bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Copolymer of Dihydroxy Monomer and Acrylamide and Its Solution Properties with Polyphenylboronic Acid Compounds
Authors: Zhao Hongzhi , Chen Bin , Zhang Xiaoyue , Xiong Yan , Duan Ming
Published: October 2022

: The construction of composite flooding system based on dynamic covalent bonds is one of the effective methods to improve the salt and temperature resistance of polymer flooding agents. The polymers used in most composite systems are xanthan gum and guar gum. In this paper, a novel multi‐hydroxyl polymer was synthesized, and a new composite system was constructed based on the dynamic boronic ester bonds. Firstly, the multi‐hydroxyl polymer P(AM‐DPMOH2) was prepared by aqueous solution copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) and a dihydroxy monomer 2,3‐dihydroxy‐N‐(3‐methacrylamidopropyl)‐N,N‐dimethylpropan‐1‐aminium (DPMOH2), which was obtained by quaternization reaction between 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol and N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl). Then, the composite system was prepared by the P(AM‐DPMOH2) solution and polyboronic acid compound (BPEI). The effects of DPMOH2 content in P(AM‐DPMOH2), molecular weight of P(AM‐DPMOH2), molecular weight of BPEI, phenylboronic acid groups content in BPEI and pH on the formation of thickening composite system were investigated. The results showed that when the content of DPMOH2 in P(AM‐DPMOH2) exceeded 40 wt%, viscosity average molecular weight of P(AM‐DPMOH2) was higher than 5.0×105 g/mol, the molecular weight of PEI in BPEI was larger than 3000 g/mol, the content of phenylboronic acid groups in BPEI was more than 39.3 %, and pH was in the range of 8–9, the thickening composite system can be formed by P(AM‐DPMOH2) and BPEI. In addition, both the temperature and salt resistance of the composite system formed by 3000 mg/L P(AM‐DPMOH2) and 2000 mg/L BPEI was much better than that of 3000 mg/L P(AM‐DPMOH2). The results of this paper provide a new finding of how to construct a composite flooding system with dynamic covalent bonds.
Preparation of Heteromorphic Ni Decorated Fe‐Containing Carbon Nanofibers as Efficient and Low‐Cost Counter Electrodes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Mao Wei , Wei Liguo , Zhao Lishuang , Xu Xiaohu , Lin Jianmin , He Huiyi , Zou Mingyue , Zhang Xindan , Huang Yan
Published: October 2022

In the field of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), although Pt is commonly used as counter electrode materials owing to its great electrocatalytic activity and conductivity, the high price and small reserves of Pt limit its large‐scale application. In this paper, heteromorphic Ni decorated Fe‐containing carbon nanofibers (Ni/NiO@Fe‐CNFs) was prepared by a thermal synthesis method, and applied as composite counter electrode materials for DSSCs. It was found that the as‐synthesized Ni/NiO@Fe‐CNFs shows better electrocatalytic activity than that of Fe‐CNFs and CNFs for the reduction reaction of triiodide to iodide. The improved electrocatalytic activity is not only attributed to the introduction of Fe2O3 to form Fe‐CNFs, but also attributed to the heteromorphic Ni decoration and their synergistic effect. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of DSSCs with Ni/NiO@Fe‐CNFs counter electrode is 4.81 %, much higher than that of CNFs (0.62 %) and Fe‐CNFs counter electrode (3.65 %), and comparable to the value of Pt counter electrode (5.10 %). Accordingly, the Ni/NiO@Fe‐CNFs is expected to be a potential counter electrode material to replace Pt.
Metal‐ And Light‐Free Direct C‐3 Ketoalkylation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐Ones with Cyclopropanols in Aqueous Medium
Authors: More Devidas A. , Mujahid M. , Muthukrishnan M.
Published: October 2022

Direct oxidative C‐3 ketoalkylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with cyclopropanols using ammonium persulfate in an aqueous medium has been achieved in a moderate to good yield. The reaction does not require metals, light‐source, or catalysts to facilitate the reaction and could be efficiently utilized to construct a wide range of biologically relevant 3‐ketoalkylated quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones.
High Dielectric Transparent Film Tailored by Acceptor and Donor Codoping
Authors: Huang Dong , Shi Yingli , Younas Muhammad , Khan Rao Tahir Ali , Nadeem Muhammad , Shati Khaqan , Harfouche Messaoud , Kentsch Ulrich , Liu Zhifu , Li Yongxiang , Zhou Shengqiang , Kuznestov Andrej , Ling Francis Chi‐Chung
Published: October 2022

High dielectric constant materials are of particular current interests as indispensable components in transistors, capacitors, etc. In this context, there are emerging trends to exploit defect engineering in dielectric ceramics for enhancing the performance. However, demonstrations of similar high dielectric performance in integration‐compatible crystalline films are rare. Herein, such a breakthrough via the functionalization of donor–acceptor dipoles by compositional tuning in GaCu codoped ZnO films is reported. The dielectric constant reaches ~200 at 1 kHz and the optical transmittance in visible light reaches ~80%. Importantly, by analyzing the impedance spectroscopy data, prominent relaxation mechanisms in correlation with the dipole properties, enabling consistent explanations of the dielectric constant as a function of frequency are discriminated. The atomistic nature of the dipoles is revealed by the systematic X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. Spectacularly, similar trends for the dielectric properties are observed, while synthesizing samples by pulsed laser deposition and ion implantation, indicating the general character of the phenomena.
A Tale of Two Sites: Neighboring Atomically Dispersed Pt Sites Cooperatively Remove Trace H2 in CO‐Rich Stream
Authors: Rao Yi , Wu Yutong , Dai Xueya , Zhang Ya‐Wen , Qin Gaowu , Qi Wei , Li Song
Published: October 2022

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit distinct catalytic behavior compared with nano‐catalysts because of their unique atomic coordination environment without the direct bonding between identical metal centers. How these single atom sites interact with each other and influence the catalytic performance remains unveiled as designing densely populated but stable SACs is still an enormous challenge to date. Here, a fabrication strategy for embedding high areal density single‐atom Pt sites via a defect engineering approach is demonstrated. Similar to the synergistic mechanism in binuclear homogeneous catalysts, from both experimental and theoretical results, it is proved that electrons would redistribute between the two oxo‐bridged paired Pt sites after hydrogen adsorption on one site, which enables the other Pt site to have high CO oxidation activity at mild‐temperature. The dynamic electronic interaction between neighboring Pt sites is found to be distance dependent. These new SACs with abundant Pt‐O‐Pt paired structures can improve the efficiency of CO chemical purification.
Achieving High‐Performance Organic Photovoltaics by Morphology Optimization of Active Layers Using Fluorene‐Based Solid Additives
Authors: Huang Sheng-Ci , Busireddy Manohar Reddy , Chang Hsin-Feng , Pan I-Cheng , Ho Chia-Hsing , Ko Chung-Wen , Tsai Yi-Wei , Lin Jhih-Min , Chen Jiun-Tai , Hsu Chain-Shu
Published: October 2022

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have drawn lots of attention because of their rapid development and great potential in large‐area flexible electronics. Recently, volatile solid additives have been widely used in optimizing morphologies of active layers and improving device performances for nonfullerene (NF)‐based OSCs. Most solid additives, however, still suffer severe problems such as unsuitable volatile temperatures and requirement of extra solvent additives. Herein, a new solid additive 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dimethylfluorene (DBDMF) with a high crystallinity and suitable volatile temperature as an additive for NF‐based OSCs is designed. DBDMF can suppress the overaggregation of the nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) and improve the material rearrangements after thermal annealing because of the good miscibility with the NFAs. As a result, DBDMF‐treated OSC devices display more favorable film morphologies and phase separation, well‐balanced charge mobilities, higher electron transfer rates, and better device stability. Consequently, the PM6:BTP‐BO‐4F binary system shows an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 17.2% from 15.3% with a simultaneous increase in the fill factor from 71.4 to 77.1%. Furthermore, DBDMF has been applied to other two active layers, manifesting the general applicability. This study demonstrates a feasible and promising approach to develop volatilizable solid additives for improving performance and stability of NF‐based OSCs.
Survey of 99.9% Class EfficiencyDC‐ACPower Conversion and Technical Issues
Authors: Kawamura Atsuo , Miguchi Yasuhiko , Setiadi Hadi , Obara Hidemine
Published: October 2022

This study provides a survey overview of the literatures with the goal of maximizing the efficiency of DC‐AC power conversion from an engineering science perspective. With the advent of wide band gap power semiconductors, the published literature on realizing high efficiency DC‐AC converters has increased. Therefore, a literature survey of high‐efficiency DC‐AC inverters was first conducted. We demonstrated the importance of the measurement accuracy in measuring high efficiency losses, and then presented the literature on new measurement methods, as well as examples of analysis of the breakdown of these losses. Furthermore, we reviewed the literature on high‐efficiency inverters. We presented measurement data (99.83%) on an inverter with a high efficiency energy conversion system circuit topology using Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices to demonstrate how the procedure was used to achieve loss minimization. We summarized the challenges hindering high efficiency. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Imputation of low‐density marker chip data in plant breeding: Evaluation of methods based on sugar beet
Authors: Niehoff Tobias , Pook Torsten , Gholami Mahmood , Beissinger Timothy
Published: October 2022

Low‐density genotyping followed by imputation reduces genotyping costs while still providing high‐density marker information. An increased marker density has the potential to improve the outcome of all applications that are based on genomic data. This study investigates techniques for 1k to 20k genomic marker imputation for plant breeding programs with sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris) as an example crop, where these are realistic marker numbers for modern breeding applications. The generally accepted ‘gold standard’ for imputation, Beagle 5.1, was compared with the recently developed software AlphaPlantImpute2 which is designed specifically for plant breeding. For Beagle 5.1 and AlphaPlantImpute2, the imputation strategy as well as the imputation parameters were optimized in this study. We found that the imputation accuracy of Beagle could be tremendously improved (0.22 to 0.67) by tuning parameters, mainly by lowering the values for the parameter for the effective population size and increasing the number of iterations performed. Separating the phasing and imputation steps also improved accuracies when optimized parameters were used (0.67 to 0.82). We also found that the imputation accuracy of Beagle decreased when more low‐density lines were included for imputation. AlphaPlantImpute2 produced very high accuracies without optimization (0.89) and was generally less responsive to optimization. Overall, AlphaPlantImpute2 performed relatively better for imputation whereas Beagle was better for phasing. Combining both tools yielded the highest accuracies.
Pragmatics Twelve Years Later: A Report on Lingua Franca
Authors: von Hanxleden Reinhard , Lee Edward A. , Fuhrmann Hauke , Schulz-Rosengarten Alexander , Domrös Sören , Lohstroh Marten , Bateni Soroush , Menard Christian
Published: October 2022

In 2010, Fuhrmann et al. argued for enhancing modeler productivity by providing tooling that, put simply, combines the best of textual and graphical worlds. They referred to this as pragmatics, and argued that a key enabler would be the ability to automatically synthesize customized graphical views from a (possibly textual) model. The model would be the “ground truth” used, for example, for downstream code synthesis and simulation; the graphical views would typically be abstractions from the model serving various purposes, including documentation.

Twelve years later, we reflect on their proposal, and illustrate the current state with the recently developed polyglot coordination language Lingua Franca (LF). LF has been designed with pragmatics in mind since early on, and some characteristics of LF make it particularly suited for pragmatics-aware programming and modeling. However, the underlying pragmatic principles are broadly applicable, and by now a set of mature open source tools is available for putting them into practice.
Automatic Generation of Domain-Aware Control Plane Logic for Software Defined Railway Communication Networks
Authors: Canonico Roberto , Flammini Francesco , Marrone Stefano , Nardone Roberto , Vittorini Valeria
Published: October 2022

The emergence of 5G technologies opens up new opportunities for railway communications. One of the foundational aspects of 5G architecture is its control-plane programmability, which can be achieved through Software Defined Networking (SDN). In railway scenarios, this can be used to dynamically reconfigure the network for a more effective and efficient management of communication flows produced by moving trains. The paper presents a framework for integrating modelling and analysis tools into a programmable control plane specifically tailored to railway communications. We introduce the concept of domain-awareness in the network control plane as an SDN-enabled feature that allows achieving application-specific advantages besides those purely expressed in terms of key performance indicators such as the quality of service. We propose a reference architecture in which domain-awareness in the control plane is obtained by considering information gathered by network devices and ad-hoc communication gateways that are able to detect relevant signalling events. In the architecture, the actual behaviour of the SDN controller is governed by applications that are able to react to specific triggers and re-configure network devices accordingly. We also provide a methodological framework based on model-driven engineering and formal methods, including dynamic state machines, for the automatic generation of SDN control plane logic.
On the entropy of strings and branes
Authors: Brustein Ram , Zigdon Yoav
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We show that the entropy of strings that wind around the Euclidean time circle is proportional to the Noether charge associated with translations along the T-dual time direction. We consider an effective target-space field theory which includes a large class of terms in the action with various modes, interactions and α′ corrections. The entropy and the Noether charge are shown to depend only on the values of fields at the boundary of space. The classical entropy, which is proportional to the inverse of Newton’s constant, is then calculated by evaluating the appropriate boundary term for various geometries with and without a horizon. We verify, in our framework, that for higher-curvature pure gravity theories, the Wald entropy of static neutral black hole solutions is equal to the entropy derived from the Gibbons-Hawking boundary term. We then proceed to discuss horizonless geometries which contain, due to the back-reaction of the strings and branes, a second boundary in addition to the asymptotic boundary. Near this “punctured” boundary, the time-time component of the metric and the derivatives of its logarithm approach zero. Assuming that there are such non-singular solutions, we identify the entropy of the strings and branes in this geometry with the entropy of the solution to all orders in α′. If the asymptotic region of an α′-corrected neutral black hole is connected through the bulk to a puncture, then the black hole entropy is equal to the entropy of the strings and branes. Later, we discuss configurations similar to the charged black p-brane solutions of Horowitz and Strominger, with the second boundary, and show that, to leading order in the α′ expansion, the classical entropy of the strings and branes is equal exactly to the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. This result is extended to a configuration that asymptotes to AdS.
Operative management of acetabular fractures in the elderly: a case series
Authors: Panteli Michalis , Souroullas Panayiotis , Gowda Sushmith R. , Vun James S. H. , Howard Anthony J. , Kanakaris Nikolaos K. , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: October 2022

Background

Our objective was to identify acetabular fractures in the elderly population (over 60 years of age), treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and to examine their outcomes, primarily the risk for need for further surgery in the form of a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and factors associated with it. Additional outcomes such as infection, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, and heterotopic ossification (HO) were also investigated.

Methods

Following institutional review board (IRB) approval, a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients presenting to a Level I Trauma Centre over a 13-years period (January 2003–February 2016) was conducted. Patients were excluded if their initial treatment was conservative or simultaneous ORIF with THA.

Results

A total of 62 patients with an age of 71.5 ± 8.04 years were included (14 female; follow-up 54.2 months, range 1–195 months). Sixteen patients required a THA as a secondary procedure due to symptomatic post-traumatic arthritis (25.8%), five (8.1%) of whom having a THA within a year from the original trauma (three patients presenting with loss of reduction and two patients with early AVN). No associations with progression to THA were identified. Surgical approach (ilioinguinal) was the only factor associated with increased risk of development of HO (p = 0.010). The median post-operative survival following an acetabular fracture treated with ORIF was calculated at 90.1 months (95% CI 72.9–107.2).

Conclusion

Acetabular fractures ORIF in the elderly, is a safe and reliable option. The relatively incidence of development of severe post-operative arthritis was 45.2%. Conversion to THA was 25.8%, with 8.1% having the arthroplasty procedure within a year of the original trauma surgery.

Level of evidence

III.
Cancer-associated inflammation: pathophysiology and clinical significance
Authors: Pęczek Piotr , Gajda Monika , Rutkowski Kacper , Fudalej Marta , Deptała Andrzej , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Cancer cells, despite stemming from the own cells of their host, usually elicit an immune response. This response usually enables elimination of cancer at its earliest stages. However, some tumors develop mechanisms of escaping immune destruction and even profiting from tumor-derived inflammation.

Methods

We summarized the roles of different immune cell populations in various processes associated with cancer progression and possible methods of reshaping tumor-associated inflammation to increase the efficacy of cancer therapy.

Results

Changes in various signaling pathways result in attraction of immunosuppressive, pro-tumorigenic cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and neutrophils, while at the same time suppressing the activity of lymphocytes, which have the potential of destroying cancer cells. These changes promote tumor progression by increasing angiogenesis and growth, accelerating metastasis, and impairing drug delivery to the tumor site.

Conclusion

Due to its multi-faceted role in cancer, tumor-associated inflammation can serve as a valuable therapy target. By increasing it, whether through decreasing overall immunosuppression with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or through more specific methods, such as cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, or chimeric antigen receptor T cells, cancer-derived immunosuppression can be overcome, resulting in immune system destroying cancer cells. Even changes occurring in the microbiota can influence the shape of antitumor response, which could provide new attractive diagnostic or therapeutic methods. Interestingly, also decreasing the distorted tumor-associated inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to positive outcomes.
Predictive biomarkers in gastric cancer
Authors: Röcken C.
Published: October 2022

Predictive biomarkers are the mainstay of precision medicine. This review summarizes the advancements in tissue-based diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer, which is considered the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A disease seen in the elderly, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, thereby limiting therapeutic options. In Western countries, neoadjuvant/perioperative (radio-)chemotherapy is administered, and adjuvant chemotherapy is administered in the East. The morpho-molecular classification of gastric cancer has opened novel avenues identifying Epstein–Barr-Virus (EBV)-positive, microsatellite instable, genomically stable and chromosomal instable gastric cancers. In chromosomal instable tumors, receptor tyrosine kinases (RKTs) (e.g., EGFR, FGFR2, HER2, and MET) are frequently overexpressed. Gastric cancers such as microsatellite instable and EBV-positive types often express immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD-L1 and VISTA. Genomically stable tumors show alterations in claudin 18.2. Next-generation sequencing is increasingly being used to search for druggable targets in advanced palliative settings. However, most tissue-based biomarkers of gastric cancer carry the risk of a sampling error due to intratumoral heterogeneity, and adequate tissue sampling is of paramount importance.
Varying outcomes of triple-negative breast cancer in different age groups–prognostic value of clinical features and proliferation
Authors: Vihervuori H. , Korpinen K. , Autere T. A. , Repo H. , Talvinen K. , Kronqvist P.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease lacking specific biomarkers to guide treatment decisions. We evaluated the combined prognostic impact of clinical features and novel biomarkers of cell cycle-progression in age-dependent subgroups of TNBC patients.

Methods

One hundred forty seven TNBC patients with complete clinical data and up to 18 year follow-up were collected from Turku University Hospital, Finland. Eight biomarkers for cell division were immunohistochemically detected to evaluate their clinical applicability in relation to patient and tumor characteristics.

Results

Age at diagnosis was the decisive factor predicting disease-specific mortality in TNBC (p = 0.002). The established prognostic features, nodal status and Ki-67, predicted survival only when combined with age. The outcome and prognostic features differed significantly between age groups, middle-aged patients showing the most favorable outcome. Among young patients, only lack of basal differentiation predicted disease outcome, indicating 4.5-fold mortality risk (p = 0.03). Among patients aged > 57, the established prognostic features predicted disease outcome with up to 3.0-fold mortality risk for tumor size ≥ 2 cm (p = 0.001). Concerning cell proliferation, Ki-67 alone was a significant prognosticator among patients aged > 57 years (p = 0.009). Among the studied cell cycle-specific biomarkers, only geminin predicted disease outcome, indicating up to 6.2-fold increased risk of mortality for tumor size < 2 cm (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Traditional clinical features do not provide optimal prognostic characterization for all TNBC patients. Young age should be considered as an additional adverse prognostic feature in therapeutic considerations. Increased proliferation, as evaluated using Ki-67 or geminin immunohistochemistry, showed potential in detecting survival differences in subgroups of TNBC.
A canary, a coal mine, and imperfect data: determining the efficacy of open-source climate change models in detecting and predicting extreme weather events in Northern and Western Kenya
Authors: Igobwa Alvin M. , Gachanja Jeremy , Muriithi Betsy , Olukuru John , Wairegi Angeline , Rutenberg Isaac
Published: October 2022

Climate models, by accurately forecasting future weather events, can be a critical tool in developing countermeasures to reduce crop loss and decrease adverse effects on animal husbandry and fishing. In this paper, we investigate the efficacy of various regional versions of the climate models, RCMs, and the commonly available weather datasets in Kenya in predicting extreme weather patterns in northern and western Kenya. We identified two models that may be used to predict flood risks and potential drought events in these regions. The combination of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and weather station data was the most effective in predicting future drought occurrences in Turkana and Wajir with accuracies ranging from 78 to 90%. In the case of flood forecasting, isolation forests models using weather station data had the best overall performance. The above models and datasets may form the basis of an early warning system for use in Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Critical success factors and challenges for individual digital study assistants in higher education: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: König Claudia M. , Karrenbauer Christin , Breitner Michael H.
Published: October 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of online higher education programs and tools has grown rapidly. One example is an individual digital study assistant (IDSA) for students, which provides functionalities to train self-regulation skills, to engage with own educational goals and to offer automated, first-level support to higher education institution (HEI) units and employees. An IDSA further can guide students through HEI and their administration. But, what are the critical success factors (CSF) and challenges for an IDSA? We deduce these using a mixed methods approach with one quantitative student survey, two rounds of interviews with various HEI experts, and a literature review. We classified our results according to the information system (IS) success model of DeLone & McLean (2016). Our results and findings show, e.g., that skilled and reliable HEI personnel, well-organized and useful content, cross-platform usability, ease of use, and students’ social factors are essential. Attractive IDSA functionalities are a major challenge because students use many apps, daily. Based on our CSF and challenges, we deduce theoretical and practical recommendations and develop a further research agenda.
Assessment of environmental, economic and technical performance of geopolymer concrete: a case study
Authors: Firdous Rafia , Nikravan Morteza , Mancke Raoul , Vöge Manuel , Stephan Dietmar
Published: October 2022

Although several studies report the CO2 reduction obtained from alkali-activated materials/geopolymers, only a few investigate their engineering, environmental and economic aspects. The present paper provides an evaluation approach to address these three major aspects of geopolymer concrete by choosing three scenarios for industrial precast applications. Using the analytical hierarchy process, a single sustainability score was determined for three scenarios using technical, environmental and economic parameters. Such sustainability sensitivity analysis led to decision-making for various scenarios. This case study provides an example of reaching these parameters for choosing suitable concrete mixtures for a given application or requirements. The technical and environmental results showed that a wide range of late and early age compressive strength could be achieved by changing the mix composition and proportions. However, all the geopolymer concrete samples exhibited a lower environmental footprint than OPC concrete.
Characterization of Expanded Gamma Delta T Cells from Atypical X-SCID Patient Reveals Preserved Function and IL2RG-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Tuovinen Elina A. , Pöysti Sakari , Hamdan Firas , Le Kim My , Keskitalo Salla , Turunen Tanja , Minier Léa , Mamia Nanni , Heiskanen Kaarina , Varjosalo Markku , Cerullo Vincenzo , Kere Juha , Seppänen Mikko R. J. , Hänninen Arno , Grönholm Juha
Published: October 2022

Abnormally high γδ T cell numbers among individuals with atypical SCID have been reported but detailed immunophenotyping and functional characterization of these expanded γδ T cells are limited. We have previously reported atypical SCID phenotype caused by hypomorphic IL2RG (NM_000206.3) c.172C > T;p.(Pro58Ser) variant. Here, we have further investigated the index patient’s abnormally large γδ T cell population in terms of function and phenotype by studying IL2RG cell surface expression, STAT tyrosine phosphorylation and blast formation in response to interleukin stimulation, immunophenotyping, TCRvγ sequencing, and target cell killing. In contrast to his ⍺β T cells, the patient’s γδ T cells showed normal IL2RG cell surface expression and normal or enhanced IL2RG-mediated signaling. Vδ2 + population was proportionally increased with a preponderance of memory phenotypes and high overall tendency towards perforin expression. The patient’s γδ T cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity towards A549 cancer cells. His TCRvγ repertoire was versatile but sequencing of IL2RG revealed a novel c.534C > A; p.(Phe178Leu) somatic missense variant restricted to γδ T cells. Over time this variant became predominant in γδ T cells, though initially present only in part of them. IL2RG-Pro58Ser/Phe178Leu variant showed higher cell surface expression compared to IL2RG-Pro58Ser variant in stable HEK293 cell lines, suggesting that somatic p.(Phe178Leu) variant may at least partially rescue the pathogenic effect of germline p.(Pro58Ser) variant. In conclusion, our report indicates that expansion of γδ T cells associated with atypical SCID needs further studying and cannot exclusively be deemed as a homeostatic response to low numbers of conventional T cells.
Spectral diversity of photosystem I from flowering plants
Authors: Bos Peter R. , Schiphorst Christo , Kercher Ian , Buis Sieka , de Jong Djanick , Vunderink Igor , Wientjes Emilie
Published: October 2022

Photosystem I and II (PSI and PSII) work together to convert solar energy into chemical energy. Whilst a lot of research has been done to unravel variability of PSII fluorescence in response to biotic and abiotic factors, the contribution of PSI to in vivo fluorescence measurements has often been neglected or considered to be constant. Furthermore, little is known about how the absorption and emission properties of PSI from different plant species differ. In this study, we have isolated PSI from five plant species and compared their characteristics using a combination of optical and biochemical techniques. Differences have been identified in the fluorescence emission spectra and at the protein level, whereas the absorption spectra were virtually the same in all cases. In addition, the emission spectrum of PSI depends on temperature over a physiologically relevant range from 280 to 298 K. Combined, our data show a critical comparison of the absorption and emission properties of PSI from various plant species.
New inequalities for p(n) and $$\log p(n)$$
Authors: Banerjee Koustav , Paule Peter , Radu Cristian-Silviu , Zeng WenHuan
Published: October 2022

Let p(n) denote the number of partitions of n. A new infinite family of inequalities for p(n) is presented. This generalizes a result by William Chen et al. From this infinite family, another infinite family of inequalities for $$\log p(n)$$

log
p
(
n
)

is derived. As an application of the latter family one, for instance obtains that for $$n\ge 120$$

n
≥
120

, $$\begin{aligned} p(n)^2>\Biggl (1+\frac{\pi }{\sqrt{24}n^{3/2}}-\frac{1}{n^2}\Biggr )p(n-1)p(n+1). \end{aligned}$$

p

(
n
)

2

>

(

1
+

π

24

n

3
/
2

-

1

n
2

)

p

(
n
-
1
)

p

(
n
+
1
)

.
Phenomenology and existentialism in dialogue with Marxist humanism in Yugoslavia in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Blagojević Una
Published: October 2022

The paper looks at how Marxist humanists around the Yugoslav philosophical journal Praxis engaged with existentialist and phenomenological categories. After presenting the early 1950s critiques of existentialism in Yugoslavia, the paper considers how the categories used by the representatives of existentialism (and phenomenology) were interpreted and incorporated by Yugoslav Marxist humanists in the 1960s.
A parameter estimation method for multivariate binned Hawkes processes
Authors: Shlomovich Leigh , Cohen Edward A. K. , Adams Niall
Published: October 2022

It is often assumed that events cannot occur simultaneously when modelling data with point processes. This raises a problem as real-world data often contains synchronous observations due to aggregation or rounding, resulting from limitations on recording capabilities and the expense of storing high volumes of precise data. In order to gain a better understanding of the relationships between processes, we consider modelling the aggregated event data using multivariate Hawkes processes, which offer a description of mutually-exciting behaviour and have found wide applications in areas including seismology and finance. Here we generalise existing methodology on parameter estimation of univariate aggregated Hawkes processes to the multivariate case using a Monte Carlo expectation–maximization (MC-EM) algorithm and through a simulation study illustrate that alternative approaches to this problem can be severely biased, with the multivariate MC-EM method outperforming them in terms of MSE in all considered cases.
Theoretical analysis for the fluctuation in the electric parameters of the electroporated cells before and during the electrofusion
Authors: Sherif Sameh , Ghallab Yehya H. , Ismail Yehea
Published: October 2022

An electric pulse with a sufficient amplitude can lead to electroporation of intracellular organelles. Also, the electric field can lead to electrofusion of the neighboring cells. In this paper, a finite element mathematical model was used to simulate the distribution, radius, and density of the pores. We simulated a mathematical model of the two neighbor cells to analyze the fluctuation in the electroporation parameters before the electrofusion under the ultra-shorted electric field pulse (i.e., impulse signal) for each cell separately and after the electrofusion under the ultra-shorted pulse. The analysis of the temporal and spatial distribution can lead to improving the mathematical models that are used to analyze both electroporation and electrofusion. The study combines the advantages of the nanosecond pulse to avoid the effect of the cell size on the electrofusion and the large-pore radius at the contact point between the cells.

Graphical abstract
Alloy 625 Forgings: Thermo-Metallurgical Model of Solution-Annealing Treatment
Authors: Rivolta Barbara , Boniardi Marco Virginio , Gerosa Riccardo , Casaroli Andrea , Panzeri Davide , Pizetta Zordão Luís Henrique
Published: October 2022

Metallurgical optimization of engineering alloys is traditionally addressed to improve the overall performance from a mechanical point of view. Grain size is one of the most influential and critical parameters to be controlled in nickel alloys, especially in the high-temperature shaping process and final solution treatment, since it can irremediably damage the alloy performance. For this reason, grain coarsening of alloy 625 was investigated in the temperature interval from 980 to 1150 °C ranging from 0.5 to 6 h. The grain-coarsening data were fitted via regression analysis as a function of time and temperature to develop a predictive model. Grain boundary strengthening was studied by hardness and tensile tests, and the relationships between the grain size and the mechanical properties were finally determined by regression analysis. Such equations were included in a thermo-metallurgical model able to predict the mechanical properties after annealing treatment. This predictive model was validated on a forged tube subjected to solution annealing at 1150 °C for 90 min. Then, it was finally used to compare different microstructural conditions in terms of the alloy impact on the environment.
Blue Zones: Centenarian Modes of Physical Activity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Herbert Casandra , House Mary , Dietzman Ryan , Climstein Mike , Furness James , Kemp-Smith Kevin
Published: October 2022

The primary aim of this scoping review was to identify the predominant modes of physical activity (PA) in each Blue Zone and to explore the influences that environment and culture have on PA. A research team of three Doctor of Physiotherapy students completed a systematic search using five online databases and cross referenced each reviewer in the study selection process. The study selection was based on eligibility criteria comprised of population autonomy/independence, > 80 years, Blue Zone resident, specified mode of physical activity, and utilized all research designs except for case studies and literature reviews. The databases retrieved a total of 236 articles, and 18 of which, met the inclusion criteria. Data synthesis revealed that 81% of the activities engaged by Blue Zone centenarians are moderate intensity activities. Blue Zone centenarians represent a significantly high physical functioning and high levels of activity through labouring occupations, outdoor hobbies and in-home activities. The most predominant mode represented through the included studies was agricultural activities. Overall, Blue Zones Centenarians are highly active, perform continuous and consistent movements daily, maintain daily hobbies, and work beyond the expected age of retirement. The key findings represent a significant effect on PA by environmental and cultural influences of each region.
Phase I dose-escalation study of milademetan in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sekiguchi Naohiro , Kasahara Senji , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Kiguchi Toru , Ohno Hitoshi , Takagi Taiga , Tachibana Masaya , Sumi Hiroyuki , Kakurai Yasuyuki , Yamashita Tomonari , Usuki Kensuke
Published: October 2022

Long-term survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains low, and current treatment modalities are inadequate. Milademetan (DS-3032, RAIN-32), a small-molecule specific murine double minute 2 inhibitor, has shown a p53 status-dependent antitumor effect in vitro studies. This is the first phase I study report of milademetan monotherapy in relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML patients evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary tumor response for further clinical development. Fourteen patients received 90 (starting dose, n = 4), 120 (n = 6), or 160 mg (n = 4) of oral milademetan once daily in a 14/28 treatment cycle. The median total treatment duration was 1.5 cycles. Dose-limiting toxicity did not occur, and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Thus, the recommended dose was defined as 160 mg. The most common adverse events (AEs) were decreased appetite (64.3%), febrile neutropenia (50%), nausea (42.9%), and anemia (35.7%). No deaths or AEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred. Five serious treatment-emergent AEs occurred in 4 patients. Plasma concentration increased linearly with milademetan dose. However, trends in the safety and efficacy of oral milademetan in patients with R/R AML warrant further clinical investigation. This study can inform future milademetan studies in hematologic malignancies.
Diversity of gobioid fishes in the late middle Miocene of northern Moldova, Eastern Paratethys—Part II: description of †Moldavigobius helenae gen. et sp. nov.
Authors: Reichenbacher Bettina , Bannikov Alexander F.
Published: October 2022

The middle Miocene (upper Serravallian, lower Volhynian) deposits at Karpov Yar near Naslavcea, northern Moldova, are among the few settings in which fossil fish are preserved with otoliths in situ. Here, we describe the new gobiid †Moldavigobius helenae gen. et sp. nov. from this locality. The taxon is characterized by small size (up to 34.2 mm SL), a compact body (body depth 17–21% SL), a fan-shaped caudal fin, large ctenoid scales (< 30 scales in the longitudinal row) and nearly square otoliths (sagittae) with a slender, shoe sole-shaped sulcus. It has 27 vertebrae, six spines in the first dorsal fin, one spine and 11 soft rays in both the second dorsal and the anal fin, 15–17 pectoral-fin rays, and 17 (9/8) segmented caudal-fin rays. The meristic characters of †Moldavigobius gen. nov., together with its sagitta shape, suggest a relationship with Lesueurigobius Whitley, 1950, but its fan-shaped caudal fin and the unique sulcus contour of the otoliths preclude its attribution to that genus. In addition, we re-assign an otolith-based species previously described as Knipowitschia suavis Schwarzhans, 2014 as a second member of †Moldavigobius gen. nov. Accordingly, †Moldavigobius gen. nov. was represented by at least two species in the Serravallian of the Eastern Paratethys (†M. helenae gen. et sp. nov., †M. suavis nov. comb.). Moreover, †M. suavis is also known from the Serravallian ichthyofauna of the SE Mediterranean. †Moldavigobius gen. nov. thus demonstrates the key role of fossil skeletal material with otoliths in elucidating the ancient diversity of the Gobioidei.
Business for ocean sustainability: Early responses of ocean governance in the private sector
Authors: Sardá Rafael , Pogutz Stefano , de Silvio Manlio , Allevi Virginia , Saputo Aristea , Daminelli Roberta , Fumagalli Federico , Totaro Leonardo , Rizzi Giorgia , Magni Giulio , Pachner Jan , Perrini Francesco
Published: October 2022

A large sample of 1664 companies—69 directly working in the ocean economy—distributed across 19 industrial sectors was investigated to explore awareness and activation regarding direct and indirect pressures on the ocean, their responses to these pressures, and the disclosure tools used. We examined their accountability and disclosure practices on sustainable development goals (SDGs) using the drivers, pressures, state, welfare, and response accounting framework. Based on their 2019 sustainability reports, just 7% of the companies assessed disclosed on SDG14. However, 51% of these companies can be considered as aware, albeit to varying degrees, of the pressures their industries place on the oceans, 44% deploy mitigating activities, and 26% are aware and actively lead business responses to ocean challenges. Although we have seen just early responses in addressing ocean challenges, companies’ awareness and activation must converge to achieve ocean sustainability and move businesses into a truly blue economy.
Solid-phase sintering and vapor-liquid-solid growth of BP@MgO quantum dot crystals with a high piezoelectric response
Authors: Liao Qingwei , Hou Wei , Liao Kexuan , Chen Liyin , Song Yujun , Gao Guowei , Qin Lei
Published: October 2022

Low-dimensional piezoelectric and quantum piezotronics are two important branches of low-dimensional materials, playing a significant role in the advancement of low-dimensional devices, circuits, and systems. Here, we firstly propose a solid-phase sintering and vapor-liquid-solid growth (SS-VLS-like) method of preparing a quantum-sized oxide material, i.e., black phosphorus (BP)@MgO quantum dot (QD) crystal with a strong piezoelectric response. Quantum-sized MgO was obtained by Mg slowly released from MgB2 within the confinement of a nanoflake BP matrix. Since the slow release of Mg only grows nanometer-sized MgO to hinder the further growth of MgO, we added a heterostructure matrix constraint: nanoflake BP. With the BP as the matrix confinement, MgO QDs embedded in the BP@MgO QD crystals were formed. These crystals have a layered two-dimensional (2D) structure with a thickness of 11 nm and are stable in the air. In addition, piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) images show that they have extremely strong polarity. The strong polarity can also be proved by polarization reversal and a simple pressure sensor.
Well-balanced methods for computational astrophysics
Authors: Käppeli Roger
Published: October 2022

We review well-balanced methods for the faithful approximation of solutions of systems of hyperbolic balance laws that are of interest to computational astrophysics. Well-balanced methods are specialized numerical techniques that guarantee the accurate resolution of non-trivial steady-state solutions, that balance laws prominently feature, and perturbations thereof. We discuss versatile frameworks and techniques for generic systems of balance laws for finite volume and finite difference methods. The principal emphasis of the presentation is on the algorithms and their implementation. Subsequently, we specialize in hydrodynamics’ Euler equations to exemplify the techniques and give an overview of the available well-balanced methods in the literature, including the classic hydrostatic equilibrium and steady adiabatic flows. The performance of the schemes is evaluated on a selection of test problems.
Dimensionality of solar magnetic reconnection
Authors: Lee Jeongwoo
Published: October 2022

Solar flares are the best examples of astrophysical magnetic reconnection in which the reconnection structure can be studied in detail. The structure is manifested through flare ribbons, intense optical and EUV emissions in footpoints of field lines attached to the coronal reconnection region. In the most common type of solar flares, two parallel ribbons appear and move away from each other, which could be related to the reconnection electric field under the theory of two-dimensional (2D) X-point reconnection, opening up a wide field of solar research. Another breakthrough came upon the discovery of circular ribbons, which implies a dome-shaped spine-fan structure capable of truly three dimensional (3D) null point reconnection. The variability of circular ribbons could also shed light on the reconnection electric field in the corona, but was relatively less attended. In this paper, we review selective topics in both types of flares with emphasis on the dimensionality of magnetic reconnection. Three types of reconnection: 2D X-point, 3D torsional, and 3D spine-fan reconnection are studied and associated with translational, rotational, and vibrational degrees of freedom. It is demonstrated that the dimensionality-based analysis of the observed dynamics of circular and parallel ribbons can facilitate a better understanding of the nature of solar magnetic reconnection.
Odd-viscosity-induced passivation of Moffatt vortices
Authors: Kirkinis Eleftherios , Mason Joanne , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: October 2022

Odd viscosity is associated with a number of striking physical phenomena: a disk rotating in a viscous liquid experiences a normal compressive or tensile stress depending on its sense of rotation; chiral active matter interfacial deformations level off in a manner akin to surface tension; and unstable thermocapillary films become stabilized. In this article we show that odd viscosity decreases the size and intensity of Moffatt vortices in a corner formed by a solid substrate and a free interface. The effect is present because odd viscosity creates a normal-stress-induced shear stress at the liquid–gas interface. The new shear stress is out of phase and oppositely directed with respect to the interfacial liquid velocity. It squeezes the vortices and damps their rotation. As a consequence, Moffatt vortices can now be observed with greater facility in an experiment. Odd viscosity also increases the range of corner angles over which Moffatt vortices can be observed, and, in general, it shows a tendency to moderate singular behaviour.