bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental Investments and Children's Human Capital in Low-to-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Behrman Jere R.
Published: November 2022

This Element reviews what we know about parental investments and children's human capital in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs). First, it presents definitions and a simple analytical framework; then discusses determinants of children's human capital in the form of cognitive skills, socioemotional skills and physical and mental health; then reviews estimates of impacts of these forms of human capital; next considers the implications of such estimates for inequality and poverty; and concludes with a summary suggesting some positive impacts of parental investments on children's human capital in LMICs and a discussion of gaps in the literature pertaining to both data and methodology. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
John’s walk
Authors: Gustafson Adam , Narayanan Hariharan
Published: November 2022

We present an affine-invariant random walk for drawing uniform random samples from a convex body
$\mathcal{K} \subset \mathbb{R}^n$
that uses maximum-volume inscribed ellipsoids, known as John’s ellipsoids, for the proposal distribution. Our algorithm makes steps using uniform sampling from the John’s ellipsoid of the symmetrization of
$\mathcal{K}$
at the current point. We show that from a warm start, the random walk mixes in
${\widetilde{O}}\!\left(n^7\right)$
steps, where the log factors hidden in the
${\widetilde{O}}$
depend only on constants associated with the warm start and desired total variation distance to uniformity. We also prove polynomial mixing bounds starting from any fixed point x such that for any chord pq of
$\mathcal{K}$
containing x,
$\left|\log \frac{|p-x|}{|q-x|}\right|$
is bounded above by a polynomial in n.
A characterization of Thurston’s Master Teapot
Authors: LINDSEY KATHRYN , WU CHENXI
Published: November 2022

We prove an explicit characterization of the points in Thurston’s Master Teapot, which can be implemented algorithmically to test whether a point in$\mathbb {C}\times \mathbb {R}$belongs to the complement of the Master Teapot. As an application, we show that the intersection of the Master Teapot with the unit cylinder is not symmetrical under reflection through the plane that is the product of the imaginary axis of$\mathbb {C}$and$\mathbb {R}$.
Rigidity of joinings for time changes of unipotent flows on quotients of Lorentz groups
Authors: TANG SIYUAN
Published: November 2022

Let
$u_{X}^{t}$
be a unipotent flow on
$X=\mathrm {SO}(n,1)/\Gamma $
,
$u_{Y}^{t}$
be a unipotent flow on
$Y=G/\Gamma ^{\prime }$
. Let
$\tilde {u}_{X}^{t}$
,
$\tilde {u}_{Y}^{t}$
be time changes of
$u_{X}^{t}$
,
$u_{Y}^{t}$
, respectively. We show the disjointness (in the sense of Furstenberg) between
$u_{X}^{t}$
and
$\tilde {u}_{Y}^{t}$
(or
$\tilde {u}_{X}^{t}$
and
$u_{Y}^{t}$
) in certain situations. Our method refines the works of Ratner’s shearing argument. The method also extends a recent work of Dong, Kanigowski, and Wei [Rigidity of joinings for some measure preserving systems. Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.42 (2022), 665–690].
Utilization of mid-upper arm circumference as discharge tool for children in outpatient therapeutic program, Ethiopia
Authors: Lambebo Abera , Tamiru Dessalegn , Belachew Tefera
Published: November 2022

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is simple to use and inexpensive in Ethiopia; both MUAC and target weight are employed, although the time to cure for MUAC is not indicated. The present study is aimed to determine cure time of MUAC for children in outpatient therapeutic program. A prospective cohort study was conducted among 414 severe acute malnourished under-five children admitted to selected health twenty-two posts from 1 February to 30 July 2021, in Oromia, Ethiopia. Data were coded, entered to Ep-data version 4.2 software, and transferred to SPSS for windows version 25 software for analysis. The Multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to fit independent determinants of time to cure. All tests were two-sided and statistical implications atP-values < 0⋅05. In the present study, the minimum week for a cure was 4 weeks, the maximum was 16 weeks and the overall time to cure severe acute malnutrition as measured by MUAC is judged to be 10 at 95 % CI (9⋅65–10⋅35). Families with six or more members are 2⋅16 times more at risk, children from homes with the lowest wealth index are at 1⋅4 times more risk, and children from food insecure families were 2⋅61 times more likely to require long-term treatment for MUAC. In the present study, the time to cure severe acute malnutrition by MUAC is determined as 10 weeks. Moreover, family size, low wealth index, and household food insecurity were risks to delay in cure time MUAC.
Automated Coding of Political Campaign Advertisement Videos: An Empirical Validation Study
Authors: Tarr Alexander , Hwang June , Imai Kosuke
Published: November 2022

Video advertisements, either through television or the Internet, play an essential role in modern political campaigns. For over two decades, researchers have studied television video ads by analyzing the hand-coded data from the Wisconsin Advertising Project and its successor, the Wesleyan Media Project (WMP). Unfortunately, manually coding more than a hundred of variables, such as issue mentions, opponent appearance, and negativity, for many videos is a laborious and expensive process. We propose to automatically code campaign advertisement videos. Applying state-of-the-art machine learning methods, we extract various audio and image features from each video file. We show that our machine coding is comparable to human coding for many variables of the WMP datasets. Since many candidates make their advertisement videos available on the Internet, automated coding can dramatically improve the efficiency and scope of campaign advertisement research. Open-source software package is available for implementing the proposed methodology.
Lifestyle aspects in a contemporary middle-European cohort of patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer: data from the non-interventional LEAN study
Authors: Schmitz-Dräger Bernd J. , Bismarck Ekkehardt , Grammenos Dorothee , Ebert Thomas , Starlinger Roland , Ottillinger Bertram , Goebell Peter J. , Mühlich Stephan , Benderska-Söder Natalya , Hakenberg Oliver
Published: November 2022

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with significant side effects. With the transition of PCa from a foudroyant course to a chronic disease, managing these side effects has become increasingly important. There is growing evidence that nutritional changes and physical activity are beneficial in these patients. Here we examine the impact of written patient information on the physical activity and dietary habits of PCa patients receiving ADT and behaviour changes between baseline and 1 year, in the open-label, non-interventional LEAN study. In total, 959 patients with advanced hormone-sensitive PCa requiring ADT with the Leuprorelin Sandoz® implant were included from January 2014 to July 2015 and followed for ≥ 12 months. At the start of the study, urologists received a questionnaire concerning the written information provided to patients regarding their disease, patient advocacy groups, diet and physical activity. Patients received a questionnaire on their dietary habits and physical activity at the start and end of the study. Urologists from 147 study centres and 540 patients responded to the questionnaires. While 69 % of these patients received disease-specific information, only 30 % and 17 % received information regarding nutrition and physical activity, respectively. The majority of urologists estimate that their patients rarely or never follow guidance on nutrition or physical activity, yet > 90 % of patients indicate they would make use of this information, if provided. Few patients showed behavioural changes between baseline and 1 year without evident differences between patients that received information and those that did not.
Introduction
Authors: Kasbarian Sossie
Published: November 2022

These essays grew out of a roundtable discussion at the 2021 MESA (Middle East Studies Association) Annual Meeting sponsored by the Society for Armenian Studies, entitled “Fault Lines and Fractures in the 2020 Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh War,” which addressed the representation of the Fall 2020 war and the failure of scholars within Middle East studies to engage with it. This introduction offers a short background to the roundtable, and a brief conceptual and discursive framework for the essays that follow.
Armenian Studies in Middle East Studies: Internationalism and Solidarity
Authors: Shirinian Tamar
Published: November 2022

In thinking about the prompt for this forum—on the ways in which Armenia and Armenians sit within Middle East studies and the ways in which they are often occluded from the sights of Middle East studies—what comes to mind is the critical necessity for internationalism and solidarity. This might at first seem only tangentially or indirectly relevant to the object of investigation here; after all, we are talking about geography, history, and facts. However, I think that it is relevant to how (as in with what sense, orientation, and from what perspective) we approach the question of scholarly regional belonging. Like any topic of intellectual inquiry, how we imagine and define regions has implications on what we find in those regions: the sites of importance and focus; the connections between different groups, persons, and events; and the scope of investigations. Internationalism and solidarity as frameworks for understanding Armenia and Armenians as a part of the Middle East orient us to the region by way of connections to the various peoples of that region with a political and ideological commitment to the well-being of all peoples there and everywhere. Many of the commentaries in this forum focus on the marginalization of particular minorities in Middle East Studies (Armenians, Copts, and Assyrians in this forum, and we also could think about the marginalization of Kurds and other minoritized populations in the region).1 This in itself is a critical and necessary point of departure. I would like to approach the question from another angle, however. How might we think about this problem from the other side? How does Armenian studies see itself in connection with Middle East studies? Here, although I recognize that Armenian studies is a changing field and is not monolithic, with various differences between the field as it developed in Europe and the United States and that which developed in the Republic of Armenia, there are a few continuities that I would like to problematize and imagine differently. What might the future of Armenian studies be if it were made through politically committed questions, articulations, and collaborations? How might this produce a (different) sense of belonging to Middle East studies?
Framing illegal artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Ghanaian media during the #StopGalamsey campaign
Authors: Sojková Iva
Published: November 2022

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) plays a significant socio-economic role in the alleviation of poverty. In Ghana, the increase in and persistence of illegal ASM (galamsey) can be explained by unemployment, cumbersome and costly registration, lack of land, corruption and Chinese engagement. Traditionally, Ghanaian governments have neglected to address ASM activities by means of policy, while publicly emphasizing its negative impacts. In 2017, the media campaign #StopGalamsey became a culmination of this process. This study represents a qualitative content analysis of #StopGalamsey media discourses. It aims to understand how galamsey was framed in the media during the first two years of the campaign. Based on an analysis of 176 articles from the Daily Graphic newspaper, four dominant frames were identified – environmental menace, criminal activity, complex menace and corruption and collusion. Galamsey was portrayed in an overwhelmingly negative way, miners were dehumanised and criminalised, conflicting perspectives marginalised, and non-traditional perception emphasised via Chinese engagement.
Fidelity, stances, and explaining cultural stability
Authors: Buskell Andrew , Charbonneau Mathieu
Published: November 2022

The bifocal stance theory posits two stances – the ritual and the instrumental – each a learning strategy with different fidelity outcomes. These differences in turn have long-term consequences for cultural stability. Yet we suggest the key concept of “fidelity” is insufficiently explicated. Pointing to counterexamples and gaps in the theory, we suggest that explicating “fidelity” reveals the stances to be heuristic explanatory strategies: first-pass explanatory glosses of learning and its consequences, not descriptions of the inner machinery of agents.
Bifocalism is in the eye of the beholder: Social learning as a developmental response to the accuracy of others' mentalizing
Authors: Campbell Chloe , Fonagy Peter
Published: November 2022

This commentary argues the case for developmental psychopathology in understanding social learning. Informed by work on “epistemic disruption,” we have described difficulties with social learning associated with many forms of psychopathology. Epistemic disruption manifests in an inability to move between innovation and conformity, and arises from poor mentalizing, which generates difficulties in identifying social cues that trigger the correct stance.
Representational exchange in social learning: Blurring the lines between the ritual and instrumental
Authors: Vélez Natalia , Wu Charley M. , Cushman Fiery A.
Published: November 2022

We propose that human social learning is subject to a trade-off between the cost of performing a computation and the flexibility of its outputs. Viewing social learning through this lens sheds light on cases that seem to violate bifocal stance theory (BST) – such as high-fidelity imitation in instrumental action – and provides a mechanism by which causal insight can be bootstrapped from imitation of cultural practices.
When instrumental inference hides behind seemingly arbitrary conventions
Authors: Dubourg Edgar , Fitouchi Léo , Baumard Nicolas
Published: November 2022

We review recent evidence that game rules, rules of etiquette, and supernatural beliefs, that the authors see as “ritualistic” conventions, are in fact shaped by instrumental inference. In line with such examples, we contend that cultural practices that may appear, from the outside, to be devoid of instrumental utility, could in fact be selectively acquired and preserved because of their perceived utility.
Implications of instrumental and ritual stances for traditionalism–threat responsivity relationships
Authors: Samore Theodore , Fessler Daniel M. T.
Published: November 2022

Jagiello et al.'s bifocal stance theory provides a useful theoretical framework for attempting to understand the connection between greater adherence to traditional norms and greater sensitivity to threats in the world. Here, we examine the implications of the instrumental and ritual stances with regard to various evolutionary explanations for traditionalism–threat sensitivity linkages.
COVID-19 disease severity to predict persistent symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dirican Emre , Bal Tayibe
Published: November 2022

Background:

It is unclear, whether the initial disease severity may help to predict which COVID-19 patients at risk of developing persistent symptoms.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine whether the initial disease severity affects the risk of persistent symptoms in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and long COVID.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted using PUBMED, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and ProQuest databases to identify eligible articles published after January 2020 up to and including 30 August 2021. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects meta-analysis.

Findings:

After searching a total of 7733 articles, 20 relevant observational studies with a total of 7840 patients were selected for meta-analysis. The pooled OR for persistent dyspnea in COVID-19 survivors with a severe versus nonsevere initial disease was 2.17 [95%CI 1.62 to 2.90], and it was 1.33 [95%CI 0.75 to 2.33] for persistent cough, 1.30 [95%CI 1.06 to 1.58] for persistent fatigue, 1.02 [95%CI 0.73 to 1.40] for persistent anosmia, 1.22 [95%CI 0.69 to 2.16] for persistent chest pain, and 1.30 [95%CI 0.93 to 1.81] for persistent palpitation.

Conclusions:

Contrary to expectations, we did not observe an association between the initial COVID-19 disease severity and common persistent symptoms except for dyspnea and fatigue. In addition, it was found that being in the acute or prolonged post-COVID phase did not affect the risk of symptoms. Primary care providers should be alert to potential most prevalent persistent symptoms in all COVID-19 survivors, which are not limited to patients with critical–severe initial disease.
HYPERBOLIC MANIFOLDS THAT FIBRE ALGEBRAICALLY UP TO DIMENSION 8
Authors: Italiano Giovanni , Martelli Bruno , Migliorini Matteo
Published: November 2022

We construct some cusped finite-volume hyperbolic n-manifolds
$M^n$
that fibre algebraically in all the dimensions
$5\leq n \leq 8$
. That is, there is a surjective homomorphism
$\pi _1(M^n) \to {\mathbb {Z}}$
with finitely generated kernel. The kernel is also finitely presented in the dimensions
$n=7, 8$
, and this leads to the first examples of hyperbolic n-manifolds
$\widetilde M^n$
whose fundamental group is finitely presented but not of finite type. These n-manifolds
$\widetilde M^n$
have infinitely many cusps of maximal rank and, hence, infinite Betti number
$b_{n-1}$
. They cover the finite-volume manifold
$M^n$
. We obtain these examples by assigning some appropriate colours and states to a family of right-angled hyperbolic polytopes
$P^5, \ldots , P^8$
, and then applying some arguments of Jankiewicz, Norin and Wise [18] and Bestvina and Brady [7]. We exploit in an essential way the remarkable properties of the Gosset polytopes dual to
$P^n$
, and the algebra of integral octonions for the crucial dimensions
$n=7,8$
.
“You’ll need to settle your affairs”: How the subject of death is approached by oncologists and advanced cancer patients in follow-up consultations
Authors: Salvadé Hélène , Stiefel Friedrich , Bourquin Céline
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This qualitative study aimed to investigate communication about death in consultations with patients undergoing chemotherapy with no curative intent. Specifically, we examined (i) how the topic of death was approached, who raised it, in what way, and which responses were elicited, (ii) how the topic unfolded during consultations, and (iii) whether interaction patterns or distinguishing ways of communicating can be identified.

Methods

The data consisted of 134 audio-recorded follow-up consultations. A framework of sensitizing concepts was developed, and interaction patterns were looked for when death was discussed.

Results

The subject of death and dying was most often initiated by patients, and they raised it in various ways. In most consultations, direct talk about death was initiated only once. We identified 4 interaction patterns. The most frequent consists of indirect references to death by patients, followed by a direct mention of the death of a loved one, and a statement of the oncologists aiming to skip the subject.

Significance of results

Patients and oncologists have multiple ways of raising, pursuing, addressing and evacuating the subject of death. Being attentive and recognizing these ways and associated interaction patterns can help oncologists to think and elaborate on this topic and to facilitate discussions.
The Wrong Poster Child for Legislative Paralysis: Salvador Allende and Legislative Output in Chile, 1932–1973
Authors: Navia Patricio , Osorio Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

Conflicts resulting from the dual legitimacy problem of presidential systems (where the president and the legislature are elected by different majorities) sometimes result in legislative gridlock – a point made by those who criticize the alleged perils of presidentialism. The socialist government of Salvador Allende (1970–73), that ended with the breakdown of democracy, is often used as a poster child for legislative gridlock. With information on the 23,798 bills and 12,809 laws enacted in Chile between 1932 and 1973, we compare the passage of legislation in eight presidential terms and demonstrate that not to be the case. Legislative output showed an upward trend after the 1943 constitutional reform but was on a downward trend since the mid-1960s, before the 1970 constitutional reform restricted the scope of bills that legislators could introduce. Under Allende, while 1653 bills were introduced (438 of which were presidential bills), 642 laws were passed (38.8% and 68.2%, respectively) – compared to 53.8% and 39.9% for all presidents in the period, respectively. The evidence does not justify the claim that there was legislative gridlock under Allende. Instead, variations in legislative output across presidential terms in Chile can be explained by changes in the rules of the legislative process.
Does the Interplay of Diversity and Inclusion Buffer the Impairment of Health and Well-Being in a STEM Organization?
Authors: Behnke Janna , Rispens Sonja , Demerouti Evangelia
Published: November 2022

Abstract: This study examines the interaction between stressful work experiences, workplace diversity, and inclusion. Our hypothesized moderated moderation model argues that employee exhaustion and affective commitment suffer less from work–self conflict, discrimination, and nontransparent work procedures when employees feel included in diverse perceived environments. A total of 1187 employees of a university of technology completed electronical surveys. The results indicated that the negative relationships between stressful work experiences and organizational commitment were weaker if employees felt more included in perceived diverse work environments. Diversity and inclusion did not shape the relationships between stressful work experiences and employee exhaustion. The study emphasizes the buffering role of inclusion in diversifying organizations and offers a better understanding of how diversity and inclusion interact with other work aspects.
An Alternative Procedure for Subgroup Analyses in the Think Manager–Think Male Paradigm
Authors: Lauritsen Matthew W.
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Studies in the think manager–think male paradigm ( Schein, 1973 ) routinely observe gender–leader similarity variation across participant subgroups (e.g., men and women). The traditional use of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to measure similarity hinders researchers’ ability to fully understand the nature of these relationships. This article advocates for a regression framework ( Edwards, 1995 ), which avoids problems associated with ICCs. A think manager–think male study based on rating content from Fischbach et al. (2015) was conducted to demonstrate the advantages of this procedure. The results were then compared against the traditional ICC analysis. Overall, it is argued that a regression framework is more useful in testing hypotheses about the relationship between participant characteristics and gender–leader similarity than ICCs.
Field Measurement and Prediction of Drag in a Planted Rhizophora Mangrove Forest
Authors: Yoshikai Masaya , Nakamura Takashi , Bautista Dominic M. , Herrera Eugene C. , Baloloy Alvin , Suwa Rempei , Basina Ryan , Primavera‐Tirol Yasmin H. , Blanco Ariel C. , Nadaoka Kazuo
Published: November 2022

Drag effects of mangrove forests with complex root systems modulate flow and substance transport and promote sedimentation, all of which are linked to mangroves' ecosystem services (e.g., coastal protection, trapping of suspended organic carbon) and resilience (e.g., vertical accretion relative to sea‐level rise). Previous flume studies proposed a predictive model of drag by Rhizophora mangrove forests based on the quadratic drag law using two parameters‐drag coefficient (CD) and vegetation projected area density (a). However, its general applicability to mangrove forests in the field has not been tested. To fill this knowledge gap, this study quantified drag in a 17‐year‐old planted Rhizophora mangrove forest using comprehensive measurements of hydrodynamics and vegetation morphology. The site showed a much higher value for a than the conditions assumed in previous flume studies, mainly due to root branching and high tree density. We found that despite the much higher vegetation complexity, the derived CD was 1.0 ± 0.2 for tide‐driven currents, consistent with previous flume studies. By using the mean value of derived CD (1.0), we confirmed that the quadratic drag model expresses well the field‐measured drag. We also showed that the value of parameter a can be predicted by only two vegetation parameters (stem diameter and tree density) using an empirical Rhizophora root model, and confirmed the successful prediction of drag from these vegetation parameters and the derived CD. This provides insights into effectively implementing the drag model in hydrodynamic models for better representation of flow, transport, and geomorphic dynamics in mangrove forests.
Physical Characterization of Long‐Lasting Hybrid Eruptions: The 2021 Tajogaite Eruption of Cumbre Vieja (La Palma, Canary Islands)
Authors: Bonadonna Costanza , Pistolesi Marco , Biass Sébastien , Voloschina Marija , Romero Jorge , Coppola Diego , Folch Arnau , D’Auria Luca , Martin‐Lorenzo Alba , Dominguez Lucia , Pastore Camille , Reyes Hardy Maria‐Paz , Rodríguez Fátima
Published: November 2022

Long‐lasting, hybrid eruptions can be of complex description and classification, especially when associated with multiple eruptive styles and multiple products. The 2021 Tajogaite eruption of La Palma, Canary Islands, was associated with a magma‐gas decoupled system that resulted in the simultaneous emission of lava flows and tephra plumes from various vents. Even though the tephra blanket (∼2 × 107 m3) represents only 7%–16% of the total erupted volume, it provides fundamental insights into the overall eruptive dynamics. Tephra was mostly dispersed NE‐SW due to a complex regional and local wind patterns and was subdivided into 3 units and 11 layers that well correlate at different distances from the vent and with both tremor data and lava emission rate. While plume height varied at the temporal scale of a few hours, the average mass eruption rate associated with the tephra blanket of the different units remained relatively constant (∼3–4 × 103 kg s−1). In contrast, the emission rate of lava largely increased after the first week and remained higher than the overall emission of tephra throughout the whole eruption (average value of ∼6 × 104 kg s−1). Based on a detailed characterization of the tephra blanket in combination with atmospheric wind, tremor, and lava emission trend, we demonstrate the need of (a) multidisciplinary strategies for the description of hybrid eruptions that account for both the duration of individual phases and the quantification of the mass of multiple products, and of (b) dedicated ash dispersal forecasting strategies that account for the frequent variations of eruptive and atmospheric conditions.
From Grains to Plastics: Modeling Nourishment Patterns and Hydraulic Sorting of Fluvially Transported Materials in Deltas
Authors: Wright Kyle , Hariharan Jayaram , Passalacqua Paola , Salter Gerard , Lamb Michael P.
Published: November 2022

Understanding the way fluvially transported materials are partitioned in river deltas is essential for predicting their morphological change and the fate of environmental constituents and contaminants. Translating water‐based partitioning estimates into fluxes of nonwater materials is often difficult to constrain because most materials are not uniformly distributed in the water column and may have characteristic transport pathways that differ from the mean flow. Here, we present a novel reduced‐complexity modeling approach for simulating the patterns of transport of a diverse range of suspended fluvial inputs influenced by vertical stratification and topographic steering. We utilize a mixed Eulerian‐Lagrangian modeling approach to estimate the patterns of nourishment and connectivity in the Wax Lake and Atchafalaya Deltas in coastal Louisiana. Using the reduced‐complexity particle routing model dorado, in conjunction with a calibrated ANUGA hydrodynamic model, we quantify how transport patterns in each system change as a function of a material's Rouse number and environmental conditions. We find that even small changes to local topographic steering lead to emergent system‐scale changes in patterns of fluvial nourishment, with greater channel‐island connectivity for positively buoyant materials than negatively buoyant materials, hydraulically sorting different materials in space. We also find that the nourishment patterns of some materials are more sensitive than others to changes in discharge, tidal conditions, and anthropogenic dredging. Our results have important implications for understanding the eco‐geomorphic evolution of deltas, and our modeling framework could have interdisciplinary implications for studying the transport of materials in other systems, including sediments, nutrients, wood, plastics, and biotic materials.
Abundant and cosmopolitan lineage of cyanopodoviruses lacking a DNA polymerase gene
Authors: Cai Lanlan , Chen Yue , Xiao Shiwei , Liu Riyue , He Maoqiu , Zhang Rui , Zeng Qinglu
Published: November 2022

Cyanopodoviruses affect the mortality and population dynamics of the unicellular picocyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, the dominant primary producers in the oceans. Known cyanopodoviruses all contain the DNA polymerase gene (DNA pol) that is important for phage DNA replication and widely used in field quantification and diversity studies. However, we isolated 18 cyanopodoviruses without identifiable DNA pol. They form a new MPP-C clade that was separated from the existing MPP-A, MPP-B, and P-RSP2 clades. The MPP-C phages have the smallest genomes (37.3–37.9 kb) among sequenced cyanophages, and show longer latent periods than the MPP-B phages. Metagenomic reads of both clades are highly abundant in surface waters, but the MPP-C phages show higher relative abundance in surface waters than in deeper waters, while MPP-B phages have higher relative abundance in deeper waters. Our study reveals that cyanophages with distinct genomic contents and infection kinetics can exhibit different depth profiles in the oceans.
Stretchable π-conjugated polymer electrets for mechanoelectric generators
Authors: Shinohara Akira , Yoshida Manabu , Pan Chengjun , Nakanishi Takashi
Published: November 2022

Electrets are materials that retain quasi-permanent electric charges and are attracting attention as key components of batteryless micropower supplies. A chemical structure that facilitates ionization and that can stabilize these charges, such as a π-conjugated system, is expected to increase the charge density compared with that of conventional insulating polymers. Here, we report a mechanoelectric generator (MEG) (vibrational energy harvester) that uses alkylated π-conjugated polymers (Alk-CPs), which can be monopolarized either into positive or negative mode electrets. With the attachment of insulating, bulky, yet flexible alkyl side chains to the π-conjugated backbone, the poled Alk-CPs showed long charge lifetime suitable for MEGs. The elastic modulus of the electret was adjusted to approximately match that of the stretchable polyurethane substrate by blending two miscible Alk-CPs with different elastic moduli, producing a laminated film that could be stretched up to 300%. The MEG presented showed conformability when applied to a deformable object.
Gradual differentiation uncoupled from cell cycle exit generates heterogeneity in the epidermal stem cell layer
Authors: Cockburn Katie , Annusver Karl , Gonzalez David G. , Ganesan Smirthy , May Dennis P. , Mesa Kailin R. , Kawaguchi Kyogo , Kasper Maria , Greco Valentina
Published: November 2022

Highly regenerative tissues continuously produce terminally differentiated cells to replace those that are lost. How they orchestrate the complex transition from undifferentiated stem cells towards post-mitotic, molecularly distinct and often spatially segregated differentiated populations is not well understood. In the adult skin epidermis, the stem cell compartment contains molecularly heterogeneous subpopulations1–4 whose relationship to the complete trajectory of differentiation remains unknown. Here we show that differentiation, from commitment to exit from the stem cell layer, is a multi-day process wherein cells transit through a continuum of transcriptional changes with upregulation of differentiation genes preceding downregulation of typical stemness genes. Differentiation-committed cells remain capable of dividing to produce daughter cells fated to further differentiate, demonstrating that differentiation is uncoupled from cell cycle exit. These cell divisions are not required as part of an obligate transit-amplifying programme but help to buffer the differentiating cell pool during heightened demand. Thus, instead of distinct contributions from multiple progenitors, a continuous gradual differentiation process fuels homeostatic epidermal turnover.
Non-viral precision T cell receptor replacement for personalized cell therapy
Authors: Foy Susan P. , Jacoby Kyle , Bota Daniela A. , Hunter Theresa , Pan Zheng , Stawiski Eric , Ma Yan , Lu William , Peng Songming , Wang Clifford L. , Yuen Benjamin , Dalmas Olivier , Heeringa Katharine , Sennino Barbara , Conroy Andy , Bethune Michael T. , Mende Ines , White William , Kukreja Monica , Gunturu Swetha , Humphrey Emily , Hussaini Adeel , An Duo , Litterman Adam J. , Quach Boi Bryant , Ng Alphonsus H. C. , Lu Yue , Smith Chad , Campbell Katie M. , Anaya Daniel , Skrdlant Lindsey , Huang Eva Yi-Hsuan , Mendoza Ventura , Mathur Jyoti , Dengler Luke , Purandare Bhamini , Moot Robert , Yi Michael C. , Funke Roel , Sibley Alison , Stallings-Schmitt Todd , Oh David Y. , Chmielowski Bartosz , Abedi Mehrdad , Yuan Yuan , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Lee Sylvia M. , Schoenfeld Adam J. , Baltimore David , Heath James R. , Franzusoff Alex , Ribas Antoni , Rao Arati V. , Mandl Stefanie J.
Published: November 2022

T cell receptors (TCRs) enable T cells to specifically recognize mutations in cancer cells1–3. Here we developed a clinical-grade approach based on CRISPR–Cas9 non-viral precision genome-editing to simultaneously knockout the two endogenous TCR genes TRAC (which encodes TCRα) and TRBC (which encodes TCRβ). We also inserted into the TRAC locus two chains of a neoantigen-specific TCR (neoTCR) isolated from circulating T cells of patients. The neoTCRs were isolated using a personalized library of soluble predicted neoantigen–HLA capture reagents. Sixteen patients with different refractory solid cancers received up to three distinct neoTCR transgenic cell products. Each product expressed a patient-specific neoTCR and was administered in a cell-dose-escalation, first-in-human phase I clinical trial (NCT03970382). One patient had grade 1 cytokine release syndrome and one patient had grade 3 encephalitis. All participants had the expected side effects from the lymphodepleting chemotherapy. Five patients had stable disease and the other eleven had disease progression as the best response on the therapy. neoTCR transgenic T cells were detected in tumour biopsy samples after infusion at frequencies higher than the native TCRs before infusion. This study demonstrates the feasibility of isolating and cloning multiple TCRs that recognize mutational neoantigens. Moreover, simultaneous knockout of the endogenous TCR and knock-in of neoTCRs using single-step, non-viral precision genome-editing are achieved. The manufacture of neoTCR engineered T cells at clinical grade, the safety of infusing up to three gene-edited neoTCR T cell products and the ability of the transgenic T cells to traffic to the tumours of patients are also demonstrated.
An engineered T7 RNA polymerase that produces mRNA free of immunostimulatory byproducts
Authors: Dousis Athanasios , Ravichandran Kanchana , Hobert Elissa M. , Moore Melissa J. , Rabideau Amy E.
Published: November 2022

In vitro transcription (IVT) is a DNA-templated process for synthesizing long RNA transcripts, including messenger RNA (mRNA). For many research and commercial applications, IVT of mRNA is typically performed using bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) owing to its ability to produce full-length RNA transcripts with high fidelity; however, T7 RNAP can also produce immunostimulatory byproducts such as double-stranded RNA that can affect protein expression. Such byproducts require complex purification processes, using methods such as reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, to yield safe and effective mRNA-based medicines. To minimize the need for downstream purification processes, we rationally and computationally engineered a double mutant of T7 RNAP that produces substantially less immunostimulatory RNA during IVT compared with wild-type T7 RNAP. The resulting mutant allows for a simplified production process with similar mRNA potency, lower immunostimulatory content and quicker manufacturing time compared with wild-type T7 RNAP. Herein, we describe the computational design and development of this improved T7 RNAP variant.
Amyloid and tau PET-positive cognitively unimpaired individuals are at high risk for future cognitive decline
Authors: Ossenkoppele Rik , Pichet Binette Alexa , Groot Colin , Smith Ruben , Strandberg Olof , Palmqvist Sebastian , Stomrud Erik , Tideman Pontus , Ohlsson Tomas , Jögi Jonas , Johnson Keith , Sperling Reisa , Dore Vincent , Masters Colin L. , Rowe Christopher , Visser Denise , van Berckel Bart N. M. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Baker Suzanne , Jagust William J. , Wiste Heather J. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Hansson Oskar
Published: November 2022

A major unanswered question in the dementia field is whether cognitively unimpaired individuals who harbor both Alzheimer’s disease neuropathological hallmarks (that is, amyloid-β plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles) can preserve their cognition over time or are destined to decline. In this large multicenter amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET) study (n = 1,325), we examined the risk for future progression to mild cognitive impairment and the rate of cognitive decline over time among cognitively unimpaired individuals who were amyloid PET-positive (A+) and tau PET-positive (T+) in the medial temporal lobe (A+TMTL+) and/or in the temporal neocortex (A+TNEO-T+) and compared them with A+T−and A−T−groups. Cox proportional-hazards models showed a substantially increased risk for progression to mild cognitive impairment in the A+TNEO-T+(hazard ratio (HR) = 19.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.9–33.7), A+TMTL+(HR = 14.6, 95% CI = 8.1–26.4) and A+T−(HR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4–4.3) groups versus the A−T−(reference) group. Both A+TMTL+(HR = 6.0, 95% CI = 3.4–10.6) and A+TNEO-T+(HR = 7.9, 95% CI = 4.7–13.5) groups also showed faster clinical progression to mild cognitive impairment than the A+T−group. Linear mixed-effect models indicated that the A+TNEO-T+(β = −0.056 ± 0.005,T = −11.55,P < 0.001), A+TMTL+(β = −0.024 ± 0.005,T = −4.72,P < 0.001) and A+T−(β = −0.008 ± 0.002,T = −3.46,P < 0.001) groups showed significantly faster longitudinal global cognitive decline compared to the A−T−(reference) group (allP < 0.001). Both A+TNEO-T+(P < 0.001) and A+TMTL+(P = 0.002) groups also progressed faster than the A+T−group. In summary, evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease pathological changes provided by a combination of abnormal amyloid and tau PET examinations is strongly associated with short-term (that is, 3–5 years) cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired individuals and is therefore of high clinical relevance.
A split Bregman method solving optimal reactive power dispatch for a doubly-fed induction generator-based wind farm
Authors: Rong Fei , He Lingqi , Huang Sheng , Lyu Mingcheng , He Chao , Li Xueping , Zhao Chunyi
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes an optimal reactive power control method to maximize wind farm revenue and minimize the total electrical losses of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farm. Specifically, the split Bregman method is used to solve the optimal control problem in a distributed manner. That is, the optimization problem is decomposed into sub-problems by the optimal distributed control strategy, and each sub-problem is solved independently in each local controller through the parallel method, which reduces the calculating burden and improves the information privacy. Thus, when a fault occurs, the proposed distributed control strategy can overcome the system fault and improve the reliability and security of the system. Furthermore, an economic financial model of annual revenue is contributed to examine the income impact with or without certified emission reduction (CER) by the clean development mechanism (CDM). Compared with the dual ascent (DA) method, sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method and the proportional dispatch method (PDM), the annual revenue (AR) of the wind farm using the proposed split Bregman method is the highest. Simulation results demonstrate that this method has promising performance in both optimization quality and computational efficiency.
Integration of origami and deployable concept in volumetric modular units
Authors: Beatini Valentina , Gatheeshgar Perampalam , Rajanayagam Heshachanaa , Poologanathan Keerthan , Suntharalingam Thadshajini , Perera Dilini , Kanthasamy Elilarasi , Nagaratnam Brabha
Published: November 2022

Modular building systems (MBS) and Origami are two emerging methods used in current construction practice. Origami is directly associated with the principles of the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, characterised by high morphological possibilities and ultimately creates foldable structures with tuneable mechanical properties. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the structural behaviour of origami for architectural engineering applications. MBS is a volumetric prefabricated construction technique enhancing productivity in construction. In this paper, a modular unit is designed which employs origami techniques. The roof and floor panels of the modular units formed with steel joists were substituted with origami sandwich panels, while corner posts were substituted with origami columns. The origami-like foldable system demonstrated superior efficiency in constructability, being highly compact during transportation and requiring few operations for the in-situ installation. The structural performances of the developed and foldable modular units were assessed through finite element analysis. It was found that, without increasing the self-weight of the system, the design of origami-like modular units can be tuned for high structural performances and various structural sizes, which can impact the usability of space and the aesthetics of architecture. While this is a preliminary study and physical testing is needed, the positive results open the possibility of exploring highly deployable modular structures of novel shapes that can be employed during post-disaster and emergencies (Covid-19).
Secondary caries and marginal adaptation of ion-releasing versus resin composite restorations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Albelasy Eman H. , Hamama Hamdi H. , Chew Hooi Pin , Montaser Marmar , Mahmoud Salah H.
Published: November 2022

This systematic review was aimed to evaluate occurrence of secondary caries and marginal adaptation in ion-releasing materials versus resin composite. Electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Open Grey databases with no date or language restrictions until May 21st, 2021, was conducted. Randomized clinical trials that compared ion-releasing restorations versus resin composite were included. For quantitative analysis, a random-effects meta-analysis with risk difference as an effect measure and a 95% confidence interval was used. Quality of evidence was assessed using The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochran Collaboration Risk of Bias tool. The inclusion criteria were met by 22 studies, and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Three follow-up periods (1 year, 18 months–2 years, and 3 years) were evaluated. The overall quality of evidence for secondary caries and marginal adaptation outcomes was low. The results of the meta-analysis showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in both outcomes between ion-releasing materials and resin composite. The occurrence of secondary caries was not dependent on the nature of the restorative material. It is more likely a complex process that involves the same risk factors as primary carious lesions.
Opportunistic deep learning powered calcium scoring in oncologic patients with very high coronary artery calcium (≥ 1000) undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Sartoretti Elisabeth , Gennari Antonio G. , Maurer Alexander , Sartoretti Thomas , Skawran Stephan , Schwyzer Moritz , Rossi Alexia , Giannopoulos Andreas A. , Buechel Ronny R. , Gebhard Catherine , Huellner Martin W. , Messerli Michael
Published: November 2022

Our aim was to identify and quantify high coronary artery calcium (CAC) with deep learning (DL)-powered CAC scoring (CACS) in oncological patients with known very high CAC (≥ 1000) undergoing 18F-FDG-PET/CT for re-/staging. 100 patients were enrolled: 50 patients with Agatston scores ≥ 1000 (high CACS group), 50 patients with Agatston scores < 1000 (negative control group). All patients underwent oncological 18F-FDG-PET/CT and cardiac SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by 99mTc-tetrofosmin within 6 months. CACS was manually performed on dedicated non-contrast ECG-gated CT scans obtained from SPECT-MPI (reference standard). Additionally, CACS was performed fully automatically with a user-independent DL-CACS tool on non-contrast, free-breathing, non-gated CT scans from 18F-FDG-PET/CT examinations. Image quality and noise of CT scans was assessed. Agatston scores obtained by manual CACS and DL tool were compared. The high CACS group had Agatston scores of 2200 ± 1620 (reference standard) and 1300 ± 1011 (DL tool, average underestimation of 38.6 ± 26%) with an intraclass correlation of 0.714 (95% CI 0.546, 0.827). Sufficient image quality significantly improved the DL tool’s capability of correctly assigning Agatston scores ≥ 1000 (p = 0.01). In the control group, the DL tool correctly assigned Agatston scores < 1000 in all cases. In conclusion, DL-based CACS performed on non-contrast free-breathing, non-gated CT scans from 18F-FDG-PET/CT examinations of patients with known very high (≥ 1000) CAC underestimates CAC load, but correctly assigns an Agatston scores ≥ 1000 in over 70% of cases, provided sufficient CT image quality. Subgroup analyses of the control group showed that the DL tool does not generate false-positives.