bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new EWMA median chart with measurement errors in short production runs–An application in yogurt cup filling process
Authors: Saha Sajal , Khoo Michael B. C. , Abubakar Sani Salihu , Das Utpal Kanti , Lee Ming Ha
Published: January 2022

This article presents an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) median chart for short production runs (SPR) (called EWMA SPR median chart). This chart improves the sensitivity of the Shewhart median chart for SPR (called Shewhart SPR median chart) proposed by Khoo et al15 in the detection of mean shifts. The proposed chart's performance is evaluated by means of the truncated average run length (TARL), truncated standard deviation of the run length (TSDRL), and expected TARL (ETARL) criteria. For all sizes of mean shifts, regardless of the sample size, the findings show that the EWMA SPR median chart outperforms the Shewhart SPR median chart. The EWMA SPR median chart is also investigated when measurement errors are present, as these errors affect the chart's performance. An example is given to illustrate the working of the chart when measurement errors are present.
Application of deterministic networking for reducing network delay in urological telesurgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Wang Yonghua , Zhang Zhilei , Zheng Jilu , Su Zhuang , Gui Hongxin , Jiao Wei , Yang Xuecheng , Niu Haitao
Published: January 2022

Background

Deterministic Networking (DetNet) is a new technology that can effectively control network delay and may promote the revolution of telemedicine. This study verified the feasibility and advantage of deterministic networking in telesurgery.

Methods

All telesurgeries employed the ‘MicroHand S’ surgical robot system. The network mode adopted fixed‐line and 5G wireless networks, while the network configuration scheme adopted DetNet and general networking. The telesurgery data of three patients using DetNet and four patients using a general network were collected, and the time‐delay, packet loss rate and delay jitter were compared during the operations.

Results

Compared with a general network, DetNet can effectively control data transmission during the telesurgery process for both fixed‐line and 5G wireless networks, further reducing network latency, minimising data fluctuations, and improving surgery security.

Conclusion

The DetNet meets the requirements of deterministic delay, low jitter and high bandwidth for telesurgery, which may provide effective network guarantee for developing the telemedicine system.
Does enterovirus 71 urge for effective vaccine control strategies? Challenges and current opinion
Authors: Swain Subrat Kumar , Gadnayak Ayushman , Mohanty Jatindra Nath , Sarangi Rachita , Das Jayashankar
Published: January 2022

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an infectious virus affecting all age groups of people around the world. It is one of the major aetiologic agents for HFMD (hand, foot and mouth disease) identified globally. It has led to many outbreaks and epidemics in Asian countries. Infection caused by this virus that can lead to serious psychological problems, heart diseases and respiratory issues in children younger than 10 years of age. Many studies are being carried out on the pathogenesis of the virus, but little is known. The host immune response and other molecular responses against the virus are also not clearly determined. This review deals with the interaction between the host and the EV71 virus. We discuss how the virus makes use of its proteins to affect the host’s immunity and how the viral proteins help their replication. Additionally, we describe other useful resources that enable the virus to evade the host’s immune responses. The knowledge of the viral structure and its interactions with host cells has led to the discovery of various drug targets for the treatment of the virus. Additionally, this review focusses on the antiviral drugs and vaccines developed by targeting various viral surface molecules during their infectious period. Furthermore, it is asserted that the improvement of prevailing vaccines will be the simplest method to manage EV71 infection swiftly. Therefore, we summarise numerous vaccines candidate for the EV71, such as the use of an inactivated complete virus, recombinant VP1 protein, artificial peptides, VLPs (viral‐like particles) and live attenuated vaccines for combating the viral outbreaks promptly.
Genetic polymorphisms of ACE1, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 associated with COVID‐19 severity: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Saengsiwaritt Wacharapol , Jittikoon Jiraphun , Chaikledkaew Usa , Udomsinprasert Wanvisa
Published: January 2022

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) poses a global threat, due to its fluctuating frequency and lethality. Published data revealed associations of COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity with host genetic polymorphisms in renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS)‐related genes including angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)1, ACE2, and transmembrane protease (TMPRSS)2. However, the findings remain inconclusive. Accordingly, we aimed to clarify associations of genetic variants in those genes with COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity using a systematic review with meta‐analysis. From inception through 1 July 2021, a literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Allelic distributions for each polymorphism were calculated as pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess the strength of association. A total of 3333 COVID‐19 patients and 5547 controls from 11 eligible studies were included. From a systematic review, ACE1 rs1799752, ACE1 rs4646994, ACE2 rs2285666, and TMPRSS2 rs12329760 were identified as common polymorphisms of RAAS‐related genes. Meta‐analysis showed a significant association between TMPRSS2 rs12329760 C‐allele and an increased risk of developing severe COVID‐19 (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.73). Likewise, additional meta‐analyses uncovered that both ACE1 rs4646994 DD‐genotype and ACE2 rs2285666 GG‐genotype carriers had a significantly increased risk of developing severe COVID‐19 (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.93; OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.66; respectively). Genetic polymorphisms of ACE1 rs4646994 DD‐genotype, ACE2 rs2285666 GG‐genotype, and TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC‐genotype and C‐allele may serve as predictive models of COVID‐19 severity.
Light‐Soak Stable Semitransparent and Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells for Single‐Junction and Tandem Architectures
Authors: Najafi Mehrdad , Theelen Mirjam , Fledderus Henri , Zhang Dong , Zardetto Valerio , van Aken Bas , Veenstra Sjoerd
Published: January 2022

Semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PSCs) are very attractive due to their potential applications in single junctions for building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and in tandem PV technology using low‐bandgap bottom solar cells. Despite the high efficiency achieved, the ST‐PSCs still suffer low bifaciality, which can limit their overall energy yield for application in BIPV technologies. Furthermore, the knowledge on the long‐term light‐soaking stability of the ST‐PSC from both illumination sides is required to optimize the energy production in the long term. p−i−n ST‐PSCs and semitransparent perovskite solar minimodules with comparable and high efficiencies when illuminated from either the rear or the front sides, resulting in the highest reported bifaciality factor of 97%, are demonstrated. A bifacial equivalent power output of 21.3 W m−2 is achieved for ST‐PSCs under 1 sun illumination on the front side, while using a white back reflector from the rear side with 33.5% reflected albedo. However, the side of illumination has a big impact on the light‐soak stability of the ST‐PSCs. It is observed that the ST‐PSC provides more stable output power under illumination from the rear side (n‐side) of the stack.
Featuring Semitransparent p–i–n Perovskite Solar Cells for High‐Efficiency Four‐Terminal/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Pei-Huan , Wu Ting-Tzu , Li Chia-Feng , Glowienka Damian , Huang Yu-Xuan , Huang Shih-Han , Huang Yu-Ching , Su Wei-Fang
Published: January 2022

Two issues need to be resolved when fabricating p–i–n semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PVSCs) for four‐terminal (4 T) perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells: 1) damage to the underlying absorber (MAPbI3), electron transporting layer ([6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester, PCBM), and work function (WF) modifier (polyethylenimine, PEI), resulting from the harsh sputtering conditions for the transparent electrodes (TEs) and 2) low average near‐infrared transmittance (ANT) of TEs. Herein, a unique SnO2 layer to protect the MAPbI3 and PCBM layers is developed and functions as a WF modifier for a new TE (cerium‐doped indium oxide, ICO), which exhibits an excellent ANT of 86.7% in the range of 800−1200 nm. Moreover, a MAPbI3‐based p–i–n ST‐PVSC is prepared, achieving an excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.23%. When it is placed over the Si solar cell, a 4 T tandem solar cell with a PCE of 26.14% is obtained.
High‐Efficiency Vivid Color CIGS Solar Cell Employing Nondestructive Structural Coloration
Authors: Shafian Shafidah , Eun Lee Ga , Yu Hyeonggeun , Jeong Jeung-hyun , Kim Kyungkon
Published: January 2022

Structural coloration is an effective method for coloring a solar cell with minimum optical loss. For the application of building integrated photovoltaics, it is desirable to integrate structural colors directly onto the solar cell without damaging it with an economical process. Herein, a solution‐processed distributed Bragg reflector (sDBR) is introduced to realize efficient and vividly colored CuInxGa(1−x)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. The sDBR is directly combined with the CIGS solar cell at room temperature without damaging the photoactive layer. The sDBR is fabricated on CIGS solar cells by spin coating alternate layers of solution‐processable TiO2 nanoparticles bound with acetylacetone and a polymethyl methacrylate solution. The vividly colored CIGS solar cells exhibit high reflectivity and narrow bandwidth at the designated wavelength, resulting in pure red, green, and blue. The reduction in the photocurrent by the coloring is minimized due to the narrow bandwidth characteristics of the sDBR, while a gain in the photocurrent is obtained at wavelengths outside of the range used for coloring due to the antireflection eﬀect of the sDBR. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of R, G, and B sDBR/CIGS solar cells is 97.2%, 99.4% and 102%, respectively, compared to a conventional CIGS solar cell.
Comparing veterinarians’ attitudes to and the potential influence of pet health insurance in Austria, Denmark and the UK
Authors: Springer Svenja , Lund Thomas Bøker , Grimm Herwig , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Corr Sandra A. , Sandøe Peter
Published: January 2022

Background

Health insurance offers many benefits to clients and veterinarians, such as the ability to perform necessary and possibly cost‐intensive medical interventions without financial constraints, or to potentially prevent euthanasia based on financial challenges. However, concerns about negative consequences, such as the overuse of diagnostic tests or overtreatment, have also been raised.

Methods

Using an online questionnaire distributed via e‐mail, which included a section on health insurance, we investigated the relative number of insured dogs and cats treated by Austrian, Danish and UK veterinarians (N = 636) and the attitudes of those veterinarians toward health insurance. Further, using a case vignette, we examined whether coverage by health insurance may influence treatment suggestions.

Results

Even though veterinarians in all three countries believe that health insurance reduces stress since clients’ financial resources will be less important, we found that Austrian veterinarians are more likely to agree that health insurance is unnecessary compared to Danish and UK veterinarians. Further, many raised the concern that insurance policies influence clinical decisions; and less than half supported the idea of making insurance mandatory. A majority of veterinarians in Austria and the UK thought that insurance can lead to the overuse of diagnostic tests, and in the UK a majority also thought that it can lead to overtreatment. Using case vignettes, we found that veterinarians were significantly more likely to suggest a CT scan to a client with an insured animal, in contrast to a client with stated financial limitations. Further, UK veterinarians were more likely to suggest a CT scan to a client with an insured animal, in contrast to a client without insurance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found that veterinarians, in general, were in favour of health insurance, and that greater coverage may increase more cost‐intensive veterinary care. Our findings also raise a potential ethical challenge of health insurance causing differential access to clinical care for patients.
Preventive hoof trimming in dairy cattle: Determining current practices and identifying future research areas
Authors: Pedersen Sara I. L. , Huxley Jonathan N. , Hudson Chris D. , Green Martin J. , Bell Nicholas J.
Published: January 2022

Background

The extent to which preventive hoof trimming is implemented on Great Britain's (GB) dairy farms is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine common practices and capture producers’ input on key areas that require further research.

Methods

An online survey was conducted over a 4‐week period from March to April 2017.

Results

A total of 338 valid survey responses were received. The majority of farmers undertook preventive hoof trimming (82.4%), and this was significantly positively associated with increased herd yield (p < 0.001). Drying off was the most common time trimming was undertaken, with 72.2% of farmers who implemented preventive trimming doing so at this point in the management cycle. Of those undertaking preventive trimming, 46.4% solely used an external hoof trimmer, 31.7% solely used farm staff and the remainder (21.9%) used a combination of operators. Four over‐arching themes were identified within the key research questions; when to trim, why we should trim, how to trim and who to trim. The most frequent questions related to optimal trimming timing, frequency and method.

Conclusion

This study highlighted that preventive hoof trimming is a widespread practice on GB dairy farms, undertaken by both external hoof trimmers and farm staff. Despite this, farmers still want to know when they should undertake preventive hoof trimming and which technique they should use.
Seasonal calving UK dairy herds: A farmer survey of fertility and veterinary services
Authors: Giles George , Fishbourne Emma , Smith Robert Frank , Higgins Helen Mary
Published: January 2022

Background

There is a lack of literature concerning dairy farmers' use of veterinary services and how satisfied they are with them. This study aimed to fill this gap for seasonal calving UK herds, with a focus on fertility, and included farmer perceived barriers to veterinary involvement.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire (convenience sample), with 166 useable responses.

Results

Opportunities exist for further veterinary involvement in seasonal herds. Areas vets are least involved in currently are nutrition, breeding and genetics, growth rate monitoring and infrastructure changes. Current veterinary input was rated neutral or poor value by 21% of respondents. Over 90% of farmers want vets to ask questions to elicit their needs. Frequently mentioned barriers were ‘lack of veterinary knowledge of our system’, ‘not enough cost‐benefit of veterinary involvement’ and ‘we get our fertility information elsewhere’. Along with clinical ability and being approachable, ‘understanding our system’ and being ‘proactive’ were qualities participants most valued in a vet. After cost, ‘pushing sales and interventions’ were the least liked.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the critical importance of clearly demonstrating the full cost‐benefit of veterinary services to farmers. The results contain many details concerning farmer perceptions and values that can help veterinary businesses to strengthen existing services and develop new services.
Flame retardants for epoxy resins: Application‐related challenges and solutions
Authors: Kandola Baljinder K. , Magnoni Federico , Ebdon John R.
Published: January 2022

Owing to their high versatility from chemical and processing perspectives and hence their capability of being tailored for required properties, epoxy resins are used in a wide range of applications ranging from general use to high performing materials. Most of the applications though also require conformation to certain specified fire safety regulations. The flammability (and other properties) of cured epoxy resins depend on the type of resin, curing agent and curing process used, which have been highlighted in this article. The focus of the review though is on the type of flame retardants required to achieve certain levels of flame retardancy. There are numerous research articles and reviews dealing with flame retardancy of epoxy resins in the open literature and it is beyond the scope of this review to cover them all, hence only selected representative papers are discussed here, while references to previous reviews are provided that cover additional work. Different flame retardants and their chemically modified/synthesized variants developed by various researchers have been critically reviewed in terms of their flame retardant efficiency relative to their commonly used/ commercially available counterparts. The issues related to their suitability in terms of processability and performance in certain applications have also been discussed.
SnBrP‐A SnIP‐type representative in the Sn−Br−P system
Authors: Reiter Felix , Pielmeier Markus , Vogel Anna , Jandl Christian , Plodinec Milivoj , Rohner Christian , Lunkenbein Thomas , Nisi Katharina , Holleitner Alexander , Nilges Tom
Published: January 2022

One‐dimensional semiconductors are interesting materials due to their unique structural features and anisotropy, which grant them intriguing optical, dielectric and mechanical properties. In this work, we report on SnBrP, a lighter homologue of the first inorganic double helix compound SnIP. This class of compounds is characterized by intriguing mechanical and electronic properties, featuring a high flexibility without modulation of physical properties. Semiconducting SnBrP can be synthesized from red phosphorus, tin and tin(II)bromide at elevated temperatures and crystallizes as red‐orange, cleavable needles. Raman measurements pointed towards a double helical building unit in SnBrP, showing similarities to the SnIP structure. After taking PL measurements, HR‐TEM, and quantum chemical calculations into account, we were able to propose a sense full structure model for SnBrP.
Defect extremal surface for reflected entropy
Authors: Li Tianyi , Yuan Ma-Ke , Zhou Yang
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Defect extremal surface is defined by extremizing the Ryu-Takayanagi formula corrected by the quantum defect theory. This is interesting when the AdS bulk contains a defect brane (or string). We introduce a defect extremal surface formula for reflected entropy, which is a mixed state generalization of entanglement entropy measure. Based on a decomposition procedure of an AdS bulk with a brane, we demonstrate the equivalence between defect extremal surface formula and island formula for reflected entropy in AdS3/BCFT2. We also compute the evolution of reflected entropy in evaporating black hole model and find that defect extremal surface formula agrees with island formula.
Planckian physics comes into play at Planckian distance from horizon
Authors: Ho Pei-Ming , Kawai Hikaru , Yokokura Yuki
Published: January 2022

Abstract

In the background of a gravitational collapse, we compute the transition amplitudes for the creation of particles for distant observers due to higher-derivative interactions in addition to Hawking radiation. The amplitudes grow exponentially with time and become of order 1 when the collapsing matter is about a Planck length outside the horizon. As a result, the effective theory breaks down at the scrambling time, invalidating its prediction of Hawking radiation. Planckian physics comes into play to decide the fate of black-hole evaporation.
Quantum gravity on the black hole horizon
Authors: Gaddam Nava , Groenenboom Nico , ’t Hooft Gerard
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study scattering on the black hole horizon in a partial wave basis, with an impact parameter of the order of the Schwarzschild radius or less. This resembles the strong gravity regime where quantum gravitational effects appear. The scattering is governed by an infinite number of virtual gravitons exchanged on the horizon. Remarkably, they can all be summed non-perturbatively in ħ and γ ∼ MPl/MBH. These results generalise those obtained from studying gravitational backreaction. Unlike in the eikonal calculations in flat space, the relevant centre of mass energy of the collisions is not necessarily Planckian; instead it is easily satisfied, s » γ2$$ {M}_{\mathrm{Pl}}^2 $$

M
Pl
2

, for semi-classical black holes. The calculation lends further support to the scattering matrix approach to quantum black holes, and is a second-quantised generalisation of the same.
The tiny (g-2) muon wobble from small-μ supersymmetry
Authors: Baum Sebastian , Carena Marcela , Shah Nausheen R. , Wagner Carlos E. M.
Published: January 2022

Abstract

A new measurement of the muon anomalous magnetic moment, gμ− 2, has been reported by the Fermilab Muon g-2 collaboration and shows a 4.2 σ departure from the most precise and reliable calculation of this quantity in the Standard Model. Assuming that this discrepancy is due to new physics, we concentrate on a simple supersymmetric model that also provides a dark matter explanation in a previously unexplored region of supersymmetric parameter space. Such interesting region can realize a Bino-like dark matter candidate compatible with all current direct detection constraints for small to moderate values of the Higgsino mass parameter |μ|. This in turn would imply the existence of light additional Higgs bosons and Higgsino particles within reach of the high-luminosity LHC and future colliders. We provide benchmark scenarios that will be tested in the next generation of direct dark matter experiments and at the LHC.
SUSY in the sky with gravitons
Authors: Jakobsen Gustav Uhre , Mogull Gustav , Plefka Jan , Steinhoff Jan
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Picture yourself in the wave zone of a gravitational scattering event of two massive, spinning compact bodies (black holes, neutron stars or stars). We show that this system of genuine astrophysical interest enjoys a hidden $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry, at least to the order of spin-squared (quadrupole) interactions in arbitrary D spacetime dimensions. Using the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric worldline action, augmented by finite-size corrections for the non-Kerr black hole case, we build a quadratic-in-spin extension to the worldline quantum field theory (WQFT) formalism introduced in our previous work, and calculate the two bodies’ deflection and spin kick to sub-leading order in the post-Minkowskian expansion in Newton’s constant G. For spins aligned to the normal vector of the scattering plane we also obtain the scattering angle. All D-dimensional observables are derived from an eikonal phase given as the free energy of the WQFT that is invariant under the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry transformations.
Die Früherkennung zur Verbesserung der Lebensmittelsicherheit des Bundesamtes für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen der Schweiz
Authors: Lüthi Thomas , Seger-Sauli Isabelle , Fridez Françoise
Published: January 2022

Die Identifizierung von Gefahren in einem frühen Stadium ist ein zentraler Baustein der öffentlichen Gesundheit im Bereich der Lebensmittelsicherheit. Das Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen der Schweiz verwendet seit 2018 ein System zur Früherkennung. Dieses stützt sich auf eine Gruppe von Fachpersonen, welche Informationen zu Gefahren identifizieren und periodisch bewerten. Der Beirat, ein wissenschaftliches Gremium von Experten und Expertinnen aus der Wirtschaft, von Hochschulen, Vollzugsbehörden und Referenzzentren erörtert anschließend die Themen und gibt seinerseits Empfehlungen an das Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen ab. Insgesamt wurden bislang 37 Themen bearbeitet. Monatlich wird ein Newsletter zu Themen der Früherkennung publiziert. Zudem werden unregelmäßig bei Bedarf Briefing Letters mit einer vertieften Recherche zu einem Thema erstellt.
Effects of imidazoline agents in a rat conditioned place preference model of addiction
Authors: Şorodoc V. , Rusu-Zota G. , Nechita P. , Moraru C. , Manole O. M.
Published: January 2022

Agmatine (AG), idazoxan (IDZ), and efaroxan (EFR) are imidazoline receptor ligands with beneficial effects in central nervous system disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the interaction between AG, IDZ, and EFR with an opiate, tramadol (TR), in a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. In the experiment, we used five groups with 8 adult male Wistar rats each. During the condition session, on days 2, 4, 6, and 8, the rats received the drugs (saline, or TR, or IDZ and TR, or EFR and TR, or AG and TR) and were placed in their least preferred compartment. On days 1, 3, 5, and 7, the rats received saline in the preferred compartment. In the preconditioning, the preferred compartment was determined. In the postconditioning, the preference for one of the compartments was reevaluated. TR increased the time spent in the non-preferred compartment. AG decreased time spent in the TR-paired compartment. EFR, more than IDZ, reduced the time spent in the TR-paired compartment, but without statistical significance. AG reversed the TR-induced CPP, while EFR and IDZ only decreased the time spent in the TR-paired compartment, without statistical significance.
Effects of alternative splicing events and transcriptome changes on kidney stone formation
Authors: Yan Qunsheng , Chen Yang , Liu Haoran , Li Guoxiang , Liang Chaozhao , Hao Zongyao
Published: January 2022

During the development of urinary stone disease, the formation of tiny crystals that adhere to the renal tubular epithelium induces epithelial cell damage. This damage and repair of the epithelium is associated with the establishment of more crystal adhesion sites, which in turn stimulates further crystal adhesion and, eventually, stone formation. Deposited crystals typically cause changes in epithelial cell gene expression, such as transcriptome changes and alternative splicing events. Although considered important for regulating gene expression, alternative splicing has not been reported in studies related to kidney stones. To date, whether alternative splicing events are involved in the regulation of stone formation and whether crystallographic cell interactions are regulated by alternative splicing at the transcriptional level have remained unknown. Therefore, we conducted RNA sequencing and alternative splicing-related bioassays by modeling the in vitro stone environment. Many alternative splicing events were associated with crystallographic cell interactions. Moreover, these events regulated transcription and significantly affected the capacity of crystals to adhere to renal tubular epithelial cells and regulate apoptosis.
Differential associations between neocortical tau pathology and blood flow with cognitive deficits in early-onset vs late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Visser Denise , Verfaillie Sander C. J. , Wolters Emma E. , Coomans Emma M. , Timmers Tessa , Tuncel Hayel , Boellaard Ronald , Golla Sandeep S. V. , Windhorst Albert D. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , van Berckel Bart N. M. , Ossenkoppele Rik
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) differ in neuropathological burden and type of cognitive deficits. Assessing tau pathology and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measured with [18F]flortaucipir PET in relation to cognition may help explain these differences between EOAD and LOAD.

Methods

Seventy-nine amyloid-positive individuals with a clinical diagnosis of AD (EOAD:n = 35, age-at-PET = 59 ± 5, MMSE = 23 ± 4; LOAD:n = 44, age-at-PET = 71 ± 5, MMSE = 23 ± 4) underwent a 130-min dynamic [18F]flortaucipir PET scan and extensive neuropsychological assessment. We extracted binding potentials (BPND) and R1(proxy of rCBF) from parametric images using receptor parametric mapping, in medial and lateral temporal, parietal, occipital, and frontal regions-of-interest and used nine neuropsychological tests covering memory, attention, language, and executive functioning. We first examined differences between EOAD and LOAD in BPNDor R1using ANOVA (region-of-interest analysis) and voxel-wise contrasts. Next, we performed linear regression models to test for potential interaction effects between age-at-onset and BPND/R1on cognition.

Results

Both region-of-interest and voxel-wise contrasts showed higher [18F]flortaucipir BPNDvalues across all neocortical regions in EOAD. By contrast, LOAD patients had lowerR1values (indicative of more reduced rCBF) in medial temporal regions. For both tau and flow in lateral temporal, and occipitoparietal regions, associations with cognitive impairment were stronger in EOAD than in LOAD (EOAD BPND − 0.76 ≤ stβ ≤  − 0.48 vs LOAD − 0.18 ≤ stβ ≤  − 0.02; EOAD R10.37 ≤ stβ ≤ 0.84 vs LOAD − 0.25 ≤ stβ ≤ 0.16).

Conclusions

Compared to LOAD, the degree of lateral temporal and occipitoparietal tau pathology and relative cerebral blood-flow is more strongly associated with cognition in EOAD.
Coincidence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and type 1 diabetes: a case-based review
Authors: Szabłowski Maciej , Okruszko Michał Andrzej , Pochodowicz Katarzyna , Abramowicz Paweł , Konstantynowicz Jerzy , Bossowski Artur , Głowińska-Olszewska Barbara
Published: January 2022

The study was aimed to review a rare coexistence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) regarding different clinical approaches to the management and treatment options. Medical complications of the two autoimmune disorders in children and adolescents have been evaluated, particularly in those treated with glucocorticosteroids (GCS) and insulin. A review of the literature regarding reports on concomitant T1D and JIA was conducted using resources available in Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, with a specific focus on the combination of T1D and JIA in a pediatric population. The review was extended by our analysis of two patients treated in a single center for this comorbidity. Eligible reports of four cases were found, and including our two original records, a total of six pediatric patients (5 females) were analyzed, of which three had also other autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, coeliac disease, autoimmune hepatitis), whereas four had been treated with a long-term GCS, and two were receiving biological therapy (etanercept or adalimumab). Only one of them had good metabolic control of diabetes. Diabetes in childhood may coexist with other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatologic conditions. Hyperglycemia can worsen JIA therapy by induction and maintaining inflammation. Using modern diabetes technologies (like personal insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring) helps to minimize the deteriorating effect of JIA exacerbations and the rheumatoid treatment on metabolic control of diabetes.
Discretized Fast–Slow Systems with Canards in Two Dimensions
Authors: Engel Maximilian , Kuehn Christian , Petrera Matteo , Suris Yuri
Published: January 2022

We study the problem of preservation of maximal canards for time discretized fast–slow systems with canard fold points. In order to ensure such preservation, certain favorable structure-preserving properties of the discretization scheme are required. Conventional schemes do not possess such properties. We perform a detailed analysis for an unconventional discretization scheme due to Kahan. The analysis uses the blow-up method to deal with the loss of normal hyperbolicity at the canard point. We show that the structure-preserving properties of the Kahan discretization for quadratic vector fields imply a similar result as in continuous time, guaranteeing the occurrence of maximal canards between attracting and repelling slow manifolds upon variation of a bifurcation parameter. The proof is based on a Melnikov computation along an invariant separating curve, which organizes the dynamics of the map similarly to the ODE problem.
Thermal lensing: outside of the lasing medium
Authors: Dobek Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

The thermal lens formed in a thermo-optical material as a result of its inhomogeneous heating, is a well-known phenomenon that has found widespread interest in the last decades, especially in the field of laser engineering and photo-thermal spectroscopy. In recent years, growing interest in the application of thermal lensing in different fields of optics and material studies has been observed. This review summarizes the latest efforts made by the scientific community to develop ways of using the phenomenon of thermal lensing. Its applications in spectroscopy, in laser beam formation and in imaging are described. The advantages and disadvantages of the thermal lensing in regard to these areas along with the potential future applications of the phenomenon are discussed.
Implicit implementation of the nonlocal operator method: an open source code
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Ren Huilong
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present an open-source code for the first-order and higher-order nonlocal operator method (NOM) including a detailed description of the implementation. The NOM is based on so-called support, dual-support, nonlocal operators, and an operate energy functional ensuring stability. The nonlocal operator is a generalization of the conventional differential operators. Combined with the method of weighed residuals and variational principles, NOM establishes the residual and tangent stiffness matrix of operate energy functional through some simple matrix without the need of shape functions as in other classical computational methods such as FEM. NOM only requires the definition of the energy drastically simplifying its implementation. The implementation in this paper is focused on linear elastic solids for sake of conciseness through the NOM can handle more complex nonlinear problems. The NOM can be very flexible and efficient to solve partial differential equations (PDEs), it’s also quite easy for readers to use the NOM and extend it to solve other complicated physical phenomena described by one or a set of PDEs. Finally, we present some classical benchmark problems including the classical cantilever beam and plate-with-a-hole problem, and we also make an extension of this method to solve complicated problems including phase-field fracture modeling and gradient elasticity material.
The Predictability of Ocean Environments that Contributed to the 2020/21 Extreme Cold Events in China: 2020/21 La Niña and 2020 Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Zheng Fei , Liu Ji-Ping , Fang Xiang-Hui , Song Mi-Rong , Yang Chao-Yuan , Yuan Yuan , Li Ke-Xin , Wang Ji , Zhu Jiang
Published: January 2022

Several consecutive extreme cold events impacted China during the first half of winter 2020/21, breaking the low-temperature records in many cities. How to make accurate climate predictions of extreme cold events is still an urgent issue. The synergistic effect of the warm Arctic and cold tropical Pacific has been demonstrated to intensify the intrusions of cold air from polar regions into middle-high latitudes, further influencing the cold conditions in China. However, climate models failed to predict these two ocean environments at expected lead times. Most seasonal climate forecasts only predicted the 2020/21 La Niña after the signal had already become apparent and significantly underestimated the observed Arctic sea ice loss in autumn 2020 with a 1–2 month advancement. In this work, the corresponding physical factors that may help improve the accuracy of seasonal climate predictions are further explored. For the 2020/21 La Niña prediction, through sensitivity experiments involving different atmospheric–oceanic initial conditions, the predominant southeasterly wind anomalies over the equatorial Pacific in spring of 2020 are diagnosed to play an irreplaceable role in triggering this cold event. A reasonable inclusion of atmospheric surface winds into the initialization will help the model predict La Niña development from the early spring of 2020. For predicting the Arctic sea ice loss in autumn 2020, an anomalously cyclonic circulation from the central Arctic Ocean predicted by the model, which swept abnormally hot air over Siberia into the Arctic Ocean, is recognized as an important contributor to successfully predicting the minimum Arctic sea ice extent.
The Variability of Air-sea O2 Flux in CMIP6: Implications for Estimating Terrestrial and Oceanic Carbon Sinks
Authors: Li Changyu , Huang Jianping , Ding Lei , Ren Yu , An Linli , Liu Xiaoyue , Huang Jiping
Published: January 2022

The measurement of atmospheric O2 concentrations and related oxygen budget have been used to estimate terrestrial and oceanic carbon uptake. However, a discrepancy remains in assessments of O2 exchange between ocean and atmosphere (i.e. air-sea O2 flux), which is one of the major contributors to uncertainties in the O2-based estimations of the carbon uptake. Here, we explore the variability of air-sea O2 flux with the use of outputs from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). The simulated air-sea O2 flux exhibits an obvious warming-induced upward trend (∼1.49 Tmol yr−2) since the mid-1980s, accompanied by a strong decadal variability dominated by oceanic climate modes. We subsequently revise the O2-based carbon uptakes in response to this changing air-sea O2 flux. Our results show that, for the 1990–2000 period, the averaged net ocean and land sinks are 2.10±0.43 and 1.14±0.52 GtC yr−1 respectively, overall consistent with estimates derived by the Global Carbon Project (GCP). An enhanced carbon uptake is found in both land and ocean after year 2000, reflecting the modification of carbon cycle under human activities. Results derived from CMIP5 simulations also investigated in the study allow for comparisons from which we can see the vital importance of oxygen dataset on carbon uptake estimations.
Do non-pathogenic variants of DNA mismatch repair genes modify neurofibroma load in neurofibromatosis type 1?
Authors: Harder Anja
Published: January 2022

Non-pathogenic mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants can be associated with decreased MMR capacity in several settings. Due to an increased mutation rate, reduced MMR capacity leads to accumulation of somatic sequence changes in tumour suppressor genes such as in the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene. Patients with autosomal dominant NF1 typically develop neurofibromas ranging from single to thousands. Concerning the number of neurofibromas NF1 patients face a situation that is still not predictable. A few studies suggested that germline non-pathogenic MMR gene variants modify the number of neurofibromas in NF1 and by this mechanism may promote the extent of neurofibroma manifestation. This review represents first evidence that specific non-pathogenic single nucleotide variants of MMR genes act as a modifier of neurofibroma manifestation in NF1, highlighting MSH2 re4987188 as the best analysed non-pathogenic variant so far. In summary, besides MSH2 promotor methylation, specific non-pathogenic germline MSH2 variants are associated with the extent of neurofibroma manifestation. Those variants can serve as a biomarker to facilitate better mentoring of NF1 patients at risk.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting the pyroptosis signaling pathway in C57BL/6 mice and AC16 cells
Authors: Qu Xue-feng , Zhai Bing-zhong , Hu Wen-li , Lou Min-han , Chen Yi-hao , Liu Yi-feng , Chen Jian-guo , Mei Song , You Zhen-qiang , Liu Zhen , Zhang Li-jing , Zhang Yong-hui , Wang Yin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common complication of diabetes mellitus and is characterized by myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a natural nutrient, exerts strong protection against various myocardial diseases. Pyroptosis, a type of inflammation-related programmed cell death, is vital to the development of DCM. However, the protective effects of PQQ against DCM and the associated mechanisms are not clear. This study aimed to investigate whether PQQ protected against DCM and to determine the underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, after which the mice were administered PQQ orally (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg body weight/day) for 12 weeks. AC16 human myocardial cells were divided into the following groups and treated accordingly: control (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose (35 mmol/L glucose), and HG + PQQ groups (1 and 10 nmol/L PQQ). Cells were treated for 24 h.

Results

PQQ reduced myocardial hypertrophy and the area of myocardial fibrosis, which was accompanied by an increase in antioxidant function and a decrease in inflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, myocardial hypertrophy—(ANP and BNP), myocardial fibrosis—(collagen I and TGF-β1), and pyroptosis-related protein levels decreased in the PQQ treatment groups. Furthermore, PQQ abolished mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of NF-κB/IκB, and decreased NLRP3 inflammation-mediated pyroptosis in AC16 cells under high-glucose conditions.

Conclusion

PQQ improved DCM in diabetic mice by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cell pyroptosis. Long-term dietary supplementation with PQQ may be greatly beneficial for the treatment of DCM.

Graphical abstract

Diagram of the underlying mechanism of the effects of PQQ on DCM. PQQ inhibits ROS generation and NF-κB activation, which stimulates activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and regulates the expression of caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. The up-regulated inflammatory cytokines trigger myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis and promote the pathological process of DCM.
Signature laminar distributions of pathology in frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Ohm Daniel T. , Cousins Katheryn A. Q. , Xie Sharon X. , Peterson Claire , McMillan Corey T. , Massimo Lauren , Raskovsky Katya , Wolk David A. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Elman Lauren , Spindler Meredith , Deik Andres , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Edward B. , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J.
Published: January 2022

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with either tau (FTLD-tau) or TDP-43 (FTLD-TDP) inclusions are distinct proteinopathies that frequently cause similar frontotemporal dementia (FTD) clinical syndromes. FTD syndromes often display macroscopic signatures of neurodegeneration at the level of regions and networks, but it is unclear if subregional laminar pathology display patterns unique to proteinopathy or clinical syndrome. We hypothesized that FTLD-tau and FTLD-TDP accumulate pathology in relatively distinct cortical layers independent of clinical syndrome, with greater involvement of lower layers in FTLD-tau. The current study examined 170 patients with either FTLD-tau (n = 73) or FTLD-TDP (n = 97) spanning dementia and motor phenotypes in the FTD spectrum. We digitally measured the percent area occupied by tau and TDP-43 pathology in upper layers (I–III), lower layers (IV–VI), and juxtacortical white matter (WM) from isocortical regions in both hemispheres where available. Linear mixed-effects models compared ratios of upper to lower layer pathology between FTLD groups and investigated relationships with regions, WM pathology, and global cognitive impairment while adjusting for demographics. We found lower ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-tau and higher ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-TDP, reflecting lower layer-predominant tau pathology and upper layer-predominant TDP-43 pathology, respectively (p < 0.001). FTLD-tau displayed lower ratios of layer pathology related to greater WM tau pathology (p = 0.002) and to earlier involved/severe pathology regions (p = 0.007). In contrast, FTLD-TDP displayed higher ratios of layer pathology not related to either WM pathology or regional severity. Greater cognitive impairment was associated with higher ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-tau (p = 0.018), but was not related to ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-TDP. Lower layer-predominant tau pathology and upper layer-predominant TDP-43 pathology are proteinopathy-specific, regardless of clinical syndromes or regional networks that define these syndromes. Thus, patterns of laminar change may provide a useful anatomical framework for investigating how degeneration of select cells and corresponding laminar circuits influence large-scale networks and clinical symptomology in FTLD.
Cancer incidence in a cohort of Swedish merchant seafarers between 1985 and 2011
Authors: Forsell Karl , Björ Ove , Eriksson Helena , Järvholm Bengt , Nilsson Ralph , Andersson Eva
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Lung cancer, mesothelioma and several lifestyle-associated cancer forms have been reported more common in merchant seafarers. However, few studies reflect recent occupational settings and women seafarers are usually too scarce for meaningful analyses. We conducted a study on cancer incidence between 1985 and 2011 in a Swedish cohort consisting of male and female seafarers.

Methods

All seafarers in the Swedish Seafarers’ Register with at least one sea service between 1985 and 2011 and a cumulated sea service time of ≥ 30 days (N = 75,745; 64% men, 36% women; 1,245,691 person-years) were linked to the Swedish Cancer Register and followed-up until 31 December 2011. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated with the general population as reference.

Results

There were 4159 cancer cases in total, with 3221 among men and 938 among women. Male seafarers had an increased risk of total cancer (SIR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.09), lung cancer (SIR 1.51; 95% CI 1.35–1.67) and urinary bladder cancer (SIR 1.17; 95% CI 1.02–1.33). Several lifestyle-associated cancer forms were more common in men. Previous work on tankers was associated with leukaemia (SIR 1.41; 95% CI 1.00–1.86). The risk of cancer decreased with a start as a male seafarer after 1985, with a significant trend for total cancer (P < 0.001), lung cancer (P = 0.001) and, for tanker seafarers, leukaemia (P = 0.045). Women seafarers had an increased risk of lung cancer (SIR 1.54; 95% CI 1.23–1.87) but the risk of total cancer was not increased (SIR 0.83; 95% CI 0.78–0.89).

Conclusions

In this cohort of merchant Swedish seafarers 1985–2011, the risk of total cancer was increased in men but not in women compared to the general population. Lung cancer was increased in both genders. The risk of cancer seems to decrease over the last decades, but better exposure assessments to occupational carcinogens and longer observation times are needed.