bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are lip prints hereditary? A systematic review
Authors: Chaves Tânia , Azevedo Álvaro , Caldas Inês Morais
Published: April 2023

Hereditary lip prints have been studied by several researchers. However, the literature shows no consensus among the scientific community regarding this topic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to gather evidence to clarify whether the surface structure of lip prints is hereditary and, consequently, if a familial relationship between individuals can be established through the analysis of lip prints. The systematic review was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A bibliographic survey was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, restricted to articles published between 2010 and 2020. Studies were selected according to eligibility criteria, and then the study data were collected. The risk of bias of each study was assessed and applied as additional inclusion or exclusion criteria. The results of the articles eligible for analysis were synthesized by a descriptive approach. In the seven included studies, methodological variations, including the definition of similarity, that contribute to the heterogeneity of results were identified. The data gathered allowed to conclude that there is no strong scientific evidence to support the hypothesis of the existence of heredity in the surface structure of lip prints, since it was not proven that similarities between parents and children occur systematically in all families.
Central versus peripheral mechanisms of cold-induced vasodilation: a study in the fingers and toes of people with paraplegia
Authors: Tsoutsoubi Lydia , Ioannou Leonidas G. , Alba Billie K. , Cheung Stephen S. , Daanen Hein A. , Mekjavic Igor B. , Flouris Andreas D.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examined physiological and perceptual parameters related to cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) in the fingers and toes of people with paraplegia and compared them with responses observed in able-bodied individuals.

Methods

Seven participants with paraplegia and seven able-bodied individuals participated in a randomized matched-controlled study involving left-hand and -foot immersion in cold water (8 ± 1 °C) for 40 min during exposure to cool (16 ± 1 °C), thermoneutral (23 ± 1 °C), and hot (34 ± 1 °C) ambient conditions.

Results

Similar CIVD occurrence was observed in the fingers in the two groups. In toes, three of the seven participants with paraplegia revealed CIVDs: one in cool, two in thermoneutral, and three in hot conditions. No able-bodied participants revealed CIVDs in cool and thermoneutral conditions, while four revealed CIVDs in hot conditions. The toe CIVDs of paraplegic participants were counterintuitive in several respects: they were more frequent in cool and thermoneutral conditions (compared to the able-bodied participants), emerged in these conditions despite lower core and skin temperatures of these participants, and were evident only in cases of thoracic level lesions (instead of lesions at lower spinal levels).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated considerable inter-individual variability in CIVD responses in both the paraplegic and able-bodied groups. While we observed vasodilatory responses in the toes of participants with paraplegia that technically fulfilled the criteria for CIVD, it is unlikely that they reflect the CIVD phenomenon observed in able-bodied individuals. Taken together, our findings favor the contribution of central over peripheral factors in relation to the origin and/or control of CIVD.
Regional and time course differences in sweat cortisol, glucose, and select cytokine concentrations during exercise
Authors: King Michelle A. , Brown Shyretha D. , Barnes Kelly A. , De Chavez Peter John D. , Baker Lindsay B.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The use of sweat as a biofluid for non-invasive sampling and diagnostics is a popular area of research. However, concentrations of cortisol, glucose, and cytokines have not been described across anatomical regions or as time progresses throughout exercise.

Purpose

To determine regional and time course differences in sweat cortisol, glucose, and select cytokines (EGF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-1ra, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10).

Methods

Sweat was collected with absorbent patches from eight subjects (24–44 y; 80.2 ± 10.2 kg) on the forehead (FH), right dorsal forearm (RDF), right scapula (RS), and right triceps (RT) at 0–25 min, 30–55 min, and 60–85 min during 90 min of cycling (~ 82% HRmax) in a heated chamber (32 °C, 50% rh). ANOVA was used to determine the effect of site and time on outcomes. Data are reported as LS means ± SE.

Results

There was a significant effect of location on sweat analyte concentrations with FH having higher values than most other regions for cortisol (FH: 1.15 ± 0.08 ng/mL > RDF: 0.62 ± 0.09 ng/mL and RT: 0.65 ± 0.12 ng/mL, P = 0.02), IL-1ra (P < 0.0001), and IL-8 (P < 0.0001), but lower concentrations for glucose (P = 0.01), IL-1α (P < 0.0001), and IL-10 (P = 0.02). Sweat IL-1β concentration was higher on the RS than RT (P < 0.0001). Sweat cortisol concentration increased (25 min: 0.34 ± 0.10 ng/mL < 55 min: 0.89 ± 0.07 ng/mL < 85 min: 1.27 ± 0.07 ng/mL; P < 0.0001), while EGF (P < 0.0001), IL-1ra (P < 0.0001), and IL-6 (P = 0.02) concentrations decreased over time.

Conclusion

Sweat analyte concentrations varied with time of sampling and anatomical region, which is essential information to consider when conducting future work in this area.

Clinical trial identifier

NCT04240951 registered January 27, 2020.
Novelty and learning in cognitive control: evidence from the Simon task
Authors: De Cesarei Andrea , D’Ascenzo Stefania , Nicoletti Roberto , Codispoti Maurizio
Published: April 2023

While information that is associated with inappropriate responses can interfere with an ongoing task and be detrimental to performance, cognitive control mechanisms and specific contextual conditions can alleviate interference from unwanted information. In the spatial correspondence (Simon) task, interference has been consistently shown to be reduced by spatial non-correspondence in the previous trial (i.e., correspondence sequence effect, CSE); however the mechanisms supporting this sequential effect are not well understood. Here we investigated the role of novelty and trial-to-trial changes in stimulus and response features in a Simon task, observing similar modulation of CSE for novel and non-novel stimulus changes. However, changing the response modality from trial to trial dampened CSE, and this dampening was more pronounced when the probability of switch trials was higher, suggesting a role for long-term learning. The results are consistent with recent accounts, which indicate that spatial interference can be prevented by cognitive control mechanisms triggered by learned bindings.
Semi-supervised invertible neural operators for Bayesian inverse problems
Authors: Kaltenbach Sebastian , Perdikaris Paris , Koutsourelakis Phaedon-Stelios
Published: April 2023

Neural Operators offer a powerful, data-driven tool for solving parametric PDEs as they can represent maps between infinite-dimensional function spaces. In this work, we employ physics-informed Neural Operators in the context of high-dimensional, Bayesian inverse problems. Traditional solution strategies necessitate an enormous, and frequently infeasible, number of forward model solves, as well as the computation of parametric derivatives. In order to enable efficient solutions, we extend Deep Operator Networks (DeepONets) by employing a RealNVP architecture which yields an invertible and differentiable map between the parametric input and the branch-net output. This allows us to construct accurate approximations of the full posterior, irrespective of the number of observations and the magnitude of the observation noise, without any need for additional forward solves nor for cumbersome, iterative sampling procedures. We demonstrate the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed methodology in the context of inverse problems for three benchmarks: an anti-derivative equation, reaction-diffusion dynamics and flow through porous media.
Solving the hierarchical windy postman problem with variable service costs using a math-heuristic algorithm
Authors: Keskin Muhammed Emre , Yılmaz Mustafa , Triki Chefi
Published: April 2023

The Hierarchical Windy Postman Problem (HWPP) is an arc routing problem in which an order relation is imposed on the arcs/edges of the graph, and one has to pass through each edge at least once while adhering to the hierarchical priority relations. The tour starts from and ends at a specific node and the aim is to minimize the length of the tour. We consider a variant of the HWPP in which (i) the precedence order of the edge hierarchies is linear and edges within each hierarchy are connected and (ii) the cost of serving each edge decreases with the number of times it is traversed, and we refer to it as HWPP with variable service costs. An integer non-heuristic linear mathematical formulation is proposed, and a solution approach is designed. Our solution heuristic adapts the layer algorithm of Dror et al. (Networks 17:283–294, 1987) but employs an integer mathematical formulation as a sub-procedure instead of the blossom algorithm to find the least cost path between the nodes of the graph. This choice is based on the fact that the blossom algorithm requires a symmetric cost structure while we deal here with the general case of asymmetric cost structure, which makes our problem a windy variant of the postman problem. It should be noted that our problem is not asymmetric in the sense that there are no opposite arcs with different costs but there are edges which have different costs depending on the traversal direction. In order to compare the performance of our heuristic algorithm with respect to the performance of the mathematical model that is solved by the commercial solver Gurobi, 84 test instances are generated having varying sizes and densities and with different number of hierarchies. These test instances are solved by both methods and the generated results show that the proposed heuristic method is much faster and generates better quality solutions.
Multi-objective chaos game optimization
Authors: Khodadadi Nima , Abualigah Laith , Al-Tashi Qasem , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: April 2023

The Chaos Game Optimization (CGO) has only recently gained popularity, but its effective searching capabilities have a lot of potential for addressing single-objective optimization issues. Despite its advantages, this method can only tackle problems formulated with one objective. The multi-objective CGO proposed in this study is utilized to handle the problems with several objectives (MOCGO). In MOCGO, Pareto-optimal solutions are stored in a fixed-sized external archive. In addition, the leader selection functionality needed to carry out multi-objective optimization has been included in CGO. The technique is also applied to eight real-world engineering design challenges with multiple objectives. The MOCGO algorithm uses several mathematical models in chaos theory and fractals inherited from CGO. This algorithm's performance is evaluated using seventeen case studies, such as CEC-09, ZDT, and DTLZ. Six well-known multi-objective algorithms are compared with MOCGO using four different performance metrics. The results demonstrate that the suggested method is better than existing ones. These Pareto-optimal solutions show excellent convergence and coverage.
An automatic improved facial expression recognition for masked faces
Authors: ELsayed Yasmeen , ELSayed Ashraf , Abdou Mohamed A.
Published: April 2023

Automatic facial expression recognition (AFER), sometimes referred to as emotional recognition, is important for socializing. Automatic methods in the past two years faced challenges due to Covid-19 and the vital wearing of a mask. Machine learning techniques tremendously increase the amount of data processed and achieved good results in such AFER to detect emotions; however, those techniques are not designed for masked faces and thus achieved poor recognition. This paper introduces a hybrid convolutional neural network aided by a local binary pattern to extract features in an accurate way, especially for masked faces. The basic seven emotions classified into anger, happiness, sadness, surprise, contempt, disgust, and fear are to be recognized. The proposed method is applied on two datasets: the first represents CK and CK +, while the second represents M-LFW-FER. Obtained results show that emotion recognition with a face mask achieved an accuracy of 70.76% on three emotions. Results are compared to existing techniques and show significant improvement.
Thermodynamics of the Spin Square
Authors: Schmidt Heinz-Jürgen , Schröder Christian
Published: April 2023

Small spin systems at the interface between analytical studies and experimental application have been intensively studied in recent decades. The spin ring consisting of four spins with uniform antiferromagnetic Heisenberg interaction is an example of a completely integrable system, in the double sense: quantum mechanical and classical. However, this does not automatically imply that the thermodynamic quantities of the classical system can also be calculated explicitly. In this work, we derive analytical expressions for the density of states, the partition function, specific heat, entropy, and susceptibility. These theoretical results are confirmed by numerical tests. This allows us to compare the quantum mechanical quantities for increasing spin quantum numbers s with their classical counterparts in the classical limit $$s\rightarrow \infty $$

s
→
∞

. As expected, a good agreement is obtained, except for the low temperature region. However, this region shrinks with increasing s, so that the classical state variables emerge as envelopes of the quantum mechanical ones.
Improving real-world skills in people with intellectual disabilities: an immersive virtual reality intervention
Authors: Michalski Stefan Carlo , Gallomarino Nicholas Charles , Szpak Ancret , May Kieran William , Lee Gun , Ellison Caroline , Loetscher Tobias
Published: April 2023

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool for training life skills in people with intellectual disabilities. However, there is a lack of evidence surrounding the implementation, suitability, and effectiveness of VR training in this population. The present study investigated the effectiveness of VR training for people with intellectual disabilities by assessing (1) their ability to complete basic tasks in VR, (2) real-world transfer and skill generalisation, and (3) the individual characteristics of participants able to benefit from VR training. Thirty-two participants with an intellectual disability of varying severity completed a waste management training intervention in VR that involved sorting 18 items into three bins. Real-world performance was measured at pre-test, post-test, and delayed time points. The number of VR training sessions varied as training ceased when participants met the learning target (≈ 90% correct). A survival analysis assessed training success probability as a function of the number of training sessions with participants split by their level of adaptive functioning (as measured on the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System Third Edition). The learning target was met by 19 participants (59.4%) within ten sessions (Mdn = 8.5, IQR 4–10). Real-world performance significantly improved from pre- to post-test and pre- to delayed test. There was no significant difference from post- to delayed test. Further, there was a significant positive relationship between adaptive functioning and change in the real-world assessment from the pre-test to the post- and delayed tests. VR facilitated the learning of most participants, which led to demonstrations of real-world transfer and skill generalisation. The present study identified a relationship between adaptive functioning and success in VR training. The survival curve may assist in planning future studies and training programs.
Evaluation of apathy in non-clinical populations: validation, psychometric properties, and normative data of the Italian version of Apathy-Motivation Index (AMI)
Authors: Altieri Manuela , Maggi Gianpaolo , Rippa Valentina , Santangelo Gabriella
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Evaluation of apathy in non-clinical populations is relevant to identify individuals at risk for developing cognitive decline in later stages of life, and it should be performed with questionnaires specifically designed for healthy individuals, such as the Apathy-Motivation Index (AMI); therefore, the aim of the present study was to validate the AMI in a healthy Italian population, and to provide normative data of the scale.

Materials and methods

Data collection was performed using a survey completed by 500 healthy participants; DAS, MMQ-A, BIS-15, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were used to investigate convergent and divergent validity. Internal consistency and factorial structure were also evaluated. A regression-based procedure and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic variables on AMI scores and to provide adjusting factors and three cut-offs for the detection of mild, moderate, and severe apathy.

Results

The Italian version of the AMI included 17 items (one item was removed because it was not internally consistent) and demonstrated good psychometric properties. The three-factor structure of AMI was confirmed. Multiple regression analysis revealed no effect of sociodemographic variables on the total AMI score. ROC analyses revealed three cut-offs of 1.5, 1.66, and 2.06 through the Youden’s J statistic to detect mild, moderate, and severe apathy, respectively.

Conclusion

The Italian version of the AMI reported similar psychometric properties, factorial structure, and cut-offs to the original scale. This may help researchers and clinicians to identify people at risk and address them in specific interventions to lower their apathy levels.
Micro-computed Tomography-Based Collagen Orientation and Anisotropy Analysis of Rabbit Articular Cartilage
Authors: Ojanen Simo P. , Finnilä Mikko A. J. , Herzog Walter , Saarakkala Simo , Korhonen Rami K. , Rieppo Lassi
Published: April 2023

The collagen network is the highly organized backbone of articular cartilage providing tissue tensile stiffness and restricting proteoglycan bleaching out of the tissue. Osteoarthritis (OA) diminishes proper collagen network adaptation. Our aim was to provide quantitative three-dimensional (3D) information of the cartilage collagen network adaptation in early osteoarthritis using high resolution micro-computed tomography (µCT)-imaging. Osteochondral samples from the femoral condyles were collected from healthy (N = 8, both legs) and experimental OA rabbit model with anterior cruciate ligament transection (N = 14, single leg). Samples were processed for cartilage µCT-imaging and histological evaluation with polarized light microscopy (PLM). Structure tensor analysis was used to analyse the collagen fibre orientation and anisotropy of the µCT-images, and PLM was used as a validation for structural changes. Depth-wise comparison of collagen fibre orientation acquired with µCT-imaging and PLM correlated well, but the values obtained with PLM were systematically greater than those measured with µCT-imaging. Structure tensor analysis allowed for 3D quantification of collagen network anisotropy. Finally, µCT-imaging revealed only minor differences between the control and experimental groups.
The relationships between the physical and chemical properties of an aquatic environment and the floristic specificity of pleustonic communities in northern Poland
Authors: Kłosowski Stanisław , Pawlikowski Paweł , Jabłońska Ewa , Podgórska Monika
Published: April 2023

A comparative phytosociological and habitat analysis of 84 pleustonic phytocoenoses in northern Poland was carried out in order to determine the scale of their floristic distinctiveness and to obtain an answer to the question whether and to what extent the floristic differentiation of pleustonic communities corresponds to the differentiation of their habitat conditions. Based on phytosociological studies, it was shown that the investigated phytocoenoses are not random groups of species, but well differentiated in terms of floristic composition and phytocoenotic structure by communities. It was shown that the studied phytocoenoses represent the following separate associations in phytosociological terms:Salvinio natantis-Spirodeletum polyrhizae, Lemno-Spirodeletum polyrhizae, Riccietum fluitantisandRicciocarpetum natantis.Hydrochemical studies showed that the floristic distinctiveness of these communities is largely confirmed by the differentiation of properties of the water habitat.Salvinio natantis-Spirodeletum polyrhizaeis characterised by the deepest waters (mainly 0.7–1.2 m), alkaline, of a low colour, rich in ions (Mg2+, Na+, Cl−) and therefore characterised by the highest electrolytic conductivity, poor in dissolved organic matter, NO3−and total iron.Lemno-Spirodeletum polyrhizaeis characterised by medium deep waters (mainly 0.3–0.8 m), mostly alkaline, of a low colour, less rich in ions (Ca2+, Na+, Cl−) and relatively low in dissolved organic matter and NO3−.Riccietum fluitantisis characterised by shallow waters (mainly 0.2–0.4 m), most often slightly acidic, of a quite high colour, low in cations and Cl−, and relatively rich in total iron, NO3−, and dissolved organic matter.Ricciocarpetum natantisis characterised by the shallowest waters, (mainly < 0.3 m), most often acidic, of the highest colour, low in ions, and rich in total iron, dissolved silica, NO3−and dissolved organic matter. By demonstrating habitat distinctiveness, the studied pleustonic communities may have significance as indicators of various types of aquatic environment.
Geodesics on a K3 surface near the orbifold limit
Authors: Lye Jørgen Olsen
Published: April 2023

This article studies Kummer K3 surfaces close to the orbifold limit. We improve upon estimates for the Calabi–Yau metrics due to Kobayashi. As an application, we study stable closed geodesics. We use the metric estimates to show how there are generally restrictions on the existence of such geodesics. We also show how there can exist stable, closed geodesics in some highly symmetric circumstances due to hyperkähler identities.
Hypergeometric structures in Feynman integrals
Authors: Blümlein J. , Saragnese M. , Schneider C.
Published: April 2023

For the precision calculations in perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) gigantic expressions (several GB in size) in terms of highly complicated divergent multi-loop Feynman integrals have to be calculated analytically to compact expressions in terms of special functions and constants. In this article we derive new symbolic tools to gain large-scale computer understanding in QCD. Here we exploit the fact that hypergeometric structures in single and multiscale Feynman integrals emerge in a wide class of topologies. Using integration-by-parts relations, associated master or scalar integrals have to be calculated. For this purpose it appears useful to devise an automated method which recognizes the respective (partial) differential equations related to the corresponding higher transcendental functions. We solve these equations through associated recursions of the expansion coefficient of the multivalued formal Taylor series. The expansion coefficients can be determined using either the package in the case of linear difference equations or by applying heuristic methods in the case of partial linear difference equations. In the present context a new type of sums occurs, the Hurwitz harmonic sums, and generalized versions of them. The code transforming classes of differential equations into analytic series expansions is described. Also partial difference equations having rational solutions and rational function solutions of Pochhammer symbols are considered, for which the code is designed. Generalized hypergeometric functions, Appell-, Kampé de Fériet-, Horn-, Lauricella-Saran-, Srivasta-, and Exton–type functions are considered. We illustrate the algorithms by examples.
Knapsack problems with position-dependent item weights or profits
Authors: Gawiejnowicz Stanisław , Halman Nir , Kellerer Hans
Published: April 2023

We consider three new knapsack problems with variable weights or profits of items, where the weight or profit of an item depends on the position of the item in the sequence of items packed in the knapsack. We show how to solve the problems exactly using dynamic programming algorithms with pseudo-polynomial running times and propose fully polynomial-time approximation schemes for their approximate solution.
Stochastic Volterra equations with time-changed Lévy noise and maximum principles
Authors: di Nunno Giulia , Giordano Michele
Published: April 2023

Motivated by a problem of optimal harvesting of natural resources, we study a control problem for Volterra type dynamics driven by time-changed Lévy noises, which are in general not Markovian. To exploit the nature of the noise, we make use of different kind of information flows within a maximum principle approach. For this we work with backward stochastic differential equations (BSDE) with time-change and exploit the non-anticipating stochastic derivative introduced in Di Nunno and Eide (Stoch Anal Appl 28:54-85, 2009). We prove both a sufficient and necessary stochastic maximum principle.
Considerations for modelling diffuse high-grade gliomas and developing clinically relevant therapies
Authors: Higginbottom Sarah L. , Tomaskovic-Crook Eva , Crook Jeremy M.
Published: April 2023

Diffuse high-grade
gliomas contain some of the most dangerous human cancers that lack curative treatment options. The recent molecular stratification of gliomas by the World Health Organisation in 2021 is expected to improve outcomes for patients in neuro-oncology through the development of treatments targeted to specific tumour types. Despite this promise, research is hindered by the lack of preclinical modelling platforms capable of recapitulating the heterogeneity and cellular phenotypes of tumours residing in their native human brain microenvironment. The microenvironment provides cues to subsets of glioma cells that influence proliferation, survival, and gene expression, thus altering susceptibility to therapeutic intervention. As such, conventional in vitro cellular models poorly reflect the varied responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy seen in these diverse cellular states that differ in transcriptional profile and differentiation status. In an effort to improve the relevance of traditional modelling platforms, recent attention has focused on human pluripotent stem cell-based and tissue engineering techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and microfluidic devices. The proper application of these exciting new technologies with consideration of tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental interactions holds potential to develop more applicable models and clinically relevant therapies. In doing so, we will have a better chance of translating preclinical research findings to patient populations, thereby addressing the current derisory oncology clinical trial success rate.
Flame-retardant hybrid composite manufacturing through reinforcing lignocellulosic and carbon fibers reinforced with epoxy resin (F@LC)
Authors: Hasan K. M. Faridul , Horváth Péter György , Kóczán Zsófia , Bak Miklós , Bejó László , Alpár Tibor
Published: April 2023

Novel flame retardant hybrid composites were developed from lignocellulosic and carbon fibers reinforced with epoxy resin using hot pressing technology. The size of the lignocellulosic fibers was within 0.045 to 0.8 mm, and the carbon fibers ranged from 5 to 8 mm. The nominal thickness of the composites was 10 mm, whereas the nominal density was 730 kg/m3. The composite dimensions were 400 × 400 mm2. The developed panels were tested for internal bonding strength and flexural properties to investigate their mechanical performance. Furthermore, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) test was conducted to examine the morphologies of the products before and after fracture and found substantial quantities of both types of fiber in the composite system. The EDX (Energy disruptive X-ray) analysis also displayed the chemical elements present in the developed products. Moreover, an FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) study showed strong chemical interactions among the lignocellulosic and carbon fibers with the thermosetting epoxy polymers. The flame retardancy tests of the composite materials also showed significant thermal stability, especially after loading carbon fibers in the composite system. Moreover, dimensional stability showed an improving trend with the increase of carbon fibers as the reinforcement. Overall, the composite materials developed using lignocellulosic and carbon fibers with epoxy resin are showing a novel route to develop composites with high mechanical performance and considerable flame retardancy.

Graphical abstract
Blackfoot Words: a database of Blackfoot lexical forms
Authors: Weber Natalie , Brown Tyler , Celli Joshua , Denham McKenzie , Dykstra Hailey , Hernandez-Merlin Rodrigo , Hochstein Evan , Hwang Pinyu , Kidd Nico , Kulmizev Diana , Morrison Hannah , Norris Matty , Venkatraman Lena
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the structure and creation of Blackfoot Words, a new relational database of lexical forms (inflected words, stems, and morphemes) in Blackfoot (Algonquian; ISO 639-3: bla). To date, we have digitized 63,493 individual lexical forms from 30 sources, representing all four major dialects, and spanning the years 1743–2017. Version 1.1 of the database includes lexical forms from nine of these sources. This project has two aims. The first is to digitize and provide access to the lexical data in these sources, many of which are difficult to access and discover. The second is to organize the data so that connections can be made between instances of the “same” lexical form across all sources, despite variation across sources in the dialect recorded, orthographic conventions, and the depth of morpheme analysis. The database structure was developed in response to these aims. The database comprises five tables: Sources, Words, Stems, Morphemes, and Lemmas. The Sources table contains bibliographic information and commentary on the sources. The Words table contains inflected words in the source orthography. Each word is broken down into stems and morphemes which are entered into the Stems and Morphemes tables in the source orthography. The Lemmas table contains abstract versions of each stem or morpheme in a standardized orthography. Instances of the same stem or morpheme are linked to a common lemma. We expect that the database will support projects by the language community and other researchers.
From local knowledge to decision making in climate change adaptation at basin scale. Application to the Jucar River Basin, Spain
Authors: Marcos-Garcia P. , Pulido-Velazquez M. , Sanchis-Ibor C. , García-Mollá M. , Ortega-Reig M. , Garcia-Prats A. , Girard C.
Published: April 2023

Climate change is challenging the conventional approaches for water systems planning. Two main approaches are commonly implemented in the design of climate change adaptation plans: impact-oriented top-down approaches and vulnerability-oriented bottom-up approaches. In order to overcome the shortcomings of both approaches and take advantage of their strengths, we propose an integrative methodology to define adaptation strategies at basin scale, identifying and combining potential changes in water demand and water supply infrastructure along with climate variability and change. The impact of climate change on future local water availability is assessed applying a top-down approach. Local knowledge is used through a participatory bottom-up approach to foresee future scenarios of evolution of the agricultural sector and agricultural water demand, and to identify locally relevant adaptation strategies. A hydroeconomic model integrates the information from both approaches to identify a socially acceptable and cost-effective program of measures for each climate scenario. This method was applied to the Jucar basin, a highly regulated basin with a tight equilibrium between water resources and demands. The results show an important variability of climate change impacts across the basin, with main inflow reductions in the headwaters. The stakeholders prioritized the adaptation options of change to drip irrigation, use of non-conventional resources, and changes in water governance. The results obtained from the hydroeconomic model show that the portfolio of selected adaptation measures could significantly reduce the system’s average annual deficit and cost.
GSK-3α/β and MEK inhibitors assist the microenvironment of tumor initiation
Authors: Hassan Ghmkin , Afify Said M. , Zahra Maram H. , Nawara Hend M. , Kumon Kazuki , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Salomon David S. , Seno Akimasa , Seno Masaharu
Published: April 2023

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are useful tools for modeling diseases and developing personalized medicine. We have been developing cancer stem cells (CSCs) from iPSCs with conditioned medium (CM) of cancer-derived cells as the mimicry of the microenvironment of tumor initiation. However, the conversion of human iPSCs has not always been efficient with only CM. In this study, human iPSCs reprogrammed from monocytes of healthy volunteers were cultured in a media containing 50% of the CM from human pancreatic cancer derived BxPC3 cells supplemented with a MEK inhibitor (AZD6244) and a GSK-3α/β inhibitor (CHIR99021). The survived cells were assessed for the characteristics of CSCs in vitro and in vivo. As a result, they exhibited CSC phenotypes of self-renewal, differentiation, and malignant tumorigenicity. Primary culture of the malignant tumors of the converted cells exhibited the elevated expression of CSC related genes CD44, CD24 and EPCAM maintaining the expression of stemness genes. In conclusion, the inhibition of GSK-3α/β and MEK and the microenvironment of tumor initiation mimicked by the CM can convert human normal stem cells into CSCs. This study could provide insights into establishing potentially novel personalized cancer models which could help investigate the tumor initiation and screening of personalized therapies on CSCs.
Using attention-based neural networks for predicting student learning outcomes in service-learning
Authors: Fu Eugene Yujun , Ngai Grace , Leong Hong Va , Chan Stephen C.F. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: April 2023

As a high-impact educational practice, service-learning has demonstrated success in positively influencing students’ overall development, and much work has been done on investigating student learning outcomes from service-learning. A particular direction is to model students’ learning outcomes in the context of their learning experience, i.e., the various student, course, and pedagogical elements. It contributes to a better understanding of the learning process, a more accurate prediction of students’ attainments on the learning outcomes, and improvements in the design of learning activities to maximize student learning. However, most of the existing work in this area relies on statistical analysis that makes assumptions about attribute independence or simple linear dependence, which may not accurately reflect real-life scenarios. In contrast, the study described in this paper adopted a neural network-based approach to investigate the impact of students’ learning experience on different service-learning outcomes. A neural network with attention mechanisms was constructed to predict students’ service-learning outcomes by modeling the contextual information from their various learning experiences. In-depth evaluation experiments on a large-scale dataset collected from more than 10,000 students showed that this proposed model achieved better accuracy on predicting service-learning outcomes. More importantly, it could capture the interdependence between different aspects of student learning experience and the learning outcomes. We believe that this framework can be extended to student modeling for other types of learning activities.
Intercultural communicative competence in higher education through telecollaboration: typology and development
Authors: Gutiérrez-Santiuste Elba , Ritacco-Real Maximiliano
Published: April 2023

This study aims to analyse intercultural communicative competence, understood as the individual’s ability to effectively and appropriately develop communication and behaviour, when interacting in an intercultural context. In this study, the Behavioural, Affective and Cognitive Dimensions, and their sub–dimensions, are considered by using videoconferencing as a tool for telecollaboration in Higher Education. These sub–dimensions are observed according to their positive and negative orientation (facilitating or inhibiting). The objectives of the current study are to analyse the dimensions and sub–dimensions distribution, to assess the incidence of the typology of generic and specific topics, and to assess the over time communication evolution. Content analysis of communications between university peers was carried out and we undertook a percentage frequency index. The results show behavioural communications to be in the majority, followed by affective and, finally, cognitive communications. Communications with a negative aspect are almost absent from this study. MANOVA was performed to investigate differences between typologies of topics (generic/specific) in dimensions. This research founds statistically significant differences in Affective Dimension. ANOVAs were conducted to observe if there are differences in the development over time of Behavioural, Affective and Cognitive Dimensions of intercultural online communications. There was a significant effect over time in Affective and Behavioural Dimension. The present study finds expressions that show a positive attitude towards communication, as well as interest in and an effort to maintain it. We can conclude that, in Affective Dimension, where generic topics enhance communication, while educational topics inhibit it. However, a sustained evolution over time has not been found, rather a significant incidence depending on topic themes.
All-cause mortality among Danish nursing home residents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Mills Elisabeth Helen Anna , Meddis Alessandra , Sørensen Kathrine Kold , Butt Jawad Haider , Køber Lars , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Phelps Matthew , Gislason Gunnar , Christensen Helle Collatz , Schou Morten , Fosbøl Emil L. , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Kragholm Kristian , Torp-Pedersen Christian
Published: April 2023

A substantial part of mortality during the COVID-19-pandemic occurred among nursing home residents which caused alarm in many countries. We investigate nursing home mortality in relation to the expected mortality prior to the pandemic. This nationwide register-based study included all 135,501 Danish nursing home residents between 2015 until October 6, 2021. All-cause mortality rates were calculated using a standardization method on sex and age distribution of 2020. Survival probability and lifetime lost for 180 days was calculated using Kaplan Meier estimates. Of 3,587 COVID-19 related deaths, 1137 (32%) occurred among nursing home residents. The yearly all-cause mortality rates per 100,000 person-years in 2015, 2016, and 2017 were 35,301 (95% CI: 34,671–35,943), 34,801 (95% CI: 34,180–35,432), and 35,708 (95% CI: 35,085–36,343), respectively. Slightly elevated mortality rates per 100,000 person-years were seen in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 of 38,268 (95% CI: 37,620–38,929), 36,956 (95% CI: 36,323–37,600), 37,475 (95% CI: 36,838–38,122), and 38,536 (95% CI: 37,798–39,287), respectively. For SARS-CoV-2-infected nursing home residents, lifetime lost difference was 42 days (95% CI: 38–46) in 2020 versus non-infected in 2018. Among vaccinated in 2021, lifetime lost difference was 25 days (95% CI: 18–32) for SARS-CoV-2-infected versus non-infected. Even though a high proportion of COVID-19 fatalities took place in nursing homes and SARS-CoV-2-infection increased the risk of individual death, the annual mortality was only slightly elevated. For future epidemics or pandemics reporting numbers of fatal cases in relation to expected mortality is critical.
A Novel Method to Improve Robustness of End Plate Connections at Elevated Temperatures Using Bolt Sleeves
Authors: Shaheen Mohamed A. , Cunningham Lee S. , Foster Andrew S. J.
Published: April 2023

The robustness of steel frames during fire events is primarily controlled by the rotational capacity of beam to column connections. Higher values of rotational capacity allow the beam to develop catenary action which enhances the survivability of the steel frame. The present study proposes a novel device to increase rotational capacity of steel end plate beam-column connections at elevated temperatures. By inserting a steel sleeve with a designated length, thickness and wall curvature between the end plate and the washer, the load path between the end plate and the bolts can be interrupted, promoting a more ductile response. An analytical solution predicting the sleeve design parameters is also presented. It is concluded that the proposed device can significantly increase the rotational capacity of the end plate connection at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, a detailed numerical investigation on end plate connections with various failure modes concluded that the proposed sleeve device does not have any negative effect on the connection performance at elevated temperatures.
Individual Differences and Situational Constraint Predict Information Search in Negotiation Planning
Authors: Le Dai Quy , Jang Daisung
Published: April 2023

Planning is critical for negotiation success as it facilitates obtaining superior outcomes. However, little empirically is known about this topic. We argue that individual differences are important to understanding planning behavior because planning affords greater opportunities for individual differences to manifest compared to other phases of negotiation. We conducted a series of studies with the aim of understanding how the Big Five factors and gender predict information search and preference while planning. In Study 1, we examined information search behavior using the Mouselab paradigm. When the search space was large, agreeableness predicted persistence in search, and women spent significantly more time on the task, and looked for value creating and relationship related information to a greater extent than men (Study 1a). In a more constrained situation or with a smaller search space, few associations between individual differences and search behavior emerged (Studies 1b and 1c). In Study 2, we used a survey design to elicit preferences for information type. In this task, multiple personality factors predicted preferences. Conscientiousness and openness predicted preferences for value claiming information, and women preferred value creating information. Conscientiousness predicted preference for value claiming choice of information through the preference for value claiming information. How individual differences manifest in information search and preference in negotiation planning is a function of both task type and complexity.
Diosmin nanocrystal gel alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in rats via modulating TLR7,8/NF-κB/micro RNA-31, AKT/mTOR/P70S6K milieu, and Tregs/Th17 balance
Authors: Shahine Yasmine , El-Aal Sarah A. Abd , Reda Ahmed M. , Sheta Eman , Atia Nouran M. , Abdallah Ossama Y. , Ibrahim Sherihan Salaheldin Abdelhamid
Published: April 2023

Diosmin is a flavonoid with promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it has difficult physicochemical characteristics since its solubility demands a pH level of 12, which has an impact on the drug’s bioavailability. The aim of this work is the development and characterization of diosmin nanocrystals using anti-solvent precipitation technique to be used for topical treatment of psoriasis. Results revealed that diosmin nanocrystals stabilized with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E15) in ratio (diosmin:polymer; 1:1) reached the desired particle size (276.9 ± 16.49 nm); provided promising colloidal properties and possessed high drug release profile. Additionally, in-vivo assessment was carried out to evaluate and compare the activities of diosmin nanocrystal gel using three different doses and diosmin powder gel in alleviating imiquimod-induced psoriasis in rats and investigating their possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Herein, 125 mg of 5% imiquimod cream (IMQ) was applied topically for 5 consecutive days on the shaved backs of rats to induce psoriasis. Diosmin nanocrystal gel especially in the highest dose used offered the best anti-inflammatory effect. This was confirmed by causing the most statistically significant reduction in the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score and the serum inflammatory cytokines levels. Furthermore, it was capable of maintaining the balance between T helper (Th17) and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Moreover, it tackled TLR7/8/NF-κB, miRNA-31, AKT/mTOR/P70S6K and elevated the TNFAIP3/A20 (a negative regulator of NF-κB) expression in psoriatic skin tissues. This highlights the role of diosmin nanocrystal gel in tackling imiquimod-induced psoriasis in rats, and thus it could be a novel promising therapy for psoriasis.

Graphical abstract
Teacher practices of verbal support during a design project in the chemistry classroom
Authors: Sheoratan Sathyam , Henze Ineke , de Vries Marc J. , Barendsen Erik
Published: April 2023

Design activities are gaining interest as rich contexts for learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. STEM teachers may find this challenging however, as designing requires support that they are not used to providing. In a subject like chemistry, teachers would have to balance creativity and responsibility for the students with concept learning and safety in the classroom. In a case study, we analyzed the verbal interactions of three teachers with their students during design activities in the classroom, with the aim of understanding what teachers and students talk about and how chemistry teachers support the students with their designs. During the lesson, students worked on the design of a self-heating or self-cooling cup, while also performing chemistry experiments to learn about the energy effects of reactions. Such a lesson reflects what design activities in the chemistry classroom could look like. We described the topics that teachers and students talk about, revealing that teachers support students through several types of feedback and questions. We also found that teachers support design tasks in a more open, constructive, and encouraging way than is used for experiments and chemistry concepts, which are supported in a closed, clarifying, and steering manner.