bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pathogenesis of Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia: Current Concepts
Authors: Li Zi‐yi , Tian Wo‐tu , Huang Xiao‐jun , Cao Li
Published: January 2023

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is a movement disorder characterized by recurrent and transient episodes of involuntary movements, including dystonia, chorea, ballism, or a combination of these, which are typically triggered by sudden voluntary movement. Disturbance of the basal ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical circuit has long been considered the cause of involuntary movements. Impairment of the gating function of the basal ganglia can cause an aberrant output toward the thalamus, which in turn leads to excessive activation of the cerebral cortex. Structural and functional abnormalities in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex and abnormal connections between these brain regions have been found in patients with PKD. Recent studies have highlighted the role of the cerebellum in PKD. Insufficient suppression from the cerebellar cortex to the deep cerebellar nuclei could lead to overexcitation of the thalamocortical pathway. Therefore, this literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research progress to explore the neural circuits and pathogenesis of PKD and promote further understanding and outlook on the pathophysiological mechanism of movement disorders. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Oncolytic virotherapy using neural stem cells as a novel treatment option for glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir
Published: January 2023

The most deadly and aggressive form of brain cancer is called a glioblastoma multiforme. Following diagnosis, the median duration of survival is only 14 months. It is imperative to develop cutting‐edge therapeutic options because the results of conventional treatments are so poor. Replication‐competent oncolytic viruses and replication‐deficient viral vectors can be used to treat malignant tumors, an idea that has been around for more than a century. Cancer cells can be eliminated by any class. Oncolytic viruses are created with the specific purpose of locating, attacking, and multiplying in cancerous cells while bypassing normal brain tissue. Because of this, the viruses can kill tumors while protecting healthy brain cells. Getting the oncolytic virus reach tumor locations where it is needed is the biggest challenge. If neural stem cells were used as carrier cells to deliver oncolytic viruses to the right tumor locations, glioblastoma multiforme virotherapy will be significantly more efficient. The most recent advancements in the field of utilizing neural stem cells to deliver oncolytic viruses into glioblastoma tumors are the main focus of this review.
Design and performance evaluation of a slit‐slat camera for 2D prompt gamma imaging in proton therapy monitoring: A Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Malekzadeh Etesam , Rajabi Hossein , Tajik‐Mansoury Mohammad Ali , Sabouri Pouya , Fiorina Elisa , Kalantari Faraz
Published: January 2023

Purpose

We investigated the design of a prompt gamma camera for real‐time dose delivery verification and the partial mitigation of range uncertainties.

Methods

A slit slat (SS) camera was optimized using the trade‐off between the signal‐to‐noise ratio and spatial resolution. Then, using the GATE Monte Carlo package, the camera performances were estimated by means of target shifts, beam position quantification, changing the camera distance from the beam, and air cavity inserting. A homogeneous PMMA phantom and the air gaps induced PMMA phantom were used. The air gaps ranged from 5 mm to 30 mm by 5 mm increments were positioned in the middle of the beam range. To reduce the simulation time, phase space scoring was used. The batch method with five realizations was used for stochastic error calculations.

Results

The system's detection efficiency was PGs/proton) for a 10 × 20 cm2 detector (source‐to‐collimator distance = 15.0 cm). Axial and transaxial resolutions were 23 mm and 18 mm, respectively. The SS camera estimated the range as 69.0 ± 3.4 (relative stochastic error 1‐sigma is 5%) and 67.6 ± 1.8 mm (2.6%) for the real range of 67.0 mm for 107 and 108 protons of 100 MeV, respectively. Considering 160 MeV, these values are 155.5 ± 3.1 (2%) and 152.2 ± 2.0 mm (1.3%) for the real range of 152.0 mm for 107 and 108 protons, respectively. Considering phantom shift, for a 100 MeV beam, the precision of the quantification (1‐sigma) in the axial and lateral phantom shift estimation is 2.6 mm and 1 mm, respectively. Accordingly, the axial and lateral quantification precisions were 1.3 mm and 1 mm for a 160 MeV beam, respectively. Furthermore, the quantification of an air gap formulated as , where and gapreal are the estimated and real air gap, respectively. The precision of the air gap quantification is 1.6 mm (1 sigma). Moreover, 2D PG images show the trajectory of the proton beam through the phantom.

Conclusion

The proposed slit‐slat imaging systems can potentially provide a real‐time, in‐vivo, and non‐invasive treatment monitoring method for proton therapy.
Trendbericht Anorganische Chemie 2023: Hauptgruppen
Authors: Heift Dominikus , Fischer Malte
Published: January 2023

Hauptgruppen: Erdalkalimetalle werden in der Kugelmühle in die Mangel genommen; eine etablierte Aluminium(I)‐Verbindung bekommt ein facettenreiches Add‐On; ein Bismut‐Radikalgenerator schmeißt den Turbo an, und SO2+‐Ionen spalten C‐F‐Bindungen. Nebengruppen, Bioanorganik und Koordinationschemie: Der erste in Lösung beobachtbare σ‐Methankomplex; Rekorde für die Magnetisches‐Blocking‐Temperatur; Titan hilft, Ethylen in terminale Olefine einzubauen, und Erkenntnisse, was ein Austausch von Schwefel gegen Selen in Enzymen bewirkt.
Trendbericht Anorganische Chemie 2023: Nebengruppen, Bioanorganik und Koordinationschemie
Authors: Werncke Gunnar , Kreidt Elisabeth
Published: January 2023

Hauptgruppen: Erdalkalimetalle werden in der Kugelmühle in die Mangel genommen; eine etablierte Aluminium(I)‐Verbindung bekommt ein facettenreiches Add‐On; ein Bismut‐Radikalgenerator schmeißt den Turbo an, und SO2+‐Ionen spalten C‐F‐Bindungen. Nebengruppen, Bioanorganik und Koordinationschemie: Der erste in Lösung beobachtbare σ‐Methankomplex; Rekorde für die Magnetisches‐Blocking‐Temperatur; Titan hilft, Ethylen in terminale Olefine einzubauen, und Erkenntnisse, was ein Austausch von Schwefel gegen Selen in Enzymen bewirkt.
A custom arc‐length Finite Element solver for large deformation adhesive contacts using a k‐d tree accelerated volumetric interaction scheme
Authors: Roy Suprateek , Sundaram Narayan K.
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces a Finite Element framework for large deformation adhesive contact between elastic bodies based on volume‐to‐volume interaction. A key component of this framework is a novel, customized arc‐length algorithm designed to follow the solution path through multiple snap‐through and snap‐back instabilities. Another new component is a k‐d tree based algorithm which significantly accelerates the computationally expensive volume‐to‐volume interaction calculations. This optimized Finite Element framework is then used to solve two‐body and three‐body elastic adhesive contact problems with realistic material and interaction parameters, using a 6‐12 Lennard‐Jones interaction potential. The improved efficiency of the k‐d tree based scheme makes it indispensable for interaction calculations. This paper also shows the importance of implementing adhesion‐specific customizations in the arc‐length solver.
Ultimate tensile behavior of short single‐wall carbon nanotube/epoxy composites and the reinforced mechanism
Authors: Wang Xiaoer , Zhu Tianxiang , Deng Zhen‐Yan , Zhao Xinluo
Published: January 2023

Short single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/epoxy composites were fabricated by a procedure of cutting and functionalizing SWCNTs, dispersion and curing, with a very low weight ratio of SWCNTs from 0.03% to 0.5%. It was found that the tensile fracture strength of composites increases with increasing SWCNT content initially, then reaches a maximum at 0.05 wt% and finally decreases with further increasing the SWCNT content. The fracture strength of the composite with 0.05 wt% SWCNTs (78.46 MPa) is ~160% of that of pure epoxy sample (48.64 MPa). A model analysis based on the competition of local matrix fracture and the debonding of short SWCNT was proposed. It revealed that there is a transition from local matrix fracture to the debonding of SWCNT when the SWCNT content increases, this transition leads to the decrease in the tensile strength. Further analyses indicated that the content of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the transition depends on their radius and length. Considering the effect of surface cracks on the fracture strength of pure epoxy sample, the theoretical analyses are qualitatively in agreement with the experimental results. The present study partly explains why the fracture strength of CNT reinforced composites has various results for a similar CNT loading in previous works.
The road to bis‐periazulene (cyclohepta[def]fluorene): Realizing one of the long‐standing dreams in nonalternant hydrocarbons
Authors: Konishi Akihito , Horii Koki , Yasuda Makoto
Published: January 2023

The chemistry of nonalternant hydrocarbons has recently experienced a considerable resurgence. As the relationship between naphthalene and azulene shows, an important design concept for a nonalternant framework is to replace the two hexagons of an alternant system with a pentagon and heptagon pair. The pursuit of the nonalternant isomers of pyrene, which has seven possible nonalternant isomers, has been the most significant related project. Through enormous dedication by many pioneering works, six of the seven possible nonalternant isomers of pyrene have been isolated and characterized as stable aromatic molecules, differentiating themselves from pyrene in terms of optoelectronic properties. However, the only unsynthesized isomer, bis‐periazulene (cyclohepta[def]fluorene), had remained an uncharacterized hydrocarbon until 2022, despite many synthetic and theoretical investigations since it was first reported in 1955. In this review, we summarize the chemistry of the pyrene's nonalternant isomers, including our recent achievements in synthesizing and characterizing bis‐periazulene derivatives. The historical perspectives, synthetic approaches, fundamental properties, and comparisons to related systems are documented.
Circular economy and firm performance: The influence of product life cycle analysis, upcycling, and redesign
Authors: Triguero Ángela , Moreno‐Mondéjar Lourdes , Sáez‐Martínez Francisco J.
Published: January 2023

The transition toward a circular economy (CE) implies the introduction of innovative practices at the firm level. Nevertheless, an important question is under discussion: What are the consequences of these practices on firm performance? Using a survey approach, this article analyzes the effect of CE practices related to product design on economic and environmental performance: life cycle assessment (LCA), product upgradability, and design for disassembly, reuse, and recycling in a sample of 300 firms. Our findings show that, although most of the companies are carrying out some eco‐innovation (innovations aimed to reduce the environmental damage of their activity), only process eco‐innovations new to the market improve economic performance but not environmental performance. However, LCA is a tool for implementing CE principles, helping to improve both. Eco‐design is positively associated with economic performance. The results provide managers and policy makers new insights on the long road to achieving this transition.
Super‐Aerophilic Biomimetic Cactus for Underwater Dispersed Microbubble Capture, Self‐Transport, Coalescence, and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Du Yu , Li Ping , Wen Yumei , Guan Zhibin
Published: January 2023

Human ocean activities are inseparable from the supply of energy. The energy contained in the gas‐phase components dispersed in seawater is a potential universal energy source for eupelagic or deep‐sea equipment. However, the low energy density of bubbles dispersed in water introduces severe challenges to the potential energy harvesting of gas‐phase components. Here, a super‐aerophilic biomimetic cactus is developed for underwater dispersive microbubble capture and energy harvesting. The bubbles captured by the super‐aerophilic biomimetic cactus spines, driven by the surface tension and liquid pressure, undergo automatic transport, coalescence, accumulation, and concentrated release. The formerly unavailable low‐density dispersive surface free energy of the bubbles is converted into high‐density concentrated gas buoyancy potential energy, thereby providing an energy source for underwater in situ electricity generation. Experiments show a continuous process of microbubble capture by the biomimetic cactus and demonstrate a 22.76‐times increase in output power and a 3.56‐times enhancement in electrical energy production compared with a conventional bubble energy harvesting device. The output energy density is 3.64 times that of the existing bubble energy generator. This work provides a novel approach for dispersive gas‐phase potential energy harvesting in seawater, opening up promising prospects for wide‐area in situ energy supply in underwater environments.
Fascinating Electrocatalysts with Dispersed Di‐Metals in MN3‐M′N4 Moiety as Two Active Sites Separately for N2 and CO2 Reduction Reactions and Jointly for CN Coupling and Urea Production
Authors: Zhu Changyan , Geng Yun , Yao Xiaohui , Zhu Guangshan , Su Zhongmin , Zhang Min
Published: January 2023

The idealized urea electrocatalyst is crucial to boost the CN coupling reaction and simultaneously suppress their isolated reduction process after adsorbing N2 and CO2 molecules. Therefore, the dispersed MN3‐M′N4 moiety is investigated systematically, including 26 homonuclear and 650 heteronuclear di‐metal systems. After, 205 stable systems are selected using lowest‐energy principle and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. According to three possible pathways, NCON, CO, and OCOH to produce urea, a five‐step high‐throughput screening method for excellent catalytic activity and a five‐aspect high‐throughput screening strategy for outstanding catalytic selectivity are proposed, respectively. The potential determined steps and the limiting potential through three pathways are identified. The data indicates both CO pathway and OCOH pathway are more competitive at lower Gibbs free energy. Significantly, the most favorite RuN3‐CoN4 combination possesses an extremely low limiting potential of −0.80 V for urea production, meanwhile it exists a strong foundation for experimental preparation. This work not only broadens electrocatalytic potentiality of developing di‐metals as two active sites, but also provides a feasible high‐throughput screening recipe for urea production.
Study on Hot Flow Behaviors and Deformation/Diffusion Mechanisms of V and V–Ti Microalloyed Steels by Physical Constitutive Modeling
Authors: Wei Hai-lian , Deng Xiao-ju , Chen Shuang-shuang , Zhou Zhi-you , Pan Hong-bo
Published: January 2023

The hot compression tests of medium carbon V and V–Ti microalloyed steels are carried out at the temperature of 900–1100 °C and strain rate of 0.01–10 s−1. Three physical constitutive models based on creep theory are studied, the prediction accuracy is compared and analyzed by employing the correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute relative error (AARE), and the deformation/diffusion mechanisms are discussed. The results show that Ti has obvious hardening effect in V microalloyed steel and retards the onset of dynamic recrystallization. The physical constitutive model containing the theoretical value of creep exponent 5 can accurately describe the hot flow behavior of both steels, the prediction accuracy of which is comparable to that of the model containing exponent n, reflecting that the dominant deformation mechanism of both steels is dislocation climbing. Furthermore, a modified physical constitutive model combining diffusion mechanisms of lattice diffusion and grain boundary diffusion shows higher accuracy (R = 0.996, AARE = 3.81% of V steel and R = 0.994, AARE = 4.52% of V–Ti steel), indicating that the diffusion mechanism is controlled not only by lattice diffusion but also by grain boundary diffusion.
Basic Idea of Measurements in Particle Collisions
Authors: Hanagaki Kazunori , Tanaka Junichi , Tomoto Makoto , Yamazaki Yuji
Published: January 2023

Some of the readers of this book may have seen a so-called “event display”, visualisation of a particle collision. An example from the ATLAS experiment is given in Fig. 2.1. There, what we see are many curves from a particular point, which indicates the location of two particles colliding with each other. The curves emerging from the point are charged tracks, and the traces of charged particles are identified from detector responses. Also seen are many colourful boxes, which look like histograms, with the direction of the height of the histograms pointing to a radial direction. These indicate the amount of energy from particles produced via the collision, measured in particle detectors.
Statistics
Authors: Hanagaki Kazunori , Tanaka Junichi , Tomoto Makoto , Yamazaki Yuji
Published: January 2023

Statistics is a tool to show how accurate a measurement is. Particle physicists make use of statistics to know, for example, with how much probability the events under study are signal-like in a new particle search, how much improvement a new measurement gives compared with the past measurements, how powerful a new analysis method is, and how much a certain theoretical prediction is restricted. Statistics is also useful to discriminate the signal events from the background events and to estimate the number of the signal events and background events properly. Therefore, the basics of statistics are essential for experimentalists.
Examples of Physics Analysis
Authors: Hanagaki Kazunori , Tanaka Junichi , Tomoto Makoto , Yamazaki Yuji
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, we present the analysis of Higgs and new physics searches as examples of data analysis. The data handled here are already calibrated and the particle identification for each object is also done. In the so-called “data analysis” of the collider experiments, the event selection, background estimation, and signal extraction or measurement including evaluating systematic uncertainties are performed.
Compatibility effects with touchless gestures
Authors: Janczyk Markus
Published: January 2023

Human actions are suspect to various compatibility phenomena. For example, responding is faster to the side where a stimulus appears than to the opposite side, referred to as stimulus–response (S–R) compatibility. This is even true, if the response is given to a different stimulus feature, while location itself is irrelevant (Simon compatibility). In addition, responses typically produce perceivable effects on the environment. If they do so in a predictable way, responses are faster if they produce a (e.g., spatially) compatible effect on the same side than on the other side. That it, a left response is produced faster if it results predictably in a left effect than in a right effect. This effect is called response-effect (R–E) compatibility. Finally, compatibility could also exist between stimuli and the effects, which is accordingly called stimulus-effect (S–E) compatibility. Such compatibility phenomena are also relevant for applied purposes, be it in laparoscopic surgery or aviation. The present study investigates Simon and R–E compatibility for touchless gesture interactions. In line with a recent study, no effect of R–E compatibility was observed, yet irrelevant stimulus location yielded a large Simon effect. Touchless gestures thus seem to behave differently with regard to compatibility phenomena than interactions via (other) tools such as levers.
Lengthened Efferent Limb in Braun Enteroenterostomy Reduces Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Watanabe Genki , Satou Shouichi , Tanaka Motomu , Momiyama Masashi , Nakajima Kentaro , Nagao Atsuki , Satodate Hitoshi , Noie Tamaki
Published: January 2023

Background

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), but a method to prevent DGE has not been established. This study aims to demonstrate a novel technique utilizing a lengthened efferent limb in Billroth‐II (B‐II) reconstruction during PD and to evaluate the impact of the longer efferent limb on DGE occurrence.

Methods

Patients who underwent PD with B‐II reconstruction were divided into two groups: PDs with lengthened (50–60 cm) efferent limb (L group) and standard length (0–30 cm) efferent limb (S group). Postoperative outcomes were compared. DGE was defined and graded according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery criteria.

Results

Among 283 consecutive patients who underwent PD from 2002 to 2021, 206 patients were included in this study. Patients who underwent Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction (n = 77) were excluded. Compared with the S group, the L group included older patients and those who underwent PD after 2016 (p = 0.025, < 0.001, respectively). D2 lymphadenectomy, antecolic route reconstruction, and Braun enteroenterostomy were performed more frequently in the L group (p = 0.040, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). The rate of DGE was significantly decreased to 6% in the L group, compared with 16% in the S group (p = 0.027), which might lead to a shorter hospital stay in the L group (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified two factors as independent predictors for DGE: intraabdominal abscess [odds ratio (OR) 5.530, p = 0.008] and standard efferent limb length (OR 2.969, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

A lengthened efferent limb in Braun enteroenterostomy could reduce DGE after PD.
Comparison of the course of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children during different pandemic waves
Authors: Ptak Katarzyna , Szymońska Izabela , Olchawa-Czech Anna , Kukla Kornelia , Cisowska Marta , Kwinta Przemko
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study is to assess the rate, clinical picture, and management of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) during the different COVID-19 variants of concern (VOC) domination periods. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The incidence and clinical picture of MIS-C during the original/Alpha (group 1) and Delta/Omicron (Group 2) variant domination periods were compared. Among 108 eligible patients, 74 (68.5%) were hospitalized during the group 1 domination period, and 34 (31.5%) were hospitalized during the group 2 domination period. The median (Me) patient ages were 76 months (interquartile range [IQR] 35–130) and 73 months (IQR 45–118), and 61% and 65% of patients were male, respectively. There was no significant difference in the presence of positive SARS-CoV 2 antibody test results (IgM or IgG) between the groups (84 vs. 90%; p = 0.54).No differences between groups were observed in fever duration prior to admission (Me [IQR]: 5 days [3–6] vs. 5 days [4–6]; p = 0.26) or the presence of mucocutaneous (95 vs. 100%; p = 0.41), circulatory (70.3 vs. 61.8%; p = 0.86), neurological (6.8 vs. 2.9%; p = 0.662), or gastrointestinal symptoms (84 vs. 79%; p = 0.59). Respiratory symptoms were more common in group 2 (70 vs. 91%; p = 0.015). The need for intensive care unit admission was similar in both groups (16.2 vs. 17.6%, p = 1.0). No deaths occurred in the entire cohort. The studied children were characterized by high C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels, concentrations of ferritin within normal limits, lymphopenia, moderate hypoalbuminemia, and high B-type natriuretic peptide/brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations; however, there were no differences between the groups. Intravenous immunoglobulins were administered as a first-line treatment for almost all patients. There was no significant difference in corticosteroid administration between the groups (87% vs. 74%; p = 0.11); however, the summary dose of methylprednisolone was higher in group 2 (Me [IQR]″ 12.6 mg/kg [10.5–17.8] vs. 16.4 mg/kg [13.3–19.5]; p = 0.03). The median length of stay was 11 days [IQR]: [9–14] and 10 days [8–12], respectively (p = 0.065).

Conclusion: The clinical course of MIS-C is similar in subsequent pandemic waves; however, the incidence of MIS-C seems to be decreasing.

What is Known:• The clinical picture of COVID-19 is evolving. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a relatively new serious disease connected with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in subsequent waves of the pandemic, new cases of the disease have been recorded.

What is New:• The clinical picture of MIS-C is not specific, but the course is still severe.• The incidence of MIS-C during the different pandemic waves is decreasing and the diagnosis in the period of lower prevalance is challenging.
The Convex Hull of Random Points on the Boundary of a Simple Polytope
Authors: Reitzner Matthias , Schütt Carsten , Werner Elisabeth M.
Published: January 2023

The convex hull of N independent random points chosen on the boundary of a simple polytope in $$ {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

is investigated. Asymptotic formulas for the expected number of vertices and facets, and for the expectation of the volume difference are derived. This is one of the first investigations leading to rigorous results for random polytopes which are neither simple nor simplicial. The results contrast existing results when points are chosen in the interior of a convex set.
Modeling and forecasting traffic flows with mobile phone big data in flooding risk areas to support a data-driven decision making
Authors: Metulini Rodolfo , Carpita Maurizio
Published: January 2023

Floods are one of the natural disasters which cause the worst human, social and economic impacts to the detriment of both public and private sectors. Today, public decision-makers can take advantage of the availability of data-driven systems that allow to monitor hydrogeological risk areas and that can be used for predictive purposes to deal with future emergency situations. Flooding risk exposure maps traditionally assume amount of presences constant over time, although crowding is a highly dynamic process in metropolitan areas. Real-time monitoring and forecasting of people’s presences and mobility is thus a relevant aspect for metropolitan areas subjected to flooding risk. In this respect, mobile phone network data have been used with the aim of obtaining dynamic measure for the exposure risk in areas with hydrogeological criticality. In this work, we use mobile phone origin-destination signals on traffic flows by Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) users with the aim of forecasting the exposure risk and thus to help decision-makers in warning to who is transiting through that area. To model the complex seasonality of traffic flows data, we adopt a novel methodological strategy based on introducing in a Vector AutoRegressive with eXogenous variable (VARX) model a Dynamic Harmonic Regression (DHR) component. We apply the method to the case study of the “Mandolossa”, an urbanized area subject to flooding located on the western outskirt of Brescia, using hourly-basis data from September 2020 to August 2021. A cross validation based on the hit-rate and the mean absolute percentage error measures show a good forecasting accuracy.
The case for minimax-TD
Authors: Darlington Richard B.
Published: January 2023

In spatial-model computer simulations with artificial voters and candidates, the well-known minimax single-winner voting system far outperformed 10 other systems at picking the best winners. It essentially tied with two others (Schulze and ranked pairs), both of which are far more complex than minimax. Minimax’s other advantages include Condorcet consistency, simplicity, monotonicity, and ease of voting because it allows tied and missing ranks. It also makes insincere strategic voting schemes difficult and dangerous for the schemers. The new minimax-TD system modifies minimax in three ways, all of which make it pick better winners, according to simulation studies: (a) TD includes Smith/minimax, (b) TD uses one particular definition of a candidate’s “largest loss” in two-way elections, and (c) TD includes a multi-stage tie-breaker which breaks nearly all ties. TD avoids four of the worst anomalies afflicting classic minimax. Four other minimax anomalies can be ignored, leaving TD arguably free of anomalies.
Characteristics of familial pancreatic cancer families with additional colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Lehman Bettina , Matthäi Elvira , Gercke Norman , Denzer Ulrike W. , Figiel Jens , Hess Timo , Slater Emily P. , Bartsch Detlef K.
Published: January 2023

Familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) is a rare hereditary tumor entity with broad phenotypic heterogeneity, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in some families. The underlying factors for this co-occurrence are still not well evaluated. FPC families in the National Case Collection of Familial Pancreatic Cancer with an additional occurrence of CRC were analyzed regarding the phenotype, genotype and recommendation for a clinical screening program. The total cohort of 272 FPC families included 30 (11%) families with at least one CRC case. The proportion of affected family members with PDAC was 16.1% (73/451) compared to 9.3% of family members with CRC (42/451, p < 0.01). Females were affected with PDAC in 49% (36/73) and CRC in 38% (16/42). The median age of PDAC was 63 compared to 66 years in CRC, whereas 8 (26.6%) of families had an early onset of PDAC and 2 (6.7%) of CRC. Seventeen families had 2 or more affected generations with PDAC and 6 families with CRC. Eleven (9.6%) of affected patients had both PDAC and CRC. Potentially causative germline mutations (2 ATM, 1 CDKN2a, 1 MLH1, 1 PALB2) were detected in 5 of 18 (27.7%) analyzed cases. These findings provide a step forward to include the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of FPC-CRC families for the genetic counseling and management of these families. Nevertheless, results need to be verified in a larger patient cohort beforehand.
Ionic liquid as an effective green inhibitor for acid corrosion of aluminum composite: experimental and theoretical considerations
Authors: Kedimar Namitha , Rao Padmalatha , Rao Suma A.
Published: January 2023

Results of anticorrosive performance of ionic liquid 1-methyl-1-propyl-piperidinium bromide (MPPB) on corrosion of 6061Al-10vol% SiC composite (Al-MMC) in 0.05 M HCl solution. Electrochemical techniques were adopted to study corrosion and corrosion inhibition rates. Experiments were conducted in the temperature range of 308–323 K by varying concentrations of MPPB. Conditions were standardized to accomplish maximum inhibition efficiency. Kinetic parameters were evaluated. Results were fitted into various adsorption isotherm models and they fitted best into the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Using data from adsorption isotherms, thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The surface morphology was examined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). FTIR–spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were performed to reaffirm the adsorption of MPPB. Adsorption of the inhibitor and mechanistic aspects of corrosion inhibition were supported and supplemented by quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory (DFT). The investigation revealed that percentage inhibition efficiency (% IE) improved with the increase in the concentration of MPPB, while it decreased with a rise in temperature. Maximum efficiency of 60% was observed with 400 ppm MPPB at 308 K. MPPB acted as a mixed inhibitor, obeyed the Langmuir adsorption model, and the mode of adsorption was physisorption. Quantum chemical calculations validated the results of the adsorption study.

Graphical abstract
Positive shifts in species richness and abundance of moths over five decades coincide with community-wide phenotypic trait homogenisation
Authors: Franzén Markus , Francioli Yannick , Sjöberg Göran , Forsman Anders
Published: January 2023

While some species rapidly decline, compromising vital ecosystem services, others are stable or even increasing in abundance. We studied shifts in species richness and abundance of moths over five decades in Central Sweden and examined whether and how changes were associated with phenotypic traits. We combined information from captures in a light trap in historical time (the 1970s) and contemporarily (2019) with provincial colonisation records. Both community species richness and the abundance of moths increased between the time periods. A large fraction (38%) of the 410 species were not present in both periods, 101 species had colonised the area (an estimated influx of about 2.5 new species per year), and 51 species had disappeared (an estimated local extinction rate of about 1.16 species per year). Abundance increased with an increasing number of host plants and with increasing colour pattern variation. The composition of the community shifted towards species characterised by smaller wingspan and larger ranges. The functional trait variability of the moth community was homogenised from the historical to the contemporary period, in line with reports from other species communities in modern landscapes. However, our finding of a concomitant increase in species richness and total abundance differs from the results of many recent studies of insect communities in other geographic regions.

Implication for insect conservation

We conclude that the entire boreal moth fauna is undergoing a substantial biogeographical shift, changing to the moth species historically occurring at more southern latitudes. The alterations in species composition, overall abundance, and community-wide trait distribution described here may cascade up and down in the ecosystem because moths are important pollinators, herbivores, and prey.
n-Type naphthalimide-indole derivative for electronic applications
Authors: MJP Yogeesh , Kagatikar Sneha , Sunil Dhanya , Kekuda Dhananjaya
Published: January 2023

The fabrication of diodes using organic semiconductors as active materials has gained wide interest, and has undergone significant progress in the past few decades. A naphthalimide-indole derivative (BNIA) was synthesized through bromination of acenaphthene, subsequent oxidation, and finally imidation with indole-3-acetic anhydride. The molecular structure was characterized using NMR and IR spectroscopy. The BNIA displayed good thermal stability up to 300 °C and an electrochemical band gap of 1.07 eV. The theoretical studies were performed to support the experimental findings. The electrical parameter values and the dielectric measurement studies directed towards the suitability of BNIA as a functional material in electronic devices. A diode was successfully constructed using BNIA as the n-type material with an ideality factor of 8.13, and the electrical parameters are analyzed.
Which Decision Theory Describes Life Satisfaction Best? Evidence from Annual Panel Data
Authors: Yaman Fırat , Cubí-Mollá Patricia , Ungureanu Sergiu
Published: January 2023

We use an annual household panel to conduct a comparative analysis of which decision theory explains life satisfaction better. We consider expected utility theory and prospect theory. We consider the effects of three domains on life satisfaction: income, health, and (un)employment. Using a fixed effects estimator we find that life satisfaction contains features of both expected utility theory and prospect theory. However, the elements of expected utility theory are stronger predictors of life satisfaction. Life satisfaction depends positively on income, good health, and employment. It also depends positively on income and employment improvements, however the reverse is true for health improvements. Life satisfaction is concave in income gains and convex in income losses, and it exhibits loss aversion in income and employment status, but not in health. The results suggest that life satisfaction is best described by expected utility theory, but also contains some aspects of prospect theory.
Development of radioimmunoassay system for determination of human chorionic gonadotropin in human sera
Authors: Elsheikh Hatem Mohamed , Fathy Shadia Abdel-Hamid , Ebeid Nahed Hassan , Sallam Khaled Mohamed , El-bayoumy Ahmed Sami , Mehany Nagy Lahzy , Hamdy Germine Mohsen
Published: January 2023

The main objective of this study was the preparation and evaluation of the primary reagents for the liquid phase human chorionic gonadotropin-radioimmunoassay (HCG-RIA) kit. Polyclonal antibody is specific and valid; monoclonal antibodies are more specific. In HCG-RIA technique, polyclonal antibodies for βHCG subunits with high binding and displacement % were used. 125I-HCG radioactive tracer was prepared with high yield 71.58 ± 0.92%, purity 99.2 ± 0.05%, and specific activity 170.42 ± 1.65 µCi/µg using chloramine T method, βHCG polyclonal antisera and HCG standards in assay buffer matrix were locally prepared. In-house HCG-RIA was developed with high sensitivity 0.5 mIU/ml, specificity (99%), precision (CV% < 6.4 and < 8.3 for intra-and inter-assay, respectively), and accuracy (recovery range 96.4–104.3%) could be used for quantitative estimation of HCG in human sera for monitoring pregnancy and diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic diseases.
Absolute coordinate formulation and generalized component mode synthesis with rigid body coordinates
Authors: Zwölfer Andreas , Gerstmayr Johannes
Published: January 2023

The dynamics of linearly-elastic multibody (MB) systems is conventionally modeled via the floating frame of reference formulation (FFRF); however, its equations of motion (EOMs) involve significantly more nonlinear terms and quantities than alternative formulations, such as the absolute coordinate formulation (ACF) and generalized component mode synthesis (GCMS). This large number of operations required makes computer implementations of the FFRF laborious as well as error-prone and introduces more complexity in general. These issues associated with the FFRF, and the fact that the formulations are mathematically equivalent as shown by the authors, render the ACF and its relatives appealing alternatives due to their simplistic equation structures. To make these alternatives even more appealing, this contribution proposes an improved ACF and GCMS, which (i) reduces the nonlinearity in the EOMs compared to their standard versions and (ii) eliminates the necessity to calculate the rigid body (RB) motion from the global nodal displacement field to obtain the flexible part of the degrees of freedom (DOFs) and the rotation matrix. The proposed EOMs feature a constant mass matrix, a corotated stiffness matrix in the flexible part, and a “small” nonlinear stiffness matrix in the RB rotation part. Moreover, attaching the moving reference frame to the center of mass of the underlying rigid body and employing linearized Tisserand and rotation matrix constraints eliminates coupling terms within the mass matrix and yields implementation-friendly EOMs to analyze the dynamics of linear-elastic flexible MB systems.
Cerebrolysin Attenuates Exacerbation of Neuropathic Pain, Blood-spinal Cord Barrier Breakdown and Cord Pathology Following Chronic Intoxication of Engineered Ag, Cu or Al (50–60 nm) Nanoparticles
Authors: Sharma Hari Shanker , Feng Lianyuan , Chen Lin , Huang Hongyun , Ryan Tian Z. , Nozari Ala , Muresanu Dafin F. , Lafuente José Vicente , Castellani Rudy J. , Wiklund Lars , Sharma Aruna
Published: January 2023

Neuropathic pain is associated with abnormal sensations and/or pain induced by non-painful stimuli, i.e., allodynia causing burning or cold sensation, pinching of pins and needles like feeling, numbness, aching or itching. However, no suitable therapy exists to treat these pain syndromes. Our laboratory explored novel potential therapeutic strategies using a suitable composition of neurotrophic factors and active peptide fragments-Cerebrolysin (Ever Neuro Pharma, Austria) in alleviating neuropathic pain induced spinal cord pathology in a rat model. Neuropathic pain was produced by constrictions of L-5 spinal sensory nerves for 2–10 weeks period. In one group of rats cerebrolysin (2.5 or 5 ml/kg, i.v.) was administered once daily after 2 weeks until sacrifice (4, 8 and 10 weeks). Ag, Cu and Al NPs (50 mg/kg, i.p.) were delivered once daily for 1 week. Pain assessment using mechanical (Von Frey) or thermal (Hot-Plate) nociceptive showed hyperalgesia from 2 weeks until 10 weeks progressively that was exacerbated following Ag, Cu and Al NPs intoxication in nerve lesioned groups. Leakage of Evans blue and radioiodine across the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is seen from 4 to 10 weeks in the rostral and caudal cord segments associated with edema formation and cell injury. Immunohistochemistry of albumin and GFAP exhibited a close parallelism with BSCB leakage that was aggravated by NPs following nerve lesion. Light microscopy using Nissl stain exhibited profound neuronal damages in the cord. Transmission electron microcopy (TEM) show myelin vesiculation and synaptic damages in the cord that were exacerbated following NPs intoxication. Using ELISA spinal tissue exhibited increased albumin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP) and heat shock protein (HSP 72kD) upregulation together with cytokines TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 levels in nerve lesion that was exacerbated following NPs intoxication. Cerebrolysin treatment significantly reduced hyperalgesia and attenuated BSCB disruption, edema formation and cellular changes in nerve lesioned group. The levels of cytokines were also restored near normal levels with cerebrolysin treatment. Albumin, GFAP, MABP and HSP were also reduced in cerebrolysin treated group and thwarted neuronal damages, myelin vesiculation and cell injuries. These neuroprotective effects of cerebrolysin with higher doses were also effective in nerve lesioned rats with NPs intoxication. These observations suggest that cerebrolysin actively protects spinal cord pathology and hyperalgesia following nerve lesion and its exacerbation with metal NPs, not reported earlier.
The COOL Process: A Holistic Approach Towards Lithium Recycling
Authors: Mende Robert , Kaiser Doreen , Pavón Sandra , Bertau Martin
Published: January 2023

Lithium is a key element in reducing mobility-induced emissions. However, processes aimed at producing lithium from hard rock mining are based on the usage of large amounts of chemicals. Additionally, only a small quantity of the mined mineral concentrates is actually valorized. In contrast, the COOL process (CO2 Leaching process) is a process that makes use of water and carbon dioxide to leach lithium from any silicate mineral, making geopolymers from the residues. On the other hand, the COOL process enables the recovery of lithium from pretreated spent lithium-ion batteries.

The leaching step has been investigated concerning the selective mobilization of lithium. Further attention was brought to the mobilization of potentially disturbing ions such as fluoride, aluminum, and silicon.

It was found that the CO2 leaching step is indeed suitable for the selective mobilization of lithium. Up to 65% of lithium mobilization was achieved without adding any additives and 78% by adding Na2CO3. Fluoride and silicon mobilization could be addressed by heating zinnwaldite under a wet atmosphere respectively under the addition of a carbonate. Concerning secondary resources, up to 95% of lithium could be leached from black mass, and the residue was then leached and the leach liquor separated by liquid-liquid extraction to yield the heavy metals in high recovery and selectivity.

Overall, the COOL process enables the recovery of lithium from different feedstocks and valorizes the residues from the lithium leaching. This makes the COOL process a universal approach to lithium recovery.

Graphical Abstract
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer in a Japanese family with CDH1 mutation three case reports
Authors: Muranaka Futoshi , Kise Emiko , Tokumaru Shigeo , Kitazawa Masato , Miyagawa Yusuke , Suga Tomoaki , Uehara Takeshi , Iwaya Mai , Kobayashi Shota , Sato Midori , Gomi Daisuke , Yamada Hidetaka , Sugimura Haruhiko , Kosho Tomoki , Soejima Yuji , Koizumi Tomonobu
Published: January 2023

Background

Germline pathogenic variants in the E-cadherin gene CDH1 cause hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), which is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome, accounting for 1–3% of all gastric cancers. HDGC harboring a CDH 1 variant is extremely rare in Japan.

Method

In this study we report the clinical courses of three cases with HDGC from a single Japanese family.

Results

The proband exhibited advanced and metastatic gastric cancer, and was found to have a previously reported heterozygous frameshift variant in CDH1 (NM_004360.3:c.1009_1010del:p.Ser337Phefs*12). Five at-risk relatives underwent presymptomatic molecular testing after careful genetic counseling, and three were molecularly diagnosed as positive for the variant. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in these relatives revealing abnormal small pale mucosal patches, small ulcerative lesion and no abnormal findings. Moreover, random and targeted biopsies were compatible with pathological diagnosis of HDGC in the three cases, all of which underwent total prophylactic gastrectomy.

Conclusion

It is critical for the assessment and management of HDGC patients to be actively offered a multidisciplinary and familial-oriented approach. Notably, genetic screening in suspected individuals and familial members is a determining piece for a higher detection rate and the identification of clinical relevant mutations in both low and high-incidence gastric cancer countries.
Casing tensile stress distribution in the bending section of a well during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Yang Zhao , Sun Rui , Liu Zhaoyi
Published: January 2023

During hydraulic fracturing, there has been little research on casing tensile stress distribution from the tilting area to the horizontal area in the whole string. In order to study the casing tensile stress distribution in the bending sections during hydraulic fracturing, a three-dimensional finite element mechanical analysis model of casing–cement–formation in the bending sections was established. The analysis showed that: When the cement of tilting area was missing, the casing tensile stress decreased with in situ stress difference increasing, and the casing tensile stress increased when the middle area or the target area was missing. When the internal pressure of casing increased continuously, the casing tensile stress decreased first and then increased, and the casing internal pressure was 20 MPa, which was the minimum point. When the casing internal pressure was lower than 20 MPa, the casing tensile stress decreased with Poisson’s ratio of cement increasing. When the casing internal pressure was higher than 20 MPa, the casing tensile stress increased with Poisson’s ratio of cement increasing. Compared with the case where the temperature difference was ignored, the temperature difference below 5 ℃ had little influence on casing temperature stress; however, the temperature difference above 5 ℃ had significant influence on casing temperature stress. Fracturing in the formation where Young’s modulus of elasticity of rock was higher than 15 GPa could reduce the stress failure of casing tensile. The research results had a certain guiding significance for the prevention of casing tensile failure in the bending sections.