bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear layers in two-stage compound channels investigated with LS-PIV
Authors: Dupuis Victor , Schraen Laura , Eiff Olivier
Published: January 2023

Flow experiments are conducted in a two-stage compound open-channel, with varying intensity of the velocity difference between the main channel (deep part) and the floodplain (shallower part), using a large-scale free surface PIV technique (LS-PIV). For all investigated flows, a shear layer develops at the interface between main channel and floodplain, characterised by a peak of turbulent shear stress. Yet, two different kinds of shear layer could be identified. The first kind is characterised by the presence of large-scale quasi-periodic structures of Kelvin-Helmholtz type which are growing in downstream direction, whereas the second kind is characterised by smaller-scale vortical structures without quasi-periodicity and which do not grow in downstream direction. The shear parameter$$\lambda =(U_2-U_1)/(U_2+U_1)$$λ=(U2-U1)/(U2+U1), where$$U_1$$U1and$$U_2$$U2are defined as the velocities outside the shear layer, is identified as a key parameter to distinguish between these two types of shear layers, supporting a result from Proust et al. (Water Resour Res 53: 3387–3406, 2017). A physical interpretation of the$$\lambda$$λ-criterion is proposed, based on the inhibiting effect of ambient turbulence (the turbulence level outside the shear layer) on the emergence of Kelvin-Helmholtz structures. Accordingly, the threshold value of$$\lambda$$λ, above which large-scale structures can develop, is dependent on the level of the ambient turbulence. Despite their very different behaviours, the two types of shear layer have the same efficiency to generate turbulent shear stress for a given velocity difference across the shear layer, except for$$\lambda$$λ-values close to the threshold value.
Uncertainty and validation of unsteady pressure-sensitive paint measurements of acoustic fields under aero engine-like conditions
Authors: Goessling Jan , Fischer Felix , Seume Joerg R. , Hilfer Michael
Published: January 2023

Fast response pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) allows optical measurements of pressure fluctuations on a surface with high spatial and temporal resolution. This technique is evaluated for aeroacoustic measurements inside an aeroacoustic wind tunnel (AWT). The AWT is a test rig especially designed for investigating the excitation and propagation of sound under conditions typical for turbomachinery. The aim of this work is to compare the results of sound pressure measurements of tonal sound fields in a circular duct conducted with PSP and microphone arrays in order to assess the applicability of PSP in turbomachinery acoustics applications. A data analysis process is presented, which projects the camera image of the PSP data onto a given surface. To analyze the spatial pressure fluctuations, the PSP data are transformed in the frequency domain using pixel-wise fast Fourier transform. Measurements with a mean Mach number up to 0.109 and 5 kHz excitation frequency are conducted. An acoustic mode generator is used to excite the sound field with specific circumferential mode order. The pressure fluctuations obtained with the PSP measurement visualize the measured acoustic field well and allow early interpretation. The pressures of PSP and microphones are in good agreement; for example, the maximum detected deviation in pressure at 2700 Hz is 30 Pa. A preview on using radial mode analysis to decompose the acoustic field, measured by PSP, into acoustic modes is provided. The results are confirmed by a decomposition using conventional arrays of flush-mounted microphones.

Graphical Abstract
Impact-driven cavitation bubble dynamics
Authors: Bao Hengzhu , Reuter Fabian , Zhang Hongchao , Lu Jian , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: January 2023

The dynamics of a single cavitation bubble exposed to a transient acceleration is studied experimentally. A single cavitation bubble is seeded with a pulsed laser in a free-falling and impacting water-filled test tube. After impact, a pressure wave containing compression and rarefaction phases is generated and interacts with the bubble. The bubble dynamics is studied with high-speed imaging and compared to numerical simulations using the Keller–Miksis model. The timing of bubble seeding with respect to the pressure wave is varied, and a regime of enhanced collapse strength is found.
Symptoms of older orthopedic and rheumatic patients
Authors: Schiek Susanne , Hintzer Katharina , Dahley Carolin , Wernecke Kathrin , Feindt Birgit , Baerwald Christoph , Spiegl Ulrich J. A. , Bertsche Thilo
Published: January 2023

Background

In older multimorbid orthopedic and rheumatic patients, data on symptoms besides pain or reduced mobility are rarely published.

Objective

We investigated patients’ perspectives on their symptoms after hospital discharge.

Material and methods

Orthopedic and rheumatic patients aged over 70 years were asked via telephone interviews about (i) their symptoms, (ii) communication, (iii) treatment, and (iv) support.

Results

(i) The 60 participants (35 women and 25 men) reported a median of 6 (min-max: 1–14) different symptoms, of which 86% (356 of 415) had existed before hospitalization, (ii) patients did not communicate 28% (117) of symptoms to either healthcare professionals, family or friends and (iii) 52 (87%) patients desired improvement. Of the 280 most impairing symptoms, 19% (52) were not treated at all. (iv) Almost all patients (59; 98%) considered it easy to obtain support.

Conclusion

Remarkably, many symptoms were not communicated or treated despite the patients having been hospitalized.
Effects of anti-inflammatory dietary patterns on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic literature review
Authors: Abdallah Jayden , Assaf Samantha , Das Arpita , Hirani Vasant
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic hepatic condition. Low-grade chronic inflammation contributes to disease progression. Diet has protective effects on hepatic health and inflammatory pathways. The purpose of this review is to systematically review and describe the effects of anti-inflammatory dietary patterns on NAFLD.

Methods

The Cochrane CENTRAL Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched. A total of 252 records were identified, 7 of which were included in this review. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to conduct a quality assessment for randomised trials. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation tool.

Results

Of the 7 included studies, 6 were classified as low risk of bias and studies ranged from high to very low certainty of evidence. In the randomised-controlled studies systematically reviewed, either adherence to the Mediterranean, DASH, or FLiO diet was studied, against usual care or energy matched controls, with a total of 255 participants. Anti-inflammatory dietary pattern adherence significantly reduced the severity of most hepatic and inflammatory markers, and secondary outcomes. A minority of outcomes were improved significantly more than controls.

Conclusion

Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns showed benefits to NAFLD risk factors, severity markers and inflammatory markers compared to the control diet. It is unclear whether reductions in the evaluated parameters are related solely to the anti-inflammatory diet or weight loss resulting from caloric restriction, as improvements in control groups were also evidenced. Current limited body of evidence indicates need for further research including isocaloric dietary patterns, longer interventions, measures of inflammatory markers, and studies including normal-weight subjects to confirm findings at higher certainty.

PROSPERO Registration

CRD42021269382.
Performance with a new bone conduction implant audio processor in patients with single-sided deafness
Authors: Wimmer Wilhelm , Zbinden Michael , Gawliczek Tom , Huber Alexander , Caversaccio Marco , Kompis Martin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The SAMBA 2 BB audio processor for the BONEBRIDGE bone conduction implant features a new automatic listening environment detection to focus on target speech and to reduce interfering speech and background noises. The aim of this study was to evaluate the audiological benefit of the SAMBA 2 BB (AP2) and to compare it with its predecessor SAMBA BB (AP1).

Methods

Prospective within-subject comparison study. We compared the aided sound field hearing thresholds, speech understanding in quiet (Freiburg monosyllables), and speech understanding in noise (Oldenburg sentence test) with the AP1 and AP2. Each audio processor was worn for 2 weeks before assessment and seven users with single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) participated in the study. For speech understanding in noise, two complex noise scenarios with multiple noise sources including single talker interfering speech were used. The first scenario included speech presented from the front (S0NMIX), while in the second scenario speech was presented from the side of the implanted ear (SIPSINMIX). In addition, subjective evaluation using the SSQ12, APSQ, and the BBSS questionnaires was performed.

Results

We found improved speech understanding in quiet with the AP2 compared to the AP1 aided condition (on average + 17%, p = 0.007). In both noise scenarios, the AP2 lead to improved speech reception thresholds by 1.2 dB (S0NMIX, p = 0.032) and 2.1 dB (SIPSINMIX, p = 0.048) compared to the AP1. The questionnaires revealed no statistically significant differences, except an improved APSQ usability score with the AP2.

Conclusion

Clinicians can expect that patients with SSD will benefit from the SAMBA 2 BB by improved speech understanding in both quiet and in complex noise scenarios, when compared to the older SAMBA BB.
Surgical therapy of celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery syndrome
Authors: Jonas J. P. , Rössler F. , Ghafoor S. , Kobe A. , Pfammatter T. , Schlag C. , Gutschow C. A. , Petrowsky H. , Müller P. C. , Oberkofler C. E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Compression syndromes of the celiac artery (CAS) or superior mesenteric artery (SMAS) are rare conditions that are difficult to diagnose; optimal treatment remains complex, and symptoms often persist after surgery. We aim to review the literature on surgical treatment and postoperative outcome in CAS and SMAS syndrome.

Methods

A systematic literature review of medical literature databases on the surgical treatment of CAS and SMAS syndrome was performed from 2000 to 2022. Articles were included according to PROSPERO guidelines. The primary endpoint was the failure-to-treat rate, defined as persistence of symptoms at first follow-up.

Results

Twenty-three studies on CAS (n = 548) and 11 on SMAS (n = 168) undergoing surgery were included. Failure-to-treat rate was 28% for CAS and 21% for SMAS. Intraoperative blood loss was 95 ml (0–217) and 31 ml (21–50), respectively, and conversion rate was 4% in CAS patients and 0% for SMAS. Major postoperative morbidity was 2% for each group, and mortality was described in 0% of CAS and 0.4% of SMAS patients. Median length of stay was 3 days (1–12) for CAS and 5 days (1–10) for SMAS patients. Consequently, 47% of CAS and 5% of SMAS patients underwent subsequent interventions for persisting symptoms.

Conclusion

Failure of surgical treatment was observed in up to every forth patient with a high rate of subsequent interventions. A thorough preoperative work-up with a careful patient selection is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, the surgical procedure was associated with a beneficial risk profile and can be performed minimally invasive.
Gene fusions are frequent in ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas, but not in their non-pancreatic counterparts
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Kasajima Atsuko , Stoehr Robert , Haller Florian , Schubart Christoph , Tögel Lars , Pfarr Nicole , von Werder Alexander , Pavel Marianne E. , Sessa Fausto , Uccella Silvia , La Rosa Stefano , Klöppel Günter
Published: January 2023

Ectopic Cushing syndrome is a rare clinical disorder resulting from excessive adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) produced by non-pituitary neoplasms, mainly neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the lung, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract, and other less common sites. The genetic background of ACTH-producing NENs has not been well studied. Inspired by an index case of ACTH-producing pancreatic NEN carrying a gene fusion, we postulated that ACTH-producing NENs might be enriched for gene fusions. We herein examined 21 ACTH-secreting NENs of the pancreas (10), lung (9), thymus (1), and kidney (1) using targeted RNA sequencing. The tumors were classified according to the most recent WHO classification as NET-G1/typical carcinoid (n = 4), NETG-2/atypical carcinoid (n = 14), and NET-G3 (n = 3). Overall, targeted RNA sequencing was successful in 11 cases (4 of 10 pancreatic tumors, 5 of 9 pulmonary tumors, and in the one renal and one thymic tumor). All four successfully tested pancreatic tumors revealed a gene fusion: two had a EWSR1::BEND2 and one case each had a KMT2A::BCOR and a TFG::ADGRG7 fusion, respectively. EWSR1 rearrangements were confirmed in both tumors with a EWSR1::BEND2 by FISH. Gene fusions were mutually exclusive with ATRX, DAXX, and MEN1 mutations (the most frequently mutated genes in NETs) in all four cases. Using RNA-based variant assessment (n = 16) or via the TSO500 panel (n = 5), no pathogenic BCOR mutations were detected in any of the cases. Taken together, gene fusions were detected in 4/4 (100%) pancreatic versus 0/7 (0%) non-pancreatic tumors, respectively. These results suggest a potential role for gene fusions in triggering the ACTH production in pancreatic NENs presenting with ectopic Cushing syndrome. While the exact mechanisms responsible for the ectopic ACTH secretion are beyond the scope of this study, overexpressed fusion proteins might be involved in promoter-mediated overexpression of pre-ACTH precursors in analogy to the mechanisms postulated for EWSR1::CREB1-mediated paraneoplastic phenomena in certain mesenchymal neoplasms. The genetic background of the ACTH-producing non-pancreatic NENs remains to be further studied.
HER2/neu-based vaccination with li-Key hybrid, GM-CSF immunoadjuvant and trastuzumab as a potent triple-negative breast cancer treatment
Authors: Zhou Yihan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Constituting 15 to 20% of breast cancer cases, the triple-negative subtype lacks effective treatments as being less responsive to hormone-associated therapies. Alternatively, a more powerful immunotherapeutic vaccination can trigger immune recognition and destruction against breast cancer by incorporating oncological antigens such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu). Currently, HER2/neu-based vaccines have finished three phases with breast cancer patients, in conjunction with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) that was proven to be a promising vaccine adjuvant in other cancer trials previously.

Methods

Completed HER2/neu-based vaccine trials with GM-CSF immunoadjuvants for breast cancer were summarised, and additionally, the article discussed prominent findings of vaccine effectiveness in triple-negative breast cancer, regarding li-Key hybrid in vaccine design and co-administration of anti-HER2/neu trastuzumab.

Results

Nine clinical trials of three HER2/neu epitopes, one with li-Key hybrid, were analysed with or without the presence of trastuzumab. Immunological responses and minimal toxicities were observed in these epitopes, and disease-free survival was especially improved in the triple-negative population.

Conclusion

HER2/neu-based peptide vaccine is a safe and effective approach against breast cancer, and its benefits can be potentially furthered by combining the li-Key hybrid vaccine with targeted drugs and adjuvants selected to enhance cross-presentation for exogenous vaccine antigens.

Graphical abstract
Native and exotic plants play different roles in urban pollination networks across seasons
Authors: Zaninotto Vincent , Thebault Elisa , Dajoz Isabelle
Published: January 2023

Urban areas often host exotic plant species, whether managed or spontaneous. These plants are suspected of affecting pollinator diversity and the structure of pollination networks. However, in dense cityscapes, exotic plants also provide additional flower resources during periods of scarcity, and the consequences for the seasonal dynamics of networks still need to be investigated. For two consecutive years, we monitored monthly plant–pollinator networks in 12 green spaces in Paris, France. We focused on seasonal variations in the availability and attractiveness of flower resources, comparing native and exotic plants at both the species and community levels. We also considered their respective contributions to network properties over time (specialization and nestedness). Exotic plants provided more abundant and diverse flower resources than native plants, especially from late summer on. However, native plants received more visits and attracted more pollinator species at the community level; and during certain times of the year at the species level as well. Exotic plants were involved in more generalist interactions, increasingly so over the seasons. In addition, they contributed more to network nestedness than native plants. These results show that exotic plants are major components of plant–pollinator interactions in a dense urban landscape, even though they are less attractive than natives. They constitute a core of generalist interactions that increase nestedness and can participate in the overall stability of the network. However, most exotic species were seldom visited by insects. Pollinator communities may benefit from including more native species when managing urban green spaces.
Consistent responses to moisture stress despite diverse growth forms within mountain fynbos communities
Authors: Skelton Robert P. , West Adam G. , Buttner Daniel , Dawson Todd E.
Published: January 2023

Understanding climate change impacts on the Cape Floristic Region requires improved knowledge of plant physiological responses to the environment. Studies examining physiological responses of mountain fynbos have consisted of campaign-based measurements, capturing snapshots of plant water relations and photosynthesis. We examine conclusions drawn from prior studies by tracking in situ physiological responses of three species, representing dominant growth forms (proteoid, ericoid, restioid), over 2 years using miniature continuous sap flow technology, long-term observations of leaf/culm water potential and gas exchange, and xylem vulnerability to embolism. We observed considerable inter-specific variation in the timing and extent of seasonal declines in productivity. Shallow-rooted Erica monsoniana exhibited steep within-season declines in sap flow and water potentials, and pronounced inter-annual variability in total daily sap flux (Js). Protea repens showed steady reductions in Js across both years, despite deeper roots and less negative water potentials. Cannomois congesta—a shallow-rooted restioid—was least negatively impacted. Following rehydrating rain at the end of summer, gas exchange recovery was lower in the drier year compared with the normal year, but did not differ between species. Loss of function in the drier year was partially accounted for by loss of xylem transport capacity in Erica and Cannomois, but not Protea. Hitherto unseen water use patterns, including inter-annual variability of gas exchange associated with contrasting water uptake properties, reveal that species use different mechanisms to cope with summer dry periods. Revealing physiological responses of key growth forms enhances predictions of plant function within mountain fynbos under future conditions.
Quantifying terminal white bands in Salix from the Yenisei river, Siberia and their relationship to late-season flooding
Authors: Thaxton Richard D. , Panyushkina Irina P. , Meko David M. , von Arx Georg , Agafonov Leonid I.
Published: January 2023

Key Message

Wood fiber cell wall thickness best characterizes white bands found at the end of certain growth rings in Salix alba. Evidence suggests these features are related to late-season hydrology.

Recent, record-breaking discharge in the Yenisei River, Siberia, is part of a larger trend of increasing river flow in the Arctic driven by Arctic Amplification. These changes in magnitude and timing of discharge can lead to increased risk of extreme flood events, with implications for infrastructure, ecosystems, and climate. To better understand the effect of these changes on riparian tree growth along the lower reaches of the Yenisei River, we collected white willow (Salix alba) cross sections from a fluvial fill flat terrace that occasionally floods when water levels are extremely high. These samples displayed bands of lighter colored wood at the end of certain annual growth rings that we hypothesized were related to flood events. To identify the characteristics and causes of these features, we use an approach known as quantitative wood anatomy (QWA) to measure variation in fiber cell dimensions across tree rings, particularly fiber lumen area (LA) and cell wall thickness (CWT). We investigate (1) which cell parameters and method to extract intra-annual data from annual tree rings best capture terminal white bands identified in Salix, and (2) if these patterns are related to flood magnitude and/or duration. We find that fiber CWT best captures terminal white bands found in Salix rings. Time series derived from CWT measurements correlate with July water-level durations, but at levels too low to be labeled flooding. Although both terminal white bands and July flooding have reduced since 1980, questions remain as to the cause of terminal white bands. Understanding how riparian vegetation responds to changes in hydrology can help us better manage riparian ecosystems and understand the impacts of a changing Arctic hydrological regime.
Long-term effects of exercise interventions on physical activity in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Goldschmidt Siri , Schmidt Martina E. , Steindorf Karen
Published: January 2023

Background

Benefits of exercise interventions for cancer patients are well established. This systematic review aimed to investigate the sustainability of exercise interventions with respect to physical activity behaviour of breast cancer patients in the longer term.

Methods

The databases Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or combined exercise interventions in breast cancer patients and assessing physical activity at least 2 months after the intervention. Random-effect models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD).

Results

A total of 27 RCTs with 4120 participants were included in the review, of which 11 RCTs with 1545 participants had appropriate data for the meta-analyses. Physical activity was mainly self-reported, and most exercise interventions were supervised. Exercise interventions tended to show a moderate significant effect up to 6 months for moderate to vigorous physical activity (SMD [95% CI] = 0.39 [0.07, 0.70]) and small, non-significant effects on total physical activity at 6 months (SMD [95% CI] = 0.14 [− 0.00, 0.28]) and up to 60 months after the intervention (SMD = 0.29 [-0.31, 0.90]). Differences between intervention characteristics, such as supervised versus unsupervised, were inconclusive due to the small number of RCTs.

Conclusions

The physical activity behaviour in breast cancer patients remained improved for several months beyond the end of exercise interventions, but effects were small to moderate and diminished over time. Future studies should clarify how to maintain a healthy level of physical activity after completion of an exercise intervention.
Learning ensembles of deep neural networks for extreme rainfall event detection
Authors: Folino Gianluigi , Guarascio Massimo , Chiaravalloti Francesco
Published: January 2023

Accurate rainfall estimation is crucial to adequately assess the risk associated with extreme events capable of triggering floods and landslides. Data gathered from Rain Gauges (RGs), sensors devoted to measuring the intensity of the rain at individual points, are commonly used to feed interpolation methods (e.g., the Kriging geostatistical approach) and estimate the precipitation field over an area of interest. However, the information provided by RGs could be insufficient to model complex phenomena, and computationally expensive interpolation methods could not be used in real-time environments. Integrating additional data sources (e.g., radar and geostationary satellites) is an effective solution for improving the quality of the estimate, but it needs to cope with Big Data issues. To overcome all these issues, we propose a Rainfall Estimation Model (REM) based on an Ensemble of Deep Neural Networks (DeepEns-REM) that can automatically fuse heterogeneous data sources. The usage of Residual Blocks in the base models and the adoption of a Snapshot procedure to build the ensemble guarantees a fast convergence and scalability. Experimental results, conducted on a real dataset concerning a southern region in Italy, demonstrate the quality of the proposal in comparison with the Kriging interpolation technique and other machine learning techniques, especially in the case of exceptional rainfall events.
Meta-transfer learning for emotion recognition
Authors: Nguyen Dung , Nguyen Duc Thanh , Sridharan Sridha , Denman Simon , Nguyen Thanh Thi , Dean David , Fookes Clinton
Published: January 2023

Deep learning has been widely adopted in automatic emotion recognition and has lead to significant progress in the field. However, due to insufficient training data, pre-trained models are limited in their generalisation ability, leading to poor performance on novel test sets. To mitigate this challenge, transfer learning performed by fine-tuning pr-etrained models on novel domains has been applied. However, the fine-tuned knowledge may overwrite and/or discard important knowledge learnt in pre-trained models. In this paper, we address this issue by proposing a PathNet-based meta-transfer learning method that is able to (i) transfer emotional knowledge learnt from one visual/audio emotion domain to another domain and (ii) transfer emotional knowledge learnt from multiple audio emotion domains to one another to improve overall emotion recognition accuracy. To show the robustness of our proposed method, extensive experiments on facial expression-based emotion recognition and speech emotion recognition are carried out on three bench-marking data sets: SAVEE, EMODB, and eNTERFACE. Experimental results show that our proposed method achieves superior performance compared with existing transfer learning methods.
High-resolution monitoring of groundwater quality in unconsolidated aquifers using UV-Vis spectrometry
Authors: Haas Johannes , Retter Alice , Kornfeind Lukas , Wagner Christoph , Griebler Christian , Birk Steffen
Published: January 2023

In many countries, groundwater quality is routinely monitored in yearly or quarterly intervals. Such frequencies, however, may not be sufficient for investigations into the temporal dynamics of water quality, due to seasonal variability or responses to extreme events. One approach to overcome this limitation is the use of in-situ sensors, such as UV-Vis spectrometers. With a focus on nitrate as an abundant groundwater contaminant, we explored the suitability of these sensors for high-resolution groundwater monitoring in shallow unconsolidated oxic aquifers. In-situ nitrate measurements in four selected wells compared well with values from lab analyses determined in pumped groundwater samples. Most importantly, our results revealed distinct seasonal patterns and, at two sites, pronounced short-term fluctuations in nitrate concentrations concomitant to patterns observed in precipitation, hydraulic head and groundwater temperature. Such dynamics in water quality, and thus the causal relationship with hydrological events and land use, will unfortunately be overlooked when following conventional sampling schemes with the risk of non-representative time series if routine sampling is timed unfavorably. Finally, we provide practical advice for deployment of the sensor.
Analyzing spatio-temporal mechanisms of land subsidence in the Parowan Valley, Utah, USA
Authors: Li Jiawei , Smith Ryan , Grote Katherine
Published: January 2023

Parowan Valley, Utah (USA), is an agricultural region experiencing rapid subsidence due to extensive groundwater extraction from aquifers with a significant portion of fine-grained sediments. To analyze the subsidence spatio-temporally, time-series Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) of 155 Sentinel-1 C-band scenes were processed. These data showed approximately 30 cm of ground subsidence in Parowan Valley from 2014 to 2020. Because of the high temporal sampling rate of the Sentinel-1 satellite (12-day cycle), it is possible to determine the seasonal changes of ground deformation and relate this to groundwater extraction. To better understand the relationship between ground deformation and groundwater extraction in the Parowan Valley, temporal changes in hydraulic head data from US Geological Survey observation wells were monitored. Additionally, well logs were analyzed and used to construct a map that showed the percentage of fine-grained material in the subsurface. The investigation of hydraulic head and geology, together with InSAR-derived ground displacement data, indicates that the most subsidence occurs where there is a co-occurrence of high groundwater demand and a high percentage of fine-grained sediments, but recharge likely plays a role in mitigating subsidence in some areas. The subsidence developed in Parowan Valley shows a long-term trend as well as seasonal variation and appears to be influenced by both agricultural activity and annual precipitation.
Artificial intelligence-guided discovery of gastric cancer continuum
Authors: Vo Daniella , Ghosh Pradipta , Sahoo Debashis
Published: January 2023

Background

Detailed understanding of pre-, early and late neoplastic states in gastric cancer helps develop better models of risk of progression to gastric cancers (GCs) and medical treatment to intercept such progression.

Methods

We built a Boolean implication network of gastric cancer and deployed machine learning algorithms to develop predictive models of known pre-neoplastic states, e.g., atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia (IM) and low- to high-grade intestinal neoplasia (L/HGIN), and GC. Our approach exploits the presence of asymmetric Boolean implication relationships that are likely to be invariant across almost all gastric cancer datasets. Invariant asymmetric Boolean implication relationships can decipher fundamental time-series underlying the biological data. Pursuing this method, we developed a healthy mucosa → GC continuum model based on this approach.

Results

Our model performed better against publicly available models for distinguishing healthy versus GC samples. Although not trained on IM and L/HGIN datasets, the model could identify the risk of progression to GC via the metaplasia → dysplasia → neoplasia cascade in patient samples. The model could rank all publicly available mouse models for their ability to best recapitulate the gene expression patterns during human GC initiation and progression.

Conclusions

A Boolean implication network enabled the identification of hitherto undefined continuum states during GC initiation. The developed model could now serve as a starting point for rationalizing candidate therapeutic targets to intercept GC progression.
Developing future heat-resilient vegetable crops
Authors: Saeed Faisal , Chaudhry Usman Khalid , Raza Ali , Charagh Sidra , Bakhsh Allah , Bohra Abhishek , Ali Sumbul , Chitikineni Annapurna , Saeed Yasir , Visser Richard G. F. , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: January 2023

Climate change seriously impacts global agriculture, with rising temperatures directly affecting the yield. Vegetables are an essential part of daily human consumption and thus have importance among all agricultural crops. The human population is increasing daily, so there is a need for alternative ways which can be helpful in maximizing the harvestable yield of vegetables. The increase in temperature directly affects the plants’ biochemical and molecular processes; having a significant impact on quality and yield. Breeding for climate-resilient crops with good yields takes a long time and lots of breeding efforts. However, with the advent of new omics technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, the efficiency and efficacy of unearthing information on pathways associated with high-temperature stress resilience has improved in many of the vegetable crops. Besides omics, the use of genomics-assisted breeding and new breeding approaches such as gene editing and speed breeding allow creation of modern vegetable cultivars that are more resilient to high temperatures. Collectively, these approaches will shorten the time to create and release novel vegetable varieties to meet growing demands for productivity and quality. This review discusses the effects of heat stress on vegetables and highlights recent research with a focus on how omics and genome editing can produce temperature-resilient vegetables more efficiently and faster.
Masticaticatory muscles characteristics in relation to adiposity and general muscular fitness: a population-based study
Authors: Meisel Peter , Daboul Amro , Bülow Robin , Eremenko Michael , Völzke Henry , Biffar Rainer , Kocher Thomas
Published: January 2023

There is still considerable controversy surrounding the impact of mastication on obesity. The aim of this study was to identify the interplay between the masticatory muscles, teeth, and general muscular fitness and how they contribute to body adiposity in a general German population. This cross-sectional study included 616 participants (300 male, 316 female, age 31–93 years) from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania. The cross-sectional areas of the masseter, medial and lateral pterygoid muscles were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscular fitness assessed by hand grip strength (HGS) and body fat distribution was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and MRI. The overall prevalence of obesity was high in our cohort. The cross-sectional area of the masseter muscles was positively associated with the number of teeth, body mass index (BMI) and HGS, and negatively associated with the BIA-assessed body fat when adjusted for age, sex, teeth, and BMI. Especially the correlation was strong (p < 0.001). Analogous relationships were observed between the masseter, HGS and MRI-assessed subcutaneous fat. These associations were most pronounced with masseter, but also significant with both pterygoid muscles. Though the masticatory muscles were affected by the number of teeth, teeth had no impact on the relations between masseter muscle and adiposity. Physical fitness and masticatory performance are associated with body shape, controlled and directed by the relevant muscles.
Biochemical Methods for the Characterisation of Walnut Genotypes with Different Levels of Frost Tolerance
Authors: Bartha Krisztina Szügyi , Bujdosó Géza , Stefanovits-Bányai Éva
Published: January 2023

In plants, stress induces changes in peroxidase enzymes, which play various physiological roles, including involvement in the development of resistance. Experiments were performed at the Elvira major Experimental Station of the NARIC Research Institute for Fruitgrowing and Ornamentals in Érd, Hungary, on two genotypes selected in Hungary (‘Alsószentiváni 117’ and ‘Milotai 10’), on the Californian-bred cultivar ‘Pedro’, and two genotypes bred in Hungary by crossing ‘Pedro’ with the two Hungarian selections: ‘Milotai intenzív’ and ‘Alsószentiváni kései’. These genotypes were chosen on the basis of frost tolerance. Measurements were made on the peroxidase activity and total polyphenol content in the leaves during sprouting (May 2nd, 12th and 20th 2016) and in the uppermost internode of the shoots (November, December 2016; January 2017). Higher peroxidase enzyme activity and polyphenol content in the uppermost internode were good indicators of the frost tolerance of the genotypes and of the stress level to which they were exposed.
National archives, national memory? How national archives describe themselves and their mission
Authors: Rydén Reine
Published: January 2023

There is a widespread notion that archives, especially national archival institutions, represent the nation’s memory. Historically, archives have played an important role for history writing, thereby contributing to the construction of national master narratives and the strengthening of national identities. What the association between archives and memory actually means is however debated in archival literature. Taking the discussion on the relation between archives and memory as a starting point, this study examines how national archives in today’s world present themselves to the public. The source material consists of mission statements collected from 138 webpages and 18 Facebook accounts all over the world. The first research question concerns the connection between mission statements and a national master narrative, the second asks where references to national memory and national identity are most pronounced, and the third asks whether self-images of national archives can be connected to historical experiences. The analysis shows that mission statements contain many allusions to history and heritage, while references to memory and identity are less widespread than expected. Some variations between continents, and between different groups of countries are identified, although relatively small. A possible explanation is that national archives are engaged in quite a lot of international cooperation, for instance in the International Council on Archives and UNESCO. Thus, they are likely to be as much influenced by each other as by the political environment in their own countries.
Prevalence and Comorbidity of Gender Dysphoria in Taiwan, 2010–2019
Authors: Chao Kuo-Yu , Chou Chih-Chiang , Chen Ching-I. , Lee Shu-Ru , Cheng Wei
Published: January 2023

Gender dysphoria (GD) is a condition in which a person exhibits marked incongruence between their expressed or experienced gender and their sex assigned at birth. The last survey of individuals with GD in Taiwan was conducted approximately 10 years ago. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of GD in Taiwan within the last 10 years as well as comorbidities. A retrospective medical record review was performed for all patients in the database of the Health and Welfare Data Science Center covered by National Health Insurance in Taiwan from January 2010 until December 2019. The study population of persons with GD was defined as individuals who had been diagnosed with transsexualism (transgender or transsexual) or gender identity disorders. Our review found case numbers and prevalence of GD in 2019 were about twice that of patients in 2010 for both assigned males and assigned females at birth. Case numbers for 2010 versus 2019 were 440 versus 867 for assigned males at birth, and 189 versus 386 for assigned females at birth. The 1-year prevalence for 2010 versus 2019 was 3.8/100,000 versus 7.4/100,000 for assigned males at birth, and 1.6/100,000 versus 3.2/100,000 for assigned females at birth. Comorbidities of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and psychosis were more likely in children with GD younger than 12 years of age; comorbid depression was more likely in adolescents and adults with GD. Improvements in social and mental health support should be provided to help address these comorbidities of ADHD, ASD, and depression among individuals with GD.
Hydrogen Lyman-Alpha Periodicity Behaviour During Various Solar Cycles
Authors: Kotzé Pieter
Published: January 2023

The temporal behaviour of various periodicities of hydrogen Lyman-alpha (Ly-$\alpha $
α
) between 1950 and 2020 have been analysed using Lomb-Scargle and Morlet wavelets spectral analysis techniques. Daily mean values of Ly-$\alpha $
α
radiance (https://lasp.colorado.edu/lisird/data/composite_lyman_alpha/) for each individual year were used in this investigation to obtain the temporal behaviour of particularly the Rieger periodicity (150–180 days), the synodic solar rotation periodicity ($\approx27$
≈
27
days) as well as the elusive 13.5-day periodicity. Results obtained showed that the Rieger periodicity dominates at solar maximum during strong solar cycle conditions (Cycles 19, 21, 22, and 23), while the $\approx27$
≈
27
-day periodicity is in most cases dominant during solar minima. On the other hand, the 13.5-day periodicity only appears above the 95% statistical confidence level during solar maxima of Cycles 19, 21, 22 and 24. Contrary to all previous Cycles since 1950, the 13.5-day periodicity appears exceptionally strong and above the 95% confidence level during the downward and minimum phases of Cycles 23 (2006) and 24 (2016) when its power exceeds that of the 27-day periodicity. This peculiar behaviour of the 13.5-day periodicity in Ly-$\alpha $
α
can probably be attributed to the anomalous asymmetrical structure of the solar magnetic field during Cycles 23 and 24.
A conceptual model of what programming affords secondary school courses in mathematics and technology
Authors: Humble Niklas
Published: January 2023

Due to increased need of professionals on the future labour market with competence in programming, many countries have integrated programming in kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) education. In 2017, programming was integrated in Swedish primary and secondary school curriculum and the courses of Mathematics and Technology. Research has highlighted challenges in integrating programming and other new technologies, and the need for better teacher support. The aim of the study was to examine what programming affords secondary school courses in Mathematics and Technology according to teachers that use programming in these two courses. The study was conducted with a qualitative approach and collected data through interviews with 19 teachers that use programming in secondary school courses of Mathematics and/or Technology. Thematic analysis with inductive-deductive approach was used to analyse the collected data. Theory of Affordances was used to identify themes of interests in the collected material and group these into categories. Ten programming affordances are identified in this study: 1) flexibility, 2) creativity, 3) efficiency, 4) visualisation, 5) fun, 6) curiosity, 7) play, 8) holistic views, 9) fearlessness, and 10) interdisciplinary collaborations. Through discussion and comparison with previous research, these programming affordances are found to relate to three aspects of teaching and learning in secondary school Mathematics and Technology: A) support course content and learning, B) facilitate engagement and motivation, and C) foster developmental skills. The study concludes with a suggestion for a conceptual model on what programming can afford school courses in Mathematics and Technology, based on the findings of the study. Findings can be used by teachers, policymakers and other stakeholders in the integration and design of programming in secondary education.
How Strong Is the Evidence for a Causal Reciprocal Effect? Contrasting Traditional and New Methods to Investigate the Reciprocal Effects Model of Self-Concept and Achievement
Authors: Hübner Nicolas , Wagner Wolfgang , Zitzmann Steffen , Nagengast Benjamin
Published: January 2023

The relationship between students’ subject-specific academic self-concept and their academic achievement is one of the most widely researched topics in educational psychology. A large proportion of this research has considered cross-lagged panel models (CLPMs), oftentimes synonymously referred to as reciprocal effects models (REMs), as the gold standard for investigating the causal relationships between the two variables and has reported evidence of a reciprocal relationship between self-concept and achievement. However, more recent methodological research has questioned the plausibility of assumptions that need to be satisfied in order to interpret results from traditional CLPMs causally. In this substantive-methodological synergy, we aimed to contrast traditional and more recently developed methods to investigate reciprocal effects of students’ academic self-concept and achievement. Specifically, we compared results from CLPMs, full-forward CLPMs (FF-CLPMs), and random intercept CLPMs (RI-CLPMs) with two weighting approaches developed to study causal effects of continuous treatment variables. To estimate these different models, we used rich longitudinal data of N = 3757 students from lower secondary schools in Germany. Results from CLPMs, FF-CLPMs, and weighting methods supported the reciprocal effects model, particularly when math self-concept and grades were considered. Results from the RI-CLPMs were less consistent. Implications from our study for the interpretation of effects from the different models and methods as well as for school motivation theory are discussed.
Harmony, Disruption, and Affective Injustice: Metz and the Capacity for Harmonious Relationship
Authors: Carman Mary
Published: January 2023

In A Relational Moral Theory: African ethics in and beyond the continent (2022), Thaddeus Metz proposes an African moral theory according to which we ought to respect and honour the capacity of individuals to be party to harmonious relationship. He aims to present a moral theory that should ‘be weighed up against at least contemporary Western moral theories’ (p. 2). As Metz intends his theory to be a serious contender with other moral theories, I assess how his moral theory can be applied and contribute to contemporary moral discussions ‘beyond the continent’, as the subtitle of the book puts it. In particular, as Metz’s relational moral theory is grounded on the value of harmony, an important question is how well his theory handles disharmony especially if his theory is to have application in our non-ideal world in which disharmony is rife. And here, I hold up Metz’s account to one area of disharmony, disruptive emotions and affective injustice. By first establishing how disruptive emotions and affective injustice pose a challenge to similar relational moral theories grounded in harmony, I argue that Metz’s theory has distinct advantages in the way in which it can indeed engage with such phenomena. I close the paper by considering the objection that Metz’s account is limited in making sense of a common form of disruptive emotion in response to structural injustices where affective injustice can arise, but ultimately conclude that such a limitation is superficial.