bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medial Tibial Osteophyte Width Strongly Reflects Medial Meniscus Extrusion Distance and Medial Joint Space Width Moderately Reflects Cartilage Thickness in Knee Radiographs
Authors: Sekiya Ichiro , Sasaki Sho , Miura Yugo , Aoki Hayato , Katano Hisako , Okanouchi Noriya , Tomita Makoto , Masumoto Jun , Koga Hideyuki , Ozeki Nobutake
Published: January 2022

Background

The presence of medial tibial osteophytes on knee radiographs suggests cartilage wear, but may be associated with medial meniscus extrusion (MME). The joint space width of the medial compartment consists anatomically of cartilage and the medial meniscus, but which is most responsible for joint space narrowing remains unclear. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals MME and cartilage thickness.

Purposes

To determine which radiographic medial tibial osteophyte width correlates better with cartilage thickness or MME distance and which radiographic medial joint space width correlates better with cartilage thickness or MME distance.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Population

Total of 527 subjects, 253 females and 274 males, aged 30–79 years, included in the Kanagawa Knee Study.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/fat‐suppressed spoiled gradient echo and proton density weighted.

Assessment

The medial tibial osteophyte width and “the minimum joint space width at the medial compartment” (mJSW) were measured from plain radiographs. The cartilage region was automatically extracted from MRI data using software. The medial femoral and tibial cartilage regions were each divided into nine subregions, and the average thickness of the cartilage was determined in each region and subregion. MME was manually measured by two orthopedic surgeons using MRI coronal section images.

Statistical Tests

Pearson's correlation coefficient and their comparison, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The absolute values of the correlation coefficients were 0.33 at maximum between osteophyte width and cartilage thickness and 0.76 between osteophyte width and MME; the value was significantly higher with MME than with cartilage thickness (P < 0.001). The absolute values of the correlation coefficients were 0.50 at maximum between mJSW and cartilage thickness and 0.16 between mJSW and MME; the value was significantly higher with cartilage thickness than with MME (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

The medial tibial osteophyte width strongly reflected MME and the medial joint space width moderately reflected cartilage thickness.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Target Selection for Magnetic Resonance‐Guided Focused Ultrasound in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Xiong Yongqin , Lin Jiaji , Lou Xin
Published: January 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, progressive, and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Pharmacological treatment is the first‐line therapy for PD, including carbidopa–levodopa, dopamine agonists. However, some patients respond poorly to medication. For these patients, functional neurosurgical treatment is an important option. Magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel, minimally invasive surgical option for patients refractory to drugs. Currently, several important anatomical structures can be targeted by MRgFUS in the treatment of PD. However, there is no uniform standard for target selection. This review summarizes the clinical studies on MRgFUS for PD, focusing on the relationship between different treatment targets and the relieved symptoms, to help clinicians determine the ideal therapeutic target for individual patients.

Evidence Level

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Designed from Biobased Materials for Recycling: Imine‐Based Covalent Adaptable Networks
Authors: Liguori Anna , Hakkarainen Minna
Published: January 2022

Turning thermosets into fully sustainable materials requires utilization of biobased raw materials and design for easy recyclability. Here, dynamic covalent chemistry for fabrication of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) could be an enabling tool. CAN thermosets ideally combine the positive material properties of thermosets with thermal recyclability of linear thermoplastics. Among the dynamic covalent bonds, imine bond, also called Schiff base, can participate in both dissociative and associative pathways. This induces potential for chemical recyclability, thermal reprocessability and self‐healing. This review presents an overview of the current research front of biobased thermosets fabricated by Schiff base chemistry. The discussed materials are categorized on the basis of the employed biobased components. The chemical approaches for the synthesis and curing of the resins, as well as the resulting properties and recyclability of the obtained thermosets are described and discussed. Finally, challenges and future perspectives are briefly summarized.
A coarse‐grained electrothermal model for organic semiconductor devices
Authors: Glitzky Annegret , Liero Matthias , Nika Grigor
Published: January 2022

We derive a coarse‐grained model for the electrothermal interaction of organic semiconductors. The model combines stationary drift‐diffusion‐ based electrothermal models with thermistor‐type models on subregions of the device and suitable transmission conditions. Moreover, we prove existence of a solution using a regularization argument and Schauder's fixed point theorem. In doing so, we extend recent work by taking into account the statistical relation given by the Gauss–Fermi integral and mobility functions depending on the temperature, charge‐carrier density, and field strength, which is required for a proper description of organic devices.
Computational and implementational analysis of generating functions for higher order combinatorial numbers and polynomials attached to Dirichlet characters
Authors: Kucukoglu Irem
Published: January 2022

The main purpose of this paper is to give computational and implementational analysis of generating functions for some extensions of combinatorial numbers and polynomials attached to Dirichlet characters. By using generating function methods and p‐adic q‐integral techniques, it is also aimed to derive some computational formulas for these numbers and polynomials. By implementing both the derived computational formulas and the constructed generating functions in Mathematica, we present some tables and plots for these numbers and polynomials, and their generating functions to illustrate the effects of their parameters for some special cases. Moreover, by making an observation on some results of this paper, we derive some novel computational formulas for the finite sums that contain the Dirichlet characters and falling factorials. We also assess some cases of these special finite sums. In the sequel, we pose some open problems regarding these special finite sums. Apart from these findings, we also give not only Fourier series expansion but also asymptotic estimates for the mentioned combinatorial numbers. In addition, we give some Raabe‐type multiplication formulas for the mentioned combinatorial polynomials. Finally, we give an observation on decompositions of the generating functions attached to any group homomorphism.
Exact reliability optimization for series‐parallel graphs using convex envelopes
Authors: Barrera Javiera , Moreno Eduardo , Muñoz Gonzalo , Romero Pablo
Published: January 2022

Given its wide spectrum of applications, the classical problem of all‐terminal network reliability evaluation remains a highly relevant problem in network design. The associated optimization problem—to find a network with the best possible reliability under multiple constraints—presents an even more complex challenge, which has been addressed in the scientific literature but usually under strong assumptions over failures probabilities and/or the network topology. In this work, we propose a novel reliability optimization framework for network design with failures probabilities that are independent but not necessarily identical. We leverage the linear‐time evaluation procedure for network reliability in the series‐parallel graphs of Satyanarayana and Wood (1985) to formulate the reliability optimization problem as a mixed‐integer nonlinear optimization problem. To solve this nonconvex problem, we use classical convex envelopes of bilinear functions, introduce custom cutting planes, and propose a new family of convex envelopes for expressions that appear in the evaluation of network reliability. Furthermore, we exploit the refinements produced by spatial branch‐and‐bound to locally strengthen our convex relaxations. Our experiments show that, using our framework, one can efficiently obtain optimal solutions in challenging instances of this problem.
Risk factors for readmission in schizophrenia treated with combined psychoeducation and standard therapy
Authors: Sugisawa Satoru , Kurihara Tatsuya , Nakano Yukako , Tsuneoka Toshiaki , Koya Hiroaki , Nagai Tsutomu , Ikeda Tomohiro , Fujisawa Naoko , Inamoto Atsuko , Iwanami Akira
Published: January 2022

Background

We conducted a historical cohort study of patients with schizophrenia to identify more robust risk factors at discharge that contribute to readmission within a year.

Methods and Findings

The subjects underwent brief psychoeducation during hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was conducted using factors selected in the univariate analysis. Using logistic regression analysis, the number of hospital admissions (P = .01) and Schedule for Assessment of Insight Japanese version score (P = .04) were identified as risk factors for readmission, with odds ratios of 0.70 and 1.18, respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest that improvement in insight and early intervention may lead to a more stable community life.
Identification of several eating habits that mediate the association between eating behaviors and the risk of obesity
Authors: Aymes Estelle , Lisembard Gabrielle , Dallongeville Jean , Rousseaux Julien , Dumont Marie‐Pierre , Amouyel Philippe , Romon Monique , Meirhaeghe Aline
Published: January 2022

Objective

Eating behaviors play important roles in the development of obesity. A better knowledge of the psychological aspects of eating behaviors in individuals with and without obesity and their consequences on daily eating and lifestyle habits would be informative. The Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ)‐R21 assesses the psychometrics of eating behavior. The objectives of the study were to establish which eating habits were or were not associated with TFEQ eating behaviors, and to quantify the extent to which those eating habits mediated the association between TFEQ eating behaviors and obesity risk.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Gene and Environment Case‐Control Obesity Study from northern France. It included 2237 individuals with obesity and 403 individuals without obesity. Eating behaviors were assessed according to the TFEQ‐R21. Two activity levels (physical activity and television watching) and six eating habits (e.g., plate size, having one serving or at least two servings of the main meal, …) were evaluated. Regression and mediation analyses were performed.

Results

Higher cognitive restraint, higher uncontrolled eating (UE) and higher emotional eating (EE) were associated with a higher risk of obesity, independently of each other and of age, sex, socio‐economic status and physical activity. Cognitive restraint was negatively associated with having at least two servings, while UE and EE were associated with several obesogenic habits such as eating in front of the television or eating at night. Each of these obesogenic habits mediated between 3% and 20% of the association between UE or EE and obesity.

Conclusions

Psychological eating behaviors were associated with several lifestyle and eating habits in both individuals with and without obesity. Moreover, some eating habits partially mediated (between 3% and 20%) the association between TFEQ eating behaviors and obesity risk. For clinicians, this study shows that simple, easy‐to‐ask questions on specific daily eating habits can provide essential information to better understand and manage patients with obesity.
De novo TP53 germline activating mutations in two patients with the phenotype mimicking Diamond–Blackfan anemia
Authors: Fedorova Daria , Ovsyannikova Galina , Kurnikova Maria , Pavlova Anna , Konyukhova Tatiana , Pshonkin Alexey , Smetanina Nataliya
Published: January 2022

Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome, associated with mutations in ribosomal protein (RP) genes. Growing data on mutations in non‐RP genes in patients with DBA‐like phenotype became available over recent years. We describe two patients with the phenotype of DBA (onset of macrocytic anemia within the first year of life, paucity of erythroid precursors in bone marrow) and germline de novo variants in the TP53 gene. Both patients became transfusion independent, probably due to L‐leucine therapy. The possible role of TP53 variants should be considered in patients with DBA‐like phenotype and no mutations in RP genes.
A qualitative examination of the benefits and challenges of a psychosocial screening intervention in pediatric oncology: “Support comes to us”
Authors: Hancock Kelly , Barrera Maru , Prasad Soni , Desjardins Leandra , Shama Wendy , Alexander Sarah , Szatmari Peter
Published: January 2022

Background

Pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment can have detrimental mental health effects on parents (caregivers) and their children/adolescents (youth). Psychosocial screening and intervention have been recognized as standards of care in pediatric oncology. The most effective psychosocial interventions to support those in need post screening have not been determined.

Aims

This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceived benefits and challenges for caregiver and youth participants in the screening‐intervention arm of an Enhanced Psychosocial Screening Intervention (EPSI) pilot study.

Methods

EPSI consists of a psychosocial navigator (PSN) who shares screening results conducted near diagnosis (T1) and monthly for 1 year (T2) with treating teams and families. All 17 caregiver–youth dyads who had completed EPSI were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview.

Results

Ten caregivers and nine youth participated. Identified themes were grouped into benefits and challenges of EPSI: feeling supported and cared for (support comes to us regularly, having someone to talk to); and feeling empowered through knowledge of resources and services were perceived as benefits. Caregivers were challenged by feeling overwhelmed, and youth by screening questions perceived as too repetitive.

Conclusions

Regular monthly contacts for a year by the PSN with screening results and recommendations were perceived as beneficial by youth newly diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers who participated in EPSI. Feeling that support came to them and they had someone to talk to was a critical component. While information about psychosocial resources was not always used right away, it did evoke feelings of being empowered.
Single crystals and two‐dimensional crystalline assemblies of block copolymers
Authors: Yang Chen , Li Zi‐Xian , Xu Jun‐Ting
Published: January 2022

Block copolymer single crystals (BCPSCs) have attracted widespread attentions due to their unique two‐dimensional (2D) structure, good controllability, and great potential applications in recent years. In this paper, the morphology, surface structure of BCPSCs and the related influencing factors are reviewed. We also summarize the studies of 2D crystalline assemblies of block copolymers (BCPs) driven by crystallization and intermolecular π–π interaction. Moreover, the functionalization and properties of BCPSCs and 2D crystalline assemblies of BCPs are introduced. Finally, we put forward some unsolved problems in this field.
FOXO acts as a positive regulator of CncC and deltamethrin tolerance in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Xu Xin , Zhang Nan , Meng Xiangkun , Jiang Heng , Ge Huichen , Zheng Yang , Qian Kun , Wang Jianjun
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Both forkhead box O (FOXO) and nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like‐2 (Nrf2) are key transcription factors related to stress responses. Whereas limited studies in mammals and Caenorhabditis elegans have revealed the interaction between FoxO/DAF‐16 and Nrf2/SKN‐1, the role of FOXO in metabolic detoxification and regulation of the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway are poorly understood in insects.

RESULTS

Using Tribolium castaneum as a model organism, we found that RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of FOXO enhanced deltamethrin‐induced lethality by affecting the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of CYP6BQ cluster genes. We further demonstrated that injection of dsFOXO into the beetle larvae decreased expression of CncC and KEAP1 at both the mRNA and protein level. Notably, dual‐luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays both confirmed direct regulation of CncC by FOXO, whereas Keap1 was directly regulated by CncC.

CONCLUSION

FOXO can directly regulate the expression of CncC and indirectly regulate the expression of Keap1 through CncC. The data provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway in insects.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis on the cardio‐protective activity of naringin based on pre‐clinical evidences
Authors: Viswanatha Gollapalle Lakshminarayanashastry , Shylaja Hanumanthappa , Keni Raghuvir , Nandakumar Krishnadas , Rajesh Subbanna
Published: January 2022

The cardioprotective role of naringin has been scientifically well demonstrated in various experimental models such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart diseases, diet‐induced cardiac injury, antihypertensive and anti‐platelet activities through various mechanisms. However, there is no meta‐analysis performed on the cardioprotective activity of naringin. This systematic review and meta‐analysis were focused to summarize and conclude the therapeutic benefits of naringin in various cardiovascular disorders using pre‐clinical evidence. The online search was performed using electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google scholar. The search was mainly focused on the role of naringin in various cardiovascular disorders in experimental animals. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria 34 studies were selected. The meta‐analysis revealed that naringin could significantly alleviate various physical and chemical stimuli induced cardiovascular disorders such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart diseases, oxidative stress‐induced cardiac injury, diet‐induced cardiovascular dysfunctions in experimental models involving multiple mechanisms such as antioxidant (ROS/RNS pathways), anti‐inflammatory (COX‐2, IL‐6, TNF‐α, NF‐κB pathways), enhancing angiogenic factors (VEGF, VCAM, HIF‐1α, iNO), suppressing the apoptotic factors (BCL‐2, BAX, caspases) and modulation of PCSK‐9, PKCα/β, PPAR‐α, JAK/STAT, MAPKs (p38α, ERK1/2, JNK), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K associated pathways. Further, these changes at the cellular and molecular levels were manifested as improvement in the structural, functional, and physiology of the heart upon the naringin treatment. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta‐analysis support the available scientific evidence on the therapeutic benefits of naringin in the management of various cardiovascular conditions.
The cognitive and affective roles of learning assistants in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics college classrooms: An exploration of classroom experiences and students' metacognitive awareness and disciplinary identity
Authors: Kornreich‐Leshem Hagit , Benabentos Rocio , Hazari Zahra , Potvin Geoff , Kramer Laird
Published: January 2022

The power of knowledgeable peers (in this case undergraduate learning assistants [LAs]) to scaffold learning in ways that can positively influence both cognitive and affective outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is explored in this study. In terms of the cognitive perspective, we use a metacognitive awareness (MA) framework for which the MA indicator predicts course performance. For the affective perspective, we use a disciplinary identity (DI) framework for which the DI indicator predicts discipline‐specific persistence. A survey that included these indicators as well as students' experiences in STEM classes was administered to over 2000 students. Multiple regression models reveal student experiences (individually and socially) as predictors of MA and DI. Certain social learning experiences (e.g., explaining to others when the LA is present) were found to be more predictive of MA than individual learning experiences. This result provides evidence to suggest that collaborative environments may align with increased metacognitive processes. Social learning experiences (e.g., explaining to the LA) were also found to be positive and significant predictors of DI but with a smaller effect than for MA. Fully participating in group activities was found to be a significant and positive predictor of both outcomes. This study provides further evidence for the importance of active learning (both individually and socially) for both cognitive and affective outcomes as well as the growing role that LAs can play to enhance these outcomes.
Rational Design of Heterojunction Interface for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells to Exceed 12% Efficiency
Authors: Fu Junjie , Tian Qingwen , Du Yachao , Chang Qianqian , Guo Yanping , Yuan Shengjie , Zheng Zhi , Wu Sixin , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: January 2022

The photovoltaic performance of the kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells is still far below its predecessor CuInGaSe2. One major reason is its severe interface nonradiative recombination at the mismatched Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4/CdS heterojunction interface, leading to a large open‐circuit voltage loss. Herein, a distinctive indium‐incorporation (DI) strategy is developed to deposit an In1−xCdxS buffer layer for optimizing the heterojunction interface. The results reveal that adopting this DI method can effectively inhibit the formation of an undesirable secondary phase, and indium can be more easily doped into the bulk lattice of CdS to form additional beneficial shallow donor InCd defects, which significantly improve the electrical properties of the CdS layer and the quality of the heterojunction interface. Besides, the energy band alignment is adjusted to facilitate the extraction and transfer of interfacial charges, and thus reducing the nonradiative charge recombination at the front Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4/CdS heterojunction interface. Consequently, the combination of the above enhances the power conversion efficiency from 10.2% to 12.4%, one of the highest for this type of cells, which corresponds to an open‐circuit voltage deficit (Voc,def) reduction to as low as 0.54 V. The strategy provides a rational design for optimizing the heterojunction interface of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells to reduce voltage loss and achieve high efficiency.
Fungal dermatitis secondary to a hemipenal plug in a rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis)
Authors: Kane Daniel , Guthrie Amanda , Michaels Christopher J. , Spiro Simon
Published: January 2022

A rhinoceros viper presented with recurrent grey, thickened and crusted tissue protruding from the vent, with unilateral thickening and firmness of the left side of the base of the tail. Under anaesthesia, a plug of caseous material was removed from the inverted left hemipene. Fungal culture of the cloaca showed confluent growth of a single species, which could not be definitively identified at that stage. Because of the potential for Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the causative agent of ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease), antifungal treatments were initiated on Day 14. This included 30 minutes daily nebulisation with terbinafine dissolved in sterile saline and topical dilute betadine spray and enilconazole spray on the affected area, with infrequent oral terbinafine. Treatment continued until Day 101. The fungus was ultimately identified by a reference laboratory as a species of Fusarium Clinical resolution was confirmed on Day 214. Aggressive treatment was chosen because of the risk that ophidiomycosis can present to a collection of snakes.
A numerical study of strut and tower influence on the performance of vertical axis wind turbines using computational fluid dynamics simulation
Authors: Aihara Aya , Mendoza Victor , Goude Anders , Bernhoff Hans
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the influence of the strut and the tower on the aerodynamic force of the blade for the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). It has been known that struts degrade the performance of VAWTs due to the inherent drag losses. In this study, three‐dimensional Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes simulations have been conducted to investigate the effect of the strut and the tower on the flow pattern around the rotor region, the blade force distribution, and the rotor performance. A comparison has been made for three different cases where only the blade; both the blade and the strut; and all of the blade, the strut, and the tower are considered. A 12‐kW three‐bladed H‐rotor VAWT has been studied for tip speed ratio of 4.16. This ratio is relatively high for this turbine, so the influence of the strut is expected to be crucial. The numerical model has been validated first for a single pitching blade and full VAWTs. The simulations show distinguished differences in the force distribution along the blade between two cases with and without struts. Since the wake from the struts interacts with the blades, the tangential force is reduced especially in the downwind side when the struts are considered. The calculated power coefficient is decreased by 43 %, which shows the importance of modeling the strut effect properly for accurate prediction of the turbine performance. The simulations also indicate that including the tower does not yield significant difference in the force distribution and the rotor power.
Poincaré series for modular graph forms at depth two. Part I. Seeds and Laplace systems
Authors: Dorigoni Daniele , Kleinschmidt Axel , Schlotterer Oliver
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We derive new Poincaré-series representations for infinite families of non-holomorphic modular invariant functions that include modular graph forms as they appear in the low-energy expansion of closed-string scattering amplitudes at genus one. The Poincaré series are constructed from iterated integrals over single holomorphic Eisenstein series and their complex conjugates, decorated by suitable combinations of zeta values. We evaluate the Poincaré sums over these iterated Eisenstein integrals of depth one and deduce new representations for all modular graph forms built from iterated Eisenstein integrals at depth two. In a companion paper, some of the Poincaré sums over depth-one integrals going beyond modular graph forms will be described in terms of iterated integrals over holomorphic cusp forms and their L-values.
Proca theory from the spinning worldline
Authors: Carosi Matthias , Sachs Ivo
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We obtain Proca field theory from the quantisation of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric worldline upon supplementing the graded BRST-algebra with an extra multiplet of oscillators. The linearised theory describes the BV-extended spectrum of Proca theory, together with a Stückelberg field. When coupling the theory to background fields we derive the Proca equations, arising as consistency conditions in the BRST procedure. We also explore non-abelian modifications, complexified vector fields as well as coupling to a dilaton field. We propose a cubic action on the space of BRST-operators which reproduces the known Proca action.
Celestial IR divergences in general most-subleading-color gluon and gravity amplitudes
Authors: Nastase Horatiu , Rojas Francisco , Rubio Carlos
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Gluon amplitudes at most-subleading order in the 1/N expansion share a remarkable simplicity with graviton amplitudes: collinear divergences are completely absent in both and, as a consequence, their full IR behavior arises from soft gluon/graviton exchange among the external states. In this paper we study the effect of all-loop IR divergences of celestial most-subleading color gluon amplitudes and their similarities with the celestial gravity case. In particular, a simple celestial exponentiation formula for the dipole part can be written. We also analize how this exponentiation is modified by non-dipole contributions. Finally we also show that, in the Regge limit, the soft factor satisfies the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equation hinting at the possibility that, in this limit, an effective Wess-Zumino-Witten model would describe the dynamics of the infrared sector.
Electroweak signatures of gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking in multiple hidden sectors
Authors: Franzosi Diogo Buarque , Ferretti Gabriele , Riefel Ellen , Strandberg Sara
Published: January 2022

Abstract

This paper discusses electroweak collider signatures of the NMSSM with multiple-sector gauge mediation. We focus on the production of neutralinos and charginos which cascade decay into standard model particles and lighter supersymmetric particles, with special emphasis on final states with multiple photons. A search strategy for signatures with at least three photons is presented and compared with current exclusion limits based on two-photon searches. We show that in many regions of the parameter space our strategy gives stronger constraints than the existing two-photon analysis for these models.
The orthogonal momentum amplituhedron and ABJM amplitudes
Authors: Huang Yu-tin , Kojima Ryota , Wen Congkao , Zhang Shun-Qing
Published: January 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the momentum space amplituhedron for tree-level scattering amplitudes of ABJM theory. We demonstrate that the scattering amplitude can be identified as the canonical form on the space given by the product of positive orthogonal Grassmannian and the moment curve. The co-dimension one boundaries of this space are simply the odd-particle planar Mandelstam variables, while the even-particle counterparts are “hidden” as higher co-dimension boundaries. Remarkably, this space can be equally defined through a series of “sign flip” requirements of the projected external data, identical to “half” of four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory (sYM). Thus in a precise sense the geometry for ABJM lives on the boundary of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 sYM. We verify this relation through eight-points by showing that the BCFW triangulation of the amplitude tiles the amplituhedron. The canonical form is naturally derived using the Grassmannian formula for the amplitude in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 formalism for ABJM theory.
Microtubule-associated protein tau in murine kidney: role in podocyte architecture
Authors: Vallés-Saiz Laura , Peinado-Cahuchola Rocio , Ávila Jesús , Hernández Félix
Published: January 2022

Tau is a cytoskeletal protein that is expressed mainly in neurons and is involved in several cellular processes, such as microtubule stabilization, axonal maintenance, and transport. Altered tau metabolism is related to different tauopathies being the most important Alzheimer’s disease where aberrant hyperphosphorylated and aggregated tau is found in the central nervous system. Here, we have analyzed that function in kidney by using tau knockout mice generated by integrating GFP-encoding cDNA into exon 1 of MAPT (here referred to as TauGFP/GFP). IVIS Lumina from PerkinElmer demonstrated GFP expression in the kidney. We then demonstrated by qPCR that the main tau isoform in the kidney is Tau4R. The GFP reporter allowed us to demonstrate that tau is found in the glomeruli of the renal cortex, and specifically in podocytes. This was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. TauGFP/GFP mice present a podocyte cytoskeleton more dynamic as they contain higher levels of detyrosinated tubulin than wild-type mice. In addition, transmission electron microscopy studies demonstrated glomerular damage with a decrease in urinary creatinine. Our results prove that tau has an important role in kidney metabolism under normal physiological conditions.
Sequential lipidomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses of serum, liver, and heart tissue specimens from peroxisomal biogenesis factor 11α knockout mice
Authors: Garikapati Vannuruswamy , Colasante Claudia , Baumgart-Vogt Eveline , Spengler Bernhard
Published: January 2022

Peroxisomes are versatile single membrane-enclosed cytoplasmic organelles, involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid metabolism and diverse other metabolic processes. Peroxisomal disorders result from mutations in Pex genes-encoded proteins named peroxins (PEX proteins) and single peroxisomal enzyme deficiencies. The PEX11 protein family (α, β, and γ isoforms) plays an important role in peroxisomal proliferation and fission. However, their specific functions and the metabolic impact caused by their deficiencies have not been precisely characterized. To understand the systemic molecular alterations caused by peroxisomal defects, here we utilized untreated peroxisomal biogenesis factor 11α knockout (Pex11α KO) mouse model and performed serial relative-quantitative lipidomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses of serum, liver, and heart tissue homogenates. We demonstrated significant specific changes in the abundances of multiple lipid species, polar metabolites, and proteins and dysregulated metabolic pathways in distinct biological specimens of the Pex11α KO adult mice in comparison to the wild type (WT) controls. Overall, the present study reports comprehensive semi-quantitative molecular omics information of the Pex11α KO mice, which might serve in the future as a reference for a better understanding of the roles of Pex11α and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of peroxisomal biogenesis disorders.

Graphical abstract
Thymidine phosphorylase induction by ionizing radiation antagonizes 5-fluorouracil resistance in human ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Lucas D. , Pozios Ioannis , Liu Verena , Nachbichler Silke B. , Böhmer Dirk , Kamphues Carsten , Beyer Katharina , Bruns Christiane J. , Kreis Martin E. , Seeliger Hendrik
Published: January 2022

Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently contributes to failure of systemic therapy. While the radiosensitizing properties of 5-fluorouracil (FU) are well known, it is unknown whether ionizing radiation (IR) sensitizes towards FU cytotoxicity. Here, we hypothesize that upregulation of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) by IR reverses FU chemoresistance in PDAC cells. The FU resistant variant of the human PDAC cell line AsPC-1 (FU-R) was used to determine the sensitizing effects of IR. Proliferation rates of FU sensitive parental (FU-S) and FU-R cells were determined by WST-1 assays after low (0.05 Gy) and intermediate dose (2.0 Gy) IR followed by FU treatment. TP protein expression in PDAC cells before and after IR was assessed by Western blot. To analyze the specificity of the FU sensitizing effect, TP was ablated by siRNA. FU-R cells showed a 2.7-fold increase of the half maximal inhibitory concentration, compared to FU-S parental cells. Further, FU-R cells showed a concomitant IR resistance towards both doses applied. When challenging both cell lines with FU after IR, FU-R cells had lower proliferation rates than FU-S cells, suggesting a reversal of chemoresistance by IR. This FU sensitizing effect was abolished when TP was blocked by anti-TP siRNA before IR. An increase of TP protein expression was seen after both IR doses. Our results suggest a TP dependent reversal of FU-chemoresistance in PDAC cells that is triggered by IR. Thus, induction of TP expression by low dose IR may be a therapeutic approach to potentially overcome FU chemoresistance in PDAC.
Abbautechnologien für zukünftige, mobile Bergbau-Roboter
Authors: Berner Michael , Sifferlinger Nikolaus August
Published: January 2022

Der folgende Artikel beschäftigt sich mit der Anwendbarkeit unterschiedlicher Abbauwerkzeuge in kleinen, mobilen Bergbau-Robotern. Konventionelle, mechanische Abbauverfahren nehmen einen hohen Stellenwert im aktuellen Untertage-Bergbau ein, jedoch wird deren Effizienz durch die Gesteinsfestigkeit stark eingeschränkt. Die dort entstehenden Reaktionskräfte sind in der Regel hoch und erfordern eine hohe Masse sowie hohe Leistung der Gewinnungsmaschine. Mithilfe zukünftiger Bergbau-Roboter wird versucht, in neue Areale vorzudringen, um Lagerstätten zu erschließen, welche mit herkömmlichen Methoden bis dato als unwirtschaftlich angesehen wurden. Der vergleichsweise kleine Maßstab sowie die geringe Masse dieser Roboter stellen den Einsatz von aktuellen Abbaumethoden vor große Herausforderungen, und es erfordert die Entwicklung neuer Konzepte, um ökonomisch Gestein zu lösen. Die vielversprechendsten Abbaumethoden werden anhand definierter Parameter verglichen und ihre Anwendung für verschiedene Gesteinsfestigkeiten – unter Berücksichtigung der maximal aufnehmbaren Reaktionskräfte durch die Maschine/den Roboter – bewertet. Auf der Grundlage dieser Studien werden die Durchführbarkeit und Anwendbarkeit bestimmter Abbauwerkzeuge für verschiedene Szenarien und Gesteinsfestigkeiten analysiert. Es ist zu erkennen, dass „klassische“, mechanische Abbaumethoden hinsichtlich der maximalen Druckfestigkeit des Gesteins sehr stark eingeschränkt werden und den dabei entstehenden Reaktionskräfte nicht mehr standgehalten werden kann. Aufgrund dieser Erkenntnisse und unter Berücksichtigung definierter Anforderungen wird eine Konzeptidee eines kombinierten Abbausystems vorgestellt. Die großen Vorteile dieser Technologie sind die vergleichsweise geringen Reaktionskräfte, die verschleißärmere Anwendung und die wasser-hydraulische Energieversorgung. Im ersten Schritt wurden Konzepte von mechanischen Bohrgeräten entwickelt und anschließend erste Simulationen des Abbauprozesses mittels DEM durchgeführt, um vorläufige Untersuchungen durchzuführen. Der Beitrag dieser Arbeit soll einen Überblick über die aktuelle Problematik geben und als Basis für künftige Konzeptideen und -entwicklungen dienen.
Monitoringsystem für Gurtbandförderer
Authors: Prenner Michael , Müller Jakob
Published: January 2022

Durch die Überwachung der Anlagenparameter von Gurtbandförderern kann deren Verfügbarkeit und die Funktion deutlich verbessert werden. In Zusammenarbeit mit der Firma ScrapeTec Trading GmbH wurde am Lehrstuhl für Bergbaukunde – Fördertechnik und Konstruktionslehre ein Gurtschieflaufsüberwachung- und Korrektursystem für Gurtbandförderer entwickelt, welches mit einer Monitoringfunktion ausgestattet ist. Bei diesem System handelt es sich um eine Gurtlenkrolle, die das seitliche Verlaufen des Gurtes durch das automatische Verstellen der Rollenrotationsachse bis zu einem bestimmten Grad verhindert. Durch die Positionsüberwachung der Rotationsachse und weiterer Gurtparameter kann zum einen der auskorrigierte Gurtschieflauf detektiert werden und zum anderen auf Grund von charakteristischen Bewegungsmustern des Lenksystems auf den schieflaufverursachenden Fehler rückgeschlossen werden.
Infectivity and antigenicity of pseudoviruses with high-frequency mutations of SARS-CoV-2 identified in Portugal
Authors: Wang Hai-xin , Zhang Li , Liang Zi-teng , Nie Jian-hui , Wu Jia-jing , Li Qian-qian , Ding Ru-xia , Zhang Yue , Chen Guo-qing , Wang You-chun , Wang Hui-guo , Huang Wei-jin
Published: January 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a major impact on global human health. During the spread of SARS-CoV-2, weakened host immunity and the use of vaccines with low efficacy may result in the development of more-virulent strains or strains with resistance to existing vaccines and antibodies. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains differs between regions, and this variation may have an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines. In this study, an epidemiological investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was performed, and the VSV-ΔG-G* pseudovirus system was used to construct 12 spike protein epidemic mutants, D614G, A222V+D614G, B.1.1.7, S477N+D614G, P1162R+D614G+A222V, D839Y+D614G, L176F+D614G, B.1.1.7+L216F, B.1.1.7+M740V, B.1.258, B.1.258+L1063F, and B.1.258+N751Y. The mutant pseudoviruses were used to infect four susceptible cell lines (Huh7, hACE2-293T-293T, Vero, and LLC-MK2) and 14 cell lines overexpressing ACE2 from different species. Mutant strains did not show increased infectivity or cross-species transmission. Neutralization activity against these pseudoviruses was evaluated using mouse serum and 11 monoclonal antibodies. The neutralizing activity of immunized mouse serum was not significantly reduced with the mutant strains, but the mutant strains from Portugal could evade nine of the 11 monoclonal antibodies tested. Neutralization resistance was mainly caused by the mutations S477N, N439K, and N501Y in the spike-receptor binding domain. These findings emphasize the importance of SARS-CoV-2 mutation tracking in different regions for epidemic prevention and control.
Qualitative Evaluation of Common Quantitative Metrics for Clinical Acceptance of Automatic Segmentation: a Case Study on Heart Contouring from CT Images by Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: van den Oever L. B. , van Veldhuizen W. A. , Cornelissen L. J. , Spoor D. S. , Willems T. P. , Kramer G. , Stigter T. , Rook M. , Crijns A. P. G. , Oudkerk M. , Veldhuis R. N. J. , de Bock G. H. , van Ooijen P. M. A.
Published: January 2022

Organs-at-risk contouring is time consuming and labour intensive. Automation by deep learning algorithms would decrease the workload of radiotherapists and technicians considerably. However, the variety of metrics used for the evaluation of deep learning algorithms make the results of many papers difficult to interpret and compare. In this paper, a qualitative evaluation is done on five established metrics to assess whether their values correlate with clinical usability. A total of 377 CT volumes with heart delineations were randomly selected for training and evaluation. A deep learning algorithm was used to predict the contours of the heart. A total of 101 CT slices from the validation set with the predicted contours were shown to three experienced radiologists. They examined each slice independently whether they would accept or adjust the prediction and if there were (small) mistakes. For each slice, the scores of this qualitative evaluation were then compared with the Sørensen-Dice coefficient (DC), the Hausdorff distance (HD), pixel-wise accuracy, sensitivity and precision. The statistical analysis of the qualitative evaluation and metrics showed a significant correlation. Of the slices with a DC over 0.96 (N = 20) or a 95% HD under 5 voxels (N = 25), no slices were rejected by the readers. Contours with lower DC or higher HD were seen in both rejected and accepted contours. Qualitative evaluation shows that it is difficult to use common quantification metrics as indicator for use in clinic. We might need to change the reporting of quantitative metrics to better reflect clinical acceptance.
Effects of a Sexual Risk-Reduction Intervention for Teenagers: A Cluster-Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Gómez-Lugo Mayra , Morales Alexandra , Saavedra-Roa Alejandro , Niebles-Charris Janivys , Abello-Luque Daniella , Marchal-Bertrand Laurent , García-Roncallo Paola , García-Montaño Eileen , Pérez-Pedraza Diana , Espada Jose P. , Vallejo-Medina Pablo
Published: January 2022

This study evaluated the efficacy of the COMPAS program in the short term and 6 months after its application. For the initial sample, 2047 teenagers aged 14–19 years from 14 schools in 11 Colombian cities participated; eight schools were randomly assigned to the experimental condition and six to the control group. The participants completed self-report assessments that evaluated several variables theoretically associated with protective sexual behaviors. In the short term, the experimental group showed increased knowledge about HIV and other STIs, sexual assertiveness, self-efficacy, greater behavioral intention toward condom use, and more favorable attitudes toward HIV and condom use than the control group. After 6 months, most psychological and health variables also showed a significant positive change. In conclusion, the COMPAS program is the first school-based sexuality education program that has been shown to be effective in reducing mediating and behavioral variables associated with sexual risk reduction in Colombia.
Minority Stress and Loneliness in a Global Sample of Sexual Minority Adults: The Roles of Social Anxiety, Social Inhibition, and Community Involvement
Authors: Elmer Eddy M. , van Tilburg Theo , Fokkema Tineke
Published: January 2022

Research suggests that loneliness among sexual minority adults is associated with marginalization, but it is unclear which processes may underlie this relationship. This cross-sectional study examined five possibilities: stigma preoccupation, internalized homonegativity, sexual orientation concealment, social anxiety, and social inhibition. The study also examined the possible protective role of LGBTQ community involvement. Respondents were 7856 sexual minority adults aged 18–88 years from 85 countries who completed an online survey. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that marginalization was positively associated with both social and emotional loneliness, and that part of this relationship was indirect via proximal minority stress factors (especially stigma preoccupation) and, in turn, social anxiety and social inhibition. Moreover, while LGBTQ community involvement was associated with greater marginalization, it was also associated with lower levels of proximal stress and both forms of loneliness. Among those who were more involved in the LGBTQ community, the associations between marginalization and proximal stress were somewhat weaker, as were those between stigma preoccupation and social anxiety, and between social inhibition and social loneliness. In contrast, the associations between concealment and social anxiety were somewhat stronger. Model fit and patterns of association were similar after controlling for the possible confounding effect of dispositional negative affectivity, but several coefficients were lower. Findings underscore the continuing need to counter marginalization of sexual minorities, both outside and within the LGBTQ community, and suggest possible avenues for alleviating loneliness at the individual level, such as cognitive-behavioral interventions targeting stigma preoccupation and social anxiety.
Robust regression via error tolerance
Authors: Björklund Anton , Henelius Andreas , Oikarinen Emilia , Kallonen Kimmo , Puolamäki Kai
Published: January 2022

Real-world datasets are often characterised by outliers; data items that do not follow the same structure as the rest of the data. These outliers might negatively influence modelling of the data. In data analysis it is, therefore, important to consider methods that are robust to outliers. In this paper we develop a robust regression method that finds the largest subset of data items that can be approximated using a sparse linear model to a given precision. We show that this can yield the best possible robustness to outliers. However, this problem is NP-hard and to solve it we present an efficient approximation algorithm, termed SLISE. Our method extends existing state-of-the-art robust regression methods, especially in terms of speed on high-dimensional datasets. We demonstrate our method by applying it to both synthetic and real-world regression problems.