bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chain conformations and phase separation in polymer solutions with varying solvent quality
Authors: Huang Yisheng , Cheng Shengfeng
Published: October 2021

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the conformations of a single polymer chain, represented by the Kremer‐Grest bead‐spring model, in a solution with a Lennard‐Jones liquid as the solvent when the interaction strength between the polymer and solvent is varied. Results show that when the polymer‐solvent interaction is unfavorable, the chain collapses as one would expect in a poor solvent. For more attractive polymer‐solvent interactions, the solvent quality improves and the chain is increasingly solvated and exhibits ideal and then swollen conformations. However, as the polymer‐solvent interaction strength is increased further to be more than about twice the strength of the polymer‐polymer and solvent‐solvent interactions, the chain exhibits an unexpected collapsing behavior. Correspondingly, for strong polymer‐solvent attractions, phase separation is observed in the solutions of multiple chains. These results indicate that the solvent becomes effectively poor again at very attractive polymer‐solvent interactions. Nonetheless, the mechanism of chain collapsing and phase separation in this limit differs from the case with a poor solvent rendered by unfavorable polymer‐solvent interactions. In the latter, the solvent is excluded from the domain of the collapsed chains while in the former, the solvent is still present in the pervaded volume of a collapsed chain or in the polymer‐rich domain that phase separates from the pure solvent. In the limit of strong polymer‐solvent attractions, the solvent behaves as a glue to stick monomers together, causing a single chain to collapse and multiple chains to aggregate and phase separate.
Novel poly(1H‐benzo[g]indole)/TiO2 nanocomposites for high‐performance electrochromic supercapacitor application
Authors: Wang Baoying , Li Qing , Zou Huixue , Guo Qingfu , Nie Guangming
Published: October 2021

Poly(1H‐benzo[g]indole) (PBIn)/TiO2 nanocomposites with core‐shell nanorod array morphology are successfully prepared via simply hydrothermal synthesis combined with electrochemical polymerization. The synergistic effect between PBIn and TiO2 and the matched energy level distribution make PBIn/TiO2 nanocomposites have a specific capacitance of 29.65 mF cm−2. At the same time, it can reversibly change between light yellow and light green and show excellent cycling stability (86% retention after 3000 cycles). Thus, the electrochromic supercapacitor device (ESD) is also constructed based on PBIn/TiO2 nanocomposite and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene). This ESD shows a good specific capacitance (13.2 mF cm−2) and high‐coloring efficiency (487 cm2 C−1). In the charging and discharging stage, the color of ESD can reversibly change between yellow and dark blue. Thus, the accumulated energy state of the ESD can be simply judged by monitoring the color or transmittance value of the device. To verify the good energy storage and actual application, this ESD can light up the Light Emitting Diode (LED) after charging, which provides new possibilities for the application of intelligent supercapacitors in the future.
Dynamics of binding interactions of TDP‐43 and RNA: An equally weighted multiscale elastic network model study
Authors: Deng Xueqing , Wang Shihao , Han Zhongjie , Gong Weikang , Liu Yang , Li Chunhua
Published: October 2021

Transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP‐43), an alternative‐splicing regulator, can specifically bind long UG‐rich RNAs, associated with a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Upon binding RNA, TDP‐43 undergoes a large conformational change with two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) connected by a long linker rearranged, strengthening the binding affinity of TDP‐43 with RNA. We extend the equally weighted multiscale elastic network model (ewmENM), including its Gaussian network model (ewmGNM) and Anisotropic network model (ewmANM), with the multiscale effect of interactions considered, to the characterization of the dynamics of binding interactions of TDP‐43 and RNA. The results reveal upon RNA binding a loss of flexibility occurs to TDP‐43's loop3 segments rich in positively charged residues and C‐terminal of high flexibility, suggesting their anchoring RNA, induced fit and conformational adjustment roles in recognizing RNA. Additionally, based on movement coupling analyses, it is found that RNA binding strengthens the interactions among intra‐RRM β‐sheets and between RRMs partially through the linker's mediating role, which stabilizes RNA binding interface, facilitating RNA binding efficiency. In addition, utilizing our proposed thermodynamic cycle method combined with ewmGNM, we identify the key residues for RNA binding whose perturbations induce a large change in binding free energy. We identify not only the residues important for specific binding, but also the ones critical for the conformational rearrangement between RRMs. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations are also performed to validate and further interpret the ENM‐based results. The study demonstrates a useful avenue to utilize ewmENM to investigate the protein‐RNA interaction dynamics characteristics.
Unique features of different classes of G‐protein‐coupled receptors revealed from sequence coevolutionary and structural analysis
Authors: Do Hung N. , Haldane Allan , Levy Ronald M. , Miao Yinglong
Published: October 2021

G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of human membrane proteins and represent the primary targets of about one third of currently marketed drugs. Despite the critical importance, experimental structures have been determined for only a limited portion of GPCRs and functional mechanisms of GPCRs remain poorly understood. Here, we have constructed novel sequence coevolutionary models of the A and B classes of GPCRs and compared them with residue contact frequency maps generated with available experimental structures. Significant portions of structural residue contacts were successfully detected in the sequence‐based covariational models. “Exception” residue contacts predicted from sequence coevolutionary models but not available structures added missing links that were important for GPCR activation and allosteric modulation. Moreover, we identified distinct residue contacts involving different sets of functional motifs for GPCR activation, such as the Na+ pocket, CWxP, DRY, PIF, and NPxxY motifs in the class A and the HETx and PxxG motifs in the class B. Finally, we systematically uncovered critical residue contacts tuned by allosteric modulation in the two classes of GPCRs, including those from the activation motifs and particularly the extracellular and intracellular loops in class A GPCRs. These findings provide a promising framework for rational design of ligands to regulate GPCR activation and allosteric modulation.
Lessons learned from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake: A case study of tsunami risk assessment in a Japanese chemical corporation
Authors: Ochiai Nobukata , Nakayama Jo , Izato Yu‐ichiro , Miyake Atsumi
Published: October 2021

Natural hazard triggering technological disasters (Natech) pose a major risk to chemical industries. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis, may cause massive fires, explosions, and toxic chemical release into the environment. Thus, Natech risks have recently attracted considerable research attention. Although Natech‐related case studies are seldom reported in the literature, the results obtained thereof facilitate concrete risk assessments and countermeasure implementation against natural hazards. This article presents a case study on tsunami risk assessment performed by Asahi Kasei Corporation, Japan, based on four steps: (1) review of Natech events caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, (2) hazard identification at the plant, (3) risk assessment considering human casualties, equipment loss, environment, and business continuity, and (4) evaluation and implementation of appropriate countermeasures. The risks posed by tsunamis were identified and analyzed. The inundation heights of Level‐1 and Level‐2 tsunamis were estimated to be 1 and 10 m, respectively. A tsunami evacuation tower and tidal wall were built as appropriate countermeasures to prevent or mitigate fatalities, loss of containment, and business interruption. The results obtained in this study facilitate adequate preparedness of chemical plants against future tsunami occurrences.
Thermal Characterization of Multi‐Layer Graphene Heat Spreader by Pt/Cu/Ti Micro‐Coil
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Faizol , Bulya Nazim Nur Julia Nazim , Soriadi Nurhidaya , Mohamad Badaruddin Siti Aishah , Mat Hussin Mohd Rofei , Syono Mohd Ismahadi
Published: October 2021

Hotspot cooling by heat spreader is essential to avoid reliability issues of the power electronic devices. Herein, the evaluation of the heat spreading capability of mono‐ and multi‐layer graphene using a Pt/Cu/Ti micro‐coil heater‐thermometer is reported. Monolayer graphene is grown and transferred onto the test structure which consists of micro‐coil, pads, and heat sinks. The temperature coefficient of resistance of the bare coil is around 0.0087 °C−1. During Joule heating, the bare structure dissipates heat from the coil mainly via stage. Deposited graphene helps carry heat from the coil to the peripheral heat sinks. In transient‐state Joule heating, graphene reduced all stage, coil, and hotspot temperatures. However, stage temperature cannot be reduced during steady‐state Joule heating. The thickening of the graphene layer did improve the heat dissipation from the coil. The optimum number of layers is suggested to be 3‐layers graphene with a hotspot reduction from 5.86 °C W−1down to 4.97 °C W−1. More than 3‐layers result in a slight increase in hotspot temperature due to heat accumulation within the films. Findings in this work give insight into thermal management strategies in high‐temperature power electronics.
A Study on the Effect of Base‐Reactant in Low‐Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition of Zinc Oxide
Authors: Lee Jin-Gyu , Lee Hong-Sub
Published: October 2021

During the low‐temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, residual carbon from the unreacted ligand of precursors causes deterioration in the properties of grown materials. Herein, a simple approach using a base solution as a reactant to reduce residual carbon and improve the low‐temperature ALD reaction is proposed. NaOH dissolved in H2O is used as the reactant base solution and diethyl zinc is used as a reactant. The effects of the base‐reactant on the ZnO film growth are analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and thin‐film transistor (TFT) measurements. The crystallinity, grain size, and Zn and O contents of the ZnO thin films gradually increased as the concentration of NaOH increased (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%). Residual carbon occupying Zn sites is reduced as NaOH concentrations increased. The unintended heavily doped state induced by the residual carbon during the low‐temperature ALD process is improved, and the ZnO TFT device fabricated with the NaOH/H2O solution also shows improvements in its field‐effect mobility and the on/off current ratio. This simple approach, using the base solution as the reactant during the low‐temperature ALD process, effectively improves the quality of the grown film with low carbon impurities.
Combining distribution‐based neural networks to predict weather forecast probabilities
Authors: Clare Mariana C.A. , Jamil Omar , Morcrette Cyril J.
Published: October 2021

The success of deep learning techniques over the last decades has opened up a new avenue of research for weather forecasting. Here, we take the novel approach of using a neural network to predict full probability density functions at each point in space and time rather than a single output value, thus producing a probabilistic weather forecast. This enables the calculation of both uncertainty and skill metrics for the neural network predictions, and overcomes the common difficulty of inferring uncertainty from these predictions. This approach is data‐driven and the neural network is trained on the WeatherBench dataset (processed ERA5 data) to forecast geopotential and temperature 3 and 5 days ahead. Data exploration leads to the identification of the most important input variables. In order to increase computational efficiency, several neural networks are trained on small subsets of these variables. The outputs are then combined through a stacked neural network, the first time such a technique has been applied to weather data. Our approach is found to be more accurate than some coarse numerical weather prediction models and as accurate as more complex alternative neural networks, with the added benefit of providing key probabilistic information necessary for making informed weather forecasts.
New insight into the structural, mechanical, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of the monoclinicTMAl3‐type aluminides
Authors: Pan Yong
Published: October 2021

Despite of the potential high‐temperature technological applications of MoAl3alloy because of high‐temperature strength and good oxidation resistance, the structure and related properties of the monoclinic TMAl3aluminides are entirely unclear. Here, we apply the first‐principles calculation to study the structure, elastic, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of the monoclinic TMAl3. Five novel monoclinic TMAl3aluminides: ScAl3, TiAl3, VAl3, CrAl3, and WAl3are first predicted. The result shows that the hardness of the monoclinic TiAl3is 13.0 GPa, which is larger than the tetragonal TiAl3. In particular, the calculated elastic modulus and hardness of WAl3are larger than the other TMAl3because of the heavy valence electronic density of metal W. Importantly, it is first found that the monoclinic MoAl3shows the semiconductor properties with the band gap of 0.047 eV. In addition, the calculated Debye temperature of the monoclinic CrAl3is 537.6 K, which is larger than the other monoclinic TMAl3. Essentially, the thermal stability of the monoclinic TMAl3relies on the vibration of Al and AlAl bond.
A novel PCOS rat model and an evaluation of its reproductive, metabolic, and behavioral phenotypes
Authors: Kamada Shuhei , Yamamoto Yuri , Aoki Hidenori , Tamura Kou , Takeda Asuka , Minato Saki , Masaki Rie , Yanagihara Rie , Hayashi Noriko , Yano Yuya , Imaizumi Junki , Kagawa Tomohiro , Yoshida Atsuko , Kawakita Takako , Irahara Minoru , Iwasa Takeshi
Published: October 2021

Background

Although animal models of PCOS have been used in many studies, none of them can reproduce both the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of PCOS. In addition, behavioral parameters have not been evaluated in PCOS animal models.

Purpose

We tried to produce an improved rat model of PCOS, and the reproductive, metabolic, and behavioral phenotypes of the model rats were evaluated.

Methods

Female rats were implanted with silicon tubes containing oil‐dissolved dihydrotestosterone (Oil‐DHT) as a new PCOS model. Their phenotypes were compared with those of conventional PCOS model rats (DHT), into which tubes containing crystalline DHT were implanted, and non‐DHT‐treated rats (control).

Results

Both the Oil‐DHT and DHT rats showed greater body weight gain, food intake, and fat depot weight than the control rats. Furthermore, these groups showed fewer estrous stages and increased numbers of cystic follicles. The DHT rats exhibited lower ovarian and uterine weights than the control rats, whereas no such changes were observed in the Oil‐DHT rats. The Oil‐DHT and DHT rats showed less locomotor activity in the light phase than the control rats.

Conclusions

Our proposed PCOS model reproduced both the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of PCOS and may have potential for PCOS research.
Postrelease Survival and Migration Behavior of Adult Walleye Following Intracoelomic Transmitter Implantation Using Two Methods of Electro‐Immobilization
Authors: Reid Connor H. , Faust Matthew D. , Raby Graham D. , Brenden Travis O. , Cooke Steven J. , Vandergoot Christopher S.
Published: October 2021

The use of electricity as a method of fish restraint (i.e., electro‐immobilization) during field and hatchery operations has increased recently, and a need exists for field‐based assessments of the effects of these techniques on the postrelease physiology, behavior, and survival of wild fish to develop best handling practices. Two common waveforms used in electro‐immobilization are continuous and pulsed DC (cDC and pDC, respectively). With cDC, fish are immobilized through exposure to a continuous weak current and recover almost immediately once the current ceases. With pDC, fish are incapacitated via brief exposure to a strong current and often require several minutes to recover (i.e., regain equilibrium). Here, we present a comparison of cDC and pDC electro‐immobilization techniques and their effects on the postrelease survival and spawning migration behavior of adult Walleye Sander vitreus in a Lake Erie tributary. Fish were intracoelomically implanted with acoustic transmitters and then tracked by a network of acoustic receivers throughout Lake Erie that provided extensive spatiotemporal coverage of posttagging movements. Survival did not differ between the two electro‐immobilization treatments but was somewhat lower than in a control group consisting of fish tagged several years earlier (e.g., 50‐d survival = 69% for the pDC group, 61% for the cDC group, and 90% for control fish). We did not find any plausible or biologically meaningful effects of treatment on downstream movement or migratory behavior over subsequent months postrelease. Our results suggest that the two electro‐immobilization techniques did not differ in their effects on adult Walleye behavior, but more work is needed to elucidate the extent to which electro‐immobilization in general contributes to potential decreases in survival versus other aspects of capture and handling associated with performing surgical procedures.
Population Genetics of Brook Trout in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Kazyak David C. , Lubinski Barbara A. , Kulp Matt A. , Pregler Kasey C. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Hallerman Eric , Coombs Jason A. , Kanno Yoichiro , Rash Jacob M. , Morgan Raymond P. , Habera Jim , Henegar Jason , Weathers T. Casey , Sell Matthew T. , Rabern Anthony , Rankin Dan , King Tim L.
Published: October 2021

Broad‐scale patterns of genetic diversity for Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis remain poorly understood across their endemic range in the eastern United States. We characterized variation at 12 microsatellite loci in 22,020 Brook Trout among 836 populations from Georgia, USA, to Quebec, Canada, to the western Great Lakes region. Within‐population diversity was typically lower in the southern Appalachian Mountains relative to the mid‐Atlantic and northeastern regions. Effective population sizes in the southern Appalachians were often very small, with many estimates less than 30 individuals. The population genetics of Brook Trout in the southern Appalachians are far more complex than a conventionally held simple “northern” versus “southern” dichotomy would suggest. Contemporary population genetic variation was consistent with geographic expansion of Brook Trout from Mississippian, mid‐Atlantic, and Acadian glacial refugia as well as differentiation among drainages within these broader clades. Genetic variation was pronounced among drainages (57.4% of overall variation occurred among 10‐digit hydrologic unit code [HUC10] units or larger units) but was considerable even at fine spatial scales (13% of variation occurred among collections within HUC12 drainage units). Remarkably, 87.2% of individuals were correctly assigned to their collection of origin. While comparisons with fish from existing major hatcheries showed impacts of stocking in some populations, genetic introgression did not overwhelm the signal of broad‐scale patterns of population genetic structure. Although our results reveal deep genetic structure in Brook Trout over broad spatial extents, fine‐scale population structuring is prevalent across the southern Appalachians. Our findings highlight the distinctiveness and vulnerability of many Brook Trout populations in the southern Appalachians and have important implications for wild Brook Trout management. To facilitate application of our findings by conservation practitioners, we provide an interactive online visualization tool to allow our results to be explored at management‐relevant scales.
A review on the mechanisms of the effect of silymarin in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on some laboratory animals
Authors: Khazaei Roshanak , Seidavi Alireza , Bouyeh Mehrdad
Published: October 2021

One of the most valuable medicinal plants is milk thistle (Silybum marianum) or martighal. An annual or biennial plant of the Asteraceae family and English name Milk thistle, a Matte green colour and prickly plant with a standing stem that can be thick, simple, or slightly branched (ramified). Its seeds contain about 70%–80% of the flavonolignans of silymarin and about 20%–30% of polymeric and oxidized polyphenolic compounds (such as tannins). Traditionally, the plant has been used to increase milk secretion, relieve menstrual cramps, lessen depression, decrease gallstones, and jaundice as well as improve functions of the liver, spleen, and kidney. This review reviews studies on the effects of adding milk thistle to quail diet. Consumption (0.5% and 1%) of milk thistle powder in the diet of Japanese quail significantly increased feed intake, body weight, and improved carcass components. Blood constituents including total protein and albumin were improved along with decreased HDL, ALT, and AST. The use of milk thistle levels (0.5% and 1.5%) significantly improved the antioxidant total of plasma. Consumption of silymarin in quail diet increased the number of white blood cells, calcium, vitamin D3, and albumin. Silymarin also decreased the relative weights of bursa of Fabricius and spleen. This review indicates that milk thistle can improve growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and immune system in quail.
Cluster‐scaled principal component analysis
Authors: Sato‐Ilic Mika
Published: October 2021

Cluster‐scaled analysis means exploiting the cluster‐based scaling to conventional data analysis to obtain more accurate results or results that we cannot obtain by using ordinary analysis. Our target data is complex and large amounts of data. For this type of data, it is well known that ordinary statistical methods do not always work well, or theoretically, we know that we cannot obtain a correct result. As a tool of this implementation, we utilize fuzzy clustering, which is well known as a robust clustering to a complex and large amount of data. That is, we use the fuzzy clustering result as a scale of data and apply the rescaled data by the cluster‐scale to another target analysis. Our target analysis in this article is principal component analysis, which is a well‐known dimensional reduction method. A numerical example shows a better performance of the cluster‐scaled principal component analysis.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Knowledge Discovery

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification
Multi-trace correlators in the SYK model and non-geometric wormholes
Authors: Berkooz Micha , Brukner Nadav , Narovlansky Vladimir , Raz Amir
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We consider multi-energy level distributions in the SYK model, and in particular, the role of global fluctuations in the density of states of the SYK model. The connected contributions to the moments of the density of states go to zero as N → ∞, however, they are much larger than the standard RMT correlations. We provide a diagrammatic description of the leading behavior of these connected moments, showing that the dominant diagrams are given by 1PI cactus graphs, and derive a vector model of the couplings which reproduces these results. We generalize these results to the first subleading corrections, and to fluctuations of correlation functions. In either case, the new set of correlations between traces (i.e. between boundaries) are not associated with, and are much larger than, the ones given by topological wormholes. The connected contributions that we discuss are the beginning of an infinite series of terms, associated with more and more information about the ensemble of couplings, which hints towards the dual of a single realization. In particular, we suggest that incorporating them in the gravity description requires the introduction of new, lighter and lighter, fields in the bulk with fluctuating boundary couplings.
From amplitudes to contact cosmological correlators
Authors: Bonifacio James , Pajer Enrico , Wang Dong-Gang
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Our understanding of quantum correlators in cosmological spacetimes, including those that we can observe in cosmological surveys, has improved qualitatively in the past few years. Now we know many constraints that these objects must satisfy as consequences of general physical principles, such as symmetries, unitarity and locality. Using this new understanding, we derive the most general scalar four-point correlator, i.e., the trispectrum, to all orders in derivatives for manifestly local contact interactions. To obtain this result we use techniques from commutative algebra to write down all possible scalar four-particle amplitudes without assuming invariance under Lorentz boosts. We then input these amplitudes into a contact reconstruction formula that generates a contact cosmological correlator in de Sitter spacetime from a contact scalar or graviton amplitude. We also show how the same procedure can be used to derive higher-point contact cosmological correlators. Our results further extend the reach of the boostless cosmological bootstrap and build a new connection between flat and curved spacetime physics.
Wilson loops in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SO(N) SYM and D-branes in AdS5 × ℝℙ5
Authors: Giombi Simone , Offertaler Bendeguz
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study the half-BPS circular Wilson loop in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills with orthogonal gauge group. By supersymmetric localization, its expectation value can be computed exactly from a matrix integral over the Lie algebra of SO(N). We focus on the large N limit and present some simple quantitative tests of the duality with type IIB string theory in AdS5× ℝℙ5. In particular, we show that the strong coupling limit of the expectation value of the Wilson loop in the spinor representation of the gauge group precisely matches the classical action of the dual string theory object, which is expected to be a D5-brane wrapping a ℝℙ4 subspace of ℝℙ5. We also briefly discuss the large N, large λ limits of the SO(N) Wilson loop in the symmetric/antisymmetric representations and their D3/D5-brane duals. Finally, we use the D5-brane description to extract the leading strong coupling behavior of the “bremsstrahlung function” associated to a spinor probe charge, or equivalently the normalization of the two-point function of the displacement operator on the spinor Wilson loop, and obtain agreement with the localization prediction.
Waves in Flexural Beams with Nonlinear Adhesive Interaction
Authors: Coclite G. M. , Devillanova G. , Maddalena F.
Published: October 2021

The paper studies the initial boundary value problem related to the dynamic evolution of an elastic beam interacting with a substrate through an elastic-breakable forcing term. This discontinuous interaction is aimed to model the phenomenon of attachment-detachment of the beam occurring in adhesion phenomena. We prove existence of solutions in energy space and exhibit various counterexamples to uniqueness. Furthermore we characterize some relevant features of the solutions, ruling the main effects of the nonlinearity due to the elastic-breakable term on the dynamical evolution, by proving the linearization property according to Gérard (J Funct Anal 141(1):60–98, 1996) and an asymptotic result pertaining the long time behavior.
Type 1 diabetes in 2017: global estimates of incident and prevalent cases in children and adults
Authors: Green Anders , Hede Simone M. , Patterson Christopher C. , Wild Sarah H. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Roglic Gojka , Beran David
Published: October 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Data on type 1 diabetes incidence and prevalence are limited, particularly for adults. This study aims to estimate global numbers of incident and prevalent cases of type 1 diabetes in 2017 for all age groups, by country and areas defined by income and region.

Methods

Incidence rates of type 1 diabetes in children (available from 94 countries) from the IDF Atlas were used and extrapolated to countries without data. Age-specific incidence rates in adults (only known across full age range for fewer than ten countries) were obtained by applying scaling ratios for each adult age group relative to the incidence rate in children. Age-specific incidence rates were applied to population estimates to obtain incident case numbers. Duration of diabetes was estimated from available data and adjusted using differences in childhood mortality rate between countries from United Nations demographic data. Prevalent case numbers were derived by modelling the relationship between prevalence, incidence and disease duration. Sensitivity analyses were performed to quantify the impact of alternative assumptions and model inputs.

Results

Global numbers of incident and prevalent cases of type 1 diabetes were estimated to be 234,710 and 9,004,610, respectively, in 2017. High-income countries, with 17% of the global population, accounted for 49% of global incident cases and 52% of prevalent cases. Asia, which has the largest proportion of the world’s population (60%), had the largest number of incident (32%) and prevalent (31%) cases of type 1 diabetes. Globally, 6%, 35%, 43% and 16% of prevalent cases were in the age groups 0–14, 15–39, 40–64 and 65+ years, respectively. Based on sensitivity analyses, the estimates could deviate by ±15%.

Conclusions/interpretation

Globally, type 1 diabetes represents about 2% of the estimated total cases of diabetes, ranging from less than 1% in certain Pacific countries to more than 15% in Northern European populations in 2017. This study provides information for the development of healthcare and policy approaches to manage type 1 diabetes. The estimates need further validation due to limitations and assumptions related to data availability and estimation methods.

Graphical abstract
Toxicokinetics of U-47700, tramadol, and their main metabolites in pigs following intravenous administration: is a multiple species allometric scaling approach useful for the extrapolation of toxicokinetic parameters to humans?
Authors: Nordmeier Frederike , Sihinevich Iryna , Doerr Adrian A. , Walle Nadja , Laschke Matthias W. , Lehr Thorsten , Menger Michael D. , Schmidt Peter H. , Meyer Markus R. , Schaefer Nadine
Published: October 2021

New synthetic opioids (NSOs) pose a public health concern since their emergence on the illicit drug market and are gaining increasing importance in forensic toxicology. Like many other new psychoactive substances, NSOs are consumed without any preclinical safety data or any knowledge on toxicokinetic (TK) data. Due to ethical reasons, controlled human TK studies cannot be performed for the assessment of these relevant data. As an alternative animal experimental approach, six pigs per drug received a single intravenous dose of 100 µg/kg body weight (BW) of U-47700 or 1000 µg/kg BW of tramadol to evaluate whether this species is suitable to assess the TK of NSOs. The drugs were determined in serum and whole blood using a fully validated method based on solid-phase extraction and LC–MS/MS. The concentration–time profiles and a population (pop) TK analysis revealed that a three-compartment model best described the TK data of both opioids. Central volumes of distribution were 0.94 L/kg for U-47700 and 1.25 L/kg for tramadol and central (metabolic) clearances were estimated at 1.57 L/h/kg and 1.85 L/h/kg for U-47700 and tramadol, respectively. The final popTK model parameters for pigs were upscaled via allometric scaling techniques. In comparison to published human data, concentration–time profiles for tramadol could successfully be predicted with single species allometric scaling. Furthermore, possible profiles for U-47700 in humans were simulated. The findings of this study indicate that unlike a multiple species scaling approach, pigs in conjunction with TK modeling are a suitable tool for the assessment of TK data of NSOs and the prediction of human TK data.
Modified negative pressure wound therapy as an adjunct to antibiotics in the treatment of orthopaedic infected metalwork
Authors: Summers Selina , Daniels Natasha Faye , Thahir Azeem , Krkovic Matija
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Infected orthopaedic metalwork is challenging to treat. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with irrigation is an emerging therapy for infected wounds as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy. The senior author had devised a modified technique to augment its efficacy, utilising high-flow rate irrigation and skin closure over the standard NPWT dressing. This novel technique was originally evaluated in a different centre and produced 100% success in metalwork retention. The present study is a reproducibility test of the same technique.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 24 patients with infected orthopaedic metalwork, including 3 upper limb and 21 lower limb cases, for outcomes relating to implant retention and infection resolution. Patients underwent a modified NPWT technique as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. Detailed medical and microbiology information were obtained from the patient records.

Results

23 of 24 (96%) patients had successful metalwork retainment with healed wounds and resolution of infection, allowing fracture union. 27 infective organisms were identified in this cohort, and the antibiotic regimens for each patient are provided. The average follow-up was 663 days. No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion

This series supports the modified NPWT technique as a safe, reliable and effective adjunct therapy to resolve metalwork infection. The same results have been reproduced as the previous cohort in a different centre.
Generation results for vector-valued elliptic operators with unbounded coefficients in $$L^p$$ spaces
Authors: Angiuli Luciana , Lorenzi Luca , Mangino Elisabetta M. , Rhandi Abdelaziz
Published: October 2021

We consider a class of vector-valued elliptic operators with unbounded coefficients, coupled up to the first order, in the Lebesgue space $$L^p({\mathbb {R}}^d;{\mathbb {R}}^m)$$

L
p

(

R

d

;

R

m

)

with $$p \in (1,\infty )$$

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

. Sufficient conditions to prove generation results of an analytic $$C_0$$

C
0

-semigroup $${\varvec{T}}(t)$$

T

(
t
)

, together with a characterization of the domain of its generator, are given. Some results related to the hypercontractivity and the ultraboundedness of the semigroup are also established.
Discourses of sustainability and imperial modes of food provision: agri-food-businesses and consumers in Germany
Authors: Hirth Steffen , Bürstmayr Theresa , Strüver Anke
Published: October 2021

It is widely accepted that overcoming the social-ecological crises we face requires major changes to the food system. However, opinions diverge on the question whether those ‘great efforts’ towards sustainability require systemic changes or merely systematic ones. Drawing upon Brand and Wissen’s concept of “imperial modes of living” (Rev Int Polit Econ 20:687–711, 2013; The imperial mode of living: everyday life and the ecological crisis of capitalism, Verso, London/New York, 2021), we ask whether the lively debates about sustainability and ‘ethical’ consumption among producers and consumers in Germany are far reaching enough to sufficiently reduce the imperial weight on the environment and other human and nonhuman animals. By combining discourse analysis of agri-food businesses’ sustainability reports with narrative consumer interviews, we examine understandings of sustainability in discourses concerning responsible food provision and shed light on how those discourses are inscribed in consumers’ everyday food practices. We adopt Ehgartner’s discursive frames of ‘consumer sovereignty’, ‘economic rationality’, and ‘stewardship’ to illustrate our findings, and add a fourth one of ‘legitimacy’. Constituting the conditions under which food-related themes become sustainability issues, these frames help businesses to (1) individualise the responsibility to enact changes, (2) tie efforts towards sustainability to financial profits, (3) subject people and nature to the combination of care and control, and (4) convey legitimacy through scientific authority. We discuss how these frames, mirrored in some consumer narratives, work to sideline deeper engagement with ecological sustainability and social justice, and how they brush aside the desires of some ostensibly ‘sovereign’ consumers to overcome imperial modes of food provision through much more far reaching, systemic changes. Finally, we reflect on possible paths towards a de-imperialised food system.
Trust Beliefs in Significant Others, Interpersonal Stress, and Internalizing Psychopathology of Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Rotenberg Ken J. , Sharp Carla , Venta Amanda
Published: October 2021

This study examined relations between trust beliefs in significant others (TBSO), interpersonal stress, and internalizing psychopathology for adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Two hundred and thirty-four adolescents from an acute inpatient unit (154 females, Mage = 14.72 years, SD = 1.39 years) completed standardized scales/interviews that assessed TBSO (mother, father, teacher, peers and TBSO as a total score), interpersonal stress, and internalizing psychopathology. It was found that adolescents’ TBSO and trust beliefs in each significant other were negatively associated with interpersonal stress and internalizing psychopathology. The findings confirmed that the relation between the adolescents’ interpersonal stress and internalizing psychopathology was moderated by TBSO, trust beliefs in mother, and trust beliefs in peers. The findings supported the conclusion that holding elevated TBSO (particularly trust beliefs in mother and peers) by adolescents with psychiatric disorders promotes their psychosocial adjustment including their resilience to the effects of interpersonal stress on internalizing psychopathology.
Towards standard methods for the classification of aquatic toxicity for biologically active household chemicals (BAHC) present in plastics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products
Authors: Beiras Ricardo
Published: October 2021

A standard method to test the aquatic toxicity of biologically active household chemicals (BAHC), including those with very low water solubility, is proposed. The method uses the common marine models Paracentrotus lividus embryos and Acartia clausi larvae, in order to advance towards derivation of water quality criteria for these emerging pollutants that currently lack environmental standards. Depending on the water solubility and octanol–water partition coefficient (Kow) of the substance, the protocol consists of testing the toxicity of the substances by serial dilutions of water stocks, dimethyl-sulfoxide stocks, or 100 mg/L lixiviates in seawater. When this method is applied to eleven model BAHC, the pharmaceutical fluoxetine, the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene, and the UV filters broadly present in cosmetics octocrylene and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, are classified as very toxic to aquatic life, since their EC50 values are < 1 mg/L. In general, both biological models, P. lividus and A. clausi, yield the same classification of the substances tested, but variations in the classification of aquatic toxicity depending on methodological aspects are discussed. The use of A. clausi nauplii provides more protecting value to the toxicity parameters obtained by using this protocol.

Graphic abstract
The paradox of victory: social movement fields, adverse outcomes, and social movement success
Authors: Useem Bert , Goldstone Jack A.
Published: October 2021

Recent work on social movement fields has expanded our view of the dynamics of social movements; it should also expand our thinking about social movement success. Such a broader view reveals a paradox: social movements often snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by narrowly targeting authorities with their actions instead of targeting the broader social movement field. Negative impacts from the wider social movement field can then reverse or overshadow initial victories. We distinguish between a social movement’s victory over the immediate target, and more lasting success that arises from shifting alignments in the broader social movement field. To test the predictive value of the distinction, we compare two very similar student-led social movements, both of which targeted university policies regarding sensitivity to race issues and changes in university personnel. One built a broad coalition of support that extended across its social movement field and was thereby able to institute durable change. The other did not, and despite its clear initial success, this protest movement produced consequences mainly adverse to its preferred outcomes. We demonstrate how pervasive this paradox is with examples from other U.S. protest outcomes and studies of revolutions. The paradox is resolved by focusing on changes in the entire social movement field. We thus argue that achieving, and understanding, lasting social movement success requires attention to the entire social movement field.
New venture dissolution and the comobility of new venture teams
Authors: Eftekhari Nazanin , Timmermans Bram
Published: October 2021

While the dissolution of new ventures is a common phenomenon in the organizational landscape, it seldom means the end of the road for those involved in the new venture. Nevertheless, most research treats this dissolution with a sense of finality. Using the Danish Integrated Database for Labor Market Research (IDA), we explore the persistence of cofounders and early employees to continue their work relationships after the dissolution of the new venture. We investigate where these team members continue their career and whether they pursue entrepreneurship together in another new venture. Overall, over 18.3% move jointly, and comobility is more prevalent among new venture team members who worked jointly prior to founding the new venture and among those new venture teams demonstrating high levels of homogeneity. Moreover, comovers tend toward small firms, and comobility occurs largely in similar industry. A large share of comovers move to new ventures, which is indicative of serial or habitual new venture teams. This also raises further question on team-level dimension of learning from failure.
Ten-Year Results of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Retrospective Matched Comparison with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding—Is There a Significant Difference in Long Term?
Authors: Musella Mario , Berardi Giovanna , Velotti Nunzio , Schiavone Vincenzo , Vitiello Antonio
Published: October 2021

Background

The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric procedure performed worldwide while the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been almost abandoned. Aim of this study was to retrospectively assess 10-year outcomes of LSG through a matched comparison with LAGB.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective search of prospectively maintained database of our university was carried out to find all patients that underwent LSG before December 2010. Each subject with LSG was matched one-to-one with a patient that had undergone LAGB in the same period with correspondent preoperative age, BMI, and sex.

Results

A total of 76 patients underwent LSG before 2010 and were all included in this study; a matched group of 76 out of 178 LAGB patients with 10-year follow-up was retrieved from our database. Comparison between the two groups showed better outcomes after LSG at 1 and 5 years but weight loss was comparable with the LAGB group at 10 years (%TWL 22.2 ± 13 vs 21.2 ± 16.1; p = 0.89). No significant difference was found in conversion/removal rate (15.8% vs 18.4%; p = 0.67).

Conclusion

LSG is an effective stand-alone bariatric procedure with better outcomes than LAGB in medium term, but results are comparable at 10 years. Subjects undergoing LSG should be informed that conversion to RYGB or OAGB may be necessary to achieve further weight loss or to treat reflux.

Graphical abstract
Estimating need for alcohol treatment in Ireland using national treatment surveillance data
Authors: Carew Anne Marie , O’Neill Derek , Lyons Suzi , Smyth Bobby P.
Published: October 2021

Background

International evidence indicates that about 10% of people with alcohol dependence will seek and commence treatment each year. Based upon Irish estimates of prevalence of dependence, a target of 690.0 treated cases per 100,000 population per annum is expected.

Aims

This study analyses routine national surveillance data on alcohol treatment to measure how treatment need is being met.

Methods

National treatment surveillance data on problem alcohol use collected by the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) were analysed. The study included cases resident in Ireland, aged 18–64 years entering treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) between 2015 and 2019 (n = 44,079). Treatment rates were calculated per 100,000 of the population. Descriptive and exploratory statistics were used to describe characteristics of cases treated.

Results

National rate of treated AUD was 270 cases per 100,000 annually, with a rate of treated alcohol dependence of 165/100,000. There was a fivefold difference between the lowest and highest rates (119 cases per 100,000 in Meath versus 633 in Waterford). Drinking patterns indicate high levels of alcohol consumption and prolonged use prior to treatment. The use of other drugs alongside alcohol was common.

Conclusions

Despite high rates of alcohol consumption and dependence, the rate of treatment entry nationally is sub-optimal, although there are wide geographic variations. There is a need to better understand the reasons for low treatment entry rates in Ireland for people with alcohol dependence. Monitoring and surveillance play a key role in measuring the successful efforts to reduce the harm of alcohol.
A Comprehensive, FAIR File Format for Neuroanatomical Structure Modeling
Authors: Sullivan A. E. , Tappan S. J. , Angstman P. J. , Rodriguez A. , Thomas G. C. , Hoppes D. M. , Abdul-Karim M. A. , Heal M. L. , Glaser Jack R.
Published: October 2021

With advances in microscopy and computer science, the technique of digitally reconstructing, modeling, and quantifying microscopic anatomies has become central to many fields of biological research. MBF Bioscience has chosen to openly document their digital reconstruction file format, the Neuromorphological File Specification, available at www.mbfbioscience.com/filespecification (Angstman et al., 2020). The format, created and maintained by MBF Bioscience, is broadly utilized by the neuroscience community. The data format’s structure and capabilities have evolved since its inception, with modifications made to keep pace with advancements in microscopy and the scientific questions raised by worldwide experts in the field. More recent modifications to the neuromorphological file format ensure it abides by the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles promoted by the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF; Wilkinson et al., Scientific Data, 3, 160018,, 2016). The incorporated metadata make it easy to identify and repurpose these data types for downstream applications and investigation. This publication describes key elements of the file format and details their relevant structural advantages in an effort to encourage the reuse of these rich data files for alternative analysis or reproduction of derived conclusions.