bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic analysis of serum samples from a clinical study on ipragliflozin and metformin treatment in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Exploring human metabolites associated with visceral fat reduction
Authors: Tsukagoshi‐Yamaguchi Ayano , Koshizaka Masaya , Ishibashi Ryoichi , Ishikawa Ko , Ishikawa Takahiro , Shoji Mayumi , Ide Shintaro , Ide Kana , Baba Yusuke , Terayama Ryo , Hattori Akiko , Takemoto Minoru , Ouchi Yasuo , Maezawa Yoshiro , Yokote Koutaro ,   the PRIME‐V study group
Published: September 2023

Study Objective

The effects of the sodium‐dependent glucose transporter‐2 inhibitor ipragliflozin were compared with metformin in a previous study, which revealed that ipragliflozin reduced visceral fat content by 12%; however, the underlying mechanism was unclear. Therefore, this sub‐analysis aimed to compare metabolomic changes associated with ipragliflozin and metformin that may contribute to their biological effects.

Design

A sub‐analysis of a randomized controlled study.

Setting

Chiba University Hospital and ten hospitals in Japan.

Patients

Fifteen patients with type 2 diabetes in the ipragliflozin group and 15 patients with type 2 diabetes in the metformin group with matching characteristics, such as age, sex, baseline A1C, baseline visceral fat area, smoking status, and concomitant medication.

Interventions

Ipragliflozin 50 mg or metformin 1000 mg daily.

Measurements

The clinical data were reanalyzed, and metabolomic analysis of serum samples collected before and 24 weeks after drug administration was performed using capillary electrophoresis time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry.

Main Results

The reduction in the mean visceral fat area after 24 weeks of treatment was significantly larger (p = 0.002) in the ipragliflozin group (−19.8%) than in the metformin group (−2.5%), as were the subcutaneous fat area and body weight. The A1C and blood glucose levels decreased in both groups. Glutamic pyruvic oxaloacetic transaminase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, uric acid, and triglyceride levels decreased in the ipragliflozin group. Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased in the metformin group. After ipragliflozin administration, N2‐phenylacetylglutamine, inosine, guanosine, and 1‐methyladenosine levels increased, whereas galactosamine, glucosamine, 11‐aminoundecanoic acid, morpholine, and choline levels decreased. After metformin administration, metformin, hypotaurine, methionine, methyl‐2‐oxovaleric acid, 3‐nitrotyrosine, and cyclohexylamine levels increased, whereas citrulline, octanoic acid, indole‐3‐acetaldehyde, and hexanoic acid levels decreased.

Conclusions

Metabolites that may affect visceral fat reduction were detected in the ipragliflozin group. Studies are required to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
The increased Diels–Alder reactivity of umpolung tropone: analysis of individual atoms and bonds using QTAIM and IQA along complete IRC paths
Authors: Richter Wagner Eduardo
Published: September 2023

A fruitful debate took place recently in literature, discussing the enhanced Diels–Alder reactivity of tropone derivatives for which the carbonyl polarity was reversed by means of umpolung. Karas et al. sustained that the umpolung increases the antiaromatic character of the ring, affecting the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)/least unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies, speeding up the reaction. Tiekink et al. challenged this interpretation by sustaining that the asynchronicity of the reaction mechanisms, rather than orbital energy perturbation, was the main responsible for the smaller reaction barriers. We shed light on this dispute by computing full interaction quantum atom (IQA) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses over complete intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) paths for the Diels–Alder reaction of tropone and its umpolung derivatives, using the same systems studied by Karas et al. and Tiekink et al. Our results confirm that the asynchronicity is indeed very high for those reactions with smaller reaction barriers and offer an atom‐by‐atom and bond‐by‐bond analysis of the entire IRC pathways. Even though asynchronicity and lower reactions barriers seem to be related, antiaromaticity and lower barriers are related as well, but discussing both these interpretations does not necessarily require arguments on HOMO/LUMO energies to be invoked.
Design, synthesis, and properties of olefin‐linked covalent organic frameworks modified by heck coupling reaction
Authors: Li Tingting , Li Mingyan , Du Jiawei , Wang Jian , Song Yinlin , She Yuanbin , Jia Jianhong
Published: September 2023

The covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with olefin linkages are attractive materials for nonlinear optics due to their small energy band gap and large π‐electron separation domain. In this paper, a post‐synthetic modification (PSM) by applying a heck coupling reaction on olefin‐linked COFs was applied for the first time to obtain five functionalized triazine‐based covalent organic framework materials. The synthesized materials were tested for their relevant photophysical and electrochemical properties, and their third‐order nonlinear optical properties were tested using the Z‐scan technique. The experimental results indicate that the post‐modified COF (W4‐2) exhibits third‐order nonlinear polarizability χ3 that is 1.51 times higher than the unmodified COF (W4).
Effect of novel furan‐based ester reactive diluent on structure and properties of UV‐crosslinked acrylated rapeseed oil
Authors: Briede Sabine , Platnieks Oskars , Darzina Madara , Jirgensons Aigars , Gaidukovs Sergejs
Published: September 2023

Unsaturated furan‐based ester (UES) was prepared by green electrosynthesis using a single‐cell setup and inexpensive graphite electrodes. The UES was validated as a reactive diluent for a bio‐based acrylated rapeseed oil (ARO). UV‐light photopolymerization of the bio‐based resin was initiated using a diphenyl (2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO) radical photoinitiator. The addition of 20 wt% UES to ARO dropped the resin viscosity by 1.6‐fold. Incorporating 5 wt% UES into the ARO resin increased crosslinking density νe from 1.07 to 1.65 mol/m3. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectra revealed that ARO has been grafted with UES. The UES functional moieties promote the formation of soft mobile dangling chain end segments in the developed macromolecular network. UV‐cured thermoset polymer reveals distinct morphologies in SEM micrographs, indicating notable structural changes with the addition of UES. A total of 5 wt% UES increased tensile strength from 0.49 to 0.55 MPa and storage modulus from 7.9 to 12.0 MPa at room temperature (22 ± 1 °C). The biodegradability in composting conditions was investigated, and up to 28% of the initial mass was lost after 60 days. UES was shown as to be efficient reactive diluent that can successfully replace fossil‐based acrylate monomers in vegetable oil‐based thermoset polymer synthesis.
New developments to form high‐performance and green organic–inorganic abrasives
Authors: Hsu Shaw L. , Patel Jigneshkumar P. , Zhao Weiwei , Li Ruixia , Wu Dacheng
Published: September 2023

Organic–inorganic composites have important applications, especially in the area of bonded abrasives. They exhibit mechanical performances that cannot be achieved with organic materials alone and present an extremely stable performance, even at elevated temperatures. In this summary of our studies, we focus on the exceptional mechanical properties achieved by incorporating inorganic particles into a crosslinked matrix consisting of phenolic resin. A crosslinker such as hexamethylenetetramine reacts with the phenolic resins to form a stable 3‐dimensional matrix to “glue” the inorganic particles together. In order to achieve such uniform dispersion of the seemingly incompatible reacting components, a plasticizer, or wetting liquid, is usually employed. We have developed several environmentally appropriate wetting liquids that have proved to be superior to the traditionally used toxic substances. Some of the reactive wetting liquids used even enhanced the mechanical properties of the resulting composites by contributing additional crosslinks to the final reacted systems. A combination of techniques including the use of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance has been used to characterize the curing process and assess the changes in mechanical properties at the molecular level. Detailed studies characterized the effects of moisture on the curing process and changes in mechanical properties.
Subpleural pulmonary cysts in children: Associations beyond Trisomy 21
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Coblentz Ailish , Hadian Fatemeh , Chami Rose , Traubici Ben , Manson David E.
Published: September 2023

Background

Small air‐filled peripheral subpleural cysts are a well‐described feature of pulmonary anatomy at computerized tomographic (CT) scan in children with Trisomy 21, yet only anecdotally described in association with other pathologies. The significance of these cysts is unknown.

Objective

To investigate and explore the pathogenesis of these subpleural cysts in children.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of 16 cases with subpleural cysts diagnosed on CT chest was performed. The distribution, location, and ancillary CT findings were recorded. Hospital charts were reviewed for clinical details, especially cardiac abnormalities, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and genetic associations. Histopathological and clinical correlative data were recorded.

Results

Eleven of the 16 children (69%) were found to have an underlying chromosomal or genetic abnormality, six of whom had Trisomy 21. The remaining 5 of the 16 cases (21%) had miscellaneous disorders without an identifiable genetic basis. The most common co‐morbidities were cardiac abnormalities (81%) and PAH (62.5%). Regardless of their underlying etiologies, the cysts were present bilaterally in most cases (14/16, 88%). We observed both the postnatal development and the progression of cysts in our cohort. On long‐term follow‐up, there were five deaths (31%) and six cases (38%) requiring maintenance oxygen therapy due to chronic hypoxia. Two cases (12.5%) became completely asymptomatic after correction of their underlying abnormalities.

Conclusion

Subpleural cysts are not exclusive to Trisomy 21 and may be seen in other inherited or acquired causes, likely due to altered alveolar growth. We suspect these cysts are a sign of an underlying developmental disorder with variable clinical effect, especially in children with congenital cardiac disease.
Identification of floral volatiles from Fagopyrum esculentum that attract Cotesia vestalis with potentially better biocontrol efficacy against Plutella xylostella
Authors: You Shijun , You Minsheng , Niu Dongsheng
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Nectar plants provide extra nourishment for parasitoids, which can utilize floral volatiles to locate nectar‐rich flowers. A promising strategy is to screen potential floral species based on the wasps' olfactory preferences for nectar sources, and to ensure their suitability for both natural enemies and targeted pests. Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) is a dominant parasitoid of the oligophagous pest Plutella xylostella, which poses a significant threat to cruciferous vegetables globally. However, the chemical cues in plant–parasitoid complexes mediating Cotesia vestalis to locate nectar food resources and the positive effect of nectar plants on the Cotesia vestalis population are poorly understood.

RESULTS

The results showed that Fagopyrum esculentum was the most attractive plant that attracted Cotesia vestalis, not Plutella xylostella in 44 flowering plants from 19 families. 1,2‐Diethyl benzene and 1,4‐diethyl benzene, identified from the floral volatiles from F. esculentum in full bloom, were found to elicit dose‐dependent electrophysiological responses and attract Cotesia vestalis adults, demonstrating their potential as semiochemicals. Moreover, the age‐stage, two‐sex life table revealed that feeding on nectar food increased the efficacy of Cotesia vestalis adults against Plutella xylostella.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the findings provide insights into the chemical ecology of plant–parasitoid complexes and support the potential use of F. esculentum as insectary plants in habitat manipulation against Plutella xylostella by supplying natural nectar food for the Cotesia vestalis population. Our results suggest an attract and reward strategy based on an attractant for Cotesia vestalis to control Plutella xylostella, or the development of volatile‐based artificial food for Cotesia vestalis. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nonclassical Crystal Growth of Supramolecular Polymers in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Elizebath Drishya , Lim Jia Hui , Nishiyama Yoshiharu , Vedhanarayanan Balaraman , Saeki Akinori , Ogawa Yu , Praveen Vakayil K.
Published: September 2023

A mechanistic understanding of the principles governing the hierarchical organization of supramolecular polymers offers a paradigm for tailoring synthetic molecular architectures at the nano to micrometric scales. Herein, the unconventional crystal growth mechanism of a supramolecular polymer of superbenzene(coronene)‐diphenylalanine conjugate (Cr‐FFOEt) is demonstrated. 3D electron diffraction (3D ED), a technique underexplored in supramolecular chemistry, is effectively utilized to gain a molecular‐level understanding of the gradual growth of the initially formed poorly crystalline hairy, fibril‐like supramolecular polymers into the ribbon‐like crystallites. The further evolution of these nanosized flat ribbons into microcrystals by oriented attachment and lateral fusion is probed by time‐resolved microscopy and electron diffraction. The gradual morphological and structural changes reveal the nonclassical crystal growth pathway, where the balance of strong and weak intermolecular interactions led to a structure beyond the nanoscale. The role of distinct π‐stacking and H‐bonding interactions that drive the nonclassical crystallization process of Cr‐FFOEt supramolecular polymers is analyzed in comparison to analogous molecules, Py‐FFOEt and Cr‐FF forming helical and twisted fibers, respectively. Furthermore, the Cr‐FFOEt crystals formed through nonclassical crystallization are found to improve the functional properties.
A systematic review on bisphenols – Sources, health impacts, and analytical determination of bisphenol A in aqueous samples
Authors: Vinod Veena , P S Amritha , P B Harathi
Published: September 2023

Bisphenol A and its structural analogs are used by industrial processes for the manufacture of plastics, and medical and electronic devices. When these products are disposed of, they tend to leach out causing pollution and impacting human health. Thus, many studies are focused on detecting the presence of Bisphenols in environmental matrices, especially in water and food, as it is a major route of human exposure. Advancements have been made in the preparation and detection of samples using different analytical techniques. The most widely used techniques for bisphenol detection are liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. The progress made for ultra‐trace detection of Bisphenols via the development of efficient sample extraction techniques and the benefits of each technique are highlighted. The recent advances in detection techniques using colorimetric and Raman spectroscopy are reviewed with an emphasis on the use of portable onsite techniques compared to conventional labor‐intensive and time‐consuming techniques. An overview of all the approaches to determining Bisphenols in environmental and food samples is discussed in detail to provide insight into the progress made in this field.
Recent Advances in Photochemical Asymmetric Three‐Component Reactions
Authors: Huang Haichao , Lin Yu‐Mei , Gong Lei
Published: September 2023

Over the past decades, asymmetric photochemical synthesis has garnered significant attention for its sustainability and unique ability to generate enantio‐enriched molecules through distinct reaction pathways. Photochemical asymmetric three‐component reactions have demonstrated significant potential for the rapid construction of chiral compounds with molecular diversity and complexity. However, noteworthy challenges persist, including the participation of high‐energy intermediates such as radical species, difficulties in precise control of stereoselectivity, and the presence of competing background and side reactions. Recent breakthroughs have led to the development of sophisticated strategies in this field. This review explores the intricate mechanisms, synthetic applications, and limitations of these methods. We anticipate that it will contribute towards advancing asymmetric catalysis, photochemical synthesis, and green chemistry.
Ein politischer Bildner? Die politisch-pädagogischen Ansätze von Antonio Gramsci
Authors: Hammermeister Juliane
Published: September 2023

Vorliegende Arbeit argumentiert, dass sich mit dem Hegemoniebegriff bzw. der Kategorie des Alltagsverstandes und den pädagogischen Überlegungen von Antonio Gramsci (1891–1937), einem der bedeutendsten Vertreter kritischer Gesellschaftstheorie, ein politikdidaktischer Ansatz entwickeln lässt, der in der Lage ist, die positiven Impulse des Langeschen Ansatzes aufzunehmen und der zugleich die benannten Defizite vermeidet. Es soll ein theoretischer Zugang zu Gramscis Denken geschaffen werden, der auf die im vorherigen Abschnitt genannten Leerstellen und Problematiken eingeht. Gramscis „Philosophie der Praxis“ (Gramsci 1991ff.: 1395) wird dabei als eine „offene Werkstatt“ verstanden, der jene „Materialblöcke“ und „Werkzeuge“ entnommen werden sollen, die für politikdidaktische Überlegungen relevant sind.
Fazit und Ausblick auf weiterführende Forschungsdesiderate
Authors: Hammermeister Juliane
Published: September 2023

Vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigte sich mit den Voraussetzungen und Bedingungen sowie den Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von Kritiklernen innerhalb wie außerhalb der Institution Schule. Ausgangspunkt der Überlegungen war die Annahme, dass Antonio Gramscis zentrale Kategorien einen Beitrag zur theoretischen Fundierung einer kritischen politischen Bildung und Politikdidaktik leisten können. Eine wesentliche Frage dabei war, ob Gramscis Einsichten zum Alltagsverstand und seine hegemonietheoretischen Überlegungen sich für eine konstruktive Kritik der einschlägigen politikdidaktischen Kategorie der Sinnbilder eignen, um daraus Hinweise für eine gezielte Weiterentwicklung eines politikdidaktischen Planungsmodells ableiten zu können.
Einleitung
Authors: Schindler Johanna
Published: September 2023

Die vorliegende Arbeit setzt an mehreren Punkten gleichzeitig an, um neue Erkenntnisse zur Funktionsweise der kollektiven Verarbeitung von Medieninformationen zu generieren: Ihr Ziel ist, einen zusammenhängenden theoretischen, methodischen und empirischen Beitrag zum Verständnis kollektiver Informationsverarbeitungsprozesse zu leisten. Dabei nimmt sie konsequent und durchgehend eine auf die Gruppenebene gerichtete Perspektive ein. Ihr 1) theoretischer Beitrag besteht aus dem Model of Collective Information Processing (MCIP). Das Modell verbindet Erkenntnisse aus der (Klein-)gruppenforschung und der Forschung zu individueller Informationsverarbeitung. Es unterscheidet zwischen verschiedenen kollektiven Verarbeitungsmodi. Auf diese Weise soll das MCIP dabei helfen, kollektive Informationsverarbeitungsprozesse zu beschreiben, zu erklären und vorherzusagen. Als 2) methodischer Beitrag wurde ein standardisiertes Befragungsinstrument für Kleingruppen als Untersuchungseinheiten entwickelt. Dieses wurde im Rahmen eines Mixed-Methods-Designs mithilfe qualitativer Beobachtungen und Gruppendiskussionen getestet, validiert und weiterentwickelt (Studie I). Standardisierte Gruppenbefragungen wären nicht nur aus theoretischer Perspektive konsequent. Sie könnten auch dabei helfen, methodischen Schwierigkeiten der Gruppenforschung zu begegnen und würden umfangreichere Mehrebenen-, Längsschnitt- und experimentelle Untersuchungen mit Kleingruppen möglich machen. Der zentrale 3) empirische Beitrag sind schließlich Ergebnisse zur Funktionsweise der kollektiven Verarbeitung von Medienbotschaften in Kleingruppen. Zur Datenerhebung wurde das entwickelte standardisierte Befragungsinstrument eingesetzt (s. o.), um eine Onlinebefragung von n = 182 natürlichen Kleingruppen und Dyaden zu Einflussfaktoren, Eigenschaften und Auswirkungen kollektiver Medienrezeption durchzuführen (Studie II). Die entsprechenden Forschungsfragen leiteten sich aus dem MCIP ab und ermöglichten eine empirische Prüfung des Modells.
Grundlegende fachliche und fachdidaktische Strukturierung mathematischer Inhalte
Authors: Huget Judith
Published: September 2023

In diesem Kapitel wird dargestellt, welchen Fachinhalten (angehende) Lehrkräfte für das gymnasiale Lehramt in der ersten Phase der Lehrkräfteausbildung (also im universitären Studium) begegnen und andererseits, welche fachdidaktischen Grundlagen sie benötigen. Ziel dieses Kapitels ist die thematische Einführung in die Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung. Dafür werden fachliche Strukturierungen eingeführt und die Mathematik auf akademischem Niveau zur Mathematik auf schulischem Niveau abgegrenzt. Anschließend wird die fachliche Struktur auf akademischem Niveau anhand des Beispiels der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung insbesondere im Themenbereich der Gesetze der großen Zahlen daran werden ausgewählte fachdidaktische Strukturierungen, also fachdidaktische Konzepte zunächst einmal allgemein und dann bezogen auf den Themenbereich der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung dargestellt.
Fachwissen als Teil des Professionswissens von Lehrkräften
Authors: Huget Judith
Published: September 2023

Ziel dieses Kapitels ist die Aufarbeitung des Fachwissens von Lehrkräften im mathematischen Teilbereich der Stochastik. Dafür wird der Begriff „Wissen“] in Abgrenzung zur Kompetenz definiert, weil viele Studien die Professionskompetenzen von Lehrkräften fokussieren und eine Unterscheidung für die Anschlussfähigkeit relevant ist. Weiterhin werden verschiedene Konzeptualisierungen des Professionswissens bzw. der -kompetenzen dargestellt, welche vielfach auf Shulman und Bromme beruhen. Im Anschluss wird das schulmathematische Wissen von Felix Klein aufgezeigt und sein Ziel der Überwindung der doppelten Diskontinuität in der Lehrerbildung näher erläutert. Darauf folgend wird eine neuere Wissenskonzeptualisierung des school-related content knowledge dargestellt. Diese beruht auf der bestehenden doppelten Diskontinuität und beschäftigt sich mit Wissen, welches auf Verbindungen zwischen akademischer und schulischerMathematik beruht. Abschließend werden einzelne Arbeiten zum Professionswissen innerhalb der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung aufgezeigt.
Hinführung zur Methodik und Darstellung der Ziele
Authors: Huget Judith
Published: September 2023

Das folgende Kapitel schlägt eine Brücke von den theoretischen Grundlagen zu dem methodischen Teil. Zunächst werden aus den vorherigen Kapiteln Erkenntnisse für das Forschungsinteresse gefolgert. Diese Arbeit setzt im Prozess zur Konzeptualisierung des Fachwissens weiter vorn an, indem mögliches Fachwissen anhand einer stoffdidaktischen Analyse strukturiert werden soll. In diesem Abschnitt wird dieses Vorgehen ausführlich begründet.
Diskussion
Authors: Huget Judith
Published: September 2023

Im folgenden Kapitel werden die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit dargestellt und diskutiert. Dafür werden die Ziele und die zugrunde liegende Vorgehensweise dargestellt, der eigene Beitrag präsentiert und die Ergebnisse diskutiert. Im Anschluss werden Limitationen beschrieben und Folgerungen für die Wissenschaft und die Praxis gezogen.
Fazit und Ausblick
Authors: Huget Judith
Published: September 2023

In dieser Arbeit wurden zwei Ziele verfolgt. Das erste Ziel war die Systematisierung einer didaktisch orientierten Rekonstruktion zur Strukturierung eines mathematischen Inhalts ausgehend vom Kern des Inhalts mit dem Ziel, normative Aussagen über Wissensinhalte für Lehrkräfte zu generieren. Darauf resultierte das zweite Ziel, welches die Erprobung der Methode war. Hier war das Ziel, einen Kanon möglicher Wissenselemente anhand der Gesetze der großen Zahlen innerhalb der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung exemplarisch mithilfe der didaktisch orientierten Rekonstruktion zu identifizieren. Es lässt sich resümieren, dass beide Ziele erreicht wurden.
Two-loop helicity amplitudes for V+jet production including axial vector couplings to higher orders in ϵ
Authors: Gehrmann Thomas , Jakubčík Petr , Mella Cesare Carlo , Syrrakos Nikolaos , Tancredi Lorenzo
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We compute the two-loop Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) corrections to all partonic channels relevant for the production of an electroweak boson V = Z, W±, γ* and a jet at hadron colliders. We consider the decay of a vector boson V to three partons V → $$ q\overline{q}g $$
q

q
¯

g
, V → ggg with a vector and axial vector coupling in both channels, including singlet and non-singlet contributions. For the quark channel, we use a recent tensor decomposition and extend the calculation to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(ϵ2). For the gluonic channel, we define a new tensor decomposition which allows us to compute the vector and the axial vector amplitudes at once and to perform the computation of the amplitudes to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(ϵ2). We provide finite remainders of the helicity amplitudes analytically continued to all relevant scattering regions $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

→ Vg, qg → Vq and gg → Vg. The axial vector contribution to the gluon-induced channel completes the set of two-loop amplitudes for this process, while the extension to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(ϵ2) represents the first step in the calculation of next-to-next-to-next-to-leading-order (N3LO) QCD corrections to Z+jet production at hadron colliders.
Optimal stopping and impulse control in the presence of an anticipated regime switch
Authors: Alvarez E. Luis H. R. , Sillanpää Wiljami
Published: September 2023

We consider a class of stochastic optimal stopping and impulse control problems where the agent solving the problem anticipates that a regime switch will happen at a random time in the future. We assume that there are only two regimes, the regime switching time is exponentially distributed, the underlying stochastic process is a linear, regular, time-homogeneous diffusion in both regimes and the payoff may be regime-dependent. This is in contrast with most existing literature on the topic, where regime switching is modulated by a continuous-time Markov chain and the underlying process and payoff belong to the same parametric family in all regimes. We state a set of easily verifiable sufficient conditions under which the solutions to these problems are given by one-sided threshold strategies. We prove uniqueness of the thresholds and characterize them as solutions to certain algebraic equations. We also study how anticipation affects optimal policies i.e. we present various comparison results for problems with and without regime switching. It may happen that the anticipative value functions and optimal policies coincide with the usual ones even if the regime switching structure is non-trivial. We illustrate our results with practical examples.
Realizing the European Vertical Reference System using model-based hydrodynamic leveling data
Authors: Afrasteh Y. , Slobbe D. C. , Sacher M. , Verlaan M. , Jahanmard V. , Klees R. , Guarneri H. , Keyzer L. , Pietrzak J. , Snellen M. , Zijl F.
Published: September 2023

All realizations of the European Vertical Reference System (EVRS) computed so far are solely based on geopotential differences obtained by spirit leveling/gravimetry. As such, there are no direct connections between height benchmarks separated by large water bodies. In this study, such connections are added by means of model-based hydrodynamic leveling resulting in a new, yet unofficial realization of the EVRS. The model-derived mean water levels used in computing the hydrodynamic leveling connections were obtained from the Nemo-Nordic (Baltic Sea) and 3D DCSM-FM (northwest European continental shelf) hydrodynamic models. The impact of model-based hydrodynamic leveling on the European Vertical Reference Frame is significant, especially for France and Great Britain. Compared to a solution which only uses spirit leveling/gravimetry, the differences in these countries reach tens to hundreds of $$\hbox {kgal}\, \hbox {mm}$$

kgal

mm

. We also observed an improved agreement with normal heights obtained by differencing GNSS and the European gravimetric quasi-geoid 2015 (EGG2015) heights. In Great Britain, the south-north slope of 48 mm $$\hbox {deg}^{-1}$$

deg

-
1

present in the solution which uses only spirit leveling/gravimetry data reduced to 2.2 mm $$\hbox {deg}^{-1}$$

deg

-
1

. In France, the improvement is confined to the southwest. The choice of the period over which water levels are averaged has an impact on the results as it determines, among others, the set of tide gauges available to establish the hydrodynamic leveling connections. When using an averaging period that can be considered as the least preferred choice based on three established criteria, the positive impact for France has gone. For Great Britain, the estimated south-north slope became 12.6 mm $$\hbox {deg}^{-1}$$

deg

-
1

. This is larger than the slope obtained using the most preferred averaging period but still substantially lower compared to the slope associated with a solution that uses only spirit leveling/gravimetry.
Using mechanism-based combinations of H2S-donors to maximize the cardioprotective action of H2S
Authors: Ravani Stella , Chatzianastasiou Athanasia , Papapetropoulos Andreas
Published: September 2023

H2S-donors are cardioprotective in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Some H2S-donors exert their beneficial effects in a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent manner, while others act using NO-independent pathways. The aims of the present study were to (i) evaluate whether H2S-donors with distinct pharmacodynamic properties act synergistically in I/R injury and (ii) determine if H2S-donors remain cardioprotective in obese mice. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Donors were administered intravenously at the end of ischemia (Na2S: 1 μmol/kg, GYY4137: 25 μmol/kg, AP39: 0,25 μmol/kg), while the 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (10 mg/kg) inhibitor was given intraperitonially 1 h prior to ischemia. Infarct size was estimated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining, while the area at risk was calculated using Evans blue. All three donors reduced infarct size when administered as a sole treatment. Co-administration of Na2S/GYY4137, as well as Na2S/AP39 reduced further the I/R injury, beyond what was observed with each individual donor. Since inhibition of the H2S-producing enzyme 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase is known to reduce infarct size, we co-administered C3 with Na2S to determine possible additive effects between the two agents. In this case, combination of C3 with Na2S did not yield superior results compared to the individual treatments. Similarly, to what was observed in healthy mice, administration of a H2S-donor (Na2S or AP39) reduced I/R injury in mice rendered obese by consumption of a high fat diet. We conclude that combining a NO-dependent with a NO-independent H2S-donor leads to enhanced cardioprotection and that H2S-donors remain effective in obese animals.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of spirulina and thymoquinone mitigate the methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Behairy Alaa , Elkomy Ashraf , Elsayed Faten , Gaballa Mohamed M. S. , Soliman Ahmed , Aboubakr Mohamed
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the neurotoxic effects caused by methotrexate (MTX), a frequently used chemotherapy drug, could be improved by administeringSpirulina platensis(SP) and/or thymoquinone (TQ). Seven groups of seven rats were assigned randomly for duration of 21 days. The groups consisted of a control group that was given saline only. The second group was given 500 mg/kg of SP orally; the third group was given 10 mg/kg of TQ orally. The fourth group was given a single IP dose of 20 mg/kg of MTX on the 15thday of the experiment. The fifth group was given both SP and MTX, the sixth group was given both TQ and MTX, and the seventh group was given SP, TQ, and MTX. After MTX exposure, the study found that AChE inhibition, depletion of glutathione, and increased levels of MDA occurred. MTX also decreased the activity of SOD and CAT, as well as the levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. MTX induced apoptosis in brain tissue. However, when MTX was combined with either SP or TQ, the harmful effects on the body were significantly reduced. This combination treatment resulted in a faster return to normal levels of biochemical, oxidative markers, inflammatory responses, and cell death. In conclusion, supplementation with SP or TQ could potentially alleviate MTX-induced neuronal injury, likely due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.
Surgical Management and Outcome of Entero‐Urinary Fistula Complicating Crohn's Disease: A Single Center Study
Authors: Chen Yusheng , Cao Lei , Qiu Jiayin , Li Zhun , Guo Zhen , Zhu Zhenxing , Xu Yihan , Qian Wenwei , Zhu Weiming , Li Yi
Published: September 2023

Background

Entero‐urinary fistulas (EUF) are a rare complication of Crohn's disease (CD), observed in 1.6 to 7.7%. The management of EUF complicating CD is challenging. We aimed to report the outcome and surgical management of EUF in CD.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed in all CD patients with EUF who underwent surgery in our center between January 2012 and December 2021. Patient demographics, preoperative optimization, surgical management, postoperative complications, and follow‐up information were collected from a prospectively maintained database.

Results

A total of 74 eligible patients were identified. The median interval between CD diagnosis and EUF diagnosis was 2 (0.08–6.29) years. Patients with EUF presented with pneumaturia (75.68%), urinary tract infections (72.97%), fecaluria (66.22%), and hematuria (6.76%). Fistulae originated most commonly from the ileum (63.51%), followed by the colon (14.86%), the rectum (9.46%), the cecum (2.70%), and multiple sites (9.46%). The EUF symptoms, weight, nutritional status, laboratory results were significantly improved after preoperative optimization. The absence of EUF symptoms was observed in 42 patients after the optimization and only 9 of which required bladder repair. However, 19 of 32 patients whose symptoms did not resolve required bladder repair (P = 0.001). Only 1 patient developed a bladder leakage in the early postoperative period and 3 patients experienced recurrent bladder fistula.

Conclusions

Surgical management of EUF complicating CD is effective and safe, with a low rate of postoperative complication and EUF recurrence. Preoperative optimization, which is associated with the resolution of urinary symptoms and improved surgical outcomes, should be recommended.
Giant mitochondria in cardiomyocytes: cellular architecture in health and disease
Authors: Li Amy , Shami Gerald J. , Griffiths Lisa , Lal Sean , Irving Helen , Braet Filip
Published: September 2023

Giant mitochondria are frequently observed in different disease models within the brain, kidney, and liver. In cardiac muscle, these enlarged organelles are present across diverse physiological and pathophysiological conditions including in ageing and exercise, and clinically in alcohol-induced heart disease and various cardiomyopathies. This mitochondrial aberration is widely considered an early structural hallmark of disease leading to adverse organ function. In this thematic paper, we discuss the current state-of-knowledge on the presence, structure and functional implications of giant mitochondria in heart muscle. Despite its demonstrated reoccurrence in different heart diseases, the literature on this pathophysiological phenomenon remains relatively sparse since its initial observations in the early 60s. We review historical and contemporary investigations from cultured cardiomyocytes to human tissue samples to address the role of giant mitochondria in cardiac health and disease. Finally, we discuss their significance for the future development of novel mitochondria-targeted therapies to improve cardiac metabolism and functionality.
Senescent fibro-adipogenic progenitors are potential drivers of pathology in inclusion body myositis
Authors: Nelke Christopher , Schroeter Christina B. , Theissen Lukas , Preusse Corinna , Pawlitzki Marc , Räuber Saskia , Dobelmann Vera , Cengiz Derya , Kleefeld Felix , Roos Andreas , Schoser Benedikt , Brunn Anna , Neuen-Jacob Eva , Zschüntzsch Jana , Meuth Sven G. , Stenzel Werner , Ruck Tobias
Published: September 2023

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is unique across the spectrum of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) due to its distinct clinical presentation and refractoriness to current treatment approaches. One explanation for this resistance may be the engagement of cell-autonomous mechanisms that sustain or promote disease progression of IBM independent of inflammatory activity. In this study, we focused on senescence of tissue-resident cells as potential driver of disease. For this purpose, we compared IBM patients to non-diseased controls and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy patients. Histopathological analysis suggested that cellular senescence is a prominent feature of IBM, primarily affecting non-myogenic cells. In-depth analysis by single nuclei RNA sequencing allowed for the deconvolution and study of muscle-resident cell populations. Among these, we identified a specific cluster of fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) that demonstrated key hallmarks of senescence, including a pro-inflammatory secretome, expression of p21, increased β-galactosidase activity, and engagement of senescence pathways. FAP function is required for muscle cell health with changes to their phenotype potentially proving detrimental. In this respect, the transcriptomic landscape of IBM was also characterized by changes to the myogenic compartment demonstrating a pronounced loss of type 2A myofibers and a rarefication of acetylcholine receptor expressing myofibers. IBM muscle cells also engaged a specific pro-inflammatory phenotype defined by intracellular complement activity and the expression of immunogenic surface molecules. Skeletal muscle cell dysfunction may be linked to FAP senescence by a change in the collagen composition of the latter. Senescent FAPs lose collagen type XV expression, which is required to support myofibers’ structural integrity and neuromuscular junction formation in vitro. Taken together, this study demonstrates an altered phenotypical landscape of muscle-resident cells and that FAPs, and not myofibers, are the primary senescent cell type in IBM.
Assessing the quality of care for skin malignant melanoma on a global, regional, and national scale: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Liu Mingjuan , Wu Mengyin , Liu Xintong , Zhou Jia , Lan Yining , Zhang Hanlin , zhang Xinyi , Leng Ling , Zheng Heyi , Li Jun
Published: September 2023

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer with increasing global incidence rates, particularly in developed countries. Variations in the prevalence and quality of care provided to patients with melanoma exist across different regions and across different sex and age. Assessing the global burden of melanoma and evaluating the quality of care can provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions in certain underperforming regions and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to systematically analyze the Global Burden of Disease Study from 1990 to 2019 to assess the quality of care for skin malignant melanoma on a global scale. We conducted a comprehensive literature review and extracted data on melanoma incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease Study. We incorporated these variables using principal component analysis (PCA) to form an informative single variable of quality of care index (QCI) and analyzed its spatial–temporal variations as well as disparities across age, sex and socio-demographic index (SDI). The overall Quality of Care Index (QCI) for melanoma improved from 82.81 in 1990 to 91.29 in 2019. The QCI score showed a positive correlation with socioeconomic status across regions. Australia ranked highest in QCI (99.96), while Central African Republic, and Kiribati had the lowest scores. China and Saudi Arabia showed significant QCI improvement, while the QCI of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Zimbabwe, and Guam decreased from 1990 to 2019. The highest QCI scores were observed in the age groups of 20–39 years old (93.40–94.65). Gender disparities narrowed globally in these three decades, but lower Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions showed increased gender inequities. Our findings highlighted the spatial–temporal variations in the quality of care of MM as well as its disparities across different SDI levels, age groups and sex. These findings offer valuable insights and guidance for implementing focused interventions and resource allocation to enhance the quality of care and overall outcomes for MM worldwide, especially for underperforming regions.
Evaluation of insertion quality of a slim perimodiolar electrode array
Authors: Beck R. , Aschendorff A. , Arndt S. , Hildenbrand T. , Rauch A. K. , Ketterer M. C.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The influence of cochlear morphology and electrode array design on scalar position and dislocation rates is of great interest in CI surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate scalar position and specific points of dislocation in relation to cochlear morphology in patients implanted with a new slim perimodiolar electrode array.

Materials and methods

Patients were implanted using the slim modiolar electrode array (= SMA) (= 532/632 electrode array of Cochlear™). Postoperative imaging was performed via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the scans were analyzed regarding cochlear morphology (distances A and B and cochlear height), scalar location of the electrode array, basal insertion depth and apical insertion angle. Furthermore, electrode array design and surgical protocols were evaluated.

Results

81 ears implanted with the SMA were retrospectively included. We evaluated 3 electrode array tip fold over intraoperatively via X-ray imaging and performed revision during the same surgery. The CBCT scans showed 76 initial scala tympani (ST) insertions without dislocation. Two ears showed a dislocated array, one at 77° and the other at 163°. Three arrays were inserted into scala vestibuli (SV) via cochleostomy. These patients showed no signs of obliteration. Cochlear morphology showed no influence on angular insertion depth and scalar position.

Conclusions

The SMA showed a very low rate of scalar dislocations due to its slim electrode array design (2.7%). We could find a learning curve regarding the handling and the risk of dislocation and tip fold over with this electrode array. The rate of intraoperative tip fold over detection via X-ray imaging was 3.7%. Therefore, we highly recommend X-ray imaging and transimpedance matrix measurements within the surgery protocol. Scala vestibuli insertions happened in patients with cochleostomy only. We could identify two specific points of dislocation depending on electrode array design.
Extracellular vesicles in kidney development and pediatric kidney diseases
Authors: Ergunay Tunahan , Collino Federica , Bianchi Gaia , Sedrakyan Sargis , Perin Laura , Bussolati Benedetta
Published: September 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous cargo particles that mediate intercellular communication. They are heterogeneous in size and mechanism of release, and found in all biological fluids. Since EV content is in relation to the originating cell type and to its physiopathological conditions, EVs are under study to understand organ physiology and pathology. In addition, EV surface cargo, or corona, can be influenced by the microenvironment, leading to the concept that EV-associated molecules can represent useful biomarkers for diseases. Recent studies also focus on the use of natural, engineered, or synthetic EVs for therapeutic purposes. This review highlights the role of EVs in kidney development, pediatric kidney diseases, including inherited disorders, and kidney transplantation. Although few studies exist, they have promising results and may guide researchers in this field. Main limitations, including the influence of age on EV analyses, are also discussed.
Value Distributions of Perfect Nonlinear Functions
Authors: Kölsch Lukas , Polujan Alexandr
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we study the value distributions of perfect nonlinear functions, i.e., we investigate the sizes of image and preimage sets. Using purely combinatorial tools, we develop a framework that deals with perfect nonlinear functions in the most general setting, generalizing several results that were achieved under specific constraints. For the particularly interesting elementary abelian case, we derive several new strong conditions and classification results on the value distributions. Moreover, we show that most of the classical constructions of perfect nonlinear functions have very specific value distributions, in the sense that they are almost balanced. Consequently, we completely determine the possible value distributions of vectorial Boolean bent functions with output dimension at most 4. Finally, using the discrete Fourier transform, we show that in some cases value distributions can be used to determine whether a given function is perfect nonlinear, or to decide whether given perfect nonlinear functions are equivalent.
A Solution to Babai’s Problems on Digraphs with Non-diagonalizable Adjacency Matrix
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Xia Binzhou , Zhou Sanming , Zhu Wenying
Published: September 2023

The fact that the adjacency matrix of every finite graph is diagonalizable plays a fundamental role in spectral graph theory. Since this fact does not hold in general for digraphs, it is natural to ask whether it holds for digraphs with certain level of symmetry. Interest in this question dates back to the early 1980 s, when P. J. Cameron asked for the existence of arc-transitive digraphs with non-diagonalizable adjacency matrix. This was answered in the affirmative by Babai (J Graph Theory 9:363–370, 1985). Then Babai posed the open problems of constructing a 2-arc-transitive digraph and a vertex-primitive digraph whose adjacency matrices are not diagonalizable. In this paper, we solve Babai’s problems by constructing an infinite family of s-arc-transitive digraphs for each integer $$s\ge 2$$

s
≥
2

, and an infinite family of vertex-primitive digraphs, both of whose adjacency matrices are non-diagonalizable.