bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic wetting characteristics of submicron‐structured injection molded parts
Authors: Krantz Joshua , Caiado Ashley , Piccolo Leonardo , Gao Peng , Sorgato Marco , Lucchetta Giovanni , Masato Davide
Published: May 2022

The generation of submicron structures on plastic part surfaces can be used to modify their wetting properties allowing the creation of superhydrophobic surfaces. The modified wetting behavior can allow functionalities such as fluid collection or transport, which are critical for microfluidics. Consistent manufacturing is achieved through surface replication and process characterization. In this work, submicron structures were generated on steel mold inserts using ultrafast femtosecond laser and then replicated by micro injection molding on polypropylene and polylactic acid. Samples with Laser‐Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) were fabricated using a femtosecond laser and characterized to investigate the effects of mold temperature, texture orientation, and material selection on the dynamic contact angle. The dynamic wetting functionality of the surfaces was investigated by analysis of the advancing and receding contact angles. The hysteresis obtained from the dynamic measurements provides information about the fluid/texture interaction dynamics. The experimental results show that the effects of mold temperature and drop orientation are only significant for the advancing contact angles. The large contact angle hysteresis suggests a parahydrophobic wetting behavior for the manufactured plastic parts.
Efficacy of physiotherapy interventions for the management of adults with cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Demont Anthony , Lafrance Simon , Gaska Clément , Kechichian Amélie , Bourmaud Aurélie , Desmeules François
Published: May 2022

Objective

To update and appraise the efficacy of physiotherapy for adults with cervicogenic headache.

Literature Survey

Bibliographic searches were conducted up to October 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), assessing the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions for adults with cervicogenic headache, in five databases: CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PubMed, Sage Journals, and Wiley Online Library.

Methodology

Data extraction of included trials was conducted by two reviewers according to a standardized extraction form. The PEDro tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach were used for grading evidence. Results from trials with similar interventions and with similar outcome measures were pooled into separate meta‐analyses. A qualitative synthesis was performed for studies that were not pooled into meta‐analyses.

Synthesis

Fourteen trials were included. Moderate‐certainty evidence indicates that manual therapy significantly reduces headache frequency (mean difference [MD]: −0.93 episodes/week; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.40 to −0.46; 2 RCTs; n = 265) compared to sham manual therapy, and headache frequency (MD: −1.23 episodes/week; 95% CI: −1.55 to −0.91; 3 RCTs; n = 126) and intensity (MD: −1.63/10; 95% CI: −2.15 to −1.10; 4 RCTs; n = 208) compared to no treatment in the short term. At 12‐month follow‐up, moderate‐certainty evidence indicates that manual therapy did not lead to greater reduction in headache intensity (MD Visual Analog Scale 0‐10: ‐0.12; 95% CI: −0.49 to 0.26; 2 RCTs; n = 265) or frequency (MD: −0.32 episodes/week; 95% CI: −0.91 to 0.28; 2 RCTs; n = 265) when compared to a sham manual therapy. In the long‐term, in one high quality trial, neck exercise significantly reduced headache intensity compared to no treatment (MD: −1.51/10; 95% CI: −2.52 to −0.50; n = 100) or to aerobic exercises in another trial of moderate quality (MD: −1.15/10; 95% CI: −2.1 to −0.20; n = 180).

Conclusions

Manual therapy in the short term and neck exercise in the long term may be efficacious to treat adults with cervicogenic headache. More high‐quality evidence is needed and future results may change the current conclusions.

Trial Registration Prospero: #CRD42019135858.
The effect of polymer grafting on the mechanical properties of PEG‐grafted cellulose nanocrystals in poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Macke Nicholas , Hemmingsen Christina M. , Rowan Stuart J.
Published: May 2022

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a commercially available bio‐based polymer that is a potential alternative to many commodity petrochemical‐based polymers. However, PLA's thermomechanical properties limit its use in many applications. Incorporating polymer‐grafted cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is one potential route to improving these mechanical properties. One key challenge in using these polymer‐grafted nanoparticles is to understand which variables associated with polymer grafting are most important for improving composite properties. In this work, poly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted CNCs are used to study the effects of polymer grafting density and molecular weight on the properties of PLA composites. All CNC nanofillers are found to reinforce PLA above the glass transition temperature, but non‐grafted CNCs and CNCs grafted with short PEG chains (<2 kg mol−1) are found to cause significant embrittlement, generally resulting in less than 3% elongation‐at‐break. By grafting higher molecular weight PEG (10 kg mol−1) onto the CNCs at a grafting density where the polymer chains are predicted to be in the semi‐dilute polymer brush conformation (~0.1 chains nm−2), embrittlement can be avoided.
Early detection of laryngeal cleft in infants by novel technique of flexible endoscopy with sustained pharyngeal inflation
Authors: Soong Wen‐Jue , Tsao Pei‐Chen , Yang Chia‐Feng , Sung Yi‐Hung , Soong Yen‐Hui
Published: May 2022

Objective

We report a novel technique of flexible endoscopy with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and sustained pharyngeal inflation (FE‐NIV‐SPI) in assessing aeroesophageal tracts (AET) to facilitate early detection of laryngeal clefts in infants.

Methods

Medical charts and flexible endoscopy videos of the children who were diagnosed with laryngeal cleft in a tertiary care hospital between January 2000 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The FE‐NIV‐SPI technique had been applied to all these children.

Results

Totally, 12 infants with laryngeal cleft were identified. This equates to a prevalence of 0.28% in all the children who underwent flexible endoscopy at our institution. Their mean age was 5.0 ± 4.9 months and mean body weight was 4.7 ± 2.3 kg. Nine (75%) infants were referred in without laryngeal cleft diagnosis, which was missed by 11 prior bronchoscopy and 5 computer tomography examinations. With the FE‐NIV‐SPI technique, the pharyngolaryngeal space could be pneumatically dilated permitting a detailed assessment. All laryngeal cleft types and coexisting AET lesions were visualized at the first FE‐NIV‐SPI examination with a mean time of 4.2 ± 0.9 min; they were eight Type I, two Type II, and one Type III. Ten (83.3%) infants had coexisting airway malacia.

Conclusion

Routine use of FE‐NIV‐SPI technique can help in early detection of laryngeal clefts and other associated AET lesions. Further multicenter collaborative investigations are essential to verify the early detection of this rare and occult lesion of the laryngeal cleft with this technique.
Coevolution‐derived native and non‐native contacts determine the emergence of a novel fold in a universally conserved family of transcription factors
Authors: Galaz‐Davison Pablo , Ferreiro Diego U. , Ramírez‐Sarmiento César A.
Published: May 2022

The NusG protein family is structurally and functionally conserved in all domains of life. Its members directly bind RNA polymerases and regulate transcription processivity and termination. RfaH, a divergent sub‐family in its evolutionary history, is known for displaying distinct features than those in NusG proteins, which allows them to regulate the expression of virulence factors in enterobacteria in a DNA sequence‐dependent manner. A striking feature is its structural interconversion between an active fold, which is the canonical NusG three‐dimensional structure, and an autoinhibited fold, which is distinctively novel. How this novel fold is encoded within RfaH sequence to encode a metamorphic protein remains elusive. In this work, we used publicly available genomic RfaH protein sequences to construct a complete multiple sequence alignment, which was further augmented with metagenomic sequences and curated by predicting their secondary structure propensities using JPred. Coevolving pairs of residues were calculated from these sequences using plmDCA and GREMLIN, which allowed us to detect the enrichment of key metamorphic contacts after sequence filtering. Finally, we combined our coevolutionary predictions with molecular dynamics to demonstrate that these interactions are sufficient to predict the structures of both native folds, where coevolutionary‐derived non‐native contacts may play a key role in achieving the compact RfaH novel fold. All in all, emergent coevolutionary signals found within RfaH sequences encode the autoinhibited and active folds of this protein, shedding light on the key interactions responsible for the action of this metamorphic protein.
Electric Arc Synthesis of Composite Ni–C, NiO–C Nanomaterials: Structure and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Zaikovskii Alexey , Ukhina Arina , Mateyshina Yuliya
Published: May 2022

Electric arc sputtering of a composite nickel–carbon electrode leads to the plasma‐chemical synthesis of nickel nanoparticles packed in a carbon matrix. Nickel nanoparticles in the synthesized material are surely separated from each other by carbon structures, which prevent their agglomeration, coagulation. The carbon component of the material has both high graphitizable and less graphitizable structures. An increase in the calcination temperature of the synthesized nanomaterial in an oxygen‐containing medium leads to gradual burnout of the less graphitizable carbon structure and oxidation of nickel nanoparticles. Partial burnout of the less graphitizable carbon structure leads to an improvement in electrical conductivity and an increase in the specific capacitance of the material as the electrode material of supercapacitors. Complete burnout of the less graphizable carbon structure leads to the agglomeration of nickel oxide nanoparticles and to the decrease in the specific surface of the material, which leads to a decrease in the specific capacitance of the material as the electrode material of supercapacitors.
Unidirectional Photon Coupling Using Asymmetric Diamond Emitters with Enhanced Spontaneous Emission
Authors: Murmu Satyajit , Kumar Avijit , Jha Rajan
Published: May 2022

The directional coupling of single photon emission from nitrogen vacancy (NV–) emitters to optical systems for various applications requires a suitable interface between NV–emitters and optical waveguides. Unidirectional coupling of photons may have significant importance in next generation quantum technology such as quantum and complex optical networks, quantum communication, and multi‐scale quantum photonics devices including quantum non‐linearity and quantum metrology. Here, a hybrid asymmetric structure of elliptically faceted (ELFA) diamond nanowire with Bragg grating (BG) containing negatively charged NV–center for efficient and unidirectional optical coupling to optical nanowire (waveguide) is proposed. The calculations indicate that the structure can provide coupling efficiency of ≈90% toward the elliptically facet direction and ≈1% in the opposite direction. Further, Purcell factor is enhanced due to the augmented electric field intensity in the ELFA structure. This structure is significantly robust against imperfect placement and rotational alignment of dipole from its intended position.
All‐Optical Detection of Spin Pumping and Giant Interfacial Spin Transparency in Co2Fe0.4Mn0.6Si/Pt Heterostructure
Authors: Dutta Koustuv , Panda Surya N , Seki Takeshi , Pan Santanu , Takanashi Koki , Barman Anjan
Published: May 2022

Active control over the generation and manipulation of pure spin current has propelled drastic transformation in new generation spintronics. Spin pumping is one of the favored mechanisms to generate pure spin current and its efficiency can be parameterized in terms of spin‐mixing conductance () and spin‐diffusion length (λ). Here, using all‐optical time‐resolved magneto‐optical Kerr magnetometry, spin pumping in a ferromagnetic Heusler compound (Co2Fe0.4Mn0.6Si (CFMS))/Pt heterostructure is investigated keeping in mind the small intrinsic damping and stable spin‐polarized band structure at the Fermi level of the CFMS and excellent spin‐sink property of Pt. The thickness‐dependent evolution of Gilbert damping is modeled using ballistic and diffusive spin transport frameworks to extract and λ. Finally, a giant value of interfacial spin transparency up to 0.87 ± 0.02 combined with small intrinsic damping of 0.0039 ± 0.0004 promote the CFMS/Pt heterostructure as a champion material for the development of advanced spin‐orbitronic devices.
Data‐driven resilient platooning control for vehicular platooning systems with denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Yue Bai‐Fan , Che Wei‐Wei
Published: May 2022

This article addresses the data‐driven resilient platooning control problem for nonlinear vehicular platooning systems with denial‐of‐service attacks. First, the dynamic linearization technique is used for transforming the nonlinear vehicular platooning systems into an equivalent linear data model with robustness. Then, an observer is designed to present the estimation of the pseudo‐partial derivative parameter and a novel model‐free adaptive platooning control (MFAPC) framework is presented by defining a novel vehicular platooning system output. Based on this framework, a novel MFAPC algorithm is designed with an attack compensation mechanism to achieve vehicular platooning control objectives. At last, the effectiveness of the MFAPC algorithm is proved by an example with comparisons.
Unfolding research themes for industrial symbiosis and underlying theories
Authors: Agudo Fabiana Liar , Bezerra Barbara Stolte , Gobbo José Alcides , Paes Luis Alberto Bertolucci
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to analyze the research themes that are addressed in studies on industrial symbiosis (IS), from the perspective of theories. The paper method is a longitudinal analysis of retrospective nature from 1998 to 2021. This approach allowed to detects the main drivers and associated themes that structured researches on IS in the period. In general, Industrial Ecology Theory, Network Theory, Systems Theory and Organizational Theory were present in a considerable part of research themes on IS. It was observed that the IS research themes moved over the period analyzed to nine areas of study: (1) Waste as a resource, (2) development industrial symbiosis network, (3) circular economy and industrial symbiosis, (4) industrial co‐localization, (5) energy innovations, (6) closed loop chains, (7) IS's social aspects, (8) regional‐level metabolism, and (9) waste knowledge. In summary, the contributions of this paper are the thematic proposition of IS from the perspective of theories, pointing out the key‐aspects; and presentation of a research themes' diagram towards the IS buildup.
Multifaceted Cargo Recruitment and Release from Artificial Membraneless Organelles
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Zhorabek Fariza , Zhang Tianfu , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong , Chau Ying
Published: May 2022

Liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) drives membraneless organelles (MLOs) formation for organizing biomolecules. Artificial MLOs (AMLOs) have been constructed mostly via the LLPS of engineered proteins capable of regulating limited types of biomolecules. Here, leveraging a minimalist AMLO, driven by LLPS of polymer‐oligopeptide hybrids, enrichment, recruitment, and release of multifaceted cargoes are quantitatively shown, including small fluorescent molecules, fluorophore‐containing macromolecules, proteins, DNAs, and RNAs. Cargoes show up to 105‐fold enrichment, whilst recruitment and release are triggered by variations of temperature, pH, and/or ionic strength. Also, the first efficacious, rapid, and reversible control of aggregation‐induced emission with over 30 folds of modulation of overall fluorescence intensity is achieved, by intensifying the aggregation of luminogens in AMLO. The AMLO is a simple yet versatile platform for potential drug delivery and biosensor applications.
Efficacy of medical expulsive therapy using the traditional Japanese medicine (kampo) choreito for the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteric stones: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Gotoh Daisuke , Torimoto Kazumasa , Iwamoto Takashi , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Itami Yoshitaka , Miyake Makito , Anai Satoshi , Hirao Shuya , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: May 2022

Aim

Urolithiasis is a common disorder of the urinary tract. Medical expulsive therapy is recommended for calculi with diameters <10 mm. This study was conducted to determine the effect of choreito, an herbal medication with discharging effects, on the spontaneous passage of urinary calculi.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 109 adult patients with urinary calculi who were admitted to Hirao Hospital between April 2016 and March 2017. Choreito (7.5 g/day) was administered to 55 participants in the choreito group but not to the 54 participants of the control group. All patients were monitored until the calculi passed naturally. The period of spontaneous passage of the calculi was compared between the choreito and control groups, and the factors associated with this duration were identified using multivariate analysis.

Results

Compared to the control group, the period of spontaneous passage of the proximal ureteric stones was significantly shorter in the choreito group (14 days vs 36 days, p = 0.0262). Calculus diameter (<3 mm) and choreito administration were identified as independent factors associated with a shorter period for spontaneous calculi passage.

Conclusion

Oral administration of choreito may promote the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteric stones without the need for surgical intervention.
Extramural ectopic ureter diagnosed by computed tomography in a domestic ferret
Authors: Vekšins Armands , Makarovs Aleksandrs , Sandersen Charlotte , Voiko Laura
Published: May 2022

This case report describes clinical signs, computed tomography and laboratory diagnostic findings of an extramural ectopic ureter in a ferret. A 1‐year‐old, female domestic ferret weighing 900 g was referred to LLU Veterinary Hospital with a history of permanent urinary incontinence. Previously performed blood tests and abdominal radiographs were without significant changes. Abdominal ultrasound did not reveal any abnormality. Computed tomography (CT) post‐contrast images showed a contrast‐enhanced left ureter opening in the vagina. The CT confirmed the diagnosis of the left extramural ectopic ureter and surgical treatment was recommended. Two weeks after left‐sided nephroureterectomy, incontinence still was noted but urine leakage was decreased. The outlined results will be useful for all veterinary practitioners and will update their knowledge on urinary incontinence disorders in domestic ferrets.
Fractional quantum Hall effect for extended objects: from skyrmionic membranes to dyonic strings
Authors: Palumbo Giandomenico
Published: May 2022

Abstract

It is well known that in two spatial dimensions the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) deals with point-like anyons that carry fractional electric charge and statistics. Moreover, in presence of a SO(3) order parameter, point-like skyrmions emerge and play a central role in the corresponding quantum Hall ferromagnetic phase. In this work, we show that in six spatial dimensions, the FQHE for extended objects shares very similar features with its two-dimensional counterpart. In the higher-dimensional case, the electromagnetic and hydrodynamical one-form gauge fields are replaced by three-form gauge fields and the usual point-like anyons are replaced by membranes, namely two-dimensional extended objects that can carry fractional charge and statistics. We focus on skyrmionic membranes, which are associated to a SO(5) order parameter and give rise to an higher-dimensional generalizaton of the quantum Hall ferromagnetism. We show that skyrmionic membranes naturally couple to the curved background through a generalized Wen-Zee term and can give us some insights about the chiral conformal field theory on the boundary. We then present a generalization of the Witten effect in six spatial dimensions by showing that one-dimensional extended monopoles (magnetic strings) in the bulk of the FQH states can acquire electric charge through an axion field by becoming dyonic strings.
Connections between reflected entropies and hyperbolic string vertices
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu Houwen , Yang Haitang
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we establish connections between the reflected entropies of multipartite mixed states in CFT2 and hyperbolic string vertices of closed string field theory (CSFT). We show that the reflected surfaces, which are bulk duals of the reflected entropies, share the same Riemann surfaces with the hyperbolic string vertices. This observation enables us to build quantitative relations between the reflected entropies and hyperbolic string vertices. We illustrate the connections with several examples. Consequently, we propose that spacetime structure could be directly generated from the hyperbolic string vertices. The advantage of the hyperbolic string vertices approach is that we have a dynamical equation, the Batalin-Vilkoviski master equation, to control the generating process.
Entanglement in the Quantum Hall Matrix Model
Authors: Frenkel Alexander , Hartnoll Sean A.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Characterizing the entanglement of matrix degrees of freedom is essential for understanding the holographic emergence of spacetime. The Quantum Hall Matrix Model is a gauged U(N ) matrix quantum mechanics with two matrices whose ground state is known exactly and describes an emergent spatial disk with incompressible bulk dynamics. We define and compute an entanglement entropy in the ground state associated to a cut through the disk. There are two contributions. A collective field describing the eigenvalues of one of the matrices gives a gauge-invariant chiral boundary mode leading to an expected logarithmic entanglement entropy. Further, the cut through the bulk splits certain ‘off-diagonal’ matrix elements that must be duplicated and associated to both sides of the cut. Sewing these duplicated modes together in a gauge-invariant way leads to a bulk ‘area law’ contribution to the entanglement entropy. All of these entropies are regularized by finite N.
Duality cascades and affine Weyl groups
Authors: Furukawa Tomohiro , Matsumura Kazunobu , Moriyama Sanefumi , Nakanishi Tomoki
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Brane configurations in a circle allow subsequent applications of the Hanany-Witten transitions, which are known as duality cascades. By studying the process of duality cascades corresponding to quantum curves with symmetries of Weyl groups, we find a hidden structure of affine Weyl groups. Namely, the fundamental domain of duality cascades consisting of all the final destinations is characterized by the affine Weyl chamber and the duality cascades are realized as translations of the affine Weyl group, where the overall rank in the brane configuration associates to the grading operator of the affine algebra. The structure of the affine Weyl group guarantees the finiteness of the processes and the uniqueness of the endpoint of the duality cascades. In addition to the original duality cascades, we can generalize to the cases with Fayet-Iliopoulos parameters. There we can utilize the Weyl group to analyze the fundamental domain similarly and find that the fundamental domain continues to be the affine Weyl chamber. We further interpret the Weyl group we impose as a “half” of the Hanany-Witten transition.
On the implications of positive W mass shift
Authors: Balkin Reuven , Madge Eric , Menzo Tony , Perez Gilad , Soreq Yotam , Zupan Jure
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We investigate the phenomenological implications of the recent W mass measurement by the CDF collaboration, which exhibits tension with the standard model (SM) electroweak fit. Performing the fit to the electroweak observables within the SM effective field theory, we find that the new physics that contributes either to the determination of the electroweak vacuum expectation value, or to the oblique parameters, can improve the agreement with data. The best description is obtained from a fit where flavor universality is not required in the new physics operators, with 2 to 3 σ indications for several nonzero Wilson coefficients. We point out that top partners with order TeV masses could lead to the observed shift in the W mass.
Multiparticle amplitudes in a scalar EFT
Authors: Khoze Valentin V. , Schenk Sebastian
Published: May 2022

Abstract

At sufficiently high energies the production of a very large number of particles is kinematically allowed. However, it is well-known that already in the simplest case of a weakly-coupled massive λφ4 theory, n-particle amplitudes become non-perturbative in the limit where n scales with energy. In this case, the effective expansion parameter, λn, is no longer small and the perturbative approach breaks down. In general, the associated n-particle production rates were argued to be described by an exponential that, depending on the specifics of the underlying Quantum Field Theory model, could be either growing or decaying in the large-n regime. We investigate such processes in general settings of Effective Field Theory (EFT), involving arbitrary higher-dimensional operators of φ. We perform the resummation of all leading loop corrections arising from EFT vertices for amplitudes at the multiparticle threshold. We find that the net effect of higher-dimensional operators amounts to an exponentially growing factor. We show that if an exponential growth was already generated by the renormalizable interactions, it would then be further enhanced by the EFT contributions. On the other hand, if the multiparticle rates computed in the renormalizable part of the theory were suppressed, this suppression would not be lifted in the EFT.
Displaced searches for light vector bosons at Belle II
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Triparno , Chakraborty Sabyasachi , Trifinopoulos Sokratis
Published: May 2022

Abstract

With a design luminosity of 50 ab−1 and detectors with tracking capabilities extending beyond 1 m, the Belle II experiment is the perfect laboratory for the search of particles that couple weakly to the Standard Model and have a characteristic decay length of a few centimetres and more. We show that for models of dark photons and other light vector bosons, Belle II will be successful in probing regions of parameter space which are as of now unexplored by any experiment. In addition, for models where the vector boson couples sub-dominantly to the electron and quarks as compared to muons, e.g. in the Lμ−Lτ model, Belle II will probe regions of mass and couplings compatible with the anomalous magnetic moment of muon. We discuss these results and derive the projected sensitivity of Belle II for a handful of other models. Finally, even with the currently accumulated data, ∼ 200 fb−1, Belle II should be able to cover regions of parameter space pertaining to the X(17) boson postulated to solve the ATOMKI anomaly.
The Cremona problem in dimension 2
Authors: Bartenwerfer Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

The Cremona conjecture, also called Jacobi problem, claims that a polynomial morphism $${{\mathbb C}^n \longrightarrow {\mathbb C}^n}$$

C

n

⟶

C

n

is invertible as a polynomial morphism if its Jacobian is constant and not zero. In this paper, we show that the conjecture is true for $$n = 2$$

n
=
2

. The starting point of our proof is an important result of Shreeram Abhyankar. Then we use a computation in rigid geometry to achieve the result.
Role of LL-37 in thrombotic complications in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Duan Zilei , Zhang Juan , Chen Xue , Liu Ming , Zhao Hongwen , Jin Lin , Zhang Zhiye , Luan Ning , Meng Ping , Wang Jing , Tan Zhaoxia , Li Yaxiong , Deng Guohong , Lai Ren
Published: May 2022

Blood clot formation induced by dysfunctional coagulation is a frequent complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and a high-risk factor for severe illness and death. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in COVID-19-induced immunothrombosis. Furthermore, human cathelicidin, a NET component, can perturb the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its ACE2 receptor, which mediates viral entry into cells. At present, however, the levels of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides after SARS-CoV-2 infection and their role in COVID-19 thrombosis formation remain unclear. In the current study, we analyzed coagulation function and found a decrease in thrombin time but an increase in fibrinogen level, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37 was upregulated by the spike protein and significantly elevated in the plasma of patients. Furthermore, LL-37 levels were negatively correlated with thrombin time but positively correlated with fibrinogen level. In addition to platelet activation, cathelicidin peptides enhanced the activity of coagulation factors, such as factor Xa (FXa) and thrombin, which may induce hypercoagulation in diseases with high cathelicidin peptide levels. Injection of cathelicidin peptides promoted the formation of thrombosis, whereas deletion of cathelicidin inhibited thrombosis in vivo. These results suggest that cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is elevated during SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may induce hypercoagulation in COVID-19 patients by activating coagulation factors.
On a Conjecture by Hundertmark and Simon
Authors: Laptev Ari , Loss Michael , Schimmer Lukas
Published: May 2022

The main result of this paper is a complete proof of a new Lieb–Thirring-type inequality for Jacobi matrices originally conjectured by Hundertmark and Simon. In particular, it is proved that the estimate on the sum of eigenvalues does not depend on the off-diagonal terms as long as they are smaller than their asymptotic value. An interesting feature of the proof is that it employs a technique originally used by Hundertmark–Laptev–Weidl concerning sums of singular values for compact operators. This technique seems to be novel in the context of Jacobi matrices.
WGNAM: whole-genome nested association mapping
Authors: Paccapelo M. Valeria , Kelly Alison M. , Christopher Jack T. , Verbyla Arūnas P.
Published: May 2022

Key message

A powerful QTL analysis method for nested association mapping populations is presented. Based on a one-stage multi-locus model, it provides accurate predictions of founder specific QTL effects.

Nested association mapping (NAM) populations have been created to enable the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in different genetic backgrounds. A whole-genome nested association mapping (WGNAM) method is presented to perform QTL analysis in NAM populations. The WGNAM method is an adaptation of the multi-parent whole genome average interval mapping approach where the crossing design is incorporated through the probability of inheriting founder alleles for every marker across the genome. Based on a linear mixed model, this method provides a one-stage analysis of raw phenotypic data, molecular markers, and crossing design. It simultaneously scans the whole-genome through an iterative process leading to a model with all the identified QTL while keeping the false positive rate low. The WGNAM approach was assessed through a simulation study, confirming to be a powerful and accurate method for QTL analysis for a NAM population. This novel method can also accommodate a multi-reference NAM (MR-NAM) population where donor parents are crossed with multiple reference parents to increase genetic diversity. Therefore, a demonstration is presented using a MR-NAM population for wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) to perform a QTL analysis for plant height. The strength and size of the putative QTL were summarized enhancing the understanding of the QTL effects depending on the parental origin. Compared to other methods, the proposed methodology based on a one-stage analysis provides greater power to detect QTL and increased accuracy in the estimation of their effects. The WGNAM method establishes the basis for accurate QTL mapping studies for NAM and MR-NAM populations.
Disruption of Genes Encoding Putative Zwitterionic Capsular Polysaccharides of Diverse Intestinal Bacteroides Reduces the Induction of Host Anti-Inflammatory Factors
Authors: Arnolds Kathleen L. , Yamada Eiko , Neff C. Preston , Schneider Jennifer M. , Palmer Brent E. , Lozupone Catherine A.
Published: May 2022

Bacterial zwitterionic capsular polysaccharides (ZPS), such as polysaccharide A (PSA) of the intestinal commensal Bacteroides fragilis, have been shown to modulate T cells, including inducing anti-inflammatory IL-10-secreting T regulatory cells (Tregs). We previously used a genomic screen to identify diverse host-associated bacteria with the predicted genetic capacity to produce ZPSs related to PSA of B. fragilis and hypothesized that genetic disruption (KO) of a key functional gene within these operons would reduce the anti-inflammatory activity of these bacteria. We found that ZPS-KO bacteria in two common gut commensals, Bacteroides uniformis and Bacteroides cellulosilyticus, had a reduced ability to induce Tregs and IL-10 in stimulations of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Additionally, we found that macrophage stimulated with either wildtype B. fragilis or B. uniformis produced significantly more IL-10 than KOs, indicating a potentially novel function of ZPS of shifting the cytokine response in macrophages to a more anti-inflammatory state. These findings support the hypothesis that these related ZPS may represent a shared strategy to modulate host immune responses.
Preliminary results of abdominal simultaneous multi-slice accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging with motion-correction in patients with cystic fibrosis and impaired compliance
Authors: Glutig Katja , Krüger Paul-Christian , Oberreuther Theresa , Nickel Marcel Dominik , Teichgräber Ulf , Lorenz Michael , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Krämer Martin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of this prospective study was to compare scan time, image quality, signal-to-noise Ratio (SNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of simultaneous multi-slice accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging with motion-correction (DWI SMS Moco) to standard diffusion-weighted imaging (sDWI) in free-breathing abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pediatric and young adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Material and methods

16 patients (7 male and 9 female, 12–41 years old) with CF were examined prospectively in a single-center from November 2020 to March 2021 on a 1.5 Tesla clinical MR scanner. The characteristics of overall image quality and delimitability of mesenteric lymph nodes were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale by two experienced pediatric radiologists independently from each other. Quantitative parameters with SNR and ADC values were assessed in 8 different locations and compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

The acquisition time for DWI SMS Moco was 32% shorter than for sDWI. Regarding quality comparison, overall image quality and delimitability of mesenteric lymph nodes were significant higher in DWI SMS Moco (p ≤ 0.05 for both readers). The readers preferred DWI SMS Moco to sDWI in all cases (16/16). Mean SNR values from DWI SMS Moco and sDWI were similar in 7 from 8 locations. The ADC values showed no significant difference between DWI SMS Moco and sDWI in any of the evaluated locations (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The DWI SMS Moco improves overall image quality and delimitability of mesenteric lymph nodes compared to sDWI with similar SNR and ADC values and a distinguished reduction of scan time in free-breathing by one third. We conclude that MRI with DWI SMS Moco could be helpful in monitoring the effect of the high-efficiency modulator (HEM) therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients homozygous or heterozygous for F508del in the abdomen.
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Dor Fundoplication
Authors: McCarthy Elizabeth , Jao Susan Laura , Pryor Aurora D.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by disordered esophageal peristalsis with failed relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter resulting in a functional obstruction.Treatment can include medical, endoscopic, or surgical interventions. Although none of these are curative, they each offer methods to create esophageal outflow.

Materials and Methods

This article discusses our preferred surgical technique used for laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication. This technique has been developed over the author's career.

Conclusion

The technique discussed provides a safe and effective strategy to manage achalasia.
Improving the spatiotemporal resolution of remotely sensed ET information for water management through Landsat, Sentinel-2, ECOSTRESS and VIIRS data fusion
Authors: Xue Jie , Anderson Martha C. , Gao Feng , Hain Christopher , Knipper Kyle R. , Yang Yun , Kustas William P. , Yang Yang , Bambach Nicolas , McElrone Andrew J. , Castro Sebastian J. , Alfieri Joseph G. , Prueger John H. , McKee Lynn G. , Hipps Lawrence E. , del Mar Alsina María
Published: May 2022

Robust information on consumptive water use (evapotranspiration, ET) derived from remote sensing can significantly benefit water decision-making in agriculture, informing irrigation schedules and water management plans over extended regions. To be of optimal utility for operational usage, these remote sensing ET data should be generated at the sub-field spatial resolution and daily-to-weekly timesteps commensurate with the scales of water management activities. However, current methods for field-scale ET retrieval based on thermal infrared (TIR) imaging, a valuable diagnostic of canopy stress and surface moisture status, are limited by the temporal revisit of available medium-resolution (100 m or finer) thermal satellite sensors. This study investigates the efficacy of a data fusion method for combining information from multiple medium-resolution sensors toward generating high spatiotemporal resolution ET products for water management. TIR data from Landsat and ECOSTRESS (both at ~ 100-m native resolution), and VIIRS (375-m native) are sharpened to a common 30-m grid using surface reflectance data from the Harmonized Landsat-Sentinel dataset. Periodic 30-m ET retrievals from these combined thermal data sources are fused with daily retrievals from unsharpened VIIRS to generate daily, 30-m ET image timeseries. The accuracy of this mapping method is tested over several irrigated cropping systems in the Central Valley of California in comparison with flux tower observations, including measurements over irrigated vineyards collected in the GRAPEX campaign. Results demonstrate the operational value added by the augmented TIR sensor suite compared to Landsat alone, in terms of capturing daily ET variability and reduced latency for real-time applications. The method also provides means for incorporating new sources of imaging from future planned thermal missions, further improving our ability to map rapid changes in crop water use at field scales.
Decadal stability of coral reef benthic communities on Palmyra Atoll, central Pacific, through two bleaching events
Authors: Khen Adi , Johnson Maggie D. , Fox Michael D. , Clements Samantha M. , Carter Amanda L. , Smith Jennifer E.
Published: May 2022

The prevalence of coral bleaching due to thermal stress has been increasing on coral reefs worldwide. While many studies have documented how corals respond to warming, fewer have focused on benthic community responses over longer time periods or on the response of non-coral taxa (e.g., crustose coralline algae, macroalgae, or turf). Here, we quantify spatial and temporal changes in benthic community composition over a decade using image analysis of permanent photoquadrats on Palmyra Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. Eighty permanent plots were photographed annually between 2009 and 2018 on both the wave-exposed fore reef (FR, 10 m depth,n = 4 sites) and the wave-sheltered reef terrace (RT, 5 m depth,n = 4 sites) habitats. The El Niño events of 2009–2010 and 2015–2016 resulted in acute thermal stress and coral bleaching was observed at both reef habitats during these events. Across 10 yr and two bleaching events, the benthic community structure on Palmyra shows evidence of long-term stability. Communities on the RT exhibited minimal change in percent cover of the dominant functional groups, while the FR had greater variability and minor declines in hard coral cover. There was also spatial variation in the trajectory of each site through time. Coral cover decreased at some sites 1 yr following both bleaching events and was replaced by different algal groups depending on the site, yet returned to pre-bleaching levels within 2 yr. Overall, our data reveal the resilience of calcifier-dominated coral reef communities on Palmyra Atoll that have persisted over the last decade despite two bleaching events, demonstrating the capacity for these reefs to recover from and/or withstand disturbances in the absence of local stressors.
Combination of docetaxel versus nonsteroidal antiandrogen with androgen deprivation therapy for high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Kimura Takahiro , Hata Kenichi , Narita Shintaro , Hatakeyama Shingo , Mori Keiichiro , Sano Takayuki , Otsuka Takashi , Iwamoto Yuya , Enei Yuki , Nakazono Minoru , Sakanaka Keigo , Iwatani Kosuke , Matsukawa Akihiro , Atsuta Mahito , Nishikawa Hideomi , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Miki Jun , Habuchi Tomonori , Ohyama Chikara , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Egawa Shin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the oncologic efficacy of combining docetaxel with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus nonsteroidal antiandrogen (NSAA) with ADT in patients with high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) with focus on the effect of sequential therapy in a real-world clinical practice setting.

Methods

The records of 382 patients who harbored high-volume mHSPC, based on the CHAARTED criteria, and had received ADT with either docetaxel (n = 92) or NSAA (bicalutamide) (n = 290) were retrospectively analyzed. The cohorts were matched by one-to-one propensity scores based on patient demographics. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), including time to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and time to second-line progression (PFS2) were compared. 2nd-line PFS defined as the time from CRPC diagnosis to progression after second-line therapy was also compared.

Results

After matching, a total of 170 patients were retained: 85 patients treated with docetaxel + ADT and 85 patients treated with NSAA + ADT. The median OS and CSS for docetaxel + ADT versus NSAA + ADT were not reached (NR) vs. 49 months (p = 0.02) and NR vs. 55 months (p = 0.02), respectively. Median time to CRPC and PFS2 in patients treated with docetaxel + ADT was significantly longer compared to those treated with NSAA (22 vs. 12 months; p = 0.003 and, NR vs. 28 months; p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in 2nd-line PFS between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggested that ADT with docetaxel significantly prolonged OS and CSS owing to a better time to CRPC and PFS2 in comparison to NSAA + ADT in high-volume mHSPC.
Archimetrosis: the evolution of a disease and its extant presentation
Authors: Leyendecker Gerhard , Wildt Ludwig , Laschke Matthias W. , Mall Gerhard
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This article presents a novel concept of the evolution and, thus, the pathogenesis of uterine adenomyosis as well as peritoneal and peripheral endometriosis. Presently, no unifying denomination of this nosological entity exists.

Methods

An extensive search of the literature on primate evolution was performed. This included comparative functional morphology with special focus on the evolution of the birthing process that fundamentally differs between the haplorrhine primates and most of the other eutherian mammals. The data were correlated with the results of own research on the pathophysiology of human archimetrosis and with the extant presentation of the disease.

Results

The term Archimetrosis is suggested as a denomination of the nosological entity. Archimetrosis occurs in human females and also in subhuman primates. There are common features in the reproductive process of haplorrhine primates such as spontaneous ovulation and corpus luteum formation, spontaneous decidualization and menstruation. These have fused Müllerian ducts resulting in a uterus simplex. Following a usually singleton pregnancy, the fetus is delivered in the skull position. Some of these features are shared by other mammals, but not in that simultaneous fashion. In haplorrhine primates, with the stratum vasculare, a new myometrial layer has evolved during the time of the Cretaceous–Terrestrial Revolution (KTR) that subserves expulsion of the conceptus and externalization of menstrual debris in non-conceptive cycles. Hypercontractility of this layer has evolved as an advantage with respect to the survival of the mother and the birth of a living child during delivery and may be experienced as primary dysmenorrhea during menstruation. It may result in tissue injury by the sheer power of the contractions and possibly by the associated uterine ischemia. Moreover, the lesions at extra-uterine sites appear to be maintained by biomechanical stress.

Conclusions

Since the pathogenesis of archimetrosis is connected with the evolution of the stratum vasculare, tissue injury and repair (TIAR) turns out to be the most parsimonious explanation for the development of the disease based on clinical, experimental and evolutionary evidence. Furthermore, a careful analysis of the published clinical data suggests that, in the risk population with uterine hypercontractility, the disease develops with a yet to be defined latency phase after the onset of the biomechanical injury. This opens a new avenue of prevention of the disease in potentially affected women that we consider to be primarily highly fertile.
Complications and satisfaction in transwomen receiving breast augmentation: short- and long-term outcomes
Authors: Schoffer A. K. , Bittner A. K. , Hess J. , Kimmig R. , Hoffmann O.
Published: May 2022

Background

To achieve long-term improvement in health care of transgender women, it is necessary to analyze all aspects of gender-confirming surgery, especially the relation of risks and benefits occurring in these procedures. While there are many studies presenting data on the urologic part of the surgery, there are just few data about complications and satisfaction with breast augmentation.

Methods

This is a retrospective study using parts of the BREAST-Q Augmentation Questionnaire and additional questions for symptoms of capsular contracture and re-operations and analyzing archived patient records of all transwomen which were operated at University Hospital Essen from 2007 to 2020.

Results

99 of these 159 patients (62%) completed the questionnaire after a median time of 4 years after surgery. Breast augmentation led to re-operations due to complications in 5%. The rate of capsular contracture (Baker Grad III–IV) in this population was 3%. Most patients (75%) rated high scores of satisfaction with outcome (more than 70 points) and denied to have restrictions due to their implants in their everyday life. All patients reported an improvement in their quality of life owing to breast augmentation.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation by inserting silicon implants is a safe surgical procedure which takes an important part in reducing gender dysphoria.