bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glacier runoff influences biogeochemistry and resource availability in coastal temperate rainforest streams: Implications for juvenile salmon growth
Authors: Fellman Jason B. , Bellmore J. Ryan , Johnson Connor , Dunkle Matthew R. , Hood Eran
Published: October 2022

Meltwater contributions to watersheds are shrinking as glaciers disappear, altering the flow, temperature, and biogeochemistry of freshwaters. A potential consequence of this landscape change is that streamflow patterns within glacierized watersheds will become more homogenous, potentially altering the capacity of watersheds to support Pacific salmon. To assess heterogeneity in stream habitat quality for juvenile salmon in a watershed in the Alaska Coast Mountains, we collected organic matter and invertebrate drift and measured streamwater physical and biogeochemical properties over the main runoff season in two adjacent tributaries, one fed mainly by rain and the other partially by glacier ice/snowmelt. We then used bioenergetic modeling to evaluate how temporal patterns in water temperature and invertebrate drift in each tributary influence juvenile salmon growth potential. Across the study period, average invertebrate drift concentrations were similar in non‐glacierized Montana (0.33 mg m−3) and glacier‐influenced McGinnis Creeks (0.38 mg m−3). However, seasonal patterns of invertebrate drift were temporally asynchronous between the two streams. Invertebrate drift and modeled fish growth were generally higher in McGinnis Creek in the spring and Montana Creek in the Summer. For juvenile salmon, tracking these resource asynchronies by moving between tributaries resulted in 20% greater growth than could be obtained within either stream alone. These results suggest that hydrologic heterogeneity within watersheds may enhance the diversity of foraging and growth opportunities for mobile aquatic organisms, which may be essential for supporting productive and resilient natural salmon runs.
Glucamines as green alternatives to conventional amino alcohols in metalworking fluids
Authors: Seddig Tom , Naundorf Tim , Kipphardt Helmut , Maison Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

Amino alcohols like triethanolamine (TEA), 2‐amino‐2‐methylpropanol (AMP), or 1‐aminopropan‐2‐ol (MIPA) are common ingredients in industrial metalworking fluids. They are used in large quantities as alkaline additives for the neutralization of acidic corrosion inhibitors and are typical industrial products from the oil‐based value chain. The criteria for the selection of these additives have changed in the last decades and are nowadays not only performance‐driven but influenced by ecological considerations, toxicity, and regulatory standards. In this study, we evaluate the sugar derivative N,N‐diethylglucamine (DEGA) for use as a functional, nonvolatile, chemically stable, and cheap alkaline additive for common acidic corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical analyses confirm anticorrosive properties of DEGA comparable to the gold standard TEA for iron and steel in an aqueous environment at a slightly alkaline pH. In addition, DEGA leads to extremely low levels of Co, Ni, and Cu leaching and can thus also serve as a nonvolatile substitute for currently used low‐leaching additives such as AMP and MIPA. The diethylamino‐motif is a sweet spot among different glucamine derivatives tested because it combines easy synthetic accessibility with good water solubility and low‐leaching properties. Besides this, DEGA can be prepared in one step from glucose and diethylamine, both derived from renewable resources.
Amination of Polymeric Braid Structures to Improve Tendon Healing: An Experimental Comparison
Authors: Peixoto Tânia , Silva Daniel , Rodrigues Miguel , Neto Miguel , Silva Rui , Paiva Maria C. , Grenho Liliana , Fernandes Maria Helena , Lopes Maria A.
Published: October 2022

Several polymers are researched for tendon repair as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA). These are biocompatible and useful in scaffolding repair though with minimal success due to long‐term failure. There is a need to improve such scaffolds' design and physical–chemical nature. This work concerns surface functionalization of polymeric braids (PET and PLA) that fulfill the high mechanical demands of tissues such as tendons. The functionalization aims to incorporate amine groups in the braids' surface, improve cell adhesion, and consequently, the poor healing rate of these tissues and the biointegration of the braids. Two approaches are compared: the direct application of NH3 plasma and the surface grafting of EDA after O2 plasma activation. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that amine groups are effectively introduced onto the samples' surfaces. Besides, the plasma parameters chosen do not compromise the topography and tensile behavior of the braids. Resazurin assay and scanning electron microscopy show that the NH3 treatment improves cell–biomaterial interaction as improved cell adhesion and proliferation are observed. Both approaches are safe for biomedical applications. The NH3 plasma approach is more environmentally friendly, faster, and easier to scale‐up, showing potential for application in the final hybrid medical device.
Torus doubling route to chaos and chaos eradication in delayed discrete‐time predator–prey models
Authors: Ghosh Bapan , Sarda Suruchi , Sahu Shuchi
Published: October 2022

This paper analyses a class of discrete‐time delayed predator–prey models where time delay is incorporated into the prey's density‐dependent growth term. We explore how time delay, carrying capacity, and harvesting can generate or suppress chaotic motion. Analytical conditions for local stability of the fixed point are derived by using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. Increasing the time delay has the great potential to change the coexisting stable fixed point to unstable via a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. Thus, the systems may experience quasi‐periodic and chaotic motion when the coexisting fixed point is unstable. The existence of a quasi‐periodic loop, which generates a 2‐quasi‐periodic loop, and then 4, 8, and 16 quasi‐periodic loops are successively detected as the carrying capacity increases. Further increase of carrying capacity induces chaos. Thus, a torus doubling route to chaos is explored in our article, which has been relatively less reported in the existing literature. Nevertheless, we show that harvesting either prey or predator is more likely to suppress chaos and stabilize the coexisting steady state. We draw all the bifurcation diagrams when delay, carrying capacity, and harvesting strength are varied. The qualitative nature of the phase portraits is determined by computing all the Lyapunov exponents. The analysis of these delayed models in a discrete‐time framework might attract a wide range of researchers to work in this direction. In the conclusion section, we also disclose some remaining questions and future perspectives.
Hyperfractionated intensity‐modulated proton therapy for pharyngeal cancer with variable relative biological effectiveness: A simulation study
Authors: Kasamatsu Koki , Matsuura Taeko , Yasuda Koichi , Miyazaki Koichi , Takao Seishin , Tamura Masaya , Otsuka Manami , Uchinami Yusuke , Aoyama Hidefumi
Published: October 2022

Background

The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of proton is considered to be dependent on biological parameters and fractional dose. While hyperfractionated photon therapy was effective in the treatment of patients with head and neck cancers, its effect in intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) under the variable RBE has not been investigated in detail.

Purpose

To study the effect of variable RBE on hyperfractionated IMPT for the treatment of pharyngeal cancer. We investigated the biologically effective dose (BED) to determine the theoretical effective hyperfractionated schedule.

Methods

The treatment plans of three pharyngeal cancer patients were used to define the ΔBED for the clinical target volume (CTV) and soft tissue (acute and late reaction) as the difference between the BED for the altered schedule with variable RBE and conventional schedule with constant RBE. The ΔBED with several combinations of parameters (treatment days, number of fractions, and prescribed dose) was comprehensively calculated. Of the candidate schedules, the one that commonly gave a higher ΔBED for CTV was selected as the resultant schedule. The BED volume histogram was used to compare the influence of variable RBE and fractionation.

Results

In the conventional schedule, compared with the constant RBE, the variable RBE resulted in a mean 2.6 and 2.7 Gy reduction of BEDmean for the CTV and soft tissue (acute reaction) of the three plans, respectively. Moreover, the BEDmean for soft tissue (late reaction) increased by 7.4 Gy, indicating a potential risk of increased RBE. Comprehensive calculation of the ΔBED resulted in the hyperfractionated schedule of 80.52 Gy (RBE = 1.1)/66 fractions in 6.5 weeks. When variable RBE was used, compared with the conventional schedule, the hyperfractionated schedule increased the BEDmean for CTV by 7.6 Gy; however, this was associated with a 7.8 Gy increase for soft tissue (acute reaction). The BEDmean for soft tissue (late reaction) decreased by 2.4 Gy.

Conclusion

The results indicated a potential effect of the variable RBE on IMPT for pharyngeal cancer but with the possibility that hyperfractionation could outweigh this effect. Although biological uncertainties require conservative use of the resultant schedule, hyperfractionation is expected to be an effective strategy in IMPT for pharyngeal cancer.
Technical note: Determining equivalent squares of high‐energetic photon fields
Authors: Ringholz Jonas , Wegener Sonja , Sauer Otto Andreas
Published: October 2022

Purpose

We developed a method based on a physical pencil beam model for accurate equivalent square calculations for rectangular and irregular fields, for different definitions of equivalent squares, for beams with and without flattening filter, different photon energies, and depths in water.

Methods

We considered two equivalent square definitions: equal dose at a point on the beam axis and equal depth dose, measured as tissue phantom ratio at 20 and 10 cm depth (). As dose engine, we used an analytical pencil beam model. By integrating the pencil beam kernels, we assigned square fields to rectangular fields minimizing the dose, respectively, the difference. The results were compared with measurements at 100 mm depth for nominal beam energies of 6 and 18 MV, the Sterling equation, the geometric mean, and data from BJR Suppl 25 (British Institute of Radiology, 1996).

Results

Pencil beam results were closest to the measurements. An energy dependence of several millimeters for small field dimensions and depth dependencies for very elongated fields were observed. For the assignment of WFF square to FFF rectangular fields, using the equal‐ definition, our method agrees with previously published results. For circular fields approximated by leaves, we found deviations to the data from BJR Suppl. 25 below 1 mm for diameters smaller than 200 mm.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the validity range for geometric mean and Sterling equation is limited. Ergo, instead of specifying specific validity ranges, we suggest using the pencil beam method, valid for all aspect ratios, including elongated fields in the primary dose dominated regime. We published our method as python library and graphical user interface on GitHub. Users can choose between two definitions of equivalent square and between WFF and FFF fields. The implemented pencil beam method for irregular fields is also usable for quality assurance such as monitor unit checks.
A monolithic finite element formulation for the hydroelastic analysis of very large floating structures
Authors: Colomés Oriol , Verdugo Francesc , Akkerman Ido
Published: October 2022

In this work we present a novel monolithic Finite Element method for the hydroelastic analysis of very large floating structures (VLFS) with arbitrary shapes that is stable, energy conserving, and overcomes the need of an iterative algorithm. The new formulation enables a fully monolithic solution of the linear free‐surface flow, described by linear potential flow, coupled with floating thin structures, described by the Euler–Bernoulli beam or Poisson–Kirchhoff plate equations. The formulation presented in this work is general in the sense that solutions can be found in the frequency and time domains, it overcomes the need of using elements with continuity by employing a continuous/discontinuous Galerkin approach, and it is suitable for finite elements of arbitrary order. We show that the proposed approach can accurately describe the hydroelastic phenomena of VLFS with a variety of tests, including structures with elastic joints, variable bathymetry, and arbitrary structural shapes.
Numerical simulation of poly(lactic acid) polymeric composites reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose for industrial applications
Authors: Zambaldi Edimilson , Magalhães Ricardo R. , Dias Matheus C. , Mendes Lourival M. , Tonoli Gustavo H. D.
Published: October 2022

The advancement of biodegradable polymer application is increasingly growing through various combinations with other materials. There is a great expectation on how the use of those new materials can be expanded not only as a replacement for polymers of fossil origin but also in the replacement of metallic materials. Thus, this work presents the use of numerical simulations as a tool to evaluate and reengineer the application of a biodegradable composite constituted by nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), in the construction of mechanical components. The academic and industrial interest of this work led to a case study using the finite element analysis (FEA) and the composites produced, where it was evaluated the technical feasibility of replacing a mechanical component constructed with 1060 H12 aluminum alloy.
The crystalline structure of polypropylene waxes: An occurrence of γ crystallographic form
Authors: Bednarek Wojciech Hubert , Marek Adam , Strzemiecka Beata , Szymańska Joanna , Paukszta Dominik
Published: October 2022

The non‐regressive interest in application of polypropylene in man‐made technologies tends many research groups to further investigate the crystalline structure of that polymer. Current research was focused on the issue of crystallization and supermolecular structure of polypropylene waxes, commonly used in composites technology. With use of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, polarized‐light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, there were described the morphology and crystallinity of two main kind of waxes: thermally degraded and oxidized (both of them treated during various time). The results showed a strong dependence between the method of degradation, as well as its time, and the supermolecular structure of examined waxes. Moreover, the occurrence of significant amount of γ polymorphic form of polypropylene was noticed for degraded waxes samples, especially in anaerobic conditions. It is reasonable to underline that presented kind of research was not published previously and supplied important information about the supermolecular structure of polypropylene waxes.
Responses of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) to different host plants: Implications for its management strategy
Authors: Sisay Birhanu , Sevgan Subramanian , Weldon Christopher W. , Krüger Kerstin , Torto Baldwyn , Tamiru Amanuel
Published: October 2022

Background

The selection of suitable host plants for oviposition is critical for herbivorous insects to maximise survival of their offspring. Olfaction plays an important role in this process. However, little is known about how olfaction shapes the interaction between the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and host plants. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that olfaction guides the host selection process in the fall armyworm using oviposition and wind tunnel bioassays.

Results

In no‐choice and dual‐choice assays, female moths oviposited on all seven host plants that were tested (maize, sorghum, wheat, bean, cowpea, tomato and cabbage). However, in multiple‐choice assays, no eggs were deposited on cowpea and cabbage. We found that maize, sorghum and wheat were most preferred for oviposition, whereas cowpea was least preferred. Wind tunnel assays confirmed these divergent oviposition preferences, with maize, sorghum and wheat odours being the most attractive. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis followed by random forest classification identified terpenes as the potential host‐plant attractants.

Conclusion

Our results improve our understanding of the chemical ecology of the fall armyworm and suggest that some of these host plants could offer potential for use in an intercropping strategy to manage S. frugiperda. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Planar MN4 (M = Zn, Cd) Monolayers: 2D Anisotropic Dirac Semimetals of Ultrahigh Fermi Velocities
Authors: Liu Rong , Lv Xiaodong , Li Fengyu
Published: October 2022

After the exfoliation of graphene, it is appealing to seek more 2D Dirac materials with unique structures, rich physics, and intriguing properties. Herein, by means of density functional theory (DFT) computations, two planar 2D Dirac transition‐metal nitrides are reported, namely, MN4 (M = Zn, Cd) monolayers. The basal planes of these monolayers can be regarded as tiled by hexagons and pentagons, with tetracoordinated metal and tricoordinated nitrogen as vertices. Besides the demonstrated mechanical, dynamic, and thermal stabilities, the two MN4 monolayers both exhibit an anisotropic Dirac cone at the Fermi level, thus featuring anisotropic Dirac fermions. Particularly, these Dirac fermions present ultrahigh Fermi velocities, which are in the same order of magnitude as that of graphene (106 m s−1). Moreover, the Dirac cone is robust against external strains and electric fields due to the protection of σv(x) and C2z symmetry. Above all, the remarkable electronic properties suggest that MN4 (M = Zn, Cd) monolayers have potential applications as nanoelectronic devices.
Toward Superb Perovskite Oxide Electrocatalysts: Engineering of Coupled Nanocomposites
Authors: Han Liang , Zhang Jiawei , Zou Minda , Tong Jianhua (Joshua)
Published: October 2022

A significant issue that bedeviled the commercialization of renewable energy technologies, ranging from low‐temperature water electrolyzers to high‐temperature solid oxide cells, is the lack of high‐performance catalysts. Among various candidates that could tackle such a challenge, perovskite oxides are rising‐star materials because of their unique structural and compositional flexibility. However, single‐phase perovskite oxides are challenging to satisfy all the requirements of electrocatalysts concurrently for practical applications, such as high catalytic activity, excellent stability, good ionic and electronic conductivities, and superior chemical/thermo‐mechanical robustness. Impressively, perovskite oxides with coupled nanocomposites are emerging as a novel form offering multifunctionality due to their intrinsic features, including infinite interfaces with solid interaction, tunable compositions, flexible configurations, and maximum synergistic effects between assorted components. Considering this new configuration has attracted great attention owing to its promising performances in various energy‐related applications, this review timely summarizes the leading‐edge development of perovskite oxide‐based coupled nanocomposites. Their state‐of‐art synthetic strategies are surveyed and highlighted, their unique structural advantages are highlighted and illustrated through the typical oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reactions in both high and low‐temperature applications. Opinions on the current critical scientific issues and opportunities in this burgeoning research field are all provided.
An Engineered IgG–VHH Bispecific Antibody against SARS‐CoV‐2 and Its Variants
Authors: Chi Hang , Wang Lei , Liu Chanjuan , Cheng Xiaohe , Zheng Hailiang , Lv Lilang , Tan Yongcong , Zhang Nana , Zhao Suoqun , Wu Mei , Luo Dan , Qiu Hongying , Feng Rui , Fu Wangjun , Zhang Jie , Xiong Xiaochuan , Zhang Yifei , Zu Shulong , Chen Qi , Ye Qing , Yan Xintian , Hu Yuhao , Zhang Zhen , Yan Run , Yin Jiangfeng , Lei Pan , Wang Wanjing , Lang Guojun , Shao Junbin , Deng Yongqiang , Wang Xiangxi , Qin Chengfeng
Published: October 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) neutralizing antibodies are shown to be effective therapeutics for providing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) protection. However, recurrent variants arise and facilitate significant escape from current antibody therapeutics. Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) represent a unique platform to increase antibody breadth and to reduce neutralization escape. Herein, a novel immunoglobulin G–variable domains of heavy‐chain‐only antibody (IgG–VHH) format bsAb derived from a potent human antibody R15‐F7 and a humanized nanobody P14‐F8‐35 are rationally engineered. The resulting bsAb SYZJ001 efficiently neutralizes wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants, with superior efficacy to its parental antibodies. Cryo‐electron microscopy structural analysis reveals that R15‐F7 and P14‐F8‐35 bind to nonoverlapping epitopes within the RBD and sterically hindered ACE2 receptor binding. Most importantly, SYZJ001 shows potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against SARS‐CoV‐2 in three established mouse models. Collectively, the current results demonstrate that the novel bsAb format is feasible and effective, suggesting great potential as an inspiring antiviral strategy.
Model averaging estimation for generalized partially linear varying‐coefficient models
Authors: Zheng Shengbin , Xue Yuan , Zhao Junlong , Li Gaorong
Published: October 2022

Model averaging has long been used as a powerful approach to reduce the risk of model misspecification. However, there is little work on model averaging methods under generalized semiparametric models. In this article, we study model averaging in generalized partially linear varying‐coefficient models and propose a semiparametric model averaging estimation (SMAE) method for the canonical parameters. Specifically, we take the partially linear varying‐coefficient model as candidate models in which there is only one varying‐coefficient component. The different covariates could enjoy the benefit of matching the optimal degrees of freedom and each candidate model can take into account the confounding effects among predictors as well. Moreover, the weight choice criterion based on the Kullback–Leibler divergence is adopted to determine the weights. We prove that the corresponding model averaging estimator is asymptotically optimal under certain regularity conditions. Finally, some simulation studies and a real data analysis are conducted to compare with existing methods, and the results show that the proposed method has better out‐of‐sample performance.
Transcriptional profiles in olfactory pathway–associated brain regions of African green monkeys: Associations with age and Alzheimer's disease neuropathology
Authors: Negrey Jacob D. , Dobbins Dorothy L. , Howard Timothy D. , Borgmann‐Winter Karin E. , Hahn Chang‐Gyu , Kalinin Sergey , Feinstein Douglas L. , Craft Suzanne , Shively Carol A. , Register Thomas C.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Olfactory impairment in older individuals is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Characterization of age versus neuropathology‐associated changes in the brain olfactory pathway may elucidate processes underlying early AD pathogenesis. Here, we report age versus AD neuropathology–associated differential transcription in four brain regions in the olfactory pathway of 10 female African green monkeys (vervet, Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus), a well‐described model of early AD‐like neuropathology.

Methods

Transcriptional profiles were determined by microarray in the olfactory bulb (OB), piriform cortex (PC), temporal lobe white matter (WM), and inferior temporal cortex (ITC). Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque load in parietal and temporal cortex was determined by immunohistochemistry, and concentrations of Aβ42, Aβ40, and norepinephrine in ITC were determined by enzyme‐linked immuosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptional profiles were compared between middle‐aged and old animals, and associations with AD‐relevant neuropathological measures were determined.

Results

Transcriptional profiles varied by brain region and age group. Expression levels of TRO and RNU4‐1 were significantly lower in all four regions in the older group. An additional 29 genes were differentially expressed by age in three of four regions. Analyses of a combined expression data set of all four regions identified 77 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by age group. Among these DEGs, older subjects had elevated levels of CTSB, EBAG9, LAMTOR3, and MRPL17, and lower levels of COMMD10 and TYW1B. A subset of these DEGs was associated with neuropathology biomarkers. Notably, CTSB was positively correlated with Aβ plaque counts, Aβ42:Aβ40 ratios, and norepinephrine levels in all brain regions.

Discussion

These data demonstrate age differences in gene expression in olfaction‐associated brain regions. Biological processes exhibiting age‐related enrichment included the regulation of cell death, vascular function, mitochondrial function, and proteostasis. A subset of DEGs was specifically associated with AD phenotypes. These may represent promising targets for future mechanistic investigations and perhaps therapeutic intervention.
Holographic tensor networks from hyperbolic buildings
Authors: Gesteau Elliott , Marcolli Matilde , Parikh Sarthak
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We introduce a unifying framework for the construction of holographic tensor networks, based on the theory of hyperbolic buildings. The underlying dualities relate a bulk space to a boundary which can be homeomorphic to a sphere, but also to more general spaces like a Menger sponge type fractal. In this general setting, we give a precise construction of a large family of bulk regions that satisfy complementary recovery. For these regions, our networks obey a Ryu-Takayanagi formula. The areas of Ryu-Takayanagi surfaces are controlled by the Hausdorff dimension of the boundary, and consistently generalize the behavior of holographic entanglement entropy in integer dimensions to the non-integer case. Our construction recovers HaPPY-like codes in all dimensions, and generalizes the geometry of Bruhat-Tits trees. It also provides examples of infinite-dimensional nets of holographic conditional expectations, and opens a path towards the study of conformal field theory and holography on fractal spaces.
Correlators of four light-ray operators in CCFT
Authors: De Shounak , Hu Yangrui , Srikant Akshay Yelleshpur , Volovich Anastasia
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Building on results in arXiv:2203.04255, we compute the correlator of four gluon light-ray operators in celestial CFT. We find that it is described by Fox H-functions and generalized I-functions of multiple variables. We also analyze light-ray correlators for a scalar amplitude involving the exchange of a massive scalar.
Boosted-oriented probabilistic smoothing-spline clustering of series
Authors: Iorio Carmela , Frasso Gianluca , D’Ambrosio Antonio , Siciliano Roberta
Published: October 2022

Fuzzy clustering methods allow the objects to belong to several clusters simultaneously, with different degrees of membership. However, a factor that influences the performance of fuzzy algorithms is the value of fuzzifier parameter. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy clustering procedure for data (time) series that does not depend on the definition of a fuzzifier parameter. It comes from two approaches, theoretically motivated for unsupervised and supervised classification cases, respectively. The first is the Probabilistic Distance clustering procedure. The second is the well known Boosting philosophy. Our idea is to adopt a boosting prospective for unsupervised learning problems, in particular we face with non hierarchical clustering problems. The global performance of the proposed method is investigated by various experiments.
Applying the COM-B model to understand wearable activity tracker use in children and adolescents
Authors: Creaser Amy V. , Clemes Stacy A. , Bingham Daniel D. , Costa Silvia
Published: October 2022

Aim

Wearable activity trackers (wearables) are increasingly popular intervention tools for increasing child and adolescent physical activity (PA) levels. However, the large-scale habitual use of wearables in children and adolescents is unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of wearable use in children and adolescents, and what factors impact their use.

Subjects and methods

This study utilised a cross-sectional survey and the ‘Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour’ (COM-B) model was applied to explore what child/adolescent and parental characteristics impact wearable use. Parents/guardians of 5- to 17-year-olds were invited to complete the survey. The survey was open internationally, and consisted of between 19 and 23 questions, depending on child/adolescent wearable use. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore variables impacting wearable use, in children (5 to 9 years) and adolescents (10 to 17 years).

Results

The survey was completed by 652 parents, representing 831 children/adolescents. Most children/adolescents had never used a wearable (n = 429; 51.6%), and 252 (30.3%) and 150 (18.1%) currently or had previously used a wearable, respectively. Child age and sex, capability, opportunity and motivation for PA were associated with wearable use, and differences were present between child (5 to 9 years) and adolescent (10 to 17 years) wearable use.

Conclusions

This study offers a novel contribution to the understanding of child and adolescent habitual wearable use, and what impacts wearable use in these age groups.
Stable interpolation with exponential-polynomial splines and node selection via greedy algorithms
Authors: Campagna R. , De Marchi S. , Perracchione E. , Santin G.
Published: October 2022

In this work we extend some ideas about greedy algorithms, which are well-established tools for, e.g., kernel bases, and exponential-polynomial splines whose main drawback consists in possible overfitting and consequent oscillations of the approximant. To partially overcome this issue, we develop some results on theoretically optimal interpolation points. Moreover, we introduce two algorithms which perform an adaptive selection of the spline interpolation points based on the minimization either of the sample residuals (f-greedy), or of an upper bound for the approximation error based on the spline Lebesgue function ($$\lambda$$
λ
-greedy). Both methods allow us to obtain an adaptive selection of the sampling points, i.e., the spline nodes. While the f-greedy selection is tailored to one specific target function, the $$\lambda$$
λ
-greedy algorithm enables us to define target-data-independent interpolation nodes.
Genetic population structure of the blue sea star (Linckia laevigata) and the boring giant clam (Tridacna crocea) across Malaysia
Authors: Waheed Zarinah , Bos Arthur R. , Kochzius Marc , Hoeksema Bert W.
Published: October 2022

Various studies on population genetics in the Indo-Pacific that include the Coral Triangle region have revealed phylogeographic patterns in marine species populations. However, little is known about the population structure and connectivity pattern among the coral reefs in four seas surrounding Malaysia: the Strait of Malacca (Andaman Sea), the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, and the Sulawesi Sea. In view of this, we examined the genetic population structure of two invertebrate species: the blue sea star (Linckia laevigata) and the boring clam (Tridacna crocea) from seven localities across Malaysia, including Pulau Layang-Layang in the Spratly Islands. Additional samples ofL. laevigatawere obtained from the Davao Gulf, the Philippines. The analyses were based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequences ofL. laevigataandT. crocea. Populations ofL. laevigataandT. croceashowed departure from neutrality, indicating selection or population expansion. However, a mismatch analysis suggested population expansion. Lack of genetic population structure inL. laevigata(ΦST = − 0.001,P = 0.399) implies high connectivity among the sampled reef sites. There was subtle genetic structuring in populations ofT. crocea(ΦST = 0.032,P = 0.009), but AMOVA did not detect any structure in the a priori groupings. The genetic population structure and scale in connectivity are most likely attributed to the life history traits of the sea star and giant clam species, and also to the geological history and seasonal current patterns of the region.
Interdependence of fucoxanthin biosynthesis and fucoxanthin-chlorophyll a/c binding proteins in Phaeodactylum tricornutum under different light intensities
Authors: Truong To Quyen , Park Yun Ji , Koo Song Yi , Choi Jae-Hyeong , Enkhbayar Altai , Song Dae-Geun , Kim Sang Min
Published: October 2022

Fucoxanthin (FX), a primary carotenoid, is associated with the fucoxanthin-chlorophyll a/c binding protein (FCP) complex integrated into the thylakoid membrane (TM) which functions as a light-harvesting complex in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Here, we aimed to elucidate the FX production regulated by different light intensities via the correlation of FX biosynthesis and apoproteins composing of FCP complex. High light (HL) accelerated P. tricornutum growth more than low light (LL). The maximum values of FX content and productivity obtained under LL (1.7 mg g−1 and 2.12 mg L−1 day−1, respectively) were substantially higher than those obtained under HL (0.54 mg g−1 and 0.79 mg L−1 day−1, respectively). Notably, proteome and photosynthetic pigment analyses revealed the enrichment of FCP antennae in the LL culture TM fractions but not the HL culture. Semi-quantification of FCP antenna protein using LC–MS/MS and RNA transcriptome analyses revealed that PtLhcf5 and PtLhcf8 played crucial roles in FCP biosynthesis under LL. P. tricornutum cultured under light transition exhibited FCP formation only in the early growth stage to meet the increased photosynthetic activity requirements under LL. Meanwhile, FCP degradation could be triggered by HL throughout the cultivation period. Therefore, FX production was highly correlated with FCP formation, and LL conditions in the early growth stage were critical for higher FX productivity.
Development of a surrogate model for high-fidelity laser powder-bed fusion using tensor train and gaussian process regression
Authors: Kizhakkinan Umesh , Duong Pham Luu Trung , Laskowski Robert , Vastola Guglielmo , Rosen David W. , Raghavan Nagarajan
Published: October 2022

A multi-physics high-fidelity computational model is required to study the melting and grain growth phenomena in a laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing process. The major challenge with the high-fidelity model is long computational time, which makes it unsuited for any feasible process parameter optimization study in a high dimensional process design space. To address this challenge, surrogate models are a good option to replace the high-fidelity model, resulting in a significant shortening of the computational time at the expense of an acceptable drop in accuracy. In this study, a tensor train (TT) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) based methodology is proposed to develop a surrogate of the high-fidelity powder-scale model. An in-house developed powder-scale model is used to generate the training data by simulating a microscale model of the powder-bed for different values of laser power. The trained TT-GPR model can predict the thermal history of the powder-bed and melt pool geometry for a specified value of laser power, while the computation time required for prediction of any set of process conditions is less than one second. Here we can achieve an approximate computational speedup of 10$$^4$$

4

with the surrogate model. We provide evidence to claim that the proposed surrogate model provides high computational efficiency without compromising accuracy.
High-Temperature Oxidation Behaviour of a TiAl-Based Alloy Subjected to Aluminium Hot-Dipping
Authors: Pilone D. , Mondal A. , Zortea L.
Published: October 2022

In this research the oxidation resistance at high temperature of a TiAl-based alloy has been improved by hot-dipping the alloy in molten aluminium and by performing an interdiffusion process. After selecting the best process parameters, a compact TiAl3 coating characterized by an almost constant thickness was formed on the surface. Isothermal oxidation tests, carried out at 900, 950 and 1000 °C, showed that the coated alloy is able to form a continuous and thin alumina layer that is very protective. Microstructural investigations highlighted that, above 900 °C, long residence times at high temperature determine the diffusion through the TiAl3 layer of Cr that favours migration toward the outer surface of Al and thus the formation of a self-healing alumina layer.

Graphical Abstract
Quality principles of retrospective data collected through a life history calendar
Authors: Chevallereau Julie , Berchtold André
Published: October 2022

To assert the quality of retrospective data, most studies using tools such as life history calendars rely on comparisons with external sources. Our research aimed to integrate quality principles into a life history calendar and test their capacity to evaluate the data quality. The purpose was to avoid reliance on external data sources because of their possible unavailability. The first quality principle was the relationship between the dating accuracy of verifiable events and the data quality of the life domains of the calendar. The second was the certainty, as self-assessed by participants through color coding, that an event took place at the quarter indicated. We designed an experiment using a paper-and-pencil life history calendar that was completed by 104 university students. Our research highlighted the relevance to use the self-assessment of certainty to assert the data quality. However, we could not establish a relationship between the dating accuracy of verifiable events and the data quality of the life domains. In addition, we present a set of qualitative findings from 20 interviews conducted with study participants explaining the approaches used to complete a life calendar and the difficulties encountered.
Representative random sampling: an empirical evaluation of a novel bin stratification method for model performance estimation
Authors: Rendleman Michael C. , Smith Brian J. , Canahuate Guadalupe , Braun Terry A. , Buatti John M. , Casavant Thomas L.
Published: October 2022

High-dimensional cancer data can be burdensome to analyze, with complex relationships between molecular measurements, clinical diagnostics, and treatment outcomes. Data-driven computational approaches may be key to identifying relationships with potential clinical or research use. To this end, reliable comparison of feature engineering approaches in their ability to support machine learning survival modeling is crucial. With the limited number of cases often present in multi-omics datasets (“big p, little n,” or many features, few subjects), a resampling approach such as cross validation (CV) would provide robust model performance estimates at the cost of flexibility in intermediate assessments and exploration in feature engineering approaches. A holdout (HO) estimation approach, however, would permit this flexibility at the expense of reliability. To provide more reliable HO-based model performance estimates, we propose a novel sampling procedure: representative random sampling (RRS). RRS is a special case of continuous bin stratification which minimizes significant relationships between random HO groupings (or CV folds) and a continuous outcome. Monte Carlo simulations used to evaluate RRS on synthetic molecular data indicated that RRS-based HO (RRHO) yields statistically significant reductions in error and bias when compared with standard HO. Similarly, more consistent reductions are observed with RRS-based CV. While resampling approaches are the ideal choice for performance estimation with limited data, RRHO can enable more reliable exploratory feature engineering than standard HO.
Equity in AgeTech for Ageing Well in Technology-Driven Places: The Role of Social Determinants in Designing AI-based Assistive Technologies
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni , Fang Mei Lan , Sixsmith Andrew
Published: October 2022

AgeTech involves the use of emerging technologies to support the health, well-being and independent living of older adults. In this paper we focus on how AgeTech based on artificial intelligence (AI) may better support older adults to remain in their own living environment for longer, provide social connectedness, support wellbeing and mental health, and enable social participation. In order to assess and better understand the positive as well as negative outcomes of AI-based AgeTech, a critical analysis of ethical design, digital equity, and policy pathways is required. A crucial question is how AI-based AgeTech may drive practical, equitable, and inclusive multilevel solutions to support healthy, active ageing.

In our paper, we aim to show that a focus on equity is key for AI-based AgeTech if it is to realize its full potential. We propose that equity should not just be an extra benefit or minimum requirement, but the explicit aim of designing AI-based health tech. This means that social determinants that affect the use of or access to these technologies have to be addressed. We will explore how complexity management as a crucial element of AI-based AgeTech may potentially create and exacerbate social inequities by marginalising or ignoring social determinants. We identify bias, standardization, and access as main ethical issues in this context and subsequently, make recommendations as to how inequities that stem form AI-based AgeTech can be addressed.
A novel set of volatile urinary biomarkers for late-life major depressive and anxiety disorders upon the progression of frailty: a pilot study
Authors: Fujita Akiko , Ihara Kazushige , Kawai Hisashi , Obuchi Shuichi , Watanabe Yutaka , Hirano Hirohiko , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Takeda Yoichi , Tanaka Masashi , Kato Keiko
Published: October 2022

Mood and anxiety disorders are frequent in the elderly and increase the risk of frailty. This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety in the elderly. We examined 639 participants in the community-dwelling Otassha Study (518 individuals considered healthy control, 77 with depression, anxiety, etc.), mean age 75 years, 58.4% of female. After exclusion criteria, we analyzed VOCs from 18 individuals (9 healthy control, 9 of MDD/agoraphobia case). Urinary volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were profiled using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Six urinary VOCs differed in the absolute area of the base peak between participants with MDD and/or agoraphobia and controls. High area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) values were found for phenethyl isothiocyanate (AUC: 0.86, p = 0.009), hexanoic acid (AUC: 0.85, p = 0.012), texanol (AUC: 0.99, p = 0.0005), and texanol isomer (AUC: 0.89, p = 0.005). The combined indices of dimethyl sulfone, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and hexanoic acid, and texanol and texanol isomer showed AUCs of 0.91 (p = 0.003) and 0.99 (p = 0.0005) and correlated with the GRID-HAMD and the Kihon Checklist (CL score), respectively. These VOCs may be valuable biomarkers for evaluating MDD and/or agoraphobia in the elderly.
The Founding of Modern States
Authors: Bensel Richard Franklin
Published: October 2022

The Founding of Modern States is a bold comparative work that examines the rise of the modern state through six case studies of state formation. The book opens with an analysis of three foundings that gave rise to democratic states in Britain, the United States, and France and concludes with an evaluation of three formations that birthed non-democratic states in the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Through a comparative analysis of these governments, the book argues that new state formations are defined by a metaphysical conception of a “will of the people” through which the new state is ritually granted sovereignty. The book stresses the paradoxical nature of modern foundings, characterized by “mythological imaginations,” or the symbolic acts and rituals upon which a state is enabled to secure political and social order. An extensive study of some of the most important events in modern history, this book offers readers novel interpretations that will disrupt common narratives about modern states and the state of our modern world.
Talking in Clichés
Authors: Bullo Stella , Bousfield Derek
Published: October 2022

For decades, social perspectives, and even academic studies of language, have considered clichés as a hackneyed, tired, lazy, unthinking and uninspiring form of communication. Authored by two established scholars in the fields of Systemic-Functional Linguistics and Discourse Studies and Pragmatics, this cutting-edge book comprehensively explores the perception and use of clichés in language from these complementary perspectives. It draws data from a variety of both written and spoken sources, to re-interrogate and re-imagine the nature, role and usage of clichés, identifying the innovative and creative ways in which the concepts are utilised in communication, interaction, and in self-presentation. Observing a rich, complex layering of usage, the authors deconstruct the many and varied ways in which clichés operate and are interdependently constructed; from the role they play in discourse in general, to their functions as argumentative strategies, as constructs of social cognition, as politeness strategies, and finally as markers of identity.
Post-Racial Constitutionalism and the Roberts Court
Authors: Powell Cedric Merlin
Published: October 2022

Post-Racial Constitutionalism and the Roberts Court: Rhetorical Neutrality and the Perpetuation of Inequality provides the first comprehensive Critical Race Theory critique of the United States Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts. Since being named to the Court in 2005, Chief Justice Roberts has maintained a position of neutrality in his opinions on race. By dissecting neutrality and how it functions as a unifying feature in all the Court's race jurisprudence, this book illustrates the consequences of this ostensible impartiality. By examining the Court's racial jurisprudence dating back to the Reconstruction, the book shows how the Court has actively rationalized systemic oppression through neutral rhetoric and the elevation of process-based decisional values, which are rooted in democratic myths of inclusivity and openness. Timely and trenchant, the book illustrates the permanence of racism and how neutrality must be rejected to achieve true empowerment and substantive equality.
A Guide to the Mental Health of Children and Young People
Authors: Simmons Meinou
Published: October 2022

Supporting the mental health and well-being of children and young people is a top priority for parents, caregivers and teachers, but it can be tricky to find reliable and evidence-based information. Written by an experienced child and adolescent psychiatrist, in a user-friendly question and answer format, this book outlines the mental health challenges facing our children and young people and offers practical advice on how to best support them. The book covers a wide range of topics, including how biological factors and lifestyle factors affect mental health, parenting strategies, managing school, building networks of support, and connecting with children and young people. It gives a broad overview of the most common mental health difficulties and disorders, and considers how they can be managed. A must read for anyone looking to understand what a child or young person may be experiencing and why, and the practical ways in which to effectively support them.