bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased exogenous but unaltered endogenous carbohydrate oxidation with combined fructose-maltodextrin ingested at 120 g h−1 versus 90 g h−1 at different ratios
Authors: Podlogar Tim , Bokal Špela , Cirnski Simon , Wallis Gareth A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether carbohydrate ingestion during 3 h long endurance exercise in highly trained cyclists at a rate of 120 g h−1 in 0.8:1 ratio between fructose and glucose-based carbohydrates would result in higher exogenous and lower endogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates as compared to ingestion of 90 g h−1 in 1:2 ratio, which is the currently recommended approach for exercise of this duration.

Methods

Eleven male participants (V̇O2peak 62.6 ± 7 mL kg−1 min−1, gas exchange threshold (GET) 270 ± 17 W and Respiratory compensation point 328 ± 32 W) completed the study involving 4 experimental visits consisting of 3 h cycling commencing after an overnight fast at an intensity equivalent to 95% GET. During the trials they received carbohydrates at an average rate of 120 or 90 g h−1 in 0.8:1 or 1:2 fructose-maltodextrin ratio, respectively. Carbohydrates were naturally high or low in 13C stable isotopes enabling subsequent calculations of exogenous and endogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates.

Results

Exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates were higher in the 120 g h−1 condition (120–180 min: 1.51 ± 0.22 g min−1) as compared to the 90 g h−1 condition (1.29 ± 0.16 g min−1; p = 0.026). Endogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates did not differ between conditions (2.15 ± 0.30 and 2.20 ± 0.33 g min−1 for 120 and 90 g h−1 conditions, respectively; p = 0.786).

Conclusions

The results suggest that carbohydrate ingestion at 120 g h−1 in 0.8:1 fructose-maltodextrin ratio as compared with 90 g h−1 in 1:2 ratio offers higher exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates but no additional sparing of endogenous carbohydrates. Further studies should investigate potential performance effects of such carbohydrate ingestion strategies.
Flow dynamics for coupled surface and internal deep-water waves
Authors: Henry David , Villari Gabriele
Published: August 2022

This article determines the fluid motion underlying coupled linear internal and surface waves in a deep-water two-fluid-layer model (with the lower layer being of infinite depth). A detailed Eulerian description of the wave-field kinematics for coupled linear travelling waves is achieved using phase-plane analysis. The qualitative motion of individual fluid particles is elucidated through analysis of the relevant nonlinear dynamical systems from the Lagrangian viewpoint.
Persistent capillary rarefication in long COVID syndrome
Authors: Osiaevi Irina , Schulze Arik , Evers Georg , Harmening Kimon , Vink Hans , Kümpers Philipp , Mohr Michael , Rovas Alexandros
Published: August 2022

Background

Recent studies have highlighted Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a multisystemic vascular disease. Up to 60% of the patients suffer from long-term sequelae and persistent symptoms even 6 months after the initial infection.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included 58 participants, 27 of whom were long COVID patients with persistent symptoms > 12 weeks after recovery from PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fifteen healthy volunteers and a historical cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients (n = 16) served as controls. All participants underwent sublingual videomicroscopy using sidestream dark field imaging. A newly developed version of Glycocheck™ software was used to quantify vascular density, perfused boundary region (PBR-an inverse variable of endothelial glycocalyx dimensions), red blood cell velocity (VRBC) and the microvascular health score (MVHS™) in sublingual microvessels with diameters 4–25 µm.

Measurements and main results

Although dimensions of the glycocalyx were comparable to those of healthy controls, a µm-precise analysis showed a significant decrease of vascular density, that exclusively affected very small capillaries (D5: − 45.16%; D6: − 35.60%; D7: − 22.79%). Plotting VRBC of capillaries and feed vessels showed that the number of capillaries perfused in long COVID patients was comparable to that of critically ill COVID-19 patients and did not respond adequately to local variations of tissue metabolic demand. MVHS was markedly reduced in the long COVID cohort (healthy 3.87 vs. long COVID 2.72 points; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our current data strongly suggest that COVID-19 leaves a persistent capillary rarefication even 18 months after infection. Whether, to what extent, and when the observed damage might be reversible remains unclear.
Cellulose-inorganic hybrids of strongly reduced thermal conductivity
Authors: Spiliopoulos Panagiotis , Gestranius Marie , Zhang Chao , Ghiyasi Ramin , Tomko John , Arstila Kai , Putkonen Matti , Hopkins Patrick E. , Karppinen Maarit , Tammelin Tekla , Kontturi Eero
Published: August 2022

The employment of atomic layer deposition and spin coating techniques for preparing inorganic–organic hybrid multilayer structures of alternating ZnO-CNC layers was explored in this study. Helium ion microscopy and X-ray reflectivity showed the superlattice formation for the nanolaminate structures and atomic force microscopy established the efficient control of the CNCs surface coverage on the Al-doped ΖnO by manipulating the concentration of the spin coating solution. Thickness characterization of the hybrid structures was performed via both ellipsometry and X-ray reflectivity and the thermal conductivity was examined by time domain thermoreflectance technique. It appears that even the incorporation of a limited amount of CNCs between the ZnO laminates strongly suppresses the thermal conductivity. Even small, submonolayer amounts of CNCs worked as a more efficient insulating material than hydroquinone or cellulose nanofibers which have been employed in previous studies.
Growth and survival rates of dispersing free embryos and settled larvae of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota
Authors: Braaten Patrick J. , Holm Robert J. , Powell Jeffrey , Heist Edward J. , Buhman Amy C. , Holley Colt T. , DeLonay Aaron J. , Haddix Tyler M. , Wilson Ryan H. , Jacobson Robert B.
Published: August 2022

We released nearly 1.0 million 1-day post-hatch (dph) and 5-dph pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) free embryos in the Missouri River on 1 July 2019 and sequentially captured survivors at multiple sites through a 240-km river reach to quantify daily growth and survival rates during the early life stages. Genetic analysis was used to assign captured fish to released family lots and known ages. Growth rate was similar (0.74–0.75 mm day−1) between the 1- and 5-dph age groups during the 3–4-day dispersal period when water temperature averaged 16.8 °C. Daily survival rate was 0.64 during 1–4 dph for the original 1-dph age group and 0.80 during 5–7 dph for the original 5-dph age group. Total survival during free embryo dispersal (hatch to 9 dph) was estimated as 0.0437. The transition from dispersing as free embryos to settling as benthic larvae was verified for fish originally released as 5 dph. Growth of settled larvae was quantified with a Gompertz model through 75 dph (9 September; 112 mm) when water temperature was 18.8–21.0 °C in the rearing areas. Settled larvae had an estimated daily survival rate of 0.96, and estimated total survival during 9–75 dph was 0.0714. This study provides the first empirical survival estimates for pallid sturgeon early life stages in natural settings and is one of few studies reporting similar information for other sturgeon species. Applications of this work extend to pallid sturgeon restoration programs where population models are being developed to predict recruitment potential and population responses to river management alternatives.
Characteristics of particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor PM2.5 of households in the Southwest part of Ulaanbaatar capital, Mongolia
Authors: Sainnokhoi Tsend-Ayush , Kováts Nora , Gelencsér András , Hubai Katalin , Teke Gábor , Pelden Bolormaa , Tserenchimed Tsagaan , Erdenechimeg Zoljargal , Galsuren Jargalsaikhan
Published: August 2022

Air pollution, including PM2.5 concentration in Ulaanbaatar (capital of Mongolia) is a serious matter of concern. As the majority of households use coal in large areas of the city, indoor air quality is also posing a serious risk to human health. This study investigated the concentration of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) in indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) in 10 non-smoker households. Sampling was conducted in winter of 2018, between 27 January and 09 February. Concentrations of PM2.5 in the indoor air of households ranged between 62.8 and 324.8 µg m−3. Total concentration of PAHs also varied in a relatively wide range, between 46.2 and 175.7 ng m−3. Five-ring PAHs represented a considerably high fraction of total PAHs between 25 and 53%, benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were the two predominant compounds within five-ring PAHs. Significant correlation was found between indoor and outdoor particulate matter levels in wintertime. Considering individual characteristic PAHs, heavier PAHs homologues (4- to 5-ring and 6-ring PAHs) were detected in all households, which suggested the influence of coal combustion and traffic exhaust. Health risk of children attributed to PAHs inhalation was assessed by taking into account the lifetime-average daily dose (LADD) and corresponding lifetime cancer risk. Lifetime average daily dose for children in only one household were slightly higher than health-based guideline level (1.0 × 10−5), defined by WHO, whereas LADD for adults and children of other households were within acceptable limit. The cancer risks from the exposure of children to air pollutants in all households except HH-3 were found high. In the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay, according to the toxic unit (TU) values of indoor PM2.5 from ten households, all samples were classified as toxic.
Vitrification within a nanoliter volume: oocyte and embryo cryopreservation within a 3D photopolymerized device
Authors: Yagoub Suliman H. , Lim Megan , Tan Tiffany C. Y. , Chow Darren J. X. , Dholakia Kishan , Gibson Brant C. , Thompson Jeremy G. , Dunning Kylie R.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Vitrification permits long-term banking of oocytes and embryos. It is a technically challenging procedure requiring direct handling and movement of cells between potentially cytotoxic cryoprotectant solutions. Variation in adherence to timing, and ability to trace cells during the procedure, affects survival post-warming. We hypothesized that minimizing direct handling will simplify the procedure and improve traceability. To address this, we present a novel photopolymerized device that houses the sample during vitrification.

Methods

The fabricated device consisted of two components: the Pod and Garage. Single mouse oocytes or embryos were housed in a Pod, with multiple Pods docked into a Garage. The suitability of the device for cryogenic application was assessed by repeated vitrification and warming cycles. Oocytes or early blastocyst-stage embryos were vitrified either using standard practice or within Pods and a Garage and compared to non-vitrified control groups. Post-warming, we assessed survival rate, oocyte developmental potential (fertilization and subsequent development) and metabolism (autofluorescence).

Results

Vitrification within the device occurred within ~ 3 nL of cryoprotectant: this volume being ~ 1000-fold lower than standard vitrification. Compared to standard practice, vitrification and warming within our device showed no differences in viability, developmental competency, or metabolism for oocytes and embryos. The device housed the sample during processing, which improved traceability and minimized handling. Interestingly, vitrification-warming itself, altered oocyte and embryo metabolism.

Conclusion

The Pod and Garage system minimized the volume of cryoprotectant at vitrification—by ~ 1000-fold—improved traceability and reduced direct handling of the sample. This is a major step in simplifying the procedure.
Large population sizes and crossover help in dynamic environments
Authors: Lengler Johannes , Meier Jonas
Published: August 2022

Dynamic linear functions on the boolean hypercube are functions which assign to each bit a positive weight, but the weights change over time. Throughout optimization, these functions maintain the same global optimum, and never have defecting local optima. Nevertheless, it was recently shown [Lengler, Schaller, FOCI 2019] that the $$(1+1)$$

(
1
+
1
)

-Evolutionary Algorithm needs exponential time to find or approximate the optimum for some algorithm configurations. In this experimental paper, we study the effect of larger population sizes for dynamic binval, the extreme form of dynamic linear functions. We find that moderately increased population sizes extend the range of efficient algorithm configurations, and that crossover boosts this positive effect substantially. Remarkably, similar to the static setting of monotone functions in [Lengler, Zou, FOGA 2019], the hardest region of optimization for $$(\mu +1)$$

(
μ
+
1
)

-EA is not close the optimum, but far away from it. In contrast, for the $$(\mu +1)$$

(
μ
+
1
)

-GA, the region around the optimum is the hardest region in all studied cases.Kindly check and confirm the inserted city name is correctly identified.Correct.
Does the number of candidates increase turnout? Causal evidence from two-round elections
Authors: Bol Damien , Ivandic Ria
Published: August 2022

A long-lasting question in comparative politics is whether the number of candidates/parties increases turnout. Existing observational studies on the topic find mixed results. We thus apply a regression discontinuity design to data 13,910 legislative and cantonal electoral districts in France since 1978. In the two-round system used in these elections, the candidates who pass a certain vote threshold in the first round can participate in the second round. We use this discontinuity to estimate the causal effect of having a third candidate in the second round: it increases turnout by 3.5% points and the share of valid votes by 7.3% points. We confirm these findings with survey data from the 2012 legislative election. Further, we investigate the mechanism and find evidence supporting the alienation theory, according to which individuals whose preferences do not resonate with the preferences of any of the candidates are likely to abstain.
An Italian lexical resource for incivility detection in online discourses
Authors: Tontodimamma Alice , Fontanella Lara , Anzani Stefano , Basile Valerio
Published: August 2022

The exponential growth of social media has brought an increasing propagation of online hostile communication and vitriolic discourses, and social media have become a fertile ground for heated discussions that frequently result in the use of insulting and offensive language. Lexical resources containing specific negative words have been widely employed to detect uncivil communication. This paper describes the development and implementation of an innovative resource, namely the Revised HurtLex Lexicon, in which every headword is annotated with an offensiveness level score. The starting point is HurtLex, a multilingual lexicon of hate words. Concentrating on the Italian entries, we revised the terms in HurtLex and derived an offensive score for each lexical item by applying an Item Response Theory model to the ratings provided by a large number of annotators. This resource can be used as part of a lexicon-based approach to track offensive and hateful content. Our work comprises an evaluation of the Revised HurtLex lexicon.
Patterns in climate and seedling establishment at a dry tropical treeline
Authors: Ramírez Lirey A. , Llambí Luis D. , Azocar Carmen J. , Fernandez Manuel , Torres J. Eloy , Bader Maaike Y.
Published: August 2022

In some internal valleys of the northern Andes, precipitation at treeline elevation is seasonal, with one or two dry periods that could exert a strong control on tree seedling survival. However, little is known about (1) the severity of the dry periods, due to a lack of climate data, or (2) the effect of drought on tree seedling demographic dynamics and how this is modulated by local plant interactions in these tropical-alpine ecosystems. We studied annual precipitation variation and seedling demography and ecophysiology in relation to microclimate and neighboring plants in a dry treeline ecotone at 3100 m a.s.l in the Venezuelan Andes. We selected seedlings of the dominant tree species Cybianthus marginatus and Clusia multiflora at three sites, each with three adjacent 10 × 10-m plots within the forest, forest border, and páramo. For both species, seedling density was zero in the páramo and did not differ between border and forest. Growth rates were low for both species, but higher for Cybianthus in the border than in the forest. Survival rates were high in both environments. Low assimilation and transpiration rates were found in both species regardless of the environment. The spatial association of seedlings with moisture-regulating elements such as mosses, ferns and basal rosettes may indicate a benefit of better hydric conditions in their neighborhood. Our study shows a strong limitation for tree establishment in the páramo, but high rates of survival at the edge of the forest. This suggests a scenario of slow potential forest expansion at this tropical treeline, tree cover advancing in a closed front by the successive formation of forest-edge vegetation allowing tree seedling establishment outside of the forest.
Impact of augmentation methods in online signature verification
Authors: Najda Dawid , Saeed Khalid
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of selected data augmentation techniques on the learning performance of neural networks for dynamic signature verification. The paper investigates selected data augmentation techniques in deep learning for verification purpose of dynamic signature. Two neural networks were used as classifiers: MLP and LSTM-FCN. Investigation of five selected augmentation methods and experiments were performed on the open source signature database SVC2004. The authors tested both classifiers without augmentation and then with data augmentation for three extensions of the learning set and three sizes of the user database. They presented the results of the experiments in tabular form for each augmentation method. The results were compared with the existing dynamic signature verification methods and given in the paper.
Enhancing the collective, protecting the personal: the valuable role of composite narratives in medical education research
Authors: McElhinney Zoë , Kennedy Catherine
Published: August 2022

Narrative research approaches provide the opportunity for constructing a detailed understanding of lived experiences relevant to medical education, in areas such as illness narratives, explorations of doctor-patient relationships, and the development of professional identities in students and educators. The benefits of the depth of data gathered in narrative research are, however, counterbalanced by possible weaknesses relating to a focus on individual cases and the risk of identification of participants where subjects are sensitive or unique. To address these concerns, researchers from a variety of social science disciplines, carrying out research employing a range of methodological approaches, have begun to use ‘composite narratives’ in which the commonalities in the experiences of research participants are combined to create joint narrative or narratives which illustrate participants’ shared experiences. Composite narratives have been used both as a component of the methodological approach and as a method of presenting the results of research in a variety of methodologies. This A Qualitative Space paper explores the role, strengths, and weaknesses of narrative research, before outlining the ways in which composite narrative has been defined within existing research. Distinctions between the various approaches to creating composite narratives are discussed, highlighting the differences in the types of data utilised, and the approaches taken to data analysis and presentation. A key distinction is identified between the use of composite narratives as part of an integrated methodology and as an approach to the presentation of data. Finally, issues relating to trustworthiness, reflexivity, and implications for researchers are considered.
The OPTIMISE study protocol: a multicentre optimisation trial comparing continuous glucose monitoring, snacking habits, sleep extension and values-guided self-care interventions to improve glucose time-in-range in young people (13–20 years) with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rose Shelley , Haszard Jillian J. , Galland Barbara C. , Wiltshire Esko J. , de Bock Martin I. , Smart Carmel E. , Ketu-McKenzie Miriama , Campbell Anna , Thomson Ruth , Jefferies Craig A. , Wheeler Benjamin J. , Styles Sara E.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The OPTIMISE study uses a Multiphase Optimisation Strategy (MOST) to identify the best combination of four interventions targeting key diabetes self-care behaviours for use in clinical practice to improve short-term glycaemic outcomes.

Methods

This 4-week intervention trial will recruit 80 young people (aged 13–20 years) with type 1 diabetes ≥ 6 months duration), and pre-enrolment HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) in the prior 6 months. Both main intervention and interaction effects will be estimated using a linear regression model with change in glucose time-in-range (TIR; 3.9–10.0 mmol/L) as the primary outcome. Participants will be randomised to one of 16 conditions in a factorial design using four intervention components: (1) real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), (2) targeted snacking education, (3) individualised sleep extension, and (4) values-guided self-care goal setting. Baseline and post-intervention glucose TIR will be assessed with blinded CGM. Changes in self-care (snacking behaviours, sleep habits and duration, and psychosocial outcomes) will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention to determine if these interventions impacted behaviour change.

Discussion

The study outcomes will enable the selection of effective and efficient intervention components that increase glucose TIR in young people who struggle to achieve targets for glycaemic control. The optimised intervention will be evaluated in a future randomised controlled trial and guide the planning of effective clinical interventions in adolescents and young adults living with type 1 diabetes.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 7 October 2020 (ACTRN12620001017910) and the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trails Registry Platform on 26 July 2020 (Universal Trial Number WHO U1111-1256-1248).
Empirical Evidence for the Continuing Need to ‘Think Small First’ in UK Company Law
Authors: Hardman Jonathan , Ramírez Santos Guillem
Published: August 2022

The most recent UK corporate law restatement has its stated aim to ‘think small first’ in company law legislation. This article is the first to use data science and imaging techniques to provide an empirical snapshot of the entire UK corporate database. It identifies the continuing need to think small first: most companies are small when tested by corporate type (public v private) and type of accounts publicly filed. We then factor in time series, which evidences that most companies are newer and smaller companies. This article then identifies the implications of this novel empirical analysis. First, corporate law analysis tends to ‘think big first’, and will either need to justify such an approach or change it. Second, a large number of companies provide no public financial information due to inherent time lag. The sheer scale of new companies challenges this approach. Third, the UK should provide a corporate governance framework for smaller companies. Fourth, the UK’s corporate accounting regime thinks small first in substance, but its form needs to be simplified to truly think small first. Fifth, whilst more mortgages were granted by smaller companies, larger companies granted more mortgages per company: so arguably corporate finance bucks the trend for the need to think small first.
A Simplified Method for RNA Isolation from Biofabricating Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds and Identification of Appropriate Reference Genes
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang WenTao , Zhang PengHui , Zhou ZhiYu , Li Tian , Li JianFeng , Canavese Federico , Gao ManMan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To validate a simplified RNA isolation method from biofabricating hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffolds seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and to identify the appropriate reference gene.

Methods

Ten MSCs-HAp composites were used for RNA isolation by methods based on simplified homogenization steps and column-based purification procedures, while the remaining RNA (n = 13) was extracted by traditional single-step isolation methods. The differences between the two procedures regarding the operation time, RNA quantity and quality were evaluated. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to identify the appropriate reference gene.

Results

The simplified method showed significant superiority in operation time (P < 0.001), RNA concentration (P < 0.001), A260/280 ratio (P = 0.005) and A260/230 ratio (P < 0.001). The average integrity number and 28 s/18 s ratio of RNA yielded by the simplified method were 9.1 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.1, respectively. The qRT-PCR analysis results indicated that the cycle threshold (Ct) values of GAPDH were significantly higher than those of the remaining 2 reference genes (ACTB and RPL13A) in the RNA samples obtained by the simplified and traditional methods (P < 0.05). The standard deviations of the ΔCt value (the difference between the Ct value and the minimum) of ACTB were higher than those of GAPDH or RPL13A, regardless of the RNA isolation method.

Conclusion

The simplified method could extract intact RNA from biofabricating MSCs-HAp scaffolds and was superior to the traditional single-step procedure in operation time, RNA quantity and quality. GAPDH was identified as the most appropriate reference gene in MSCs-HAp scaffold composites due to its high quantity and good stability.
Relating Siegel cusp forms to Siegel–Maaß forms
Authors: Kramer Jürg , Mandal Antareep
Published: August 2022

In this paper we generalize a well-known isomorphism between the space of cusp forms of weight k for a Fuchsian subgroup of the first kind $$\Gamma \subset \mathrm {SL}_{2}({\mathbb {R}})$$

Γ
⊂

SL
2

(
R
)

and the space of certain Maaß forms of weight k for $$\Gamma $$
Γ
to an isomorphism between the space of Siegel cusp forms of weight k for a subgroup $$\Gamma \subset \mathrm {Sp}_{n}({\mathbb {R}})$$

Γ
⊂

Sp
n

(
R
)

, which is commensurable with the Siegel modular group $$\mathrm {Sp}_{n}({\mathbb {Z}})$$

Sp
n

(
Z
)

, and a suitable space of Siegel–Maaß forms of weight k for $$\Gamma $$
Γ
.
Covalent and Non-covalent Functionalized Nanomaterials for Environmental Restoration
Authors: Zhang Shizhong , Malik Sumeet , Ali Nisar , Khan Adnan , Bilal Muhammad , Rasool Kashif
Published: August 2022

Nanotechnology has emerged as an extraordinary and rapidly developing discipline of science. It has remolded the fate of the whole world by providing diverse horizons in different fields. Nanomaterials are appealing because of their incredibly small size and large surface area. Apart from the naturally occurring nanomaterials, synthetic nanomaterials are being prepared on large scales with different sizes and properties. Such nanomaterials are being utilized as an innovative and green approach in multiple fields. To expand the applications and enhance the properties of the nanomaterials, their functionalization and engineering are being performed on a massive scale. The functionalization helps to add to the existing useful properties of the nanomaterials, hence broadening the scope of their utilization. A large class of covalent and non-covalent functionalized nanomaterials (FNMs) including carbons, metal oxides, quantum dots, and composites of these materials with other organic or inorganic materials are being synthesized and used for environmental remediation applications including wastewater treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis, reporting techniques, and applications of FNMs in adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of pollutants from wastewater. Future prospects are also examined, along with suggestions for attaining massive benefits in the areas of FNMs.
Snoring and aortic dimension in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Sowho Mudiaga , Potocki Mariah , Sgambati Frank , Neptune Enid
Published: August 2022

Recent reports suggest that self-reported snoring, which is a feature of obstructive sleep apnea, is associated with aortic enlargement in Marfan syndrome (MFS). Objective assessment of snoring although lacking, could provide a rational for OSA screening in MFS patients. Our goal in this study was to examine the association between objective measurements of snoring with OSA and aortic size in persons with MFS. Consecutive persons with MFS who reported snoring were recruited at Johns Hopkins, completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and underwent overnight polysomnography during which inspiratory sound was captured. We measured breath-by-breath peak decibel levels and snoring was defined as flow limitation with sound ≥ 40 dB(A). OSA was defined as an apnea–hypopnea-index (AHI) ≥ 15 or AHI: 5–15 and ESS > 10. Participants’ aortic data were collated to ascertain aortic root diameter. Regression models were used to determine the relationship of snoring breath% with OSA and aortic root diameter. In our cohort (M|F:13|16, Age: 37.0 ± 15.5 years, Aortic diameter; 38.9 ± 4.8 mm), a 1-unit increase in snoring breath percentage increased the odds of having OSA by 5% in both the unadjusted (OR = 1.05, p = 0.040) model, and a model adjusted for age and sex (OR = 1.05, p = 0.048). Similarly, a 10-unit increase in snoring breath percentage was associated with a 1 mm increase in contemporaneous aortic-root-diameter in both unadjusted (β = 0.09, p = 0.007), and adjusted (β = 0.08, p = 0.023) models. Objective snoring assessment could provide a means for identifying persons with MFS who need sleep studies, who may also be at risk for more severe aortic disease.
Before the Uprising
Authors: Kenez Peter
Published: August 2022

The years of 1949-1956 could be described as the gloomiest in modern Hungarian history, as the country's population lived under vicious totalitarian leadership. Eventually, the regime began to disintegrate, leading to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution - a critical moment in the history of the Cold War. But why did this revolution occur in Hungary, rather than any other countries in the Soviet bloc? Before the Uprising examines the specific social, economic, political, and intellectual characteristics of a totalitarian country. Throughout the volume, Peter Kenez questions what the necessary components of totalitarianism are: whether it is a complete state control of the economy, a personality cult of the leader, or a specific type of propaganda organization. By describing the totalitarianism of the past, this volume show what we can learn for the present, and what to expect from the emerging autocracies of the future.
Rationalism in Politics
Authors: Steinberger Peter J.
Published: August 2022

Arguing against emergent and even dominant tendencies of recent political thought that emphasize the so-called primacy of affect, Peter Steinberger challenges political theorists to take account of important themes in philosophy on the topic of human rationality. He engages with major proponents of post-Kantian thought, analytic and continental alike, to show how political judgment and political action, properly understood, are deeply and definitively grounded in considerations of human reason. Focusing especially on influential arguments in the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of action, he seeks to rediscover and reanimate the close connection between systematic philosophical speculation on the one hand and the theory and practice of politics on the other. The result is a neo-rationalist conception of judgment and action that promises to offer a substantial and compelling account of political enterprise as it plays out in the real world of public affairs.
Scalings of turbulence dissipation in space and time for turbulent channel flow
Authors: Apostolidis A. , Laval J.P. , Vassilicos J.C.
Published: August 2022

We investigate scalings of turbulence dissipation and turbulence length/time scales in the fully developed turbulent channel flow region of wall distances

$y$

where the ratio of turbulence production to turbulence dissipation oscillates close to 1. First, we study averages over both time and wall-parallel streamwise (

$x$

) and spanwise (

$z$

) planes at

$y$

. Turbulent channel flow data with friction velocity

$u_{\tau }$

, and global Reynolds number

$Re_{\tau }$

ranging from

$550$

to

$5200$

, suggest that the integral length scales of streamwise fluctuating velocities along the streamwise direction, and of wall-normal fluctuating velocities along the transverse direction, tend towards scaling with

$y$

, and that the respective turbulence dissipation coefficients tend towards being constant with increasing

$Re_{\tau }$

. However, the data for integral lengths of transverse fluctuating velocities in the transverse direction suggest that these lengths obey an asymptotic scaling

$\sqrt {\delta y}$

(where

$\delta$

is the channel half-width) with increasing

$Re_{\tau }$

. The corresponding turbulence dissipation's scaling seems to tend towards

$\sqrt {Re_{\tau }}/Re_{\lambda }$

, which is reminiscent of the non-equilibrium turbulence dissipation scaling found in boundary-free turbulent flows,

$Re_{\lambda }$

being a

$y$

-local Taylor-length-based Reynolds number. The data do not exclude minor corrections from these asymptotic scalings, and in fact, suggest finite Reynolds number deviations to them. Second, we remove time averaging and study time-fluctuating averages over wall-parallel planes at

$y$

. We find that the time fluctuations of the turbulence dissipation coefficients and the Taylor-length-based Reynolds number are very strongly anti-correlated at all wall distances

$y$

considered, reflecting a dominance of turbulent kinetic energy fluctuations at the lower frequencies, but a dominance of both turbulent kinetic energy and turbulence dissipation at the higher frequencies. In the case of the turbulence dissipation coefficient corresponding to the integral length of the wall-normal velocity along the transverse direction, it is possible to determine the cross-over frequency

$f_c^*$

between these two behaviours, and we find

$f_c^{*}\sim u_{\tau }/y$

for

$Re_{\tau } = 950$

, but

$f_c^* \sim u_{\tau }/\delta$

for

$Re_{\tau }=2000$

, where there is evidence of very-large-scale motions.
Rebuilding the foundation of late Paleozoic pinnid bivalve study (family Pinnidae)
Authors: Yancey Thomas E. , Amler Michael R. W. , Raczyński Paweł , Brandt Silvio
Published: August 2022

The early geologic history of family Pinnidae, a diverse and abundant component of mud-dominated shallow marine environments of the late Paleozoic, is obscured by ill-defined genus and species concepts. Mistakes in descriptions and reconstructions have provided a basis for suggestions that older taxa in the family differ from younger taxa and may not belong in family Pinnidae. This report provides improved documentation that removes the basis for the concept of divergence. Late Paleozoic genera and species have definite pinnid bivalve characters, including a dorsomarginal fold that holds the ligament, a thick outer columnar prismatic shell layer, and an equivalved, triangular shell, all of which provide evidence for confident assignment of the genus to family Pinnidae. The suggested synonymy of Aviculopinna with Pteronites is invalid, and genus Aviculopinna is limited to occurrence in Permian strata. The two genera belong in different families. A neotype is designated for genus Aviculopinna type species Aviculopinna pinnaeformis Geinitz from Gera, Germany, and a lectotype for Aviculopinna neukirchensis Langenhan from Nowy Kościół, Poland. Inferences on the life habits of Aviculopinna based on its occurrence in Poland are presented. An evaluation of the subterminal beak versus terminal beak concept in pinnids is presented and conclusion presented that there are few data available to support the concept or to test it. In its present form, the concept has no utility in the study of pinnid bivalves.
The sweet tooth of infancy: Is sweetness exposure related to sweetness liking in infants up to 12 months of age?
Authors: Müller Carina , Chabanet Claire , Zeinstra Gertrude G. , Jager Gerry , Schwartz Camille , Nicklaus Sophie
Published: August 2022

Infants become increasingly exposed to sweet-tasting foods in their first year of life. However, it is still unclear whether repeated exposure to sweet taste is linked to infants’ sweetness liking during this period. Making use of data from the OPALINE cohort, this study aimed to examine the link between sweetness exposure and sweetness liking during two important periods in early infant feeding: at the start of complementary feeding (3–6 months) and the transition to the family table (10–12 months). Infants’ sweetness exposure was assessed using 7-d food records which were completed by mothers every month (n 312), reporting daily consumption rates of formula/breast milk or complementary food and the type of formula milk and/or complementary foods for each feeding occasion. Infants’ sweetness liking was studied in the laboratory at 3, 6 and 12 months of age by assessing their response to a lactose–water solution and the amount drunk of this solution compared with plain water. Linear regressions and structural equation model assessed associations between exposure to and liking for sweetness at 6 and 12 months. Neither at 6 (n 182) nor at 12 months (n 197) was sweetness exposure associated with sweetness liking. While sweetness liking at 3 months was unrelated to liking at 6 months, the latter predicted sweetness liking at 12 months. These findings demonstrate no association between sweetness exposure at 3 to 12 months and liking at 6 and 12 months despite a sharp increase in sweetness exposure in that period. However, sweetness liking at 6 and 12 months was positively associated.
Polyhedral groups in
Authors: Knibbeler Vincent , Lombardo Sara , Oelen Casper
Published: August 2022

We classify embeddings of the finite groups
$A_4$
,
$S_4$
and
$A_5$
in the Lie group
$G_2(\mathbb C)$
up to conjugation.
Liberius, Athanasius and the Roman Synod
Authors: McCASHEN GRAYDEN
Published: August 2022

Liberius of Rome is often portrayed as Athanasius’ strongest ally in the Latin West. His support for Athanasius is said to have begun by the end of his first year in office, when a synod in Rome accepted an Egyptian council's vindication of Athanasius against an Eastern council's excommunication. This article argues that the Roman synod did not ratify the Egyptian council's decisions but rather called for an appeals trial. In so doing Liberius did not defend Athanasius but preserved what he saw as the traditional duties and authority of the Roman see in matters of ecclesiastical discipline.
Spatial Projects of Forgetting: Razing the Remedies Church and Museum to the Enslaved in São Paulo's ‘Black Zone’, 1930s–1940s
Authors: Britt Andrew G.
Published: August 2022

In the shadows of a Shinto torii (gateway) in São Paulo's ‘Japanese’ neighbourhood rests the city's first burial ground for enslaved Africans. Recently unearthed, the gravesite is one of the few visible remains of the Liberdade neighbourhood's significance in São Paulo's ‘Black zone’. This article excavates the history of the nearby Remedies church, the headquarters of Brazil's Underground Railroad and a long-time museum to the enslaved. The 1942 demolition of the Remedies church, I argue, comprised part of a spatial project of forgetting centred on razing the city's ‘Black zone’ and reproducing São Paulo as a non-Black, ethnically immigrant metropolis.
High haemoglobin levels at the time of occlusion predict worse outcome for patients with patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kishi Kanta , Jarutach Jirayut , Ooi Yinn Khurn , Wong Ngie Liong , Che Mood Marhisham , Kandhavello Geetha , Alwi Mazeni , Leong Ming Chern
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Current guidelines discourage shunt closure in patients with pulmonary vascular resistance index >8 Wood units x m2. The study examined the long-term outcome of patients over 15 years old, with pulmonary vascular resistance index >8 Wood units x m2 and patent ductus arteriosus.

Materials and methods:

This was a multi-institutional, retrospective study involving all consecutive patients (>15 years old) with patent ductus arteriosus and severe pulmonary hypertension. Patients who had patent ductus arteriosus closure were divided into the Good (no death or hospital admissions due to worsening pulmonary hypertension) and the Poor Outcome groups and these groups were compared.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients [male: 9 (24.3%); mean age: 30.49 ± 9.56 years; median follow-up: 3 (IQR: 1.5,10) years] were included from four centers. Twenty-two patients who underwent patent ductus arteriosus closure, 15 (71.4%) had good outcomes while 7 (28.6%) had poor outcomes. Pulmonary vascular resistance index and pulmonary to systemic resistance ratio (Rp:Rs) were lower in the Good Outcome Group (14.35 ± 1.66 Wood units x m2 vs. 20.07 ± 2.44; p = 0.033 and 0.44 ± 0.16 vs. 1.08 ± 1.21; p = 0.042). Haemoglobin concentrations (<14.3 g/dL) were associated with good long-term outcomes in the Closed Group.

Conclusions:

Patients with patent ductus arteriosus with severe pulmonary hypertension have a dismal outcome with or without closure. High haemoglobin levels at the time of occlusion predict a worse outcome for patients with patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension.
Do Gladiators Fight for Their Masters? Voting Behavior of the US-Promoted United Nations Security Council Members in the Early Cold War
Authors: Balci Ali
Published: August 2022

The United States took an active role in promoting some countries for a United Nations Security Council seat as part of its struggle with the Soviet Union during the early Cold War. Did these US-backed countries act in the interests of their promoter when they voted in the Council? Were these efforts of the United States advantageous? By studying the voting behavior of the US-backed countries between 1946 and 1965, this article answers the question of whether promoting some states to international institutions is beneficial for the great powers.
Mislearning and (poor) performance of individual investors
Authors: Villatoro Félix , Fuentes Olga , Riutort Julio , Searle Pamela
Published: August 2022

We study individuals' incentives to make investment decisions. Using data from a large pension system in Chile we find that individuals who are active in managing their investments have, on average, poor performance. We provide robust evidence suggesting that learning plays an important part in this phenomenon. Indeed, individuals who have made successful investment decisions in the past go on to trade more frequently. However, this result holds when using a naive definition for successful decisions. Also, average performance is negatively related to the number of investment decisions, casting doubt on the existence of market timing skills.
A Short‐Term Regional Precipitation Prediction Model Based on Wind‐Improved Spatiotemporal Convolutional Network
Authors: Qiu Yunan , Lu Zhenyu , Tang Haibo
Published: August 2022

Accurate precipitation prediction can help decision makers judge the trend of climate change and formulate more effective measures, and prevent flood and drought disasters. In this paper, we propose a short‐term regional precipitation prediction model based on wind‐improved spatiotemporal convolutional network. Among them, the improved graph convolution network integrates the effects of wind direction and geographic location at past moments to capture the spatial dependence, whilst the gated recurrent unit captures the temporal dependence by learning the dynamic changes of data. The spatio‐temporal memory flow module and attention module are added to capture spatial deformation and temporal variation more accurately, thereby better matching the physical properties of precipitation. The proposed model achieves better prediction results on real data sets. Experiments show that our method is better at extracting the spatio‐temporal information of precipitation data and capturing its time dependence and spatial correlation.
Constraints on the Magma Source and Rift Evolution From Geochemistry of the Stratoid Flood Basalts (Afar, Ethiopia)
Authors: Tortelli G. , Gioncada A. , Pagli C. , Braschi E. , Gebru E. F. , Keir D.
Published: August 2022

The relationship between rifting and continental flood basalt eruptions is debated, and a control by mantle plume is commonly invoked for flood basalts production. In this work, we investigate the relationship between magmatism and rifting by studying the flood basalts erupted in Afar (4.5–0.6 Ma), known as the Stratoid and Gulf Series. We present new field observations and petrography, major and trace elements analyses and mineral chemistry of lavas collected during a regional campaign in Afar. The Series are characterized by E‐MORB magmatism and residual amphibole in the mantle source, consistent with the contribution of metasomatized sub‐continental lithospheric mantle during partial melting. Differences in garnet‐compatible elements indicate a shallower melting column for the oldest and youngest products (4.5–2.6 Ma Lower Stratoid Series; 1.1–0.6 Ma Gulf Series), and deeper for the products erupted at 2.6–1.1 Ma (Upper Stratoid Series). Incompatible element ratios (Th/Nb, Th/Zr) indicate a higher degree of partial melting for the Gulf with respect to the Upper Stratoid Series. Accordingly with independent geophysical and stratigraphic evidence, we explain our results with rift re‐localization: the Pliocene rift caused thinning of the lithosphere and the Lower Stratoid eruptions in Southern Afar, then the Pleistocene rift jumped to Central Afar under a less‐extended lithosphere, producing the Upper Stratoid and, subsequently, as stretching of the lithosphere localized, the Gulf Series formed. Our findings suggest that rift migration and localization can exert a fundamental control on the spatial variability and character of flood basalts without requiring variations on the activity of the mantle plume.