bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting dark showers at Belle II
Authors: Bernreuther Elias , Böse Kai , Ferber Torben , Hearty Christopher , Kahlhoefer Felix , Morandini Alessandro , Schmidt-Hoberg Kai
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Dark showers from strongly interacting dark sectors that confine at the GeV scale can give rise to novel signatures at e+e− colliders. In this work, we study the sensitivity of B factory experiments to dark showers produced through an effective interaction arising from a heavy off-shell mediator. We show that a prospective search for displaced vertices from GeV-scale long-lived particles at Belle II can improve the sensitivity to dark showers substantially compared to an existing search at BaBar. We compare the sensitivity of searches for displaced signals to searches for promptly produced resonances at BaBar and KLOE and calculate sensitivity projections for a single-photon search at Belle II to invisible dark showers produced through an effective interaction. The underlying structure of the effective interaction can be resolved at higher-energy experiments, where the mediator can be produced on-shell. To study the resulting constraints, we update electroweak precision bounds on kinetically mixed Z′ bosons and reinterpret a search for low-mass di-muon resonances at LHCb in terms of dark showers. We find that LHCb and Belle II are most sensitive to different particle decay lengths, underscoring the complementarity of LHC and intensity frontier experiments.
Gauss-Bonnet black holes in a special anisotropic scaling spacetime
Authors: Mahmoudi S. , Jafarzade Kh. , Hendi S. H.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Inspired by the Lifshitz gravity as a theory with anisotropic scaling behavior, we suggest a new (n + 1)-dimensional metric in which the time and spatial coordinates scale anisotropically as (t, r, θi) → (λzt, λ−1r, λxiθi). Due to the anisotropic scaling dimension of the spatial coordinates, this spacetime does not support the full Schrödinger symmetry group. We look for the analytical solution of Gauss-Bonnet gravity in the context of the mentioned geometry. We show that Gauss-Bonnet gravity admits an analytical solution provided that the constants of the theory are properly adjusted. We obtain an exact vacuum solution, independent of the value of the dynamical exponent z, which is a black hole solution for the pseudo-hyperbolic horizon structure and a naked singularity for the pseudo-spherical boundary. We also obtain another exact solution of Gauss-Bonnet gravity under certain conditions. After investigating some geometrical properties of the obtained solutions, we consider the thermodynamic properties of these topological black holes and study the stability of the obtained solutions for each geometrical structure.
The effect of age on longitudinal measures of beta cell function and insulin sensitivity during the progression of early stage type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Mari Andrea , Monaco Gabriela S. F. , Skyler Jay S. , Evans-Molina Carmella
Published: December 2022

Aim/hypothesis

The risk of progressing from autoantibody positivity to type 1 diabetes is inversely related to age. Separately, whether age influences patterns of C-peptide loss or changes in insulin sensitivity in autoantibody-positive individuals who progress to stage 3 type 1 diabetes is unclear.

Methods

Beta cell function and insulin sensitivity were determined by modelling of OGTTs performed in 658 autoantibody-positive participants followed longitudinally in the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1). In this secondary analysis of DPT-1 data, time trajectories of beta cell function and insulin sensitivity were analysed in participants who progressed to type 1 diabetes (progressors) to address the impact of age on patterns of metabolic progression to diabetes.

Results

Among the entire DPT-1 cohort, the highest discriminant age for type 1 diabetes risk was 14 years, with participants aged <14 years being twice as likely to progress to type 1 diabetes as those aged ≥14 years. At study entry, beta cell glucose sensitivity was impaired to a similar extent in progressors aged <14 years and progressors aged ≥14 years. From study entry to stage 3 type 1 diabetes onset, beta cell glucose sensitivity and insulin sensitivity declined in both progressor groups. However, there were no significant differences in the yearly rate of decline in either glucose sensitivity (−13.7 [21.2] vs −11.9 [21.5] pmol min−1 m−2 [mmol/l]−1, median [IQR], p=0.52) or insulin sensitivity (−22 [37] vs −14 [40] ml min−1 m−2, median [IQR], p=0.07) between progressors aged <14 years and progressors aged ≥14 years.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our data indicate that during progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes, rates of change in declining glucose and insulin sensitivity are not significantly different between progressors aged <14 years and progressors aged ≥14 years. These data suggest there is a predictable course of declining metabolic function during the progression to type 1 diabetes that is not influenced by age.

Graphical abstract
Local and global scalar curvature rigidity of Einstein manifolds
Authors: Dahl Mattias , Kröncke Klaus
Published: December 2022

An Einstein manifold is called scalar curvature rigid if there are no compactly supported volume-preserving deformations of the metric which increase the scalar curvature. We give various characterizations of scalar curvature rigidity for open Einstein manifolds as well as for closed Einstein manifolds. As an application, we construct mass-decreasing deformations of the Riemannian Schwarzschild metric and the Taub–Bolt metric.
A Case of Neonatal Lupus Presenting with Myocardial Dysfunction in the Absence of Congenital Heart Block (CHB): Clinical Management and Brief Literature Review of Neonatal Cardiac Lupus
Authors: Jain Samhita , Spadafora Ruggero , Maxwell Sarah , Botas Carlos , Nawaytou Hythem , von Scheven Emily , Crouch Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2022

Neonatal lupus (NLE) is a rare acquired autoimmune disorder caused by transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies to Sjogren’s Syndrome A or B (SSA-SSB) autoantigens (Vanoni et al. in Clin Rev Allerg Immunol 53:469–476, 2017) which target fetal and neonatal tissues for immune destruction. The cardiac trademark of NLE is autoimmune heart block, which accounts for more than 80% of cases of complete atrioventricular heart block (AVB) in newborns with a structurally normal heart (Martin in Cardiol Young 24: 41–46, 2014). NLE presenting with cardiac alterations not involving rhythm disturbances are described in the literature, but they are rare. Here, we report a case of a neonate with high anti-SSA antibodies who developed severe ventricular dysfunction in the absence of rhythm abnormalities, endocardial fibroelastosis, and dilated cardiomyopathy (Trucco et al. in J Am Coll Cardiol 57:715–723, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2010.09.044, 2011), the most common cardiac presentations of NLE. The patient developed severe multiorgan dysfunction syndrome that required prolonged critical care support but fully recovered and was discharged home. We highlight the unusual clinical features of this NLE case and the importance of timely treatment of NLE allowing complete recovery of a critically ill neonate.
Technique of Hepatic Artery Anastomosis in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Review of Its Results in Over 1200 Adult and Pediatric Transplants
Authors: Rajakannu Muthukumarassamy , Rajasekar Jasper Sandeep , Cherukuru Ramkiran , Rammohan Ashwin , Rela Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Background

Failure to achieve a good arterial inflow to the graft in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has disastrous consequences to the graft and patient survival. Standard microvascular techniques of hepatic artery (HA) anastomosis used in deceased donor liver transplantation are not applicable in LDLT. We present the results of our unique Backwall‐first technique of HA anastomosis in both adult and pediatric LDLT.

Patients and methods

Retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent LDLT from January 2010 to December 2020 was performed from our prospective database. Data with regard to early postoperative (90‐day) hepatic arterial complications were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1276 LDLTs (876 adults, 400 children) were performed during the study period. In the 90‐day postoperative period, HA anastomotic complications [thrombosis in 11 (0.9%); pseudoaneurysm in 3 (0.2%)] were observed in 14 recipients (1.1%) including 8 adults (0.9%) and 6 children (1.5%). Eight of these 14 recipients (0.6%) including 4 adults (0.5%) and 4 children (1%) had standard HA reconstruction. The remaining six (0.5%) including 4 adults and 2 children had complex arterial reconstruction with interposition graft and/or alternative arterial inflow.

Conclusion

The Backwall‐first technique of HA reconstruction described in this study achieved a very low HA complication rate in LDLT.
Image quality and related outcomes of the ShuntScope for catheter implantation in pediatric hydrocephalus—experience of 65 procedures
Authors: Prajsnar-Borak Anna , Teping Fritz , Oertel Joachim
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Ventricular catheter implantation in pediatric hydrocephalus can become a highly challenging task due to abnormal anatomical configuration or the need for trans-aqueductal stent placement. Transluminal endoscopy with the ShuntScope has been invented to increase the rate of successful catheter placements. This study aims to evaluate ShuntScope’s image qualities and related surgical outcomes in the pediatric population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients undergoing ventricular catheter placement using the ShuntScope from 01/2012 to 01/2022 in the author’s department was performed. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were evaluated. The visualization quality of the intraoperative endoscopy was stratified into the categories of excellent, medium, and poor and compared to the postoperative catheter tip placement. Follow-up evaluation included the surgical revision rate due to proximal catheter occlusion.

Results

A total of 65 ShuntScope-assisted surgeries have been performed on 51 children. The mean age was 5.1 years. The most common underlying pathology was a tumor- or cyst-related hydrocephalus in 51%. Achieved image quality was excellent in 41.5%, medium in 43%, and poor in 15.5%. Ideal catheter placement was achieved in 77%. There were no intraoperative complications and no technique-related morbidity associated with the ShuntScope. The revision rate due to proximal occlusion was 4.61% during a mean follow-up period of 39.7 years. No statistical correlation between image grade and accuracy of catheter position was observed (p-value was 0.290).

Conclusion

The ShuntScope can be considered a valuable addition to standard surgical tools in treating pediatric hydrocephalus. Even suboptimal visualization contributes to high rates of correct catheter placement and, thereby, to a favorable clinical outcome.
Multidimensional vulnerability among older adults in Germany
Authors: Cihlar Volker , Micheel Frank , Mergenthaler Andreas
Published: December 2022

Background

Multidimensional vulnerability among older adults, characterized by low levels of individual resources in different life domains, has been insufficiently studied. This phenomenon is considered to be associated with a marked decrease in overall life satisfaction. Social support is supposed to buffer the negative effect of multidimensional vulnerability on life satisfaction.

Methods

Analyses are based on the German Health Update dataset (GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS). The analytic sample includes respondents ≥ 65 years (N = 5826). Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to construct a latent variable from the indicators income poverty, activities of daily living (ADL) limitations, multimorbidity, mental problems, and living alone. Multivariate linear regression models estimate the relationship between vulnerability and life satisfaction with a special focus on the interaction between vulnerability and social support.

Results

The analyses supports the multidimensional construct of vulnerability. Social support considerably moderates the negative relationship between vulnerability and life satisfaction. As the degree of vulnerability increases, the influence of social support becomes more pronounced.

Conclusion

The assessment of vulnerability as a multidimensional construct helps to depict the life situation of older people in a more differentiated way. Vulnerable older adults with a small or unreliable social network while finding it difficult to access practical help need additional external social support to achieve a high level of life satisfaction.
Comparative Analysis of Numerical Methods Regarding the Backflow Investigation in Tunnels of Zentrum am Berg
Authors: Patsekha Aliaksei , Wei Ranzhu , Galler Robert
Published: December 2022

The efficiency of tunnel ventilation systems is commonly evaluated through numerical modelling. In this survey, two CFD models were developed by means of Fire Dynamic Simulator and Ansys Fluent software. The simulation results were used to assess the model performance in studying the backflow distribution in a real tunnel. A full-scale experiment to evaluate the ventilation conditions in the western railway tunnel was carried out in Zentrum am Berg. The velocity values were obtained for 90 examined points located at 10 cross-sections along a 100-meter tunnel part. The results showed good agreement in velocity variation trends from field measurements and those predicted by numerical models. At cross-sections more distant from the fan outlets, the FDS and Fluent models overestimated the flow velocities to a different extent. The simulated backflow development corresponds well to the observed three specified regions (initial, transitional, and developed) with distinctive flow structures. The FDS calculations confirmed the registered spontaneous changes in flow direction at points with a prevailed flow direction in the vicinity of the jet fans. Despite some discrepancies in results, the comparative analysis of two numerical models showed their applicability in the backflow investigation.
DNA G-quadruplex-stabilizing metal complexes as anticancer drugs
Authors: Zegers Jaccoline , Peters Maartje , Albada Bauke
Published: December 2022

Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are important targets for cancer treatments as their stabilization has been associated with a reduction of telomere ends or a lower oncogene expression. Although less abundant than purely organic ligands, metal complexes have shown remarkable abilities to stabilize G4s, and a wide variety of techniques have been used to characterize the interaction between ligands and G4s. However, improper alignment between the large variety of experimental techniques and biological activities can lead to improper identification of top candidates, which hampers progress of this important class of G4 stabilizers. To address this, we first review the different techniques for their strengths and weaknesses to determine the interaction of the complexes with G4s, and provide a checklist to guide future developments towards comparable data. Then, we surveyed 74 metal-based ligands for G4s that have been characterized to the in vitro level. Of these complexes, we assessed which methods were used to characterize their G4-stabilizing capacity, their selectivity for G4s over double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and how this correlated to bioactivity data. For the biological activity data, we compared activities of the G4-stabilizing metal complexes with that of cisplatin. Lastly, we formulated guidelines for future studies on G4-stabilizing metal complexes to further enable maturation of this field.

Graphical abstract
Land subsidence caused by seasonal groundwater level fluctuations in Kawajima (Japan) and one-dimensional numerical modeling with an evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Akitaya Kento , Aichi Masaatsu
Published: December 2022

The causes of land subsidence in Kawajima, Japan, have been investigated through data compilation and numerical modeling. Land subsidence has progressed despite a gradual increase in the hydraulic head in the long term. Taking into account the temporal changes and depth distribution of groundwater abstractions, the contraction of formations, and the complexity of the hydrogeological structures, it is proposed that agricultural groundwater use is one of the main triggers for land subsidence. A one-dimensional numerical simulator for coupled groundwater flow and soil deformation was developed with an evolutionary algorithm for model calibration. The calculated spatiotemporal changes in the past-maximum effective stress showed that plastic consolidation in the clayey layers progressed part by part every summer season resulting in long-term and gradual land subsidence under the same range of groundwater level fluctuations. The results also showed that the plastic deformation occurred in both the Holocene and Pleistocene sediments in the drought years, leading to significant subsidence. The model’s predictive performance showed good potential except for a structural prediction error after the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011. The scenario analysis indicated that management of the groundwater level in summer is one of the effective countermeasures in suppressing land subsidence caused by seasonal groundwater level fluctuations. These methodologies and findings can be used for groundwater management in similar cases around the world. Additional investigation is necessary on the influence of large earthquakes in deformation conditions in order to further improve the developed model.
Anodic Polarity Minimizes Facial Nerve Stimulation as a Side Effect of Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Konerding Wiebke S. , Baumhoff Peter , Kral Andrej
Published: December 2022

One severe side effect of the use of cochlear implants (CI) is coincidental facial nerve stimulation (FNS). Clinical methods to alleviate FNS range from the reprogramming of processor settings to revision surgery. We systematically assessed different changes in CI stimulation modes that have been discussed in the literature as “rescue factors” from FNS: electrode configuration (broad to focused), pulse shape (symmetric biphasic to pseudo-monophasic), and pulse polarity (cathodic to anodic). An FNS was assessed, based on electrophysiological thresholds, in 204 electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) input/output functions recorded from 33 ears of 26 guinea pigs. The stimulation level difference between auditory nerve eCAP threshold and FNS threshold was expressed as the eCAP-to-FNS offset. Coincidental FNS occurred in all animals and in 45% of all recordings. A change from monopolar to focused (bipolar, tripolar) configurations minimized FNS. The Euclidean distance between the CI contacts and the facial nerve explained no more than 33% of the variance in FNS thresholds. For both the FNS threshold and the eCAP-to-FNS offset, the change from cathodic to anodic pulse polarity significantly reduced FNS and permitted a gain of 14–71% of the dynamic range of the eCAP response. This “anodic rescue effect” was stronger for pseudo-monophasic pulses as compared to the symmetric biphasic pulse shape. These results provide possible mechanisms underlying recent clinical interventions to alleviate FNS. The “anodic-rescue effect” may offer a non-invasive therapeutic option for FNS in human CI users that should be tested clinically, preferably in combination with current-focusing methods.
Exploring time and frequency linkages of green bond with renewable energy and crypto market
Authors: Yadav Miklesh Prasad , Tandon Priyanka , Singh Anurag Bhadur , Shore Adam , Gaur Pali
Published: December 2022

This paper examines the dynamic linkages of green bond with the energy and crypto market. The S&P green bond index (RSPGB) is used as a proxy for the green bond market; S&P global clean energy index and ISE global wind energy (RIGW) are used as proxies for the renewable energy market, and; Bitcoin and Ethereum (RETHER) are used as the proxies of the crypto market. The daily prices of these constituent series are collected using Bloomberg from October 3, 2016 to February 23, 2021. We undertake an empirical analysis through the application of three key tests, namely: dynamic conditional correlation (DCC), Diebold and Yilmaz (Int J Forecast 28(1):57–66, 2012. 10.1016/j.ijforecast.2011.02.006), Baruník and Křehlík (J Financ Econom 16(2):271–296, 2018. 10.1093/jjfinec/nby001) model. The DCC reveals no dynamic linkages of volatility from the green bond to the energy and crypto market in the short run. Referring to Diebold and Yilmaz (2012), it dictates that the green bond (RSPGB) is a net receiver while the energy market (RIGW) and cryptocurrency (RETHER) are the largest and least contributors to the transmission of the volatility. Additionally, the Baruník and Křehlík (2018) model confirmed that the magnitude of the total spillover is high in more prolonged than shorter periods, suggesting reduced diversification opportunities. Overall, the present study exemplifies the significance of the green bond market as protection against risk.
Centroids of the core of exact capacities: a comparative study
Authors: Miranda Enrique , Montes Ignacio
Published: December 2022

Capacities are a common tool in decision making. Each capacity determines a core, which is a polytope formed by additive measures. The problem of eliciting a single probability from the core is interesting in a number of fields: in coalitional game theory for selecting a fair way of splitting the wealth between the players, in the transferable belief model from evidence theory or for transforming a second order into a first order model. In this paper, we study this problem when the goal is to determine the centroid of the core of a capacity, and we compare four approaches: the Shapley value, the average of the extreme points, the incenter with respect to the total variation distance and the limit of a procedure of uniform contraction. We show that these four centroids do not coincide in general, we give some sufficient conditions for their equality, and we analyse their axiomatic properties. We also discuss how to define a notion of centrality measure indicating the degree of centrality of an additive measure in the core. Finally, we also analyse these four centroids in the more general context of imprecise probabilities.
Transient analysis on surface heated piezoelectric semiconductor plate lying on rigid substrate
Authors: Zhao Luke , Gu Sen , Song Yaqin , Jin Feng
Published: December 2022

Based on the thermo-electro-elastic coupling theory, the mathematical model for a surface heated piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) plate is developed in the time domain. Applying the direct and inverse Laplace transformations to the established model, the mechanical and electrical responses are investigated. The comparison between the analytical solution and the finite element method (FEM) is conducted, which illustrates the validity of the derivation. The calculated results show that the maximum values of the mechanical and electrical fields appear at the heating surface. Importantly, the perturbation carriers tend to concentrate in the zone near the heating surface under the given boundary conditions. It can also be observed that the heating induced elastic wave leads to jumps for the electric potential and perturbation carrier density at the wavefront. When the thermal relaxation time is introduced, all the field quantities become smaller because of the thermal lagging effect. Meanwhile, it can be found that the thermal relaxation time can describe the smooth variation at the jump position. Besides, for a plate with P-N junction, the effect of the interface position on the electrical response is studied. The effects of the initial carrier density on the electrical properties are discussed in detail. The conclusions in this article can be the guidance for the design of PS devices serving in thermal environment.
Image Scaling by de la Vallée-Poussin Filtered Interpolation
Authors: Occorsio Donatella , Ramella Giuliana , Themistoclakis Woula
Published: December 2022

We present a new image scaling method both for downscaling and upscaling, running with any scale factor or desired size. The resized image is achieved by sampling a bivariate polynomial which globally interpolates the data at the new scale. The method’s particularities lay in both the sampling model and the interpolation polynomial we use. Rather than classical uniform grids, we consider an unusual sampling system based on Chebyshev zeros of the first kind. Such optimal distribution of nodes permits to consider near-best interpolation polynomials defined by a filter of de la Vallée-Poussin type. The action ray of this filter provides an additional parameter that can be suitably regulated to improve the approximation. The method has been tested on a significant number of different image datasets. The results are evaluated in qualitative and quantitative terms and compared with other available competitive methods. The perceived quality of the resulting scaled images is such that important details are preserved, and the appearance of artifacts is low. Competitive quality measurement values, good visual quality, limited computational effort, and moderate memory demand make the method suitable for real-world applications.
The Social Dimension of the European Union: A Means to lock out Social Competition?
Authors: Bilbao-Ubillos Javier
Published: December 2022

In the process of European integration, the social dimension has to date been subordinated to presumed economic requirements. There have been no specific commitments to preserve the European Social Model (ESM), which has been gradually diluted as a result of successive EU enlargements, the impact of ageing, job insecurity and socio-cultural changes on social protection systems and the pressure exerted by globalisation in a context of ever harsher market competition. Moreover, the decisions adopted by the EU in addressing the 2008 economic crisis have led Community institutions gradually to impose reforms of pension systems and labour markets, particularly in southern countries, which threaten to reduce the level of protection provided for citizens. This paper argues that the EU aquis is not sufficient to prevent social competition and warns of the risks arising from the current dynamic in terms of maintaining social cohesion, equal opportunities and fairness as basic features of European identity. Some data that illustrate the varying degrees of intensity and effort in social welfare provisions by Member States and the gradual divergence in social protection benefits are provided (using dispersion measurements). In an effort to be proactive, a number of proposals are given with a view to reversing this trend and consolidating the social content of the European project.
Strategies to parallelize a finite element mesh truncation technique on multi-core and many-core architectures
Authors: Badia Jose M. , Amor-Martin Adrian , Belloch Jose A. , Garcia-Castillo Luis Emilio
Published: December 2022

Achieving maximum parallel performance on multi-core CPUs and many-core GPUs is a challenging task depending on multiple factors. These include, for example, the number and granularity of the computations or the use of the memories of the devices. In this paper, we assess those factors by evaluating and comparing different parallelizations of the same problem on a multiprocessor containing a CPU with 40 cores and four P100 GPUs with Pascal architecture. We use, as study case, the convolutional operation behind a non-standard finite element mesh truncation technique in the context of open region electromagnetic wave propagation problems. A total of six parallel algorithms implemented using OpenMP and CUDA have been used to carry out the comparison by leveraging the same levels of parallelism on both types of platforms. Three of the algorithms are presented for the first time in this paper, including a multi-GPU method, and two others are improved versions of algorithms previously developed by some of the authors. This paper presents a thorough experimental evaluation of the parallel algorithms on a radar cross-sectional prediction problem. Results show that performance obtained on the GPU clearly overcomes those obtained in the CPU, much more so if we use multiple GPUs to distribute both data and computations. Accelerations close to 30 have been obtained on the CPU, while with the multi-GPU version accelerations larger than 250 have been achieved.
Metabolomic profiling for dyslipidemia in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease, on behalf of the IHCC consortium
Authors: Qu Hui-Qi , Glessner Joseph , Qu Jingchun , Mentch Frank , Campbell Ian , Sleiman Patrick , Connolly John J , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous study has shown that dyslipidemia is common in patients with Sickle cell disease (SCD) and is associated with more serious SCD complications.

Methods

This study investigated systematically dyslipidemia in SCD using a state-of-art nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics platform, including 147 pediatric cases with SCD and 1234 controls without SCD. We examined 249 metabolomic biomarkers, including 98 biomarkers for lipoprotein subclasses, 70 biomarkers for relative lipoprotein lipid concentrations, plus biomarkers for fatty acids and phospholipids.

Results

Specific patterns of hypolipoproteinemia and hypocholesterolemia in pediatric SCD were observed in lipoprotein subclasses other than larger VLDL subclasses. Triglycerides are not significantly changed in SCD, except increased relative concentrations in lipoprotein subclasses. Decreased plasma FFAs (including total-FA, SFA, PUFA, Omega-6, and linoleic acid) and decreased plasma phospholipids were observed in SCD.

Conclusion

This study scrutinized, for the first time, lipoprotein subclasses in pediatric patients with SCD, and identified SCD-specific dyslipidemia from altered lipoprotein metabolism. The findings of this study depict a broad panorama of lipid metabolism and nutrition in SCD, suggesting the potential of specific dietary supplementation of the deficient nutrients for the management of SCD.
The effect of mineral composition on soil organic matter turnover in temperate forest soils
Authors: Zacháry Dóra , Filep Tibor , Jakab Gergely , Ringer Marianna , Balázs Réka , Németh Tibor , Szalai Zoltán
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The aim of this work was to determine the characteristics of SOM decomposition under forest vegetation and to investigate the influence of soil mineralogy on SOM turnover.

Methods

Thirteen Hungarian forest topsoil samples amended with maize residues were incubated at 20 °C for 163 days. The CO2 evolved was measured and the fast and slow decomposition rate constants (k1 and k2, respectively) of SOM were quantified using a first-order two pools model. Linear regression analysis was applied between the quantity of total mineralized carbon (TMC), k1 and k2 values and the mineralogical parameters of the soils.

Results

The illite (R2 = 0.797, p < 0.001) and non-swelling clay mineral (R2 = 0.767, p < 0.001) content and the dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate-extractable Al (AlDCB, R2 = 0.708, p < 0.001) and ammonium-oxalate-extractable Al concentration (AlOX, R2 = 0.627, p < 0.01) reduced the TMC to the greatest extent. The AlDCB (R2 = 0.681, p < 0.001), AlOX (R2 = 0.583, p < 0.01) and illite (R2 = 0.545, p < 0.01) contents had strong negative relationship with the k1 value. The k2 value was only affected by the non-swelling clay mineral (R2 = 0.467, p < 0.05) and illite (R2 = 0.574, p < 0.01) contents.

Conclusion

These results confirm that the mineral composition of the soil, including the Al oxide, non-swelling clay mineral and illite contents, may significantly inhibit the decomposition of SOM, showing that illite minerals may provide binding surfaces for SOM over a longer timescale.
Das „Reasoning-and-Rehabilitation“-Programm im deutschen Strafvollzug – Auswirkungen auf die Legalbewährung
Authors: Weber Sophia , Hosser Daniela
Published: December 2022

Befunde zum „Reasoning-and-Rehabilitation“-Programm (R&R) aus dem deutschen Strafvollzug (Hosser und Weber 2021) zeigen, dass Teilnehmer des R&R im Behandlungsverlauf positive Einstellungs- und Verhaltensveränderungen durchlaufen. Offen ist die Frage, inwieweit sich diese Veränderungen auf die Legalbewährung auswirken. Um dies zu klären, wurden die Rückfalldaten von 110 männlichen Teilnehmern des R&R aus verschiedenen Jugend- und Justizvollzugsanstalten mit den Daten einer nachträglich anhand der Akten parallelisierten Kontrollgruppe (n = 74) verglichen. Zwei Jahren nach Haftentlassung war die allgemeine Rückfallrate der Teilnehmer um 13,7 % niedriger als die der Kontrollgruppe. Die Teilnehmer des R&R wurden außerdem signifikant seltener zu erneuten Haftstrafen verurteilt. Dieser Effekt ließ sich jedoch ausschließlich auf die Teilnehmer aus dem Jugendstrafvollzug zurückführen. Die Rückfälligkeit konnte darüber hinaus nur begrenzt durch die während des R&R erzielten Einstellungs- und Verhaltensveränderungen vorhergesagt werden.
The Drone, the Snake, and the Crystal: Manifesting Potency in 3D Digital Replicas of Living Heritage and Archaeological Places
Authors: Wessels Stephen , Maape Sechaba , Schoville Benjamin J. , Wilkins Jayne
Published: December 2022

Creating and sharing 3D digital replicas of archaeological sites online has become increasingly common. They are being integrated in excavation workflows, used to foster public engagement with the site, and provide communication and outreach of research, which now happen on digital media platforms. However, there has been little introspection by the community involved in the 3D documentation field, which has resulted in problematic practices. We critique the western paradigm of archaeological visualisation and propose recommendations for inclusive, decolonised visualisations of living heritage and archaeological places. To begin, we define in broad terms what an archaeological site is, and then we describe how these sites have been recorded and represented using the latest technology for digital re-production, namely laser scanning and photogrammetry. Following that we provide a critical analysis of current 3D visualisations of archaeological sites and develop an approach to ensure that the significance, meaning, and potency of archaeological and living heritage places are transferred to their digital replicas. Our case study at Ga-Mohana Hill in South Africa then offers practical approaches and methodologies that the fields of cultural heritage documentation and archaeological visualisation can employ to address their recurring issues as identified in the critical analysis. We present an online, interactive 3D digital replica of a living heritage and archaeological place that we believe responds appropriately to its political, cultural, and social context along with communicating its archaeological significance.
Human Monoclonal IgE Antibodies—a Major Milestone in Allergy
Authors: Smith Scott A. , Chruszcz Maksymilian , Chapman Martin D. , Pomés Anna
Published: December 2022

Purpose of Review

Bound to its high affinity receptor on mast cells and basophils, the IgE antibody molecule plays an integral role in the allergic reaction. Through interactions with the allergen, it provides the sensitivity and specificity parameters for cell activation and mediator release that produce allergic symptoms. Advancements in human hybridoma technologies allow for the generation and molecular definition of naturally occurring allergen-specific human IgE monoclonal antibodies.

Recent Findings

A high-resolution structure of dust mite allergen Der p 2 in complex with Fab of the human IgE mAb 2F10 was recently determined using X-ray crystallography. The structure reveals the fine molecular details of IgE 2F10 binding its 750 Å2 conformational epitope on Der p 2.

This review provides an overview of this major milestone in allergy, the first atomic resolution structure of an authentic human IgE epitope. The molecular insights that IgE epitopes provide will allow for structure-based design approaches to the development of novel diagnostics, antibody therapeutics, and immunotherapies.
Dynamical information flow within the magnetosphere-ionosphere system during magnetic storms
Authors: Stumpo Mirko , Benella Simone , Consolini Giuseppe , Alberti Tommaso
Published: December 2022

The direct role of successive intense magnetospheric substorms in injecting/energizing particles into the storm-time ring current is still debated and controversial. Whereas in the recent past it has been observed the absence of a net information flow between magnetic storms and substorms, previous in-situ satellite observations have evidenced that ionospheric-origin ions dominate the population of the ring current during the main phase of geomagnetic storms. As a matter of fact, the controversy arises mainly by the use of sophisticated data-driven techniques somewhat contradicting in-situ measurements. In this framework, the main aim of this work is to attempt an adaption of the powerful information-theoretic approach, i.e., the transfer entropy, in a consistent way with physics modeling and observations and to explore the possible motivations behind the underlying contradictions that emerge when these techniques are used. Our idea is to characterize the dynamics of the information flow within the magnetosphere-ionosphere system using a database of geomagnetic storms instead of considering a long time series of geomagnetic indices. We found a net information flow between the external driver and the geomagnetic indices and also between high and low latitude indices themselves, which turns out to be very well localized during the different phases of a magnetic storm.
Steroid Hormones as Modulators of Emotional Regulation in Male Urogenital Cancers
Authors: Faviana Pinuccia , Boldrini Laura , Gronchi Lisa , Galli Luca , Erba Paola , Gentile Carlo , Lippolis Piero Vincenzo , Marchetti Elio , Di Stefano Iosè , Sammarco Enrico , Chapman Alex D. , Bardi Massimo
Published: December 2022

Background

Tumors develop within an organism operating in a specific social and physical environment. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), two of the most abundant steroid hormones in humans, are involved in both emotional regulation and the tumor progression. Several studies reported preclinical findings that DHEA can have preventive and therapeutic efficacy in treating major age-associated diseases, including cancer, although the mechanisms of action are not yet defined. The main aim of current study was to investigate the relationship between psychological and physiological emotional regulation and cancer development.

Method

This study assessed the quality of life of urogenital cancer male patients using several validated tools, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and the Profile of Mood States. Saliva samples were collected to monitor peripheral activity of both cortisol and DHEA. It was hypothesized that patients with a better quality of life would have higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratios.

Results

We found that the quality of life was positively related to DHEA, but not cortisol levels. Negative mood increases were related to lower levels of DHEA. Logistic regression of the predictors of metastases indicated three main independent factors involved: DHEA, age, and cortisol. In other words, the higher the DHEA levels in comparison to cortisol levels, controlling for age, the lower the probability of metastases.

Conclusion

Our results appear to support the hypothesis that emotional dysregulation mediated by DHEA/cortisol activity is a key factor in the probability of metastasis in urogenital cancers.
Electron microscopy holdings of the Protein Data Bank: the impact of the resolution revolution, new validation tools, and implications for the future
Authors: Burley Stephen K. , Berman Helen M. , Chiu Wah , Dai Wei , Flatt Justin W. , Hudson Brian P. , Kaelber Jason T. , Khare Sagar D. , Kulczyk Arkadiusz W. , Lawson Catherine L. , Pintilie Grigore D. , Sali Andrej , Vallat Brinda , Westbrook John D. , Young Jasmine Y. , Zardecki Christine
Published: December 2022

As a discipline, structural biology has been transformed by the three-dimensional electron microscopy (3DEM) “Resolution Revolution” made possible by convergence of robust cryo-preservation of vitrified biological materials, sample handling systems, and measurement stages operating a liquid nitrogen temperature, improvements in electron optics that preserve phase information at the atomic level, direct electron detectors (DEDs), high-speed computing with graphics processing units, and rapid advances in data acquisition and processing software. 3DEM structure information (atomic coordinates and related metadata) are archived in the open-access Protein Data Bank (PDB), which currently holds more than 11,000 3DEM structures of proteins and nucleic acids, and their complexes with one another and small-molecule ligands (~ 6% of the archive). Underlying experimental data (3DEM density maps and related metadata) are stored in the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB), which currently holds more than 21,000 3DEM density maps. After describing the history of the PDB and the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) partnership, which jointly manages both the PDB and EMDB archives, this review examines the origins of the resolution revolution and analyzes its impact on structural biology viewed through the lens of PDB holdings. Six areas of focus exemplifying the impact of 3DEM across the biosciences are discussed in detail (icosahedral viruses, ribosomes, integral membrane proteins, SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, cryogenic electron tomography, and integrative structure determination combining 3DEM with complementary biophysical measurement techniques), followed by a review of 3DEM structure validation by the wwPDB that underscores the importance of community engagement.
Das Beurteilen von Lernprodukten als Facette diagnostischer Kompetenz fördern
Authors: Eichler Andreas , Rathgeb-Schnierer Elisabeth , Volkmer Jan Philipp
Published: December 2022

Diagnostische Kompetenz ist eine zentrale Komponente der professionellen Kompetenzen von Lehrkräften, die die Qualität von Unterricht und somit das Lernen von Schülerinnen und Schülern beeinflusst. Aufgrund dieser zentralen Bedeutung rückt die systematische Schulung der diagnostischen Kompetenz zunehmend in den Forschungsfokus. Diese Arbeit zielt auf die Erforschung der Förderung diagnostischer Kompetenz im Bereich der Mathematik ab. Wir stellen eine quasi-experimentelle Studie mit Treatment- und Kontrollgruppe vor, die den Effekt einer Intervention bei Studierenden des Grundschullehramts (n = 74) untersucht. Die Intervention erfolgt im Rahmen eines Seminars, das die als effektiv bekannten Bestandteile der Förderung diagnostischer Kompetenz aufgreift. Diagnostische Kompetenz modellieren wir als Fähigkeit, Lernprodukte von Schülerinnen adäquat und multiperspektivisch beurteilen zu können und messen deren Entwicklung in einem Pre-Post-Design. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass unsere Schulung insbesondere auf einen Teil sogenannter epistemischen Aktivitäten wirkt: die Entwicklung und Stützung von Hypothesen zu Fähigkeiten von Schülerinnen und Schülern. Hier unterscheidet sich die Treatmentgruppe im Post-Test signifikant von der Kontrollgruppe. Die Arbeit leistet insgesamt einen Beitrag zur Entwicklung und mehrperspektivischen Messung diagnostischer Kompetenz bezogen auf epistemische Aktivitäten im diagnostischen Prozess und der multiperspektivischen Beurteilung der Lernprodukte von Schülerinnen und Schülern zu offenen Lernangebote zur Arithmetik.
Systematic quantitative investigation of the unscrewing process with regard to breakaway torque
Authors: Mangold Simon , Gerlitz Eduard , Zimprich Sebastian , Friedmann Marco , Matthiesen Sven , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: December 2022

Threaded connections make up the majority of separable connections used today. Their disassembly behaviour strongly depends on the conditions during the life-phase. With the trend towards circular economy, disassembly particularly for remanufacturing requires automation. For production systems this mandates a certain capability of adaptation towards different product conditions. In the regarded case of dismantling threaded connections, this is the automatic selection of appropriate robot tools. One important criterion for the tool-selection is the breakaway torque, which strongly depends on friction parameters within the threads and the head surface. Those are influenced by e.g. corrosion and head type. In this contribution, the results of a systematic experimental investigation of the breakaway torque of threaded connections is presented. The aim of the contribution is to determine the influence on the breakaway torque of typical factors appearing in automated disassembly systems. Therefore, a total of 90 experiments are conducted which include five factors: Nominal diameter; Screw head type; Corrosion; Plate material; Applied torque during assembly.
Comparative environmental life cycle assessment and operating cost analysis of long-range hydrogen and biofuel fueled transport aircraft
Authors: Kossarev Kristina , Scholz Anna Elena , Hornung Mirko
Published: December 2022

The aviation industry is currently experiencing a social shift in the attitude towards flying due to the increasing awareness of the impact on climate change. This has led governments and industries to set emissions targets, although their achievement for long-range flights is subject to an ongoing debate. Among promising candidates are hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels such as biofuel. To provide a meaningful ecological and economic assessment, an environmental life cycle assessment method supplemented by a direct operating cost analysis has been developed and is described in this paper. A wide-body transport aircraft (A330 class) serves as a reference design for developing conceptual aircraft designs with a planned entry-into-service in 2040 powered by liquid hydrogen or drop-in biofuels (based on algae, produced with oil-rich biomass (BtL) or hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) processes). Due to the large demand for assumptions, the ecological and economic assessment results have to be interpreted as benchmarks. The results for long-range aircraft show that based on the current fuel and energy production methods both hydrogen and biofuel as aviation fuel are more harmful (have a higher environmental impact) than conventional aircraft. For hydrogen aircraft, an increase in energy consumption of $$2.87\%$$

2.87
%

leads to an increased environmental impact of $$14.8\%$$

14.8
%

. Due to the high energy demand for biofuel production, its environmental impact increases by $$548\%$$

548
%

(BtL) and $$238\%$$

238
%

(HVO). Nevertheless, for a future scenario based on electrolysis as a hydrogen production process and on renewable energy to generate electricity, both hydrogen and biofuel-powered aircraft are less harmful when compared to the reference aircraft. The environmental impact reduces by $$59.5\%$$

59.5
%

(hydrogen), $$35.8\%$$

35.8
%

(BtL), and $$112\%$$

112
%

(HVO). However, the introduction of the new propellants involves a high direct operating cost penalty of $$10.8\%$$

10.8
%

for hydrogen and $$108\%$$

108
%

for both biofuels.