bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation and evaporation of quantum black holes from the decoupling mechanism in quantum gravity
Authors: Borissova Johanna N. , Platania Alessia
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We propose a new method to account for quantum-gravitational effects in cosmological and black hole spacetimes. At the core of our construction is the “decoupling mechanism”: when a physical infrared scale overcomes the effect of the regulator implementing the Wilsonian integration of fluctuating modes, the renormalization group flow of the scale-dependent effective action freezes out, so that at the decoupling scale the latter approximates the standard quantum effective action. Identifying the decoupling scale allows to access terms in the effective action that were not part of the original truncation and thus to study leading-order quantum corrections to field equations and their solutions. Starting from the Einstein-Hilbert truncation, we exploit for the first time the decoupling mechanism in quantum gravity to investigate the dynamics of quantum-corrected black holes from formation to evaporation. Our findings are in qualitative agreement with previous results in the context of renormalization group improved black holes, but additionally feature novel properties reminiscent of higher-derivative operators with specific non-local form factors.
Holographic cameras: an eye for the bulk
Authors: Caron-Huot Simon
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We consider four-point correlators in an excited quantum state of a field theory. We show that, when the theory and state are holographic, a judiciously applied Fourier transform produces high-quality images of point-like bulk particles, revealing the geometry in which they move. For translation-invariant states, the bulk Einstein’s equations amount to local differential equations on correlator data. In theories or states that are not holographic, images are too blurry to extract a bulk geometry. We verify this for gauge theories at various couplings and the 3D Ising model by adapting formulas from conformal Regge theory.
Higgs branches of Argyres-Douglas theories as quiver varieties
Authors: Dey Anindya
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We present a general prescription for constructing 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Lagrangians for the IR SCFTs that arise from the circle reduction of a large class of Argyres-Douglas theories. The resultant Lagrangian gives a realization of the Higgs branch of the 4d SCFT as a quiver variety, up to a set of decoupled interacting SCFTs with empty Higgs branches. As representative examples, we focus on the families (Ap−N−1, AN−1) and Dp(SU(N)). The Lagrangian in question is generically a non-ADE-type quiver gauge theory involving only unitary gauge nodes with fundamental and bifundamental hypermultiplets, as well as hypermultiplets which are only charged under the U(1) subgroups of certain gauge nodes. Our starting point is the Lagrangian 3d mirror of the circle-reduced Argyres-Douglas theory, which can be read off from the class $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
construction. Using the toolkit of the S-type operations, developed in [1], we show that the mirror of the 3d mirror for any Argyres-Douglas theory in the aforementioned families is guaranteed to be a Lagrangian theory of the above type, up to some decoupled free sectors. We comment on the extension of this procedure to other families of Argyres-Douglas theories. In addition, for the case of Dp(SU(N)) theories, we compare these 3d Lagrangians to the ones found in [2] and propose that the two are related by an IR duality. We check the proposed IR duality at the level of the three-sphere partition function for specific examples. In contrast to the 3d Lagrangians in [2], which are linear chains involving unitary-special unitary nodes, we observe that the Coulomb branch global symmetries are manifest in the 3d Lagrangians that we find.
On the assembly of the mitotic spindle, bistability and hysteresis
Authors: Serpico Angela Flavia , Pisauro Caterina , Grieco Domenico
Published: March 2023

During cell division, the transition from interphase to mitosis is dictated by activation of the cyclin B-cdk1 (Cdk1) complex, master mitotic kinase. During interphase, Cdk1 accumulates in an inactive state (pre-Cdk1). When Cdk1 overcomes a certain threshold of activity upon initial activation of pre-Cdk1, then the stockpiled pre-Cdk1 is rapidly converted into overshooting active Cdk1, and mitosis is established irreversibly in a switch-like fashion. This is granted by positive Cdk1 activation loops and the concomitant inactivation of Cdk1 counteracting phosphatases, empowering Cdk1 activity and favoring the Cdk1-dependent phosphorylations that are required to establish mitosis. These circuitries prevent backtracking and ensure unidirectionality so that interphase and mitosis are considered bistable states. Mitosis also shows hysteresis, meaning that the levels of Cdk1 activity needed to establish mitosis are higher than those required to maintain it; therefore, once in mitosis cells can tolerate moderate drops in Cdk1 activity without exiting mitosis. Whether these features have other functional implications in addition to the general action of preventing backtracking is unknown. Here, we contextualize these concepts in the view of recent evidence indicating that loss of activity of small and compartmentalized amounts of Cdk1 within mitosis is necessary to assemble the mitotic spindle, the structure required to segregate replicated chromosomes. We further propose that, in addition to prevent backtracking, the stability and hysteresis properties of mitosis are also essential to move forward in mitosis by allowing cells to bear small, localized, drops in Cdk1 activity that are necessary to build the mitotic spindle.
Infraparticle States in the Massless Nelson Model: Revisited
Authors: Beaud Vincent , Dybalski Wojciech , Graf Gian Michele
Published: March 2023

We provide a new construction of infraparticle states in the massless Nelson model. The approximating sequence of our infraparticle state does not involve any infrared cut-offs. Its derivative w.r.t. the time parameter t is given by a simple explicit formula. The convergence of this sequence as $$t\rightarrow \infty $$

t
→
∞

to a nonzero limit is then obtained by the Cook method combined with stationary phase estimates. To apply the latter technique, we exploit recent results on regularity of ground states in the massless Nelson model, which hold in the low coupling regime.
Developing an integrated genomic selection approach beyond biomass for varietal protection and nutritive traits in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Malmberg M. M. , Smith C. , Thakur P. , Drayton M. C. , Wilson J. , Shinozuka M. , Clayton W. , Inch C. , Spangenberg G. C. , Smith K. F. , Cogan N. O. I. , Pembleton L. W.
Published: March 2023

Key message

Breeding target traits can be broadened to include nutritive value and plant breeder’s rights traits in perennial ryegrass by using in-field regression-based spectroscopy phenotyping and genomic selection.

Perennial ryegrass breeding has focused on biomass yield, but expansion into a broader set of traits is needed to benefit livestock industries whilst also providing support for intellectual property protection of cultivars. Numerous breeding objectives can be targeted simultaneously with the development of sensor-based phenomics and genomic selection (GS). Of particular interest are nutritive value (NV), which has been difficult and expensive to measure using traditional phenotyping methods, resulting in limited genetic improvement to date, and traits required to obtain varietal protection, known as plant breeder’s rights (PBR) traits. In order to assess phenotyping requirements for NV improvement and potential for genetic improvement, in-field reflectance-based spectroscopy was assessed and GS evaluated in a single population for three key NV traits, captured across four timepoints. Using three prediction approaches, the possibility of targeting PBR traits using GS was evaluated for five traits recorded across three years of a breeding program. Prediction accuracy was generally low to moderate for NV traits and moderate to high for PBR traits, with heritability highly correlated with GS accuracy. NV did not show significant or consistent correlation between timepoints highlighting the need to incorporate seasonal NV into selection indexes and the value of being able to regularly monitor NV across seasons. This study has demonstrated the ability to implement GS for both NV and PBR traits in perennial ryegrass, facilitating the expansion of ryegrass breeding targets to agronomically relevant traits while ensuring necessary varietal protection is achieved.
Uncovering the network structure of non-centrally cleared derivative markets: evidence from large regulatory data
Authors: Zema Sebastiano Michele
Published: March 2023

The network structure of non-centrally cleared derivative markets, uncovered via the European Market Infrastructure Regulation, is investigated by reconstructing initial and variation margin networks to analyze channels of potential losses and liquidity dynamics. Despite the absence of central clearing, the derivative network is found to be ultra-small and a maximization-based filtering tool is proposed to identify channels in the network characterized by the highest exposures. I find these exposures to be mainly toward institutions outside the euro area, emphasizing the need for cooperation across different jurisdictions. Anomalous behavior in terms of diverging first and second moments of the degree and strength distributions are detected, signaling the presence of large exposures generating extreme liquidity outflows. A reference table of parameters’ estimates based on real data is provided for different network sizes, with no break of confidentiality, making it possible to simulate in a realistic way the liquidity dynamic in global derivative markets even when access to supervisory data is not granted.
“Will I change nodule management recommendations if I change my CAD system?”—impact of volumetric deviation between different CAD systems on lesion management
Authors: Peters Alan A. , Christe Andreas , von Stackelberg Oyunbileg , Pohl Moritz , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Heußel Claus Peter , Wielpütz Mark O. , Ebner Lukas
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the measurement accuracy of two different computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems regarding artificial pulmonary nodules and assess the clinical impact of volumetric inaccuracies in a phantom study.

Methods

In this phantom study, 59 different phantom arrangements with 326 artificial nodules (178 solid, 148 ground-glass) were scanned at 80 kV, 100 kV, and 120 kV. Four different nodule diameters were used: 5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm. Scans were analyzed by a deep-learning (DL)–based CAD and a standard CAD system. Relative volumetric errors (RVE) of each system vs. ground truth and the relative volume difference (RVD) DL–based vs. standard CAD were calculated. The Bland–Altman method was used to define the limits of agreement (LOA). The hypothetical impact on LungRADS classification was assessed for both systems.

Results

There was no difference between the three voltage groups regarding nodule volumetry. Regarding the solid nodules, the RVE of the 5-mm-, 8-mm-, 10-mm-, and 12-mm-size groups for the DL CAD/standard CAD were 12.2/2.8%, 1.3/ − 2.8%, − 3.6/1.5%, and − 12.2/ − 0.3%, respectively. The corresponding values for the ground-glass nodules (GGN) were 25.6%/81.0%, 9.0%/28.0%, 7.6/20.6%, and 6.8/21.2%. The mean RVD for solid nodules/GGN was 1.3/ − 15.2%. Regarding the LungRADS classification, 88.5% and 79.8% of all solid nodules were correctly assigned by the DL CAD and the standard CAD, respectively. 14.9% of the nodules were assigned differently between the systems.

Conclusions

Patient management may be affected by the volumetric inaccuracy of the CAD systems and hence demands supervision and/or manual correction by a radiologist.

Key Points

• The DL-based CAD system was more accurate in the volumetry of GGN and less accurate regarding solid nodules than the standard CAD system.

• Nodule size and attenuation have an effect on the measurement accuracy of both systems; tube voltage has no effect on measurement accuracy.

• Measurement inaccuracies of CAD systems can have an impact on patient management, which demands supervision by radiologists.
Essential genes: a cross-species perspective
Authors: Cacheiro Pilar , Smedley Damian
Published: March 2023

Protein coding genes exhibit different degrees of intolerance to loss-of-function variation. The most intolerant genes, whose function is essential for cell or/and organism survival, inform on fundamental biological processes related to cell proliferation and organism development and provide a window on the molecular mechanisms of human disease. Here we present a brief overview of the resources and knowledge gathered around gene essentiality, from cancer cell lines to model organisms to human development. We outline the implications of using different sources of evidence and definitions to determine which genes are essential and highlight how information on the essentiality status of a gene can inform novel disease gene discovery and therapeutic target identification.
Characterization of transonic shock oscillations over the span of an OAT15A profile
Authors: Accorinti Alessandro , Korthäuer Tim , Scharnowski Sven , Kähler Christian J.
Published: March 2023

The flow over a wing model with aspect ratio 2 and based on the supercritical airfoil (OAT15A) was experimentally investigated for a fixed Reynolds number ($$Re_\textrm{c}$$

R

e
c

) of $$3\times 10^{6}$$

3
×

10
6

and numerous aerodynamic conditions. The angle of attack (AOA) and the Mach number ($$M_\mathrm {\infty }$$

M
∞

) were varied between 5$$^{\circ }$$

∘

and 6.5$$^{\circ }$$

∘

, and between 0.72 and 0.75, respectively. Here we focused on the dynamics of the shock front at incipient and developed buffet conditions, by employing background-oriented schlieren measurements on the wing’s upper surface. The spanwise variations of the shock front statistics and its frequency content were examined. The shock oscillations appeared to be the superposition of multiple fluid modes, of which the most dominant was the classic 2-D buffet, which induced uniform chordwise oscillations of the shock front. The hypothesis was formulated that the remaining modes are linked to physical phenomena reported in the literature, namely the side-wall boundary layer and the vortices detected in the mid-span separated flow.
Embedded 3D reconstruction of dynamic objects in real time for maritime situational awareness pictures
Authors: Sattler Felix , Carrillo-Perez Borja , Barnes Sarah , Stebner Karsten , Stephan Maurice , Lux Gregor
Published: March 2023

Assessing the security status of maritime infrastructures is a key factor for maritime safety and security. Facilities such as ports and harbors are highly active traffic zones with many different agents and infrastructures present, like containers, trucks or vessels. Conveying security-related information in a concise and easily understandable format can support the decision-making process of stakeholders, such as port authorities, law enforcement agencies and emergency services. In this work, we propose a novel real-time 3D reconstruction framework for enhancing maritime situational awareness pictures by joining temporal 2D video data into a single consistent display. We introduce and verify a pipeline prototype for dynamic 3D reconstruction of maritime objects using a static observer and stereoscopic cameras on an GPU-accelerated embedded device. A simulated dataset of a harbor basin was created and used for real-time processing. Usage of a simulated setup allowed verification against synthetic ground-truth data. The presented pipeline runs entirely on a remote, low-power embedded system with $$\sim $$
∼
6 Hz. A Nvidia Jetson Xavier AGX module was used, featuring 512 CUDA-cores, 16 GB memory and an ARMv8 64-bit octa-core CPU.
Adverse impact of tumor deposits in lymph node negative rectal cancer — a national cohort study
Authors: Lundström Simon , Agger Erik , Lydrup Marie-Louise , Jörgren Fredrik , Buchwald Pamela
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of tumor deposits (TDs) in lymph node negative rectal cancer.

Methods

Patients who had undergone surgery for rectal cancer with curative intention between 2011 and 2014 were extracted from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. Patients with positive lymph nodes, undisclosed TD status, stage IV disease, non-radical resections, or any outcome (local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM) or mortality) within 90 days after surgery were excluded. TDs status was based on histopathological reports. Cox-regression analyses were used to examine the prognostic impact of TDs on LR, DM, and overall survival (OS) in lymph node–negative rectal cancer.

Results

A total of 5455 patients were assessed for inclusion of which 2667 patients were analyzed, with TDs present in 158 patients. TD-positive patients had a lower 5-year DM-free survival (72.8%, p < 0.0001) and 5-year overall survival (75.9%, p = 0.016), but not 5-year LR-free survival (97.6%) compared to TD-negative patients (90.2%, 83.1% and 95.6%, respectively). In multivariable regression analysis, TDs increased the risk of DM [HR 4.06, 95% CI 2.72–6.06, p < 0.001] and reduced the OS [HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.35–2.48, p < 0.001]. For LR, only univariable regression analysis was performed which showed no increased risk of LR [HR 1.88, 95% CI 0.86–4.11, p = 0.11].

Conclusion

TDs are a negative predictor of DM and OS in lymph node–negative rectal cancer and could be taken into consideration when planning adjuvant treatment.
Impacts of vascular comorbidities on free flap perfusion in microvascular head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Ooms Mark , Heitzer Marius , Winnand Philipp , Bock Anna , Katz Marie , Bickenbach Johannes , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Arterial hypertension (AHTN), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) are common vascular comorbidities in patients undergoing reconstruction of the head and neck region with a microvascular free flap. These conditions may affect flap perfusion (microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation), which is a prerequisite for flap survival and thus reconstruction success. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of AHTN, DM, and ASVD on flap perfusion.

Methods

Data from 308 patients who underwent successful reconstruction of the head and neck region with radial free forearm flaps, anterolateral thigh flaps, or fibula free flaps between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Flap perfusion was measured intraoperatively and postoperatively with the O2C tissue oxygen analysis system. Flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation were compared between patients with and without AHTN, DM, and ASVD.

Results

Intraoperative hemoglobin oxygen saturation and postoperative blood flow were lower in patients with ASVD than in patients without ASVD (63.3% vs. 69.5%, p = 0.046; 67.5 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 85.0 AU, p = 0.036; respectively). These differences did not persist in the multivariable analysis (all p > 0.05). No difference was found in intraoperative or postoperative blood flow or hemoglobin oxygen saturation between patients with and without AHTN or DM (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Perfusion of microvascular free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction is not impaired in patients with AHTN, DM, or ASVD. Unrestricted flap perfusion may contribute to the observed successful use of microvascular free flaps in patients with these comorbidities.
Different monoclonal antibodies and immunosuppressants administration in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Ziqian , Qiu Youjia , Duan Aojie , Fang Ting , Chen Zhouqing , Wu Jiang , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: March 2023

Background

A variety of novel monoclonal antibodies and immunosuppressant have been proved effective in treating Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). This network meta-analysis compared and ranked the efficacy and tolerability of currently used monoclonal antibodies and immunosuppressive agents in NMOSD.

Methods

Electronic database including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies evaluating monoclonal antibodies and immunosuppressants in patients with NMOSD. The primary outcome measures were annualized relapse rate (ARR), relapse rate, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and total adverse events (AEs).

Results

We identified 25 studies with 2919 patients in our meta-analysis. For the primary outcome, rituximab (RTX) (SUCRA: 0.02) ranked first in reduction ARR with a significant difference compared with azathioprine (AZA) (MD – 0.34, 95% CrI – 0.55 to – 0.12) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (MD –0.38, 95% CrI – 0.63 to – 0.14). Tocilizumab (SUCRA: 0.05) ranked first in relapse rate, which was superior to satralizumab (lnOR – 25.4, 95% CrI – 74.4 to – 2.49) and inebilizumab (lnOR – 24.86, 95% CrI – 73.75 to – 1.93). MMF (SUCRA: 0.27) had the fewest AEs followed by RTX (SUCRA: 0.35), both of which showed a significant difference compared with AZA and corticosteroids (MMF vs AZA: lnOR – 1.58, 95% CrI – 2.48 to – 0.68; MMF vs corticosteroids: lnOR – 1.34, 95% CrI – 2.3 to – 0.37) (RTX vs AZA: lnOR – 1.34, 95% CrI – 0.37 to – 2.3; RTX vs corticosteroids: lnOR – 2.52, 95% CrI – 0.32 to – 4.86). In EDSS score, no statistical difference was found between different interventions.

Conclusion

RTX and tocilizumab showed better efficacy than traditional immunosuppressants in reducing relapse. For safety, MMF and RTX had fewer AEs. However, studies with larger sample size on newly developed monoclonal antibodies are warranted in the future.
Genetically determined cardiomyopathies at autopsy: the pivotal role of the pathologist in establishing the diagnosis and guiding family screening
Authors: Sheppard Mary N. , van der Wal Allard C. , Banner Jytte , d’Amati Giulia , De Gaspari Monica , De Gouveia Rosa , Di Gioia Cira , Giordano Carla , Larsen Maiken Kudahl , Lynch Matthew J. , Lucena Joaquin , Molina Pilar , Parsons Sarah , Suarez-Mier M. Paz , Rizzo Stefania , Suvarna Simon Kim , te Rijdt Wouter P , Thiene Gaetano , Vink Aryan , Westaby Joseph , Michaud Katarzyna , Basso Cristina ,   on behalf of the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology (AECVP)
Published: March 2023

Cardiomyopathies (CMP) comprise a heterogenous group of diseases affecting primarily the myocardium, either genetic and/or acquired in origin. While many classification systems have been proposed in the clinical setting, there is no internationally agreed pathological consensus concerning the diagnostic approach to inherited CMP at autopsy. A document on autopsy diagnosis of CMP is needed because the complexity of the pathologic backgrounds requires proper insight and expertise. In cases presenting with cardiac hypertrophy and/or dilatation/scarring with normal coronary arteries, a suspicion of inherited CMP must be considered, and a histological examination is essential. Establishing the actual cause of the disease may require a number of tissue-based and/or fluid-based investigations, be it histological, ultrastructural, or molecular. A history of illicit drug use must be looked for. Sudden death is frequently the first manifestation of disease in case of CMP, especially in the young. Also, during routine clinical or forensic autopsies, a suspicion of CMP may arise based on clinical data or pathological findings at autopsy. It is thus a challenge to make a diagnosis of a CMP at autopsy. The pathology report should provide the relevant data and a cardiac diagnosis which can help the family in furthering investigations, including genetic testing in case of genetic forms of CMP. With the explosion in molecular testing and the concept of the molecular autopsy, the pathologist should use strict criteria in the diagnosis of CMP, and helpful for clinical geneticists and cardiologists who advise the family as to the possibility of a genetic disease.
Overexpression of the orphan nuclear receptor NR2F6 is associated with improved survival across molecular subgroups in endometrial cancer patients
Authors: Proppe L. , Jagomast T. , Beume S. , Klapper L. , Gitas G. , Köster F. , Perner S. , Rody A. , Ribbat-Idel J. , Hanker L. C.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

NR2F6 (nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 6, also called Ear-2) is known to be an orphan nuclear receptor that has been characterized as an intracellular immune checkpoint in effector T cells and, therefore, may control tumor development and growth. The prognostic impact of NR2F6 in endometrial cancers is evaluated in this study.

Materials and methods

Expression analysis of NR2F6 in 142 endometrial cancer patients was performed by immunohistochemistry of primary paraffin‑embedded tumor samples. Staining intensity of positive tumor cells was automatically assessed semi-quantitatively, and results were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.

Results

Forty five of 116 evaluable samples (38.8%) showed an overexpression of NR2F6. This leads to an improvement of the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In NR2F6-positive patients, the estimated mean OS was 156.9 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 143.1–170.7) compared to 106.2 months in NR2F6-negative patients (95% CI 86.2–126.3; p = 0.022). The estimated PFS differed by 63 months (152 months (95% CI 135.7–168.4) vs. 88.3 months (95% CI 68.5–108.0), p = 0.002). Furthermore, we found significant associations between NR2F6 positivity, MMR status, and PD1 status. A multivariate analysis suggests NR2F6 to be an independent factor influencing the OS (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

In this study, we could demonstrate that there is a longer progression-free and overall survival for NR2F6-positive patients with endometrial cancer. We conclude that NR2F6 might play an essential role in endometrial cancers. Further studies are required to validate its prognostic impact.
Short- and long-term consequences of heat exposure on mitochondrial metabolism in zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis)
Authors: Pacheco-Fuentes Hector , Ton Riccardo , Griffith Simon C.
Published: March 2023

Understanding the consequences of heat exposure on mitochondrial function is crucial as mitochondria lie at the core of metabolic processes, also affecting population dynamics. In adults, mitochondrial metabolism varies with temperature but can also depend on thermal conditions experienced during development. We exposed zebra finches to two alternative heat treatments during early development: “constant”, maintained birds at ambient 35 °C from parental pair formation to fledglings’ independence, while “periodic” heated broods at 40 °C, 6 h daily at nestling stage. Two years later, we acclimated birds from both experiments at 25 °C for 21 days, before exposing them to artificial heat (40 °C, 5 h daily for 10 days). After both conditions, we measured red blood cells’ mitochondrial metabolism using a high-resolution respirometer. We found significantly decreased mitochondrial metabolism for Routine, Oxidative Phosphorylation (OxPhos) and Electron Transport System maximum capacity (ETS) after the heat treatments. In addition, the birds exposed to “constant” heat in early life showed lower oxygen consumption at the Proton Leak (Leak) stage after the heat treatment as adults. Females showed higher mitochondrial respiration for Routine, ETS and Leak independent of the treatments, while this pattern was reversed for OxPhos coupling efficiency (OxCE). Our results show that short-term acclimation involved reduced mitochondrial respiration, and that the reaction of adult birds to heat depends on the intensity, pattern and duration of temperature conditions experienced at early-life stages. Our study provides insight into the complexity underlying variation in mitochondrial metabolism and raises questions on the adaptive value of long-lasting physiological adjustments triggered by the early-life thermal environment.
The influence of procedural volume on short-term outcomes for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy—a cohort study and a learning curve analysis
Authors: Kawka Michal , Gall Tamara M. H. , Hand Fiona , Nazarian Scarlet , Cunningham David , Nicol David , Jiao Long R.
Published: March 2023

Background

An increasing number of robotic pancreatoduodenectomies (RPD) are reported, however, questions remain on the number of procedures needed for gaining technical proficiency in RPD. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of procedure volume on short-term RPD outcomes and assess the learning curve effect.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive RPD cases was undertaken. Non-adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed to identify the procedure volume threshold, following which before-threshold and after-threshold outcomes were compared.

Results

Since May 2017, 60 patients had undergone an RPD at our institution. The median operative time was 360 min (IQR 302.25–442 min). CUSUM analysis of operative time identified 21 cases as proficiency threshold, indicated by curve inflexion. Median operative time was significantly shorter after the threshold of 21 cases (470 vs 320 min,p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between before- and after-threshold groups in major Clavien-Dindo complications (23.8 vs 25.6%,p = 0.876).

Conclusions

A decrease in operative time after 21 RPD cases suggests a threshold of technical proficiency potentially associated with an initial adjustment to new instrumentation, port placement and standardisation of operative step sequence. RPD can be safely performed by surgeons with prior laparoscopic surgery experience.
Alkali salts of amino acids as alkaline additives for neutralization of acidic corrosion inhibitors
Authors: Naundorf Tim , Seddig Tom , Ruf Erik , Ballentin Laurens , Kipphardt Helmut , Maison Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

We present alkali salts of amino acids as functional, non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-volatile, chemically stable, and cheap alkaline additives for common acidic corrosion inhibitors. The resulting mixtures have been evaluated for Co, Ni, and Cu leaching and were analyzed by chip filter assay, potentiodynamic polarization measurements, electrochemical impedance measurements, and gravimetry for corrosion protection of iron and steel in aqueous environment at slightly alkaline pH. Leaching of Co and Ni was found to depend on the corresponding complex stabilities. Taurine (Tau) as well as aminohexanoic acid (AHX) leads to low leaching of Co and Ni. Particularly AHX is an attractive low leaching additive leading to lower Co and Ni concentrations in solution than currently used amino alcohols. Glu and Tau were found to synergistically interact with several acidic corrosion inhibitors of the carboxylic acid and the phosphonic acid type. Tau had a particularly positive impact on the protective properties of carboxyphosphonic acids. Glu had also a positive effect on the anti-corrosive properties of several acidic corrosion inhibitors and served as an anti-scalant. Alkali salts of Glu and Tau might thus serve as commercially and ecologically attractive substitutes for current alkaline additives to acidic corrosion inhibitors.
Targeting cancer lactate metabolism with synergistic combinations of synthetic catalysts and monocarboxylate transporter inhibitors
Authors: Bridgewater Hannah E. , Bolitho Elizabeth M. , Romero-Canelón Isolda , Sadler Peter J. , Coverdale James P. C.
Published: March 2023

Synthetic anticancer catalysts offer potential for low-dose therapy and the targeting of biochemical pathways in novel ways. Chiral organo-osmium complexes, for example, can catalyse the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of pyruvate, a key substrate for energy generation, in cells. However, small-molecule synthetic catalysts are readily poisoned and there is a need to optimise their activity before this occurs, or to avoid this occurring. We show that the activity of the synthetic organometallic redox catalyst [Os(p-cymene)(TsDPEN)] (1), which can reduce pyruvate to un-natural d-lactate in MCF7 breast cancer cells using formate as a hydride source, is significantly increased in combination with the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibitor AZD3965. AZD3965, a drug currently in clinical trials, also significantly lowers the intracellular level of glutathione and increases mitochondrial metabolism. These synergistic mechanisms of reductive stress induced by 1, blockade of lactate efflux, and oxidative stress induced by AZD3965 provide a strategy for low-dose combination therapy with novel mechanisms of action.

Graphical abstract
The causal effect of catastrophic health expenditure on poverty in Poland
Authors: Kolasa Aleksandra , Weychert Ewa
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Out-of-pocket medical expenses are a crucial source of health care financing in a number of countries. With the ongoing population aging, health care costs are likely to increase. Therefore, disentangling the relationship between health care spending and monetary poverty is becoming increasingly important. Although there is extensive literature on the impoverishment effect of out-of-pocket medical payments, it lacks empirical studies on a causal relationship between catastrophic health expenditure and poverty. In our paper, we try to fill this gap.

Methods

We estimate recursive bivariate probit models using Polish Household Budget Survey data covering years from 2010 to 2013 and from 2016 to 2018. The model controls for a wide range of factors and endogeneity between poverty and catastrophic health expenditure.

Results

We show that the causal relationship between catastrophic health expenditure and relative poverty is significant and positive across different methodological approaches. We find no empirical evidence that a one-time incidence of catastrophic health expenditure creates a poverty trap. We also show that using a poverty measure which treats out-of-pocket medical payments and luxury consumption as perfect substitutes can lead to an underestimation of poverty among the elderly.

Conclusion

Out-of-pocket medical payments should probably receive more attention from policymakers than the official statistics suggest. A current challenge is to correctly identify and appropriately support those who are most affected by catastrophic health expenditure. More prospectively, a complex modernization of the Polish public health system is needed.
Fitness costs of pyrethroid resistance in the polyphagous pest mite, Halotydeus destructor, under field conditions
Authors: Umina Paul A. , Maino James L. , Edwards Owain , Cheng Xuan , Binns Matthew , van Rooyen Anthony , Song Sue Vern , Weeks Andrew , Arthur Aston L. , Reynolds Olivia L. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: March 2023

The redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, is an economically important pest of winter field crops and pastures in Australia, and has evolved field resistance to pyrethroid chemicals through a polymorphism in the voltage-gated parasodium channel leading to knockdown resistance (kdr). In this study, we quantified the rate of reversion to susceptibility of partially resistant H. destructor populations under field conditions in the absence of pesticide exposure. This was conducted over multiple years at two geographically distant locations with mite populations known to possess pyrethroid resistance. Fitness costs associated with pyrethroid resistance were identified through reductions in the frequency of kdr resistance alleles in the absence of pesticides. This was assessed using an amplicon sequencing approach targeting known resistance alleles. We also found that resistance can increase rapidly in frequency after only a single pyrethroid application in the field. Our results highlight that, once established in H. destructor populations, pyrethroid resistance will not easily be lost even after several years, emphasizing the importance of limiting the evolution of resistance in the first place. This helps to explain why pyrethroid resistance in H. destructor continues to persist at very high frequencies in the field and continues to expand within Australia despite the existence of fitness costs. Understanding field fitness costs associated with pesticide resistance is important when devising resistance management strategies for this pest.
Representing interlingual meaning in lexical databases
Authors: Giunchiglia Fausto , Bella Gábor , Nair Nandu C. , Chi Yang , Xu Hao
Published: March 2023

In today’s multilingual lexical databases, the majority of the world’s languages are under-represented. Beyond a mere issue of resource incompleteness, we show that existing lexical databases have structural limitations that result in a reduced expressivity on culturally-specific words and in mapping them across languages. In particular, the lexical meaning space of dominant languages, such as English, is represented more accurately while linguistically or culturally diverse languages are mapped in an approximate manner. Our paper assesses state-of-the-art multilingual lexical databases and evaluates their strengths and limitations with respect to their expressivity on lexical phenomena of linguistic diversity.
Prevalence of Intoxicating Substance Use Before or During Sex Among Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gómez-Núñez María Isabel , Molla-Esparza Cristian , Gandia Carbonell Natalia , Badenes Ribera Laura
Published: March 2023

Drug use before or during sex is a high-risk sexual behavior associated with adverse health risks and outcomes, such as increasing the likelihood of overdoses and of acquiring sexually-transmitted diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis of three scientific databases examined the prevalence of the use of intoxicating substances, those tending to excite or stupefy the user on a psychoactive level, before or during sex, among young adults (18–29 years old). A total of 55 unique empirical studies met the inclusion criteria (48,145 individuals; 39% males), were assessed for risk of bias using the tools of Hoy et al. (2012), and were analyzed via a generalized linear mixed-effects model. The results produced a global mean prevalence of this sexual risk behavior of 36.98% (95% CI: 28.28%, 46.63%). Nonetheless, significant differences were identified between different intoxicating substances, with the use of alcohol (35.10%; 95% CI: 27.68%, 43.31%), marijuana (27.80%; 95% CI: 18.24%, 39.92%), and ecstasy (20.90%; 95% CI: 14.34%, 29.45%) significantly more prevalent than that of cocaine (4.32%; 95% CI: 3.64%, 5.11%), heroin (.67%; 95% CI: .09%, 4.65%), methamphetamine (7.10%; 95% CI: 4.57%, 10.88%), and GHB (6.55%; 95% CI: 4.21%, 10.05%). Moderator analyses showed that the prevalence of alcohol use before or during sex differed according to geographical sample origin, and increased as the proportion of ethnic whites in samples increased. The remaining demographic (e.g., gender, age, reference population), sexual (e.g., sexual orientation, sexual activity), health (e.g., drug consumption, STI/STD status), methodological (e.g., sampling technique), and measurement (e.g., timeframe) variables that were examined did not moderate prevalence estimates. Implications for sexual development interventions were discussed.
The Inverse First-passage Time Problem as Hydrodynamic Limit of a Particle System
Authors: Klump Alexander
Published: March 2023

We study a particle system without branching but with selection at timepoints depending on a given probability distribution on the positive real line. The hydrodynamic limit of the particle system is identified as the distribution of a Brownian motion conditioned to not having passed the solution of the so-called inverse first-passage time problem. As application we extract a Monte-Carlo method to simulate solutions of the inverse first-passage time problem.
Mortality and malformation effects of acute vanadium (V) exposure on the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) embryos
Authors: Dahms-Verster Simone , Nel Amina , van Vuren Johan H. J. , Greenfield Richard
Published: March 2023

Vanadium (V) is a transition metal that is found in low concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. These levels increase due to anthropogenic activities. The mortality and teratogenicity effects of V remain unexplored in amphibian species. To address this gap in the knowledge base, a standard Frog Embryo Teratogenic Index – Xenopus (FETAX) assessment was conducted. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) was chosen for its known toxicity in other aquatic biota and its solubility in water. A range-finding test was conducted in two different mediums, V2O5 in distilled water (VDH2O) and V2O5 in FETAX medium (VMED), to determine concentration ranges where effects occurred. Thereafter, definitive tests were conducted using two separate breeding pairs, with two replicate dishes per concentration containing 15 embryos each. Multiple endpoints were assessed including mortality, malformations, minimum concentration to inhibit growth (MCIG), and the teratogenic index (TI). Mortality and malformation effects occurred at different ranges, and therefore, the exposures were conducted in low dose and high dose ranges. The high dose range for mortality effects was conducted at 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/L of V. The low dose exposures to assess malformation effects were conducted at 0.0001, 0.00025, 0.0005, 0.00075, and 0.001 mg/L. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the LC50 and EC50 for the two sets of definitive tests. The LC50s were determined to be 46.10 mg/L and 26.91 mg/L for VDH2O and 34.50 and 25.25 for VMED for the two breeding pairs respectively. The EC50 was calculated as 0.00053 mg/L and 0.00037 mg/L for VDH2O and 0.00036 mg/L and 0.00017 mg/L for VMED for the two definitive tests respectively. The TI was calculated as 86,981 and 72,729 for VDH2O and 95,833 and 148,526 for VMED. Ultimately, there were severe malformation effects in embryos exposed to low doses of V and V was determined to be a very strong teratogen.
Hybrid vigor in Eucalyptus increases resistance against Phytophthora root rot
Authors: Bose Tanay , Hammerbacher Almuth , Jones Wayne , Roux Jolanda , Slippers Bernard , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Eucalyptus nitens is a cold-tolerant eucalypt that is native to Eastern Australia. Pure E. nitens as well as its hybrids, such as Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus nitens, is propagated commercially in various regions of the southern hemisphere, including South Africa. In a plantation environment, E. nitens is susceptible to a variety of native and invasive pathogens, including Phytophthora alticola and P. cinnamomi. Recently, there have been increasing reports of root and collar rot in E. nitens in South Africa. The severity of this disease was substantially lower among interspecific hybrids of E. grandis × E. nitens compared to purebred E. nitens. In South Africa, the susceptibility of commercially propagated provenances of pure E. nitens and varieties of hybrid E. grandis × E. nitens to Phytophthora species is unknown. Therefore, we conducted greenhouse trials to evaluate the pathogenicity of P. alticola and P. cinnamomi to two families of pure E. nitens, one self-fertilized and the other outcrossed, as well as a single clonal variety of the most widely planted interspecific hybrid, E. grandis × E. nitens. The outcomes from these trials revealed that both self-fertilized and outcrossed families of E. nitens were highly susceptible to the tested Phytophthora species. The severity of root rot was greatest among plants inoculated with P. cinnamomi. The tested interspecific hybrid was tolerant to both Phytophthora species and developed new lateral and fine roots to offset the effects of root rot.
Cuplength estimates for periodic solutions of Hamiltonian particle-field systems
Authors: Fabert Oliver , Lamoree Niek
Published: March 2023

We consider a natural class of time-periodic infinite-dimensional nonlinear Hamiltonian systems modelling the interaction of a classical mechanical system of particles with a scalar wave field. When the field is defined on a space torus$${\mathbb {T}}^d={\mathbb {R}}^d/(2\pi {\mathbb {Z}})^d$$Td=Rd/(2πZ)dand the coordinates of the particles are constrained to a submanifold$$Q\subset {\mathbb {T}}^d$$Q⊂Td, we prove that the number of contractibleT-periodic solutions of the coupled Hamiltonian particle-field system is bounded from below by the$${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$Z2-cuplength of the space$$\Lambda ^{{\text {contr}}} Q$$ΛcontrQof contractible loops inQ, provided that the square of the ratio$$T/2\pi $$T/2πof time periodTand space period$$X=2\pi $$X=2πis a Diophantine irrational number. The latter condition is necessary since for the infinite-dimensional version of Gromov–Floer compactness as well as for the$$C^0$$C0-bounds we need to deal with small divisors.
Subloading-Overstress Model: Unified Constitutive Equation for Elasto-Plastic and Elasto-Viscoplastic Deformations Under Monotonic and Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Hashiguchi Koichi , Ueno Masami , Anjiki Takuya
Published: March 2023

Various elasto-plastic models for the rate-independent deformation, various elasto-viscoplastic models for the rate-dependent deformation and their combinations have been proposed during a long time more than one or more centuries. Firstly, the history of the development of the elastoplasticiy and the elasto-viscoplasticity is reviewed comprehensively. Unfortunately, each of these models possesses their own drawbacks and limitations. The unified constitutive equation of the elasto-plastic and the elasto-viscoplastic deformations is provided by incorporating the subloading surface model into the overstress model in this article, which is capable of describing the monotonic and the cyclic loadings at the general rate ranging from the quasi-static to the impact loading. The validity of the unified model is verified by the comparison with various test data of metals under various loading conditions. Consequently, the elastoplastic constitutive equation can be disused hereinafter, while it is expressed by the cumbersome formulation including the complicated plastic modulus but limited to the description of the purely static deformation which is not induced actually.