bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Injection Locked Frequency Conversion Laser
Authors: Ling Jingwei , Staffa Jeremy , Wang Heming , Shen Boqiang , Chang Lin , Javid Usman A. , Wu Lue , Yuan Zhiquan , Lopez‐Rios Raymond , Li Mingxiao , He Yang , Li Bohan , Bowers John E. , Vahala Kerry J. , Lin Qiang
Published: February 2023

High‐coherence visible and near‐visible laser sources are centrally important to the operation of advanced position/navigation/timing systems as well as classical/quantum sensing systems. However, the complexity and size of these bench‐top lasers are an impediment to their transition beyond the laboratory. Here, a system‐on‐chip that emits high‐coherence near‐visible lightwaves is demonstrated. The devices rely upon a new approach wherein wavelength conversion and coherence increase by self‐injection locking are combined within a single nonlinear resonator. This simplified approach is demonstrated in a hybridly‐integrated device and provides a short‐term linewidth of around 4.7 kHz (10 kHz before filtering). On‐chip converted optical power over 2 mW is also obtained. Moreover, measurements show that heterogeneous integration can result in a conversion efficiency higher than 25% with an output power over 11 mW. Because the approach uses mature III–V pump lasers in combination with thin‐film lithium niobate, it can be scaled for low‐cost manufacturing of high‐coherence visible emitters. Also, the coherence generation process can be transferred to other frequency conversion processes, including optical parametric oscillation, sum/difference frequency generation, and third‐harmonic generation.
DNA replication: Mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for diseases
Authors: Song Hao‐Yun , Shen Rong , Mahasin Hamid , Guo Ya‐Nan , Wang De‐Gui
Published: February 2023

Accurate and integral cellular DNA replication is modulated by multiple replication‐associated proteins, which is fundamental to preserve genome stability. Furthermore, replication proteins cooperate with multiple DNA damage factors to deal with replication stress through mechanisms beyond their role in replication. Cancer cells with chronic replication stress exhibit aberrant DNA replication and DNA damage response, providing an exploitable therapeutic target in tumors. Numerous evidence has indicated that posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of replication proteins present distinct functions in DNA replication and respond to replication stress. In addition, abundant replication proteins are involved in tumorigenesis and development, which act as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in some tumors, implying these proteins act as therapeutic targets in clinical. Replication‐target cancer therapy emerges as the times require. In this context, we outline the current investigation of the DNA replication mechanism, and simultaneously enumerate the aberrant expression of replication proteins as hallmark for various diseases, revealing their therapeutic potential for target therapy. Meanwhile, we also discuss current observations that the novel PTM of replication proteins in response to replication stress, which seems to be a promising strategy to eliminate diseases.
BBRF young investigators recognized for publishing ‘cutting‐edge’ MH research
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) this month is recognizing the research achievements of 20 BBRF grantees, prize winners and scientific council members, all of whom last year published research on depression, anxiety, post‐traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder and mental illness in general, in leading peer‐reviewed scientific journals.
Programs combating food insecurity could yield mental health benefits
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2023

Results of a newly published study suggest that initiatives to reduce food insecurity could generate mental health benefits that often are not considered when these programs are designed. The study found that participants in a mobile market intervention conducted by the Greater Boston Food Bank experienced statistically significant improvement in self‐reported depression symptom scores.
School board survey reveals youth MH a pressing concern
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

As the national pandemic continues to take a heavy toll on the mental health of young people, to the point where the mental health crisis had been declared a “national emergency” by pediatric groups and other national experts, a nationwide poll has revealed that school boards consider student mental health the most pressing issue facing schools and students today. Commissioned by Mental Health First Aid USA (MHFA), a public education program administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council), the national survey is believed to be the first of its kind.
New online tool to help providers find open beds for BH care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

Approximately one in five individuals in North Carolina has a behavioral health issue, according to the state's health and human services leadership. The situation is further exacerbated by the hundreds of people in the state who each day wait inside hospital emergency departments (EDs) for behavioral health care. One reason is the lack of a real‐time list of available operational beds, making it difficult to connect people in EDs to care in more appropriate settings.
JAMA: 50% decline in in‐person MH service use during COVID
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

Observing that the COVID‐19 pandemic has been associated with an elevated prevalence of mental health conditions and disrupted mental health care throughout the U.S., researchers set out to determine whether mental health service utilization in this country changed for different psychiatric diagnoses during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic (January to December 2020).
Technical note: Progressive deep learning: An accelerated training strategy for medical image segmentation
Authors: Choi Byongsu , Olberg Sven , Park Justin C. , Kim Jin Sung , Shrestha Deepak K. , Yaddanapudi Shridhar , Furutani Keith M. , Beltran Chris J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Recent advancements in Deep Learning (DL) methodologies have led to state‐of‐the‐art performance in a wide range of applications especially in object recognition, classification, and segmentation of medical images. However, training modern DL models requires a large amount of computation and long training times due to the complex nature of network structures and the large number of training datasets involved. Moreover, it is an intensive, repetitive manual process to select the optimized configuration of hyperparameters for a given DL network.

Purpose

In this study, we present a novel approach to accelerate the training time of DL models via the progressive feeding of training datasets based on similarity measures for medical image segmentation. We term this approach Progressive Deep Learning (PDL).

Methods

The two‐stage PDL approach was tested on the auto‐segmentation task for two imaging modalities: CT and MRI. The training datasets were ranked according to similarity measures between each sample based on Mean Square Error (MSE), Peak Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), and the Universal Quality Image Index (UQI) values. At the start of the training process, a relatively coarse sampling of training datasets with higher ranks was used to optimize the hyperparameters of the DL network. Following this, the samples with higher ranks were used in step 1 to yield accelerated loss minimization in early training epochs and the total dataset was added in step 2 for the remainder of training.

Results

Our results demonstrate that the PDL approach can reduce the training time by nearly half (∼49%) and can predict segmentations (CT U‐net/DenseNet dice coefficient: 0.9506/0.9508, MR U‐net/DenseNet dice coefficient: 0.9508/0.9510) without major statistical difference (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test) compared to the conventional DL approach. The total training times with a fixed cutoff at 0.95 DSC for the CT dataset using DenseNet and U‐Net architectures, respectively, were 17 h, 20 min and 4 h, 45 min in the conventional case compared to 8 h, 45 min and 2 h, 20 min with PDL. For the MRI dataset, the total training times using the same architectures were 2 h, 54 min and 52 min in the conventional case and 1 h, 14 min and 25 min with PDL.

Conclusion

The proposed PDL training approach offers the ability to substantially reduce the training time for medical image segmentation while maintaining the performance achieved in the conventional case.
Single‐cell transcriptomic survey of cell diversity and functional changes in yak hearts at different altitude
Authors: Chen Yibo , Meng Xiangqiong , Wan Ruidong , Cheng Ruotong , Zhang Guohao , Zhang Qinwen , Yu Hongxian , Wei Qing
Published: February 2023

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a species adapted to the hypoxic environment in the plateau area. The heart is a hypoxia‐sensitive organ involved in this adaptation. Herein, we used single‐cell RNA‐seq technology and clustering to determine the presence of 11 cell populations in the yak heart. We analyzed gene expression differences and expression patterns in each cell subpopulation at different altitudes. The cells related to altitude changes are mainly smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells. Of the four transcription factors (TFs, MEF2B, FOXP4, ARID5A, and HES4) found in smooth muscle cells, only MEF2B was specifically expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells. Three key TFs (HNF1B, DMRTA1, and ARNTL2) were also found in the cardiomyocyte module. Compared with data extracted from low‐altitude yak, we observed that the high altitude yak has enhanced contraction and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells and an increased metabolic level of cardiomyocytes. These may be strategies for the yak to adapt to high‐altitude hypoxia environments.
Development of membrane‐active peptide therapeutics in oncology
Authors: Chen Charles H. , Zan Bing , Ulmschneider Jakob P. , Wimley William C. , Lu Timothy K. , Ulmschneider Martin B. , Zhou Liping
Published: February 2023

Membrane‐active peptides play an essential role in many living organisms and their immune systems and counter many infectious diseases. Many have dual or multiple mechanisms and can synergize with other molecules, like peptides, proteins, and small molecules. Although membrane‐active peptides have been intensively studied in the past decades and more than 3500 sequences have been identified, only a few received approvals from the US Food and Drug Administration. In this review, we investigated all the peptide therapeutics that have entered the market or were subjected to preclinical and clinical studies to understand how they succeeded. With technological advancement (e.g., chemical modifications and pharmaceutical formulations) and a better understanding of the mechanism of action and the potential targets, we found at least five membrane‐active peptide drugs that have entered preclinical/clinical phases and show promising results for cancer treatment. We summarized our findings in this review and provided insights into membrane‐active anticancer peptide therapeutics.
A passive membrane system for on‐line mass spectrometry reagent addition
Authors: Zarkovic Taelor M. , Borden Scott A. , Krogh Erik T. , Gill Chris G.
Published: February 2023

Rationale

Post‐separation addition of chemical modifiers in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry is widely used for improving ionization sensitivity and selectivity. This is typically accomplished using a post‐column T‐junction, which can result in sample dilution and imperfect mixing. We present a passive semi‐permeable hollow fiber membrane approach for the addition of chemical modifiers that avoids these issues.

Methods

Model compounds were directly infused by flow injection to an electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometer after passing through a polydimethylsiloxane hollow fiber membrane. Ionization enhancement reagents were introduced into the flowing stream by membrane permeation from aqueous solutions. Ionization enhancement from volatile acids and bases in positive and negative electrospray ionization was evaluated to assess the feasibility of this approach.

Results

The membrane‐based apparatus resulted in relative ionization enhancement factors of up to 14×, depending upon the analyte, reagent, and ionization mode used. Ionization enhancement signal stability is reasonable (relative standard deviation of 5–7%) for extended periods from the same reagent solution, and minimal analyte dilution is observed. A proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the chromatographic “trifluoroacetic acid fix” strategy is presented.

Conclusions

An on‐line mass spectrometry ionization reagent addition method with potential post‐chromatography reagent addition applications was developed using a hollow fiber polydimethylsiloxane membrane. This approach offers a promising alternative to traditional methods requiring additional hardware such as pumps and T‐junctions that can result in sample dilution and imperfect reagent mixing.
Residue‐ and nitrogen‐induced carbon mineralization varies with soil fertility status
Authors: Jesmin Tanjila , Mulvaney Richard L. , Boutton Thomas W.
Published: February 2023

By increasing the input of corn (Zea maysL.) residues, synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilization is often assumed to enhance soil storage of organic carbon (C), which could be especially beneficial for improving the fertility of depleted soils. To ascertain whether such a strategy can be effective, C mineralization was compared for two soils with different indigenous N contents by conducting a 60‐day laboratory incubation experiment that involved continuous monitoring of CO2emissions with periodic sampling for atmospheric δ13C analysis and for determination of soil microbial biomass and cellulolytic enzyme activities. The addition of exogenous N had a stimulatory effect on cumulative CO2production that was greater for the low than high N supplying soil and more prominent in the first than in the second month of incubation. During residue decomposition, microbial activities were maximized by incubating the low N soil with exogenous N, whereas cellulolytic enzyme activities were greater for the high N soil. Although intensive N fertilization can substantially increase the productivity of low‐fertility soils, the additional residue inputs thereby generated are more effective for promoting C mineralization than sequestration.
LiveG4ID‐Seq for Profiling the Dynamic Landscape of Chromatin G‐Quadruplexes During Cell Cycle in Living Cells
Authors: Teng Xucong , Dai Yicong , Li Ke , Wu Yuncong , Hou Hongwei , Li Jinghong
Published: February 2023

G‐quadruplex (G4) structures exist in the single‐stranded DNA of chromatin and regulate genome function. However, the native chromatin G4 landscape in living cells has yet to be fully characterized. Herein, a genetic‐encoded live‐cell G4 identifier probe (LiveG4ID) is constructed and its cellular localization, biocompatibility, and G4‐binding specificity is evaluated. By coupling LiveG4ID with cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag), LiveG4ID‐seq, a method for mapping native chromatin G4 landscape in living cells with high accuracy is established. Compared to the conventional G4 CUT&Tag method, LiveG4ID‐seq can identify more chromatin G4 signals and have a higher ratio of true positive signals. Using LiveG4ID‐seq, the dynamic landscape of chromatin G4 structures during the cell cycle is profiled. It is discovered that chromatin G4 structures are prevalent in the promoter regions of cell cycle‐specific genes, even in the early M phase when the chromatin is condensed. These data demonstrate the capacity of LiveG4ID‐seq to profile a more accurate G4 landscape in living cells and promote future studies on chromatin G4 structures.
Advanced Strategies in Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Materials with Different Compositions and Phases
Authors: Yang Yang , Jia Lin , Wang Dainan , Zhou Jiadong
Published: February 2023

In recent years, 2D materials—MaXb with different compositions and phases have attracted tremendous attention due to their diverse structures and electronic features. The common thermodynamically stable 2H and metastable 1T phases have been extensively studied, however, there are many unusual compositions and phases with novel physical properties that have yet to be explored. Therefore, summarization of the synthesis strategies, atomic structures, and the unique physical properties of 2D materials with different compositions and phases is very important for their development. In this review, the strategies including chemical vapor deposition, intercalation, atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor transport, and electrostatic gating for synthesizing various 2D materials with different phases and compositions are first summarized. Specially, the intercalation strategies including heterogeneous‐ and self‐intercalation for controllable phases and compositions fabrication are mainly discussed. Then, the novel atomic structures of 2D materials are analyzed, followed by the fascinating physical properties including ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, superconductivity, and so on. Finally, the conclusion and outlook are offered including the challenges and future prospects of 2D materials with different compositions and phases.
A Lego‐like steel‐framed system for standardization and serial production
Authors: Odenbreit Christoph , Yang Jie , Romero Alfredo , Kozma András
Published: February 2023

A Lego‐like steel‐framed structural system has been developed within the frame of an RFCS project, REDUCE, to facilitate 1) deconstruction of composite structures, 2) circularity at structure and element levels, and 3) serial production in construction by promoting a greater standardization of structural elements. The system utilizes innovative demountable shear connections for composite flooring solutions with precast concrete elements, and adjustable steel connections for use in both beam‐to‐beam and beam‐to‐column connections. The first use case of the structural system has been realized in the Petite Maison project which is a demonstration project for circularity and contributes to the event ESCH2022. Each construction element is linked to a digital database and remains available for future reuse, as a result of the plug‐and‐play, demountable and robust features of the developed system. This paper presents the proposed demountable system, the results from experiments and finite element analyses on the behaviour of shear connections, composite beams, and steel connections, and indicates the analysing methods for structural engineers to open a pathway for full implementation of the structures built into digital tools, fabrication, and construction.
An invasive primary nasal histiocytic sarcoma in a cat
Authors: Xia Yuan Yuan , Huang Yi Hsiang , Huang Wei Hsiang , Wu Kuan Lun , Lee Jih Jong
Published: February 2023

This article reports an approximately 4‐year‐old, female, spayed cat with an invasive nasal histiocytic sarcoma, which was diagnosed by histopathology and immunohistochemical staining with several markers. Following cytologic evaluation, lymphoma was suspected. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were required to reach a diagnosis. The tumour presented an expansile invasion pattern under head computed tomography. L‐asparaginase was prescribed before the immunohistochemical confirmation, but the response was undetermined.
Ergodic results for the stochastic nonlinear Schrödinger equation with large damping
Authors: Brzeźniak Zdzislaw , Ferrario Benedetta , Zanella Margherita
Published: February 2023

We study a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a linear damping, i.e. a zero-order dissipation, and an additive noise. Working in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

with $$d\le 3$$

d
≤
3

, we prove the uniqueness of the invariant measure when the damping coefficient is sufficiently large.
Asymptotic corrections to the low-frequency theory for a cylindrical elastic shell
Authors: Ege Nihal , Erbaş Barış , Kaplunov Julius , Noori Noorullah
Published: February 2023

The general scaling underlying the asymptotic derivation of 2D theory for thin shells from the original equations of motion in 3D elasticity fails for cylindrical shells due to the cancellation of the leading-order terms in the geometric relations for the mid-surface deformations corresponding to shear and circumferential extension. As a consequence, a cylindrical shell as an elastic waveguide supports a small cut-off frequency for each circumferential mode. The value of this cut-off tends to zero at the thin shell limit. In this case, the near-cut-off behaviour is strongly affected by the presence of two small parameters associated with the relative thickness and wavenumber. It is not obvious whether it can be treated within the 2D theory. For the first time, a novel special scaling is introduced, in order to derive an asymptotically consistent formulation for a cylindrical shell starting from 3D framework. Comparisons with the previous results obtained using the popular 2D Sanders–Koiter shell theory are made. Asymptotic corrections are deduced for the fourth-order equation of low-frequency motion and some of other relations, including the formulae for tangential shear stress resultants.
Limit cycles for dynamic crawling locomotors with periodic prescribed shape
Authors: Gidoni Paolo , Margheri Alessandro , Rebelo Carlota
Published: February 2023

We study the asymptotic evolution of a family of dynamic models of crawling locomotion, with the aim to introduce a well-posed characterization of a gait as a limit behaviour. The locomotors, which might have a discrete or continuous body, move on a line with a periodic prescribed shape change, and might possibly be subject to external forcing (e.g. crawling on a slope). We discuss how their behaviour is affected by different types of friction forces, including also set-valued ones such as dry friction. We show that, under mild natural assumptions, the dynamics always converge to a relative periodic solution. The asymptotic average velocity of the crawler yet might still depend on its initial state, so we provide additional assumption for its uniqueness. In particular, we show that the asymptotic average velocity is unique both for strictly monotone friction forces, and also for dry friction, provided in the latter case that the actuation is sufficiently smooth (for discrete models) or that the friction coefficients are always nonzero (for continuous models). We present several examples and counterexamples illustrating the necessity of our assumptions.
A meta-analysis of the presence of crop plants in the Dutch and German terp area between 700 bc and ad 1600
Authors: Schepers Mans , Behre Karl-Ernst
Published: February 2023

There is a long tradition of archaeobotanical research in and around the dwelling mounds, known as terps or Wurten (among other names), along the Wadden Sea coast. The present paper presents an overview of crop plants retrieved from 1,389 samples, from a total of more than 100 sites, spanning the Iron Age to the Early Modern Period. Traditionally, the area has been more associated with animal husbandry than with crop farming. The crops that do occur are often mentioned in the form of a simple list, which is presented as being constant through time and space. Despite the large number of samples available, an overview looking at the potential diversity in crop plant composition in the area across time and space has been lacking until now. The present paper shows clear trends over time, starting long before the permanent embanking of the Wadden Sea salt marshes.
Association of atrial myopathy in mitral valve disease on safety outcomes in left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Kany Shinwan , Skibowski Johanna , Müller Claus-Heinrich , Geist Volker , Schmitt Jörn , Niroomand Feraydoon , Hailer Birgit , Pleger Sven , Akin Ibrahim , Hochadel Matthias , Senges Jochen , Lubos Edith
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients undergoing left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion (LAAO) are multi-morbid, including mitral valve disease (MVD) which is associated with anatomic changes of the left atrium (LA). This study aims to identify how atrial myopathy in MVD influences outcomes in LAAO.

Methods

Atrial myopathy in MVD was defined as LA diameter > 45 mm (♀) and > 48 mm (♂) and existing MVD or history of surgical/interventional treatment. Patients were compared with controls from the prospective, multicentre LAArge registry of LAAO.

Results

A total of 528 patients (52 MVD, 476 no-MVD) were included. The MVD group was significantly more likely to be older (78.2 years vs 75.9 years, p = 0.036) and female (59.6% vs 37.8%, p = 0.002). Altered LA anatomy was observed in MVD with significantly larger LA diameter (53 mm vs. 48 mm, p < 0.001) and LAA Ostia [at 135° 23.0 mm (20.5, 26.0) vs 20.0 mm (18.0, 23.0), p = 0.002]. Implant success was high with 96.2% and 97.9%, respectively, without differences in severe complications (7.7% vs 4.6%, p = 0.31). One-year mortality (17.8% vs 11.5%, p = 0.19) and a combined outcome of death, stroke, and systemic embolism (20.3% vs 12.4%, p = 0.13) were not different. Independent predictors of the combined outcome were peripheral artery disease (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.46–3.98, p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (HR 3.46, 95% CI 2.02–5.93, p < 0.001) but not MVD and atrial myopathy.

Conclusion

Patients with MVD present with altered LA anatomy with increased LA and LAA diameter. However, procedural success and safety in LAAO are not compromised. One-year mortality is numerically higher in patients with MVD but driven by comorbidities.

Graphical abstract
Oral glucose tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring for gestational diabetes diagnosis: a survey study of women and health care professionals
Authors: Di Filippo Daria , Darling Justine , Chang Melissa Han Yiin , Henry Amanda , Welsh Alec
Published: February 2023

Aims

The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), used for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis for over 65 years, has poor acceptability and tolerability. Continuous glucose monitoring is being considered as potential alternative. The aim of our study was to formally assess women’s and health care professionals’ perception of both tests as diagnostic tools for GDM.

Methods

Participants in a pilot study on continuous glucose monitoring for GDM diagnosis were invited to fill two questionnaires, each of 6 Likert-scale and one optional open-ended question. A range of healthcare practitioners were also invited to fill a questionnaire of 13 Likert-scale and 7 optional open-ended questions.

Results

Sixty women completed the OGTT and 70 the continuous glucose monitoring questionnaire. OGTT was reported as poorly acceptable. Continuous glucose monitoring was described as significantly more tolerable (81% vs 27% 5/5 general acceptability rate, p < 0.001); ninety-three percent of the participants would recommend it for GDM diagnosis. Thirty health care professionals completed the survey. Most of them (73%) had confidence in OGTT as a diagnostic test for GDM with 66% raising some concerns. Doubts on continuous glucose monitoring were raised in terms of costs, accessibility and accuracy for GDM diagnosis due to “lack of evidence”.

Conclusions

Continuous glucose monitoring was substantially better tolerated for women than OGTT. Current lack of evidence for diagnostic accuracy for GDM underlines the need for studies on correlation between continuous glucose monitoring parameters and pregnancy outcomes to strengthen evidence for its use as diagnostic test for GDM.
LAT1 expression influences Paneth cell number and tumor development in ApcMin/+ mice
Authors: Sui Yunlong , Hoshi Namiko , Ohgaki Ryuichi , Kong Lingling , Yoshida Ryutaro , Okamoto Norihiro , Kinoshita Masato , Miyazaki Haruka , Ku Yuna , Tokunaga Eri , Ito Yuki , Watanabe Daisuke , Ooi Makoto , Shinohara Masakazu , Sasaki Kengo , Zen Yoh , Kotani Takenori , Matozaki Takashi , Tian Zibin , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Kodama Yuzo
Published: February 2023

Background

Amino acid transporters play an important role in supplying nutrition to cells and are associated with cell proliferation. L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is highly expressed in many types of cancers and promotes tumor growth; however, how LAT1 affects tumor development is not fully understood.

Methods

To investigate the role of LAT1 in intestinal tumorigenesis, mice carrying LAT1 floxed alleles that also expressed Cre recombinase from the promoter of gene encoding Villin were crossed to an ApcMin/+ background (LAT1fl/fl; vil-cre; ApcMin/+), which were subject to analysis; organoids derived from those mice were also analyzed.

Results

This study showed that LAT1 was constitutively expressed in normal crypt base cells, and its conditional deletion in the intestinal epithelium resulted in fewer Paneth cells. LAT1 deletion reduced tumor size and number in the small intestine of ApcMin/+ mice. Organoids derived from LAT1-deleted ApcMin/+ intestinal crypts displayed fewer spherical organoids with reduced Wnt/β-catenin target gene expression, suggesting a low tumor-initiation capacity. Wnt3 expression was decreased in the absence of LAT1 in the intestinal epithelium, suggesting that loss of Paneth cells due to LAT1 deficiency reduced the risk of tumor initiation by decreasing Wnt3 production.

Conclusions

LAT1 affects intestinal tumor development in a cell-extrinsic manner through reduced Wnt3 expression in Paneth cells. Our findings may partly explain how nutrient availability can affect the risk of tumor development in the intestines.
Paraspinal muscle gene expression across different aetiologies in individuals undergoing surgery for lumbar spine pathology
Authors: Ordaz Angel , Anderson Brad , Zlomislic Vinko , Allen R. Todd , Garfin Steven R. , Schuepbach Regula , Farshad Mazda , Schenk Simon , Ward Samuel R. , Shahidi Bahar
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand potential baseline transcriptional expression differences in paraspinal skeletal muscle from patients with different underlying lumbar pathologies by comparing multifidus gene expression profiles across individuals with either disc herniation, facet arthropathy, or degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Methods

Multifidus biopsies were obtained from patients (n = 44) undergoing lumbar surgery for either disc herniation, facet arthropathy, or degenerative spondylolisthesis. Diagnostic categories were based on magnetic resonance images, radiology reports, and intraoperative reports. Gene expression for 42 genes was analysed using qPCR. A one-way analysis of variance was performed for each gene to determine differences in expression across diagnostic groups. Corrections for multiple comparisons across genes (Benjamini–Hochberg) and for between-group post hoc comparisons (Sidak) were applied.

Results

Adipogenic gene (ADIPOQ) expression was higher in the disc herniation group when compared to the facet arthropathy group (p = 0.032). Adipogenic gene (PPARD) expression was higher in the degenerative spondylolisthesis group when compared to the disc herniation group (p = 0.013), although absolute gene expression levels for all groups was low. Fibrogenic gene (COL3A1) had significantly higher expression in the disc herniation group and facet arthropathy group when compared to the degenerative spondylolisthesis group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.038, respectively). When adjusted for multiple comparisons, only COL3A1 remained significant (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Individuals with disc herniation and facet arthropathy demonstrate higher COL3A1 gene expression compared to those with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Future research is required to further understand the biological relevance of these transcriptional differences.
Self-service business intelligence and analytics application scenarios: A taxonomy for differentiation
Authors: Passlick Jens , Grützner Lukas , Schulz Michael , Breitner Michael H.
Published: February 2023

Self-service business intelligence and analytics (SSBIA) empowers non-IT users to create reports and analyses independently. SSBIA methods and processes are discussed in the context of an increasing number of application scenarios. However, previous research on SSBIA has made distinctions among these scenarios only to a limited extent. These scenarios include a wide variety of activities ranging from simple data retrieval to the application of complex algorithms and methods of analysis. The question of which dimensions are suitable for differentiating SSBIA application scenarios remains unanswered. In this article, we develop a taxonomy to distinguish among SSBIA applications more effectively by analyzing the relevant scientific literature and current SSBIA tools as well as by conducting a case study in a company. Both researchers and practitioners can use this taxonomy to describe and analyze SSBIA scenarios in further detail. In this way, the opportunities and challenges associated with SSBIA application can be identified more clearly. In addition, we conduct a cluster analysis based on the SSBIA tools thus analyzed. We identify three archetypes that describe typical SSBIA tools. These archetypes identify the application scenarios that are addressed most frequently by SSBIA tool providers. We conclude by highlighting the limitations of this research and suggesting an agenda for future research.
Defossilierung vorantreiben und Deindustrialisierung vermeiden: möglich, aber schwierig
Authors: Schmidt Christoph M. , Schmidt Torsten
Published: February 2023

The German economy is in difficult waters. Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, there has been no end to the challenges posed by interruptions in production and supply problems. Despite the need for crisis management, politicians have pledged not to lose sight of environmental sustainability. In addition, our community itself must take more responsibility for strengthening the resilience of supply, value and innovation chains. All of this will only succeed with a greater focus on economic performance; this requires a supply-side economic policy. Drawing insight from this crisis will allow for a successful transition management and a comprehensively transformed economy.
Automatic real-time monitoring of fungal spores: the case of Alternaria spp.
Authors: Erb Sophie , Berne Alexis , Burgdorfer Nina , Clot Bernard , Graber Marie-José , Lieberherr Gian , Sallin Christine , Tummon Fiona , Crouzy Benoît
Published: February 2023

We present the first implementation of the monitoring of airborne fungal spores in real-time using digital holography. To obtain observations of Alternaria spp. spores representative of their airborne stage, we collected events measured in the air during crop harvesting in a contaminated potato field, using a Swisens Poleno device. The classification algorithm used by MeteoSwiss for operational pollen monitoring was extended by training the system using this additional dataset. The quality of the retrieved concentrations is evaluated by comparison with parallel measurements made with a manual Hirst-type trap. Correlations between the two measurements are high, especially over the main dispersion period of Alternaria spp., demonstrating the potential for automatic real-time monitoring of fungal spores.
Symplectic 4-dimensional semifields of order $$8^4$$ and $$9^4$$
Authors: Lavrauw Michel , Sheekey John
Published: February 2023

We classify symplectic 4-dimensional semifields over $$\mathbb {F}_q$$

F
q

, for $$q\le 9$$

q
≤
9

, thereby extending (and confirming) the previously obtained classifications for $$q\le 7$$

q
≤
7

. The classification is obtained by classifying all symplectic semifield subspaces in $$\textrm{PG}(9,q)$$

PG
(
9
,
q
)

for $$q\le 9$$

q
≤
9

up to K-equivalence, where $$K\le \textrm{PGL}(10,q)$$

K
≤
PGL
(
10
,
q
)

is the lift of $$\textrm{PGL}(4,q)$$

PGL
(
4
,
q
)

under the Veronese embedding of $$\textrm{PG}(3,q)$$

PG
(
3
,
q
)

in $$\textrm{PG}(9,q)$$

PG
(
9
,
q
)

of degree two. Our results imply the non-existence of non-associative symplectic 4-dimensional semifields for q even, $$q\le 8$$

q
≤
8

. For q odd, and $$q\le 9$$

q
≤
9

, our results imply that the isotopism class of a symplectic non-associative 4-dimensional semifield over $$\mathbb {F}_q$$

F
q

is contained in the Knuth orbit of a Dickson commutative semifield.
Leveraging State-of-the-Art Engines for Large-Scale Data Analysis in High Energy Physics
Authors: Padulano Vincenzo Eduardo , Kabadzhov Ivan Donchev , Tejedor Saavedra Enric , Guiraud Enrico , Alonso-Jordá Pedro
Published: February 2023

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN has generated a vast amount of information from physics events, reaching peaks of TB of data per day which are then sent to large storage facilities. Traditionally, data processing workflows in the High Energy Physics (HEP) field have leveraged grid computing resources. In this context, users have been responsible for manually parallelising the analysis, sending tasks to computing nodes and aggregating the partial results. Analysis environments in this field have had a common building block in the ROOT software framework. This is the de facto standard tool for storing, processing and visualising HEP data. ROOT offers a modern analysis tool called RDataFrame, which can parallelise computations from a single machine to a distributed cluster while hiding most of the scheduling and result aggregation complexity from users. This is currently done by leveraging Apache Spark as the distributed execution engine, but other alternatives are being explored by HEP research groups. Notably, Dask has rapidly gained popularity thanks to its ability to interface with batch queuing systems, widespread in HEP grid computing facilities. Furthermore, future upgrades of the LHC are expected to bring a dramatic increase in data volumes. This paper presents a novel implementation of the Dask backend for the distributed RDataFrame tool in order to address the aforementioned future trends. The scalability of the tool with both the new backend and the already available Spark backend is demonstrated for the first time on more than two thousand cores, testing a real HEP analysis.
Approximate-analytic optical soliton solutions of a modified-Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation: modulation instability
Authors: Abdel-Gawad H. I.
Published: February 2023

The Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation (GIE) occupied a remarkable area of research in the literature. In the present work, a modified GIE (MGIE) is considered which is new and was not studied in the literature. Also, the modified-unified method (MUM) is used to obtain approximate analytic solutions (AASs) of MGIE. Up to our knowledge, no AASs for non-integrable complex field equation were found up to now. Thus the AASs found, here, are novel. The UM addresses finding the exact solutions to integrable equations. In this sense as no exact solution for MGIE exists, consequently, it is not integrable. So, here, approximate analytic optical soliton solutions are invoked. The UM stands for expressing the solution of nonlinear evolution equations in polynomial and rational forms in an auxiliary function (AF) with an appropriate auxiliary equation. For finding exact solutions by the UM, the coefficients of the AF, with all powers, are set equal to zero, For a non-integrable equation, only approximate solutions are affordable. In this case, we are led to utilizing the MUM. Herein, non-zero coefficients (residue terms (RTs)) are considered as errors, which are space and time-independent. It is worth mentioning that, this is in contrast to the errors found by the different numerical methods, where they are space and time-dependent. Further, in the present case, the maximum error is controlled via an adequate choice of the parameters in the RTs. These solutions are displayed in graphs. Breather soliton, chirped soliton and M-shape soliton, among others, are observed. Furthermore, modulation instability (MI) is studied and it is found MI triggers when the coefficient of the nonlinear dispersion exceeds a critical value.
Optimal design of a cascade controller for frequency stability of photovoltaic–reheat thermal power systems considering nonlinearities
Authors: Barakat Mohamed , Mabrouk A. M. , Donkol Ahmed
Published: February 2023

Automatic generation control (AGC) is essential for raising living standards because it enhances power supply quality. However, due to the constraints and challenges experienced in practice, an effective and computationally economical control method is necessary to improve AGC performance, particularly in the presence of renewable energy. Therefore, this study introduces a novel cascade controller (CC) of a proportional–integral–derivative (PIDn) controller followed by a proportional–integral (PI) controller, forming a PIDn-PI CC. This controller is used in a two-area model comprising a reheat thermal generator and a photovoltaic unit. The gains of the PI, PIDn, and PIDn-PI controllers are adjusted using the recently introduced chaos game optimization (CGO), which minimizes the objective function integral time multiplied absolute error. The CGO relies on chaos theory principals, wherein the organization of fractal geometry is perceived through the chaotic game and the fractals’ self-similarity properties are considered. At first, the CGO based PIDn controller is employed, to check the suitability of CGO in dealing with AGC problems. Furthermore, several scenarios are used to confirm the effectiveness of the CGO:PIDn-PI scheme when subjected to a high load disturbance and uncertainty, which can change system parameters by ± 50%. A random load pattern is used to ascertain the proposed method’s efficacy. Finally, nonlinearities, such as generation rate constraint and time delay, which have a significant impact on AGC performance, are considered. Compared with relevant current research, the suggested approach outperforms them in terms of settling time, frequency, and tie-line power deviations.
On pursuit and evasion game problems with Gr$$\ddot{\text {o}}$$nwall-type constraints
Authors: Rilwan Jewaidu , Ferrara Massimiliano , Badakaya Abbas Ja’afaru , Pansera Bruno Antonio
Published: February 2023

We study a fixed duration pursuit-evasion differential game problem of one pursuer and one evader with Grönwall-type constraints (recently introduced in the work of Samatov et al. (Ural Math J 6:95–107, 2020b)) imposed on all players’ control functions. The players’ dynamics are governed by a generalized dynamic equation. The payoff is the greatest lower bound of the distances between the evader and the pursuers when the game is terminated. The pursuers’ goal, which contradicts that of the evader, is to minimize the payoff. We obtained sufficient conditions for completion of pursuit and evasion as well. To this end, players’ attainability domain and optimal strategies are constructed.
Health-related quality of life in seven European countries throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the European COvid Survey (ECOS)
Authors: König Hans-Helmut , Neumann-Böhme Sebastian , Sabat Iryna , Schreyögg Jonas , Torbica Aleksandra , van Exel Job , Barros Pedro Pita , Stargardt Tom , Hajek André
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in seven European countries and its association with selected sociodemographic as well as COVID-19-related variables.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from nine quarterly waves collected between April 2020 and January 2022 (sample size per wave ranging from N = 7025 to 7300) of the European COvid Survey (ECOS), a representative survey of adults in Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Netherlands, France, Portugal and Italy. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L. The association of self-reported COVID-19 infection, perceived health risk from COVID-19, selected sociodemographic variables and the COVID-19 stringency index with HRQoL was analyzed by logistic and linear fixed effects regressions.

Results

On average across all nine waves, the proportion of respondents reporting any problems in at least one of the EQ-5D dimensions ranged between 63.8% (Netherlands) and 71.0% (Denmark). Anxiety/depression was the most frequently affected EQ-5D dimension in four countries (Portugal: 52.0%; United Kingdom: 50.2%; Italy: 49.2%; France: 49.0%), whereas pain/discomfort ranked first in three countries (Denmark: 58.3%; Germany: 55.8%; Netherlands: 49.0%). On average across all nine waves, the EQ-VAS score ranged from 70.1 in the United Kingdom to 78.4 in Portugal. Moreover, the EQ-5D-5L index ranged from .82 in Denmark to .94 in France. The occurrence of COVID-19 infection, changes in the perceived risk to one’s own health from COVID-19, the occurrence of income difficulties and an increase in the COVID-19 stringency index were associated with increased likelihood of problems in EQ-5D dimensions, reduced EQ-VAS score and reduced EQ-5D-5L index.

Conclusions

Across seven European countries, we found large proportions of respondents reporting problems in HRQoL dimensions throughout the pandemic, especially for anxiety/depression. Various sociodemographic and COVID-19-related variables were associated with HRQoL in longitudinal analysis.
Chemical shift assignments of calmodulin bound to the GluN1 C0 domain (residues 841–865) of the NMDA receptor
Authors: Bej Aritra , Ames James B.
Published: February 2023

Neuroplasticity and synaptic transmission in the brain are regulated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) that consist of hetero-tetrameric combinations of the glycine-binding GluN1 and glutamate-binding GluN2 subunits. Calmodulin (CaM) binds to the cytosolic C0 domain of GluN1 (residues 841–865) that may play a role in the Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) of NMDAR channel activity. Dysregulation of NMDARs are linked to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, stroke, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Here, we report complete NMR chemical shift assignments of Ca2+-saturated CaM bound to the GluN1 C0 domain of the human NMDAR (BMRB no. 51715).