bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of weekend hospitalization on the duration of fasting in patients with aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Hasumi Yuki , Hirota Yoshito , Nishimura Masahiro
Published: June 2022

Background

Decreased swallowing function is an important risk factor for the development of aspiration pneumonia. A previous study reported that a long duration of fasting decreased swallowing function and increased mortality. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between weekend hospitalization and fasting duration in older patients with aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study using hospital claims data and electronic medical record data between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020, 238 patients hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia were enrolled. Patients admitted from Monday to Friday were defined as the weekday admission group, and patients admitted on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays were defined as the weekend admission group. The primary endpoint was the duration of fasting. Multiple regression analysis was performed with age, gender, place of living, Functional Oral Intake Scale before admission, severity of pneumonia, and weekend admission as the independent variables.

Results

There were 41 patients in the weekend admission group and 103 patients in the weekday admission group. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. There was a median difference in the fasting duration of 23.3 h; the fasting duration in the weekend admission group was significantly longer than the weekday admission group by 20.03 h (95% confidence interval: 2.81–37.25) in the multiple regression analysis.

Conclusions

Weekend hospitalization was significantly associated with a longer fasting duration in patients hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia. There is a need to establish a system to enable early meal initiation for patients admitted on weekends.
c-Rel-dependent monocytes are potent immune suppressor cells in cancer
Authors: Li Ting , Bou-Dargham Mayassa J , Fultang Norman , Li Xinyuan , Pear Warren S , Sun Honghong , Chen Youhai H
Published: June 2022

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of leukocytes that are important for tumorigenesis and tumor immunotherapy. They comprise up to 10% of leukocytes in the blood of tumor patients and their depletion may be required for successful tumor immunotherapy. However, the identity of MDSCs remains obscure, primarily due to their heterogeneity and lack of a known lineage-specific transcription factor specifying their differentiation. Using single-cell transcriptomics and gene knockout approaches, we now describe a subset of murine and human myeloid suppressor cells, named rel-dependent monocytes (rMos), which are programmed by the transcription factor c-Rel of the NF-κB family. Unlike MDSCs described previously, the c-Rel-dependent monocytes expressed a high amount of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β together with a low level of suppressive molecule arginase 1. Both in vitro and in tumor-bearing mice, these c-Rel+IL-1βhiArg1− monocytes promoted tumor growth by potently suppressing T cell function and showed a strong migratory phenotype, all of which were impaired by c-Rel deficiency or inhibition. Mechanistic studies revealed that c-Rel controlled the expression of monocyte signature genes through a unique transcriptional complex called the c-Rel enhanceosome, and IL-1β-CCL2 crosstalk between tumor cells and the rel-dependent monocytes maintained the suppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, c-Rel specifies the development of a suppressive monocyte population and could be selectively targeted for treating cancer.
R4 RGS proteins as fine tuners of immature and mature hematopoietic cell trafficking
Authors: Chan Kathy Yuen Yee , Chung Po Yee , Zhang Chi , Poon Ellen Ngar Yun , Leung Alex Wing Kwan , Leung Kam Tong
Published: June 2022

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors. They are involved in almost every physiologic process and consequently have a pivotal role in an extensive number of pathologies, including genetic, neurologic, and immune system disorders. Indeed, the vast array of GPCRs mechanisms have led to the development of a tremendous number of drug therapies and already account for about a third of marketed drugs. These receptors mediate their downstream signals primarily via G proteins. The regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are now in the spotlight as the critical modulatory factors of active GTP-bound Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins to fine-tune the biologic responses driven by the GPCRs. Also, they possess noncanonical functions by multiple mechanisms, such as protein–protein interactions. Essential roles and impacts of these RGS proteins have been revealed in physiology, including hematopoiesis and immunity, and pathologies, including asthma, cancers, and neurologic disorders. This review focuses on the largest subfamily of R4 RGS proteins and provides a brief overview of their structures and G-proteins selectivity. With particular interest, we explore and highlight, their expression in the hematopoietic system and the regulation in the engraftment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Distinct expression patterns of R4 RGS proteins in the hematopoietic system and their pivotal roles in stem cell trafficking pave the way for realizing new strategies for enhancing the clinical performance of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Finally, we discuss the exciting future trends in drug development by targeting RGS activity and expression with small molecules inhibitors and miRNA approaches.
Non‐destructive analysis of concentration profiles in turbid media using micro‐spatially offset Raman spectroscopy: A physical model
Authors: Castiglioni Chiara , Botteon Alessandra , Conti Claudia , Tommasini Matteo , Matousek Pavel
Published: June 2022

We introduce an analytical physical description of micro‐spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (micro‐SORS) experiments in turbid samples with a special emphasis on its use for studying the penetration depth of chemical species (agents) into a matrix. Such samples exhibit varying concentration gradients with depth and reflect typical situations encountered in Cultural Heritage framework. The experiments aim at yielding the variations (trends) of the Raman intensity ratio of the agent and matrix marker bands,
, with increasing micro‐SORS defocusing distance
. The physical model shows that
can be expressed as a function of the concentration profiles of the analytes. The analysis makes use of Monte Carlo simulation results of the propagation of photons in turbid media. Despite the introduced approximations, the obtained formulas provide an insightful tool that allows justifying the observed trends and facilitates the interpretation of micro‐SORS data and systematic comparison among different samples. Basic comparison with previously published experimental micro‐SORS data indicates good consistency. The obtained relationships could also be useful for a semi‐quantitative estimate of concentration profiles in unknown samples.
Effect of MgO on the structure of SiO2‐poor/rich MgO‐CaO‐SiO2 melts by in situ high temperature time‐gated Raman spectroscopy and theoretical calculation
Authors: Gong Xiaoye , Wang Jian , You Jinglin , Wang Min , Zhang Fu , Tang Xiaohui , Ma Nan , Lu Liming , Wan Songming , Zhang Qingli
Published: June 2022

The effect of MgO on the microstructures and macroscopic properties of SiO2‐poor/rich MgO‐CaO‐SiO2 melts was investigated by in situ high temperature time‐gated Raman spectroscopy coupled with aerodynamic levitation heating of molten samples. Results of density functional theory calculations of Mg2SiO4, γ‐Ca2SiO4, and MgCaSiO4 crystals and quantum chemistry ab initio simulations of Q0 species (Q0 refers to tetrahedral Si‐O units without bridging oxygen) of SiO2‐poor series MgO‐CaO‐SiO2 molten samples certified that with the substitution of CaO by MgO, the variation of Raman intensity at 900–1100 cm−1 of xMgO‐(2‐x)CaO‐SiO2 melts was caused by the antisymmetric stretching vibration modes of distorted silicon‐oxygen tetrahedra. The experimental result of SiO2‐rich series of MgO‐CaO‐SiO2 molten samples could identify various Qi species quantitatively and demonstrated that with the substitution of CaO by MgO, the abundance of Q3 species dramatically decreased, but Q4 species increased slightly, whereas Q1 and Q2 species maintain insignificant change. A positive correlation between viscosity and the abundance ratio of Q3 to Q4 was assumed and illustrated.
Ultraviolet In Situ Polymerized Binders with Polysulfide‐Trapping Properties for Long‐Cycle‐Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Zhuzuan , Peng Yuehai , Yang Zhuohong , Yang Yu
Published: June 2022

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) represent a promising energy storage system due to the high theoretical energy density of the cathode; however, the high temperature and long‐time drying required for electrode production result in high energy consumption and low efficiency. Ultraviolet (UV)‐curing technology is an effective strategy to solve the abovementioned problems. However, carbon black and other conductive agents used in the production of the battery industry show strong absorption of UV light; thus, a single photoinitiator cannot absorb enough light intensity to realize initiation, limiting its application in the battery industry. In this work, the concept of full‐band absorption is introduced into the manufacturing process of the LSB cathode to solve the abovementioned problems. The full‐band absorption of photoinitiators in the UV band is successfully realized by combining the photoinitiators 2‐benzyl‐2‐dimethylamino‐1‐(4‐morpholinylphenyl)‐1‐butanone, 2‐isopropyl thioxanthone, and bis (2,4,6‐trimethyl benzoyl)‐phenoxyphosphine. An ultraviolet in situ polymerized polyurethane acrylate (PUA) binder is successfully prepared by the combination of photoinitiators. PUA is used as the binder of LSBs and exhibits an excellent long‐cycle performance of 1500 cycles with a low decay rate of 0.04% per cycle at 0.5 C. Thus, UV‐curing technology provides a new prospect and possibility of industrialization for battery manufacturing.
Admixture and population dynamics in the Philippines through craniometric analysis
Authors: Lescure Javier , Cancio Carlos , Garong Ame , Quinto‐Sanchez Mirsha , González‐José Rolando , González‐Martín Antonio
Published: June 2022

The Philippine population prior to European contact is the result of the arrival to the archipelago of different subgroups and the admixture between them. Taking the skull as a complex genotype resulting from both genetic inheritance and the environment, and assuming populations with phenotypic similarity will have a greater phylogenetic relationship, the possibility of studying admixture based on geometric morphometry and cranial measurements is proposed. Sixty‐one skulls from a collection from the National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid (MNA, Spain) were studied, all dating from before the 19th century. As a reference, the Howells (1973) database was used. The characterization of the phenotype was carried out using a Microscribe digitizer arm with which 65 landmarks were taken, using them to create 12 craniometric distances. The admixture of the Philippine skull collection from the MNA was evaluated by applying a Discriminant Analysis based on Gaussian finite mixture modeling. Thanks to a principal component analysis, a study of morphospaces was carried out. Additionally, a population inference was made using the Relethford and Blangero model. Finally, the skulls were divided into clusters according to their admixture using the k‐means method. The individual admixture of each skull was estimated, and later the collection was divided into three clusters after applying the k‐means method. The Relethford and Blangero analysis indicated that the groups created did not have much internal admixture, unlike the Filipino group in the Howells database. Assuming a relative neutrality of the craniofacial characters, it is possible to study the admixture of some individuals from a series of cranial distances. This study is framed in the line of other genetic, linguistic, or morphometric types, which indicate that the Philippine population prior to the 19th century has a great intrapopulation variance, constituting a series of metapopulations within the entire archipelago.
Off‐policy integral reinforcement learning‐based optimal tracking control for a class of nonzero‐sum game systems with unknown dynamics
Authors: Zhao Jin‐Gang , Chen Fang‐Fang
Published: June 2022

This article studies the optimal tracking control problem of a class of multi‐input nonlinear system with unknown dynamics based on reinforcement learning (RL) and nonzero‐sum game theory. First of all, an augmented system composed of the tracking error dynamics and the command generator dynamics is constructed. Then, a tracking coupled Hamilton–Jacobi (HJ) equations associated with discounted cost function is derived, which gives the Nash equilibrium solution. The existence of Nash equilibrium is proved. To approximate the Nash equilibrium solution of tracking coupled HJ equations, we give two model‐based policy iteration (PI) algorithms, and analyze their equivalence and convergence. Further, to get rid of the prior knowledge of system dynamics, an off‐policy integral reinforcement learning (OP‐IRL) algorithm implemented by neural networks (NNs) is proposed. The weights of critic NNs and actor NNs are updated simultaneously by the gradient descent method. The convergence of the NNs weights and the stability of the closed‐loop error systems are proved. Finally, numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed OP‐IRL method.
A field guide to the proteomics of post‐translational modifications in DNA repair
Authors: Sanford Ethan James , Smolka Marcus Bustamante
Published: June 2022

All cells incur DNA damage from exogenous and endogenous sources and possess pathways to detect and repair DNA damage. Post‐translational modifications (PTMs), in the past 20 years, have risen to ineluctable importance in the study of the regulation of DNA repair mechanisms. For example, DNA damage response kinases are critical in both the initial sensing of DNA damage as well as in orchestrating downstream activities of DNA repair factors. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics revolutionized the study of the role of PTMs in the DNA damage response and has canonized PTMs as central modulators of nearly all aspects of DNA damage signaling and repair. This review provides a biologist‐friendly guide for the mass spectrometry analysis of PTMs in the context of DNA repair and DNA damage responses. We reflect on the current state of proteomics for exploring new mechanisms of PTM‐based regulation and outline a roadmap for designing PTM mapping experiments that focus on the DNA repair and DNA damage responses.
Comparative analysis of the germination of barley seeds subjected to drying, hydrogen peroxide, or oxidative air plasma treatments
Authors: Perea‐Brenes Alvaro , Gómez‐Ramírez Ana , López‐Santos Carmen , Oliva‐Ramírez Manuel , Molina Ricardo , Cotrino José , García José L. , Cantos Manuel , González‐Elipe Agustín R.
Published: June 2022

Acceleration in germination time by 12–24 h for barley seeds treated with atmospheric air plasmas may have a significant economic impact on malting processes. In this study, the increase in germination rate and decrease in contamination level upon plasma treatment could not be directly correlated with any significant increase in the water uptake capacity, except for seeds exposed to mild drying treatment. A variety of germination essays have been carried out with seeds impregnated with an abscisic acid solution, a retarding factor of germination, treated with a peroxide solution, and/or subjected to the plasma and drying treatments. Results suggest that plasma and hydrogen peroxide treatments induce the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that affects the abscisic acid factor and accelerate the germination rate.
Copper Oxide Nano‐Catalyst Incorporated TEGDN/NC/DAG Propellants: Thermal Behaviors and Kinetics
Authors: Mirzajani Vahid , Nazarpour‐Fard Hamed , Farhadi Khalil , Ghobadian Ali
Published: June 2022

The copper oxide nanoparticles (nano‐CuO)/nitrocellulose (NC)/triethyleneglycol dinitrate (TEGDN)/diaminoglyoxime (DAG) nanocomposites were successfully prepared as a convenient propellants. The catalytic effect of nano‐CuO on the thermal behavior and the decomposition kinetics of the samples were precisely verified via thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The CuO nanoparticles significantly altered the thermal pattern of the studied energetic materials, e. g., the temperatures corresponded to the DSC peaks were changed by increasing the nano‐CuO amount. Moreover, the catalyst resulted in the decrement in the activation energy of the decomposition stage by ∼30–50 kJ mol−1 and also improved the thermal stability of TEGDN/NC/DAG composite. The thermokinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the energetic nanocomposites were explained by using the Kissinger and Starink differential methods and the integral methods of Coats Redfern and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa. The mechanism function and the kinetic equation of the main exothermal decomposition step for the parent composite was found to be different from that of the 1–3 % CuO‐contained nanocomposites.
Semi‐global weighted output average tracking of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems in the presence of actuator saturation and external disturbances
Authors: Song Qilin , Xie Yijing , Lin Zongli
Published: June 2022

This article studies the problem of semi‐global weighted output average tracking of a heterogeneous multi‐agent system in the presence of actuator saturation and external disturbances. The multi‐agent system contains a group of leader agents and a group of follower agents. Both the dynamics of leader agents and the dynamics of follower agents are allowed to be heterogeneous. Applying the classical output regulation theory and the low gain feedback design technique, we construct for each follower agent a state feedback control protocol and an output feedback control protocol, both parameterized in a scalar parameter. In both the state feedback case and the output feedback case, we construct distributed leader state observers for each follower agent that estimate the states of the leader agents. In the case of output feedback, we also construct for each follower agent state observer that estimates its own state. It is shown that, under these control protocols with a sufficiently small value of the parameter, each follower agent can track the weighted average of the outputs of the leader agents from an arbitrarily large bounded set of initial conditions and in the presence of actuator saturation and external disturbances if there exist directed paths from each leader agent to all the follower agents. Simulation results are given to illustrate the theoretical results.
2D Higher‐Metal Nitride Nanosheets for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Shang Jing , Yang Guoliang , Ma Yuxi , Kou Liangzhi , Liu Dan , Yin Huaying , Hegh Dylan , Razal Joselito , Lei Weiwei
Published: June 2022

Higher‐metal (HM) nitrides are a fascinating family of materials being increasingly researched due to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, few focus on investigating their application in a solar steam generation because the controllable and large‐scale synthesis of these materials remains a significant challenge. Herein, it is reported that higher‐metal molybdenum nitride nanosheets (HM‐Mo5N6) can be produced at the gram‐scale using amine‐functionalized MoS2 as precursor. The first‐principles calculation confirms amine‐functionalized MoS2 nanosheet effectively lengthens the bonds of MoS leading to a lower bond binding energy, promoting the formation of MoN bonds and production of HM‐Mo5N6. Using this strategy, other HM nitride nanosheets, such as W2N3, Ta3N5, and Nb4N5, can also be synthesized. Specifically, under one simulated sunlight irradiation (1 kW m‐2), the HM‐Mo5N6 nanosheets are heated to 80 °C within only ≈24 s (0.4 min), which is around 78 s faster than the MoS2 samples (102 s/1.7 min). More importantly, HM‐Mo5N6 nanosheets exhibit excellent solar evaporation rate (2.48 kg m‐2 h‐1) and efficiency (114.6%), which are 1.5 times higher than the solar devices of MoS2/MF.
Boosting the Capacity of Aqueous Li‐Ion Capacitors via Pinpoint Surgery in Nanocoral‐Like Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Geng Qianhao , Wang Haichao , Wang Jinlong , Hong Jie , Sun Weiwei , Wu Yang , Wang Yong
Published: June 2022

Aqueous lithium storage devices are promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage applications, featuring low‐cost, safety, environmental benignness, and grid‐scale merits. Developing reliable anode materials with fast Li+ diffusion is paramount to stimulate their development. Herein, the electrochemical performance and mechanism of a redox‐active β‐ketoenamine‐linked covalent organic framework (COF) (2,6‐diaminoanthraquinone and 2,4,6‐triformylphloroglucinol COF, DAAQ–TFP–COF) for lithium storage in aqueous electrolyte are explored for the first time. Systematic studies demonstrate that, by the conversion of neutral COF into anionic COF via a pinpoint surgery on the β‐ketoenamine linkage, the resultative COF shows doubled Li+ storage capacity (132 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, 87% of theoretical specific capacity), good rate capability (108 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1), and excellent cyclability in 1000 cycles. This pinpoint surgery can be promising in extending the electrochemical applications of β‐ketoenamine‐linked COFs. The Li+ storage mechanism is investigated by ex situ electron paramagnetic resonance, in situ/ex situ Fourier transform infrared investigations, and density functional theory calculations. As a proof of new concept, a novel aqueous lithium‐ion capacitor assembled with DAAQ–TFP–COF anode delivers high specific capacitance of 224 F g−1 (0.1 A g−1), supercapacitor‐level power density (≈4000 W kg−1), and long cyclability.
Stable Open‐Shell IC‐Fused Fluorenyl Enabling Efficient Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Liang Weixuan , Huang Jiaxing , Zhu Weiya , Li Yuan
Published: June 2022

2‐(3‐Oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐yli‐dene)malononitrile (IC) derivatives are popular and crucial acceptor building blocks for the construction of highly efficient n‐type organic semiconductors. However, it is still challenging to increase their relatively poor chemical stability and photostability, originating from their unstable vinyl protons. Herein, two stable acceptor–donor–acceptor narrow‐bandgap materials LY1 and LY2 via replacing the IC series end groups of typical nonfullerene acceptors with IC‐fused fluorenyls are reported. The enhanced conjugation and strong electron‐withdrawing capability enable LY1 and LY2 to show lower bandgap, a deeper lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level, enhanced electrochemical stability, and significantly improved photostability compared with IT‐4F and IT‐4Cl. Benefiting from the broadened absorption and promoted nonradiative transition, LY1 and LY2 display enhanced photothermal conversion performance, presenting as promising pure organic photothermal materials.
Formation of Self-consistent Navigational Gravity Maps of Local Areas and Joint Assessment of Their Navigation Quality
Authors: Sholokhov A. V. , Berkovich S. B. , Kotov N. I. , Belonozhko M. G.
Published: June 2022

The actual problem of creation of gravity maps which can be used as correctors in map-matching- navigation systems (MMNS) is considered. It is assumed to use information from two sources: available gravity maps and measurement data of various parameters of the Earth’s gravity field (EGF) (acceleration of gravity, deflection of the vertical, horizontal gradients of the potential).

Obtaining the required amount of measurement data of a specified accuracy is considered as a problem of planning primary measurements. At the first stage of its solution, the number of measurements necessary to achieve the required accuracy of the parameters of the gravitational map is minimized. It takes into account the accuracy and performance of measuring devices. The second stage assumes that the human operator specifies the position of the points at which to measure the parameters of the EGF with a known accuracy.

Joint processing of information is carried out on the basis of the collocation method. The estimation of EGF navigation quality is considered in a specified point and its nearest neighborhood. This approach is reasonable, if in the future it is required to optimally form the trajectory of the MMNS in a specified area or to a specified destination point. It is assumed rectilinear motion of the object from this point with a known initial level of coordinate errors. Position errors are defined as functions of distance from the initial point and direction of movement.
Entrepreneurs Alleviating Poverty Through Educating Their Children
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Parida Vinit , Wincent Joakim
Published: June 2022

In this chapter—“Entrepreneurs Alleviating Poverty Through Educating Their Children”—we examine the bright-side motivation underlying entrepreneurial action in chronic-adversity contexts. We explore entrepreneurs living in the slums of India, demonstrating that their main motivation for entrepreneurial action is educating their children. In doing so, we offer four important insights. First, these entrepreneurs believe that their children can escape poverty via a sequential process. Namely, they believe that education will enable their children to earn higher income. This higher income will, in turn, enable their children to move to a “better” neighborhood with improved living conditions. Second, working and living in slums can bring benefits to entrepreneurs as these areas can facilitate (rather than hinder) the formation of strong, caring communities that aid in entrepreneurship. Third, slum entrepreneurs often face a paradox in that their reasons (e.g., poor health) for wanting their families to leave their slum neighborhoods are the very thing keeping them there. Thus, their plans for escaping poverty often bump up against the reality of their adverse conditions. Finally, slum entrepreneurs tend to serve as “counterfactual” role models for their children as they became entrepreneurs to provide their children with lives that they neither had nor wanted themselves. Entrepreneurship is thus a means for these parents to help their children but is not the desired destiny they want for their children.
Women Entrepreneurs Flourishing or Languishing at the Bottom of the Pyramid
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Parida Vinit , Wincent Joakim
Published: June 2022

This chapter—“Women Entrepreneurs Flourishing or Languishing at the Bottom of the Pyramid”—highlights not only the bright side of entrepreneurship (consistent with the previous chapters) but also the potential dark side of entrepreneurship training and venture creation. In particular, this chapter focuses on women entrepreneurs at the base of the pyramid. In this context, entrepreneurship can be a means for families to escape poverty and a route for countries to foster economic development. However, we show that despite successful venture creation, some women entrepreneurs flourish while others languish. Women entrepreneurs who flourish tend to set realistic expectations for their entrepreneurial endeavors and modify them throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Moreover, flourishing women entrepreneurs often benefit from their prior work experience and family support. On the other hand, women entrepreneurs who languish tend to lack prior work experience outside the home and set more unrealistic expectations for their work and lives. They also generally lack family support and thus have little psychological capital for entrepreneurship training and venture creation. Thus, this chapter offers new insights into some limitations of entrepreneurship programs (training and venture creation) for some women entrepreneurs in patriarchal societies at the base of the pyramid.
The conformal brane-scan: an update
Authors: Duff M. J.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Generalizing the The Membrane at the End of the Universe, a 1987 paper Supersingletons by Blencowe and the author conjectured the existence of BPS p-brane configurations (p = 2, 3, 4, 5) and corresponding CFTs on the boundary of anti-de Sitter space with symmetries appearing in Nahm’s classification of superconformal algebras: OSp(N|4) N = 8, 4, 2, 1; SU(2, 2|N) N = 4, 2, 1; F2(4); OSp(8∗|N), N = 4, 2. This correctly predicted the D3-brane with SU(2, 2|4) on AdS5× S5 and the M5-brane with OSp(8∗|4) on AdS7× S4, in addition to the known M2-brane with OSp(8|4) on AdS4× S7. However, finding non-singular AdS solutions matching the other symmetries was less straightforward. Here we perform a literature search and confirm that all of the empty slots have now been filled, thanks to a number of extra ingredients including warped products and massive Type IIA. Orbifolds, orientifolds and S-folds also play a part providing examples not predicted: SU(2, 2|3), OSp(3|4), OSp(5|4) and OSp(6|4) but not OSp(7|4). We also examine the status of p = (0, 1) configurations.
Understanding holographic error correction via unique algebras and atomic examples
Authors: Pollack Jason , Rall Patrick , Rocchetto Andrea
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We introduce a fully constructive characterisation of holographic quantum error-correcting codes. That is, given a code and an erasure error we give a recipe to explicitly compute the terms in the RT formula. Using this formalism, we employ quantum circuits to construct a number of examples of holographic codes. Our codes have nontrivial holographic properties and are simpler than existing approaches built on tensor networks. Finally, leveraging a connection between correctable and private systems we prove the uniqueness of the algebra satisfying complementary recovery. The material is presented with the goal of accessibility to researchers in quantum information with no prior background in holography.
Das Landesprogramm Bildung und Gesundheit NRW (BuG) – Nachhaltige Entwicklung und Etablierung der Guten Gesunden Schule im Bundesland Nordrhein-Westfalen
Authors: Opitz Marleen
Published: June 2022

Mit dem Landesprogramm Bildung und Gesundheit Nordrhein-Westfalen (BuG NRW) bilden alle daran beteiligten Träger eine Verantwortungspartnerschaft zur Förderung der Guten Gesunden Schule und zur Umsetzung des Präventionsgesetzes in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Das Ministerium für Schule und Bildung (MSB NRW), das Ministerium für Arbeit, Gesundheit und Soziales (MAGS NRW), die gesetzlichen Krankenkassen/-verbände (GKV NRW) und die Unfallkasse (UK NRW) kooperieren für die Förderung der integrierten Gesundheits- und Qualitätsentwicklung sowie Unterstützung der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention in Schulen. Zentrale Elemente der Public-Health-Forschung, wie beispielsweise Partizipation (aller Beteiligten) und Empowerment, sind Bestandteil des Gesamtkonzeptes.

Gemeinsames Leitziel der Programmträger ist es, Gesundheits- und Bildungschancen von Kindern und Jugendlichen sowie das Wohlbefinden und die Leistungsfähigkeit aller Beteiligten in der Lebenswelt Schule gerecht und nachhaltig zu verbessern. Dies gelingt für die Programmschulen mit der fachkompetenten Beratung durch persönliche Ansprechpartner*innen, vielfältige Unterstützung, regelmäßige Evaluation sowie die Finanzierung nachhaltiger Schulentwicklungsmaßnahmen zur Verankerung von Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention. Die Gesundheitsqualität und Gesundheitskompetenz aller Beteiligten in der Lebenswelt Schule können dadurch verbessert werden.

Dieser Beitrag gibt Einblicke in das langjährige, anerkannte Schulentwicklungsprogramm, dessen Fortschreibung durch die Kooperationspartner aktuell für weitere 5 Jahre geplant ist. Die neueste Evaluation von BuG NRW hat u. a. gezeigt, wie sich durch implementierte Strukturen, eine aktive Vernetzung und individuelle Unterstützungsangebote in NRW gesundheitsförderliche Schulentwicklung langfristig weiterentwickeln und etablieren kann.
Expert responsibility in AI development
Authors: Hedlund Maria , Persson Erik
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the responsibility of AI experts for guiding the development of AI in a desirable direction. More specifically, the aim is to answer the following research question: To what extent are AI experts responsible in a forward-looking way for effects of AI technology that go beyond the immediate concerns of the programmer or designer? AI experts, in this paper conceptualised as experts regarding the technological aspects of AI, have knowledge and control of AI technology that non-experts do not have. Drawing on responsibility theory, theories of the policy process, and critical algorithm studies, we discuss to what extent this capacity, and the positions that these experts have to influence the AI development, make AI experts responsible in a forward-looking sense for consequences of the use of AI technology. We conclude that, as a professional collective, AI experts, to some extent, are responsible in a forward-looking sense for consequences of use of AI technology that they could foresee, but with the risk of increased influence of AI experts at the expense of other actors. It is crucial that a diversity of actors is included in democratic processes on the future development of AI, but for this to be meaningful, AI experts need to take responsibility for how the AI technology they develop affects public deliberation.
The injury mechanism correlation between MRI and video-analysis in professional football players with an acute ACL knee injury reveals consistent bone bruise patterns
Authors: D’Hooghe Pieter , Grassi Alberto , Villa Francesco Della , Alkhelaifi Khalid , Papakostas Emmanouil , Rekik Raouf , Marin Theodorakys , Tosarelli Filippo , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To analyze the MRI features, in particular bone bruises pattern, of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injured footballers, and to correlate them with the characteristics of injury mechanism and situation obtained from direct video footage.

Methods

Nineteen professional football (soccer) players that sustained ACL injury while playing during an official match of First League Championship were included in the study. The video of injury was obtained from the Television broadcast. Knee Magnetic Resonance (MRI) was obtained within 7 days from the injury. BB and meniscal lesions were analyzed on MRI, while a video-analysis of mechanisms of ACL injury and injury dynamic were assessed from the videos.

Results

The most commonly involved Bone Bruise areas in the knee were the Posterior Lateral Tibial Plateau (LTp) in 16 cases (84%) and the Central Lateral Femoral Condyle (LFc) in 11 cases (58%). Three patients (16%) had bone bruise in the Posterior Medial Tibial Plateau (MTp) while none (0%) had bone bruise in the Medial Femoral Condyle. Based on the bone bruise pattern, 11 (58%) had simultaneous LFc and LTp and were defined “Typical” while 8 (42%) had other locations or no bone bruise and were defined “Atypical”. 9 out of 11 injuries (82%) of athletes with “Typical” pattern occurred with a “Pivoting” action”, in contrast to only 1 case (12%) in those with “Atypical” bone bruise pattern (p = 0.0055).

The most common situational mechanism pattern on video analysis was “pressing” (n = 7) accounting for the 47% of the “indirect” ACL injuries. In terms of movement pattern, ten injuries (52%) occurred during a “Pivoting” movement (7 pressing, 1 dribbling, 1 tackled, 1 goalkeeping), whereas the remaining were classified as “Planting” in four cases, “Direct Blow” in four cases and “Landing”.

Conclusion

A well-defined and consistent bone bruise pattern involving the posterior tibial plateau and central femoral condyle of lateral compartment is present in footballers that sustained non-contact and indirect ACL injuries during pivoting with sudden change of direction/deceleration, while heterogeneous patterns were present in those with direct contact or injury mechanisms involving high horizontal velocity.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Kinetic modeling of polyatomic heat and mass transfer in rectangular microchannels
Authors: Tantos Christos , Kritikos Efstratios , Varoutis Stylianos , Day Christian
Published: June 2022

The present study aims at estimating the heat and the mass transfer coefficients in the case of the polyatomic gas flows through long rectangular microchannels driven by small and large pressure (Poiseuille flow) and temperature (Thermal creep flow) drops. The heat and mass transfer coefficients are presented for all gas flow regimes, from free molecular up to hydrodynamic ones, and for channels with different aspect ratios as well as for various values of translational and rotational Eucken factors. The applied values of the Eucken factors were extracted based on the Rayleigh-Brillouin experiments and the kinetic theory of gases. The numerical study has been performed on the basis of a kinetic model for linear and non-linear gas molecules considering the translational and rotational degrees of freedom. The solution of the obtained system of the kinetic equations is implemented on the Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), allowing the reduction of the computational time by two orders of magnitude. The results show that the Poiseuille mass transfer coefficient is not affected by the internal degrees of freedom and the non-dependence of the previous observed deviations with the experimental data on the molecular nature of the gas molecules is confirmed. However, the study shows that the deviation between monatomic and polyatomic values of the mass transfer coefficient in the thermal creep flow is increased as the gas rarefaction is decreased, and for several polyatomic gases met in practical applications in the temperature range from 300 to 900 K might reach 15%. In addition, the effect of the internal degrees of freedom on the heat transfer coefficient is found to be rather significant. The polyatomic heat transfer coefficients are obtained essentially higher than the monatomic ones, with the maximum difference reaching about 44% and 67% for linear and non-linear gas molecules. In view of the large differences between monatomic and polyatomic gases, the present results may be useful in the design of technological devices in which the thermal creep phenomenon plays a dominant role.
Development of the horizontal optocollic reflex in juvenile barn owls (Tyto furcata pratincola)
Authors: Wagner Hermann , Pappe Ina , Brill Sandra , Nalbach Hans-Ortwin
Published: June 2022

Adult barn owls and primates possess an almost symmetric monocular rotational horizontal optocollic reflex. In primates, the reflex is initially asymmetric and becomes symmetric with time after birth. The condition in barn owls has not been studied so far. Here, we present data on the development of this reflex in this bird. We tested juvenile barn owls from the time before they open their eyes after hatching to the time they reach adult feather length. Wide-field visual patterns served as stimuli. They were presented at different rotational speeds in binocular and monocular settings. The binocular horizontal optocollic responses of juvenile barn owls were symmetric and adult-like on the first day that the birds responded to the stimulus. The monocular responses showed different rates of development in respect to stimulus velocity and stimulus direction. For velocities up to 20 deg/s, the monocular reflex was also adult-like on the first day that the birds responded to the stimulus. An initially higher asymmetry for 30 deg/s compared to adults disappeared within about two weeks. The development at even higher velocities remained unclear.
Variability of the retrotympanum and its association with mastoid pneumatization in cholesteatoma patients
Authors: Hool Sara-Lynn , Beckmann Sven , Hakim Arsany , Yacoub Abraam , Caversaccio Marco , Wagner Franca , Anschuetz Lukas
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the variability of the retrotympanum in patients undergoing surgical treatment for cholesteatoma.

Methods

We included 59 ears of patients undergoing middle ear surgery for cholesteatoma who had preoperative computed tomography scans. A retrospective analysis of the medical records was conducted. The sinus tympani (ST), subtympanic sinus (STS) and facial recess (FR) were classified into types A–C based on the relationship of their extension to the facial nerve. The mastoid and petrous apex were assessed and categorized as normal pneumatized or sclerotic.

Results

Type A extension was the most frequently found in all sinuses (ST 64%, FR 77%, STS 69%), Type B extension was found more often in ST (34%) and STS (24%) than in FR (15%). A very deep extension was found only rarely (ST 2%, FR 8%, STS 7%). A sclerotic mastoid was found in 67% of cases. Those cases showed a statistically significant difference regarding retrotympanum pneumatization when compared with normal mastoid.

Conclusion

The most frequent variant of retrotympanic pneumatization in relation to the facial nerve was type A in all subsites in cholesteatoma patients. The variability among patients with cholesteatoma is different to previously published results in healthy subjects. Moreover, the pneumatization of the retrotympanum is associated with mastoid pneumatization.
Friction-induced noise in drum brakes: finite-element modeling and experiments with special focus on damping
Authors: Schmid Dominik , Gräbner Nils , von Wagner Utz
Published: June 2022

Brake squeal in friction brakes is a typical audible noise phenomenon in vehicles leading to high development and sometimes warranty costs for the suppliers. The friction forces generated during braking are responsible for self-excited vibrations in the audible frequency range starting from $$1\hbox { kHz}$$

1

kHz

. In the past countermeasures against friction-induced vibrations are mostly investigated for disk brakes while the present study focuses on drum brakes. Damping is in the context of self-excited vibrations often one of the key measures. Nowadays recuperative braking in electric vehicles relieves the conventional friction brake. Due to safety reasons, electric vehicles need to possess at least a second independent brake system. Therefore, simpler drum brakes are on the rise again when developing brake systems. Compared to brake disks, where damping elements can hardly be implemented, the freely accessible drum surface and the brake shoes offer so far unused potential for applying passive damping measures. The present paper focuses on how damping measures influence the noise behavior of drum brakes. Industrial and non-industrial brake components are investigated in detail. Experimental as well as numerical procedures are used to assess damping and noise characteristics.
Architecture and connectivity of the human angular gyrus and of its homolog region in the macaque brain
Authors: Niu Meiqi , Palomero-Gallagher Nicola
Published: June 2022

The angular gyrus roughly corresponds to Brodmann’s area 39, which is a multimodal association brain region located in the posterior apex of the human inferior parietal lobe, at its interface with the temporal and occipital lobes. It encompasses two cyto- and receptor architectonically distinct areas: caudal PGp and rostral PGa. The macaque brain does not present an angular gyrus in the strict sense, and the establishment of homologies was further hindered by the fact that Brodmann defined a single cytoarchitectonic area covering the entire guenon inferior parietal lobule in the monkey brain, i.e. area 7. Latter architectonic studies revealed the existence of 6 architectonically distinct areas within macaque area 7, further connectivity and functional imaging studies supported the hypothesis that the most posterior of these macaque areas, namely Opt and PG, may constitute the homologs of human areas PGp and PGa, respectively. The present review provides an overview of the cyto-, myelo and receptor architecture of human areas PGp and PGa, as well as of their counterparts in the macaque brain, and summarizes current knowledge on the connectivity of these brain areas. Finally, the present study elaborates on the rationale behind the definition of these homologies and their importance in translational studies.
Blood and saliva SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in self-collected dried spot samples
Authors: Lahdentausta Laura , Kivimäki Anne , Oksanen Lotta , Tallgren Marika , Oksanen Sampo , Sanmark Enni , Salminen Aino , Geneid Ahmed , Sairanen Mikko , Paju Susanna , Saksela Kalle , Pussinen Pirkko , Pietiäinen Milla
Published: June 2022

We examined the usefulness of dried spot blood and saliva samples in SARS-CoV-2 antibody analyses. We analyzed 1231 self-collected dried spot blood and saliva samples from healthcare workers. Participants filled in a questionnaire on their COVID-19 exposures, infections, and vaccinations. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were determined from both samples using the GSP/DELFIA method. The level of exposure was the strongest determinant of all blood antibody classes and saliva IgG, increasing as follows: (1) no exposure (healthy, non-vaccinated), (2) exposed, (3) former COVID-19 infection, (4) one vaccination, (5) two vaccinations, and (6) vaccination and former infection. While the blood IgG assay had a 99.5% sensitivity and 75.3% specificity to distinguish participants with two vaccinations from all other types of exposure, the corresponding percentages for saliva IgG were 85.3% and 65.7%. Both blood and saliva IgG-seropositivity proportions followed similar trends to the exposures reported in the questionnaires. Self-collected dry blood and saliva spot samples combined with the GSP/DELFIA technique comprise a valuable tool to investigate an individual’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2 exposure or vaccination. Saliva IgG has high potential to monitor vaccination response wane, since the sample is non-invasive and easy to collect.
Effects and duration of exercise-based prehabilitation in surgical therapy of colon and rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Falz Roberto , Bischoff Christian , Thieme René , Lässing Johannes , Mehdorn Matthias , Stelzner Sigmar , Busse Martin , Gockel Ines
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Functional capacity is an independent indicator of morbidity in colon and rectal cancer surgery. This systematic review describes the evaluated and synthesized effects of exercise prehabilitation depending on the duration of interventions on functional and postoperative outcomes in colon and rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Three electronic databases (MEDLINE Pubmed, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane Registry) were systematically searched (January 2022) for controlled trials that investigated the effects of prehabilitation prior to colo-rectal cancer resection.

Results

Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review and 14 in our meta-analyses assessing these outcomes: the 6 min walk distance (6MWD), postoperative overall complications, and length of stay (LOS). We observed a significant improvement in preoperative functional capacity as measured with 6MWD (mean difference: 30.8 m; 95% CI 13.3, 48.3; p = 0.0005) due to prehabilitation. No reductions in LOS (mean difference: – 0.27 days; 95% CI – 0.93, 0.40; p = 0.5) or postoperative overall complications (Odds ratio: 0.84; 95% CI 0.53, 1.31; p = 0.44) were observed. Prehabilitation lasting more than 3 weeks tended to lower overall complications (Odds ratio: 0.66; 95% CI 0.4, 1.1; p = 0.11). However, the prehabilitation time periods differed between colon and rectal carcinoma resections.

Conclusion

Prehabilitation while the patient is preparing to undergo surgery for colorectal carcinoma improves functional capacity; and might reduce postoperative overall complications, but does not shorten the LOS. The studies we reviewed differ in target variables, design, and the intervention’s time period. Multicenter studies with sufficient statistical power and differentiating between colon and rectal carcinoma are needed to develop implementation strategies in the health care system.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022310532