bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Strategies to Fabricate and Stabilize Phase‐Pure α‐FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Jianfei , Yang Li , Zhang Jinbao
Published: May 2023

Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) with an optimal bandgap of 1.48 eV and superior thermal stability is regarded as one of the most promising perovskite‐based materials for the application in efficient single‐junction solar cells. However, the metastable properties of FAPbI3 due to phase transition from photoactive α phase into an undesired nonperovskite δ phase in ambient conditions become the major factors limiting its further development. Challenges remain in stabilizing α phase structure and preparing phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 films for high‐efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) devices. Herein, the recent research progress on the strategies is reviewed to fabricate phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 perovskite and the advances in their photovoltaic application. The physical parameters affecting the phase instability of intrinsic FAPbI3 are first discussed, followed by various methodologies for regulating phase transition behavior, such as additive engineering, solvent optimization, dimensionality engineering, and fabrication techniques. Finally, the fundamental challenges of preparing efficient α‐FAPbI3 PSCs are discussed, and the perspectives on the further development of high‐quality phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 for reliable PSCs are proposed.
Astogenetic morphological variation in the bryozoan Prophyllodictya gracilis from the Middle Ordovician of Russia and inferred colony‐wide feeding currents
Authors: Key Marcus M. , Wyse Jackson Patrick N. , McDowell Madelaine S. , Nestell Merlynd K.
Published: May 2023

The discovery of a relatively large and complete ptilodictyid bryozoan colony enabled morphometric analysis of astogenetic change from the colony base to the periphery. This enabled us to test the hypothesis that the relative area of feeding and non‐feeding zooids must be relatively constant across astogenetic growth in this colony. The colony is a stenolaemate cryptostome belonging to the cribrate species Prophyllodictya gracilis (Eichwald). It was recovered from the Volkhov Formation (Dapingian Stage of the Middle Ordovician) from the Putilovo Quarry east of St Petersburg, Russia. The colony was digitally imaged so lacuna and branch dimensions could be measured relative to the colony base and colony edge. Branch thickness and width decreased from the colony base to the top of the colony. Lacuna area and the number of autozooecial rows per branch also decreased distally while the number of lacunae per area increased. As a result, there was an astogenetically stable ratio of autozooid‐bearing skeletal branch area to the total lacuna area across the colony. This characteristic is interpreted as a requirement of colony‐wide feeding currents in this cribrate cryptostome colony.
Peace, emotion labor, and language teacher identity in times of war: The stories of two Ukrainian English university teachers
Authors: Kałdonek‐Crnjaković Agnieszka , Czopek Karolina
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this interview‐based study was to explore the experiences of two university teachers who fled war‐torn Ukraine and currently reside in Poland. We collected the data through two individual interviews to illustrate the dynamism and complexity of the participants' language teacher identities (LTIs) and emotion labor when striving for inner and interpersonal peace, using positioning theory as a theoretical framework. Findings show that in response to the forced migration, the participants continuously strived for inner and interpersonal peace, which is an indispensable element of their language teaching practices. The participants' longing for inner and interpersonal peace needs to be understood as a dimension, reflecting the multilayered, complex nature between peace and tensions. Further, data reflected that participants' longing for inner peace directly shapes their emotion labor and language teacher identities. The manuscript ends with a discussion of the findings by referring to the concept of well‐being in language learning and teaching.
Waste tire remanufacturing: Quantitative‐aided qualitative sustainability analysis
Authors: Abdullah Ziyad Tariq
Published: May 2023

Waste tires contain a large amount of embodied energy and useful materials that can be recovered. In an existing remanufacturing process, the waste tire components are separated, thermomechanical devulcanization is used to restore the formability of the waste rubber for recycling, and waste rubber powder is mixed with chemical agents and subjected to hot rolling and extrusion to form rubber sheet products. Here, the quadruple‐bottom‐line sustainability of this remanufacturing process was studied for the first time based on the global availability of waste tires, and four technical alternatives based on different levels of automation and order of the processing steps were evaluated. The numbers of each machine for separating the tire components and processing the rubber were optimized. Quantitative sustainability analysis was conducted to calculate the sustainability index (SI) of four remanufacturing alternatives based on the technological feasibility of each processing step. Furthermore, a quantitative–qualitative sustainability assessment was performed to weight a criteria performance matrix of the technical alternatives qualitatively to overcome the lack of experience in the field. Waste‐tire remanufacturing has final SI values of ∼0.69–0.79, which exceed literature threshold values, indicating that it is a sustainable business strategy.
Product low‐carbon design, manufacturing, logistics, and recycling: An overview
Authors: He Bin , Yuan Xin , Qian Shusheng , Li Bing
Published: May 2023

Due to the worsening world climate crisis, reducing carbon emissions throughout product operations has become an issue that the manufacturing industry must face. In order to gain competitive advantage, this paper aims to explore low carbon design techniques for product life cycle: including low carbon design, low carbon manufacturing, low carbon logistics and low carbon recycling, as they are highly relevant to reducing carbon emissions. This paper proposes a portfolio structure for low carbon operations, consisting of a target layer, a strategy layer, and a support layer, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. To emphasize the maximization of economic, environmental, and social advantages, the objective layer establishes a system of goals for low‐carbon product design. The strategy layer proposes four low‐carbon product design technologies: low‐carbon product design, manufacturing, transportation, and recycling. The support layer emphasizes the importance of operational systems and support platforms for low‐carbon products, such as low‐carbon design systems, energy information collection systems, energy optimization support systems, carbon emission monitoring and control systems, and low‐carbon management systems. However, successful implementation of low carbon manufacturing is challenging due to the complexity of low carbon manufacturing and the uniqueness of each company. Therefore, this paper suggests applying a life‐cycle‐oriented low‐carbon operation model to various manufacturing enterprises and exploring models that reflect actual manufacturing practices to achieve the goal of low‐carbon manufacturing.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Development > Goals
ZZ instantons and the non-perturbative dual of c = 1 string theory
Authors: Balthazar Bruno , Rodriguez Victor A. , Yin Xi
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We study the effect of ZZ instantons in c = 1 string theory, and demonstrate that they give rise to non-perturbative corrections to scattering amplitudes that do not saturate unitarity within the closed string sector. Beyond the leading non-perturbative order, logarithmic divergences are canceled between worldsheet diagrams of different topologies, due to the Fischler-Susskind-Polchinski mechanism. We propose that the closed string vacuum in c = 1 string theory is non-perturbatively dual to a state of the matrix quantum mechanics in which all scattering states up to a given energy with no incoming flux from the “other side” of the potential are occupied by free fermions. Under such a proposal, we find detailed agreement of non-perturbative corrections to closed string amplitudes in the worldsheet description and in the dual matrix model.
Generation of isospin sum rules in heavy hadron weak decays
Authors: Wang Di
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Isospin symmetry is the most precise flavor symmetry. In this work, we propose an approach to generate isospin sum rules for heavy hadron decays without the Wigner-Eckhart invariants. The effective Hamiltonian of heavy quark weak decay is fully invariant under a series of isospin lowering operators $$ {I}_{-}^n $$

I
−
n

and then the isospin sum rules can be generated through several master formulas. It provides a systematic way to study the isospin symmetry of c- and b-hadron weak decays. The theoretical framework of this approach is presented in detail with the nonleptonic decays of D and B mesons as examples. In addition, the V-/U-spin sum rules are derived in a similar algorithm by replacing $$ {I}_{-}^n $$

I
−
n

with $$ {V}_{-}^n/{U}_{-}^n $$

V
−
n

/

U
−
n

.
A short note on an adaptive damped Newton method for strongly monotone and Lipschitz continuous operator equations
Authors: Heid Pascal
Published: May 2023

We consider the damped Newton method for strongly monotone and Lipschitz continuous operator equations in a variational setting. We provide a very accessible justification why the undamped Newton method performs better than its damped counterparts in a vicinity of a solution. Moreover, in the given setting, an adaptive step-size strategy be presented, which guarantees the global convergence and favours an undamped update if admissible.
Peptide aptamer targeting Aβ–PrP–Fyn axis reduces Alzheimer’s disease pathologies in 5XFAD transgenic mouse model
Authors: Ali Tahir , Klein Antonia N. , Vu Alex , Arifin Maria I. , Hannaoui Samia , Gilch Sabine
Published: May 2023

Currently, no effective therapeutics exist for the treatment of incurable neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The cellular prion protein (PrPC) acts as a high-affinity receptor for amyloid beta oligomers (AβO), a main neurotoxic species mediating AD pathology. The interaction of AβO with PrPC subsequently activates Fyn tyrosine kinase and neuroinflammation. Herein, we used our previously developed peptide aptamer 8 (PA8) binding to PrPC as a therapeutic to target the AβO–PrP–Fyn axis and prevent its associated pathologies. Our in vitro results indicated that PA8 prevents the binding of AβO with PrPC and reduces AβO-induced neurotoxicity in mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells and primary hippocampal neurons. Next, we performed in vivo experiments using the transgenic 5XFAD mouse model of AD. The 5XFAD mice were treated with PA8 and its scaffold protein thioredoxin A (Trx) at a 14.4 µg/day dosage for 12 weeks by intraventricular infusion through Alzet® osmotic pumps. We observed that treatment with PA8 improves learning and memory functions of 5XFAD mice as compared to Trx-treated 5XFAD mice. We found that PA8 treatment significantly reduces AβO levels and Aβ plaques in the brain tissue of 5XFAD mice. Interestingly, PA8 significantly reduces AβO–PrP interaction and its downstream signaling such as phosphorylation of Fyn kinase, reactive gliosis as well as apoptotic neurodegeneration in the 5XFAD mice compared to Trx-treated 5XFAD mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that treatment with PA8 targeting the AβO–PrP–Fyn axis is a promising and novel approach to prevent and treat AD.
Studying the Effect of Two Analytical Solutions of Advection-Diffusion Equation on Experimental Data
Authors: Essa Khaled S. M. , Taha Hanaa Mohamed Ahmed
Published: May 2023

In this article, two proposed analytical model solutions of the steady-state advection-diffusion equation were carried out using the technique of advection diffusion multilayer method (ADMM), variable separation technique, Fourier transform, square complement method, general integrated transport technique (GITT) and Laplace transform. This work considers the wind speed u, crosswind eddy diffusivity $${k}_{y}$$

k
y

and vertical eddy diffusivity $${k}_{z}$$

k
z

as functions of power law in vertical distance "$$z$$
z
". This consideration was applied to the two analytical models. The predicted concentrations were calculated for neutral, stable and unstable conditions. The calculated concentrations for unstable conditions were compared with already existing experimental data measured for radioactive iodine-135 (I135) at an Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority test at Inshas. Also, the calculated concentrations for stable and neutral conditions were compared with already existing experimental data on iodine I-131 (I131) released from the research reactor. A comparison of the values of the proposed concentrations and the previous works is included in this article. It was found that the second predicted model was in good agreement with observed data in unstable, stable and neutral conditions compared with the first predicted model.
Measuring social exclusion and its distribution in England
Authors: Dykxhoorn Jennifer , Osborn David , Fischer Laura , Troy David , Kirkbride James B. , Walters Kate
Published: May 2023

Background

Social exclusion is a multidimensional concept referring processes which restrict the ability of individuals or groups to participate fully in society. While social exclusion has been used to explore patterns of disadvantage, it has been difficult to measure. Thus, we aimed to use population-based data to measure social exclusion and its constituent domains and to describe its distribution in England.

Methods

We used data from Understanding Society in 2009/2010 develop a multidimensional measurement approach, replicated in 2018/2019. We defined five domains of social exclusion from the literature and expert consultation: material, relational, political, digital, and structural. In both waves, we identified measures for each domain, then conducted principal component analysis to identify the components. We generated domain scores and an overall social exclusion score. We described the distribution of social exclusion and its domains by sex, region, age, and ethnicity.

Results

We found the level of social exclusion was higher in the youngest age group and decreased by age. We found elevated levels of overall social exclusion for ethnic minoritised groups including African, Arab, and Caribbean groups compared to White British groups. We found distinct patterns within each domain.

Discussion

We developed an overall measure of social exclusion with five domains, and finding distinct patterns of social exclusion by age, ethnicity, and region which varied across domain. These findings suggest that attention should be paid to the separate domains due to different population distributions. This measurement approach moves beyond conceptual discussions of social exclusion and demonstrates the utility of a quantitative measure of social exclusion for use in health and social research.
Leaf Species-Dependent Fungicide Effects on the Function and Abundance of Associated Microbial Communities
Authors: Gonçalves Sara , Post Ruben , Konschak Marco , Zubrod Jochen , Feckler Alexander , Bundschuh Mirco
Published: May 2023

Microbially-mediated leaf litter decomposition is a critical ecosystem function in running waters within forested areas, which can be affected by fungicides. However, fungicide effects on leaf litter decomposition have been investigated almost exclusively with black alder leaves, a leaf species with traits favourable to consumers (i.e., low recalcitrance and high nutrient content). At the same time, little is known about fungicide effects on microbial colonisation and decomposition of other leaf species with less favourable traits. In this 21 day lasting study, we explore the effects of increasing fungicide sum concentrations (0–3000 µg/L) on microbial colonisation and decomposition of three leaf species (black alder, Norway maple and European beech) differing in terms of recalcitrance and nutrient content. Leaf litter decomposition rate, leaf-associated fungal biomass and bacterial density were quantified to observe potential effects at the functional level. Beech, as the species with the least favourable leaf traits, showed a substantially lower decomposition rate (50%) in absence of fungicides than alder and maple. In the presence of high fungicide concentrations (300–3000 µg/L), beech showed a concentration-related decrease not only in microbial leaf litter decomposition but also fungal biomass. This suggests that favourable traits of leaf litter (as for alder and maple) enable leaf-associated microorganisms to acquire leaf-bound energy more easily to withstand potential effects induced by fungicide exposure. Our results indicate the need to deepen our understanding on how leaf species’ traits interact with the impact of chemical stressors on the leaf decomposition activity of microbial communities.
Energy saving in milling of electron beam–melted Ti6Al4V parts: influence of process parameters
Authors: Cozzolino Ersilia , Astarita Antonello
Published: May 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) is claimed to be a green technology because of its potential in improving material use efficiency. Electron beam melting (EBM) is among the most popular AM techniques adopted to manufacture titanium parts for medical and aerospace applications, as the technology offers an effective way of producing lightweight and complex parts. Nevertheless, additively manufactured parts hardly ever meet industrial quality standards, so post-treatments are always required resulting in additional resources and energy consumption. Moreover, still few works exist on joint analysis of energy consumption and roughness in milling EBMed parts by means of a non-typical tool, and this study aims to fill this gap of knowledge. Three EBM Ti6Al4V cylindrical samples were manufactured into a single job of the ARCAM A2X machine in the same process conditions. Three lengths, 120° apart from each other, were defined along the direction parallel to the axis of each cylinder to perform the milling by varying spindle speed, depth of cut, and machining speed. A high-performance complex-shaped insert has been used to perform the milling process to improve the surface finishing of the Ti6Al4V EBMed samples. Total energy consumption has been calculated as the sum of the machining time and the non-machining time. A joint investigation of both the surface roughness and the energy consumption in machining led to understanding which the best cut strategies are to perform milling with a complex cutting tool from a sustainability perspective. Results showed that it is not sustainable to choose the minimum depth of cut to obtain a fixed total depth of material removed as non-machining time showed to play a crucial role in the total energy consumption of the milling process.
Testing for correlation between the regressors and factor loadings in heterogeneous panels with interactive effects
Authors: Kapetanios George , Serlenga Laura , Shin Yongcheol
Published: May 2023

A large literature on modelling cross-section dependence in panels has been developed through interactive effects. However, there are areas where research has not really caught on yet. One such area is the one concerned with whether the regressors are correlated with factor loadings or not. This is an important issue because if the regressors are uncorrelated with loadings, we can simply use the consistent two-way fixed effects (FE) estimator without employing any more sophisticated econometric methods such as the principal component (PC) or the common correlated effects estimators. We explore this issue, which has received surprisingly little attention and propose a Hausman-type test to address the matter. Further, we develop two nonparametric variance estimators for the FE and PC estimators as well as their difference, that are robust to the presence of heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation and slope heterogeneity. Under the null hypothesis of no correlation between the regressors and loadings the proposed test follows the $$\chi ^{2}$$

χ
2

distribution asymptotically. Monte Carlo simulation results confirm satisfactory size and power performance of the test even in small samples. Finally, we provide extensive empirical evidence in favour of uncorrelated factor loadings. In this situation, the FE estimator would provide a simple and robust estimation strategy which is invariant to nontrivial computational issues associated with the PC estimator.
On the foundation of monopoly in bilateral exchange
Authors: Busetto Francesca , Codognato Giulio , Ghosal Sayantan , Turchet Damiano
Published: May 2023

We address the problem of monopoly in general equilibrium in a mixed version of a monopolistic two-commodity exchange economy where the monopolist, represented as an atom, is endowed with one commodity and “small traders,” represented by an atomless part, are endowed only with the other. First we provide an economic theoretical foundation of the monopoly solution in this bilateral framework through a formalization of an explicit trading process inspired by Pareto (Cours d’économie politique. F. Rouge Editeur, Lausanne, 1896) for an exchange economy with a finite number of commodities, and we give the conditions under which our monopoly solution has the geometric characterization proposed by Schydlowsky and Siamwalla (Q J Econ 80:147–153, 1966). Then, we provide a game theoretical foundation of our monopoly solution through a two-stage reformulation of our model. This allows us to prove that the set of the allocations corresponding to a monopoly equilibrium and the set of the allocations corresponding to a subgame perfect equilibrium of the two-stage game coincide. Finally, we compare our model of monopoly with a bilateral exchange version of a pioneering model proposed by Forchheimer (Jahrbuch für Gesetzgebung, Verwaltung und Volkswirschafts im Deutschen Reich 32:1–12, 1908), known as a model of “partial monopoly” since there a monopolist shares a market with a“competitive fringe.” Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D42, D51.
Thoracoscopic Anatomical Sublobar Resection Including Subsegmentectomy for Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Matsui Takuya , Takahashi Yusuke , Nakada Takeo , Sugita Yusuke , Shinohara Shuichi , Suzuki Ayumi , Sakakura Noriaki , Takano Takatsugu , Chiba Kensuke , Nakamura Ryuji , Oda Risa , Tatematsu Tsutomu , Yokota Keisuke , Mizuno Kotaro , Haneda Hiroshi , Okuda Katsuhiro , Kuroda Hiroaki
Published: May 2023

Background

Among anatomical sublobar resection techniques for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the clinical benefit of subsegmentectomy remains unclear. We investigated whether anatomical sublobar resection including subsegmentectomy—segmental resection with subsegmental additional resection or subsegmental resection alone—is an effective and feasible surgical procedure for NSCLC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of 285 patients with clinical stage I NSCLC who underwent anatomical sublobar resection at our institution from January 2013 to March 2021 and compared surgical outcomes between patients who underwent anatomical sublobar resection including (IS; n = 50) and excluding (ES; n = 235) subsegmentectomy.

Results

No significant intergroup differences were noted in terms of age, sex, smoking, comorbidities, tumor size or location, consolidation tumor ratio, and preoperative pulmonary function. The IS group had more preoperative computed tomography‐guided markings (34 vs. 15%; p = .004) and smaller resected lung volumes converted to the total subsegment number [3 (2–4) vs. 3 (3–6); p = .02] than the ES group. No significant differences in margin distance [mm, 20 (15–20) vs. 20 (20–20); p = .93], readmission rate (2% vs. 3%; p > .99), and intraoperative (8% vs. 7%; p = .77) or postoperative (8% vs. 10%; p = .80) complication rates were observed, and the 5‐year local recurrence‐free survival (91% vs. 90%; p = .92) or postoperative pulmonary function change were comparable between both groups.

Conclusions

Although further investigations are required, anatomical sublobar resection including subsegmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC could be an acceptable therapeutic option.
Surgically Amenable Childhood Cancers: An Overview of the Burden and Challenges of Management in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez , Abib Simone , Lakhoo Kokila
Published: May 2023

The World Health Organization's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer was launched to decrease the disparities in childhood cancer outcomes and improve treatments for childhood cancer in resource‐limited settings. Low‐grade glioma, retinoblastoma, and Wilms tumors are among the index cancers included in this global initiative, as these cancers represent a large percentage of childhood tumors and are curable with cost‐effective, evidence‐based interventions. Herein, we discuss the global childhood tumor burden, the status of pediatric cancer surgery capacity and services around the world, and the strategic considerations for building pediatric surgical oncology capacity.
Mean-Variance-VaR portfolios: MIQP formulation and performance analysis
Authors: Cesarone Francesco , Martino Manuel L. , Tardella Fabio
Published: May 2023

Value-at-risk is one of the most popular risk management tools in the financial industry. Over the past 20 years, several attempts to include VaR in the portfolio selection process have been proposed. However, using VaR as a risk measure in portfolio optimization models leads to problems that are computationally hard to solve. In view of this, few practical applications of VaR in portfolio selection have appeared in the literature up to now. In this paper, we propose to add the VaR criterion to the classical Mean-Variance approach in order to better address the typical regulatory constraints of the financial industry. We thus obtain a portfolio selection model characterized by three criteria: expected return, variance, and VaR at a specified confidence level. The resulting optimization problem consists in minimizing variance with parametric constraints on the levels of expected return and VaR. This model can be formulated as a mixed-integer quadratic programming (MIQP) problem. An extensive empirical analysis on seven real-world datasets demonstrates the practical applicability of the proposed approach. Furthermore, the out-of-sample performance of the more binding optimal Mean-Variance-VaR portfolios seems to be generally better than that of the Equally Weighted and of the Mean-Variance-CVaR portfolios.
Subjektive Erfahrungen in der Anpassung an die Pension
Authors: Reiner Julia , Misoch Sabina
Published: May 2023

Hintergrund

In der bisherigen Forschung zur Anpassung an die Pension dominieren quantitative Studien zur Entwicklung verschiedener Indikatoren des Anpassungserfolgs. Demgegenüber mangelt es an qualitativen Untersuchungen, welche die subjektiven Erfahrungswerte der Betroffenen im Anpassungsprozess an die Pension betrachten.

Fragestellung

Der Beitrag behandelt die subjektiven Anpassungserfahrungen von Personen, deren regulärer Pensionseintritt rund ein Jahr zurückliegt. Im Fokus stehen erlebte Gewöhnungserfordernisse und subjektiv relevante Faktoren der Lebenszufriedenheit.

Material und Methoden

Die Befunde basieren auf qualitativen Interviewdaten, die im Rahmen einer umfassenderen, zwischen 2019 und 2022 in der Deutschschweiz durchgeführten Mixed-Methods-Studie gewonnen wurden. Im Zuge dessen erfolgten 25 leitfadengestützte Interviews, die inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet wurden.

Ergebnisse

Der Pensionseintritt wurde mehrheitlich positiv erlebt, was v. a. mit einem Freiheitsgewinn und mit Regenerationsmöglichkeiten begründet wurde. Die Zeit nach der Pensionierung barg jedoch auch Gewöhnungserfordernisse in unterschiedlichen Lebensbereichen. Die Lebenszufriedenheit stieg gegenüber der Erstbefragung vor der Pensionierung an und wurde mit verschiedenen zu- und abträglichen Faktoren in Verbindung gebracht, die von persönlichen Merkmalen bis hin zu gesellschaftlichen Entwicklungen reichten.

Diskussion

Die Pensionierung stellt keine zwangsläufig krisenhafte Erfahrung dar, kann jedoch von anderen kritischen Ereignissen begleitet werden. Ein zufriedenstellendes Leben in der Pension steht mit multiplen Faktoren in Verbindung, unter denen die individuelle Ressourcenausstattung eine wesentliche Rolle spielt.
Matrix metalloproteinases in coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction
Authors: Bräuninger Hanna , Krüger Saskia , Bacmeister Lucas , Nyström Alexander , Eyerich Kilian , Westermann Dirk , Lindner Diana
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Most cardiovascular deaths are caused by ischaemic heart diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI). Hereby atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries often precedes disease manifestation. Since tissue remodelling plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis as well as in outcome after MI, regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as the major ECM-degrading enzymes with diverse other functions is crucial. Here, we provide an overview of the expression profiles of MMPs in coronary artery and left ventricular tissue using publicly available data from whole tissue to single-cell resolution. To approach an association between MMP expression and the development and outcome of CVDs, we further review studies investigating polymorphisms in MMP genes since polymorphisms are known to have an impact on gene expression. This review therefore aims to shed light on the role of MMPs in atherosclerosis and MI by summarizing current knowledge from publically available datasets, human studies, and analyses of polymorphisms up to preclinical and clinical trials of pharmacological MMP inhibition.
Brain DNA methylomic analysis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration reveals OTUD4 in shared dysregulated signatures across pathological subtypes
Authors: Fodder Katherine , Murthy Megha , Rizzu Patrizia , Toomey Christina E. , Hasan Rahat , Humphrey Jack , Raj Towfique , Lunnon Katie , Mill Jonathan , Heutink Peter , Lashley Tammaryn , Bettencourt Conceição
Published: May 2023

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is an umbrella term describing the neuropathology of a clinically, genetically and pathologically heterogeneous group of diseases, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Among the major FTLD pathological subgroups, FTLD with TDP-43 positive inclusions (FTLD-TDP) and FTLD with tau-positive inclusions (FTLD-tau) are the most common, representing about 90% of the cases. Although alterations in DNA methylation have been consistently associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, little is known for FTLD and its heterogeneous subgroups and subtypes. The main goal of this study was to investigate DNA methylation variation in FTLD-TDP and FTLD-tau. We used frontal cortex genome-wide DNA methylation profiles from three FTLD cohorts (142 FTLD cases and 92 controls), generated using the Illumina 450K or EPIC microarrays. We performed epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) for each cohort followed by meta-analysis to identify shared differentially methylated loci across FTLD subgroups/subtypes. In addition, we used weighted gene correlation network analysis to identify co-methylation signatures associated with FTLD and other disease-related traits. Wherever possible, we also incorporated relevant gene/protein expression data. After accounting for a conservative Bonferroni multiple testing correction, the EWAS meta-analysis revealed two differentially methylated loci in FTLD, one annotated to OTUD4 (5’UTR-shore) and the other to NFATC1 (gene body-island). Of these loci, OTUD4 showed consistent upregulation of mRNA and protein expression in FTLD. In addition, in the three independent co-methylation networks, OTUD4-containing modules were enriched for EWAS meta-analysis top loci and were strongly associated with the FTLD status. These co-methylation modules were enriched for genes implicated in the ubiquitin system, RNA/stress granule formation and glutamatergic synaptic signalling. Altogether, our findings identified novel FTLD-associated loci, and support a role for DNA methylation as a mechanism involved in the dysregulation of biological processes relevant to FTLD, highlighting novel potential avenues for therapeutic development.
Replisome-cohesin interactions provided by the Tof1-Csm3 and Mrc1 cohesion establishment factors
Authors: Shrestha Sudikchya , Minamino Masashi , Chen Zhuo A. , Bouchoux Céline , Rappsilber Juri , Uhlmann Frank
Published: May 2023

The chromosomal cohesin complex establishes sister chromatid cohesion during S phase, which forms the basis for faithful segregation of DNA replication products during cell divisions. Cohesion establishment is defective in the absence of either of three non-essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae replication fork components Tof1-Csm3 and Mrc1. Here, we investigate how these conserved factors contribute to cohesion establishment. Tof1-Csm3 and Mrc1 serve known roles during DNA replication, including replication checkpoint signaling, securing replication fork speed, as well as recruiting topoisomerase I and the histone chaperone FACT. By modulating each of these functions independently, we rule out that one of these known replication roles explains the contribution of Tof1-Csm3 and Mrc1 to cohesion establishment. Instead, using purified components, we reveal direct and multipronged protein interactions of Tof1-Csm3 and Mrc1 with the cohesin complex. Our findings open the possibility that a series of physical interactions between replication fork components and cohesin facilitate successful establishment of sister chromatid cohesion during DNA replication.
An AI model to estimate visual acuity based solely on cross-sectional OCT imaging of various diseases
Authors: Inoda Satoru , Takahashi Hidenori , Arai Yusuke , Tampo Hironobu , Matsui Yoshitsugu , Kawashima Hidetoshi , Yanagi Yasuo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for estimating best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using horizontal and vertical optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of various retinal diseases and examine factors associated with its accuracy.

Methods

OCT images and associated BCVA measurements from 2,700 OCT images (accrued from 2004 to 2018 with an Atlantis, Triton; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) of 756 eyes of 469 patients and their BCVA were retrospectively analysed. For each eye, one horizontal and one vertical OCT scan in cross-line mode were used. The GoogLeNet architecture was implemented. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were computed to evaluate the performance of the trained network.

Results

R2, RMSE, and MAE were 0.512, 0.350, and 0.321, respectively. R2 was higher in phakic eyes than in pseudophakic eyes. Multivariable regression analysis showed that a higher R2 was significantly associated with better BCVA (p < 0.001) and a higher standard deviation of BCVA (p < 0.001). However, the performance was worse in an external validation, with R2 of 0.19. R2 values for retinal vein occlusion and age-related macular degeneration were 0.961 and 0.373 in the internal validation but 0.20 and 0.22 in the external validation.

Conclusion

Although underspecification appears to be a fundamental problem to be addressed in AI models for predicting visual acuity, the present results suggest that AI models might have potential for estimating BCVA from OCT in AMD and RVO. Further research is needed to improve the utility of BCVA estimation for these diseases.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of two free-living bacterivorous nematodes belonging to Rhabditida from South Africa
Authors: Shokoohi E. , Abolafia J.
Published: May 2023

A new population of Pseudacrobeles (Pseudacrobeles) macrocystis and Poikilolaimus oxycercus is described from South Africa. Poikilolaimus oxycercus was collected from soil covered by a natural grass in South Africa, which is morphologically similar to the original description. The South African population of P. oxycercus is characterised by having a small size (807–818 µm in males and 703–779 µm in males), female tail cupola-shaped (24–35 µm), and spicule length (27–35 µm). The South African population of P. (P.) macrocystis, collected from natural grass, is characterised by having a small size (611–786 µm), a lateral field with three incisures, lip region with lips bearing seta-like processes and blunt conoid labial probolae, primary and secondary axils smooth, nerve ring and excretory pore at the posterior part of the pharyngeal corpus, spermatheca well developed, postvulval uterine sac poorly developed, female tail conoid-elongate, male tail conoid with thin acute mucro and spicules small (31–36 µm). Measurements and line illustrations of the species are given. In addition, LM, SEM photographs and the phylogenetic position of P. (P.) macrocyctis are provided. The 18S and 28S rDNA analyses show that P. macrocystis is closely related to other species of the genus Pseudacrobeles having lips with seta-like processes. This is the first report of P. (P.) macrocystis from South Africa.
Preclinical evaluation of sentinel node localization in the stomach via mannose-labelled magnetic nanoparticles and indocyanine green
Authors: Cousins Aidan , Krishnan Shridhar , Krishnan Giri , Pham Nguyen , Milanova Valentina , Nelson Melanie , Shetty Anil , Ikoma Naruhiko , Thierry Benjamin
Published: May 2023

Background

Gastrectomy with extended (D2) lymphadenectomy is considered standard of care for gastric cancer to provide the best possible outcomes and pathologic staging. However, D2 gastrectomy is a technically demanding operation and reported to be associated with increased complications and mortality. Application of sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept in gastric cancer has the potential to reduce patient morbidity; however, SLN techniques are not established for gastrectomy, in part due to lack of practical tracers. An effective and convenient tracer with enhanced SLN accumulation is critically needed.

Methods

Mannose-labelled magnetic tracer ‘FerroTrace’ and fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) were injected laparoscopically into the stomach submucosa of 8 healthy swine under general anaesthesia. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging was used to highlight draining lymphatic pathways containing ICG, while preoperative T2-weighted MRI and ex vivo magnetometer probe measurements were used to identify nodes containing FerroTrace. Lymphadenectomy was performed either robotically (n= 2) or via laparotomy (n= 6).

Results

Mixing ICG and FerroTrace ensured concurrence of fluorescent and magnetic signals in SLNs. An initial trial with robotic dissection removed all magnetic LNs (n= 4). In the subsequent laparotomy study that targeted all ICG-LNs based on intraoperative fluorescence imaging, dissection removed an average of 4.7 ± 1.2 fluorescent, and 2.0 ± 1.3 magnetic LNs per animal. Both MRI and magnetometer detected 100% of SLNs (n= 7). FerroTrace demonstrated high specificity to SLNs, which contained 76 ± 30% of total lymphotropic iron, and 88 ± 20 % of the overall magnetometer signal.

Conclusions

Through utilisation of this dual tracer approach, SLNs were identified via preoperative MRI, visualised intraoperatively with fluorescence imaging, and confirmed with a magnetometer. This combination pairs the sensitivity of ICG with SLN-specific FerroTrace and can be used for reliable SLN detection in gastric cancer, with potential applications in neoadjuvant therapy.

Graphical abstract
Historical document image analysis using controlled data for pre-training
Authors: Rahal Najoua , Vögtlin Lars , Ingold Rolf
Published: May 2023

Using neural networks for semantic labeling has become a dominant technique for layout analysis of historical document images. However, to train or fine-tune appropriate models, large labeled datasets are needed. This paper addresses the case when only limited labeled data are available and promotes a novel approach using so-called controlled data to pre-train the networks. Two different strategies are proposed: The first addresses the real labeling task by using artificial data; the second uses real data to pre-train the networks with a pretext task. To assess these strategies, a large set of experiments has been carried out on a text line detection and classification task using different variants of U-Net. The observations, obtained from two different datasets, show that globally the approach reduces the training time while offering similar or better performance. Furthermore, the effect is bigger on lightweight network architectures.
How to conduct variable-density sand tank experiments: practical hints and tips
Authors: Stoeckl L , Houben G
Published: May 2023

Sand tank experiments are a powerful tool for the investigation and visualization of groundwater flow dynamics. Especially when studying coastal aquifers, where the presence of both fresh and saline water induces complex variable-density flow and transport processes, the controlled laboratory settings of tank experiments help scientists to identify general patterns and features. This technical note provides practical information on planning, conducting and evaluating sand tank experiments, with a focus on application to coastal hydrogeology. Materials, e.g. the sand tank itself, liquids and porous media, are discussed, as well as their handling and auxiliary equipment. The collation of hints and tips is intended to guide novices, as well as experienced researchers, and possibly prevent them from repeating the errors that have been encountered during a long history of experimental work conducted by the authors and researchers associated with many other published studies.
Virtual reality technology using a 360° video: development and evaluation of an educational tool for intraoral radiography using the bisecting angle technique
Authors: Im Ji-Eun , Gu Ja-Young , Lim Eun-Jeong , Lee Jae-Gi
Published: May 2023

Intraoral radiography (IOR) practice education is essential for dental students. However, the risk of radiation exposure has resulted in the use of textbooks to learn IOR. Thus, a new educational tool that can effectively use fewer shots or provide indirect experience when practice is not feasible is needed. In this study, we developed a new educational tool called “educational media for the bisecting angle technique” using virtual reality (EMBAT-VR) and evaluated the user experience among students. IOR was divided into 12 steps for 14 teeth, and a scenario was prepared from the perspectives of the operator and patient. On the basis of this scenario, the IOR was reenacted and recorded using a 360° camera. The tool was built on a head-mounted display using the Unity Engine. Eighty-four students were enrolled to evaluate the task performance, browsing search, and satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale; the corresponding values for the tests were 3. 78 ± 0.70, 3.88 ± 0.76, and 4.01 ± 0.71, respectively. EMBAT-VR was used to investigate the satisfaction (user experience). Responses to 21 questions from 24 students who used traditional textbooks (control group) and 22 students who used the VR educational tool (experimental group) were statistically analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. A statistically significant difference was observed between the experimental (4.16 ± 0.64) and control (2.69 ± 0.54) groups. In the usability evaluation, EMBAT-VR presented with a higher score than traditional textbooks. Nonetheless, its effect when performing actual IOR imaging needs follow-up research.
Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance profile of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Catalonia, Spain, 2016–2019
Authors: Herrero Mercè , Broner Sonia , Cruells Adrià , Esteve Silvia , Ferré Lourdes , Mendioroz Jacobo , Jané Mireia , Ciruela Pilar ,   the working group at MRSC, Benítez Miguel Ángel , Bosch Jordi , Pitart Cristina , Ballester Frederic , Calderón Ana , Falgueras Teresa , Martí Carmina , Pulido Mª Àngeles , Curriu Margarida , Sanfeliu Ester , Ayala Percy Juan , Gallés Carme , Capdevila Elisenda , Hernández Pilar , Gassiot Paula , Mora Carme , Gómez Frederic , González Araceli , Aixalà Màrius Juanpere , Padilla Eduardo , Gené Amadeu , Navarro Ferran , Rivera Alba , Sánchez Ferran , Trujillo Gloria , López Joan , Olsina Montserrat , Pérez Pepa , Pérez Mar Olga , Ramírez Joan Manel , Raga Xavier , Lucena Judith , Aramburu Jesús , Riera Esther Sanfeliu , Sauca Goretti , Valle Inés , Vilamala Anna , Hoyos Yannick , Cámara Jordi , Niubó Jordi , Rodríguez Graciela , Tubau Fe , Quesada Maria Dolores , Torrellas Nuria , Claver Natàlia , Bastida Teresa , Santos Rosalia , González-Moreno Olga
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial resistance data for Neisseria gonorrhoeae is globally sparse and resistant strains are emerging in Catalonia. We aim to describe epidemiological and antimicrobial resistance in all patients infected with N. gonorrhoeae during the period from 2016 to 2019, using available antimicrobial susceptibility data. We retrospectively analysed confirmed N. gonorrhoeae cases notified to Catalonia’s microbiological reporting system. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (azithromycin, cefixime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, penicillin, spectinomycin, and tetracycline) was assessed using clinical breakpoints published by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Incidence rates were calculated and proportions were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test, and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 18.0). A total of 14,251 confirmed cases of N. gonorrhoeae were notified. Incidence increased from 30.7 cases/100,000 person-years (p < 0.001) in 2016 to 64.7 in 2019. Culture was available in 6,292 isolates (44.2%), of which 5,377 (85.5%) were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested. Azithromycin resistance rose from 6.1% in 2016 to 16% in 2019 (p < 0.001). Only 1.0% (45 cases) were resistant to ceftriaxone. Multidrug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae increased from 0.25% in 2016 to 0.42% in 2019 (p = 0.521). One case presented extensively drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae. In Catalonia, 10% of the N. gonorrhoeae isolates were resistant to azithromycin in the 2016–2019 period. According to World Health Organization guidelines, resistance above 5% indicates an alert to review treatment guidelines. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing in clinical practice followed by surveillance and interventions are essential to monitor trends and prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Hedging and the regret theory of the firm
Authors: Broll Udo , Welzel Peter , Wong Kit Pong
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the production and hedging decisions of the competitive firm under price uncertainty when the firm is not only risk averse but also regret averse. Regret-averse preferences are characterized by a modified utility function that includes disutility from having chosen ex post suboptimal alternatives. The extent of regret depends on the difference between the actual profit and the maximum profit attained by making the optimal production, and hedging decisions had the firm observed the true realization of the random output price. While the separation theorem holds under regret aversion, the prevalence of hedging opportunities may have perverse effect on the firm’s optimal output level, particularly when the firm is sufficiently regret averse. The full-hedging theorem, however, does not hold. We derive sufficient conditions under which the regret-averse firm’s optimal futures position is an under-hedge (over-hedge). We further show that the firm optimally increases (decreases) its futures position when the price risk possesses more positive (negative) skewness.