bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closed‐Loop Defect States in 2D Materials with Honeycomb Lattice Structure: Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Niebur André , Lorenz Tommy , Joswig Jan-Ole , Seifert Gotthard , Gemming Sibylle , Schreiber Michael
Published: September 2021

Platelets and ribbons of monolayer molybdenum disulfide () exhibit characteristic electronic states along the edges, which tend to decouple from the extended states in the interior of the 2D extended structure. Under sulfur excess specifically triangular platelets are formed, which exhibit 1D extended electronic states with a pronounced catalytic activity along the edges. The present density‐functional‐based investigation shows that very similar electronic states occur also along the edges of holes inside an otherwise perfect, extended monolayer. For triangular defects, the edge states can delocalize around the hole. Density functional molecular dynamics simulations on 150 different nanoscale defect geometries and termination variants prove the high structural stability of hole defects in against further reconstructions and a thermodynamic propensity to participate in sulfur exchange reactions.
Interactions between water flow and microplastics in silt loam and loamy sand
Authors: Xing Xuguang , Yu Miao , Xia Tianjiao , Ma Li
Published: September 2021

The threat of microplastics (MPs) intervention in cropland always results in water flow alteration, which is the leading cause behind MP transport and distribution. This study investigated water infiltration and MP transport and distribution on MP‐contaminated silt loam and loamy sand to explore how water flow and MP affect each other and reveal their mechanisms. The results indicated that water infiltration increased as the content of MPs present in the soils increased from 1 to 7% (w/w), which increased the MPs in deeper soil layers. For the silt loam sample, the MP concentration first increased to higher levels at 15–20 cm and then decreased. The MPs with sizes of 0–150 and 150–500 μm were found in excess at 25‐to‐30‐cm and 5‐to‐20‐cm depths, respectively. In the case of the loamy sand sample, the MP concentration gradually increased up to 30‐cm depth, and the MPs with sizes of 0–150 and 150—500 μm were found in excess at 5‐to‐10‐cm and 15‐to‐30‐cm depths, respectively. The increased infiltration was due to the increased hydraulic conductivity resulting from inhibition of soil particle aggregation, increased soil porosity, and strong hydrophobicity of MP particles. The difference in proportions of various MP particle sizes in soil layers was due to the differences in migration ability in pores for various soil samples and MP particle aggregation features.
Help students with disabilities develop positive identity
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2021

Most discussions higher education professionals have about disability focus on accommodations and what legal requirements must be met, said Michelle Heinig Resnick, Director of Disability Accommodations and Support Services at California State University, Channel Islands. Only recently, the discussions have begun to more often include disability rights as civil rights and disability as part of identity, she added.
Proactive content caching in edge computing environment: A review
Authors: Aghazadeh Rafat , Shahidinejad Ali , Ghobaei‐Arani Mostafa
Published: September 2021

Edge computing environment provides processing capability and computing at the network edge and close to users. Edge equipment includes small data centers that locally perform process and content delivery. Therefore, edge equipment management has received much attention due to the rapid growth of information and resources limitations. The content caching and proactive caching techniques are management methods of edge equipment resources. We recently witnessed the development of proactive caching mechanisms that have a crucial enabler in improving heavy traffic, energy, and bandwidth. Also, it has huge potential to increase the quick response time to users' requests that today, these services are demanded by many users and applications. This article prepares a systematic literature review content caching approach in the edge computing environment. The purpose of this study is to survey the research done on the proactive caching strategies in the edge computing environment to identify subjects that must be emphasized more in current and future research paths. This research has studied 71 articles divided into three classes: model‐based, machine‐learning‐based, and heuristic‐based. Next, we discuss content caching approaches based on critical factors such as performance metrics, case studies, utilized techniques, assessment tools, advantages, and disadvantages. Finally, open issues and challenges are presented, and the survey is concluded.
Effective student engagement strategies: A crucial alignment for sustainable, quality learning
Authors: Germain‐Rutherford Aline , Davis Alexander , Burrows Tylor
Published: September 2021

This introductory article provides a comprehensive overview of student engagement by reviewing student engagement conceptions and aspects influencing student engagement. The article concludes by highlighting considerations for student engagement and technology‐facilitated education.
Exploring student satisfaction in experiential learning at the University of Ottawa
Authors: O'Connor Eileen , Cianciotta Jasmine , Crête Daniel
Published: September 2021

This article explores students’ satisfaction in experiential learning in the undergraduate program in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa. Specifically, this article explores undergraduate students’ satisfaction of their 4th year internship. It situates students’ recommendations within the SoTL literature on research‐informed practices in experiential learning and student engagement.
Reflective journal writing as a tool for student engagement in the undergraduate classroom: An intersectional analysis of experiential learning
Authors: Ahmed Rukhsana , Zaky Radamis
Published: September 2021

Through an intersectional analysis, this article examined undergraduate students’ use of reflective journal writing as a student engagement tool by helping students to apply course concepts and theories to personal experiences and thus promote experiential learning.
Blended learning as a vehicle for increasing student engagement
Authors: Ghani Shehzad , Taylor Maurice
Published: September 2021

This article views student engagement through the lens of a university wide blended learning initiative. Using the Community of Inquiry framework, student voices help us understand how professors and the institution can increase active learning. Attention is also given to the development of higher order thinking skills as a means of increasing student engagement.
Design and implementation of assignments for large classes of health professional students that engage learners and promote communication
Authors: Carnegie Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

This article describes the use of feedback‐oriented online assignments in large classes of undergraduate students studying anatomy and physiology to promote active learning, critical thinking, and effective written communication skills.
Engaging students as co‐creators of course resources and learning experiences
Authors: Carle Myriam S. , Deng Jacky M. , Huang Denzel , Lapierre Keith R. , Mesnic Natalie , Bodé Nicholas E. , Featherstone Ryan B. , Ingram Quinn , O'Connor Emily K. , Roberge Sebastien , Roy Kevin , Veilleux‐Deschênes Joëlle , Znotinas Annie , Flynn Alison B.
Published: September 2021

This article focuses on the benefits and barriers to engaging students as partners in educational projects.
Student engagement in doctoral programs: Principal factors that facilitate learning
Authors: Groen Jovan
Published: September 2021

This article examines how doctoral candidates characterize factors that influence constructive engagement in their respective program experiences and how these have served as primary catalysts for learning along their doctoral journeys.
Reflections of an institutional case study: Lessons learned
Authors: Groen Jovan , Germain‐Rutherford Aline
Published: September 2021

This final article brings together the initiatives highlighted at one postsecondary institution. As perspectives of student engagement are synthesized and categorised, facilitating factors are outlined and further questions are considered.
Strategic approach on flow characteristics of magnetic nano adsorbent on treatment of dye wastewater
Authors: Radha Kuravappullam Vedaiyan , Balajee Linkesh
Published: September 2021

In the present study, magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized through chemical precipitation using sodium hydroxide as precipitating agent. On characterization, X‐ray diffraction results revealed the formation of pure crystalline nanoparticles. Chemical bond formations were confirmed through Fourier transform infrared analyzes. Scanning Electron Microscope showed spherical shaped nanoparticles and Transmission Electron Microscope analysis confirmed the size range between 46.47  and 51.02 nm for 0.3 and 0.4 M of sodium hydroxide. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analyzes confirmed high purity for the synthesized nanoparticles. On dye adsorption, 94.56% and 98.35% adsorption were achieved for Eosin and Reactive dyes, respectively. The experiments fitted well with Langmuir model and pseudo‐second order was the best fit (R2  =  0.99 for Eosin and 0.985 for Reactive dye) with observed rate constant as 4 × 10−2 g mg−1 min−1 and 6 × 10−2 g mg−1 min−2. On flow parameter study for effective adsorption, it was found that the nanoparticles were preserved in the column for various pore volume without distinctive discharge. Desorption studies were done and it was found that 95% effectiveness achieved for five cycles. Therefore, the magnetic nanoparticles can be used as potential nano adsorbent for the degradation of dyes without affecting the environment.
Relevance of membrane biological reactor in heavy metals recovery: Diminutive review
Authors: Mengesha Alemu , Sahu Omprakash
Published: September 2021

Heavy metals are extensively utilized in modern industries in various process. Subsequently a large quantity of waste generated as byproduct that have great impact on environment. A higher concentration of almost all heavy metals are toxic in nature for all living organisms. Therefore, the wastes discharged from the conventional treatment plants deteriorate the natural ecosystems; qualities of water sources and farmlands. Globally, activated sludge waste treatment technology have been widely used as a metal recovery process. The technique miscarried to attain the anticipated removal efficiency. Recently, membrane biological reactor (MBR) system has emerged as an important alternative to conventional activated sludge (CAS) systems. The work describes the potency of microbes for extraction heavy metal from wastes, the enhancements in biotechnology, characterization of specific wastes, optimization parameters to operate under various conditions that prevail in membrane bioreactors. The performance of the MBR technology shows good results to reduce all types heavy metals with supporting evidence, which obtained from the results of prominent studies.
The advantages and synergistic effects of Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract and protexin in chicken production
Authors: Gholami‐Ahangaran Majid , Haj‐Salehi Maziar , Ahmadi‐Dastgerdi Asiye , Zokaei Maryam
Published: September 2021

Background

Probiotics and phytogenics in the poultry diet have many positive effects on productivity. The combination of these feed additives has not been studied.

Objective

This study was designed for evaluation of synergistic effects of protexin (P) and Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract (GX) on growth, biochemical, hematological and antioxidant status of broiler chickens.

Methods

Totally, 300 chicks were divided into 4 groups that fed the basal diet, diet containing P, GX, and GX
plus P (GX‐P) in all over the growing period. At 42 days of age, blood samples were collected from all chickens. The concentration of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), haematological parameters, and humeral antibody against Newcastle disease vaccine was measured.

Results

The Results showed that the feed conversion ratio in chickens fed GX‐P was significantly lower than others. Also, in chickens fed GX or GX‐P, the TG and CHL concentration was significantly lower and GPx and TAC concentration was significantly higher than others, while chickens that received P or GX‐P showed higher haemoglobin and TP concentration. The antibody response was significantly higher in chickens fed P. The ALT, AST, ALP, and SOD concentration did not show any significant difference in all chickens.

Conclusion

Continuous utilization of P along with GX in broiler diets can induce synergist effect on feed efficacy and antioxidant status, lowering lipid profiles with no effect on liver function in chickens.
Late recanalization after complete occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Kochi Masaki , Sugimoto Keisuke , Inoue Michito , Aoki Takuma
Published: September 2021

A 36‐month‐old female Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a cardiac murmur weighing 12.6 kg was referred to the Matsubara Animal Hospital cardiology service. Echocardiography revealed a patent ductus arteriosus. The dog underwent ductus arteriosus closure using an Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder. After the operation, we suspected coagulation and a platelet disorder because of the slightly increased haemorrhage during the operation, postoperative purpura around the surgical wound inside of the thigh, and dog breed, which is known to be commonly affected with von Willebrand disease (vWD). Subsequently, type 1 vWD was confirmed. Complete occlusion was achieved 1 month after the operation; however, 2 months after the operation, recanalization appeared. Recanalization progressed gradually; cardiac redilation was not detected 6 years after the operation. The late recanalization was most likely associated with vWD. In canine breeds pre‐disposed to developing vWD, pre‐operative testing may be indicated prior to patent ductus arteriosus occlusion, though the prevalence of vWD is rare.
Bears with Hats and Independence Polynomials
Authors: Blažej Václav , Dvořák Pavel , Opler Michal
Published: September 2021

Consider the following hat guessing game. A bear sits on each vertex of a graph G, and a demon puts on each bear a hat colored by one of h colors. Each bear sees only the hat colors of his neighbors. Based on this information only, each bear has to guess g colors and he guesses correctly if his hat color is included in his guesses. The bears win if at least one bear guesses correctly for any hat arrangement.

We introduce a new parameter—fractional hat chromatic number $$\hat{\mu }$$, arising from the hat guessing game. The parameter $$\hat{\mu }$$ is related to the hat chromatic number which has been studied before. We present a surprising connection between the hat guessing game and the independence polynomial of graphs. This connection allows us to compute the fractional hat chromatic number of chordal graphs in polynomial time, to bound fractional hat chromatic number by a function of maximum degree of G, and to compute the exact value of $$\hat{\mu }$$ of cliques, paths, and cycles.
FPT Algorithms to Compute the Elimination Distance to Bipartite Graphs and More
Authors: Jansen Bart M. P. , de Kroon Jari J. H.
Published: September 2021

For a hereditary graph class $$\mathcal {H}$$, the $$\mathcal {H}$$-elimination distance of a graph G is the minimum number of rounds needed to reduce G to a member of $$\mathcal {H}$$ by removing one vertex from each connected component in each round. The $$\mathcal {H}$$-treewidth of a graph G is the minimum, taken over all vertex sets X for which each connected component of $$G - X$$ belongs to $$\mathcal {H}$$, of the treewidth of the graph obtained from G by replacing the neighborhood of each component of $$G-X$$ by a clique and then removing $$V(G) \setminus X$$. These parameterizations recently attracted interest because they are simultaneously smaller than the graph-complexity measures treedepth and treewidth, respectively, and the vertex-deletion distance to $$\mathcal {H}$$. For the class $$\mathcal {H}$$ of bipartite graphs, we present non-uniform fixed-parameter tractable algorithms for testing whether the $$\mathcal {H}$$-elimination distance or $$\mathcal {H}$$-treewidth of a graph is at most k. Along the way, we also provide such algorithms for all graph classes $$\mathcal {H}$$ defined by a finite set of forbidden induced subgraphs.
Twistor Actions for Integrable Systems
Authors: Penna Robert F.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Many integrable systems can be reformulated as holomorphic vector bundles on twistor space. This is a powerful organizing principle in the theory of integrable systems. One shortcoming is that it is formulated at the level of the equations of motion. From this perspective, it is mysterious that integrable systems have Lagrangians. In this paper, we study a Chern-Simons action on twistor space and use it to derive the Lagrangians of some integrable sigma models. Our focus is on examples that come from dimensionally reduced gravity and supergravity. The dimensional reduction of general relativity to two spacetime dimensions is an integrable coset sigma model coupled to a dilaton and 2d gravity. The dimensional reduction of supergravity to two spacetime dimensions is an integrable coset sigma model coupled to matter fermions, a dilaton, and 2d supergravity. We derive Lax operators and Lagrangians for these 2d integrable systems using the Chern-Simons theory on twistor space. In the supergravity example, we use an extended setup in which twistor Chern-Simons theory is coupled to a pair of matter fermions.
Control of the eIF4E activity: structural insights and pharmacological implications
Authors: Romagnoli Alice , D’Agostino Mattia , Ardiccioni Chiara , Maracci Cristina , Motta Stefano , La Teana Anna , Di Marino Daniele
Published: September 2021

The central role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in controlling mRNA translation has been clearly assessed in the last decades. eIF4E function is essential for numerous physiological processes, such as protein synthesis, cellular growth and differentiation; dysregulation of its activity has been linked to ageing, cancer onset and progression and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). The interaction between eIF4E and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) is crucial for the assembly of the translational machinery, the initial step of mRNA translation. A well-characterized group of proteins, named 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), inhibits the eIF4E–eIF4G interaction by competing for the same binding site on the eIF4E surface. 4E-BPs and eIF4G share a single canonical motif for the interaction with a conserved hydrophobic patch of eIF4E. However, a second non-canonical and not conserved binding motif was recently detected for eIF4G and several 4E-BPs. Here, we review the structural features of the interaction between eIF4E and its molecular partners eIF4G and 4E-BPs, focusing on the implications of the recent structural and biochemical evidence for the development of new therapeutic strategies. The design of novel eIF4E-targeting molecules that inhibit translation might provide new avenues for the treatment of several conditions.
Concept development of a method for identifying friction coefficients for the numerical simulation of clinching processes
Authors: Böhnke Max , Rossel Moritz , Bielak Christian R. , Bobbert Mathias , Meschut Gerson
Published: September 2021

In order to reduce fuel consumption and thus pollutant emissions, the automotive industry is increasingly developing lightweight construction concepts that are accompanied by an increasing usage of aluminum materials. Due to poor weldability of aluminum in combination with other materials, mechanical joining methods such as clinching were developed and established in series production. In order to predict the relevant characteristics of clinched joints and to ensure the reliability of the process, it is simulated numerically during product development processes. In this regard, the predictive accuracy of the simulated process highly depends on the implemented friction model. In particular, the frictional behavior between the sheet metals as well as between the sheet metal and clinching tools has a significant impact on the geometrical formation of the clinched joint. No testing methods exist that can sufficiently investigate the frictional behavior in sheet materials, especially under high interface pressures, different relative velocities, and long friction paths, while allowing a decoupled consideration of the test parameters. This paper describes the development of further testing concepts based on a proven tribo-torsion test method for determining friction coefficients between sheet metal materials for the simulation of clinching processes. For this purpose, the correlation of interface pressure and the relative velocity between aluminum and steel sheet material in clinching processes is investigated using numerical simulation. Based on these findings, the developed concepts focus on determining friction coefficients at interface pressures of the above materials, yield stress, as well as the reproduction of the occurring friction conditions between sheet metal materials and tool surfaces in clinching processes using tool substitutes. Furthermore, wear investigations between sheet metal material and tool surface were carried out in the friction tests with subsequent EDX analyses of the frictioned tool surfaces. The developed method also allows an optical deformation measurement of the sheet metal material specimen by means of digital image correlation (DIC). Based on a methodological approach, the test setups and the test systems used are explained, and the functionality of the concepts is proven by experimental tests using different sheet metal materials.
Optimization of hyphenated asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation for the analysis of silver nanoparticles in aqueous solutions
Authors: Geißler Felix , Martínez-Cabanas María , Lodeiro Pablo , Achterberg Eric P.
Published: September 2021

The extensive use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products, medicine, and industry leads to their release into the environment. Thus, a characterization of the concentration, size, fate, and toxicity of AgNPs under environmental conditions is required. In this study, we present the characterization and optimization of an asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) system coupled with UV/Vis spectrophotometer and dynamic light scattering (DLS) detector as a powerful tool for the size separation and multi-parameter characterization of AgNPs in complex matrices. The hyphenated AF4-UV/Vis-DLS system was first characterized using individual injections of the different size fractions. We used electrostatically stabilized AgNPs of 20-, 50-, and 80-nm nominal diameters coated with lipoic acid. We investigated the effect of applied cross-flows, carrier solutions, focus times, and quantity of injected particles on the nature of the AF4 fractograms and on the integrity of the AgNPs. Best size separation of a 1:1 mixture of 20- and 80-nm AgNPs was achieved using cross-flows of 0.5 and 0.7 mL/min with 1 mM NaCl and 0.05% v/v Mucasol as carrier solutions. We also researched the behavior of AgNPs in natural waters using the hyphenated AF4-UV/Vis-DLS system, under determined optimal conditions.

Graphical abstract
Fibroblast activation protein targeted therapy using [177Lu]FAPI-46 compared with [225Ac]FAPI-46 in a pancreatic cancer model
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Watabe Tadashi , Kaneda-Nakashima Kazuko , Shirakami Yoshifumi , Naka Sadahiro , Ooe Kazuhiro , Toyoshima Atsushi , Nagata Kojiro , Haberkorn Uwe , Kratochwil Clemens , Shinohara Atsushi , Hatazawa Jun , Giesel Frederik
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which has high expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts of epithelial cancers, can be used as a theranostic target. Our previous study used 64Cu and 225Ac-labelled FAP inhibitors (FAPI-04) for a FAP-expressing pancreatic cancer xenograft imaging and therapy. However, the optimal therapeutic radionuclide for FAPI needs to be investigated further. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of beta-emitter (177Lu)-labelled FAPI-46 and alpha-emitter (225Ac)-labelled FAPI-46 in pancreatic cancer models.

Methods

PET scans (1 h post injection) were acquired in PANC-1 xenograft mice (n = 9) after the administration of [18F]FAPI-74 (12.4 ± 1.7 MBq) for the companion imaging. The biodistribution of [177Lu]FAPI-46 and [225Ac]FAPI-46 were evaluated in the xenograft model (total n = 12). For the determination of treatment effects, [177Lu]FAPI-46 and [225Ac]FAPI-46 were injected into PANC-1 xenograft mice at different doses: 3 MBq (n = 6), 10 MBq (n = 6), 30 MBq (n = 6), control (n = 4) for [177Lu]FAPI-46, and 3 kBq (n = 3), 10 kBq (n = 2), 30 kBq (n = 6), control (n = 7) for [225Ac]FAPI-46. Tumour sizes and body weights were followed.

Results

[18F]FAPI-74 showed rapid clearance by the kidneys and high accumulation in the tumour and intestine 1 h after administration. [177Lu]FAPI-46 and [225Ac]FAPI-46 also showed rapid clearance by the kidneys and relatively high accumulation in the tumour at 3 h. Both [177Lu]FAPI-46 and [225Ac]FAPI-46 showed tumour-suppressive effects, with a mild decrease in body weight. The treatment effects of [177Lu]FAPI-46 were relatively slow but lasted longer than those of [225Ac]FAPI-46.

Conclusion

This study suggested the possible application of FAPI radioligand therapy in FAP-expressing pancreatic cancer. Further evaluation is necessary to find the best radionuclide with shorter half-life, as well as the combination with therapies targeting tumour cells directly.
CoNi alloy nanoparticles for cancer theranostics: synthesis, physical characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Sargazi Saman , Hajinezhad Mohammad Reza , Rahdar Abbas , Mukhtar Mahwash , Karamzadeh-Jahromi Milad , Almasi-Kashi Mohammad , Alikhanzadeh-Arani Sima , Barani Mahmood , Baino Francesco
Published: September 2021

Nanomaterials are attracting increasing interest in many biomedical fields, including the fight against cancer. In this context, we successfully synthesized CoNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) by a simple polyol process. The magnetic characteristics of the products were measured by vibration sample magnometry, which revealed that the samples have soft ferromagnetic behavior. The microstructure and morphology were inspected by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Human cancer cells derived from the breast (MCF7) and oral cavity (C152) and normal cells derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with increasing concentrations of CoNi NPs, and their cytotoxic effect was measured via MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assays. We found that treatments by using 12.5 to 400 µg/mL of Co0.5Ni0.5, Co0.6Ni0.4, and Co0.4Ni0.6 NPs were associated with significant concentration-dependent toxicity toward such cell lines and profoundly enhanced LDH leakage following 48 h of exposure (P < 0.05 compared with untreated cells). Besides, a NP dose of 6.25 µg/mL did not affect the survival of HUVECs while leading to marked cell death in MCF7 and C152 cells. In vivo experiments in rats were done to investigate the biochemical and histopathological changes over three weeks, following intraperitoneal administration of Co0.5Ni0.5, Co0.6Ni0.4, and Co0.4Ni0.6 NPs (100 mg/kg). As compared with the controls, the exposure to NPs caused significant elevations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum catalase activity, serum superoxide dismutase, and liver malondialdehyde levels. Also, rats treated with Co0.6Ni0.4 NPs showed more severe histopathological changes of the liver and kidney. Our findings represent an essential step toward developing theranostic nanoplatforms for selective cancer treatment.
A Note on Stability for Maximal F-Free Graphs
Authors: Gerbner Dániel
Published: September 2021

Popielarz, Sahasrabuddhe and Snyder in 2018 proved that maximal$$K_{r+1}$$Kr+1-free graphs with$$(1-\frac{1}{r})\frac{n^2}{2}-o(n^{\frac{r+1}{r}})$$(1-1r)n22-o(nr+1r)edges contain a completer-partite subgraph on$$n-o(n)$$n-o(n)vertices. This was very recently extended to odd cycles in place of$$K_3$$K3by Wang, Wang, Yang and Yuan. We further extend it to some other 3-chromatic graphs, and obtain some other stability results along the way.
The spectrum and differential diagnosis of acquired ocular motor nerve palsies: a clinical study of 502 patients
Authors: Hörner Rebecca , Kassubek Jan , Dreyhaupt Jens , Ludolph Albert C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Ocular motor nerve palsies (OMNP) frequently cause patients to present in an emergency room. In the following study, we report the differential diagnosis of OMNP by use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CSF examination as a standard.

Method

We performed a data analysis of N = 502 patients who presented with oculomotor, trochlear, and/or abducens nerve palsy in the emergency room of the Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, between January 2006 and December 2019. We report clinical and MRI scan findings in all patients; furthermore, the CSF of 398 patients has been analysed.

Results

Abducens nerve palsies were most common (45%), followed by palsies of the oculomotor (31%) (CNP III) and trochlear nerve (15%). Multiple OMNPs were seen in 9% of our cohort. The most common causes included inflammations (32.7%), space-occupying lesions, such as aneurysms or neoplasms (17.3%), diabetes mellitus (13.3%), and brainstem infarctions (11%). Still 23.4% of the patients could not be assigned to any specific cause after differential diagnostic procedures and were described as idiopathic. One of three patients with an inflammation and 39% of the patients with space-occupying lesions showed additional cranial nerve deficits.

Conclusion

Inflammation and space-occupying processes were the most frequent causes of OMNP, although brainstem infarctions also play a significant role, in particular in CNP III. The presence of additional CNPs increases the probability of an inflammatory or space-occupying cause.
Preoperative splenic artery embolism followed by splenectomy is safe and effective in patients with sinistral portal hypertension
Authors: Wang Zihe , Li Mao , Huang Xing , Xiong Junjie , Tian Bole
Published: September 2021

Background

Although preoperative splenic artery embolism (SAE) has been widely used for splenomegaly, the efficiency and safety of preoperative SAE in patients with sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) is unknown.

Methods

We designed a retrospective cohort of SPH patients who received preoperative SAE in our hospital (February 2018 to September 2020) and compared to those who received splenectomy only, in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Results

In all, 59 patients (18 patients received preoperative SAE) were analyzed. The median age was 44.7 years. Preoperative SAE reduced the intraoperative blood loss (637.0 vs. 420.3 ml, P = 0.041) and operation time (174.0 vs. 141.5 min, P = 0.012). The incidence of complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), bleeding, and thromboembolism was comparable. Multivariate analysis showed that SAE was a protective factor for intraoperative blood loss and operation time, while prior pancreatic pseudocyst/abscess was a risk factor.

Conclusions

Preoperative SAE could reduce intraoperative blood loss and operation time in SPH patients without increasing the incidence of complications compared to splenectomy only.
EDP-convergence for a linear reaction-diffusion system with fast reversible reaction
Authors: Stephan Artur
Published: September 2021

We perform a fast-reaction limit for a linear reaction-diffusion system consisting of two diffusion equations coupled by a linear reaction. We understand the linear reaction-diffusion system as a gradient flow of the free energy in the space of probability measures equipped with a geometric structure, which contains the Wasserstein metric for the diffusion part and cosh-type functions for the reaction part. The fast-reaction limit is done on the level of the gradient structure by proving EDP-convergence with tilting. The limit gradient system induces a diffusion system with Lagrange multipliers on the linear slow-manifold. Moreover, the limit gradient system can be equivalently described by a coarse-grained gradient system, which induces a diffusion equation with a mixed diffusion constant for the coarse-grained slow variable.
Optimal transport of vector measures
Authors: Ciosmak Krzysztof J.
Published: September 2021

We develop and study a theory of optimal transport for vector measures. We resolve in the negative a conjecture of Klartag, that given a vector measure on Euclidean space with total mass zero, the mass of any transport set is again zero. We provide a counterexample to the conjecture. We generalise the Kantorovich–Rubinstein duality to the vector measures setting. Employing the generalisation, we answer the conjecture in the affirmative provided there exists an optimal transport with absolutely continuous marginals of its total variation.
Dynamical collapse of cylindrical symmetric dipolar Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Bellazzini Jacopo , Forcella Luigi
Published: September 2021

We study the formation of singularities for cylindrical symmetric solutions to the Gross–Pitaevskii equation describing a dipolar Bose–Einstein condensate. We prove that solutions arising from initial data with energy below the energy of the Ground State and that do not scatter collapse in finite time. The main tools to prove our result are the variational characterization of the Ground State energy, suitable localized virial identities for cylindrical symmetric functions, and general integral and pointwise estimates for operators involving powers of the Riesz transform.
Potential traumatic events and symptoms of post-traumatic stress in unaccompanied refugee minors—a comparison with youth in foster care
Authors: Kvestad Ingrid , Bøe Tormod , Sayyad Nawar , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Randal Sølve , Lehmann Stine
Published: September 2021

Building knowledge on how child welfare services (CWS) should tailor services for unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) is important. URMs and youth in foster care are high-risk groups taken care of by the CWS in Norway. Little is known on whether knowledge gained from youth in foster care can inform services for URMs, and if these groups are comparable in terms of experiences of potential traumatic events (PTEs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom load. Eighty-one URMs reported PTEs and PTSD-symptoms using an adapted version of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS). Responses were described and compared with a sample of 303 youth in foster care in linear regression models. We present relative risks (RR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) for the PTEs and the PTSD subscale and total score between the groups in forest plots. URMs had experienced a mean (standard deviation) of 6.4 (3.4) PTEs and 43.9% reported to have PTSD-symptoms at or above the clinical cut off. Compared to the foster youth, URMs reported more exposures of interpersonal violence outside of the family (RRs ranging from 66.4 [95%CI 18.1; 243.5) to 1.3 (1.0, 1.5)], and more PTSD-symptoms in the re-experiencing subscale [SMD = 0.3 (95% CI 0.1, 0.6)]. The frequency and types of PTEs and the PTSD-symptom load and profile among URMs and youth in foster care differed. Findings underscore the importance of qualified and targeted care for URMs, and that this care should differ to that of other high-risk groups in the CWS.
Influence of shape-memory stent grafts on local aortic compliance
Authors: Concannon J. , Moerman KM , Hynes N. , Sultan S. , McGarry JP
Published: September 2021

The effect of repair techniques on the biomechanics of the aorta is poorly understood, resulting in significant levels of postoperative complications for patients worldwide. This study presents a computational analysis of the influence of Nitinol-based devices on the biomechanical performance of a healthy patient-specific human aorta. Simulations reveal that Nitinol stent-grafts stretch the artery wall so that collagen is stretched to a straightened high-stiffness configuration. The high-compliance regime (HCR) associated with low diastolic lumen pressure is eliminated, and the artery operates in a low-compliance regime (LCR) throughout the entire cardiac cycle. The slope of the lumen pressure–area curve for the LCR post-implantation is almost identical to that of the native vessel during systole. This negligible change from the native LCR slope occurs because the stent-graft increases its diameter from the crimped configuration during deployment so that it reaches a low-stiffness unloading plateau. The effective radial stiffness of the implant along this unloading plateau is negligible compared to the stiffness of the artery wall. Provided the Nitinol device unloads sufficiently during deployment to the unloading plateau, the degree of oversizing has a negligible effect on the pressure–area response of the vessel, as each device exerts approximately the same radial force, the slope of which is negligible compared to the LCR slope of the native artery. We show that 10% oversizing based on the observed diastolic diameter in the mid descending thoracic aorta results in a complete loss of contact between the device and the wall during systole, which could lead to an endoleak and stent migration. 20% oversizing reaches the Dacron enforced area limit (DEAL) during the pulse pressure and results in an effective zero-compliance in the later portion of systole.
Active Lives South Australia health economic analysis: an evidence base for the potential of health promotion strategies supporting physical activity guidelines to reduce public health costs while improving wellbeing
Authors: Eckermann Simon , Willan Andrew R.
Published: September 2021

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened individual and population wellbeing and strategies to jointly address these challenges within budget constraints are required. The aim of our research is to analyse evidence from the Active Lives South Australia study to consider the potential of physical activity (PA) health promotion strategies to be health-system cost saving while addressing wellbeing challenges.

Methods

The Active Lives South Australia study compares adult populations who meet and do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines (150+ minutes of weekly physical activity) with respect to their subjective wellbeing and health care utilisation.

Subject and results

Adults who met PA guidelines had better wellbeing across all aspects with and without adjustment for age, sex and income covariates. Analysis showed significant associations between meeting guidelines and lower probabilities of visiting and utilisation of GPs, specialist doctors, other health professionals, hospital inpatient admissions, outpatient clinic and emergency department visits, and an overall A$1760 lower cost per person annually. Controlling for age, sex and income, health expenditure for adults who met PA guidelines was significantly lower by A$1393 per person annually. That translated to A$804 million potential annual SA health system cost saving by shifting all adults to meeting PA guidelines.

Conclusion

There is significant potential for effective health promotion strategies to be net cost saving while addressing wellbeing challenges of COVID-19 recovery where they can shift target populations from not meeting to meeting PA guidelines.
Untargeted metabolomics in primary murine bone marrow stromal cells reveals distinct profile throughout osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Misra Biswapriya B. , Jayapalan Shobana , Richards Alison K. , Helderman Ron C. M. , Rendina-Ruedy Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Skeletal homeostasis is an exquisitely regulated process most directly influenced by bone resorbing osteoclasts, bone forming osteoblasts, and the mechano-sensing osteocytes. These cells work together to constantly remodel bone as a mechanism to prevent from skeletal fragility. As such, when an individual experiences a disconnect in these tightly coupled processes, fracture incidence increases, such as during ageing, gonadal hormone deficiency, weightlessness, and diabetes. While therapeutic options have significantly aided in the treatment of low bone mineral density (BMD) or osteoporosis, limited options remain for anabolic or bone forming agents. Therefore, it is of interest to continue to understand how osteoblasts regulate their metabolism to support the energy expensive process of bone formation.

Objective

The current project sought to rigorously characterize the distinct metabolic processes and intracellular metabolite profiles in stromal cells throughout osteoblast differentiation using untargeted metabolomics.

Methods

Primary, murine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were characterized throughout osteoblast differentiation using standard staining protocols, Seahorse XFe metabolic flux analyses, and untargeted metabolomics.

Results

We demonstrate here that the metabolic footprint of stromal cells undergoing osteoblast differentiation are distinct, and while oxidative phosphorylation drives adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation early in the differentiation process, mature osteoblasts depend on glycolysis. Importantly, the intracellular metabolite profile supports these findings while also suggesting additional pathways critical for proper osteoblast function.

Conclusion

These data are the first of their kind to characterize these metabolites in conjunction with the bioenergetic profile in primary, murine stromal cells throughout osteoblast differentiation and provide provocative targets for future investigation.
Purification of recovered phosphoric acid by extracting aluminium with di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid
Authors: Reuna Sini , Väisänen Ari
Published: September 2021

The extraction of aluminium from dilute phosphoric acid with di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (DEHPA) was optimized using response surface methodology. The optimization was based on the experimental three-level central composite face-centred design (CCF) and was conducted on real-life samples. The three variables included were pH, extractant concentration and aqueous to organic phase ratio (AO). Under the optimized conditions (pH 2.5, 0.6 M DEHPA and AO ratio 1:2), extraction efficiency of 99% for aluminium in four extraction stages is achieved. The purified phosphoric acid solution can then be utilized by the fertilizing industry. Stripping tests for organic phase loaded with aluminium were conducted with sulphuric acid. Extremely high stripping efficiency was obtained with 0.9 M sulphuric acid resulting in the recovery rate of 88% in one stage. After stripping, the aluminium sulphate solution can be reused as a precipitation agent for phosphorus in the wastewater treatment process.
Core curriculum in pathology for future Irish medical students
Authors: Humphreys Hilary , Stevens Niall , Burke Louise , Sheehan Mariam , Glavey Siobhán , Keogan Mary , Rasheed Erum ,   the Faculty of Pathology, the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland
Published: September 2021

Pathology is important in training to become a medical doctor but as curricula become more integrated, there is a risk that key aspects of pathology may be excluded. Following a survey of the current delivery of teaching in Ireland under the auspices of the Faculty of Pathology at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, suggested components of a core curriculum in pathology have been developed to be delivered at some stage during the medical course. These have been based on key principles and themes required by the Medical Council in Ireland. Professionalism is one of the core principles emphasised by the Medical Council. It includes the role of the pathologist in patient care and other professional values such as patient-centred care, clinical competencies and skills, e.g. explaining results, and knowledge under the various sub-disciplines, i.e. histopathology (including neuropathology), clinical microbiology, haematology, chemical pathology and immunology. In each of these, we suggest key aspects and activities that the medical graduate should be comfortable in carrying out. The methods of delivery of teaching and assessment across pathology disciplines have evolved and adapted to recent circumstances. Lessons have been learned and insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic as educators have risen to the challenge of continuing to educate medical students. Integrated and multi-disciplinary teaching is recommended to reflect best the professional environment of the medical graduate who works as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team, with the minimum dependence on the traditional lecture, where at all possible. Finally, options on assessment are discussed, e.g. multiple-choice questions, including their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Avoiding cross-sex friendships: The separability of people with and without cross-sex friends
Authors: Altmann Tobias
Published: September 2021

Prior studies on individual differences in the preference for cross-sex friendships found that this preference was not normally distributed but was instead bimodal. In one group of people, the preferences for higher or lower proportions of cross-sex friendships appear to be normally distributed, whereas in a second and unexpectedly large group of people, the preference for cross-sex friends is exactly zero. If the people in the second group with no cross-sex friends at all actively avoid forming cross-sex friendships, then these individuals may be expected to differ systematically and meaningfully from individuals who report having at least one cross-sex friend. The present study tests this hypothesis. The Big Five, homophobia, physical attraction to the opposite sex, and demographic variables from a data set of 491 adult participants were used as potential predictors of group membership. Results showed that most predictors except the Big Five contributed to supporting the separability of the two groups. Findings are discussed with regard to the differentiation between close and general friends and the potential influence of cultural factors.