bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symmetric in the striate but asymmetric in the extrastriate cortex when processing three‐quarter faces: Neural underpinnings for aesthetic appreciations
Authors: Zeng Yifan , Wang Xuanyu , Silveira Sarita , von Trott zu Solz Jana , Simmank Fabian , Zaytseva Yuliya , Bao Yan , Paolini Marco
Published: March 2022

Faces and their aesthetic appreciation are a core element of social interaction. Although studies have been made on facial processing when looking at faces with different perspectives, a direct comparison of faces in the left to the right perspective is missing. Portraits in classical Western art indicate a preference of the left compared to the right perspective, but the neural underpinnings of such an asymmetry still have to be clarified. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the current study focuses on the processing of three‐quarter faces seen with different perspectives. Seventeen participants were asked to passively look at photographs of six male and six female faces with a neutral expression; the photographs were taken from the left, right, and frontal perspectives while keeping their focus on the eyes. The results showed that specific brain areas were involved in processing the three‐quarter faces in either symmetric or asymmetric ways. Viewing left and right three‐quarter faces resulted in two mirror‐like activations in the striate cortex corresponding to the symmetric layout of the left and right perspectives. Viewing the left face resulted additionally in an enhanced activation also in the left extrastriate cortex. The right perspective of male faces elicited a lower activation compared to other perspectives in face‐selective areas of the brain. Our findings suggest that the preference of the left three‐quarter face emerges already in the early visual pathway presumably prior to facial identification, emotional processing, and aesthetic appreciation. Our observations may have general importance in disentangling different neural components and processing stages in the spatiotemporal characteristics of artistic expressions.
Sensitivity of accuracy of various standard test condition correction procedures to the errors in temperature coefficients of c‐Si PV modules
Authors: Golive Yogeswara Rao , Kottantharayil Anil , Shiradkar Narendra
Published: March 2022

The Standard Test Condition (STC) correction procedures are algorithms used for transforming the Photovoltaic (PV) module current‐voltage (I‐V) data measured at arbitrary conditions back to STC. The PV module Temperature Coefficients are used as inputs by various STC correction procedures and can significantly influence their accuracy. This paper presents the sensitivity analysis of accuracy of six STC correction procedures (IEC 60891‐Procedure 1, Procedure 2, Modified IEC 60891‐Procedure 1, IEC 60891‐Procedure 4 (Voltage Dependent Temperature Coefficient (VDTC) Procedure), Anderson Procedure, and Standard Irradiance and Desired Temperature Procedure) to the errors in the temperature coefficients of Pmax, Voc, and Isc. Experimentally measured as well as simulated I‐V curves of six multi c‐Si PV modules were used in this study. IEC 60891‐Procedure 4 (Voltage Dependent Temperature Coefficient) that uses a Voltage Dependent Temperature Coefficient which can be calculated using a single measured I‐V curve was found to be most robust against errors in the temperature coefficients.
Amplification of Primordial Gravitational Waves by a Geometrically Driven non‐canonical Reheating Era
Authors: Odintsov S.D. , Oikonomou V.K.
Published: March 2022

In order to describe inflation in general relativity, scalar fields must inevitably be used, with all the setbacks of that description. On the other hand, gravity and other modified gravity theories seem to provide a unified description of early and late‐time dynamics without resorting to scalar or phantom theories. The question is, can modified gravity affect directly the mysterious radiation domination era? Addressing this question is the focus in this work, and we shall consider the case for which in the early stages of the radiation domination era, namely during the reheating era, the background equation of state parameter is different from . As we show, in the context of gravity, an abnormal reheating era can affect the primordial gravitational wave energy spectrum today. Since future interferometers will exactly probe this era, which consists of subhorizon modes that reentered the horizon during the early stages of the radiation domination era, the focus in this work is how a short abnormal reheating era that deviates from the standard perfect fluid pattern with , and generated by higher order curvature terms, can affect the primordial gravitational wave energy spectrum. Using a WKB approach, we calculate the effect of an gravity generated abnormal reheating era, and as we show the primordial gravitational wave spectrum is significantly amplified, a result which is in contrast to the general relativistic case, where the effect is minor.
Interaction of picolinamide fungicide primary metabolites UK‐2A and CAS‐649 with the cytochrome bc1 complex Qi site: mutation effects and modelling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Young David H , Meunier Brigitte , Wang Nick X
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Fenpicoxamid and florylpicoxamid are picolinamide fungicides targeting the Qi site of the cytochrome bc1 complex, via their primary metabolites UK‐2A and CAS‐649, respectively. We explore binding interactions and resistance mechanisms for picolinamides, antimycin A and ilicicolin H in yeast by testing effects of cytochrome b amino acid changes on fungicide sensitivity and interpreting results using molecular docking.

RESULTS

Effects of amino acid changes on sensitivity to UK‐2A and CAS‐649 were similar, with highest resistance associated with exchanges involving G37 and substitutions N31K and L198F. These changes, as well as K228M, also affected antimycin A, while ilicicolin H was affected by changes at G37 and L198, as well as Q22E. N31 substitution patterns suggest that a lysine at position 31 introduces an electrostatic interaction with neighbouring D229, causing disruption of a key salt‐bridge interaction with picolinamides. Changes involving G37 and L198 imply resistance primarily through steric interference. G37 changes also showed differences between CAS‐649 and UK‐2A or antimycin A with respect to branched versus unbranched amino acids. N31K and substitution of G37 by large amino acids reduced growth rate substantially while L198 substitutions showed little effect on growth.

CONCLUSION

Binding of UK‐2A and CAS‐649 at the Qi site involves similar interactions such that general cross‐resistance between fenpicoxamid and florylpicoxamid is anticipated in target pathogens. Some resistance mutations reduced growth rate and could carry a fitness penalty in pathogens. However, certain changes involving G37 and L198 carry little or no growth penalty and may pose the greatest risk for resistance development in the field. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry
Lung parenchymal calcifications in a child with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lynch Heidi , Qian Frank , Wong Matthew D. , Thomas Rahul J. , Kapur Nitin
Published: March 2022

We describe a 6‐year‐old girl with homozygous p.Phe508del cystic fibrosis with severe multi‐lobar bronchiectasis and obstructive lung disease who was found to have prominent parenchymal calcifications in the right middle lobe on a computed tomography scan of the chest. Histopathology from the calcified area of lung biopsy showed fibrous tissue with chronic inflammation with CD3+ T‐lymphocytes and macrophages with no granulomas. Dystrophic calcification was seen within this necrotic debris.
Antioxidant/anti‐inflammatory effect of Mg2+ in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Arancibia‐Hernández Yalith Lyzet , Aranda‐Rivera Ana Karina , Cruz‐Gregorio Alfredo , Pedraza‐Chaverri José
Published: March 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), characterised by high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). Oxidative stress induces oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, causing tissue damage. Both inflammation and OS contribute to multi‐organ failure in severe cases. Magnesium (Mg2+) regulates many processes, including antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory responses, as well as the proper functioning of other micronutrients such as vitamin D. In addition, Mg2+ participates as a second signalling messenger in the activation of T cells. Therefore, Mg2+ deficiency can cause immunodeficiency, exaggerated acute inflammatory response, decreased antioxidant response, and OS. Supplementation with Mg2+ has an anti‐inflammatory response by reducing the levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), interleukin (IL) ‐6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Furthermore, Mg2+ supplementation improves mitochondrial function and increases the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) content, reducing OS. Therefore, Mg2+ supplementation is a potential way to reduce inflammation and OS, strengthening the immune system to manage COVID‐19. This narrative review will address Mg2+ deficiency associated with a worse disease prognosis, Mg2+ supplementation as a potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory therapy during and after COVID‐19 disease, and suggest that randomised controlled trials are indicated.
Camera traps enable the estimation of herbaceous aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in an African savanna at high temporal resolution
Authors: de Jonge Inger K. , Veldhuis Michiel P. , Vrieling Anton , Olff Han
Published: March 2022

Determining the drivers of aboveground net primary production (ANPP), a key ecosystem process, is an important goal of ecosystem ecology. However, accurate estimation of ANPP across larger areas remains challenging, especially for savanna ecosystems that are characterized by large spatiotemporal heterogeneity in ANPP. Satellite remote sensing methods are frequently used to estimate productivity at the landscape scale but generally lack the spatial and temporal resolution to capture the determinants of productivity variation. Here, we developed and tested methods for estimating herbaceous productivity as an alternative to labour‐intensive repeated biomass clipping and caging of small plots. We compared measures of three spectral greenness indices, normalized difference vegetation index derived from Sentinel‐2 (NDVIs) and a handheld radiometer (NDVIg), and green chromatic coordinate derived from digital repeat cameras (GCC) and tested their relationship to biweekly field‐measured herbaceous ANPP using movable exclosures. We found that a satellite‐based model including average NDVIs and its rate of change (ΔNDVIs) over the biweekly productivity measurement interval predicted herbaceous ANPP reasonably well (Jackknife R2 = 0.26). However, the predictive accuracy doubled (Jackknife R2 = 0.52) when including the sum of day to day increases in camera trap‐derived vegetation greenness (tGCC). This result can be considered promising, given the current lack of productivity estimation methods at comparable spatiotemporal resolution. We furthermore found that the fine (daily) temporal resolution of GCC time series captured fast vegetation responses to rainfall events that were missed when using a coarser temporal resolution (>2 days). These findings demonstrate the importance of measuring at a fine temporal resolution for predicting herbaceous ANPP in savanna ecosystems. We conclude that camera traps are promising in offering a reliable and cost‐effective method to estimate productivity in savannas and contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem functioning and its drivers.
Rapid Pressureless Sintering of Glasses
Authors: Lin Zhiwei , Zhao Xinpeng , Wang Chengwei , Dong Qi , Qian Ji , Zhang Guangran , Brozena Alexandra H. , Wang Xizheng , He Shuaiming , Ping Weiwei , Chen Gang , Pei Yong , Zheng Chaolun , Clifford Bryson Callie , Hong Min , Wu Yiquan , Yang Bao , Luo Jian , Albertus Paul , Hu Liangbing
Published: March 2022

Silica glasses have wide applications in industrial fields due to their extraordinary properties, such as high transparency, low thermal expansion coefficient, and high hardness. However, current methods of fabricating silica glass generally require long thermal treatment time (up to hours) and complex setups, leading to high cost and slow manufacturing speed. Herein, to obtain high‐quality glasses using a facile and rapid method, an ultrafast high‐temperature sintering (UHS) technique is reported that requires no additional pressure. Using UHS, silica precursors can be densified in seconds due to the large heating rate (up to 102 K s−1) of closely placed carbon heaters. The typical sintering time is as short as ≈10 s, ≈1–3 orders of magnitude faster than other methods. The sintered glasses exhibit relative densities of > 98% and high visible transmittances of ≈90%. The powder‐based sintering process also allows rapid doping of metal ions to fabricate colored glasses. The UHS is further extended to sinter other functional glasses such as indium tin oxide (ITO)‐doped silica glass, and other transparent ceramics such as Gd‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet. This study demonstrates an UHS proof‐of‐concept for the rapid fabrication of high‐quality glass and opens an avenue toward rapid discovery of transparent materials.
In Situ Constructing Coordination Compounds Interphase to Stabilize Zn Metal Anode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zn–SeS2 Batteries
Authors: Li Jianbo , He Bin , Zhang Yi , Cheng Zexiao , Yuan Lixia , Huang Yunhui , Li Zhen
Published: March 2022

Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries have been regarded as the most promising aqueous batteries due to their low redox potential, high theoretical capacity, and abundant Zn resources. Unfortunately, Zn dendrite growth and serious side reactions drastically curtail the cycle life, severely affecting their large‐scale application. Herein, a multifunctional ordered Zn‐aminotrimethylene phosphonic acid (Zn‐ATMP) film is in situ modified on the surface of metal Zn via a facile etching process. The modified layer can not only retard the side reactions and suppress the corrosion rate, but also lower the Zn nucleation overpotential and accelerate diffusion and homogenize deposition of Zn2+ due to the strong Zn affinity. Consequently, the as‐prepared Zn‐ATMP@Zn anode in the symmetric cell enables long‐term lifespan (over 1000 h) at 10.0 mA cm−2 with a high areal capacity of 5 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, when assembled with a SeS2‐based cathode, a long lifespan for over 280 cycles at 2 C can be achieved for the aqueous Zn–SeS2 battery. This work provides a reliable strategy for constructing stabilized Zn anode and accelerating the development of an aqueous energy storage system.
Flexible substrates enabled highly integrated patterns with submicron precision toward intrinsically stretchable circuits
Authors: Lv Wenkun , Liu Zhaoxin , Li Zheng , Han Zhifei , Yang Yongrui , Li Qi , Qiao Yali , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2022

Fabricating high integration density, high resolution, and intrinsically stretchable patterns by patterned technologies remain challenging. Template printing enabled high‐precision patterned fabrication at a facile operation. However, the pattern spacing constraint is the major limitation to high integration density. In this study, we develop an elastomer‐assisted strategy to improve the template printing process, which involves patterning on the prestrain elastic substrate. This strategy overcomes the spacing limitation and enables the realization of a centimeter‐scale pattern with submicron precision. Particularly, the integration density of fabricated intrinsically stretchable patterns can reach 1932 lines on a substrate of 0.5 cm2; the assembly lines with a feature size of 880 nm and an interval of 955 nm. Furthermore, we demonstrate a facile approach for constructing silver nanoparticle/liquid metal alloy composite conductive patterns. The as‐prepared flexible electrodes can withstand up to 150% strain and a 2‐mm bend radius. This method provides new insights into template printing technology. Additionally, it opens a route for the simultaneous construction of functional patterned arrays with large scale, high integration density, and intrinsic stretchability, which will be useful for the integrated fabrication of various flexible electronic devices.
Effects of Cathodic Polarization on the Corrosion Behavior of X60 Pipeline Steel in a Simulated Soil Solution
Authors: Mameri Sonia , Boughrara Dalila , Lazar Florica , Chopart Jean-Paul
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the cathodic polarization, the evolution of hydrogen, and its effect on the formation of calcareous deposits on X60 pipeline steel in a simulated soil solution and its behavior at open‐circuit potential (OCP) after interruption of cathodic polarization. Electrochemical measurement (chronoamperometry, potentiodynamic polarization, OCP evolution, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)), and surface characterization techniques are used. The time evolution of EIS spectra is examined. The results show that cathodic polarization favors the release of hydrogen, and weakens and/or prevents the formation of calcareous deposits on the steel surface. After stopping polarization, the corrosion kinetics is retarded for high cathodic potentials, which could be due to the blocking of the surface by the adsorbed hydrogen.
Studies on the retention behavior of quercetin, phenol, and caffeine as test substances on selected neutral and charged hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography stationary phases
Authors: Ziobrowski Piotr , Zapała Lidia , Zapała Wojciech
Published: March 2022

The influence of mobile phase composition and column temperature on the retention behavior of quercetin, phenol, and caffeine as test analytes was analyzed. The experiments were conducted in columns filled with the charged amine phase and the neutral amide phase. As mobile phases, the varying fractions of methanol or acetonitrile in water solutions were applied. The most likely retention mechanisms have been discussed. The results of investigations confirm the importance of a mixed adsorption‐partition retention mechanism in the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography process, regardless of the mobile phase composition and type of stationary phase. Investigations have also shown that in the tested systems the retention mechanism is also strongly column temperature‐dependent. Additionally, the efficiency of the tested columns was determined and analyzed as a function of the linear flow velocity. The obtained literature known as van Deemter plots confirms generally higher column efficiencies in the systems with acetonitrile as an organic component of the mobile phase. However, in some cases, the application of methanol allows obtaining similar column efficiencies. Furthermore, the results show that both columns tested exhibit comparable efficiency in the most tested systems and provide very good efficiency preservation over the wide range of eluent velocities.
Nerolidol induced apoptosis via PI3K/JNK regulation through cell cycle arrest in MG‐63 osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Yu Yang , Velu Periyannan , Ma Yulong , Vijayalakshmi Annamalai
Published: March 2022

The aim of the present study was to determine the cell proliferation, apoptotic pathway analysis through protein, mRNA and cell cycle arrest mechanism in nerolidol induced osteosarcoma MG‐63 cells. The osteosarcoma MG‐63 cells were treated with various doses of nerolidol (15 and 20 μM/ml) for 24 h. Cell proliferation was examined using assist method of MTT assay, fixed the IC50 value of nerolidol 15 μM/ml. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was analyzed by DCFH‐DA dye, mitochondrial potential detected by Rh‐123 dye, apoptotic morphological changes identified by AO/EtBr, PI, DAPI staining, and cell adhesion were detected by using fluorescence microscope. Cell proliferation, and apoptotic molecular protein and mRNA expressions such as ERK, P38, p‐PI3K, p‐JNK, Bcl‐2, JNK, p‐P38, cyclin‐D1, and Bax were analyzed in osteosarcoma MG‐63 cells. Nerolidol significantly suppressed the osteosarcoma cells progression in a dose dependent manner (p < .05) evident in the oxidative stress induction and apoptotic morphological changes. Nerolidol also regulated the protein PI3K/AKT mechanistically via induction of apoptosis Nerolidol suppresses osteosarcoma MG‐63 cells by PI3K/AKT by cell cycle arrest at early phase of G0/G1. To sum up, nerolidol suppressed the growth of bone cancer cells and can be finally targeted as a potent drug for analyzing its chemotherapeutic effects in future.
Health and economic burden of pathological lesions in livers and lungs of slaughtered sheep at Mosul Abattoir, Iraq
Authors: Jwher Dh. M. , Dahl Mohammad O. , Saeed Shahad I. , Abdalazeez Aomnea M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Slaughterhouses can provide valuable information about animal diseases and their epidemiology.

Objectives

The current study was designed to examine the health and economic burden of pathological lesions in livers and lungs of slaughtered sheep at Mosul abattoir, Iraq.

Methods

Mosul abattoir records for sheep slaughtered between 2011 and 2013 were considered for inclusion in this study. The direct financial loss due to liver and lung lesions was estimated considering the average number of slaughtered sheep per year, the average percentage of liver lesions per year, and the average percentage of lung lesions per year. Monetary values of the liver and lung were obtained from local butcheries.

Results

The analysis indicated that the percentage of lesions observed in the liver and lung per year was 6.9% and 5.8%, respectively. Hydatid cyst followed by hepatitis was the most frequent lesions identified in the liver, while pneumonia then hydatid cyst were detected in the lung, followed by worms, abscess, and miscellaneous lesions. Hydatid cyst was the most frequently observed lesions. The average total loss was 35,232 USD per year (mostly due to liver lesions), with ±7046 USD sensitivity to the price change.

Conclusions

The percentage of lesions observed in the liver and lung per year is not negligible and can cause considerable economic losses.
Assessing Chromatin Accessibility During WBR in Acoels
Authors: Gehrke Andrew R. , Srivastava Mansi
Published: March 2022

Dynamic gene expression seen during whole-body regeneration is likely controlled by genomic regulatory elements that dictate the spatiotemporal activity of the regeneration transcriptome. Identifying and characterizing these non-coding regulatory sequences are key to understanding how genes are connected into networks to deploy the process of whole-body regeneration. Here, we describe the application of the Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin (ATAC-seq) in the acoel Hofstenia miamia to identify regions of open chromatin that represent putative regulatory elements. Notably, when paired with gene knockdown techniques such as RNAi, ATAC-seq can be implemented in a functional genomics approach to validate putative regulatory elements. ATAC-seq requires no species-specific reagents, is amenable to small input cell numbers, and can be completed in a single day, making it an ideal assay to identify dynamic chromatin at high resolution during whole-body regeneration in virtually any species with a quality genome assembly.
Transforming Conventional Education through ODDE
Authors: Nichols Mark
Published: March 2022

Open and distance education has a long history and rich heritage, its literature affirming that a systems approach based on industrial production is an optimal means of providing education that is accessible, cost-effective, flexible, open, and scalable. This approach to education, based on an asynchronous separation of participants, continues to find its expression in the Internet age. The recent COVID-19 global pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching (ERT). This sudden adoption of online education took place more in response to need than careful strategizing. Significantly, the term “online distance education” is often used to describe the mostly synchronous ERT model, even though this is out of step with classic distance education theory. This chapter explores the differences across educational models beneath the terms “conventional education” and “open, distance digital education (ODDE),” and the nature of “transformation” as conventional and distance models of education are expressed online. Transforming conventional education through ODDE challenges our thinking as to the nature of education practice and the potential of digital technology in the twenty-first-century context. The potential of ODDE – anytime enrolment and assessment, effectiveness and efficiency in tuition, enhancing student success by design and personalized provision – goes well beyond extending the classroom into the online space. For on-campus providers to become effective ODDE providers, a transformation is required. The final part of this chapter deals with the challenges of rethinking the role of the educator and of reformulating a university’s operating model.
Supporting Learners with Special Needs in Open, Distance, and Digital Education
Authors: Kocdar Serpil , Bozkurt Aras
Published: March 2022

Open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) is meant to provide unique educational opportunities for everyone, including learners with special needs. While promising flexible and accessible learning experiences for learners with special needs, ODDE may simultaneously result in the creation of certain barriers. Supporting learners with special needs in ODDE environments, therefore, becomes a critical task for all educational institutions. This chapter focuses on the challenges that learners with special needs encounter during their learning process in ODDE, as well as those mechanisms that can be used to support them in order to overcome these challenges, such as means of increasing accessibility, recognizing Universal Design for Learning principles, using assistive technologies, providing accommodations, and adaptations in terms of pedagogical, managerial, social, and technical support. The chapter suggests that ODDE is inclusive in nature and that it should therefore further focus on empathy and care-oriented pedagogies. ODDE, inspired by openness philosophy, envisions equity, equality, and justice for every learner, including learners with special needs.
Next-to-leading-order QCD matching for ∆F = 2 processes in scalar leptoquark models
Authors: Crivellin Andreas , Eguren Jordi Folch , Virto Javier
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Leptoquarks provide viable solutions to the flavour anomalies, i.e. they can explain the tensions between the measurements and the Standard Model predictions of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon as well as b → sℓ+ℓ− and b → cτν processes. However, LQs also contribute to other flavour observables, such as ∆F = 2 processes, at the loop-level. In particular, Bs−$$ \overline{B} $$

B
¯

s mixing provides a crucial bound in setups addressing b → cτν data, often excluding a big portion of the parameter space that could otherwise account for it. In this article, we first derive the complete leading order matching, including all five scalar LQ representations, for D0−$$ \overline{D} $$

D
¯

0, K0−$$ \overline{K} $$

K
¯

0 and Bs,d−$$ \overline{B} $$

B
¯

s,d mixing (at the dimension-six level). We then calculate the next-to-leading order αs matching corrections to these ∆F = 2 processes in generic scalar leptoquark models. We find that the two-loop corrections increase the effects in ∆F = 2 processes by ~ 5-10% and significantly reduce the matching scale uncertainty.
Monodromy bootstrap for SU(2|2) quantum spectral curves: from Hubbard model to AdS3/CFT2
Authors: Ekhammar Simon , Volin Dmytro
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We propose a procedure to derive quantum spectral curves of AdS/CFT type by requiring that a specially designed analytic continuation around the branch point results in an automorphism of the underlying algebraic structure. In this way we derive four new curves. Two are based on SU(2|2) symmetry, and we show that one of them, under the assumption of square root branch points, describes Hubbard model. Two more are based on SU(2|2) × SU(2|2). In the special subcase of zero central charge, they both reduce to the unique nontrivial curve which furthermore has analytic properties compatible with PSU(1, 1|2) × PSU(1, 1|2) real form. A natural conjecture follows that this is the quantum spectral curve of AdS/CFT integrable system with AdS3 × S3 × T4 background supported by RR-flux. We support the conjecture by verifying its consistency with the massive sector of asymptotic Bethe equations in the large volume regime. For this spectral curve, it is compulsory that branch points are not of the square root type which qualitatively distinguishes it from the previously known cases.
A close look on 2-3 mixing angle with DUNE in light of current neutrino oscillation data
Authors: Agarwalla Sanjib Kumar , Kundu Ritam , Prakash Suprabh , Singh Masoom
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Recent global fit analyses of 3ν oscillation data show a preference for normal mass ordering (NMO) at 2.5σ and provide 1.6σ indications for lower θ23 octant (sin2θ23< 0.5) and leptonic CP violation (sin δCP< 0). In this work, we study in detail the capabilities of DUNE to establish the deviation from maximal θ23 and to resolve its octant in light of the current data. Introducing for the first time, a bi-events plot in the plane of total ν and $$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

disappearance events, we discuss the impact of sin2θ23 – ∆$$ {m}_{31}^2 $$

m
31
2

degeneracy in establishing non-maximal θ23 and show how this degeneracy can be resolved with the help of spectral analysis. A 3σ (5σ) determination of non-maximal θ23 is possible in DUNE with an exposure of 336 kt·MW·years if the true value of sin2θ23 ≲ 0.465 (0.450) or sin2θ23 ≳ 0.554 (0.572). We study the role of appearance and disappearance channels, systematic uncertainties, marginalization over oscillation parameters, and the importance of spectral analysis in establishing non-maximal θ23. We observe that both ν and $$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

data are essential to settle the θ23 octant at a high confidence level. DUNE can resolve the octant of θ23 at 4.2σ (5σ) using 336 (480) kt·MW·years of exposure for the present best-fit values of oscillation parameters. DUNE can improve the current relative 1σ precision on sin2θ23 (∆$$ {m}_{31}^2 $$

m
31
2

) by a factor of 4.4 (2.8) using 336 kt·MW·years of exposure.
POLYNOMIAL FUNCTORS AND TWO-PARAMETER QUANTUM SYMMETRIC PAIRS
Authors: BUCIUMAS VALENTIN , KO HANKYUNG
Published: March 2022

We develop a theory of two-parameter quantum polynomial functors. Similar to how (strict) polynomial functors give a new interpretation of polynomial representations of the general linear groups GLn, the two-parameter polynomial functors give a new interpretation of (polynomial) representations of the quantum symmetric pair ($$ {U}_{Q,q}^B $$UQ,qB($$ \mathfrak{gl} $$gln),Uq($$ \mathfrak{gl} $$gln)) which specializes to type AIII/AIV quantum symmetric pairs. The coideal subalgebra$$ {U}_{Q,q}^B $$UQ,qB($$ \mathfrak{gl} $$gln) appears in a Schur–Weyl duality with the type B Hecke algebra$$ {\mathcal{H}}_{Q,q}^B $$HQ,qB(d). We endow two-parameter polynomial functors with a cylinder braided structure which we use to construct the two-parameter Schur functors. Our polynomial functors can be precomposed with the quantum polynomial functors of type A producing new examples of action pairs.
SYMPLECTIC PBW DEGENERATE FLAG VARIETIES; PBW TABLEAUX AND DEFINING EQUATIONS
Authors: BALLA GEORGE
Published: March 2022

We define a set of PBW-semistandard tableaux that is in a weight-preserving bijection with the set of monomials corresponding to integral points in the Feigin–Fourier–Littelmann–Vinberg polytope for highest weight modules of the symplectic Lie algebra. We then show that these tableaux parametrize bases of the multihomogeneous coordinate rings of the complete symplectic original and PBW degenerate flag varieties. From this construction, we provide explicit degenerate relations that generate the defining ideal of the PBW degenerate variety with respect to the Plücker embedding. These relations consist of type Α degenerate Plücker relations and a set of degenerate linear relations that we obtain from De Concini’s linear relations.
Symplectic mapping class groups of K3 surfaces and Seiberg–Witten invariants
Authors: Smirnov Gleb
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this note is to prove that the symplectic mapping class groups of many K3 surfaces are infinitely generated. Our proof makes no use of any Floer-theoretic machinery but instead follows the approach of Kronheimer and uses invariants derived from the Seiberg–Witten equations.
Optimization of hippocampus sparing during whole brain radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost—tutorial and efficacy of complete directional hippocampal blocking
Authors: Popp Ilinca , Grosu Anca Ligia , Fennell Jamina Tara , Fischer Melissa , Baltas Dimos , Wiehle Rolf
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Hippocampus-avoidance whole brain radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (HA-WBRT+SIB) is a complex treatment option for patients with multiple brain metastases, aiming to prevent neurocognitive decline and simultaneously increase tumor control. Achieving efficient hippocampal dose reduction in this context can be challenging. The aim of the current study is to present and analyze the efficacy of complete directional hippocampal blocking in reducing the hippocampal dose during HA-WBRT+SIB.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with multiple metastases having undergone HA-WBRT+SIB were identified. The prescribed dose was 30 Gy in 12 fractions to the whole brain, with 98% of the hippocampus receiving ≤ 9 Gy and 2% ≤ 17 Gy and with SIB to metastases/resection cavities of 36–51 Gy in 12 fractions. Alternative treatment plans were calculated using complete directional hippocampal blocking and compared to conventional plans regarding target coverage, homogeneity, conformity, dose to hippocampi and organs at risk.

Results

All alternative plans reached prescription doses. Hippocampal blocking enabled more successful sparing of the hippocampus, with a mean dose of 8.79 ± 0.99 Gy compared to 10.07 ± 0.96 Gy in 12 fractions with the conventional method (p < 0.0001). The mean dose to the whole brain (excluding metastases and hippocampal avoidance region) was 30.52 ± 0.80 Gy with conventional planning and 30.28 ± 0.11 Gy with hippocampal blocking (p = 0.11). Target coverage, conformity and homogeneity indices for whole brain and metastases, as well as doses to organs at risk were similar between planning methods (p > 0.003).

Conclusion

Complete directional hippocampal blocking is an efficient method for achieving improved hippocampal sparing during HA-WBRT+SIB.
Mutagen sensitivity and risk of second cancer in younger adults with head and neck squamous cell cancer: 15-year results
Authors: Bukovszky B. , Fodor J. , Székely G. , Kocsis S. Zs. , Oberna F. , Major T. , Takácsi-Nagy Z. , Polgár C. , Jurányi Z.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the mutagen sensitivity phenotype on the risk of second primary cancer (SPC) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and to estimate the long-term rate of SPC and the outcome with SPC.

Methods

A survey was made regarding SPC among 124 younger (≤ 50 years) adults with HNSCC who were enrolled in a pretreatment mutagen sensitivity investigation during 1996–2006. Mutagen sensitivity was assessed by exposing lymphocytes to bleomycin in vitro and quantifying the bleomycin-induced chromatid breaks per cell (b/c). Patients were classified as hypersensitive (> 1 b/c) or not hypersensitive (≤ 1 b/c).

Results

Mean follow-up time for all patients was 68 months (range: 5–288 months), and the 15-year cancer-specific survival was 15%. Twenty patients (16%) developed a SPC (15-year estimated rate: 41%), and half of them was hypersensitive. The crude rate of SPC for hypersensitive (n = 65) or not hypersensitive (n = 59) patients were 15 and 17%, respectively (p = 0.4272). The 15-year estimated rate of SPC for hypersensitive and not hypersensitive patients was 36 and 48%, respectively (p = 0.3743). Gender, UICC stages, anatomical sites of index cancer did not prove to be a significant risk factor for SPC. Forty-five percent of SPC developed after the 10-year follow-up. The 3‑year cancer-specific survival was 23% with SPC.

Conclusion

According to our findings, mutagen hypersensitivity was not associated with an increased SPC risk in HNSCC patients. Patients are at a lifelong risk of developing a SPC. Survival with SPC is very poor.
High return to sports and return to work rates after anatomic lateral ankle ligament reconstruction with tendon autograft for isolated chronic lateral ankle instability
Authors: Rupp Marco-Christopher , Degenhardt Hannes , Winkler Philipp W. , Hinz Maximilian , Ehmann Yannick J. , Imhoff Andreas B. , Pogorzelski Jonas , Themessl Alexander
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To evaluate clinical outcomes as well as return to sports (RTS) and return to work (RTW) rates following anatomic lateral ankle ligament reconstruction with a tendon autograft for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) in a high-risk population, and to compare these outcome parameters between patients having received a gracilis tendon autograft (GT) and free split peroneus brevis tendon (PBT) autograft.

Methods

Twenty-eight consecutive patients, who were diagnosed with CLAI, presenting with ≥ 1 risk factor (ligamentous hyperlaxity, insufficient substance of native ligament and/or high-demand athlete), who underwent ankle ligament reconstruction with a tendon autograft between January 2011 and December 2018, were included in this retrospective study. At 63.7 ± 28.0 months (24–112), 23 patients with a mean age of 29.7 ± 10.9 years were available for follow-up. The Karlsson Score, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), the Tegner Activity Scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were collected at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. RTS and RTW were evaluated by questionnaire. A subgroup analysis with regard to the graft used for ankle ligament reconstruction (GT versus PBT) was performed.

Results

Patients reported a Karlsson score of 82.1 ± 17.5 (37–100), a FAOS score of 87.8 ± 8.4 (73–99), a median Tegner activity scale of 5.0 (IQR 4–6) and a VAS for pain of 0.5 ± 0.9 (0–4) at rest and of 2.0 ± 2.1 (0–7) during activities at final follow-up. Postoperatively, 96% of patients had returned to sports after 8.3 ± 6.2 months. All patients (100%) had returned to work at 3.5 ± 5.7 (0–24) months, with 87% reporting an equal or improved working ability compared to that preoperatively. Postoperatively, exercise hours per week were significantly reduced compared to preoperatively in patients with a split PBT (n = 12; 13.0 ± 12.9 to 5.6 ± 6.4 h, p = 0.038) autograft as opposed to patients with a GT autograft (n = 11; 13.1 ± 8.7 to 12.4 ± 7.1 h, n.s.). No other group differences were observed.

Conclusion

Good patient-reported outcomes as well as excellent RTS and RTW rates can be achieved in high-risk patients undergoing ankle ligament reconstruction with a tendon autograft for CLAI. These results may be helpful in preoperatively managing patients’ expectations regarding sports- and work-related outcomes and provide tangible data on the expectable time frame of the individual return to sports and work trajectory.

Level of evidence

IV.
Poisson–Cournot games
Authors: De Sinopoli Francesco , Künstler Christopher , Meroni Claudia , Pimienta Carlos
Published: March 2022

We construct a Cournot model with uncertainty in the number of firms in the industry. We model such an uncertainty as a Poisson game and characterize the set of equilibria after deriving novel properties of the Poisson distribution. When marginal costs are zero, the number of equilibria increases with the expected number of firms (n) and for $$n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

every equilibrium exhibits overproduction relative to the model with deterministic population size. For a fixed n, overproduction is robust to sufficiently small marginal costs. The set of equilibria can be Pareto ranked. If $$n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

, even the expected consumer surplus induced by the lowest quantity equilibrium is larger than the consumer surplus in the model without population uncertainty.
A TMT-based shotgun proteomics uncovers overexpression of thrombospondin 1 as a contributor in pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: Wang Weiqian , Chen Yan , Yin Yue , Wang Xunjiang , Ye Xuanling , Jiang Kaiyuan , Zhang Yi , Zhang Jiwei , Zhang Wei , Zhuge Yuzheng , Chen Li , Peng Chao , Xiong Aizhen , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao
Published: March 2022

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction disease (HSOS) is a rare but life-threatening vascular liver disease. However, its underlying mechanism and molecular changes in HSOS are largely unknown, thus greatly hindering the development of its effective treatment. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) are the primary and essential target for HSOS. A tandem mass tag-based shotgun proteomics study was performed using primary cultured HSECs from mice with HSOS induced by senecionine, a representative toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA). Dynamic changes in proteome were found at the initial period of damage and the essential role of thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) was highlighted in PA-induced HSOS. TSP1 over-expression was further confirmed in human HSECs and liver samples from patients with PA-induced HSOS. LSKL peptide, a known TSP1 inhibitor, protected mice from senecionine-induced HSOS. In addition, TSP1 was found to be covalently modified by dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in human HSECs and mouse livers upon senecionine treatment, thus to form the pyrrole-protein adduct. These findings provide useful information on early changes in HSECs upon PA treatment and uncover TSP1 overexpression as a contributor in PA-induced HSOS.

Graphical abstract
Inter-annual variability in breeding census data across species and regions
Authors: Hays Graeme C. , Mazaris Antonios D. , Schofield Gail
Published: March 2022

There is an intense interest in long-term trends of species abundance that may reflect, for example, climate change or conservation actions. Less well studied are patterns in the magnitude of inter-annual variability in abundance across large spatial scales. We collated abundance time-series for 133 nesting sites across the globe of the seven sea turtle species. Inter-annual variability in nest numbers was lowest in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and flatback turtle (Natator depressus) and highest in green turtles (Chelonia mydas), likely reflecting their lower trophic position compared to other species and hence tighter coupling of food availability to environmental conditions each year. The annual number of nests in green turtles could vary by 60-fold between successive years. We identified regional patterns in the magnitude of inter-annual variability in green turtle nest numbers, variability being highest for nesting beaches around Australia and lowest in the western Indian Ocean and equatorial Atlantic. These regional patterns are likely linked to corresponding patterns of environmental variability with, for example, areas subjected environmental extremes as part of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) showing high inter-annual variability in nest numbers.
Bone marrow edema of the medioplantar talar head is associated with severe ligamentous injury in ankle sprain
Authors: Passon Tina , Germann Christoph , Fritz Benjamin , Pfirrmann Christian , Sutter Reto
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To investigate the predictive value of talar head edema (THE) in acute ankle sprain for the presence of concomitant ligament injuries.

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the ethics committee and informed consent was obtained. One hundred patients (mean age: 37 years ± 14 [standard deviation], range 13–77 years) with MRI of the ankle after acute trauma were included. The cohort in this matched-pair study consisted of 50 patients with THE (group 1) and 50 patients without THE (group 2). Two readers independently evaluated presence and size of bone marrow edema of the talus head and injuries of the lateral, medial, talonavicular, and spring ligament complex. Statistics included intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa statistics as well as parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results

On average, patients with THE demonstrated significantly more ligament injuries in comparison to patients without THE (3.7 vs. 1.3, p ≤ 0.01). Also, in patients with THE, the number of injured ligaments was significantly higher at the lateral (p = 0.03), medial (p ≤ 0.01), and talonavicular (p ≤ 0.01) compartment in comparison to patients without THE. The most frequently injured ligaments in patients with THE were the anterior talofibular ligament (60%) and the anterior tibiotalar ligament (42%). There was no significant correlation between edema size and the number of injured ligaments or compartments (p = 0.5).

Conclusion

THE is associated with more extensive ligamentous ankle injury, in particular to the medial and lateral collateral ligament complex, and therefore indicative of severe ankle trauma.
Increased regional ventilation as early imaging marker for future disease progression of interstitial lung disease: a feasibility study
Authors: Scharm Sarah C. , Schaefer-Prokop Cornelia , Willmann Moritz , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Knudsen Lars , Jonigk Danny , Fuge Jan , Welte Tobias , Wacker Frank , Prasse Antje , Shin Hoen-oh
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease with a poor prognosis and a highly variable course. Pathologically increased ventilation—accessible by functional CT—is discussed as a potential predecessor of lung fibrosis. The purpose of this feasibility study was to investigate whether increased regional ventilation at baseline CT and morphological changes in the follow-up CT suggestive for fibrosis indeed occur in spatial correspondence.

Methods

In this retrospective study, CT scans were performed at two time points between September 2016 and November 2020. Baseline ventilation was divided into four categories ranging from low, normal to moderately, and severely increased (C1–C4). Correlation between baseline ventilation and volume and density change at follow-up was investigated in corresponding voxels. The significance of the difference of density and volume change per ventilation category was assessed using paired t-tests with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The analysis was performed separately for normal (NAA) and high attenuation areas (HAA).

Results

The study group consisted of 41 patients (73 ± 10 years, 36 men). In both NAA and HAA, significant increases of density and loss of volume were seen in areas of severely increased ventilation (C4) at baseline compared to areas of normal ventilation (C2, p < 0.001). In HAA, morphological changes were more heterogeneous compared to NAA.

Conclusion

Functional CT assessing the extent and distribution of lung parenchyma with pathologically increased ventilation may serve as an imaging marker to prospectively identify lung parenchyma at risk for developing fibrosis.

Key Points

• Voxelwise correlation of serial CT scans suggests spatial correspondence between increased ventilation at baseline and structural changes at follow-up.

• Regional assessment of pathologically increased ventilation at baseline has the potential to prospectively identify tissue at risk for developing fibrosis.

• Presence and extent of pathologically increased ventilation may serve as an early imaging marker of disease activity.