bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus rhamnosusZFM231 alleviates DSS‐induced colitis in mice by regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Wan Cheng , Qian Wen‐Wen , Liu Wei , Pi Xionge , Tang Meng‐Ting , Wang Xiao‐Lin , Gu Qing , Li Ping , Zhou Tao
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

The exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Lactobacillus and other probiotics are associated with many benefits, such as immune regulation, antioxidant properties, antitumor effect, and regulation of intestinal microbe homeostasis. In the present study, the modulatory effect of EPS produced by Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 on the intestinal flora of mice with inflammatory bowel disease induced by dextran sulfate solution was investigated.

RESULTS

Results indicated that weight loss, colonic length, the disease activity index score and colonic tissue damage in mice were significantly improved by EPS treatment. Compared with the model group, in the EPS‐treated group, the diversity of and the composition of gut microbiota at both phylum and genus levels were found to recover to the levels of normal group, indicating the effective modulation on gut microbiota by EPS; short‐chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid produced by intestinal microbial metabolism, increased significantly; the level of anti‐inflammatory factor transforning growth factor‐β significantly increased and the level of pro‐inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor‐α significantly decreased in the colonic cells of EPS‐treated mice.

CONCLUSION

It is clear that EPS produced by L. rhamnosus ZFM231 could find application in functional foods with the property of anti‐ulcerative colitis. The experimental results provide new insights into the probiotic effect of EPS. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The influence of travel companionships on memorable tourism experiences, well‐being, and behavioural intentions
Authors: Vada Sera , Prentice Catherine , Filep Sebastian , King Brian
Published: June 2022

This study examines the role of companionship in shaping memorable tourism experiences, traveller well‐being and behavioural intentions by drawing upon a conceptual framework of well‐being. Based on data collected from 430 respondents in Australia who had recent travel experience, the results from structural equation modelling (SEM) confirmed that companionship impacted on and had a significant influence on revisitation intentions and recommendations, as well as the enhancement of traveller well‐being. Differences in attitudes were evident between those accompanied by family and friends and those travelling solo. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are highlighted for researchers and practitioners.
lncRNA NEAT1 promotes hypoxia‐induced inflammation and fibrosis of alveolar epithelial cells via targeting miR‐29a/NFATc3 axis
Authors: Zhang Xi , Duan Xiao‐Jun , Li Lin‐Rui , Chen Yan‐Ping
Published: June 2022

The objective of the present study was to explore the function and mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) progression. HPAEpic cells and A549 cells were exposed to hypoxic conditions to establish an in vitro model. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay, and inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by ELISA. Gene and protein expression levels were identified by qRT–PCR and Western blot assays, respectively. The interaction among NEAT1, miR‐29a, and NFATc3 was identified by dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays. In hypoxia‐treated cells, hypoxia markers (HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α), cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6) and fibrotic markers (α‐SMA, collagen I and collagen III) were significantly enhanced. Consistently, the expression levels of NEAT1 and NFATc3 were increased, but miR‐29a was decreased in hypoxia‐stimulated cells. Knockdown of NEAT1 significantly decreased cell apoptosis and the releases of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 as well as reduced the levels of α‐SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. Moreover, NEAT1 positively regulated NFATc3 expression by directly targeting miR‐29a. Functional experiments showed that the anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐fibrotic effects mediated by NETA1 silencing were impeded by miR‐29a inhibition or NFATc3 overexpression in hypoxia‐stimulated HPAEpic and A549 cells. Collectively, these data demonstrated that NEAT1 knockdown inhibited hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis by targeting the miR‐29a/NFATc3 axis in PF, suggesting that NEAT1 might be a potential therapeutic target for relieving PF progression.
Lymphatic function and anatomy in early stages of lipedema
Authors: Rasmussen John C. , Aldrich Melissa B. , Fife Caroline E. , Herbst Karen L. , Sevick‐Muraca Eva M.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Lipedema is an inflammatory subcutaneous adipose tissue disease that develops in women and may progress to lipolymphedema, a condition similar to lymphedema, in which lymphatic dysfunction results in irresolvable edema. Because it has been shown that dilated lymphatic vessels, impaired pumping, and dermal backflow are associated with presymptomatic, cancer‐acquired lymphedema, this study sought to understand whether these abnormal lymphatic characteristics also characterize early stages of lipedema prior to lipolymphedema development.

Methods

In a pilot study of 20 individuals with Stage I or II lipedema who had not progressed to lipolymphedema, lymphatic vessel anatomy and function in upper and lower extremities were assessed by near‐infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging and compared with that of a control population of similar age and BMI.

Results

These studies showed that, although lower extremity lymphatic vessels were dilated and showed intravascular pooling, the propulsion rates significantly exceeded those of control individuals. Upper extremity lymphatics of individuals with lipedema were unremarkable. In contrast to individuals with lymphedema, individuals with Stage I and II lipedema did not exhibit dermal backflow.

Conclusions

These results suggest that, despite the confusion in the diagnoses between lymphedema and lipedema, their etiologies differ, with lipedema associated with lymphatic vessel dilation but not lymphatic dysfunction.
Design, production, and characterization of specialty optical fibers at the IFSW
Authors: Röhrer Christian , Kühlthau Tim , Chen Bowen , Kleem Götz , Graf Thomas , Ahmed Marwan Abdou
Published: June 2022

Over the past few years, the IFSW has strengthened its activities in the development of hollow‐core fibers for the delivery of high‐brightness beams from ultrafast lasers. The full chain from design to fabrication and characterization is covered. The first promising results were achieved with the production of a single‐mode fiber that exhibits low losses. This fiber is therefore very suitable for the delivery of high‐brightness laser beams emitted from common high‐power solid‐state lasers.
Coherent beam combining – unlimited flexibility in laser material processing
Authors: Wagner Jonas , Leis Artur , Armon Nina , Nissenbaum Asaf , Hagenlocher Christian , Holland Julian , Weber Rudolf , Graf Thomas
Published: June 2022

Civan's unique beam shaping technology enables the generation of beam patterns with an arbitrary variation of the intensity distribution within the laser beam. In addition, it is possible to switch between these patterns at MHz frequencies. This offers great potential to influence and control laser material processes.
Isocyanate‐free urethane modified vinyl ester resin: synthesis, characterization and mechanical properties
Authors: Ghasemi Soheila , Ghezelsofloo Milad , Naeimi Mahsa , Tamami Bahman , Allahyari Hamed
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we report the production of a mixture of urethane modified vinyl ester resin through the non‐isocyanate polyurethane method without using the poisonous material phosgene. Initially, treatment of 2‐((4‐((oxirane‐2‐yl)methoxy)butoxy)methyl)oxirane with methacrylic acid produces a mixture of 3‐(((oxirane‐2‐yl)methoxy)butoxy)‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate and its non‐methacrylated and dimethacrylated analogues (here simply termed OMBM). Then, cyclic carbonate of the as‐prepared compound is obtained through treatment of OMBM and carbon dioxide gas applying different catalysts. The reaction of synthesized cyclic carbonate with various diamines produces isocyanate‐free urethane modified vinyl ester resin. Afterwards, the corresponding products were cured with varying percentages of vinyl ester resins, applying benzoyl peroxide and N,N‐dimethyl aniline as initiator and accelerator, respectively, to enhance the mechanical characteristics of the vinyl ester resins such as tensile strength and elongation. Various characterization methods such as Fourier transform IR, NMR, swelling and tensile tests are conducted to confirm the success of the reactions. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Psychometric validation of the simplified Chinese Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain
Authors: Huang Zhengqi , Yan Jiansen , Li Shuangxing , Yuan Liang , Zhang Yangyang , Wu Yuliang , Zheng Wanli , Ye Wei
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Reliable and valid measurement tools are crucial for clinical practice in chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP). The Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS) is a widely used scale in neck pain assessment and has its unique advantages, but it is not available for patients with CNSNP in southern China.

Objective

To develop the simplified Chinese version of CNFDS (CNFDS‐SC) cross‐culturally and to investigate its measurement properties in patients with CNSNP.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Validation of neck pain measurement scale in southern China.

Patients

One hundred five patients with CNSNP.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Internal consistency and test‐retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Construct validity and structural validity were validated by hypothesis testing and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Internal and external responsiveness were validated. Interpretability was revealed by the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC).

Results

Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77 for first test and 0.84 for retest) and test‐retest reliability (ICC = 0.95) were satisfactory. CNFDS‐SC scores showed strong correlations with the numeric rating scale (NRS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) scores (r = 0.652, 0.763, and 0.719, respectively; p < .001). Factor analysis revealed a one‐factor structure of the scale. Regarding responsiveness, the standardized response mean (SRM) and the Guyatt's responsiveness index (GRI) were 1.29 and 2.12, respectively. CNFDS‐SC change scores showed good correlations with the anchoring question (r = 0.619, p < .001), NDI (r = 0.439, p = .001), and NPQ (r = 0.438 p = .001) change scores; the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.89 (p < .001). The SEM and SDC were 0.93 and 2.57, respectively. No floor or ceiling effect and no missing items were observed.

Conclusion

The CNFDS‐SC was demonstrated with adequate reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability. The CNFDS‐SC could be an effective tool for the clinical assessment of patients with CNSNP in southern China.
The ion–neutral complex‐mediated fragmentation reaction in electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric analysis of N‐phenyl‐3‐(phenylthio)propanamides
Authors: Li Jing , Pan Yuanjiang , Chen Bajin
Published: June 2022

Rationale

Amides are the fundamental units of both peptides and proteins, and also important functional groups of medical chemicals. Investigation of the fragmentation mechanism of amides in the gas phase is scientifically important for structural analysis. However, understanding of this problem is still elusive.

Methods

Protonated N‐phenyl‐3‐(phenylthio)propanamide and its derivatives were investigated using positive ion tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) with an LCQ mass spectrometer. Accurate mass analysis was conducted with a micrOTOF‐QII mass spectrometer. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the Gaussian 03 program and deuterium‐labelling (D‐labelling) experiments were performed to verify the proposed fragmentation mechanism.

Results

Interpretation of the fragment ions in the collision‐induced dissociation mass spectra showed that the ionizing proton in the protonated ion transferred from the most thermodynamically favorable carbonyl oxygen to the dissociative protonation site at amide nitrogen or sulfur atom upon collisional activation. The dissociation of the amide or the C–S bond was induced by such proton transfer. An ion–neutral complex (INC) was generated via the dissociation of the amide bond. In the INC, it was observed that the carbocation of the ionic part attacked the ortho phenyl carbon atom adjacent to the sulfur atom, and proton transfer from the carbon atom to the nitrogen atom led to the formation of protonated aniline.

Conclusions

The fragmentation mechanism of protonated N‐phenyl‐3‐(phenylthio)propanamide and its derivatives was proposed and elucidated. All the compounds studied showed similar fragmentation pathways, and the competitive formation of two ions, RC9H9OS+ and C6H8N+, was observed. The generation of protonated aniline is mediated by INC in ESI‐MS/MS.
Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Polyethylene Glycol‐Modified BiVO4 Photoanode by Speeding up Proton Transfer
Authors: Deng Yuqiong , Fu Xionghui , Zhang Yuanming , Zhu Yi , Wei Yongge
Published: June 2022

The rate‐determining step of the oxygen evolution reaction based on a semiconductor photoanode is the formation of the OO bond. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐modified BiVO4 photoanodes are reported, in which protons can be transferred quickly due to the high proton conductivity of PEG, resulting in the acceleration of the OO bond formation rate. These are fully demonstrated by different kinetic isotope effect values. Moreover, the open‐circuit voltage (Uoc) further illustrates that PEG passivates the surface states and surface charge recombination is reduced. The composite photoanode can achieve a maximum photocurrent density of 3.64 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V compared to 1.04 mA cm−2 for pure BiVO4, and an onset potential of 170 mV, which is a 230 mV negative shift compared to pure BiVO4. This work provides a new strategy to accelerate water oxidation kinetics for photoanodes by speeding up the transfer of the proton and the OO bond formation rate.
A little less aggregation a little more replication: Viral manipulation of stress granules
Authors: Brownsword Matthew J. , Locker Nicolas
Published: June 2022

Recent exciting studies have uncovered how membrane‐less organelles, also known as biocondensates, are providing cells with rapid response pathways, allowing them to re‐organize their cellular contents and adapt to stressful conditions. Their assembly is driven by the phase separation of their RNAs and intrinsically disordered protein components into condensed foci. Among these, stress granules (SGs) are dynamic cytoplasmic biocondensates that form in response to many stresses, including activation of the integrated stress response or viral infections. SGs sit at the crossroads between antiviral signaling and translation because they concentrate signaling proteins and components of the innate immune response, in addition to translation machinery and stalled mRNAs. Consequently, they have been proposed to contribute to antiviral activities, and therefore are targeted by viral countermeasures. Equally, SGs components can be commandeered by viruses for their own efficient replication. Phase separation processes are an important component of the viral life cycle, for example, driving the assembly of replication factories or inclusion bodies. Therefore, in this review, we will outline the recent understanding of this complex interplay and tug of war between viruses, SGs, and their components.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Translation > Regulation

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes
Gehirn-Computer Schnittstellen zur Verbesserung von Lebensqualität und sozialer Teilhabe
Authors: Soekadar Surjo R.
Published: June 2022

Chronische Lähmungen, zum Beispiel infolge eines Schlaganfalls oder einer Rückenmarksverletzung, können die Selbstständigkeit und soziale Teilhabe Betroffener erheblich einschränken. Aufgrund des demographischen Wandels sowie der verbesserten Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit nach schwerem Schlaganfall wird die Zahl chronisch Gelähmter in den nächsten Jahren in Deutschland stark ansteigen. Doch trotz zahlreicher medizinischer Fortschritte existiert derzeit kein etabliertes Verfahren, um schwere Lähmungen effektiv zu behandeln. Ein vielversprechender Ansatz, um die Bewegungsfähigkeit chronisch Gelähmter wiederherzustellen, bedient sich sog. Gehirn-Computer-Schnittstellen (engl. brain-computer interfaces, BCIs), die elektrische, magnetische oder metabolische Hirnaktivität in Steuersignale robotischer Systeme übersetzen. Wird eine charakteristische Veränderung der Hirnaktivität festgestellt, die typischerweise während einer Bewegungsabsicht der Finger oder Beine auftritt, so wird dieses Signal in ein Steuersignal eines motorisierten Stützgerüstes (Exoskeletts) übersetzt, das die gelähmten Finger oder Beine aktiv bewegt. So konnten Querschnittsgelähmte mit kompletter Fingerlähmung erstmals wieder selbstständig essen und trinken. Nutzen Schlaganfallüberlebende mit chronischer Fingerlähmung ein solches neurales Exoskelett über mehrere Wochen zeigte sich zudem ein weiterer Effekt: Der wiederholte Einsatz führte zu einer funktionellen und strukturellen Reorganisation ihres Nervensystems sowie einer deutlichen Verbesserung ihrer Arm- und Handfunktion. Ein ähnlicher Effekt konnte auch bei Querschnittslähmung für die untere Extremität nachgewiesen werden. Derartige neuroplastischen Prozesse sind über die motorische Domäne hinaus denkbar. Entsprechend könnten BCI Systeme auch zur gezielten Verbesserung anderer Hirnfunktionen, beispielsweise des Arbeitsgedächtnis oder der kognitiven und affektiven Kontrolle, eingesetzt werden. Dies verspricht, dass klinische BCIs in naher Zukunft nicht nur einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Verbesserung von Lebensqualität und sozialer Teilhabe chronisch Gelähmter spielen werden, sondern auch von Menschen mit psychischen Leiden, wie Depressionen, Sucht oder neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen.
Hydrophobization of lignocellulosic materials part III: modification with polymers
Authors: Rodríguez-Fabià Sandra , Torstensen Jonathan , Johansson Lars , Syverud Kristin
Published: June 2022

This review is the third part of a series of reviews on hydrophobization of lignocellulosic materials, a relevant topic nowadays, due to the need to replace fossil fuel-based materials. The review provides an overview of the hydrophobization of lignocellulosic materials by polymer adsorption, and both chemical and radiation-induced grafting of polymers. While adsorbed polymers are only attached to the surfaces by physical interactions, grafted polymers are chemically bonded to the materials. Radiation-induced grafting is typically the most environmentally friendly grafting technique, even though it provides little control on the polymer synthesis. On the other hand, controlled radical polymerization reactions are more complex but allow for the synthesis of polymers with elaborated architectures and well-defined properties. Overall, a wide range of contact angles can be obtained by polymer adsorption and grafting, from a slight increase in hydrophobicity to superhydrophobic properties. The choice of modification technique depends on the end-use of the modified material, but there is a clear trend towards the use of more environmentally friendly chemicals and processes and the grafting of polymers with complex structures.

Graphical abstract
The Moderating Role of Maternal Praise and Positivity in the Association Between Callous-Unemotional (CU) Traits and Later Aggression: A Prospective Study in Preschool Children in Colombia
Authors: Obando Diana , Hill Jonathan , Wright Nicola
Published: June 2022

Our previous findings in the UK and Colombia show that CU traits predict later aggression specifically among children who are already aggressive. We hypothesised that this effect would be reduced in the presence of maternal praise and positivity. In a sample of 220 mothers and children from Colombia, mother–child interactions were coded for maternal praise and positivity, and mothers reported on children’s CU traits at age 3.5 and aggression at ages 3.5 and 5 years. The results show three-way interactions between CU traits, child aggression and observed parenting at age 3.5 years in the prediction of later child aggression, and two-way interactions indicating a protective effect of positive parenting in the high aggressive children. Based on our finding, it is plausible that positive parenting may modify the effect of CU traits in the highly vulnerable group of children who are already aggressive in early childhood.
Utility of Diagnostic Classification for Children 0–5 to Assess Features of Autism: Comparing In-person and COVID-19 Telehealth Evaluations
Authors: Holtman Sara Julsrud , Winans Katherine Skillestad , Hoch John D.
Published: June 2022

Logistic regression was used to examine the use of Autism Spectrum diagnostic categories from pre-COVID-19 in-person evaluations and COVID-19 telehealth evaluations at a specialist community mental health clinic. The diagnostic classification for children 0–5 (DC: 0–5) affords a wider range of diagnoses that allowed for inferences of clinician certainty of diagnosis. Use of full criteria diagnoses was significantly lower from telehealth evaluations during the pandemic, and was less certain for younger children, some non-English speakers, and children reporting Native American/Alaska Native race. Higher Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) ASD subscale scores, lower CBCL total scores, and global developmental delay diagnoses predicted greater use of full ASD diagnoses. Findings suggest factors that could identify children appropriate for telehealth evaluations.
Algorithms for covering multiple submodular constraints and applications
Authors: Chekuri Chandra , Inamdar Tanmay , Quanrud Kent , Varadarajan Kasturi , Zhang Zhao
Published: June 2022

We consider the problem of covering multiple submodular constraints. Given a finite ground set N, a weight function $$w: N \rightarrow \mathbb {R}_+$$

w
:
N
→

R
+

, r monotone submodular functions $$f_1,f_2,\ldots ,f_r$$

f
1

,

f
2

,
…
,

f
r

over N and requirements $$k_1,k_2,\ldots ,k_r$$

k
1

,

k
2

,
…
,

k
r

the goal is to find a minimum weight subset $$S \subseteq N$$

S
⊆
N

such that $$f_i(S) \ge k_i$$

f
i

(
S
)

≥

k
i

for $$1 \le i \le r$$

1
≤
i
≤
r

. We refer to this problem as Multi-Submod-Cover and it was recently considered by Har-Peled and Jones (Few cuts meet many point sets. CoRR. arxiv:abs1808.03260Har-Peled and Jones 2018) who were motivated by an application in geometry. Even with $$r=1$$

r
=
1

Multi-Submod-Cover generalizes the well-known Submodular Set Cover problem (Submod-SC), and it can also be easily reduced to Submod-SC. A simple greedy algorithm gives an $$O(\log (kr))$$

O
(
log
(
k
r
)
)

approximation where $$k = \sum _i k_i$$

k
=

∑
i

k
i

and this ratio cannot be improved in the general case. In this paper, motivated by several concrete applications, we consider two ways to improve upon the approximation given by the greedy algorithm. First, we give a bicriteria approximation algorithm for Multi-Submod-Cover that covers each constraint to within a factor of $$(1-1/e-\varepsilon )$$

(
1
-
1
/
e
-
ε
)

while incurring an approximation of $$O(\frac{1}{\epsilon }\log r)$$

O
(

1
ϵ

log
r
)

in the cost. Second, we consider the special case when each $$f_i$$

f
i

is a obtained from a truncated coverage function and obtain an algorithm that generalizes previous work on partial set cover (Partial-SC), covering integer programs (CIPs) and multiple vertex cover constraints Bera et al. (Theoret Comput Sci 555:2–8 Bera et al. 2014). Both these algorithms are based on mathematical programming relaxations that avoid the limitations of the greedy algorithm. We demonstrate the implications of our algorithms and related ideas to several applications ranging from geometric covering problems to clustering with outliers. Our work highlights the utility of the high-level model and the lens of submodularity in addressing this class of covering problems.
Graph-Based LSTM for Anti-money Laundering: Experimenting Temporal Graph Convolutional Network with Bitcoin Data
Authors: Alarab Ismail , Prakoonwit Simant
Published: June 2022

Elliptic data—one of the largest Bitcoin transaction graphs—has admitted promising results in many studies using classical supervised learning and graph convolutional network models for anti-money laundering. Despite the promising results provided by these studies, only few have considered the temporal information of this dataset, wherein the results were not very satisfactory. Moreover, there is very sparse existing literature that applies active learning to this type of blockchain dataset. In this paper, we develop a classification model that combines long-short-term memory with GCN—referred to as temporal-GCN—that classifies the illicit transactions of Elliptic data using its transaction’s features only. Subsequently, we present an active learning framework applied to the large-scale Bitcoin transaction graph dataset, unlike previous studies on this dataset. Uncertainties for active learning are obtained using Monte-Carlo dropout (MC-dropout) and Monte-Carlo based adversarial attack (MC-AA) which are Bayesian approximations. Active learning frameworks with these methods are compared using various acquisition functions that appeared in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, MC-AA method is the first time to be examined in the context of active learning. Our main finding is that temporal-GCN model has attained significant success in comparison to the previous studies with the same experimental settings on the same dataset. Moreover, we evaluate the performance of the provided acquisition functions using MC-AA and MC-dropout and compare the result against the baseline random sampling model.
Analytical and numerical investigation on the tempered time-fractional operator with application to the Bloch equation and the two-layered problem
Authors: Feng Libo , Liu Fawang , Anh Vo V. , Qin Shanlin
Published: June 2022

In the continuous-time random walk model, the time-fractional operator usually expresses an infinite waiting time probability density. Different from that usual setting, this work considers the tempered time-fractional operator, which reflects a finite waiting time probability density. Firstly, we analyse the solution of a tempered benchmark problem, which shows a weak singularity near the initial time. The L1 scheme on graded mesh and the weighted shifted Grünwald–Letnikov formula with correction terms are adapted to deal with the non-smooth solution, in which we compare these two methods systematically in terms of the convergence and consumed CPU time. Furthermore, a fast calculation for the time tempered Caputo fractional derivative is developed based on a sum-of-exponentials approximation, which significantly reduces the running time. Moreover, the tempered operator is applied to the Bloch equation in nuclear magnetic resonance and a two-layered problem with composite material exhibiting distinct memory effects, for which both the analytical (or semi-analytical) and numerical solutions are derived using transform techniques and finite difference methods. Data-fitting results verify that the tempered time-fractional model is much effective to describe the MRI data. An important finding is that, compared with the fractional index, the tempered operator parameter could further accelerate the diffusion. The tempered model with two parameters $$\alpha $$
α
and $$\rho $$
ρ
are more flexible, which can avoid choosing a too small fractional index leading to low regularity and strong heterogeneity.
Simulation Performance Evaluation and Uncertainty Analysis on a Coupled Inundation Model Combining SWMM and WCA2D
Authors: Zeng Zhaoyang , Wang Zhaoli , Lai Chengguang
Published: June 2022

Urban floods are becoming increasingly more frequent, which has led to tremendous economic losses. The application of inundation modeling to predict and simulate urban flooding is an effective approach for disaster prevention and risk reduction, while also addressing the uncertainty problem in the model is always a challenging task. In this study, a cellular automaton (CA)-based model combining a storm water management model (SWMM) and a weighted cellular automata 2D inundation model was applied and a physical-based model (LISFLOOD-FP) was also coupled with SWMM for comparison. The simulation performance and the uncertainty factors of the coupled model were systematically discussed. The results show that the CA-based model can achieve sufficient accuracy and higher computational efficiency than can a physical-based model. The resolution of terrain and rainstorm data had a strong influence on the performance of the CA-based model, and the simulations would be less creditable when using the input data with a terrain resolution lower than 15 m and a recorded interval of rainfall greater than 30 min. The roughness value and model type showed limited impacts on the change of inundation depth and occurrence of the peak inundation area. Generally, the CA-based coupled model demonstrated laudable applicability and can be recommended for fast simulation of urban flood episodes. This study also can provide references and implications for reducing uncertainty when constructing a CA-based coupled model.
Self-supervised coarse-to-fine monocular depth estimation using a lightweight attention module
Authors: Li Yuanzhen , Luo Fei , Xiao Chunxia
Published: June 2022

Self-supervised monocular depth estimation has been widely investigated and applied in previous works. However, existing methods suffer from texture-copy, depth drift, and incomplete structure. It is difficult for normal CNN networks to completely understand the relationship between the object and its surrounding environment. Moreover, it is hard to design the depth smoothness loss to balance depth smoothness and sharpness. To address these issues, we propose a coarse-to-fine method with a normalized convolutional block attention module (NCBAM). In the coarse estimation stage, we incorporate the NCBAM into depth and pose networks to overcome the texture-copy and depth drift problems. Then, we use a new network to refine the coarse depth guided by the color image and produce a structure-preserving depth result in the refinement stage. Our method can produce results competitive with state-of-the-art methods. Comprehensive experiments prove the effectiveness of our two-stage method using the NCBAM.
Helping People Learn
Authors: Novak Joseph D.
Published: June 2022

Educational theory and practice are historically influenced by the view of behavioral psychologists that learning is synonymous with behavior change. Helping People Learn argues for the practical importance of an alternate view, that learning is synonymous with a change in the meaning of experience. Based on the foundations of cognitive psychology and constructivist epistemology, this book presents a science of education that can guide the development of successful and meaningful educational programs. It serves as a sequel to the best-selling Learning How to Learn and includes ideas developed through the author's research and training programs conducted over the past thirty years. It emphasises the power of the knowledge representation tool 'concept maps', designed to facilitate meaningful learning and creativity. This book capitalises on the advances in technology and is of interest to students, professionals and researchers in educational psychology and learning theory.
Legally ever after: How did 1986 immigration reform affect marriage?
Authors: Gamino Aaron M.
Published: June 2022

This paper is the first to study the effects of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 on marriage rates between foreign-born individuals and natural-born citizens. Using marriage license data, I find that gains to marriages involving a native bride and foreign groom decrease by 0.2 log points. The decrease in is driven by reductions in gains to marriages involving a Mexican groom or a non-Canadian, non-Mexican groom. I do not find evidence that the effects differed for states with lower educational attainment or higher shares of illegal immigrants.
Effect of counterflow argon plasma jet on aerodynamic drag of a blunt body at hypersonic Mach numbers
Authors: Mahapatra D. , Sriram R. , Jagadeesh G.
Published: June 2022

An experimental investigation of aerodynamic drag reduction by counter How plasma jet injection from the stagnation region of a hemispherical blunt cylinder model flying at hypersonic Mach numbers are presented. Experiments are carried out in a hypersonic shock tunnel at four different jet-to-pitot pressure ratios namely 15·3, 24·52, 72·5 and 96·67 and three supply powers, namely 1·8KW, 2·7KW and 3·6KW. The flow fields around the test model are visualised using high speed schlieren technique. Direct force measurement is also performed using a single component accelerometer balance. The weakly ionised argon plasma jet has an electron temperature around 6,400K and electron number density ∼1.64 × 1015cm3. With plasma jet at pressure ratio 72·5 and 1·8K.W supply power the reduction in drag is found to be ∼28% (more than its cold jet counter part) although the plasma jet momentum is less than its cold jet counter part.
Can’t We All Just Get Along? How Women MPs Can Ameliorate Affective Polarization in Western Publics
Authors: ADAMS JAMES , BRACKEN DAVID , GIDRON NOAM , HORNE WILL , O’BRIEN DIANA Z. , SENK KAITLIN
Published: June 2022

Concern over partisan resentment and hostility has increased across Western democracies. Despite growing attention to affective polarization, existing research fails to ask whetherwhoserves in office affects mass-level interparty hostility. Drawing on scholarship on women’s behavior as elected representatives and citizens’ beliefs about women politicians, we posit the women MPs affective bonus hypothesis: all else being equal, partisans display warmer affect toward out-parties with higher proportions of women MPs. We evaluate this claim with an original dataset on women’s presence in 125 political parties in 20 Western democracies from 1996 to 2017 combined with survey data on partisans’ affective ratings of political opponents. We show that women’s representation is associated with lower levels of partisan hostility and that both men and women partisans react positively to out-party women MPs. Increasing women’s parliamentary presence could thus mitigate cross-party hostility.
ADDRESSING VACCINE INEQUITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE TRIPS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WAIVER PROPOSAL AND BEYOND
Authors: Thambisetty Siva , McMahon Aisling , McDonagh Luke , Kang Hyo Yoon , Dutfield Graham
Published: June 2022

This article examines global vaccine inequity during the COVID-19 pandemic. We critique intellectual property (IP) law under the 1994 WTO TRIPS Agreement, and specifically, the role that IP has played in enabling the inequities of production, distribution and pricing in the COVID-19 vaccine context. Given the failure of international response mechanisms, including COVAX and C-TAP, to address vaccine inequity, we argue the TRIPS waiver proposal should be viewed as offering a necessary and proportionate legal measure for clearing IP barriers that cannot be achieved by existing TRIPS flexibilities. Finally, we reflect on the waiver debate in the wider context of TRIPS and the need to boost global pandemic preparedness.
Variation in paediatric tonsillectomy rates between Scottish health board areas, 2001–2018: is socio-economic deprivation to blame?
Authors: Kubba H , Downie L S
Published: June 2022

Background

Tonsillectomy is one of the commonest operations in children. Routinely collected national data were used to assess variations in the paediatric tonsillectomy rate across Scotland, and to determine if socio-economic deprivation is the cause.

Method

The Scottish Morbidity Records were reviewed for all children (0–16 years) undergoing tonsillectomy from 2001 to 2018.

Results

The mean annual tonsillectomy rate was 2.64 per 1000 children. Rates in each health board area varied from 1.24 to 3.9 per 1000. Half of this variation resulted from transfers between regions. There was a 1.75-fold difference between tonsillectomy rates in the most and least deprived population quintiles, but this did not account for the geographical variation.

Conclusion

Half the variance in paediatric tonsillectomy rates is associated with children being transferred between regions for treatment. After accounting for this, there is a 1.5-fold difference in rate between health board areas, which is not related to socio-economic deprivation and is currently unexplained.
Characterizing the longitudinal course of symptoms and functioning in bipolar disorder
Authors: Mignogna Kristin M. , Goes Fernando S.
Published: June 2022

Background

The course of Bipolar Disorder (BD) is highly variable, with marked inter and intra-individual differences in symptoms and functioning. In this study, we identified illness trajectories across major clinical domains that could have etiological, prognostic, and therapeutic relevance.

Methods

Using the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) study, we performed univariate and multivariate trajectory modeling of depressive symptoms, manic symptoms, and psychosocial functioning. Multinomial regression was performed to identify baseline variables associated with poor outcome trajectories.

Results

Depressive symptoms predominated, with most subjects being found in trajectories characterized by various degrees of depressive symptoms and 13% of subjects being classified in a poor outcome ‘persistently depressed’ trajectory. Most subjects experienced few manic symptoms, although approximately 10% of subjects followed a trajectory of persistently manic symptoms. Trajectory analysis of psychosocial functioning showed impairment in most of the sample, with little improvement during follow up. Multi-trajectory analyses highlighted significant impairment in subjects with persistently mixed and persistently depressed trajectories of illness. In general, poor outcome trajectories were marked by lower educational attainment, higher unemployment and disability, and a greater likelihood of adverse clinical features (rapid cycling and suicide attempts) and comorbid diagnoses (anxiety disorders, PTSD, and substance abuse/dependence disorders).

Conclusions

Subjects with BD can be classified into several trajectories of clinically relevant domains that are prognostically relevant and show differing degrees of associations with a broad range of negative clinical risk factors. The highest level of psychosocial disability was found in subjects with chronic mixed and depressive symptoms, who show limited improvement despite guideline-based treatment.
When Doves Cry
Authors: Amich Candice
Published: June 2022

Through bold political performance acts, Cuban artist Tania Bruguera accesses an untimely variant of utopia whose surplus exceeds Cold War binaries of revolution and exile. Bruguera’s democratic action works build collective self-esteem and challenge the official utopianism of the communist state. In free-speech performances that confront the Cuban state’s censorship apparatus, Bruguera models for her fellow Cuban citizens an inimitable practice of democratic dissensus.
Procedurally Authored Performances of Mindful Practice
Authors: Snyder-Young Dani
Published: June 2022

Relaxation, when produced by participating in a theatre-for-one piece, requires work. From March to May 2020, with much of the world under a stay-at-home advisory to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, three performances carved out restorative spaces. These theatre-for-one pieces give participants rules to follow to ostensibly resist the neoliberal drive to productivity; yet those same rules structure acts of rest as productive under neoliberalism.
Thematic analysis of the psycho-sexual symptoms in patients with Peyronie’s disease present on online forums
Authors: Low Patrick , Wang Lin , Li Kevin D. , Shibley W. Patrick , Cedars Benjamin E. , Holler Jordan T. , Enriquez Anthony , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Amend Gregory M. , Breyer Benjamin N.
Published: June 2022

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder of the tunica albuginea that may result in penile deformity, pain, a palpable plaque, and erectile dysfunction. In order to understand the psycho-sexual impacts of PD on patients and their partners, we selected three online forums containing the largest number of threads on PD. Threads focusing on the psycho-sexual impacts posted from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2021 were compiled, and thematic analysis was performed on Dedoose. There were 277 unique posters, including 225 patients and 52 partners. Eighty-four categories and five themes were developed including information and social support, physical symptoms, psycho-sexual symptoms, treatment and effect, and impacts on partners and relationship. Emotional distress including depressed mood (n = 75, 33.3%) and feelings of isolation (n = 41, 18.2%) was prevalent. Partners developed sexual dysfunction including sexual dissatisfaction (n = 11, 21.2%) and dyspareunia (n = 4, 7.7%). Relationships experienced disruption (n = 14, 5.1%) or termination (n = 10, 3.6%). Posters received psychological treatment including psychotherapy (n = 20, 8.9%) and antidepressants (n = 17, 7.6%). Of these, 12 reported improvement and 11 stated no improvement. On these forums, psychological burden affecting individuals with PD and their partners is reported. Few seek help from a psychologist or therapist, and psychological distress may persist even after successful PD treatment. Further research is needed to identify strategies for effective psychological management.
A spatiotemporal multi-scale computational model for FDG PET imaging at different stages of tumor growth and angiogenesis
Authors: Kashkooli Farshad Moradi , Abazari Mohammad Amin , Soltani M. , Ghazani Mehran Akbarpour , Rahmim Arman
Published: June 2022

A deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its role in metabolic activity at different stages of vascularized tumors can provide useful insights into cancer progression and better support clinical assessments. In this study, a robust and comprehensive multi-scale computational model for spatiotemporal transport of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is developed to incorporate important aspects of the TME, spanning subcellular-, cellular-, and tissue-level scales. Our mathematical model includes biophysiological details, such as radiopharmaceutical transport within interstitial space via convection and diffusion mechanisms, radiopharmaceutical exchange between intracellular and extracellular matrices by glucose transporters, cellular uptake of radiopharmaceutical, as well as its intracellular phosphorylation by the enzyme. Further, to examine the effects of tumor size by varying microvascular densities (MVDs) on FDG dynamics, four different capillary networks are generated by angiogenesis modeling. Results demonstrate that as tumor grows, its MVD increases, and hence, the spatiotemporal distribution of total FDG uptake by tumor tissue changes towards a more homogenous distribution. In addition, spatiotemporal distributions in tumor with lower MVD have relatively smaller magnitudes, due to the lower diffusion rate of FDG as well as lower local intravenous FDG release. Since mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) differs at various stages of microvascular networks with different tumor sizes, it may be meaningful to normalize the measured values by tumor size and the MVD prior to routine clinical reporting. Overall, the present framework has the potential for more accurate investigation of biological phenomena within TME towards personalized medicine.
Circulating miR-141 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic targets in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Yang Ganghua , Lu Zhengyang , Meng Fandi , Wan Yong , Zhang Lei , Xu Qinhong , Wang Zheng
Published: June 2022

MicroRNA-141(miR-141) has been reported to play vital roles in the regulation of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, the biological function of miR-141 in GBC has received less attention. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential value of the expression level of miR-141 as a diagnostic and prognostic blood-based biomarker in gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients. Meanwhile, to explore its biological role in GBC cells. RT-PCR was employed to confirm the expression of miR-141 in ten paired tissue samples (10 GBC tissues and 10 adjacent normal gallbladder tissues), GBC cell lines and peripheral blood specimens from 98 GBC patients and 60 healthy controls. MTT assay was used to evaluate the GBC cells proliferation and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the value of miR-141 plasma levels for GBC diagnosis. Finally, clinicopathological and survival data of all GBC patients were collected and analyzed. Here, we confirmed that the expression of miR-141 were upregulated in primary gallbladder cancer cells and tissues compared with human gallbladder epithelial cells and adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.0001). Meanwhile, we found that downregulated expression of miR-141 by miR-141 inhibitor could induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of GBC cells. Additionally, elevated plasma miR-141 expression was also detected in the peripheral blood of GBC patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The AUC value of miR-141 for GBC diagnosis was 0.894 (95% CI 0.843–0.945), which was more valuable than those including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (0.713, 95% CI 0.633–0.793), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) (0.837, 95% CI 0.776–0.899) and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9) (0.869, 95% CI 0.813–0.924). The high expression level of miR-141 in plasma was significantly associated with tumor invasion (P = 0.008), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001) and advanced pathologic tumor/node/metastasis (pTNM) stage (P = 0.009). More importantly, high plasma miR-141 expression was an independent prognostic factor for predicting poorer long-term survival in GBC patients. Elevated expression of circulating miR-141 in peripheral blood might be a potential novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of GBC patients. Downregulated expression of miR-141 could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of GBC cells, that provide a potential therapeutic target for GBC.