bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Horizontal Displacements for Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Wall
Authors: Guler Erol , Hamderi Murat
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, the geotechnical design trend is increasingly heading towards the serviceability limit state. However, the current practice in the design of geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) walls mostly relies on ultimate limit state. Commonly available design software programs provide typical factor of safety values against various failure modes. With increasing height and variability in GRS walls, the deformation characteristics of the GRS walls also become an important parameter in the design. In this paper, an expression has been developed to predict the horizontal deformation of a GRS wall using a set of data obtained from about sixty-four finite element model configurations. The horizontal deformation expression includes wall-height, internal friction angle and elastic modulus of backfill, length, spacing and stiffness of geosynthetic reinforcements. It has been found out that all these parameters contribute to the horizontal displacement of a GRS wall. In addition, some comparisons have been made to reveal the influence of each individual parameter on the horizontal displacement of the wall.
Behavior of anchorage narrow mechanically stabilized earth walls under seismic loading
Authors: Rabei Ahmed S.
Published: February 2023

The rapid increasing and development of infra-structures in Egypt in very limited spaces involves construction of Narrow Mechanically Stabilized Earth (NMSE) walls having an aspect ratio (ratio of reinforcement length, L, to wall height, H) below 0.70. These walls are constructed Infront of existing rigid faces and the top reinforcement layer is fixed to the face by mechanical connections. These walls are subjected to dynamic loads when constructed in active seismically areas. The purpose of this paper is to present a typical -one- reduced scale (1/8 of the prototype model) shaking table test of (L/H) equal 0.30. The model is shaken using stepped sinusoidal base accelerations with incrementally increasing displacement amplitude and constant frequencies to generate an equivalent base acceleration ranging from 0.05 g to 0.80 g or until failure occurs. The frequency of the wave is 2.50 Hz. The results of the tests displays that the yield acceleration of the tested wall is about 0.48g. The results of NMSE walls with reinforcement anchorage resulted in yield acceleration higher than 26 % when correlated to the published NMSE walls without reinforcement anchorage. Finally, 1.25 average amplification factor can be used in the seismic design of NMSE walls of similar configurations.
Response observation of a full-scale geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported system to environmental actions
Authors: Khansari Arash , Vollmert Lars , Naciri Omar
Published: February 2023

The collected field data from well-instrumented reinforced embankments in the framework of a real project for the extension of the inner-city area at HafenCity in Hamburg is used to study the effect of environmental changes on the load transfer process over the structure lifetime. A particular focus is put to improve the understanding of the load transfer mechanism from the soil embankment to pile foundations through the reinforced geosynthetic layer and to investigate the corresponding long-term settlements. The time-dependent stress and strain distribution of the reinforced load transfer platform has been focused to investigate the process of soil arching on top of the piles and examine the overall settlement of the embankment. Finally, the most common available prediction models in European design guidelines are applied to estimate the loads on structural components and the results are compared with the measurements.
Evaluation of base course consisting of soil bags filled with fine-grained soil using the dynamic cone penetration test
Authors: Fukubayashi Yoshinori , Koyama Atsushi , Suetsugu Daisuke
Published: February 2023

In African countries, in order to improve the trafficability of earth and gravel road, locally available material-based and labour-based approach are regarded as one of the most practical measures. As one of the approaches, a base course reinforcement method using Do-nou, which is the Japanese term for soil bag, had been developed. In this study, the bearing capacity of base course built with Do-nou has been examined through the Dynamic Cone Penetration tests (DCP). The series of full-size driving tests have been conducted with varying base structures and compaction methods. The results of the DCP tests show that, only in the case of Do-nou reinforcement base with manual compaction, the strength distribution balance at the part of base course and subgrade within 800 mm in depth from surface was shifted from average to well after being subjected to traffic load. In the other two cases, the balance remained average. It presents that by reinforcing soil material with Do-nou bags, the base course compacted manually keeps the sufficient bearing capacity and well-balanced strength profile in depth comparing with those conventionally designed and constructed with equipment.
Evaluation of the available design models for the analysis of geosynthetic-reinforced working platforms
Authors: Khansari Arash , Vollmert Lars , Klompmaker Jörg
Published: February 2023

The working platforms for heavy construction machines demand a reliable, safe and economical ultimate limit state design procedure which enables a complete verification of safety against different failure modes. Despite considerable advances in the analysis of geogrid-reinforced working platforms through the contribution of several research studies, their proof of the stability against some crucial failure modes is still neglected in the current engineering practice. In fact, there is no universal method for the design procedure and the application of current methods and models leads to dissimilar outcomes. In this study, a comprehensive review and analysis of the current knowledge and models is performed for design of working platforms subject to the high localized forces. Accordingly, a comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate the current design models and identify the weaknesses and strengths of each prediction model.
Regards croisés sur la transition de la médecine pédiatrique à la médecine pour adultes en Belgique
Authors: Devaux Franck , Fonteyne Christine , Deriez Marie , Lambotte Isabelle
Published: February 2023

En Belgique, il n’existe pas encore de procédure standardisée d’accompagnement du transfert de la pédiatrie vers la médecine pour adultes des jeunes patients présentant une maladie chronique. Pourtant, le sujet appelle avec prégnance le développement de balises pluridisciplinaires. C’est en croisant les regards d’une pédiatre, de deux psychologues et d’un éthicien que nous proposons quelques éléments clés d’une transition réussie : 1) Préparer la transition de manière précoce ; 2) Promouvoir le savoir, savoir-faire et savoir-être du patient ; 3) Améliorer la continuité des soins et la collaboration entre le patient, sa famille, les équipes soignantes, les associations de patients et de familles ; 4) Accompagner les parents dans cette transition ; 5) Améliorer les compétences des équipes soignantes sur les spécificités de la médecine des adolescents ; 6) Individualiser la transition, respecter le rythme et la singularité de chacun ; 7) Développer une approche interdisciplinaire de cette transition ; 8) Développer une collaboration avec les pouvoirs publics et les experts nationaux et internationaux ; et 9) Développer la recherche dans ce nouveau champ disciplinaire.
Muscle Power in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pancera Simone , Lopomo Nicola Francesco , Buraschi Riccardo , Pollet Joel , Pedersini Paolo , Lazzarini Stefano Giuseppe , Bianchi Luca Nicola Cesare
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to review the impact of training on muscle power in patients
with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Randomized controlled trials
evaluating the effects of exercise-based interventions on limbs muscle power and
rate of force development in COPD patients were investigated. Five international
databases were searched until October 2022. Meta-analyses were performed
calculating the mean difference or standardized mean difference. Risk of bias in
studies was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. A total of nine
studies were included in the analysis. There were concerns about risk of bias in
seven out of nine studies. Comparison of exercising and non-exercising groups
showed a significant effect of exercise in improving muscle power
(P=0.0004) and rate of force development (P<0.001), in five and
three trials, respectively. Four studies comparing different trainings showed no
significant results on muscle power (P=0.45). Eight to 16 weeks of
exercise-based intervention versus no intervention might be beneficial to
enhance upper and lower limbs muscle power and rate of force development in
people with COPD. In contrast, muscle power did not improve when different
training modalities were compared. Future studies performing power training in
COPD patients are encouraged.
Acertannin Prevented Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Colitis by Inhibiting the Colonic Expression of IL-23 and TNF-α in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Kimura Yoshiyuki , Taniguchi Masahiko , Okuda Takuo
Published: February 2023

The present study investigates the effects of acertannin on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and changes in the colonic levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β,
IL-6, IL-10, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

We examine the following: inflammatory colitis was induced in mice by 2% DSS drinking water given ad libitum for 7 days. Red blood cell, platelets, and leukocyte counts and
hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), and colonic cytokine and chemokine levels were measured. The disease activity index (DAI) was lower in DSS-treated mice orally administered acertannin (30
and 100 mg/kg) than in DSS-treated mice. Acertannin (100 mg/kg) inhibited reductions in the red blood cell count and Hb and Ht levels in DSS-treated mice. Acertannin prevented DDS-induced
mucosal membrane ulceration of the colon and significantly inhibited the increased colonic levels of IL-23 and TNF-α. Our findings suggest that acertannin has potential as a treatment
for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Three-Dimensional Morphometry of the Canine Pelvis: Implications for Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Authors: Fracka Agnieszka B. , Zindl Claudia , Allen Matthew J.
Published: February 2023

Objectives Two-dimensional measurements of acetabular geometry are widely used for the assessment of acetabular component orientation following total hip replacement (THR). With the increasing availability of computed tomography scans, there is an opportunity to develop three-dimensional (3D) planning to improve surgical accuracy. The aim of this study was to validate a 3D workflow for measuring angles of lateral opening (ALO) and version, and to establish reference values for dogs.

Methods Pelvic computed tomography scans were obtained from 27 skeletally mature dogs with no radiographic evidence of hip joint pathology. Patient-specific 3D models were built, and ALO and version angles were measured for both acetabula. The validity of the technique was determined by calculating intra-observer coefficient of variation (CV, %). Reference ranges were calculated and data from left and right hemipelves were compared using a paired t-test and symmetry index.

Results Measurements of acetabular geometry were highly repeatable (intra-observer CV 3.5–5.2%, inter-observer CV 3.3–5.2%). Mean (± standard deviation) values for ALO and version angle were 42.9 degrees (± 4.0 degrees) and 27.2 degrees (± 5.3 degrees) respectively. Left-right measurements from the same dog were symmetrical (symmetry index 6.8 to 11.1%) and not significantly different.

Conclusions Mean values of acetabular alignment were broadly similar to clinical THR guidelines (ALO of 45 degrees, version angle of 15–25 degrees), but the wide variation in angle measurements highlights the potential need for patient-specific planning to reduce the risk of complications such as luxation.
1.3 Copper-Catalyzed Alkene Difunctionalization
Authors: Chemler S. R. , Kennedy-Ellis J. J.
Published: February 2023

Alkene difunctionalization is a classic molecular transformation in organic synthesis, enabling the production of more-complex molecules from simple hydrocarbon-derived feedstocks. Alkene difunctionalizations catalyzed by copper complexes offer potentially more-sustainable protocols compared to those catalyzed by more-precious or -toxic metals. This chapter summarizes important recent advancements in the field, especially in the area of asymmetric catalysis. A number of copper-catalyzed intramolecular and intermolecular alkene difunctionalizations for the synthesis of cyclic and acyclic chiral amines and ethers, and related compounds, are presented. The reactions include alkene and/or diene hydroamination, hydroetherification, carboamination, carboetherification, diamination, oxyamination, and dicarbofunctionalization. Many of the reaction mechanisms involve a radical component either in the first or second bond-forming event. The ability of copper to engage with radicals in bond-forming events, including enantioselective ones, is a valuable aspect of many of these reactions.
1.7 Copper-Catalyzed/Mediated Trifluoromethylation and other Fluoroalkylations
Authors: Ouyang Y. , Shou J.-Y. , Qing F.-L.
Published: February 2023

The trifluoromethyl group and other fluoroalkyl groups have received great attention in organic and medicinal chemistry due to their unique properties, such as their strong electronegativity and high lipophilicity. Consequently, the development of methods for the introduction of trifluoromethyl and fluoroalkyl groups into organic molecules has recently seen remarkable progress. In this chapter, copper-catalyzed/mediated fluoroalkylation reactions, including trifluoromethylation, difluoromethylation, and trifluoromethylthiolation are summarized.
1.15 Nickel-Catalyzed Nondirected C—H Functionalization
Authors: Nakao Y.
Published: February 2023

This chapter summarizes some selected examples of nickel-catalyzed nondirected C—H functionalization reactions. Nickel(0) complexes have been demonstrated to be effective for C—H alkylation and alkenylation reactions of arenes and hetarenes through a ligand-to-ligand hydrogen-transfer mechanism for C—H activation that is unique to nickel-catalyzed approaches. They also effect the C—H borylation of arenes and hetarenes. Some nickel(II) complexes are shown to catalyze cross-coupling-type transformations of hetarenes with organic electrophiles through C—H activation by nickel(II) intermediates.
First optical Thomson scattering measurements made in Z-pinch fusion devices
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: February 2023

Approach provides a new look into temperature and electron diagnostics for Z-pinch devices and can be ported to laser and tokamak fusion research machines.
Inverse molecular design and parameter optimization with Hückel theory using automatic differentiation
Authors: Vargas–Hernández Rodrigo A. , Jorner Kjell , Pollice Robert , Aspuru–Guzik Alán
Published: February 2023

Semiempirical quantum chemistry has recently seen a renaissance with applications in high-throughput virtual screening and machine learning. The simplest semiempirical model still in widespread use in chemistry is Hückel’s π-electron molecular orbital theory. In this work, we implemented a Hückel program using differentiable programming with the JAX framework based on limited modifications of a pre-existing NumPy version. The auto-differentiable Hückel code enabled efficient gradient-based optimization of model parameters tuned for excitation energies and molecular polarizabilities, respectively, based on as few as 100 data points from density functional theory simulations. In particular, the facile computation of the polarizability, a second-order derivative, via auto-differentiation shows the potential of differentiable programming to bypass the need for numeric differentiation or derivation of analytical expressions. Finally, we employ gradient-based optimization of atom identity for inverse design of organic electronic materials with targeted orbital energy gaps and polarizabilities. Optimized structures are obtained after as little as 15 iterations using standard gradient-based optimization algorithms.
Carbon signaling protein SbtB possesses atypical redox-regulated apyrase activity to facilitate regulation of bicarbonate transporter SbtA
Authors: Selim Khaled A. , Haffner Michael , Mantovani Oliver , Albrecht Reinhard , Zhu Hongbo , Hagemann Martin , Forchhammer Karl , Hartmann Marcus D.
Published: February 2023

The PII superfamily consists of widespread signal transduction proteins found in all domains of life. In addition to canonical PII proteins involved in C/N sensing, structurally similar PII-like proteins evolved to fulfill diverse, yet poorly understood cellular functions. In cyanobacteria, the bicarbonate transporter SbtA is co-transcribed with the conserved PII-like protein, SbtB, to augment intracellular inorganic carbon levels for efficient CO
2
fixation. We identified SbtB as a sensor of various adenine nucleotides including the second messenger nucleotides cyclic AMP (cAMP) and c-di-AMP. Moreover, many SbtB proteins possess a C-terminal extension with a disulfide bridge of potential redox-regulatory function, which we call R-loop. Here, we reveal an unusual ATP/ADP apyrase (diphosphohydrolase) activity of SbtB that is controlled by the R-loop. We followed the sequence of hydrolysis reactions from ATP over ADP to AMP in crystallographic snapshots and unravel the structural mechanism by which changes of the R-loop redox state modulate apyrase activity. We further gathered evidence that this redox state is controlled by thioredoxin, suggesting that it is generally linked to cellular metabolism, which is supported by physiological alterations in site-specific mutants of the SbtB protein. Finally, we present a refined model of how SbtB regulates SbtA activity, in which both the apyrase activity and its redox regulation play a central role. This highlights SbtB as a central switch point in cyanobacterial cell physiology, integrating not only signals from the energy state (adenyl-nucleotide binding) and the carbon supply via cAMP binding but also from the day/night status reported by the C-terminal redox switch.
Improved anti-inflammatory properties of xanthan gum hydrogel physically and chemically modified with yeast derived peptide
Authors: Alavarse Alex C , Mirzaei Mahta , Shavandi Amin , Petri Denise F S
Published: February 2023

Bioactive peptides from natural resources with associated beneficial biological properties such as skin wound healing have drawn much attention. Polysaccharides with their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of modification are suitable carriers for peptides delivery to the wound. In this study, a polysaccharide-peptide system was designed for potential wound healing applications. Xanthan hydrogels were modified with the yeast-derived peptide VW-9 with known biological properties via chemical conjugation using carbodiimide chemistry (XG-g-VW-9) or physically incorporation (XG-p-VW-9). Grafting VW-9 to the hydrogels increased the hydrogels’ swelling degree and the release of the peptide from the hydrogels followed the Higuchi model indicating the peptide diffusion from the hydrogel matrix without hydrogel matrix dissolution. Both hydrogels were cytocompatible toward the tested fibroblast and macrophage cells. XG-p-VW-9 and XG-g-VW-9 reduce the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in cells activated with lipopolysaccharide more efficiently than free VW-9. Thus, VW-9-modified xanthan hydrogels may have the potential to be considered for skin wound healing.
Cell-contact-mediated assembly of contractile airway smooth muscle rings
Authors: Tjong Jonathan , Pendlmayr Stefan , Barter Jena , Chen Julie , Maksym Geoffrey N , Quinn T Alexander , Frampton John P
Published: February 2023

Microtissues in the shape of toroidal rings provide an ideal geometry to better represent the structure and function of the airway smooth muscle present in the small airways, and to better understand diseases such as asthma. Here, polydimethylsiloxane devices consisting of a series of circular channels surrounding central mandrels are used to form microtissues in the shape of toroidal rings by way of the self-aggregation and -assembly of airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) suspensions. Over time, the ASMCs present in the rings become spindle-shaped and axially align along the ring circumference. Ring strength and elastic modulus increase over 14 d in culture, without significant changes in ring size. Gene expression analysis indicates stable expression of mRNA for extracellular matrix-associated proteins, including collagen I and laminins α1 and α4 over 21 d in culture. Cells within the rings respond to TGF-β1 treatment, leading to dramatic decreases in ring circumference, with increases in mRNA and protein levels for extracellular matrix and contraction-associated markers. These data demonstrate the utility of ASMC rings as a platform for modeling diseases of the small airways such as asthma.
Distinct impacts of two types of El Niño events on northern winter high-latitude temperatures simulated by CMIP6 climate models
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Park Hyo-Seok , Song Se-Yong , Yeh Sang-Wook
Published: February 2023

The interannual variability of the Northern Hemisphere winter climate is strongly linked to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). While North Pacific and North America often exhibit a robust response to ENSO, so-called the Pacific–North America (PNA) pattern, the Arctic and Eurasian climate responses to ENSO remain elusive. This study examines 40 different climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to find the distinct Arctic and Eurasian temperature response to two types of El Niño events. Specifically, Central Pacific (CP) El Niño events are accompanied by significant pan-Arctic warming, whereas Eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño events are accompanied by cooling over the Barents-Kara Seas and Eurasian continent. During the EP El Niño events, pan-Arctic sea-level pressure (SLP) effectively strengthens, leading to weaker westerlies and surface air cooling over the northern Eurasian continent. These distinct Arctic and Eurasian winter temperature responses to two types of El Niño do not appear clearly in reanalysis data, spanning 1979 to 2021, probably because of the small sample size of El Niño events since the satellite era.
Cubic Hodge integrals and integrable hierarchies of Volterra type
Authors: Takasaki Kanehisa
Published: February 2023

A tau function of the 2D Toda hierarchy can be obtained from a generating function of the two-partition cubic Hodge integrals. The associated Lax operators turn out to satisfy an algebraic relation. This algebraic relation can be used to identify a reduced system of the 2D Toda hierarchy that emerges when the parameterτ\tauof the cubic Hodge integrals takes a special value. Integrable hierarchies of the Volterra type are shown to be such reduced systems. They can be derived for positive rational values ofτ\tau. In particular, the discrete seriesτ=1,2,…\tau = 1,2,\ldotscorrespond to the Volterra lattice and its hungry generalizations. This provides a new explanation to the integrable structures of the cubic Hodge integrals observed by Dubrovin et al. in the perspectives of tau-symmetric integrable Hamiltonian PDEs.
Gauged Witten Equation and Adiabatic Limit
Authors: Tian Gang , Xu Guangbo
Published: February 2023

The gauged linear sigma model (GLSM) is a two-dimensional supersymmetric quantum field theory introduced by Witten. It has played important roles in many studies related to string theory and mirror symmetry by both mathematicians and physicists. In previous work, the authors have completed a mathematically rigorous construction of the correlation functions of the GLSM in geometric phase. In this article, we first review the construction. Then we explain how to use the adiabatic limit technique to prove a relation between the GLSM correlation function and the Gromov–Witten invariants. Such a relation provides an enumerative interpretation of the mirror map for certain Calabi–Yau manifolds such as the quintic.
An analytic version of the Langlands correspondence for complex curves
Authors: Etingof Pavel , Frenkel Edward , Kazhdan David
Published: February 2023

The Langlands correspondence for complex curves is traditionally formulated in terms of sheaves rather than functions. Recently, Langlands asked whether it is possible to construct a function-theoretic version. In this paper we use the algebra of commuting global differential operators (quantum Hitchin Hamiltonians and their complex conjugates) on the moduli space of

G
G

-bundles of a complex algebraic curve to formulate a function-theoretic correspondence. We conjecture the existence of a canonical self-adjoint extension of the symmetric part of this algebra acting on an appropriate Hilbert space and link its spectrum with the set of opers for the Langlands dual group of

G
G

satisfying a certain reality condition, as predicted earlier by Teschner. We prove this conjecture for

G
=
G

L
1

G=GL_1

and in the simplest non-abelian case.
Global gauge conditions in the Batalin–Vilkovisky formalism
Authors: Getzler Ezra , Pohorence Sean
Published: February 2023

In the Batalin–Vilkovisky formalism, gauge conditions are expressed as Lagrangian submanifolds in the space of fields and antifields. We discuss a way of patching together gauge conditions over different parts of the space of fields, and apply this method to extend the light-cone gauge for the superparticle to a conic neighbourhood of the forward light-cone in momentum space.
Quantum flips I: Local model
Authors: Lee Yuan-Pin , Lin Hui-Wen , Wang Chin-Lung
Published: February 2023

We study analytic continuations of quantum cohomology under simple flipsf: X \dasharrow X’along the extremal ray quantum variableqℓq^\ell. The inverse correspondence\Tp = [\Gamma _f]^*by the graph closure gives an embedding of Chow motives[X^′]↪[X^][\hat {X}’] \hookrightarrow [\hat {X}]which preserves the Poincaré pairing. We construct a deformation\widehat {\Tp }of\Tp = [\Gamma _f]^*which induces a non-linear embeddingQH(X′)↪QH(X)\begin{equation*} QH(X’) \hookrightarrow QH(X) \end{equation*}in the category ofFF-manifoldsinto theregular integrable lociofQH(X)QH(X)nearqℓ=∞q^\ell = \infty. This provides examples offunctoriality of quantum cohomologybeyondKK-equivalent transformations. In this paper, we focus on the case whenXXandX′X’are (projective) local models.
Does Neighborhood Crime Mediate the Relationship Between Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Birth Outcomes? An Application of the Mediational G-Formula
Authors: Burgos Ochoa Lizbeth , Bijlsma Maarten J , Steegers Eric A P , Been Jasper V , Bertens Loes C M
Published: February 2023

While the link between living in a low–socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhood and higher risk of adverse birth outcomes has been well established, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using the parametric g-formula, we assessed the role of neighborhood crime as a potential mediator of the relationship between neighborhood SES and birth outcomes using data on singleton births occurring in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2017 (n = 1,219,470). We estimated total and mediated effects of neighborhood SES on small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth, low birth weight (LBW), and preterm birth (PTB) for 3 types of crime (violent crimes, crimes against property, and crimes against public order). The g-formula intervention settings corresponded to a hypothetical improvement in neighborhood SES. A hypothetical improvement in neighborhood SES resulted in a 6.6% (95% CI: 5.6, 7.5) reduction in the proportion of SGA birth, a 9.1% (95% CI: 7.6, 10.6) reduction in LBW, and a 5.8% (95% CI: 5.7, 6.2) decrease in PTB. Neighborhood crime jointly accounted for 28.1% and 8.6% of the total effects on SGA birth and LBW, respectively. For PTB, we found no evidence of mediation. The most relevant pathways were crimes against property and crimes against public order. The results indicate that neighborhood crime mediates a meaningful share of the relationship between neighborhood SES and birth outcomes.
Urine Drug Tests Indicate Higher Prevalence of Combined Alcohol and Cocaine Use Compared to Alcohol Together with Cannabis or Amphetamine—A Possible Link to Cocaethylene
Authors: Helander Anders , Villén Tomas , Signell Patrick
Published: February 2023

Aim

This retrospective study examined the prevalence of combined ethanol and cocaine use, which produces an enhanced psychoactive effect through formation of the active metabolite cocaethylene, compared to combined use of ethanol and two other common recreational drugs, cannabis and amphetamine, based on urine drug test results.

Methods

The study was based on >30,000 consecutive samples from routine urine drug testing in 2020, and 2627 samples from acute poisonings in the STRIDA project (2010–2016), in Sweden. Drug testing for ethanol (i.e. ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate), cocaine (benzoylecgonine), cannabis (Δ9-THC-COOH) and amphetamine was done by routine immunoassay screening and LC–MS/MS confirmatory methods. Seven samples testing positive for cocaine and ethyl glucuronide were also analyzed for cocaethylene by LC–HRMS/MS.

Results

Among routine samples for which testing of ethanol and cocaine had been requested, 43% tested positive for both substances, compared with 24% for ethanol and cannabis and 19% for ethanol and amphetamine (P < 0.0001). Among the drug-related intoxications, 60% of cocaine-positive samples were also positive for ethanol, compared to 40% for cannabis and ethanol and 37% for amphetamine and ethanol. Cocaethylene was detected (range 1.3–150 μg/L) in all randomly selected samples testing positive for ethanol and cocaine use.

Conclusions

These results, which were based on objective laboratory measures, indicated that combined ethanol and cocaine exposure was more prevalent than expected from drug use statistics. This may relate both to the common use of these substances in party and nightlife settings, and the amplified and prolonged pharmacological effect by the active metabolite cocaethylene.
Evaluation of the Risk of Hypertrophic Scarring and Keloid Following Eyelid Procedures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anderson Lexy , Vankawala Jay , Gupta Nisha , Dorfman Robert , Pflibsen Lacey , Vardanian Andrew , Delong Michael
Published: February 2023

Background

Eyelid surgeries are common operations performed for both cosmetic and functional purposes. Because the periorbital region is highly visible, it is important to avoid poor scar formation in this cosmetically sensitive region. No study to date has investigated the possible existence of keloid formation following eyelid procedures.

Objectives

This study systematically reviewed the literature to identify cases of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation following cosmetic or functional (nonburn) eyelid procedures to aid surgeons when counseling patients.

Methods

A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted on May 17, 2022, using appropriate search terms: “blepharoplasty,” “tarsorrhaphy,” “canthotomy,” “ptosis repair,” “epicanthoplasty,” “keloid,” “hypertrophic scar,” and related lay terms. All eligible articles in English with no lower date limit were included for analysis. Descriptive statistics, exclusion criteria, and summarized results are reported.

Results

The PubMed search yielded 107 abstracts/articles. Full-text review resulted in 34 articles included for analysis. Twenty manuscripts reported no occurrences of hypertrophic scars. Only 13 manuscripts reported patients with hypertrophic scarring, which equated to 36 patients out of 3650. One individual was identified in a series of 77 patients who developed a keloid after a tarsorrhaphy. No articles reported a keloid as an outcome of strictly cosmetic procedures.

Conclusions

This study concludes that there are no reported instances of keloid formation following cosmetic (nonburn) eyelid procedures in the existing literature. Hypertrophic scar formation is minimally reported. The absence of keloid scar formation on the eyelid is critical knowledge for surgeons when educating patients about maladaptive scarring risks following eyelid procedures.

Level of Evidence: 4
Classics and the politics of Africanization in Ghana
Authors: Okyere Asante Michael K
Published: February 2023

During the early years following Ghana’s political independence from British rule, calls were made for university education to have ‘an African character’. As a field steeped in Eurocentric narratives, how did the Classics survive, and how did classicists respond to the politics of Africanization? This paper draws on the political contexts under which secondary and tertiary education in Ghana underwent reforms to discuss the threats and challenges these reforms posed to the sustenance of the field of Classics, and the decolonization strategies classicists adopted during the calls for Africanization in university education. The paper suggests that the idea of ‘world civilization’ which does not consider one civilization as superior over another cemented decolonization efforts in the early post-independent era, and helped classicists meet the conditions of ‘relevance’ in the African context through comparative studies. Current attempts at decolonizing Classics in Africa would benefit from these strategies if applied to both research and curriculum development.
Amygdala dismantled: the role of amygdala subregions in epilepsy
Authors: Zubal Richard , Galovic Marian
Published: February 2023

This scientific commentary refers to: ‘Amygdala subnuclear volumes in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis and in non-lesional patients’ by Ballerini et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcac225).
Pink eroded tumour on the second toe
Authors: Pungeršek Gregor , Matelič Alja , Luzar Boštjan , Gruber Mateja Podbreznik
Published: February 2023

We present the case of a 78-year-old man with an extensive subungual tumour on the medial nailfold of the second toe on the left side. Radiological examination revealed bone erosion and osteolysis of the distal phalanx. Based on the clinical findings, surgical amputation of the second toe at the distal interphalangeal junction was performed.
The Glycan Structure Dictionary—a dictionary describing commonly used glycan structure terms
Authors: Vora Jeet , Navelkar Rahi , Vijay-Shanker K , Edwards Nathan , Martinez Karina , Ding Xiying , Wang Tianyi , Su Peng , Ross Karen , Lisacek Frederique , Hayes Catherine , Kahsay Robel , Ranzinger Rene , Tiemeyer Michael , Mazumder Raja
Published: February 2023

Recent technological advances in glycobiology have resulted in a large influx of data and the publication of many papers describing discoveries in glycoscience. However, the terms used in describing glycan structural features are not standardized, making it difficult to harmonize data across biomolecular databases, hampering the harvesting of information across studies and hindering text mining and curation efforts. To address this shortcoming, the Glycan Structure Dictionary has been developed as a reference dictionary to provide a standardized list of widely used glycan terms that can help in the curation and mapping of glycan structures described in publications. Currently, the dictionary has 190 glycan structure terms with 297 synonyms linked to 3,332 publications. For a term to be included in the dictionary, it must be present in at least 2 peer-reviewed publications. Synonyms, annotations, and cross-references to GlyTouCan, GlycoMotif, and other relevant databases and resources are also provided when available. The purpose of this effort is to facilitate biocuration, assist in the development of text mining tools, improve the harmonization of search, and browse capabilities in glycoinformatics resources and help to map glycan structures to function and disease. It is also expected that authors will use these terms to describe glycan structures in their manuscripts over time. A mechanism is also provided for researchers to submit terms for potential incorporation. The dictionary is available at https://wiki.glygen.org/Glycan_structure_dictionary.
The economic production quantity model with optimal single sampling inspection
Authors: Nakhaeinejad Mahdi
Published: February 2023

This paper derives an inspection policy for an economic production quantity (EPQ) model under the assumption that a process may produce non-conforming (NC) items. In various stages of a production process, a department receiving an order uses a single sampling inspection policy to detect NC items. Under such a policy, a lot is accepted if the number of NC items in the inspected sample is equal to or less than the acceptance number. The proposed model considers both EPQ- and quality-related costs. Moreover, economic production order quantity, sample size and acceptance number are considered decision variables. A numerical example is presented, and a set of sensitivity analysis are provided to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed model. The results reveal that when the inspection cost is high, the classical EPQ model achieves a lower expected total cost for the production system compared with the EPQ model with the inspection. In contrast, when the NC cost is high, the EPQ model with the inspection policy outperforms the classical EPQ model, which can significantly decrease the expected total cost.
Detection and diversity of human enteroviruses from domestic sewage in Weishan Lake region, eastern China, 2018–2019
Authors: Huang Rongrong , Lin Xiaojuan , Chen Peng , Ji Feng , Liu Yao , Wang Suting , Chen Meng , Song Ke , Tao Zexin , Xu Aiqiang
Published: February 2023

Aims

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been widely used in monitoring and identifying microbiomes in sewage. We aimed to evaluate the ability of NGS analysis in directly detecting enterovirus (EV) in sewage and to understand the diversity of EVs circulated in the residents in Weishan Lake region.

Methods and results

Fourteen sewage samples were collected in Jining, Shandong Province, China from 2018 to 2019 and were parallelly investigated by the P1 amplicon-based NGS method and cell culture method. The results showed that 20 different serotypes belonging to species Enterovirus A (EV-A) (n = 5), EV-B (n = 13), and EV-C (n = 2) were identified by NGS in the sewage concentrates, which exceeded the number of types detected by cell culture method (n = 9). Echovirus 11 (E11), Coxsackievirus (CV) B5 and CVA9 were the most detected types in those sewage concentrates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that E11 sequences obtained in this study belonged to genogroup D5 and had close genetic relationship with clinical sequences.

Conclusions

Various EV serotypes circulated in populations near Weishan Lake. The combination of NGS technology into environmental surveillance will greatly contribute to improving our knowledge about EV circulation patterns in the population.
Inequities of race, place, and gender among the communication citation elite, 2000–2019
Authors: Freelon Deen , Pruden Meredith L , Eddy Kirsten A , Kuo Rachel
Published: February 2023

A recent wave of studies has focused on the identities of communication scholars, quantifying the degree to which Whites, men, and Americans dominate the discipline.This study analyzes the communication citation elite (CCE)—a group of 1,675 highly cited scholars in communication research—in terms of race, gender, and country of employment over 20 years. Applying computational methods and content analysis, we find that 91.5% of first-author CCE members are White, 74.3% are men, and 78.6% work in the United States. Longitudinal analyses of each identity category reveal only minor shifts, most prominently slight gains for women and non-U.S. scholars. White representation among first authors decreased less than 4 percentage points over the study period (from 95.1% to 91.2%), with Black representation ending lower than it began (0.61% to 0.54%). Data from the International Communication Association indicate that the CCE is substantially more American and male than the organization’s full membership as of 2021.
The miniJPAS survey quasar selection – II. Machine learning classification with photometric measurements and uncertainties
Authors: Rodrigues Natália V N , Raul Abramo L , Queiroz Carolina , Martínez-Solaeche Ginés , Pérez-Ràfols Ignasi , Bonoli Silvia , Chaves-Montero Jonás , Pieri Matthew M , González Delgado Rosa M , Morrison Sean S , Marra Valerio , Márquez Isabel , Hernán-Caballero A , Díaz-García L A , Benítez Narciso , Cenarro A Javier , Dupke Renato A , Ederoclite Alessandro , López-Sanjuan Carlos , Marín-Franch Antonio , Mendes de Oliveira Claudia , Moles Mariano , Sodré Laerte , Varela Jesús , Vázquez Ramió Héctor , Taylor Keith
Published: February 2023

Astrophysical surveys rely heavily on the classification of sources as stars, galaxies, or quasars from multiband photometry. Surveys in narrow-band filters allow for greater discriminatory power, but the variety of different types and redshifts of the objects present a challenge to standard template-based methods. In this work, which is part of a larger effort that aims at building a catalogue of quasars from the miniJPAS survey, we present a machine learning-based method that employs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify point-like sources including the information in the measurement errors. We validate our methods using data from the miniJPAS survey, a proof-of-concept project of the Javalambre Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS) collaboration covering ∼1 deg2 of the northern sky using the 56 narrow-band filters of the J-PAS survey. Due to the scarcity of real data, we trained our algorithms using mocks that were purpose-built to reproduce the distributions of different types of objects that we expect to find in the miniJPAS survey, as well as the properties of the real observations in terms of signal and noise. We compare the performance of the CNNs with other well-established machine learning classification methods based on decision trees, finding that the CNNs improve the classification when the measurement errors are provided as inputs. The predicted distribution of objects in miniJPAS is consistent with the putative luminosity functions of stars, quasars, and unresolved galaxies. Our results are a proof of concept for the idea that the J-PAS survey will be able to detect unprecedented numbers of quasars with high confidence.
Exploring supermassive black hole physics and galaxy quenching across halo mass in FIRE cosmological zoom simulations
Authors: Wellons Sarah , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Hopkins Philip F , Quataert Eliot , Anglés-Alcázar Daniel , Feldmann Robert , Hayward Christopher C , Kereš Dušan , Su Kung-Yi , Wetzel Andrew
Published: February 2023

Feedback from accreting supermassive black holes (SMBHs) is thought to be a primary driver of quenching in massive galaxies, but how to best implement SMBH physics into galaxy formation simulations remains ambiguous. As part of the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE) project, we explore the effects of different modelling choices for SMBH accretion and feedback in a suite of ∼500 cosmological zoom-in simulations across a wide range of halo mass (1010–1013 M⊙). Within the suite, we vary the numerical schemes for BH accretion and feedback, accretion efficiency, and the strength of mechanical, radiative, and cosmic ray feedback independently. We then compare the outcomes to observed galaxy scaling relations. We find several models satisfying observational constraints for which the energetics in different feedback channels are physically plausible. Interestingly, cosmic rays accelerated by SMBHs play an important role in many plausible models. However, it is non-trivial to reproduce scaling relations across halo mass, and many model variations produce qualitatively incorrect results regardless of parameter choices. The growth of stellar and BH mass are closely related: for example, overmassive BHs tend to overquench galaxies. BH mass is most strongly affected by the choice of accretion efficiency in high-mass haloes, but by feedback efficiency in low-mass haloes. The amount of star formation suppression by SMBH feedback in low-mass haloes is determined primarily by the time-integrated feedback energy. For massive galaxies, the ‘responsiveness’ of a model (how quickly and powerfully the BH responds to gas available for accretion) is an additional important factor for quenching.
Regular rotation and low turbulence in a diverse sample of z ∼ 4.5 galaxies observed with ALMA
Authors: Roman-Oliveira Fernanda , Fraternali Filippo , Rizzo Francesca
Published: February 2023

The discovery of galaxies with regularly rotating discs at redshifts ≥4 has been a puzzling challenge to galaxy formation models that tend to predict chaotic gas kinematics in the early Universe as a consequence of gas accretion, mergers, and efficient feedback. In this work, we investigated the kinematics of five highly resolved galaxies at z ∼ 4.5 observed with ALMA in the [C ii] 158 $\mu$m emission line. The sample is diverse: AzTEC1 (starburst galaxy), BRI1335-0417 (starburst and quasar host galaxy), J081740 (normal star-forming galaxy), and SGP38326 (two starburst galaxies in a group). The five galaxies show velocity gradients, but four were found to be rotating discs, while the remaining, AzTEC1, is likely a merger. We studied the gas kinematics of the discs using 3DBAROLO and found that they rotate with maximum rotation velocities between 198 and 562 km s−1, while the gas velocity dispersions, averaged across the discs, are between 49 and 75 km s−1. The rotation curves are generally flat and the galaxies have ratios of ordered-to-random motion (V/σ) between 2.7 and 9.8. We present CANNUBI, an algorithm for fitting the disc geometry of rotating discs in 3D emission-line observations prior to modelling the kinematics, with which we find indications that these discs may have thicknesses of the order of 1 kpc. This study shows that early disc formation with a clear dominance of rotation with respect to turbulent motions is present across a variety of galaxy types.