bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Intervention Fidelity, Culture, and Individual-Level Factors on Health-Related Outcomes Among Hispanic Adolescents with Unhealthy Weight: Findings from a Longitudinal Intervention Trial
Authors: Lovan Padideh , Lozano Alyssa , Estrada Yannine , Lebron Cynthia , Lee Tae Kyoung , Messiah Sarah E. , Prado Guillermo
Published: April 2023

Previous studies have suggested the impact of intervention fidelity on the management and prevention of chronic diseases; however, little is known about the effect of the contributing determinants (at multiple levels of influence) that can impact health-related interventions intending to improve the health status of Hispanic adolescents with overweight or obesity. The current study aimed to assess whether fidelity (i.e., dosage and quality of the program delivery), acculturation (i.e., orientation to the American culture, retention of Hispanic cultural values), and individual-level socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., income, education) predict changes in family processes (e.g., parent control), which in turn may affect adolescent health-related outcomes including body mass index (BMI), physical activity, dietary intake, and adolescents’ health-related quality of life. A pathway analysis model was utilized to explore the study variables among 140 Hispanic parent-adolescent dyads randomized to Familias Unidas Health and Wellness (FUHW) intervention. Results indicated that fidelity was significantly associated with changes in parent-adolescent communication, parent monitoring, limit-setting, and control. Parents’ education was associated with changes in parent limit-setting, and parent Hispanicism was associated with changes in parent limit-setting and discipline. The examination between family processes and adolescent health outcomes revealed that parents’ higher discipline and improved communication with their adolescents were significantly associated with improved adolescents’ quality of life, and parent control was positively associated with physical activity and negatively associated with BMI in adolescents. Our findings demonstrated the significant contribution of intervention fidelity and participants’ characteristics in parenting strategies leading to adolescents’ health outcomes to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases. Future research is needed to investigate the effect of environmental and organizational factors on the delivery of the intervention materials.
Loss, Loneliness, and the Question of Subjectivity in Old Age
Authors: Hughes Emily
Published: April 2023

When a loved one dies, it is common for the bereaved to feel profoundly lonely, disconnected from the world with the sense that they no longer belong. In philosophy, this experience of ‘loss and loneliness’ has been interpreted according to both a loss of possibilities and a loss of the past. But it is unclear how these interpretations apply to the distinctive way in which loss and loneliness manifest in old age. Drawing on the phenomenological analyses of old age given by de Beauvoir and Améry, I consider how the diminishment of the capacity for projection and recollection complicate recent interpretations of loss and loneliness, whilst nevertheless reinforcing the conclusion that in old age subjectivity is necessarily impoverished. Developing a critical stance on de Beauvoir and Améry’s underlying conception of subjectivity, I turn to Levinas in considering whether or not there is a way to reimagine subjectivity such that the estrangement and alienation of older adults might be ameliorated rather than exacerbated. Grounded in the passive body-in-itself rather than the self-transcending capacity of the body-for-itself, I suggest it becomes possible to reconceptualise the experience of loss and loneliness in old age; both in terms of what is lost and what needs to be restored if older adults are to be helped to find themselves at home in the world in the midst of, and indeed because of, manifold loss.
Investigation of the Different Models of Elliptical-Lopac Gate Performance under Submerged Flow Conditions
Authors: Pilbala Ashkan , Shafai Bejestan Mahmood , Sajjadi Seyed Mohsen , Fraccarollo Luigi
Published: April 2023

The effect of the elliptic ratio on the hydraulic performance of the LOPAC gate has been investigated using experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics $$CFD$$

CFD

simulations (Flow-$$3D$$

3
D

Hydro). Experiments and simulations were carried out at three different flow discharges, three different submerged ratios, and five different elliptic ratios. In this context, the $$CFD$$

CFD

model was first calibrated and verified using the measured data, and then $$CFD$$

CFD

simulation was performed. The ratio of upstream/downstream flow depth, the flow discharge coefficient, and the energy dissipation through the gate have been calculated and analyzed, and the three-dimensional features of the flow have been described. Based on the results, the elliptical LOPAC gates with circular weirs determine extreme values of the controlled flow parameters. Asymmetric recirculation downstream of the gate is sometimes observed in the model predictions. The use of Coriolis coefficients relevant to the entire cross-section, here deployed just for the circular and the traditional rectangular Lopac gates, has allowed a concise way to report and compare complex flows for any experimental condition.
Application of High-Resolution Near-Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy to Detect Microplastic Particles in Different Environmental Compartments
Authors: Munz Matthias , Kreiß Jasper , Krüger Lisa , Schmidt Lena Katharina , Bochow Mathias , Bednarz Marius , Bannick Claus Gerhard , Oswald Sascha E.
Published: April 2023

Microplastic particles (MPP) occur in various environmental compartments all over the world. They have been frequently investigated in oceans, freshwaters, and sediments, but studying their distribution in space and time is somewhat limited by the time-consuming nature of the available accurate detection strategies. Here, we present an enhanced application of lab-based near-infrared imaging (NIR) spectroscopy to identify the total number of MPP, classify polymer types, and determine particle sizes while maintaining short measuring times. By adding a microscopic lens to the hyperspectral camera and a cross slide table to the setup, the overall detectable particle size has been decreased to 100 µm in diameter. To verify and highlight the capabilities of this enhanced, semi-automated detection strategy, it was applied to key areas of microplastic research, such as a lowland river, the adjacent groundwater wells, and marine beach sediments. Results showed mean microplastic concentrations of 0.65 MPP/L in the Havel River close to Berlin and 0.004 MPP/L in the adjacent groundwater. The majority of MPP detected in the river were PP and PE. In 8 out of 15 groundwater samples, no MPP was found. Considering only the samples with quantifiable MPP, then on average 0.01 MPP/L was present in the groundwater (98.5% removal during bank filtration). The most abundant polymers in groundwater were PE, followed by PVC, PET, and PS. Mean MPP concentrations at two beaches on the German Baltic Sea coast were 5.5﻿~MPP/kg at the natural reserve Heiligensee and Hüttelmoor and 47.5 MPP/kg at the highly frequented Warnemünde beach.
Resource allocation scheme for eMBB and uRLLC coexistence in 6G networks
Authors: Al-Ali Muhammed , Yaacoub Elias
Published: April 2023

5G technology is intended to support three promising services with heterogeneous requirements: Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication (uRLLC), enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). 6G is required to support even more challenging scenarios, including the presence of a large number of uRLLC devices, under the massive uRLLC (mURLLC) use case scenario. The presence of these services on the same network creates a challenging task of resource allocation to meet their diverse requirements. Given the critical nature of uRLLC applications, uRLLC traffic will always have the highest priority which causes a negative impact on the performance of other services. In this paper, the problem of uRLLC/eMBB resource allocation is investigated. An optimal resource allocation scheme is proposed with two scenarios including a guaranteed fairness level and minimum data rate among eMBB users. In addition, a knapsack-inspired punctured resource allocation algorithm is proposed where the users’ channel qualities of both services are considered at each time slot leading to the most suitable Resource Block (RB) selection for puncturing in a way that minimizes the negative impact on eMBB performance. The proposed solution was compared with three puncturing baseline reference algorithms and the performance was evaluated in terms of eMBB Sum throughput and Fairness level. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the above-mentioned reference algorithms in all evaluation metrics and is proved to be comparable to the optimal solution given its low complexity.
Use of a deep learning algorithm for non-mass enhancement on breast MRI: comparison with radiologists’ interpretations at various levels
Authors: Goto Mariko , Sakai Koji , Toyama Yasuchiyo , Nakai Yoshitomo , Yamada Kei
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of deep learning using the Residual Networks 50 (ResNet50) neural network constructed from different segmentations for distinguishing malignant and benign non-mass enhancement (NME) on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conduct a comparison with radiologists with various levels of experience.

Materials and methods

A total of 84 consecutive patients with 86 lesions (51 malignant, 35 benign) presenting NME on breast MRI were analyzed. Three radiologists with different levels of experience evaluated all examinations, based on the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon and categorization. For the deep learning method, one expert radiologist performed lesion annotation manually using the early phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. Two segmentation methods were applied: a precise segmentation was carefully set to include only the enhancing area, and a rough segmentation covered the whole enhancing region, including the intervenient non-enhancing area. ResNet50 was implemented using the DCE MRI input. The diagnostic performance of the radiologists’ readings and deep learning were then compared using receiver operating curve analysis.

Results

The ResNet50 model from precise segmentation achieved diagnostic accuracy equivalent [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90, 0.93] to that of a highly experienced radiologist (AUC = 0.89, 95% CI 0.81, 0.96; p = 0.45). Even the model from rough segmentation showed diagnostic performance equivalent to a board-certified radiologist (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI 0.78, 0.82 vs. AUC = 0.79, 95% CI 0.70, 0.89, respectively). Both ResNet50 models from the precise and rough segmentation exceeded the diagnostic accuracy of a radiology resident (AUC = 0.64, 95% CI 0.52, 0.76).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the deep learning model from ResNet50 has the potential to ensure accuracy in the diagnosis of NME on breast MRI.
Morphodynamics and sediment connectivity index in an unmanaged, debris-flow prone catchment: a through time perspective
Authors: Torresani Loris , Piton Guillaume , D’Agostino Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

Torrential processes are among the main actors responsible for sediment production and mobility in mountain catchments. For this reason, the understanding of preferential pathways for sediment routing has become a priority in hazard assessment and mitigation. In this context, the sediment Connectivity Index (IC) enables to analyse the existing linkage between sediment sources and the selected target (channel network or catchment outlet). The IC is a grid-based index that allows fast computation of sediment connectivity based on landscape information derived from a single Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The index computation is based on the log-ratio between an upslope and a downslope component, including information about drainage area, slope, terrain roughness, and distance to the analysis target (e.g. outlet). The output is a map that highlights the degree of structural connectivity of sediment pathways over analysed catchments. Until now, these maps are however rarely used to help defining debris-flow hazard maps, notably due to a lack of guidelines to interpret the IC spatial distribution. This paper proposes an exploitation procedure along profiles to extract more information from the analysis of mapped IC values. The methodology relies on the analysis of the IC and its component variables along the main channel profile, integrated with information about sediment budgeting derived from Difference of DEMs (DoD). The study of connectivity was applied in the unmanaged sub-catchment (without torrent control works) of the Rio Soial (Autonomous Province of Trento – NE Italy) to understanding the geomorphic evolution of the area after five debris flows (in ten years) and the related changes of sediment connectivity. Using a recent DTM as validation, we demonstrated how an IC analysis over the older DTM can help predicting geomorphic changes and associated hazards. The results show an IC aptitude to capture geomorphic trajectories, anticipate debris flow deposits in a specific channel location, and depict preferential routing pathways..
Antiangiogenic Therapy for Malignant Brain Tumors: Does It Still Matter?
Authors: Pellerino Alessia , Bruno Francesco , Soffietti Riccardo , Rudà Roberta
Published: April 2023

Purpose of Review

To summarize the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis and resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, and the influence on tumor microenvironment.

Recent Findings

Several clinical trials have investigated the activity of anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in glioblastoma, shedding the light on their limitations in terms of disease control and survival. We have outlined the mechanisms of resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, including vessel co-option, hypoxic signaling in response to vessel destruction, modulation of glioma stem cells, and trafficking of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor microenvironment. Moreover, novel generation of antiangiogenic compounds for glioblastoma, including small interfering RNAs and nanoparticles, as a delivery vehicle, could enhance selectivity and reduce side effects of treatments.

There is still a rationale for the use of antiangiogenic therapy, but a better understanding of vascular co-option, vascular mimicry, and dynamic relationships between immunosuppressive microenvironment and blood vessel destruction is crucial to develop next-generation antiangiogenic compounds.
The European Health Union and the protection of public health in the European Union: Is the European Union prepared for future cross-border health threats?
Authors: Seitz Claudia
Published: April 2023

The Covid 19 pandemic has cast traditional health protection issues in a new light due to their cross-border significance with far-reaching consequences for almost all areas of social life and places health protection in the European Union in a broader context that goes beyond the national consideration of necessary measures at EU Member State level. The pandemic has made it clear that the responsibility for public health remains in principle with the EU Member States and that the competences of the European Union under Article 168 TFEU are – with a few exceptions – generally limited to supporting, coordinating and assisting tasks. This article examines whether the European Union is adequately prepared for future pandemics and other cross-border health threats based on its responsibilities under the current system of competences between the EU and its Member States in the area of health policy under article 168. The article concludes with some suggestions for discussion and consideration.
On the Method of Stationary Phase in Calculating the Propagator of the Coulomb–Kepler Problem
Authors: Rauh Alexander
Published: April 2023

A theorem is proven on the method of stationary phase to be applied in the calculation of the propagator from the Green’s function of the Coulomb - Kepler problem, by means of Fourier transformation. The Green’s function is available in position representation in an exact compact form as ingeniously derived by Hostler (1963). The Fourier transform, at first, exists in the distributional sense. In order to avoid series representation in Schwartz space, the integrals are defined away from the real axis of the integration variable and by taking principal values. The theorem deals with integrands with a highly oscillating exponential term. It is shown that the method of stationary phase renders exact results in cases relevant to the problem, whereby the integrand can contain an analytic amplitude factor in addition to the exponential term.
Decrease in vancomycin MICs and prevalence of hGISA in MRSA and MSSA isolates from a German pediatric tertiary care center
Authors: Haas Katharina , Meyer-Buehn Melanie , von Both Ulrich , Hübner Johannes , Schober Tilmann
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to vancomycin includes a general increase of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) within the susceptible range over time (Vancomycin MIC Creep) and the presence of a subset of the bacterial population that expresses resistance (heterogeneous glycopeptide-intermediate S. aureus; hGISA). Increased MICs have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, the vancomycin MIC creep is not a uniform trend suggesting the importance of regional surveys.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis at a German pediatric tertiary care hospital. Isolates from 2002 to 2017 were selected which were newly identified methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or samples from invasive methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) or MRSA infections. Vancomycin and oxacillin MICs as well as GISA/hGISA were measured using MIC test strips and resistance was evaluated over time.

Results

A total of 540 samples were tested, 200 from the early (2002–2009) and 340 from the later period (2010–2017). All samples were vancomycin susceptible, but the MIC was higher for the earlier samples as compared to the later ones (1.11 vs 0.99; p < 0.001). 14% of the samples were hGISA, GISA strains were not detected. Again, vancomycin resistance decreased over time with 28 vs. 6% hGISA (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between MRSA and MSSA samples with respect to vancomycin MIC and hGISA prevalence.

Conclusion

This study shows a decreasing trend for both MIC values and presence of hGISA strains highlighting the importance of monitoring local susceptibilities. Vancomycin remains a first-line treatment option for suspected severe infection with Gram-positive cocci and proven infection with MRSA.
Microencapsulated paraffin as a tribological additive for advanced polymeric coatings
Authors: Gheisari Reza , Vazquez Mariela , Tsigkis Vasilis , Erdemir Ali , Wooley Karen L. , Polycarpou Andreas A.
Published: April 2023

Numerous tribological applications, wherein the use of liquid lubricants is infeasible, require adequate dry lubrication. Despite the use of polymers as an effective solution for dry sliding tribological applications, their poor wear resistance prevents the utilization in harsh industrial environment. Different methods are typically implemented to tackle the poor wear performance of polymers, however sacrificing some of their mechanical/tribological properties. Herein, we discussed the introduction of a novel additive, namely microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) into an advanced polymeric coating. Specifically, paraffin was encapsulated into melamine-based resin, and the capsules were dispersed in an aromatic thermosetting co-polyester (ATSP) coating. We found that the MPCM-filled composite exhibited a unique tribological behavior, manifested as “zero wear”, and a super-low coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.05. The developed composite outperformed the state-of-the-art polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-filled coatings, under the experimental conditions examined herein.
First report of the enset root mealybug Paraputo ensete (Williams & Matile-Ferrero) (Hem.: Pseudococcidae) on banana in Ethiopia
Authors: Erenso Fikadu , Blomme Guy , Goergen Georg , Muanenda Mitiku , Kearsley Elizabeth , Addis Temesgen
Published: April 2023

Enset root mealybugs, a major pest affecting the cultivation of the enset crop in the Ethiopian highlands, have for the first time been observed on banana mats indicating the potential host status ofMusaspp. These observations were made under natural conditions in backyard gardens in the Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia, on the root system of banana mats of the ‘Pisang Awak’ (local name ‘Feranji Muz’, ABB genome group) landrace. Here, we confirm the identification of the collected enset root mealybug specimens on banana mat root systems asParaputo ensete(Williams & Matile-Ferrero) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) through DNA analysis.
Overview of Geriatric Trauma in an Urban Trauma Center in Eastern China: Implications from Computational Intelligence for Localized Trauma-Specific Frailty Index System Design
Authors: Dong Sheng , Wu Tie , Wu Yi-Feng , Min Zu-Liang , Xue Ming-Yu
Published: April 2023

Due to the lifestyle and activity of the aging population, it is expected that geriatric trauma will increase and become one of the major challenges in health care. The objective of this study was to determine epidemiological differences between geriatric trauma patients and their younger counterparts, and to find the implications for localized Trauma-Specific Frailty Index (TSFI) system design. This study was a retrospective analysis of adult patients registered in the Trauma Registry, comparisons were made between the geriatric patients, aged over 65 years old, and the younger patients, aged 18–64 years old. Variables were collected include demography, injury mechanism, type, severity of injuries sustained, and outcomes. From July 2018 to July 2021, 2594 trauma patients were evaluated. Injury severity score (ISS) in the geriatric patients’ group is not higher than the younger patients’ group statistically (P = 0.066), and results in increased ICU occupancy and mortality risk as compared with the younger patients (P < 0.05). The majority of geriatric patients suffered falls from low heights and traffic accidents. The geriatric patients most suffered isolated injuries of the extremities/pelvis (31.8%) commonly. In contrast to the younger patients, they had more injuries of the head/neck or polytrauma (P < 0.05). This study provided a snapshot of the trauma burden in a proportion of the urban geriatric patients in Eastern China. The geriatric patients are unlike their younger counterparts, and their unique features should be considered in the future development of computational intelligence, particularly in the case of localized TSFI system design.
Injuries and Health Issues Occurring During Offshore Transoceanic Sailing: A Survey of Recreational Sailors and Cruisers
Authors: Hayes David Oliver , Nathanson Andrew T. , Dubuc Élisa , Blanchette Marc-André
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Most of the literature on sailing injuries is centered on competitive sailing, often involving a single regatta. The aims of this study were to provide a description of the types of injuries and illnesses sustained during amateur offshore cruising events, estimate their incidence, and investigate potential risk factors for injuries.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of self-reported sailing-related injuries and health issues during 4 different events organized by the World Cruising Club between 2014 and 2015. Prior to departure, sailors received an injury or health issue report form to complete during their sailing event. Questionnaires were then collected at the end of each event. Bivariable (Student’s t tests and χ2 tests) and mutilvariable logistic regression were used to study the associations among injuries, health issues, and the characteristics of sailors or sailboats.

Results

The incidence of injuries and health issues among the respondents was 1.08 and 1.01 per 10,000 nautical miles, respectively. Smaller boats ( P<0.001) and crews with less experience with the current boat ( P<0.001) were associated with reporting of more injuries. Most of the injuries were reported during favorable weather conditions. Health issues were more frequent on smaller boats and with women ( P=0.008), who reported significantly more seasickness ( P<0.001), anxiety ( P=0.037), and skin rash/fungal infection ( P=0.021).

Conclusions

Injuries and health issues are relatively common among amateur offshore recreational sailors, but severe injuries are rare. Smaller boats and having less experience in sailing with the current boat were associated with more injuries. Preventive strategies should include a sailing experience requirement on the boat being sailed for all crew members, increasing the minimum boat size requirement for sailing events, and mandatory first-aid training prior to a cruising event for all crew members.
The RAS-24: Development and validation of an adherence-to-medication scale for severe mental illness patients
Authors: Ralat Sandra I. , Rodríguez-Gómez José
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Several studies have found that most patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and comorbid (physical) conditions are partially or wholly nonadherent to their medication regimens. Nonadherence to treatment is a serious concern, affecting the successful management of patients with SMIs. Psychiatric disorders tend to worsen and persist in nonadherent patients, worsening their overall health. The study described herein aimed to develop and validate a scale (the Ralat Adherence Scale) to measure nonadherence behaviors in a culturally sensitive way.

Materials and Methods:

Guided by a previous study that explored the primary reasons for nonadherence in Puerto Rican patients, we developed a pool of 147 items linked to the concept of adherence. Nine experts reviewed the meaning, content, clarity, and relevance of the individual items, and a content validity ratio was calculated for each one. Forty items remained in the scale’s first version. This version was administered to 160 patients (21–60 years old). All the participants had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. The STROBE checklist was used as the reporting guideline.

Results:

The scale had very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.812). After a factor analysis, the scale was reduced to 24 items; the new scale had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.900.

Conclusions:

This adherence scale is a self-administered instrument with very good psychometric properties; it has yielded important information about nonadherence behaviors. The scale can help health professionals and researchers to assess patient adherence or nonadherence to a medication regimen.
Porous cylinder arrays for optimal wake and drag characteristics
Authors: Nair Aishwarya , Kazemi Amirkhosro , Curet Oscar , Verma Siddhartha
Published: April 2023

The root systems of mangroves, a tree species found in intertidal tropical and subtropical coastal zones, provide a natural barrier that dissipates wave energy effectively and reduces sediment erosion. Here, we use a combination of experiments and numerical simulations to examine the wake and drag characteristics of porous arrays of cylinders, which serve as simplified models of mangrove root networks. Optimal arrangements of the arrays are obtained by coupling Navier–Stokes simulations with a multi-objective optimization algorithm, which seeks configurations that minimize wake enstrophy and maximize drag on the porous structure. These optimal configurations are investigated using particle image velocimetry, and the internal and external flows around the porous arrays are analysed using a combination of proper orthogonal decomposition and Lagrangian particle tracking. Large variations in drag and enstrophy are observed by varying the relative positions of the cylinders, which indicates that the geometrical arrangement of porous arrays plays a prominent role in determining wake and drag characteristics. A sensitivity analysis suggests that enstrophy is more sensitive than drag to specific cylinder placement, and depends on distinctive flow patterns that develop in the interior due to interactions among neighbouring cylinders. Arrays with higher drag involve a combination of larger projected frontal area and minimal flux through the interior, leading to increased wake enstrophy, which is unfavourable for particle deposition and erosion. Based on the analysis of characteristics associated with the optimal arrays, several manually designed arrays are tested, and they display the expected behaviour with regard to drag and enstrophy.
Neuropeptide Y gene variants and Agreeableness: interaction effect with the birth cohort and the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism
Authors: Kiive Evelyn , Kanarik Margus , Veidebaum Toomas , Harro Jaanus
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a powerful regulator of anxious states, including social anxiety, but evidence from human genetic studies is limited. Associations of common gene variants with behaviour have been described as subject to birth cohort effects, especially if the behaviour is socially motivated. This study aimed to examine the association of NPY rs16147 and rs5574 with personality traits in highly representative samples of two birth cohorts of young adults, the samples having been formed during a period of rapid societal transition.

Methods:

Both birth cohorts (original n = 1238) of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (ECPBHS) self-reported personality traits of the five-factor model at 25 years of age.

Results:

A significant interaction effect of the NPY rs16147 and rs5574 and birth cohort on Agreeableness was found. The T/T genotype of NPY rs16147 resulted in low Agreeableness in the older cohort (born 1983) and in high Agreeableness in the younger cohort (born 1989). The C/C genotype of NPY rs5574 was associated with higher Agreeableness in the younger but not in the older cohort. In the NPY rs16147 T/T homozygotes, the deviations from average in Agreeableness within the birth cohort were dependent on the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism.

Conclusions:

The association between the NPY gene variants and a personality domain reflecting social desirability is subject to change qualitatively in times of rapid societal changes, serving as an example of the relationship between the plasticity genes and environment. The underlying mechanism may involve the development of the serotonergic system.
The Role of Majority Status in Close Election Studies
Authors: Alpino Matteo , Crispino Marta
Published: April 2023

Many studies exploit close elections in a regression discontinuity framework to identify partisan effects, that is, the effect of having a given party in office on some outcome. We argue that, when conducted on single-member districts, such design may identify a compound effect: the partisan effect, plus the majority status effect, that is, the effect of being represented by a member of the legislative majority. We provide a simple strategy to disentangle the two, and test it with simulations. Finally, we show the empirical relevance of this issue using real data.
Robustness of nonuniform mean-square exponential dichotomies
Authors: Zhu Hailong
Published: April 2023

For linear stochastic differential equations with bounded coefficients, we establish the robustness of nonuniform mean-square exponential dichotomy (NMS-ED) on $[t_{0},\,+\infty )$, $(-\infty,\,t_{0}]$ and the whole ${\Bbb R}$ separately, in the sense that such an NMS-ED persists under a sufficiently small linear perturbation. The result for the nonuniform mean-square exponential contraction is also discussed. Moreover, in the process of proving the existence of NMS-ED, we use the observation that the projections of the ‘exponential growing solutions’ and the ‘exponential decaying solutions’ on $[t_{0},\,+\infty )$, $(-\infty,\,t_{0}]$ and ${\Bbb R}$ are different but related. Thus, the relations of three types of projections on $[t_{0},\,+\infty )$, $(-\infty,\,t_{0}]$ and ${\Bbb R}$ are discussed.
Landscape dynamics and chronological refinement of the Middle Pleistocene Reinsdorf Sequence of Schöningen, NW Germany
Authors: Urban Brigitte , Kasper Thomas , Krahn Kim J. , van Kolfschoten Thijs , Rech Bent , Holzheu Marco , Tucci Mario , Schwalb Antje
Published: April 2023

Detailed sedimentological, geochemical, palynological, and aquatic-microfossil analyses on a new composite profile (Para-Reference Profile Schöningen 13 II and Zeugenblock 13 II [2018]) exposed at the archaeological excavation site of Schöningen 13 II reflect several phases of newly recorded lake level fluctuations and vegetation changes. A pronounced deforestation and the expansion of grasses and herbal plant communities characterize the first steppe (open woodland) phase, which follows the interglacial forest communities. A succeeding tripartite woodland phase predominantly marked by Betula and Pinus is followed by another rather dry steppe phase and a second woodland period, which includes the famous archaeological “spear horizon” 13 II-4ab. Transition into a cold period is indicated by progressive desiccation of the lake and a shift to a steppe/tundra vegetation. Novel 3D images of the 10 most characteristic phases of the Reinsdorf sequence have been constructed based on the botanical data (macro remains as well as palynomorphs), terrestrial vertebrate faunal, geochemical, sedimentological, and previously established data from aquatic microfossils. In addition, a tentative correlation between the post-interglacial phases of the Reinsdorf sequence and Marine Isotope Substages 9d–9a, based on biostratigraphical as well as sedimentological data, is proposed.
John and William Mahon, the earliest British clarinet soloists
Authors: Rice Albert R. , Crisp Catherine J.
Published: April 2023

Over the course of a playing career that spanned roughly fifty years, John Mahon (pronoucned M’hone) introduced and popularized the clarinet as a solo and chamber instrument throughout Britain. He performed extensively in London and in many provincial towns. This article presents biographies of John and William Mahon, illustrations of contemporary clarinets and a basset horn, Mahon as a teacher, his music, and his influence and legacy. William Mahon’s concerts and reviews and a conclusion end the article.
Effect of probiotic supplementation on chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related diarrhoea in patients with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Amiri Khosroshahi Reza , Zeraattalab-Motlagh Sheida , Sarsangi Peyman , Nielsen Sabrina Mai , Mohammadi Hamed
Published: April 2023

To date, several systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) have investigated the effects of probiotics, but the certainty of the evidence for an effect on chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related diarrhoea has not been assessed. We conducted an overview of SRMA, searching MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science from inception up to February 2022. We summarised the findings of eligible SRMA. Subsequently, we included randomised clinical trials (RCT) from the SRMA in meta-analyses, using a quality effects model to calculate the OR and 95 % CI for each outcome. We used ‘A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews’ and the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess the methodological quality of the SRMA and their RCT, respectively. We used the ‘Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation’.We included thirteen SRMA, which reported pooled effect sizes for chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related diarrhoea based on a total of eighteen RCT. Our meta-analyses demonstrated statistically significant beneficial effects from probiotics on all outcomes, except stool consistency; diarrhoea (any grade) OR 0·35 (95 % CI 0·22, 0·54), grade ≥ 2 diarrhoea 0·43 (0·25, 0·74), grade ≥ 3 diarrhoea 0·30 (0·15, 0·59), use of medication 0·49 (0·27, 0·88), soft stool 1·10 (0·44, 2·76) and watery stool 0·52 (0·29, 1·29). Probiotics use can reduce the incidence of diarrhoea in cancer patients in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the certainty of evidence for significant outcomes was very low and low.
Opera as Critical “Synthesis”: Theorizing the Interface between Cosmopolitanism and Orientalism
Authors: O’Connor Aeron
Published: April 2023

For centuries, European operas have portrayed dramatic, exotic Others on stage. However, as opera is increasingly adopted around the world, including by those “Eastern” Others it orientalized, its Othering tendencies serve new, more critical purposes. Post-colonial studies of knowledge and cultural production have shown how relations between centers and peripheries, knowledge and power are integral to forms of orientalism. In Tajikistan, the accounts of opera told today by the daughter of a successful Soviet Tajik composer bring to light the ambiguity of power relations and positionalities in Soviet opera’s production. Her accounts, beyond highlighting opera’s readily apparent orientalist tendencies, reveal surprising cosmopolitan aspirations in Soviet Central Asian opera. Cosmopolitan histories and values also feature heavily in post-colonial politics of knowledge production, but the concept appears worlds apart from, even in opposition to that of orientalism: the latter feeds off center-periphery, knowledge-power relations, while the former aspires to evade them. Through this present-day account of opera’s development in Soviet Tajikistan, this article challenges this opposition, theorizing a conceptual ambiguity and interdependence between orientalism and cosmopolitanism, which has important consequences for knowledge-producing fields like opera, as well as anthropology. Multiple forms of orientalism and cosmopolitanism overlapped and interacted in the development of Soviet Central Asian opera as numerous, intersecting meanings and socio-political agendas went into its production. Ultimately, a conceptual space emergesbetweenthe orientalism(s) and cosmopolitanism(s) at play. This ambiguous space in-between offers a lens for critically evaluating the complex, uneven practice of portraying and engaging with Others.
Information in Financial Contracts: Evidence from Securitization Agreements
Authors: Ambrose Brent W. , Han Yiqiang , Korgaonkar Sanket , Shen Lily
Published: April 2023

We introduce a novel application of machine learning to compare pooling and servicing agreements (PSAs) that govern commercial mortgage-backed securities. In contrast to the view that the PSA is largely boilerplate text, we document substantial variation across PSAs, both within- and across-underwriters and over time. A part of this variation is driven by differences in loan collateral across deals. Additionally, we find that differences in PSAs are correlated with ex post loan and bond performance. Collectively, our analysis suggests the importance of examining the entire governing document, rather than specific components, when analyzing complex financial securities.
Impact of Regulations on Firm Value: Evidence from the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Kundu Santanu
Published: April 2023

Using the 2016 U.S. presidential election result as a shock to the expectations about the future regulatory environment, I find that most regulated firms earned approximately 4% higher cumulative abnormal stock returns than least regulated firms during the first 10 trading days after the election. Exploring economic mechanisms, I find evidence consistent with the explanation that more regulations disproportionately harm high-growth firms and allow incumbent firms to extract rents through lower competition and political favoritism. Stock returns are also followed by a shift in firm fundamentals over 3 years after 2016, consistent with the economic mechanisms.
The antiquity of verb agreement in Trans-Himalayan (Sino-Tibetan)
Authors: DeLancey Scott
Published: April 2023

This paper reviews the evidence and arguments for reconstructing a person–number agreement paradigm for the Proto-Trans-Himalayan (=Sino-Tibetan) verb, and assesses the counter-arguments which have been presented in the literature. We demonstrate the cognacy of verb agreement paradigms across the family, and show that there is no plausible subclassification of the family which would place all the attesting languages in a single branch of the family, and no case for a “Rung” branch. The agreement systems of Jinghpaw and Northern Naga and the archaic postverbal paradigms of South Central/Kuki-Chin are demonstrably cognate to those of Rgyalrongic and Kiranti, and these languages have no common ancestor more recent than PTH.
Positive und negative Therapieerwartungen sagen Therapieerfolg vorher
Authors: Edwards Laura , Fehm Lydia
Published: April 2023

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Erwartungen von Patient_innen hinsichtlich des Erfolgs ihrer Therapie gelten schon lange als allgemeine Wirkfaktoren in der Psychotherapie. Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, ob Therapieerwartungen als Prädiktoren für den Behandlungserfolg über etablierte Prädiktoren hinaus bedeutsam sind und betrachtet hierbei sowohl positive als auch negative Erwartungen (Hoffnung auf Besserung bzw. Furcht vor Veränderung). Methoden: Bei 453 Completern einer ambulanten kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Behandlung wurden mittels eines Fragebogens zu Therapiebeginn positive und negative Therapieerwartungen erfasst. Mit einer hierarchischen logistischen Regression wurde geprüft, ob und wie Therapieerwartungen einen Einfluss auf den Therapieerfolg der Patient_innen haben. Therapieerfolg wurde dabei im Sinne einer klinisch bedeutsamen Veränderung im Einzelfall definiert. Ergebnisse: Über den Einfluss bereits belegter Prädiktoren hinaus, zeigten vor allem positive, für die Remission auch negative Therapieerwartungen einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den Therapieerfolg. Schlussfolgerungen: Die routinemäßige Erfassung von Therapieerwartungen zu Beginn der Therapie scheint sinnvoll, um Hindernisse für ein möglichst gutes Therapieergebnis früh genug zu identifizieren.
Simulation of Venus Lightning‐I: Characterization of Free Radicals Generated in Venus Major Gas Mixture
Authors: Qu H. K. , Wang A. , Thimsen E. , Ling Z. C.
Published: April 2023

A new Venus‐ESD‐Chamber (VEC) and peripheral systems were designed and built to simulate Venus lightning. It consists of three subsystems (a) electrostatic discharge (ESD) generation, (b) environmental pressure, temperature, gas composition control & monitoring, and (c) optical and non‐optical sensors. We conducted arc discharge experiments in air, in CO2, and in Venus major gas mixture (CO2‐N2, 96.5% ± 1.5%:3.5% ± 1.5%) under 10, 350, 700, and 1,000 mbar pressures, that correspond to the 50–75 km altitude range in the cloud layer of Venus. Plasma and Raman spectra, plus gas sensors, and GC‐MS were used to identify the ESD products and to semi‐quantify CO and O3 generated by ESD. We have found all species of free radicals that have been found in previous simulation studies using different discharge technologies, including some important species in CO2‐N2 system, nitrogen oxides and CN. In addition, we found three species (O3, N2+, and C2) that have not been previously reported. Our results suggest that electron flux and kinetic energy are the determining factors for the type of generated free radical species and gas pressure plays a less important role. We found that the quantity of CO changes with the type of ESD. The detection of O3 in this study suggests that lightning might be one of the sources of O3 observed in the Venusian atmosphere. OI emission line at 777.4 nm is the most prominent line in our plasma spectra of FD, consistent with the intense optical flash observed by the Lightning and Airglow Camera (LAC) on the Akatsuki mission.
Differential Controls of Greenhouse Gas (CO2, CH4, and N2O) Concentrations in Natural and Constructed Agricultural Waterbodies on the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Jensen Sydney A. , Webb Jackie R. , Simpson Gavin L. , Baulch Helen M. , Leavitt Peter R. , Finlay Kerri
Published: April 2023

Inland waters are hotspots of greenhouse gas (GHG) cycling, with small water bodies particularly active in the production and consumption of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). However, wetland ponds are being replaced rapidly by small constructed reservoirs in agricultural regions, yet it is unclear whether these two water body types exhibit similar physical, chemical, and environmental controls of GHG content and fluxes. Here, we compared the content and regulatory mechanisms of all three major GHGs in 20 pairs of natural wetland ponds and constructed reservoirs in Canada's largest agricultural region. Carbon dioxide content was associated primarily with metabolic indicators in both water body types; however, primary production was paramount in reservoirs, and heterotrophic metabolism a stronger correlate in wetland ponds. Methane concentrations were correlated positively with eutrophication of the reservoirs alone, while competitive inhibition by sulfur‐reducing bacteria may have limited CH4 in both waterbody types. Contrary to expectations, N2O was undersaturated in both water body types, with wetlands being a significantly stronger and more widespread N2O sink. Varying regulatory processes are attributed to differences in age, depth, morphology, and water‐column circulation between water body types. These results suggest that natural and constructed water bodies should be modeled separately in regional GHG budgets.
Directly Dating Plio‐Pleistocene Climate Change in the Terrestrial Record
Authors: Dröllner Maximilian , Barham Milo , Kirkland Christopher L. , Danišík Martin , Bourdet Julien , Schulz Maike , Aspandiar Mehrooz
Published: April 2023

Accurate chronology of climatic shifts is critical to understand the controls on landscape and species evolution. Unfortunately, direct dating of continental climate change is hindered by the scarcity of dateable terrestrial products evidencing climatic shifts. Here we use ferruginous indurations from the arid landscapes of the Nullarbor Plain in southern Australia to constrain the timing of Plio‐Pleistocene aridification in the continental realm. We present (U‐Th)/He goethite data implying active induration processes between c. 2.7 and 2.4 Ma. Chemical‐mineralogical and petrographic examination suggests that formation of ferruginous indurations was linked with a decline of the groundwater table, driven by the rapid climatic shift from humid late Pliocene to arid early Pleistocene conditions. Combined with local to global climatic proxies, we conclude that ferruginous indurations are promising targets to obtain absolute ages on landscape evolution to refine continental climatic chronology and improve understanding of the environmental drivers of species diversification and extinction.