bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the olive β‐glucosidase gene family putatively involved in the synthesis of phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil
Authors: García‐Vico Lourdes , Sánchez Rosario , Fernández Guillermo , Sanz Carlos , Pérez Ana G
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Hydrolysis of the fruit phenolic glucosides occurring during the oil extraction process is the main biochemical reaction affecting the biosynthesis and accumulation of secoiridoid compounds in virgin olive oil. An integrated approach at the molecular, biochemical, and metabolic level was used to study the olive β‐glucosidase gene family in seven olive cultivars selected by their different phenolic profiles.

RESULTS

Eight β‐glucosidase genes have been identified by in silico analysis of an olive transcriptome. Their expression levels were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in olive fruits at different ripening stages: I, green fruits, 16–19 weeks after flowering (WAF); II, yellow–green fruits, 22–25 WAF; III, turning fruits, 28–31 WAF; and IV, fully ripe fruits, 35–40 WAF. Gene expression was compared with the level of β‐glucosidase activity in the fruit and with the phenolic composition of fruits and oils from different olive cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis of the encoded proteins and differences found among the β‐glucosidase genes based on Gene Ontology enrichment analysis data suggests maximum involvement of two genes, OeBGLU1A and OeBGLU1B, in the phenolic composition of virgin olive oil. Positive correlation coefficients were found within each olive cultivar between OeBGLU1A and OeBGLU1B gene expression data and the phenolic content of the oil.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest that the expression pattern of specific β‐glucosidase genes may be an accurate predictor for the phenolic content of virgin olive oil that could be used in olive breeding programs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of nine nucleosides in Rhizoma Paridis by quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method
Authors: Xie Jing , Wang Run‐Yue , Yong Li , Gong Yi‐xin‐yue , Ding Li‐Sheng , Xin Ying , Wang Hong‐Li , Xue Ying , Qing Lin‐Sen
Published: March 2021

In this work, a new quantitative analysis method of multi‐components analysis via a single marker strategy coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, was proposed to analyze nine nucleosides (cytidine, uridine, 2′‐deoxyuridine, inosine, guanosine, 2′‐deoxyguanosine, thymidine, adenosine, and 2′‐deoxyadenosine) as quality control markers in Rhizoma Paridis. Guanosine was set as the internal reference substance, whose content in Rhizoma Paridis was determined using conventional external standard method. Then, relative correction factors between guanosine and the other eight nucleosides were measured respectively. The amounts of the other eight components were calculated according to the relative correction factors by the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method. Finally, the result of vector angle cosine analysis showed that there was no significant difference of the contents between the external standard method and the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method, indicating that the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method can be applied for the quality control of Rhizoma Paridis. As far as we know, this is also the first report to analyze nucleosides by the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method, providing an efficient and promising quality assessment method for other traditional Chinese medicine containing nucleosides.
BDNF‐Gene Transfected Schwann Cell‐Assisted Axonal Extension and Sprouting on New PLA–PPy Microfiber Substrates
Authors: Gisbert Roca Fernando , André Franck M. , Más Estellés Jorge , Monleón Pradas Manuel , Mir Lluis M. , Martínez‐Ramos Cristina
Published: March 2021

The work here reported analyzes the effect of increased efficiency of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production by electroporated Schwann cells (SCs) on the axonal extension in a coculture system on a biomaterial platform that can be of interest for the treatment of injuries of the nervous system, both central and peripheral. Rat SCs are electrotransfected with a plasmid coding for the BDNF protein in order to achieve an increased expression and release of this protein into the culture medium of the cells, performing the best balance between the level of transfection and the number of living cells. Gene‐transfected SCs show an about 100‐fold increase in the release of BDNF into the culture medium, compared to nonelectroporated SCs. Cocultivation of electroporated SCs with rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is performed on highly aligned substrates of polylactic acid (PLA) microfibers coated with the electroconductive polymer polypyrrol (PPy). The coculture of DRG with electrotransfected SCs increase both the axonal extension and the axonal sprouting from DRG neurons compared to the coculture of DRG with nonelectroporated SCs. Therefore, the use of PLA–PPy highly aligned microfiber substrates preseeded with electrotransfected SCs with an increased BDNF secretion is capable of both guiding and accelerating axonal growth.
pH Responsive Strong Polyion Complex Shape Memory Hydrogel with Spontaneous Shape Changing and Information Encryption
Authors: Hu Qiqian , Zhang Yuancheng , Wang Tao , Sun Weixiang , Tong Zhen
Published: March 2021

Polyion complex (PIC) hydrogels attract lots of studies because of the relatively definite network and excellent mechanical strength. However, the stability of the PIC hydrogel is poor in salt solutions due to the counter‐ion screening effect, which restricts their applications. Besides, novel functions of the PIC hydrogels also need to be explored. In this work, a multifunctional PIC hydrogel is prepared by polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate in poly(styrene sulfonic acid) aqueous solution with the presence of counter‐ion NaCl. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, water content, and mechanical properties of the hydrogel are investigated. The introduction of hydrophobic weak electrolyte into the hydrogel brings stable excellent mechanical strength even in NaCl solutions with high concentration and pH modulated softening and strengthening. Surprisingly, the hydrogel swells but is strengthened in HCl, while it shrinks but is softened in NaOH. pH induced shape memory and unique spontaneous shape changing is thus presented benefiting from this synergistic effect. Moreover, information encryption is realized on the PIC hydrogel owing to the transmittance change and the different water absorption capability of the hydrogel at different states. This new kind of PIC hydrogel proposes a new smart material in continuously actuating soft machines and secretive information transformation.
1,3‐Diazepine: A privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry
Authors: Malki Yohan , Martinez Jean , Masurier Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Privileged structures have been widely used as effective templates for drug discovery. While benzo‐1,4‐diazepine constitutes the first historical example of such a structure, the 1,3 analogue is just as rich in terms of applications in medicinal chemistry. The 1,3‐diazepine moiety is present in numerous biological active compounds including natural products, and is used to design compounds displaying a large range of biological activities. It is present in the clinically used anticancer compound pentostatin, in several recent FDA approved β‐lactamase inhibitors (e.g., avibactam) and also in coformycin, a natural product known as a ring‐expanded purine analogue displaying antiviral and anticancer activities. Several other 1,3‐diazepine containing compounds have entered into clinical trials. This heterocyclic structure has been and is still widely used in medicinal chemistry to design enzyme inhibitors, GPCR ligands, and so forth. This review endeavours to highlight the main use of the 1,3‐diazepine scaffold and its derivatives, and their applications in medicinal chemistry, drug design, and therapy. We will focus more particularly on the development of enzyme inhibitors incorporating this scaffold, with a strong emphasis on the molecular interactions involved in the inhibition mechanism.
The adenosinergic pathway in mesenchymal stem cell fate and functions
Authors: Galgaro Bruna C. , Beckenkamp Liziane R. , van den M. Nunnenkamp Martha , Korb Vitória G. , Naasani Liliana I. S. , Roszek Katarzyna , Wink Márcia R.
Published: March 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis and damage repair through their ability to differentiate into cells of different tissues, trophic support, and immunomodulation. These properties made them attractive for clinical applications in regenerative medicine, immune disorders, and cell transplantation. However, despite multiple preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating beneficial effects of MSCs, their native identity and mechanisms of action remain inconclusive. Since its discovery, the CD73/ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase is known as a classic marker for MSCs, but its role goes far beyond a phenotypic characterization antigen. CD73 contributes to adenosine production, therefore, is an essential component of purinergic signaling, a pathway composed of different nucleotides and nucleosides, which concentrations are finely regulated by the ectoenzymes and receptors. Thus, purinergic signaling controls pathophysiological functions such as proliferation, migration, cell fate, and immune responses. Despite the remarkable progress already achieved in considering adenosinergic pathway as a therapeutic target in different pathologies, its role is not fully explored in the context of the therapeutic functions of MSCs. Therefore, in this review, we provide an overview of the role of CD73 and adenosine‐mediated signaling in the functions ascribed to MSCs, such as homing and proliferation, cell differentiation, and immunomodulation. Additionally, we will discuss the pathophysiological role of MSCs, via CD73 and adenosine, in different diseases, as well as in tumor development and progression. A better understanding of the adenosinergic pathway in the regulation of MSCs functions will help to provide improved therapeutic strategies applicable in regenerative medicine.
High percentage of neurologic deficits in the electrophysiology study of the lower urinary tract in patients with detrusor underactivity and chronic urinary retention
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Hong , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Both detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction are the common causes of chronic urinary retention. Some novel treatment approaches focus on modulating micturition reflex and external urethral sphincter (EUS) function. This study used electrophysiologic (EP) studies to investigate the micturition reflex and EUS conditions of chronic urinary retention patients.

Methods

Sixty patients with urodynamic DU and chronic urinary retention were studied using (1) bulbocavernous reflex (BCR) by electric stimulation, (2) electromyography (EMG) of the EUS, and (3) nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies of the pudendal nerve. The EP findings were analyzed in DU patients with different etiologies.

Results

The BCR was positive in 41.7% of patients. In EMG studies, denervation, reinnervation, and reduced recruitment of the EUS were observed in 21.7%, 71.7%, and 88.3% patients, respectively. Decreased amplitude of pudendal nerve conduction in NCV studies was noted in 73.3% of patients. Patients with sacral neuropathy had a lower BCR positive rate (p = 0.001), a nonsignificant but higher denervation rate (p = 0.059) in EMG studies, and a higher rate of decreased amplitude in NCV (p = 0.011) than those without sacral neuropathy. Excluding patients with sacral neuropathy or diabetes mellitus, a high percentage of neurologic deficits was still detected in EP studies.

Conclusions

Chronic urinary retention patients with urodynamic DU not only have bladder dysfunction, but also potential neuropathy in the sacral reflexes, pudendal nerve, or urethral sphincter innervation. The neurologic deficits explored in EP studies may affect the decision‐making around the therapy to restore the voiding function in DU.
Artificial urinary sphincter or a second adjustable transobturator male system offer equivalent outcomes in patients whom required revision on the initial ATOMS device: An international multi‐institutional experience
Authors: Angulo Javier C. , Schönburg Sandra , Giammò Alessandro , Queissert Fabian , Gonsior Andreas , González‐Enguita Carmen , Martins Francisco E. , Rourke Keith , Cruz Francisco
Published: March 2021

Aim

To evaluate treatment options after surgical revision of adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) and the results of further incontinence implantation.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective multicenter study evaluating patients with surgical revision of ATOMS in academic institutions. Causes and factors affecting revision‐free interval were studied and also the frequency of device explant and placement of second ATOMS or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) at surgeon discretion. Operative results, complications (Clavien–Dindo), and efficacy (postoperative pad‐test, pad‐count, patient satisfaction, and patient global impression of improvement [PGI‐I scale]) of each treatment option were compared.

Results

Seventy‐eight out of 902 patients (8.65%) with ATOMS underwent surgical revision at 4.1 ± 2.4 years mean follow‐up and 75 (8.3%) were explanted. The main causes for revision included persistence of incontinence (35.9%) and scrotal port erosion (34.6%). Independent risk factors of the shortened revision‐free interval were previous anti‐incontinence surgery (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06–3.16; p = 0.007) and port erosion (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06–3.16; p = 0.0027). Fifty‐eight (6.4%) received a second implant: 31 repeated ATOMS and 27 AUS. Operative time was longer for AUS (p = .003). The visual analog scale of pain at hospital discharge (p = 0.837) and postoperative complications (p = 0.154) were equivalent. The predominant cuff size for AUS was 4.5 cm (59.3%). Mean follow‐up after the second implant was 29.1 ± 25.8 months. Postoperative efficacy of secondary treatment results favored ATOMS based on pad‐test (p = 0.016), pad‐count (p = 0.029), patient satisfaction (p = 0.04), and PGI‐I (p = 0.025).

Conclusions

ATOMS surgical revision due to different reasons generally leads to device explant. Rescue treatment is possible with ATOMS or AUS. No difference in postoperative complications was detected between secondary devices, but efficacy favors repeating ATOMS implantation.
Five‐year outcomes of an anterior mesh kit for severe pelvic organ prolapse in women
Authors: Huang Eugene , Koh Wei Shung , Han How Chuan
Published: March 2021

Aims

The Elevate™ Anterior mesh was designed to correct anterior vaginal wall defects by providing level 1 and 2 support via a single incision and transvaginal approach. This study aimed to examine the objective and subjective outcomes following prolapse repair using the Elevate™ Anterior mesh kit.

Methods

A retrospective case series review of 270 patients with Baden–Walker Grades 3 or 4 anterior compartment prolapse who underwent the Elevate™ Anterior mesh kit was undertaken. Operative complications were recorded with follow‐up intervals arranged at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. A standardized questionnaire directed at urinary, pain and recurrence symptoms was used at each follow‐up visit. Pelvic examinations were performed at each follow‐up visit to assess for objective cure and for detection of complications. The primary outcome was to assess the cure rate defined as anterior vaginal wall prolapse ≤ Grade 1.

Results

The follow‐up rate was 28.9%. Subjective and objective cure rates at 60 months were 100% and 96.2%, respectively. Ten (3.7%) intraoperative complications were recorded. At 60 months, three (3.8%) patients complained of de novo stress/urge urinary incontinence. One patient had dyspareunia at 6 months postsurgery which resolved by the end of 1 year. Prolapse recurrences in the anterior compartment was 3.8% at the end of 5 years. Mesh exposure into the vagina occurred in three patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our experience with the Elevate™ Anterior mesh kit had promising subjective and objective outcomes with high patient satisfaction rates.
Individual and cumulative health afflictions are associated with greater impairment in physical and mental function in former professional American style football players
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Cortez Bryan , Coughlan‐Gifford Elaine , Grashow Rachel , Baker Jillian , Baggish Aaron L. , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Nadler Lee M. , Speizer Frank E. , Taylor Herman A. , Weisskopf Marc G. , Zafonte Ross
Published: March 2021

Background

Former American style football players (ASF players) have recognized health concerns associated with prior sport participation. It remains unknown whether categorizations of current health conditions, referred to in this report as afflictions (conceptually framed as neurocognitive, cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, sleep apnea, and chronic pain) are associated with physical and mental function.

Objective

To evaluate the association of afflictions to physical and mental function. It was hypothesized that former National Football League players with any affliction would have worse function compared to unafflicted participants. It was anticipated that multiple afflictions would result in cumulative loss of function.

Design

Cross‐sectional retrospective design.

Setting

Academic medical multisite hospital system.

Participants

A total of 3913 of 15,611 former ASF players who played professionally from 1960 to 2019 (response rate 25%).

Assessment of Risk Factors

Self‐report survey.

Main Outcome Measures

Each participant completed the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale and Physical Function questionnaires. Responses were used to generate two physical function and one mental function subscale scores. Raw scores were converted to T‐scores categorized as impaired (T‐score < 40) or unimpaired (T‐score ≥ 40). Primary analyses measured the association of affliction to function (impaired or unimpaired).

Results

After adjusting for confounders (age, race, position, number of seasons, age of first exposure to football, alcohol use, smoking history, and current body mass index), each affliction was associated with reduced physical function on the Global physical function subscale (risk ratio [RR] = 1.23‐2.45, all P < .005), physical function scale (RR = 1.24‐2.75, all P < .01), and mental function scale (RR = 1.34‐2.87, all P < .001), except that cardiovascular affliction was not associated with mental function (RR = 1.15, P = .15). The lowest functional measures were observed in those afflicted by chronic pain. Cumulative afflictions were associated with worse function.

Conclusions

Afflictions are associated with cumulative reduction of function. Research evaluating how afflictions interact may help elucidate mechanisms for illness and develop interventions to optimize function.
Complete Equations of State for Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine
Authors: Cawkwell Marc J. , Zecevic Milovan , Luscher Darby J. , Ramos Kyle J.
Published: March 2021

Complete equations of state for the volumetric deformation of the β‐polymorph of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (β‐HMX) have been derived from its Helmholtz free energy. Dispersion‐corrected density functional theory calculations were used to compute the dependence of the frequencies of the vibrational normal modes on specific volume. The normal mode frequencies were used directly to generate both a tabular equation of state and an approximate model where the sum over normal mode frequencies is replaced by a set of five Debye models. Both the tabular and Debye model‐based equations of state use the same cold curve, which is parameterized to the isothermal compression data of Yoo and Cynn [C. S. Yoo and H. Cynn,J. Chem. Phys.,1999,111, 10229]. The two equations of state are applied to the calculation of the thermophysical properties of β‐HMX required for continuum‐level hydrodynamic simulations and are compared in detail.
Evaluation of a warfarin bait for controlling invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Beasley James C , Clontz Lindsay M , Rakowski Allison , Snow Nathan P , VerCauteren Kurt C
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) cause widespread environmental and economic damage, and as a result are subjected to extensive control. Current management strategies have proven insufficient, and there is growing interest in use of toxicants to control invasive populations of this species. In 2017 a low‐dose warfarin bait was federally approved for use in controlling wild pigs in the United States. However, no states have allowed use of this bait due to unanswered questions regarding welfare concerns, field efficacy, and non‐target impacts.

RESULTS

All captive wild pigs fed 0.005% warfarin baits in no choice feeding trials succumbed in an average of 8 days from exposure. Behavioral symptoms of warfarin exposure included vomiting, external bleeding, abnormal breathing, incoordination, and limping. Postmortem examinations revealed hemorrhaging in organs and muscles, particularly the legs, gastrointestinal tract, and abdomen. Warfarin residues in tissues averaged 1.0 mg kg‐1 for muscle, 3.9 mg kg‐1 for liver, and 2.8 mg kg‐1 for small intestines. Field testing revealed wild pigs required extensive training to access bait within pig‐specific bait stations, and once acclimated, exhibited reluctance to consume toxic baits, resulting in no mortalities across two separate field deployments of toxic bait.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest wild pigs are susceptible to low‐dose warfarin, and warfarin residues in pig tissues postmortem are generally low. However, although warfarin‐based baits are currently approved for use by the US Environmental Protection Agency, further improvements to pig‐specific bait delivery systems and bait palatability are needed, as well as additional research to quantify efficacy, cost, and non‐target impacts prior to widespread implementation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Disturbance observer based dead‐beat control of multi‐input systems with unknown disturbances and bounded inputs using discrete‐time higher order sliding mode
Authors: Huseinbegović Senad , Peruničić‐Draženović Branislava , Veselić Boban , Milosavljević Čedomir
Published: March 2021

This article proposes a new robust dead‐beat controller for multivariable systems using multirate sampled data. Applying a discrete‐time higher order sliding mode control approach, the proposed dead‐beat controller design uses the state‐space nominal model (model without disturbances) of the system and its controllability indices to compute the state feedback matrix. The obtained control annihilates the system state in a minimal number of sampling periods. For example, a heuristic procedure for selecting a sampling time is considered in order to keep maximal amplitudes of control inputs within the allowable limits. Since the dead‐beat control has poor robustness, a new discrete‐time supertwisting disturbance observer is used to suppressed disturbance effects. Stability analysis of the proposed observer has shown that it is suitable for Lipschitz type of disturbances. The sampling period of the disturbance observer is generally smaller than the control sampling period. Properties of the proposed control system are demonstrated in simulation examples.
Steering Multistep Charge Transfer for Highly Selectively Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 into CH4 over Pd/Cu2O/TiO2 Ternary Hybrid
Authors: Li Di , Zhou Changjian , Xie Zhongkai , Chen Donghai , Zhou Yimeng , Shi Xiangli , Jiang Deli , Chen Min , Shi Weidong
Published: March 2021

Due to the low charge separation efficiency and high stability of the CO2 molecule, photoreduction of CO2 into a single multielectron product such as CH4 with a simultaneous high conversion rate and selectivity is challenging. Therefore, it is highly desirable to accelerate charge separation and transfer and provide an electron‐enriched catalyst surface for the deep reduction of CO2. Herein, a Pd/Cu2O/TiO2 ternary hybrid photocatalyst consisting of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) and Cu2O NPs‐decorated TiO2 nanosheets is rationally designed, and highly selective photocatalytic photoreduction of CO2 into CH4 is achieved. The Pd/Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalyst shows a high CH4 production rate of 42.8 μmol g−1 h−1 with an extremely high selectivity of 99.5%. This CH4 production rate is 61.1, 5.4, and 2.8 times higher than the bare TiO2, Cu2O/TiO2, and Pd/TiO2, respectively. In this Pd/Cu2O/TiO2 hybrid, a consecutive multistep charge transfer is steered between the Cu2O/TiO2 heterojunction and Pd, ensures accelerated charge separation and transfer, and leads to the formation of a spatially separated electron‐enriched surface (Pd) and hole‐enriched surface (Cu2O). This spatially oriented charge transfer and the charge‐enriched catalyst surface synergistically contribute to the simultaneous high conversion rate and selectivity of CH4.
Non‐parametric regression for networks
Authors: Severn Katie E. , Dryden Ian L. , Preston Simon P.
Published: March 2021

Network data are becoming increasingly available, and so there is a need to develop a suitable methodology for statistical analysis. Networks can be represented as graph Laplacian matrices, which are a type of manifold‐valued data. Our main objective is to estimate a regression curve from a sample of graph Laplacian matrices conditional on a set of Euclidean covariates, for example, in dynamic networks where the covariate is time. We develop an adapted Nadaraya–Watson estimator which has uniform weak consistency for estimation using Euclidean and power Euclidean metrics. We apply the methodology to the Enron email corpus to model smooth trends in monthly networks and highlight anomalous networks. Another motivating application is given in corpus linguistics, which explores trends in an author's writing style over time based on word co‐occurrence networks.
Carbon‐Based Capacitive Deionization Electrodes: Development Techniques and its Influence on Electrode Properties
Authors: Angeles Anne Therese , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: March 2021

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a potential technology to provide cost efficient desalinated and/or softened water. Several efforts have been invested in the fabrication of CDI electrodes that not only has outstanding performance but also high chance of large scalability. In this personal account, the different techniques in developing carbon‐based materials are presented together with its actual effect on the surface and electrochemical properties of carbon. The categories presented are based on the studies done by the Electrochemical Reaction and Technology Laboratory, the Ertl Center, different research groups in South Korea, and selected papers from the past three years. Our perspective about research gaps and prospects are also included with the aim to increase interest for CDI research.
Fetal intraventricular hemorrhage: does advanced neurosonography work better than magnetic resonance imaging?
Authors: Moradi B. , Naybandi Atashi S. , Kazemi M. A. , Rahmani M.
Published: March 2021

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on van der Knoop et al. Click here to view the article.
Mass Unspecific Supervised Tagging (MUST) for boosted jets
Authors: Aguilar-Saavedra J. A. , Joaquim F. R. , Seabra J. F.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Jet identification tools are crucial for new physics searches at the LHC and at future colliders. We introduce the concept of Mass Unspecific Supervised Tagging (MUST) which relies on considering both jet mass and transverse momentum varying over wide ranges as input variables — together with jet substructure observables — of a multivariate tool. This approach not only provides a single efficient tagger for arbitrary ranges of jet mass and transverse momentum, but also an optimal solution for the mass correlation problem inherent to current taggers. By training neural networks, we build MUST-inspired generic and multi-pronged jet taggers which, when tested with various new physics signals, clearly outperform the variables commonly used by experiments to discriminate signal from background. These taggers are also efficient to spot signals for which they have not been trained. Taggers can also be built to determine, with a high degree of confidence, the prongness of a jet, which would be of utmost importance in case a new physics signal is discovered.
Some Explicit Solutions to the Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Water Wave Problem
Authors: Martin Calin I.
Published: March 2021

We present some explicit solutions (given in Eulerian coordinates) to the three-dimensional nonlinear water wave problem. The velocity field of some of the solutions exhibits a non-constant vorticity vector. An added bonus of the solutions we find is the possibility of incorporating a variable (in time and space) surface pressure which has a radial structure. A special type of radial structure of the surface pressure (of exponential type) is one of the features displayed by hurricanes, cf. Overland (Earle, Malahoff (eds) Overland in ocean wave climate, Plenum Pub. Corp., New York, 1979).
The role of CYP2D in rat brain in methamphetamine-induced striatal dopamine and serotonin release and behavioral sensitization
Authors: Stocco Marlaina R. , El-Sherbeni Ahmed A. , Zhao Bin , Novalen Maria , Tyndale Rachel F.
Published: March 2021

Rationale

Cytochrome P450 2D (CYP2D) enzymes metabolize many addictive drugs, including methamphetamine. Variable CYP2D metabolism in the brain may alter CNS drug/metabolite concentrations, consequently affecting addiction liability and neuropsychiatric outcomes; components of these can be modeled by behavioral sensitization in rats.

Methods

To investigate the role of CYP2D in the brain in methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization, rats were pretreated centrally with a CYP2D irreversible inhibitor (or vehicle) 20 h prior to each of 7 daily methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg subcutaneous) injections. In vivo brain microdialysis was used to assess brain drug and metabolite concentrations, and neurotransmitter release.

Results

CYP2D inhibitor (versus vehicle) pretreatment enhanced methamphetamine-induced stereotypy response sensitization. CYP2D inhibitor pretreatment increased brain methamphetamine concentrations and decreased the brain p-hydroxylation metabolic ratio. With microdialysis conducted on days 1 and 7, CYP2D inhibitor pretreatment exacerbated stereotypy sensitization and enhanced dopamine and serotonin release in the dorsal striatum. Day 1 brain methamphetamine and amphetamine concentrations correlated with dopamine and serotonin release, which in turn correlated with the stereotypy response slope across sessions (i.e., day 1 through day 7), used as a measure of sensitization.

Conclusions

CYP2D-mediated methamphetamine metabolism in the brain is sufficient to alter behavioral sensitization, brain drug concentrations, and striatal dopamine and serotonin release. Moreover, day 1 methamphetamine-induced neurotransmitter release may be an important predictor of subsequent behavioral sensitization. This suggests the novel contribution of CYP2D in the brain to methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization and suggests that the wide variation in human brain CYP2D6 may contribute to differential methamphetamine responses and chronic effects.
Electronic transitions in Rb2+ dimers solvated in helium
Authors: Albertini Simon , Martini Paul , Schiller Arne , Schöbel Harald , Ghavidel Elham , Ončák Milan , Echt Olof , Scheier Paul
Published: March 2021

We have measured depletion spectra of the heteronuclear (85Rb87Rb+) dimer cation complexed with up to 10 He atoms. Two absorption bands are observed between 920 and 250 nm. The transition into the repulsive 12Σu+state of HeRb2+gives rise to a broad feature at 790 nm (12,650 cm−1); it exhibits a blueshift of 98 cm−1per added He atom. The transition into the bound 12Πustate of HeRb2+reveals vibrational structure with a band head at ≤ 15,522 cm−1, a harmonic constant of 26 cm−1, and a spin–orbit splitting of ≤ 183 cm−1. The band experiences an average redshift of − 38 cm−1per added He atom. Ab initio calculations rationalize the shape of the spectra and spectral shifts with respect to the number of helium atoms attached. For a higher number of solvating helium atoms, symmetric solvation on both ends of the Rb2+ion is predicted.
Spatially aware clustering of ion images in mass spectrometry imaging data using deep learning
Authors: Zhang Wanqiu , Claesen Marc , Moerman Thomas , Groseclose M. Reid , Waelkens Etienne , De Moor Bart , Verbeeck Nico
Published: March 2021

Computational analysis is crucial to capitalize on the wealth of spatio-molecular information generated by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) experiments. Currently, the spatial information available in MSI data is often under-utilized, due to the challenges of in-depth spatial pattern extraction. The advent of deep learning has greatly facilitated such complex spatial analysis. In this work, we use a pre-trained neural network to extract high-level features from ion images in MSI data, and test whether this improves downstream data analysis. The resulting neural network interpretation of ion images, coined neural ion images, is used to cluster ion images based on spatial expressions. We evaluate the impact of neural ion images on two ion image clustering pipelines, namely DBSCAN clustering, combined with UMAP-based dimensionality reduction, and k-means clustering. In both pipelines, we compare regular and neural ion images from two different MSI datasets. All tested pipelines could extract underlying spatial patterns, but the neural network-based pipelines provided better assignment of ion images, with more fine-grained clusters, and greater consistency in the spatial structures assigned to individual clusters. Additionally, we introduce the relative isotope ratio metric to quantitatively evaluate clustering quality. The resulting scores show that isotopical m/z values are more often clustered together in the neural network-based pipeline, indicating improved clustering outcomes. The usefulness of neural ion images extends beyond clustering towards a generic framework to incorporate spatial information into any MSI-focused machine learning pipeline, both supervised and unsupervised.

Graphical abstract
Distinct pattern of microsusceptibility changes on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation/oxygenation
Authors: Thurnher Majda M. , Boban Jasmina , Röggla Martin , Staudinger Thomas
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Over the years, interesting SWI abnormalities in patients from intensive care units (ICU) were observed, not attributable to a specific cause and with uncertain clinical significance. Recently, multiple SWI-hypointense foci were mentioned related to neurological complications of SARS-COV-2 infection. The purpose of the study was to describe the patterns of susceptibility brain changes in critically-ill patients who underwent mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

An institutional board-approved, retrospective study was conducted on 250 ICU patients in whom brain MRI was performed between January 2011 and May 2020. Out of 48 patients who underwent mechanical ventilation/ECMO, in fifteen patients (median age 47.7 years), the presence of SWI abnormalities was observed and described.

Results

Microsusceptibilities were located in white-gray matter interface, in subcortical white matter (U-fibers), and surrounding subcortical nuclei in 13/14 (92,8%) patients. In 8/14 (57,1%) patients, SWI foci were seen infratentorially. The corpus callosum was affected in ten (71,4%), internal capsule in five (35,7%), and midbrain/pons in six (42,8%) patients.

Conclusion

We showed distinct patterns of diffuse brain SWI susceptibilities in critically-ill patients who underwent mechanical ventilation/ECMO. The etiology of these foci remains uncertain, but the association with mechanical ventilation, prolonged respiratory failure, and hypoxemia seems probable explanations.
Aerodynamics of smooth and rough square-section prisms at incidence in very high Reynolds-number cross-flows
Authors: van Hinsberg Nils Paul
Published: March 2021

The aerodynamics of smooth and slightly rough prisms with square cross-sections and sharp edges is investigated through wind tunnel experiments. Mean and fluctuating forces, the mean pitch moment, Strouhal numbers, the mean surface pressures and the mean wake profiles in the mid-span cross-section of the prism are recorded simultaneously for Reynolds numbers between 1$$\times$$×10$$^{5}$$5$$\le$$≤Re$$_{D}$$D$$\le$$≤1$$\times$$×10$$^{7}$$7. For the smooth prism with$$k_s$$ks/D= 4$$\times$$×10$$^{-5}$$-5, tests were performed at three angles of incidence, i.e.$$\alpha$$α= 0$$^{\circ }$$∘, −22.5$$^{\circ }$$∘and −45$$^{\circ }$$∘, whereas only both “symmetric” angles were studied for its slightly rough counterpart with$$k_s$$ks/D= 1$$\times$$×10$$^{-3}$$-3. First-time experimental proof is given that, within the accuracy of the data, no significant variation with Reynolds number occurs for all mean and fluctuating aerodynamic coefficients of smooth square prisms up to Reynolds numbers as high as$$\mathcal {O}$$O(10$$^{7}$$7). This Reynolds-number independent behaviour applies to the Strouhal number and the wake profile as well. In contrast to what is known from square prisms with rounded edges and circular cylinders, an increase in surface roughness height by a factor 25 on the current sharp-edged square prism does not lead to any notable effects on the surface boundary layer and thus on the prism’s aerodynamics. For both prisms, distinct changes in the aerostatics between the various angles of incidence are seen to take place though.

Graphic abstract
Increased resistance towards fatigability in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Beretta-Piccoli Matteo , Calanni Luca , Negro Massimo , Ricci Giulia , Bettio Cinzia , Barbero Marco , Berardinelli Angela , Siciliano Gabriele , Tupler Rossella , Soldini Emiliano , Cescon Corrado , D’Antona Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) fatigue is a major complaint. We aimed to investigate whether during isometric sustained elbow flexions, performance fatigability indexes differ in patients with FSHD with respect to healthy controls.

Methods

Seventeen patients with FSHD and seventeen healthy controls performed two isometric flexions of the dominant biceps brachii at 20% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 2 min and then at 60% MVC until exhaustion. Muscle weakness was characterized as a percentage of predicted values. Maximal voluntary strength, endurance time and performance fatigability indices (mean frequency of the power spectrum (MNF), muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) and fractal dimension (FD)), extracted from the surface electromyogram signal (sEMG) were compared between the two groups.

Results

In patients with FSHD, maximal voluntary strength was 68.7% of predicted value (p < 0.01). Compared to healthy controls, FSHD patients showed reduced MVC (p < 0.001; r = 0.62) and lower levels of performance fatigability, characterized by reduced rate of changes in MNF (p < 0.01; r = 0.56), CV (p < 0.05; 0.37) and FD (p < 0.001; r = 0.51) and increased endurance time (p < 0.001; r = 0.63), during the isometric contraction at 60% MVC.

Conclusion

A decreased reduction in the slopes of all the considered sEMG parameters during sustained isometric elbow flexions suggests that patients with FSHD experience lower levels of performance fatigability compared to healthy controls.
A Sharp Threshold Phenomenon in String Graphs
Authors: Tomon István
Published: March 2021

A string graph is the intersection graph of curves in the plane. We prove that for every $$\epsilon >0$$

ϵ
>
0

, if G is a string graph with n vertices such that the edge density of G is below $${1}/{4}-\epsilon $$

1
/
4
-
ϵ

, then V(G) contains two linear sized subsets A and B with no edges between them. The constant 1/4 is a sharp threshold for this phenomenon as there are string graphs with edge density less than $${1}/{4}+\epsilon $$

1
/
4
+
ϵ

such that there is an edge connecting any two logarithmic sized subsets of the vertices. The existence of linear sized sets A and B with no edges between them in sufficiently sparse string graphs is a direct consequence of a recent result of Lee about separators. Our main theorem finds the largest possible density for which this still holds. In the special case when the curves are x-monotone, the same result was proved by Pach and the author of this paper, who also proposed the conjecture for the general case.
Transanal total mesorectal excision: short- and long-term results of the first hundred cases of a certified colorectal cancer center in Germany
Authors: Völkel Vinzenz , Schatz Sabine , Draeger Teresa , Gerken Michael , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Fürst Alois
Published: March 2021

Background

Since 2010, laparoscopic transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has been increasingly used for low and very low rectal cancer. It is supposed to improve visibility and access to the dissection planes in the pelvis. This study reports on short- and long-term outcomes of the first 100 consecutive patients treated with TaTME in a certified German colorectal cancer center.

Patients and methods

Data were derived from digital patient files and official cancer registry reports for patients with TaTME tumor surgery between July 2014 and January 2020. The primary outcome was the 3-year local recurrence rate and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OAS), disease-free survival (DFS), operation time, completeness of local tumor resection, lymph node resection, and postoperative complications. The Kaplan–Meier method was employed for the survival analyses; competing risks were considered in the time-to-event analysis.

Results

During the observation period, the average annual operation time decreased from 272 to 178 min. Complete local tumor resection was achieved in 97% of the procedures. Major postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo 3–4) occurred in 11% of the cases. At a median follow-up time of 2.7 years, three patients had suffered from a local recurrence. Considering competing risks, this corresponds to a 3-year cumulative incidence rate for local recurrence of 2.2% and a 3-year LRFS of 81.9%. 3-year OAS was 82.9%, and 3-year DFS was 75.7%.

Conclusion

TaTME is associated with favorable short and long-term outcomes. Since it is technically demanding, structured training programs and more research on the topic are indispensable.
The influence of cloudiness and atmospheric circulation on radiation balance and its components
Authors: Kejna Marek , Uscka-Kowalkowska Joanna , Kejna Paweł
Published: March 2021

The article contains an analysis of the influence of cloudiness and atmospheric circulation on the components of radiation balance (Q*) using the example of measurements taken in an extra-urban area of Koniczynka near Toruń (Central Poland) in the years 2011–2018. The average annual value of Q* was 1,818.5 MJ·m−2 with a maximum of 352.3 MJ·m−2 in June, and negative values from November to January (December: −27.4 MJ·m−2). The shortwave radiation balance (S*) amounted to 3,129.2 MJ·m−2 and the longwave radiation balance (L*) was ˗1,310.7 MJ·m−2. In June the average solar irradiance (S↓) at midday was 600 W·m−2. The natural annual and diurnal course of Q* components, determined by astronomical factors, is disturbed by changes in cloudiness and inflow of various air masses. It has been found that an increase in cloudiness causes the amount of incoming solar radiation (S↓) to fall, thus decreasing the S* balance. Moreover, clouds restrict longwave radiation balance (L*), in particular, downward atmospheric radiation (L↓) increases. The opposite relationships of S* and L* affect Q* in individual months. The components of Q* are influenced by atmospheric circulation; it has been observed that anticyclonic types, characterised by smaller cloud amounts, favour a greater influx of (S↓) and—at the same time—greater emittance (L↑); however, Q* is then greater than in the case of cyclonic circulation. A statistically significant trend of Q* and its components has not been ascertained. A notable great year-on-year variability of Q*, ranging from 1,640.4 MJ·m−2 (in 2011) to 2,081.6 MJ·m−2 (in 2018), affects the environment. The changes are related to the cloudiness and the frequency of occurrence of different atmospheric circulation types. The role of snow cover is also important as snow reflects solar radiation which leads to the decrease of S* and—as a result—to a negative value of Q* in winter.
Engineering ethical behaviors in autonomous industrial cyber-physical human systems
Authors: Trentesaux Damien , Karnouskos Stamatis
Published: March 2021

This paper addresses the engineering of the ethical behaviors of autonomous industrial cyber-physical human systems in the context of Industry 4.0. An ethical controller is proposed to be embedded into these autonomous systems, to enable their successful integration in the society and its norms. This proposed controller that integrates machine ethics is realized through three main strategies that utilize two ethical paradigms, namely deontology, and consequentialism. These strategies are triggered according to the type of event sensed and the state of the autonomous industrial cyber-physical human systems, their combination being potentially unknown or posing ethical dilemmas. Two case studies are investigated, that deal with a fire emergency, and two different contexts i.e. one with an autonomous train, and one with an autonomous industrial plant, are discussed to illustrate the controller utilization. The case studies demonstrate the potential benefits and exemplify the need to integrate ethical behaviors in autonomous industrial cyber-physical human systems already at the design phase. The proposed approach, use cases, and discussions make evident the need to address ethical aspects in new efforts to engineer industrial systems in the context of Industry 4.0.
Social network ties before and after retirement: a cohort study
Authors: Kauppi M. , Virtanen M. , Pentti J. , Aalto V. , Kivimäki M. , Vahtera J. , Stenholm S.
Published: March 2021

Social networks are associated with individual’s health and well-being. Working life offers opportunities to create and maintain social networks, while retirement may change these networks. This study examined how the number of ties in social network changes across the retirement transition. The study population consisted of 2319 participants (84% women, mean age 63.2 years) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study. Information about social network ties, including the number of ties in the inner, middle and outer circles of the social convoy model, was gathered using annual postal surveys before and after retirement. Three repeat surveys per participant covered the retirement transition and the post-retirement periods. Mean number of network ties was 21.6 before retirement, of which 5.6 were situated in the inner, 6.9 in the middle and 9.1 in the outer circle. The number of ties in the outer circle decreased by 0.67 (95% CI − 0.92, − 0.42) during the retirement transition period, but not during the post-retirement period (0.11, 95% CI − 0.33, 0.12) (interaction period * time, p = 0.006). The pattern of change in these ties did not differ by gender, occupational status, marital status, number of chronic diseases and mental health during the retirement transition period. The number of ties in the inner and middle circles overall did not decrease during these periods. The number of peripheral relationships decreased during the retirement transition but not after that, suggesting that the observed reduction is more likely to be associated with retirement rather than aging.