bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X‐ray spectral characteristics of typical clays in China and their application in clay classification
Authors: Zhai Juan , Lai Wanchang , Lin Hongjian , Li Dan , Shi Jie , Wang Guangxi , Yang Qiang , Liu Guanhua
Published: February 2023

The variety and content of minerals in clay determine its quality and use. The x‐ray fluorescence characteristics of seven elements, that is, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, and Fe, in clay samples were studied using the energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) method. The application of wavelet transform was used to analyze the overlapping peaks of the FeKα and MnKβ and the CaKα and KKβ spectral lines and to measure the spectral peak count rate and the content of seven elements. The weight of classified elements in clay was calculated through principal component analysis, and the clay samples from four clay‐producing areas were classified using the K‐means clustering method. The results showed that the accuracy of classification using the count rate of seven elements reached 97.73%. The average accuracy of the classification results of the content of seven elements reached 80.68%. A comparison of the results showed that the EDXRF spectral peak information provides a reliable scientific method for the identification and tracing of clay and its products. In addition, tracing the origin of clay and its products can also indirectly assess the radiation level and its impact on the radiation environment based on the radiation index test results.
Propagation of plane waves in a nonlocal transversely isotropic thermoelastic medium with voids and rotation
Authors: Poonia Ravinder , Deswal Sunita , Kalkal Kapil Kumar
Published: February 2023

The objective of present research work is to investigate the propagation of time harmonic plane waves in a rotating, nonlocal, transversely isotropic thermoelastic half‐space having void pores in the context of Lord–Shulman theory. It has been observed that four coupled plane waves travel in such type of medium with distinct speeds. Using appropriate boundary conditions, the amplitude and energy ratios for the reflected waves are presented. Numerical computations for a magnesium crystal‐like material are performed with the help of MATLAB software to study the effects of material anisotropy, nonlocal, void and rotation parameters on the amplitude ratios. The computational results are displayed and explained through graphs. The phase velocities of plane waves in transversely isotropic medium are found to depend upon the incident angle, whereas these attain constant values in an isotropic medium. The energy conservation law is also justified during the reflection phenomena.
Integrative analyses of bulk microarray data to discover genes, pathways, and immune infiltration characteristics associated with targeting of Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Cao Binjie , Sun Haijian , Fan Zhehao , Khawar Muhammad Babar , Cai Liangliang , Yu Shiyi , Liang Zhengyan , Lv Dan , Wang Ning , Bi Caili , Sun Haibo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To explore transcriptome and immunological features of patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) using all publicly available microarray data.

Methods

Data of 479 ES tissues were integrated and normalized. Gene expression, immune infiltration, and cancer-specific pathways were analyzed. Genes of interest were knocked down, followed by cell proliferation and colony formation assays.

Results

Consistent with the previous reports of differential expressed genes (DEGs) in ES, our analysis identified CCND1, HMCN1, and NKX2-2 were among the most highly expressed, while TWNC1, MYBPC1, and CKM were among the lowest expressed genes. GO, KEGG, and GSEA enrichment analysis identified that the DEGs related to bone and muscle functioning, those that contributed to crucial cellular, and metabolism pathways such as actin binding, apoptosis, TCA cycle, and cell cycle were also significantly enriched. Immune infiltration analysis discovered that many T cell subsets including CD4T, CD8 T, and Gamma delta T cells were highly infiltrated, while monocytes and B cells were less infiltrated in tumors. A total of 138 genes were both significantly up-regulated in tumors and associated with decreased survival, while 38 significantly down-regulated genes were associated with increased survival, many of which were previously reported as oncogenes and tumor suppressors in ES and other cancers. Silencing of four newly identified top ranked up-regulated genes with decreased survivals in ES inhibited proliferation and colony formation of ES cells.

Conclusion

This study may provide a clear representative transcriptome profile of ES, providing diagnostic biomarkers, pathways, and immune infiltrative characteristics targets for ES.
Sequential treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients after first-line vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapy in a real-world setting: epidemiologic, noninterventional, retrospective–prospective cohort multicentre study
Authors: Cesas Alvydas , Urbonas Vincas , Tulyte Skaiste , Janciauskiene Rasa , Liutkauskiene Sigita , Grabauskyte Ingrida , Gaidamavicius Ignas
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to determine whether data on the clinical effectiveness of second-line therapy collected in a real-world setting provide additional valuable information on the optimal sequence of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with mRCC who were treated with at least one dose of first-line vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy with either sunitinib or pazopanib and with at least one dose of second-line everolimus, axitinib, nivolumab, or cabozantinib were included. The efficacy of different treatment sequences was analyzed based on the time to the second objective disease progression (PFS2) and the time to the first objective disease progression (PFS).

Results

Data from 172 subjects were available for analysis. PFS2 was 23.29 months. The 1-year PFS2 rate was 85.3%, and the 3-year PFS2 rate was 25.9%. The 1-year overall survival rate was 97.0%, and the 3-year overall survival rate was 78.6%. Patients with a lower IMDC prognostic risk group had a significantly (p < 0.001) longer PFS2. Patients with metastases in the liver had a shorter PFS2 than patients with metastases in the other sites (p = 0.024). Patients with metastases in the lungs and lymph nodes (p = 0.045) and patients with metastases in the liver and bones (p = 0.030) had lower PFS2 rates than patients with metastases in other sites.

Conclusions

Patients with a better IMDC prognosis have a longer PFS2. Metastases in the liver lead to a shorter PFS2 than metastases in other sites. One metastasis site means a longer PFS2 than 3 or more metastasis sites. Nephrectomy performed in an earlier stage of disease or metastatic setting means higher PFS and higher PFS2. No PFS2 difference was found between different treatment sequences of TKI–TKI or TKI-immune therapy.
On the potential of mapping sea level anomalies from satellite altimetry with Random Forest Regression
Authors: Passaro Marcello , Juhl Marie-Christin
Published: February 2023

The sea level observations from satellite altimetry are characterised by a sparse spatial and temporal coverage. For this reason, along-track data are routinely interpolated into daily grids. These grids are strongly smoothed in time and space and are generated using an optimal interpolation routine requiring several pre-processing steps and covariance characterisation. In this study, we assess the potential of Random Forest Regression to estimate daily sea level anomalies. Along-track sea level data from 2004 are used to build a training dataset whose predictors are the neighbouring observations. The validation is based on the comparison against daily averages from tide gauges. The generated dataset is on average 10% more correlated to the tide gauge records than the commonly used product from Copernicus. While the latter is more optimised for the detection of spatial mesoscales, we show how the methodology of this study has the potential to improve the characterisation of sea level variability.
Healing online? Social anxiety and emotion regulation in pandemic experience
Authors: Bortolan Anna
Published: February 2023

During the pandemic of Covid-19, internet-based communication became for many the primary, or only, means of interaction with others, and it has been argued that this had a host of negative effects on emotional and mental health. However, some people with a lived experience of mental ill-health also perceived improvements to their wellbeing during the period in which social activities were moved online.

In this paper, I explore the possibility that some of these improvements are due to the partial “disembodiment” of emotions facilitated by internet-mediated interaction. In particular, I consider the phenomenology of social anxiety and how it may be impacted upon by encountering others primarily through the medium of internet-enabled technology.

I will start by reconstructing a phenomenological account of social anxiety to which disruptions of bodily experience are central. I will then move to consider how the experiential dynamics that are particularly prominent in social anxiety can be weakened when communicating with others via video calls, instant messages, and social media more broadly. I will suggest that this is the case due to the diminished visibility of the body online, and the higher degree of control and agency over one’s experience that can be exercised in this context.

Finally, I will argue that the weakening of social anxiety through internet-mediated contact exemplifies some of the processes which are key to emotion regulation more widely, thus suggesting that communication and interaction online could have a positive effect on a wider range of affective disturbances.
Assessing Opioid Abuse in Chronic Pain Patients: Further Validation of the Prescription Opioid Misuse Index (POMI) Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Coloma-Carmona Ainhoa , Carballo José Luis
Published: February 2023

Due the limitations of the previous validations, the purpose of this study was to further validate the Prescription Opioid Misuse Index (POMI) in a larger sample of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) patients and to examine differential item functioning (DIF) across sex. Participants (n=225 CNCP patients under long-term opioid therapy) completed patient characteristics, self-reported POMI and DSM-5 prescription opioid use disorder measurements. Reliability and factor structure were assessed using both item response theory and classical test theory. ROC curve analysis was used to establish the optimum cut-off score for detecting the presence of DSM-5 prescription opioid-use disorder. Concurrent validity was also tested. The POMI showed a unidimensional factor structure and acceptable internal consistency (ωcat =0.62). DIF analysis showed that males and females respond similarly to each item of the POMI, supporting unbiased measurement of the latent trait across both groups. A cut-off point of 2 is suggested in order to maximize the accuracy of the instrument as a first-screening tool for opioid misuse (AUC=0.78; p<0.001; CI 95%: 0.72–0.85). Concurrent validity of the POMI was high with DSM-5 moderate to severe opioid-use disorder criteria (OR=7.824, p<0.001). These results indicate that the POMI is a valid and clinically feasible screening instrument for detecting CNCP patients who misuse opioid medications. The short length of the scale could meet the needs of clinical practice as it allows clinicians to precisely identify and monitor prescription opioid misuse in both male and female patients.
Large-Kernel Attention for 3D Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Li Hao , Nan Yang , Del Ser Javier , Yang Guang
Published: February 2023

Automated segmentation of multiple organs and tumors from 3D medical images such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans using deep learning methods can aid in diagnosing and treating cancer. However, organs often overlap and are complexly connected, characterized by extensive anatomical variation and low contrast. In addition, the diversity of tumor shape, location, and appearance, coupled with the dominance of background voxels, makes accurate 3D medical image segmentation difficult. In this paper, a novel 3D large-kernel (LK) attention module is proposed to address these problems to achieve accurate multi-organ segmentation and tumor segmentation. The advantages of biologically inspired self-attention and convolution are combined in the proposed LK attention module, including local contextual information, long-range dependencies, and channel adaptation. The module also decomposes the LK convolution to optimize the computational cost and can be easily incorporated into CNNs such as U-Net. Comprehensive ablation experiments demonstrated the feasibility of convolutional decomposition and explored the most efficient and effective network design. Among them, the best Mid-type 3D LK attention-based U-Net network was evaluated on CT-ORG and BraTS 2020 datasets, achieving state-of-the-art segmentation performance when compared to avant-garde CNN and Transformer-based methods for medical image segmentation. The performance improvement due to the proposed 3D LK attention module was statistically validated.
Using Extreme Value Theory to Assess the Mortality Risk of Tornado Outbreaks
Authors: Sales Vilane Gonçalves , Strobl Eric
Published: February 2023

The majority of tornado fatalities occur during severe thunderstorm occurrences that produce a large number of tornadoes, termed tornado outbreaks. This study used extreme value theory to estimate the impact of tornado outbreaks on fatalities while accounting for climate and demographic factors. The findings indicate that the number of fatalities increases with the increase of tornado outbreaks. Additionally, this study undertook a counterfactual analysis to determine what would have been the probability of a tornado outbreak under various climatic and demographic scenarios. The results of the counterfactual study indicate that the likelihood of increased mortality increases as the population forecast grows. Intensified El Niño events, on the other hand, reduce the likelihood of further fatalities. La Niña events are expected to increase probability of fatalities.
Von der romanhaften Geistesgeschichte zum Kooperationsgebot
Authors: Matuschek Stefan
Published: February 2023

Der Beitrag schaut am Beispiel von Fritz Strich auf den Beginn der geistesgeschichtlichen Literaturforschung zurück, um dessen Methode gegen die damalige romanhafte Umsetzung zu aktualisieren.
Was für ein Zufall? Stichprobentheoretische Anmerkungen und Folgerungen aus Simulationsergebnissen für den bundesweiten Bürgerrat „Deutschlands Rolle in der Welt“
Authors: Baron Daniel
Published: February 2023

Am Beispiel des bundesweiten Bürgerrats „Deutschlands Rolle in der Welt“, der im Frühjahr 2021 online stattfand, wird untersucht, inwieweit ein dabei angewendetes Zufallsverfahren zur Rekrutierung der 169 Teilnehmenden den Kriterien eines frequentistischen Wahrscheinlichkeitsverständnisses entsprach. Der Vorzug eines solchen frequentistischen gegenüber anderen Wahrscheinlichkeitsbegriffen, die zufallsgestützten Beteiligungsverfahren häufig zugrundeliegen, besteht darin, dass sich mittels entsprechender Ziehungsprozesse und Gütekriterien die Durchführungsbedingungen und Resultate dieser Verfahren intersubjektiv und methodisch kontrolliert beurteilen lassen. Erst auf dieser Basis sind zielorientierte Weiterentwicklung solcher Verfahren möglich. Aus einer stichprobentheoretischen Perspektive zeigt sich, dass die Annahme, wonach es sich um ein Zufallsverfahren handelte, im Falle des bundesweiten Bürgerrats nicht umgesetzt wurde und damit das Postulat einer annähernd spiegelbildlichen Abbildung der Sozialstruktur der jeweiligen Grundgesamtheit durch das entsprechende Gremium empirisch nicht überprüft werden konnte. Rekurrierend auf stochastische Simulationsstudien wird dargelegt, dass sich statt bewusster Auswahlen, wie sie im Rahmen des Bürgerrats neben Zufallselementen zum Einsatz kamen, proportional geschichtete Zufallsauswahlen eignen, um sich dem spiegelbildlichen Repräsentationsideal im Rahmen zukünftiger Bürgerräte anzunähern. Darüber hinaus sollten mittels Incentivierungsstrategien politisch unterrepräsentierte Personengruppen stärker als bislang in zufallsgestützte deliberative Gremien eingebunden werden, um die Umsetzung des spiegelbildlichen Repräsentationsideals weiter zu stärken. Praktische Empfehlungen implizieren zudem eine transparente methodische Berichtlegung, detaillierte Darstellungen der methodischen und praktischen Durchführungsbedingungen des Ziehungsverfahrens sowie die Angabe von Auswahlwahrscheinlichkeiten und Responseraten im Rahmen zukünftiger Bürgerräte und anderweitiger zufallsgestützter Beteiligungsverfahren.
Prioritisation of Environmental Improvement Projects in Deep-Level Mine Ventilation Systems
Authors: Swanepoel J. , Vosloo J. C. , van Laar J. H. , Pelser W. A.
Published: February 2023

Deep-level underground mining costs in South Africa are continuously rising due to the increased depth at which gold is being mined, resulting in a rise in virgin rock temperature and an increase in cooling requirements. Therefore, mines must evaluate various ventilation and cooling optimisation projects required to be implemented throughout their life of mine (LOM). This study develops a method to identify and prioritise large capital expenditure (CAPEX) underground environmental improvement projects, to improve thermal comfort underground. The solution presents a ‘multi-criteria decision-making’ (MCDM) process, incorporating the ‘analytic hierarchy process’ (AHP) and the ‘technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution’ (TOPSIS) into the method to provide for scientific decision-making. These projects are evaluated based on four criteria, namely project risk, the impact on the underground thermal comfort, cost, and implementation time. This study’s solution uses ventilation simulations to determine the impact of the projects on the underground environment. The identification and evaluation of an environmental improvement project to best suit the current economic climate, while improving underground conditions and decreasing the safety risk is an essential aspect of the solution developed in this study. The method was implemented on a mechanised deep-level underground mine and showed that surface refrigeration is the most suitable alternative, which was implemented at the case study mine as validation of the developed solution. The study proves that the MCDM method is an adequate solution to incorporate subjective criteria into the decision-making process, resulting in a scientific and structured approach to making significant and complex decisions.
One locus, several functional RNAs—emerging roles of the mechanisms responsible for the sequence variability of microRNAs
Authors: Orbán Tamás I.
Published: February 2023

With the development of modern molecular genetics, the original “one gene-one enzyme” hypothesis has been outdated. For protein coding genes, the discovery of alternative splicing and RNA editing provided the biochemical background for the RNA repertoire of a single locus, which also serves as an important pillar for the enormous protein variability of the genomes. Non-protein coding RNA genes were also revealed to produce several RNA species with distinct functions. The loci of microRNAs (miRNAs), encoding for small endogenous regulatory RNAs, were also found to produce a population of small RNAs, rather than a single defined product. This review aims to present the mechanisms contributing to the astonishing variability of miRNAs revealed by the new sequencing technologies. One important source is the careful balance of arm selection, producing sequentially different 5p- or 3p-miRNAs from the same pre-miRNA, thereby broadening the number of regulated target RNAs and the phenotypic response. In addition, the formation of 5', 3' and polymorphic isomiRs, with variable end and internal sequences also leads to a higher number of targeted sequences, and increases the regulatory output. These miRNA maturation processes, together with other known mechanisms such as RNA editing, further increase the potential outcome of this small RNA pathway. By discussing the subtle mechanisms behind the sequence diversity of miRNAs, this review intends to reveal this engaging aspect of the inherited “RNA world”, how it contributes to the almost infinite molecular variability among living organisms, and how this variability can be exploited to treat human diseases.
What North American Archaeology Needs to Take Advantage of the Digital Data Revolution
Authors: Ortman Scott G. , Altschul Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2023

Today, there is a growing movement to use accumulated archaeological information to contribute to discussions of general issues facing human societies, including our own. In this regard, the archaeological record is most unique and helpful when viewed at broad comparative scales. Most relevant data for these sorts of analyses are collected through the cultural resource management (CRM) process. Still, by and large, interpretation remains limited to individual projects, and data integration across projects is nearly nonexistent. What would it take for CRM to achieve real data integration? In this article, we discuss these issues and suggest one potential solution. The most pressing need we identify is for data products that integrate the primary data emanating from CRM at broad spatial and temporal scales, which are suitable for research by archaeologists and other social scientists. We argue that the time is right for the discipline to invest in organizations that produce such products.
The ‘two faces’ of cross-border, transactional legal practice during Covid-19: how and from where have lawyers mobilised China's capital flows under lockdown?
Authors: Yip Michael , Gajadeera Amasara , Monsenepwo Justin , Syrgak kyzy Nuraiym
Published: February 2023

The narrative that banks, government departments and state-owned enterprises are the foremost protagonists in shaping China's outbound capital flows has been a commonplace view. This article seeks to expand the focus to include other under-scrutinised players: lawyers. With reference to exporting industries (such as shipping and natural gas), this article explains how lawyers – in tandem with China's governmental and judicial organs – have shifted from enabling outflows to postponing them, as a result of China's Covid-19 force majeure regime. Even with capital on pause, Covid-19 has also kept lawyers busy, prompting them to think about how to maximise their firm's proximity to the clients they have and to new clients that they want to win. Accordingly, this article also provides an overview of the techniques used by predominantly Anglo-American law firms to gain access to new legal markets during Covid-19, with a view to winning more work from Chinese capital-exporters and their foreign counterparties.
A Video is Worth a Thousand Words: The Use of Home Videos in Pediatric Neurology
Authors: Kadiwal Meena , Donner Elizabeth J. , Moharir Mahendranath , Ochi Ayako , Otsubo Hiroshi , Sharma Rohit , Go Cristina Y. , Wu Ying , Abushama Ahmed
Published: February 2023

The use of home video recordings (HVRs) may aid in the diagnosis of neurological disorders. However, this practice remains underutilized. Through an anonymous survey, we sought to understand the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding the sharing of HVRs alongside referrals for responsive and economical pediatric neurology care. This was timely given COVID-19 has worsened wait times for diagnosis and consequently treatment. Most providers agree that sharing of HVRs improves patient care (93.1%: 67/73) and prevents both additional investigations (67%: 49/73) and hospital admissions (68.5%: 50/73). However, a minority of providers (21.9 %: 16/73) currently share HVRs alongside their referrals.
Self-care and nature in the private and professional practice of healthcare professionals in Belgium
Authors: Sterckx Ann , Van den Broeck Kris , Remmen Roy , Keune Hans
Published: February 2023

Several scientific communities and international health organizations promoting an interdependent human-nature health perspective are calling upon healthcare professionals (HCP) to integrate this vision into their practice and become role models. However, rising cases of stress, burnout, and depression, among this group jeopardize this potential and their self-care. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study focusing on how HCP relate to their self-care, their relationship with nature and its implementation into their professional practice. Semi-structured interviews with 16 HCP were executed, transcribed and imported into NVivo. Using the six-step framework, we conducted a thematic analysis, followed by two-step member-checking. Three main findings arose. First, participants employ various self-care strategies outside of work whenever possible. Second, their nature experiences can be drawn along a continuum ranging in level of intensity, attitude and reciprocity, which does not seem to be disclosed during consultation. Third, the reflexive interviews may have led to increased awareness and agency on the former topics, which we have termed ‘nature-connected care awareness’. A preliminary framework to stimulate nature-connected care awareness could support HCP in becoming a role model.
Political Responsiveness to Conflict Victims: Evidence from a Countrywide Audit Experiment in Colombia
Authors: BARCELÓ JOAN , VELA BARÓN MAURICIO
Published: February 2023

Violence leaves significant social groups at a long-term disadvantage, including for generating income and accessing public services. In this article, we conduct a nationwide field experiment with local authorities in Colombia to evaluate how politicians respond to conflict victims in providing access to social services. We find that local officials are more likely to respond to requests for help from victims than from ordinary citizens and return friendlier and more helpful responses. Although politicians invest additional efforts to respond to conflict victims, we show that their responsiveness, affect, and helpfulness vary based on the ideological match between the party in power and the identity of the perpetrator of violence. Using interviews, we present evidence that elected officials respond to victims to signal their commitment to peace and to separate themselves from violent groups on their ideological side. These findings provide new insights into the dynamics of political representation in postconflict societies.
ON THE NUMBER OF REAL ZEROS OF POLYNOMIALS OF EVEN DEGREE
Authors: MA LANDE , MA ZHAOKUN
Published: February 2023

For any real polynomial
$p(x)$
of even degree k, Shapiro [‘Problems around polynomials: the good, the bad and the ugly
$\ldots $
’, Arnold Math. J.1(1) (2015), 91–99] proposed the conjecture that the sum of the number of real zeros of the two polynomials
$(k-1)(p{'}(x))^{2}-kp(x)p{"}(x)$
and
$p(x)$
is larger than 0. We prove that the conjecture is true except in one case: when the polynomial
$p(x)$
has no real zeros, the derivative polynomial
$p{'}(x)$
has one real simple zero, that is,
$p{'}(x)=C(x)(x-w)$
, where
$C(x)$
is a polynomial with
$C(w)\ne 0$
, and the polynomial
$(k-1)(C(x))^2(x-w)^{2}-kp(x)C{'}(x)(x-w)-kC(x)p(x)$
has no real zeros.
Boolean algebras, Morita invariance and the algebraic K-theory of Lawvere theories
Authors: BOHMANN ANNA MARIE , SZYMIK MARKUS
Published: February 2023

The algebraic K-theory of Lawvere theories is a conceptual device to elucidate the stable homology of the symmetry groups of algebraic structures such as the permutation groups and the automorphism groups of free groups. In this paper, we fully address the question of how Morita equivalence classes of Lawvere theories interact with algebraic K-theory. On the one hand, we show that the higher algebraic K-theory is invariant under passage to matrix theories. On the other hand, we show that the higher algebraic K-theory is not fully Morita invariant because of the behavior of idempotents in non-additive contexts: We compute the K-theory of all Lawvere theories Morita equivalent to the theory of Boolean algebras.
Uncovering hidden patterns of design ideation using hidden Markov modeling and neuroimaging
Authors: Hu Mo , McComb Christopher , Goucher-Lambert Kosa
Published: February 2023

The study presented in this paper applies hidden Markov modeling (HMM) to uncover the recurring patterns within a neural activation dataset collected while designers engaged in a design concept generation task. HMM uses a probabilistic approach that describes data (here, fMRI neuroimaging data) as a dynamic sequence of discrete states. Without prior assumptions on the fMRI data's temporal and spatial properties, HMM enables an automatic inference on states in neurocognitive activation data that are highly likely to occur in concept generation. The states with a higher likelihood of occupancy show more activation in the brain regions from the executive control network, the default mode network, and the middle temporal cortex. Different activation patterns and transfers are associated with these states, linking to varying cognitive functions, for example, semantic processing, memory retrieval, executive control, and visual processing, that characterize possible transitions in cognition related to concept generation. HMM offers new insights into cognitive dynamics in design by uncovering the temporal and spatial patterns in neurocognition related to concept generation. Future research can explore new avenues of data analysis methods to investigate design neurocognition and provide a more detailed description of cognitive dynamics in design.
Relations among parenting, academic performance, and psychopathology: An investigation of developmental cascades and their interplay with maternal and paternal parenting
Authors: Yu Jeong Jin
Published: February 2023

Little effort has been made to integrate developmental cascades with maternal/paternal parenting in a single investigation. The present study seeks to test cascading effects among academic and internalizing/externalizing symptoms and their associations with maternal/paternal parenting across three time points from 8 to 10 years. Data for this investigation came from a nationally representative prospective cohort study of children born in April through July of 2008 in South Korea who were followed up annually. The sample included 1,598 families (48.5% girls). Parents rated their parenting and teachers rated children’s internalizing/externalizing problems and academic performance. Structural equation modeling showed that externalizing problems were negatively related to academic performance. Academic performance was negatively related to internalizing problems and positively related to maternal/paternal authoritative parenting, which in turn led to children’s higher academic performance. Bidirectional relations were found between academic performance and externalizing problems and between paternal authoritative parenting and children’s internalizing problems. Findings suggested cascading effects and their associations with parenting were not attributable to child gender, intelligence, or socioeconomic differences. These findings lend support to adjustment erosion and academic incompetence models and underscore the need for greater attention to the role that fathering may play in children’s development and mothering.
Adolescent predictors of psychiatric disorders in adulthood: The role of emotional distress and problem drinking in emerging adulthood
Authors: Neppl Tricia K. , Diggs Olivia N. , Neppl Ashlyn K. , Denburg Natalie L.
Published: February 2023

The current study evaluated risk factors in adolescence on problem drinking and emotional distress in late adolescence and emerging adulthood, and meeting criteria for diagnosed disorders in adulthood. The study included 501 parents and their adolescent who participated from middle adolescence to adulthood. Risk factors in middle adolescence (age 18) included parent alcohol use, adolescent alcohol use, and parent and adolescent emotional distress. In late adolescence (age 18), binge drinking and emotional distress were assessed, and in emerging adulthood (age 25), alcohol problems and emotional distress were examined. Meeting criteria for substance use, behavioral, affective, or anxiety disorders were examined between the ages of 26 and 31. Results showed parent alcohol use predicted substance use disorder through late adolescent binge drinking and emerging adulthood alcohol problems. Behavioral disorders were indirectly predicted by adolescent and emerging adult emotional distress. Affective disorders were indirectly predicted by parent emotional distress through adolescent emotional distress. Finally, anxiety disorders were predicted by parent alcohol use via adolescent drinking; parent emotional distress via adolescent emotional distress, and through adolescent alcohol use and emotional distress. Results provided support for the intergenerational transmission of problem drinking and emotional distress on meeting criteria for diagnosed psychiatric disorders in adulthood.
The role of social cognitions in the social gradient in adolescent mental health: A longitudinal mediation model
Authors: Weinberg Dominic , Stevens Gonneke W.J.M. , Peeters Margot , Visser Kirsten , Frankenhuis Willem , Finkenauer Catrin
Published: February 2023

The social gradient in adolescent mental health is well established: adolescents’ socioeconomic status is negatively associated with their mental health. However, despite changes in social cognition during adolescence, little is known about whether social cognitions mediate this gradient. Therefore, this study tested this proposed mediational path using three data waves, each 6 months apart, from a socioeconomically diverse sample of 1,429 adolescents (Mage= 17.9) in the Netherlands. Longitudinal modeling examined whether three social cognitions (self-esteem, sense of control, and optimism) mediated associations between perceived family wealth and four indicators of adolescent mental health problems (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems). There was evidence of a social gradient: adolescents with lower perceived family wealth reported more concurrent emotional symptoms and peer problems and an increase in peer problems 6 months later. Results also showed evidence of mediation through social cognitions, specifically sense of control: adolescents with lower perceived family wealth reported a decrease in sense of control (though not self-esteem nor optimism) 6 months later, and lower sense of control predicted increases in emotional symptoms and hyperactivity 6 months later. We found concurrent positive associations between perceived family wealth and all three social cognitions, and concurrent negative associations between social cognitions and mental health problems. The findings indicate that social cognitions, especially sense of control, may be an overlooked mediator of the social gradient in adolescent mental health.
Monetary policy announcements, consumers’ inflation expectations, and readiness to spend
Authors: Breitenlechner Max , Geiger Martin , Scharler Johann
Published: February 2023

Can monetary policy stimulate consumption through inflation expectations? We study how US consumers revise inflation expectations and readiness to spend in response to monetary policy shocks using a structural vector-autoregressive model, where we identify exogenous policy shocks with interest rate surprises around FOMC announcements. Based on survey data, we construct measures of changes in consumers’ readiness to spend conditional on how consumers update their inflation expectations. Expansionary policy shocks tend to increase readiness to spend conditional on higher expected inflation outside the zero lower bound (ZLB), but the effect is small. At the ZLB, consumers increasingly reduce their readiness to spend if they expect higher inflation. Overall, we find only limited evidence suggesting that policy-induced variations in inflation expectations are associated with adjustments that are in line with the predictions of standard macroeconomic models.
High-level listening comprehension in advanced English as a second language: Effects of the first language and inhibitory control
Authors: Wigdorowitz Mandy , Pérez Ana I. , Tsimpli Ianthi M.
Published: February 2023

English is imposed as the language of instruction in multiple linguistically diverse societies where there is more than one official language. This might have negative educational consequences for people whose first language (L1) is not English. To investigate this, 47 South Africans with advanced English proficiency but different L1s (L1-English vs. L1-Zulu) were evaluated in their listening comprehension ability. Specifically, participants listened to narrative texts in English which prompted an initial inference followed by a sentence containing an expected inference or an unexpected but plausible concept, assessing comprehension monitoring. A final question containing congruent or incongruent information in relation to the text information followed, assessing the revision process. L1-English participants were more efficient at monitoring and revising their listening comprehension. Furthermore, individual differences in inhibitory control were associated with differences in revision. Results show that participants’ L1 appears to supersede their advanced English proficiency on highly complex listening comprehension.
Ecological system theory and community participation to promote healthy food environments for obesity and non-communicable diseases prevention among school-age children
Authors: Suwannawong Pennapa Ritwong , Auemaneekul Naruemon , Powwattana Arpaporn , Chongsuwat Rewadee
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the community participatory program between school and family based on ecological system theory and participatory action research. The intervention covers three levels at the individual, family and school levels and involves educating students and parents by using technology, reducing sedentary behaviours, increasing exercise and changing to healthy food environments at school and at home.

Design:

A quasi-experimental design was used in this study.

Setting:

Public primary school in Thailand.

Subjects:

The participants in the study included 138 school-age children in grades 2–6 with their parents/guardians. The control group consisted of 134 school-age children at a school of the same size with their parents/guardians.

Results:

Results show that nutritional status was significantly improved within the experimental group (Pvalue = 0·000) and between groups during follow-up (Pvalue = 0·032). Students’ knowledge about obesity and non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD) prevention, as well as physical activity and exercise behaviours, in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (Pvalue = 0·000 and 0·044, respectively). Parents’ perceptions of child obesity and family modelling behaviours in the experimental group were also significantly higher than that in the control group;Pvalue = 0·013 and 0·000, respectively).

Conclusion:

The community participation program was found to be successful. Not only students, families and schools improved health behaviours and healthy food environments at home and school, but the students’ long-term nutritional status also improved.
Self-reported reasons for reducing or stopping antidepressant medications in primary care: thematic analysis of the diamond longitudinal study
Authors: Coe Amy , Gunn Jane , Fletcher Susan , Murray Elizabeth , Kaylor-Hughes Catherine
Published: February 2023

Background:

Current treatment guidelines advise that the deprescribing of antidepressants should occur around 6 months post-remission of symptoms. However, this is not routinely occurring in clinical practice, with between 30% and 50% of antidepressant users potentially continuing treatment with no clinical benefit. To support patients to deprescribe antidepressant treatment when clinically appropriate, it is important to understand what is important to patients when making the decision to reduce or cease antidepressants in a naturalistic setting.

Aim:

The current study aimed to describe the self-reported reasons primary care patients have for reducing or stopping their antidepressant medication.

Methods:

Three hundred and seven participants in the diamond longitudinal study reported taking an SSRI/SNRI over the life of the study. Of the 307, 179 reported stopping or tapering their antidepressant during computer-assisted telephone interviews and provided a reason for doing so. A collective case study approach was used to collate the reasons for stopping or tapering.

Findings:

Reflexive thematic analysis of patient-reported factors revealed five overarching themes; 1. Depression; 2. Medication; 3. Healthcare system; 4. Psychosocial, and; 5. Financial. These findings are used to inform suggestions for the development and implementation of antidepressant deprescribing discussions in clinical practice.
X-ray dim isolated neutron star candidates from the eROSITA All-Sky Survey
Authors: Kurpas J. , Schwope A. , Pires A. M. , Haberl F.
Published: February 2023

After 2 years of continuous observations, the eROSITA All-Sky Survey bears the potential to build a complete sample of X-ray dim isolated neutron stars (XDINS). Making use of their soft X-ray emission and large X-ray-to-optical flux ratios, we selected a sample of ∼100 candidates detected down to a limiting flux of ∼10-13 erg s-1cm-2(0.2-2 keV). Follow-up observations of the best candidates will rule out possible contaminants. Updated source catalogues and screening algorithms will further improve our efficiency to identify new XDINS.
Probing accretion flow structure of the HMXB Centaurus X-3 through X-ray spectral variability
Authors: Tamba Tsubasa , Odaka Hirokazu , Bamba Aya , Tanimoto Atsushi , Takashima Satoshi , Suzuki Hiromasa
Published: February 2023

We analyzed 39 ks NuSTAR data of Cen X-3 through both orbital- and pulse-phase resolved spectroscopy. Orbital-phase resolved spectra show extrinsic fluctuations due to absorption by surrounding plasma, as the spectral fluctuation mainly emerges below 10 keV. Pulse-phase resolved spectra, on the other hand, show intrinsic fluctuations depending on effectiveness of Comptonization, since the spectrum becomes hard above 10 keV at the pulse peak.
Modelling Magnetar Behaviour with 3D Magnetothermal Simulations
Authors: De Grandis Davide , Turolla Roberto , Taverna Roberto , Wood Toby S. , Zane Silvia
Published: February 2023

The observational properties of isolated NSs are shaped by their magnetic field and surface temperature. They evolve in a strongly coupled fashion, and modelling them is key in understanding the emission properties of NSs. Much effort was put in tackling this problem in the past but only recently a suitable 3D numerical framework was developed. We present a set of 3D simulations addressing both the long-term evolution (≈ 104–106 yrs) and short-lived outbursts (≲ 1 yr). Not only a 3D approach allows one to test complex field geometries, but it is absolutely key to model magnetar outbursts, which observations associate to the appearance of small, inherently asymmetric hot regions. Even though the mechanism that triggers these phenomena is not completely understood, following the evolution of a localised heat injection in the crust serves as a model to study the unfolding of the event.
Probing magnetar formation channels with high-precision astrometry: The progress of VLBA astrometry of the fastest-spinning magnetar Swift J1818.0–1607
Authors: Ding Hao , Deller Adam , Lower Marcus , Shannon Ryan
Published: February 2023

Boasting supreme magnetic strengths, magnetars are among the prime candidates to generate fast radio bursts. Several theories have been proposed for the formation mechanism of magnetars, but have not yet been fully tested. As different magnetar formation theories expect distinct magnetar space velocity distributions, high-precision astrometry of Galactic magnetars can serve as a probe for the formation theories. In addition, magnetar astrometry can refine the understanding of the distribution of Galactic magnetars. This distribution can be compared against fast radio bursts (FRBs) localized in spiral galaxies, in order to test the link between FRBs and magnetars. Swift J1818.0–1607 is the hitherto fastest-spinning magnetar and the fifth discovered radio magnetar. In an ongoing astrometric campaign, we have observed Swift J1818.0–1607 for one year using the Very Long Baseline Array, and have determined a precise proper motion as well as a tentative parallax for the magnetar.
Let there be light: Illuminating kilonovae with the radiative transfer code POSSIS
Authors: Bulla Mattia
Published: February 2023

The detection of an electromagnetic counterpart to the gravitational-wave source GW 170817 marked year zero of the multi-messenger gravitational-wave era. This event was generated by the merger of two neutron stars and gave rise to an electromagnetic transient, dubbed a “kilonova”. In this proceeding article, I will show how radiative transfer simulations can illuminate neutron star mergers and provide a connection between numerical models and observational data. I will present viewing-angle dependent kilonova predictions made with the Monte Carlo radiative transfer code POSSIS and show how these can be used to interpret data, place constraints on models and guide future follow-up campaigns of gravitational-wave triggers.
Signatures of r-process elements in kilonova spectra
Authors: Domoto Nanae , Tanaka Masaomi , Wanajo Shinya , Kawaguchi Kyohei
Published: February 2023

Binary neutron star (NS) mergers have been expected to synthesize r-process elements and cause electromagnetic radiation called kilonovae. Although r-process nucleosynthesis was confirmed by the observations of GW170817/AT2017gfo, individual elements have not been identified except for strontium. Toward identification of elements in kilonova spectra, we perform radiative transfer simulations in NS merger ejecta. We find that Sr II triplet lines appear in the spectrum, which is consistent with the absorption feature observed in GW170817/AT2017gfo. The synthetic spectrum also shows the strong Ca II triplet lines. Absence of the Ca II line features in GW170817/AT2017gfo implies that the Ca/Sr ratio is < 0.002 in mass fraction, which is consistent with nucleosynthesis for electron fraction ≥ 0.40 and entropy per nucleon (in units of Boltzmann constant) ≥ 25. Identification of absorption lines in near-infrared wavelengths which have not yet been decoded may lead to clarify the abundances synthesized in NS merger ejecta.
Toward an efficient modeling of neutrino-driven winds in binary neutron star mergers
Authors: Gizzi Davide , Rosswog Stephan , O’Connor Evan , Perego Albino , Lundman Christoffer
Published: February 2023

We present a mesh-free, neutrino transport approximation called Advanced Spectral Leakage, designed as a powerful tool for simulations of neutrino-driven winds in binary neutron star mergers with the Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics. We post-process a number of snapshots and compare relevant neutrino quantities with respect to computationally more expensive transport approaches. We find that the scheme recovers neutrino luminosities and mean energies within 25% accuracy and is computationally more efficient.