bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral models of composite axions and accidental Peccei-Quinn symmetry
Authors: Contino Roberto , Podo Alessandro , Revello Filippo
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We introduce a class of composite axion models that provide a natural solution to the strong CP problem, and possibly account for the observed dark matter abundance. The QCD axion arises as a composite Nambu-Goldstone boson (NGB) from the dynamics of a chiral gauge theory with a strongly-interacting and confining SU(N) factor and a weakly-interacting U(1), with no fundamental scalar fields. The Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry is accidental and all the mass scales are generated dynamically. We analyze specific models where the PQ symmetry is broken only by operators of dimension 12 or higher. We also classify several other models where the PQ symmetry can be potentially protected up to the dimension 15 or 18 level. Our framework can be easily extended to a scenario where the Standard Model (SM) is unified into a simple gauge group, and we discuss the case of non-supersymmetric SU(5) unification. The GUT models predict the existence of additional pseudo NGBs, parametrically lighter than the GUT and PQ scales, which could have an impact on the cosmological evolution and leave observable signatures. We also clarify the selection rules under which higher-dimensional PQ-violating operators can generate a potential for the axion in the IR, and provide a discussion of the discrete symmetries in composite axion models associated to the number of domain walls. These results can be of general interest for composite axion models based on a QCD-like confining gauge group.
Toeplitz Operators on the Unit Ball with Locally Integrable Symbols
Authors: Hagger R. , Liu C. , Taskinen J. , Virtanen J. A.
Published: April 2022

We study the boundedness of Toeplitz operators $$T_\psi $$

T
ψ

with locally integrable symbols on weighted harmonic Bergman spaces over the unit ball of $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

. Generalizing earlier results for analytic function spaces, we derive a general sufficient condition for the boundedness of $$T_\psi $$

T
ψ

in terms of suitable averages of its symbol. We also obtain a similar “vanishing” condition for compactness. Finally, we show how these results can be transferred to the setting of the standard weighted Bergman spaces of analytic functions.
A topological model for the coloured Jones polynomials
Authors: Anghel Cristina Ana-Maria
Published: April 2022

In this paper we will present a homological model for Coloured Jones Polynomials. For each colour $$N \in {\mathbb {N}}$$

N
∈
N

, we will describe the invariant $$J_N(L,q)$$

J
N

(
L
,
q
)

as a graded intersection pairing of certain homology classes in a covering of a configuration space on the punctured disc. This construction is based on the Lawrence representation and a result due to Kohno that relates quantum representations and homological representations of the braid groups.
Paternal eNOS deficiency in mice affects glucose homeostasis and liver glycogen in male offspring without inheritance of eNOS deficiency itself
Authors: Hocher Berthold , Lu Yong-Ping , Reichetzeder Christoph , Zhang Xiaoli , Tsuprykov Oleg , Rahnenführer Jan , Xie Li , Li Jian , Hu Liang , Krämer Bernhard K. , Hasan Ahmed A.
Published: April 2022

Aims/hypothesis

It was shown that maternal endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) deficiency causes fatty liver disease and numerically lower fasting glucose in female wild-type offspring, suggesting that parental genetic variants may influence the offspring’s phenotype via epigenetic modifications in the offspring despite the absence of a primary genetic defect. The aim of the current study was to analyse whether paternal eNOS deficiency may cause the same phenotype as seen with maternal eNOS deficiency.

Methods

Heterozygous (+/−) male eNOS (Nos3) knockout mice or wild-type male mice were bred with female wild-type mice. The phenotype of wild-type offspring of heterozygous male eNOS knockout mice was compared with offspring from wild-type parents.

Results

Global sperm DNA methylation decreased and sperm microRNA pattern altered substantially. Fasting glucose and liver glycogen storage were increased when analysing wild-type male and female offspring of +/− eNOS fathers. Wild-type male but not female offspring of +/− eNOS fathers had increased fasting insulin and increased insulin after glucose load. Analysing candidate genes for liver fat and carbohydrate metabolism revealed that the expression of genes encoding glucocorticoid receptor (Gr; also known as Nr3c1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (Pgc1a; also known as Ppargc1a) was increased while DNA methylation of Gr exon 1A and Pgc1a promoter was decreased in the liver of male wild-type offspring of +/− eNOS fathers. The endocrine pancreas in wild-type offspring was not affected.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our study suggests that paternal genetic defects such as eNOS deficiency may alter the epigenome of the sperm without transmission of the paternal genetic defect itself. In later life wild-type male offspring of +/− eNOS fathers developed increased fasting insulin and increased insulin after glucose load. These effects are associated with increased Gr and Pgc1a gene expression due to altered methylation of these genes.

Graphical abstract
Early vs late histological confirmation of coeliac disease in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kamrath Clemens , Tittel Sascha R. , Dunstheimer Desiree , Fröhlich-Reiterer Elke , Freff Markus , Böttcher Claudia , Scheffler Nadine , Lenze Stefanie , Gericke Elke , Thiele Susanne , Holl Reinhard W.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Screening for coeliac disease in asymptomatic children with new-onset type 1 diabetes is controversial. The aim of this study was to analyse whether the confirmation of coeliac disease in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes and positive screening results can be postponed.

Methods

This was a multicentre population-based cohort study based on the German/Austrian/Swiss/Luxembourgian Prospective Diabetes Follow-up Registry (Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation [DPV]). Participants aged ≤18 years diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 1995 and June 2021 and with elevated IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTGA) at diabetes onset on screening for coeliac disease were included. We compared outcomes of participants with a diabetes duration of more than 1 year between those in whom coeliac disease was confirmed histologically within the first 6 months and those in whom coeliac disease was confirmed between 6 and 36 months after diabetes diagnosis.

Results

Of 92,278 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, 26,952 (29.2%) had documented anti-tTGA data at diabetes onset. Of these, 2340 (8.7%) had an elevated anti-tTGA level. Individuals who screened positive were younger (median age 9.0 vs 9.8 years, p<0.001) and more often female (53.1% vs 44.4%, p<0.001). A total of 533 participants (22.8% of those who screened positive) had a documented biopsy, of whom 444 had documented histological confirmation of coeliac disease. Of 411 participants with biopsy-proven coeliac disease within the first 36 months of diabetes and follow-up data, histological confirmation was performed in 264 (64.2%) within the first 6 months and in 147 (35.8%) between 6 and 36 months after diabetes onset. At follow-up (median diabetes duration 5.3 years and 5.1 years, respectively), estimated median HbA1c levels (62.8 mmol/mol vs 62.2 mmol/mol [7.9% vs 7.8%]), cardiovascular risk markers (lipids, rate of microalbuminuria, blood pressure), rates of acute diabetes complications (diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycaemia) and the proportions of participants reaching anti-tTGA levels within the normal range did not differ between groups. Participants with delayed histological confirmation of coeliac disease showed no negative effects on growth or weight gain during the observation period.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the histological confirmation of coeliac disease in asymptomatic individuals with new-onset type 1 diabetes could be postponed.

Graphical abstract
Modeling gravimetric signatures of third-degree ocean tides and their detection in superconducting gravimeter records
Authors: Sulzbach Roman , Wziontek Hartmut , Hart-Davis Michael , Dobslaw Henryk , Scherneck Hans-Georg , Van Camp Michel , Omang Ove Christian Dahl , Antokoletz Ezequiel D. , Voigt Christian , Dettmering Denise , Thomas Maik
Published: April 2022

We employ the barotropic, data-unconstrained ocean tide model TiME to derive an atlas for degree-3 tidal constituents including monthly to terdiurnal tidal species. The model is optimized with respect to the tide gauge data set TICON-td that is extended to include the respective tidal constituents of diurnal and higher frequencies. The tide gauge validation shows a root-mean-square (RMS) deviation of 0.9–1.3 mm for the individual species. We further model the load tide-induced gravimetric signals by two means (1) a global load Love number approach and (2) evaluating Greens-integrals at 16 selected locations of superconducting gravimeters. The RMS deviation between the amplitudes derived using both methods is below $$0.5 \ $$

0.5

nGal ($$1 \ $$

1

nGal $$= 0.01 \frac{\text {nm}}{\text {s}^2}$$

=
0.01

nm

s
2

) when excluding near-coastal gravimeters. Utilizing ETERNA-x, a recently upgraded and reworked tidal analysis software, we additionally derive degree-3 gravimetric tidal constituents for these stations, based on a hypothesis-free wave grouping approach. We demonstrate that this analysis is feasible, yielding amplitude predictions of only a few 10 nGal, and that it agrees with the modeled constituents on a level of 63–80% of the mean signal amplitude. Larger deviations are only found for lowest amplitude signals, near-coastal stations, or shorter and noisier data sets.
The polyene antifungal candicidin is selectively packaged into membrane vesicles in Streptomyces S4
Authors: Blackburn Sarah A. , Shepherd Mark , Robinson Gary K.
Published: April 2022

In recent years, much attention has been focused on the biogenesis, engineering and utilisation of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in Gram-negative bacteria in a range of environments and niches. While the precise mechanism of biogenesis is unknown, it is focused on the modification of the Gram-negative cell wall to facilitate blebbing at sites of weakness in and around the characteristically thin peptidoglycan layer within the periplasm. Here, we investigate the biogenesis of membrane vesicles (MVs) in the Gram-positive organism Streptomyces albus S4 (Seipke et al. J Bacteriol 193:4270–4271, 2011 and Fazal et al. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 113:511–520, 2020). The S. albus S4 strain is an antifungal (candicidin and antimycin) producing organism that was isolated from attine ants (Barke et al. BMC Biol 8:109, 2010). The biogenesis and characterisation of S. albus S4 MVs is demonstrated using the wild-type (WT) and mutant strains ΔantC (no antimycin production) ΔfscC (no candicidin production) and ΔantC ΔfscC (produces neither antimycin nor candicidin). Here, we have shown that the S. albus S4 strain produces MVs and that these are comprised of both specific protein profiles and secondary metabolites, with a clear demonstration of the ability to selectively package one antifungal (candicidin) but not the other (antimycin).
Pseudomonas putida and its close relatives: mixing and mastering the perfect tune for plants
Authors: Costa-Gutierrez Stefanie Bernardette , Adler Conrado , Espinosa-Urgel Manuel , de Cristóbal Ricardo Ezequiel
Published: April 2022

Plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of microorganisms of utmost interest in agricultural biotechnology for their stimulatory and protective effects on plants. Among the various PGPR species, some Pseudomonas putida strains combine outstanding traits such as phytohormone synthesis, nutrient solubilization, adaptation to different stress conditions, and excellent root colonization ability. In this review, we summarize the state of the art and the most relevant findings related to P. putida and its close relatives as PGPR, and we have compiled a detailed list of P. putida sensu stricto, sensu lato, and close relative strains that have been studied for their plant growth–promoting characteristics. However, the mere in vitro analysis of these characteristics does not guarantee correct plant performance under in vivo or field conditions. Therefore, the importance of studying adhesion and survival in the rhizosphere, as well as responses to environmental factors, is emphasized. Although numerous strains of this species have shown good performance in field trials, their use in commercial products is still very limited. Thus, we also analyze the opportunities and challenges related to the formulation and application of bioproducts based on these bacteria.

Key points

•The mini-review updates the knowledge on Pseudomonas putida as a PGPR.

• Some rhizosphere strains are able to improve plant growth under stress conditions.

• The metabolic versatility of this species encourages the development of a bioproduct.
“Fight-flight-or-freeze” – how Yarrowia lipolytica responds to stress at molecular level?
Authors: Celińska Ewelina
Published: April 2022

Yarrowia lipolytica is a popular yeast species employed in multiple biotechnological production processes. High resistance to extreme environmental conditions or metabolic burden triggered by synthetically forced over-synthesis of a target metabolite has its practical consequences. The proud status of an “industrial workhorse” that Y. lipolytica has gained is directly related to such a quality of this species. With the increasing amount of knowledge coming from detailed functional studies and comprehensive omics analyses, it is now possible to start painting the landscape of the molecular background behind stress response and adaptation in Y. lipolytica. This review summarizes the current state-of-art of a global effort in revealing how Y. lipolytica responds to both environmental threats and the intrinsic burden caused by the overproduction of recombinant secretory proteins at the molecular level. Detailed lists of genes, proteins, molecules, and biological processes deregulated upon exposure to external stress factors or affected by over-synthesis of heterologous proteins are provided. Specificities and universalities of Y. lipolytica cellular response to different extrinsic and intrinsic threats are highlighted.

Key points

• Y. lipolytica as an industrial workhorse is subjected to multiple stress factors.

• Cellular responses together with involved genes, proteins, and molecules are reviewed.

• Native stress response mechanisms are studied and inspire engineering strategies.
No impact of time to treatment initiation for head and neck cancer in a tertiary university center in 2003, 2008 and 2013
Authors: Kouka Mussab , Engelhardt Max , Wittig Andrea , Schultze-Mosgau Stefan , Ernst Thomas , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: April 2022

Background

This retrospective study investigated factors influencing time to treatment initiation (TTI) and the influence of TTI on overall survival (OS) of primary head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in cohorts from 2003, 2008 and 2013.

Methods

Two hundred and ninenty seven patients (78.8% men; median age: 62 years) were included. Kaplan–Meier analyses and multivariate Cox regression were performed to investigate OS.

Results

Mean times to treatment initiation (TTI) of 2003, 2008 and 2013 were 17.11 ± 18.00, 30.26 ± 30.08 and 17.30 ± 37.04 days, respectively. TTI for patients with T3/T4 tumors was higher than for T1/T2 (p = 0.010). In univariable analysis on OS, TTI > 5 days showed lower OS (p = 0.047). In multivariate analysis, longer TTI had no influence on lower OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.236; 95% CI 0.852–1.791; p = 0.264], but male gender [HR 2.342; 95% CI 1.229–4.466; p = 0.010], increased age [HR 1.026; 95% CI 1.008–1.045; p = 0.005], M1 [HR 5.823; 95% CI 2.252–15.058; p = 0.003], hypopharynx tumor [HR 2.508; 95% CI 1.571–4.003; p <  0.001] and oral cavity tumor [HR 1.712; CI 1.101–2.661; p = 0.017]. The year of treatment showed no significant effect on OS.

Conclusion

Median TTI seemed to be very short compared to other studies. There was no clear trend in the impact of TTI on OS from 2003 to 2013.
Post-COVID-19 fatigue: the contribution of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Calabria Marco , García-Sánchez Carmen , Grunden Nicholas , Pons Catalina , Arroyo Juan Antonio , Gómez-Anson Beatriz , Estévez García Marina del Carmen , Belvís Roberto , Morollón Noemí , Vera Igual Javier , Mur Isabel , Pomar Virginia , Domingo Pere
Published: April 2022

Fatigue in its many forms of physical, mental, and psychosocial exhaustion is a common symptom of post-COVID-19 condition, also known as “Long COVID.” Persistent fatigue in COVID-19 patients is frequently accompanied by cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms; however, less is known about the relationships between these components of post-COVID-19 condition and fatigue itself. Consequently, the present study sought to (1) distinguish the types of fatigue experienced by participants, and (2) investigate whether cognitive deficits across various domains and neuropsychiatric conditions predicted these different types of fatigue. The study included 136 COVID-19 patients referred for neuropsychological evaluation due to cognitive complaints 8 months on average after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Measures included self-reported fatigue (physical, cognitive, and psychosocial), neuropsychiatric questionnaires (assessing symptoms of depression, anxiety, apathy, and executive functioning), a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, and self-reported quality of life and everyday functioning. Results showed that reports of clinical significant fatigue were pervasive in our sample (82.3% of participants), with physical fatigue rated highest on average relative to the subscale maximum. Elevated levels of apathy, anxiety, and executive dysfunction in neuropsychiatric measures along with executive and attentional difficulties on cognitive tests were found to be consistently important predictors among different types of fatigue. This implicates both cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms as predictors of fatigue in post-COVID-19 condition, and stresses the importance of a holistic approach in assessing and considering potential treatment for COVID-19 patients experiencing fatigue.
The clinical utility of polygenic risk scores in genomic medicine practices: a systematic review
Authors: Kumuthini Judit , Zick Brittany , Balasopoulou Angeliki , Chalikiopoulou Constantina , Dandara Collet , El-Kamah Ghada , Findley Laura , Katsila Theodora , Li Rongling , Maceda Ebner Bon , Monye Henrietta , Rada Gabriel , Thong Meow-Keong , Wanigasekera Thilina , Kennel Hannah , Marimuthu Veeramani ,   the G2MC Evidence investigators, Williams Marc S. , Al-Mulla Fahd , Abramowicz Marc
Published: April 2022

Genomic medicine aims to improve health using the individual genomic data of people to inform care. While clinical utility of genomic medicine in many monogenic, Mendelian disorders is amply demonstrated, clinical utility is less evident in polygenic traits, e.g., coronary artery disease or breast cancer. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are subsets of individual genotypes designed to capture heritability of common traits, and hence to allow the stratification of risk of the trait in a population. We systematically reviewed the PubMed database for unequivocal evidence of clinical utility of polygenic risk scores, using stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. While we identified studies demonstrating clinical validity in conditions where medical intervention based on a PRS is likely to benefit patient outcome, we did not identify a single study demonstrating unequivocally such a benefit, i.e. clinical utility. We conclude that while the routine use of PRSs hold great promise, translational research is still needed before they should enter mainstream clinical practice.
Non-incremental response evaluation in geometrically nonlinear structural dynamics using a space-time stiffness operator
Authors: Arjoune Tahar , Markert Bernd , Bamer Franz
Published: April 2022

This contribution presents a proper generalized decomposition-based nonlinear solver for an efficient solution of geometrically nonlinear dynamic problems. The solution is built as a sum of dyadic products of space and time modes, and this sum of so-called enrichments is truncated when the required accuracy is achieved. In the proposed algorithm, we apply a consistent linearization of the residual vectors around the currently known solution over the whole space-time domain. At first, the set of vectorized tangent stiffness matrices is separated in space and time using the singular value decomposition. Then, the left and right singular vectors are reshaped into matrices to separate the space-time stiffness operator. The latter can be incorporated into the alternating fixed-point algorithm to compute couples of space and time modes. Numerical examples of a two-dimensional geometrically exact beam model demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and limits of the method.
A dominant clonal lineage of Streptococcus uberis in cattle in Germany
Authors: Fenske Linda , Noll Irene , Blom Jochen , Ewers Christa , Semmler Torsten , Fawzy Ahmad , Eisenberg Tobias
Published: April 2022

Bovine mastitis causes enormous economic losses in the dairy industry withStreptococcus uberisas one of the most common bacterial pathogens causing clinical and subclinical variations. In most cases mastitis can be cured by intramammary administration of antimicrobial agents. However, the severity of the clinical manifestations can vary greatly from mild to severe symtoms. In this study, a comparative genomic analysis of 24S. uberisisolates from three dairy farms in Germany, affected by different courses of infection was conducted. While there were sporadic mild infections in farm A and B, a large number of infections were observed within a very short period of time in farm C. The comparison of virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance genes and prophage regions revealed no features that might be responsible for this severe course. However, almost all isolates from farm C showed the same, novel MLST profile (ST1373), thus a clonal outbreak cannot be excluded, whereby the actual reason for the particular virulence remains unknown. This study demonstrates the importance of extensive metagenomic studies, including the host genomes and the environment, to gain further evidence on the pathogenicity ofS. uberis.
Coaching While Waiting for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment: A Pilot Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Occupational Performance Coaching and Service Navigation
Authors: Bernie Charmaine , Williams Katrina , Graham Fiona , May Tamara
Published: April 2022

Aim

To determine whether short-phase Occupational Performance Coaching combined with service navigation support is feasible for families waiting for autism assessment.

Method

A pilot feasibility study was conducted using a blinded randomization procedure that allocated participants to one of three trial arms: (1) face-to-face coaching, (2) videoconference coaching, and (3) usual care. Outcomes included a retention aim of 70–80%, goal attainment and secondary standardised measures of adaptive behaviour, social skills, parenting stress, service access and family quality of life.

Results

Caregivers and children (n = 16, child mean age of 3 years 7 months) were recruited following referral for an autism assessment. Retention was 75%, with change scores in performance and satisfaction of selected goals higher in the intervention groups than the usual care group.

Interpretation

Findings support progression to a future randomized controlled trial assessing intervention efficacy.
La (III) Separation by Tri Octyl Phosphine Oxide (Cyanex 921) Based on Amberlite Xad-4 Chelating Resin
Authors: Fatah A. I. L. Abd El , Elashry Soaad M.
Published: April 2022

The novel core–shell type polymeric supports with accessible phosphorus groups were synthesised in the search for new reactive materials designed for the synthesis of functional resins. Amberlite XAD-4 adsorbent was impregnated with tri octyl phosphine oxides (Cyanex 921), which were then polymerized in the polymer carrier structure. The syntheses were evaluated by capturing FT-IR spectra, SEM micrographs, and analysing the sorption process. Batch studies were conducted to study the influence of some factors like pH, contact time, the metal ions concentration, and temperature on sorption efficiency of La (III) ions. The results showed that the optimum conditions were at pH equal to 0.5 and an equilibrium contact time of 30 min. According to the results of the sorption data analysis, the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models were better fitted than the other estimated models. The sorption capacity of La (III) ions into impregnated resin as adsorbent martial was 54.25 mg g−1. The results revealed that the used adsorbent has been used successfully as a promising material for the elimination and recovery of La ions from the aqueous solutions. The impregnated resin exhibits a high chemical stability, reusability and fast equilibration. Further, the above procedure has been successfully employed for the application of real sample.
Effects of temporal floral resource availability and non-crop habitats on broad bean pollination
Authors: Eckerter Philipp W. , Albrecht Matthias , Bertrand Colette , Gobet Erika , Herzog Felix , Pfister Sonja C. , Tinner Willy , Entling Martin H.
Published: April 2022

Context

Flowering plants can enhance wild insect populations and their pollination services to crops in agricultural landscapes, especially when they flower before the focal crop. However, characterizing the temporal availability of specific floral resources is a challenge.

Objectives

Developing an index for the availability of floral resources at the landscape scale according to the specific use by a pollinator. Investigating whether detailed and temporally-resolved floral resource maps predict pollination success of broad bean better than land cover maps.

Methods

We mapped plant species used as pollen source by bumblebees in 24 agricultural landscapes and developed an index of floral resource availability for different times of the flowering season. To measure pollination success, patches of broad bean (Vicia faba), a plant typically pollinated by bumblebees, were exposed in the center of selected landscapes.

Results

Higher floral resource availability before bean flowering led to enhanced seed set. Floral resource availability synchronous to broad bean flowering had no effect. Seed set was somewhat better explained by land cover maps than by floral resource availability, increasing with urban area and declining with the cover of arable land.

Conclusions

The timing of alternative floral resource availability is important for crop pollination. The higher explanation of pollination success by land cover maps than by floral resource availability indicates that additional factors such as habitat disturbance and nesting sites play a role in pollination. Enhancing non-crop woody plants in agricultural landscapes as pollen sources may ensure higher levels of crop pollination by wild pollinators such as bumblebees.
Domestic violence reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Latin America
Authors: Perez-Vincent Santiago M. , Carreras Enrique
Published: April 2022

This article examines changes in the frequency and characteristics of domestic violence reports following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of mobility restrictions in six Latin American countries. We find significantly different patterns between reports of psychological and physical violence, non-cohabitant and cohabitant violence, and across alternative reporting channels (domestic violence hotlines, emergency lines, and police reports). Calls to domestic violence hotlines soared, suggesting that this channel was best suited to respond to victims’ needs during the pandemic. In turn, calls to emergency lines and police complaints declined (especially in the first weeks of the pandemic), consistent with an increase in the perceived (relative) cost of using these channels. The results reveal how the pandemic altered domestic violence victims’ demand for institutional help and highlight the relevance of domestic violence hotlines as an accessible and valuable service.
An evaluation of the National Institutes of Health grants portfolio: identifying opportunities and challenges for multi-omics research that leverage metabolomics data
Authors: Yu Catherine T. , Chao Brittany N. , Barajas Rolando , Haznadar Majda , Maruvada Padma , Nicastro Holly L. , Ross Sharon A. , Verma Mukesh , Rogers Scott , Zanetti Krista A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Through the systematic large-scale profiling of metabolites, metabolomics provides a tool for biomarker discovery and improving disease monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response, as well as for delineating disease mechanisms and etiology. As a downstream product of the genome and epigenome, transcriptome, and proteome activity, the metabolome can be considered as being the most proximal correlate to the phenotype. Integration of metabolomics data with other -omics data in multi-omics analyses has the potential to advance understanding of human disease development and treatment.

Aim of review

To understand the current funding and potential research opportunities for when metabolomics is used in human multi-omics studies, we cross-sectionally evaluated National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded grants to examine the use of metabolomics data when collected with at least one other -omics data type. First, we aimed to determine what types of multi-omics studies included metabolomics data collection. Then, we looked at those multi-omics studies to examine how often grants employed an integrative analysis approach using metabolomics data.

Key scientific concepts of review

We observed that the majority of NIH-funded multi-omics studies that include metabolomics data performed integration, but to a limited extent, with integration primarily incorporating only one other -omics data type. Some opportunities to improve data integration may include increasing confidence in metabolite identification, as well as addressing variability between -omics approach requirements and -omics data incompatibility.
Deep learning-based plane pose regression in obstetric ultrasound
Authors: Di Vece Chiara , Dromey Brian , Vasconcelos Francisco , David Anna L. , Peebles Donald , Stoyanov Danail
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In obstetric ultrasound (US) scanning, the learner’s ability to mentally build a three-dimensional (3D) map of the fetus from a two-dimensional (2D) US image represents a major challenge in skill acquisition. We aim to build a US plane localisation system for 3D visualisation, training, and guidance without integrating additional sensors.

Methods

We propose a regression convolutional neural network (CNN) using image features to estimate the six-dimensional pose of arbitrarily oriented US planes relative to the fetal brain centre. The network was trained on synthetic images acquired from phantom 3D US volumes and fine-tuned on real scans. Training data was generated by slicing US volumes into imaging planes in Unity at random coordinates and more densely around the standard transventricular (TV) plane.

Results

With phantom data, the median errors are 0.90 mm/1.17$$^\circ $$

∘

 and 0.44 mm/1.21$$^\circ $$

∘

 for random planes and planes close to the TV one, respectively. With real data, using a different fetus with the same gestational age (GA), these errors are 11.84 mm/25.17$$^\circ $$

∘

. The average inference time is 2.97 ms per plane.

Conclusion

The proposed network reliably localises US planes within the fetal brain in phantom data and successfully generalises pose regression for an unseen fetal brain from a similar GA as in training. Future development will expand the prediction to volumes of the whole fetus and assess its potential for vision-based, freehand US-assisted navigation when acquiring standard fetal planes.
Generation of Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes with a mature star-shaped phenotype for CNS modeling
Authors: Voulgaris Dimitrios , Nikolakopoulou Polyxeni , Herland Anna
Published: April 2022

The generation of astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells has been hampered by either prolonged differentiation—spanning over two months—or by shorter protocols that generate immature astrocytes, devoid of salient mature astrocytic traits pivotal for central nervous system (CNS) modeling. We directed stable hiPSC-derived neuroepithelial stem cells to human iPSC-derived Astrocytes (hiAstrocytes) with a high percentage of star-shaped cells by orchestrating an astrocytic-tuned culturing environment in 28 days. We employed RT-qPCR and ICC to validate the astrocytic commitment of the neuroepithelial stem cells. To evaluate the inflammatory phenotype, we challenged the hiAstrocytes with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (interleukin 1 beta) and quantitatively assessed the secretion profile of astrocyte-associated cytokines and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Finally, we quantitatively assessed the capacity of hiAstrocytes to synthesize and export the antioxidant glutathione. In under 28 days, the generated cells express canonical and mature astrocytic markers, denoted by the expression of GFAP, AQP4 and ALDH1L1. In addition, the notion of a mature phenotype is reinforced by the expression of both astrocytic glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2. Thus, hiAstrocytes have a mature phenotype that encompasses traits critical in CNS modeling, including glutathione synthesis and secretion, upregulation of ICAM-1 and a cytokine secretion profile on a par with human fetal astrocytes. This protocol generates a multifaceted astrocytic model suitable for in vitro CNS disease modeling and personalized medicine.

Graphical abstract
From Storytelling to Facebook
Authors: Acerbi Alberto
Published: April 2022

Cultural evolution researchers use transmission chain experiments to investigate which content is more likely to survive when transmitted from one individual to another. These experiments resemble oral storytelling, wherein individuals need to understand, memorize, and reproduce the content. However, prominent contemporary forms of cultural transmission—think an online sharing—only involve the willingness to transmit the content. Here I present two fully preregistered online experiments that explicitly investigated the differences between these two modalities of transmission. The first experiment (N = 1,080 participants) examined whether negative content, information eliciting disgust, and threat-related information were better transmitted than their neutral counterpart in a traditional transmission chain setup. The second experiment (N = 1,200 participants) used the same material, but participants were asked whether or not they would share the content in two conditions: in a large anonymous social network or with their friends, in their favorite social network. Negative content was both better transmitted in transmission chain experiments and shared more than its neutral counterpart. Threat-related information was successful in transmission chain experiments but not when sharing, and finally, information eliciting disgust was not advantaged in either. Overall, the results present a composite picture, suggesting that the interactions between the specific content and the medium of transmission are important and, possibly, that content biases are stronger when memorization and reproduction are involved in the transmission—as in oral transmission—than when they are not—as in online sharing. Negative content seems to be reliably favored in both modalities of transmission.
‘Measuring’ Collective Trauma: a Quantum Social Science Approach
Authors: Matoba Kazuma
Published: April 2022

In the twenty-first century the world faces the stark reality that’s far from any visions of an ideal world, accompanied by an epidemic of social inequality and global injustice. Many social and global issues such as the refugee crisis, climate injustice, racism, whitism, and terrorism are rooted in serious, untreated historical traumata. These traumata have been experienced by one or more members of a family, group, or community, and may have been passed down from one generation to the next through epigenetic factors. Phenomena of collective trauma can be described more understandably through its interpretation by the quantum social science of Wendt (2016). This interpretation provides a social pathology that offers methodological recommendations (methods of treatment) for social therapy. One potential example is the collective trauma integration process (CTIP) developed by Thomas Hübl (Hübl, T. (2020). Healing Collective Trauma: a process for integrating our intergenerational and cultural wounds. Boulder: Sounds True.), which is a method to restore fragmentation by addressing and integrating individual, ancestral and collective trauma. This paper focuses on one methodological consideration for building a new culture through the integration of collective and intergenerational trauma, which is a framework based on collective trauma research in psychology, sociology, and quantum social science.
Characterization of ultrafine particles from hardfacing coated brake rotors
Authors: Lyu Yezhe , Sinha Ankur , Olofsson Ulf , Gialanella Stefano , Wahlström Jens
Published: April 2022

Automotive brake rotors are commonly made from gray cast iron (GCI). During usage, brake rotors are gradually worn off and periodically replaced. Currently, replaced brake rotors are mostly remelted to produce brand-new cast iron products, resulting in a relatively high energy consumption and carbon footprint into the environment. In addition, automotive brakes emit airborne particles. Some of the emitted particles are categorized as ultrafine, which are sized below 100 nm, leading to a series of health and environmental impacts. In this study, two surface treatment techniques are applied, i.e., high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) and laser cladding (LC), to overlay wear-resistant coatings on conventional GCI brake rotors in order to refurbish the replaced GCI brake rotor and to avoid the remelting procedure. The two coating materials are evaluated in terms of their coefficient of friction (CoF), wear, and ultrafine particle emissions, by comparing them with a typical GCI brake rotor. The results show that the CoF of the HVOF disc is higher than those of the GCI and LC discs. Meanwhile, HVOF disc has the lowest wear rate but results in the highest wear rate on the mating brake pad material. The LC disc yields a similar wear rate as the GCI disc. The ultrafine particles from the GCI and LC discs appeared primarily in round, chunky, and flake shapes. The HVOF disc emits unique needle-shaped particles. In the ultrafine particle range, the GCI and HVOF discs generate particles that are primarily below 100 nm in the running-in period and 200 nm in the steady state. Meanwhile, the LC disc emitted particles that are primarily ∼200 nm in the entire test run.
Delivering quantum dots to lubricants: Current status and prospect
Authors: Zhang Wenling , Li Tianhao , An Rong , Wang Jiong , Tian Yu
Published: April 2022

Very recently, two-dimensional quantum dots (2D QDs) have been pioneeringly investigated as lubricant additives, which exhibit superior friction-reducing and wear resistance. Compared with 2D nanoparticles, 2D QDs possess small size (∼10 nm) and abundant active groups. These distinguished advantages enable them to quickly disperse into common lube mediums and maintain long-term storage stability. The good dispersion stability of 2D QDs not only effectively improves their embedding capacity, but also enables continuous supplements of lubricants during the sliding process. Therefore, 2D QDs are attracting increasing research interest as efficient lubricants with desirable service life. In this review, we focus on the latest studies of 2D QDs as liquid lubricant additives (both in polar and nonpolar mediums), self-lubricating solid coatings and gels, etc. Various advanced strategies for synthesis and modification of 2D QDs are summarized. A comprehensive insight into the tribological behavior of a variety of 2D QDs together with the associated mechanism is reviewed in detail. The superior lubricating performances of 2D QDs are attributed to various mechanisms, including rolling effect, self-mending performance, polishing effect, tribofilm formation, nanostructure transfer and synergistic effects, etc. Strategies for friction modulation of 2D QDs, including internal factors (surface modification, elemental doping) and extrinsic factors (counter surfaces, test conditions) are discussed, special attentions for achieving intelligent tribology toward superlubricity and bio-engineering, are also included. Finally, the future challenges and research directions regarding QDs as lubricants conforming to the concept of “green tribology” toward a sustainable society are discussed.
Avoiding structural redundancies between the vehicle body and the battery housing based on a functional integration approach
Authors: Krüger Christopher , Spohr Sebastian , Merdivan David , Urban Peter
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the approach for a functionally integrated battery housing is presented, to avoid structural redundancies towards the vehicle body. The goal is to reduce the overall structural weight while simultaneously increasing the package space for battery modules. The typically existing boundary conditions for the battery system are taken into account. Especially, the detachability of the battery as a closed unit is in focus, to ensure the leak tightness of this system and to enable replacement. Based on the available space in a research vehicle, such a functionally integrated concept is developed. In particular, the vehicle floor and the vehicle rocker are identified as suitable components for integration. The verification of the concept with regard to the crash performance is carried out on component and on full vehicle level. On both levels, the side pole impact is used as load case and the deformation behavior is investigated.
T-Friedman Test: A New Statistical Test for Multiple Comparison with an Adjustable Conservativeness Measure
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Yubo
Published: April 2022

To prove that a certain algorithm is superior to the benchmark algorithms, the statistical hypothesis tests are commonly adopted with experimental results on a number of datasets. Some statistical hypothesis tests draw statistical test results more conservative than the others, while it is not yet possible to characterize quantitatively the degree of conservativeness of such a statistical test. On the basis of the existing nonparametric statistical tests, this paper proposes a new statistical test for multiple comparison which is named as t-Friedman test. T-Friedman test combines t test with Friedman test for multiple comparison. The confidence level of the t test is adopted as a measure of conservativeness of the proposed t-Friedman test. A bigger confidence level infers a higher degree of conservativeness, and vice versa. Based on the synthetic results generated by Monte Carlo simulations with predefined distributions, the performance of several state-of-the-art multiple comparison tests and post hoc procedures are first qualitatively analyzed. The influences of the type of predefined distribution, the number of benchmark algorithms and the number of datasets are explored in the experiments. The conservativeness measure of the proposed method is also validated and verified in the experiments. Finally, some suggestions for the application of these nonparametric statistical tests are provided.
Isokrates: The Forensic Speeches (Nos. 16–21)
Authors: Whitehead David
Published: April 2022

The Athenian Isokrates (436–338 BC) is well-known for his long career as an educator and pundit; but originally he wrote 'forensic' speeches, i.e. for delivery in court. Six of them survive (five from Athens, one from Aigina), on issues including assault, fraud and inheritance. Here for the first time, after a General Introduction, they are presented and analysed in depth as a self-contained group. The Greek text and a facing English translation - both new - are augmented by commentaries which juxtapose this material with other surviving writers in the genre (and with Isocrates' own later output). In the process, too, the speeches' historical background, personnel, legal context, rhetorical strategies and all other relevant topics are explored.
Free Speech
Authors: Niehoff Len , Sullivan E. Thomas
Published: April 2022

Why do we protect free speech? What values does it serve? How has the Supreme Court interpreted the First Amendment? What has the Court gotten right and wrong? Why are current debates over free expression often so divisive? How can we do better? In this succinct but comprehensive and scholarly book, authors Len Niehoff and Thomas Sullivan tackle these pressing questions. Free Speech: From Core Values to Current Debates traces the development and evolution of the free speech doctrine in the Supreme Court and explores how the Court - with varying levels of success - has applied that doctrinal framework to “hard cases” and current controversies, such as those involving hate speech, speech on the internet, speech on campus, and campaign finance regulation. This is the perfect volume for anyone - student, general reader, or scholar - looking for an accessible overview of this critical topic.
The Life, Extinction, and Rebreeding of Quagga Zebras
Authors: Heywood Peter
Published: April 2022

Quaggas were beautiful pony-sized zebras in southern Africa that had fewer stripes on their bodies and legs, and a browner body coloration than other zebras. Indigenous people hunted quaggas, portrayed them in rock art, and told stories about them. Settlers used quaggas to pull wagons and to protect livestock against predators. Taken to Europe, they were admired, exhibited, harnessed to carriages, illustrated by famous artists and written about by scientists. Excessive hunting led to quaggas' extinction in the 1880s but DNA from museum specimens showed rebreeding was feasible and now zebras resembling quaggas live in their former habitats. This rebreeding is compared with other de-extinction and rewilding ventures and its appropriateness discussed against the backdrop of conservation challenges—including those facing other zebras. In an Anthropocene of species extinction, climate change and habitat loss which organisms and habitats should be saved, and should attempts be made to restore extinct species?
Transforming the Church Interior in Renaissance Florence
Authors: Allen Joanne
Published: April 2022

Before the late sixteenth century, the churches of Florence were internally divided by monumental screens that separated the laity in the nave from the clergy in the choir precinct. Enabling both separation and mediation, these screens were impressive artistic structures that controlled social interactions, facilitated liturgical performances, and variably framed or obscured religious ritual and imagery. In the 1560s and 70s, screens were routinely destroyed in a period of religious reforms, irreversibly transforming the function, meaning, and spatial dynamics of the church interior. In this volume, Joanne Allen explores the widespread presence of screens and their role in Florentine social and religious life prior to the Counter-Reformation. She presents unpublished documentation and new reconstructions of screens and the choir precincts which they delimited. Elucidating issues such as gender, patronage, and class, her study makes these vanished structures comprehensible and deepens our understanding of the impact of religious reform on church architecture.