bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroweak three-body decays in the presence of two- and three-body bound states
Authors: Briceño Raul A. , Jackura Andrew W. , Pefkou Dimitra A. , Romero-López Fernando
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recently, formalism has been derived for studying electroweak transition amplitudes for three-body systems both in infinite and finite volumes. The formalism provides exact relations that the infinite-volume amplitudes must satisfy, as well as a relationship between physical amplitudes and finite-volume matrix elements, which can be constrained from lattice QCD calculations. This formalism poses additional challenges when compared with the analogous well-studied two-body equivalent one, including the necessary step of solving integral equations of singular functions. In this work, we provide some non-trivial analytical and numerical tests on the aforementioned formalism. In particular, we consider a case where the three-particle system can have three-body bound states as well as bound states in the two-body subsystem. For kinematics below the three-body threshold, we demonstrate that the scattering amplitudes satisfy unitarity. We also check that for these kinematics the finite-volume matrix elements are accurately described by the formalism for two-body systems up to exponentially suppressed corrections. Finally, we verify that in the case of the three-body bound state, the finite-volume matrix element is equal to the infinite-volume coupling of the bound state, up to exponentially suppressed errors.
The new physics case for beam-dump experiments with accelerated muon beams
Authors: Cesarotti Cari , Gambhir Rikab
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As the field examines a future muon collider as a possible successor to the LHC, we must consider how to fully utilize not only the high-energy particle collisions, but also any lower-energy staging facilities necessary in the R&D process. An economical and efficient possibility is to use the accelerated muon beam from either the full experiment or from cooling and acceleration tests in beam-dump experiments. Beam-dump experiments are complementary to the main collider as they achieve sensitivity to very small couplings with minimal instrumentation. We demonstrate the utility of muon beam-dump experiments for new physics searches at energies from 10 GeV to 5 TeV. We find that, even at low energies like those accessible at staging or demonstrator facilities, it is possible to probe new regions of parameter space for a variety of generic BSM models, including muonphilic, leptophilic, Lμ − Lτ, and dark photon scenarios. Such experiments could therefore provide opportunities for discovery of new physics well before the completion of the full multi-TeV collider.
The minimal weak gravity conjecture
Authors: Cota Cesar Fierro , Mininno Alessandro , Weigand Timo , Wiesner Max
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We examine the minimal constraints imposed by the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) on the particle spectrum of a quantum gravity theory. Towers of super-extremal states have previously been argued to be required for consistency of the WGC under circle reduction. At the same time, there exist classes of theories where no tower of super-extremal particle states below the black hole threshold has been established with current techniques. We resolve this tension by arguing for the existence of a minimal radius for circle reductions of generic quantum gravity theories. Below this threshold, the notion of a circle compactification breaks down, bypassing the need for a tower of super-extremal states to satisfy the WGC after circle reduction. Based on this we propose that if a theory satisfies the WGC at the particle level below the black hole threshold, these states are sufficient for consistency under dimensional reduction, even in absence of a tower of super-extremal particles. Apart from general arguments, we provide independent evidence for this main result in F-, M- and string theory compactifications. According to the Emergent String Conjecture the only exception to the appearance of a minimal radius arises in asymptotically weak-coupling limits for heterotic strings, which aligns with the appearance of a weakly coupled super-extremal tower of particle states. This observation motivates a Minimal Weak Gravity Conjecture which states that towers of super-extremal particles occur if and only if they are required by consistency of the WGC under dimensional reduction.
NNLO QCD corrections to the q2 spectrum of inclusive semileptonic B-meson decays
Authors: Fael Matteo , Herren Florian
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We calculate the next-to-next-to-leading order QCD corrections to the leptonic invariant mass (q2) spectrum of semileptonic b → c inclusive decays, taking into account the mass of the charm quark and the charged lepton in the final state. We obtain analytic results in terms of generalized polylogarithms and present numerical studies of the $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
($$ {\alpha}_s^2 $$

α
s
2

) corrections to the q2 spectrum of b → $$ c\ell {\overline{\nu}}_{\ell } $$
c
ℓ

ν
¯

ℓ

decays, for ℓ = e, μ and τ, in the kinetic scheme. Our computation can be used to incorporate the recent measurements of q2 moments by Belle and Belle II into global fits of inclusive semileptonic B-decays.
Quantisation across bubble walls and friction
Authors: Azatov Aleksandr , Barni Giulio , Petrossian-Byrne Rudin , Vanvlasselaer Miguel
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We quantise from first principles field theories living on the background of a bubble wall in the planar limit with particular focus on the case of spontaneous breaking of gauge symmetry. Using these tools, we compute the average momentum transfer from transition radiation: the soft emission of radiation by an energetic particle passing across the wall, with a particular focus on the longitudinal polarisation of vectors. We find these to be comparable to transverse polarisations in symmetry-breaking transitions with mild super-cooling, and dominant in broken to broken transitions with thin wall. Our results have phenomenological applications for the expansion of bubbles during first order phase transitions. Our general framework allows for the robust calculation of any particle processes of interest in such translation breaking backgrounds.
EFHD1 promotes osteosarcoma proliferation and drug resistance by inhibiting the opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (mPTP) by binding to ANT3
Authors: Shen Xin , Ma Mengjun , Mi Rujia , Zhuang Jiahao , Song Yihui , Yang Wen , Li Hongyu , Lu Yixuan , Yang Biao , Liu Yinliang , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong
Published: May 2024

Chemoresistance is the main obstacle in the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). In this study, we investigated the role of EF-hand domain-containing protein 1 (EFHD1) in OS chemotherapy resistance. We found that the expression of EFHD1 was highly correlated with the clinical outcome after chemotherapy. We overexpressed EFHD1 in 143B cells and found that it increased their resistance to cell death after drug treatment. Conversely, knockdown of EFHD1 in 143BR cells (a cisplatin-less-sensitive OS cell line derived from 143B cells) increased their sensitivity to treatment. Mechanistically, EFHD1 bound to adenine nucleotide translocase-3 (ANT3) and inhibited its conformational change, thereby inhibiting the opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (mPTP). This effect could maintain mitochondrial function, thereby favoring OS cell survival. The ANT3 conformational inhibitor carboxyatractyloside (CATR), which can promote mPTP opening, enhanced the chemosensitivity of EFHD1-overexpressing cells when combined with cisplatin. The ANT3 conformational inhibitor bongkrekic acid (BKA), which can inhibit mPTP opening, restored the resistance of EFHD1 knockdown cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that EFHD1-ANT3-mPTP might be a promising target for OS therapy in the future.
Proteomic dissection of vanishing white matter pathogenesis
Authors: Man Jodie H. K. , Zarekiani Parand , Mosen Peter , de Kok Mike , Debets Donna O. , Breur Marjolein , Altelaar Maarten , van der Knaap Marjo S. , Bugiani Marianna
Published: May 2024

Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a leukodystrophy caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B. To date, it remains unclear which factors contribute to VWM pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the basis of VWM pathogenesis using the 2b5ho mouse model. We first mapped the temporal proteome in the cerebellum, corpus callosum, cortex, and brainstem of 2b5ho and wild-type (WT) mice. Protein changes observed in 2b5ho mice were then cross-referenced with published proteomic datasets from VWM patient brain tissue to define alterations relevant to the human disease. By comparing 2b5ho mice with their region- and age-matched WT counterparts, we showed that the proteome in the cerebellum and cortex of 2b5ho mice was already dysregulated prior to pathology development, whereas proteome changes in the corpus callosum only occurred after pathology onset. Remarkably, protein changes in the brainstem were transient, indicating that a compensatory mechanism might occur in this region. Importantly, 2b5ho mouse brain proteome changes reflect features well-known in VWM. Comparison of the 2b5ho mouse and VWM patient brain proteomes revealed shared changes. These could represent changes that contribute to the disease or even drive its progression in patients. Taken together, we show that the 2b5ho mouse brain proteome is affected in a region- and time-dependent manner. We found that the 2b5ho mouse model partly replicates the human disease at the protein level, providing a resource to study aspects of VWM pathogenesis by highlighting alterations from early to late disease stages, and those that possibly drive disease progression.
NEK2 promotes the development of ovarian endometriosis and impairs decidualization by phosphorylating FOXO1
Authors: Wang Mengxue , Sun Fangyuan , Zhang Shucai , Zhang Xiaohui , Sun Yujun , Yu Ting , Li Yuanyuan , Jiang Aifang , Qiao Pengyun , Ren Chune , Yang Tingting
Published: May 2024

Ovarian endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, and one of its most significant symptoms is infertility. In patients with endometriosis, defects in endometrial decidualization lead to impaired endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation, thus affecting early pregnancy and women’s desire to have children. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of endometriosis and its associated defective decidualization are unclear. We find that NEK2 expression is increased in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis. Meanwhile, NEK2 interacts with FOXO1 and phosphorylates FOXO1 at Ser184, inhibiting the stability of the FOXO1 protein. Importantly, NEK2-mediated phosphorylation of FOXO1 at Ser184 promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion and impairs decidualization. Furthermore, INH1, an inhibitor of NEK2, inhibits the growth of ectopic lesions in mouse models of endometriosis and promotes endometrial decidualization in mouse models of artificially induced decidualization. Taken together, these findings indicate that NEK2 regulates the development of endometriosis and associated disorders of decidualization through the phosphorylation of FOXO1, providing a new therapeutic target for its treatment.
Targeting NG2 relieves the resistance of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells to BRAF inhibitors
Authors: Sui Fang , Wang Guanjie , Liu Juan , Yuan Mengmeng , Chen Pu , Yao Yao , Zhang Shaoqiang , Ji Meiju , Hou Peng
Published: May 2024

BRAFV600E represents a constitutively active onco-kinase and stands as the most prevalent genetic alteration in thyroid cancer. However, the clinical efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors targeting BRAFV600E is often limited by acquired resistance. Here, we find that nerve/glial antigen 2 (NG2), also known as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), is up-regulated in thyroid cancers, and its expression is increased with tumor progression in a BRAFV600E-driven thyroid cancer mouse model. Functional studies show that NG2 knockout almost does not affect tumor growth, but significantly improves the response of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells to BRAF inhibitor PLX4720. Mechanistically, the blockade of ERK-dependent feedback by BRAF inhibitor can activate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, causing the resistance to this inhibitor. NG2 knockout attenuates the PLX4720-mediated feedback activation of several RTKs, improving the sensitivity of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells to this inhibitor. Based on this finding, we propose and demonstrate an alternative strategy for targeting NG2 to effectively treat BRAF-mutant thyroid cancers by combining multiple kinase inhibitor (MKI) Sorafenib or Lenvatinib with PLX4720. Thus, this study uncovers a new mechanism in which NG2 contributes to the resistance of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells to BRAF inhibitor, and provides a promising therapeutic option for BRAF-mutant thyroid cancers.
Schrödinger Operators with Multiple Aharonov–Bohm Fluxes
Authors: Correggi Michele , Fermi Davide
Published: May 2024

We study the Schrödinger operator describing a two-dimensional quantum particle moving in the presence of

$$ N \geqslant 1$$

N
⩾
1

Aharonov–Bohm magnetic fluxes. We classify all the self-adjont realizations of such an operator, providing an explicit characterization of their domains and actions. Moreover, we examine their spectral and scattering properties, proving in particular the existence and completeness of wave operators in relation with the free dynamics.
Scalar conservation law in a bounded domain with strong source at boundary
Authors: Xu Lu
Published: May 2024

We consider a scalar conservation law with source in a bounded open interval $$\Omega \subseteq \mathbb R$$

Ω
⊆
R

. The equation arises from the macroscopic evolution of an interacting particle system. The source term models an external effort driving the solution to a given function $$\varrho $$
ϱ
with an intensity function $$V:\Omega \rightarrow \mathbb R_+$$

V
:
Ω
→

R
+

that grows to infinity at $$\partial \Omega $$

∂
Ω

. We define the entropy solution $$u \in L^\infty $$

u
∈

L
∞

and prove the uniqueness. When V is integrable, u satisfies the boundary conditions introduced by F. Otto (C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, 322(1):729–734, 1996), which allows the solution to attain values at $$\partial \Omega $$

∂
Ω

different from the given boundary data. When the integral of V blows up, u satisfies an energy estimate and presents essential continuity at $$\partial \Omega $$

∂
Ω

in a weak sense.
Geochemical implications of uranium-bearing thucholite aggregates in the Upper Permian Kupferschiefer shale, Lubin district, Poland
Authors: Syczewski Marcin D. , Panajew Paweł , Marynowski Leszek , Waliczek Marta , Borkowski Andrzej , Rohovec Jan , Matoušková Šárka , Sekudewicz Ilona , Liszewska Malwina , Jankiewicz Bartłomiej , Mukhamed’yarova Aliya N. , Słowakiewicz Mirosław
Published: May 2024

New inorganic and organic geochemical data from thucholite in the Upper Permian (Wuchiapingian) Kupferschiefer (T1) shale collected at the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Cu-Ag mine in Poland are presented. Thucholite, which forms spherical or granular clusters, appears scattered in the T1 dolomitic shale at the oxic-anoxic boundary occurring within the same shale member. The composition of thucholite concretions and the T1 shale differs by a higher content of U- and REE-enriched mineral phases within the thucholite concretions compared to the T1 shale, suggesting a different mineralising history. The differences also comprise higher Ntot, Ctot, Htot, Stot contents and higher C/N, C/S ratios in thucholite than in the T1 shale. The hydrocarbon composition of the thucholite and the surrounding T1 shale also varies. Both are dominated by polycyclic aromatic compounds and their phenyl derivatives. However, higher abundances of unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the thucholite are indicative of its pyrogenic origin. Pyrolytic compounds such as benz[a]anthracene or benzo[a]pyrene are more typical of the thucholite than the T1 shale. Microscopic observations of the thucholite and its molecular composition suggest that it represents well-rounded small charcoal fragments. These charcoals were formed during low-temperature combustion, as confirmed by semifusinite reflectance values, indicating surface fire temperatures of about 400 °C, and the absence of the high-temperature pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Charred detrital particles, likely the main source of insoluble organic matter in the thucholite, migrated to the sedimentary basin in the form of spherical carbonaceous particulates, which adsorbed uranium and REE in particular, which would further explain their different contents and sorption properties in the depositional environment. Finally, the difference in mineral content between thucholite and the T1 shale could also have been caused by microbes, which might have formed biofilms on mineral particles, and caused a change in the original mineral composition.
Multidimensional influencing factors of postpartum depression based on the perspective of the entire reproductive cycle: evidence from western province of China
Authors: Zhang Yiyun , Liu Xinwei , Liu Mengmei , Li Min , Chen Ping , Yan Guanghong , Ma Qingyan , Li Ye , You Dingyun
Published: May 2024

Objective

China has a serious burden of Postpartum depression (PPD). In order to improve the current situation of high burden of PPD, this study explores the factors affecting PPD from the multidimensional perspectives with physiology, family support and social support covering the full-time chain of pre-pregnancy–pregnancy–postpartum.

Methods

A follow-up survey was conducted in the Qujing First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2022, and a total of 4838 pregnant women who underwent antenatal checkups in the hospital were enrolled as study subjects. Mothers were assessed for PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and logistic regression was used to analyse the level of mothers’ postnatal depression and identify vulnerability characteristics.

Results

The prevalence of mothers’ PPD was 46.05%, with a higher prevalence among those who had poor pre-pregnancy health, had sleep problems during pregnancy, and only had a single female fetus. In the family support dimension, only family care (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.42–0.64) and only other people care(OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.96) were the protective factors of PPD. The experience risk of PPD was higher among mothers who did not work or use internet.

Conclusion

The PPD level in Yunnan Province was significantly higher than the global and Chinese average levels. Factors affecting mothers’ PPD exist in all time stages throughout pregnancy, and the influence of family support and social support on PPD shouldn’t be ignored. There is an urgent need to extend the time chain of PPD, move its prevention and treatment forward and broaden the dimensions of its intervention.
Effect of current waveform in MIG arc on weld bead formation in plasma-MIG hybrid welding
Authors: Ishida Kazuya , Tashiro Shinichi , Nomura Kazufumi , Wu Dongsheng , Murphy Anthony B. , Yuji Toshifumi , Tanaka Manabu
Published: May 2024

Plasma-metal inert gas (MIG) hybrid welding enables to join thick steel plates in single pass. However, arc coupling occurring between the plasma and MIG arcs disturbs its heat source characteristics, lowering the welding quality. This arc coupling phenomenon is not yet understood due to the complexity. This study aims to clarify the effect of current waveform of arc on weld bead formation according to the arc coupling in plasma-MIG hybrid welding. The metal transfer characteristics and bottom side weld pool were observed for direct current (DC) and pulse-MIG current waveforms. In addition, Ni element was used for visualizing the transport process of high-temperature molten metal provided by MIG welding within the weld pool. From these results, the effects of differences in MIG arc current waveforms on heat and mass transport processes within the weld pool and also on weld bead formation on the bottom side through changes in the occurrence of arc coupling were discussed. As a result, it was clarified that the droplets after detachment from the wire were transferred to the weld pool surface under the wire tip for DC MIG current, while those were transferred along the wire axis to the weld pool surface behind the keyhole for pulse-MIG current. When the droplet was transferred to the weld pool region with the forward flow such as the pulse-MIG current case, the heat was transported to the bottom side together with the counter-clockwise eddy behind the keyhole, strongly contributing to increasing the penetration depth. In the case of pulse-MIG current, the plasma arc is oscillated due to the arc coupling. According to this oscillation, the accumulation of molten metal behind the keyhole is prevented to suppress the humping bead formation. Consequently, pulse-MIG current was found to be suitable for increasing the penetration depth and suppressing humping bead formation on the bottom side comparing with DC MIG current.
Bounds of expectations of order statistics for distributions possessing monotone reversed failure rates
Authors: Goroncy Agnieszka , Rychlik Tomasz
Published: May 2024

In the literature, the sharp positive upper mean-variance bounds on the expectations of order statistics based on independent identically distributed random variables with the decreasing and increasing failure rates, have been recently presented. In this paper we determine analogous evaluations in the dual cases when the parent distributions have monotone reversed failure rates.
In vitro assessment of thyroid peroxidase inhibition by chemical exposure: comparison of cell models and detection methods
Authors: Liu Runze , Novák Jiří , Hilscherová Klára
Published: May 2024

Disruption of the thyroid hormone (TH) system is connected with diverse adverse health outcomes in wildlife and humans. It is crucial to develop and validate suitable in vitro assays capable of measuring the disruption of the thyroid hormone (TH) system. These assays are also essential to comply with the 3R principles, aiming to replace the ex vivo tests often utilised in the chemical assessment. We compared the two commonly used assays applicable for high throughput screening [Luminol and Amplex UltraRed (AUR)] for the assessment of inhibition of thyroid peroxidase (TPO, a crucial enzyme in TH synthesis) using several cell lines and 21 compounds from different use categories. As the investigated cell lines derived from human and rat thyroid showed low or undetectable TPO expression, we developed a series of novel cell lines overexpressing human TPO protein. The HEK-TPOA7 model was prioritised for further research based on the high and stable TPO gene and protein expression. Notably, the Luminol assay detected significant peroxidase activity and signal inhibition even in Nthy-ori 3-1 and HEK293T cell lines without TPO expression, revealing its lack of specificity. Conversely, the AUR assay was specific to TPO activity. Nevertheless, despite the different specificity, both assays identified similar peroxidation inhibitors. Over half of the tested chemicals with diverse structures and from different use groups caused TPO inhibition, including some widespread environmental contaminants suggesting a potential impact of environmental chemicals on TH synthesis. Furthermore, in silico SeqAPASS analysis confirmed the high similarity of human TPO across mammals and other vertebrate classes, suggesting the applicability of HEK-TPOA7 model findings to other vertebrates.
Multipliers on bi-parameter Haar system Hardy spaces
Authors: Lechner R. , Motakis P. , Müller P. F. X. , Schlumprecht Th.
Published: May 2024

Let $$(h_I)$$

(

h
I

)

denote the standard Haar system on [0, 1], indexed by $$I\in \mathcal {D}$$

I
∈
D

, the set of dyadic intervals and $$h_I\otimes h_J$$

h
I

⊗

h
J

denote the tensor product $$(s,t)\mapsto h_I(s) h_J(t)$$

(
s
,
t
)

↦

h
I

(
s
)

h
J

(
t
)

, $$I,J\in \mathcal {D}$$

I
,
J
∈
D

. We consider a class of two-parameter function spaces which are completions of the linear span $$\mathcal {V}(\delta ^2)$$

V
(

δ
2

)

of $$h_I\otimes h_J$$

h
I

⊗

h
J

, $$I,J\in \mathcal {D}$$

I
,
J
∈
D

. This class contains all the spaces of the form X(Y), where X and Y are either the Lebesgue spaces $$L^p[0,1]$$

L
p

[
0
,
1
]

or the Hardy spaces $$H^p[0,1]$$

H
p

[
0
,
1
]

, $$1\le p < \infty $$

1
≤
p
<
∞

. We say that $$D:X(Y)\rightarrow X(Y)$$

D
:
X
(
Y
)
→
X
(
Y
)

is a Haar multiplier if $$D(h_I\otimes h_J) = d_{I,J} h_I\otimes h_J$$

D

(

h
I

⊗

h
J

)

=

d

I
,
J

h
I

⊗

h
J

, where $$d_{I,J}\in \mathbb {R}$$

d

I
,
J

∈
R

, and ask which more elementary operators factor through D. A decisive role is played by the Capon projection$$\mathcal {C}:\mathcal {V}(\delta ^2)\rightarrow \mathcal {V}(\delta ^2)$$

C
:
V

(

δ
2

)

→
V

(

δ
2

)

given by $$\mathcal {C} h_I\otimes h_J = h_I\otimes h_J$$

C

h
I

⊗

h
J

=

h
I

⊗

h
J

if $$|I|\le |J|$$

|
I
|
≤
|
J
|

, and $$\mathcal {C} h_I\otimes h_J = 0$$

C

h
I

⊗

h
J

=
0

if $$|I| > |J|$$

|
I
|
>
|
J
|

, as our main result highlights: Given any bounded Haar multiplier $$D:X(Y)\rightarrow X(Y)$$

D
:
X
(
Y
)
→
X
(
Y
)

, there exist $$\lambda ,\mu \in \mathbb {R}$$

λ
,
μ
∈
R

such that $$\begin{aligned} \lambda \mathcal {C} + \mu ({{\,\textrm{Id}\,}}-\mathcal {C})\text { approximately 1-projectionally factors through }D, \end{aligned}$$

λ
C
+
μ
(

Id

-
C
)

approximately 1-projectionally factors through

D
,

i.e., for all $$\eta > 0$$

η
>
0

, there exist bounded operators A, B so that AB is the identity operator $${{\,\textrm{Id}\,}}$$

Id

, $$\Vert A\Vert \cdot \Vert B\Vert = 1$$

‖
A
‖
·
‖
B
‖
=
1

and $$\Vert \lambda \mathcal {C} + \mu ({{\,\textrm{Id}\,}}-\mathcal {C}) - ADB\Vert < \eta $$

‖
λ
C
+
μ
(

Id

-
C
)
-
A
D
B
‖
<
η

. Additionally, if $$\mathcal {C}$$
C
is unbounded on X(Y), then $$\lambda = \mu $$

λ
=
μ

and then $${{\,\textrm{Id}\,}}$$

Id

either factors through D or $${{\,\textrm{Id}\,}}-D$$

Id

-
D

.
Unitary Anchored Planar Algebras
Authors: Henriques André , Penneys David , Tener James
Published: May 2024

In our previous article (http://arxiv.org/abs/1607.06041), we established an equivalence between pointed pivotal module tensor categories and anchored planar algebras. This article introduces the notion of unitarity for both module tensor categories and anchored planar algebras, and establishes the unitary analog of the above equivalence. Our constructions use Baez’s 2-Hilbert spaces (i.e., semisimple $$\textrm{C}^*$$

C
∗

-categories equipped with unitary traces), the unitary Yoneda embedding, and the notion of unitary adjunction for dagger functors between 2-Hilbert spaces.
Managing complexity with chimerism: ALT-AMT flaps for complex head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Jaiswal Dushyant , Shrotriya Raghav , Kumar Vineet , Bindu Ameya , Mantri Mayur , Mathews Saumya , Shankhdhar Vinay kant , Yadav Prabha
Published: May 2024

Background

Head and neck cancer is the most common cancer in males and fifth most common in females in India. Inadequate screening programs and non-availability of local healthcare resources leads to late diagnosis and most cases present at an advanced stage. Surgical extirpation often results in complex, large defects. The concept of chimerism is useful in dealing with such extensive defects.

Methods

Between July 2013 and May 2017, all patients who underwent primary reconstruction of head and neck defects following cancer extirpative surgery, with ALT-AMT chimera flap at a tertiary care cancer centre were included in this study. The patient data of age, sex, etiology, defect size, flap size, perforator configuration, anastomotic details, donor site closure, and complications was retrospectively collected as per the designated proforma from the hospital electronic record, departmental case record forms and the first author’s personal logs, and analyzed.

Results

Chimeric flaps based on the lateral circumflex femoral artery i.e. ALT plus AMT provide the desired qualities to address the complex defects. All thirteen patients had a large intraoral mucosal defect. Nine cases had a large extra oral skin defect. The average size of ALT was (112.5 cm2 area) and of AMT was (94.9 cm2 area). The combined area of ALT AMT was 28.5 X 9 = 256.5 cm2. All AMT pedicles were joining the ALT pedicle. 1 AMT was lost and all donor sites needed skin grafting.

Conclusion

Chimeric ALT + AMT is a valuable option when complex, large, multidimensional and multicomponent defects need to be reconstructed. The advantage of utilising a single donor site and two independent flaps with a single microvascular anastomosis.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study
Predicting the Emergence of Localised Dihedral Patterns in Models for Dryland Vegetation
Authors: Hill Dan J.
Published: May 2024

Localised patterns are often observed in models for dryland vegetation, both as peaks of vegetation in a desert state and as gaps within a vegetated state, known as ‘fairy circles’. Recent results from radial spatial dynamics show that approximations of localised patterns with dihedral symmetry emerge from a Turing instability in general reaction–diffusion systems, which we apply to several vegetation models. We present a systematic guide for finding such patterns in a given reaction–diffusion model, during which we obtain four key quantities that allow us to predict the qualitative properties of our solutions with minimal analysis. We consider four well-established vegetation models and compute their key predictive quantities, observing that models which possess similar values exhibit qualitatively similar localised patterns; we then complement our results with numerical simulations of various localised states in each model. Here, localised vegetation patches emerge generically from Turing instabilities and act as transient states between uniform and patterned environments, displaying complex dynamics as they evolve over time.
Abrupt increase in Greenland melt enhanced by atmospheric wave changes
Authors: Graversen Rune Grand , Heiskanen Tuomas , Bintanja Richard , Goelzer Heiko
Published: May 2024

Recent Greenland ice-sheet melt constitutes a considerable contribution to global sea-level rise. Observations indicate an approximate zero mass balance of the ice sheet until the late 1990s, after which a strong increase in melting occurred. This cannot be attributed linearly to gradually-increasing global warming. Instead the abrupt shift has been linked to atmospheric circulation changes, although causality is not fully understood. Here we show that changes of atmospheric waves over Greenland have significantly contributed to the shift into a strong melting state. This is evident after having applied a newly-developed methodology effectively decomposing atmospheric flow patterns into parts associated with waves of different scales such as Rossby waves and smaller perturbations. The onset of a westerly-flow reduction, consistent with anthropogenic Arctic warming, affected transports by atmospheric waves and led to a decrease in precipitation and an increase in surface warming, contributing to ice-sheet mass loss, in particular over the southwestern regions. As such, the Greenland ice-sheet melt is an example of a climate response non-linearly coupled to global warming.
Machine learning–based response assessment in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: radiomics analysis for assessing tumor regression grade using T2-weighted magnetic resonance images
Authors: Lee Yong Dae , Kim Hyug-Gi , Seo Miri , Moon Sung Kyoung , Park Seong Jin , You Myung-Won
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess tumor regression grade (TRG) in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) through a machine learning–based radiomics analysis using baseline T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images.

Materials and methods

In total, 148 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer(T2-4 or N+) who underwent MR imaging at baseline and after chemoradiotherapy between January 2010 and May 2021 were included. A region of interest for each tumor mass was drawn by a radiologist on oblique axial T2-weighted images, and main features were selected using principal component analysis after dimension reduction among 116 radiomics and three clinical features. Among eight learning models that were used for prediction model development, the model showing best performance was selected. Treatment responses were classified as either good or poor based on the MR-assessed TRG (mrTRG) and pathologic TRG (pTRG). The model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) to classify the response group.

Results

Approximately 49% of the patients were in the good response (GR) group based on mrTRG (73/148) and 26.9% based on pTRG (28/104). The AUCs of clinical data, radiomics models, and combined radiomics with clinical data model for predicting mrTRG were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73, 0.87), 0.74 (95% CI 0.66, 0.81), and 0.75(95% CI 0.68, 0.82), and those for predicting pTRG was 0.62 (95% CI 0.52, 0.71), 0.74 (95% CI 0.65, 0.82), and 0.79 (95% CI 0.71, 0.87).

Conclusion

Radiomics combined with clinical data model using baseline T2-weighted MR images demonstrated feasible diagnostic performance in predicting both MR-assessed and pathologic treatment response in patients with rectal cancer after NCRT.
Vasodilator reactive oxygen species ameliorate perturbed myocardial oxygen delivery in exercising swine with multiple comorbidities
Authors: van Drie R. W. A. , van de Wouw J. , Zandbergen L. M. , Dehairs J. , Swinnen J. V. , Mulder M. T. , Verhaar M. C. , MaassenVanDenBrink A. , Duncker D. J. , Sorop O. , Merkus D.
Published: May 2024

Multiple common cardiovascular comorbidities produce coronary microvascular dysfunction. We previously observed in swine that a combination of diabetes mellitus (DM), high fat diet (HFD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) induced systemic inflammation, increased oxidative stress and produced coronary endothelial dysfunction, altering control of coronary microvascular tone via loss of NO bioavailability, which was associated with an increase in circulating endothelin (ET). In the present study, we tested the hypotheses that (1) ROS scavenging and (2) ETA+B-receptor blockade improve myocardial oxygen delivery in the same female swine model. Healthy female swine on normal pig chow served as controls (Normal). Five months after induction of DM (streptozotocin, 3 × 50 mg kg−1 i.v.), hypercholesterolemia (HFD) and CKD (renal embolization), swine were chronically instrumented and studied at rest and during exercise. Sustained hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and renal dysfunction were accompanied by systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. In vivo ROS scavenging (TEMPOL + MPG) reduced myocardial oxygen delivery in DM + HFD + CKD swine, suggestive of a vasodilator influence of endogenous ROS, while it had no effect in Normal swine. In vitro wire myography revealed a vasodilator role for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in isolated small coronary artery segments from DM + HFD + CKD, but not Normal swine. Increased catalase activity and ceramide production in left ventricular myocardial tissue of DM + HFD + CKD swine further suggest that increased H2O2 acts as vasodilator ROS in the coronary microvasculature. Despite elevated ET-1 plasma levels in DM + HFD + CKD swine, ETA+B blockade did not affect myocardial oxygen delivery in Normal or DM + HFD + CKD swine. In conclusion, loss of NO bioavailability due to 5 months exposure to multiple comorbidities is partially compensated by increased H2O2-mediated coronary vasodilation.
Arthroscopic and open reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee have equally good clinical results: first results of a prospective 12-month follow-up study
Authors: Fahlbusch H , Weiß S , Landenberger J , von Rehlingen Prinz F , Dust T , Akoto R , Krause M , Frosch Karl-Heinz
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Arthroscopic reconstruction techniques for higher-grade posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries (Fanelli Type B, PoLIS LI-B) have not yet been validated in clinical studies. The open reconstruction technique described by Arciero is well-established and showed good restoration of joint stability in previous studies. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of this established open surgery technique to a newly developed arthroscopic technique in a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Between 2019 and 2021, this study focused on chronic high-grade PLC injuries (Fanelli Type B, PoLIS LI-B). Group A consisted of patients treated with conventional open surgery following Arciero’s technique, while Group B included patients treated with Arciero’s arthroscopic technique. All cases underwent additional PCL reconstruction. After a minimum 12-month follow-up, clinical scores and objective stability assessments were compared between the groups.

Results

In total, 26 (group A 12, group B 14) eligible patients with a mean follow-up of 14.9 ± 7.2 months were evaluated in the present study. Knee stability and patient-reported outcome scores (PROMS) were significantly improved when comparing pre- and post-operative values (p < 0.0001). No clinically relevant differences in PROMS (Lysholm: A 83.9 ± 11.4 vs. B 85.3 ± 13.8; IKDC: A 76.91 ± 12.6 vs. B 76.8 ± 15.7) were shown in both groups. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were detected between groups with respect to external rotation, range of motion and instrumental stability testing. Arthroscopic reconstruction showed significantly shorter operation time (p = 0.0109). There were no clinical failures or neurovascular complications of the surgical procedures.

Conclusion

Both surgical techniques for isolated chronic PLC Fanelli Type B injuries significantly improved the knee stability, were equivalent with respect to PROMs and led to good clinical results. However, arthroscopic PLC reconstruction was associated with a shorter surgery time compared to open PLC reconstruction. Therefore, arthroscopic PLC reconstruction may be a viable option in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

Level of evidence

Prospective cohort study, II.
Brown tumors: Retrospective analysis of 26 cases
Authors: Karaca Mustafa Onur , Özyıldıran Mustafa , Savran Merve Dursun , Başarır Kerem , Yıldız Hüseyin Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Brown tumors are reactive osteolytic lesions caused by hyperparathyroidism. These rare lesions are non-neoplastic processes that result from bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review a 34-year experience with brown tumors in our institution.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 26 consecutive patients with brown tumor who were treated in our institution between May 1988 and October 2020, with a mean follow-up of 36,1 months.

Results

17 male (65,4%) and 9 female (34,6%) patients with a mean age of 41,6 were included in the study. Localized bone pain was present in 13 cases (50,0%) as the first presenting symptom. 3 patients (11,5%) presented with diffuse bone pain. 7 patients (26,9%) were diagnosed with brown tumor while being investigated for pathological fractures. The other 3 patients (11,5%) were diagnosed while being evaluated for hypercalcemia symptoms. 7 patients (26,9%) had solitary lesions, while 19 patients (73,1%) had multiple lesions. Pelvis, femur, ribs, tibia, proximal humerus and mandible were the most common sites of localization. 23 patients (88,5%) were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, while the other 3 patients (11,5%) had secondary hyperparathyroidism. A total of the 65 lesions, 23 (35.4%) underwent orthopedic surgery, and 42 (64.6%) were followed up conservatively after parathyroidectomy. Orthopedic surgery was performed in 21 of 26 patients, the other 5 cases were followed up conservatively. Intralesional curettage was performed in 19 cases (82,6%). The resulting cavity was filled with bone cement in 11 cases (47,8%). Bone grafting was applied in 8 cases (34,8%). No recurrence was observed in any of the patients.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of brown tumor begins with clinical suspicion. Endocrinology and general surgery consultation is important before surgery. Treatment of brown tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach.
A retrospective analysis of drugs associated with the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma reported by patients on the FDA’s adverse events reporting system
Authors: Jean-Pierre Philippe , Nouri Keyvan
Published: May 2024

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer arising from squamous cells of the epidermis. Most cases of cSCC have a good prognosis if detected and treated early; however, certain cases can be aggressive. The primary risk factor for cSCC is prolonged ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure, leading to DNA mutations. Other risk factors have also been observed, including adverse reactions to medications, particularly immunosuppressants. A query of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) was done, and all reported events of cSCC as adverse events to medication were recorded along with demographic data of patients affected. A total of 4,792 cases of cSCC as an adverse event to medication were reported between 1997 and 2023. Lenalidomide, a chemotherapeutic drug, had the most cases of cSCC as an adverse event. Nine of the top 10 drugs associated with cSCC had immunosuppressive characteristics. While males had higher odds of cSCC associated with corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, females had higher odds of cSCC related to monoclonal antibodies. Geriatric patients accounted for the majority of cSCC cases at 59.7%. Drawing on data from the FAERS database, there’s been a consistent increase in cSCC cases as a side-effect to certain medications, with most having immunosuppressive characteristics. Since there is a lack of up-to-date literature overviewing the most implicated medications for cSCC, we aimed to illustrate this better, as well as patient demographics, to better guide clinicians when prescribing these medications.
Development of a 3D-printed nuchal translucency model: a pilot study for prenatal ultrasound training
Authors: Recker Florian , Remmersmann Laura , Jost Elena , Jimenez-Cruz Jorge , Haverkamp Nicolas , Gembruch Ulrich , Strizek Brigitte , Schäfer Valentin S.
Published: May 2024

Background

We used two 3D ultrasound volumes of fetal heads at 13 weeks to create live-size 3D-printed phantoms with a view to training or assessment of diagnostic abilities for normal and abnormal nuchal translucency measurements. The phantoms are suitable for use in a water bath, imitating a real-life exam. They were then used to study measurement accuracy and reproducibility in examiners of different skill levels.

Methods

Ultrasound scans of a 13 + 0-week fetus were processed using 3D Slicer software, producing a stereolithography file for 3D printing. The model, crafted in Autodesk Fusion360™, adhered to FMF guidelines for NT dimensions (NT 2.3 mm). Additionally, a model with pathologic NT was designed (NT 4.2 mm). Printing was performed via Formlabs Form 3® printer using High Temp Resin V2. The externally identical looking 3D models were embedded in water-filled condoms for ultrasound examination. Eight specialists of varying expertise levels conducted five NT measurements for each model, classifying them in physiological and abnormal models.

Results

Classification of the models in physiological or abnormal NT resulted in a detection rate of 100%. Average measurements for the normal NT model and the increased NT model were 2.27 mm (SD ± 0.38) and 4.165 mm (SD ± 0.51), respectively. The interrater reliability was calculated via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) which yielded a result of 0.883, indicating robust agreement between the raters. Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated the economical nature of the 3D printing process.

Discussion

This study underscores the potential of 3D printed fetal models for enhancing ultrasound training through high inter-rater reliability, consistency across different expert levels, and cost-effectiveness. Limitations, including population variability and direct translation to clinical outcomes, warrant further exploration. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on integrating innovative technologies into medical education, offering a practical and economical method to acquire, refine and revise diagnostic skills in prenatal ultrasound. Future research should explore broader applications and long-term economic implications, paving the way for transformative advancements in medical training and practice.
Felix Klein’s early contributions to anschauliche Geometrie
Authors: Rowe David E.
Published: May 2024

Between 1873 and 1876, Felix Klein published a series of papers that he later placed under the rubric anschauliche Geometrie in the second volume of his collected works (1922). The present study attempts not only to follow the course of this work, but also to place it in a larger historical context. Methodologically, Klein’s approach had roots in Poncelet’s principle of continuity, though the more immediate influences on him came from his teachers, Plücker and Clebsch. In the 1860s, Clebsch reworked some of the central ideas in Riemann’s theory of Abelian functions to obtain complicated results for systems of algebraic curves, most published earlier by Hesse and Steiner. These findings played a major role in enumerative geometry, whereas Plücker’s work had a strongly qualitative character that imbued Klein’s early studies. A leitmotif in these works can be seen in the interplay between real curves and surfaces as reflected by their transformational properties. During the early 1870s, Klein and Zeuthen began to explore the possibility of deriving all possible forms for real cubic surfaces as well as quartic curves. They did so using continuity methods reminiscent of Poncelet’s earlier approach. Both authors also relied on visual arguments, which Klein would later advance under the banner of intuitive geometry (anschauliche Geometrie).
Stressful crystal histories recorded around melt inclusions in volcanic quartz
Authors: Cadena Tyler , Manga Michael , Befus Kenneth , Tamura Nobumichi
Published: May 2024

Magma ascent and eruption are driven by a set of internally and externally generated stresses that act upon the magma. We present microstructural maps around melt inclusions in quartz crystals from six large rhyolitic eruptions using synchrotron Laue X-ray microdiffraction to quantify elastic residual strain and stress. We measure plastic strain using average diffraction peak width and lattice misorientation, highlighting dislocations and subgrain boundaries. Quartz crystals across studied magma systems preserve similar and relatively small magnitudes of elastic residual stress (mean 53–135 MPa, median 46–116 MPa) in comparison to the strength of quartz (~ 10 GPa). However, the distribution of strain in the lattice around inclusions varies between samples. We hypothesize that dislocation and twin systems may be established during compaction of crystal-rich magma, which affects the magnitude and distribution of preserved elastic strains. Given the lack of stress-free haloes around faceted inclusions, we conclude that most residual strain and stress was imparted after inclusion faceting. Fragmentation may be one of the final strain events that superimposes stresses of ~ 100 MPa across all studied crystals. Overall, volcanic quartz crystals preserve complex, overprinted deformation textures indicating that quartz crystals have prolonged deformation histories throughout storage, fragmentation, and eruption.