bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A trivalent TNF‐R2 as a new tumor necrosis factor alpha‐blocking molecule
Authors: Contreras María A. , Macaya Luis , Manrique Viana , Camacho Frank , González Alain , Montesinos Raquel , Toledo Jorge R. , Sánchez Oliberto
Published: July 2021

The neutralization of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) with biopharmaceuticals is a successful therapy for inflammatory diseases. Currently, one of the main TNFα‐antagonists is Etanercept, a dimeric TNF‐R2 ectodomain. Considering that TNFα and its receptors are homotrimers, we proposed that a trimeric TNF‐R2 ectodomain could be an innovative TNFα‐antagonist. Here, the 3cTNFR2 protein was designed by the fusion of the TNF‐R2 ectodomain with the collagen XV trimerization domain. 3cTNFR2 was produced in HEK293 cells and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Monomers, dimers, and trimers of 3cTNFR2 were detected. The interaction 3cTNFR2‐TNFα was assessed. By microscale thermophoresis, the KD value for the interaction was 4.17 ± 0.88 nM, and complexes with different molecular weights were detected by size exclusion chromatography‐high performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, 3cTNFR2 neutralized the TNFα‐induced cytotoxicity totally in vitro. Although more studies are required to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effect, the results suggest that 3cTNFR2 could be a TNFα‐antagonist agent.
Electrochromic Behavior of Vanadium Pentoxide Thin Films Prepared by a Sol–Gel Spin Coating Process
Authors: Carolin Amala Arul , Vignesh Ravi , Geetha Gobalakrishnan Vasanthi , Sivakumar Rengasamy
Published: July 2021

Herein, the synthesis of vanadium oxide thin films with high electrochromic coloration efficiency through a simple sol–gel spin coating technique is reported. The structural studies confirm the formation of V2O3V2O5mixed phase at 250 °C and the pure β‐V2O5phase at 350 and 450 °C. The decrease in optical bandgap, refractive index, and extinction coefficient improves the transmission ability of the films at higher temperatures. The photoluminescence emission peak observed at 553 nm is due to the recombination of electron–hole pair intrinsic transition from the lowest split‐off V 3dband to the O 2pvalence band. The tuning of surface morphology from rod to platelet structure may be due to the higher annealing temperature which assists the disorder movement of the particles. The observed V 2pcore levels confirm the existence of V5+oxidation state with the splitting of 7.2 eV. The electrochromic behavior of vanadium oxide film is detected in 0.5 mLiClO4in propylene carbonate electrolyte solution. The results show that the film annealed at 450 °C exhibits high coloration efficiency of 110.98 cm2 C−1, good reversibility of 99%, and faster switching speed for bleaching (2.1 s) and coloration (2.4 s) processes.
A Cu/HZO/GeS/Pt Memristor for Neuroinspired Computing
Authors: Zhu Zhiping , Pei Yifei , Gao Chao , Wang Hongwei , Yan Xiaobing
Published: July 2021

Recently, resistive random access memory (RRAM) has become an important device for nonvolatile memory and neuromorphic computing. Herein, Cu/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO)/GeS/Pt and Cu/GeS/Pt devices are fabricated and the electrical characteristics are compared in detail. The experimental results show that the when one oxide layer HZO is inserted into the Cu/GeS/Pt structure, the double‐layer memristor exhibits a high resistance ratio between the high‐resistance and low‐resistance states, and high reliability, relatively concentrated set and reset threshold voltage distribution, and a fast turn‐on speed can be reached as low as 10 ns. Interestingly, the function of simulating biological synapses and plasticity, including spike‐time‐dependent plasticity (STDP) and paired pulse promotion (PPF), can be emulated in the memristor devices, which is of great significance to the development of artificial synapses.
A Gaussian process approach for monitoring autocorrelated batch production processes
Authors: Alshraideh Hussam , Rababah Mu'men , Al‐Hawari Tarek , Bataineh Omar
Published: July 2021

In statistical process monitoring, statistical control tools are used to identify deviations from normal operating conditions. In many industrial processes, such as batch production processes, multiple process variables must be monitored as they play a key role in the quality of the final product. Several monitoring tools are found in the literature that deal with the case of multiple process variables, but a few of them deal with the case of autocorrelated data. Existing tools that are used to monitor autocorrelated process variables have two main drawbacks. First, they are run offline. That is, monitoring is performed at the end of the production cycle and hence no corrective actions can be made. Second, these tools utilize dimensionality reduction techniques to solve for computational complexity issues. A Gaussian Process–based modeling approach is proposed in this work to monitor batch production processes online. The proposed monitoring approach takes into consideration of both the correlation between process variables and the within variable autocorrelations. A simulated and two real data sets were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed modeling approach. Model performance metrics showed that the proposed modeling approach has similar performance to the optimal case of Shewhart type control charts. Process status classification accuracy of about 92–98% were achieved for the cases considered.
Preparation of Cysteine‐Functionalized Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles for Determination of Cu2+
Authors: Liu Dan , Tan Heping , Meng Lili , Jia Hailang , Zhou Wenjuan , Wu Haiyan
Published: July 2021

Cysteine‐functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by thiol‐ene click reaction and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), specific surface area (BET) analysis and pore size distribution analysis. The obtained magnetic materials were employed as a magnetic solid phase extraction adsorbent combined with inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) for determination of Cu2+. Several parameters affecting extraction efficiency, including eluent concentration, adsorption time, adsorbent amounts, and sample pH were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the method was validated. Within the concentration range of 0.01–20 μg mL−1, The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined to be 0.002 μg mL−1 and 0.007 μg mL−1, respectively. The adsorption percentage of Cu2+ ions remained above 87.0 % when the adsorption‐desorption data of Cu2+ ions through three cycles of the successive adsorption and desorption process. The results show that a reliable and rapid method was established for determination of Cu2+ ions.
Efficient Electrochemical Determination of Catechol with Hydroquinone at Poly (L‐Serine) Layered Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Harshitha Bekya T. , Manjunatha Jamballi G. , Pushpanjali Pemmatte A. , Karthik Chimatahalli S. , Sandeep Shadakshari , Mallu Puttaswamappa , D'Souza Edwin , Sreeharsha Nagaraja , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin , Anwer Md. Khalid
Published: July 2021

The current endeavour presents the poly(L‐serine) modified carbon paste electrode (PLSMCPE) fabricated through an electropolymerization methodology for the electrochemical analysis of catechol (CC). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) images of unmodified and PLSMCPE were examined to study the surface structure and the formation of polymer layer on the electrode surface. The PLSMCPE was functionalized for the voltammetric detection and quantification of CC in 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) with a pH of 6.5. In contrast to unmodified electrode the PLSMCPE presented to have nine‐fold enhancement in peak current and shift in anodic peak potential towards negative domain. The CV method showed good linear correlation between the concentration of CC and the oxidation peak current in the range from 2–50 μM, and the corresponding limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were achieved to be 0.259 μM and 0.869 μM, respectively. Furthermore, this sensor is used to determine the analytical response in the co‐existence of CC and hydroquinone (HQ). The modified electrode is effectively functionalised for the analysis of CC in coffee powder sample.
Solid‐state Synthesis of Ni Decorated Needle Coke as Low‐cost Pt‐free Counter Electrode for Efficient Dye‐sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wei Liguo , Mao Wei , Yu Furong , Su Ting , Chen Jie , He Huiyi , Zou Mingyue , Wang Shaoji , Lin Jianmin
Published: July 2021

To seek a Pt‐free carbon material counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the electrocatalytic activity of needle coke (NC) for the reduction of triiodide in DSSCs was investigated, and further improved by decorating with Ni to prepare Ni decorated needle coke (Ni‐NC) via a one‐step solid‐state synthesis method. It is found that the NC is a potential carbon counter electrode material for DSSCs due to its high‐density anisotropy with considerable conductivity. Although the decoration of Ni may sacrifice certain conductivity of NC, the electrocatalytic activity of Ni‐NC towards reduction of triiodide was better than that of NC. To obtain a balanced point of conductivity and electrocatalytic performance for Ni‐NC, the loading amount of Ni together with the solid‐state synthesis conditions were also studied. It is indicated that these parameters also have some effect on the performance of Ni‐NC. Under the optimized conditions, the DSSCs based on Ni‐NC counter electrode achieve an 77 % higher energy conversion efficiency of 4.39 % than that of NC counter electrode (2.48 %), and comparable to the value (5.34 %) obtains with Pt counter electrode. It is an efficient way to improve the performance of NC by decorating with Ni via a facile solid‐state synthesis method, and promote the application of needle coke as carbon counter electrode materials in DSSCs.
Erratum to: Transverse momentum in double parton scattering: factorisation, evolution and matching
Authors: Buffing Maarten G. A. , Diehl Markus , Kasemets Tomas
Published: July 2021

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP01(2018)044
A New Normal Form for Monodromic Nilpotent Singularities of Planar Vector Fields
Authors: Algaba Antonio , García Cristóbal , Giné Jaume
Published: July 2021

In this work, we present a new technique for solving the center problem for nilpotent singularities which consists of determining a new normal form conveniently adapted to study the center problem for this singularity. In fact, it is a pre-normal form with respect to classical Bogdanov–Takens normal formal and it allows to approach the center problem more efficiently. The new normal form is applied to several examples.
Bi-Hamiltonian Structure of Spin Sutherland Models: The Holomorphic Case
Authors: Fehér L.
Published: July 2021

We construct a bi-Hamiltonian structure for the holomorphic spin Sutherland hierarchy based on collective spin variables. The construction relies on Poisson reduction of a bi-Hamiltonian structure on the holomorphic cotangent bundle of $$\mathrm{GL}(n,\mathbb {C})$$

GL
(
n
,
C
)

, which itself arises from the canonical symplectic structure and the Poisson structure of the Heisenberg double of the standard $$\mathrm{GL}(n,\mathbb {C})$$

GL
(
n
,
C
)

Poisson–Lie group. The previously obtained bi-Hamiltonian structures of the hyperbolic and trigonometric real forms are recovered on real slices of the holomorphic spin Sutherland model.
Identification of male produced compounds in the bark beetle Polygraphus subopacus and establishment of (Z)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-ethanol as an aggregation pheromone component
Authors: Viklund Lina , Bång Joakim , Schroeder Martin , Hedenström Erik
Published: July 2021

Bark beetles of the genus Polygraphus have recently been involved in large bark beetle outbreaks in central Sweden, together with the European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus. Three species of Polygraphus can be found in this region; Polygraphus poligraphus, Polygraphus punctifrons and Polygraphus subopacus. Efficient pheromone traps would facilitate further investigations of these species and their role in bark beetle outbreaks. Pheromone compounds have previously been identified in P. poligraphus and P. punctifrons, but not in P. subopacus. Thus, we allowed males and females of P. subopacus to bore in the bark of stem sections of Norway spruce (Picea abies) in the laboratory. Volatile organic compounds from boring insects were sampled with SPME and analysed with GC–MS and several male-specific compounds were observed. The male specific compounds were 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-2-butenal, grandisol, fragranol, (Z)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-ethanol, (E)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-ethanol, (Z)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-acetaldehyde, (E)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-acetaldehyde, geranial and γ-isogeraniol. (Z)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-ethanol, [(Z)-DMCHE], was identified from GC–MS analysis to be the major male-specific compound while the (E)-isomer, [(E)-DMCHE], was found as a minor compound. These two compounds gave positive responses in EAG analyses with antennae from males and females of P. subopacus. Thus, (Z)- and (E)-DMCHE were used in a field experiment in central Sweden but only (Z)-DMCHE was found to be attractive to males and females of P. subopacus. Consequently, (Z)-DMCHE was established to be a component of P. subopacus aggregation pheromone.
Diagnostik und Therapie traumatischer Aortenverletzungen
Authors: Benz R. M. , Makaloski V. , Brönnimann M. , Mertineit N. , von Tengg-Kobligk H.
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Traumatische Aortenverletzungen (TAV) sind seltene Folgen von stumpfen Traumata, die eine hohe Mortalität und Morbidität aufweisen. Die schnelle und akkurate Diagnostik sowie die Wahl der korrekten Therapie sind für das Patientenüberleben elementar.

Fragestellung

Bestimmung des aktuellen Standards der Abklärung von TAV im akuten Trauma-Setting und Evaluation der aktuellen Leitlinien zur Therapie.

Material und Methode

Eine Literaturrecherche wurde durchgeführt, mit der Suche nach Publikationen, die die Abklärung und Diagnostik der TAV beschreiben. Außerdem wurden Leitlinien für die Behandlung und Nachsorge von TAV zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse

In der Literatur wird trotz geringer Spezifität eine konventionelle Thoraxröntgenaufnahme als Initialdiagnostik genannt. Es sollte primär, als Modalität der Wahl, zur Diagnostik und zur Therapiestratifizierung eine Computertomographie (CT) aufgrund der hohen Sensitivität und Spezifität nachfolgen. In allen Leitlinien ist die thorakale endovaskuläre Aortenrekonstruktion („thoracic endovascular aortic repair“, TEVAR) die Therapie der Wahl bei höhergradigen TAV (Grade II–IV) und hat die offene Chirurgie in dem meisten Fällen abgelöst.

Schlussfolgerung

Nach einer kurzfristig erfolgten CT-Diagnostik und Einteilung wird die TEVAR der offenen Chirurgie bei therapiebedürftigen TAV vorgezogen.
A pipeline for making 31P NMR accessible for small- and large-scale lipidomics studies
Authors: Furse Samuel , Williams Huw E. L. , Watkins Adam J. , Virtue Samuel , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Amarsi Risha , Charalambous Marika , Koulman Albert
Published: July 2021

Detailed molecular analysis is of increasing importance in research into the regulation of biochemical pathways, organismal growth and disease. Lipidomics in particular is increasingly sought after as it provides insight into molecular species involved in energy storage, signalling and fundamental cellular structures. This has led to the use of a range of tools and techniques to acquire lipidomics data. 31P NMR for lipidomics offers well-resolved head group/lipid class analysis, structural data that can be used to inform and strengthen interpretation of mass spectrometry data and part of a priori structural determination. In the present study, we codify the use of 31P NMR for lipidomics studies to make the technique more accessible to new users and more useful for a wider range of questions. The technique can be used in isolation (phospholipidomics) or as a part of determining lipid composition (lipidomics). We describe the process from sample extraction to data processing and analysis. This pipeline is important because it allows greater thoroughness in lipidomics studies and increases scope for answering scientific questions about lipid-containing systems.
The anesthetic approach for endovascular recanalization therapy depends on the lesion site in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Fröhlich Kilian , Siedler Gabriela , Stoll Svenja , Macha Kosmas , Kinfe Thomas M. , Doerfler Arnd , Eisenhut Felix , Engelhorn Tobias , Hoelter Philip , Lang Stefan , Muehlen Iris , Schmidt Manuel , Kallmünzer Bernd , Schwab Stefan , Seifert Frank , Winder Klemens , Knott Michael
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Endovascular therapy (EVT) of large-vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may be performed in general anesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation (CS). We intended to determine the contribution of ischemic cerebral lesion sites on the physician’s decision between GA and CS using voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM).

Methods

In a prospective local database, we sought patients with documented AIS and EVT. Age, stroke severity, lesion volume, vigilance, and aphasia scores were compared between EVT patients with GA and CS. The ischemic lesions were analyzed on CT or MRI scans and transformed into stereotaxic space. We determined the lesion overlap and assessed whether GA or CS is associated with specific cerebral lesion sites using the voxel-wise Liebermeister test.

Results

One hundred seventy-nine patients with AIS and EVT were included in the analysis. The VLSM analysis yielded associations between GA and ischemic lesions in the left hemispheric middle cerebral artery territory and posterior circulation areas. Stroke severity and lesion volume were significantly higher in the GA group. The prevalence of aphasia and aphasia severity was significantly higher and parameters of vigilance lower in the GA group.

Conclusions

The VLSM analysis showed associations between GA and ischemic lesions in the left hemispheric middle cerebral artery territory and posterior circulation areas including the thalamus that are known to cause neurologic deficits, such as aphasia or compromised vigilance, in AIS-patients with EVT. Our data suggest that higher disability, clinical impairment due to neurological deficits like aphasia, or reduced alertness of affected patients may influence the physician’s decision on using GA in EVT.
Less is more—the best test for anastomotic leaks in rectal cancer patients prior to ileostomy reversal
Authors: Lindner Simon , Eitelbuss Steffen , Hetjens Svetlana , Gawlitza Joshua , Hardt Julia , Seyfried Steffen , Galata Christian , Reissfelder Christoph , Sandra-Petrescu Flavius , Herrle Florian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

No clear consensus exists on how to routinely assess the integrity of the colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of contrast enema, endoscopic procedures, and digital rectal examination in rectal cancer patients in this setting.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed. Studies assessing at least one index test for which a 2 × 2 table was calculable were included. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated and used for test comparison. Paired data were used where parameters could not be calculated. Methodological quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results

Two prospective and 11 retrospective studies comprising 1903 patients were eligible for inclusion. Paired data analysis showed equal or better results for sensitivity and specificity of both endoscopic procedures and digital rectal examination compared to contrast enema. Subgroup analysis of contrast enema according to methodological quality revealed that studies with higher methodological quality reported poorer sensitivity for equal specificity and vice versa. No case was described where a contrast enema revealed an anastomotic leak that was overseen in digital rectal examination or endoscopic procedures.

Conclusions

Endoscopy and digital rectal examination appear to be the best diagnostic tests to assess the integrity of the colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal. Accuracy measures of contrast enema are overestimated by studies with lower methodological quality. Synopsis of existing evidence and risk–benefit considerations justifies omission of contrast enema in favor of endoscopic and clinical assessment.

Trial registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019107771
Delayed maturation of thymic epithelium in mice with specific deletion of β-catenin gene in FoxN1 positive cells
Authors: Montero-Herradón Sara , Zapata Agustín G.
Published: July 2021

Wnt signalling pathways have been reported to be involved in thymus development but their precise role in the development of both thymic epithelium (TE) and thymocytes is controversial. Herein, we examined embryonic, postnatal and adult thymi of mice with a specific deletion of β-catenin gene in FoxN1+ thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Together with a high postnatal mouse mortality, the analysis showed severe thymic hypocellularity, largely due an important reduction in numbers of developing thymocytes, and delayed, partially blocked maturation of mutant TECs. Affected TECs included largely cortical (c) TEC subsets, such as immature MTS20+ TECs, Ly51+ cTECs and a remarkable, rare Ly51+MTS20+MHCIIhi cell subpopulation previously reported to contain thymic epithelial progenitor cells (TEPCs) (Ulyanchenko et al., Cell Rep 14:2819–2832, 2016). In addition, altered postnatal organization of mutant thymic medulla failed to organize a unique, central epithelial area. This delayed maturation of TE cell components correlated with low transcript production of some molecules reported to be masters for TEC maturation, such as EphB2, EphB3 and RANK. Changes in the thymic lymphoid component became particularly evident after birth, when molecules expressed by TECs and involved in early T-cell maturation, such as CCL25, CXCL12 and Dll4, exhibited minimal values. This represented a partial blockade of the progression of DN to DP cells and reduced proportions of this last thymocyte subset. At 1 month, in correlation with a significant increase in transcript production, the DP cell percentage increased in correlation with a significant fall in the number of mature TCRαβhi thymocytes and peripheral T lymphocytes.
Development, validation of a GC–MS method for the simultaneous measurement of amino acids, their PTM metabolites and AGEs in human urine, and application to the bi-ethnic ASOS study with special emphasis to lysine
Authors: Baskal Svetlana , Bollenbach Alexander , Mels Catharina , Kruger Ruan , Tsikas Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was developed and validated in relevant concentration ranges for the simultaneous measurement of l-lysine (Lys, L) and its Nε- and Nα-methylated (M), Nε- and Nα-acetylated (Ac), Nε-carboxymethylated (CM) and Nε-carboxyethylated (CE) metabolites in human urine. Analyzed Lys metabolites were the post-translational modification (PTM) products Nε-mono-, di- and trimethyllsine, Nε-MML, Nε-DML, Nε-TML, respectively, Nα-ML, Nε-AcL, Nα-AcL, and its advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) Nε-CML, Nε-CM-[2,4,4-2H3]Lys (d3-CML), Nε-CEL and furosine. AGEs of arginine (Arg) and cysteine (Cys) were also analyzed. De novo synthesized trideutero-methyl esters (R-COOCD3) from unlabelled amino acids and derivatives were used as internal standards. Native urine samples (10 µL aliquots) were evaporated to dryness under a stream of nitrogen. Analytes were esterified using 2 M HCl in methanol (60 min, 80 °C) and subsequently amidated by pentafluoropropionic anhydride in ethyl acetate (30 min, 65 °C). The generated methyl ester-pentafluoropropionyl (Me-PFP) derivatives were reconstituted in borate buffer and extracted immediately with toluene. GC–MS analyses were performed by split-less injection of 1-µL aliquots, oven-programmed separation and negative-ion chemical ionization (NICI). Mass spectra were generated in the scan mode (range, m/z 50–1000). Quantification was performed in the selected-ion monitoring (SIM) mode using a dwell time of 50 or 100 ms for each ion. The GC–MS method was suitable for the measurement of Lys and all of its metabolites, except for the quaternary ammonium cation Nε-TML. The Me-PFP derivatives of Lys, Arg and Cys and its metabolites eluted in the retention time window of 9 to 14 min. The derivatization of Nε-CML, d3-CML and Nε-CEL was accompanied by partial Nε-decarboxylation and formation of the Me-PFP Lys derivative. The lowest derivatization yield was observed for Nε-DML, indicating a major role of the Nε-DML group in Lys derivatization. The GC–MS method enables precise (relative standard deviation, RSD < 20%) and accurate (bias, < ± 20%) simultaneous measurement of 33 analytes in human urine in relevant concentration ranges. We used the method to measure the urinary excretion rates of Lys and its PTM metabolites and AGEs in healthy black (n = 39) and white (n = 41) boys of the Arterial Stiffness in Offspring Study (ASOS). No remarkable differences were found indicating no ethnic-related differences in PTM metabolites and AGEs except for Nε-monomethyllysine and S-(2-carboxymethylcysteine).
European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders: summary statement
Authors: Müller-Vahl Kirsten R. , Szejko Natalia , Verdellen Cara , Roessner Veit , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Hartmann Andreas , Cath Danielle C.
Published: July 2021

In 2011 a working group of the European Society for the Study of Tourette syndrome (ESSTS) developed the first European Guidelines for Tourette syndrome (TS) published in the ECAP journal. After a decade ESSTS now presents updated guidelines, divided into four sections: Part I: assessment, Part II: psychological interventions, Part III: pharmacological treatment and Part IV: deep brain stimulation (DBS). In this paper, we summarise new developments described in the guidelines with respect to assessment and treatment of tics. Further, summary findings from a recent survey conducted amongst TS experts on these same topics are presented, as well as the first European patient representative statement on research. Finally, an updated decision tree is introduced providing a practical algorithm for the treatment of patients with TS. Interestingly, in the last decade there has been a significant shift in assessment and treatment of tics, with more emphasis on non-pharmacological treatments.
A night of sleep deprivation alters brain connectivity and affects specific executive functions
Authors: Pesoli Matteo , Rucco Rosaria , Liparoti Marianna , Lardone Anna , D’Aurizio Giulia , Minino Roberta , Troisi Lopez Emahnuel , Paccone Antonella , Granata Carmine , Curcio Giuseppe , Sorrentino Giuseppe , Mandolesi Laura , Sorrentino Pierpaolo
Published: July 2021

Sleep is a fundamental physiological process necessary for efficient cognitive functioning especially in relation to memory consolidation and executive functions, such as attentional and switching abilities. The lack of sleep strongly alters the connectivity of some resting-state networks, such as default mode network and attentional network. In this study, by means of magnetoencephalography (MEG) and specific cognitive tasks, we investigated how brain topology and cognitive functioning are affected by 24 h of sleep deprivation (SD). Thirty-two young men underwent resting-state MEG recording and evaluated in letter cancellation task (LCT) and task switching (TS) before and after SD. Results showed a worsening in the accuracy and speed of execution in the LCT and a reduction of reaction times in the TS, evidencing thus a worsening of attentional but not of switching abilities. Moreover, we observed that 24 h of SD induced large-scale rearrangements in the functional network. These findings evidence that 24 h of SD is able to alter brain connectivity and selectively affects cognitive domains which are under the control of different brain networks.
Distributed Learning via Filtered Hyperinterpolation on Manifolds
Authors: Montúfar Guido , Wang Yu Guang
Published: July 2021

Learning mappings of data on manifolds is an important topic in contemporary machine learning, with applications in astrophysics, geophysics, statistical physics, medical diagnosis, biochemistry, and 3D object analysis. This paper studies the problem of learning real-valued functions on manifolds through filtered hyperinterpolation of input–output data pairs where the inputs may be sampled deterministically or at random and the outputs may be clean or noisy. Motivated by the problem of handling large data sets, it presents a parallel data processing approach which distributes the data-fitting task among multiple servers and synthesizes the fitted sub-models into a global estimator. We prove quantitative relations between the approximation quality of the learned function over the entire manifold, the type of target function, the number of servers, and the number and type of available samples. We obtain the approximation rates of convergence for distributed and non-distributed approaches. For the non-distributed case, the approximation order is optimal.
Twenty-three-year demographic history of the Affenberg Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), a translocated semi-free-ranging group in southern Austria
Authors: Pflüger Lena S. , Pink Katharina E. , Wallner Bernard , Radler Claudia , Dorner Markus , Huffman Michael A.
Published: July 2021

Demographic studies on translocated primate groups provide a unique opportunity to study population dynamics, social strategies, and reproductive parameters of a species adapting to new environments. In 1996, 38 Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) of the Minoo-H group (Osaka Prefecture, Japan) were translocated to Affenberg Landskron, a four-hectare naturally forested park in southern Austria. By January 2020, the population had increased to 160 individuals, and a total of 223 births were recorded. Births peaked in late April to late May, and the timing was influenced by neither offspring sex nor parity status of the mother. Infant mortality was low (8.97%), mostly involving primiparous females, and the average interbirth intervals were shorter following the death of an infant (1.10 years) than a surviving infant (1.77 years). Females rarely had offspring with the same males repeatedly, and the reproductive success among males declined with increasing years of presence in the group. The main aspects of reproduction, mortality, and mate choice are consistent with published data on natural and provisioned populations in Japan and those translocated to other countries. The life expectancy for females, however, was relatively high (11.72% chance of reaching the age of 20), whereas birth control prevented them from using their lifetime reproductive potential. By January 2020, the number of old individuals (> 18 years; 17.5%) was close to that of juveniles (< 4 years; 22.5%). The specific group composition, along with the inability of males to emigrate out of their natal group, may affect the social dynamics of the population, which merits further attention in future studies.
In vivo assessment of endothelial permeability of coronary lesions with variable degree of stenosis using an albumin-binding MR probe
Authors: Engel Leif-Christopher , Landmesser Ulf , Abdelwahed Youssef S. , Gigengack Kevin , Wurster Thomas , Manes Costantia , Skurk Carsten , Lauten Alexander , Schuster Andreas , Noutsias Michel , Hamm Bernd , Botnar Rene M. , Bigalke Boris , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: July 2021

MR imaging with an albumin-binding probe enables the visualization of endothelial permeability and damage in the arterial system. The goal of this study was to compare signal enhancement of lesions with different grades of stenosis segments on molecular CMR in combination with the albumin-binding probe gadofosveset. This prospective clinical study included patients with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients underwent gadofosveset-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and x-ray angiography (QCA) within 24 h. CMR imaging was performed prior to and 24 h following the administration of gadofosveset. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between segments with different grades of stenosis were compared. Overall, n = 203 segments of 26 patients were included. Lesions with more than > 70% stenosis demonstrated significantly higher CNRs compared to lesions < 70% (7.6 ± 8.3 vs. 2.5 ± 4.9; p < 0.001). Post-stenotic segments of lesions > 70% stenosis showed significant higher signal enhancement compared to segments located upstream of these lesions (7.3 ± 8.8 vs. 2.8 ± 2.2; p = 0.02). No difference in signal enhancement between segments proximal and distal of lesions with stenosis greater than 50% was measured (3.3 ± 2.8 vs. 2.4 ± 2.7; p = 0.18). ROC analysis for the detection of lesions ≥ 70% revealed an area under the curve of 0.774 (95% CI 0.681–0.866). This study suggests that relevant coronary stenosis and their down-stream segments are associated with increased signal enhancement on Gadofosveset-enhanced CMR, suggesting a higher endothelial permeability in these lesions. An albumin-binding MR probe could represent a novel in vivo biomarker for the identification and characterization of these vulnerable coronary segments.
A novel and potentially scalable CVD-based route towards SnO2:Mo thin films as transparent conducting oxides
Authors: Ma Tianlei , Nikiel Marek , Thomas Andrew G. , Missous Mohamed , Lewis David J.
Published: July 2021

In this report, we prepared transparent and conducting undoped and molybdenum-doped tin oxide (Mo–SnO2) thin films by aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD). The relationship between the precursor concentration in the feed and in the resulting films was studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, suggesting that the efficiency of doping is quantitative and that this method could potentially impart exquisite control over dopant levels. All SnO2 films were in tetragonal structure as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction measurements. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterisation indicated for the first time that Mo ions were in mixed valence states of Mo(VI) and Mo(V) on the surface. Incorporation of Mo6+ resulted in the lowest resistivity of $$7.3 \times 10^{{ - 3}} \Omega \,{\text{cm}}$$

7.3
×

10

-
3

Ω

cm

, compared to pure SnO2 films with resistivities of $$4.3\left( 0 \right) \times 10^{{ - 2}} \Omega \,{\text{cm}}$$

4.3

0

×

10

-
2

Ω

cm

. Meanwhile, a high transmittance of 83% in the visible light range was also acquired. This work presents a comprehensive investigation into impact of Mo doping on SnO2 films synthesised by AACVD for the first time and establishes the potential for scalable deposition of SnO2:Mo thin films in TCO manufacturing.

Graphical abstract
On testing transitivity in online preference learning
Authors: Haddenhorst Björn , Bengs Viktor , Hüllermeier Eyke
Published: July 2021

The efficiency of state-of-the-art algorithms for the dueling bandits problem is essentially due to a clever exploitation of (stochastic) transitivity properties of pairwise comparisons: If one arm is likely to beat a second one, which in turn is likely to beat a third one, then the first is also likely to beat the third one. By now, however, there is no way to test the validity of corresponding assumptions, although this would be a key prerequisite to guarantee the meaningfulness of the results produced by an algorithm. In this paper, we investigate the problem of testing different forms of stochastic transitivity in an online manner. We derive lower bounds on the expected sample complexity of any sequential hypothesis testing algorithm for various forms of stochastic transitivity, thereby providing additional motivation to focus on weak stochastic transitivity. To this end, we introduce an algorithmic framework for the dueling bandits problem, in which the statistical validity of weak stochastic transitivity can be tested, either actively or passively, based on a multiple binomial hypothesis test. Moreover, by exploiting a connection between weak stochastic transitivity and graph theory, we suggest an enhancement to further improve the efficiency of the testing algorithm. In the active setting, both variants achieve an expected sample complexity that is optimal up to a logarithmic factor.
Embedding of complete graphs in broken Chimera graphs
Authors: Lobe Elisabeth , Schürmann Lukas , Stollenwerk Tobias
Published: July 2021

In order to solve real-world combinatorial optimization problems with a D-Wave quantum annealer, it is necessary to embed the problem at hand into the D-Wave hardware graph, namely Chimera or Pegasus. Most hard real-world problems exhibit a strong connectivity. For the worst-case scenario of a complete graph, there exists an efficient solution for the embedding into the ideal Chimera graph. However, since real machines almost always have broken qubits, it is necessary to find an embedding into the broken hardware graph. We present a new approach to the problem of embedding complete graphs into broken Chimera graphs. This problem can be formulated as an optimization problem, more precisely as a matching problem with additional linear constraints. Although being NP-hard in general, it is fixed-parameter tractable in the number of inaccessible vertices in the Chimera graph. We tested our exact approach on various instances of broken hardware graphs, both related to real hardware and randomly generated. For fixed runtime, we were able to embed larger complete graphs compared to previous, heuristic approaches. As an extension, we developed a fast heuristic algorithm which enables us to solve even larger instances. We compared the performance of our heuristic and exact approaches.
Dairy farm-workers’ knowledge of factors responsible for culling and mortality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Diniso Yanga Simamkele , Jaja Ishmael Festus
Published: July 2021

Milk serves as a significant source of protein for many families and aids in combating food insecurity. However, the demand for milk and milk-related products far exceeds the supply. The objective of the study was to evaluate dairy farm-workers’ knowledge of factors responsible for culling and mortality of dairy cows in the Eastern Cape Province. Data was collected from 106 dairy farm-workers using a questionnaire. Any correctly answered question by the majority amounted to a point and a zero for incorrectly answered questions. Correct answering by the majority to more than half the questions of a subsection amounted to a pass. A less than 50% pass rate was considered a poor level of knowledge, 51–69% pass rate was considered an average level of knowledge, and anything higher than that was considered a good level of knowledge. Most farm-workers (66.0%) relied on their colleagues for dairy health information. Most dairy farm-workers (49.1%) indicated that lameness, milk fever (56.6%), and mastitis (47.2%) do not lead to culling and mortality of dairy cows. A majority (83%) of farm-workers agreed that reproduction problems, poor milk yield (77.3%), and age (81.1%) are the main reasons for culling dairy cows. The participants had varying perceptions and limited knowledge (28.3%) about the major contributing factors of culling and mortality. The lack of training courses and minimal use of other sources of information such as the internet might contribute to this poor knowledge and perceptions.
Reduce delay of multipath TCP in IoT networks
Authors: Aljubayri Mohammed , Peng Tong , Shikh-Bahaei Mohammad
Published: July 2021

Multi-homed devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops are enabled with multiple heterogeneous interfaces available for transmission. Those interfaces can be utilized for simultaneous transmission of a single TCP flow using Multipath TCP (MPTCP). MPTCP is a protocol that is designed to increase end-to-end throughput and reliability of communications by splitting data through multiple parallel paths. Although delay in MPTCP enhanced significantly in the recent years, high number of data transmissions remains an issue. In this paper, we reduce MPTCP delay by reducing the number of transmissions using Opportunistic Routing (OR) technique. OR is a routing model used to increase the delivery rate and reliability of data transmission in wireless networks by using the broadcasting method. This enables each subflow data to be delivered by multiple relays. We adapted OR on a number of MPTCP protocols namely, traditional MPTCP, Multipath TCP Traffic Splitting Control (MPTCP-TSC) and Redundant MPTCP (ReMP TCP) in an Internet of Things (IoT) environment. The results show that OR-based MPTCP schemes outperform existing schemes. We further compared the OR-based MPTCP protocols in terms of startup delay and energy efficiency. We found that ReMP TCP is better than other schemes in all scenarios.
Extracellular vesicles derived from lung cancer cells exposed to intermittent hypoxia upregulate programmed death ligand 1 expression in macrophages
Authors: Liu Yuanling , Lu Minzhen , Chen Jianan , Li Siqi , Deng Yiyu , Yang Shifang , Ou Qiong , Li Jing , Gao Ping , Luo Zeru , Yuan Ping , Tan Jianlong , Gao Xinglin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), compromises immune surveillance through the upregulation of programmed cell death-1 ligand (PD-L1). Tumor-released extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported to modulate immunosuppressive activities. We investigated whether or not EVs derived from intermittent hypoxic lung cancer cells can alter the expression of PD-L1 in macrophages.

Methods

The expression of PD-L1+monocytes from 40 patients with newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and with (n=21) or without (n=19) OSA were detected. Plasma EVs isolated from NSCLC patients with moderate–severe OSA (n=4) and without OSA (n=4) were co-cultured with macrophages. A549 cells were exposed to normoxia or IH (48 cycles of 5 min of 1% O2 hypoxia, followed by 5 min of normoxia). EVs were isolated from cell supernatant and were co-cultured with macrophages differentiated from THP-1. PD-L1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) expressions were measured by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis.

Results

PD-L1+monocytes were elevated in NSCLC patients with OSA and increased with the severity of OSA and nocturnal desaturation. PD-L1+ macrophages were induced by EVs from NSCLC patients with OSA and positively correlated with HIF-1α expressions. EVs from IH-treated A549 can promote PD-L1 and HIF-1α expression in macrophages and the upregulation of PD-L1 expression was reversed by specific HIF-1α inhibitor.

Conclusion

IH can enhance the function of EVs derived from lung cancer cells to aggravate immunosuppressive status in macrophages. HIF-1α may play an important role in this process.
Cerebrovascular events in patients with isolated anti-phosphatidyl-serine/prothrombin antibodies
Authors: Radin Massimo , Barinotti Alice , Foddai Silvia Grazietta , Cecchi Irene , Rubini Elena , Roccatello Dario , Menegatti Elisa , Sciascia Savino
Published: July 2021

The interest of extra-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies is growing, especially in patients negative for conventional antibodies. In this study we aimed to assess the clinical utility of anti-phosphatidyl-serine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) testing in patients negative for Beta2-Glycoprotein 1(β2GPI)-dependent tests, for identifying antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients that developed cerebrovascular events (CVE). When screening APS patients attending our center, out of 119 aPS/PT IgG/IgM-positive patients, thus patients negative for aβ2GPI and aCL, 42 patients (35%) tested negative for β2GPI-dependent tests and were tested with thrombin generation assay (TGA). Ten patients (24%), with isolated aPS/PT IgG/IgM, had a history of CVE. Lupus anticoagulant (LA)-positive test was more frequently observed in patients with CVE (8/22 vs. 2/20; p = 0.045). Out of the 10 patients who experienced CVE, 3 patients were aPS/PT IgG positive (all LA positive), and 8 patients were aPS/PT IgM positive (6/8 LA positive). One patient was positive for both aPS/PT IgG and IgM. LA-positive patients had only high titers of aPS/PT IgG/IgM, all of them being ≥ 80 U/ml, while the 2 LA-negative patients were aPS/PT IgM positive with medium titers [40–60 U/ml]. LA-positive patients had significantly altered TGA profile when compared to those who were LA negative, considering all TGA parameters. LA-positive patients had significantly higher tLag (8.4 ± 3.3 min vs. 6.6 ± 1.8 min; p = 0.046), higher tPeak (14 ± 4.3 min vs. 11 ± 2.7 min; p = 0.015) and lower Peak (207 ± 152 nM vs. 356.3 ± 104.7 nM; p < 0.001) and lower AUC (2109.7 ± 1006.9 nM vs. 2772.5 ± 776.8 nM; p = 0.033). The use of aPS/PT might be of help in identifying patients with CVE and APS, as also confirmed by TGA testing.
Small hydropower dam site suitability modelling in upper Benue river watershed, Nigeria
Authors: Odiji Caleb , Adepoju Matthew , Ibrahim Idris , Adedeji Oluwatola , Nnaemeka Ihenacho , Aderoju Olaide
Published: July 2021

Small hydropower (SHP) is one of the most critical renewable energy that is well adapted to the rural localities in less developed countries across the world. Most rural communities in Nigeria are off the national power grid and are bedevilled by an inconsistent supply of electricity. The one possible panacea to the rural energy crisis is harnessing the terrain and abundant rivers and streams within their domain. This study aimed to identify and select suitable sites for the SHP dam in the upper Benue river watershed. Ten thematic layers, land use, precipitation, geology, soil, slope, elevation, stream power index, topographic wetness index, drainage density, and flow, were integrated with Geographic information system and Analytical hierarchy process. A composite suitability map created revealed that 7.5% of the watershed is of a very high suitable class, while 17.5% of the watershed is of a very low suitable class. To select an ideal location, a semi-automatic approach was developed to identify narrow valleys by intersecting contour with stream order and the suitability layer. Eighteen (18) potential dam sites were identified after a query operation was done. The developed method was validated using field data which were correlated with the model output using t-Test; paired two samples for the mean. A strong Pearson correlation of 0.71 between the field data and the semi-automatic approach was observed. The approach offers good prospects for dam site selection. Based on a field survey, the potential dam sites are feasible economically and technically for SHP dam construction that will provide cheap renewable energy to millions of inhabitants in the watershed.