bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domain Dependent Fermi Arcs Observed in a Striped Phase Dichalcogenide
Authors: Mizokawa Takashi , Barinov Alexei , Kandyba Viktor , Giampietri Alessio , Matsumoto Ryoya , Okamoto Yohei , Takubo Kou , Miyamoto Koji , Okuda Taichi , Pyon Sunseng , Ishii Hiroyuki , Kudo Kazutaka , Nohara Minoru , Saini Naurang L.
Published: July 2022

Solids undergoing symmetry breaking phase transitions commonly exhibit domains of low symmetry phases with various sizes and morphological shapes. Usually, the shapes of these domains are not directly related to the nature of symmetry breaking. Here, an interesting example of a layered dichalcogenide with a triangular lattice is shown, in which symmetry breaking of electronic charge/orbital is accompanied by formation of striped domains and exotic surface states with peculiar spin textures. Using angle‐resolved photoemission spectromicroscopy, the mesoscopic striped domains in the layered IrTe2 are observed across the first order phase transition at ≈280 K. Under further cooling down to 47 K, the striped domains evolve into trijunction domains with electronic anisotropy in three directions. Each domain harbors quasi 1D surface bands forming fragmented Fermi surfaces (Fermi arcs) with peculiar spin polarization revealed by spin‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The Fermi arc corresponds to an edge state of the 2D bulk electronic bands truncated at the surface, indicating an interesting interplay between the symmetry breaking, surface electronic structure, and the spin state.
An exercise in disaster: Does policy learning occur after a tabletop crisis scenario?
Authors: Taylor Kristin , Zarb Stephanie , Jeschke Nathan , Sobeck Joanne , Smith Richard , Seeger Matthew , McElmurry Shawn P.
Published: July 2022

It is well‐established that experience with a disaster can heighten risk perception, initiate policy learning, and ultimately enhance preparedness and mitigation. This experience can make stakeholders more amenable to mitigating risk, but disasters are sporadic, dangerous, and costly. At the same time, the importance of differences in epistemic communities that manage public agencies and departments has received little attention in the context of policy learning, preparedness, and mitigation. This study investigates whether it is possible for simulated disasters, such as tabletop exercises, to influence risk perception and encourage learning in a way that is consistent with the effects of experiencing an actual disaster. To test this idea, we analyze survey data collected from an Environmental Protection Agency workshop of drinking water officials and public health stakeholders from southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio, including Detroit, Flint, and Toledo. A pre and posttest survey captured participants' beliefs before and after a tabletop exercise designed to simulate a large‐scale drinking water disaster. Results suggest that epistemic communities matter in these exercises but professional experience is less important than what previous studies have shown about experience with a policy problem and policy learning.
Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors Employing Acetate‐Based Water‐in‐Salt Electrolytes
Authors: Han Jin , Mariani Alessandro , Zarrabeitia Maider , Jusys Zenonas , Behm R. Jürgen , Varzi Alberto , Passerini Stefano
Published: July 2022

Halide‐free, water‐in‐salt electrolytes (WiSEs) composed of potassium acetate (KAc) and zinc acetate (ZnAc2) are investigated as electrolytes in zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSs). Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that water molecules are mostly non‐interacting with each other in the highly concentrated WiSEs, while “bulk‐like water” regions are present in the dilute electrolyte. Among the various concentrated electrolytes investigated, the 30 m KAc and 1 m ZnAc2 electrolyte (30K1Zn) grants the best performance in terms of reversibility and stability of Zn plating/stripping while the less concentrated electrolyte cannot suppress corrosion of Zn and hydrogen evolution. The ZHSs utilizing 30K1Zn, in combination with a commercial activated carbon (AC) positive electrode and Zn as the negative electrode, deliver a capacity of 65 mAh g−1 (based on the AC weight) at a current density of 5 A g−1. They also offer an excellent capacity retention over 10 000 cycles and an impressive coulombic efficiency (≈100%).
High‐Performance Composite Lithium Anodes Enabled by Electronic/Ionic Dual‐Conductive Paths for Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Yang Zuguang , Li Min , Lu Guanjie , Wang Yumei , Wei Jie , Hu Xiaolin , Li Zongyang , Li Penghua , Xu Chaohe
Published: July 2022

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) promise high energy density and high safety by employing high‐capacity Li metal anode and solid‐state electrolytes. However, the construction of the composite Li metal electrode is a neglected but important subject when the extensive research focuses on the interface between the solid electrolyte Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 and Li metal anode. Here, an electronic–ionic conducting composite Li metal anode consisting of Li–Al alloy and LiF is constructed to achieve the stable electronic–ionic transport channel and the intimate interface contact, which can realize the uniform Li deposition and the efficiency utilization of lithium in composite Li metal electrode. Therefore, the symmetric battery with composite Li metal electrode exhibits the high critical current density with 1.2 mA cm−2 and stable cycle for 1500 h at 0.3 mA cm−2, 25 °C. Moreover, the SSLMBs matched with LiFePO4 and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 achieve the outstanding electrochemical performance, verifying the feasibility of composite Li metal electrode in various SSLMBs systems.
Simultaneous Joining and Forming of Dissimilar Steels by Electrically Assisted Pressure Joining
Authors: Do Thanh Thuong , Lee Siwhan , Bui Thi Tu Anh , Nguyen Thi Anh Nguyet , Lee Jong-Seok , Han Heung Nam , Hong Sung-Tae
Published: July 2022

In the present study, simultaneous joining and forming of dissimilar steels Q235B (ball) and SCM435 (stud) by electrically assisted pressure joining (EAPJ) are experimentally investigated. The target product is intended with a dust‐cover ring in the stud head, then the electrodes and the stud head are designed accordingly so that the deformed stud head can fill the electrode cavity. In EAPJ, compressive deformation and pulsed electric current are simultaneously applied to the workpieces to create diffusion bonding. As a result, the sound solid‐state joints are successfully fabricated by EAPJ, while a target geometry is also successfully formed. In the bending test, the fabricated ball stud is broken through the ball, and the maximum bending load is higher than the target value for commercial applications. The microstructure analysis and hardness test show that the progress suggested in the present study can cause grain refinement, induce tempered martensite, and increase the portion of polygonal ferrite in the deformed zone (DZ), the joining zone (JZ), and the thermal‐mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), respectively. The results of the present study confirm that the concept of EAPJ is applicable to the simultaneous joining and forming of dissimilar steels.
Structural Modifications as Tools in Mechanistic Studies of the Cleavage of RNA Phosphodiester Linkages
Authors: Lönnberg Harri
Published: July 2022

The cleavage of RNA phosphodiester bonds by RNase A and hammerhead ribozyme at neutral pH fundamentally differs from the spontaneous reactions of these bonds under the same conditions. While the predominant spontaneous reaction is isomerization of the 3',5'‐phosphodiester linkages to their 2',5'‐counterparts, this reaction has never been reported to compete with the enzymatic cleavage reaction, not even as a minor side reaction. Comparative kinetic measurements with structurally modified di‐nucleoside monophosphates and oligomeric phosphodiesters have played an important role in clarification of mechanistic details of the buffer‐independent and buffer‐catalyzed reactions. More recently, heavy atom isotope effects and theoretical calculations have refined the picture. The primary aim of all these studies has been to form a solid basis for mechanistic analyses of the action of more complicated catalytic machineries. In other words, to contribute to conception of a plausible unified picture of RNA cleavage by biocatalysts, such as RNAse A, hammerhead ribozyme and DNAzymes. In addition, structurally modified trinucleoside monophosphates as transition state models for Group I and II introns have clarified some features of the action of large ribozymes.
The magnitude of calf morbidity and mortality and risk factors in smallholder farms across livestock production systems in central Ethiopia
Authors: Yitagesu Erdachew , Fentie Tsegaw , Kebede Nigatu , Jackson Wendi , Smith Woutrina
Published: July 2022

Background

Calf morbidity and mortality are major constraints in Ethiopian cattle production that severely limit available replacement stock. Calf morbidity and mortality reports in Ethiopia mostly focus on market‐oriented dairy production systems. A cross‐sectional study was undertaken in central Ethiopia with the objectives of estimating the magnitude of calf morbidity and mortality across three production systems and contributing risk factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at pastoral, mixed‐crop livestock, and dairy farms in central Ethiopia from February 2019 to June 2019 to collect 1‐year retrospective and cross‐sectional data on calf morbidity and mortality from smallholder farmers using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 293 smallholder farmers were involved in the study. Among the households interviewed, 83% of respondents encountered feed shortages in the year prior to this study. The overall annual calf morbidity prevalence and mortality rate were 6.49% (95% CI: 4.87–8.44) and 10% (95% CI: 8.28–11.93), respectively. Morbidity was higher in Dalocha and Sululta districts in mixed crop‐livestock and peri‐urban production systems, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of potential risk factors indicated that calf morbidity was associated with the calf and dam body condition score (BCS). Calves with BCS of 3 (medium) were less likely to be morbid (odds ratio [OR]: 0.20 [95% CI: 0.07–0.56]) than calves with BCS of 1 (emaciated), and calves born from dams with a body condition score of 2 (thin) were also at lower risk (OR: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.07–0.95]) than calves born from emaciated dams. The odds of calf mortality in Awash Fentale district were higher (OR: 6.19 [95% CI: 2.09–18.32]) compared to Sululta district.

Conclusions

The study results revealed that the production system and management affect the magnitude of calf morbidity and mortality. We recommend improving water and feed access and resources for livestock owners to reduce calf morbidity and mortality.
Interaction of Conditional Incentives for Ecosystem Conservation with Tenure Security: Multiple Roles for Tenure Interventions
Authors: Monterroso Iliana , Sills Erin
Published: July 2022

This chapter examines the role of tenure in conditional incentives for ecosystem conservation, often known as PES or payment for ecosystem services. PES systems that mimic market exchange require that resource tenure be clear and uncontested. In practice, there are different levels of conditionality in PES and different types of tenure challenges. REDD+, or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, was initially conceived as a PES system embedded in a global exchange of carbon credits, thus requiring secure forest tenure. We examine one global initiative to achieve that, the Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Cases in Peru and Indonesia illustrate how tenure interventions can both enable implementation of conditional incentives and become part of those incentives.
Strategies for Securing Tenure: The Promise and Pitfalls of Formalization
Authors: Holland Margaret B. , Diop Moustapha
Published: July 2022

In this chapter, we explore land formalization as a primary mechanism for strengthening land tenure security, initially through an exploration of post-colonial and post-independence large-scale land titling efforts in the Global South. We then explore some common assumptions tied to land formalization, its relationship with tenure security, and how it has reached a current position of prominence on global sustainability agendas. Finally, we discuss the newest generation of efforts to develop more geographically targeted approaches to land formalization, often focusing on the lands of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, to increase tenure security, improve livelihoods, and safeguard ecosystems. We see formalization as remaining an important component of the land tenure security toolbox, but the way it is approached and implemented requires constant reassessment and innovation.
Emerging Research Needs and Policy Priorities for Advancing Land Tenure Security and Sustainable Development
Authors: Masuda Yuta J. , Robinson Brian E. , Holland Margaret B. , Tseng Tzu-Wei Joy , Frechette Alain
Published: July 2022

As research and policies around securing tenure for people across the world grows, we have a deeper understanding of what works and what does not. Here, we draw attention to contemporary evidence gaps that continue to hinder efforts to strengthen land tenure security (LTS) for sustainable development. We also highlight areas ripe for policy testing and innovation and discuss promising pathways for advancing research and practice for LTS.
People-Land Relationships on the Path to Sustainable Food Security
Authors: Childress Malcolm , Choudhury Pranab , Sanjak Jolyne
Published: July 2022

Land tenure security is one driver of success in sustainable agriculture for food security. Here, we review the global rhetoric and evidence trends and map the evidence against both Sustainable Development Goal 2 and the World Food Program definition of Food Security. We recognize how conflict, impacts of climate change, and large-scale land-based investments interact over time with local land tenure, resulting in consequences for sustainable agriculture and food security. We look more closely at these interlinked challenges in South Asia, which has the highest concentration of extreme poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, and focusing in particular on India to highlight emergent lessons from a program that supports small farmers in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal in the context of climate change.
Systemic Risk and Resilience: The Bronze Age Collapse and Recovery
Authors: Kemp Luke , Cline Eric H.
Published: July 2022

In this chapter we apply the concepts of resilience theory and systemic risk to the Bronze Age Collapse. We contend that this was a case of synchronous failures driven by both long-term trends in interconnectedness and inequality, as well as external shocks such as climate change, warfare (including from hostile migration), rebellion, and earthquakes. This set off a chain reaction as the loss of key cities destabilised the trade-network and undermined state revenue, leading to further rebellion, migration, and warfare. Eventually, enough cities were destroyed to undermine the economic, cultural, and political fabric that held the Bronze Age together. Many states recovered and displayed resilience through the Bronze Age systems collapse. No two states were alike in their resilience. The Neo-Assyrians persisted by moving from a strategy of trade to conquest. The surviving Hittites in northern Syria, in contrast, relied on the modularity of their semi-feudal structure. Systemic risk and resilience are helpful lens for viewing the Bronze Age collapse and recovery, as well as taking lessons for the modern globalised world. It at least provides historical grounds for believing that synchronous failures can happen and can be lethal to states.
The Short- and Long-Term Effects of an Early Medieval Pandemic
Authors: Eisenberg Merle , Mordechai Lee
Published: July 2022

This article examines short- and long-term governmental policy responses to the effects of the Justinianic Plague (c. 541–750 CE). While many studies have linked the Justinianic Plague to significant changes across all sectors of life, they overlook how states responded to the pandemic’s impact at different temporal scales—from immediate reactions to medium term politics. First, we discuss the immediate state responses to the initial outbreak in Constantinople in 542 at a micro-scale, which included measures to bury large numbers of dead. Second, we investigate the effects over a five-year time frame following the first outbreak to understand how the state responded to potential impacts through fiscal and economic policies. And, third, we reflect upon the post-five year changes scholars often connect to the plague outbreak to reveal the deep difficulties in making in such linkages.
Eastward Migration in European History: The Interplay of Economic and Environmental Opportunities
Authors: Guzowski Piotr
Published: July 2022

During the preindustrial era one of the major migration waves headed eastward to Eastern Europe, where scores of migrants, in their pursuit of happiness, hoped to fulfil their dreams, have their own farm or set up a company, achieve a higher social status, and benefit from religious freedom and tolerance. The first wave of migration was connected with German colonization and the establishment of settlements following the German law. The alluringly large expanses of “pristine” land, together with tax privileges and the prospects of relative autonomy, attracted scores of bold, enterprising and hard-working settlers to relocate to the East. Most of them were peasants and townsfolk from the German states and the Netherlands, but there were also Jews escaping discrimination in Western Europe as well as West-European Protestants and Catholics attracted by religious tolerance in the East. Prospects of freedom and economic success encouraged them all to choose Poland and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth as their second homeland.
The SODALITE Approach: An Overview
Authors: Baresi Luciano , Di Nitto Elisabetta , Vladušič Daniel
Published: July 2022

This chapter presents the main characteristics of SODALITE to give the reader an overall picture, which will be detailed in the following chapters.
The SODALITE Model-Driven Approach
Authors: Gorroñogoitia Jesús , Radolović Dragan , Vasileiou Zoe , Meditskos Georgios , Karakostas Anastasios , Vrochidis Stefanos , Bachras Michail
Published: July 2022

The specification of deployment topologies for complex applications distributed across multiple heterogeneous infrastructures is a difficult process that encompasses multiple modeling tasks, engaging several actors, including application ops experts, resource experts on the specification of the target infrastructure resources, quality experts on the application optimization, and application administrators on the deployment governance. SODALITE proposes a novel infrastructure as a code (IaC) modeling framework that provides a model driven engineering approach for the authoring of application- and infrastructure-level specifications, realizing an instantiation of an infrastructure as a code (IaC) modeling framework. This chapter introduces the SODALITE IDE and the IaC services. The IDE enables SODALITE expert roles to model (conforming to the SODALITE DSMLs) and generate IaC artefacts facilitating the app deployment. Experts are assisted in the modeling phase by the semantic knowledge inference and validation capabilities of a Knowledge Base (KB), which is populated with IaC descriptions for resources semi-automatically discovered from target heterogeneous infrastructures. The IDE leverages the SODALITE IaC services for automatic target image preparation and IaC artifacts generation upon deployment.
Arbeitsforschung im Forschungsschwerpunkt „Zukunft der Arbeit: Mittelstand – innovativ und sozial“
Authors: Brandl Christopher , Müller Mattia , Steireif Niklas , Johnen Laura , Pascoe Clarissa , Frenz Martin , Nitsch Verena
Published: July 2022

Die Digitalisierung, der demografische und soziale Wandel sowie die Globalisierung haben umfassende Auswirkungen auf die Arbeit und Wertschöpfung in Deutschland. Der Arbeitsforschung kommt damit eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Mit den speziellen Herausforderungen für Unternehmen des Mittelstandes befasst sich die Arbeitsforschung im Forschungsschwerpunkt „Zukunft der Arbeit: Mittelstand – innovativ und sozial“ des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung. Dieser Beitrag systematisiert die Arbeitsforschung im Forschungsschwerpunkt anhand der erforschten Konzepte und Werkzeuge der Arbeitsgestaltung und -organisation von 26 Verbundprojekten. Hierfür werden zunächst der Forschungsschwerpunkt und das Vorgehen bei der Datenerhebung vorgestellt. Die Auswertung der Ergebnisse erfolgt anhand von fünf Leitfragen. Der Beitrag schließt ab mit einer Diskussion, in der die Ergebnisse u. a. anhand aktueller Entwicklungen in der Arbeitsforschung reflektiert werden.
Search for axion(-like) particles in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Yang Yi , Lin Cheng-Wei
Published: July 2022

Abstract

We propose a novel way to search for axion(-like) particles in heavy-ion collisions using prompt photons as the probe and the property of conversion between photon and axion(-like) particles under a strong magnetic field generated in the non-central collisions. The expected result reveals that a new phase space region of the coupling constant for photon and axion(-like) particles can be covered in the future high energy nuclear colliders.
Increased H3K27 trimethylation contributes to cone survival in a mouse model of cone dystrophy
Authors: Miller Annie L. , Fuller-Carter Paula I. , Masarini Klaudija , Samardzija Marijana , Carter Kim W. , Rashwan Rabab , Lim Xin Ru , Brunet Alicia A. , Chopra Abha , Ram Ramesh , Grimm Christian , Ueffing Marius , Carvalho Livia S. , Trifunović Dragana
Published: July 2022

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a heterogeneous group of blinding disorders, which result in dysfunction or death of the light-sensing cone and rod photoreceptors. Despite individual IRDs (Inherited retinal disease) being rare, collectively, they affect up to 1:2000 people worldwide, causing a significant socioeconomic burden, especially when cone-mediated central vision is affected. This study uses the Pde6ccpfl1 mouse model of achromatopsia, a cone-specific vision loss IRD (Inherited retinal disease), to investigate the potential gene-independent therapeutic benefits of a histone demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4 on cone cell survival. We investigated the effects of GSK-J4 treatment on cone cell survival in vivo and ex vivo and changes in cone-specific gene expression via single-cell RNA sequencing. A single intravitreal GSK-J4 injection led to transcriptional changes in pathways involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, among other key epigenetic pathways, highlighting the complex interplay between methylation and acetylation in healthy and diseased cones. Furthermore, continuous administration of GSK-J4 in retinal explants increased cone survival. Our results suggest that IRD (Inherited retinal disease)-affected cones respond positively to epigenetic modulation of histones, indicating the potential of this approach in developing a broad class of novel therapies to slow cone degeneration.
Human cytosolic transaminases: side activities and patterns of discrimination towards physiologically available alternative substrates
Authors: Caligiore Francesco , Zangelmi Erika , Vetro Carola , Kentache Takfarinas , Dewulf Joseph P. , Veiga-da-Cunha Maria , Van Schaftingen Emile , Bommer Guido , Peracchi Alessio
Published: July 2022

Transaminases play key roles in central metabolism, transferring the amino group from a donor substrate to an acceptor. These enzymes can often act, with low efficiency, on compounds different from the preferred substrates. To understand what might have shaped the substrate specificity of this class of enzymes, we examined the reactivity of six human cytosolic transaminases towards amino acids whose main degradative pathways do not include any transamination. We also tested whether sugars and sugar phosphates could serve as alternative amino group acceptors for these cytosolic enzymes. Each of the six aminotransferases reacted appreciably with at least three of the alternative amino acid substrates in vitro, albeit at usually feeble rates. Reactions with L-Thr, L-Arg, L-Lys and L-Asn were consistently very slow—a bias explained in part by the structural differences between these amino acids and the preferred substrates of the transaminases. On the other hand, L-His and L-Trp reacted more efficiently, particularly with GTK (glutamine transaminase K; also known as KYAT1). This points towards a role of GTK in the salvage of L-Trp (in cooperation with ω-amidase and possibly with the cytosolic malate dehydrogenase, MDH1, which efficiently reduced the product of L-Trp transamination). Finally, the transaminases were extremely ineffective at utilizing sugars and sugar derivatives, with the exception of the glycolytic intermediate dihydroxyacetone phosphate, which was slowly but appreciably transaminated by some of the enzymes to yield serinol phosphate. Evidence for the formation of this compound in a human cell line was also obtained. We discuss the biological and evolutionary implications of our results.
Convergence of thin vibrating rods to a linear beam equation
Authors: Abels Helmut , Ameismeier Tobias
Published: July 2022

We show that solutions for a specifically scaled nonlinear wave equation of nonlinear elasticity converge to solutions of a linear Euler–Bernoulli beam system. We construct an approximation of the solution, using a suitable asymptotic expansion ansatz based upon solutions to the one-dimensional beam equation. Following this, we derive the existence of appropriately scaled initial data and can bound the difference between the analytical solution and the approximating sequence.
Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement is associated with significant improvement in early patient reported outcomes: analysis of 4963 cases from the UK non-arthroplasty registry (NAHR) dataset
Authors: Holleyman Richard , Sohatee Mark Andrew , Lyman Stephen , Malviya Ajay , Khanduja Vikas ,   NAHR User Group, Bankes Marcus J. K. , Andrade Tony , Board Tim , Conroy Jonathon , Wilson Matthew , McBryde Callum
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Results from recent randomised controlled trials demonstrate the superiority of surgery over physiotherapy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) of the hip in early follow-up. However, there is paucity of evidence regarding which factors influence outcomes of FAI surgery, particularly notable is the lack of information on the effect of impingement subtype (cam or pincer or mixed) on patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs). This study aims to evaluate the early outcomes of hip arthroscopy for FAI, and their determinants.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the UK Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry (NAHR) of patients undergoing arthroscopic intervention for FAI between 2012 and 2019. The null hypothesis was that there is no difference in PROMs, based on morphological subtype of FAI treated or patient characteristics, at each follow-up timepoint. The outcome measures used for the study were the iHOT-12 score and the EQ5D Index and VAS 6- and 12-month follow-up.

Results

A cohort of 4963 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment of FAI were identified on the NAHR database. For all FAI pathology groups, there was significant improvement from pre-operative PROMs when compared to those at 6 and 12 months. Overall, two-thirds of patients achieved the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), and almost half achieved substantial clinical benefit (SCB) for iHOT-12 by 12 months. Pre-operatively, and at 12-month follow-up, iHOT-12 scores were significantly poorer in the pincer group compared to the cam and mixed pathology groups (p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed PROMS improvement in the setting of a higher-grade cartilage lesion.

Conclusion

This registry study demonstrates that hip arthroscopy is an effective surgical treatment for patients with symptomatic FAI and results in a statistically significant improvement in PROMs which are maintained through 12 months follow-up.

Level of evidence

III.
Impact of laser process parameters in direct energy deposition on microstructure, layer characteristics, and microhardness of TC21 alloy
Authors: Elshaer Ramadan Nagy , Elshazli Ahmed Magdi , Hussein Abdel Hamid Ahmed , Al-Sayed Samar Reda
Published: July 2022

In the present study, layers consisting of 40% Stellite-6 and 60% WC were deposited on Ti-6Al-3Mo-2Sn-2Zr-2Nb-1.5Cr-0.1Si (TC21) alloy by means of direct energy deposition (DED) technology aiming to improve the microstructure and microhardness. Five powder feeding rates ranging from 20 to 100 ɡ min−1 were applied using CW fiber-coupled diode laser with 4 kW output power. The deposited layers were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The results show that WC particles are dispersed in a heterogeneous manner in the deposition zone, especially at the rates 20, 40, and 60 ɡ min−1. In addition, microcracks appeared in the interface zone particularly at 100 ɡ min−1 due to the higher induced residual stresses caused by the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between Stellite-6, WC particles, and TC21 substrate alloy. Several complex carbides and intermetallic compounds such as W2C, TiC, Cr7C3, Co3W3C, and Co25Cr25W8C2 were detected in the deposited layers depending on the powder feeding rate. With further increase in the powder feeding rate, the fractions of W2C and the bulk (unmelted) WC particles were increased and that of the TiC particle was reduced correspondingly due to the thermal diffusion. The layer thickness increased from 1.3 to 2.7 mm when the powder feeding rate increased from 40 to 100 ɡ min−1, while the dilution ratio decreased from 23 to 5.3% as a result of the thermal diffusion of the laser energy. The microhardness of the composite was found to be three times higher than that recorded for the TC21 substrate (1020 vs. 340 HV0.05). The results revealed that the best homogeneous microstructure with the highest microhardness was achieved at the powder feeding rate of 100 ɡ min−1 whereas microcracks free layers were accomplished at 40 ɡ min−1.
Regulation of T3SS synthesis, assembly and secretion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Selim Hend , Radwan Tharwat E. E. , Reyad Amany M.
Published: July 2022

T3SS is an important virulence factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has a central role in the infection process. However, the functional regulation of the T3SS by environmental signals is poorly understood. In our lab, we use fluorescence microscopy to study protein kinetics in real-time in live cells. In P. aeruginosa, results have shown that T3SS appears as bright foci at the cell membrane with no specific arrangement. In addition, T3SS is tightly controlled as it appears under a limited time period with the highest intensity at 3 h then disappears. Surprisingly, only 2.5% of the all assembled T3SS in the population have detectable ExoS synthesis. While T3SS assembly and ExoS synthesis increased under high salt concentration, they unexpectedly were not affected by different cyclic di-GMP levels. On the other hand, T3SS itself has an effect on the cyclic di-GMP levels inside the cell. Data have shown that despite T3SS in P. aeruginosa and Yersinia enterocolitica belong to the same the group, the two systems differentiate greatly in activity and regulation. We can conclude that every T3SS is unique and thus further studies are needed to elucidate the functional regulation of each system to better help effective inhibitor design.
Microbiota in sports
Authors: Mańkowska Katarzyna , Marchelek-Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Kochan Piotr , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta , Konopka Tomasz , Grygorcewicz Bartłomiej , Roszkowska Paulina , Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Siennicka Aldona , Konopka Justyna , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: July 2022

The influence of microbiota on the human body is currently the subject of many studies. The composition of bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract varies depending on genetic make-up, lifestyle, use of antibiotics or the presence of diseases. The diet is also important in the species diversity of the microbiota. This study is an analysis of the relationships between physical activity, diet, and the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract in athletes. This review shows the differences in the microbial composition in various sports disciplines, the influence of probiotics on the microbiome, the consequence of which may be achieved even better sports results. Physical activity increases the number of bacteria, mainly of the Clostridiales order and the genus: Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Veillonella, and their number varies depending on the sports discipline. These bacteria are present in athletes in sports that require a high VO2 max. The players’ diet also influences the composition of the microbiota. A diet rich in dietary fiber increases the amount of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium bacteria, probiotic microorganisms, which indicates the need to supplement the diet with probiotic preparations. It is impossible to suggest an unambiguous answer to how the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract changes in athletes and requires further analyzes.
Distinct and Temporally Stable Assembly Mechanisms Shape Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Vineyard Soils
Authors: Larsen Stefano , Albanese Davide , Stegen James , Franceschi Pietro , Coller E. , Zanzotti Roberto , Ioriatti Claudio , Stefani Erika , Pindo Massimo , Cestaro Alessandro , Donati Claudio
Published: July 2022

Microbial communities in agricultural soils are fundamental for plant growth and in vineyard ecosystems contribute to defining regional wine quality. Managing soil microbes towards beneficial outcomes requires knowledge of how community assembly processes vary across taxonomic groups, spatial scales, and through time. However, our understanding of microbial assembly remains limited. To quantify the contributions of stochastic and deterministic processes to bacterial and fungal assembly across spatial scales and through time, we used 16 s rRNA gene and ITS sequencing in the soil of an emblematic wine-growing region of Italy.

Combining null- and neutral-modelling, we found that assembly processes were consistent through time, but bacteria and fungi were governed by different processes. At the within-vineyard scale, deterministic selection and homogenising dispersal dominated bacterial assembly, while neither selection nor dispersal had clear influence over fungal assembly. At the among-vineyard scale, the influence of dispersal limitation increased for both taxonomic groups, but its contribution was much larger for fungal communities. These null-model-based inferences were supported by neutral modelling, which estimated a dispersal rate almost two orders-of-magnitude lower for fungi than bacteria.

This indicates that while stochastic processes are important for fungal assembly, bacteria were more influenced by deterministic selection imposed by the biotic and/or abiotic environment. Managing microbes in vineyard soils could thus benefit from strategies that account for dispersal limitation of fungi and the importance of environmental conditions for bacteria. Our results are consistent with theoretical expectations whereby larger individual size and smaller populations can lead to higher levels of stochasticity.
Generation of stable homozygous transformants of diploid yeasts such as Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Authors: Sandmann Gerhard
Published: July 2022

The nonconventional yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is an established platform for genetic pathway modification. A genetic tool box is available and can be used extensively to select from for different engineering strategies. Due to the diploid nature of X. dendrorhous, genetic transformation typically results in heterozygous lines. They are genetically unstable and lose their phenotypes caused by mitotic recombination. In addition, targeted integration for inactivation of genes of the carotenoid pathway resulted in an intermediary phenotype of incomplete pathway disruption. This issue is the main scope of this review. It is illustrated by using genetic modification of the carotenoid pathway of X. dendrorhous as a model system with a focus on the demonstration of how to solve these problems by generation of homozygous lines. They can be selected from heterozygous transformants after spontaneous mitotic recombination and selection or after induced meiotic recombination. Corresponding methods of how to proceed including the initiation of a sexual cycle are described. The selected segregated lines are stable in fermenter cultures without the need of selection pressure. This is an essential requirement for any industrial application.

Key points

• Genetic interventions of diploid yeasts result in heterozygous transformants that are unstable without selection pressure.

• This is due to mitotic recombination leading to the elimination of inserted DNA.

• Stable homozygous lines can be obtained and selected after either meiotic or mitotic recombination.
Colonoscopy Needs for Implementation of a Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Ukraine
Authors: Welten Vanessa M. , Wanis Kerollos Nashat , Semeniv Solomiia , Shabat Galyna , Dabekaussen Kirsten F. A. A. , Davids Jennifer S. , Beznosenko Andriy , Suprun Ulana , Soeteman Djøra I. , Melnitchouk Nelya
Published: July 2022

Background

In Ukraine, there is no established colorectal cancer screening program. We aimed to project the number of screening colonoscopies needed for implementation of various CRC screening strategies in Ukraine.

Methods

We modified a previously developed Markov microsimulation model to reflect the natural history of adenoma and CRC progression among average‐risk 50–74‐year‐olds. We simulated colonoscopies needed for the following screening strategies: no screening, fecal occult blood test yearly, FOBT yearly with flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, FS every 5 years, fecal immunohistochemistry test (FIT) yearly, or colonoscopy every 10 years. Assuming 80% screening adherence, we estimated colonoscopies required at 1 and 5 years depending on the implementation rate. In one‐way sensitivity analyses, we varied implementation rate, screening adherence, sensitivity, and specificity.

Results

Assuming an 80% screening adherence and complete implementation (100%), besides a no screening strategy, the fewest screening colonoscopies are needed with an FOBT program, requiring on average 6,600 and 26,800 colonoscopies per 100,000 persons at 1 and 5 years post‐implementation, respectively. The most screening colonoscopies are required with a colonoscopy program, requiring on average 76,600 and 101,000 colonoscopies per 100,000 persons at 1 and 5 years post‐implementation, respectively. In sensitivity analyses, the biggest driver of number of colonoscopies needed was screening adherence.

Conclusions

The number of colonoscopies needed and therefore the potential strain on the healthcare system vary substantially by screening test. These findings can provide valuable information for stakeholders on equipment needs when implementing a national screening program in Ukraine.
Burst-mode 1-methylnaphthalene laser-induced fluorescence: extended calibration and measurement of temperature and fuel partial density in a rapid compression machine
Authors: Retzer Ulrich , Ulrich Hannah , Will Stefan , Zigan Lars
Published: July 2022

In this work, tracer-based laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) with the tracer 1-methylnaphthalene is utilized to study temperature and fuel courses in a rapid compression machine (RCM) under high temperature and pressure conditions. A burst-mode Nd:YAG laser at 266 nm is applied for excitation of tracer fluorescence at a frame rate of 7.5 kHz. A high-speed intensified CMOS camera equipped with an image doubler is used for 2-color LIF (2c-LIF) thermometry. With known local temperature, the fuel partial density can be determined using the signal of the channel covering the complete LIF spectrum. Both temperature and fuel partial density are determined during the compression and expansion strokes in nitrogen and air atmospheres. For this purpose, first-time 1-MN LIF calibration measurements in air atmosphere were performed for cylinder pressures up to 2.8 MPa. This significantly extends the calibration data base generated in current calibration cells. Although the LIF signal dropped significantly due to oxygen quenching, first promising measurements of temperature and fuel partial density were conducted in the RCM at relevant equivalence ratios. The influence of the RCM driving gas pressure on the temperature course is shown for cylinder pressures up to 7.4 MPa in nitrogen atmosphere. Although the temperature and concentration fields are very homogeneous at early points in time during compression, inhomogeneities in terms of millimeter-sized hot and cold gas regions were resolved especially near top dead center (TDC) using the present approach. These structures were also visible in the fuel partial density field. These inhomogeneities are due to the heat transfer between the hot gas and the cool walls and are probably also induced by the piston movement. Especially at TDC, the minimum gas temperature is about 300 K lower than the peak temperature in the wall region of the cylinder head. These cool region temperatures are much lower than in piston engines and other RCMs reported in the literature at comparable conditions, which may due to the special design of the present layout of the machine.
Wall Polynomials on the Real Line: A Classical Approach to OPRL Khrushchev’s Formula
Authors: Cantero M. J. , Moral L. , Velázquez L.
Published: July 2022

The standard proof of Khrushchev’s formula for orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle given in Khrushchev (J Approx Theory 108:161–248, 2001, J Approx Theory 116:268–342, 2002) combines ideas from continued fractions and complex analysis, depending heavily on the theory of Wall polynomials. Using operator theoretic tools instead, Khrushchev’s formula has been recently extended to the setting of orthogonal polynomials on the real line in the determinate case (Grünbaum and Velázquez in Adv Math 326:352–464, 2018). This paper develops a theory of Wall polynomials on the real line, which serves as a means to prove Khrushchev’s formula for any sequence of orthogonal polynomials on the real line. This real line version of Khrushchev’s formula is used to rederive the characterization given in Simon (J Approx Theory 126:198–217, 2004) for the weak convergence of $$p_n^2\mathrm{d}\mu $$

p
n
2

d
μ

, where $$p_n$$

p
n

are the orthonormal polynomials with respect to a measure $$\mu $$
μ
supported on a bounded subset of the real line (Theorem 8.1). The generality and simplicity of such a Khrushchev’s formula also permits the analysis of the unbounded case. Among other results, we use this tool to prove that no measure $$\mu $$
μ
supported on an unbounded subset of the real line yields a weakly convergent sequence $$p_n^2\mathrm{d}\mu $$

p
n
2

d
μ

(Corollary 8.10), but there exist instances such that $$p_n^2\mathrm{d}\mu $$

p
n
2

d
μ

becomes vaguely convergent (Example 8.5 and Theorem 8.6). Some other asymptoptic results related to the convergence of $$p_n^2\mathrm{d}\mu $$

p
n
2

d
μ

in the unbounded case are obtained via Khrushchev’s formula (Theorems 8.3, 8.7, 8.8, Proposition 8.4, Corollary 8.9). In the bounded case, we include a simple diagrammatic proof of Khrushchev’s formula on the real line which sheds light on its graph theoretical meaning, linked to Pólya’s recurrence theory for classical random walks.
exploRNN: teaching recurrent neural networks through visual exploration
Authors: Bäuerle Alex , Albus Patrick , Störk Raphael , Seufert Tina , Ropinski Timo
Published: July 2022

Due to the success and growing job market of deep learning (DL), students and researchers from many areas are interested in learning about DL technologies. Visualization has been used as a modern medium during this learning process. However, despite the fact that sequential data tasks, such as text and function analysis, are at the forefront of DL research, there does not yet exist an educational visualization that covers recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Additionally, the benefits and trade-offs between using visualization environments and conventional learning material for DL have not yet been evaluated. To address these gaps, we propose exploRNN, the first interactively explorable educational visualization for RNNs. exploRNNis accessible online and provides an overview of the training process of RNNs at a coarse level, as well as detailed tools for the inspection of data flow within LSTM cells. In an empirical between-subjects study with 37 participants, we investigate the learning outcomes and cognitive load of exploRNN compared to a classic text-based learning environment. While learners in the text group are ahead in superficial knowledge acquisition, exploRNN is particularly helpful for deeper understanding. Additionally, learning with exploRNN is perceived as significantly easier and causes less extraneous load. In conclusion, for difficult learning material, such as neural networks that require deep understanding, interactive visualizations such as exploRNN can be helpful.
Why is endothelial resilience key to maintain cardiac health?
Authors: Tombor Lukas S. , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: July 2022

Myocardial injury as induced by myocardial infarction results in tissue ischemia, which critically incepts cardiomyocyte death. Endothelial cells play a crucial role in restoring oxygen and nutrient supply to the heart. Latest advances in single-cell multi-omics, together with genetic lineage tracing, reveal a transcriptional and phenotypical adaptation to the injured microenvironment, which includes alterations in metabolic, mesenchymal, hematopoietic and pro-inflammatory signatures. The extent of transition in mesenchymal or hematopoietic cell lineages is still debated, but it is clear that several of the adaptive phenotypical changes are transient and endothelial cells revert back to a naïve cell state after resolution of injury responses. This resilience of endothelial cells to acute stress responses is important for preventing chronic dysfunction. Here, we summarize how endothelial cells adjust to injury and how this dynamic response contributes to repair and regeneration. We will highlight intrinsic and microenvironmental factors that contribute to endothelial cell resilience and may be targetable to maintain a functionally active, healthy microcirculation.