bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Evaluation of the Cellular Uptake of Nanodiamonds by Monocytes and Macrophages
Authors: Niora Maria , Lerche Mathilde Hauge , Dufva Martin , Berg‐Sørensen Kirstine
Published: January 2023

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) with negative nitrogen‐vacancy (NV−) defect centers are great probes for biosensing applications, with potential to act as biomarkers for cell differentiation. To explore this concept, uptake of FNDs (≈120 nm) by THP‐1 monocytes and monocyte‐derived M0‐macrophages is studied. The time course analysis of FND uptake by monocytes confirms differing FND‐cell interactions and a positive time‐dependence. No effect on cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation potential into macrophages is observed, while cells saturated with FNDs, unload the FNDs completely by 25 cell divisions and subsequently take up a second dose effectively. FND uptake variations by THP‐1 cells at early exposure‐times indicate differing phagocytic capability. The cell fraction that exhibits relatively enhanced FND uptake is associated to a macrophage phenotype which derives from spontaneous monocyte differentiation. In accordance, chemical‐differentiation of the THP‐1 cells into M0‐macrophages triggers increased and homogeneous FND uptake, depleting the fraction of cells that were non‐responsive to FNDs. These observations imply that FND uptake allows for distinction between the two cell subtypes based on phagocytic capacity. Overall, FNDs demonstrate effective cell labeling of monocytes and macrophages, and are promising candidates for sensing biological processes that involve cell differentiation.
Adolescence as a critical period for nandrolone‐induced muscular strength in relation to abuse liability, alone and in conjunction with morphine, using accumbal dopamine efflux in freely moving rats
Authors: Kawashima Hiroki , Aono Yuri , Shimba Shigeki , Waddington John L. , Saigusa Tadashi
Published: January 2023

Nandrolone, an anabolic androgenic steroid, is included in the prohibited list of the World Anti‐Doping Agency. Drugs of abuse activate brain dopamine neurons and nandrolone has been suspected of inducing dependence. Accordingly, possible critical periods for the effects of nandrolone on muscular strength and dopaminergic activity have been investigated, including the effects of chronically administered nandrolone alone and on morphine‐induced increases in dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens. Six‐ or 10‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. Treatment with nandrolone was initiated in adolescent (6‐week‐old) and young adult (10‐week‐old) rats. Nandrolone (5.0 mg/kg s.c.) or sesame oil vehicle was given once daily, on six consecutive days per week, for 3 weeks and then once per day for 4 consecutive days. Nandrolone enhanced the developmental increase in grip strength of 6‐ but not 10‐week‐old rats, without altering the developmental increase in body weight of either age group. Using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving 6‐week‐old rats given nandrolone for 4 weeks, basal accumbal dopamine efflux was unaltered, while the increase in dopamine efflux induced by acute administration of morphine (1.0 mg/kg s.c.) was reduced. The present study provides in vivo evidence that adolescence constitutes a critical period during which repeated administration of nandrolone enhances increases in muscular strength without influencing increases in body weight. Though repeated administration of nandrolone during this period of adolescence did not stimulate in vivo mesolimbic dopaminergic activity, it disrupted stimulation by an opioid, the drug class that is most commonly coabused with nandrolone.
Graph neural networks for conditional de novo drug design
Authors: Abate Carlo , Decherchi Sergio , Cavalli Andrea
Published: January 2023

Drug design is costly in terms of resources and time. Generative deep learning techniques are using increasing amounts of biochemical data and computing power to pave the way for a new generation of tools and methods for drug discovery and optimization. Although early methods used SMILES strings, more recent approaches use molecular graphs to naturally represent chemical entities. Graph neural networks (GNNs) are learning models that can natively process graphs. The use of GNNs in drug discovery is growing exponentially. GNNs for drug design are often coupled with conditioning techniques to steer the generation process towards desired chemical and biological properties. These conditioned graph‐based generative models and frameworks hold promise for the routine application of GNNs in drug discovery.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Data Science > Chemoinformatics

Data Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming
The B anomalies, the U1 leptoquark and dark matter
Authors: Bélanger Geneviève , Kumar Jacky , London David , Pukhov Alexander
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The present-day B-anomalies involving b → sμ+μ− or b → cτ−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

transitions can all be explained with the addition of a vector U1 leptoquark with a mass of $$ {M}_{U_1} $$

M

U
1

≳ 1.8 TeV. In the scalar singlet dark matter model (SSDMM), the DM is a scalar S that couples to the Higgs via λhSS2|H|2. We update the fit to the data and find that the SSDMM is now viable only for MS ≳ 1.6 TeV. In this paper, we assume that the DM also couples to the U1 via $$ {\lambda}_{U_1S}{S}^2{U}_{1\mu}^{\dagger }{U}_1^{\mu } $$

λ

U
1

S

S
2

U

1
μ

†

U
1
μ

. In addition to leading to DM annihilation via SS →$$ {U}_1{\overline{U}}_1 $$

U
1

U
¯

1

, this coupling generates SSgg and SSγγ couplings at one loop. Although naively divergent, these loop diagrams can be calculated under the assumption that the U1 is a gauge boson of a group broken at the TeV scale. With this DM-U1 coupling term, there are additional contributions to the various DM observables (relic density, direct and indirect detection). We find that the constraints on the SSDMM are relaxed for both heavy DM (MS ≳ $$ {M}_{U_1} $$

M

U
1

) and light DM (MS<$$ {M}_{U_1} $$

M

U
1

).
How arbitrary are perturbative calculations of the electroweak phase transition?
Authors: Athron Peter , Balázs Csaba , Fowlie Andrew , Morris Lachlan , White Graham , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We investigate the extent to which perturbative calculations of the electroweak phase transition are arbitrary and uncertain, owing to their gauge, renormalisation scale and scheme dependence, as well as treatments of the Goldstone catastrophe and daisy diagrams. Using the complete parameter space of the Standard Model extended by a real scalar singlet with a ℤ2 symmetry as a test, we explore the properties of the electroweak phase transition in general Rξ and covariant gauges, OS and $$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

renormalisation schemes, and for common treatments of the Goldstone catastrophe and daisy diagrams. Reassuringly, we find that different renormalisation schemes and different treatments of the Goldstone catastrophe and daisy diagrams typically lead to only modest changes in predictions for the critical temperature and strength of the phase transition. On the other hand, the gauge and renormalisation scale dependence may be significant, and often impact the existence of the phase transition altogether.
Yaw attitudes for BDS-3 IGSO and MEO satellites: estimation, validation and modeling with intersatellite link observations
Authors: Yang Chao , Guo Jing , Zhao Qile
Published: January 2023

Previously disclosed satellite metadata, as well as previous estimations using the reverse kinematic precise point positioning approach with L-band data, have already demonstrated the use of a continuous yaw-steering model by the BDS-3 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) in deep eclipse periods instead of the orbit-normal mode. However, the yaw model has not been validated for MEO satellites manufactured by the Shanghai Engineering Center of Microsatellites (SECM), as the horizontal phase center offsets are close to zero. Moreover, the attitude model has also not been confirmed for BDS-3 Inclined Geostationary Orbit (IGSO) satellites. In this study, the intersatellite link (ISL) data are used to estimate the yaw angles of BDS-3 IGSO and MEO satellites with an accuracy of approximately 3.0° to investigate their yaw behaviors, particularly in deep eclipse periods. The estimates confirm that the IGSO and MEO satellites from CAST show the same yaw behaviors, while the SECM MEO satellites do not fully comply with the attitude law published by the China Satellite Navigation Office (CSNO). The attitude transition deviates from that predicted by the CSNO yaw law and occurs when the elevation angle of the Sun above the orbital plane ($$\beta $$
β
-angle) crosses 0° and the absolute value of the yaw angle is no more than 5°. The transition is completed within three to five minutes at a rate of approximately 0.055°/s. A model is proposed to predict these behaviors, and the ISL residuals return to normal levels and become more stable adjacent to midnight and noon points when the yaw models are used.
Dominant changes in centre Fe atom of decamethyl-ferrocene from ferrocene in methylation
Authors: Wang Feng , Chantler Christopher T.
Published: January 2023

Staggered decamethyl-ferrocene (*Fc) becomes the lower energy conformer at low temperature, whereas the eclipsed conformer of ferrocene (Fc) is more stable. The powerful infrared (IR) spectroscopy which has remarkably provided signatures of ferrocene (Fc) in eclipsed and staggered conformers recently is employed to investigate methylation of Fc. The most significant consequences of the full methylation of Fc in the IR spectra are the blue shift of the band at ~ 800 cm−1 in Fc to ~ 1500 cm−1 in *Fc, and the enhancement of the C–H stretch band at ~ 3200 cm−1 region in *Fc. Further analysis reveals large impact of Fc methylation on core electron energies of the centre Fe atom (1s22s22p63s23p6). The Fe core electron energy changes can be as large as ~ 10 kcal mol−1 and are directional—the Fe 2pz and 3pz orbitals along the *Cp–Fe–*Cp axis (Cp centroids, vertical) change more strongly than other Fe core electrons in px and py orbitals. The directional inner shell energy changes are evidenced by larger inner shell reorganization energy. Energy decomposition analysis (EDA) indicates that methyl groups in *Fc apparently change the physical energy components with respect to Fc. The large steric energy of *Fc evidences that the closest hydrogens on adjacent methyl groups of the same *Cp ring in crystal structure are 0.2–0.4 Å closer than the hydrogens on nearest-neighbour methyl groups on opposing rings in *Fc. A significant increase in Pauli repulsive energy contributes to the large repulsive steric energy in *Fc.
Variation of body weight supported treadmill training parameters during a single session can modulate muscle activity patterns in post-stroke gait
Authors: Srivastava Shraddha , Seamon Bryant A. , Patten Carolynn , Kautz Steven A.
Published: January 2023

Evidence supporting the benefits of locomotor training (LT) to improve walking ability following stroke are inconclusive and could likely be improved with a better understanding of the effects of individual parameters i.e., body weight support (BWS), speed, and therapist assistance and their interactions with walking ability and specific impairments. We evaluated changes in muscle activity of thirty-seven individuals with chronic stroke (> 6 months), in response to a single session of LT at their self-selected or fastest-comfortable speed (FS) with three levels of BWS (0%, 15%, and 30%), and at FS with 30% BWS and seven different combinations of therapist assistance at the paretic foot, non-paretic foot, and trunk. Altered Muscle Activation Pattern (AMAP), a previously developed tool in our lab was used to evaluate the effects of LT parameter variation on eight lower-extremity muscle patterns in individuals with stroke. Repeated-measures mixed-model ANOVA was used to determine the effects of speed, BWS, and their interaction on AMAP scores. The Wilcoxon-signed rank test was used to determine the effects of therapist-assisted conditions on AMAP scores. Increased BWS mostly improved lower-extremity muscle activity patterns, but increased speed resulted in worse plantar flexor activity. Abnormal early plantar flexor activity during stance decreased with assistance at trunk and both feet, exaggerated plantar flexor activity during late swing decreased with assistance to the non-paretic foot or trunk, and diminished gluteus medius activity during stance increased with assistance to paretic foot and/or trunk. Therefore, different sets of training parameters have different immediate effects on activation patterns of each muscle and gait subphases.
Low dose pediatric chest computed tomography on a photon counting detector system – initial clinical experience
Authors: Tsiflikas Ilias , Thater Greta , Ayx Isabelle , Weiss Jakob , Schaefer Juergen , Stein Thomas , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Weis Meike
Published: January 2023

Background

With the clinical release of a photon counting detector-based computed tomography (CT) system, the potential benefits of this new technology need to be evaluated clinically. Literature concerning this new generation of detector is sparse, especially in the field of pediatric radiology. Therefore, this study outlines our initial experience with ultra-low dose chest CT imaging on the new photon counting CT system.

Materials and methods

A pediatric phantom (1-year old, CIRS ATOM phantom, model 704 [CIRS-computerized imaging reference system, Norfolk, VA]) was scanned at different dose levels and different image quality levels to define a protocol for clinical examinations. Next, 20 consecutive pediatric non-contrast ultra-low dose chest CT examinations were evaluated for radiation dose and diagnostic image quality using a 4-point Likert-scale—1 = excellent, 4 = bad image quality—by two radiologists in a consensus reading. This retrospective analysis was approved by the local research ethics committee.

Results

Chest CT examinations performed at ultra-low radiation dose (effective dose 0.19 ± 0.07 mSv; size-specific dose estimate 0.45 ± 0.14 mGy) in pediatric patients ages (2.6 ± 1.8 years) show good to excellent image quality for lung structures (1.4 ± 0.4) and moderate image quality for soft tissue structures (2.8 ± 0.2).

Conclusion

Pediatric ultra-low dose chest CT examinations are feasible with the new generation photon counting detector-based CT system. The benefits of this technology must be evaluated for pediatric patients from the outset.
Serrapeptase impairs biofilm, wall, and phospho-homeostasis of resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Katsipis Georgios , Pantazaki Anastasia A.
Published: January 2023

Staphylococcus aureus biofilms are implicated in hospital infections due to elevated antibiotic and host immune system resistance. Molecular components of cell wall including amyloid proteins, peptidoglycans (PGs), and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) are crucial for biofilm formation and tolerance of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Significance of alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) for biofilm formation has been recorded. Serrapeptase (SPT), a protease of Serratia marcescens, possesses antimicrobial properties similar or superior to those of many antibiotics. In the present study, SPT anti-biofilm activity was demonstrated against S. aureus (ATCC 25923, methicillin-susceptible strain, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA)) and MRSA (ST80), with IC50 values of 0.67 μg/mL and 7.70 μg/mL, respectively. SPT affected bacterial viability, causing a maximum inhibition of − 46% and − 27%, respectively. Decreased PGs content at [SPT] ≥ 0.5 μg/mL and ≥ 8 μg/mL was verified for MSSA and MRSA, respectively. In MSSA, LTA levels decreased significantly (up to − 40%) at lower SPT doses but increased at the highest dose of 2 μg/mL, a counter to spectacularly increased cellular and secreted LTA levels in MRSA. SPT also reduced amyloids of both strains. Additionally, intracellular ALP activity decreased in both MSSA and MRSA (up to − 85% and − 89%, respectively), while extracellular activity increased up to + 482% in MSSA and + 267% in MRSA. Altered levels of DING proteins, which are involved in phosphate metabolism, in SPT-treated bacteria, were also demonstrated here, implying impaired phosphorus homeostasis. The differential alterations in the studied molecular aspects underline the differences between MSSA and MRSA and offer new insights in the treatment of resistant bacterial biofilms.

Key points

• SPT inhibits biofilm formation in methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus.

• SPT treatment decreases bacterial viability, ALP activity, and cell wall composition.

• SPT-treated bacteria present altered levels of phosphate-related DING proteins.

Graphical Abstract
Pancreaticoduodenectomy After Liver Transplantation: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Blake Caleb , Almerey Tariq , Hyman David , Nguyen Justin , Stauffer John A.
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to report the feasibility and short‐term outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained pancreatic surgical database for all patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) after liver transplant from January 1995 until June 2022. Demographics, indications for pancreatic resection, liver transplant and time from liver transplant to PD were reported. Operative mortality and morbidity were recorded within 90 days of surgery. Continuous variables were recorded as mean and range, while categorical variables were summarized using frequency and percentage. Postoperative complications within 90 days from PD were graded based on Clavien–Dindo classification with major complication recorded as grade IIIa or higher. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was performed.

Results

A total of 916 patients who underwent PD at our institution between January 1995 and June 2022 were identified, and 9 patients had previous OLT. Five patients were females and 4 males with a mean age of 65 years (range 51–78). Average body mass index (BMI) was 30.8. Two patients had major complications, and three patients had minor complications. No clinically relevant POPF, PPH or DGE were observed. One patient died within 90 days from PD due to ischemic biliary pancreatic limb causing intrabdominal sepsis.

Conclusion

Although uncommon, PD after OLT is feasible with acceptable outcomes at high volume institutions and if performed by experienced surgeons.
Nanoporous adsorbents for hydrogen storage
Authors: Hirscher Michael , Zhang Linda , Oh Hyunchul
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen storage in absorbents as activated carbons has been rarely investigated; however, about 25 years ago, the development of new nanomaterials, initiated by Iijima’s discovery of carbon microtubules, started new hopes. Unfortunately, initial results on high hydrogen uptake in carbon nanotubes at ambient conditions could not be independently reproduced; however, at cryogenic conditions, these novel nanomaterials just behaved as activated carbons with an uptake proportional to the surface area. Shortly after, the development of coordination polymers with permanent porosity opened a new route to nanoporous materials with ultra-high internal surfaces. Mainly metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been attracting a great deal of attention in recent years, as very high gravimetric hydrogen capacities can be achieved at 77 K. Cryogenic storage by physisorption of hydrogen molecules will safely operate at low pressures, is fully reversible, and possesses fast kinetics. This mini-review shows the rapid development in this field over the past 25 years. Exemplarily, the main focus is on results obtained in the hydrogen storage laboratory in Stuttgart and their connection to Applied Physics A.
Perioperative external ventricular drainage vs. no-EVD strategy in pediatric posterior fossa tumors—pilot study results
Authors: Krause Matthias , Meixensberger Jürgen , von Einsiedel Hagen Graf , Gräfe Daniel , Nestler Ulf
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Pediatric brain tumors of the posterior fossa often present with occlusive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) has been established for definite hydrocephalus treatment. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact and safety of perioperative temporary external ventricular CSF drainage (EVD) placement on postoperative hydrocephalus outcome compared to a no-EVD strategy.

Patients and methods

In a prospective database, 36 posterior fossa tumor patients of 2–18 years were included with a follow-up of 1 year. Fifty-eight percent presented with preoperative hydrocephalus. Patients were assigned to non-hydrocephalus group: group I (n = 15) and to preoperative hydrocephalus, group IIa with EVD placement (n = 9), and group IIb without EVD (n = 12).

Results

Median age of patients was 8.1 years (range 3.17 to 16.58 years). One-third of 21 hydrocephalus patients required ETV or VPS (n = 7). Occurrence of de novo hydrocephalus in group I after surgery was not observed in our cohort. Age and histology were no confounding factor for EVD placement between group IIa and IIb (p = 0.34). The use of EVD did not result in better control of hydrocephalus compared to no-EVD patients considering pre- and postoperative MRI ventricular indices (p = 0.4). Perioperative placement of an EVD resulted in a threefold risk for subsequent VPS or ETV (group IIa 55.5% vs group IIb 16.6%): relative risk for EVD patients compared to no-EVD patients with hydrocephalus was 3.3 (CI = 1.06–13.43, p = 0.09).

Conclusion

Perioperative EVD placement appears to harbor a threefold relative risk of requiring subsequent permanent CSF diversion in children above 2 years. EVD was not more effective to control ventricular enlargement compared to tumor removal alone. The no-EVD strategy was safe and did not result in postoperative complications. Thus, to evaluate potential adverse effects on hydrocephalus outcome by EVD placement, a prospective study is warranted to falsify the results.
Placeboeffekte in der Schmerztherapie
Authors: Kunkel Angelika , Bingel Ulrike
Published: January 2023

Erwartungen von Patienten beeinflussen die Wahrnehmung und neuronale Verarbeitung akuter und chronischer Schmerzen und modulieren die Wirksamkeit einer analgetischen Behandlung. Die Behandlungserwartung ist nicht nur die wichtigste Determinante der Placeboanalgesie. Behandlungserwartungen beeinflussen auch Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit „aktiver“ pharmakologischer und nichtpharmakologischer Schmerzbehandlungen. Jüngste Erkenntnisse über die psychologischen und neurobiologischen Mechanismen, die den Effekten von Behandlungserwartungen zugrunde liegen, ermöglichen und fordern die systematische Integration und Modulation von Behandlungserwartungen in schmerzmedizinischen Behandlungskonzepten. Eine solche Strategie verspricht, die Schmerztherapie zu optimieren und die Belastung durch unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen sowie den Missbrauch von Analgetika zu verhindern oder zu verringern. Diese Übersicht beleuchtet aktuelle Konzepte, neueste Errungenschaften, aber auch Herausforderungen und offene Forschungsfragen.
Tuber wenchuanense, a holarctic truffle with a wide range of host plants and description of its ectomycorrhiza with spruce
Authors: Mleczko Piotr , Hilszczańska Dorota , Karpowicz Filip , Kozak Maciej , Leonardi Marco , Rosa-Gruszecka Aleksandra , Tereba Anna , Pacioni Giovanni
Published: January 2023

Tuber wenchuanenseascomata (Ascomycota, Pezizales), a species originally described from Sichuan (China), were found in the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland. The purpose of this work was to (i) report and assess the first case of the holarctic natural distribution of aTuberspecies, (ii) amend the original description of the species, (iii) summarize data on its host plants and (iv) describe its ectomycorrhiza. Specimens ofTuber wenchuanensefrom the Tatra Mountains were studied morphologically and molecularly. The ectomycorrhiza of this truffle withPicea abieswas described for the first time. The distribution ofT. wenchuanense, which is reconstructed based on sequences deposited in the publicly available nucleotide sequence databases, makes it the first holarcticTuberspecies and the one with the northernmost habitat. In fact, its habitat is confined mainly to mountain coniferous forests and alpine and arctic tundra; although, according to known observations, the fruiting bodies ofT. wenchuanensecan be produced only under conifers. Based on the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer, this species appears to have low genetic variability over the entire distribution range. The phylogenetic tree showed that some of the unidentified phylotypes from the Rufum clade found by other researchers belong toT. wenchuanense. The ecological implications of these findings are discussed.
Influenza A virus strain PR/8/34, but neither HAM/2009 nor WSN/33, is transiently inhibited by the PB2-targeting drug paliperidone
Authors: Panagiotidis Georgios-Dimitrios , Müller Christin , Binder Marco , Weber Friedemann
Published: January 2023

Influenza A virus (FLUAV) is a significant human pathogen. In silico structural analysis (PMID 28628827) has suggested that the FDA-approved drug paliperidone interferes with the binding of the FLUAV polymerase subunit PB2 to the nucleoprotein NP. We found that paliperidone inhibits FLUAV A/PR/8/34 early after infection of canine MDCK II, human A549, and human primary bronchial cells, but not at late time points. No effect was detectable against the strains A/Hamburg/05/2009 and A/WSN/33. Moreover, paliperidone indeed disturbed the interaction between the PB2 and the NP of A/PR/8/34 and reduced early viral RNA and protein synthesis by approximately 50%. Thus, paliperidone has measurable but transient and virus-strain-restricted effects on FLUAV.
Hunting for ecological indicators: are large herbivore skeleton measures from harvest data useful proxies for monitoring?
Authors: Pedersen Åshild Ø. , Bårdsen Bård-Jørgen , Veiberg Vebjørn , Irvine Robert Justin , Hansen Brage B.
Published: January 2023

Hunter-collected data and samples are used as indices of population performance, and monitoring programs often take advantage of such data as ecological indicators. Here, we establish the relationships between measures of skeleton size (lower jawbone length and hind-leg length) and autumn carcass mass of slaughtered individuals of known age and sex of the high Arctic and endemic Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). We assess these relationships using a long-term monitoring dataset derived from hunted or culled reindeer. The two skeleton measures were generally strongly correlated within age class. Both jaw length (R2 = 0.78) and hind-leg length (R2 = 0.74) represented good proxies of carcass mass. These relationships were primarily due to an age effect (i.e. due to growth) as the skeleton measures reached an asymptotic size at 4–6 years of age. Accordingly, strong positive correlations between skeleton measures and carcass mass were mainly evident at the young age classes (range r [0.45–0.84] for calves and yearlings). For the adults, these relationships weakened due to skeletal growth ceasing in mature animals causing increased variance in mass with age—potentially due to the expected substantial impacts of annual environmental fluctuations. As proxies for carcass mass, skeleton measurements should therefore be limited to young individuals. Although body mass is the ‘gold standard’ in monitoring large herbivores, our results indicate that skeleton measures collected by hunters only provide similar valuable information for young age classes, particularly calves and yearlings. In sum, jaw length and hind-leg length function as proxies identical to body mass when documenting the impacts of changing environmental conditions on important state variables for reindeer and other herbivores inhabiting highly variable environments.
Effect of pulp prehydrolysis conditions on dissolution and regenerated cellulose pore structure
Authors: Koistinen Antti , Phiri Josphat , Kesari Kavindra Kumar , Vuorinen Tapani , Maloney Thaddeus
Published: January 2023

When producing regenerated cellulose materials, e.g., fibers and films, pulp fibers are first dissolved in a solvent and then regenerated in an antisolvent. The pulp properties have a significant impact on the dissolution. This study examines the effect of pulp prehydrolysis conditions on pulp structure, subsequent dissolution in cold aqueous NaOH/ZnO solvent, and regenerated cellulose film properties. The fiber and regenerated cellulose swelling and pore structure is addressed. Once-dried kraft pulp was activated in acid hydrolysis at two temperatures, 60 and 80 °C. The hydrolysis primarily affected the cellulose degree of polymerization (DP), and its reduction dramatically improved the pulp dissolution. Surprisingly, higher hydrolysis temperature did not increase the fiber hornification. DP reduction marginally effected the pulp swelling properties but had a significant effect on the regenerated film swelling. The regenerated films contained cellulose II, and their wet porosity correlated inversely with the DP. Low hydrolysis temperature films remained more porous after critical point drying.
Polar sampler: A novel Bernoulli sampler using polar codes with application to integer Gaussian sampling
Authors: Wang Jiabo , Ling Cong
Published: January 2023

Cryptographic constructions based on hard lattice problems have emerged as a front runner for the standardization of post-quantum public-key cryptography. As the standardization process takes place, optimizing specific parts of proposed schemes, e.g., Bernoulli sampling and integer Gaussian sampling, becomes a worthwhile endeavor. In this work, we propose a novel Bernoulli sampler based on polar codes, dubbed “polar sampler”. The polar sampler is information theoretically optimum in the sense that the number of uniformly random bits it consumes approaches the entropy bound asymptotically. It also features quasi-linear complexity and constant-time implementation. An integer Gaussian sampler is developed using multilevel polar samplers. Our algorithm becomes effective when sufficiently many samples are required at each query to the sampler. Security analysis is given based on Kullback–Leibler divergence and Rényi divergence. Experimental and asymptotic comparisons between our integer Gaussian sampler and state-of-the-art samplers verify its efficiency in terms of entropy consumption, running time and memory cost. We envisage that the proposed Bernoulli sampler can find other applications in cryptography in addition to Gaussian sampling.
What Works in Preventing Emerging Social Anxiety: Exposure, Cognitive Restructuring, or a Combination?
Authors: de Mooij Brechtje , Fekkes Minne , Miers Anne C. , van den Akker Alithe L. , Scholte Ron H. J. , Overbeek Geertjan
Published: January 2023

Programs that aim to reduce symptoms of social anxiety in children generally include multiple components, such as exposure and cognitive restructuring. It is unknown if separate components yield positive intervention effects in children or whether a combination of components is required. We investigated the effectiveness of exposure, cognitive restructuring, and a combination of both components in reducing social anxiety symptoms and anxiety-related social-emotional outcomes in an indicated-prevention setting. To this end, we conducted a cluster-randomized microtrial using a sample of 191 children aged 8 to 13 years (M = 10.48, SD = 1.10). Children with elevated social anxiety symptoms participated in one of three group interventions, each lasting four weeks, and completed a questionnaire on four measurement occasions. Latent change models demonstrated that the intervention with either exposure or cognitive restructuring reduced social anxiety symptoms and anxiety-related outcomes. The analyses showed that both of these intervention components were effective, with more favorable effects for exposure. Combining exposure and cognitive restructuring techniques did not yield greater benefit than either component alone. Future research should investigate whether specific components may be more effective for particular subgroups (e.g., based on sex or level of behavioral inhibition) in more detail.
Energy Storage with Highly-Efficient Electrolysis and Fuel Cells: Experimental Evaluation of Bifunctional Catalyst Structures
Authors: Wagner Enno , Delp Erik , Mishra Rakesh
Published: January 2023

With the roll-out of renewable energies, highly-efficient storage systems are needed to be developed to enable sustainable use of these technologies. For short duration lithium-ion batteries provide the best performance, with storage efficiencies between 70 and 95%. Hydrogen based technologies can be developed as an attractive storage option for longer storage durations. But, common polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and fuel cells have round-trip system efficiencies of only 30–40%, and platinum and rare iridium catalysts are needed. Thus, it is a major challenge to increase the energy conversion efficiency of electrolyzers and fuel cells significantly, and at the same time to use non-precious catalysts. The present work experimentally examines the usefulness of a bifunctional NiC catalyst in two different assemblies: an alkaline fuel cell (AFC) with electrolyte gap and gas diffusion electrodes and an alkaline membrane electrolyzer (AEL). The performance characteristics of the novel system are compared with a reversible PEM fuel cell. While the AEL reaches acceptable power densities, the PEM based system still performs better than the proposed system. The AFC with an electrolyte gap provides remarkable results as it shows vanishingly small overvoltage during electrolysis at temperatures around 90 °C and current density of 100 mA cm−2: an electrolyzer efficiency of about 100% could be achieved for the single cell. The round-trip efficiency was also very high: 65% were realized with 50 mA cm−2. While the current density must be improved, this is a promising result for designing highly-efficient energy storage systems based on alkaline fuel cells.
Concentration-Dependent Domain Evolution in Reaction–Diffusion Systems
Authors: Krause Andrew L. , Gaffney Eamonn A. , Walker Benjamin J.
Published: January 2023

Pattern formation has been extensively studied in the context of evolving (time-dependent) domains in recent years, with domain growth implicated in ameliorating problems of pattern robustness and selection, in addition to more realistic modelling in developmental biology. Most work to date has considered prescribed domains evolving as given functions of time, but not the scenario of concentration-dependent dynamics, which is also highly relevant in a developmental setting. Here, we study such concentration-dependent domain evolution for reaction–diffusion systems to elucidate fundamental aspects of these more complex models. We pose a general form of one-dimensional domain evolution and extend this to N-dimensional manifolds under mild constitutive assumptions in lieu of developing a full tissue-mechanical model. In the 1D case, we are able to extend linear stability analysis around homogeneous equilibria, though this is of limited utility in understanding complex pattern dynamics in fast growth regimes. We numerically demonstrate a variety of dynamical behaviours in 1D and 2D planar geometries, giving rise to several new phenomena, especially near regimes of critical bifurcation boundaries such as peak-splitting instabilities. For sufficiently fast growth and contraction, concentration-dependence can have an enormous impact on the nonlinear dynamics of the system both qualitatively and quantitatively. We highlight crucial differences between 1D evolution and higher-dimensional models, explaining obstructions for linear analysis and underscoring the importance of careful constitutive choices in defining domain evolution in higher dimensions. We raise important questions in the modelling and analysis of biological systems, in addition to numerous mathematical questions that appear tractable in the one-dimensional setting, but are vastly more difficult for higher-dimensional models.
The reproducibility of MTV and TLG of soft tissue tumors calculated by FDG-PET: Comparison between the lower limit by the fixed value SUV 2.5 and that value by 30% of SUVmax
Authors: Iwasa Hitomi , Nagamachi Shigeki , Nakayama Shizuhide , Yamamoto Takuaki , Yoshimitsu Kengo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

We evaluated the reproducibility calculating volume-based FDG-PET/CT parameters, i.e., metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), in soft tissue tumors.

Materials and methods

Fifty-three cases with soft tissue tumors were analyzed retrospectively. The conditions determining the lower limit of MTV were fixed value SUV 2.5 or 30% of SUVmax. To investigate the agreement of the measurements by two radiologists, %difference, the correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plot were analyzed. We compared these parameters in both intra- and inter-operator for evaluating the agreement in the measurements.

Results

The values of % difference were excellent, 0.2–3.5%, in the intra-operator in all calculated volume-based parameters. In both inter- and intra-operator analysis, the values of % differences were lower in the parameters calculated by SUV 2.5 fixed value as a lower threshold compared with those calculated by 30% of SUVmax as a lower threshold. The correlation coefficient in MTV30% for inter-operator were 0.84 or 0.87, those were lower than values by the intra-operator evaluation. Nevertheless, the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.84 in every parameter. Particularly, correlation coefficient in the parameters calculated by SUV 2.5 fixed value was better than those calculated by 30% of SUVmax. The Bland–Altman plot analysis showed good agreement for all parameters, particularly in the intra-operator examinations. However, in the inter-operator study, some variances were noted in every condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reproducibility of measuring volume-based FDG-PET/CT parameters of soft tissue tumors was good, particularly, in the measurement by fixed lower limit value SUV 2.5 in the intra-operator.
Influence of Vanadium Oxide on the Optical and Electrical Properties of Li (Oxide or Fluoride) Borate Glasses
Authors: Abdel-karim Amal M. , Fayad A. M. , El-kashef I. M. , Saleh Hisham A.
Published: January 2023

Binary glass systems of the chemical composition 0.25Li2O–0.75B2O3 and 0.25LiF–0.75B2O3 with different additive ratios of V2O5 were prepared using the melt-quenching method. Characterization was carried out through different techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible absorption (UV–visible) spectroscopy. Optical and electrical properties have been investigated in order to recognize the role of V2O5 in glass. FTIR spectra of the studied glasses expose repetitive vibration curves with limited variations. BO4 and BO3 are the basic constituent units of the studied glasses in addition to the BO2F and BO3F units in the case of fluoro-borate glasses. Shifting to a higher wavelength in the optical absorption spectra and a decrease in the optical band gap values via increasing V2O5 content confirms the formation of non-bridging oxygen (NBO). The ac-electrical conductivity (σac) and the dielectric constants (ɛ′) of the glass samples were studied in the frequency range 102 Hz–8 MHz. The ionic conduction takes place by Li-ion movement in all samples. The electronic conduction of borate glass can be explained using hopping between V4+ and V5+. The results show excellent properties of the glass with a low concentration of vanadium oxide.

Graphical Abstract
Will we ever teach mathematics again in the way we used to before the pandemic?
Authors: Engelbrecht Johann , Borba Marcelo C. , Kaiser Gabriele
Published: January 2023

After about two years of emergency remote teaching during the pandemic, the teaching of mathematics is slowly returning to (what used to be called)normal. However, after the period of mostly teaching online, there is uncertainty about the extent to which we will return to the way we were teaching before. In this survey paper we attempt to give some background to the impact that emergency remote teaching may have had on teaching mathematics. We examine the possible social implications and then focus on the changing mathematics classroom, focusing on the actual mathematics curriculum, learning design and assessment, the role of collaborative activities and social media, educational videos, and the role of family and parents in future. There are indicators from the literature that educators may not return to the traditional way of teaching entirely, especially in secondary and higher education. We conclude with describing some possible new research areas that have developed through emergency remote teaching, including online education for younger learners, local learning ecosystems, the role of family and parents, instructional design, and the mathematics content of curricula.
Bcl-2 pathway inhibition in solid tumors: a review of clinical trials
Authors: Ploumaki Ioanna , Triantafyllou Efthymios , Koumprentziotis Ioannis-Alexios , Karampinos Konstantinos , Drougkas Konstantinos , Karavolias Ioannis , Trontzas Ioannis , Kotteas Elias A.
Published: January 2023

Due to their key role in the pathogenesis of cancer through the regulation of apoptosis, the B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins have been an attractive target for cancer therapy for the past decades. Throughout the years, many Bcl-2 family inhibitors have been developed, with Venetoclax being now successfully used in treating hematological malignancies. Although their effectiveness in the treatment of solid tumors is yet to be established, some preclinical evidence indicates their possible clinical application. This review aims to summarize current data from completed clinical trials that used Bcl-2 protein family inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with other agents for the treatment of solid malignancies. We managed to include clinical trials of various phases which analyze the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drugs, as well as the effectiveness and adverse effects. Active and recruiting clinical trials are also briefly presented and future prospects and challenges are discussed.
Identifying Context-Related Socio-Cultural Predictors of Negative Attitudes Toward Polyamory
Authors: Grigoropoulos Iraklis , Daoultzis Konstantinos-Christos , Kordoutis Panos
Published: January 2023

There is scarce research regarding attitudes toward polyamory in different socio-cultural contexts. This study examines the role of socio-cultural variance and the situatedness of particular variables (i.e., attitudes toward monogamy, religiosity, political orientation, attitudes toward polyamorists’ parental competence, and concern for polyamorous children’s welfare) in predicting negative attitudes towards polyamory. Two hundred and fifty participants were recruited for this study. A between-subject, correlational design was employed. The findings of this study only partially support the role of context-related socio-cultural and social-psychological factors in determining participants’ attitudes toward polyamory. This study contributes to the literature and research in this field by reporting the transformative potential of context-related socio-cultural and social-psychological factors that affect commonly shared attitudes toward polyamory.
Magnesium Chloride Crystals with Studying Mechanism and Leaching Kinetics of Serpentinite Ore by Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: El-Sayed D. , Ismail A. K. , El-Hosiny F. I.
Published: January 2023

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate crystal (MgCl2.6H2O) is an intermediate product used to obtain Mg metal from its ores. This work aims to produce purified MgCl2.6H2O crystals from natural Egyptian serpentine. Serpentine samples were collected from the Eastern Desert in Egypt and prepared for leaching with HCl solutions. Reaction temperature (°C), leaching time (h), solid/liquid ratio (g/mL), and acid concentration (M) were studied. The optimum leaching conditions achieved 97.6% MgO recovery optimized at particle size less than 75 µm (100%), 95 °C of the reaction temperature for three hours with solid-to-liquid ratio 1:5, and 5 M of HCl concentration. The serpentine dissolution kinetics were studied depending on the solid–liquid reaction and activation energy model. The resultant liquor was purified and crystallized. The kinetic studies indicated that product layer diffusion is the most likely rate-controlling step for serpentinite dissolution in the HCl solution.
Molecular Engineering Design for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Organic Battery
Authors: Sun Tianjiang , Zhang Weijia , Nian Qingshun , Tao Zhanliang
Published: January 2023

Novel small sulfur heterocyclic quinones (6a,16a-dihydrobenzo[b]naphtho[2′,3′:5,6][1,4]dithiino[2,3-i]thianthrene-5,7,9,14,16,18-hexaone (4S6Q) and benzo[b]naphtho[2′,3′:5,6][1,4]dithiino[2,3-i]thianthrene-5,9,14,18-tetraone (4S4Q)) are developed by molecule structural design method and as cathode for aqueous zinc-organic batteries. The conjugated thioether (–S–) bonds as connected units not only improve the conductivity of compounds but also inhibit their dissolution by both extended π-conjugated plane and constructed flexible molecular skeleton. Hence, the Zn//4S6Q and Zn//4S4Q batteries exhibit satisfactory electrochemical performance based on 3.5 mol L−1 (M) Zn(ClO4)2 electrolyte. For instance, the Zn//4S6Q battery obtains 240 and 208.6 mAh g−1 of discharge capacity at 150 mA g−1 and 30 A g−1, respectively. The excellent rate capability is ascribed to the fast reaction kinetics. This system displays a superlong life of 20,000 cycles with no capacity fading at 3 A g−1. Additionally, the H+-storage mechanism of the 4S6Q compound is demonstrated by ex situ analyses and density functional theory calculations. Impressively, the battery can normally work at − 60 °C benefiting from the anti-freezing electrolyte and maintain a high discharge capacity of 201.7 mAh g−1, which is 86.2% of discharge capacity at 25 °C. The cutting-edge electrochemical performances of these novel compounds make them alternative electrode materials for Zn-organic batteries.
Differenzierte Analyse des neuronalen Antriebs nach Kniebandverletzungen
Authors: Kurz Eduard , Schwesig René , Pröger Stefan , Delank Karl-Stefan , Bartels Thomas
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Nach einer adäquaten operativen Versorgung von Kniebandverletzungen erfolgt der rehabilitative Prozess – er stellt eine kritische Phase für den späteren Erfolg dar. Neben einer mangelhaften Bewegungsqualität und dem Aktivitätsgrad wurden neuromuskuläre Defizite als kritische Faktoren für Reverletzungen identifiziert.

Fragestellung

Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, anhand der Resultate eines Athleten nach einer schweren Kniegelenkverletzung Kompensationen und Fortschritte innerhalb des Rehabilitationsverlaufs mithilfe von Mehrkanal-Elektromyographie(EMG)-Messungen zu quantifizieren.

Material und Methode

Ein 24 Jahre alter Profifußballer (77 kg, 180 cm) wurde 150, 178 und 226 Tage nach der operativen Versorgung einer Multiligamentverletzung bezüglich der Mm. vastus medialis (VM) und lateralis (VL) mittels Oberflächen-EMG untersucht. Da vergleichbare Analysen vor der Verletzung nicht durchgeführt wurden, werden sowohl Einzelergebnisse und Ergebnisprofile mit Resultaten einer Referenzgruppe sowie der unverletzten Gegenseite verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Neben einer defizitären isometrischen Maximalkraft (MVC) des Streckapparates (76 %) konnte eine reduzierte Aktivität des VM während niedriger Kontraktionsintensitäten (20 und 40 % MVC) beobachtet werden. Weiterhin zeigte sich anhand des VM/VL-Aktivierungs-Ratio ein dysregulierter neuraler Antrieb beider Muskeln auf der operierten Seite.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die reduzierte Aktivität des VM sowie der veränderte neurale Antrieb von VM und VL sind möglicherweise in einer unzureichenden Aktivierbarkeit motorischer Einheiten des VM mit niedrigeren Rekrutierungsschwellen begründet.