bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring GRE® and TOEFL® Score Profiles of International Students Intending to Pursue a Graduate Degree in the United States
Authors: Roohr Katrina , Olivera‐Aguilar Margarita , Bochenek Jennifer , Belur Vinetha
Published: January 2022

The United States continues to be a top destination for international students pursuing an advanced degree. Some information about the characteristics of international students applying to graduate programs in the United States is available, but little is known about how these characteristics are related to test taker performance on graduate admissions tests and how performance may be related to graduate program characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate different patterns of performance of international test takers from four cultural regions and two large countries (China and India) on both the GRE® test and the TOEFL® test and the relationship with demographic and graduate program characteristics. Using finite mixture modeling, we investigated the most common score profiles using GRE and TOEFL for international students intending to pursue a graduate program within the United States; evaluated the demographic and college‐level factors related to the profiles; and evaluated whether the profiles were differentially associated with gender, intended field of study, and intended degree level. Results showed the following broad patterns of results: (a) Most countries and cultural regions, except for the Middle East, had three or four latent profiles representing low, medium, and high scores on the GRE and TOEFL sections; (b) two high‐performing profiles were found in Confucian Asia, one with higher GRE Quantitative Reasoning scores and the other with higher scores on GRE Verbal and TOEFL; (c) regardless of profile, test takers from China performed highest on the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section as compared to other GRE and TOEFL section scores; (d) in general, there was a relationship with students in the lower performing profiles taking the TOEFL and GRE multiple times; (e) regardless of country or cultural region, men were represented more than women overall and across most of the profiles; and (f) test takers showed a preference for science‐, technology‐, engineering‐, and mathematics‐based fields and master's degrees, but this varied across country and cultural region. Implications for future research are discussed.
Identification of superior late‐blooming apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) genotypes among seedling‐originated trees
Authors: Mashhadi Zeinab , Khadivi Ali
Published: January 2022

One of the major limiting factors in the intensive spread of apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) in most of the countries is spring frost. Thus, the breeding efforts have concentrated on the use of late‐blooming genotypes as a means of frost avoidance. The aim of the present study was to identify late‐blooming genotypes with high fruit quality among seedling‐originated trees. Firstly, pre‐selections were done according to blooming time within 278 apricot seedling‐originated trees. Secondly, the late‐blooming selections were further evaluated according to their vegetative and fruit characteristics to determine superior types. Significant differences were observed among the late‐blooming genotypes in terms of the traits recorded. Fruit ground color was strongly variable, including white, yellow, yellow–green, light orange, orange, and dark orange. Fruit weight ranged from 27.37 to 33.99 g, fruit flesh thickness varied from 11.16 to 13.47 mm, and total soluble solids varied between 17.00% and 23.87%. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) performed with Euclidean distance and Ward's method divided the genotypes into two main clusters based on morphological traits and in some cases, the genotypes belonging to an area were clustered into different clusters. All the 48 late‐blooming date genotypes selected could be useful as a parent to improve flowering season of cultivars. Also, among them, 10 genotypes were superior in terms of fruit quality‐related characters, such as fruit weight, fruit color, fruit taste, and TSS, and thus they can be singled out for cultivation.
Immune‐related lncRNA signature delineates an immune‐excluded subtype of liver cancer with unfavorable clinical outcomes
Authors: Chen Yawei , Xi Leying , Wei Lihui , Sun Debin , Zeng Tianmei
Published: January 2022

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in immune regulation and, therefore, may be closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, there are few studies regarding the relationship between the lncRNAs and the TME in liver cancer.

Methods

Firstly, we constructed a lncRNA signature based on the top 10 immune‐inversely related lncRNAs obtained from the ImmLnc database and performed disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) analyses for the patients included in the Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA‐LIHC) stratified by the lncRNA signature. Then, we explored the relationship between the lncRNA signature with distinct mutation profiles and the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Results

The lncRNA signature was successfully constructed and verified by survival analysis. The high lncRNA signature was correlated with a decreased DFS and OS in liver cancer and other two gastrointestinal cancers. The mutation profiles showed that the Lnc_high group had a higher number of mutations on many genes, mostly enriched in p53 and WNT pathways. The TME results showed that the Lnc_high group had the highest proportion (51%) of lymphocyte depletion‐characterized immune subtype, and a higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules such as LAG3, PD‐L1, CTLA4. On the contrary, in the Lnc_low group, infiltrating immune‐cell proportions were significantly higher, and a significant enhancement of four axes of the cancer immunity cycle immunogram was observed in this group.

Conclusions

The lncRNA signature we constructed identified an immune‐excluded subtype of liver cancer with unfavorable clinic outcomes, which could be tested as a biomarker for immunotherapy in the future.
Nestin and NG2 transgenes reveal two populations of perivascular cells stimulated by photobiomodulation
Authors: Gomes Natália A. , do Valle Isabella B. , Gleber‐Netto Frederico O. , Silva Tarcília A. , Oliveira Hortência M. de Castro , de Oliveira Rafaela F. , Ferreira Luiza de Almeida Q. , Castilho Lia S. , Reis Paulo H. R. G. , Prazeres Pedro H. D. M. , Menezes Gustavo B. , de Magalhães Cláudia S. , Mesquita Ricardo A. , Marques Márcia M. , Birbrair Alexander , Diniz Ivana M. A.
Published: January 2022

Pericytes and glial cells are known to collaborate in dental pulp tissue repair. Cell‐based therapies that stimulate these stromal components may be of therapeutic relevance for partially vital dental pulp conditions. This study aimed to examine the early effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) in pericytes from experimentally injured pulp tissue. To accomplish this, we used the Nestin‐GFP/NG2‐DsRed mice, which could allow the identification of distinct pericyte phenotypes. We discovered the presence of two pericytes subsets within the dental pulp, the Nestin +NG2+ (type‐2) and Nestin−NG2+ (type‐1). Upon injury, PBM treatment led to a significant increase in Nestin+ cells and pericytes. This boost was mainly conferred by the more committed pericyte subset (NestinNG2+). PBM also stimulated terminal blood vessels sprouting adjacent to the injury site while maintaining signs of pulp vitality. In vitro, PBM induced VEGF upregulation, improved dental pulp cells proliferation and migration, and favored their mineralization potential. Herein, different subsets of perivascular cells were unveiled in the pulp tissue. PBM enhanced not only NG2+ cells but nestin‐expressing progenitors in the injured dental pulp.
Diversity training experiences and factors associated with implicit racial bias among recent genetic counselor graduates of accredited programs in the United States and Canada
Authors: Pollock Bethany , Wetherill Leah , Delk Paula , Wesson Melissa , Rucker Sydney , Goodman Zachary , Remeika William , Ivanovich Jennifer
Published: January 2022

Implicit racial bias in healthcare settings can impact delivery of patient care. Exploration of this bias is necessary to improve patient experiences. We sought to understand implicit racial bias among graduates of accredited genetic counseling programs in the United States and Canada in the class of 2020 as they enter the genetics workforce and assess how this bias is associated with training and life experiences. Implicit racial bias was quantified through use of the Black–White Implicit Association Test (BW‐IAT). Participants also completed an online survey focused on didactic and clinical training and personal experiences with diverse populations. Participants (n = 100) were majority White (88%), and 44% demonstrated an implicit bias favoring White individuals. Respondents reported a lack of interaction with Black healthcare professionals during their training. A concerning proportion (38%) reported experiencing or witnessing racial insensitivity perpetrated by genetic counselors or physicians in supervisory roles. Graduates reported diversity coursework as significantly less effective overall than other general genetic counseling coursework. This study reveals prevalence of implicit racial bias among genetic counselor graduates, lack of exposure to diverse populations within and outside of graduate training, and concerns regarding racial insensitivity and effectiveness of didactic and clinical genetic counseling training. Employers and program directors should implement revisions to ongoing training and graduate curriculum with consideration of these findings.
Neutrophil subsets and their differential roles in viral respiratory diseases
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Wang Quanbo , Mackay Charles R , Ng Lai Guan , Kwok Immanuel
Published: January 2022

Neutrophils play significant roles in immune homeostasis and as neutralizers of microbial infections. Recent evidence further suggests heterogeneity of neutrophil developmental and activation states that exert specialized effector functions during inflammatory disease conditions. Neutrophils can play multiple roles during viral infections, secreting inflammatory mediators and cytokines that contribute significantly to host defense and pathogenicity. However, their roles in viral immunity are not well understood. In this review, we present an overview of neutrophil heterogeneity and its impact on the course and severity of viral respiratory infectious diseases. We focus on the evidence demonstrating the crucial roles neutrophils play in the immune response toward respiratory infections, using influenza as a model. We further extend the understanding of neutrophil function with the studies pertaining to COVID-19 disease and its neutrophil-associated pathologies. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these results for future therapeutic options through targeting and regulating neutrophil-specific responses.
Elaboration of Multiparametric MRI‐Based Radiomics Signature for the Preoperative Quantitative Identification of the Histological Grade in Patients With Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tang Xing , Bai Guoyan , Wang Hong , Guo Fan , Yin Hong
Published: January 2022

Background

The histological grading plays an essential role in the treatment decision of lung cancer. Detected tumors are usually biopsied to confirm histologic grade. How to use MRI extracted radiomics features for accurately grading lung cancer is still challenging.

Purpose

To examine the diagnostic utility of multiparametric MRI radiomics and clinical factors for grading non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 148 patients (25.7% female) with postoperative pathologically confirmed NSCLC and divided into the training cohort (N = 110) and the validation cohort (N = 38).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T; single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (TSE), T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), and integrated shimming‐echo planar imaging (ISHIM‐EPI) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Assessment

A total of 2775 radiomics features were extracted from carcinomatous regions of interest on T2WI, DWI, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. The five optimal features were selected by using the Student' s t‐test, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise regression. The Radscore combined with clinical factors, which selected by univariate and multivariate analyses, to develop a radiomics‐clinical nomogram. Its performance was evaluated in the training cohort and the validation cohort. The potential clinical usefulness was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, univariate analyses, multivariate analyses, LASSO, ROC, AUC, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Favorable discrimination performance was obtained for five optimal features (out of the 2775 features), using the training cohorts (AUC 0.761) and validation cohorts (AUC 0.753). In addition, the radiomics‐clinical nomogram significantly improved the ability to identify histological grades in the training cohort (AUC 0.814) and the validation cohort (AUC 0.767).

Data Conclusions

The radiomics‐clinical nomogram based on multiparametric MRI might have the potential to distinguish the histological grade of NSCLC.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Bonding Nature and Optical Properties of As2Te3 Phase‐Change Material
Authors: Sun Suyang , Zhu Letian , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2022

Chalcogenide phase‐change materials (PCMs) are a promising candidate for advanced memory and computing technologies. PCM‐based random access memories have entered the global memory market as storage‐class memory. In these products, the element arsenic plays an essential role in the selector layers, but how arsenic stabilizes the thermal stability of the chalcogenide glass remains elusive. Herein, thorough ab initio simulations are carried out to understand the chemical bonding, electronic structure, and optical properties of an important arsenic alloy As2Te3 in both crystalline and amorphous forms. In comparison with the homologue alloy Sb2Te3, the importance of homopolar bonds in stabilizing the amorphous phase of As2Te3 is revealed. Also, a strategy for the design of As
x
Sb2−x
Te3 alloys with optimal material properties for nonvolatile photonic phase‐change applications is proposed.
Anthracene and β‐Cyclodextrin Based Supramolecular Semi‐Conducting Thin Film: Effect of the Encapsulation on the Optical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Teka Safa , Jebnouni Achref , Jaballah Nejmeddine Smida , Elgharbi Sarra , Majdoub Mustapha
Published: January 2022

In this study, we describe the synthesis of a host‐guest supramolecule (TDPAnβ‐CD) formed from an anthracene‐based conjugated molecule (TDPAn, guest) encapsulated in cyclodextrin (β‐CD, host) under microwave irradiation. The obtaining of the desired rotaxane was confirmed by different spectroscopic and thermal analyzes. A comparative study between the physicochemical and electrical properties of the free molecule (TDPAn) and those of the rotaxane (TDPAnβ‐CD) was conducted. Thermal analyzes show an amorphous morphology and good thermal stability for the rotaxane. The surface morphology of the synthesized materials was studied using atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurement. The supramolecular film exhibits a smooth and homogeneous surface with a relatively low surface roughness compared to that of the free model. The absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the rotaxane thin film are blue‐shifted in comparison with TDPAn, due to a steric hindrance effect of the β‐CD. Hence, a blue intense photoluminescence was emitted from the rotaxane layer, compared to a violet‐red emission in the case of non‐encapsulated TDPAn. Higher electron affinity and ionization potential for the host‐guest supramolecule were observed by cyclic voltammetry. The static study of ITO/TDPAn/Al and ITO/TDPAnβ‐CD/Al schottky single layer diodes showed typical behaviors with relatively low threshold voltages and higher charge carrier mobility was achieved for the rotaxane active layer.
Quantitative Investigation of Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding in 2‐Chloro, 4‐X‐Benzoic Acids
Authors: Anil Kumar G. N. , Hathwar Venkatesha R.
Published: January 2022

The crystal structure, Hirshfeldsurface analysis, topological analysis of the electron density and total interaction energies of four compounds, 2‐Chloro, 4‐X‐Benzoic Acids (where X=I, Br, Cl and F) have been analysed. The packing similarity was evaluated in all compounds using theXPacanalysis. The qualitative information about intermolecular interactions is derived from the crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analyses whereas quantitative information are determined by the QTAIM analysis as well as total interaction energies fromCrystalExplorer. The topological properties are estimated for all compounds in both crystal geometry and gas phase usingTOPONDandAIMALL, respectively. The carboxylic acid O−H⋅⋅⋅O HB dimers, C−H⋅⋅⋅O HBs and Cπ⋅⋅⋅Cπaromatic stacking interactions are found to be common interactions in all compounds. The topological properties and bond paths demonstrate them as non‐covalent stabilizing interactions in the crystalline state. The hierarchy of interactions concerning their strength is observed in the following order such that O−H⋅⋅⋅O HB dimers>Cπ⋅⋅⋅Cπaromatic stacking interactions>C−H⋅⋅⋅O HBs>Type II X⋅⋅⋅Cl interactions and C−H⋅⋅⋅Cl HBs>Type I homo‐halogen X⋅⋅⋅X interactions in all compounds. Additionally, the strength of Type I homo‐halogen X⋅⋅⋅X interactions vary in the order: I⋅⋅⋅I>Br⋅⋅⋅Br>Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl>F⋅⋅⋅F. The hierarchy of interactions is further supported by molecular electrostatic potential surfaces associated with both positive and negative potential regions.
Effect of the Amount of Carbon/Nitrogen Feedstocks on Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of FeCoNi Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen‐doped Carbon Matrix
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Zheng , Zhu Lin , Lv Weixin , Fan Dahe , Wang Wei
Published: January 2022

Carbonaceous transition metal catalysts have become one of the most promising materials to replace expensive Pt‐based catalysts because of their high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and stability. In this paper, three metal‐containing nanoparticles, namely FeCoNi, were encapsulated into carbonaceous matrixes by simple stirring and calcination. The morphology of as‐obtained FeCoNi particles was controlled and investigated by adjusting the amount of melamine as carbon (and nitrogen) source. FeCoNi@NC/CNTs‐6 showed the best ORR activity among all of the catalysts. The half‐wave potential of the FeCoNi@NC/CNTs‐6 is 0.83 V vs. RHE, and its limiting current density is up to 5.16 mA cm−2. It was found that the unique 3D carbon‐based matrix may be the main reason for this enhanced ORR activity. Additionally, higher content of pyridine N and Fe(Co/Ni)Nx group in FeCoNi@NC/CNTs‐6 catalyst may be another reason. Finally, FeCoNi@NC/CNTs‐6 was also used as a cathode to assemble the zinc‐air battery. The results showed that it had better battery performance than the reference Pt/C catalyst. These results could provide theoretical and practical support for the enlarged applicability of similar catalysts.
Which developments in urology have you missed amongst all the COVID‐19 papers?
Authors: Woodhouse Christopher
Published: January 2022

With so much emphasis on COVID‐19 in the medical and lay press, some interesting publications, particularly on the fringes of urology, may have been overlooked. This article intends to cover some of these publications’ findings.
Listeria innocua isolated from diseased ruminants harbour minor virulence genes of L. monocytogenes
Authors: Matto Carolina , D'Alessandro Bruno , Mota María Inés , Braga Valeria , Buschiazzo Alejandro , Gianneechini Edgardo , Varela Gustavo , Rivero Rodolfo
Published: January 2022

Listeriosis is one of the most common nervous diseases in ruminants, and is caused almost exclusively by the Gram‐positive bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes. However, there are few reports of listeriosis associated with L. innocua, which is genetically closely related to L. monocytogenes, but considered non‐pathogenic. In this work, we report two cases of suppurative meningoencephalitis in apparently previously healthy ruminants from different farms, in which two strains of L. innocua were recovered. The whole genomes from both isolates were sequenced, allowing phylogenetic analyses to be performed, which indicated that the two strains were very closely related. Virulence determinants were searched, especially genes coding for the main L. monocytogenes virulence factors which have been previously described in L. innocua. Surprisingly, the two isolates do not possess such virulence determinants. Instead, both strains carried a set of genes that encode for other virulence factors of the genus Listeria detected  using the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB): iap (division and invasion of host cells), lpeA (entry into non‐professional phagocytes cells), fbpA (multifunctional virulence factor, including adherence to host cells), lspA (surface protein anchoring), lap (adhesion to enterocytes and trans epithelial translocation), pdgA (resistance to lysozyme), oatA (resistance to different antimicrobial compounds and also required for growth inside macrophages), lplA1 (use of host‐metabolites for in vivo growth), gtcA (catalyses teichoic acid of bacterial wall), prsA2 (cell invasion, vacuole lysis and intracellular growth), clpC, clpE and clpP (survival under several stress conditions). These genes among others detected, could be involved in the ability of L. innocua to produce damage in animal and human hosts. These results highlight the multifactorial profile of Listeria pathogenesis and the need for comprehensive scientific research that address microbiological, environmental and veterinary aspects of listeriosis.
Helping hands: Humans as surrogate nest‐helpers for White‐crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) at the National Aviary
Authors: Ecklar Julia
Published: January 2022

White‐crested Laughingthrushes have historically experienced high chick/fledgling mortality when breeding in human care. Over two breeding seasons at the National Aviary, we provided supplemental food to parent‐reared White‐crested Laughingthrush chicks to simulate the contributions of conspecific nest‐helpers, which are known to assist with White‐crested Laughingthrush chick‐rearing in the wild. Chick survival increased when we provided this nest‐helping assistance. In zoos where conspecific nest‐helpers are not available, we recommend human assistance be provided in a manner similar to that described here, to ensure long‐term sustainability of the species in human care. This technique may also be useful for enhancing captive assurance populations of other cooperatively breeding Asian songbird species.
Mapping Global Crop Distribution
Authors: Yue Yaojie , Su Peng , Gao Yuan , Zhang Puying , Wang Ran , Zhang Anyu , Jiang Qinghua , Ma Weidong , Zhou Yuantao , Wang Jing’ai
Published: January 2022

The latest special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in 2018 (Anandhi et al. 2016), estimates a 1.5 °C increase in global temperature in 2040 at the current rate of global warming. Such a rise has serious implications for major cereal crop cultivation: unless crop varieties adapted to higher temperatures become available, the areas suitable for cropping are bound to shift in the future. Therefore, to safeguard food security, we need to predict such changes in spatial and temporal terms, which can intuitively reflect the potential distribution of crops under different climate change scenarios and for different time periods, helping to reduce losses according to local conditions (Deng et al. 2009).
Mapping Global Road Networks
Authors: Wu Wenxiang , Hou Lingyun
Published: January 2022

Various studies have put forward different methods for reasonably determining the development scale of regional road networks according to the economic development and traffic conditions of each country, and formed some conventional methods for projecting the future scale of road networks, such as land coefficient method, elastic coefficient method, time series method, connectivity analysis method, and generalized cost method.
Mapping Global Risk of GDP Loss to River Floods
Authors: Zhang Junlin , Liao Xinli , Xu Wei
Published: January 2022

Globally, river flooding induced by heavy rainfall frequently causes serious economic losses every year.
Mapping Wind Speed Changes
Authors: Mao Rui , Shi Cuicui , Zong Qi , Feng Xingya , Sun Yijie , Wang Yufei , Liang Guohao
Published: January 2022

Wind variability has a major impact on water cycles, wind energy, and natural hazards and disasters such as hurricanes and typhoons. In the past decades, the global and regional mean near-surface wind speed (sfcWind) has shown a significantly downward trend, especially in the mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere (Wu et al. 2018). The global mean terrestrial sfcWind has decreased linearly at a rate of 0.08 m s−1 per decade during 1981–2011. Vautard et al. (2010) analyzed changes in sfcWind at stations across the globe and found that 73% of the total stations presented a decrease in the annual mean sfcWind, with linear trends of −0.09,  −0.16,  −0.12, and −0.07 m s−1 per decade in Europe, Central Asia, East Asia, and North America, respectively. In addition, a pronounced reduction in extreme sfcWind has also been observed in Europe and the United States (Yan et al. 2002; Pryor et al. 2012). However, because long-term observational data are lacking in most land areas and oceans, the uncertainty in the long-term trend of sfcWind is high, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere and over oceans.
Lie algebra expansions, non-relativistic matter multiplets and actions
Authors: Kasikci Oguzhan , Ozkan Mehmet
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We discuss a general methodology to provide rigid, off-shell matter multiplets and actions for recently constructed non-relativistic superalgebras. The technique is based on the Lie algebra expansion, which, in the context of supersymmetry, has so far been used to obtain non-relativistic on-shell supergravity models. We first explain how the Lie algebra expansion can be implemented to generate off-shell rigid multiplets on a flat background by developing an auxiliary framework where only the lowest order behavior of the spatial and temporal vielbein is relevant. We then provide explicit examples for the field content, the transformation rules as well as action principles for certain multiplets in three and four dimensions.
Chaos-protected locality
Authors: Jian Shao-Kai , Swingle Brian
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Microscopic speed limits that constrain the motion of matter, energy, and information abound in physics, from the “ultimate” speed limit set by light to Lieb-Robinson speed limits in quantum spin systems. In addition to these state-independent speed limits, systems can also be governed by emergent state-dependent speed limits indicating slow dynamics arising, for example, from slow low-energy quasiparticles. Here we describe a different kind of speed limit: a situation where complex information/entanglement spreads rapidly, in a fashion inconsistent with any speed limit, but where simple signals continue to obey an approximate speed limit. If we take the point of view that the motion of simple signals defines the local spacetime geometry of the universe, then the effects we describe show that spacetime locality can be compatible with a high degree of non-local interactions provided these are sufficiently chaotic. With this perspective, we sharpen a puzzle about black holes recently raised by Shor and propose a schematic resolution.
Entanglement island, miracle operators and the firewall
Authors: Qi Xiao-Liang
Published: January 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we obtain some general results on information retrieval from the black hole interior, based on the recent progress on quantum extremal surface formula and entanglement island. We study an AdS black hole coupled to a bath with generic dynamics, and ask whether it is possible to retrieve information about a small perturbation in the interior from the bath system. We show that the one-norm distance between two reduced states in a bath region A is equal to the same quantity in the bulk quantum field theory for region AI where I is the entanglement island of A. This is a straightforward generalization of bulk-boundary correspondence in AdS/CFT. However, we show that a contradiction arises if we apply this result to a special situation when the bath dynamics includes a unitary operation that carries a particular measurement to a region A and send the result to another region W. Physically, the contradiction arises between transferability of classical information during the measurement, and non-transferability of quantum information which determines the entanglement island.

We propose that the resolution of the contradiction is to realize that the state reconstruction formula does not apply to the special situation involving interior-information-retrieving measurements. This implies that the assumption of smooth replica AdS geometry with boundary condition set by the flat space bath has to break down when the particular measurement operator is applied to the bath. Using replica trick, we introduce an explicitly construction of such operator, which we name as “miracle operators”. From this construction we see that the smooth replica geometry assumption breaks down because we have to introduce extra replica wormholes connecting with the “simulated blackholes” introduced by the miracle operator. We study the implication of miracle operators in understanding the firewall paradox.
Effectiveness of supported housing versus residential care in severe mental illness: a multicenter, quasi-experimental study
Authors: Dehn Lorenz B. , Beblo Thomas , Richter Dirk , Wienberg Günther , Kremer Georg , Steinhart Ingmar , Driessen Martin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Up to now there are only few studies and no RCT comparing efficacy or effectiveness of supported housing (SH) versus residential care (RC) in severe mental illness (SMI) without homelessness. Here we present an observational follow-up study in SMI subjects, who entered SH or RC, to compare clinical and functional outcomes 2 years later.

Methods

In this prospective study in more than 30 locations throughout a German federal state, we included SMI subjects, who entered SH (n = 153) or RC (n = 104). About one quarter suffered from each substance use, psychotic, affective, or other disorders. To avoid sampling bias, we used the propensity score matching method to establish a quasi-experimental design. Outcome measures were social functioning (SFS), the number of psychiatric hospitalisations, psychopathology (SCL-9-K), and quality of life (MANSA). Apart from descriptive methods we analysed primarily using repeated-measures ANOVAS.

Results

Our analyses revealed significant effects of time for all outcomes in both study groups. However, there were not any group differences of outcome measures, i.e., not any significant effects of group or interactional effects of group x time. Moreover, these results hold true for intent-to-treat and per-protocol sample analyses.

Conclusion

The results show, that SH and RC for non-homeless people with SMI achieve the same clinical and psychosocial outcomes across a 2-year period. Taking into account the users’ preferences, the present findings should give reason to ensure the availability of affordable housing and to support the expansion of supported housing approaches.
Topology optimisation of turbulent flow using data-driven modelling
Authors: Hammond James , Pietropaoli Marco , Montomoli Francesco
Published: January 2022

Fluid topology optimisation has become a popular approach for optimisation of geometries in aero-thermal applications. However, one of the main limitations of current approaches considering turbulent flow is the fidelity of the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes models employed. In response, this paper shows the development of the first data-driven fluid topology optimisation technique based on the continuous adjoint method. The technique first extracts data from a high fidelity simulation of a standard topology-optimised geometry. These data are fed through a symbolic regression-based machine learning algorithm called gene expression programming, to learn an explicit model for the anisotropy tensor. The novel aspect of the work is the derivation of the adjoint form of the generalised explicit algebraic stress model such that the developed turbulence model can be inserted directly into the primal and adjoint system of equations. This allows a second, data-driven optimisation to be performed. Finally, a high fidelity simulation of the resulting geometry is also conducted to allow comparison against the standard geometry. The method is first applied to the back-facing step to verify the approach and then to a 2D u-bend configuration. The data-driven optimisation was able to find geometries exhibiting significant reductions in pressure loss when compared with results from the standard optimisation.
Practical metamodel-assisted multi-objective design optimization for improved sustainability and buildability of wind turbine foundations
Authors: Mathern Alexandre , Penadés-Plà Vicent , Armesto Barros Jesús , Yepes Víctor
Published: January 2022

In this work, we study the potential of using kriging metamodelling to perform multi-objective structural design optimization using finite element analysis software and design standards while keeping the computational efforts low. A method is proposed, which includes sustainability and buildability objectives, and it is applied to a case study of reinforced concrete foundations for wind turbines based on data from a large Swedish wind farm project. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to investigate the influence of the penalty factor applied to unfeasible solutions and the size of the initial sample generated by Latin hypercube sampling. A multi-objective optimization is then performed to obtain the optimum designs for different weight combinations for the four objectives considered. Results show that the kriging-obtained designs from samples of 20 designs outperform the best designs in the samples of 1000 designs. The optimum designs obtained by the proposed method have a sustainability impact 8–15% lower than the designs developed by traditional methods.
Area of intrinsic graphs and coarea formula in Carnot groups
Authors: Julia Antoine , Nicolussi Golo Sebastiano , Vittone Davide
Published: January 2022

We consider submanifolds of sub-Riemannian Carnot groups with intrinsic$$C^1$$C1regularity ($$C^1_H$$CH1). Our first main result is an area formula for$$C^1_H$$CH1intrinsic graphs; as an application, we deduce density properties for Hausdorff measures on rectifiable sets. Our second main result is a coarea formula for slicing$$C^1_H$$CH1submanifolds into level sets of a$$C^1_H$$CH1function.
Algebraic $$K\!$$-theory and Grothendieck–Witt theory of monoid schemes
Authors: Eberhardt Jens Niklas , Lorscheid Oliver , Young Matthew B.
Published: January 2022

We study the algebraic $$K\!$$

K

-theory and Grothendieck–Witt theory of proto-exact categories of vector bundles over monoid schemes. Our main results are the complete description of the algebraic $$K\!$$

K

-theory space of an integral monoid scheme X in terms of its Picard group $${{\,\mathrm{Pic}\,}}(X)$$

Pic

(
X
)

and pointed monoid of regular functions $$\Gamma (X, {\mathcal {O}}_X)$$

Γ
(
X
,

O
X

)

and a complete description of the Grothendieck–Witt space of X in terms of an additional involution on $${{\,\mathrm{Pic}\,}}(X)$$

Pic

(
X
)

. We also prove space-level projective bundle formulae in both settings.
Melonic Large N Limit of 5-Index Irreducible Random Tensors
Authors: Carrozza Sylvain , Harribey Sabine
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate that random tensors transforming under rank-5 irreducible representations of $$\mathrm {O}(N)$$

O
(
N
)

can support melonic large N expansions. Our construction is based on models with sextic (5-simplex) interaction, which generalize previously studied rank-3 models with quartic (tetrahedral) interaction (Benedetti et al. in Commun Math Phys 371:55, 2019. arXiv:1712.00249; Carrozza in JHEP 06:039, 2018. arXiv:1803.02496). Beyond the irreducible character of the representations, our proof relies on recursive bounds derived from a detailed combinatorial analysis of the Feynman graphs. Our results provide further evidence that the melonic limit is a universal feature of irreducible tensor models in arbitrary rank.
Unterstützung für Kinder und Jugendliche mit psychisch erkrankten Eltern im „Children of mentally ill parents –network“
Authors: Wiegand-Grefe Silke
Published: January 2022

Kinder psychisch kranker Eltern sind als Risikogruppe für die Entwicklung eigener Auffälligkeiten bekannt. Gleichwohl weisen viele Unterstützungsangebote einen befristeten Projektcharakter auf, und es ist noch keine familienorientierte Regelversorgung für Kinder und Jugendliche mit psychisch erkrankten Eltern in Deutschland etabliert. Am Beispiel des Verbunds „Children of mentally ill parents – network“ (CHIMPS-NET) wird dargestellt, wie sich neue Versorgungsformen mit den Möglichkeiten des Innovationsfonds des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses (GB-A) in die Versorgung implementieren lassen. Das systematische Implementierungsmodell des Verbunds, basierend auf Arbeiten aus Australien und Norwegen, wird vorgestellt. Nach der Implementierung und bei erfolgreicher Evaluation ist eine Übernahme der bedarfsorientierten, familienorientierten Versorgungsformen des Verbunds in die regelhafte Versorgung geplant.
Bioequivalence of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from foods enriched with a novel vegetable-based omega-3 delivery system compared to gel capsules: a randomized controlled cross-over acute trial
Authors: Stonehouse Welma , Klingner Bradley , Tso Rachel , Teo Pey Sze , Terefe Netsanet Shiferaw , Forde Ciarán G.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To evaluate bioavailability of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) from foods enriched with novel vegetable-based encapsulated algal oil across Australian and Singaporean populations.

Methods

27 men (n = 12 Australian European; n = 15 Singaporean Chinese), 21–50 yr; 18–27.5 kg/m2, with low habitual intake of omega-3 LCPUFA completed a multicentre randomised controlled acute 3-way cross-over single-blind trial. They consumed, in random order 1-week apart after an overnight fast, standard breakfast meals including 400 mg docosahexanoic acid (DHA) from either extruded rice snacks or soup both containing cauliflower-encapsulated HiDHA® algal oil or gel capsules containing HiDHA® algal oil. Blood samples for analysis of plasma DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were taken pre-meal and after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h. Primary analyses comparing 24-h incremental area under the plasma DHA, EPA and DHA + EPA concentration (µg/ml) curves (iAUC0-24 h) between test foods were performed using linear mixed models by including ethnicity as an interaction term.

Results

Plasma iAUC0-24 h did not differ significantly between test foods (adjusted mean [95% CI] plasma DHA + EPA: extruded rice snack, 8391 [5550, 11233] µg/mL*hour; soup, 8862 [6021, 11704] µg/mL*hour; capsules, 11,068 [8226, 13910] µg/mL*hour, P = 0.31) and did not differ significantly between Australian European and Singaporean Chinese (treatment*ethnicity interaction, P = 0.43).

Conclusion

The vegetable-based omega-3 LCPUFA delivery system did not affect bioavailability of omega-3 LCPUFA in healthy young Australian and Singaporean men as assessed after a single meal over 24 h, nor was bioavailability affected by ethnicity. This novel delivery system may be an effective way to fortify foods/beverages with omega-3 LCPUFA.

Trial registration

The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04610983), date of registration, 22 November 2020.
Management and outcome of prenatal absent pulmonary valve syndrome
Authors: Recker Florian , Weber Eva C. , Strizek Brigitte , Geipel Annegret , Berg Christoph , Gembruch Ulrich
Published: January 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the outcome in fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of absent pulmonary valve syndrome (APVS) on ultrasound imaging.

Methods

A manual web scraping technique was utilized, where MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched along the combination with other relevant medical subject headings such as “absent pulmonary valve syndrome”, “prenatal APVS” and “APVS/outcome”. The observed outcomes encompassed the rate of chromosomal abnormalities, associations and malformations linked to APVS and fetuses with APVS. A quality assessment of the included studies was also performed. We used meta-analyses of proportions to combine data and fixed or random-effects models according to the heterogeneity of the results.

Results

Seven studies including 199 fetuses with APVS were included in the analysis. The median gestational age at referral to the tertiary center was 24.8 weeks. An association to tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) could be seen in 84.4% of all cases. In total 140 out of 199 cases underwent invasive testing, with a total number of 55 abnormal karyotypes [39.3% (95% CI 31.1–47.9%)]. 35.2% of the patients opted for termination of pregnancy (95% CI 28.5–42.3%).

Conclusion

The analysis underlines the distribution of fetuses with APVS, with 84.4% of cases presenting with TOF/APVS and only 12.6% having APVS/intact ventricular septum (IVS). Larger and more prospective study analyses is now needed, especially focusing on long-term follow-up periods of fetuses and children with APVS. Particularly as the postnatal course shows great variety depending on prenatal diagnosis.
Intracochlear electrode array position and cochlear implant outcomes using the nucleus slim modiolar electrode and the extended round window approach: a follow-up study
Authors: Klabbers Tim M. , Heutink Floris , Huinck Wendy J. , van der Woude Willem-Jan , Verbist Berit M. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intracochlear position of the Slim Modiolar Electrode (SME) after insertion via the extended Round Window (eRW) approach, and to correlate this with residual hearing preservation and speech perception outcomes.

Methods

Twenty-three adult participants, consecutively implanted with the SME via the eRW approach, were included in this prospective, single-center, observational study. Electrode position was evaluated intra-operatively using X-ray fluoroscopy and TIM measurement, and post-operatively using ultra-high resolution CT. Residual hearing [threshold shift in PTA between pre- and post-operative measurement, relative hearing preservation (RHP%)] and speech perception were evaluated at 2 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

In each of the 23 participants, complete scala tympani positioning of the electrode array could be achieved. In one participant, an initial tip fold-over was corrected during surgery. Average age at implantation was 63.3 years (SD 13.3, range 28–76) and mean preoperative residual hearing was 81.5 dB. The average post-operative PTA threshold shift was 16.2 dB (SD 10.8) at 2 months post-operatively, corresponding with a RHP% score of 44% (SD 34.9). At 12 months, the average RHP% score decreased to 37%. Postoperative phoneme scores improved from 27.1% preoperatively, to 72.1% and 82.1% at 2 and 12 months after surgery, respectively.

Conclusion

Use of the eRW approach results in an increased likelihood of complete scala tympani insertion when inserting the SME, with subsequent excellent levels of speech perception. However, residual hearing preservation was found to be moderate, possibly as a result of the extended round window approach, emphasizing that it is not an all-purpose approach for inserting this particular electrode array.
Quality control in cochlear implant therapy: clinical practice guidelines and registries in European countries
Authors: Loth A. , Vazzana C. , Leinung M. , Guderian D. , Issing C. , Baumann U. , Stöver T.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The treatment with a cochlear implant (CI) is the gold standard in therapy of patients with profound hearing loss or deafness. Successful hearing rehabilitation with a CI is a complex, multi-stage process. In medicine, “Clinical Practice Guidelines” (CPG) are widely accepted for the standardization of such processes. These are supplemented by medical registries in which data regarding the treatment can be collected and evaluated. The aim of this paper is to identify currently existing CI-related CPGs and registries in Europe.

Methods

Between 01/2021 and 06/2021, 42 countries on the European continent, including the United Kingdom, Russia and Turkey, were screened using an internet search (search engine: Google) and a key word search in the Pubmed database. Search terms were the respective country name combined with the following terms: “Cochlear Implant”, “CI”, “Cochlear implant clinical practice guideline”, “CI Guideline”, “Cochlear Implant Registry”, “CI Registry”, “Ear nose throat society”. The internet search was conducted in English as well as in the corresponding national language. The objective was to identify a CI-related CPG or registry.

Results

A CPG was found in 16 of 42 (38%) countries. In terms of population, this accounts for 645 million out of 838 million people (77%). A registry existed in 4 of the 42 (10%) countries assessed. This corresponds to 102 million out of 838 million (12%) people. In total, 4 out of 42 countries (10%) had both a CPG and a registry.

Conclusion

Our work shows numerous efforts in Europe to standardize CI care at the national level. While most people in Europe already live in countries with a CPG, this is not the case for CI registries. European-wide consensus on CPGs or registries does not yet exist. The present study thus provides a first assessment of the distribution of CI-related CPGs and registries.