bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early positive biodiversity effects on total biomass in experimental tree seedling assemblages with and without water limitation
Authors: Bastias Cristina C. , Carvalho Bárbara , Matesanz Silvia , de la Cruz‐Amo Lydia , Bravo‐Oviedo Andrés , Violle Cyrille , Valladares Fernando , Benavides Raquel
Published: November 2021

Questions

While positive effects of tree diversity on tree community biomass have often been reported in mature stands, the debate on whether diversity effects may be detectable at the seedling level persists, with opposing outcomes found so far. We still lack a comprehensive evaluation of the biodiversity effects (so‐called ‘complementarity’ and ‘selection’ effects), as well as the phenotypic drivers at play, underlying early‐community biomass. Even less is known about whether such biodiversity effects may change under water‐limited conditions.

Location

Seeds from four tree species coexisting in a Mediterranean forest (Spain).

Methods

We built experimental tree seedling assemblages with three diversity levels — monocultures, two‐species and four‐species mixtures — and under two soil moisture conditions. We quantified the extent to which species richness, species identity, community‐weighted mean (CWM) and functional dissimilarity (FD) influence complementarity and selection effects. We computed CWM and FD for seven functional traits related to water and light acquisition; and we calculated the complementarity and selection effects from above‐ and below‐ground biomass measures at the community level.

Results

Our results showed that complementarity drove the greater biomass in more diverse assemblages at the seedling stage. This pattern was largely favored by a particular species, Quercus faginea, with distinct phenotypic traits (great height, lateral ramification and root biomass with high dry matter content), which induced a positive effect of CWM on community biomass. Moreover, our study showed that the water deficit limited the production of above‐ground biomass without interacting with the community’s species richness.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that positive biodiversity effects on community biomass occur early, at the seedling stage, and it highlights the essential role that certain tree species play from their initial development stages by favoring spatial resource partitioning. Our work motivates future studies to apply integrated approaches in assessing both the community‐wide and species‐specific effects to understand the biodiversity–biomass relationship.
Genetic divergence and local adaptation of Liriodendron driven by heterogeneous environments
Authors: Shen Yufang , Xia Hui , Tu Zhonghua , Zong Yaxian , Yang Lichun , Li Huogen
Published: November 2021

Ecological adaptive differentiation alters both the species diversity and intraspecific genetic diversity in forests, thus affecting the stability of forest ecosystems. Therefore, knowledge of the genetic underpinnings of the ecological adaptive differentiation of forest species is critical for effective species conservation. In this study, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from population transcriptomes were used to investigate the spatial distribution of genetic variation in Liriodendron to assess whether environmental variables can explain genetic divergence. We examined the contributions of environmental variables to population divergence and explored the genetic underpinnings of local adaptation using a landscape genomic approach. Niche models and statistical analyses showed significant niche divergence between L. chinense and L. tulipifera, suggesting that ecological adaptation may play a crucial role in driving interspecific divergence. We detected a new fine‐scale genetic structure in L. chinense, and divergence of the six groups occurred during the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed significant associations between genetic variation and multiple environmental variables. Environmental association analyses identified 67 environmental association loci (EALs; nonsynonymous SNPs) that underwent interspecific or intraspecific differentiation, 28 of which were associated with adaptive genes. These 28 candidate adaptive loci provide substantial evidence for local adaptation in Liriodendron. Our findings reveal ecological adaptive divergence pattern between Liriodendron species and provide novel insight into the role of heterogeneous environments in shaping genetic structure and driving local adaptation among populations, informing future L. chinense conservation efforts.
Prioritising and reflecting on context in medical education
Authors: Ward Bernadette , Diug Basia
Published: November 2021

In this Connections article the authors highlight the importance of recognising and embedding 'context' in teaching, assessment and evaluation, as a means to challenge educator's and researchers' understanding of student learning.
The IbBBX24–IbTOE3–IbPRX17 module enhances abiotic stress tolerance by scavenging reactive oxygen species in sweet potato
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Zhen , Li Xu , Gao Xiaoru , Dai Zhuoru , Cui Yufei , Zhi Yuhai , Liu Qingchang , Zhai Hong , Gao Shaopei , Zhao Ning , He Shaozhen
Published: November 2021

Soil salinity and drought limit sweet potato yield. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by peroxidases (PRXs) is essential during plant stress responses, but how PRX expression is regulated under abiotic stress is not well understood.

Here, we report that the B‐box (BBX) family transcription factor IbBBX24 activates the expression of the class III peroxidase gene IbPRX17 by binding to its promoter. Overexpression of IbBBX24 and IbPRX17 significantly improved the tolerance of sweet potato to salt and drought stresses, whereas reducing IbBBX24 expression increased their susceptibility. Under abiotic stress, IbBBX24‐ and IbPRX17‐overexpression lines showed higher peroxidase activity and lower H2O2 accumulation compared with the wild‐type. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that IbBBX24 modulates the expression of genes encoding ROS scavenging enzymes, including PRXs.

Moreover, interaction between IbBBX24 and the APETALA2 (AP2) protein IbTOE3 enhances the ability of IbBBX24 to activate IbPRX17 transcription. Overexpression of IbTOE3 improved the tolerance of tobacco plants to salt and drought stresses by scavenging ROS.

Together, our findings elucidate the mechanism underlying the IbBBX24–IbTOE3–IbPRX17 module in response to abiotic stress in sweet potato and identify candidate genes for developing elite crop varieties with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance.
High vagal tone predicts pulmonary vein reconnection after cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Călburean Paul‐Adrian , Osorio Thiago Guimaraes , Sorgente Antonio , Almorad Alexandre , Pannone Luigi , Monaco Cinzia , Miraglia Vincenzo , Al Housari Maysam , Mojica Joerelle , Bala Gezim , Bisignani Antonio , Lipartiti Felicia , Strazdas Antanas , Ramak Robbert , Overeinder Ingrid , La Meir Mark , Ströker Erwin , Brugada Pedro , Boveda Serge , Paparella Gaetano , Iacopino Saverio , Sieira Juan , Chierchia Gian Battista , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: November 2021

Background

Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is an established treatment for paroxysmal drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). High parasympathetic tone and reconnection of PVs have demonstrated to be possible culprits of AF recurrence after ablation. Our aim was to investigate the association between parasympathetic tone and reconnected PVs in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent a redo catheter ablation procedure for atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence by means of 3D electroanatomic mapping with documentation of presence or absence of PVs reconnection following an initial procedure of cryoballoon (CB) ablation for symptomatic drug‐refractory paroxysmal AF were screened for the study.

Results

A total of 92 patients were included, of whom 50 (54.35%) were males. Reconnected PVs were found in 64 (69%) patients. PVs reconnection could be predicted by DC (C‐statistic = .770), by SDNNI (C‐statistic = .714) and by absolute VLF power (C‐statistic = .722), while right‐sided PVs reconnection could be better predicted by DC (C‐statistic = .848) and by SDNNI (C‐statistic = .761). In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, a DC value ≥6.45 ms and an absolute VLF power value ≥160 ms2 were associated with three times and five times higher odds of PVs reconnection, respectively. On a vein‐per‐vein analysis, absolute VLF power ≥160 ms2 was associated with three times higher odds, while reaching of −40°C within 60 s was associated with three times lower odds of PVs reconnection.

Conclusion

High parasympathetic tonus accurately predicts PVs reconnection. On a vein‐per‐vein analysis, parasympathetic markers along with biophysical parameters predicted PVs reconnection. On a case‐by‐case analysis, parasympathetic markers were the only predictors of PVs reconnection, thus being a robust PVs reconnection prediction tool.
Procedural anesthesia and sedation for children undergoing diagnostic and medical procedures — A review of postprocedural pain, nausea, and vomiting by questionnaire‐based survey
Authors: Batchelor Chloe , Drake‐Brockman Thomas , Lowe Andrew , Sommerfield Aine , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S. , Sommerfield David
Published: November 2021

Background

Sedation and anesthesia are widely used to relieve pain and ensure cooperation during elective diagnostic and medical procedures in the pediatric population. However, there is currently limited evidence about the recovery trajectory following deep sedation or general anesthesia for such procedures in children.

Aims

The primary aim was to describe the severity and duration of pain, nausea, and vomiting after common diagnostic and medical procedures. Secondary outcomes include return to baseline functioning and incidence of medical re‐presentation.

Methods

Recruitment was achieved postprocedurally by telephone interview with parents or legal guardians of patients who underwent botox injection, bronchoscopy, either or both a colonoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, or MRI scan. Daily pain scores, nausea and vomiting, administration of at‐home analgesia, and any adverse events requiring medical attention were obtained. Children were followed until pain completely resolved and baseline activity resumed.

Results

A total of 307 patients were included (50 botox injection, bronchoscopy and MRI; 48 colonoscopy, 58 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 51 colonoscopy plus upper gastrointestinal endoscopy). Parental‐rated pain scores peaked on day of procedure across all groups and decreased over time, with most children resuming normal activity within 1 day postprocedure. Pain was mostly mild and resolved quickly in botox injection (10% moderate to severe and 22% mild), bronchoscopy (8% and 10%, respectively), and MRI (2% mild) patients. Combined upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy was associated with greatest pain severity (29% moderate to severe and 20% mild). Highest rates of nausea and/or vomiting were observed in colonoscopy (23%), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (28%), and combined procedure groups (20%). At‐home simple analgesia was administered in 21% of patients. Unplanned medical re‐presentations were infrequent across all groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the recovery trajectory following procedural sedation and anesthesia is short, with minimal requirement for additional medical attention. These findings will aid in alleviating parental anxiety and encourage utilization of regular simple analgesia.
Evaluation of platelet indices in children with renal scarring based on diagnostic accuracy criteria and Cohen's kappa
Authors: Erdoğan Semra , Sürmeli Döven Serra
Published: November 2021

Background

Renal scarring is a significant complication in recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children that can lead to hypertension and end‐stage renal disease. The present study evaluates whether platelet indices may be predictive of renal scarring.

Methods

Sixty‐nine patients aged 1–18 years with recurrent UTIs, whose medical records were reviewed to collect data on the presence of upper/lower UTIs and the results of scintigraphic investigations with 99m‐technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid, were included in the study. The platelet, platelet indices (mean platelet volume [MPV]), platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values of the patients during UTI episodes were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Mean platelet volume and CRP values were higher in the renal scarring group than in the non‐renal scarring group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Increases in MPV and CRP values were independent risk factors for renal scarring (OR = 5.781 [1.431–23.347] and OR = 1.922 [1.77–3.141], respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratio values of MPV at a cut‐off of >8.2 fL for renal scarring discrimination were 62.5%, 88.89%, 75.00%, 81.63%, and 13.33 [1.35–3.83], respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratio values of CRP at a cut‐off of 1.97 mg/L for renal scarring were 58.33%, 91.11%, 77.78%, 80.39%, and 14.35 [1.36–3.97], respectively.

Conclusion

Both MPV and CRP can be used as predictive markers for renal scarring. While MPV had higher sensitivity, CRP had a higher specificity and diagnostic odds ratio in predicting renal scarring.
Diverse state‐level marine aquaculture policy in the United States: Opportunities and barriers for industry development
Authors: Lester Sarah E. , Gentry Rebecca R. , Lemoine Hayley R. , Froehlich Halley E. , Gardner Luke D. , Rennick Mae , Ruff Elizabeth O. , Thompson Kimberly D.
Published: November 2021

Marine aquaculture (mariculture) plays a relatively small role in the United States’ domestic seafood production, despite considerable scope for industry development and high volumes of imported farmed seafood resulting in a significant trade deficit. Currently, most mariculture in the United States occurs in nearshore waters or land‐based tanks and is regulated and guided using state‐level policy, with a relative absence of national coordinating mechanisms to link the patchwork of state policies. There is no comprehensive evaluation showing how different state policies may be enabling or impeding mariculture development. In response, we provide the first systematic overview of state‐level mariculture policy for the 23 coastal marine states in the United States. We compiled information for 16 aquaculture and mariculture policy attributes, including legislation, regulations and management characteristics, particularly those that could enable mariculture development. We found considerable heterogeneity in how states govern and regulate mariculture. As examples, 48% of states have an aquaculture development act, 35% have spatial zoning specifically for mariculture and only 26% have a government‐provided mariculture best management practices document. We examined the relationship between enabling policies and metrics of mariculture output (e.g. production value, number of farms), and while the effect of enabling policy is often equivocal, certain features stand out as important (e.g. government‐provided best management practices). Overall, this policy synthesis suggests approaches that may be influential in enabling mariculture development, which could inform new state‐level policies, an effective overarching federal policy in the United States, or policies in other countries seeking to support an expanded mariculture industry.
Agent‐based Modeling to Evaluate Human–Environment Interactions in Community Flood Risk Mitigation
Authors: Han Yu , Mao Liang , Chen Xuqi , Zhai Wei , Peng Zhong‐Ren , Mozumder Pallab
Published: November 2021

This article deals with household‐level flood risk mitigation. We present an agent‐based modeling framework to simulate the mechanism of natural hazard and human interactions, to allow evaluation of community flood risk, and to predict various adaptation outcomes. The framework considers each household as an autonomous, yet socially connected, agent. A Beta–Bernoulli Bayesian learning model is first applied to measure changes of agents’ risk perceptions in response to stochastic storm surges. Then the risk appraisal behaviors of agents, as a function of willingness‐to‐pay for flood insurance, are measured. Using Miami‐Dade County, Florida as a case study, we simulated four scenarios to evaluate the outcomes of alternative adaptation strategies. Results show that community damage decreases significantly after a few years when agents become cognizant of flood risks. Compared to insurance policies with pre‐Flood Insurance Rate Maps subsidies, risk‐based insurance policies are more effective in promoting community resilience, but it will decrease motivations to purchase flood insurance, especially for households outside of high‐risk areas. We evaluated vital model parameters using a local sensitivity analysis. Simulation results demonstrate the importance of an integrated adaptation strategy in community flood risk management.
Resolution of Th/Tc17‐driven inflammation during anti‐TNFα treatment of rheumatoid arthritis reveals a unique immune biomarker profiling pattern
Authors: Bjarnadóttir Una , Einarsdóttir Helga K. , Stefánsdóttir Elínborg , Helgason Einar Axel , Jónasdóttir Dagrún , Gudmundsson Sveinn , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Ludviksson Björn R.
Published: November 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystem disease with a complex immunopathology. Its inflammatory state is dominated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and activated Th1/Th17. Only proportion of patients achieve clinical remission despite potent biologics targeting these pathways. This study investigated the resolution of inflammation in RA patients (naïve for biologics) receiving TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) and evaluated the biological mechanisms behind treatment response and assessed them using clinical scoring systems. The majority showed a good clinical response after six months (6M) and a significant drop in DAS28‐CRP (P ≤ .002), CDAI (P ≤ .0001) and RheumXpert (P ≤ .0001). Before treatment, the patients demonstrated a chronic innate and adaptive inflammatory state. The improved clinical condition was reflected with a decrease in Th17/Tc17 (P ≤ .05) and an increase in Tregs after 6M (P ≤ .05). Using a logistic regression model on serum data, IL‐6, IL‐18, IL‐21, IL‐22, IFNγ and TNFα were identified as the main contributing biomarkers in the chronic inflammatory state of RA. A specific test score (STS) was defined and converted to a single cytokine composite test score (CCTS), which showed the disease outcome on a scale 0‐100, providing sensitivity and specificity of ≥90%. Thus, the immunological complexity in RA is driven by a complex interplay of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and effector T‐cell response dominated by Th17/Tc17. In addition, the resolution of inflammation could be linked to a partially Treg‐driven homeostatic innate immune response. Therefore, a more complex therapeutic approach against the above markers might be of value to obtain full clinical remission in the future.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*38:97 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Kuang Yi‐Qun , Zhang Jian‐Bo , Li Yu‐Ye
Published: November 2021

Compared with the HLA‐B*38:02:01:01 allele, HLA‐B*38:97 differs by a single nucleotide substitution.
Virtually Uncharted Waters: How a Global Pandemic Has Taken Pre-Service Teachers out of Physical Classrooms and Perpetuated Pre-Identified Gaps in Preparedness for Working With Emergent Bilingual Students
Authors: Meineke Hannah
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 has changed the way of life for nearly every individual in the US. One of the greatest causes of familial and systematic turmoil has been the transition of K-12 schools to the uncharted waters of remote learning. When COVID-19 forced the termination of practicum placements for pre-service teachers, it also limited the opportunity for pre-service teachers to have in-person exposure to Emergent Bilingual Students (EBS), an essential piece of creating Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions (KSDs) needed for their future classrooms. In this essay, I look back at research addressing the KSD gaps created through the lack of exposure pre-service teachers have when it comes to working with EBS. Building on previous research related to the KSDs gained from practicum placements with EBS, pre-service teacher gaps are identified, pandemic perpetuation of gaps are put forth, and potential solutions are named.
Effectiveness of different health delivery agents of parenting stimulation interventions on child development outcomes among children aged 0 to 36 months: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Solís-Cordero Katherine , Duarte Luciane Simões , Jeong Joshua , Fujimori Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Objective:

This review will evaluate the effectiveness of different health delivery agents of parenting stimulation interventions versus usual care, no intervention, or a different type of delivery agent on child development outcomes among children aged 0 to 36 months.

Introduction:

Stimulation interventions vary in terms of implementation. While some interventions are delivered by professionals, most are delivered by non-professionals. Several prior systematic reviews on this topic have been conducted; however, no known study has evaluated the effectiveness of stimulation interventions on child development by type of delivery agent.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider randomized controlled trials assessing parenting stimulation interventions delivered by different health delivery agents. These will be compared to usual care, no intervention, or a different delivery agent, targeted at caregiver-child dyads of children aged 0 to 36 months. The outcomes will include motor, language, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. The review will exclude studies including children with specific characteristics, interventions that do not focus on parenting, and protocols of randomized clinical trials.

Methods:

The review will include both published and unpublished studies. The key information sources to be searched are: MEDLINE, APA (PsycNet), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, VHL Regional Portal, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Theses Canada Portal, and Library and Archives Canada. Studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese will be included. Critical appraisal and data extraction will be conducted using standardized tools. Quantitative data, where possible, will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis, or if statistical pooling is not possible, the findings will be reported narratively.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021245245
Clinical interprofessional education in the health professions: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Moote Rebecca , Ratcliffe Temple , Gaspard Christine , Kennedy Angela , Leach Elena Riccio , Vives Marta , Zorek Joseph A.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify, characterize, and summarize evidence from the published literature on clinical interprofessional education.

Introduction:

Clinical interprofessional education refers to learning within clinical learning environments, such as hospitals, primary care clinics, and long-term care facilities. The learning involves direct interaction with real patients, where learners collaborate to deliver care and improve health outcomes.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will consider clinical interprofessional education activities in the context of patient care. Criteria include two or more health professions, two or more learner groups, and involvement of real patients/patient care.

Methods:

This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Databases searched will include PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. Results will be limited to English language publications from 2015 to the present. Extracted data will include the different types of clinical learning environments, the professions involved, the targeted learning/competency outcomes, and the measurement tools used by the authors. Titles/abstracts and full texts of articles will be screened by two reviewers for potential inclusion, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer if necessary. Extracted data will be presented in diagrammatic or tabular format. A narrative summary will accompany the tabulated and/or charted results, describing how the results relate to the review objective and research questions, and how the results might inform future clinical interprofessional education in health professions education.
Selection Methodology of Femoral Stems According to the Cross Section and the Maximum Stresses
Authors: López Galiano Iván Camilo , Juha Mario , Ortiz Juan Guillermo , Echeverry-Mejia Julián
Published: November 2021

The maximum stresses on a femoral stem must be known for selecting the right size and shape of the shaft cross-sectional area for reducing the stress shielding effect generated after the total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgical procedure. The methodology proposed in this study provides the tools to the designers of femoral stems and orthopedic surgeons to select the adequate femoral stem cross section, decreasing the stiffness of the stem, thus reducing the stress shielding effect in the patient bones. The first contribution is the theoretical development of the maximum static stress calculation for 12 different femoral stem models with the beam theory, followed by the comparison with the static finite element analysis (FEA) simulations and finally the experimental corroboration of one femoral stem model measuring the strain with linear strain gages and transform it to stresses, the three different approaches provide comparable results, with a maximum average error of less than 8.5%. The second contribution is the formulation of a new selection methodology based on maximum stresses in the femoral stem and the cross section area for decreasing the stress shielding effect, optimizing the area needed for withstand the loads and decreasing the overall stiffens of the stem.
Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer From a Rotating Sphere With Constant Angular Velocity Around Vertical Axis Floating in Stationary Fluid
Authors: Safarzadeh S. , Rahimi A. B.
Published: November 2021

Convective heat transfer for a rotating sphere around a vertical axis floating in stationary fluid is studied numerically using the model of volume of fluid (VOF). The effects of the immersion angle and rotating velocity on the streamlines, isotherm and volume fraction contours, mean and local Nusselt numbers, volumetric flow rate, and water film thickness are investigated for the angular rotational velocity, 1500≤Ω≤3500 and the immersion angle, 30 deg≤θi≤60 deg. The results show that the sphere's rotation causes the liquid to be sucked from the lower pole of the sphere, which is thrown out after stopping in the equator. Due to the strong jet flow in the equatorial zone, heat is transferred by forced convection, but diffusion is dominant for heat transfer in other zones. At low rotational velocities, the liquid film is thrown out of the equator in the form of large droplets, but as the rotational velocity increases, its shape changes to a jet. Also, it is found that there is a direct relation between the Reynolds number and mean Nusselt number at different immersion angles so that an average of 27.5% increase for the mean Nusselt number is achieved by increasing the immersion angle from θi=30 deg to θi=60 deg. In addition, at a constant rotational velocity, the volumetric flow rate increases with increasing immersion angle.
Thermal Fatigue of Pressurized Water Reactor Coolant System Loop Drain Lines Due to Outflow Activities
Authors: Zou Yue , Derreberry Brian
Published: November 2021

Thermal cycling induced fatigue is widely recognized as one of the major contributors to the damage of nuclear plant piping systems, especially at locations where turbulent mixing of flows with different temperature occurs. Thermal fatigue caused by swirl penetration interaction with normally stagnant water layers has been identified as a mechanism that can lead to cracking in dead-ended branch lines attached to pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary coolant system. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has developed screening methods, derived from extensive testing and analysis, to determine which lines are potentially affected as well as evaluation methods to perform evaluations of this thermal fatigue mechanism for the U.S. PWR plants. However, recent industry operating experience (OE) indicates that the model used to predict thermal fatigue due to swirl penetration is not fully understood. There are limitations with the EPRI generic evaluation. In addition, cumulative effects from other thermal transients, especially those resulted from outflow activities, may also contribute to the failure of reactor coolant system (RCS) branch lines. In this paper, we report direct OE from one of our PWR units where thermal fatigue cracking is observed at the RCS loop drain line close to the welded region of the elbow. A conservative analytical approach that takes into account the influence of thermal stratification, in accordance with ASME section III class 1 piping stress method, is also proposed to evaluate the severity of fatigue damage to the RCS drain line, as a result of various transients, particularly the transients from outflow activities. Finally, recommendations are made for future operation and inspection based on results of the evaluation.
Applicability of the Equivalent Diameter Approach to Estimate Vortex Shedding Frequency and Acoustic Resonance Excitation From Different Finned Cylinders in Cross-Flow
Authors: Alziadeh Mohammed , Mohany Atef
Published: November 2021

This article explores the applicability of utilizing different equivalent diameter (Deq) equations to estimate the vortex shedding frequency and onset of self-excited acoustic resonance for various types of finned cylinders. The focus is on three finned cylinder types that are commonly used in industrial heat exchangers: straight, twist-serrated, and crimped spirally finned cylinders. Within each fin type, at least three different finned cylinders are investigated. The results indicate that at off-resonance conditions, utilizing the appropriate equivalent diameter collapses the Strouhal number data within the typical Strouhal number variations of an equivalent diameter circular, bare cylinder. However, when acoustic resonance is initiated, the onset and the peak of resonance excitation in all of the finned cylinder cases generally occurred at a reduced flow velocity earlier than that observed from their equivalent diameter bare cylinders. This suggests that although utilizing the appropriate equivalent diameter can reasonably estimate the vortex shedding frequency away from acoustic resonance excitation, it cannot be used to predict the onset of acoustic resonance in finned tubes. The findings of this study indicate that the effective diameter approach is not sufficient to capture the intrinsic changes in the flow-sound interaction mechanism as a result of adding fins to a bare cylinder. Thus, a revision of the acoustic Strouhal number charts is required for finned tubes of different types and arrangements.
The Effects of an Integrative, Universally Designed Motor Skill Intervention for Young Children With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Miedema Sally Taunton , Brian Ali , Pennell Adam , Lieberman Lauren , True Larissa , Webster Collin , Stodden David
Published: November 2021

Many interventions feature a singular component approach to targeting children’s motor competency and proficiency. Yet, little is known about the use of integrative interventions to meet the complex developmental needs of children aged 3–6 years. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an integrative universally designed intervention on children with and without disabilities’ motor competency and proficiency. We selected children (N = 111; disability = 24; no disability = 87) to participate in either a school-based integrative motor intervention (n = 53) or a control condition (n = 58). Children in the integrative motor intervention both with and without disabilities showed significant improvement in motor competency and proficiency (p < .001) as compared with peers with and without disabilities in a control condition. Early childhood center directors (e.g., preschool and kindergarten) should consider implementing integrative universally designed interventions targeting multiple aspects of motor development to remediate delays in children with and without disabilities.
Towards an improved understanding of $$\varvec{\eta \rightarrow \gamma ^*\gamma ^*}$$
Authors: Holz S. , Plenter J. , Xiao C. W. , Dato T. , Hanhart C. , Kubis B. , Meißner U.-G. , Wirzba A.
Published: November 2021

We argue that high-quality data on the reaction $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-\eta $$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

η

will allow one to determine the doubly-virtual form factor $$\eta \rightarrow \gamma ^*\gamma ^*$$

η
→

γ
∗

γ
∗

in a model-independent way with controlled accuracy. This is an important step towards a reliable evaluation of the hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. When analyzing the existing data for $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-\eta $$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

η

for total energies squared $$k^2>1\,\text {GeV}^2$$

k
2

>
1

GeV
2

, we demonstrate that the effect of the $$a_2$$

a
2

meson provides a natural breaking mechanism for the commonly employed factorization ansatz in the doubly-virtual form factor $$F_{\eta \gamma ^*\gamma ^*}(q^2,k^2)$$

F

η

γ
∗

γ
∗

(

q
2

,

k
2

)

. However, better data are needed to draw firm conclusions.
Industry quantum computing applications
Authors:   Quantum Technology and Application Consortium – QUTAC, Bayerstadler Andreas , Becquin Guillaume , Binder Julia , Botter Thierry , Ehm Hans , Ehmer Thomas , Erdmann Marvin , Gaus Norbert , Harbach Philipp , Hess Maximilian , Klepsch Johannes , Leib Martin , Luber Sebastian , Luckow Andre , Mansky Maximilian , Mauerer Wolfgang , Neukart Florian , Niedermeier Christoph , Palackal Lilly , Pfeiffer Ruben , Polenz Carsten , Sepulveda Johanna , Sievers Tammo , Standen Brian , Streif Michael , Strohm Thomas , Utschig-Utschig Clemens , Volz Daniel , Weiss Horst , Winter Fabian
Published: November 2021

Quantum computing promises to overcome computational limitations with better and faster solutions for optimization, simulation, and machine learning problems. Europe and Germany are in the process of successfully establishing research and funding programs with the objective to advance the technology’s ecosystem and industrialization, thereby ensuring digital sovereignty, security, and competitiveness. Such an ecosystem comprises hardware/software solution providers, system integrators, and users from research institutions, start-ups, and industry. The vision of the Quantum Technology and Application Consortium (QUTAC) is to establish and advance the quantum computing ecosystem, supporting the ambitious goals of the German government and various research programs. QUTAC is comprised of ten members representing different industries, in particular automotive manufacturing, chemical and pharmaceutical production, insurance, and technology. In this paper, we survey the current state of quantum computing in these sectors as well as the aerospace industry and identify the contributions of QUTAC to the ecosystem. We propose an application-centric approach for the industrialization of the technology based on proven business impact. This paper identifies 24 different use cases. By formalizing high-value use cases into well-described reference problems and benchmarks, we will guide technological progress and eventually commercialization. Our results will be beneficial to all ecosystem participants, including suppliers, system integrators, software developers, users, policymakers, funding program managers, and investors.
Gravitational waves from superradiant instabilities of rotating black holes
Authors: Ghosh Shrobana
Published: November 2021

Direct detection of gravitational waves from several compact binary coalescences has ushered in a new era of astronomy. It has opened up the possibility of detecting ultralight bosons, predicted by extensions of the Standard Model, from their gravitational signatures. This is of particular interest as some of these hypothetical particles could be components of dark matter that are expected to interact very weakly with Standard Model particles, if at all, but they would gravitate as usual. Ultralight bosons can trigger superradiant instabilities of rotating black holes and form bosonic clouds that would emit gravitational waves. In this paper, we present an overview of such instabilities as gravitational wave sources and assess the ability of current and future detectors to shed light on potential dark matter candidates.
Generalized quantum electrodynamics: One-loop correction
Authors: Montenegro David
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we give an update on divergent problems concerning the radiative corrections of quantum electrodynamics in [Formula: see text] dimensions. In doing so, we introduce a geometric adaptation for the covariant photon propagator by including a higher derivative field. This derivation, so-called generalized quantum electrodynamics, is motivated by the stability and unitarity features. This theory provides a natural and self-consistent extension of the quantum electrodynamics by enlarging the space parameter of spinor-gauge interactions. In particular, Haag’s theorem undermines the perturbative characterization of the interaction picture due to its inconsistency on quantum field theory foundations. To circumvent this problem, we develop our perturbative approach in the Heisenberg picture and use it to investigate the behavior of the operator current at one-loop. We find the two- and three-point correlation functions are ultraviolet finite, electron self-energy and vertex corrections, respectively. On the other hand, we also explain how the vacuum polarization remains ultraviolet divergent only at [Formula: see text] order. Finally, we evaluate the anomalous magnetic moment, which allows us to specify a lower bound value for the Podolsky parameter.
Relativistic free fermions in spiral dislocation space–time with a distortion of a radial line into a spiral
Authors: Zare S. , Hassanabadi H. , Junker G.
Published: November 2021

Relativistic quantum mechanics of free fermions in the presence of the spiral dislocation of space–time with a distortion of a radial line into a spiral is studied within the Katanaev–Volovich geometric approach. The generalized Dirac equation in this background is constructed. Exact closed-form solutions are found by reducing the problem to that of a nonrelativistic two-dimensional [Formula: see text]-problem with a complex coupling constant. The influence of the defect parameter related to the spiral dislocation on these solutions is investigated. We also study the charge density of free fermions in the presence of such a spiral dislocation in space–time. Based on the Bender–Boettcher approach for non-Hermitian Hamiltonians we study, in addition, bound-state solutions of the system.
Validation of computational fluid dynamics simulation methods for venous pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Hsieh Yue-Lin , Wang Dan , Xu Xiaobing , Yu Dengtao , Wu Yongzhen , Ping Guo , Wang Wuqing
Published: November 2021

There has been a growing interest in the investigation of hydroacoustic characteristics of pulsatile tinnitus (PT). However, a proper technique for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has yet to be discussed. The primary goal of this paper was to investigate the intrasinus hydroacoustic characteristics of PT at the transverse-sigmoid junction (TSJ) using Doppler ultrasound and examine the validity of CFD techniques in simultaneity. The preoperative and intraoperative Doppler ultrasound were performed on a patient with PT at upper jugular vein and TSJ, respectively. Canonical CFD techniques were applied to solve the computational transverse-sigmoid sinus flow domain and compared with the Doppler’s measurements. In addition, the spectro-temporal analysis was performed for the sonification of PT. PT was associated with the recirculating flows at the TSJ according to ultrasonographic detection. This pathogenic region was characterized by a sudden deceleration of flow velocity and inverse increase of flow static pressure, which large eddy simulation (LES) resulted in the smallest 7.4% velocity difference compared to the measured Doppler data, albeit with little differences compared to other solvers. Therefore, based on this case study, the transient LES approach is an optimal CFD method for the computational simulation of the complex hemodynamics at the TSJ. Further numerical studies with large case series are warrranted.
Research on GDP Forecast Analysis Combining BP Neural Network and ARIMA Model
Authors: Lu Shaobo
Published: November 2021

Based on the BP neural network and the ARIMA model, this paper predicts the nonlinear residual of GDP and adds the predicted values of the two models to obtain the final predicted value of the model. First, the focus is on the ARMA model in the univariate time series. However, in real life, forecasts are often affected by many factors, so the following introduces the ARIMAX model in the multivariate time series. In the prediction process, the network structure and various parameters of the neural network are not given in a systematic way, so the operation of the neural network is affected by many factors. Each forecasting method has its scope of application and also has its own weaknesses caused by the characteristics of its own model. Secondly, this paper proposes an effective combination method according to the GDP characteristics and builds an improved algorithm BP neural network price prediction model, the research on the combination of GDP prediction model is currently mostly focused on the weighted form, and this article proposes another combination, namely, error correction. According to the price characteristics, we determine the appropriate number of hidden layer nodes and build a BP neural network price prediction model based on the improved algorithm. Validation of examples shows that the error‐corrected GDP forecast model is also better than the weighted GDP forecast model, which shows that error correction is also a better combination of forecasting methods. The forecast results of BP neural network have lower errors and monthly prices. The relative error of prediction is about 2.5%. Through comparison with the prediction results of the ARIMA model, in the daily price prediction, the relative error of the BP neural network prediction is 1.5%, which is lower than the relative error of the ARIMA model of 2%.
Research on Credit Risk Identification of Internet Financial Enterprises Based on Big Data
Authors: Peng Hua
Published: November 2021

The advent of the era of big data has provided a new way of development for Internet financial credit collection. The traditional methods of credit risk identification of Internet financial enterprises cannot get the characteristics of credit risk zoning, leading to large errors in the results of credit risk identification. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method of credit risk identification based on big data for Internet financial enterprises. According to the big data perspective, the credit risk assessment steps of Internet financial enterprises are analyzed and the weight of assessment indicators is calculated using the improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the linear weighted synthesis method is applied to comprehensively assess the credit of clients. Using the unique characteristics of big data credit risk region division, the big data credit risk is determined by rule-based matching method. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning algorithm is used to establish a credit risk identification model of Internet financial enterprises. The kappa coefficient and ROC curve are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately assess the credit risk of Internet financial enterprises.
SCR-CC: A Novel Sensing Clustering Routing Algorithm Based on Collaborative Computing in Heterogeneous Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Zeyu , Liao Guisheng , Lv Zhiguo , Zhao Guozeng , Li Chuanfeng
Published: November 2021

In order to better improve the reliability of data transmission and extend the network lifetime, the paper proposes the Sensing Clustering Routing Algorithm Based on Collaborative Computing (SCR-CC). The proposed algorithm uses the characteristics of the perceptual radius, which obey the normal distribution, and gives the process of completing the expected value of the data transmission of any two nodes in the cluster. Secondly, the paper analysed the necessary conditions of the existence for the expected value of the number of neighbour nodes when the redundant nodes are closed and the working nodes meet arbitrary differences. Thirdly, the cluster angle formed by the base station and the cluster is used to optimize the clustering structure and complete the dynamic clustering process to achieve the energy balance of the entire network. Finally, the simulation experiments show that the proposed SCR-CC algorithm compared with the other three algorithms reduces the number of failed nodes by 11.37% on average and increases the network lifetime by 27.09% on average; therefore, the efficiency and effectiveness of the SCR-CC algorithm are verified.
[Retracted] Identification of Peptides as Novel Inhibitors to Target IFN‐γ, IL‐3, and TNF‐α in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Mahrosh Hafiza Salaha , Salman Mahwish , Sharif Sumaira , Jabeen Raheela , Majeed Tanveer , Tahir Hafsah
Published: November 2021

Autoimmune disorder is a chronic immune imbalance which is developed through a series of pathways. The defect in B cells, T cells, and lack of self‐tolerance has been greatly associated with the onset of many types of autoimmune complications including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The SLE is an autoimmune disease with a common type of lupus that causes tissue and organ damage due to the wide spread of inflammation. In the current study, twenty anti‐inflammatory peptides derived from plant and animal sources were docked as ligands or peptides counter to proinflammatory cytokines. Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin 3 (IL‐3), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) were targeted in this study as these are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE in many clinical studies. Two docking approaches (i.e., protein‐ligand docking and peptide‐protein docking) were employed in this study using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software and HADDOCK web server, respectively. Amongst docked twenty peptides, the peptide DEDTQAMMPFR with S‐score of ‐11.3018 and HADDOCK score of −10.3 ± 2.5 kcal/mol showed the best binding interactions and energy validation with active amino acids of IFN‐γ protein in both docking approaches. Depending upon these results, this peptide could be used as a potential drug candidate to target IFN‐γ, IL‐3, and TNF‐α proteins to control inflammatory events. Other peptides (i.e., QEPQESQQ and FRDEHKK) also revealed good binding affinity with IFN‐γ with S‐scores of ‐10.98 and ‐10.55, respectively. Similarly, the peptides KHDRGDEF, FRDEHKK, and QEPQESQQ showed best binding interactions with IL‐3 with S‐scores of ‐8.81, ‐8.64, and ‐8.17, respectively.