bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated cognitive decline after the COVID‐19 pandemic in a community population of older persons with cognitive impairment: A 4‐year time series analysis in the Tokyo Metropolis area
Authors: Matsui Toshifumi , Mitsuma Sayuri , Nagata Akane , Matsushita Sachio , Asahi Toshiomi
Published: January 2023

Aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has led to lifestyle restrictions and might be associated with long‐term changes in cognitive function. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the overall effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the cognitive trajectory of a cohort of patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods

We enrolled 160 patients who had been making regular visits to a medical center for dementia. Cognitive function was assessed based on changes in scores on the Mini‐Mental State Examination before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic throughout a 4‐year period. The trajectory of cognitive decline was determined by carrying out a time series analysis using a state‐space model.

Results

Crude analysis showed that the Mini‐Mental State Examination scores decreased from 20.9 ± 4.4 points (mean ± SD) at the time of the initial cognitive assessments to 17.5 ± 5.6 points at the time of the final assessments, and the decline rate was 1.15 ± 1.78 points per year (P < 0.0001). The time series analysis showed an accelerated cognitive trajectory after the COVID‐19 outbreak, and the average decline in the Mini‐Mental State Examination scores was 0.46 points (95% confidence interval 0.034–0.91) per year before the COVID‐19 pandemic, and a steeper decline of 1.87 points (95% confidence interval 1.34–2.67) per year after the outbreak.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic accelerated the rate of cognitive decline in patients with cognitive impairment fourfold in comparison with before the pandemic. Specific strategies designed for cognitively older people in the “new normal” will reconcile both requirements, reducing the risk of infection, and maintaining their physical and psychological well‐being. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 200–204.
Utilization patterns, cardiovascular risk, and concomitant serotoninergic medications among triptan users between 2008 and 2018: A gender analysis in one Italian region, Tuscany
Authors: Hyeraci Giulia , Gini Rosa , Bezin Julien , Iannone Luigi Francesco , Benemei Silvia , Lupi Chiara , De Cesaris Francesco , Geppetti Pierangelo , Roberto Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Objective

To describe the pattern of triptan use by gender in Tuscany, Italy, focusing on special user populations in which evidence on triptan safety is still not conclusive.

Background

Growing evidence supports the role of gender differences in migraine pathophysiology and treatment. However, gender impact on triptan real‐word utilization has been poorly investigated.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive, cohort study was performed using the population‐based Administrative Healthcare Database of Tuscany region (Italy). Subjects registered in the database on the January 1 of each year between 2008 and 2018 were identified. New users (NU) of triptans (ATC:N02CC*) were patients with one or more triptan dispensation during the year of interest and none in the past. Age, cardiovascular comorbidities representing an absolute or a possible contraindication to triptan utilization, concomitant serotonergic medications, and pattern of triptan use during 1‐year follow‐up were described by gender.

Results

A total of 86,109 patients who received one or more triptan dispensing were identified. Of 64,672 NU (men = 17,039; women = 47,633), 10.2% (6823/64,672) were aged >65 years, who were mostly women (n = 4613). Among NU, men and women with absolute cardiovascular contraindications were 4.3% (740/17,039) and 2.1% (1022/47,633), respectively, while those concomitantly taking serotonergic medications were 17.2% (267/1549) and 21.9% (949/4330), respectively (949/4330). Regular users (two or more dispensing with ≥3 months between first and last observed dispensing) accounted for 26.4% of women (12,597/47,633) and 19.11% of men (3250/17,039); frequent users (≥15 dosage units/month during ≥3 consecutive months) were overall 0.1% (94/64,672) and 62.0% (58/94) of them concomitantly received serotonergic medications.

Conclusion

Considering gender differences in triptan use highlighted here, large scale observational studies are warranted to better define what populations are safe to use triptans and whether it is appropriate to tighten or relax certain recommendations on triptan use. In the meantime, any suspected adverse drug reaction observed in the special user populations highlighted in this study should be promptly reported.
Association between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis: A bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Li Song , Tan Dong , Abudourexiti Waresi , Yu Zeqian , Zhang Tenghui , Ding Chao , Gong Jianfeng
Published: January 2023

Aim

This Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to explore the potential bidirectional causal association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

We used genetic instruments from the genome‐wide association study summary statistics of European descent for IBD (12,882 cases and 21,770 controls) to investigate the association with periodontitis (3046 cases and 195,395 controls) and vice versa. The radial inverse‐variance weighted method was carried out to obtain the primary causal estimates, and the robustness of the results was assessed by a series of sensitivity analyses. Due to multiple testing, associations with p values <.008 were considered as statistically significant, and p values ≥.008 and <.05 were considered as suggestively significant.

Results

In the primary causal estimates, IBD as a whole was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.060; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.017; 1.105; p = .006). Subtype analyses showed that ulcerative colitis (UC) was associated with periodontitis (OR, 1.074; 95% CI 1.029; 1.122; p = .001), while Crohn's disease (CD) was not. Regarding the reverse direction, periodontitis showed a suggestive association with IBD as a whole (OR, 1.065; 95% CI 1.013; 1.119; p = .014). Subtype analyses revealed that periodontitis was associated with CD (OR, 1.100; 95% CI 1.038; 1.167; p = .001) but not UC. The final models after outlier removal showed no obvious pleiotropy, indicating that our primary analysis results were reliable.

Conclusions

The present MR study provides moderate evidence on the bidirectional causal relationship between IBD and periodontitis. The bidirectional increased risk found in our study was marginal and, possibly, of limited clinical relevance. More studies are needed to support the findings of our current study.
Perceived benefits from peer‐support among family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cognitive impairments in a palliative rehabilitation blended online learning programme
Authors: Olesen Lene Klem , la Cour Karen , Thorne Sally , With Heidi , Handberg Charlotte
Published: January 2023

Rationale

Family caregivers of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cognitive and/or behavioural impairments (PALS/CIs) experience various challenges and needs, including emotional and practical support from peers. Various forms of peer‐support have shown different strengths and weaknesses; however, little is known about how family caregivers of PALS/CIs interact with and perceive virtual face‐to‐face peer‐support.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study was to understand how caregivers of PALS/CIs interact with and perceive virtual face‐to‐face peer‐support in a palliative rehabilitation programme designed to promote targeted palliative rehabilitation initiatives for caregivers of PALS/CIs.

Method

A qualitative design using participant observations of 17 recorded virtual group‐facilitated meetings from two rounds of a 4‐month intervention was performed. The Medical Research Council framework, the inductive interpretive description methodology and the theoretical framework of Sense of Coherence guided the study. Nineteen participants, divided into four groups, were included.

Results

Three themes emerged: ‘Relating my situation to others’, ‘Making room for forbidden thoughts’ and ‘Longing for normalcy’. The themes reflected the various ways participants interacted in online group meetings and how the interactions evolved around practical, emotional and forbidden thoughts. Sharing personal and sorrowful concerns and frustrations engendered feelings of trust and a sense of belonging, which empowered the participants to address their genuine wish and longing for normalcy with all the trivialities of which ALS/CIs had robbed them.

Conclusion

Virtual face‐to‐face peer‐support can enable caregivers of PALS/CIs to share experiences of everyday life challenges that cannot always be shared elsewhere. Being able to relate to and learn from other's experiences alleviated feelings of loneliness, frustration, and concerns and thereby enhanced comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. Online palliative rehabilitation interventions should provide an opportunity for caregivers to meet regularly in interactive group meetings. Familiarization takes time online and is necessary to improve their sense of feeling safe to share their deepest thoughts. Such group interventions, facilitated by trained healthcare professionals, offer a means to support dynamic group interactions and discussion of sensitive topics.
Venture capital and private equity investors, governance, and success of IPOs: Evidence from India
Authors: Gogineni Sridhar , Upadhyay Arun
Published: January 2023

In this article, we examine the role of domestic and foreign venture capital and private equity (VCPE) firms in India. We find robust evidence that portfolio firms backed by foreign VCPE firms incorporate effective governance structures after the initial public offering (IPO). Specifically, these firms are associated with smaller, more independent, and gender‐diverse boards. Furthermore, our results suggest that foreign VCPE firms continue their association with their portfolio firms in the post‐IPO period by nominating directors to the boards. Our results also suggest that portfolio firms backed by foreign VCPE firms are associated with better long‐term operating performance and profitability. This positive effect is exacerbated by the presence of independent and female directors. Collectively, our results support the view that good governance practices are key to the long‐term success of a business, especially in economies that lack good legal systems, developed financial markets, and alternative investment opportunities and where developing trust between parties in a transaction is crucial.
Institutional trading and information processing: Evidence from complicated firms and easy‐to‐analyze firms
Authors: Alldredge Dallin M.
Published: January 2023

In this article, I examine institutional trading within two groups of firms with different demands on investor information processing: conglomerate firms and stand‐alone firms. On average, institutional trading in conglomerate firm stocks yields significantly lower returns than institutional trading in stand‐alone firm stocks. Inferior returns following institutional trading in conglomerate firm stocks persist across small and large firms. Moreover, financial institutions with a low concentration of conglomerate firms in their portfolios are more profitable in their trading. This study provides evidence that skilled institutional investors intentionally focus their information‐processing efforts on easy‐to‐analyze firms.
An expanded mindful mindset: The role of different skills in stress reduction and life satisfaction
Authors: Bahl Shalini , Milne George R. , Swani Kunal
Published: January 2023

Mindsets brought to the marketplace by consumers determine the decisions they make and, ultimately, their well‐being. Mindsets based on a comprehensive set of mindfulness skills can provide a broader lens to understanding life's varied situations to make better choices. Considering research on mindfulness and Buddhist psychology, this study introduced an expanded mindful mindset comprising nine mindfulness skills: awareness, compassion for others, self‐compassion, curiosity, energy, gratitude, inner calm, focus, and discernment. A national online survey, along with structural equation modeling, was conducted to examine differences in the narrower and expanded mindful mindsets and the relative contribution of the nine mindfulness skills to address stress and life satisfaction. The study found that a different set of mindfulness skills was required for life satisfaction and stress‐reduction. Energy had the greatest impact on life satisfaction, and self‐compassion had the greatest impact on stress reduction. Finally, the implications of an expanded mindful mindset were discussed.
Scaling‐up: Building, Leading and Sustaining Rapid Growth Over Time
Authors: Jansen Justin J. P. , Heavey Ciaran , Mom Tom J. M. , Simsek Zeki , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: January 2023

Even as research on scaling and high growth firms (HFGs) is gaining momentum, the corpus of accumulated research remains largely fragmented and dispersed, with little in the way of a central conceptual foundation or ‘theoretical true north’ to guide empirical development. This Special Issue provides a forum for works that push the theoretical and empirical frontiers of research on scaling and HGFs. We provide a multi‐dimensional conceptualization that recognizes scaling as a dynamic capability entailing routines and processes for expansion, replication, and synchronization. We also present a typology that specifies the multiple types of HGFs. Inspired by the four studies published in the special issue, we finally outline five priorities for future research.
Electromyographic activities of the jaw and facial muscles in subjects with different vertical skeletal patterns and breathing modes
Authors: Zhao Minyue , Han Mengqi , Habumugisha Janvier , Mohamed Amin S. , Bu Wenqing , Guo Yucheng , Zou Rui , Wang Fei
Published: January 2023

Background

Mouth breathing (MB) can affect morphological changes in the craniofacial structures, electromyography is widely used for quantitative analysis of muscle function.

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the anterior temporalis (TA), masseter muscle (MM), orbicularis oris superior (OOS) and mentalis muscle (MT) in children with different vertical skeletal patterns and breathing modes during rest and various functional mandibular movements.

Methods

BioEMG III was used to measure the variations in EMG activities of TA, MM, OOS, and MT in 185 subjects aged 6–12 years during continuous clenching, rest, maximal intercuspation, lips closed lightly and swallowing.

Results

The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the model with vertical skeletal patterns as the dependent variable was ineffective (p = .106), while the model with breathing modes as the dependent variable was effective (p = .000). When considering both vertical skeletal patterns and breathing modes, the following significant differences were found. (1) In the normal‐angle group, the EMG ratio in OOS with lips closed lightly of MB was significantly higher than NB (p = .005). (2) In the low‐angle group, EMG ratios in TA and MM during the swallowing of MB were significantly lower than NB (p = .020, p = .040, respectively). (3) In the high‐angle group, EMG ratios of MB were significantly higher in MT during continuous clenching, rest, lips closed lightly and swallowing (p = .038, p = .036, p = .005, p = .028, respectively), and OOS with lips closed lightly compared to NB (p = .005).

Conclusion

Breathing modes and vertical skeletal patterns interacted to alter maxillofacial EMG activities, with breathing modes having a greater effect.
Antenatal care is associated with adherence to iron supplementation among pregnant women in selected low‐middle‐income‐countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean regions: Insights from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Karyadi Elvina , Reddy J. C. , Dearden Kirk A. , Purwanti Tutut , Mardewi  , Asri Eriana , Roquero Loreto B. , Juguan Jocelyn A. , Sapitula‐Evidente Angelita , Anand Binu , Warvadekar Kirti , Bhardwaj Anjali , Alam Md. K. , Das Susmita , Nair Gopa K. , Srivastava Anuj , Raut Manoj K.
Published: January 2023

Anaemia is a global public health problem affecting 800 million women and children globally. Anaemia is associated with perinatal mortality, child morbidity and mortality, mental development, immune competence, susceptibility to lead poisoning and performance at work. The objective of this article is to identify whether antenatal care‐seeking was associated with the uptake of iron supplementation among pregnant women, adjusting for a range of covariates. This article used data from the cross‐sectional recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 12 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean regions. The individual‐level data from 273,144 women of reproductive age (15−49 years) were analysed from multi‐country DHS. Multiple Logistic regression analyses were conducted using Predictive Analytics Software for Windows (PASW), Release 18.0. Receiving at least four antenatal care visits was significantly associated with the consumption of 90 or more iron‐containing supplements in 12 low and middle income countries across three regions after adjusting for different household and respondent characteristics, while mass media exposure was found to be a significant predictor in India and Indonesia. Antenatal care seems to be the most important predictor of adherence to iron intake in the selected countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean regions.
Factors associated with physical growth status among children aged 12−59 months in the Japanese National Growth Survey on Preschool Children: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Shinsugi Chisa , Takimoto Hidemi
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to examine the factors associated with physical growth status among children aged 12−59 months in Japan. Data from the 2010 National Growth Survey on Preschool Children, a nationwide cross‐sectional survey, were used for this analysis (n = 4196). After adjustment for confounding factors, multiple logistic regression analyses showed that boys who were born small‐for‐gestational‐age were more likely to be underweight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 12.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [6.76−23.3], p < 0.001), stunted (aOR: 5.78, 95% CI: [3.48−9.60], p < 0.001) and wasted (aOR: 7.02, 95% CI: [3.30−15.0], p < 0.001), while boys who were large‐for‐gestational‐age were less likely to be stunted (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI: [0.11−0.60], p < 0.01). Girls who were born small‐for‐gestational‐age were more likely to be underweight (aOR: 5.42, 95% CI: [2.73−10.7], p < 0.001), stunted (aOR: 4.04, 95% CI: [2.43−6.73], p < 0.001) and wasted (aOR: 6.27, 95% CI: [2.55−15.4], p < 0.001), while girls who were large‐for‐gestational age were more likely to be overweight (aOR: 5.90, 95% CI: [1.64−21.3], p < 0.001). Moreover, the following factors were associated with the physical growth status in children: maternal prepregnancy body mass index, complications during pregnancy, continuous breastfeeding, initiation age of complementary feeding, smoking status of the father or those living with the mother during pregnancy and birth order. Further research is needed to expand support for high‐risk families and to verify their effectiveness.
Mining of seed coat cracking related genetic loci and genes in diverse soybean (Glycine max) populations
Authors: Chu Jiahao , Huang Meihong , Zhang Hua , Shao Zhenqi , Sun Yaqian , Rong Shaoda , Li Wenlong , Li Xihuan , Zhang Caiying
Published: January 2023

Seed coat cracking (SCC) is a major factor that affects seed appearance quality, pathogen infection, humility absorption and seed storage in soybean. In view of this, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and a natural population were genotyped by SoySNP6K and were evaluated for type‐I SCC percentage. Eight QTLs were identified on six chromosomes with phenotypic variation explanations ranging from 3.46% to 34.71% in RIL population. Twenty‐three SNPs associated with cracking percentage were identified on eight chromosomes in natural population. More importantly, the association SNP ss715593768 in natural population was the left marker of qSCC‐C2‐1 in RIL population, which were detected across all of the environments and BLUP values. Two genes, Glyma.06G197300 and Glyma.06G202100, were proposed in this QTL region. These two genes showed differential expressions at seed developmental stages between RIL parents in the seed transcriptome sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis, and also showed differential expressions between two germplasms with different cracking percentage in natural population. Thus, the results provide novel insight into the genetic basis and molecular improvement of SCC in soybean.
Customers’ managerial expectations and suppliers’ asymmetric cost management
Authors: Liang Peng , Cavusoglu Hasan , Hu Nan
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates how managers in the upstream firm (i.e., supplier) adjust their allocations of cost resources in response to managerial expectations of the downstream firms (i.e., customers) on the future demand and prospects. We conduct an empirical analysis to examine the impact of the tone of customers’ forward‐looking disclosures (FLDs) contained in the Management Discussion and Analysis section of 10‐K filings on suppliers’ asymmetric cost behaviors, characterizing costs decreasing less for sales fall than increasing for equivalent sales rise (i.e., “cost stickiness”). We show that the degree of suppliers’ asymmetric cost management is positively associated with their customers’ tone of FLDs. Moreover, such an association is stronger when the suppliers produce more unique products for their major customers. Our inferences remain robust after controlling for the strategic disclosure behavior of the customer firms, ruling out an alternative mechanism of suppliers’ own managerial expectations and managerial empire‐building incentives. Lastly, using a decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005 as a quasi‐natural experiment setting, we show that the effect of customers’ tone of FLDs on suppliers’ cost stickiness becomes stronger when FLDs are more informative. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to introduce cost stickiness in the operations management context to capture management's operational decision intervention regarding resource allocation. We also contribute to information sharing literature by highlighting the importance of channels other than the traditional explicit information sharing channel in obtaining demand‐relevant information in supply chains.
Differential associations between scale‐free neural dynamics and different levels of cognitive ability
Authors: Pei Leisi , Zhou Xinlin , Leung Frederick K. S. , Ouyang Guang
Published: January 2023

As indicators of cognitive function, scale‐free neural dynamics are gaining increasing attention in cognitive neuroscience. Although the functional relevance of scale‐free dynamics has been extensively reported, one fundamental question about its association with cognitive ability remains unanswered: is the association universal across a wide spectrum of cognitive abilities or confined to specific domains? Based on dual‐process theory, we designed two categories of tasks to analyze two types of cognitive processes—automatic and controlled—and examined their associations with scale‐free neural dynamics characterized from resting‐state electroencephalography (EEG) recordings obtained from a large sample of human adults (N = 102). Our results showed that resting‐state scale‐free neural dynamics did not predict individuals' behavioral performance in tasks that primarily engaged the automatic process but did so in tasks that primarily engaged the controlled process. In addition, by fitting the scale‐free parameters separately in different frequency bands, we found that the cognitive association of scale‐free dynamics was more strongly manifested in higher‐band EEG spectrum. Our findings indicate that resting‐state scale‐free dynamics are not universal neural indicators for all cognitive abilities but are mainly associated with high‐level cognition that entails controlled processes. This finding is compatible with the widely claimed role of scale‐free dynamics in reflecting properties of complex dynamic systems.
Metabolic regulation of the plant epigenome
Authors: Lu Yue , Bu Qing , Chuan Mingli , Cui Xiaoyun , Zhao Yu , Zhou Dao‐Xiu
Published: January 2023

Chromatin modifications shape the epigenome and are essential for gene expression reprogramming during plant development and adaptation to the changing environment. Chromatin modification enzymes require primary metabolic intermediates such as S‐adenosyl‐methionine, acetyl‐CoA, alpha‐ketoglutarate, and NAD+ as substrates or cofactors. The availability of the metabolites depends on cellular nutrients, energy and reduction/oxidation (redox) states, and affects the activity of chromatin regulators and the epigenomic landscape. The changes in the plant epigenome and the activity of epigenetic regulators in turn control cellular metabolism through transcriptional and post‐translational regulation of metabolic enzymes. The interplay between metabolism and the epigenome constitutes a basis for metabolic control of plant growth and response to environmental changes. This review summarizes recent advances regarding the metabolic control of plant chromatin regulators and epigenomes, which are involved in plant adaption to environmental stresses.
A common resequencing‐based genetic marker data set for global maize diversity
Authors: Grzybowski Marcin W. , Mural Ravi V. , Xu Gen , Turkus Jonathan , Yang Jinliang , Schnable James C.
Published: January 2023

Maize (Zea maysssp.mays) populations exhibit vast ranges of genetic and phenotypic diversity. As sequencing costs have declined, an increasing number of projects have sought to measure genetic differences between and within maize populations using whole‐genome resequencing strategies, identifying millions of segregating single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels). Unlike older genotyping strategies like microarrays and genotyping by sequencing, resequencing should, in principle, frequently identify and score common genetic variants. However, in practice, different projects frequently employ different analytical pipelines, often employ different reference genome assemblies and consistently filter for minor allele frequency within the study population. This constrains the potential to reuse and remix data on genetic diversity generated from different projects to address new biological questions in new ways. Here, we employ resequencing data from 1276 previously published maize samples and 239 newly resequenced maize samples to generate a single unified marker set of approximately 366 million segregating variants and approximately 46 million high‐confidence variants scored across crop wild relatives, landraces as well as tropical and temperate lines from different breeding eras. We demonstrate that the new variant set provides increased power to identify known causal flowering‐time genes using previously published trait data sets, as well as the potential to track changes in the frequency of functionally distinct alleles across the global distribution of modern maize.
Continuous cultivation of Debaryomyces hansenii (LAF‐3 10 U) on dodecane in synthetic desalter effluent at varying dilution rates on dodecane
Authors: Azimian Leila
Published: January 2023

Desalter effluent (DE) is typically discharged into a petroleum wastewater treatment plant, but its high salt concentration deteriorates the biological treatment. This study used various dilution rates to investigate the treatment of a synthetic DE containing dodecane under saline conditions using a halotolerant yeast, Debaryomyces hansenii, to determine the optimum substrate concentration for use in continuous stirred‐tank reactors (CSTRs). A literature review indicated that this study was the first to examine the biological treatment of DE using D. hansenii in a CSTR system. At a low dodecane substrate concentration, DE did not inhibit D. hansenii growth, and the experimental data approached the Monod model, with μmax and Ks selected as 0.08 h−1 and 1575 mg L−1, respectively. The optimum removal of chemical oxygen demand (95.7% and 85%) was obtained at dilution rates of 0.007 and 0.026 d−1. Using D. hansenii in a CSTR system appeared to be a sustainable approach for the biological treatment of DE. Scale‐up of these laboratory findings to the industrial scale is required to confirm that petroleum DE can be treated using equalization and filtration tanks as a continuous bioreactor. Adjusting the dilution rate can provide sufficient time for biodegradation and hydrocarbon removal from high salt DE by halotolerant yeasts like D. hansenii.
A new family of isolated symplectic singularities with trivial local fundamental group
Authors: Bellamy Gwyn , Bonnafé Cédric , Fu Baohua , Juteau Daniel , Levy Paul , Sommers Eric
Published: January 2023

We construct a new infinite family of four‐dimensional isolated symplectic singularities with trivial local fundamental group, answering a question of Beauville raised in 2000. Three constructions are presented for this family: (1) as singularities in blowups of the quotient of by the dihedral group of order , (2) as singular points of Calogero–Moser spaces associated with dihedral groups of order at equal parameters, and (3) as singularities of a certain Slodowy slice in the ‐fold cover of the nilpotent cone in .
Experimental Study of Impact of In-Service Deterioration on Aerodynamic Performance of High-Pressure Nozzle Guide Vanes
Authors: Michaud Mathias , Jackson Dougal , Goenaga Frédéric , Povey Thomas
Published: January 2023

In this paper we experimentally evaluate the impact of in-service deterioration on the aerodynamic performance of heavily film-cooled high-pressure nozzle guide vanes from large civil jet engines. We study 15 mid-life to end-of-life parts removed from operational engines, and compare their performance to those of new parts. Deterioration features included: increased surface roughness; thermal barrier coating spallation; damaged film cooling holes; and trailing edge burn-back. We characterize and present statistics for the surface roughness. Aerodynamic measurements were performed in the high technology readiness level Engine Component AeroThermal (ECAT) facility at the University of Oxford, at engine-representative conditions of exit Mach number, exit Reynolds number, coolant-to-mainstream pressure ratio, and turbulence intensity. We present detailed experimental measurements of the coolant capacity characteristics, downstream loss, and downstream flow structures. The results show that service time has the following effects on high-pressure nozzle guide vanes: increased equivalent sandgrain roughness of (up by 1056% change); reduced coolant flow capacity (maximum change of −6.27% for film cooling holes and −24.7% for the trailing edge slot); increased overall mixed-out kinetic energy loss coefficient by (up to 33% change); leads to greater downstream flow angle variation (change of −6 deg). This is one of the first significant studies of its type in the open literature, and is an important step towards whole-life engine performance assessment.
The Influence of Turbulence and Reynolds Number on Endwall Heat Transfer in a Vane Cascade
Authors: Mahi Maliha Yel , Chukwuemeka Emmanuel , Donovan Shaun , Ames Forrest , Kanani Yousef , Acharya Sumanta
Published: January 2023

Endwall heat transfer measurements have been acquired in a vane cascade over a range of turbulence conditions and Reynolds numbers using an array of small commercial infrared (IR) cameras. The linear cascade was tested over five inlet turbulence conditions ranging from low turbulence (0.7%) to high turbulence (17.4%) and three exit chord Reynolds numbers ranging from 500,000 to 2,000,000. The small commercial IR cameras made by Therm-App have a resolution of 384 by 288 pixels and were connected to individual smartphones to record the images. The cascade was modified with small zinc selenide windows to provide IR access for the cameras. The five cameras were calibrated against a constant temperature test plate and the output images were adjusted for the fisheye effect and thermal droop at the edges. The large-scale low-speed cascade, used in the endwall heat transfer study, was configured in a four-vane three full passage arrangement. The vane design includes a large leading and aft loading. This same cascade has been used in the acquisition of vane surface heat transfer distributions, vane suction surface heat transfer visualizations, and vane surface film cooling distributions. This paper includes comparisons with two large eddy simulation calculations, which were conducted prior to the acquisition of the heat transfer data. The influence of the secondary flows on the endwall heat transfer distributions, including the leading edge horseshoe vortex system, is particularly visible at lower turbulence levels and lower Reynolds numbers. However, at higher turbulence levels, the influence of secondary flows is less visible but the influence of Reynolds number and turbulence on transition can be discerned.
CFD Simulations of Two Tandem Semi-Submersible Floating Offshore Wind Turbines Using a Fully-Coupled Fluid-Structure-Interaction Simulation Methodology
Authors: Xie Shengbai , Sadique Jasim
Published: January 2023

A fully coupled methodology for simulating floating offshore wind turbines is developed within the framework of CONVERGE CFD software. This methodology utilizes the following models which are solved together in a coupled manner: wind-wave models, turbine rotor/blade models, mooring cable models, and a 6-degree-of-freedom rigid-body fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model. The methodology is benchmarked with the OC4 FOWT experimental and simulation data under various wind-wave conditions. This approach is then used to study tandem floating offshore wind turbines under various wind-wave conditions to gain an in-depth understanding of the interactions of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) in real-world conditions. It is found that the power efficiency of an offshore wind farm can be improved by the wave-induced enhancement in the wake recovery.
Understanding the LPGA Tour Top Six Korean Golfers’ Self-Presentation on Social Media: A Content Analysis of Instagram Posts
Authors: Bae Wonyul , Hahn Kim , Cho Minseok
Published: January 2023

With a growing number of people using social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, it has become extremely important for professional athletes to build and promote their personal brands through social media. The purpose of this study was to understand how LPGA Tour Korean golfers use social media for self-presentation. Through content analysis, the self-presentation forms of the top six Korean LPGA Tour golfers were examined. The result showed that the golfers are more likely to use the form of the front stage rather than the backstage. The number of likes and comments is higher when golfers post backstage photos and write photo stories in both Korean and English languages on Instagram. This study contributes to the field of sport social media research theoretically with new subcategorization to Goffman’s self-presentation and suggests a new insight into personal brand marketing strategies via social media for both athletes and sponsors.
UV light–driven late-stage skeletal reorganization to diverse limonoid frameworks: A proof of concept for photobiosynthesis
Authors: Wu Jun , Li Shi-Jun , Jiang Long , Ma Xiao-Chi , Lan Yu , Shen Li
Published: January 2023

Late-stage skeletal reorganization (LSSR) is a type of fascinating organic transformation processes in natural product total synthesis. However, few facile and effective LSSR methodologies have hitherto been developed. Here, LSSR of limonoid natural products via photochemical cascades is first reported. Starting from xyloelves A and B, nine distinct limonoid products with five unprecedented scaffolds are generated. The photocascade pathways of these natural products and mechanistic rationale via intramolecular triplet energy transfer are revealed by quantum mechanical calculations. Most notably, ultraviolet light–driven transannular and stereoselective C → C 1,4-acyl migration is first found as a photochemical approach, particularly for LSSR of natural products. This approach holds promise for designing LSSR strategies to access bioactive cage-like molecules. Besides that, our findings provide a clear proof of concept for natural product photobiosynthesis. Xyloelf A, substantially ameliorating concanavalin A–induced liver injury in mice, could be used as a unique molecular template for hepatoprotective drug discovery.
Encoding of environmental illumination by primate melanopsin neurons
Authors: Liu Andreas , Milner Elliott S. , Peng Yi-Rong , Blume Hannah A. , Brown Michael C. , Bryman Gregory S. , Emanuel Alan J. , Morquette Philippe , Viet Nguyen-Minh , Sanes Joshua R. , Gamlin Paul D. , Do Michael Tri H.
Published: January 2023

Light regulates physiology, mood, and behavior through signals sent to the brain by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). How primate ipRGCs sense light is unclear, as they are rare and challenging to target for electrophysiological recording. We developed a method of acute identification within the live, ex vivo retina. Using it, we found that ipRGCs of the macaque monkey are highly specialized to encode irradiance (the overall intensity of illumination) by blurring spatial, temporal, and chromatic features of the visual scene. We describe mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and population scales that support irradiance encoding across orders-of-magnitude changes in light intensity. These mechanisms are conserved quantitatively across the ~70 million years of evolution that separate macaques from mice.
Farm animal welfare: Beyond “natural” behavior
Authors: Dawkins Marian Stamp
Published: January 2023

An animal-centered view guided by what animals value could improve welfare on farms
ChatGPT is fun, but not an author
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: January 2023

In less than 2 months, the artificial intelligence (AI) program ChatGPT has become a cultural sensation. It is freely accessible through a web portal created by the tool’s developer, OpenAI. The program—which automatically creates text based on written prompts—is so popular that it’s likely to be “at capacity right now” if you attempt to use it. When you do get through, ChatGPT provides endless entertainment. I asked it to rewrite the first scene of the classic American play
Death of a Salesman
, but to feature Princess Elsa from the animated movie
Frozen
as the main character instead of Willy Loman. The output was an amusing conversation in which Elsa—who has come home from a tough day of selling—is told by her son Happy, “Come on, Mom. You’re Elsa from
Frozen
. You have ice powers and you’re a queen. You’re unstoppable.” Mash-ups like this are certainly fun, but there are serious implications for generative AI programs like ChatGPT in science and academia.
Bird flu spread between mink is a ‘warning bell’
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: January 2023

Big outbreak at a Spanish farm reignites fears of an H5N1 influenza pandemic
Comparison of Three β-Glucan Tests for the Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Kritikos A. , Caruana G. , Poissy J. , Mamin A. , Bachmann D. , Pagani J. L. , Coste A. T. , Lamoth F.
Published: January 2023

The (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan (BDG) is a marker of invasive fungal infection that can be detected in serum by different commercial kits. In this study, we compared the performance of the Fungitell assay (FA), the Fungitell STAT assay (STAT), and the Wako β-glucan test (WA) for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis (IC) in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Using discordant U-Pb zircon data to re-evaluate the El Paso terrane: Late Paleozoic tectonomagmatic evolution of east-central California (USA) and intense hydrothermal activity in the Jurassic Sierra Nevada arc
Authors: Clemens-Knott Diane , Gevedon Michelle
Published: January 2023

Quantitative modeling of discordant detrital zircon U-Pb isotope data from the northern El Paso terrane reveals metamorphosed Laurentian passive-margin strata within the Kern Plateau (southeastern Sierra Nevada), resolving a 40-year-long debate regarding this terrane’s origin. Previous studies of Kern Plateau pendants identify deep-water metasediments containing detrital zir-con populations similar to the Roberts Mountains allochthon; yet structural observations seemingly contradict proposed correlations to the Mississippian Roberts Mountains thrust, which juxtaposes exotic deep-water rocks over shallow-water, passive-margin strata in central Nevada. Here, new samples are combined with published data to identify segments of the thrust within the Kern Plateau, demonstrating that the El Paso terrane was offset ~350 km by late Paleozoic sinistral translation along the braided Kern Plateau shear zone, an abandoned model first proposed more than 20 years ago.

New U-Pb-Hf isotope data from plutons intruding the Kern Plateau shear zone are virtually identical to published data from the El Paso Mountains, indicating that the Sierra Nevada–Mojave arc initiated in the late Early Permian (ca. 274 Ma) along the entire length of the El Paso terrane and was active into the Middle Triassic (ca. 240 Ma). Previously implicated Late Triassic arc activity within the Kern Plateau is not corroborated by single-crystal U-Pb data. Published structural evidence indicating reactivation of the late Paleozoic Kern Plateau shear zone is reinterpreted as indicating sinistral-oblique relative plate motion during Permian arc initiation followed by Middle Jurassic extension in the southeastern Sierra Nevada arc, which facilitated intense hydrothermal activity and zircon lead loss.
Quantification of the hepatitis B virus cccDNA: evidence-based guidelines for monitoring the key obstacle of HBV cure
Authors: Allweiss Lena , Testoni Barbara , Yu Mei , Lucifora Julie , Ko Chunkyu , Qu Bingqian , Lütgehetmann Marc , Guo Haitao , Urban Stephan , Fletcher Simon P , Protzer Ulrike , Levrero Massimo , Zoulim Fabien , Dandri Maura
Published: January 2023

Objectives

A major goal of curative hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatments is the reduction or inactivation of intrahepatic viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Hence, precise cccDNA quantification is essential in preclinical and clinical studies. Southern blot (SB) permits cccDNA visualisation but lacks sensitivity and is very laborious. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) has no such limitations but inaccurate quantification due to codetection of viral replicative intermediates (RI) can occur. The use of different samples, preservation conditions, DNA extraction, nuclease digestion methods and qPCR strategies has hindered standardisation. Within the ICE-HBV consortium, available and novel protocols for cccDNA isolation and qPCR quantification in liver tissues and cell cultures were compared in six laboratories to develop evidence-based guidance for best practices.

Design

Reference material (HBV-infected humanised mouse livers and HepG2-NTCP cells) was exchanged for cross-validation. Each group compared different DNA extraction methods (Hirt extraction, total DNA extraction with or without proteinase K treatment (+PK/−PK)) and nuclease digestion protocols (plasmid-safe ATP-dependent DNase (PSD), T5 exonuclease, exonucleases I/III). Samples were analysed by qPCR and SB.

Results

Hirt and −PK extraction reduced coexisting RI forms. However, both cccDNA and the protein-free relaxed circular HBV DNA (pf-rcDNA) form were detected by qPCR. T5 and Exo I/III nucleases efficiently removed all RI forms. In contrast, PSD did not digest pf-rcDNA, but was less prone to induce cccDNA overdigestion. In stabilised tissues (eg, Allprotect), nucleases had detrimental effects on cccDNA.

Conclusions

We present here a comprehensive evidence-based guidance for optimising, controlling and validating cccDNA measurements using available qPCR assays.
Future of service member monitoring: the intersection of biology, wearables and artificial intelligence
Authors: Winslow Brent , Mills E
Published: January 2023

While substantial investment has been made in the early identification of mental and behavioural health disorders in service members, rates of depression, substance abuse and suicidality continue to climb. Objective and persistent measures are needed for early identification and treatment of these rising health issues. Considerable potential lies at the intersection of biology, wearables and artificial intelligence to provide high accuracy, objective monitoring of mental and behavioural health in training, operations and healthcare settings. While the current generation of wearable devices has predominantly targeted non-military use cases, military agencies have demonstrated successes in monitoring and diagnosis via off-label uses. Combined with context-aware and individualised algorithms, the integration of wearable data with artificial intelligence allows for a deeper understanding of individual-level and group-level mental and behavioural health at scale. Emerging digital phenotyping approaches which leverage ubiquitous sensing technology can provide monitoring at a greater scale, lower price point and lower individual burden by removing the need for additional body-worn technology. The intersection of this technology will enable individualised strategies to promote service member mental and physical health, reduce injury, and improve long-term well-being and deployability.
Funding change: An environmental scan of research funders’ knowledge translation strategic plans and initiatives across 10 high-income countries/regions
Authors: Fahim Christine , Kasperavicius Danielle , Beckett Robyn , Quinn de Launay Keelia , Chandraraj Arthana , Crupi Amanda , Theivendrampillai Suvabna , Straus Sharon E.
Published: January 2023

Knowledge translation (KT) is the science and practice of dissemination and implementation of evidence. We describe how research funders operationalize and evaluate KT initiatives, identify challenges and opportunities, and suggest strategic considerations for KT support. We conducted an environmental scan, which included a systematic search of published and grey literature and a focus group with Canadian funders. A total of 130 published articles and 2415 grey literature sources were screened; 212 unique data sources were included. Published literature commonly described KT initiatives related to “KT practice and science funding.” These initiatives commonly provided funds for infrastructure development (e.g., clinical technologies, database subscriptions) to facilitate translational or applied research to address regional health priorities. Of the articles, 44% outlined an evaluation plan; few provided validated KT metrics. In the grey literature, 364 initiatives were described; the most commonly described initiatives related to “exchange and integrated KT.” Focus group participants hoped to see increased resources to support KT, exchange opportunities with policy/decision-makers, and evaluate KT initiatives. Funders completed various KT initiatives, which tended to engage stakeholders to set research priorities, collaborate with a range of stakeholders, build KT capacity, and mandate KT requirements. We provide six considerations for funders to support KT.