bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiperspektivität im Multiplikatorenansatz
Authors: Reifegerste Doreen , Stehr Paula , Ermel Lyn , Rossmann Constanze , Lindemann Ann-Kathrin , Schulze Annett
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund

Betreuungspersonen von Kindern unter 7 Jahren, etwa (Groß‑)Eltern oder medizinisches und pädagogisches Personal, sind wichtige Zielgruppen für Kommunikationsmaßnahmen in der Kinderunfallprävention. Um sie zu identifizieren und zu erreichen, können Multiplikatoren aus ihren Reihen (Peers und Professionals) oder Multiplikatoren von Institutionen (Intermediäre oder Multiplikatoren zweiter Ordnung) von Bedeutung sein, die jeweils eigene Präferenzen für Informationswege und Kommunikationsanlässe aufweisen. Allerdings berücksichtigen vorhandene Multiplikatorenansätze diese Multiperspektivität und die wechselseitigen Sichtweisen der Kommunikationspartner nur unzureichend.

Zielstellung

Anhand eines Projekts zur Kinderunfallprävention haben wir daher analysiert, welche interpersonalen Informationsquellen und Informationsanlässe die jeweiligen Teilgruppen als bedeutsam erachten, um entsprechende Multiplikatoren identifizieren und erreichen zu können.

Material und Methoden

Dafür wurden insgesamt 8 Fokusgruppen und 4 Einzelinterviews mit Eltern (n = 25), medizinischem und pädagogischem Betreuungspersonal (n = 17) und Intermediären von Institutionen (n = 15) durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die Perspektiven der verschiedenen Multiplikatorengruppen auf genutzte Informationsquellen und Anlässe zur Informationssuche und -weitergabe deutlich unterscheiden.

Diskussion

Ein Multiplikatorenkonzept sollte die verschiedenen Perspektiven erheben und für die Entwicklung der Kommunikationsmaßnahmen berücksichtigen. Es bleibt zu prüfen, inwieweit die Ergebnisse auf andere Präventionsfelder übertragbar sind.
Hospital Variation in Preference for a Specific Bariatric Procedure and the Association with Weight Loss Performance: a Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Akpinar Erman O. , Liem Ronald S. L. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , Greve Jan Willem M. , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity Research Group, de Brauw L. M. , de Castro S. M. M. , Damen S. L. , Demirkiran A. , Dunkelgrün M. , Faneyte I. F. , van ’t Hof G. , Janssen I. M. C. , Jutte E. H. , Klaassen R. A. , Lagae E. A. G. L. , Langenhoff B. S. , Luijten A. A. P. M. , Schouten R. , Smeenk R. M. , Swank D. J. , Wiezer M. J. , Vening W.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Hospitals performing a certain bariatric procedure in high volumes may have better outcomes. However, they could also have worse outcomes for some patients who are better off receiving another procedure. This study evaluates the effect of hospital preference for a specific type of bariatric procedure on their overall weight loss results.

Methods

All hospitals performing bariatric surgery were included from the nationwide Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity. For each hospital, the expected (E) numbers of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) were calculated given their patient-mix. These were compared with the observed (O) numbers as the O/E ratio in a funnel plot. The 95% control intervals were used to identify outlier hospitals performing a certain procedure significantly more often than expected given their patient-mix (defined as hospital preference for that procedure). Similarly, funnel plots were created for the outcome of patients achieving ≥ 25% total weight loss (TWL) after 2 years, which was linked to each hospital’s preference.

Results

A total of 34,558 patients were included, with 23,154 patients completing a 2-year follow-up, of whom 79.6% achieved ≥ 25%TWL. Nine hospitals had a preference for RYGB (range O/E ratio [1.09–1.53]), with 1 having significantly more patients achieving ≥ 25%TWL (O/E ratio [1.06]). Of 6 hospitals with a preference for SG (range O/E ratio [1.10–2.71]), one hospital had significantly fewer patients achieving ≥ 25%TWL (O/E ratio [0.90]), and from two hospitals with a preference for OAGB (range O/E ratio [4.0–6.0]), one had significantly more patients achieving ≥ 25%TWL (O/E ratio [1.07]). One hospital had no preference for any procedure but did have significantly more patients achieving ≥ 25%TWL (O/E ratio [1.10]).

Conclusion

Hospital preference is not consistently associated with better overall weight loss results. This suggests that even though experience with a procedure may be slightly less in hospitals not having a preference, it is still sufficient to achieve similar weight loss outcomes when surgery is provided in centralized high-volume bariatric institutions.

Graphical Abstract
Community Heroes and Sleeping Members: Interdependency of the Tenets of Energy Justice
Authors: Astola Mandi , Laes Erik , Bombaerts Gunter , Ryszawska Bozena , Rozwadowska Magdalena , Szymanski Piotr , Ruess Anja , Nyborg Sophie , Hansen Meiken
Published: September 2022

Energy justice literature generally treats its three tenets, distributional justice, procedural justice and recognition justice, as separate and independent issues. These are seen as separate dimensions by which criteria can be formulated for a just state of affairs. And a just state of affairs regarding energy should fulfill all criteria. However, we show, using empirical research on six European energy communities that the tenets of energy justice are interdependent and negotiated in practice. We show this interdependency using three core concerns of justice—risk, effort and power—which we identified through our empirical work. Our findings reveal that community members are often willing to take risks and put in effort, if they are compensated with more power within the community. Similarly, members are willing to compromise power if no effort or risk-taking is required from them. This demonstrates the interdependency of the tenets “procedural justice” and “distributional justice” within energy communities. We reflect on the need for energy justice theory and policymakers to recognize the significance of this interdependency.
Anthropometric study using three-dimensional pelvic CT scan in sex determination among adult Indonesian population
Authors: Setiawati Rosy , Rahardjo Paulus , Ruriana Ika , Guglielmi Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

This study aims to determine pelvic anthropometry characteristics and logistic regression formula for adult sex identification obtained from adult three-dimensional pelvic computed tomography images. This study was an observational analytical study with retrospective regression and cross-sectional approach. The population was all patients at Radiology Installation of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital as referral hospital in East Indonesian region, from September to December 2019 who underwent 3D pelvic CT examination. Then, age distribution and pelvic measurements data were obtained. In this case, statistical analysis was conducted for all the data obtained. A number of 204 samples were included in this study. All radiologic components were also significantly different between sexes (p < 0.05) except for transverse diameter of sacral segment (p = 0.180). Moreover, the conjugate pelvic inlet diameter (CPID), the left innominate height (LIH), and sub pubic angle (SPA) showed significant values for regression formula to determine an adult’s sex using 3D pelvic CT. The calculation result > 0 is a prediction for female while < 0 is a prediction for male. From logistic regression model calculation, a high validity value (91.05%) was found with 100% sensitivity to identify male sex and 81.1% specificity to identify female sex. There were differences on radiometric variable characteristics in pelvic anthropometric study among adult Indonesians at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya. The estimated values of pelvic measurements using 3D CT images could develop a pelvic model with a regression formula with high accuracy value using CPID, LIH, and SPA values.
A method to obtain purified free light chain monomers and dimers from urine samples of patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Caponi Laura , Botti Alice , Romiti Nadia , Paolicchi Aldo , Franzini Maria
Published: September 2022

Antibody light chains are synthesized in excess by plasma cells, and this excess can be secreted into biological fluids as dimers or monomers in various proportions. Structural differences between monomers or dimers of free light chains (FLC) can affect their biological functions and possibly their pathogenicity. They also may exhibit differential immune reactivity, perhaps explaining discrepant quantifications when measured by different immunoreagents. Having purified FLC monomers and dimers available can be useful for studying their properties. Here we propose a simple preparatory procedure to purify FLC monomers and dimers from urine samples of patients with plasma cell disorders. Two representative urine samples containing lambda or kappa FLC were loaded into a nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The gel strips containing separate monomers and dimers were excised, electroeluted, and the FLC recovered. The FLC were recovered from SDS-PAGE gel in sufficient amounts to be quantified by UV and two automated nephelometric assays immunochemical. The procedure was found to be simple, reproducible, and with a high yield, thus offering the opportunity to compare different assays. Not all urine samples are suitable for this procedure, but this approach allows for the purification of FLC monomers and dimers from many selected urine samples which maintain their oligomeric organization.
Shape optimization of a snowboard sidecut geometry
Authors: Caillaud Benoit , Gerstmayr Johannes
Published: September 2022

The distribution of the contact pressure occurring under the edge of a snowboard during a carved turn is a key factor influencing the riding behaviour. These interface loads are determined by the structural design, and in particular by the sidecut geometry of the edge line. In this study, the following inverse problem was set under investigation: if a certain interface pressure distribution is wished, how can the corresponding initial geometry of the snowboard be determined? A structural optimization strategy was presented, involving parametric B-spline representation of the sidecut geometry, finite element modeling of the composite structure deforming against a rigid surface, frictional contact formulation and derivative-free algorithm. A sidecut geometry leading to a contact pressure uniformly distributed along the sidecut line was sought, to illustrate the capabilities of the method. An actual snowboard prototype was made according to the outcome of the optimization, and an experimental validation was conducted to measure the physical pressure distribution and assess the accuracy of the numerical predictions. With the proposed method, the design can be controlled by the state variables of the deformed structure rather than the initial design variables, thus providing an alternative shortcut to the classical trial and error development strategies.
Effect of herbal extracts and supplement mixture on alcohol metabolism in Sprague Dawley-rats
Authors: Choe Hyeonjeong , Yun Injue , Kim Yunyoung , Lee Ji-Heon , Shin Hyun-A. , Lee Yong-Kyu , Kim Mi-Yeon
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mixture of herbal extracts and supplementary formula (FNP-C) on hangovers and antioxidant enzymes in alcohol-induced liver damage in rats. HepG2 cells were used as the experimental cells and divided into five groups: non-treated control (normal), alcohol-induced control (control), mixture of herbal extracts (FNP-B), FNP-C, and a commercial treatment of liver diseases (Livers®); inhibition of detoxification and alcohol-induced damage was confirmed in vivo. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration after alcohol consumption were measured in a timely manner; alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione transferase (GST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured in the liver. FNP-C exhibited the highest effect. When FNP-C was administered to alcohol-induced animals, blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration decreased compared to FNP-B and Livers®. FNP-C reduced ADH levels and improved LDH, GSH, GST, and SOD levels. The FNP-C group was effective in preventing alcohol-induced hangovers and liver damage. Thus, FNP-C improves hangovers and increases antioxidant activity in an alcohol-induced model. Adding amino acids and vitamins to natural ingredients can potentially enhance the effect of improving hangovers.
Regularization methods for hierarchical variational inequality problems on Hadamard manifolds
Authors: Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Babu Feeroz , Uddin Moin
Published: September 2022

This article proposes two regularized iterative algorithms for solving variational inequality problems defined over a solution set of a variational inclusion problem, known as hierarchical variational inequality problems, in the setting of Hadamard manifolds. Instead of regularizing the variational inequality problem or an iterative method for solving it, we first regularize the considered variational inclusion problem, and then prove that the solution of the regularized problem converges to a solution of the hierarchical variational inequality problem. Using such a result, we prove the convergence of the sequences generated by the proposed algorithms to a solution of the considered hierarchical variational inequality problem. A computational experiment is provided to see the validity and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
First commissioning results of the coherent scattering and imaging endstation at the Shanghai soft X-ray free-electron laser facility
Authors: Fan Jia-Dong , Tong Ya-Jun , Nie Yong-Gan , Gao Zi-Chen , He Bo , Luan Hui , Lu Dong-Hao , Zhang Jian-Hua , Zhang Di-Fei , Yuan Xin-Ye , Chen Jia-Hua , Guo Zhi , Liu Tao , Zhang Meng , Feng Chao , Deng Hai-Xiao , Liu Bo , Zhao Zhen-Tang , Liu Zhi , Jiang Huai-Dong
Published: September 2022

The Shanghai soft X-ray free-electron laser (SXFEL) user facility project started in 2016 and is expected to be open to users by 2022. It aims to deliver ultra-intense coherent femtosecond X-ray pulses to five endstations covering a range of 100–620 eV for ultrafast X-ray science. Two undulator lines are designed and constructed, based on different lasing modes: self-amplified spontaneous emission and echo-enabled harmonic generation. The coherent scattering and imaging (CSI) endstation is the first of five endstations to be commissioned online. It focuses on high-resolution single-shot imaging and the study of ultrafast dynamic processes using coherent forward scattering techniques. Both the single-shot holograms and coherent diffraction patterns were recorded and reconstructed for nanoscale imaging, indicating the excellent coherence and high peak power of the SXFEL and the possibility of “diffraction before destruction” experiments at the CSI endstation. In this study, we report the first commissioning results of the CSI endstation.
FIRE Study: Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Ibrutinib in Clinical Practice in Patients with CLL and MCL
Authors: Dartigeas Caroline , Slama Borhane , Doyle Margaret , Tapprich Christoph , Albrecht Claire , Dupuis Sandrine , Wapenaar Robert , Schmidt-Hieber Charlotte , Leblond Veronique
Published: September 2022

The FIRE study investigated the real-world effectiveness and safety of ibrutinib in prospectively observed patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in France. Patients were mostly relapsed/refractory with high-risk features. First-line CLL/SLL patients had del17p and/or TP53 mutations. In this interim analysis, the median follow-up time for patients with CLL/SLL and MCL was 17.7 and 15.1 months, respectively. In the effectiveness populations for CLL/SLL (n = 200) and MCL (n = 59), the median progression-free survival was not estimable and 12.4 months, respectively; the 12-month overall survival rates were 88.5% and 65.8%, respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse events of interest for patients with CLL/SLL (n = 202) and MCL (n = 59) included: infections and infestations (53.5% and 32.2%), major bleeding (5.0% and 5.1%), and atrial fibrillation (5.9% and 8.5%); 135 (66.8%) and 20 (33.9%) patients were continuing treatment at the time of data cutoff. Future analyses will report on longer-term follow-up (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03425591. Registered 1 February 2018—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03425591).
Independent Directors and Team Production in Japanese Corporate Governance
Authors: Johnston Andrew , Miyamoto Kohei
Published: September 2022

Independent directors (IDs) in listed Japanese companies have gradually increased with the transplant of the Western model of the monitoring board. In practice, however, IDs act more like the mediating hierarch in team production theory than the agent of the shareholders, albeit with a number of differences from Blair and Stout’s seminal model. Japanese IDs mediate formally and informally, resolving vertical disputes between groups of executives as they contest control of the company. Given the norm of lifetime employment, such vertical disputes are common in Japanese companies and are economically significant, since failure to resolve them can result in destruction of firm-specific human capital. The article explores the scope for mediating hierarchy in Japanese law and corporate governance practice, then develops three case-studies which highlight the role played by IDs. Their practice is shaped by and supports social norms that emphasize the importance of continuity in team production.
Optimal stopping under g-Expectation with -integrable reward process
Authors: Kim Mun-Chol , O Hun , Hwang Ho-Jin
Published: September 2022

In this paper we study a class of optimal stopping problems under g-expectation, that is, the cost function is described by the solution of backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs). Primarily, we assume that the reward process is
$L\exp\bigl(\mu\sqrt{2\log\!(1+L)}\bigr)$
-integrable with
$\mu>\mu_0$
for some critical value
$\mu_0$
. This integrability is weaker than
$L^p$
-integrability for any
$p>1$
, so it covers a comparatively wide class of optimal stopping problems. To reach our goal, we introduce a class of reflected backward stochastic differential equations (RBSDEs) with
$L\exp\bigl(\mu\sqrt{2\log\!(1+L)}\bigr)$
-integrable parameters. We prove the existence, uniqueness, and comparison theorem for these RBSDEs under Lipschitz-type assumptions on the coefficients. This allows us to characterize the value function of our optimal stopping problem as the unique solution of such RBSDEs.
Buckling of simply supported cross-ply cylindrical panels on elastic foundations
Authors: Turvey G. J.
Published: September 2022

Current design studies for tomorrow’s aircraft are increasingly utilising composite materials, especially fibre reinforced plastics, in a primary load-bearing role. By suitably orienting and aggregating (stacking) uni-directional pre-pregs (laminae) of these materials, very stiff and very light laminates or sheets may be produced. These two attributes suggest that such laminates are well suited to the role of face sheets (skins) in sandwich panels, which are commonly used in a primary load-bearing context in aircraft construction.
Flight Simulation Group Half-Day Symposium
Authors: Rolfe J. M.
Published: September 2022

We are concerned with the training of Simulator Instructors, and to consider this matter we need to define the boundaries of knowledge within which the instructor must work.

I would suggest that there are four major areas which identify the boundaries. Firstly, there is the extent to which the instructor must be familiar with the handling and operation of the aircraft being simulated. On a reciprocal heading to that boundary is the extent of the knowledge he must have about the operation and function of the simulator itself.
An aerofoil with control surface in incompressible viscous flow
Authors: Basu B. C.
Published: September 2022

The calculation of the pressure distribution, overall lift and moment coefficients on a two-dimensional aerofoil at low speeds, including boundary layer effects, is nowadays a fairly standard numerical technique. Experience has shown that as long as the flow remains attached, theory predicts experimental results extremely well for a ‘clean’ aerofoil. The purpose of this note is to point out that the application of the same theory to aerofoils with conventional trailing edge control surfaces leads to results which differ significantly from those measured in experiments.
Intergenerational transmission of birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oliveira Riceli Rodeghiero , da Silva Eloisa Porciúncula , Flores Thaynã Ramos , Gigante Denise Petrucci
Published: September 2022

The objectives of this study were (1) to systematically review the literature on the association between birth weight in children born in the first and second generation and (2) to quantify this association by performing a meta-analysis. A systematic review was carried out in six databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and LILACS), in January 2021, for studies that recorded the birth weight of parents and children. A meta-analysis using random effects to obtain a pooled effect of the difference in birth weight and the association of low birth weight (LBW) between generations was performed. Furthermore, univariable meta-regression was conducted to assess heterogeneity. Egger’s tests were used to possible publication biases. Of the 9878 identified studies, seventy were read in full and twenty were included in the meta-analysis (ten prospective cohorts and ten retrospective cohorts), fourteen studies for difference in means and eleven studies for the association of LBW between generations (twenty-three estimates). Across all studies, there was no statistically significant mean difference (MD) birth weight between first and second generation (MD 19·26, 95 % CI 28·85, 67·36; P = 0·43). Overall, children of LBW parents were 69 % more likely to have LBW (pooled effect size 1·69, 95 % CI (1·46, 1·95); I2:85·8 %). No source of heterogeneity was identified among the studies and no publication bias. The average birth weight of parents does not influence the average birth weight of children; however, the proportion of LBW among the parents seems to affect the offspring’s birth weight.
The role of negative emotions in learning music: qualitative understanding of Australian undergraduate students’ listening experience of unfamiliar music
Authors: Matsunobu Koji , Davidson Robert , Lo Khin Yee
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the experience and role of negative emotions in facilitating university students’ learning in world music courses. Based on a review of literature in music psychology and music education, we posit that negative emotions can engender a meaningful learning context. In this project conducted in an Australian university, we created a condition in which students were engaged in repeated listening to recordings of music from cultures different from their own, which they reported as sounding “unpleasant.” We then analysed how they overcame emotional responses through a listening exercise. The findings suggest that the students developed enhanced motivation and cognitive reflection by facing their own negative emotions through repeated listening. The article finishes with a discussion about the positive side of negative emotions and the negative side of positive emotions as they relate to music education.
Pulmonary artery banding: still a role for staged bi-ventricular repair of intracardiac shunts?
Authors: Afifi Ahmed R. S. A. , Seale Anna N. , Chaudhari Milind , Khan Natasha E. , Jones Timothy J. , Stumper Oliver , Botha Phil
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Although pulmonary artery banding remains a useful palliation in bi-ventricular shunting lesions, single-stage repair holds several advantages. We investigate outcomes of the former approach in high-risk patients.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study including all pulmonary artery banding procedures over 9 years, excluding single ventricle physiology and left ventricular training.

Results:

Banding was performed in 125 patients at a median age of 41 days (2–294) and weight of 3.4 kg (1.8–7.32). Staged repair was undertaken for significant co-morbidity in 81 (64.8%) and anatomical complexity in 44 (35.2%). The median hospital stay was 14 days (interquartile range 8–33.5) and 14 patients (11.2%) required anatomical repair before discharge. Nine patients died during the initial admission (hospital mortality 7.2 %) and five following discharge (inter-stage mortality 4.8%). Of 105 banded patients who survived, 19 (18.1%) needed inter-stage re-admission and 18 (14.4%) required unplanned re-intervention. Full repair was performed in 93 (74.4%) at a median age of 13 months (3.1–49.9) and weight of 8.5 kg (3.08–16.8). Prior banding, 54% were below the 0.4th weight centile, but only 28% remained so at repair. Post-repair, 5/93 (5.4%) developed heart block requiring permanent pacemaker, and 11/93 (11.8%) required unplanned re-intervention. The post-repair mortality (including repairs during the initial admission) was 6/93 (6.5%), with overall mortality of the staged approach 13.6% (17/125).

Conclusions:

In a cohort with a high incidence of co-morbidity, pulmonary artery banding is associated with a significant risk of re-intervention and mortality. Weight gain improves after banding, but heart block, re-intervention, and mortality remain frequent following repair.
Bank Retreat Controls River and Estuary Morphodynamics
Authors: Zhao Kun , Coco Giovanni , Gong Zheng , Darby Stephen , Lanzoni Stefano , Xu Fan , Zhang Kaili , Townend Ian
Published: September 2022

Understanding and predicting the geomorphological response of fluvial and tidal channels to bank retreat underpins the robust management of water courses and the protection of wetlands.
Topographic Gravity Waves Observed in the Martian Thermosphere: A Statistical Perspective From a 1‐D Full‐Wave Model
Authors: Huang Jianping , Wu Zhaopeng , Cui Jun , Hao Yongqiang , Cao Wei
Published: September 2022

Gravity waves (GWs) are significant dynamical processes in planetary atmospheres due to their efficient transport of momentum and energy from the lower to the upper atmosphere. Recent observations from in‐situ measurements by spacecraft like Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) also reveal ubiquitous GW activity in the Martian thermosphere. As a critical parameter for characterizing GWs, the wavelength spectrum has been studied for years. However, most of the current observations for the Martian thermosphere can only determine the apparent GW wavelength because they usually take one‐dimensional measurements within a typical GW period. In this work, we adopt a full‐wave GW model to statistically investigate the upward propagation of the topographic‐generated GWs and how their wavelength spectrum apparently looks in the thermosphere when observed by a spacecraft like MAVEN. We find that the wind significantly modifies the vertical wavelengths of GWs in the Martian atmosphere. Considering the GWs generated from topographic sources, we calculate their wavelength distribution in the thermosphere, with a most probable apparent vertical wavelength of around 14 km, consisting with the MAVEN observation. However, our theoretical wavelength spectrum is mainly concentrated in the low wavelength part (10–20 km), while the observed result contains a long‐tailed component in the long wavelength part. The mismatch between our model and observations indicates that at least 72% of the observed GWs in the thermosphere are not generated from topographic sources.
Highly pathogenic coronavirus N protein aggravates inflammation by MASP-2-mediated lectin complement pathway overactivation
Authors: Gao Ting , Zhu Lin , Liu Hainan , Zhang Xiaopeng , Wang Tingting , Fu Yangbo , Li Hongzhen , Dong Qincai , Hu Yong , Zhang Zhang , Jin Jing , Liu Zijing , Yang Weihong , Liu Yaoning , Jin Yanwen , Li Kaitong , Xiao Yongjiu , Liu Junli , Zhao Huailong , Liu Yue , Li Ping , Song Jibo , Zhang Lu , Gao Yuwei , Kang Sisi , Chen Shoudeng , Ma Qingjun , Bian Xiuwu , Chen Wei , Liu Xuan , Mao Qing , Cao Cheng
Published: September 2022

Excessive inflammatory responses contribute to the pathogenesis and lethality of highly pathogenic human coronaviruses, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the N proteins of highly pathogenic human coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), were found to bind MASP-2, a key serine protease in the lectin pathway of complement activation, resulting in excessive complement activation by potentiating MBL-dependent MASP-2 activation, and the deposition of MASP-2, C4b, activated C3 and C5b-9. Aggravated inflammatory lung injury was observed in mice infected with adenovirus expressing the N protein. Complement hyperactivation was also observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Either blocking the N protein:MASP-2 interaction, MASP-2 depletion or suppressing complement activation can significantly alleviate N protein-induced complement hyperactivation and lung injury in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, these data suggested that complement suppression may represent a novel therapeutic approach for pneumonia induced by these highly pathogenic coronaviruses.
CRISPR FISHer enables high-sensitivity imaging of nonrepetitive DNA in living cells through phase separation-mediated signal amplification
Authors: Lyu Xin-Yuan , Deng Yuan , Huang Xiao-Yan , Li Zhen-Zhen , Fang Guo-Qing , Yang Dong , Wang Feng-Liu , Kang Wang , Shen En-Zhi , Song Chun-Qing
Published: September 2022

The dynamic three-dimensional structures of chromatin and extrachromosomal DNA molecules regulate fundamental cellular processes and beyond. However, the visualization of specific DNA sequences in live cells, especially nonrepetitive sequences accounting for most of the genome, is still vastly challenging. Here, we introduce a robust CRISPR-mediated fluorescence in situ hybridization amplifier (CRISPR FISHer) system, which exploits engineered sgRNA and protein trimerization domain-mediated, phase separation-based exponential assembly of fluorescent proteins in the CRISPR-targeting locus, conferring enhancements in both local brightness and signal-to-background ratio and thus achieving single sgRNA-directed visualization of native nonrepetitive DNA loci in live cells. In one application, by labeling and tracking the broken ends of chromosomal fragments, CRISPR FISHer enables real-time visualization of the entire process of chromosome breakage, separation, and subsequent intra- or inter-chromosomal ends rejoining in a single live cell. Furthermore, CRISPR FISHer allows the movement of small extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) and invading DNAs to be recorded, revealing substantial differences in dynamic behaviors between chromosomal and extrachromosomal loci. With the potential to track any specified self or non-self DNA sequences, CRISPR FISHer dramatically broadens the scope of live-cell imaging in biological events and for biomedical diagnoses.
Plate osteosynthesis combined with bone cement provides the highest stability for tibial head depression fractures under high loading conditions
Authors: Heilig Philipp , Faerber Lars-Christopher , Paul Mila M. , Kupczyk Eva , Meffert Rainer H. , Jordan Martin C. , Hoelscher-Doht Stefanie
Published: September 2022

Older patients sustaining tibial head depression fractures often cannot follow the post-operative rehabilitation protocols with partial weight-bearing of the affected limb, leading to osteosynthesis failure, cartilage step-off and arthritis development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the biomechanical performance of different types of osteosyntheses alone and in combination with bone cement simulating cyclically high loading conditions of tibial head depression fractures. Lateral tibial head depression fractures (AO: 41-B2.2; Schatzker type III) were created in synthetic bones and stabilized using three different osteosyntheses alone and in combination with a commonly used bone cement (chronOS™): 2 screws, 4 screws in the jail technique and a lateral angle-stable buttress plate. After fixation, the lateral tibial plateau was axially loaded in two, from each other independent testing series: In the first test protocol, 5000 cycles with 500 N and in the end load-to-failure tests were performed. In the second test protocol, the cyclic loading was increased to 1000 N. Parameters of interest were the displacement of the articular fracture fragment, the stiffness and the maximum load. The osteosyntheses revealed a higher stiffness in combination with bone cement compared to the same type of osteosynthesis alone (e.g., 500 N level: 2 screws 383 ± 43 N/mm vs. 2 screws + chronOs 520 ± 108 N/mm, increase by 36%, p < 0.01; 4 screws 368 ± 97 N/mm vs. 4 screws + chronOS 516 ± 109 N/mm, increase by 40%, p < 0.01; plate: 509 ± 73 N/mm vs. plate + chronOs 792 ± 150 N/mm, increase by 56%, p < 0.01). Bone cement reduced the displacement of the plate significantly (500 N level: plate: 8.9 ± 2.8 mm vs. plate + chronOs: 3.1 ± 1.4 mm, reduction by 65%, p < 0.01; 1000 N level: 16.9 ± 3.6 mm vs 5.6 ± 1.3 mm, reduction by 67%, p < 0.01). Thus, the highest stiffness and lowest displacement values were found when using the plate with bone cement in both loading conditions (500 N level: 2 screws + chronOs 3.7 ± 1.3 mm, 4 screws + chronOs 6.2 ± 2.4 mm; 1000 N level: 2 screws + chronOs 6.5 ± 1.2 mm, 4 screws + chronOs 5.7 ± 0.8 mm). From a biomechanical perspective, plate osteosynthesis of tibial head depression fractures should always be combined with bone cement, provides higher stability than 2-screw and 4-screw fixation and is a valid treatment option in cases where extraordinary stability is required.
Highly efficient dual-level grating couplers for silicon nitride photonics
Authors: Vitali Valerio , Lacava Cosimo , Domínguez Bucio Thalía , Gardes Frederic Y. , Petropoulos Periklis
Published: September 2022

We propose and numerically demonstrate a versatile strategy that allows designing highly efficient dual-level grating couplers in different silicon nitride-based photonic platforms. The proposed technique, which can generally be applied to an arbitrary silicon nitride film thickness, is based on the simultaneous optimization of two grating coupler levels to obtain high directionality and grating-fibre mode matching at the same time. This is achieved thanks to the use of two different linear apodizations, with opposite signs, applied to the two grating levels, whose design parameters are determined by using a particle swarm optimization method. Numerical simulations were carried out considering different silicon nitride platforms with 150, 300, 400 and 500 nm thicknesses and initially employing silicon as the material for the top level grating coupler. The use of Si-rich silicon nitride with a refractive index in the range 2.7–3.3 for the top layer material enabled to obtain similar performance (coupling efficiency exceeding − 0.45 dB for the 400 nm thick silicon nitride platform) with relaxed fabrication tolerances. To the best of our knowledge, these numerical results represent the best performance ever reported in the literature for silicon nitride grating couplers without the use of any back-reflector.
Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells may be drivers of tissue destruction in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Kaneko Naoki , Chen Hu , Perugino Cory A. , Maehara Takashi , Munemura Ryusuke , Yokomizo Shiho , Sameshima Junsei , Diefenbach Thomas J. , Premo Katherine R. , Chinju Akira , Miyahara Yuka , Sakamoto Mizuki , Moriyama Masafumi , Stone John H. , Nakamura Seiji , Pillai Shiv
Published: September 2022

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder whose pathogenesis is poorly understood and that lacks effective therapies. Detailed quantitative and spatial analyses of tissues affected by Sjögren’s syndrome were undertaken, including the quantitation of the frequency of selected cell–cell interactions in the disease milieu. Quantitative analyses of CD4+T cell subsets and of CD8+T cells in the labial salivary glands from untreated patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome revealed that activated CD8+cytotoxic T cells (CD8+CTLs) were the most prominent T cells in these infiltrates. An accumulation of apoptotic glandular epithelial cells, mainly ductal and acinar cells, was observed, consistent with the impaired salivary secretion often observed in patients with this disease. FasL expressing activated CD8+T cells were seen to accumulate around Fas expressing apoptotic epithelial cells. Quantitative analyses of apoptotic cell types and of conjugates between cytotoxic T cells and epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis suggest that Sjögren’s syndrome is primarily driven by CD8+CTL mediated execution of epithelial cells mainly represented by ductal and acinar cells.
Altered spontaneous brain activity in Down syndrome and its relation with cognitive outcome
Authors: Cañete-Massé Cristina , Carbó-Carreté Maria , Peró-Cebollero Maribel , Cui Shi-Xian , Yan Chao-Gan , Guàrdia-Olmos Joan
Published: September 2022

Although Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of neurodevelopmental delay, few neuroimaging studies have explored this population. This investigation aimed to study whole-brain resting-state spontaneous brain activity using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) strategies to find differences in spontaneous brain activity among young people with DS and controls and to correlate these results with cognitive outcomes. The sample comprised 18 persons with DS (age mean = 28.67, standard deviation = 4.18) and 18 controls (age mean = 28.56, standard deviation = 4.26). fALFF and ReHo analyses were performed, and the results were correlated with other cognitive variables also collected (KBIT-2 and verbal fluency test). Increased activity was found in DS using fALFF in areas involving the frontal and temporal lobes and left cerebellum anterior lobe. Decreased activity in DS was found in the left parietal and occipital lobe, the left limbic lobe and the left cerebellum posterior lobe. ReHo analysis showed increased activity in certain DS areas of the left frontal lobe and left rectus, as well as the inferior temporal lobe. The areas with decreased activity in the DS participants were regions of the frontal lobe and the right limbic lobe. Altered fALFF and ReHo were found in the DS population, and this alteration could predict the cognitive abilities of the participants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore regional spontaneous brain activity in a population with DS. Moreover, this study suggests the possibility of using fALFF and ReHo as biomarkers of cognitive function, which is highly important given the difficulties in cognitively evaluating this population to assess dementia. More research is needed, however, to demonstrate its utility.
Modeling effective thermal conductivity enhanced by surface waves using the Boltzmann transport equation
Authors: Yun Kuk Hyun , Lee Bong Jae , Lee Seong Hyuk
Published: September 2022

The thermal management of semiconductors at the device level has become a crucial issue owing to the high integration density and miniaturization of microelectronic systems. Because surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) exhibit long propagation lengths, they are expected to contribute significantly to the heat dissipation in microelectronic systems. This study aims to numerically estimate the heat transfer due to SPhPs in a thin SiO2film. The one-dimensional Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) is solved using the estimated propagation length based on the SPhP dispersion curves. The temperature profiles and heat fluxes are predicted and demonstrate the size effect of the film on the effective in-plane thermal conductivity of the SiO2film. The results indicate that the temperature distribution was constant regardless of the film length and thickness because the propagation length was much longer than the film length. In addition, the heat flux increased with decreasing film thickness owing to the depth-averaged energy transfer. The effective thermal conductivities predicted using the BTE differed by ~ 16.5% from the values obtained from the analytical expression. The numerical results of this study can provide valuable data when studying the thermal behavior of SPhPs.
PU.1-c-Jun interaction is crucial for PU.1 function in myeloid development
Authors: Zhao Xinhui , Bartholdy Boris , Yamamoto Yukiya , Evans Erica K. , Alberich-Jordà Meritxell , Staber Philipp B. , Benoukraf Touati , Zhang Pu , Zhang Junyan , Trinh Bon Q. , Crispino John D. , Hoang Trang , Bassal Mahmoud A. , Tenen Daniel G.
Published: September 2022

The Ets transcription factor PU.1 is essential for inducing the differentiation of monocytes, macrophages, and B cells in fetal liver and adult bone marrow. PU.1 controls hematopoietic differentiation through physical interactions with other transcription factors, such as C/EBPα and the AP-1 family member c-Jun. We found that PU.1 recruits c-Jun to promoters without the AP-1 binding sites. To address the functional importance of this interaction, we generated PU.1 point mutants that do not bind c-Jun while maintaining normal DNA binding affinity. These mutants lost the ability to transactivate a target reporter that requires a physical PU.1-c-Jun interaction, and did not induce monocyte/macrophage differentiation of PU.1-deficient cells. Knock-in mice carrying these point mutations displayed an almost complete block in hematopoiesis and perinatal lethality. While the PU.1 mutants were expressed in hematopoietic stem and early progenitor cells, myeloid differentiation was severely blocked, leading to an almost complete loss of mature hematopoietic cells. Differentiation into mature macrophages could be restored by expressing PU.1 mutant fused to c-Jun, demonstrating that a physical PU.1-c-Jun interaction is crucial for the transactivation of PU.1 target genes required for myeloid commitment and normal PU.1 function in vivo during macrophage differentiation.
Constructing a multidimensional porous structure of K/Co co-substituted Na3V2(PO4)3/C attached on the lamellar Ti3C2Tx MXene substrate for superior sodium storage property
Authors: Chen Yanjun , Zhou Tao , Tian Zeyi , Wang Yanzhong , Guo Li
Published: September 2022

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) materials have emerged as prospective cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
Multistimuli-responsive materials based on a zinc(ii) complex with high-contrast and multicolor switching
Authors: Zheng Han-Wen , Yang Dong-Dong , Shi Yong-Sheng , Xiao Tong , Zheng Xiang-Jun
Published: September 2022

A zinc(ii) complex exhibits high-contrast and multicolor switching in response to mechanical, acid–base vapor and electrical stimulation under ambient light and 365 nm UV light.
Highly stable and water dispersible polymer-coated CsPbBr3 nanocrystals for Cu-ion detection in water
Authors: Kar Manav Raj , Patel Urjjarani , Bhaumik Saikat
Published: September 2022

Polymer-coated CsPbBr3 nanocrystals exhibit a higher luminous intensity and better structural stability, enabling Cu2+-ion detection in water media.
(Si and B)-heterocyclic carbenes and theoretical design of new molecules
Authors: Tian Zeqiong , Zhang Congjie , Pei Zhipeng , Liang Jinxia , Mo Yirong
Published: September 2022

Using density functional theory (DFT), we theoretically designed fifteen novel and stable (Si and B)-heterocyclic carbenes (SiBHCs).
Atypical vesicles and membranes with monolayer and multilayer structures formed by graft copolymers with diblock side-chains: nonlamellar structures and curvature-enhanced permeability
Authors: Tseng Yueh-Chi , Chang Hsin-Yu , Sheng Yu-Jane , Tsao Heng-Kwong
Published: September 2022

Graft copolymers with diblock side-chains in a selective solvent can self-assemble into atypical vesicles with monolayered and multilayered nonlamellar structures, subject to the same copolymer concentration.
Orientational order of dyes in a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal
Authors: Yang S. , Zhang Bingru , Murdock Solomon R. , Collings Peter J.
Published: September 2022

The absorption spectrum and orientational order of a dye molecule dissolved in a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal depends on whether it is free in solution, externally bound to a chromonic assembly, or intercalated in a chromonic assembly.
Active galactic nucleus feedback in NGC 3982
Authors: Joseph P. , George K. , Paul K. T.
Published: September 2022

The energetic feedback from supermassive black holes can influence star formation at the centres of galaxies. Observational evidence for active galactic nucleus (AGN) impact on star formation can be searched for in galaxies by combining ultraviolet imaging and optical integral field unit data. The ultraviolet flux directly traces recent star formation, and the integral field unit data can reveal dust attenuation, gas ionisation mechanisms, and gas kinematics from the central regions of the galaxy disk. A pilot study on NGC 3982 shows star formation suppression in the central regions of the galaxy, likely due to negative AGN feedback, and enhanced star formation in the outer regions. The case of NGC 3982 could be observational evidence of AGN feedback operating in a Seyfert galaxy.
JWST/MIRI coronagraphic performances as measured on-sky
Authors: Boccaletti A. , Cossou C. , Baudoz P. , Lagage P. O. , Dicken D. , Glasse A. , Hines D. C. , Aguilar J. , Detre O. , Nickson B. , Noriega-Crespo A. , Gáspár A. , Labiano A. , Stark C. , Rouan D. , Reess J. M. , Wright G. S. , Rieke G. , Garcia Marin M. , Lajoie C. , Girard J. , Perrin M. , Soummer R. , Pueyo L.
Published: September 2022

Context. Characterization of directly imaged exoplanets is one of the most eagerly anticipated science functions of the James Webb Space Telescope. MIRI, the mid-IR instrument, has the capability to provide unique spatially resolved photometric data points in a spectral range never before achieved for such objects.

Aims. We aim to present the very first on-sky contrast measurements of the MIRI coronagraphs. In addition to a classical Lyot coronagraph at the longest wavelength, this observing mode implements the concept of the four-quadrant phase mask for the very first time in a space telescope.

Methods. We observed single stars together with a series of reference stars to measure raw contrasts as they are delivered on the detector, as well as reference-subtracted contrasts.

Results. The MIRI coronagraphs achieve raw contrasts better than 10−3 at the smallest angular separations (within 1″) and about 10−5 farther out (beyond 5 ~ 6″). Subtracting the residual diffracted light left behind the coronagraph has the potential to bring the final contrast down to the background- and detector-limited noise floor at most angular separations (a few times 10−5 at less than 1″).

Conclusions. The MIRI coronagraphs behave as expected from simulations. In particular, the raw contrasts for all four coronagraphs are fully consistent with the diffractive model. Contrasts obtained by subtracting reference stars also meet expectations and are fully demonstrated for two four-quadrant phase masks (F1065C and F1140C). The worst contrast, measured at F1550C, is very likely due to a variation in the phase aberrations at the primary mirror during the observations, and not an issue with the coronagraph itself. We did not perform reference star subtraction with the Lyot mask at F2300C, but we anticipate that it would bring the contrast down to the noise floor.