bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sparse Approximate Factor Model for High-Dimensional Covariance Matrix Estimation and Portfolio Selection
Authors: Daniele Maurizio , Pohlmeier Winfried , Zagidullina Aygul
Published: August 2024

We propose a novel estimation approach for the covariance matrix based on the l1-regularized approximate factor model (AFM). Our sparse approximate factor (SAF) covariance estimator allows for the existence of weak factors and hence relaxes the pervasiveness assumption generally adopted for the standard AFM. We prove the consistency of the covariance matrix estimator under the Frobenius norm as well as the consistency of the factor loadings and the factors. Our Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the SAF covariance estimator has superior properties in finite samples for low and high dimensions and different designs of the covariance matrix. Moreover, in an out-of-sample portfolio forecasting application, the estimator uniformly outperforms alternative portfolio strategies based on alternative covariance estimation approaches and modeling strategies including the 1/N-strategy.
Treaty interpretation, multilinguism, and the WTO dispute settlement system: towards the comparative translation paradigm?
Authors: Margiotta Broglio Costanza , Ortino Federico
Published: August 2024

Despite a growing emphasis on the interpretive methods employed by international courts and tribunals driven by their potential to address the issue of international law fragmentation, the multilingual aspect of interpretation, codified in Article 33 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), has received the least amount of attention from international lawyers. However, the multilingual complexity, rarely found in national legal systems, is precisely one of the reasons why scholars of legal interpretation are fascinated by international law. Based on a critical review of the VCLT approach to the interpretation of multilingual treaties, this work argues for an alternative approach, which we refer to as the ‘comparative translation’ paradigm. In addition to putting forward a normative case in favour of this alternative approach, we also aim to show how the World Trade Organization dispute settlement organs have started, at least to some extent, to embrace the new paradigm
Four years of real-world sexual function outcomes after Rezum therapy in men with and without baseline erectile dysfunction
Authors: Hawks-Ladds Noah , Cook Ryan , Babar Mustufa , Zhu Michael , Schulz Alison , Loloi Justin , Masoud Zaki , Singh Jaskirat , Jamil Hasan , Sayed Rahman , Ines Matthew , Ciatto Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Rezum alleviates lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) while preserving sexual function, but long-term sexual function outcomes are lacking in patients with baseline erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

The study sought to analyze 4 years of real-world sexual function outcomes of Rezum using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, stratified by baseline ED status.

Methods

Participants included multiethnic Rezum-treated patients from a single outpatient office. IIEF domains and BPH medication usage were compared at baseline and 6, 12, and 48 months using t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes over 4 years included the IIEF functional domains (erectile function [EF], orgasmic function [OF], sexual desire [SD], intercourse satisfaction [IS], overall satisfaction [OS]) and BPH medication usage.

Results

A total of 91 patients were included: 40 (44%) in the ED cohort and 51 (56%) in the no ED cohort. History of diabetes was more prevalent in the ED cohort (35% vs 15.7%; P = .048). Baseline scores in the EF, OF, IS, and OS domains were lower in the ED cohort. Compared with baseline, there were no significant changes in any IIEF domains in either cohort at 6 months. At 12 months, the ED cohort had significant percent decreases in OF (−25%; P = .02), SD (−22.2%; P = .04), and OS (−33.3%; P = .004); the no ED cohort had a significant percent increase in EF (5%; P = .04). At 48 months, the no ED cohort had no significant changes in any IIEF domains, while the ED cohort had significant percent increases in EF (30%; P = .01), SD (22.5%; P = .02), IS (20%; P = .01), and OS (58.3%; P = .008). Both cohorts significantly discontinued BPH medications at all follow-ups. At 48 months, there were no cases of de novo ED in the no ED cohort.

Clinical Implications

As modern BPH therapies continue to demonstrate efficacy in alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms, the preservation or improvement of sexual function emerges as an increasingly important consideration for patients, with our study suggesting Rezum as a compelling option.

Strengths and Limitations

Our study has the strength of long-term Rezum outcomes in an ethnically diverse patient population, stratified by the presence of baseline ED, but is limited by retrospective design, single-center nature, and small sample sizes at long-term follow-ups.

Conclusion

Rezum preserved long-term sexual function in patients without baseline ED and improved sexual function in those with baseline ED; however, individuals with ED may experience temporary decreases in sexual function at 12 months.
Herbicide-resistant 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase variants identified via directed evolution
Authors: Qian Hongjia , Shi Huazhong
Published: August 2024

Herbicides play a crucial role in boosting crop yields, yet the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds and the susceptibility of crops to herbicides have posed significant challenges to their efficacy. β-Triketone herbicides specifically target the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), which is essential for plant growth. Remarkably, few resistant weeds have been identified against these herbicides. In this study, we aimed to identify mutations within the cotton HPPD gene that confer resistance to mesotrione, a widely used triketone herbicide. Through the establishment of a high-throughput mutant screening system in Escherichia coli, we identified four single nucleotide changes leading to amino acid substitutions in HPPD, resulting in mesotrione resistance while preserving native enzymatic activity. Various combinations of these mutations displayed synergistic effects on herbicide resistance. Additionally, the HPPD variants were able to complement the Arabidopsis athppd mutant, indicating their retention of sufficient native activity for plant growth and development. Expression of these cotton HPPD variants in Arabidopsis resulted in heightened herbicide resistance. These findings offer critical insights into the target amino acids of HPPD for gene editing, paving the way for the development of herbicide-resistant cotton in the future.
Identifying Sample Provenance From SEM/EDS Automated Particle Analysis via Few-Shot Learning Coupled With Similarity Graph Clustering
Authors: Eshun Jasmine , Lamar Natalie C , Aksoy Sinan G , Akers Sarah , Garcia Benjamin , Cunningham Heather , Chin George , Bilbrey Jenna A
Published: August 2024

Automated particle analysis (APA) provides a vast amount of compositional data via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy along with size and shape data via scanning electron microscopy for individual particles in a sample. In many instances, APA data are leveraged to support identification of the source of a sample based on the detection of particles of a specific composition. Often, the particles that provide context make up a minuscule portion of the sample. Additionally, the interpretation of complex samples can be difficult due to the diversity of compositions both in the mixture and within a particle. In this work, we demonstrate a method to compute and cluster similarity graphs that describe inter-particle relationships within a sample using a multi-modal few-shot learning neural network. As a proof-of-concept, we show that samples known to have been exposed to gunshot residue can be distinguished from samples occasionally mistaken for gunshot residue. Our workflow builds upon standard APA techniques and data processing methods to unveil additional information in a readily interpretable and quantitatively comparable format.
Preparing for the Exercise Prescription
Authors: Smits Jasper A. J. , Otto Michael W.
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the preparation for the exercise prescription. Exercise-based treatment is initiated by providing clients with accurate expectations about both the benefits of and barriers to a successful exercise program. The discussion of barriers emphasizes the role of motivation and the importance of context and behavioral chaining in making low-motivation activities easier to achieve. These preparatory interventions for an exercise program can be covered in one or several sessions. The chapter emphasizes the importance of managing clients’ motivational issues. The goal of initial discussions is to help clients recognize that an exercise program will require effort and comes with challenges.
Exercise for Depressed Mood
Authors: Smits Jasper A. J. , Otto Michael W.
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses how depression can be targeted with an exercise program. The therapist should encourage clients to consider low mood and poor motivation as reasons to exercise rather than reasons to remain inactive. The client must realize that depression is a syndrome that involves negative thinking and impaired motivation and is a disorder that can be treated by action. Such education on the nature of depression serves a number of functions, such as taking away the mystery of experiencing depression and reducing self-criticism around its symptoms. The chapter also provides information on how exercise can be applied to clients with bipolar disorder and how clients can monitor their daily routine.
About This Workbook
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter introduces the workbook designed to help structure and maintain an exercise program about improving mood, anxiety, cognition, resilience, or habit control. According to research, a program of exercise can be used to treat depression and can achieve results that rival those provided by antidepressant medication or psychotherapy. Over time, exercise can become an activity that people do because they want comfort and a mood lift. The chapter also highlights the importance of a support team when partaking in an exercise program. It provides a worksheet to help work with mental health goals and review a person’s history of exercise.
Extending Your Exercise Program—Enjoyable Activities and Sleep
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses how to extend the exercise program while adding more enjoyable activities and sleep to the list. It mentions how enhancing enjoyable activities and improving sleep can strengthen a person’s well-being from exercise. Since the exercise program is designed to provide a natural and effective mood lift, people must have a balance of activities that are pleasurable while achieving a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, they must expect to continue a program of warming up and cooling down at every point of transition so the body can adapt well to new exercise options. The chapter offers tips to stave off bad sleep habits that may reduce quality sleep time.
Exercise Targeted to Depression
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on exercise that targets depression. Major depression is a medical disorder characterized by symptoms, like blue mood and negative thinking, that are present daily or nearly every day for at least two weeks. When exercising to help relieve depression, people must be prepared to have a rumination-free period during the exercise session. The chapter highlights the importance of self-coaching around negative and repetitive thoughts. It then introduces the Exercise+ approach to improve mood and an aerobic workout to lift its mood effects, while also considering how to use a support team and then sustain and increase activity levels.
Bipolar Disorder and Exercise
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the role of exercise in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. It defines bipolar disorder as recurrent episodes of mood disturbance that occur on two poles, which are periods of depression and mood elevation. While the dominant treatment for bipolar disorder involves medication, research shows that certain types of psychotherapies and exercise can help manage bipolar disorder and prevent relapse. The chapter elaborates on the notion of loaded words; becoming aware of these loaded words could help to manage bipolar disorder. It emphasizes the importance of practicing balance while exercising for bipolar disorder and stabilizing the mood for the long term.
Stress, Worry, and Panic Disorder
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents the common patterns underlying anxiety and panic disorders. One of the most effective treatments for panic disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which includes eliminating the power of "what if" thoughts and exposing the client to the sensations associated with anxiety and panic. Thus, exercise can help address the patterns by helping the client become comfortable with the rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and a host of other bodily sensations produced by vigorous exercise. The chapter explains that therapists may play an active role in using exercise as part of formal exposure therapy. Worksheets are provided for panic-related concerns, anxiety, and panic.
Exercise for Psychological Resilience
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the concept of psychological resilience, which is the ability to recover from stress and adversity. It explains that exercise can help enhance psychological resilience while also improving comfort with sensations of anxiety. Additionally, relapse prevention helps people well after most of the core symptoms have resolved and aims to go beyond the feelings of well-being and provide additional protection against risks of relapse. The chapter elaborates on how exercise benefits the mind and mood in an effort to achieve mind/body balance. It then suggests adding mindfulness to exercise to improve present-focused attention and an open and accepting attitude toward the objects of attention.
Smoking Cessation and Other Habit Control
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter considers how exercise can be used to increase the chances of success of difficult tasks, such as quitting smoking. It provides an overview of the process of quitting smoking and handling the subsequent smoking withdrawal symptoms. Exercise appears to reduce the client’s sensitivity to the withdrawal sensations and the low, anxious, or irritable moods that accompany a quit attempt, so regular exercise can help people become resilient to the classic causes of smoking relapse. The chapter presents a worksheet that can help the client build a quit plan for smoking cessation. It mentions how exercise can also apply similarly to quitting habits other than smoking.
Abilities and the Epistemology of Ordinary Modality
Authors: Vetter Barbara
Published: August 2024

Over the past two decades, modal epistemology has turned its attention to ordinary modal knowledge. This paper brings to the fore a neglected but central form of ordinary modal knowledge: knowledge of agentive modality, and in particular of our own abilities, which I call ‘ability knowledge’. I argue that modal epistemology as it is does not account for ability knowledge, by looking at the most promising candidate theories: perception-based, counterfactual-based, and similarity-based modal epistemologies. I then outline a more promising epistemology for our ability knowledge, which relies on the experience of our own agency, and draw out some lessons for modal epistemology in general.
Evolution of current- and pressure-driven instabilities in relativistic jets
Authors: Musso M , Bodo G , Mamatsashvili G , Rossi P , Mignone A
Published: August 2024

Instabilities in relativistic magnetized jets are thought to be deeply connected to their energy dissipation properties and to the consequent acceleration of the non-thermal emitting relativistic particles. Instabilities lead to the development of small-scale dissipative structures, in which magnetic energy is converted in other forms. In this paper we present three-dimensional numerical simulations of the instability evolution in highly magnetized plasma columns, considering different kinds of equilibria. In fact, the hoop stresses related to the azimuthal component of magnetic field can be balanced either by the magnetic pressure gradient (force-free equilibria, FF) or by the thermal pressure gradient (pressure-balanced equilibria, PB) or by a combination of the two. FF equilibria are prone to current-driven instabilities (CDI), while PB equilibria are prone to pressure-driven instabilities (PDI). We perform a global linear stability analysis, from which we derive the different instability properties in the two regimes, showing that PDI have larger growth rates and are also unstable for high wavenumbers. The numerical simulations of the non-linear instability evolution show similar phases of evolution in which the formation of strong current sheets is followed by a turbulent quasi-steady state. PDI are however characterized by a faster evolution, by the formation of smaller scale dissipative structures and larger magnetic energy dissipation.
DESI Early Data Release Milky Way Survey value-added catalogue
Authors: Koposov Sergey E , Allende Prieto C , Cooper A P , Li T S , Beraldo e Silva L , Kim B , Carrillo A , Dey A , Manser C J , Nikakhtar F , Riley A H , Rockosi C , Valluri M , Aguilar J , Ahlen S , Bailey S , Blum R , Brooks D , Claybaugh T , Cole S , de la Macorra A , Dey B , Forero-Romero J E , Gaztañaga E , Guy J , Kremin A , Le Guillou L , Levi M E , Manera M , Meisner A , Miquel R , Moustakas J , Nie J , Palanque-Delabrouille N , Percival W J , Rezaie M , Rossi G , Sanchez E , Schlafly E F , Schubnell M , Tarlé G , Weaver B A , Zhou Z
Published: August 2024

We present the stellar value-added catalogue based on the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Early Data Release. The catalogue contains radial velocity and stellar parameter measurements for $\simeq$ 400 000 unique stars observed during commissioning and survey validation by DESI. These observations were made under conditions similar to the Milky Way Survey (MWS) currently carried out by DESI but also include multiple specially targeted fields, such as those containing well-studied dwarf galaxies and stellar streams. The majority of observed stars have $16\lt r\lt 20$ with a median signal-to-noise ratio in the spectra of $\sim$ 20. In the paper, we describe the structure of the catalogue, give an overview of different target classes observed, as well as provide recipes for selecting clean stellar samples. We validate the catalogue using external high-resolution measurements and show that radial velocities, surface gravities, and iron abundances determined by DESI are accurate to 1 km s−1, 0.3 dex, and $\sim$ 0.15 dex respectively. We also demonstrate possible uses of the catalogue for chemo-dynamical studies of the Milky Way stellar halo and Draco dwarf spheroidal. The value-added catalogue described in this paper is the very first DESI MWS catalogue. The next DESI data release, expected in less than a year, will add the data from the first year of DESI survey operations and will contain approximately 4 million stars, along with significant processing improvements.
Reconstructing the matter power spectrum with future cosmic shear surveys
Authors: Preston Calvin , Amon Alexandra , Efstathiou George
Published: August 2024

Analyses of cosmic shear typically condense weak lensing information over a range of scales to a single cosmological parameter, $S_8$. This paper presents a method to extract more information from Stage IV cosmic shear measurements by directly reconstructing the matter power spectrum from linear to non-linear scales. We demonstrate that cosmic shear surveys will be sensitive to the shape of the matter power spectrum on non-linear scales. We show that it should be possible to distinguish between different models of baryonic feedback and we investigate the impact of intrinsic alignments and observational systematics on forecasted constraints. In addition to providing important information on galaxy formation, power spectrum reconstruction should provide a definitive answer to the question of whether weak lensing measurements of $S_8$ on linear scales are consistent with the Planck Lambda cold dark matter cosmology. In addition, power spectrum reconstruction may lead to new discoveries on the composition of the dark sector.
Ionospheric contributions to the excess power in high-redshift 21-cm power-spectrum observations with LOFAR
Authors: Brackenhoff S A , Mevius M , Koopmans L V E , Offringa A , Ceccotti E , Chege J K , Gehlot B K , Ghosh S , Höfer C , Mertens F G , Munshi S , Zaroubi S
Published: August 2024

The turbulent ionosphere causes phase shifts to incoming radio waves on a broad range of temporal and spatial scales. When an interferometer is not sufficiently calibrated for the direction-dependent ionospheric effects, the time-varying phase shifts can cause the signal to decorrelate. The ionosphere’s influence over various spatiotemporal scales introduces a baseline-dependent effect on the interferometric array. We study the impact of baseline-dependent decorrelation on high-redshift observations with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). Data sets with a range of ionospheric corruptions are simulated using a thin-screen ionosphere model, and calibrated using the state-of-the-art LOFAR epoch of reionization pipeline. For the first time ever, we show the ionospheric impact on various stages of the calibration process including an analysis of the transfer of gain errors from longer to shorter baselines using realistic end-to-end simulations. We find that direction-dependent calibration for source subtraction leaves excess power of up to two orders of magnitude above the thermal noise at the largest spectral scales in the cylindrically averaged autopower spectrum under normal ionospheric conditions. However, we demonstrate that this excess power can be removed through Gaussian process regression, leaving no excess power above the 10 per cent level for a $5~$ km diffractive scale. We conclude that ionospheric errors, in the absence of interactions with other aggravating effects, do not constitute a dominant component in the excess power observed in LOFAR epoch of reionization observations of the North Celestial Pole. Future work should therefore focus on less spectrally smooth effects, such as beam modelling errors.
Dwarf males of the seven-arm octopus,Haliphron atlanticus:morphology and adaptations
Authors: Roura Alvaro , Bañón Rafael , de Carlos Alejandro , Valeiras Julio , Abad Esther , Serrano Alberto , Guerra Angel
Published: August 2024

The Argonautoidea is a monophyletic superfamily of pelagic incirrate octopods primarily distinguished by an unusual means of copulation where a sexually modified arm, or hectocotylus, is detached and transferred from dwarf males to the female. Males of the seven-arm octopus Haliphron atlanticus are scarcely observed and little is known about their reproductive strategy. A detailed description of H. atlanticus digestive system, hectocotylus morphology, histology and functioning was carried out with fresh and preserved material from two males captured in the Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic). It is the first time that a hydrostatic sac/swimbladder in the anterior region of the intestine is described in an argonautoid male. Investing in reproductive rather than somatic growth is evident in the dwarf males of H. atlanticus, which lack the Needham sac and the terminal organ. Functionally, these organs have been replaced by two external modifications at the distal end of the detachable hectocotylus: a spermatophore reservoir with a single long spermatophore and a muscular penis, both essential to ensure fertilization once the hectocotylus is detached from the dwarf males. Haliphron has been considered a monospecific genus, with a single species distributed around the world. However, mitochondrial genetic analysis (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA) supports the existence of at least two species of Haliphron, one in the northern Atlantic and another in the southern Atlantic/Pacific. Further genetic and morphological studies are needed to unravel the diversity of this oceanic octopod family.
High-throughput determination of RNA tertiary contact thermodynamics by quantitative DMS chemical mapping
Authors: Lange Bret , Gil Ricardo G , Anderson Gavin S , Yesselman Joseph D
Published: August 2024

Structured RNAs often contain long-range tertiary contacts that are critical to their function. Despite the importance of tertiary contacts, methods to measure their thermodynamics are low throughput or require specialized instruments. Here, we introduce a new quantitative chemical mapping method (qMaPseq) to measure Mg2+-induced formation of tertiary contact thermodynamics in a high-throughput manner using standard biochemistry equipment. With qMaPseq, we measured the ΔG of 98 unique tetraloop/tetraloop receptor (TL/TLR) variants in a one-pot reaction. These results agree well with measurements from specialized instruments (R2= 0.64). Furthermore, the DMS reactivity of the TL directly correlates to the stability of the contact (R2= 0.68), the first direct evidence that a single DMS reactivity measurement reports on thermodynamics. Combined with structure prediction, DMS reactivity allowed the development of experimentally accurate 3D models of TLR mutants. These results demonstrate that qMaPseq is broadly accessible, high-throughput and directly links DMS reactivity to thermodynamics.
PHF8 facilitates transcription recovery following DNA double-strand break repair
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Pan Xiyue , Tse Kwan Yiu , Chan Henry Hei , Dong Chao , Huen Michael Shing Yan
Published: August 2024

Transient halting of transcription activity on the damaged chromatin facilitates DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. However, the molecular mechanisms that facilitate transcription recovery following DSB repair remain largely undefined. Notably, failure to restore gene expression in a timely manner can compromise transcriptome signatures and may impose deleterious impacts on cell identity and cell fate. Here, we report PHF8 as the major demethylase that reverses transcriptionally repressive epigenetic modification laid down by the DYRK1B–EHMT2 pathway. We found that PHF8 concentrates at laser-induced DNA damage tracks in a DYRK1B-dependent manner and promotes timely resolution of local H3K9me2 to facilitate the resumption of transcription. Moreover, PHF8 also assists in the recovery of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription following the repair of nucleolar DSBs. Taken together, our findings uncover PHF8 as a key mediator that coordinates transcription activities during the recovery phase of DSB responses.
Interface-reinforced high-capacity fiber cathode for wearable Li–S batteries
Authors: Huang Lei , Zhou Tianzhu , Zhu Siyu , Yang Tianqi , Zhou Xuhui , He Bing , Wang Shuai , Yan Wei , Wei Lei
Published: August 2024

Fiber-shaped Li–S batteries are attractive for constructing smart textiles as flexible power solutions due to their high theoretical specific capacity, flexibility and wearability. However, severe interfacial issues, such as the shuttle effect of polysulfides on the cathode side, lead to capacity decay and poor lifespan of the batteries. Herein, we report a fiber-shaped composite cathode with collaborative interface interactions to maintain electrode integrity and boost electrochemical performance. In this architecture, nanosulfur-polyvinylpyrrolidone (nanoS-PVP) particles are uniformly implanted into the few-layer Ti3C2Tx with outstanding electrical conductivity and then coated on aluminum (Al) fiber current collectors. Impressively, nanoS and soluble polysulfides are restricted to the cathode side via synergy physical confinement and chemical adsorption of Ti3C2Tx. The PVP chains on the surface of the nanoS prevent the sulfur from agglomeration and bridge the Ti3C2Tx by abundant hydrogen bonds. The enhanced interface endows the cathode with excellent mechanical flexibility, good adsorption of polysulfides and fast reaction kinetics. Consequently, the prepared Ti3C2Tx/nanoS-PVP@Al cathode exhibits excellent cycling performance (capacity retention of 92.8% after 1000 cycles at 1 C), high-rate capacity (556.2 mAh g−1 at 2.0 C) and high linear capacity (22.9 mAh m−1). Additionally, the fiber-shaped Li–S battery works effectively under deformation and high/low-temperature conditions. It can be integrated into the fabric to power light emitting diodes or charge a smartphone wirelessly.
Analytical approach to structural chemistry origins of mechanical, acoustical and thermal properties
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Liu Wei , Shan Bing , Pei Yanzhong
Published: August 2024

Crystalline matters with periodically arranged atoms found wide applications in modern science and technology. To facilitate the design of new materials and the advancement of existing ones, accurate and efficient models without relying too much on known inputs for predicting the functionalities are essential. Here, we propose an analytical approach for such a purpose, with only the knowledge of the structural chemistry of crystals. Based on the electrostatic interaction between periodically arranged atoms, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd derivatives of interatomic potential, respectively, enable a prediction of ten kinds in total of mechanical, acoustical and thermal properties. Over a thousand measurements are collected from ∼500 literatures, this results in the symmetric mean percentage error (SMPE) within ±25% and the symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE) ranging from 22%∼74% across all properties predicted, which further enables a revelation of bond characteristics as the most important but implicit origin for functionalities.
Postpartum onset Takayasu’s arteritis presenting with aortic dissection
Authors: Yamamoto Hirotaka , Taniguchi Yoshinori , Miura Yujiro , Kobayashi Shigeto
Published: August 2024

Takayasu’s arteritis (TA), also known as pulseless disease and young female arteritis, is a chronic inflammatory large-vessel vasculitis (LVV). TA is pathologically characterized by arterial wall thickening, stenotic/occlusive lesions, aneurysm formation, and dissection. TA usually develops between 20 and 30 years of age. However, pregnancy and puerperium can affect the immune system, and several cases of postpartum onset or flare-up of TA have been reported. Herein, we report an extremely rare case of postpartum-onset TA complicated by aortic dissection. This is a case of Postpartum onset Takayasu’s arteritis presenting with aortic dissection. A 34-year-old healthy woman was performed cesarean section. After 2 weeks, she presented with chest pain and fever, followed by mild dysphagia and hoarseness. Laboratory findings showed C-reactive protein (CRP) 21.61 mg/dl and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated thickening of the vessel wall of mainly ascending aorta. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-position emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed high FDG uptake in the same areas. We diagnosed with TA and steroid pulse therapy was started. However, five days after treatment, the patient developed worsening symptoms of hoarseness. A contrast-enhanced CT showed Stanford A type dissection, and emergency artificial vessel replacement was performed. The specimen from surgical resection of the ascending aorta suggested active TA associated with dissection. The prednisolone dosage was gradually tapered with tocilizumab. Then, her symptoms and laboratory findings improved. It is important to recall the onset of TA and/or arterial dissection, when patients develop chest pain and hoarseness in the postpartum period.
Impact of HER2-targeted PET/CT imaging in patients with breast cancer and therapeutic response monitoring
Authors: Gui Xinyu , Liang Xu , Guo Xiaoyi , Yang Zhi , Song Guohong
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with breast cancer exhibit heterogeneity in the expression of the human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Clinically, re-biopsying recurrent or metastatic lesions presents substantial challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HER2-targeted PET/CT imaging in identifying HER2 expression in breast cancer lesions and monitoring therapeutic responses.

Patients and Methods

This exploratory analysis used data from a prospective study that included adult patients with breast cancer who underwent both Al18F-NOTA-HER2-BCH and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging at Beijing Cancer Hospital between June 2020 and July 2023 (NCT04547309).

Results

Fifty-nine participants, with a median age of 55 years, were analyzed. Lesions imaged with HER2-targeted PET/CT before anti-HER2 therapy exhibited higher SUVmax values than after therapy in HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3 + lesions (19.9, 95% CI: 15.7-25.3 vs 9.8, 95% CI: 5.6-14.7; P = .006). A significant positive correlation was observed between SUVmax on HER2-targeted PET/CT and IHC before therapy (P = .034), with higher SUVmax values noted in lesions with positive HER2 pathology compared to those with negative HER2 status (17.9 ± 13.2 vs 1.1 ± 0.3; P = .007). HER2 expression heterogeneity was confirmed both between primary and metastatic lesions (22.9%) and among different metastatic sites (26.7%) as assessed by HER2-targeted PET/CT. A superior therapeutic response correlated with higher pretreatment SUVmax values. The HER2-targeted PET/CT procedure was well-tolerated by all patients.

Conclusion

HER2-targeted PET/CT imaging offers a practical, non-invasive, and quantitative approach for assessing HER2 status in breast cancer patients, facilitating the optimization and personalization of therapeutic strategies by oncologists.
Thinking about China’s Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Yang Dali L.
Published: August 2024

This introductory chapter begins by establishing a personal connection with the reader through a recollection of initial reactions to the news of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in December 2019. It then delves into the broader themes of how organizational culture, leadership, epidemic information, and cognitive biases can impact disaster response efforts. The rest of the chapter previews the book. Key topics include the political-institutional context for health emergency response in China’s party-state, how the politics of stability and information control hampered the flows of epidemic information, the critical role of cognitive framework and the alarms that led to the decision to impose cordon sanitaire in Wuhan, and the politics of providing aid to Wuhan and enforcing the lockdown.
When AIs become oracles: generative artificial intelligence, anticipatory urban governance, and the future of cities
Authors: Cugurullo Federico , Xu Ying
Published: August 2024

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is boosting anticipatory forms of governance, through which state actors seek to predict the future and strategically intervene in the present. In this context, city brains represent an emerging type of generative AI currently employed in urban governance and public policy in a growing number of cities. City brains are large-scale AIs residing in vast digital urban platforms, which manage multiple urban domains including transport, safety, health, and environmental monitoring. They use Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate visions of urban futures: visions that are in turn used by policymakers to generate new urban policies. In this paper, we advance a twofold contribution. Theoretically, we develop a critical theory of anticipatory governance in the age of generative AI. More specifically, we focus on technocratic approaches to anticipatory governance, to explain how the act of governing extends into the future by means of predictive AI technology. Our approach is critical in order to expose the dangers that the use of AI (generative AI, in particular) in urban governance poses, and to identify their causes. These dangers include the formation of a policy process that, under the influence of unintelligible LLMs, risks losing transparency and thus accountability, and the marginalization of human stakeholders (citizens, in particular) as the role of AI in the management of cities keeps growing and governance begins to turn posthuman. Empirically, we critically examine an existing city brain project under development in China and ground our critical theory in a real-life example.
How many meanings does ‘woman’ have?
Authors: Richard Mark
Published: August 2024

Talia Mae Bettcher argues that gender terms like ‘woman’ have multiple meanings, as different speakers use these terms to pick out different classes—some use ‘woman’ to pick out (roughly) the class of those assigned female at birth; some use it to pick out a class including both that class and trans women. Bettcher is correct, I argue: it is undeniable that ‘woman’ has quite different referents in different speakers' mouths; there is furthermore a kind of conventional meaning which varies across speakers associated with gender terms, one which tracks and varies with these different referential practices.
Management and outcomes of interstitial lung disease associated with anti-synthetase syndrome: a systematic literature review
Authors: Kouranloo Koushan , Dey Mrinalini , Elwell Helen , Yioe Veronica , Spencer Lisa G , Cotton Caroline V
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) is a chronic autoimmune condition, with interstitial lung disease (ILD) being a key feature. This systematic literature review (SLR; CRD42023416414) aimed to summarize treatments and outcomes of ILD associated with ASS (ASS-ILD).

Methods

Databases were searched for articles discussing ASS-ILD management and outcomes, published 1946–September 2023. Screening and data extraction were performed by two reviewers. Meta-analysis, using a random effects model, and paired t-tests were undertaken where appropriate to evaluate post-treatment-change in pulmonary function tests.

Results

Ten articles were included, comprising 514 patients: 67.8% female, mean age 52.4 years (s.d. 4.6). Baseline high-resolution CT was documented in 447 patients (86.9%); the most common pattern was non-specific interstitial pneumonia (n = 220; 49.2%). The most common myositis-associated autoantibody was anti-Jo1 (48%), with 27.8% having associated anti-Ro52 antibodies. Pooled estimate, after meta-analysis, for baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) was 60.8% predicted (s.e. 2.1) and for diffusion capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco) was 49.8% (s.e. 3.5). After 1 year, pooled improvement in FVC was 14.1% from baseline (s.e. 3.1) and in DLco was 15.1% (s.e. 2.8). Paired t-test demonstrated significant overall improvement in FVC (P = 0.007) and DLco (P = 0.002). Patients receiving rituximab had 12.2% improvement in FVC and 2.9% increase in DLco at 1 year; for patients receiving CYC, there was 17% improvement and 6.3% increase, respectively. Twenty-eight deaths were reported.

Conclusion

Our SLR, the first to summarize management and outcomes of ASS-ILD, found no conclusive difference between effectiveness of treatments. More robust trials are required to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from ASS-ILD.
Measuring Cognitive Impairments Associated With Schizophrenia in Clinical Practice: Overview of Current Challenges and Future Opportunities
Authors: Nuechterlein Keith H , Nasrallah Henry , Velligan Dawn
Published: August 2024

Background

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) negatively impacts daily functioning, quality of life, and recovery, yet effective pharmacotherapies and practical assessments for clinical practice are lacking. Despite the pivotal progress made with establishment of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) for clinical research, implementation of the full MCCB is too time-consuming and cost-ineffective for most clinicians in clinical practice.

Study Design

Here we discuss current assessments in relation to delivery format (interview-based and performance-based), validity, ease of use for clinicians and patients, reliability/reproducibility, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for clinical implementation. Key challenges and future opportunities for improving cognitive assessments are also presented.

Study results

Current assessments that require 30 min to complete would have value in clinical settings, but the associated staff training and time required might preclude their application in most clinical settings. Initial profiling of cognitive deficits may require about 30 min to assist in the selection of evidence-based treatments; follow-up monitoring with brief assessments (10–15 min in duration) to detect treatment-related effects on global cognition may complement this approach. Guidance on validated brief cognitive tests for the strategic monitoring of treatment effects on CIAS is necessary.

Conclusions

With increased advancements in technology-based and remote assessments, development of validated formats of remote and in-person assessment, and the necessary training models and infrastructure required for implementation, are likely to be of increasing clinical relevance for future clinical practice.
The moral accounting of debts: productivity, deservingness and the consensual creation of Chapter XIII bankruptcy
Authors: Pang Nicholas A
Published: August 2024

Chapter XIII’s wage-earner payment plans are now the default form of personal bankruptcy in the USA. During the Great Depression, it was created as a voluntary choice and enacted with unanimous legislative support. Absent conflict between creditors and labor and social reformers, legislators agreed that Chapter XIII was for the benefit of both honorable insolvents and their fair creditors. How did wage-earner payment plans emerge out of a consensual legislative process? Employing a computational abductive approach on a wide range of legislative, media and bankruptcy records, I show that Chapter XIII’s creation was facilitated by a ‘moral accounting’ that, based on their race and gender identities, positively evaluated most White men bankruptcy petitioners as ‘deserving’, even as it recognized occupational variations in their economic ‘productivity’. This study highlights how racial discourses of ‘deservingness’ are central to the construction of credit markets as part of America’s submerged welfare state.
Molecular phylogeny of Chinese raspy crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) reveals incongruences in current classification
Authors: Li Shi-Yu , Liu Yi-Jiao , Xu Jing-Yi , Yin Zi-Xu , He Zhu-Qing
Published: August 2024

The current classification system of the family Gryllacrididae primarily relies on morphological characteristics, with limited molecular studies conducted. In this study, we sequenced five genes (COI, COII, Cytb, 18S, and 28S) from a total of 46 gryllacridid individuals mainly from China. Subsequently, we utilized both the maximum likelihood method and the Bayesian inference method to construct a phylogenetic tree, aiming to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships within Gryllacrididae from China. Our results indicate that the genera Phryganogryllacris Karny, Capnogryllacris Karny, and Eugryllacris Karny are not monophyletic. Thus, we redescribe these genera, resurrect two genera (Marthogryllacris Karny stat. resurr. and Borneogryllacris Karny stat. resurr.), erect six new genera (Dracogryllacris gen. nov., Magnigryllacris gen. nov., Radigryllacris gen. nov., Sericgryllacris gen. nov., Bicornisgryllacris gen. nov., and Tenuigryllacris gen. nov.), and described two new species (Tenuigryllacris huanglianensis Li, Yin & He sp. nov. and Tenuigryllacris yingjiangensis Li, Yin & He sp. nov.). Besides, subgenus Bianigryllacris Cadena-Castañeda is a synonym of Apterolarnaca Gorochov.
Targeted Chemical Strategies in Planting Holes: A Proactive Approach to Managing Phytophthora Crown Rot of Strawberry
Authors: Marin Marcus V. , Taylor John B. , Rebello Carolina S. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: August 2024

Phytophthora crown rot (PhCR) of strawberry, most commonly caused by Phytophthora cactorum, is introduced in annual cropping systems on quiescently infected transplants. In Florida, preventative chemical treatments are applied through drip tapes promptly after plant establishment. Since strawberry plants are especially vulnerable to PhCR during the establishment period, delaying fungicide treatments can result in stand loss, reduced productivity and suboptimal fungicide efficacy. This project evaluated the effectiveness of applying Ridomil Gold and Orondis Gold directly to planting holes prior to transplanting. Results from trials over four growing seasons (2019 to 2024) demonstrated that fungicides applied in planting holes consistently reduced PhCR incidence and progression as effectively or more than products applied via drip. These findings suggest that direct in-hole fungicide application could be an alternative for managing PhCR in strawberry. These findings warrant further research into dosage and volume optimization and the development of precision hole-punch applicators. Such technology could lead to more strategic fungicide use by placing the treatment only where needed, i.e., the root zone, and at the crucial timing of planting establishment. It also has the potential to improve disease control outcomes, enhance productivity, and reduce the need for further fungicide applications to control PhCR, thereby decreasing the risk of resistance development to key fungicides.
Auditory Steady-State Responses: Multiplexed Amplitude Modulation Frequencies to Reduce Recording Time
Authors: Sonck Rien , Vanthornhout Jonas , Bonin Estelle , Francart Tom
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

This study investigated the efficiency of a multiplexed amplitude-modulated (AM) stimulus in eliciting auditory steady-state responses. The multiplexed AM stimulus was created by simultaneously modulating speech-shaped noise with three frequencies chosen to elicit different neural generators: 3.1, 40.1, and 102.1 Hz. For comparison, a single AM stimulus was created for each of these frequencies, resulting in three single AM conditions and one multiplex AM condition.

Design:

Twenty-two bilaterally normal-hearing participants (18 females) listened for 8 minutes to each type of stimuli. The analysis compared the signal to noise ratios (SNRs) and amplitudes of the evoked responses to the single and multiplexed conditions.

Results:

The results revealed that the SNRs elicited by single AM conditions were, on average, 1.61 dB higher than those evoked by the multiplexed AM condition (p < 0.05). The single conditions consistently produced a significantly higher SNR when examining various stimulus durations ranging from 1 to 8 minutes. Despite these SNR differences, the frequency spectrum was very similar across and within subjects. In addition, the sensor space patterns across the scalp demonstrated similar trends between the single and multiplexed stimuli for both SNR and amplitudes. Both the single and multiplexed conditions evoked significant auditory steady-state responses within subjects. On average, the multiplexed AM stimulus took 31 minutes for the lower bound of the 95% prediction interval to cross the significance threshold across all three frequencies. In contrast, the single AM stimuli took 45 minutes and 42 seconds.

Conclusions:

These findings show that the multiplexed AM stimulus is a promising method to reduce the recording time when simultaneously obtaining information from various neural generators.