bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevation and plant species identity jointly shape a diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in the High Arctic
Authors: Rasmussen Pil U. , Abrego Nerea , Roslin Tomas , Öpik Maarja , Sepp Siim‐Kaarel , Blanchet F. Guillaume , Huotari Tea , Hugerth Luisa W. , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: June 2022

Knowledge about the distribution and local diversity patterns of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are limited for extreme environments such as the Arctic, where most studies have focused on spore morphology or root colonization. We here studied the joint effects of plant species identity and elevation on AM fungal distribution and diversity.

We sampled roots of 19 plant species in 18 locations in Northeast Greenland, using next generation sequencing to identify AM fungi. We studied the joint effect of plant species, elevation and selected abiotic conditions on AM fungal presence, richness and composition.

We identified 29 AM fungal virtual taxa (VT), of which six represent putatively new VT. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal presence increased with elevation, and as vegetation cover and the active soil layer decreased. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal composition was shaped jointly by elevation and plant species identity.

We demonstrate that the Arctic harbours a relatively species‐rich and nonrandomly distributed diversity of AM fungi. Given the high diversity and general lack of knowledge exposed herein, we encourage further research into the diversity, drivers and functional role of AM fungi in the Arctic. Such insight is urgently needed for an area with some of the globally highest rates of climate change.
Effect of chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingival health around orthodontic miniscrew implants: A pilot placebo‐controlled randomized trial
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Wafaie Khaled , Mohammed Hisham , Mohamed Abdelrahman Magdi Ahmed , Xinrui Wang , Vandevska‐Radunovic Vaska , Yiqiang Qiao
Published: June 2022

Objective

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the short‐term effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash (MW) on gingival health surrounding orthodontic miniscrew implants (OMIs) and their overall survivability.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐two participants (mean age, 22.8 years) undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance treatment after maxillary premolar extraction were randomly allocated in a parallel fashion to either receive (1) MW with an active component of chlorhexidine or (2) a placebo. Each participant received two maxillary buccal OMIs for anchorage reinforcement purposes. Participants were assessed for their gingival oral health status around all inserted OMIs and had their OMI survivability recorded at three time points; T1 = 1 month, T2 = 3 months, and T3 = 6 months after OMI placement. A Kaplan‐Meier plot was used to estimate the survival function of OMIs.

Results

All randomized participants completed the follow‐up period. In terms of gingival oral health, there were no statistically significant differences at any time point between the chlorhexidine MW group and the placebo‐controlled group (P > .05). One OMI was lost in the chlorhexidine MW group and another two OMIs in the control group. There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of survivability (P = .585).

Conclusion

The use of chlorhexidine MW does not seem to have a significant clinical impact on gingival health around OMIs or their survivability in this pilot study.
The feasibility and effectiveness of virtual reality meditation on reducing chronic pain for older adults with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Sarkar Tara D. , Edwards Robert R. , Baker Nancy
Published: June 2022

There is an urgent need for safe and effective nonpharmacologic approaches to treat chronic knee pain in older adults. Although virtual reality (VR) has shown some effectiveness for acute pain, there is limited evidence on the effects of VR on chronic pain particularly with older adult populations. This single application, within‐subject pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of VR as a clinical treatment for older adults with chronic osteoarthritis knee pain. Nineteen participants aged 60+ years old participated in a 10‐min VR meditation program. Data on pain and affect were collected immediately prior to, post, and 24–48 h after the VR. Results suggest that VR meditation had significant moderate to large analgesic effects on knee pain intensity, primarily during VR (d = 1.10) and post VR (d = 0.99), with some lasting effects into next day (d = 0.58). The findings also suggest VR meditation intervention had a positive effect on affect, with a significant large decrease in negative affect scores pre‐ to post‐VR (d = 1.14). The significant moderate to large decreases in pain interference for normal work (d = 0.71), mood (d = 0.53), sleep (d = 0.67), and enjoyment of life (d = 0.72) suggest that older adults may have a higher ability to participate in meaningful daily activities up to 24–48 h after VR meditation. VR appears to be a feasible and effective nonpharmacological tool for older adults to treat chronic overall and knee‐specific pain.
A mindful relating framework for understanding the trajectory of work relationships
Authors: Reina Christopher S. , Mills Maura J. , Sumpter Dana McDaniel
Published: June 2022

Integrating theorizing on mindfulness and work relationships, we build a multilevel model of how mindfulness shapes interpersonal interactions and work relationship trajectories over time. Our framework of mindful relating yields three approaches an individual may utilize during an interpersonal interaction at work, based on the extent to which they incorporate the mindful qualities of attention and decentering. We theorize how the extent to which interaction partners are (in)congruent in their mindful relating approaches associates with interaction quality (positive, ambivalent, indifferent, and negative)—and how over time, this shapes the trajectory of a work relationship. We further posit that empathy, response flexibility, and emotional regulation transmit the effects of mindful relating and drive interaction quality. From a contextual perspective, we explore the roles of power dynamics and negative shock events as factors likely to impact how interactions over time collectively inform the trajectory of relationships. Finally, we explicate how our theory‐building can guide future work, and make specific recommendations for theoretical and empirical advancement.
Children undergoing early liver re‐transplantation for primary non‐function have improved survival
Authors: Rogers Michael E. , Delman Aaron , Campbell Kathleen , Miethke Alexander , Tiao Greg , Mullapudi Bhargava , Bondoc Alex
Published: June 2022

Background

Primary non‐function (PNF) in the early post‐LT period in children leads to prolonged hospitalization, high graft loss, and significant mortality. However, there is a paucity of data available on the natural history of children relisted for LT due to PNF, including those who recover graft function and survive with their original allograft.

Methods

We interrogated the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database for pediatric LT recipients who were relisted with a primary diagnosis of PNF from 2000 to 2020. Patients >21‐year‐old and multiple organ transplants were excluded. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to identify risk factors for early re‐transplantation (within 30 days of relisting) and mortality after adjusting for baseline clinical characteristics.

Results

One hundred and eight patients were relisted for LT for PNF during the study period. Twenty‐five patients survived beyond 30 days from relisting with their original LT, 76 underwent early re‐transplantation, and 7 did not survive. Having a high‐risk EBV mismatch (OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.66–6.27) and an elevated donor serum creatinine (OR: 2.19, 95% CI 0.54–8.84) were associated with increased odds of a patient requiring early re‐transplantation. Donor characteristics including age, final total bilirubin, final AST/ALT, and final serum sodium, as well as vasopressor use prior to procurement, were not associated with increased odds of early re‐transplantation (p > 0.05). Operative characteristics including allograft type and cold‐ischemia time were also not associated with early re‐transplantation (p > 0.05). Patients undergoing early re‐transplantation showed a trend toward improved 1‐year graft survival (69% vs 55%, p = 0.24). On multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling, early re‐transplantation was associated with reduced risk of overall patient mortality compared to those who survived with their original LT (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12–0.67).

Conclusion

Early re‐transplantation for PNF is associated with improved patient survival compared with patients who survive with their original LT.
Latitudinal gradients in biotic interactions: Are cacti pollination systems more specialized in the tropics?
Authors: Gorostiague P. , Ollerton J. , Ortega‐Baes P.
Published: June 2022

Biotic interactions are said to be more specialized in the tropics, and this was also proposed for the pollination systems of columnar cacti from North America. However, this has not yet been tested for a wider set of cactus species. Here, we use the available information about pollination in the Cactaceae to explore the geographic patterns of this mutualistic interaction, and test if there is a latitudinal gradient in its degree of specialization.

We performed a bibliographic search of all publications on the pollination of cacti species and summarized the information to build a database. We used generalized linear models to evaluate if the degree of specialization in cacti pollination systems is affected by latitude, using two different measures: the number of pollinator guilds (functional specialization) and the number of pollinator species (ecological specialization).

Our database contained information about the pollination of 148 species. The most frequent pollinator guilds were bees, birds, moths and bats. There was no apparent effect of latitude on the number of guilds that pollinate a cactus species. However, latitude had a small but significant effect on the number of pollinator species that service a given cactus species.

Bees are found as pollinators of most cactus species, along a wide latitudinal gradient. Bat and bird pollination is more common in the tropics than in the extra‐tropics. The available information suggests that cacti pollination systems are slightly more ecologically specialized in the tropics, but it does not support any trend with regard to functional specialization.
Prosocial behaviors and economic performance: Evidence from an online mental healthcare platform
Authors: Yan Zhijun , Kuang Lini , Qiu Liangfei
Published: June 2022

With the growth of online mental healthcare platforms, health professionals have been providing online consultation services during their spare time. However, little is known about the prosocial behaviors of health professionals on these platforms and their effect on professionals’ economic performance. In this research, we aim to identify and quantify the main effect of prosocial behaviors (i.e., offering free services) on future economic performance and the potential mediation effects of relationship capital and reputation capital in an online mental healthcare platform. Based on signaling and commitment theories, we use a panel dataset from a Chinese online mental healthcare platform to test our hypotheses. Our findings show that a mental health professional's previous prosocial behavior has a positive impact on economic performance and that this effect may manifest through the relationship capital pathway. However, reputation capital generated from prosocial behaviors does not significantly mediate the impact of prosocial behavior on economic performance. Our research provides important implications for healthcare operations concerning service offerings and healthcare providers’ performance on online mental healthcare platforms.
Novel alleles linked to brown rust resistance in sugarcane
Authors: Chaves Solana , Ostengo Santiago , Bertani Romina Priscila , Peña Malavera Andrea Natalia , Cuenya María Inés , Filippone María Paula , Castagnaro Atilio Pedro , Balzarini Mónica Graciela , Racedo Josefina
Published: June 2022

Sugarcane brown rust, caused byPuccinia melanocephala, is a severe foliar disease that occurs in almost all countries where sugarcane is grown. The main control strategy is the use of resistant cultivars. The aim of this work was to identify molecular markers linked to genomic regions associated with a novel brown rust resistance source in sugarcane. An F1progeny of 300 clones was obtained from a cross between TUC 00–36 and RA 87–3, highly susceptible and highly resistant to brown rust, respectively. A total of 60 F1clones with extreme phenotype, either highly susceptible or highly resistant to brown rust, were selected. This “pooled tail” population was tested for reactions to brown rust under natural infection in the field during two crop seasons and under artificial infection in the greenhouse. Whole‐genome profiling was performed by DArT‐seq technology. Phenotypic data under both conditions and 23,299 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from genotyping were analysed to identify markers linked to the resistance trait. Single mapping analyses and subsequent multiple regression showed that 34 SNP markers were significantly linked to resistance alleles. These SNPs jointly explained 69% and 66% of the total phenotypic variation (R2) observed for field and controlled conditions, respectively. The mapping of the 34 SNP sequences revealed that 19 markers aligned to the sugarcane genome, whereas 12 markers aligned to the sorghum genome, all grouped on chromosome 5 with some functional annotations related to vegetal defence response. These marker loci could contribute to the development of molecular tools for molecular marker‐assisted breeding.
The efficiency and effectiveness of different sea urchin removal methods for kelp forest restoration
Authors: Miller Kelsey I. , Shears Nick T.
Published: June 2022

Sea urchin overgrazing has caused widespread phase shifts from kelp forests to “urchin barrens” on many temperate reefs, reducing habitat complexity, productivity, and biodiversity. Sea urchin removal is increasingly used for kelp restoration; however, few studies have quantified the efficiency and effectiveness of different removal methods, resulting in limited understanding of their practicality. In this study, the efficiency (removal rate) and effectiveness (proportion removed) of four removal methods were evaluated in northeastern New Zealand. We compared culling or collecting sea urchins by either SCUBA or freediving in 128 small‐scale plots (25 m2). We also evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of culling in four large (1.6–2 ha) barren areas, scales relevant for restoration. On average, culling sea urchins was 1.9–4.4 times faster than collecting, and SCUBA was 1.5–3.3 times faster than freediving. Removal rates increased with sea urchin density, especially for culling on SCUBA, while freediving removal rates increased with experience. Effectiveness was lower in large‐scale removals (86–93% of sea urchins ≥40 mm removed) compared to small‐scale removals (98–99%), but sufficient for restoration objectives. Estimated time per area (using SCUBA culling) was similar across large‐scale removals (49–57 hours/ha), despite an almost 2‐fold variation in initial sea urchin densities (approximately 4–8 urchins/m2), suggesting area may better predict total removal time than simply number of sea urchins across low‐density ranges. While sea urchin removal provides a rapid, feasible, and effective approach to restoring kelp in urchin barrens, restoration plans need to also address the causes of sea urchin overpopulation to ensure long‐term benefits.
General courts, specialized courts, and the complementarity effect
Authors: Guttel Ehud , Harel Alon , Procaccia Yuval
Published: June 2022

Among the major decisions any legal system must make is deciding whether to establish general courts with broad jurisdiction, or specialized courts with limited jurisdiction. Under one influential argument—advanced by both judges and legal theorists—general courts foster coherence within the legal system. This Article identifies a distinct effect of establishing general courts: the “complementarity effect.” In the case of complementarity, general courts strategically apply different principles in different fields, such that litigants losing in one sphere (e.g., public law) are compensated in another (e.g., private law). We support this conjecture by analyzing three case studies.
Household income mobility in India, 1993–2011
Authors: Azam Mehtabul
Published: June 2022

Using a nationally representative longitudinal survey and both absolute and relative measures of mobility, we examine the differences in income mobility across social groups in rural India over 1993–2004 and 2004–2011. We find significant differentials in income mobility that mirror the historical Indian caste system hierarchy. Conditional on having similar rankings in base‐period income distribution, the Forward Hindu Caste households have the highest (lowest) probability of upward (downward) income mobility, followed by the Other Backward Caste, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe households. Moreover, these differentials in mobility are only partially explained by differences in household characteristics. We find similar but smaller differentials in mobility across social groups in Urban India. We also find that urban population witnessed a higher (lower) upward (downward) mobility during 2004–2011 compared with rural population. Furthermore, we find similar differentials in mobility using consumption as a measure of well‐being.
Planform architecture, meander evolution and grain‐size variability of a deltaic channel belt in the Rhine‐Meuse delta, The Netherlands
Authors: Winkels Timotheus G. , Stouthamer Esther , Cohen Kim M.
Published: June 2022

In the unconstrained, low gradient setting of major delta plains, individual meander belts tend to function for relatively short periods of time due to repeated channel avulsion. Their short lifetime makes ‘deltaic’ channel belts suitable to study the products of steady meander evolution as the deposits and internal architectural elements preserved are often without complications of repeated bend cutoffs. This study investigated how sedimentary characteristics as preserved from subsequent stages of activity differ within the Stuivenberg channel belt. The Stuivenberg channel belt is a long‐studied example in the Holocene Rhine‐Meuse delta, The Netherlands, for which the meander evolution, i.e. geometry and dimensions through initiation, main activity and abandonment stages and durations of activity involved, was reconstructed. Mapping of the channel belt started from established coring based and LiDAR‐aided methods. Explorative approaches were used to assess active channel width at the onset of abandonment, and to reconstruct meander positions during earlier stages. The migration history of five consecutive meanders is revealed from convex and concave ridge‐and‐swale scrolls. Analysis identifies them to be the product of translation, expansion and rotation trajectories during a period of 800 years. Grain‐size composition throughout the sand body is interpreted given these positional contexts, with special attention to local coarsening of upper point bar facies in deltaic meander belts. The findings emphasize: (i) the need to separate abandonment stage from main activity stage when analysing three‐dimensional channel belt architectures; and (ii) the influence of meander evolution on lithological characteristics of initial stage versus mature stage parts of deltaic channel belt sands.
A scoping review of peer mentoring in medicine
Authors: Farid Huma , Bain Paul , Huang Grace
Published: June 2022

Background

While studies have demonstrated the benefits of mentoring between junior and senior faculty, the dearth of senior mentors remains a challenge. Peer mentoring arose out of scarcity by creating communities among faculty at similar stages. Although demonstrative studies abound, no synthesis of the literature exists to characterise programme structure, content and impact on faculty.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of peer mentoring programmes for faculty in academic medicine. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and ERIC for studies of peer mentoring programmes. Two authors independently reviewed the articles and extracted data.

Findings

We reviewed the titles and abstracts of 1513 studies, 75 full‐text articles, and selected 19 studies for our review. About half of peer mentoring programmes were department‐sponsored. The overall size varied from 3 to 104 participants; most were organised into small groups and met monthly. Fifty‐eight percent included a didactic curriculum. Several studies showed an increase in publications, grant funding, retention rates and promotion, in addition to increased personal satisfaction. Qualitative data demonstrated themes of collaboration and mutual support.

Discussion

Programme outcomes were invariably positive with respect to participant satisfaction, and additionally, some studies showed an increase in publications, grant funding, retention rates and promotion. Camaraderie emerged as a strong theme in the programmes.

Conclusions

This scoping review of peer mentoring programmes can guide institutions in their efforts to create similar initiatives.
Current state of antimicrobial stewardship in organ transplantation in Singapore
Authors: Chung Shimin Jasmine , Liew Yixin , Lee Winnie Hui Ling , Kwa Andrea Lay Hoon , Tan Thuan Tong , Tan Ban Hock
Published: June 2022

Background

Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) are well established in the public hospitals in Singapore, but they are not mandatory for transplant programs. Given the positive impact of ASPs in non‐organ transplant patients (improved use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics, reduced length of stay, and lower healthcare costs), stewardship principles are likely to benefit transplant recipients.

Methods

We reviewed the progress made in ASPs in the Asia Pacific region as well as the progress of our ASP over the last decade since it was established. We also described how stewardship strategies have evolved for the purposes of our transplant program.

Results

Currently, pressing stewardship issues for our transplant program include high antibiotic consumption, as well as the burden, morbidity, and mortality associated with drug‐resistant bacterial infections. Transplanting the model of stewardship onto a transplant program ignores the intricacies of transplant patients; the bespoke form of stewardship, “handshake stewardship”, is more appropriate.

Conclusion

To advance the cause of ASP in the transplant unit in Singapore, stakeholder buy‐in is key; empowering transplant physicians to be stewardship‐focused would be more sustainable in the long run. In addition, expanding our diagnostic armamentarium, optimizing existing therapeutics and multi‐disciplinary team involvement (including stakeholders from microbiology, and infection prevention teams) are vital.

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Trade in health products and population health: A long‐run relation
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ayona , Chanda Rupa
Published: June 2022

The effect of trade on different economic outcomes has been extensively studied but the literature on the specific effects of trade on health outcomes has remained relatively scanty. Our paper fills in the gap by examining the long‐run association between import expenditures on health products and longevity in a cross‐country panel setting of 32 developed and 24 developing countries, covering 1990–2018. It accounts for both time‐series properties and cross‐country heterogeneity, while remaining robust to omitted variables and endogeneity problems, by applying panel cointegration techniques. The results reveal that per capita medical import expenditure on pharmaceuticals, aggregate medical products and medicines have contributed around 0.34, 0.35 and 0.30 percentage points, respectively to the annual increase in life expectancy for an average country in our sample. The findings suggest that higher per capita import expenditure on health products can increase longevity significantly in the long‐run. The results remain robust to cross‐sectional dependence, sub‐samples of developed and developing countries and alternate measures of health outcomes such as adult mortality rates. These findings set the context for treating health product imports as critical for long‐term improvements in population health and outlines the need for greater coordination between health and trade policymakers for improving population health.
COVID‐19, trade collapse and GVC linkages: European experience
Authors: Kejžar Katja Zajc , Velić Alan , Damijan Jože P.
Published: June 2022

This paper highlights the role of supply chain linkages for the transmission of COVID‐19‐induced shocks based on the monthly trade of the European Union Member States during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using the framework of the gravity model, we find an overall decline of over 20% in trade among EU countries following the COVID‐19 outbreak. Both supply and demand shocks are shown to contribute to this trade decline associated with COVID‐19 in the origin and destination country proxied by either infection rate or policy stringency index. While import demand shocks have an immediate effect on trade decline, the trade becomes increasingly sensitive to the COVID‐19 situation in the origin country over time. Moreover, the results confirm that forward global value chain (GVC) linkages act as a channel for the transmission of (demand) shocks in supply chain trade. Indeed, an increase in the incidence of COVID‐19 cases in the destination country leads to a larger decrease in domestic exports of intermediate goods in those destination countries with which a country has stronger forward linkages, that is in partners positioned further downstream. We also find the ‘China effect’, with the transmission of the COVID‐19 shock from the partner country amplified when the share of supply chain trade with China is higher. On the other hand, we fail to find robust evidence for the transmission of COVID‐19‐induced shocks via backward linkages.
Granular variant of a histiocytic tumor on the toe of a cat: Case report and literature review
Authors: Cruz Otero José D. , Jager Mason , Armien Anibal G. , Miller Andrew , Stokol Tracy
Published: June 2022

A 16‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthaired cat was examined for lameness and a mass on the fourth digit of the right hindlimb. Cytologic examination of an aspirate of the mass revealed large discrete cells admixed with low numbers of well‐granulated mast cells. The discrete cells contained single to many variably sized light pink to purple granules in their cytoplasm and had pleomorphic nuclei, with intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions. Karyomegalic, binucleated and multinucleated cells were seen. Histologic examination of formalin‐fixed sections of the excised mass showed a mildly infiltrative, unencapsulated, multinodular dermal mass that extended into the subcutis and consisted of similar discrete cells. On immunohistochemical staining, the tumor cells expressed ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and CD18. The tumor cells did not express CD3, CD20, CD117, pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), melanoma antigen (Melan‐A), multiple myeloma oncogene‐1 (MUM1), melanoma‐associated antigen (PNL‐2), and S‐100. Low numbers of tumor cells expressed CD204 and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5). Granules were variably positive for Periodic‐acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue. On transmission electron microscopy, the cells contained filopodia, abundant endoplasmic reticulum, and moderate numbers of low‐density membrane‐bound granules. This case documents a previously undescribed granular variant of a histiocytic tumor in a cat.
Situational Crisis Communication Theory and the National Football League: A Case Study of the NFL’s Response Strategies to Its Concussion Crisis
Authors: Castonguay Sabrina , Lowes Mark
Published: June 2022

This case study analyzes the crisis response strategies used by the National Football League (NFL) in its external communications to address the concussion crisis spanning 2015–2020. The analysis focuses on describing the crisis communication strategies and tactics used by the league. Situational crisis communication theory provides the theoretical framework for analyzing the NFL’s crisis response strategies. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted of 25 publications published by the NFL on nflcommunications.com, with findings indicating that the NFL focused on the primary crisis strategies of rebuilding and diminishing while employing tactics such as organizational change and shared responsibility. The findings revealed in this case study also highlight a discrepancy between the theoretical ground of situational crisis communication theory and the application of crisis response strategies in a real-life organizational crisis facing a professional sports league.
Conditions for obtaining positronium Bose–Einstein condensation in a micron-sized cavity
Authors: Asaro Marcus X. , Herrera Steven , Fuentes-Garcia Melina , Cecchini Gabriel G. , Membreno Erick E. , Greaves Rod G. , Mills Allen P.
Published: June 2022

The quest for making a triplet positronium (Ps) Bose–Einstein condensate confined in a micron-sized cavity in a material such as porous silica faces at least three interrelated problems: (1) About $$10^7$$

10
7

spin polarized Ps atoms must be injected into a small cavity within a porous solid material without vaporizing it. (2) It is known that Ps atoms confined in 30–100 nm diameter cavities in porous silica do not remain in the gas phase, but become stuck to the cavity walls at room temperature (Cooper et al., Phys. Rev. B 97:205302, 2018). (3) Cooling a gas of Ps atoms to cryogenic temperatures by energy exchange with the walls would be a very slow process (Saito and Hyodo, in: Surko, Gianturco (eds) New Directions in Antimatter Chemistry and Physics, Springer Dordrecht, Netherlands, 2001) because of the relatively low collision rate with the walls and the large mismatch between the masses of the Ps and the wall atoms. A possible solution of these difficulties is presented, based on cooling the implanted positrons in an isotopically pure diamond single crystal target, subsequent saturating of the wall Ps coverage so that a substantial portion of the Ps will be in the gaseous state, and thermalizing the gas-phase Ps via collisions with the low effective mass wall Ps. A design process for the target material is outlined as well, including preliminary results in porous cavity fabrication using focused ion beam milling.

Graphical abstract
Formally Verified Next-generation Airborne Collision Avoidance Games in ACAS X
Authors: Cleaveland Rachel , Mitsch Stefan , Platzer André
Published: June 2022

The design of aircraft collision avoidance algorithms is a subtle but important challenge that merits the need for provable safety guarantees. Obtaining such guarantees is nontrivial given the unpredictability of the interplay of the intruder aircraft decisions, the ownship pilot reactions, and the subtlety of the continuous motion dynamics of aircraft. Existing collision avoidance systems, such as TCAS and the Next-Generation Airborne Collision Avoidance System ACAS X, have been analyzed assuming severe restrictions on the intruder’s flight maneuvers, limiting their safety guarantees in real-world scenarios where the intruder may change its course.

This work takes a conceptually significant and practically relevant departure from existing ACAS X models by generalizing them to hybrid games with first-class representations of the ownship and intruder decisions coming from two independent players, enabling significantly advanced predictive power. By proving the existence of winning strategies for the resulting Adversarial ACAS X in differential game logic, collision-freedom is established for the rich encounters of ownship and intruder aircraft with independent decisions along differential equations for flight paths with evolving vertical/horizontal velocities. We present three classes of models of increasing complexity: single-advisory infinite-time models, bounded time models, and infinite time, multi-advisory models. Within each class of models, we identify symbolic conditions and prove that there then always is a possible ownship maneuver that will prevent a collision between the two aircraft.
GuitarPD: A Randomized Pilot Study on the Impact of Nontraditional Guitar Instruction on Functional Movement and Well-Being in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bastepe-Gray Serap , Wainwright Lavinia , Lanham Diane C. , Gomez Gabriela , Kim Jieung S , Forshee Zane , Kaas Bonnie , McCoy Arita , McGregor Colin , Moukheiber Emile , Rajan Suraj , Suarez-Cedeno Gerson , Wang Jiangxia , Brennan Sean , Coughlin Shane , Kang Kyurim , Pantelyat Alexander
Published: June 2022

Playing musical instruments may have positive effects on motor, emotional, and cognitive deficits in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This pilot study examined the feasibility of a six-week nontraditional guitar instruction program for individuals with PD. Twenty-six participants with idiopathic PD (Age: 67.22 ± 8.07; 17 males) were randomly assigned to two groups (intervention first or 6 weeks of usual care control exposure) with stepwise exposure to the guitar intervention condition with cross-over at six weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 weeks. Twenty-four participants completed the study. Combined analysis of the groups showed significant BDI-II improvement immediately after intervention completion (3.04 points, 95% CI [−5.2, −0.9],

p
=
0.04

). PDQ-39 total quality of life scores improved from baseline to immediately postintervention 5.19 points (95% CI [−9.4, −1.0]) at trend significance (corrected

p
=
0.07

). For Group 1 (exposed to the intervention first), MDS-UPDRS total scores improved by a mean of 8.04 points (95% CI [−12.4, −3.7],

p
=
0.004

) and remained improved at 12 weeks by 10.37 points (95% CI [−14.7, −6.0],

p
<
0.001

). This group also had significant improvements in mood and depression at weeks 6 and 12, remaining significant at week 18 (BDI-II: 3.75, 95% CI [−5.8, −1.7],

p
=
0.004

; NeuroQoL-depression: 10.6, 95% CI [−4.9. −1.4],

p
=
0.004

), and in anxiety at week 6 and week 18 (NeuroQoL; 4.42, 95% CI [−6.8, −2.1],

p
=
0.004

; 3.58, 95% CI [−5.9, −1.2],

p
=
0.02

, respectively). We found clinically and statistically significant improvements in mood/anxiety after 6 weeks of group guitar classes in individuals with PD. Group guitar classes can be a feasible intervention in PD and may improve mood, anxiety, and quality of life.
Predictive Potentials of ZEB1-AS1 in Colorectal Cancer Prognosis and Their Correlation with Immunotherapy
Authors: Ruan Liqin , Chen Weili , Zhao Xinhua , Fang Ningbo , Li Taiyuan
Published: June 2022

Background. CRC is the third most common cancer globally. The tumor immune microenvironment is closely associated with the overexpressed lncRNA ZEB1-AS1. However, in individuals with CRC, the ZEB1-AS1 gene’s ability to predict immune response is a mystery. Materials and Methods. The ZEB1-AS1 gene’s prognostic potential was thoroughly investigated. We analyzed and included into the TCGA database all ZEB1-AS1 and ZEB1-AS1-related genes using LASSO-Cox regression. Researchers examined the link among ZEB1-AS1 and the tumor immune microenvironment, immune checkpoint, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) in CRC through the TCGA database. Using a predictive model, researchers were able to determine the link between ZEB1-AS1 and NUDT3 and CRC prognosis. Result. According to our findings, individuals with reduced ZEB1-AS1 expression had a better prognosis in CRC. Based on the expression of two genes in the TCGA database, patients were divided into two cohorts. The B lymphocytes and macrophages are less likely to be recruited by tissues with a low-risk score. TMB and immunological checkpoints were shown to have a connection. Based on these genes, a predictive nomogram was built and confirmed, with a C-index of 0.78. Conclusion. Prognostic models based on ZEB1-AS1 and ZEB1-AS1-related genes are more accurate for CRC patients when it comes to the prognosis and immune checkpoint responsiveness.
Analysis of the Clinical Value of MAGE-A9 Expressions in Cervical Cancer Tissues and PBMC
Authors: He Haipeng , Mi Jiarui , Su Yuanyuan , Wang Bei , Wang Weiming , Li Yachai , Liu Jin
Published: June 2022

Objective. The aim of this study is to explore the expressions and clinical significance of melanoma-associated antigen-A9 (MAGE-A9) in cervical cancer tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods. 108 patients who were scheduled to undergo cervical conization or extensive hysterectomy between March 2019 and January 2021 due to cervical lesions were selected by convenient sampling. According to postoperative pathological results, the patients were divided into a cervical cancer group (n = 64) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) group (n = 44). The expression levels of MAGE-A9 mRNA in cervical lesion tissues and PBMC were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the expression of MAGE-A9 protein in lesion tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between MAGE-A9 mRNA expressions in cancer tissues and PBMC and serum tumor markers in patients with cervical cancer and the relationship between MAGE-A9 protein expression in cancer tissues and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed, and a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to explore the diagnostic value of MAGE-A9 mRNA expressions in cancer tissues and PBMC on cervical cancer. Results. The expression levels of MAGE-A9 mRNA in cervical lesion tissues and PBMC in the cervical cancer group were significantly higher than those in the CIN group (

P
<
0.05

), and the levels of serum SCC-Ag, CA-125, and CEA were significantly higher than those in the CIN group (

P
<
0.05

). The positive rate of the MAGE-A9 protein expression in cervical lesion tissues in the cervical cancer group was significantly higher than that in the CIN group (

P
<
0.05

). The expression levels of MAGE-A9 mRNA in cancer tissues and PBMC of patients with cervical cancer were positively correlated with serum SCC-Ag, CA-125, and CEA (

P
<
0.05

). The positive rate of the MAGE-A9 protein expression in cervical cancer tissues was related to FIGO stage, tumor diameter, degree of differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and high-risk HPV infection (

P
<
0.05

) and was not correlated with age and pathological type (

P
>
0.05

). The areas under the ROC curves of MAGE-A9 mRNA in lesion tissue and MAGE-A9 mRNA in PBMC were 0.925 and 0.900 in the diagnosis of cervical cancer (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The expressions of MAGE-A9 in cancer tissues and PBMC of patients with cervical cancer are upregulated, which is related to the levels of serum tumor markers and the progression of disease. MAGE-A9 is expected to become an important marker for the diagnosis of early cervical cancer.
The Impact of Volunteering in Festival on Life Rhythm: Taking Wireless Network Communication and Wearable Devices as Tools
Authors: Zhang Jie
Published: June 2022

It is important to understand the impact of volunteering in festival on life rhythm of a volunteer. Little attention has been paid to the impact of volunteering on volunteers’ behavior. This study is aimed at exploring volunteers’ life rhythm and makes a contrast with that of everyday life by wireless devices. Related theories include volunteers’ behavior, life rhythm of festival volunteers, and wearable devices. Data was collected with a wearable device for the advantage of mobility, flexibility, and instant feedback though there are obstacles such as limited bandwich, signal attenuation, and network congestion. The results show that sleep rhythm interacts with activity rhythm, and volunteering has an impact on the interaction. Volunteering takes the place of work or relaxation, so that the rhythm of sleep is different from that of daily life and is affected by both the circadian rhythm and social factors. But the waking time is advanced by social factors. Compared with other types of days, volunteer day presents the rhythm of early getting up and more time-consuming walking. The schedule in volunteering is obviously different from that of ordinary day, and the walking mileage is much higher than ordinary day. Volunteering has an overflowing effect on daily life and reduces the choice of outdoor activities after being a volunteer.
Key Technologies of Digital Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage Based on Virtual Reality Technology
Authors: Zhang Weiguo
Published: June 2022

Due to the increasing progress of digital technology in recent years, the protection, inheritance, development, and utilization of historical and cultural resources have become more and more integrated into it, and it has become an ideal way. At present, many countries and regions have carried out relevant research projects. With the change of the living conditions of cultural heritage and the rapid development of sci & tech, many traditional protection methods are no longer suitable and need to be replaced by new protection methods. Digital protection technology is one of the fastest developing and most concerned. With the help of virtual reality (VR) technology, it presents the essence of Chinese culture for thousands of years and comprehensively combines the characteristics of all viewpoint with traditional Chinese culture. Select the representative Chinese traditional culture as the research direction, and analyze the cultural characteristics contained in the Chinese traditional culture. In this paper, Harris operator is used to extract the feature points of the images, and two registered images are calculated according to the affine transformation coefficient. The images after affine transformation are bilinear interpolated and weighted smoothed according to the adjacent position of the overlapping area to realize the seamless mosaic design of the images and the forward and backward projection algorithm of cylindrical panoramic images. And study the artistic expression of 3D panoramic image acquisition. Based on the analysis and experiment, it can be obtained that after calculation, the average spatial data acquisition efficiency can reach 61.8%. In practice, the average display effect can reach 60.4%.
Intelligent Logistics Enterprise Management Based on the Internet of Things
Authors: Li Fang , Li Tao
Published: June 2022

At this stage, many large domestic logistics companies have problems such as complex processes, low efficiency, and chaotic vehicle management. This usually leads to vehicle failure, material loss, or improper installation of the company’s factory, which affects the company’s interests and damages the company’s reputation. In response to the above problems, this article proposes, designs, and implements an intelligent logistics management system based on the Internet of Things technology through the research of the Internet of Things technology at home and abroad. The specific content is as follows: one is to study the origin and current situation of the Internet of Things technology at home and abroad, to understand related theories and cutting-edge technologies of the Internet of Things; the other is to imitate intelligent logistics companies, study the processes and existing problems of the logistics link, and integrate the management concepts of the Internet of Things. A model of intelligent logistics enterprise management is established with enterprise intelligent technology; the third is to conduct an experiment on the management of an intelligent logistics enterprise and do an experimental data analysis of the management of an intelligent logistics enterprise. Experimental research shows that the data of factors affecting logistics operations in smart logistics companies are low, and smart logistics companies are operating in good condition, and the established data model is suitable for smart logistics enterprise management. The Internet of Things and intelligent logistics management are both emerging concepts, while the intelligent logistics management based on the Internet of Things is still in its infancy, and relevant scholars have little research on the intelligent logistics management based on the Internet of Things. It plays a guiding role for the intelligent logistics management of enterprises and promotes the management of intelligent logistics enterprises.
Interactive Design and Production of Live-Action Stop-Motion Animation Based on Digital Media
Authors: Weng Wuwen
Published: June 2022

As a form of animation that is closest to the essence of movies among all kinds of animation, stop-motion animation is deeply loved by people and has a lot of room for development in the new era. The steady progress of science and technology has raised people’s requirements for the presentation form of stop-motion animation. People are no longer satisfied with the design of stop-motion animation, which only unilaterally transmits information to the audience and does not interact with the audience. To meet people’s needs, this paper applied the augmented reality technology of digital media to the design and production of live-action stop-motion animation. It used 3D tracking and registration technology to integrate virtual characters into real-life stop-motion animation, and presented it to the audience through augmented reality equipment to improve the interaction between real-life stop-motion animation and the audience. Finally, this paper conducted an experimental design on the fluency, accuracy, animation playback, and user satisfaction of the real-life stop-motion animation of augmented reality. The results showed that the smoothness and accuracy of the live-action stop-motion animation using the augmented reality technology of digital media have been correspondingly improved, and the user’s satisfaction with the augmented reality live-action stop-motion animation has increased by 3.1%. The augmented reality technology of digital media has greatly improved the interaction between live-action stop-motion animation and the audience and promoted the development of live-action stop-motion animation.
Stability Analysis of Fe3O4‐OA‐MWCNT Nanocomposite‐Based Nanofluid
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Purree Sumbul , Ashiq M. G. B. , Ali Hafiz Muhammad
Published: June 2022

The aim of this project is to fabricate a highly stable Fe3O4‐OA‐MWCNT composite and its colloidal suspension in polyalphaolefin (PAO) base fluid for heat transfer applications. The nanocomposite was produced in three mass ratios (0.5 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1.5 : 1) to explore the concentration effects on the stability of the nanocomposite. XRD analysis and FTIR spectroscopy were conducted to inspect the phase and composition of the synthesized nanocomposite. The crystallite sizes (3.75 nm, 7.74 nm, and 7.52 nm) and dislocation densities of each composite were calculated, and it was revealed that the samples with high concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles showed small defects in their lattices. Dispersion stability of ferrofluids was also examined by natural deposition method for 365 days. The ferrofluids displayed high stability for more than one year with no sign of sedimentation. Thermal conductivity of the nanofluid was also measured via. A transient plane source method and a linear trend with slight deviation were observed.