bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological conservation measures are better than engineering conservation measures in improving soil quality of eroded orchards in southern China
Authors: Qin Xin , Zhang Yan , Yu Ronggang , Chang Xingchen , Yao Yuefei , Qiu Quan , Li Haiqiang , Wei Xiaorong
Published: April 2022

Both biological and engineering measures have proven to be effective soil and water conservation practices for eroded environments, whereas how the soil quality varies with them remains unclear. In this study, we measured soil properties in the 0‐to‐100‐cm soil layer of eroded orchards in southern China after 17‐yr of application of different conservation measures. The purpose of the experiment was to examine the effect of biological (grass planting, intercropping) and engineering measures (terrace) on the soil quality of eroded orchards. We selected an orchard plot with traditional clean‐tillage as control. In comparison, soil pH, organic carbon, total phosphorus, microbial carbon, available potassium, and available micro‐elements contents increased significantly in orchards with biological measures, and the improvements were more dramatic in orchards planting grass in strips. However, biological measures significantly reduced the mean weight diameter of aggregates. Engineering measures significantly increased the soil pH of orchards but decreased the contents of available iron and available manganese. The soil quality index (SQI) was 4–55% higher in the biological treatment than in the control. Moreover, higher SQIs were found in the orchards with grass planting than that with intercropping, and this effect was greater in the topsoil than in deeper soils. On the contrary, engineering measures had similar SQI with clean tillage. These results suggest that biological measures are more effective than engineering measures in maintaining soil quality and nutrient content in eroded orchards in southern China.
Theoretical Study of Two‐Dimensional ZrO2/g‐C3N4 Sandwich Structure Loaded Noble‐Metal Rh Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Dong Shizhi , Li Yanshuai , Liu Xuhua , Li Ruichuan , Zhao Hewei , Guo Lin
Published: April 2022

Hydrogen production by photocatalysis will be an important means of obtaining hydrogen energy in the future. In this paper, a novel single‐atom catalysts structure was designed to improve the conversion efficiency of the reaction. A novel single‐atom catalysts was designed by using two‐dimensional crystalline and amorphous ZrO2 and Graphitic Carbon Nitride g‐C3N4 to form a sandwich single‐atom structure. Rh single‐atoms load was carried on the interlayer ZrO2 surface. The electronic structure and catalytic performance of the catalyst were calculated and analyzed by density functional theory. It has been shown that the electron concentration induced by the unsaturated coordination bond on the surface of the amorphous state has an excellent effect on the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. The local surface plasmon resonance effect of noble metal reduces the work function of catalyst and improves the electron transition ability. This paper proves that amorphous interlayer photocatalyst has a wide research prospect. It provides new ideas for the design of new catalysts and green energy in the future.
Conversion of N‐Acetyl‐D‐glucosamine into 3‐Acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran Using Cheap Ammonium Chloride as Catalyst
Authors: Wang Chengyong , Wu Chaoqiang , Zhang Alei , Chen Kequan , Cao Fei , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: April 2022

Herein, we propose a facile method for converting N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine (NAG) into the N‐containing chemical 3‐acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran (3A5AF) using chloride salt as a catalyst. Screening of various chloride salts showed that NH4Cl possessed the optimal catalytic performance. The catalyst NH4Cl led to a 3A5AF yield of 43 mol % with LiCl as an additive in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent at 160 °C for 5 min. Moreover, the solvent, catalyst and additive could be reused at least five times with residual catalytic activity of 94.42 %. Additionally, scaling up of the 3A5AF preparation could be easily realized and the purity of the product 3A5AF reached >99 % purity with 45 mol % isolated yield after a simple isolation procedure. This work provides an environmentally friendly and mild method for converting NAG into 3A5AF.
Screening and Specificity Analysis of Aptamer in Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma of Breast
Authors: Guo Yuanbin , Gao Yue , Liu Xiujuan , Sun Huaqing , Shi Ming , Li Jian , Liu Zhiwei , Li Kun
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor disease in women, and early diagnosis has a better preventive effect on cancer. Aptamers, which are mainly screened by the exponential enrichment ligand phylogenetic technique, play an important role in the early diagnosis of cancer as early diagnostic molecules. In this study, aptamers identified specifically infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast were obtained and their specificity was investigated. The aptamers of invasive ductal carcinoma of breast were screened based on Serum‐SELEX (Ser‐SELEX) technology, and sequences that specific binding were obtained by high‐throughput sequencing. The secondary structure of the aptamers was predicted by online software, the affinity and specificity of the aptamers were determined by q‐PCR and ELASA. After 13 rounds of screening, the aptamer IDC31 was obtained, and its secondary structure was predicted to have a stem ring structure. The q‐PCR results showed that the aptamer IDC31 had strong affinity and specificity for infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast, and the dissociation constants were within the nanomolar range. The ELASA test showed that IDC31 had great specificity for breast invasive ductal carcinoma, and the detection rate was over 80 %. Therefore, the aptamer IDC31 could be used as an early diagnosis tool for breast invasive ductal carcinoma, which provided a possibility for the early diagnosis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma.
Research on the Catalytic Hydrolysis of COS by Fe−Cu/AC Catalyst and Its Inactivation Mechanism at Low Temperature**
Authors: Han Hehe , Zhang Zhihong , Zhang Yaolei
Published: April 2022

For removing carbonyl sulfide (COS) from industrial waste gas at low temperatures, the critical approach is to prepare an efficient and cheap catalyst. In this paper, Fe/Cu modified coal‐based activated carbon (AC) was prepared by co‐precipitation method and tested for the catalytic hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide (COS) at low temperatures in a fixed‐bed reactor. The results showed that the best mole ratio of Fe/Cu was 1 : 1 and the best content of metal oxides was 50 %. BET, XRD, XPS, FTIR, and SEM investigated the structure and surface properties. COS was hydrolyzed on Fe2O3 to produce H2S and CO2, and H2S reacted with CuO to have CuS. At the same time, H2S reacted with Fe2O3 to produce FeS and elementary sulfur. Oxidized elemental sulfur was to form sulfuric acid, which responded with Fe2O3 to form sulfates. The sulfates would be deposited on the catalysts’ surface and block the pore structure. Deactivation of metal oxides and blockage of pore structures were the main reason for catalyst deactivation.
Facile Preparation of MgO Nanoparticles by Microwave‐Assisted Sol‐Gel Hydrothermal Method towards the Paraoxon Pollutants Degradation
Authors: Liu Shisheng , Cai Meijie , Wei Xiaohui , Guo Minjie , Liu Shengjun , Lin Song
Published: April 2022

The nanosized MgO (Mw‐MgO) was synthesized from Mg(OH)2 gel precursor via a microwave‐assisted sol‐gel hydrothermal method. Compared with the commercial MgO, the optimum Mw‐MgO was obtained by the calcining temperature at 500 °C, and the grain size was about 8.31 nm with a higher surface area of 213.5 m2/g. Meanwhile, such as‐prepared Mw‐MgO showed an excellent performance towards paraoxon degradation, and the maximum degradation amount was up to 43.62 mg/g@90 min at room temperature. The kinetic degradation trend was consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order model (R2>0.99). The degradation mechanism of such Mw‐MgO was also revealed by using nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) as a probe.
Hierarchically Ordered Porous Solid Acid: Preparation and Application as a Biodiesel Catalyst
Authors: Cheng Yongli , Wang Xiaomei , Feng Lei , Zhang Xu
Published: April 2022

Acid‐catalyzed esterification of high fatty acid content feedstocks with methanol is an efficient way to prepare biodiesel. In this work, using the dual template method combining the colloidal crystal template and the porogen, a series of hierarchical ordered porous weak cross‐linked polystyrene solid acid catalysts with high mass transfer efficiency and high acid density were successfully prepared. This catalyst displayed stronger acid strength and better swelling properties. The specific surface area of the obtained catalyst is 32 m2 ⋅ g−1, and its acid value reaches 4.11 mmol ⋅ g−1. The effect of the hierarchical porous structure and swelling on the access to the catalytic sites were illuminated. Acid‐catalyzed reactions showed that hierarchically ordered porous cross‐linked polystyrene solid acid catalyst was more active (the efficiency of the esterification of oleic acid and methanol was up to 93.67 %) than Amberlyst‐15 catalyst.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Ferulic Amide Derivatives and the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Huang Xian‐Feng , An Zhe , Yu Ying‐Cong , Feng Xiao‐Qing , Wang Ya‐Jing
Published: April 2022

Sixteen ferulic amide (FA) derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as multi‐target inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease (AD). In vitro studies indicated that most of the compounds showed significant potency to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and self‐induced β‐amyloid (Aβ) aggregation. Specifically, a dimeric FA analogue with a diamide linker (compound 4 c) exhibited the potent ability to inhibit AChE (IC50, 0.35 μM) and the good Aβ aggregation inhibition (46.6 % at 20 μM). The structure‐activity relationships were also discussed as well as their binding conformation and simultaneous interactions mode were further clarified by the molecular docking studies. Moreover, it also produced good effects against scopolamine‐induced cognitive impairment in vivo. These results suggested that compound 4 c was a promising drug candidate against AD.
Silicon Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen‐doped Hard Carbon Microspheres with a Double Carbon Matrix for Enhanced Cycling Performance of Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Yuhao , Liu Xu , Liu Yuansheng , Liu Huitian , Dai Xiaoqian , Wu Xiaochen , Shan Zhongqiang
Published: April 2022

Limited by low electrical conductivity and huge volume changes in the process of lithium intercalation/de‐intercalation, the commercial application of Si‐based anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries is hindered. Herein, silicon nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen‐doped hard carbon microspheres composites (Si/NC@HC) were prepared by two‐step polymerization of 3‐aminophenol and resorcinol between formaldehyde and further carbonization. The formed double carbon matrix, including the inter NC microsphere and outer nanometer‐thick HC layer, can not only improve the electrical conductivity and silicon load but also ensure high structural stability to alleviate the volume effect of silicon effectively. Therefore, the obtained Si/NC‐2@HC possesses a high specific capacity of 1262.6 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at the current density of 0.5 A g−1 with high silicon contents of 78 %, exhibiting excellent cycling performance. The novel synthesis method and structural design will provide a strategy for engineering Si‐based anode materials with high specific capacity and enhanced cycling performance.
Guanidine Thiocyanate‐Induced High‐Quality Perovskite Film for Efficient Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhong Shoudeng , Li Zhuoxi , Zheng Chunqiu , Luo Xinyi , Gao Jinwei , Lu Xubing , Gao Xingsen , Shui Lingling , Wu Sujuan , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: April 2022

Although tin‐based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) are regarded as one of the most potential candidates in the field of lead‐free photovoltaics, the photoelectrical properties of TPSCs are limited because Sn2+ tends to be oxidized to be Sn4+ to produce tin vacancies, resulting in poor performance. Herein, guanidine thiocyanate (GASCN) is selected to regulate the quality of tin‐based perovskite film to fabricate efficient TPSCs. The device structure is ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PEA0.1FA0.9SnI3 with or without GASCN/PCBM/PEI/Ag. The effects of GASCN additive on the microstructure and photoelectrical properties of TPSCs are systematically investigated. The results show that the GASCN additive can form Lewis adducts with uncoordinated Sn atoms, inhibit the oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+, and passivate the trap states of perovskite films, resulting in the suppressed charge recombination and improved performance. Thus, the unsealed TPSCs with GASCN additive at the optimal process demonstrate a champion efficiency of 10.06% with better stability. Herein, an effective strategy to fabricate efficient and stable TPSCs is provided.
Scalable Growth of Stable Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite towards Large‐Scale Tandem Photovoltaics
Authors: Tian Congcong , Gao Xiaofeng , Li Jing , Pan Junye , Yu Guomu , Huang Bo , Wen Yongtao , Zhu Hao , Bu Tongle , Cheng Yi-Bing , Huang Fuzhi
Published: April 2022

Upscaling and stabilizing efficient wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are critical for the commercialization of tandem photovoltaics. Herein, solvent engineering is applied for scalable deposition of wide‐bandgap (≈1.72 eV) perovskite by the introduction of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) additives, which enables compact and phase‐stable FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I0.7Br0.3)3 perovskite even without the use of antisolvent. By further passivation with a 2‐thiophenemethylammonium bromide (2‐ThMABr)‐based quasi‐2D perovskite (n = 2) on the surface of 3D perovskite, a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.46% with a higher open‐circuit voltage of 1.219 V for a small‐sized wide‐bandgap PSC is achieved. It also exhibits excellent long‐term stability, maintaining 93% of its initial PCE after 2000 h storage in the air without encapsulation. In addition, this wide‐bandgap perovskite is also easy to be upscaled via a blade‐coating strategy, which demonstrates high PCEs of 16.07% and 13.03% with active areas of 46.5 and 123.0 cm2, respectively. Furthermore, the application of this wide‐bandgap perovskite for four‐terminal (4‐T) perovskite/silicon (Si) tandem solar cells also demonstrates high PCEs of 23.85% and 19.51% with active areas of 0.16 and 1.0 cm2. The work demonstrates a great potential toward large‐area efficient and stable wide‐bandgap PSCs and perovskite/Si tandem cells.
Realization of High‐Voltage Output on Monolithic Silicon Solar Cells in Series for Self‐Powered Systems
Authors: Wu Taojian , Lin Hao , Chen Liyan , Liu Zhaolang , Pang Yicong , Li Zhengping , Gao Pingqi , Shen Wenzhong
Published: April 2022

Crystalline silicon solar cells dominate the photovoltaic market nowadays. However, they are rarely used in self‐powered systems (with an operating voltage of 1.5∼12.0 V) mainly because of the low integration of silicon solar cell modules, which need slicing and then series connection. Herein, a series‐interconnected solar cell which can be prepared on a monolithic silicon wafer, with the capability to output high voltage by controlling the number of sub‐cells, is proposed. Further, based on a technology computer aided design (TCAD) numerical simulation, an in‐depth analysis of an unconventional non‐shunt resistance type of leakage mechanism under electric and light injection which has not been reported before is proposed and performed, finding that the leakage current can be divided into three stages that are closely related to the variation in the conductivity (resistance) of the transition region (TR) under injection conditions. Then, several targeted methods especially an unusual method of increasing the recombination to constrain the rise in conductivity in TR are proposed to improve its efficiency by suppressing leakage current at different stages. Finally, simulation reveals that the proposed monolithic on‐chip solar micromodules enable not only high voltage but also high efficiency (≥24.0%), which well meets the requirements of self‐powered systems at low cost.
Optical fiber measurement of local strains in a ribbed bar
Authors: Leibovich Orit , Yankelevsky David Z. , Klar Assaf , Elkayam Itai
Published: April 2022

Ribbed bars are known for their enhanced bond to concrete. Their ribs make bar section variable along the axis and the strain profile is variable as well, under any given applied force. Such variable strain profile has not been measured so far, thus the stress profile and its effect on the global behavior of the bar cannot be determined. Though optical fibers are an effective means to measure the strains in structural members, their application to the study of bond behavior is still in its infancy. Such an application is the objective of this research project. Specially manufactured partly smooth and partly ribbed bars with optical fibers were tested in pure tension (bare bars) and in the pullout from concrete to investigate the strain profile variability. In the bare bars, the strain measured in the smooth part was constant (as expected), while in the ribbed part higher strains were measured but no localized effects were detected, and the location of the ribs was not identified. Similar behavior was obtained by 3D finite‐element analysis, which merely yielded slight ups and downs at ribs' locations, with an average strain that is similar to the measured strain. However, in the pull‐out tests, the strains were constant in the unbonded smooth part and exhibited an undulating profile in the bonded ribbed part, where the peaks were related to the locations of the ribs. Such promising results motivate further studies to improve the resolution of the proposed technique.
Macromolecular Crowding and Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: A Polymer Physics Perspective
Authors: Cubuk Jasmine , Soranno Andrea
Published: April 2022

The cell is a crowded environment where a relevant fraction of the available space is occupied by proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. Here we discuss recent advancements in the understanding of crowding effects on intrinsically disordered proteins. Differently from their structured counterparts, these proteins do not adopt a stable three‐dimensional structure and remain flexible and dynamic in solution. The physics of polymers and colloids provides a framework to interpret how crowding modulates conformations, dynamics, and interactions of disordered proteins. Flory‐Huggins models enable rationalizing the different degree of compaction induced by crowding agents in terms of depletion interactions. The same interactions modulate the diffusion of the disordered proteins in a crowded milieu and the association and dissociation rates when interacting with a ligand. Altogether, this theoretical framework provides new insights into the interpretation of the effects of the cellular environment on disordered proteins.
Spontaneous and Driven Growth of Multicellular Lipid Compartments to Millimeter Size from Porous Polymer Structures**
Authors: Nomura Shin‐ichiro M. , Shimizu Ryo , Archer Richard James , Hayase Gen , Toyota Taro , Mayne Richard , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: April 2022

This report describes a method to obtain multicellular shaped compartments made by lipids growing from a sponge‐like porous structure. Each compartment is several tens of micrometers in diameter and separated by membranes comprised of phospholipid and amphipathic molecules. The multi‐compartment structure spontaneously grew to a millimeter scale, driven by an ionic concentration difference between the interior and exterior environments of the sponge. These compartments can also easily incorporate hydrophilic species as a well as smaller materials such as liposomes. Additionally, we showed that mechanical squeezing of the sponge was also effective in producing multicellular bodies. These simple methods to obtain large‐scale multicellular compartment of lipid membrane will help future designs and trials of chemical communications on artificial cells.
Protective effects of CHIP overexpression and Wharton's jelly mesenchymal‐derived stem cell treatment against streptozotocin‐induced neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Ju Da‐Tong , Van Thao Dao , Lu Cheng‐You , Ali Ayaz , Shibu Marthandam Asokan , Chen Ray‐Jade , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Shih Tzu‐Ching , Tsai Cheng‐Yen , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: April 2022

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, posing a challenge in treatment. Previous studies have indicated the protective role of mesenchymal stem cells against several disorders. Although they can repair nerve injury, their key limitation is that they reduce viability under stress conditions. We recently observed that overactivation of the carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) interacting protein (CHIP) considerably rescued cell viability under hyperglycemic stress and played an essential role in promoting the beneficial effects of Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs). Thus, the present study was designed to unveil the protective effects of CHIP‐overexpressing WJMSCs against neurodegeneration using in vivo animal model based study. In this study, western blotting observed that CHIP‐overexpressing WJMSCs could rescue nerve damage observed in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats by activating the AMPKα/AKT and PGC1α/SIRT1 signaling pathway. In contrast, these signaling pathways were downregulated upon silencing CHIP. Furthermore, CHIP‐overexpressing WJMSCs inhibited inflammation induced in the brains of diabetic rats by suppressing the NF‐κB, its downstream iNOS and cytokines signaling nexus and enhancing the antioxidant enzyme system. Moreover, TUNEL assay demonstrated that CHIP carrying WJMSCs suppressed the apoptotic cell death induced in STZ‐induced diabetic group. Collectively, our findings suggests that CHIP‐overexpressing WJMSCs might exerts beneficial effects, which may be considered as a therapeutic strategy against diabetic neuropathy complications.
Self‐expanding tracheal stent placement in a cat with primary tracheal collapse
Authors: Tanaka Masashi , Uemura Akiko
Published: April 2022

A 12‐year‐old mixed‐breed spayed female cat presented with dyspnoea, open‐mouthed breathing, and cyanosis that was difficult to control with medical pharmacotherapy; the cat was diagnosed with the primary tracheal collapse of the neck and chest regions. The diagnosis was confirmed by dynamic chest radiography, tracheal endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT). Tracheal endoscopy and CT showed dropsy of the dorsal membranous wall over most of the trachea. A self‐expanding Nitinol cross‐and‐hook braided stent was placed along the entire tracheal lumen using surgical X‐ray fluoroscopy. Bacterial cultures in the trachea were negative. Dyspnoea disappeared immediately after the endotracheal stent was implanted. Although the long‐term prognosis remains under observation, the short‐ to medium‐term prognosis was very good. These results suggest that stenting may be useful in the treatment of primary tracheal collapse in cats.
Leonardite powder as an efficient adsorbent for cationic and anionic dyes
Authors: Arslan Hudaverdi , Saleh Mohammed , Bilici Zeynep , Dizge Nadir
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to investigate the uses of leonardite powder (LP) as an effective adsorbent for the removal of basic red 18 (BR18) and reactive red 180 (RR180) dyes. LP was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Zeta potential, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). The adsorption process was assessed based on pH, size and the amount of the adsorbent, BR18 and RR180 concentration, and the contact time. BR18 dye was completely adsorbed onto the LP (the removal efficiency equals 100%) after 45 min at the optimum condition (original pH [6.5], the particle size of 45 μm, the adsorbent dose of 0.25 g/L, and the initial concentration of 10 mg/L). For RR180, the maximum removal efficiency (74%) was obtained when 1 g/L LP with 45 um size was added to an RR180 solution of 10 mg/L concentration. Temkin isotherm was used to explain the adsorption of BR18. In contrast, RR180 adsorption was described by the Freundlich model. The adsorptions of both dyes followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The reusability of the LP was assessed. For BR18, the efficiency decreased to 96% in the second cycle and reached 42% in the fifth cycle. In RR180, LP was not able to be reused efficiently. As a result, the LP ability for BR18 removal is higher than the RR180 in terms of uptake and reusability.

Practitioner Points

BR18 and RR180 dyes elimination was carried out with leonardite powder (LP).

The maximum removal efficiencies for BR18 and RR180 were 100% and 74%, respectively.

The LP ability for BR18 removal is higher than the RR180 in terms of uptake and reusability.
Towards positive geometry of multi scalar field amplitudes. Accordiohedron and effective field theory
Authors: Jagadale Mrunmay , Laddha Alok
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The geometric structure of S-matrix encapsulated by the “Amplituhedron program” has begun to reveal itself even in non-supersymmetric quantum field theories. Starting with the seminal work of Arkani-Hamed, Bai, He and Yan [1] it is now understood that for a wide class of scalar quantum field theories, tree-level amplitudes are canonical forms associated to polytopes known as accordiohedra. Similarly the higher loop scalar integrands are canonical forms associated to so called type-D cluster polytopes for cubic interactions or recently discovered class of polytopes termed pseudo-accordiohedron for higher order scalar interactions.

In this paper, we continue to probe the universality of these structures for a wider class of scalar quantum field theories. More in detail, we discover new realisations of the associahedron in planar kinematic space whose canonical forms generate (colour-ordered) tree-level S matrix of external massless particles with n − 4 massless poles and one massive pole at m2. The resulting amplitudes are associated to λ1$$ {\phi}_1^3 $$

ϕ
1
3

+ λ2$$ {\phi}_1^2 $$

ϕ
1
2

ϕ2 potential where ϕ1 and ϕ2 are massless and massive scalar fields with bi-adjoint colour indices respectively. We also show how in the “decoupling limit” (where m → ∞, λ2 → ∞ such that g :$$ \frac{\uplambda_2}{m} $$

λ
2

m

= finite) these associahedra project onto a specific class of accordiohedron which are known to be positive geometries of amplitudes generated by λ$$ {\phi}_1^3 $$

ϕ
1
3

+ g$$ {\phi}_1^4 $$

ϕ
1
4

.
Spectrum of the quantum integrable $$ {D}_2^{(2)} $$ spin chain with generic boundary fields
Authors: Li Guang-Liang , Cao Junpeng , Yang Wen-Li , Shi Kangjie , Wang Yupeng
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Exact solution of the quantum integrable $$ {D}_2^{(2)} $$

D
2

2

spin chain with generic integrable boundary fields is constructed. It is found that the transfer matrix of this model can be factorized as the product of those of two open staggered anisotropic XXZ spin chains. Based on this identity, the eigenvalues and Bethe ansatz equations of the $$ {D}_2^{(2)} $$

D
2

2

model are derived via off-diagonal Bethe ansatz.
M2-branes on discs and multi-charged spindles
Authors: Couzens Christopher , Stemerdink Koen , van de Heisteeg Damian
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We study supersymmetric AdS2 × Y9 solutions of 11d supergravity where Y9 is an S7 fibration over a Riemann surface equipped with a metric of non-constant curvature. We consider two classes of Riemann surface: the first is a spindle and the second is a topological disc. These solutions are interpreted as the near-horizon limit of M2 branes wrapped on the Riemann surface and describe the near-horizon of a 4d black hole. In the case of the topological disc there are additional flavour M2 branes smeared on a five-sphere embedded in the transverse S7. We perform a full global analysis of both classes of solutions, both from a 4d and an 11d viewpoint. Finally we compute the two-dimensional Newton’s constant from which we obtain a prediction for the entropy of the black hole.
The three-loop anomalous dimension and the four-loop β-function for $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 SQED regularized by higher derivatives
Authors: Shirokov I. E. , Stepanyantz K. V.
Published: April 2022

Abstract

For $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SQED with Nf flavors regularized by higher derivatives in the general ξ-gauge we calculate the three-loop anomalous dimension of the matter superfields defined in terms of the bare coupling constant and demonstrate its gauge independence. After this the four-loop β-function defined in terms of the bare coupling constant is obtained with the help of the NSVZ equation, which is valid for these renormalization group functions in all loops. Next, we calculate the three-loop anomalous dimension and the four-loop β-function defined in terms of the renormalized coupling constant for an arbitrary subtraction scheme supplementing the higher derivative regularization. Then we construct a renormalization prescription for which the results coincide with the ones in the $$ \overline{\mathrm{DR}} $$

DR
¯

-scheme and describe all NSVZ schemes in the considered approximation. Also we demonstrate the existence of a subtraction scheme in which the anomalous dimension does not depend on Nf, while the β-function contains only terms of the first order in Nf. This scheme is obtained with the help of a finite renormalization compatible with a structure of quantum corrections and is NSVZ. The existence of such an NSVZ scheme is also proved in all loops.
Optimal derivative loss for abstract wave equations
Authors: Ghisi Marina , Gobbino Massimo
Published: April 2022

We consider an abstract wave equation with a propagation speed that depends only on time. We assume that the propagation speed is differentiable for positive times, continuous up to the origin, but with first derivative that is potentially singular at the origin. We examine the derivative loss of solutions, and in particular we investigate which conditions on the modulus of continuity and on the behavior of the derivative in the origin yield, respectively, no derivative loss, an arbitrarily small derivative loss, a finite derivative loss, or an infinite derivative loss. As expected, we obtain that stronger assumptions on the modulus of continuity can compensate weaker assumptions on the growth of the derivative, and viceversa. Suitable counterexamples show that our results are sharp. We prove indeed that, for every set of conditions, the class of propagation speeds that satisfy the given conditions, and for which the corresponding equation exhibits a derivative loss as large as possible, is nonempty and actually also residual in the sense of Baire category.
Tetrahedron Instantons
Authors: Pomoni Elli , Yan Wenbin , Zhang Xinyu
Published: April 2022

We introduce and study tetrahedron instantons, which can be realized in string theory by $$\hbox {D}1$$

D
1

-branes probing a configuration of intersecting $$\hbox {D}7$$

D
7

-branes in flat spacetime with a proper constant B-field. Physically they capture instantons on $$\mathbb {C}^{3}$$

C

3

in the presence of the most general intersecting real codimension-two supersymmetric defects. Moreover, we construct the tetrahedron instantons as particular solutions of general instanton equations in noncommutative field theory. We analyze the moduli space of tetrahedron instantons and discuss the geometric interpretations. We compute the instanton partition function both via the equivariant localization on the moduli space of tetrahedron instantons and via the elliptic genus of the worldvolume theory on the $$\hbox {D}1$$

D
1

-branes probing the intersecting $$\hbox {D}7$$

D
7

-branes, obtaining the same result. The instanton partition function of the tetrahedron instantons lies between the higher-rank Donaldson–Thomas invariants on $$\mathbb {C}^{3}$$

C

3

and the partition function of the magnificent four model, which is conjectured to be the mother of all instanton partition functions. Finally, we show that the instanton partition function admits a free field representation, suggesting the existence of a novel kind of symmetry which acts on the cohomology of the moduli spaces of tetrahedron instantons.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a potential therapeutic target for the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Houschyar Khosrow Siamak , Borrelli Mimi R. , Rein Susanne , Tapking Christian , Popp Daniel , Palackic Alen , Puladi Behrus , Ooms Mark , Houschyar Madeline , Branski Ludwik K. , Schmitt Laurenz , Modabber Ali , Rübben Albert , Hölzle Frank , Yazdi Amir S.
Published: April 2022

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck region accounts for 3% of all tumors worldwide. The incidence is higher in men, with most carcinomas found in the oral cavity. At the point of initial diagnosis, distant metastases are rare. The Wnt signaling pathway is critically involved in cell development and stemness and has been associated with SCC. Understanding precisely how Wnt signaling regulates SCC progression and how it can, therefore, be modulated for the therapeutic benefit has enormous potential in the treatment of head and neck SCC. In this review, we will describe the underlying mechanisms of Wnt signaling and outline how Wnt signaling controls cellular processes both in homeostasis and in the development and progression of SCC.

Level of evidence: Not gradable.
Fitness of Isidorella newcombi Following Multi-generational Cu Exposures: Mortality, Cellular Biomarkers and Life History Responses
Authors: Ubrihien R. P. , Maher W. A. , Taylor A. M. , Stevens M. M. , Ezaz T.
Published: April 2022

The effects of multigenerational Cu exposure on the freshwater gastropod Isidorella newcombi were investigated. Snails were exposed to a range of treatment-specific Cu concentrations in the parental to F2 generations, and a common Cu concentration in the F3 generation. In the parental to F2 generations, some general responses to 3 days Cu exposures included reduced survival and feeding in snails exposed to higher Cu concentrations. This suggested that the snails exposed to the high Cu concentration were experiencing Cu-induced stress that may apply selection pressure. In the F3 generation, when all treatments were exposed to a common Cu concentration, increased survival was correlated with the pre-exposure Cu concentration history. Snails that had been pre-exposed to Cu also displayed reduced stress at a sub-lethal level, indicated by lower lysosomal destabilisation (LD). Mortality and LD responses in the F3 generation were not related to Cu tissue concentrations, indicating increased tolerance and reduced stress were not related to changes in Cu bioaccumulation. Total antioxidant capacity increased in the higher Cu concentration pre-exposure treatments which could be associated with lower Cu-induced stress, however, this is not supported by the oxidative damage marker lipid peroxidation, which also increased. While Cu tissue concentrations and oxidative stress markers were assessed to determine underlying reasons for increased tolerance in snails from a population with a multi-generational exposure history to Cu, the results were not conclusive. Despite this, it was demonstrated through increased survival and reduced LD that Cu tolerance can develop over a short evolutionary time scale.
Is Prophylactic Cervical Drainage Effective in Patients Undergoing McKeown Esophagectomy Reconstructed Through the Retrosternal Route with Two‐Field Lymphadenectomy?
Authors: Fujiwara Daisuke , Watanabe Masayuki , Kanie Yasukazu , Maruyama Suguru , Sakamoto Kei , Okamura Akihiko , Kanamori Jun , Imamura Yu , Mine Shinji
Published: April 2022

Background

McKeown esophagectomy with two‐field lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice for oncologic esophagectomy. A cervical drain is placed in cases after modern two‐field lymph node dissection (M2FD) to provide information on anastomotic leakage. However, the necessity of prophylactic cervical drainage during surgery remains unknown. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of cervical drainage in patients who underwent McKeown esophagectomy with M2FD.

Methods

A total of 293 patients underwent McKeown surgery with two‐field lymphadenectomy at our institute between January 2013 and December 2019. We compared the day of drain removal, amount of drainage volume, and the appearance of drainage fluid between patients with and without anastomotic leakage.

Results

McKeown esophagectomy reconstructed through the retrosternal route is 203 patients (69.3%) of all. Nineteen patients (6.5%) experienced anastomotic leakage. The amount of cervical drain discharge was comparable between patients with and without anastomotic leakage. In addition, no purulent or salivary discharge was observed in patients with anastomotic leakage. There was no difference in the median day of drain removal between the groups. The initial clinical findings for the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage were surgical site infection in 10 (52.6%), fever in 5 (26.3%), prolonged inflammation in a blood test in 3 (15.8%), and bloody discharge from the chest tube in 1 (5.3%). There was no mortality due to any cause.

Conclusion

A prophylactic cervical drain may not be mandatory in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing McKeown esophagectomy reconstructed through the retrosternal route with two‐field lymphadenectomy.
Juvenile age and available coral species modulate transition probability from herbivory to corallivory in Acanthaster cf. solaris (Crown-of-Thorns Seastar)
Authors: Neil Rachel C. , Gomez Cabrera Maria , Uthicke Sven
Published: April 2022

Prior to transitioning to a coral diet, juvenileAcanthastercf.solaris, the Crown-of-Thorns Seastar (COTS), feed on crustose coralline algae. Although a detailed understanding of juvenile ecology is crucial to predict and prevent outbreaks, the exact timing of the transition is unresolved. Two experiments were conducted to measure time and size of COTS at the transition, and investigate potential modulating effects of different coral species. COTS began early transitions at similar sizes (7.5–8.5 mm), and these first transitions were observed around 136–145 d. Between 175 and 191 d, a 50% transition in the presence ofAcropora tenuiswas measured. After 175d, the percentage of COTS cohorts that had transitioned was significantly lower inA. millepora(38%) andStylophora pistillata(7%) compared toA. tenuis(51%). These data fill important knowledge gaps in juvenile ecology, and the influence of coral species on transition suggests an undescribed feedback mechanism between prey and predator.
Habit formation and the pareto-efficient provision of public goods
Authors: Aronsson Thomas , Schöb Ronnie
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the implications of habit formation in private and public goods consumption for the Pareto-efficient provision of public goods, based on a two-period model with nonlinear taxation. Under weak leisure separability, and if the public good is a flow-variable such that the government directly decides on the level of the public good in each period, habit formation leads to a modification of the policy rule for public good provision if, and only if, the degrees of habituation differ for private and public good consumption. By contrast, if the public good supply is time-invariant, the presence of habit formation generally alters the policy rule for public good provision.
The contributions of cartilage endplate composition and vertebral bone marrow fat to intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Bonnheim Noah B. , Wang Linshanshan , Lazar Ann A. , Zhou Jiamin , Chachad Ravi , Sollmann Nico , Guo Xiaojie , Iriondo Claudia , O’Neill Conor , Lotz Jeffrey C. , Link Thomas M. , Krug Roland , Fields Aaron J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The composition of the subchondral bone marrow and cartilage endplate (CEP) could affect intervertebral disc health by influencing vertebral perfusion and nutrient diffusion. However, the relative contributions of these factors to disc degeneration in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) have not been quantified. The goal of this study was to use compositional biomarkers derived from quantitative MRI to establish how CEP composition (surrogate for permeability) and vertebral bone marrow fat fraction (BMFF, surrogate for perfusion) relate to disc degeneration.

Methods

MRI data from 60 patients with cLBP were included in this prospective observational study (28 female, 32 male; age = 40.0 ± 11.9 years, 19–65 [mean ± SD, min–max]). Ultra-short echo-time MRI was used to calculate CEP T2* relaxation times (reflecting biochemical composition), water-fat MRI was used to calculate vertebral BMFF, and T1ρ MRI was used to calculate T1ρ relaxation times in the nucleus pulposus (NP T1ρ, reflecting proteoglycan content and degenerative grade). Univariate linear regression was used to assess the independent effects of CEP T2* and vertebral BMFF on NP T1ρ. Mixed effects multivariable linear regression accounting for age, sex, and BMI was used to assess the combined relationship between variables.

Results

CEP T2* and vertebral BMFF were independently associated with NP T1ρ (p = 0.003 and 0.0001, respectively). After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, NP T1ρ remained significantly associated with CEP T2* (p = 0.0001) but not vertebral BMFF (p = 0.43).

Conclusion

Poor CEP composition plays a significant role in disc degeneration severity and can affect disc health both with and without deficits in vertebral perfusion.
Urinary interleukin-9 in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Semenchuk Julie , Sullivan Katie , Moineddin Rahim , Mahmud Farid , Dart Allison , Wicklow Brandy , Xiao Fengxia , Medeiros Thalia , Scholey James , Burger Dylan
Published: April 2022

Aims

Interleukin-9 (IL-9) attenuates podocyte injury in experimental kidney disease, but its role in diabetic nephropathy is unknown. We sought to relate urinary IL-9 levels to the release of podocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in youth with type 1 diabetes. We related urinary IL-9 levels to clinical variables and studied interactions between urinary IL-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) a functional measure of podocyte injury.

Methods

We performed an analysis of urine samples and clinical data from a cohort of youth with type 1 diabetes (n = 53). Cytokines were measured using a Luminex platform (Eve Technologies), and nanoscale flow cytometry was employed to quantify urinary podocyte-derived EVs. All urinary measures were normalized to urinary creatinine.

Results

Mean age was 14.7 ± 1.6 years, and the mean time from diagnosis was 6.7 ± 2.9 years. Mean HbA1c was 70.3 ± 13.9 mmol/mol, mean ACR was 1.3 ± 1.9 mg/mmol, and mean eGFR was 140.3 ± 32.6 ml/min/1.73 m2. IL-9 was inversely related to podocyte EVs (r = − 0.56, p = 0.003). IL-9 was also inversely related to blood glucose, HbA1C and eGFR (r = − 0.44, p = 0.002; r = − 0.41, p = 0.003; r = − 0.49, p < 0.001, respectively) and positively correlated with systolic BP (r = 0.30, p = 0.04). There was a significant interaction between IL-9, EVs and ACR (p = 0.0143), and the relationship between IL-9 and ACR depended on VEGF (p = 0.0083), TNFα (p = 0.0231) and IL-6 levels (p = 0.0178).

Conclusions

IL-9 is associated with podocyte injury in early type 1 diabetes, and there are complex interactions between urinary IL-9, inflammatory cytokines and ACR.
A systematic review of studies on resilience and risk and protective factors for health among refugee children in Nordic countries
Authors: Mattelin Erica , Paidar Kristina , Söderlind Natalie , Fröberg Frida , Korhonen Laura
Published: April 2022

The Nordic welfare model is often used as an example for the promotion of health and wellbeing, even in vulnerable groups of children, such as refugees. Nonetheless, there are no published reviews on resilience and/or risk and protective factors for physical and mental health among refugee children living in Nordic countries. In this systematic review, we identified 5181 studies on the topic, screened titles, and abstracts, viewed 632, and finally included 26 studies. These studies described 18 samples with a total of 34,080 individuals ranging in ages 0–18 years. Overall, the studies were of good quality. Nearly all studies assessed adversity. Six studies reported physical health outcomes and all studies mental health outcomes, most often post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. None explicitly studied resilience. While we found that age and sex are the most frequently studied  risk- and protective factors, findings are inconclusive, since the direction of the associations was different in the different studies. This systematic review indicates that there is still a need for well-designed and -powered studies using clear definitions of key study concepts to examine health outcomes and resilience among refugee children in Nordic countries.
The regulatory role of affective inhibitory control in somatic symptoms among adolescents exposed to child maltreatment: a population-based study
Authors: Sætren Sjur Skjørshammer , Augusti Else-Marie , Myhre Mia Cathrine , Hafstad Gertrud Sofie
Published: April 2022

Adolescents exposed to child maltreatment are at increased risk for various somatic symptoms, but which psychological factors that contribute to this relationship need to be further investigated. Emotion dysregulation is suggested to serve as a proximal link between child maltreatment and somatic complaints. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether individual differences in affective inhibitory control, a central component in implicit emotion regulation, contribute to the risk of somatic symptoms in adolescents exposed to child maltreatment. Data were drawn from the UEVO study, a national population-based survey of adolescents between 12 and 16 years of age (N = 9240). For this study, we included participants who completed the emotional go/no-go task measuring affective inhibitory control (N = 7241; Mage/SD = 14 years/.87; 52% girls, 47% boys), of which N = 3349 reported at least one incident of maltreatment exposure (57% girls, 41% boys). Exposure to psychological abuse and sexual abuse were associated with somatic symptoms. Affective inhibitory control was related to somatic symptoms, both in the total sample and in adolescents exposed to child maltreatment. The strength of relationships between exposure to psychological abuse and somatic symptoms, as well as sexual abuse and somatic symptoms, were moderated by individual differences in affective inhibitory control problems. Our study suggests that psychological abuse and sexual abuse increase the risk for somatic symptoms in adolescence. Affective inhibitory control, a central component in implicit emotion regulation, was related to somatic symptoms and moderated the relationships between psychological abuse and somatic symptoms, and sexual abuse and somatic symptoms. Revealing these associations in a population-based sample indicates that treatment targeting affective inhibitory control may be beneficial and should be explored further in clinical settings.