bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronische posttraumatische Schulterinstabilität
Authors: Bauer S. , Dietz B. , Collin P. , Neyton L. , Blakeney W. , Zumstein M.
Published: February 2023

Die chronische posttraumatische Schulterinstabilität ist durch traumaassoziierte, rezidivierende Luxationen charakterisiert. Es wird kontrovers diskutiert, wie Risikofaktoren zur Auswahl zwischen arthroskopischer Bankart-Reparatur mit Kapselshift (ABRK), Latarjet- und Alternativtechniken gewichtet werden sollten. Als Risikofaktoren gelten Lebensalter, Hyperlaxizität, Sportprofil und Knochenverlust. Die ABRK geht mit hoher Patientenzufriedenheit und Rückkehr zum Sport einher. Rezidive treten, assoziiert mit Risikofaktoren, noch nach mehreren Jahren auf. Latarjet- oder Knocheneingriffe erzielen eine hohe Patientenzufriedenheit und dauerhafte Stabilität im Revisionsfall, können aber auch als Ersteingriff bei entsprechendem Risikoprofil indiziert sein, wobei von einer höheren Rate meist leichter Komplikationen berichtet wurde. Jegliche Techniken unterliegen einer ernstzunehmenden Lernkurve. Bei korrekter Durchführung scheint das Risiko einer operationsbedingten Arthroseentwicklung nicht erhöht zu sein; diese wird vielmehr durch die Anzahl der Rezidivluxationen und traumatische Gewalteinwirkung beeinflusst.
Case-matched radiological and clinical outcome evaluation of interlaminar versus microsurgical decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Saravi Babak , Ülkümen Sara , Lang Gernot , Couillard-Després Sébastien , Hassel Frank
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Endoscopic spine surgery is a globally expanding technique advocated as less invasive for spinal stenosis treatment compared to the microsurgical approach. However, evidence on the efficiency of interlaminar full-endoscopic decompression (FED) vs. conventional microsurgical decompression (MSD) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis is still scarce. We conducted a case-matched comparison for treatment success with consideration of clinical, laboratory, and radiologic predictors.

Methods

We included 88 consecutive patients (FED: 36/88, 40.9%; MSD: 52/88, 59.1%) presenting with lumbar central spinal stenosis. Surgery-related (operation time, complications, length of stay (LOS), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count, side of approach (unilateral/bilateral), patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) (Oswestry disability index (ODI), numeric rating scale of pain (NRS; leg-, back pain), EuroQol questionnaire (eQ-5D), core outcome measures index (COMI)), and radiological (dural sack cross-sectional area, Schizas score (SC), left and right lateral recess heights, and facet angles, respectively) parameters were extracted at different time points up to 1-year follow-up. The relationship of PROMs was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Surgery-related outcome parameters were correlated with patient-centered and radiological outcomes utilizing a regression model to determine predictors for propensity score matching.

Results

Complication (most often residual sensorimotor deficits and restenosis due to hematoma) rates were higher in the FED (33.3%) than MSD (13.5%) group (p < 0.05), while all complications in the FED group were observed within the first 20 FED patients. Operation time was higher in the FED, whereas LOS was higher in the MSD group. Age, SC, CRP revealed significant associations with PROMs. We did not observe significant differences in the endoscopic vs. microsurgical group in PROMs. The correlation between ODI and COMI was significantly high, and both were inversely correlated with eQ-5D, whereas the correlations of these PROMs with NRS findings were less pronounced.

Conclusions

Endoscopic treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis was similarly successful as the conventional microsurgical approach. Although FED was associated with higher complication rates in our single-center study experience, the distribution of complications indicated surgical learning curves to be the main factor of these findings. Future long-term prospective studies considering the surgical learning curve are warranted for reliable comparisons of these techniques.
Do patterns of past asbestos use and production reflect current geographic variations of cancer risk?: mesothelioma in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Slavik Catherine E. , Demers Paul A. , Tamburic Lillian , Warden Hunter , McLeod Christopher
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Canada was a major global asbestos producer and consumer. Geographic patterns of Canadian asbestos use and mesothelioma, a highly fatal cancer linked to asbestos exposure, have not been previously reported. This study summarized key trends in mesothelioma incidence by geography and time in two Canadian provinces, Ontario and British Columbia (BC), and explored how past workforce characteristics and geographic trends in asbestos production and use may shape variations in regional rates of mesothelioma.

Methods

We report trends in mesothelioma incidence (1993–2016) for Ontario and British Columbia using population-based incidence data that were age-standardized to the 2011 Canadian population. Historical records of asbestos production and use were analyzed to geo-locate industrial point sources of asbestos in Ontario and BC. The prevalence of occupations in regions with the highest and lowest rates of mesothelioma in Ontario and BC were calculated using labor force statistics from the 1981 Canadian Census.

Results

Regional mesothelioma rates varied in both provinces over time; more census divisions in both Ontario and BC registered mesothelioma rates in the highest quintile of incidences during the period 2009 to 2016 than in any prior period examined. Certain occupations such as construction trades workers were more likely to be overrepresented in regions with high mesothelioma rates.

Conclusion

This work explored how studying asbestos exposure and mesothelioma incidence at small-scale geographies could direct cancer surveillance and research to more targeted areas. Findings indicated that regional variations in mesothelioma could signal important differences in past occupational and potentially environmental exposures.
Positive Parenting and Early Childhood Cognition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Prime Heather , Andrews Krysta , Markwell Alexandra , Gonzalez Andrea , Janus Magdalena , Tricco Andrea C. , Bennett Teresa , Atkinson Leslie
Published: February 2023

This review examines the effectiveness of positive parenting interventions aimed at improving sensitivity, responsiveness, and/or non-harsh discipline on children’s early cognitive skills, in four meta-analyses addressing general mental abilities, language, executive functioning, and pre-academics. The objectives are to assess the magnitude of intervention effectiveness and identify moderators of effectiveness. We include randomized controlled trials of interventions targeting positive parenting to improve cognition in children < 6 years. Studies that include children with neurodevelopmental and/or hearing disorders were excluded. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (October 2021) and citation chaining identified relevant records. Five reviewers completed screening/assessments, extraction, and risk of bias. Pooled analysis in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 3) used random effects modeling, with moderation via Q-statistics and meta-regression. Positive parenting interventions led to significant improvements in mental abilities (g = 0.46, N = 5746; k = 33) and language (g = 0.25, N = 6428; k = 30). Effect sizes were smaller and nonsignificant for executive functioning (g = 0.07, N = 3628; k = 14) and pre-academics (g = 0.16, N = 2365; k = 7). Robust moderators emerged for language and cognition. For cognition, studies with higher risk of bias scores yielded larger intervention effects. For language, studies with younger children had larger effect sizes. Studies mitigated selection and detection bias, though greater transparency of reporting is needed. Interventions that promote parental sensitivity, responsiveness, and non-harsh discipline improve early mental abilities and language. Studies examining executive functioning and pre-academics are needed to examine moderators of intervention effectiveness.

Trial registration Systematic review PROSPERO registration. CRD42020222143
Cultural and neighborhood characteristics associated with activity-specific parenting practices in Hispanic/Latino youth: a secondary analysis of the Hispanic Community Children’s health study/study of Latino youth
Authors: Gonzalez Christopher J. , LeCroy Madison N. , Daviglus Martha L. , Van Horn Linda , Gallo Linda C. , Gonzalez Franklyn , Perreira Krista M. , Llabre Maria M. , Shapiro Martin F. , Isasi Carmen R.
Published: February 2023

Hispanic/Latino youth are less physically active than non-Hispanic/Latino youth. We assessed whether activity-specific parenting practices relate to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior among Hispanic/Latino youth, and whether cultural (acculturation) and neighborhood characteristics (perceived barriers to activity) relate to the use of parenting practice patterns. Using the Hispanic Community Children’s Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth, n = 976 8–16-year-olds), we modeled linear regression associations between parenting practices and mean daily MVPA and sedentary behavior. Parenting practice patterns were then developed using k-means cluster analysis, and regressed on parental acculturation and neighborhood characteristics. Discipline predicted higher MVPA in females (β 1.89 [95% CI 0.11–3.67]), while Monitoring/Reinforcement predicted higher MVPA in males (β 4.71 [95% CI 0.68–8.74]). Three patterns were then identified: Negative Reinforcement (high Limit Setting and Discipline use), Positive Reinforcement (high Limit Setting and Monitoring/Reinforcement use), and Permissive Parenting (low parenting practice use). Higher acculturation predicted use of Positive Reinforcement. Activity-specific parenting practices are associated with activity in sex-specific ways among Hispanic/Latino youth, and cultural factors predict the use of parenting practices.
Missing data imputation techniques for wireless continuous vital signs monitoring
Authors: van Rossum Mathilde C. , da Silva Pedro M. Alves , Wang Ying , Kouwenhoven Ewout A. , Hermens Hermie J.
Published: February 2023

Wireless vital signs sensors are increasingly used for remote patient monitoring, but data analysis is often challenged by missing data periods. This study explored the performance of various imputation techniques for continuous vital signs measurements. Wireless vital signs measurements (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, axillary temperature) from surgical ward patients were used for repeated random simulation of missing data periods (gaps) of 5–60 min in two-hour windows. Gaps were imputed using linear interpolation, spline interpolation, last observation- and mean carried forwards technique, and cluster-based prognosis. Imputation performance was evaluated using the mean absolute error (MAE) between original and imputed gap samples. Besides, effects on signal features (window’s slope, mean) and early warning scores (EWS) were explored. Gaps were simulated in 1743 data windows, obtained from 52 patients. Although MAE ranges overlapped, median MAE was structurally lowest for linear interpolation (heart rate: 0.9–2.6 beats/min, respiratory rate: 0.8–1.8 breaths/min, temperature: 0.04–0.17 °C, oxygen saturation: 0.3–0.7% for 5–60 min gaps) but up to twice as high for other techniques. Three techniques resulted in larger ranges of signal feature bias compared to no imputation. Imputation led to EWS misclassification in 1–8% of all simulations. Imputation error ranges vary between imputation techniques and increase with gap length. Imputation may result in larger signal feature bias compared to performing no imputation, and can affect patient risk assessment as illustrated by the EWS. Accordingly, careful implementation and selection of imputation techniques is warranted.
Machine learning in crime prediction
Authors: Jenga Karabo , Catal Cagatay , Kar Gorkem
Published: February 2023

Predicting crimes before they occur can save lives and losses of property. With the help of machine learning, many researchers have studied predicting crimes extensively. In this paper, we evaluate state-of-the-art crime prediction techniques that are available in the last decade, discuss possible challenges, and provide a discussion about the future work that could be conducted in the field of crime prediction. Although many works aim to predict crimes, the datasets they used and methods that are applied are numerous. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, we aim to collect and synthesize the required knowledge regarding machine learning-based crime prediction and help both law enforcement authorities and scientists to mitigate and prevent future crime occurrences. We focus primarily on 68 selected machine learning papers that predict crime. We formulate eight research questions and observe that the majority of the papers used a supervised machine learning approach, assuming that there is prior labeled data, and however in some cases, there is no labeled data in real-world scenarios. We have also discussed the main challenges found while conducting some of the studies by the researchers. We consider that this research paves the way for further research to help governments and countries fight crime and decrease this for better safety and security.
On infinite 2-orbit polyhedra in classes $$2_0$$ and $$2_2$$
Authors: Pellicer Daniel , Williams Gordon I.
Published: February 2023

We describe all 2-orbit skeletal polyhedra in classes $$2_0$$

2
0

and $$2_2$$

2
2

in $$\mathbb {E}^3$$

E

3

. Those in class $$2_2$$

2
2

are continuous deformations of the three Petrie–Coxeter polyhedra and therefore are arranged in three families. Those in class $$2_0$$

2
0

are the Petrie duals of the chiral polyhedra in $$\mathbb {E}^3$$

E

3

and are classified in six families.
COVID-19 Predictive Models Based on Grammatical Evolution
Authors: Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Stylios Chrysostomos , Charalampous Vlasis
Published: February 2023

A feature construction method that incorporates a grammatical guided procedure is presented here to predict the monthly mortality rate of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three distinct use cases were obtained from publicly available data and three corresponding datasets were created for that purpose. The proposed method is based on constructing artificial features from the original ones. After the artificial features are generated, the original data set is modified based on these features and a machine learning model, such as an artificial neural network, is applied to the modified data. From the comparative experiments done, it was clear that feature construction has an advantage over other machine learning methods for predicting pandemic elements.
The Ties That Bind
Authors: Leblang David , Helms Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Migration is among the central domestic and global political issues of today. Yet the causes and consequences - and the relationship between migration and global markets – are poorly understood. Migration is both costly and risky, so why do people decide to migrate? What are the political, social, economic, and environmental factors that cause people to leave their homes and seek a better life elsewhere? Leblang and Helms argue that political factors - the ability to participate in the political life of a destination - are as important as economic and social factors. Most migrants don't cut ties with their homeland but continue to be engaged, both economically and politically. Migrants continue to serve as a conduit for information, helping drive investment to their homelands. The authors combine theory with a wealth of micro and macro evidence to demonstrate that migration isn't static, after all, but continuously fluid.
Plato's Phaedo
Authors: Ebrey David
Published: February 2023

Plato's Phaedo is a literary gem that develops many of his most famous ideas. David Ebrey's careful reinterpretation argues that the many debates about the dialogue cannot be resolved so long as we consider its passages in relative isolation from one another, separated from their intellectual background. His book shows how Plato responds to his literary, religious, scientific, and philosophical context, and argues that we can only understand the dialogue's central ideas and arguments in light of its overall structure. This approach yields new interpretations of the dialogue's key ideas, including the nature and existence of 'Platonic' forms, the existence of the soul after death, the method of hypothesis, and the contemplative ethical ideal. Moreover, this comprehensive approach shows how the characters play an integral role in the Phaedo's development and how its literary structure complements Socrates' views while making its own distinctive contribution to the dialogue's drama and ideas.
Multiphase segmentation of digital material images
Authors: Saxena Rishu , Day-Stirrat Ruarri , Pradhan Chaitanya
Published: February 2023

Multiphase segmentation of pore-scale features and identification of mineralogy from digital images of materials is critical for many applications in the natural resources sector. However, the materials involved (rocks, catalyst pellets, and synthetic alloys) have complex and unpredictable composition. Algorithms that can be extended for multiphase segmentation of images of these materials are relatively few and very human-intensive. Challenges lie in designing algorithms that are context free, can function with less training data, and can handle the unpredictability of material composition. Semisupervised algorithms have shown success in classification in situations characterized by limited training data; they use unlabeled data in addition to labeled data to produce classification. The segmentation obtained can be more accurate than fully supervised learning approaches. This work proposes using a semisupervised clustering algorithm named Continuous Iterative Guided Spectral Class Rejection (CIGSCR) toward multiphase segmentation of digital scans of materials. CIGSCR harnesses spectral cohesion, splitting the intensity histogram of the input image down into clusters. This splitting provides the foundation for classification strategies that can be implemented as postprocessing steps to get the final segmentation. One classification strategy is presented. Micro-computed tomography scans of rocks are used to present the results. It is demonstrated that CIGSCR successfully enables distinguishing features up to the uniqueness of grayscale values, and extracting features present in full image stacks (3D), including features not presented in the training data. Results including instances of success and limitations are presented. Scalability to data sizes

$ \mathcal{O}\left({10}^9\right) $

voxels is briefly discussed.
Impact of a culturally sensitive multilingual community outreach model on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations at an urban safety-net community hospital
Authors: Echeverria Stephanie L. , Shultz Genessa , Navarro Orquidea , Li Ella , Sifuentes James , Lavani Romeen , Takhsh Eden , Mena Lora Alfredo J.
Published: February 2023

We assessed the efficacy of a culturally competent outreach model with promotoras in raising the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first-dose vaccination rates in Chicago’s at-risk ZIP codes from February through May 2021. Utilizing community members from within target communities may reduce barriers, increase vaccination rates, and enhance COVID-19 prevention.
A maximum entropy estimate of uncertainty about a wine rating
Authors: Bodington Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2023

Much research shows that the ratings that judges assign to the same wine are uncertain. And while the ratings may be independent, research also shows that they are not identically distributed. Thus, an acute difficulty in ratings-related research and in calculating consensus among judges is that each rating is one observation drawn from a latent distribution that is wine- and judge-specific. What can be deduced about the shape of a latent distribution from one observation? A simple maximum entropy estimator is proposed to describe the distribution of a rating observed. The estimator can express the implications of zero, one, a few blind replicates, and many observations. Several tests of the estimator show that results are consistent with the results of experiments with blind replicates and that results are more accurate than results based on observed ratings alone.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PINE NEEDLES EXPOSED TO POLLUTION IN SILESIA, POLAND: CARBON ISOTOPES, iWUE, AND TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN PINE NEEDLES
Authors: Sensuła Barbara , Piotrowska Natalia , Nowińska Katarzyna , Koruszowic Michał , Lazaj Dawid , Osadnik Rafał , Paluch Radosław , Stasiak Adam , Strączek Beniamin
Published: February 2023

Here, we present the results of carbon isotope and elemental analysis of one-year-old Pinus Sylvestris L. needles collected in 2021 from 10 sampling sites in a highly populated and industrialized area of Poland. The needles were exposed to air pollution for one year. The chemical analysis of the samples was performed using different methods: radiocarbon analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry, stable isotope analysis using isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Variations in the carbon isotopes and elemental composition of pine needles were due to a mixture of carbon dioxide originating from different sources such as households, vehicle traffic, and industrial factories.
Cross-sectional determinants of lactose-free food awareness and purchase among adult consumers
Authors: Yılmaz Birsen , Ağagündüz Duygu , Kalyoncu Atasoy Z. Begum , Yeşilyurt Neslihan , Ergin Şule , Murat Naci
Published: February 2023

This research was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and purchasing behaviour of consumers regarding lactose-free foods. Study data were collected from 1882 individuals with the help of a questionnaire form. Attitudes towards animal welfare, healthy nutrition and gastrointestinal symptoms were also evaluated. The majority (86.6%) of the participants reported that they had heard of the concept of lactose-free foods before, but more than half (67.0%) did not report buying them because of their higher costs compared to regular products and lack of sufficient information. Not causing gas/bloating (32.5%) and being healthier (28.3%) were shown to be the most significant motivational factors in purchasing lactose-free foods (P < 0.05). The factors affecting purchase of lactose-free products were education, employment status, history of having a food intolerance test and animal welfare perception together with higher scores from the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, and attitude scale for healthy nutrition (P < 0.05). Body mass index was not found to be an effective factor determining purchase intention. The results provide a general overview of consumers, however, further studies on other demographic groups are needed.
Do structure predictions persevere to multilinguals’ other languages? Evidence from cross-linguistic structural priming in comprehension
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Wang Suiping , Hartsuiker Robert J.
Published: February 2023

Many cross-language sentence processing studies showed structural priming, which suggests a shared representation across languages or separate but interacting representations for each language. To investigate whether multilinguals can rely on such representations to predict structure in comprehension, we conducted two visual-world eye-tracking priming experiments with Cantonese–Mandarin-English multilinguals. Participants were instructed to read aloud prime sentences in either Cantonese, Mandarin, or English; then they heard a target sentence in Mandarin while looking at the corresponding target picture. When prime and target had different verbs, there was within-language structural priming only (Mandarin-to-Mandarin, Experiment 1). But when prime and target had translation-equivalent verbs, there was not only within-language but also between-language priming (only Cantonese-to-Mandarin, Experiment 2). These results indicate that structure prediction between languages in comprehension is partly lexically-based, so that cross-linguistic structural priming only occurs with cognate verbs.
Three little words? The impact of social security terminology on knowledge and claiming intentions
Authors: Perez-Arce Francisco , Rabinovich Lila , Yoong Joanne , Alattar Laith
Published: February 2023

We study the impact of changing the existing terminology to describe the rules governing Social Security retirement benefits. We provided respondents from a nationally representative online panel with information pertinent to the decision of when to claim Social Security retirement benefits. The content of the information treatments was identical for all respondents, but some were randomly given an alternative set of terms to refer to the key claiming ages (the experimental treatment group), while others were given the current terms (the control group). Despite the minimal nature of the change, there were significant differences in outcomes. Those in the treatment group spent less time reading the information, but their understanding of the Social Security program improved more than the control group. In addition, the treatment delayed retirement claiming intentions by an average of about two and a half months and increased the recommended claiming age to vignette characters by a similar magnitude. The effects were particularly strong for those with low levels of financial literacy. The relative gains in knowledge persisted several months after the treatment.
Dipolarization Fronts in Cold‐Dense and Hot‐Tenuous Plasma Sheet Conditions: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yu Y. , Fu H. S. , Wang Z.
Published: February 2023

We present the first comparative observation of two dipolarization fronts (DFs) in cold‐dense plasma sheet (CDPS) and hot‐tenuous plasma sheet (HTPS) conditions. We find that: (a) the CDPS and HTPS are formed under distinct solar wind conditions. (b) The DF in HTPS has a higher Bz increase than the DF in CDPS; (c) DF in CDPS can transfer energy from magnetic ﬁeld to particles more efficiently than the DF in HTPS; (d) the >2 keV (<2 keV) electron phase space density of flux pileup region (FPR) in HTPS is higher (lower) than that of FPR in CDPS; (e) the electron cyclotron harmonic waves are excited at DF in HTPS instead of the DF in CDPS. (f) The responses in the ionospheric currents are weak for both DFs in CDPS and HTPS. These results reveal the differences in properties and physical processes between the DFs in CDPS and HTPS. Our findings can significantly improve the understanding of physical mechanisms underlying the formation and evolution processes of DFs.
Premature cardiovascular disease mortality with overweight and obesity as a risk factor: estimating excess mortality in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Adair Tim
Published: February 2023

Background

The United States has experienced high levels of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic and also has high prevalence of overweight and obesity, which increases the risk of severe infection and death from the virus. This study uses multiple cause of death data to estimate excess premature cardiovascular disease mortality in the USA in 2020 for which overweight and obesity was a risk factor.

Methods

The contribution of overweight and obesity to premature (35–74 years) cardiovascular disease mortality was measured as cardiovascular disease reported on the death certificate with one or more of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, lipidemias or hypertensive heart disease (DKOLH-CVD). Excess mortality was calculated as the difference between actual and expected age-standardised death rates. Expected deaths were estimated using negative binomial regressions of monthly deaths during 2010–19.

Results

Excess DKOLH-CVD mortality in March-December 2020 was 29% (95% uncertainty interval 28–31%) for males and 30% (28–32%) for females, much higher than for all causes (males 19% (18–21%), females 16% (14–17%)). Excess mortality was higher where two or more DKOLH conditions (males 40% (37–43%), females 41% (37–44%)) or obesity (males 42% (38–45%), females 47% (43–51%)) were reported. One-half of excess DKOLH-CVD mortality was reported as due to COVID-19, lower than the four-fifths of excess all-cause deaths. For home deaths, just over 10% of excess mortality for each cause classification was reported as due to COVID-19.

Conclusions

Excess premature cardiovascular disease mortality in the USA for which overweight and obesity was a risk factor was considerably higher than for all causes, exacerbating adverse pre-pandemic trends. The contribution of COVID-19 to excess mortality appears significantly under-reported for home deaths.
Age, sex, and apolipoprotein E isoform alter contextual fear learning, neuronal activation, and baseline DNA damage in the hippocampus
Authors: Boutros Sydney Weber , Zimmerman Benjamin , Nagy Sydney C. , Unni Vivek K. , Raber Jacob
Published: February 2023

Age, female sex, and apolipoprotein E4 (E4) are risk factors to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There are three major human apoE isoforms: E2, E3, and E4. Compared to E3, E4 increases while E2 decreases AD risk. However, E2 is associated with increased risk and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In cognitively healthy adults, E4 carriers have greater brain activation during learning and memory tasks in the absence of behavioral differences. Human apoE targeted replacement (TR) mice display differences in fear extinction that parallel human data: E2 mice show impaired extinction, mirroring heightened PTSD symptoms in E2 combat veterans. Recently, an adaptive role of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in immediate early gene expression (IEG) has been described. Age and disease synergistically increase DNA damage and decrease DNA repair. As the mechanisms underlying the relative risks of apoE, sex, and their interactions in aging are unclear, we used young (3 months) and middle-aged (12 months) male and female TR mice to investigate the influence of these factors on DSBs and IEGs at baseline and following contextual fear conditioning. We assessed brain-wide changes in neural activation following fear conditioning using whole-brain cFos imaging in young female TR mice. E4 mice froze more during fear conditioning and had lower cFos immunoreactivity across regions important for somatosensation and contextual encoding compared to E2 mice. E4 mice also showed altered co-activation compared to E3 mice, corresponding to human MRI and cognitive data, and indicating that there are differences in brain activity and connectivity at young ages independent of fear learning. There were increased DSB markers in middle-aged animals and alterations to cFos levels dependent on sex and isoform, as well. The increase in hippocampal DSB markers in middle-aged animals and female E4 mice may play a role in the risk for developing AD.
Salp blooms drive strong increases in passive carbon export in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Décima Moira , Stukel Michael R. , Nodder Scott D. , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Andrés , Selph Karen E. , dos Santos Adriana Lopes , Safi Karl , Kelly Thomas B. , Deans Fenella , Morales Sergio E. , Baltar Federico , Latasa Mikel , Gorbunov Maxim Y. , Pinkerton Matt
Published: February 2023

The Southern Ocean contributes substantially to the global biological carbon pump (BCP). Salps in the Southern Ocean, in particularSalpa thompsoni, are important grazers that produce large, fast-sinking fecal pellets. Here, we quantify the salp bloom impacts on microbial dynamics and the BCP, by contrasting locations differing in salp bloom presence/absence. Salp blooms coincide with phytoplankton dominated by diatoms or prymnesiophytes, depending on water mass characteristics. Their grazing is comparable to microzooplankton during their early bloom, resulting in a decrease of ~1/3 of primary production, and negative phytoplankton rates of change are associated with all salp locations. Particle export in salp waters is always higher, ranging 2- to 8- fold (average 5-fold), compared to non-salp locations, exporting up to 46% of primary production out of the euphotic zone. BCP efficiency increases from 5 to 28% in salp areas, which is among the highest recorded in the global ocean.
Tautomerism unveils a self-inhibition mechanism of crystallization
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Yang Taimin , Morales-Rivera Cristian A. , Geng Xi , Srirambhatla Vijay K. , Kang Xiang , Chauhan Vraj P. , Hong Sungil , Tu Qing , Florence Alastair J. , Mo Huaping , Calderon Hector A. , Kisielowski Christian , Hernandez Francisco C. Robles , Zou Xiaodong , Mpourmpakis Giannis , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2023

Modifiers are commonly used in natural, biological, and synthetic crystallization to tailor the growth of diverse materials. Here, we identify tautomers as a new class of modifiers where the dynamic interconversion between solute and its corresponding tautomer(s) produces native crystal growth inhibitors. The macroscopic and microscopic effects imposed by inhibitor-crystal interactions reveal dual mechanisms of inhibition where tautomer occlusion within crystals that leads to natural bending, tunes elastic modulus, and selectively alters the rate of crystal dissolution. Our study focuses on ammonium urate crystallization and shows that the keto-enol form of urate, which exists as a minor tautomer, is a potent inhibitor that nearly suppresses crystal growth at select solution alkalinity and supersaturation. The generalizability of this phenomenon is demonstrated for two additional tautomers with relevance to biological systems and pharmaceuticals. These findings offer potential routes in crystal engineering to strategically control the mechanical or physicochemical properties of tautomeric materials.
Universal expressiveness of variational quantum classifiers and quantum kernels for support vector machines
Authors: Jäger Jonas , Krems Roman V.
Published: February 2023

Machine learning is considered to be one of the most promising applications of quantum computing. Therefore, the search for quantum advantage of the quantum analogues of machine learning models is a key research goal. Here, we show that variational quantum classifiers and support vector machines with quantum kernels can solve a classification problem based on the k-FORRELATION problem, which is known to be PROMISEBQP-complete. Because the PROMISEBQP complexity class includes all Bounded-Error Quantum Polynomial-Time (BQP) decision problems, our results imply that there exists a feature map and a quantum kernel that make variational quantum classifiers and quantum kernel support vector machines efficient solvers for any BQP problem. Hence, this work implies that their feature map and quantum kernel, respectively, can be designed to have a quantum advantage for any classification problem that cannot be classically solved in polynomial time but contrariwise by a quantum computer.
High-speed laser writing of structural colors for full-color inkless printing
Authors: Geng Jiao , Xu Liye , Yan Wei , Shi Liping , Qiu Min
Published: February 2023

It is a formidable challenge to simultaneously achieve wide-gamut, high-resolution, high-speed while low-cost manufacturability, long-term stability, and viewing-angle independence in structural colors for practical applications. The conventional nanofabrication techniques fail to match the requirement in low-cost, large-scale and flexible manufacturing. Processing by pulsed lasers can achieve high throughput while suffering from a narrow gamut of ~15% sRGB or angle-dependent colors. Here, we demonstrate an all-in-one solution for ultrafast laser-produced structural colors on ultrathin hybrid films that comprise an absorbent dielectric TiAlN layer coating on a metallic TiN layer. Under laser irradiation, the absorption behaviours of the TiAlN-TiN hybrid films are tailored by photothermal-induced oxidation on the topmost TiAlN. The oxidized films exhibit double-resonance absorption, which is due to the non-trivial phase shifts both at the oxide-TiAlN interface, and at the TiAlN-TiN interface. By varying the accumulated laser fluence to modulate the oxidation depth, angle-robust structural colors with unprecedented large-gamut of ~90% sRGB are obtained. The highest printing speed reaches 10 cm2/s and the highest resolution exceeds 10000 dpi. The durability of the laser-printed colors is confirmed by fastness examination, including salt spray, double-85, light bleaching, and adhesion tests. These features render our technique to be competitive for industrial applications.
Actin-driven chromosome clustering facilitates fast and complete chromosome capture in mammalian oocytes
Authors: Harasimov Katarina , Uraji Julia , Mönnich Eike Urs , Holubcová Zuzana , Elder Kay , Blayney Martyn , Schuh Melina
Published: February 2023

Accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis is crucial for reproduction. Human and porcine oocytes transiently cluster their chromosomes before the onset of spindle assembly and subsequent chromosome segregation. The mechanism and function of chromosome clustering are unknown. Here we show that chromosome clustering is required to prevent chromosome losses in the long gap phase between nuclear envelope breakdown and the onset of spindle assembly, and to promote the rapid capture of all chromosomes by the acentrosomal spindle. The initial phase of chromosome clustering is driven by a dynamic network of Formin-2- and Spire-nucleated actin cables. The actin cables form in the disassembling nucleus and migrate towards the nuclear centre, moving the chromosomes centripetally by interacting with their arms and kinetochores as they migrate. A cage of stable microtubule loops drives the late stages of chromosome clustering. Together, our data establish a crucial role for chromosome clustering in accurate progression through meiosis.
Study on the spatialization of anthropogenic carbon emissions in China based on SVR-ZSSR
Authors: Liu Minghao , Qi Liai , Chen Haiyan , Luo Xiaolin , Zhu Xiaobo , Chen Chun
Published: February 2023

The spatialization of anthropogenic carbon emissions is of great significance for achieving the goal of "carbon peaking and neutrality" and promoting the development of carbon trading market. The SVR-ZSSR spatialization model is proposed to solve the problems of "insufficient local feature learning" and "scale dependence of driving factors" existing in the single model, and this model is applied to the study of the spatialization of carbon emissions in China in this paper. The results show that: (1) the simulation results of our proposed model show the distribution characteristics of "high in the East and low in the west"; On the micro-scale, the high carbon emission areas in the simulation results are all concentrated in the built-up land, while the carbon emission in the surrounding areas of the city is significantly lower than that in the center, which is similar to the spatial distribution trend of carbon emission in the existing database. (2) Compared with the results of SVR, the results of our proposed model increase the carbon emission ratio of built-up land in each province by 15.9% on average; Compared with the ODIAC database and SVR model, the carbon emission ratio of built-up land in Gansu Province, Qinghai Province, and other low-carbon emission areas has increased by about 25%.
Safe reinforcement learning under temporal logic with reward design and quantum action selection
Authors: Cai Mingyu , Xiao Shaoping , Li Junchao , Kan Zhen
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes an advanced Reinforcement Learning (RL) method, incorporating reward-shaping, safety value functions, and a quantum action selection algorithm. The method is model-free and can synthesize a finite policy that maximizes the probability of satisfying a complex task. Although RL is a promising approach, it suffers from unsafe traps and sparse rewards and becomes impractical when applied to real-world problems. To improve safety during training, we introduce a concept of safety values, which results in a model-based adaptive scenario due to online updates of transition probabilities. On the other hand, a high-level complex task is usually formulated via formal languages, including Linear Temporal Logic (LTL). Another novelty of this work is using an Embedded Limit-Deterministic Generalized Büchi Automaton (E-LDGBA) to represent an LTL formula. The obtained deterministic policy can generalize the tasks over infinite and finite horizons. We design an automaton-based reward, and the theoretical analysis shows that an agent can accomplish task specifications with the maximum probability by following the optimal policy. Furthermore, a reward shaping process is developed to avoid sparse rewards and enforce the RL convergence while keeping the optimal policies invariant. In addition, inspired by quantum computing, we propose a quantum action selection algorithm to replace the existing$$\varepsilon$$ε-greedy algorithm for the balance of exploration and exploitation during learning. Simulations demonstrate how the proposed framework can achieve good performance by dramatically reducing the times to visit unsafe states while converging optimal policies.
Environmental factors driving the abundance of Philaenus spumarius in mesomediterranean habitats of Corsica (France)
Authors: Chartois Marguerite , Mesmin Xavier , Quiquerez Ileana , Borgomano Sabrina , Farigoule Pauline , Pierre Éric , Thuillier Jean-Marc , Streito Jean-Claude , Casabianca François , Hugot Laetitia , Rossi Jean-Pierre , Rasplus Jean-Yves , Cruaud Astrid
Published: February 2023

Philaenus spumarius (Ps) is considered the main insect vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) in Europe. As such, it is a key actor of the Xf pathosystem on which surveillance and management strategies could be implemented. Although research effort has increased in the past years, the ecological factors shaping Ps abundance and distribution across landscapes are still poorly known in most regions of Europe. We selected 64 plots of 500m2 in Corsican semi-natural habitats in which we sampled nymphs and adults of Ps during three years. While local or surrounding vegetation structure (low or high scrubland) had little effect on Ps abundance, we highlighted a positive relationship between Ps abundance and the density of Cistus monspeliensis in the plots. We also found larger populations of Ps in cooler and moister plots. The pattern of host association highlighted here is unique, which calls for more studies on the ecology of Ps in Europe, to help designing surveillance and management strategy for Xf.
Comparative efficacy of onsite, digital, and other settings for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Simon Laura , Steinmetz Lisa , Feige Bernd , Benz Fee , Spiegelhalder Kai , Baumeister Harald
Published: February 2023

Given the limited availability and accessibility of onsite cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), other CBT-I settings, such as internet-delivered CBT-I (iCBT-I), have been proposed. The primary aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of available CBT-I settings on insomnia severity. A systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis of available CBT-I settings was performed. PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating any CBT-I settings in adults with insomnia disorder. The systematic literature search (3851 references) resulted in 52 RCTs. For the primary outcome insomnia severity, all examined CBT-I settings except smartphone-delivered CBT-I yielded significant effects when compared to WL. Large standardized mean differences were found for individual onsite CBT-I (− 1.27;95%CI − 1.70, − 0.84), group-delivered CBT-I (− 1.00;95%CI − 1.42. − 0.59), telehealth (− 1.28;95%CI − 2.06, − 0.50), and guided bibliotherapy (− 0.99;95%CI − 1.67, − 0.32). Both guided iCBT-I (− 0.71;95%CI − 1.18, − 0.24) and unguided iCBT-I (− 0.78;95%CI − 1.18, − 0.38) yielded medium effect sizes. The results underline that health care systems should intensify their efforts to provide synchronously-delivered CBT-I (individual onsite, group-delivered, and telehealth), and particularly individual onsite CBT-I, given its solid evidence base. Medium to large effect sizes for iCBT-I and guided bibliotherapy indicate that self-help settings may be a viable alternative when synchronously-delivered CBT-I is not available.
Tuning the fluorescence of Dy3+ via the structure of borophosphate glasses
Authors: Griebenow Kristin , Truong Mai-Phuong , Munoz Francisco , Klement Robert , Galusek Dusan
Published: February 2023

The optical characteristics of Dy3+-doped phosphate and borophosphate glasses with different divalent network modifiers prepared by melt-quenching are studied. The glass sets (A) with a molar composition of 40MO–60P2O5 and (B) with a molar composition of 40MO–20B2O3–40 P2O5 are investigated, both with M = (Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, or Ba2+) and all doped with 0.1 mol% Dy2O3. Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy are used to analyse the structure and optical characteristics of these glasses. Four typical Dy3+ emission bands in the yellow (572 nm), blue (483 nm) and red (633 and 752 nm) regions of the spectrum are observed in both sets. The fluorescence lifetimes in each glass set are correlated to the network modifier's ionic field strength. The Mg2+ and Zn2+ containing glasses have the longest fluorescence lifetimes. The yellow to blue emission intensity ratio of the respective bands can be used to indicate a symmetric environment around Dy3+ ions and varies with the ionic field strength of the modifier cations: a higher ionic field strength leads to a higher yellow to blue ratio, which in turn indicates a higher asymmetrical local coordination environment of Dy3+ ions in the glassy host network.
Enrichr in silico analysis of MS-based extracted candidate proteomic biomarkers highlights pathogenic pathways in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Chairta Paraskevi P. , Nicolaou Paschalis , Christodoulou Kyproula
Published: February 2023

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rheumatic disease characterised by vasculopathy, inflammation and fibrosis. Its aetiopathogenesis is still unknown, and the pathways/mechanisms of the disease are not clarified. This study aimed to perform in silico analysis of the already Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based discovered biomarkers of SSc to extract possible pathways/mechanisms implicated in the disease. We recorded all published candidate MS-based found biomarkers related to SSc. We then selected a number of the candidate biomarkers using specific criteria and performed pathway and cellular component analyses using Enrichr. We used PANTHER and STRING to assess the biological processes and the interactions of the recorded proteins, respectively. Pathway analysis extracted several pathways that are associated with the three different stages of SSc pathogenesis. Some of these pathways are also related to other diseases, including autoimmune diseases. We observe that these biomarkers are located in several cellular components and implicated in many biological processes. STRING analysis showed that some proteins interact, creating significant clusters, while others do not display any evidence of an interaction. All these data highlight the complexity of SSc, and further investigation of the extracted pathways/biological processes and interactions may help study the disease from a different angle.