bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subject-specific timing adaption in time-encoded arterial spin labeling imaging
Authors: Breutigam Nora-Josefin , Hoinkiss Daniel Christopher , Konstandin Simon , Buck Mareike Alicja , Mahroo Amnah , Eickel Klaus , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Federico , Günther Matthias
Published: September 2023

Objectives

One challenge in arterial spin labeling (ASL) is the high variability of arterial transit times (ATT), which causes associated arterial transit delay (ATD) artifacts. In patients with pathological changes, these artifacts occur when post-labeling delay (PLD) and bolus durations are not optimally matched to the subject, resulting in difficult quantification of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and ATT. This is also true for the free lunch approach in Hadamard-encoded pseudocontinuous ASL (H-pCASL).

Material and methods

Five healthy volunteers were scanned with a 3 T MR-system. pCASL-subbolus timing was adjusted individually by the developed adaptive Walsh-ordered pCASL sequence and an automatic feedback algorithm. The quantification results for CBF and ATT and the respective standard deviations were compared with results obtained using recommended timings and intentionally suboptimal timings.

Results

The algorithm individually adjusted the pCASL-subbolus PLD for each subject within the range of recommended timing for healthy subjects, with a mean intra-subject adjustment deviation of 47.15 ms for single-shot and 44.5 ms for segmented acquisition in three repetitions.

Discussion

A first positive assessment of the results was performed on healthy volunteers. The extent to which the results can be transferred to patients and are of benefit must be investigated in follow-up studies.
Remnant cholesterol has an important impact on increased carotid intima-media thickness in non-diabetic individuals
Authors: Du Xiaoqiong , Ding Jie , Ma Xinchen , Yang Ruijie , Wang Luna , Sha Dujuan
Published: September 2023

To investigate the correlation the correlation between residual cholesterol (RC) and increased carotid intima-media thickness(cIMT) in non-diabetic individuals. This study included 1786 non-diabetic individuals who underwent carotid ultrasound. RC was calculated based on total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The subjects were divided into the cIMT thickening group (cIMT ≥ 0.1 cm) and non-thickening group (cIMT < 0.1 cm) groups based on cIMT, binary logistic regression with different models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were adopted to evaluate the predictive ability of RC in cIMT. Of the research participants , their median age was 55 (49–51) years, 1121 (63%) were male, and 209 (12%) had hypertension, and people in the cIMT thickening group (925) were more likely to be older and male than those in the non-thickening group (843). Across the different RC subgroups, there was an increasing trend in maximum cIMT (P < 0.001) as RC levels increased within quartiles. RC was found to be an independent risk predictor for cIMT thickening (all P <  in models 1–3); and this result persisted in the LDL-C normal subgroup (P = 0.002). The results suggested that RC was an independent predictor of cIMT thickening in non-diabetic individuals and had a strong atherogenic effect.
Uniaxial orientation of cellulose nanocrystals by zone-casting technique
Authors: Shkyliuk I. , Makowski T. , Piorkowska E.
Published: September 2023

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are biomass-based nanoparticles with attractive properties. Using a zone-casting technique, transparent films 2 cm wide and 4 cm long, and 2 µm thick, with uniaxially oriented CNCs were prepared from aqueous suspension of CNCs. The nanocrystals were aligned within the entire film perpendicular to the zone-casting direction. The orientation of the CNCs was confirmed by polarized light microscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The intensity of the light transmitted through the films depended on its polarization direction and was the strongest for the light polarized perpendicularly to the crystal orientation direction. The orientation of CNCs in the films resulting in optical anisotropy makes them promising materials for applications in optoelectronics.
Prediction of pasture yield using machine learning-based optical sensing: a systematic review
Authors: Stumpe Christoph , Leukel Joerg , Zimpel Tobias
Published: September 2023

Accurate and reliable predictions of biomass yield are important for decision-making in pasture management including fertilization, pest control, irrigation, grazing, and mowing. The possibilities for monitoring pasture growth and developing prediction models have greatly been expanded by advances in machine learning (ML) using optical sensing data. To facilitate the development of prediction models, an understanding of how ML techniques affect performance is needed. Therefore, this review examines the adoption of ML-based optical sensing for predicting the biomass yield of managed grasslands. We carried out a systematic search for English-language journal articles published between 2015-01-01 and 2022-10-26. Three coders screened 593 unique records of which 91 were forwarded to the full-text assessment. Forty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. We determined the adoption of techniques for collecting input data, preprocessing, and training prediction models, and evaluating their performance. The results show (1) a broad array of vegetation indices and spectral bands obtained from various optical sensors, (2) an emphasis focus on feature selection to cope with high-dimensional sensor data, (3) a low reporting rate of unitless performance metrics other than R2, (4) higher variability of R2 for models trained on sensor data of larger distance from the pasture sward, and (5) the need for greater comparability of study designs and results. We submit recommendations for future research and enhanced reporting that can help reduce barriers to the integration of evidence from studies.
Berge equilibria and the equilibria of the altruistic game
Authors: Zapata A. , Mármol A. M. , Monroy L.
Published: September 2023

Berge’s notion of equilibrium represents a complementary alternative to the Nash equilibrium when modeling socioeconomic behavior and human interactions. While the notion of Nash equilibrium is based on self-interest, as players seek to maximize their own payoffs given the action of the other players, the idea behind Berge equilibrium is mutual support, as given the action of one of the players, all others select their actions looking for her best interest. However, because of the demanding conditions involved, the existence of Berge equilibria is rarely guaranteed. In this paper, we propose vector-valued normal-form games as a unified framework in which to study and extend the concept of Berge equilibrium. Based on the equilibria of the so-called altruistic game, we introduce new equilibrium concepts which constitute different relaxations of Berge’s notion, although they still retain the underlying idea of mutual support. We establish the links between these new equilibria, Nash equilibrium, Berge equilibrium, and other related concepts already existing in the literature. Our approach has the advantage that it permits the incorporation of preference information to identify the equilibria which are consistent with different altruistic attitudes of the players.
Bronze alloying recipes at Anyang during the Shang Dynasty
Authors: Pollard A. Mark , Zhang Yun , Liu Ruiliang
Published: September 2023

We present a detailed analysis of the chemical alloying data (Cu, Sn, Pb) on the bronzes recovered from the Late Shang capital at Yinxu, revealing a complex pattern which varies by social status and object typology, and which also changes over time. The preference for higher tin in the bronze vessels and weapons for the elites during Yinxu Phase II gives way to a more binary pattern (with weapons being preferentially alloyed with lead) for the lower elites of phase II, which becomes prevalent in subsequent phases. These changes are interpreted in terms of different ‘alloying practices’, which attempts to reconstruct the way in which the alloys are created at the point of casting. The alloy type described here as A1/A2 (11–24% tin, 0 to 3–5% lead) seems most likely to have been created by mixing together three components, corresponding to mixing relatively pure copper, tin and lead. This contrasts with the suggestion in theKaogong Ji, several hundred years later, that binary pre-prepared alloys were used. It is now important to determine when such a change might have occurred. The suggestion that alloy type B (low tin, variably high lead)couldhave been made by combining pure copper with a slightly impure lead (95%Pb/5%Sn) hints that such practices might have started during the Shang, but requires more work, especially on the intervening Western and Eastern Zhou periods.
Characteristics of insulin resistance in Korean adults from the perspective of circadian and metabolic sensing genes
Authors: Park Miso S. , Lee Siwoo , Baek Younghwa , Lee Juho , Park Sang-Soo , Cho Jung-Hyo , Jin Hee-Jeong , Yoo Ho-Ryong
Published: September 2023

Background

The biological clock allows an organism to anticipate periodic environmental changes and adjust its physiology and behavior accordingly.

Objective

This retrospective cross-sectional study examined circadian gene polymorphisms and clinical characteristics associated with insulin resistance (IR).

Methods

We analyzed data from 1,404 Korean adults aged 30 to 55 with no history of cancer and cardio-cerebrovascular disease. The population was classified according to sex and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values. Demographics, anthropometric and clinical characteristics, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed with respect to sex, age, and HOMA-IR values. We used association rule mining to identify sets of SNPs from circadian and metabolic sensing genes that may be associated with IR.

Results

Among the subjects, 15.0% of 960 women and 24.3% of 444 men had HOMA-IR values above 2. Most of the parameters differed significantly between men and women, as well as between the groups with high and low insulin sensitivity. Body fat mass of the trunk, which was significantly higher in insulin-resistant groups, had a higher correlation with high sensitivity C-reactive protein and hemoglobin levels in women, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in men. Homozygous minor allele genotype sets of SNPs rs17031578 and rs228669 in the PER3 gene could be more frequently found among women with HOMA-IR values above 2 (p = .014).

Conclusion

Oxidative stress enhanced by adiposity and iron overload, which may also be linked to NRF2 and PER3-related pathways, is related to IR in adulthood. However, due to the small population size in this study, more research is needed.
Impacts of COVID-19 on African Migrants’ Wellbeing, and Their Coping Strategies in Urban and Regional New South Wales, Australia: a Qualitative Study
Authors: James Peter Bai , Gatwiri Kathomi , Mwanri Lillian , Wardle Jon
Published: September 2023

Aim

As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues to evolve, the need to protect more vulnerable populations in society becomes more apparent. Studies are still emerging on how different population groups have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study explored the impact of COVID-19 for African migrants in New South Wales, Australia, and their coping strategies.

Methods

We employed inductive, exploratory qualitative interpretive research design using individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with 21 African migrants.

Results

COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted the African sense of community. Social isolation, financial insecurity due to joblessness, or reduced working hours led to stress, frustration, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression. On the other hand, COVID-19 lockdowns allowed for more family time, reflecting, and appreciating the gift of life and personal intellectual growth. Despite such challenges, there was much community support, especially from religious organisations. Support from government agencies was available, but access was hampered by misinformation, digital literacy, and immigration status. Holding on to religion and faith was a key coping mechanism, followed by indulging in self-care practices such as healthy eating, exercise, Yoga, meditation, sleep, and limited interaction with social media.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 lockdown disrupted the collectivist culture of African migrants and had untoward socioeconomic impacts that affected their wellbeing, many of which reflect an exacerbation of pre-existing inequities. To ensure that African migrant COVID-19–related health and wellbeing needs are met, the African migrant community must be actively involved in every facet of the NSW COVID-19 and other future outbreak response efforts.
HPV-related diseases in male patients: an underestimated conundrum
Authors: Garolla A. , Graziani A. , Grande G. , Ortolani C. , Ferlin A.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease, in males and females worldwide. While the role of HPV in female diseases is well known and largely studied, males have negligibly been included in these programs, also because the proportion of women suffering and dying from HPV-related diseases is much larger than men. The aim of this review is to focus on HPV-related diseases in male patients.

Methods

We performed a literature analysis on the electronic database PubMed. We considered randomized trials, observational and retrospective studies, original articles having as topic the relationship between HPV male infection and the following items: oral, anal penile cancers, warts, condylomas, male infertility, altered sperm parameters, anti-sperm antibodies (ASA). We also included experimental in vitro studies focused on the effects of HPV infection on oocyte fertilization, blastocyst development, and trophoblastic cell invasiveness. In addition, studies describing the adjuvant administration of the HPV vaccination as a possible strategy to promote HPV clearance from semen in infected males were included.

Results

Regarding head and neck HPV-related diseases, the most important non-neoplastic disease is recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Regarding neoplastic diseases, the proportion of head and neck cancers attributable to HPV has increased dramatically worldwide. In addition, nowadays, it is thought that half of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) cases in the United States are caused by infection with high-risk HPV. HPV is noteworthy in andrological practice too. It was described as having a high HPV prevalence, ranging between 50 and 70%, in male penile shaft, glans penis/coronal sulcus, semen as well as in scrotal, perianal, and anal regions. Moreover, in male patients, HPV infection has been associated, among other diseases, with penile cancers. HPV semen infection has been reported in about 10% in men from the general population and about 16% in men with unexplained infertility, although these data seem widely underestimated according to clinical experience. In particular, HPV semen infection seems to be most related to asthenozoospermia and to anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs).

Conclusions

HPV infection represents a health problem with a detrimental social and public impact. Despite this evidence, little has been done to date to widely promote vaccination among young males.
General prognostic models may neglect vulnerable subgroups in ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Russwurm Martin , Kortus-Goetze Birgit , Maier-Giebing Tanja , Groene Hermann-Josef , Hoyer Joachim
Published: September 2023

Background

ANCA-associated vasculitis is an organ and life-threatening disease with the highest incidence in elderly patients. However, few studies have focussed on characteristics and treatment outcomes in a direct comparison of elderly and younger patients.

Methods

In a retrospective, single-centre, renal biopsy-cohort, patients were dichotomized by age ≥ 65 years to analyse baseline clinical, histological, laboratory and immunological characteristics and outcome differences in elderly and younger patients as regard to mortality, renal recovery from dialysis and eGFR after two years.

Results

In the biopsy registry, n = 774 patients were identified, of whom 268 were ≥ 65 years old. Among them, ANCA-associated vasculitis was the most prevalent kidney disease (n = 54 ≈ 20%). After a follow-up of 2 years, overall mortality was 13.4%, with 19% and 4% in patients ≥ and < 65 years of age, respectively. While 41% of elderly and 25% of younger patients were dialysis-dependent at the time of biopsy, renal recovery was achieved in 41% and 57% of patients, respectively. The accuracy of prediction differed significantly between the whole cohort and elderly patients as regard to mortality (sensitivity 46% vs. 90%, respectively) and between younger and elderly patients as regard to eGFR (r2 = 0.7 vs. 0.46, respectively). Age-group-wise analysis revealed patients above 80 years of age to have particularly dismal renal outcome and survival.

Conclusion

In our cohort, ANCA-associated vasculitis is the single most frequent histopathological diagnosis among the elderly patients in our cohort. Elderly and younger patients have comparable chances of recovering from dialysis-dependent renal failure, with comparable residual independent kidney function after two years. This study suggests (1) relevant predictors differ between age groups and hence (2) models involving all patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis neglect important features of vulnerable subgroups, i.e., patients above 80 years old.

Graphical abstract
Deeply integrating unsupervised semantics and syntax into heterogeneous graphs for inductive text classification
Authors: Gao Yue , Fu Xiangling , Liu Xien , Wu Ji
Published: September 2023

Graph-based neural networks and unsupervised pre-trained models are both cutting-edge text representation methods, given their outstanding ability to capture global information and contextualized information, respectively. However, both representation methods meet obstacles to further performance improvements. On one hand, graph-based neural networks lack knowledge orientation to guide textual interpretation during global information interaction. On the other hand, unsupervised pre-trained models imply rich semantic and syntactic knowledge which lacks sufficient induction and expression. Therefore, how to effectively integrate graph-based global information and unsupervised contextualized semantic and syntactic information to achieve better text representation is an important issue pending for solution. In this paper, we propose a representation method that deeply integrates Unsupervised Semantics and Syntax into heterogeneous Graphs (USS-Graph) for inductive text classification. By constructing a heterogeneous graph whose edges and nodes are totally generated by knowledge from unsupervised pre-trained models, USS-Graph can harmonize the two perspectives of information under a bidirectionally weighted graph structure and thereby realizing the intra-fusion of graph-based global information and unsupervised contextualized semantic and syntactic information. Based on USS-Graph, we also propose a series of optimization measures to further improve the knowledge integration and representation performance. Extensive experiments conducted on benchmark datasets show that USS-Graph consistently achieves state-of-the-art performances on inductive text classification tasks. Additionally, extended experiments are conducted to deeply analyze the characteristics of USS-Graph and the effectiveness of our proposed optimization measures for further knowledge integration and information complementation.
Numerical simulation study on shear resistance of anchorage joints considering tensile–shear fracture criterion of 2G-NPR bolt
Authors: Ren Shulin , Tao Zhigang , He Manchao , Li Mengnan , Sui Qiru
Published: September 2023

2G-NPR bolt (the 2nd generation Negative Poisson’s Ratio bolt) is a new type of bolt with high strength, high toughness and no yield platform. It has significant effects on improving the shear strength of jointed rock mass and controlling the stability of surrounding rock. To achieve an accurate simulation of bolted joint shear tests, we have studied a numerical simulation method that takes into account the 2G-NPR bolt's tensile–shear fracture criterion. Firstly, the indoor experimental study on the tensile–shear mechanical properties of 2G-NPR bolt is carried out to explore its mechanical properties under different tensile–shear angles, and the fracture criterion of 2G-NPR bolt considering the tensile–shear angle is established. Then, a three-dimensional numerical simulation method considering the tensile–shear mechanical constitutive and fracture criterion of 2G-NPR bolt, the elastoplastic mechanical behavior of surrounding rock and the damage and deterioration of grouting body is proposed. The feasibility and accuracy of the method are verified by comparing with the indoor shear test results of 2G-NPR bolt anchorage joints. Finally, based on the numerical simulation results, the deformation and stress of the bolt, the distribution of the plastic zone of the rock mass, the stress distribution and the damage of the grouting body are analyzed in detail. The research results can provide a good reference value for the practical engineering application and shear mechanical performance analysis of 2G-NPR bolt.
Evaluating groundwater quality and salinity dynamics in the Western-west area of El Minya Governorate, Egypt, based on geochemical modelling and multivariate analysis
Authors: Asmoay Ahmed
Published: September 2023

In the Western-west area of El Minya Governorate, Egypt, the present study investigates the water quality and salinity of 33 groundwater samples. The primary aim is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of water purity and gain insights into salinity dynamics. The investigation involves a combination of geochemical analysis and multivariate statistics to reveal significant findings that contribute to our understanding of groundwater characteristics in the region. The collected groundwater samples are analyzed to assess various properties, including pH levels, mineral content, hardness, and salinity. The prevalence of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions emerges as a noteworthy aspect, implying their derivation from deeper aquifers through mechanisms like upward seepage or reverse ion exchange. The observation is validated through Durov's plot analysis. Concerning the suitability of the water for consumption, the study raises concerns. Apart from magnesium (Mg) ions, all other parameters exceed the acceptable drinking water limits defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating potential health implications related to water quality in the region. Furthermore, outcomes from the saturation index reveal an oversaturation of groundwater with evaporites and carbonates, with halite and sylvite minerals standing as exceptions to this trend. Negative chloroalkaline ratios offer insights into the origins of excessive Na and Cl ions in 72% of the samples, pointing towards processes such as rainy recharging and reverse ion exchange as contributors. Gibbs' chart analysis highlights evaporite dissolution as the predominant process influencing water composition. The study also utilizes principal component analysis, identifying the dissolution of halite as the primary source of Na, K, Cl, and SO4 ions, while the presence of calcium (Ca) and bicarbonate (HCO3) ions originates from the dissolution of carbonate minerals, thereby influencing water hardness and salinity levels. Considering the findings, we recommend the dilution of groundwater with fresh water, assuming the absence of additional contaminants. This step is essential for enhancing water safety for drinking purposes. This research not only advances our understanding of water quality and salinity dynamics in the region but also underscores the imperative for implementing sustainable water resource management strategies. Furthermore, we propose that future investigations delve into the broader environmental ramifications of these discoveries, thus contributing to a more holistic comprehension of the complexities associated with groundwater quality and salinity.
Morphological and molecular diversity in Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., infecting groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Meena Prabhu Narayan , Meena Ashok Kumar , Ram Chet
Published: September 2023

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an oilseed crop largely grown throughout the world. Ten isolates of S. rolfsii collected from groundnut grown areas were investigated for their morphological and genetic variability study. Based on morphological variability study, all isolates were divided in six groups based on sclerotia distribution pattern. Isolates produced number of sclerotia in range of 115–375 in light dark brown to dark brown colour while weight of hundred sclerotia and sizes of sclerotia was in range of 85.54–145.13 mg and 0.32–0.68 mm. Genetic diversity was studied through ITS amplification that produced rDNA amplicon size of 650–700 bp which confirmed that all isolates belong to Sclerotium rolfsii. RAPD primers confirmed genetic variation among the isolates. Highest numbers of amplicons (13) were observed in the OPA-9 primer. 102 polymorphic and 3 monomorphic bands were produced by RAPD primers. Isolates SrA-SrH (0.575), SrBKN-SrA (0.384) and SrBKN-SrBKL (0.330) exhibited highest similarity coefficient. Based on dendrogram generated by UPGMA, SrBKN, SrA, SrH, SrJPF, SrJPP and SrT isolates were considered in Group I. SrBKL showed highest (51%) diversity in Group II while Churu (SrC) isolate showed 49% diversity in Group III. Dendrogram and cluster analysis cleared that Group I was more genetically diverse among the isolates. Morphological and molecular diagnosis of the pathogen has a pivotal role in the implementation of chemical (fungicide) and biological (bio-agents) methods.
Influence of wall roughness on pressure distribution and performance of centrifugal dredge pumps
Authors: Liang Bingchen , Wang Mengfei , Zhang Qin , Wang Zhicheng , Jiang Peng
Published: September 2023

Wall roughness is an important factor that affects pump head and efficiency. Based on the open source program OpenFOAM, the wall function method and the equivalent sand roughness model were used to study the influence of wall roughness on the performance of centrifugal dredge pumps. Then, the steady state of the dredge pump under 10 different types of wall roughness was calculated using the k-omega SST turbulence model. The pressure distribution under different flow rates and rotation speeds was also analyzed. The results reveal that the relationship between the increase of wall roughness and the performance of the dredge pump can be roughly divided into three stages, which may be related to the link between roughness and the viscous layer. In particular, the pump performance decreases significantly, and the shaft power increases linearly when it is in the third stage (complete rough region). Finally, different degrees of roughness have minimal effects on the pressure distribution of the impeller.
ALTERNATIVE RADIOCARBON AGE-DEPTH MODEL FROM LAKE BAIKAL SEDIMENT: IMPLICATION FOR PAST HYDROLOGICAL CHANGES FOR LAST GLACIAL TO THE HOLOCENE
Authors: Nara Fumiko Watanabe , Watanabe Takahiro , Lougheed Bryan C , Obrochta Stephen
Published: September 2023

We present an alternative radiocarbon (14C) age-depth model using IntCal20 to calibrate new accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) data applied to a Lake Baikal sediment core (VER99G12) in southern Siberia. 14C dating showed that the core extends to 31 ka. To take into account uncertainties in 14C age and sedimentation depth in the core, a new age-depth modeling routine, undatable, was used in this study. Undatable revealed that significant changes in sedimentation rate correspond to global climate events, either warm or cold, which periods are likely close to the timing of the occurrence of the Meltwater pulses (MWP) at 19 and 14 ka, and the Last glacial Maximum (LGM) at 21–20 ka. Since the Selenga River accounts for 50% of the total river inflow to Lake Baikal, we interpret that these changes in sedimentation rate could be signals of significant changes in Selenga River discharge to the lake, which is expected to be affected by global climate change. Based on pollen analysis, it is highly probable that the sudden influx of the Selenga River to Lake Baikal, particularly at 19 ka, was due to the thawing of permafrost water through the Selenga River, which had developed in the region. Total organic carbon content and mean grain size increases concurrent with sedimentation rate, suggesting river inflow increased available nutrients for biological activity. Our results indicate that hydrological changes corresponding to MWP events can be observed in continental areas of the Northern Hemisphere.
Do Household Political Campaign Signs Help Win Vote Share?
Authors: Maurice Gillian K. , Barclay Pat , Small Tamara A. , Giguère Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Canadian election campaigns often see a proliferation of political signs at the start of an election, but are they worth the effort? We examined official results at the poll level (N = 785) from elections agencies and the quantities of household signs recorded in internal political party databases (Green Parties of Canada, Manitoba, and Ontario). Overall, the results suggest that the use of household signs is an effective form of political campaigning in Canada for nongoverning parties. Analyses suggest that every sign placed per 100 registered electors is associated with an increase of 0.5–1.5 per cent vote share. The presence of household signs was associated with an increase of 1.5–3.4 per cent vote share. Further, preliminary evidence also suggests a possible diminishing returns trend: the per-sign rate of increase in vote share may slow down at higher densities. We discuss the implications of the results, including the possible curvilinear trend.
Stop me if you've heard this one before: The Chomskyan hammer and the Skinnerian nail
Authors: Madva Alex
Published: September 2023

The target article signal boosts important ongoing work across the cognitive sciences. However, its theoretical claims, generative value, and purported contributions are – where not simply restatements of arguments extensively explored elsewhere – imprecise, noncommittal, and underdeveloped to a degree that makes them difficult to evaluate. The article's apparent force results from engaging with straw rather than steel opponents.
The language-of-thought as a working hypothesis for developmental cognitive science
Authors: Kibbe Melissa M.
Published: September 2023

A science of prelinguistic infant cognition must take seriously the language-of-thought (LoT) hypothesis. I show how the LoT framework enables us to identify the representational and computational capacities of infant minds and the developmental factors that act on these capacities, and explain how Quilty-Dunn et al.'s take on LoT has important upshots for developmental theory-building.
On the hazards of relating representations and inductive biases
Authors: Griffiths Thomas L. , Kumar Sreejan , McCoy R. Thomas
Published: September 2023

The success of models of human behavior based on Bayesian inference over logical formulas or programs is taken as evidence that people employ a “language-of-thought” that has similarly discrete and compositional structure. We argue that this conclusion problematically crosses levels of analysis, identifying representations at the algorithmic level based on inductive biases at the computational level.
Tokugawa Yoshimune and his healthcare projects
Authors: Huebner Regina
Published: September 2023

In Japanese scholarship, the notion of public health is closely associated with modernisation and the adoption of Western medicine in the nineteenth century, which influenced the centralisation of medical affairs and the establishment of hospitals. This article aims to challenge this assumption. A closer look at Japan's medical history shows that government institutions caring for the sick and destitute existed before the introduction of Western concepts of medicine. Furthermore, Japan had other ways of providing welfare, in addition to establishing hospitals. These included government-sponsored medical manuals designed to deliver healthcare via published texts, an aspect of welfare that has been neglected in the history of public health in Japan. This article fills this gap by illuminating and grasping lesser-known strands of healthcare delivery to enhance our understanding of the relationship between the state and medicine in early modern Japan. In particular, it examines welfare initiatives implemented by the tenth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune (r. 1716–1745), a prominent and well-researched figure in the history of Tokugawa Japan and a key player who laid the foundations of welfare in this era.
Self-Diagnosis in Psychiatry and the Distribution of Social Resources
Authors: Fellowes Sam
Published: September 2023

I suggest that the diagnosis that an individual self-diagnoses with can be influenced by levels of public awareness. Accurate diagnosis requires consideration of multiple diagnoses. Sometimes, different diagnoses can overlap with one another and can only be differentiated in subtle and nuanced ways, but particular diagnoses vary considerably in levels of public awareness. As such, an individual may meet the diagnostic criteria for one diagnosis but self-diagnoses with a different diagnosis because it is better known. I then outline a potential negative consequence of this. Psychiatric diagnoses can grant access to what I call social resources, namely, political advocacy, campaigning for support, participating in scientific research, building diagnostic cultures, and opportunity for social interactions with people who have the same diagnosis. The strength of the social resources for a particular diagnosis can be made stronger when more people have that diagnosis. As such, inaccurate self-diagnosis can result in the social resources for one diagnosis being strengthened whilst not being strengthened in relation to another diagnosis in comparison to accurate diagnosis. This shows how inaccurate self-diagnosis can alter the distribution of social resources. We need to consider whether this is unfair to people who are diagnosed with less well-known conditions.
Art and the Lived Experience of Pain
Authors: Vassilopoulou Panayiota
Published: September 2023

Mental health has become a key concern within social discourse in recent years, and with it, the discussion about the lived experience of pain. In dealing with this experience there has been a shift away from merely relying on medical care towards more holistic approaches involving community support, public awareness, and social change. However, little if any attention has been paid in this context to the contribution of aesthetic experience engendered by art that expresses and publicly shares with others the lived experience of pain. With reference to Phantom Limb, an art exhibition curated by Euan Grey and held at the Victoria Galleries and Museum Liverpool in 2016, I argue that aesthetic experience plays a crucial role in making sense of pain and suffering, thus breaking new ground in the appreciation of the significance of art for public mental health and holistic approaches towards patients.
ALGEBRAIC SEMANTICS FOR RELATIVE TRUTH, AWARENESS, AND POSSIBILITY
Authors: PIERMONT EVAN
Published: September 2023

This paper puts forth a class of algebraic structures, relativized Boolean algebras (RBAs), that provide semantics for propositional logic in which truth/validity is only defined relative to a local domain. In particular, the join of an event and its complement need not be the top element. Nonetheless, behavior is locally governed by the laws of propositional logic. By further endowing these structures with operators—akin to the theory of modal Algebras—RBAs serve as models of modal logics in which truth is relative. In particular, modal RBAs provide semantics for various well-known awareness logics and an alternative view of possibility semantics.
PWV Retrieval Performance Evaluation for the Fresh BDS‐3 With Multisource Data
Authors: Jiang Nan , Gao Zhaorui , Wu Yuhao , Xu Yan , Xu Tianhe , Li Song , Guo Ao
Published: September 2023

The entire global operation of the newly launched BDS global navigation satellite system (BDS‐3) was completed in July 2020. After that, a series of performance tests were conducted, such as positioning, navigation, and signal experiments. However, the precipitable water vapor (PWV) retrieval performance evaluation of BDS‐3 has not yet been carried out, so in this paper, we thoroughly verified its accuracy with AIRS v7, ERA5, and radiosonde data to know the current performance of BDS‐3 PWV. From the tests applied with different satellite systems, we found that BDS‐3 has a comparable PWV retrieval performance as global positioning system (GPS), and a better outcome was achieved using the combined data from GPS and BDS‐3. Furthermore, BDS‐3 PWV accuracy calibrated by AIRS v7 showed a strong correlation with the spatial distribution. In addition, the PWV content decreased with the climbing of the latitude and elevation, and the relative root mean square error (ReRMSE) indicated better in the low‐latitude areas. Finally, the effect of different surface types on PWV performance was analyzed, showing the BDS‐3 PWV accuracy in the land type was the highest, the sea one was the lowest, and the coast type was in the middle. These findings will provide a good reference for the community to understand the PWV performance of BDS‐3 at the present stage.
Variations of Crustal Thickness in Alaska and Northwestern Canada: Implications for Crustal Modification and Accretion of Tectonic Units
Authors: Liu Meng , Gao Haiying
Published: September 2023

The northwestern part of North America has recorded multiple tectonic events, such as terrane accretion, strike‐slip motion, and subduction of the Pacific and Yakutat plates, providing an iconic setting to investigate the tectonic evolution of the continental crust. In this study we analyze the receiver functions at seismic stations deployed during 1999–2022 to estimate the crustal thickness, as well as possible slab signature, in Alaska and northwestern Canada. The Moho signal can be clearly detected within the continental region. Specifically, in northwestern Canada, the thickest crust is observed beneath the Cordilleran Deformation Front, which marks the structural boundary between the North American Craton and the North American Margin. We observe a few distinct offsets in the Moho depth located both within the tectonic units and approximately across the major faults between the tectonic units. We provide a first‐order estimate of the depth gradient of the Moho offsets based on the horizontal distance of the two closest seismic stations across the offsets. We propose that the Moho offsets reflect the cumulative impact of the accretionary orogenies and post‐orogenic tectonic events on crustal modification. The continental Moho signal is weak or obscure in Aleutian and southcentral Alaska, and the oceanic Moho within the subducting plates is likely detected. This study provides new seismic insights into understanding the impacts of the tectonic events on continental formation and evolution.
Deformation Sequence and Paleofluids in Carbonate Buckle Folds Under Transpression (Pag Anticline, External Dinarides, Croatia)
Authors: Lucca A. , Mittempergher S. , Succo A. , Bistacchi A. , Meda M. , Storti F.
Published: September 2023

Contractional deformation structures at the front of transpressional orogens display complex three‐dimensional geometries deviating from the interpretative templates commonly applied in thrust belts. Accordingly, detailed constraints on deformation patterns and associated paleofluid circulation are desirable, especially for fracture geometry and permeability predictive purposes. The Pag anticline, which is located in the Dinaric fold and thrust belt, provides an appropriate field site for studying fold‐ and fault‐related deformation structures in a transpressive setting. We performed a multiscale structural analysis together with petrographic and stable isotope characterization of the deformation‐related calcite cements. Structural mapping suggests that the Pag anticline is a detachment fold developed mainly by buckling, since large‐scale thrust faults are absent. Fold tightening in a transpressive setting produced a complex deformational structure including two sets of N‐S right‐lateral and E‐W left‐lateral late‐stage strike‐slip fault sets trending oblique to the NW‐SE fold axis. The pre‐folding deformation pattern includes incipient normal faults likely related to the forebulge stage, veins and stylolites coherent with NE‐SW layer parallel shortening contraction in a strike‐slip regime, and metric to decametric scale conjugate thrusts coherent with layer parallel shortening in a compressive regime. Buckle folding preceded propagation of a series of accommodation structures during fold tightening. Petrographic and isotopic data indicate meteoric alteration of the Cretaceous platform carbonates in the prefolding stage, likely due to forebulge subaerial exposure. Layer parallel shortening and early syn‐folding veins involved formational fluids resulting from mixed marine and meteoric fluids during folding at shallow burial conditions. Eventually, meteoric fluid infiltrated again along strike‐slip faults, acting as cross‐formational conduits in the postfolding stage.
Investigating the Impact of Seawater Intrusion on the Operation Cost of Groundwater Supply in Island Aquifers
Authors: Yu Weijiang , Baù Domenico , Mayer Alex S. , Mancewicz Lauren , Geranmehr Mohammadali
Published: September 2023

Managing fragile island freshwater resources requires identifying pumping strategies that trade off the financial cost of groundwater supply against controlling the seawater intrusion (SWI) associated with aquifer pumping. In this work, these tradeoffs are investigated through a sensitivity analysis conducted in the context of an optimization formulation of the groundwater management problem, which aims at minimizing the groundwater supply operation cost associated with groundwater pumping and desalination treatment, subject to constraints on SWI control, as quantified by the water table drawdown over the well (∆s), the reduction in freshwater volume (∆FV) in the aquifer, or the salt mass increase (∆SM) in the aquifer. This study focuses on a simplified two‐dimensional model of the San Salvador Island aquifer (Bahamas). Pumping strategies are characterized by the distance of the pumping system from the shoreline (WL), the abstraction screen depth (D) and overall pumping rate (Q), constituting the decision variables of the optimization problem. We investigate the impacts of pumping strategies on the operation cost, ∆s, ∆FV and ∆SM. Findings indicate increasing D or decreasing WL reduces ∆s, ∆FV and ∆SM, thus preserving the aquifer hydrogeologic stability, but also leads to extracting saltier groundwater, thus increasing the water treatment requirements, which have a strong impact on the overall groundwater supply cost. From a financial perspective, groundwater abstraction near the island center and at shallow depths seems the most convenient strategy. However, the analysis of the optimization constraints reveals that strategies where the pumping system approaches the island center tend to cause more severe SWI, highlighting the need to trade off groundwater supply cost against SWI control.
Antler stem cell exosomes alleviate pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting recruitment of monocyte macrophage, rather than polarization of M2 macrophages in mice
Authors: Zhang Guokun , Shi Liyan , Li Jiping , Wang Shengnan , Ren Jing , Wang Dongxu , Hu Pengfei , Wang Yimin , Li Chunyi
Published: September 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a chronic interstitial lung disease, is characterized by over-abundant deposition of extracellular matrix consisting mainly of collagen I. In previous studies, we demonstrated that deer antler stem cells (AnSCs), a novel type of adult stem cell, are capable of significantly down-regulating collagen formation in different organs and tissues and speculated that they could effectively treat PF via reducing collagen deposition in the lung tissue. In the present study, we found that administration of AnSCs improved the survival rate of PF mice and reduced lung fibrosis, collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. The effects of AnSC treatment were significantly better than the positive control (adipose-derived stem cells). Interestingly, AnSC-Exos were almost equally effective as AnSCs in treating PF, suggesting that the effects of AnSCs on reduction of PF may be mainly through a paracrine mechanism. Further, AnSC-Exos reduced the number of M2 macrophages, a type of macrophage that secrets pro-fibrotic factors to accelerate fibrotic progression, in the lung tissues. In vitro experiments showed that the effects of AnSC-Exos on macrophage modulation were likely achieved via inhibition of the recruitment of circulating monocyte-derived macrophages (reducing the number of macrophages), rather than via inhibition of M2 polarization of macrophages. Inhibition of macrophage recruitment by AnSCs may be achieved indirectly via inhibiting CCL7 expression in fibroblasts; both let-7b and let-7a were highly enriched in AnSC-Exos and may play a critical role in the inhibition of CCL7 expression of fibroblasts. Collectively, the use of antler stem cells or their exosomes opens up a novel strategy for PF treatment in the clinical setting.
Genome-wide association studies and cross-population meta-analyses investigating short and long sleep duration
Authors: Austin-Zimmerman Isabelle , Levey Daniel F. , Giannakopoulou Olga , Deak Joseph D. , Galimberti Marco , Adhikari Keyrun , Zhou Hang , Denaxas Spiros , Irizar Haritz , Kuchenbaecker Karoline , McQuillin Andrew ,   the Million Veteran Program, Concato John , Buysse Daniel J. , Gaziano J. Michael , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Polimanti Renato , Stein Murray B. , Bramon Elvira , Gelernter Joel
Published: September 2023

Sleep duration has been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes and to reduced life expectancy. We present genome-wide association studies of short ( ≤ 5 h) and long ( ≥ 10 h) sleep duration in adults of European (N = 445,966), African (N = 27,785), East Asian (N = 3141), and admixed-American (N = 16,250) ancestry from UK Biobank and the Million Veteran Programme. In a cross-population meta-analysis, we identify 84 independent loci for short sleep and 1 for long sleep. We estimate SNP-based heritability for both sleep traits in each ancestry based on population derived linkage disequilibrium (LD) scores using cov-LDSC. We identify positive genetic correlation between short and long sleep traits (rg = 0.16 ± 0.04; p = 0.0002), as well as similar patterns of genetic correlation with other psychiatric and cardiometabolic phenotypes. Mendelian randomisation reveals a directional causal relationship between short sleep and depression, and a bidirectional causal relationship between long sleep and depression.