to different agents, letting them free to act according to their individual preferences. We introduce a formal model which analyzes whether and under which conditions the principal can in this way obtain the decisions she prefers without manipulating incentives nor using authority to overrule what agents autonomously decide.
Behavioral Crisis and First Response: Qualitative Interviews with Chicago Stakeholders
Authors: Murray Conor H. , Contreras Juan L. , Kelly Caroline H. , Padgett Deborah K. , Pollack Harold A.
Published: June 2022

Improving interactions between first responders and individuals experiencing behavioral crisis is a critical public health challenge. To gain insight into these interactions, key informant qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 Chicago stakeholders. Stakeholders included directors and staff of community organizations and shelters that frequently engage first responders. Interviews included granular depictions related to the expectations and outcomes of 911 behavioral crisis calls, and noted areas requiring improved response. Stakeholders called 911 an average of 2 to 3 times per month, most often for assistance related to involuntary hospitalization. Engagements with first responders included unnecessary escalation or coercive tactics, or conversely, refusal of service. While stakeholders lauded the value of police trained through the city’s Crisis Intervention Team program, they emphasized the need for additional response strategies that reduce the role of armed police, and underscored the need for broader social and behavioral health services for individuals at-risk of such crises.
An Integrative Review of Community-Based Mental Health Interventions Among Resettled Refugees from Muslim-Majority Countries
Authors: Siddiq Hafifa , Elhaija Ahmad , Wells Kenneth
Published: June 2022

Resettled refugees from Muslim-majority countries are underrepresented in research and meeting their mental health needs remains a challenge for countries of resettlement. In this integrative review, we synthesize community-based mental health interventions using an ecological framework. Eleven relevant studies were identified using PubMed and PsychInfo database. Most interventions focus on micro-system level factors like promoting integration and social connections suggest improvement of outcomes including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Studies suggest how mental health programs addressing psychosocial wellbeing improves outcomes across ecological levels through: (1) early screening upon resettlement; (2) education and raising awareness of mental health; and (3) engagement of refugees in local community social support systems. Largely qualitative studies suggest benefits of engagement and education program for refugees, but there is a need for high quality, rigorous mental health intervention studies with resettled refugees with explicit attention to equitable and collaborative partnerships across multiple sectors in the community.
Toward a comprehensive dimensional model of sustainable behaviors
Authors: Hopwood Christopher J. , Lenhausen Madeline R. , Bleidorn Wiebke
Published: June 2022

The goal of this study was to identify the underlying latent dimensions that account for variation in sustainable behaviors (SBs) among American adults. Our strategy was to assess all of the SBs sampled in existing measures, as well as a number of other variables relevant to individual differences in SBs, in a community sample (N = 1234). Variation in SBs could be accounted for by four broad dimensions: (1) goods, (2) food, (3) transportation, and (4) engagement. These dimensions were related to a range of criterion variables involving values, attitudes, personality traits, and demographic characteristics. Some potentially important and unique links with outcomes supported the importance of distinguishing the dimensions that underlie SBs. This work provides an evidence-based organizational scheme for SBs in future studies and points to important new directions in research on individual differences in proenvironmental behavior.