bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Relationship Between Student Well-Being and Academic Achievement
Authors: Morinaj Julia , Hascher Tina
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Student well-being is considered as both an enabling condition for positive learning outcomes and an essential educational outcome itself. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between student well-being and academic achievement cross-sectionally, leaving unclear the direction of causality. Employing 3 waves of data spaced 1 year apart, this longitudinal study used a random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to account for between-person effects and segregate within-person effects between positive and negative dimensions of student well-being and academic achievement. Participants were 404 secondary school students in Switzerland in grades 7–9. The RI-CLPMs suggested that over 1-year time intervals students’ academic achievement may positively influence positive dimensions of student well-being (i.e., positive attitudes toward school, enjoyment in school, positive academic self-concept) within secondary school students. Negative dimensions of student well-being (i.e., worries in school, physical complaints, and social problems) were not associated with academic achievement.
In Appreciation of AGU’s Outstanding Reviewers of 2021
Authors: Giampoala Matt , Frost Carol
Published: July 2022

AGU editors recognize the contributions of peer reviewers, whose expertise and dedication ensure optimal science communication within our journals.
Can Coastal Upwelling Trigger a Climate Mode? A Study on Intraseasonal‐Scale Coastal Upwelling Off Java and the Indian Ocean Dipole
Authors: Horii T. , Siswanto E. , Iskandar I. , Ueki I. , Ando K.
Published: July 2022

Coastal upwelling along the southern coast of Java brings cold and nutrient‐rich subsurface water to the surface. We explored whether the upwelling could trigger the onset of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) by supplying cold water to the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean. We used satellite‐based daily chlorophyll‐a concentration (Chl‐a) data during 2003–2020 as a proxy of the coastal upwelling. We focused on first Chl‐a bloom that occurred in April‐June, the onset phase of the positive IOD (pIOD). We found that the timing and strength of the upwelling signals were significantly correlated with the subsequent IOD peaks. We diagnosed processes associated with the upwelling affecting sea surface temperature (SST) in the southeastern Indian Ocean. Results indicate that after the cold‐water upwelling south of Java, westward surface temperature advection plays a role in anomalously cooling the SST in the southeastern Indian Ocean and setting a favorable condition for the subsequent pIOD development.
Superconducting quantum interference at the atomic scale
Authors: Karan Sujoy , Huang Haonan , Padurariu Ciprian , Kubala Björn , Theiler Andreas , Black-Schaffer Annica M. , Morrás Gonzalo , Yeyati Alfredo Levy , Cuevas Juan Carlos , Ankerhold Joachim , Kern Klaus , Ast Christian R.
Published: July 2022

A single spin in a Josephson junction can reverse the flow of the supercurrent by changing the sign of the superconducting phase difference across it. At mesoscopic length scales, these π-junctions are employed in various applications, such as finding the pairing symmetry of the underlying superconductor, as well as quantum computing. At the atomic scale, the counterpart of a single spin in a superconducting tunnel junction is known as a Yu–Shiba–Rusinov state. Observation of the supercurrent reversal in that setting has so far remained elusive. Here we demonstrate such a 0 to π transition of a Josephson junction through a Yu–Shiba–Rusinov state as we continuously change the impurity–superconductor coupling. We detect the sign change in the critical current by exploiting a second transport channel as reference in analogy to a superconducting quantum interference device, which provides our scanning tunnelling microscope with the required phase sensitivity. The measured change in the Josephson current is a signature of the quantum phase transition and allows its characterization with high resolution.
Association between body shape index and risk of mortality in the United States
Authors: Lee Heysoo , Chung Hye Soo , Kim Yoon Jung , Choi Min Kyu , Roh Yong Kyun , Chung Wankyo , Yu Jae Myung , Oh Chang-Myung , Moon Shinje
Published: July 2022

The body mass index (BMI) neither differentiates fat from lean mass nor does it consider adipose tissue distribution. In contrast, the recently introduced z-score of the log-transformed A Body Shape Index (LBSIZ) can be applied to measure obesity using waist circumference (WC), height, and weight. We aimed to investigate the association between LBSIZ and mortality. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014 and linked the primary dataset to death certificate data from the National Death Index with mortality follow-up through December 31, 2015. A multiple Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortalities with adjustment for baseline characteristics. LBSIZ, WC, and BMI showed positive association with total fat percentage (P < 0.001); however, only WC and BMI were positively associated with appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI) (P < 0.001). In the multiple Cox regression analysis, only LBSIZ showed a significant HR for all-cause and CVD mortalities. Under restricted cubic spline regression, mortality risk increased with LBSIZ. However, BMI and WC showed a U-shape association. In conclusion, LBSIZ is strongly associated with all-cause and CVD mortalities. Since LBSIZ is independent of BMI, LBSIZ complements BMI to identify high-risk groups for mortality even in individuals with low or normal BMI.
An improved group teaching optimization algorithm for global function optimization
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Han Jieru , Teng Ziming
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes an improved group teaching optimization algorithm (IGTOA) to improve the convergence speed and accuracy of the group teaching optimization algorithm. It assigns teachers independently for each individual, replacing the original way of sharing the same teacher, increasing the evolutionary direction and expanding the diversity of the population; it dynamically divides the students of the good group and the students of the average group to meet the different needs of convergence speed and population diversity in different evolutionary stages; in the student learning stage, the weak self-learning part is canceled, the mutual learning part is increased, and the population diversity is supplemented; for the average group students, a new sub-space search mode is proposed, and the teacher's teaching method is improved to reduce the diversity in the population evolution process. and propose a population reconstruction mechanism to expand the search range of the current population and ensure population diversity. Finally, the experimental results on the CEC2013 test suite show that IGTOA has clear advantages in convergence speed and accuracy over the other five excellent algorithms.
Development of an in-house quantitative ELISA for the evaluation of different Covid-19 vaccines in humans
Authors: Gdoura Mariem , Ghaloum Fatma Ben , Hamida Meriem Ben , Chamsa Wafa , Triki Henda , Bahloul Chokri
Published: July 2022

Reliable serological assays are needed to understand the real impact of COVID-19. In order to compare the efficiency of different COVID-19 vaccines used in the National Vaccination Program in Tunisia, we have developed a quantitative in-house ELISA. The ELISA is based on the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Baculovirus recombinant protein. We used a panel of 145 COVID-19 RT-PCR positive serum samples and 116 pre-pandemic serum samples as a negative panel. The validation was carried out by comparison to four commercial techniques (Vidas SARS-CoV-2 IgG anti-RBD Biomérieux, Elecsys Anti-Nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 Roche, cPass GenScript and the quantitative Elecsys Anti-RBD of SARS-CoV-2, Roche). For the evaluation of the National Vaccination campaign, we have included 115 recipients who received one of the approved vaccines. The qualitative performances of the developed ELISA gave 96% sensitivity, 97.5% specificity and 0.968 accuracy. For the evaluation of the different brand of vaccines in recipients not previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, it seems that mRNA vaccine of Pfizer/BioNTech has shown a higher efficacy compared to inactivated virus vaccines. COVID-19 convalescent individuals have generated poor antibody responses. Nevertheless, when they are vaccinated with any brand of the COVID-19 vaccines, many of them mounted an exponential increase of the induced immune responses, qualified as a “hybrid vigor immunity”. Our developed in-house ELISA seems to be very efficient in evaluating the effectiveness of anti-COVID-19 vaccination. Platforms based on mRNA vaccine are better performing than those based on inactivated virus.
Synthesis of 1,2-oxazetidines with a free –NH group via photoredox catalysis
Authors: Ganie Majid Ahmad , Bhat Muneer-Ul-Shafi , Rizvi Masood Ahmad , Raheem Shabnam , Shah Bhahwal Ali
Published: July 2022

A photoredox approach enabling one-step synthesis of oxazetidines with a free –NH group via the combined use of alkyne, thiophenol, and azide has been reported.
Pyridine-di-phosphonates as chelators for trivalent f-elements: kinetics, thermodynamic and interfacial study of Am(iii)/Eu(iii) solvent extraction
Authors: Konopkina Ekaterina A. , Matveev Petr I. , Huang Pin-Wen , Kirsanova Anna A. , Chernysheva Maria G. , Sumyanova Tsagana B. , Domnikov Kirill S. , Shi Wei-Qun , Kalmykov Stepan N. , Petrov Vladimir G. , Borisova Nataliya E.
Published: July 2022

We synthesized and studied four pyridine di-phosphonates as extractants selective for Am(iii).
Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of fly ash removal from aqueous systems: adsorption of alginate to silica and alumina
Authors: Eltaboni Fateh , Singh Sehaj , Swanson Linda , Swift Thomas , Almalki Abdulraheem SA
Published: July 2022

We study the adsorption processes of alginate for the removal of fly ash (a toxic industrial waste, mainly consisting of silica and alumina particles, commonly found discharged into the environment.)
Investigating the Role of Quercetin in Increasing the Rate of
Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis Via the NF-κB Pathway in MG-63 Cancer
Cells
Authors: Ahmadi Mehran , Valizadeh Amir , Bazavar Mohammadreza , Yousefi Bahman
Published: July 2022

Introduction Numerous studies suggest that the co-treatment of
chemotherapeutic agents with flavonoids such as Quercetin (Que) may enhance
tumor cells’ susceptibility to these agents. Hence, in the current
study, we investigated Que’s role in combination with Cisplatin to
promote cell apoptosis by focusing on the NF-κB signaling pathway in the
osteosarcoma cell lines.

Methods The Que, Cisplatin, and their combination’s general
cytotoxicity effects were evaluated using an MTT assay for 72 hrs. The protein
expression levels of NF-κB were detected by an enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell
apoptosis.

Results Que considerably elevated the cytotoxicity of Cisplatin
(P<0.05). Que also dramatically down-regulated the expression
levels of NF-κB in MG-63 cells compared to mono-treatment
(P<0.05). Besides, Que promotes cisplatin-induced apoptosis in
MG-63 cells.

Conclusion Our study’s findings provide an exact point in the
field of adjuvant therapy in osteosarcoma. In other words, this study could
provide new insights into a better understanding of the role of Que in elevating
cisplatin-induced apoptosis with NF-κB down-regulation.
Associations of Mucosal Nerve Fiber Innervation Density with Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis: A Retrospective Three-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Moesch Michèle , Usemann Jakob , Bruder Elisabeth , Romero Philipp , Schwab Constantin , Niesler Beate , Tapia-Laliena Maria Angeles , Khasanov Rasul , Nisar Tauseef , Holland-Cunz Stefan , Keck Simone ,   Study Group NIG Retro
Published: July 2022

Objective Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital intestinal neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the absence of enteric ganglion cells in the distal colon. Although Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is the most frequent life-threatening complication in HSCR, to date reliable biomarkers predicting the likelihood of HAEC are yet to be established. We established a three-center retrospective study including 104 HSCR patients surgically treated between 1998 and 2019.

Materials and Methods Patient-derived cryopreserved or paraffin-preserved colonic tissue at surgery was analyzed via βIII-tubulin immunohistochemistry. We subsequently determined extrinsic mucosal nerve fiber density in resected rectosigmoid specimens and classified HSCR patients accordingly into nerve fiber-high or fiber-low groups. We compared the distribution of clinical parameters obtained from medical records between the fiber-high (n = 36) and fiber-low (n = 68) patient groups. We assessed the association between fiber phenotype and enterocolitis using univariate and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age at operation.

Results Enterocolitis was more prevalent in patients with sparse mucosal nerve fiber innervation (fiber-low phenotype, 87%) compared with the fiber-high phenotype (13%; p = 0.002). In addition, patients developing enterocolitis had a younger age at surgery (3 vs. 7 months; p = 0.016). In the univariate analysis, the odds for enterocolitis development in the fiber-low phenotype was 5.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67–16.59; p = 0.005) and 4.01 (95% CI, 1.22–13.17; p = 0.022) when adjusted for age.

Conclusion Here, we showed that HSCR patients with a low mucosal nerve fiber innervation grade in the distal aganglionic colon have a higher risk of developing HAEC. Consequently, histopathologic analysis of the nerve fiber innervation grade could serve as a novel sensitive prognostic marker associated with the development of enterocolitis in HSCR patients.
Radical Cyclization of N-Methacryloyl-2-arylbenzoimidazoles with Nitriles, Ketones, and tert-Butyl Nitrite under Mild Conditions
Authors: Ge Guo-Ping , Liu Yi-Lin , Wei Wen-Ting , Jiang Li-Lin , Wang Ling-Tao , Qiu Hui , Liu Fa-Liang , Huang Xun-Jie , Cao Ting-Ting
Published: July 2022

A method for radical cyclization of N-methacryloyl-2-arylbenzoimidazoles with nitriles, ketones, and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) for the preparation of benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones with the advantage of mild reaction conditions, excellent functional group compatibility, and broad substrate scope is reported. The present strategy has favorable characteristics: (1) the use of cheap metal catalysis; (2) N-radical-initiated cyclization of N-methacryloyl-2-arylbenzoimidazoles; and (3) rare example of radical C(sp3)–H functionalization in this cyclization.
Formal Synthesis of Teadenols via Palladium-Catalyzed 6-endo Cyclization of an Epoxyphenol
Authors: Kitamura Mitsuru , Suetake Hiroki , Hoshino Kosuke , Higashijima Yuta , Kisanuki Masato , Yuasa Ryohei , Yamaguchi Yukihiro , Shimazu Takahiro , Koga Naoya , Hamada Hiro , Miyori Nobuhiro , Shimooka Hirokazu , Okauchi Tatsuo
Published: July 2022

Formal syntheses of teadenols A and B are achieved via a key Pd-catalyzed 6-endo cyclization of a phenol possessing a vinyl ­epoxide moiety. Although 5-exo and 6-endo cyclizations compete during cyclizations of epoxides with a nucleophilic moiety at the 5-position, 6-endo cyclization is realized by using a palladium catalyst.
Current Profile of Physical Impairments in Children with Cerebral Palsy in Inclusive Education Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pahwa Pardeep K. , Mani Suresh
Published: July 2022

Introduction Cerebral palsy (CP) excerpts a heterogeneous corral of neurological disorders occurring due to injury to the developing brain leading to motor dysfunctions. The CP children enjoy success and progress in normal school education and curriculum program. The principle of inclusive education has been acknowledged over recent decades in all countries supporting the schooling of children with disabilities into mainstream settings for constructing an inclusive society.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the current status of physical impairments in children with CP in inclusive education settings in district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

Materials and Methods A survey using the physical examination of all CP children (n = 20) between the age group of 6 and 12 years in inclusive education settings with an organized interview of special educators in school settings was conducted. Descriptive analysis was conducted by using SPSS IBM 22.

Results A total of 20 CP children (11 boys and 9 girls, with the mean age of 9.8 ± 1.69) were enrolled in the study. Mean and standard deviation of Visual Analog Scale (6.5 ± 0.82), Pediatric Balance Scale (21.4 ± 17.1), Gross Motor Function Classification System, Expanded and Revised (2.8 ± 1.46), Manual Ability Classification System (2.5 ± 1.1), Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (36.40 ± 22.94), and Goal Attainment Scale (35.9 ± 0.40) with the total WeeFIM score (75.7 ± 3.4) were analyzed as the score of all outcome measures.

Conclusion Right to Education act promotes the compulsory education of such children, and limiting disability by knowing the current profile of impairments could help in improving physical and functional status in children.
Assessment of the Level of Interleukin-12 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of a Group of Patients with Aggressive Periodontitis and a Group of Healthy Subjects
Authors: Sidahmed Marwa Mohamed , Hashim Nada Tawfig
Published: July 2022

Objective Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a type of periodontal disease that is relatively prevalent among Sudanese population. The disease generally affects younger individuals and might lead to tooth loss if undetected early, leading to costly and long periodontal treatment. Until today, no reliable detection tool is present, so diagnosis is confirmed only after periodontal tissue loss has already occurred. Interleukin-12 (IL-2) has both proinflammatory and immune-regulatory effects and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, it was not studied extensively in Sudanese population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure and compare the level of IL-12 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with AgP and healthy subjects without periodontitis.

Materials and Methods In this study, 30 patients with AgP and 30 healthy subjects were recruited. The periodontal parameters included bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). GCF levels of IL-12 were measured.

Results A total of 60 participants were enrolled in this study with female predominance of 83% and males comprising 17%. The results of this study showed slight elevation in the level of IL-12 in the GCF in AgP group with a mean value of (60.7) and a mean value of (52.7) in the healthy subjects group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.120). Also, no statistically significant correlation was found between the level of this interleukin and periodontal parameters with slight elevation in AgP group. The p-value for BOP, PPD, and CAL was 0.369, 0.985, and 0.797, respectively.

Conclusion The slight increase in the level of IL-12 in GCF of AgP patient and slight elevation in sites with attachment loss suggest a possible role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of AgP. More studies are required to determine the exact role of this cytokine in AgP.
Performing a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis to Simulate and Quantify the Contact Pressure in the Canine Elbow Joint: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rhode Michaela , Harms Oliver , Finck Yannick , Dautzenberg Philipp , Schweizer Julia , Lüpke Matthias , Freise Fritjof , Fehr Michael
Published: July 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to measure surface pressures and force distribution on radius and ulna in healthy and dysplastic elbow joints in different positions using the finite element analysis (FEA).

Study Design FEA was performed on computed tomographic data of healthy and fragmented coronoid process diseased elbow joints of Labrador Retrievers. It considered the articular cartilage, collateral ligaments, triceps and biceps muscle. The analysis of each joint was performed in four positions (standing position: 145 degrees and three positions of the stance phase of gait: beginning: 115 degrees, middle: 110 degrees, end: 145 degrees joint angle) in consideration of different ground reaction forces (standing: 88.3 N; stance phase of gait: 182.5 N).

Results Mean values of total force of 317.5 N (standing), 590.7 N (beginning), 330.9 N (middle) and 730.9 N (end) were measured. The percentual force distribution resulted in a total of 49.56 ± 26.58% on the ulna with a very inhomogeneous distribution. A significant difference was detected between the positions ‘standing’ and ‘end’ (p = 0.0497) regardless of the joint condition. In some FEA results, visual assessment of the surface pressures indicated an increase in pressure in the region of the medial compartment without a uniform pattern. An increase in pressure resulted in an area increase in the pressure marks on the joint surface and measurable pressure was increased at a larger joint angle.

Clinical Significance FEA can provide information about the transmission of force in the joint. Prior to the use of FEA in scientific clinical research for the simulation of force, further model improvements are necessary.
Performance of a Qualitative Point-of-Care Strip Test to Detect DOAC Exposure at the Emergency Department: A Cohort-Type Cross-Sectional Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Merrelaar Anne E. , Bögl Magdalena S. , Buchtele Nina , Merrelaar Marieke , Herkner Harald , Schoergenhofer Christian , Harenberg Job , Douxfils Jonathan , Siriez Romain , Jilma Bernd , Spiel Alexander O. , Schwameis Michael
Published: July 2022

An accurate point-of-care test for detecting effective anticoagulation by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in emergencies is an unmet need. We investigated the accuracy of a urinary qualitative strip test (DOAC Dipstick) to detect relevant DOAC exposure in patients who presented to an emergency department. In this prospective single-center cohort-type cross-sectional study, adults on DOAC treatment were enrolled. We assessed clinical sensitivity and specificity of DOAC Dipstick factor Xa and thrombin inhibitor pads to detect DOAC plasma levels ≥30 ng/mL using urine samples as the testing matrix. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem-mass spectrometry was used as the reference standard method for plasma and urine measurement of DOAC concentrations. Of 293 patients enrolled, 265 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 92 were treated with rivaroxaban, 65 with apixaban, 77 with edoxaban, and 31 with dabigatran. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the dipstick on urine samples to detect ≥30 ng/mL dabigatran plasma levels were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87–100%) and 98% (95% CI: 95–99%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the dipstick to detect ≥30 ng/mL factor Xa inhibitor plasma levels were 97% (95% CI: 94–99%) and 69% (95% CI: 56–79%), respectively. The DOAC Dipstick sensitively identified effective thrombin and factor Xa inhibition in a real-world cohort of patients presenting at an emergency department. Therefore, the dipstick might provide a valuable test to detect relevant DOAC exposure in emergencies, although further studies will be needed to confirm these findings.
On the stability of covariant BSSN formulation
Authors: Urakawa Ryosuke , Tsuchiya Takuya , Yoneda Gen
Published: July 2022

In this study, we investigate the numerical stability of the covariant BSSN (cBSSN) formulation proposed by Brown. We calculate the constraint amplification factor (CAF), which is an eigenvalue of the coefficient matrix of the evolution equations of the constraints on the cBSSN formulation and on some adjusted formulations with constraints added to the evolution equations. The adjusted formulations have a higher numerical stability than the cBSSN formulation from the viewpoint of the CAF.
Fabricating Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2 films on BaFe2As2 substrates and their superconducting properties
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Chen Wangyang , Tang Qingbin , Li Yigang , He Tian , Chen Dong , Lei Qiankun , Chen Rui , Hou Siyu , Tu Youchao , Yu Benhai
Published: July 2022

Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2 films on BaFe2As2 substrates with T
c ∼ 29.8 K have been synthesized by a simple one-step self-flux method. Quasi-single-crystal Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2 films are more favorable in 122-type crystal structure but not in 1144-type. Based on the obtained Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2 films, the temperature and angle-dependent resistivity are measured under a magnetic field up to 9.0 T. The results indicate that the films exhibited high upper critical fields, strong flux pinning potential and low anisotropic factors. By scaling the resistivity within the framework of the anisotropic Ginzburg–Landau (GL) theory, the angle-dependent resistivity of Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2 films under various magnetic fields at a fixed temperature can be scaled to one curve. Both the Werthamer–Helfand–Hohenberg and GL methods give a similar anisotropic factor ∼3.0. Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2, cannot naturally grow bulk single crystals but only form film on the surface of BaFe2As2 crystal under normal pressure. It is reasonable to infer that surface strain should play a key role in the formation of Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2 films. Thus, it is believed that element doping or substitution may be one of the most effective methods to obtain doped-Ba0.5Cs0.5Fe2As2 bulk single crystals.
Perturbative region on non-Gaussian parameter space in single-field inflation
Authors: Kristiano Jason , Yokoyama Jun'ichi
Published: July 2022

We calculate one-loop correction to the two-point functions of curvature perturbation in single-field inflation generated by cubic self-interaction. Incorporating the observed red-tilted spectrum of curvature perturbation, the relevant one-loop correction takes a finite value and inversely proportional to the spectral tilt. Requiring one-loop correction to be much smaller than the tree-level contribution leads to an upper bound on primordial non-Gaussianity. While observationally allowed region of non-Gaussian parameter space is found to be entirely included by the region, where one-loop correction is smaller than the tree-level contribution, an appreciably large region has one-loop correction larger than 1% or even 10% of the latter. If future observations conclude non-Gaussianity falls in such a region, then it would be important to incorporate higher-order corrections to the spectrum in order to achieve precise cosmology. In some extreme cases, where one-loop correction has a comparable magnitude to the tree-level contribution, it might indicate breakdown of the cosmological perturbation theory in the context of single-field inflation.
Detection of motor-evoked potentials below the noise floor: rethinking the motor stimulation threshold
Authors: Li Zhongxi , Peterchev Angel V , Rothwell John C , Goetz Stefan M
Published: July 2022

Objective. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) are among the most prominent responses to brain stimulation, such as supra-threshold transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation. Understanding of the neurophysiology and the determination of the lowest stimulation strength that evokes responses requires the detection of even smaller responses, e.g. from single motor units. However, available detection and quantization methods suffer from a large noise floor. This paper develops a detection method that extracts MEPs hidden below the noise floor. With this method, we aim to estimate excitatory activations of the corticospinal pathways well below the conventional detection level. Approach. The presented MEP detection method presents a self-learning matched-filter approach for improved robustness against noise. The filter is adaptively generated per subject through iterative learning. For responses that are reliably detected by conventional detection, the new approach is fully compatible with established peak-to-peak readings and provides the same results but extends the dynamic range below the conventional noise floor. Main results. In contrast to the conventional peak-to-peak measure, the proposed method increases the signal-to-noise ratio by more than a factor of 5. The first detectable responses appear to be substantially lower than the conventional threshold definition of 50 µV median peak-to-peak amplitude. Significance. The proposed method shows that stimuli well below the conventional 50 µV threshold definition can consistently and repeatably evoke muscular responses and thus activate excitable neuron populations in the brain. As a consequence, the input–output (IO) curve is extended at the lower end, and the noise cut-off is shifted. Importantly, the IO curve extends so far that the 50 µV point turns out to be closer to the center of the logarithmic sigmoid curve rather than close to the first detectable responses. The underlying method is applicable to a wide range of evoked potentials and other biosignals, such as in electroencephalography.
Homogeneous Etherification Modification of Chitosan and Preparation of High-Strength Hydrogel
Authors: Ding Ning
Published: July 2022

At present, the ocean as a treasure house of human development resources has attracted widespread attention. Chitin is the most abundant biomass resource in the ocean, and it is also a natural macromolecule second only to cellulose in nature. Its deacetylated product, chitosan, is not only easy to modify physically and chemically, but can be processed into various forms and has excellent properties. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial, tissue adhesion and other biological activities. Derivatization reactions are often used to improve the properties of chitosan and give it new structures and functions.

In this paper, a series of chitosan ether derivatives were synthesized using alkali/urea aqueous solution as the solvent and homogeneous etherification reaction medium of chitosan, and their structures and properties were characterized. Then, chitosan and quaternized chitosan are dissolved in the acrylic acid monomer aqueous solution, and the chitosan/polyacrylic acid and quaternized high-strength polyelectrolyte composite hydrogel (PEC) are obtained by in-situ polymerization. Finally, the above-mentioned composite hydrogel is treated with Ag+ to obtain the ultra-high strength of the dual interaction of static electricity and coordination bonds, and at the same time a physical cross-linked hydrogel (DPC) with anti-fatigue. The chitosan-based hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties has good application prospects in articular cartilage, wound dressings, bionic stents and the like.
Technologies and Principles Indicated in The Black Hole Image
Authors: Li Zehui
Published: July 2022

On April 10, 2019, Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) released the first image of a black hole in the M87 galaxy [3]. This picture became popular on the Internet all over the world and a great number of people started to discuss it. However, many of them could not understand the scientific meaning of this picture and the laborious process to capture this image. Therefore, this paper is going to explain the works and results of EHT to non-physicists. This paper is separated into two parts, including the technologies and principles that are indicated in the black hole image. Technologies include very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), which is used to increase the details of the image and the general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD) simulation used to simulate different black hole models. The principles contain Kerr’s model, which is the main model used in EHT’s research and Doppler effect. This research also discussed that the image of the black hole is similar to the Kerr’s model. However, some alternatives of the the Kerr model are different from the actual data.
A Stochastic Process for Music: The Example of K-pop Music
Authors: Park S , Kim I , Ahn K
Published: July 2022

This study analyzes music using a stochastic process, particularly, the Vasicek model. This approach interprets note progression in a song as a mean-reverting process, allowing the estimation of three parameters such as the speed of the revision to the mean, long-term level of the mean, and volatility. In addition, the entropy is evaluated for each song to identify the randomness of rise–fall patterns for each music genre. Our results characterize certain types of music and could be used to create new indicators for music classification.
The Regional Expressions of Secular Stagnation
Authors: Zhou Zhiye , Mao Yating , Wang Xinyao , Qian Yuqing
Published: July 2022

This The terminology secular stagnation is suggested by Larry Summers in the last decade to demonstrate the globally economic downward trend. Although this standpoint was not paid importance at that time, the unstoppable decrease in world economy of recent years has shown this. Driven by these miscellaneous data, this report aims to search for evidence that can argue the secular stagnation. Thereby, we first analyse and select the objective tabular data from 1970s to 2010s covering all countries to apply the multiple linear regression model. Then the statistical theory is used for both preliminary measurement and subsequent regression diagnostics, also for the estimation method. In data processing, this paper explores the relationship between economic slow-down rate and (the logarithm of) affluence level with the random forest logarithm to find the threshold. Through the data visualization, the economic trend during the corresponding objective period can be observed intuitively. Finally, in the extension of the slow-down rate, we try to excavate the deep interactive terms among all countries. By the Solow growth model, it can be concluded that the gap between developing countries and developed countries is narrower due to the low original capital of poor countries. This phenomenon is also known as the catch-up effect. This report conducts the slow-down rate to verify the secular stagnation and meanwhile provides evidence for the relationship between slow-down and affluence levels.
Research Progress Based on Gaia DR2 and the Comparison of the Gaia Proper Motions to the Galaxia Model of the Milky Way
Authors: Ritter A , Li Jiaju
Published: July 2022

The background of the Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) is introduced and research progress based on Gaia DR2 is reviewed. Gaia DR2 coordinates and proper motions are transformed to Galactic coordinates to allow for a comparison of the Gaia data to models of the Galaxy. A comparison of the absolute predicted and measured numbers of stars per unit area on the sky as well as the corresponding proper motions in Galactic X, Y, and Z are made. It is found that there is a very big difference between the measurements taken from the Gaia Survey and the predictions made by the Galaxia Model of the Galaxy for the proper motions. A further in depth analysis, taking into account the proper motions as a function of distances, is required to fully understand the discovered discrepancies.
Impact of direct oral anticoagulant use on mortality in very old patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Takahashi Masahiko , Okawa Keisuke , Morimoto Takeshi , Tsushima Ryu , Sudo Yuya , Sakamoto Ai , Sogo Masahiro , Ozaki Masatomo , Doi Masayuki , Morita Hiroshi , Okumura Ken , Ito Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Background

the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with that of warfarin in very old patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) have been reported in terms of thromboembolisms and bleeding. However, the association of DOAC use and mortality in such patients remains unclear.

Objectives

this study aimed to investigate the incidence of mortality, as well as thromboembolisms and major bleeding, in very old patients with NVAF using DOACs as compared with warfarin.

Methods

we conducted a single-centre historical cohort study of consecutive patients with NVAF aged ≥80 years who used oral anticoagulants. We compared the 5-year outcomes (all-cause mortality, thromboembolism, major bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage) between the DOAC and Warfarin groups.

Results

of 1,676 patients with atrial fibrillation aged 80 years and over, 1,208 with NVAF were included. Propensity score matching provided 461 patients in each group, and the risk of all-cause mortality, thromboembolisms, major bleeding and intracranial haemorrhages was significantly lower in the DOAC group than Warfarin group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for DOAC use, 0.68 [0.54–0.87], 0.31 [0.19–0.53], 0.56 [0.36–0.88], 0.23 [0.10–0.56], log-rank P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.010, P < 0.001). The mortality rate within 1 year after major bleeding was significantly lower in the DOAC group than Warfarin group (14% versus 38%, P = 0.03), however, that after a thromboembolism was similar between the two groups (33% versus 35%).

Conclusion

patients with NVAF aged ≥80 years and using DOACs had a lower mortality than those using warfarin.
Value of Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Screening of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Young and Middle-Aged Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Sang Wan-yue , Wang Xue-hua , Li Hong-jian , Lyu Zhong-ying , Luo Xiao-mei , Zou Ting
Published: July 2022

Background

To investigate the relationships of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in young and middle-aged patients with essential hypertension (EH).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 294 young and middle-aged patients with EH (aged from 18 to 65 years old). According to the left ventricular mass index (LVMI), the patients were divided into LVH (n = 98) and non-LVH (n = 196) groups. The data on echocardiography, routine blood test, biochemical examination, and so on were collected in all subjects, then LVMI and MHR were calculated. The association between MHR and hypertensive LVH was analyzed by correlation and binary logistic regression analyses. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the predict value of MHR.

Results

MHR was higher while HDL-C was lower in the LVH group compared with the non-LVH group (MHR: 0.47 ± 0.11 vs. 0.33 ± 0.12, P < 0.001; HDL-C: 1.05 [0.94–1.22] vs. 1.27 [1.07–1.47] mmol/l, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that LVMI was positively correlated with MHR (r = 0.381, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MHR was an independent risk factor for LVH in young and middle-aged EH patients (odds ratio = 2.914, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.084–4.068, P < 0.001) after adjusting for body mass index, smoking, HDL-C, and other confounding factors. The area under the ROC curve of MHR for predict LVH was 0.831 (95% CI 0.782–0.880), and the optimal cutoff value of MHR was 0.37, with a sensitivity of 93.9% and a specificity of 75.5%.

Conclusions

MHR is positively correlated with LVH in young and middle-aged patients with EH. MHR is an independent risk factor for LVH in this population, and can be used for LVH risk screening.
Evaluating beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) blow samples as a potential diagnostic for immune function gene expression within the respiratory system
Authors: Richard Justin T , Schultz Krystle , Goertz Caroline E C , Hobbs Roderick C , Romano Tracy A , Sartini Becky L
Published: July 2022

Evaluating respiratory health is important in the management of cetaceans, which are vulnerable to respiratory diseases. Quantifying the expression of genes related to immune function within the respiratory tract could be a valuable tool for directly assessing respiratory health. Blow (exhale) samples allow DNA analysis, and we hypothesized that RNA could also be isolated from blow samples for gene expression studies of immune function. We evaluated the potential to extract RNA from beluga blow samples and tested whether transcripts associated with immune function could be detected with endpoint polymerase chain reaction. A total of 54 blow samples were collected from clinically healthy aquarium belugas (n = 3), and 15 were collected from wild belugas temporarily restrained for health assessment in Bristol Bay, Alaska (n = 9). Although RNA yield varied widely (range, 0–265.2 ng; mean = 85.8; SD = 71.3), measurable RNA was extracted from 97% of the samples. Extracted RNA was assessed in 1–6 PCR reactions targeting housekeeping genes (Rpl8, Gapdh or ActB) or genes associated with immune function (TNFα, IL-12p40 or Cox-2). Fifty of the aquarium samples (93%) amplified at least one transcript; overall PCR success for housekeeping genes (96/110, 87%) and genes associated with immune function (90/104, 87%) were similarly high. Both RNA yield and overall PCR success (27%) were lower for wild beluga samples, which is most likely due to the reduced forcefulness of the exhale when compared with trained or free-swimming belugas. Overall, the high detection rate with PCR suggests measuring gene expression in blow samples could provide diagnostic information about immune responses within the respiratory tract. While further study is required to determine if quantitative gene expression data from blow samples is associated with disease states, the non-invasive nature of this approach may prove valuable for belugas, which face increasing anthropogenic disturbances.
Translanguaging options for note-taking in EAP and EMI
Authors: Siegel Joseph
Published: July 2022

Taking notes while simultaneously listening to academic content in a second language is a daunting task for many students. While doing so, the note-taker is faced with a number of choices, including when, where, and how to take notes. Choices that students make are related to the overall format and system of notes as well as how to record specific pieces of information. The option of translanguaging, or making use of their multilingual resource, in note-taking is often overlooked by students and teachers in English for academic purposes (EAP) settings. The present article reports results of an international survey of EAP students with respect to their translanguaging habits and preferences when taking notes and presents a range of related pedagogic implications with the intent of preparing students for English medium instruction (EMI) in higher education.
Effects of dietary supplementation of gestating sows with adenosine 5ʹ-monophosphate or adenosine on placental angiogenesis and vitality of their offspring
Authors: Wu Deyuan , Feng Li , Hao Xiangyu , Huang Shuangbo , Wu Zifang , Ma Shuo , Yin Yulong , Tan Chengquan
Published: July 2022

Our previous study found that dietary nucleotide supplementation, including adenosine 5ʹ-monophosphate (AMP), could increase AMP content in sow milk and promote piglet growth, but its effects on placental efficiency and piglet vitality remain unknown. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary AMP or its metabolite adenosine (ADO) supplementation on sow reproductive performance and placental angiogenesis. A total of 135 sows with a similar farrowing time were blocked by backfat and body weight (BW) at day 65 of gestation and assigned to one of three dietary treatment groups (n = 45 per treatment): basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.1% AMP or 0.1% ADO, respectively. Placental analysis and the characteristics of sows and piglets unveiled that compared with control (CON) group, AMP or ADO supplementation could improve sow placental efficiency (P < 0.05) and newborn piglet vitality (P < 0.05), increase piglet birth weight (P < 0.05), and reduce stillbirth rate (P < 0.05). More importantly, AMP or ADO supplementation could increase the contents of AMP, ADO, and their metabolites in placentae (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, AMP or ADO supplementation could also increase placental vascular density (P < 0.05) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (P < 0.05), as well as promote the migration and tube formation of porcine iliac artery endothelial cells (P < 0.05). Overall, maternal dietary AMP or ADO supplementation could increase their contents in the placenta, thereby improving placental angiogenesis and neonatal piglet vitality.
Heat Stress Tolerance 2 confers basal heat stress tolerance in allohexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zhang Runqi , Liu Guoyu , Xu Huanwen , Lou Hongyao , Zhai Shanshan , Chen Aiyan , Hao Shuiyuan , Xing Jiewen , Liu Jie , You Mingshan , Zhang Yufeng , Xie Chaojie , Ma Jun , Liang Rongqi , Sun Qixin , Zhai Huijie , Ni Zhongfu , Li Baoyun
Published: July 2022

Heat stress substantially reduces the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the most widely cultivated staple crops, and greatly threatens global food security in the context of global warming. However, few studies have explored the heat stress tolerance (HST)-related genetic resources in wheat. Here, we identified and fine-mapped a wheat HST locus, TaHST2, which is indispensable for HST in both the vegetative and reproductive stages of the wheat life cycle. The studied pair of near isogenic lines (NILs) exhibited diverse morphologies under heat stress, based on which we mapped TaHST2 to a 485 kb interval on chromosome arm 4DS. Under heat stress, TaHST2 confers a superior conversion rate from soluble sugars to starch in wheat grains, resulting in faster grain filling and a higher yield potential. A further exploration of genetic resources indicated that TaHST2 underwent strong artificial selection during wheat domestication, suggesting it is an essential locus for basal HST in wheat. Our findings provide deeper insights into the genetic basis of wheat HST and might be useful for global efforts to breed heat-stress-tolerant cultivars.
Real-World Efficacy and Tolerability of Brigatinib in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Prior ALK-TKIs in the United States
Authors: Jahanzeb Mohammad , Lin Huamao M , Wu Yanyu , Zhang Pingkuan , Gorritz Magdaliz , McGuiness Catherine B , Huang Wei-Ti , Sun Kainan , Chen Chi-Chang , Camidge D Ross
Published: July 2022

Background

Real-world evidence for brigatinib, a next-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALK-TKI) used in ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer, is scarce. This retrospective study evaluated real-world brigatinib utilization in the US post other ALK-TKIs.

Materials and Methods

Adults with ≥1 brigatinib claim (index date) between 1 April 2017 and 30 September 2020 in the IQVIA longitudinal pharmacy claims database were followed until dose reduction, discontinuation, or end of follow-up. Patients had ≥12 months pre– and ≥1-month post–index observations.

Results

A total of 413 patients treated with brigatinib were analyzed. Over 80% received ≥1 prior ALK-TKI; alectinib and crizotinib were the most common (58.8% and 51.3% patients, respectively). The median follow-up was 8.4 months. The median time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) for brigatinib was 10.3 months (95% CI, 8.2-15.0), with 45% remaining on therapy at 12 months. The TTD was shortest (~8 months) in patients receiving both crizotinib and alectinib and longest in patients who received alectinib only prior to brigatinib (11.8 months). Adherence was high, with 92.7% of patients having a medication possession ratio of >80%. The mean dose compliance score was 1.0. Most patients reached the brigatinib dose of 180 mg/day (77%); 13.2% of patients had a dose reduction, with 89.3% and 84.6% continuing 180 mg/day therapy at 3 and 6 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Brigatinib appears to be effective and well-tolerated in the real-world ALK+ NSCLC population in the US, showing benefit in patients after a next-generation ALK-TKI. Notably, dose reduction rates appeared markedly less than those seen in trials when most trial-related dose reductions were for asymptomatic laboratory abnormalities.