bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Organic Redox Mediator with a Defense‐Donor for Lithium Anode in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Sun Zongqiang , Tan Yanyan , Zhan Yingjie , Li Kaixuan , Dou Wenjie , Wang Chutao , Lin Xiaodong , Yuan Ruming , Yan Jiawei , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: December 2022

Lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) suffer from large charge overpotential and unstable Li metal interface, which can be attributed to the inefficient charge transport at the insulating Li2O2/cathode interface and the severe oxygen corrosion issue on the Li anode surface. The use of soluble redox mediators (RMs) can effectively enhance the charge transport between Li2O2 and cathode, thus greatly reducing the charge overpotential. However, oxidized RMs will also shuttle to the anode side and react with the Li metal, which not only results in the loss of both the RMs and the electrical energy efficiency but also exacerbates the Li anode corrosion. Herein, an organic compound—acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCI), in which a big cation group is contained, is proposed as a defense‐donor RM for lithium anode in LOBs to simultaneously address the above issues. During charge, it can accelerate the oxidation kinetics of Li2O2 via its iodide anion redox couple (I−/I3−). Meanwhile, its cation segment (ATC+) can move to the anode surface via electric attraction and in situ forms a protective interfacial layer, which prevents the Li anode from the attack of oxidized RM and oxygen species. Consequently, the ATCI‐containing LOBs can achieve both a low charge potential (≈3.49 V) and a long cycle life (≈190 cycles).
Retaining clinicians in suburban areas: An experience from Iran's primary health care system reform
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Gharaee Hojatolah , Babaie Javad , Aghdam Nasrin M. , Zahmatkesh Maryam
Published: December 2022

In June 2014, the first Health Complex was established in the suburban area of Tabriz, a northwest city of Iran. Health Complexes, as one of the decentralized models, have been formed based on universal health coverage principles. However, nearly two years after commencing work in the province, Health Complexes experience a high turnover of health care workers. This study aims to explore why primary health care workers set aside their roles in the health system and leave their jobs in opposition to the planned objectives. In this qualitative research, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used for participants' selection. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and documentary review. Interviews were conducted with health officials, health care specialists, and other health workers who had left their jobs in Health Complexes in the suburban areas of Tabriz. Inductive and deductive content analysis was used to analyse data. The leading causes for health care workers leaving a job were divided into four main categories including organizational policies and regulations, financial and economic factors, sociocultural, and personal factors. Developing evidence‐informed interventions and strategies to improve payment systems, provide job security and opportunities for professional development, and adopt cooperative leadership are essential to decrease the turnover rate of health care workers at Health Complexes.
On weak solutions of boundary values problem in the theory of Cosserat porous bodies
Authors: Marin Marin , Altenbach Holm , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

In our study, we adapt certain basic results from the abstract theory of differential equations of the elliptic type with the purpose to deduce some basic results in the case of a concrete type of media. Namely, after the boundary values problem is formulated in the context of elasticity of Cosserat bodies with voids, some results on existence of a generalized solution and the uniqueness of this solution are proven.
Numerical study of an electrically conducting hybrid nanofluid over a linearly extended sheet
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Ali Aatif , Hejazi Hala A. , Mahmuod Samy Refahy
Published: December 2022

The major purpose of this study is to observe the flow properties of an electrically conducting hybrid nanofluid (HNF) consist of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and iron ferrite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (nps) passes through a linearly expanded sheet with the slip velocity. The non‐Newtonian fluid models provide a better insight of the flow and heat allocation properties of nanofluids. For this purpose, we have used a Maxwell nanoliquid as the basis fluid in our experiment, with an inclined magnetic field applied to the flow direction. The flow regulating equations are turned into a system of non‐dimensional differential equations via resemblance substitutions. The computational procedure “parametric continuation method” (PCM) has been used to compute the velocity, energy, and mass of the HNF. The statistical results are displayed through graphs and tables. Maxwell parameter, porosity, and velocity slip tend to minimize HNF velocity, while its temperature rises with the action of thermal radiation, inclined magnetic field, unsteadiness variable, and viscous dissipation. Furthermore, the porous medium's penetration has a greater influence on the reduction of nanofluid velocity.
Exploiting exotic LHC datasets for long-lived new particle searches
Authors: El Faham Hesham , Giammanco Andrea , Hajer Jan
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Motivated by the expectation that new physics may manifest itself in the form of very heavy new particles, most of the operation time of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is devoted to proton-proton (pp) collisions at the highest achievable energies and collision rates. The large collision rates imply tight trigger requirements that include high thresholds on the final-state particles’ transverse momenta pT and an intrinsic background in the form of particle pileup produced by different collisions occurring during the same bunch crossing. This strategy is potentially sub-optimal for several well-motivated new physics models where new particles are not particularly heavy and can escape the online selection criteria of the multi-purpose LHC experiments due to their light mass and small coupling.

A solution may be offered by complementary datasets that are routinely collected by the LHC experiments. These include heavy ion collisions, low-pileup runs for precision physics, and the so-called “parking” and “scouting” datasets. While some of them are motivated by other physics goals, they all have the usage of mild pT thresholds at the trigger-level in common. In this study, we assess the relative merits of these datasets for a representative model whose particular clean signature features long-lived resonances yielding displaced dimuon vertices. We compare the reach across those datasets for a simple analysis, simulating LHC data in Run 2 and Run 3 conditions with the Delphes simulation. We show that the scouting and parking datasets, which afford low-pT trigger thresholds by only using partial detector information and delaying the event reconstruction, respectively, have a reach comparable to the standard pp dataset with conventional thresholds. We also show that heavy ion and low-pileup datasets are far less competitive for this signature.
Symmetry resolved entanglement of excited states in quantum field theory. Part I. Free theories, twist fields and qubits
Authors: Capizzi Luca , Castro-Alvaredo Olalla A. , De Fazio Cecilia , Mazzoni Michele , Santamaría-Sanz Lucía
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The excess entanglement resulting from exciting a finite number of quasiparticles above the ground state of a free integrable quantum field theory has been investigated quite extensively in the literature. It has been found that it takes a very simple form, depending only on the number of excitations and their statistics. There is now mounting evidence that such formulae also apply to interacting and even higher-dimensional quantum theories. In this paper we study the entanglement content of such zero-density excited states focusing on the symmetry resolved entanglement, that is on 1+1D quantum field theories that possess an internal symmetry. The ratio of charged moments between the excited and grounds states, from which the symmetry resolved entanglement entropy can be obtained, takes a very simple and universal form, which in addition to the number and statistics of the excitations, now depends also on the symmetry charge. Using form factor techniques, we obtain both the ratio of moments and the symmetry resolved entanglement entropies in complex free theories which possess U(1) symmetry. The same formulae are found for simple qubit states.
Intrinsic approach to 1 + 1D Carrollian Conformal Field Theory
Authors: Saha Amartya
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The 3D Bondi-Metzner-Sachs (BMS3) algebra that is the asymptotic symmetry algebra at null infinity of the 1 + 2D asymptotically flat space-time is isomorphic to the 1 + 1D Carrollian conformal algebra. Building on this connection, various preexisting results in the BMS3-invariant field theories are reconsidered in light of a purely Carrollian perspective in this paper. In direct analogy to the covariant transformation laws of the Lorentzian tensors, the flat Carrollian multiplets are defined and their conformal transformation properties are established. A first-principle derivation of the Ward identities in a 1 + 1D Carrollian conformal field theory (CCFT) is presented. This derivation introduces the use of the complex contour-integrals (over the space-variable) that provide a strong analytic handle to CCFT. The temporal step-function factors appearing in these Ward identities enable the translation of the operator product expansions (OPEs) into the language of the operator commutation relations and vice versa, via a contour-integral prescription. Motivated by the properties of these step-functions, the iϵ-forms of the Ward identities and OPEs are proposed that permit for the hassle-free use of the algebraic properties of the latter. Finally, utilizing the computational techniques developed, it is shown that the modes of the quantum energy-momentum tensor operator generate the centrally extended version of the infinite-dimensional 1 + 1D Carrollian conformal algebra.
DNA barcoding and gene expression recording reveal the presence of cancer cells with unique properties during tumor progression
Authors: Umeki Yuka , Ogawa Noriaki , Uegaki Yuko , Saga Kotaro , Kaneda Yasufumi , Nimura Keisuke
Published: December 2022

Tumors comprise diverse cancer cell populations with specific capabilities for adaptation to the tumor microenvironment, resistance to anticancer treatments, and metastatic dissemination. However, whether these populations are pre-existing in cancer cells or stochastically appear during tumor growth remains unclear. Here, we show the heterogeneous behaviors of cancer cells regarding response to anticancer drug treatments, formation of lung metastases, and expression of transcription factors related to cancer stem-like cells using a DNA barcoding and gene expression recording system. B16F10 cells maintained clonal diversity after treatment with HVJ-E, a UV-irradiated Sendai virus, and the anticancer drug dacarbazine. PBS treatment of the primary tumor and intravenous injection of B16F10 cells resulted in metastases formed from clones of multiple cell lineages. Conversely, BL6 and 4T1 cells developed spontaneous lung metastases by a small number of clones. Notably, an identical clone of 4T1 cells developed lung metastases in different mice, suggesting the existence of cells with high metastatic potential. Cas9-based transcription recording analysis in a human prostate cancer cell line revealed that specific cells express POU5F1 in response to an anticancer drug and sphere formation. Our findings provide insights into the diversity of cancer cells during tumor progression.
TCF-1 regulates NKG2D expression on CD8 T cells during anti-tumor responses
Authors: Harris Rebecca , Mammadli Mahinbanu , Hiner Shannon , Suo Liye , Yang Qi , Sen Jyoti Misra , Karimi Mobin
Published: December 2022

Cancer immunotherapy relies on improving T cell effector functions against malignancies, but despite the identification of several key transcription factors (TFs), the biological functions of these TFs are not entirely understood. We developed and utilized a novel, clinically relevant murine model to dissect the functional properties of crucial T cell transcription factors during anti-tumor responses. Our data showed that the loss of TCF-1 in CD8 T cells also leads to loss of key stimulatory molecules such as CD28. Our data showed that TCF-1 suppresses surface NKG2D expression on naïve and activated CD8 T cells via key transcriptional factors Eomes and T-bet. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, we uncovered how TCF-1 regulates critical molecules responsible for peripheral CD8 T cell effector functions. Finally, our unique genetic and molecular approaches suggested that TCF-1 also differentially regulates essential kinases. These kinases, including LCK, LAT, ITK, PLC-γ1, P65, ERKI/II, and JAK/STATs, are required for peripheral CD8 T cell persistent function during alloimmunity. Overall, our molecular and bioinformatics data demonstrate the mechanism by which TCF-1 modulated several critical aspects of T cell function during CD8 T cell response to cancer.

Graphical abstract

Summary Figure: TCF-1 is required for persistent function of CD8 T cells but dispensable for anti-tumor response. Here, we have utilized a novel mouse model that lacks TCF-1 specifically on CD8 T cells for an allogeneic transplant model. We uncovered a molecular mechanism of how TCF-1 regulates key signaling pathways at both transcriptomic and protein levels. These key molecules included LCK, LAT, ITK, PLC-γ1, p65, ERK I/II, and JAK/STAT signaling. Next, we showed that the lack of TCF-1 impacted phenotype, proinflammatory cytokine production, chemokine expression, and T cell activation. We provided clinical evidence for how these changes impact GVHD target organs (skin, small intestine, and liver). Finally, we provided evidence that TCF-1 regulates NKG2D expression on mouse naïve and activated CD8 T cells. We have shown that CD8 T cells from TCF-1 cKO mice mediate cytolytic functions via NKG2D.
BAP1 and PTEN mutations shape the immunological landscape of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and reveal the intertumoral heterogeneity of T cell suppression: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Friedhoff Jana , Schneider Felix , Jurcic Christina , Endris Volker , Kirchner Martina , Sun Angela , Bolnavu Iulia , Pohl Laura , Teroerde Miriam , Kippenberger Maximilian , Schwab Constantin , Kaczorowski Adam , Zschäbitz Stefanie , Jäger Dirk , Hohenfellner Markus , Stenzinger Albrecht , Duensing Anette , Duensing Stefan
Published: December 2022

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is an immunologically vulnerable tumor entity, and immune checkpoint inhibitors are now widely used to treat patients with advanced disease. Whether and to what extent immune responses in ccRCC are shaped by genetic alterations, however, is only beginning to emerge. In this proof-of-concept study, we performed a detailed correlative analysis of the mutational and immunological landscapes in a series of 23 consecutive kidney cancer patients. We discovered that a high infiltration with CD8 + T cells was not dependent on the number of driver mutations but rather on the presence of specific mutational events, namely pathogenic mutations in PTEN or BAP1. This observation encouraged us to compare mechanisms of T cell suppression in the context of four different genetic patterns, i.e., the presence of multiple drivers, a PTEN or BAP1 mutation, or the absence of detectable driver mutations. We found that ccRCCs harboring a PTEN or BAP1 mutation showed the lowest level of Granzyme B positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). A multiplex immunofluorescence analysis revealed a significant number of CD8 + TILs in the vicinity of CD68 + macrophages/monocytes in the context of a BAP1 mutation but not in the context of a PTEN mutation. In line with this finding, direct interactions between CD8 + TILs and CD163 + M2-polarized macrophages were found in BAP1-mutated ccRCC but not in tumors with other mutational patterns. While an absence of driver mutations was associated with more CD8 + TILs in the vicinity of FOXP3 + Tregs and CD68 + monocytes/macrophages, the presence of multiple driver mutations was, to our surprise, not found to be strongly associated with immunosuppressive mechanisms. Our results highlight the role of genetic alterations in shaping the immunological landscape of ccRCC. We discovered a remarkable heterogeneity of mechanisms that can lead to T cell suppression, which supports the need for personalized immune oncological approaches.
Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in patients with newly-diagnosed polycythemia vera: futility analysis of the RuxoBEAT clinical trial of the GSG-MPN study group
Authors: Koschmieder Steffen , Isfort Susanne , Wolf Dominik , Heidel Florian H. , Hochhaus Andreas , Schafhausen Philippe , Griesshammer Martin , Wolleschak Denise , Platzbecker Uwe , Döhner Konstanze , Jost Philipp J. , Parmentier Stefani , Schaich Markus , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Stegelmann Frank , Maurer Angela , Crysandt Martina , Gezer Deniz , Kortmann Maike , Franklin Jeremy , Frank Julia , Hellmich Martin , Brümmendorf Tim H. ,   for the German Study Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (GSG-MPN)
Published: December 2022

Patients (pts) with polycythemia vera (PV) suffer from pruritus, night sweats, and other symptoms, as well as from thromboembolic complications and progression to post-PV myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib (RUX) is approved for second-line therapy in high-risk PV pts with hydroxyurea intolerance or resistance. The RuxoBEAT trial (NCT02577926, registered on October 1, 2015, at clinicaltrials.gov) is a multicenter, open-label, two-arm phase-IIb trial with a target population of 380 pts with PV or ET, randomized to receive RUX or best available therapy. This pre-specified futility analysis assesses the early clinical benefit and tolerability of RUX in previously untreated PV pts (6-week cytoreduction was allowed). Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive RUX. Compared to baseline, after 6 months of treatment, there was a significant reduction of median hematocrit (46 to 41%), the median number of phlebotomies per year (4.0 to 0), and median patient-reported pruritus scores (2 to 1), and a trend for reduced night sweat scores (1.5 to 0). JAK2V617F allele burden, as part of the scientific research program, also significantly decreased. One hundred nine adverse events (AEs) occurred in 24/28 patients (all grade 1 to 3), and no pt permanently discontinued treatment because of AEs. Thus, treatment with ruxolitinib in untreated PV pts is feasible, well-tolerated, and efficient regarding the above-mentioned endpoints.
Mean time of diffusion- and reaction-limited loading and unloading
Authors: Würschum Roland
Published: December 2022

Direct determination of mean diffusion times from the Laplace transform of the spatial average of the diffusing species for $$p=0$$

p
=
0

offers the advantage of yielding closed-form expressions rather than sum-type ones obtained otherwise from the time-dependent solution. This is made use of in the present work to determine the mean time of diffusion- and reaction-limited loading and unloading a species into or out of bodies of different shape (plate, cylinder, sphere) for the important type of boundary condition of fixed concentration in the surrounding. This approach particularly pays off for more complex cases when the calculation from the inverse of the Laplace transform becomes more and more laborious. As an example of such type, concomitant trapping and untrapping of the diffusing species within the object during unloading is considered. The obtained solutions are quantitatively discussed with examples from literature. The present concept of the mean time of loading or unloading is compared with other time constants, e.g., mean action time or time lag.
Reduced nitrogen losses from drained temperate agricultural peatland after mineral soil coverage
Authors: Wang Yuqiao , Paul Sonja M. , Alewell Christine , Leifeld Jens
Published: December 2022

Draining peatlands for agriculture induces peat decomposition, subsidence, and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) losses, thereby contributing to soil degradation and climate change. To sustain the agricultural productivity of these organic soils, coverage with mineral soil material has increasingly been used. To evaluate the effect of this practice on the N flows within the plant–soil system, we conducted a 15N tracer experiment on a drained peatland that was managed as an intensive meadow. This peatland was divided into two parts, either without (reference “Ref”) or with ~ 40 cm mineral soil cover (coverage “Cov”). We applied 15NH415NO3 on field plots to follow the fate of 15N in plant–soil system over 11 months. In addition, N mineralization was determined by laboratory incubation. The field experiment showed that Cov lost less 15N (p < 0.05) than Ref, even though plant 15N uptake was similar at both sites. The lower net N loss from the Cov site was accompanied by higher soil 15N retention. The laboratory incubation revealed a ~ 3 times lower N mineralization at Cov than at Ref, whereas the N release per unit soil N was around two times higher at Cov than at Ref, suggesting a faster SOM turnover rate at Cov. Overall, the mineral soil cover increased the retention of fertilizer-N in the soil, thus reducing the system N losses. Our result indicates that agricultural production on drained peatland is less harmful to the environment with mineral soil coverage than using drained peatland directly.
Consolidating historical instrumental observations in southern Australia for assessing pre-industrial weather and climate variability
Authors: Gergis Joëlle , Baillie Zak , Ashcroft Linden , Trewin Blair , Allan Robert J.
Published: December 2022

Human-induced climate change has resulted in long-term drying trends across southern Australia, particularly during the cool season, with the most pronounced impacts observed in the southwest since the 1970s. Although these trends have been linked to changes in large-scale atmospheric circulation features, the limited number of daily weather datasets that extend into the pre-industrial period have so far prevented an assessment of the long-term context of synoptic-level changes associated with global warming. To address this need, we present the development of the longest sub-daily atmospheric pressure, temperature and rainfall records for Australia beginning in 1830. We first consolidate a range of historical observations from the two southern Australian cities of Perth and Adelaide. After assessing the quality and homogeneity of these records, we verify their ability to capture the weather and climate features produced by the Southern Hemisphere’s key climate modes of variability. Our analysis shows the historical observations are sensitive to the influence of large-scale dynamical drivers of Australian climate, as well as the relationship between southwestern and southeastern Australia. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of the dataset to resolve daily weather extremes by examining three severe storms that occurred in the nineteenth century associated with westerly storm tracks that influence southern Australia. The historical dataset introduced here provides a foundation for investigating pre-industrial weather and climate variability in southern Australia, extending the potential for attribution studies of anthropogenically-influenced weather and climate extremes.
Corrosion Simulations for Automotive Applications
Authors: Höche Daniel , Feiler Christian
Published: December 2022

Digitisation is making huge progress, and it is not stopping at automotive corrosion either. Within the entire automotive material life cycle, computer-aided approaches can already assist corrosion engineering and management today. From constructive corrosion protection on galvanically active hybrid constructions to the virtual design of active or passive corrosion protection systems, everything is possible. We are already very close to the goal of a continuous and realisable digital corrosion twin, but the complete integration into existing value chains is far from complete. This article provides an insight into current research and development and discusses the bottlenecks that still exist. The role of data or data collection and the smart combination of data- and physics-based modelling approaches are discussed. The possibilities and scope of applications of artificial intelligence methods for automotive corrosion topics are addressed. Concrete application scenarios are outlined by using examples, and the next work steps are derived.
A novel set of Austrian reference unit costs for comprehensive societal perspectives consistent with latest European costing methods for economic evaluations
Authors: Berger Michael , Mayer Susanne , Simon Judit
Published: December 2022

Decision making in public health often happens against the background of scarce resources. The systematic use of economic evaluations can be a main enabler in the alignment of public health goals with budgetary constraints. However, the lack of standardized methodology in terms of costing method and perspective are a critical barrier to the implementation of economic evaluations and the international comparability of results. We present a novel set of 22 reference unit costs (RUCs) optimized for cross-sectoral economic evaluations in Austria suitable for international comparability calculated using the standardized PECUNIA RUC Template. The common framework for costing and reporting, as well as the easy availability of the RUCs will reduce the burden on researchers and policy makers in future economic evaluations. The higher quality, accuracy, transparency and availability of economic evidence for policy design will help to improve the efficiency of public health-relevant healthcare decisions and make it easier for policy makers to bring funding arrangements and decision making across multiple sectors in line with Health-in-All-Policies goals.
Imagining Kant’s theory of scientific knowledge: philosophy and education in microbiology
Authors: Baquero Fernando
Published: December 2022

In the field of observational and experimental natural sciences (as is the case for microbiology), recent decades have been overinfluenced by overwhelming technological advances, and the space of abstraction has been frequently disdained. However, the predictable future of biological sciences should necessarily recover the synthetic dimension of “natural philosophy.” We should understand the nature of Microbiology as Science, and we should educate microbiology scientists in the process of thinking. The critical process of thinking “knowing what we can know” is entirely based on Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. However, this book is extremely difficult to read (even for Kant himself) and almost inaccessible to modern experimental natural scientists. Professional philosophers might have been able to explain Kant to scientists; unfortunately, however, they do not get involved this type of education for science. The intention of this review is to introduce natural scientists, particularly microbiologists and evolutionary biologists, to the main rigorous processes (aesthetics, analytics, dialectics) that Kant identified to gain access to knowledge, always a partial knowledge, given that the correspondence between truth and reality is necessarily incomplete. This goal is attempted by producing a number of “images” (figures) to help the non-expert reader grasp the essential of Kant’s message and by making final observations paralleling the theory of scientific knowledge with biological evolutionary processes and the role of evolutionary epistemology in science education. Finally, the influence of Kant’s postulates in key-fields of microbiology, from taxonomy to systems biology is discussed.
Complete genome of Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650: genomic insights into its environmental adaptation and biotechnological potential
Authors: Paudel Lakshan , Ghimire Nisha , Han So-Ra , Park Hyun , Jung Sang-Hee , Oh Tae-Jin
Published: December 2022

The mechanisms underlying the survival of bacteria in low temperature and high radiation are not yet fully understood. Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650 was isolated from a glacier of Rwenzori Mountain, Uganda, which species belonged to Nakamurella genus based on 16S rRNA phylogeny, ANI (average nucleotide identity), and BLAST Ring Image Generator (BRIG) analysis among Frankineae suborder. We conducted the whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics of Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650, to understand the genomic features pertaining to survival in cold environment, along with high UV (ultraviolet) radiation. This study highlights the role of polysaccharide in cold adaptation, mining of the UV protection-related secondary metabolites and other related to cold adaptation mechanism through different bioinformatics tools, and providing a brief overview of the genes present in DNA repair systems. Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650 contained glycogen and cellulose metabolism pathways, mycosporine-like amino acids and isorenieratene-synthesizing gene cluster, and a number of DNA repair systems. Also, the genome analysis showed osmoregulation-related genes and cold shock proteins. We infer these genomic features are linked to bacterial survival in cold and UV radiation.
Modeling opponent learning in multiagent repeated games
Authors: Hu Yudong , Han Congying , Li Haoran , Guo Tiande
Published: December 2022

Multiagent reinforcement learning (MARL) has been used extensively in the game environment. One of the main challenges in MARL is that the environment of the agent system is dynamic, and the other agents are also updating their strategies. Therefore, modeling the opponents’ learning process and adopting specific strategies to shape learning is an effective way to obtain better training results. Previous studies such as DRON, LOLA and SOS approximated the opponent’s learning process and gave effective applications. However, these studies modeled only transient changes in opponent strategies and lacked stability in the improvement of equilibrium efficiency. In this article, we design the MOL (modeling opponent learning) method based on the Stackelberg game. We use best response theory to approximate the opponents’ preferences for different actions and explore stable equilibrium with higher rewards. We find that MOL achieves better results in several games with classical structures (the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Stackelberg Leader game and Stag Hunt with 3 players), and in randomly generated bimatrix games. MOL performs well in competitive games played against different opponents and converges to stable points that score above the Nash equilibrium in repeated game environments. The results may provide a reference for the definition of equilibrium in multiagent reinforcement learning systems, and contribute to the design of learning objectives in MARL to avoid local disadvantageous equilibrium and improve general efficiency.
Retinal Thinning in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Friedel Evelyn B. N. , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Schäfer Mirjam , Maier Simon , Runge Kimon , Küchlin Sebastian , Reich Michael , Lagrèze Wolf A. , Kornmeier Jürgen , Ebert Dieter , Endres Dominique , Domschke Katharina , Nickel Kathrin
Published: December 2022

Since the retina shares its embryological origin with the central nervous system, optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging technique frequently employed in ophthalmology to analyze the macula and intraretinal layer thicknesses and volumes, has recently become increasingly important in psychiatric research. We examined 34 autistic and 31 neurotypical adults (NT) using OCT. Autistic adults had reduced overall macular and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and volume compared to NT. Both macular and ONL thickness showed significant inverse associations with the severity of autistic symptoms measured with the Social Responsiveness Scale 2 (SRS-2). Longitudinal studies across different age groups are required to clarify whether retinal changes may represent a possible trait marker.
Inclusion, occlusion and adsorption of rare earth elements from chloride media onto barite-gypsum composite
Authors: Abdo Sh. M. , Hagag M. S. , Ali A. H. , Salem F. H. , Dakroury G. A.
Published: December 2022

In this study, a synthetic BaSO4·CaSO4 composite was prepared by co-precipitation technique, characterised and examined for REE sorption. The sorption parameters were; pH = 4, equilibrium time = 20 min, temperature = 303 K, and REE liquor volume to composite mass ratio of 0.2:1 L g−1. The sorption reaction was controlled by pseudo 2nd order kinetic mechanism and Langmuir adsorption isotherm with an adsorption capacity of 168.63 mg g−1. 90.14% of REE (III) was desorbed using 1 mol L−1 HNO3. The process was endothermic and spontaneous. Accordingly, 1:1 barite-gypsum (natural ingredient for BaSO4·CaSO4), with 136 mg g−1 loading capacity, was used for REEs extraction.
Dynamics of digitally controlled forced vibration of suspended cables
Authors: Kollár László E.
Published: December 2022

Dynamics of suspended cables with active vibration control is studied. The control device is an electrical vibration absorber that is driven by a motor and that may be fixed at any position along the cable. The absorber applies a control force that reduces vibration amplitude at the position where it is placed. The methodology is efficient for attenuating high-frequency, low-amplitude vibration due to periodic excitation that may consider wind effect. The dynamic behavior is described by a mechanical model of the absorber and the cable at the location where the absorber is attached. The model takes into account such practical problems as time delay and backlash at the driving, which lead to limitation in the applicability of control. Time delay occurs in digital control, because samples of data are taken at discrete time intervals and response is provided after the sampling delay. Backlash influences control when the direction of control force changes, since the control force is not transmitted in the small domain of backlash. The present research examines the effects of time delay and backlash on the local control of cable vibration, and assesses the range of time delay and backlash when the control can be applied successfully. Moreover, the presence of time delay and backlash together results in a motion with some irregularity what justifies the detailed study of the dynamic behavior in order to evaluate the types of motion that may arise in such systems.
Efficacy and Safety of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Obesity: a Meta-analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Li Xianting , Hu Xu , Fu Chendong , Han Lang , Xie Ming , Ouyang Shurui
Published: December 2022

The objective of this review is to systematically review the efficacy and safety outcomes of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). From inception to July 4, 2022, a systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials comparing OAGB with RYGB in obesity. A meta-analysis performed using the RevMan 5.4.1 software evaluations was completed. We identified 1217 reports; after exclusions, eight trials with a total of 931 patients were eligible for analysis. Compared with RYGB, OAGB had multiple advantageous indexes. Examples include percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months (P = 0.009), body mass index (BMI) at 2 years (P < 0.00001), early postoperative complication (P = 0.04), remission of dyslipidemia (P < 0.0001), and operative time (P < 0.00001). No significant statistical difference was observed in BMI at 6 months, %EWL at 6 months, BMI at 12 months, percent of excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) at 2 years, BMI at 5 years, intraoperative complications, late postoperative complications, remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia or gastroesophageal reflux disease remission between OAGB and RYGB. OAGB is no less effective than RYGB; no significant differences in weight loss efficacy were observed, and more large and long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to verify this. In addition, studies have shown that OAGB has a shorter operation time, fewer early postoperative complications, and a shorter learning curve, making it easier for young surgeons to perform.
Effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expression of thyroid autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rats with autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Chen Kexu , Zhao Jimeng , Qiao Yu , Zhu Lu , Huang Yan , Liu Yanan , Zheng Handan , Liu Huirong , Cui Yunhua , Wu Huangan
Published: December 2022

Objective

To observe the anti-inflammatory effect, as well as the effect on the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) and Beclin-1 of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT).

Methods

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a modeling group. The EAT rat model was prepared by a combination of antigen immunization plus iodine agent induction. After the model was prepared, rats in the modeling group were randomly and equally divided into a model group and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. In the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, moxibustion was alternately applied to two groups of points [Dazhui (GV14)-Mingmen (GV4) and Tiantu (CV22)-Guanyuan (CV4)], and the treatment continued for 30 d. Rats in the normal and model groups were only fixed identically without intervention. Histopathological manifestations of thyroid glands were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; the concentrations of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue.

Results

There were massive follicular destruction, lymphocytic infiltration, and interstitial fibrous tissue hyperplasia of the thyroid glands in the model group. Some follicles of the thyroid glands were destroyed with few lymphocyte infiltrations and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the moxibustion group. Compared with the normal group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased in the model rats (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were reduced in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were increased in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue was negatively correlated with the serum levels of TPOAb and TGAb.

Conclusion

Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion reduces the inflammatory response in the thyroid glands of EAT rats and lowers the levels of serum TPOAb and TGAb. This may be related to the regulation of mRNA and protein expression of the autophagy-associated factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rat thyroid tissue.
A nonstandard approach to asymptotic fixed point theorems
Authors: Lindstrøm Tom , Ross David A.
Published: December 2022

We use methods from nonstandard analysis to unify and extend results from the theory of asymptotic fixed points on metric spaces. Among the topics we consider are Kirk’s asymptotic fixed point theorem with extensions, Boyd and Wong’s fixed point theorem, and Suzuki’s fixed point theorem for asymptotic contractions of the Meier–Keeler type. We also show how Suzuki’s asymptotic contractions of the final type can be modified to yield uniform convergence on compact and bounded sets.
Validation study of a nomogram for predicting probability of low risk of MammaPrint results in women with clinically high-risk breast cancer
Authors: Hwang Young Sol , Kim Hwa Jung , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Lee Sae Byul
Published: December 2022

Background

MammaPrint (MMP) helps clinicians identify the ideal time for adjuvant treatment for patients with early HR+/HER2− breast cancer. We aimed to validate a nomogram designed to predict probability of low risk of MMP results and to evaluate the difference in survival outcome between two groups divided by nomogram score.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 172 patients from Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, who underwent breast cancer surgery and MMP during 2020–2021. First, we validated the nomogram by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) and using calibration. Additionally, with the data of 1,835 T1-3N0-1M0 HR+/HER2− patients from Asan Medical Center during 2010–2013, we compared the disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) rates by Kaplan−Meier analysis between the two groups divided by nomogram total point (TP) of 183.

Results

The AUC calculated by validation of 172 patients was 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.81). The discrimination and calibration of the prediction model were satisfactory following additional validation of 1835 patients. The high-risk and low-risk groups had different 5-year OS (97.9% vs. 98.1%, p = 0.056), DFS (98.6% vs. 99.4%, p = 0.008), and BCSS rates (98.6% vs. 99.4%, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

For treatment decision-making among clinically high-risk patients with HR+/HER2− and node-positive disease, the nomogram showed satisfactory performance in predicting patients with low genomic risk. Survival outcome significantly differed between two groups divided by nomogram TP. More studies are needed to validate this model in international cohorts and large prospective cohorts from other institutions.
Initial report of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure in hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation and high risk of bleeding in Japan
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Imamura Teruhiko , Tanaka Shuhei , Ushijima Ryuichi , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: December 2022

In the countries like Japan where anticoagulation is not recommended in hemodialysis patients, the feasibility of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in hemodialysis patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) accompanying high risks of thromboembolic stroke and bleeding remains unknown. Peri-procedural and 45-day clinical outcomes following LAAC using WATCHMAN system, which were performed in our institute between Jun 2020 and April 2022 according to the Japanese Circulation Society guidelines, were retrospectively compared between those with and without hemodialysis. 118 patients (median 79 years, 81 men) consisting of 25 hemodialysis patients and 93 non-hemodialysis patients were included. CHADS score was 3 (2, 4) in the hemodialysis patients and 3 (2, 4) in the non-hemodialysis patients (p = 0.98). HAS-BREAD score was 4 (3, 5) in the hemodialysis patients and 3 (2, 3) in the non-hemodialysis patients (p < 0.001). All procedures were successful, except for a non-hemodialysis patient with a larger left atrial appendage. There were no major complications during index hospitalization and 45-day observational period, except for a hemodialysis patient with suspected bleeding and a non-hemodialysis patient who died due to cardiac amyloidosis. LAAC seems to be feasible in hemodialysis patients with high risks of thromboembolic events and bleedings.
Mango germplasm screening for the identification of sources of tolerance to anthracnose
Authors: Grice Kathy Rosemary Ellen , Bally Ian Stephen Edward , Wright Carole Louise , Maddox Cheryldene , Ali Asjad , Dillon Natalie Louise
Published: December 2022

Colletotrichum species are one of the most common causes of postharvest fruit rot in mango in Australia, particularly in the tropical region of north Queensland, and can result in significant losses if not managed. The research aims were to identify sources of anthracnose tolerance and to determine if host material other than fruit could improve or fast track the screening process and result in improved breeding efficiency. Access to the Australian National Mango Genebank (ANMG) collection enabled fruit screening of more than 100 Mangifera indica cultivars or Mangifera species for tolerance to anthracnose by artificial inoculation with Colletotrichum asianum over a period of 14 years. Mean lesion diameters were compared with those on a known susceptible M. indica cultivar Kensington Pride (KP) and a tolerant M. laurina cultivar Lombok. Inoculation of leaf discs and entire leaves was evaluated in the laboratory and the field as alternative assays for tolerance to anthracnose and was assessed by presence/absence of disease. Screening of fruit has shown that anthracnose tolerance within the mango germplasm is highly variable and needs to be assessed over multiple years. None of the alternative laboratory bioassays provided consistent or reliable data. The in-field artificial inoculation of immature leaf flush was successful but was not deemed suitable for adoption due to practical restraints. While resistance to anthracnose in fruit has not yet been identified, some cultivars and Mangifera spp. showed promise for inclusion as parents in future breeding programs.
First trimester lower abdominal cysts as early predictor of anorectal malformations
Authors: Erculiani Marta , Trovalusci Emanuele , Zanatta Cinzia , De Lorenzis Maria Sonia , Filippi Elisa , Bracalente Gabriella , Midrio Paola
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of anorectal malformations (ARMs) is challenging and often missed as direct visualization of the anal sphincter is not routinely performed, plus the technique is operator-dependent and inaccurate, also in expert hands. Other indirect signs, such as rectosigmoid overdistension or intraluminal calcifications, are occasionally present in late pregnancy. The detection of a cyst of the lower abdomen in the first trimester may be an early sign of ARM. Here we reported our experience and a review of the literature of such cases.

Material and methods

Isolated cases of lower abdomen cysts encountered in the first trimester at the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit during the last 5 years were retrieved and compared with those found in literature. Post-natal clinical data were analyzed to check the presence and type of malformations.

Results

A total of three cases of lower abdomen cysts were found in our center and 13 in literature. In our case series all the cysts spontaneously regressed and were no longer visible since the second trimester of pregnancy, while in literature this was reported in only 4 out of 13 cases. ARM was confirmed in all patients at birth or post-mortem.

Conclusions

The finding of a lower abdomen cyst during the first trimester of pregnancy could be an early predictive sign of ARM, even if it disappears during pregnancy. In these cases, we suggest mentioning to the parents the possibility of an ARM during the counseling and to refer the couple to a Colorectal Center.

Graphical Abstract