bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying vital nodes for influence maximization in attributed networks
Authors: Wang Ying , Zheng Yunan , Liu Yiguang
Published: December 2022

Identifying a set of vital nodes to achieve influence maximization is a topic of general interest in network science. Many algorithms have been proposed to solve the influence maximization problem in complex networks. Most of them just use topology information of networks to measure the node influence. However, the node attribute is also an important factor for measuring node influence in attributed networks. To tackle this problem, we first propose an extension model of linear threshold (LT) propagation model to simulate the information propagation in attributed networks. Then, we propose a novel community-based method to identify a set of vital nodes for influence maximization in attributed networks. The proposed method considers both topology influence and attribute influence of nodes, which is more suitable for identifying vital nodes in attributed networks. A series of experiments are carried out on five real world networks and a large scale synthetic network. Compared with CELF, IMM, CoFIM, HGD, NCVoteRank and K-Shell methods, experimental results based on different propagation models show that the proposed method improves the influence spread by $$-2.28\% \, \textrm{to} \, 4.76\%$$

-
2.28
%

to

4.76
%

, $$-2.50\% \, \textrm{to} \, 16.97\%$$

-
2.50
%

to

16.97
%

, $$0.18\% \, \textrm{to} \, 16.07\%$$

0.18
%

to

16.07
%

, $$0.22\% \, \textrm{to} \, 41.82\%$$

0.22
%

to

41.82
%

, $$0.23\% \, \textrm{to} \, 11.24\%$$

0.23
%

to

11.24
%

and $$10.78\% \, \textrm{to} \, 75.22\%$$

10.78
%

to

75.22
%

.
A pathway analysis-based algorithm for calculating the participation degree of ncRNA in transcriptome
Authors: Gu Xinyi , Wang Shen , Jin Bo , Qi Zhidan , Deng Jin , Huang Chen , Yin Xiaofeng
Published: December 2022

After sequencing, it is common to screen ncRNA according to expression differences. But this may lose a lot of valuable information and there is currently no indicator to characterize the regulatory function and participation degree of ncRNA on transcriptome. Based on existing pathway enrichment methods, we developed a new algorithm to calculating the participation degree of ncRNA in transcriptome (PDNT). Here we analyzed multiple data sets, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were used for pathway enrichment analysis. The PDNT algorithm was used to calculate the Contribution value (C value) of each ncRNA based on its target genes and the pathways they participates in. The results showed that compared with ncRNAs screened by log2 fold change (FC) and p-value, those screened by C value regulated more DEGs in IPA canonical pathways, and their target DEGs were more concentrated in the core region of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. The ranking of disease critical ncRNAs increased integrally after sorting with C value. Collectively, we found that the PDNT algorithm provides a measure from another view compared with the log2FC and p-value and it may provide more clues to effectively evaluate ncRNA.
On the role of tail in stability and energetic cost of bird flapping flight
Authors: Ducci Gianmarco , Vitucci Gennaro , Chatelain Philippe , Ronsse Renaud
Published: December 2022

Migratory birds travel over impressively long distances. Consequently, they have to adopt flight regimes being both efficient—in order to spare their metabolic resources—and robust to perturbations. This paper investigates the relationship between both aspects, i.e., energetic performance and stability, in flapping flight of migratory birds. Relying on a poly-articulated wing morphing model and a tail-like surface, several families of steady flight regime have been identified and analysed. These families differ by their wing kinematics and tail opening. A systematic parametric search analysis has been carried out, in order to evaluate power consumption and cost of transport. A framework tailored for assessing limit cycles, namely Floquet theory, is used to numerically study flight stability. Our results show that under certain conditions, an inherent passive stability of steady and level flight can be achieved. In particular, we find that progressively opening the tail leads to passively stable flight regimes. Within these passively stable regimes, the tail can produce either upward or downward lift. However, these configurations entail an increase of cost of transport at high velocities penalizing fast forward flight regimes. Our model-based predictions suggest that long range flights require a furled tail configuration, as confirmed by field observations, and consequently need to rely on alternative mechanisms to stabilize the flight.
Enhancing impact resistance and biodegradability of PHBV by melt blending with ENR
Authors: Tomano Napat , Boondamnoen Orathai , Aumnate Chuanchom , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: December 2022

This research aims to enhance the mechanical characteristics of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) by using epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-25 and ENR-50) as a toughening agent and polybutadiene (PB) grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) (3 MA groups/chain) as a compatibilizer. The PHBV/ENR blends were mixed in 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 with PB-g-MA at 0, 5, and 10% (wt./wt.), using an internal mixer set to 175 °C with a rotor speed of 50 rpm. The findings indicated that at 70/30 PHBV/ENR composition, the impact strength of the blends with 25 and 50 epoxide contents were the greatest at 6.92 ± 0.35 J m−1 and 7.33 ± 1.19 J m−1, respectively, which are about two times greater than that of neat PHBV. Furthermore, the biodegradability of the PHBV/ENR blends was more substantial than that of neat PHBV, showing a mass reduction of approximately 40% and 45% for PHBV/ENR-25 and PHBV/ENR-50, respectively. In comparison, while the mass loss of PHBV was approximately 37% after three months of soil burial. The results indicate that ENR improves the toughness of the blends while simultaneously increasing PHBV degradation, which could pave the way for broadening PHBV for sustainability purposes.
Hydrogen evolution boosted by moderate Co3ZnC with current densities beyond 1000 mA cm−2
Authors: He Xiaobo , Zhao Yanling , Dong Yuanchu , Yin Fengxiang , Lin Xin , Ma Ruilong , Li Jiaqi
Published: December 2022

Moderate Co3ZnC efficiently boosts hydrogen evolution with a high current density of 1000 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 219 mV via tuning the Co 3d bands, enhancing charge transfer and thus enlarging the electrochemical active surface area.
Multi-mode anti-counterfeiting guarantees from a single material CaCd2Ga2Ge3O12:Tb3+,Yb3+ – two stimuli-responsive and four-state emission
Authors: Wang Zhuobing , Yang Liwei , Wang Zhenbin , Cao Jiajia , Ma Cunhua , Zhang Mingjin , Liu Weisheng
Published: December 2022

Luminescent anti-counterfeiting materials have drawn much attention in anti-counterfeiting applications due to their photochemical stability and emission patterns.
Self-assembled supramolecular artificial light-harvesting nanosystems: construction, modulation, and applications
Authors: Chen Xu-Man , Chen Xiao , Hou Xiao-Fang , Zhang Shu , Chen Dongzhong , Li Quan
Published: December 2022

The recent progress in construction, modulation and applications of nanoscale self-assembled supramolecular light-harvesting systems is briefly reviewed and discussed.
Ferroelectric valley valves with graphene/MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Fumega Adolfo O. , Lado Jose L.
Published: December 2022

The control of the ferroelectric domains in this valley valve allows generating and tuning topological excitations, thus providing a promissing platform to print circuits displaying a ballistic behavior.
Inorganic–organic coprecipitation: spontaneous formation of enclosed and porous silica compartments with enriched biopolymers
Authors: Cheng Xuejun , Huang Jie , Wang Ruoxu , Xu Yue , Wu Nan , Zhou Jie , Liu Xueyang , Wang Hong , Chen Hongyu
Published: December 2022

A synthetic pathway based on inorganic–organic coprecipitation was reported to form silica compartments with all-enclosed and semi-permeable membranes as well as enriched biopolymers.
Highly efficient hydrogen storage of a Sc decorated biphenylene monolayer near ambient temperature: ab initio simulations
Authors: Singh Mukesh , Shukla Alok , Chakraborty Brahmananda
Published: December 2022

The energy demands for the growing development of society need to be met with alternative and green fuels like hydrogen energy for a lasting and sustainable culture.
Beamforming design for active RIS‐aided NOMA networks
Authors: Yang Fengming , Dai Jianxin , Pan Cunhua
Published: December 2022

This paper studies the beamforming design for an active reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) aided non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network. It aims to minimize the transmission power while satisfying the requirement of the quality of service (QoS). To solve this problem, an iterative algorithm based on approximate transformations and penalty functions is proposed. Finally, simulation results illustrate that an active RIS‐aided NOMA system can achieve significant performance gains over the passive RIS‐aided NOMA network.
Latency optimization of task offloading in NOMA‐MEC systems
Authors: Wang Fangya , Ren Mengmeng , Yang Long , He Bingtao , Zhou Yuchen
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates low‐latency offloading strategy in a non‐orthogonal multiple access aided mobile edge computing (NOMA‐MEC) system consisting of K edge servers, one mobile user and one cloud server. An intelligent edge server selection strategy (IESSS) based on Markov decision process (MDP) is proposed to select an edge server, in order to reduce the task completion latency of this system. When an edge server is selected by the proposed IESSS, a joint optimization problem of power allocation and task scheduling factors is formulated to minimize the task completion latency of the hybrid NOMA‐MEC system. To solve the formulated non‐convex optimization problem with coupled variables, a low‐complexity adaptive power‐task resource allocation iterative (APTRAI) algorithm is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed IESSS and verify the convergence and time complexity of the proposed APTRAI algorithm.
Determining optimal neutral reactor to limit overvoltages and duration of secondary arc of transmission lines
Authors: Mohammadi Abolfazl , Abedini Moein , Davarpanah Mahdi
Published: December 2022

Even though shunt compensation of transmission lines (TLs) is a common practice to limit the overvoltages stemming from the Ferranti effect, it may cause transient and steady‐state resonant overvoltages when one phase is left open due to the single‐pole‐open condition following the temporary phase‐to‐ground (Ph‐g) fault. Furthermore, the existing shunt reactors potentially increase the duration of the secondary arc current at the fault point and hence prevent offering fast single‐pole reclosing. To exploit the mentioned issues, in recent studies, a neutral reactor is introduced, which is installed in the neutral point of the shunt reactors; nonetheless, obtaining the appropriate amount of it is remarkably challenging. In this paper, an optimal neutral reactor (ONR) is determined based on an optimization problem, which minimizes the neutral reactor cost subject to limiting both resonant overvoltages and the duration of the secondary arc current. In modelling, the Laplace domain is employed rather than the phasor domain to consider both transient and steady‐state conditions since this technique allows having better control over transient overvoltages as well as transient secondary arc.
Influence of positive DC electric field on rime icing on the insulator and its experimental verification in the natural environment
Authors: Liu Zongyuan , Hu Yuyao , Jiang Xingliang , Chen Lei , Chi Mingchen , Han Feiyan , Zhao Chong
Published: December 2022

The electric field imposes a significant effect on ice accretion on the insulator. The impact of an AC electric field on insulator icing in an artificial climate chamber has been addressed. Compared with AC, DC electric field exerts an attraction on supercooled water droplets, which is more detrimental to the power system. Moreover, the icing on energised insulators is rarely studied in the natural environment. In the present research, an electrical, fluid coupled‐field simulation was carried out on the insulator. The force characteristics and motion deviation features of water droplets at different positive DC electric field strengths were studied. On this basis, rime icing on the insulator energised with different positive DC voltages was investigated in the field. Results show that the charged droplet shifts along the electric field line under a positive DC voltage. The deviation degree of the droplet increases with the increment of the voltage and droplet size and decreases with an increase in wind speed. As the voltage rises, the surface roughness, icing amount and icing length of rime ice‐covered insulator increase. Consequently, compared with that without energisation, the local collision coefficient, icing amount and icing length increase by 17.6%, 46.4% and 63.9%, respectively, under a 40 kV DC voltage.
Template matching via bipartite graph and graph attention mechanism
Authors: Zhao Kai , He Binbing , Lei Wei , Zhu Yuan
Published: December 2022

Most existing template matching algorithms are global matching between the template target and the search region, which makes the matching process retain a lot of unfavourable background information and ignore the structure and local information of the template target. To address this problem, a template matching algorithm based on bipartite graph and graph attention mechanism is proposed in this paper. The algorithm models the similarity matching problem between template features and search region features as a complete bipartite graph, realises local‐to‐local information transfer between the two, and uses the graph attention mechanism to apply weights between local information to obtain a learnable embedding network module. In addition, in terms of feature representation, a multi‐level feature fusion module based on CNN is introduced, which improves the representation of a target by fusing features with different representational meanings of the target. Experimental results on several typical datasets show that the proposed algorithm achieves leading performance in terms of accuracy and efficiency compared to the two state‐of‐the‐art CNN‐based template matching algorithms, Deep‐DIM and QATM.
Comparison of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion and Posterior Laminoplasty for Four-Segment Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Shi Liang , Ding Tao , Wang Fang , Wu Chengcong
Published: December 2022

Background Although anterior or posterior surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) has been extensively studied, the choice of anterior or posterior approach in four-segment CSM remains poorly studied and controversial. We compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of four-segment CSM by posterior laminoplasty (LAMP) and anterior cervical decompression fusion (ACDF) to further explore the merits and demerits of ACDF and LAMP for four-segment CSM in this study.

Methods Patients with four-segment CSM who underwent ACDF or LAMP between January 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the preoperative and postoperative cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, neck disability index (NDI), neck pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, sagittal vertical axis, cervical lordosis (CL), and range of motion.

Results There were 47 and 79 patients in the ACDF and LAMP groups, respectively. Patients in the ACDF group had a significantly longer surgical time and lower estimated blood loss and length of stay than those in the LAMP group. There was no significant difference in the JOA, NDI, or neck pain VAS scores between the two groups preoperatively, but the NDI and neck pain VAS scores in the ACDF group were significantly lower than those in the LAMP group at the final follow-up. The preoperative C2–C7 Cobb angle of the ACDF group was significantly lower than that of the LAMP group but there was no significant difference between the two groups postoperatively. The improvement of C2–C7 Cobb angle (∆C2–C7 Cobb angle) in the ACDF group was significantly higher than that in the LAMP group. This indicated that ACDF can improve CL better than LAMP. The linear regression analysis revealed the ∆C2–C7 Cobb angle was negatively correlated with the final follow-up neck pain VAS scores and NDI. This indicated that patients with better improvement of CL may have a better prognosis.

Conclusions Although both ACDF and LAMP surgeries are effective for four-segment CSM, ACDF can better improve CL and neck pain. For patients with poor CL, we suggest ACDF when both approaches are feasible.
Endoscopic ultrasound in patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: impact on clinical decision-making
Authors: de Jong David M. , van de Vondervoort Sanne , Dwarkasing Roy S. , Doukas Michael , Voermans Rogier P. , Verdonk Robert C. , Polak Wojciech G. , de Jonge Jeroen , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Bruno Marco J. , van Driel Lydi M.J.W.
Published: December 2022

Background and study aims Accurate assessment of the lymph node (LN) status is crucial in resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) to prevent major surgery in patients with extraregional metastatic LNs (MLNs). This study investigates the added value of preoperative endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with or without tissue acquisition (TA) for the detection of MLNs in patients with resectable pCCA.

Patients and methods In this retrospective, multicenter cohort study, patients with potentially resectable pCCA who underwent EUS preoperatively between 2010–2020, were included. The clinical impact of EUS-TA was defined as the percentage of patients who did not undergo surgical resection due to MLNs found with EUS-TA. Findings of cross-sectional imaging were compared with EUS-TA findings and surgery.

Results EUS was performed on 141 patients, of whom 107 (76 %) had suspicious LNs on cross-sectional imaging. Surgical exploration was prevented in 20 patients (14 %) because EUS-TA detected MLNs, of which 17 (85 %) were extraregional. Finally, 74 patients (52 %) underwent surgical exploration followed by complete resection in 40 (28 %). MLNs were identified at definitive pathology in 24 (33 %) patients, of which 9 (38 %) were extraregional and 15 (63 %) regional.

Conclusions EUS-TA may be of value in patients with potentially resectable pCCA based on preoperative cross-sectional imaging, regardless of lymphadenopathy at cross-sectional imaging. A prospective study in which a comprehensive EUS investigation with LN assessment and EUS-TA of LNs is performed routinely should confirm this promise.
Rare Columnar Cell Variant Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Metastasis to Pancreas and Lungs at Initial Presentation: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Gjeluci Albert , Clark Joseph , Jawahar Anugayathri
Published: December 2022

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, accounting for 85% of differentiated thyroid cancers. A small percentage of PTC variants are considered more aggressive, such as the tall cell variant associated with the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene and the rarer columnar variant, which is described in only 0.2% of cases and has a poor prognosis. Although locoregional metastases to neck lymph nodes are common, distant metastases of PTC are rare at presentation with only 5 to 7% reported in the literature. We present a very rare case of columnar cell variant PTC with synchronous metastasis to the lungs and indolent focus in the pancreas at initial diagnosis, which has never been reported in the literature. Our patient presented with non-radioactive iodine (RAI) responsive PTC with diffuse metastases to the lungs and one synchronous focal metastatic lesion in the pancreas. After multidisciplinary discussions, pancreatectomy/metastasectomy was deferred due to the disseminated PTC with multiple metastases to the lungs, lack of pancreas-related symptoms in the patient, and inherent complication risks. The patient was treated with systemic therapy using a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (lenvatinib), which is the standard of care for non-RAI responsive PTC and showed a complete radiologic resolution of the pancreatic lesion, however, with partial yet nonprogressive metastatic disease in the lungs.
M-Mode Ultrasound as a Portable Alternative to Fluoroscopy in Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Motion: Technical Note
Authors: Chandola Stuti , Jana Manisha , Naranje Priyanka , Bhalla Ashu Seith
Published: December 2022

Diaphragmatic structure and function assessment can be performed using grayscale as well as M-mode ultrasound. This article discusses the application of M-mode ultrasound in the assessment of diaphragmatic dysfunction.
Spatial and temporal distances in a virtual global world: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nachum Lilac , Buckley Peter J.
Published: December 2022

The experience of COVID-19 prompted us to rethink the imperatives of distance for the organization of value-creating activities globally. We advance a conceptualization of distance as representing separation in both space and time and posit that these distance dimensions represent different kinds of separation and require varied theoretical attention. We delineate the intrinsic qualities of spatial and temporal distances and theorize the impact of this extended conceptualization of distance on major tenets of international business theory and their predictions regarding the patterns of international business activity. We illustrate the ways by which varying configurations of spatial and temporal distances serve different value-creating activities and draw their implications for countries’ global integration. We advance a call for more attention to time and temporal distance and their impact on the ways firms organize their value-creating activities in an increasingly virtual world.
Microconfined high-pressure transcritical fluid turbulence
Authors: Bernades M. , Capuano F. , Jofre L.
Published: December 2022

Microfluidics technology has grown rapidly over the past decades due to its high surface-to-volume ratios, flow controllability, and length scales efficiently suited for interacting with microscopic elements. However, as a consequence of the small rates of mixing and transfer they achieve due to operating under laminar flow regimes, the utilization of microfluidics for energy applications has long been a key challenge. In this regard, as a result of the hydrodynamic and thermophysical properties they exhibit in the vicinity of the pseudo-boiling region, it has recently been proposed that microconfined turbulence could be achieved by operating at high-pressure transcritical fluid conditions. Nonetheless, the underlying flow mechanisms of such systems are still not well characterized, and, thus, need to be carefully investigated. This work, consequently, analyzes supercritical microconfined turbulence by computing direct numerical simulations of high-pressure (P/Pc=2) N2 at transcritical conditions imposed by a temperature difference between the bottom (T/Tc=0.75) and top (T/Tc=1.5) walls for a friction Reynolds number of Reτ=100 (bottom wall). The results obtained indicate that microconfined turbulence can be achieved under such conditions, leading to mixing and heat transfer increments up to 100× and 20×, respectively, with respect to equivalent low-pressure systems. In addition, it is found that the near-wall flow physics deviates from a single-phase boundary layer theory due to the presence of a baroclinic instability in the vicinity of the hot/top wall. This instability is generated by the combination of the external force driving the flow and the large variation of density across the pseudo-boiling region, which strongly modifies the flow behavior in the vicinity of the wall and renders present “law of the wall” transformation models inaccurate.
Creep and mechanical properties of aluminium A356 composites reinforced with coated and un-coated MWCNTs fabricated using the stir casting method
Authors: Pan Qiaoyu , Yu Xinping , Yu Fujin
Published: December 2022

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) possess outstanding physical and mechanical properties, making them suitable as reinforcing materials for metal-matrix composites. However, their creep resistance has not been studied well. In the present study, aluminium A356 composites reinforced with various weight percentages of MWCNTs were fabricated using the stir casting technique. The surface coating was applied to enhance the wettability of carbon nanotubes. Tensile experiments, fracture analysis, creep tests, and microstructural analyses were performed on the produced composites. Aluminium samples reinforced with 0.2 weight percentage of coated MWCNTs showed to have higher hardness (14%), yield strength (36%), ultimate tensile strength (20%), elongation at break (16%), and creep resistance (30%) compared to that of composites reinforced with uncoated MWCNTs.
Characterisation of structural modifications on cold-formed AA2024 substrates by wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Silmbroth Mathias , Enzinger Norbert , Schneider-Bröskamp Christian , Arnoldt Aurel , Klein Thomas
Published: December 2022

Wire arc additive manufacturing, employing conventional fusion welding processes, shows excellent versatility and can therefore be used for structural modifications of existing parts to create hybrid components. This study evaluates the modification of cold-formed AA2024 metal sheets with 2xxx filler metals to produce 2xxx hybrid structures. The alloys are investigated by thermodynamic simulations and the solidification crack susceptibility is assessed by calculating the index for hot cracking susceptibility. Using cold metal transfer, single-layer depositions are generated on profile sheets after which the specimens are characterised by three analysis procedures: metallographic analysis, chemical analysis, and hardness testing. Results indicate that AA2024 wire material, although generally considered difficult to weld, is more suitable for the additive modification of AA2024 sheets and profiles, as crack-free specimens can be deposited on cold-formed substrates.
Validity of three risk prediction models for dementia or cognitive impairment in Australia
Authors: Geethadevi Gopisankar M , Peel Roseanne , Bell J Simon , Cross Amanda J , Hancock Stephen , Ilomaki Jenni , Tang Titus , Attia John , George Johnson
Published: December 2022

Background

no studies have compared the predictive validity of different dementia risk prediction models in Australia.

Objectives

(i) to investigate the predictive validity of the Australian National University-Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI), LIfestyle for BRAin Health (LIBRA) Index and cardiovascular risk factors, ageing and dementia study (CAIDE) models for predicting probable dementia/cognitive impairment in an Australian cohort. (ii) To develop and assess the predictive validity of a new hybrid model combining variables from the three models.

Methods

the Hunter Community Study (HCS) included 3,306 adults aged 55–85 years with a median follow-up of 7.1 years. Probable dementia/cognitive impairment was defined using Admitted Patient Data Collection, dispensing of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, or a cognitive test. Model validity was assessed by calibration and discrimination. A hybrid model was developed using deep neural network analysis, a machine learning method.

Results

120 (3.6%) participants developed probable dementia/cognitive impairment. Mean calibration by ANU-ADRI, LIBRA, CAIDE and the hybrid model was 19, 0.5, 4.7 and 3.4%, respectively. The discrimination of the models was 0.65 (95% CI 0.60–0.70), 0.65 (95% CI 0.60–0.71), 0.54 (95% CI 0.49–0.58) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.78–0.83), respectively.

Conclusion

ANU-ADRI and LIBRA were better dementia prediction tools than CAIDE for identification of high-risk individuals in this cohort. ANU-ADRI overestimated and LIBRA underestimated the risk. The new hybrid model had a higher predictive performance than the other models but it needs to be validated independently in longitudinal studies.
Functional underpinnings of feedback-enhanced test-potentiated encoding
Authors: Ludowicy Petra , Czernochowski Daniela , Arnaez-Telleria Jaione , Gurunandan Kshipra , Lachmann Thomas , Paz-Alonso Pedro M
Published: December 2022

The testing effect describes the finding that retrieval practice enhances memory performance compared to restudy practice. Prior evidence demonstrates that this effect can be boosted by providing feedback after retrieval attempts (i.e. test-potentiated encoding [TPE]). The present fMRI study investigated the neural processes during successful memory retrieval underlying this beneficial effect of correct answer feedback compared with restudy and whether additional performance feedback leads to further benefits. Twenty-seven participants learned cue-target pairs by (i) restudying, (ii) standard TPE including a restudy opportunity, or (iii) TPE including a restudy opportunity immediately after a positive or negative performance feedback. One day later, a cued retrieval recognition test was performed inside the MRI scanner. Behavioral results confirmed the testing effect and that adding explicit performance feedback-enhanced memory relative to restudy and standard TPE. Stronger functional engagement while retrieving items previously restudied was found in lateral prefrontal cortex and superior parietal lobe. By contrast, lateral temporo-parietal areas were more strongly recruited while retrieving items previously tested. Performance feedback increased the hippocampal activation and resulted in stronger functional coupling between hippocampus, supramarginal gyrus, and ventral striatum with lateral temporo-parietal cortex. Our results unveil the main functional dynamics and connectivity nodes underlying memory benefits from additional performance feedback.
No evidence of theory of mind reasoning in the human language network
Authors: Shain Cory , Paunov Alexander , Chen Xuanyi , Lipkin Benjamin , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: December 2022

Language comprehension and the ability to infer others’ thoughts (theory of mind [ToM]) are interrelated during development and language use. However, neural evidence that bears on the relationship between language and ToM mechanisms is mixed. Although robust dissociations have been reported in brain disorders, brain activations for contrasts that target language and ToM bear similarities, and some have reported overlap. We take another look at the language-ToM relationship by evaluating the response of the language network, as measured with fMRI, to verbal and nonverbal ToM across 151 participants. Individual-participant analyses reveal that all core language regions respond more strongly when participants read vignettes about false beliefs compared to the control vignettes. However, we show that these differences are largely due to linguistic confounds, and no such effects appear in a nonverbal ToM task. These results argue against cognitive and neural overlap between language processing and ToM. In exploratory analyses, we find responses to social processing in the “periphery” of the language network—right-hemisphere homotopes of core language areas and areas in bilateral angular gyri—but these responses are not selectively ToM-related and may reflect general visual semantic processing.
An agency perspective of regional economic resilience during COVID-19: the role of the local state’s place-based leadership in Kunshan, China
Authors: Wu Di , Hu Xiaohui , Chen Wen , Yuan Feng
Published: December 2022

Through a case study of Kunshan, China, this paper shows how a local state utilised place-based leadership to enhance regional economic resilience under the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. It unpacks how Kunshan effectively mitigated early economic disturbances induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, by two ways of leadership actions, namely, enacting jurisdictional power (that is formal leadership), and mobilising wide official and interpersonal networks (that is network leadership). Four specific local-state-led adaptive resilience processes or strategies are identified: stabilising labour supply, mitigating supply-chain disruptions, alleviating financial strains and reconfiguring market orientations. Through these proactive endeavours, the local state played an enabling role in aligning diverse stakeholders and resources across places, scales and sectors, thereby allaying economic shocks and enhancing regional economic resilience. This study contributes to the resilience literature by developing an agency-centric perspective to understanding regional economic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A rare gastric metastasis secondary to residual cystic duct carcinoma: case report and literature review
Authors: Qian Leimin , Huang Jianming
Published: December 2022

An unusual gastric metastasis from residual cystic duct carcinoma was reported, which was easily mistaken as primary gastric carcinoma before the surgery. A 50-year-old Chinese man presented with right upper abdominal discomfort. Based on the biopsy and computed tomography results, an advanced gastric antrum adenocarcinoma was primarily diagnosed. Intraoperatively, there were other findings: residual cystic duct with chronic hyperplasia, a suspected purulent cavity filled with grayish-brown cloudy liquid at the distal end of the cystic duct and the gallbladder socket. The patient underwent radical operation. Histopathological findings finally suggested that adenocarcinoma of the residual cystic duct infiltrated into the whole layer of the gastric wall. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy were administered. The patient has achieved 20-month recurrence-free survival. The comprehensive treatment including radical surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy may improve the prognosis of such patients.
Primary adenocarcinoma of an ileostomy in a Crohn patient: a case report
Authors: De Deken Julie , Stavrou Gregor A
Published: December 2022

Proctocolectomy with ileostomy is an established surgical treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Adenocarcinoma of an ileostomy is a rare complication in long-term ileostomies. We present the case of a 69-year-old man who presented with bloody stools and a tumour at the ileostomy site 37 years after ileostomy formation. Biopsies confirmed the presence of an adenocarcinoma. Imaging did not show any metastases or advanced local infiltration. A resection of the ileostomy with a broad safety margin and reimplantation of a new Ileostomy was performed. At 18-month follow-up, there is no sign of recurrence. Ileostomy adenocarcinoma in a Crohn’s disease patient is rare with only four cases described in literature. An en-bloc resection and relocation of the ileostomy is the recommended treatment. Education of patients and healthcare professionals on this long-term ileostomy complication is vital for the early diagnosis and treatment.
Interpreting ALMA non-detections of JWST super-early galaxies
Authors: Kohandel M , Ferrara A , Pallottini A , Vallini L , Sommovigo L , Ziparo F
Published: December 2022

Recent attempts to detect [O iii] 88$\, \mu$m emission from super-early (z > 10) galaxy candidates observed by JWST have been unsuccessful. Non-detections can be either due to wrong photometric redshifts or to the faintness of the line in such early systems. By using zoom-in simulations, we show that if redshifts of these galaxies are confirmed, they are faint and mostly fall below the local metal-poor $\rm [O\, {\small III}]-SFR$ relation as a result of their low ionization parameter, Uion ≲ 10−3. Such low Uion values are found in galaxies that are in an early assembly stage, and whose stars are still embedded in high-density natal clouds. However, the most luminous galaxy in our sample ($\rm {log}[L_{\rm {[O\, {\small III}]}}/\mathrm{L}_\odot ] = 8.4$, Uion ≈ 0.1) could be detected by ALMA in only 2.8 h.
MC profiling: a novel approach to analyze DNA methylation heterogeneity in genome-wide bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: De Riso Giulia , Sarnataro Antonella , Scala Giovanni , Cuomo Mariella , Della Monica Rosa , Amente Stefano , Chiariotti Lorenzo , Miele Gennaro , Cocozza Sergio
Published: December 2022

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark implicated in crucial biological processes. Most of the knowledge about DNA methylation is based on bulk experiments, in which DNA methylation of genomic regions is reported as average methylation. However, average methylation does not inform on how methylated cytosines are distributed in each single DNA molecule. Here, we propose Methylation Class (MC) profiling as a genome-wide approach to the study of DNA methylation heterogeneity from bulk bisulfite sequencing experiments. The proposed approach is built on the concept of MCs, groups of DNA molecules sharing the same number of methylated cytosines. The relative abundances of MCs from sequencing reads incorporates the information on the average methylation, and directly informs on the methylation level of each molecule. By applying our approach to publicly available bisulfite-sequencing datasets, we individuated cell-to-cell differences as the prevalent contributor to methylation heterogeneity. Moreover, we individuated signatures of loci undergoing imprinting and X-inactivation, and highlighted differences between the two processes. When applying MC profiling to compare different conditions, we identified methylation changes occurring in regions with almost constant average methylation. Altogether, our results indicate that MC profiling can provide useful insights on the epigenetic status and its evolution at multiple genomic regions.
Inter-layer and inter-subject variability of diurnal gene expression in human skin
Authors: del Olmo Marta , Spörl Florian , Korge Sandra , Jürchott Karsten , Felten Matthias , Grudziecki Astrid , de Zeeuw Jan , Nowozin Claudia , Reuter Hendrik , Blatt Thomas , Herzel Hanspeter , Kunz Dieter , Kramer Achim , Ananthasubramaniam Bharath
Published: December 2022

The skin is the largest human organ with a circadian clock that regulates its function. Although circadian rhythms in specific functions are known, rhythms in the proximal clock output, gene expression, in human skin have not been thoroughly explored. This work reports 24 h gene expression rhythms in two skin layers, epidermis and dermis, in a cohort of young, healthy adults, who maintained natural, regular sleep-wake schedules. 10% of the expressed genes showed such diurnal rhythms at the population level, of which only a third differed between the two layers. Amplitude and phases of diurnal gene expression varied more across subjects than layers, with amplitude being more variable than phases. Expression amplitudes in the epidermis were larger and more subject-variable, while they were smaller and more consistent in the dermis. Core clock gene expression was similar across layers at the population-level, but were heterogeneous in their variability across subjects. We also identified small sets of biomarkers for internal clock phase in each layer, which consisted of layer-specific non-core clock genes. This work provides a valuable resource to advance our understanding of human skin and presents a novel methodology to quantify sources of variability in human circadian rhythms.
Alignment of major-groove hydrogen bond arrays uncovers shared information between different DNA sequences that bind the same protein
Authors: Sedhom Jacklin , Kinser Jason , Solomon Lee A
Published: December 2022

Protein–DNA binding is of a great interest due to its importance in many biological processes. Previous studies have presented many factors responsible for the recognition and specificity, but understanding the minimal informational requirements for proteins that bind to multiple DNA-sites is still an understudied area of bioinformatics. Here we focus on the hydrogen bonds displayed by the target DNA in the major groove that take part in protein-binding. We show that analyses focused on the base pair identity may overlook key hydrogen bonds. We have developed an algorithm that converts a nucleotide sequence into an array of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors and methyl groups. It then aligns these non-covalent interaction arrays to identify what information is being maintained among multiple DNA sequences. For three different DNA-binding proteins, Lactose repressor, controller protein and λ-CI repressor, we uncovered the minimal pattern of hydrogen bonds that are common amongst all the binding sequences. Notably in the three proteins, key interacting hydrogen bonds are maintained despite nucleobase mutations in the corresponding binding sites. We believe this work will be useful for developing new DNA binding proteins and shed new light on evolutionary relationships.
The Party on Remote Ground: Disengaging and Disappearing?
Authors: McDonnell Duncan , Stanford Bartholomew
Published: December 2022

The party on the ground has traditionally enabled linkage with the party in office along with providing candidates, selectorates, and campaign volunteers. While this still occurs in cities, we do not know how party organisation changes have affected remote areas. To investigate, we examine two remote Australian electorates: the Barkly in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley in Western Australia. Based on interviews with grassroots members, representatives and officials, we conclude that, although parties still exert their traditional functions in some remote areas, in others they have disengaged, rendering membership less meaningful and weakening the chain of democratic legitimacy.
Determining the ecophysiological limits of a narrow niche tropical conifer tree (Podocarpus trinitensis)
Authors: Spiers Joshua A , Oatham Michael P , Rostant Luke V , Farrell Aidan D
Published: December 2022

Many tropical species live close to their thermal limits within a narrow niche. Here, we investigate the ecophysiological limits of the tropical tree Podocarpus trinitensis, which is endemic to Trinidad and Tobago where most populations exist as isolated stands on hilltops. Five wild stands from a range of elevations were compared in the field with measurements of leaf temperature, canopy cover, stomatal conductance (gs), chlorophyll content and several chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. A parallel greenhouse experiment was used to acclimate seedlings to ‘CONTROL’ and ‘HEAT’ treatments (with mid-day air temperatures of 34.5 and 37 °C respectively), after which the above parameters were measured along with photosynthetic light and temperature response curves, leaf morphology and in vitro Fv/Fm thermostability.

There was a positive association between improved physiological performance and elevation. In the high elevation sites, leaf temperatures were significantly lower while most of the physiological parameters were higher (gs, chlorophyll content, ɸ PSII, ETRmax and Isat90). In the greenhouse, HEAT and CONTROL plants were similar for most parameters, except leaf temperature (which was coupled with air temperature) and leaf mass per unit area (which was higher in HEAT plants). Temperature response curves showed an optimum temperature for photosynthesis of 30 ± 0.5 °C (TOpt) and in vitro Fv/Fm indicated a critical temperature of 47.4 ± 0.38 °C for HEAT and 48.2 ± 0.24 °C for CONTROL (T50), with no indication of heat acclimation. Podocarpus trinitensis was found to be shade tolerant. In the field, seedlings established under a close canopy (>95% canopy cover) and had a low light saturation point (LCP). In the greenhouse, where more light was available, seedlings retained a low light compensation point, light saturation point (LSP) and maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax). The results suggest that P. trinitensis is moderately heat tolerant with the higher elevation sites being more habitable, but stands are also able to survive near sea level under a closed canopy. The narrow niche, along with the 30 ± 0.5 °C optimum temperature for photosynthesis and the lack of thermal plasticity in critical temperature, suggests that P. trinitensis has little room to acclimate to temperatures higher than those currently experienced.
Multisite Study of Optical Genome Mapping of Retrospective and Prospective Constitutional Disorder Cohorts
Authors: Broeckel Ulrich , Iqbal M. Anwar , Levy Brynn , Sahajpal Nikhil , Nagy Peter L. , Scharer Gunter , Bossler Aaron D. , Rodriguez Vanessa , Stence Aaron , Skinner Cindy , Skinner Steven A , Kolhe Ravindra , Stevenson Roger
Published: December 2022

Several medical societies including the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Association of Molecular Pathology recommend chromosomal microarray (CMA) as the first-tier test in the genetic work-up for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as developmental delay and intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, as well as other disorders suspected to be of genetic etiology. Although CMA has significantly increased the diagnostic yield for these disorders, limitations in the technology preclude detection of certain structural variations in the genome and requires reflexing to other cytogenomic and molecular methods. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a high-resolution technology that utilizes ultra-high molecular weight DNA, fluorescently labeled at a hexamer motif found throughout the genome, to create a barcode pattern, analogous to G-banded karyotyping, that can detect all classes of structural variations at very high resolution by comparison to a reference genome.

A multisite study, partially published previously, with a total of n=1037 datapoints was conducted and showed 99.6% concordance between OGM and standard-of-care (SOC) testing for completed cases. The current phase of this study included cases from individuals with suspected genetic conditions referred for cytogenomic testing in a prospective postnatal cohort (79 cases with OGM and SOC results) and a retrospective postnatal cohort (262; same criteria). Among these cohorts were an autism spectrum disorder cohort (135) group with negative or uninformative results on previous testing (72). Prospective cases referred for CMA were included in this study as an unbiased comparison, OGM results show 100% concordance with variants of uncertain significance, pathogenic variants, and likely pathogenic variants reported by CMA other SOC and found reportable variants in an additional 10.1% of cases. Among the autism spectrum disorder cohort, OGM found reportable variants in an additional 14.8% of cases. Based on this demonstration of the analytic validity and clinical utility of OGM by this multi-site assessment, and considering clinical diagnostics often require iterative testing for detection and diagnosis in postnatal constitutional disorders, OGM should be considered as a first-tier test for neurodevelopmental disorders and/or suspicion of a genetic disease.