bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identify Lao farmers' goals and their ranking using best–worst scaling experiment and scale‐adjusted latent class models
Authors: Jourdain Damien , Lairez Juliette , Affholder François
Published: April 2022

In order to better design more sustainable farming systems, and prepare for the development of multi‐criteria farm decision model, we investigate how farmers rank their main goals when making decisions. First, we identified the main goals used by farmers through in‐depth interviews with randomly selected farmers in which we used small games to elicit the main goals they are using to make farm‐level decisions. Then, we developed a best–worst scaling (BWS) experiment, in which farmers have to declare the “most” and the least “important” goals they use when making decisions. The experiment was conducted with 120 farmers. We first derive a ranking of the goals according to the population average, which showed the importance of rice self‐sufficiency and transmission of farm capital. We then use a scale‐adjusted latent class analysis. We identified four groups of homogenous preferences among farmers. The use of differentiated scale, a measure of choice inconsistencies, suggested different levels of certainty about the ranking, and the presence of more inconsistencies when asking the least important goal. While a large group focuses only on rice self‐sufficiency, and farm transmission, we also identified a group of optimizers, and risk‐averse farmers. Farmers of each group are likely to behave differently with regard to sustainable innovations. We also showed that some socio‐economic variables describing the farms and the households influenced the probabilities for farmers to belong to one of the four classes. Overall, we showed that BWS scaling experiments provide a rich set of information about the diversity of rankings. It also provides the set of tools to evaluate the consistency and quality of respondents' choices.
Adverse Events of Physiotherapy Interventions in Parkinsonian Patients
Authors: Caniça Verónica , Bouça‐Machado Raquel , Rosa Mário Miguel , Ferreira Joaquim J. ,   CNS Physiotherapy Study Group
Published: April 2022

Background

Physiotherapists have an ethical, professional, and regulatory responsibility for safety in all aspects of patient care. Notwithstanding, the adverse events issue has been inadequately addressed in the rehabilitation research field.

Objectives

To determine the frequency and characterize the adverse events that occur during or in between physiotherapy sessions for parkinsonian syndromes.

Methods

An exploratory clinical study was conducted. Physiotherapists were asked to actively report the adverse events that occurred during or between sessions for parkinsonian syndromes.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study, which resulted in 1845 sessions. The most common adverse events reported were falls, pain/discomfort, and hypotension, with a total of 128 adverse events reported.

Conclusions

During the physiotherapy sessions, adverse events do occur. Future research should clarify the relationship between AE occurrence and the type of intervention as well as causality and risk‐minimization strategies.
Imputed expression of schizophrenia‐associated genes and cognitive measures in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fabbri Chiara , Leggio Gian Marco , Drago Filippo , Serretti Alessandro
Published: April 2022

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is a core manifestation of schizophrenia and one of the best predictors of long‐term disability. Genes increasing risk for schizophrenia may partly act through the modulation of cognition.

Methods

We imputed the expression of 130 genes recently prioritized for association with schizophrenia, using PsychENCODE variant weights and genotypes of patients with schizophrenia in CATIE. Processing speed, reasoning, verbal memory, working memory, vigilance, and a composite cognitive score were used as phenotypes. We performed linear regression models for each cognitive measure and gene expression score, adjusting for age, years of education, antipsychotic treatment, years since the first antipsychotic treatment and population principal components.

Results

We included 425 patients and expression scores of 91 genes (others had no heritable expression; Bonferroni corrected alpha = 5.49e‐4). No gene expression score was associated with cognitive measures, though ENOX1 expression was very close to the threshold for verbal memory (p = 6e‐4) and processing speed (p = 7e‐4). Other genes were nominally associated with multiple phenotypes (MAN2A1 and PCGF3).

Conclusion

A better understanding of the mechanisms mediating cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia may help in the definition of disease prognosis and in the identification of new treatments, as the treatment of cognitive impairment remains an unmet therapeutic need.
Cauchy problem for a parabolic–hyperbolic equation with non‐characteristic line of type changing
Authors: Agarwal Praveen , Baltaeva Umida , Vaisova Nafosat
Published: April 2022

In this work, we present the advanced fractional model described with the loaded parabolic–hyperbolic‐type equation. Also, for this equation, we investigate a Cauchy‐type problem with a line of changing type. The existence and uniqueness of the solutions to the problem are proven using the theory of integral equations.
Nodal solutions for the Schrödinger–Poisson system with an asymptotically cubic term
Authors: Guo Hui , Tang Ronghua , Wang Tao
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with the following Schrödinger–Poisson system

where
and
is a nonlinear term asymptotically cubic at the infinity. Taking advantage of the Miranda's theorem and deformation lemma, we combine some new analytic techniques to prove that for each positive integer
, system (0.1) admits a radial nodal solution
, which has exactly
nodal domains and the corresponding energy is strictly increasing in
. Moreover, for any sequence
as
, up to a subsequence,
converges to some
, which is a radial nodal solution with exactly
nodal domains of (0.1) for
. These results give an affirmative answer to the open problem proposed in Kim and Seok (2012) about the existence of nodal solutions with prescribed number of nodal domains for the Schrödinger–Poisson system with an asymptotically cubic term.
A new balun that can improve port isolation degree of a dual‐polarized antenna
Authors: Huang He
Published: April 2022

Based on the traditional dielectric microstrip balun, a new‐type coupling balun is presented in this study. The front side of this balun is composed of an open stub and two rectangular patches. One end of the rectangular patches is open‐circuited, and the other end connects with the dipole. On the back side, there are two other rectangular patches with one end grounded and the other end open‐circuited. When using such balun for feeding, one can still get a wide bandwidth, and more importantly, obtain higher port isolation. Compared with the dipole fed by the traditional balun, the maximum/average port isolation of the dipole fed by the new‐type one is increased by 10.8 dB/7.9 dB. The new‐type balun has a good application prospect in dual‐polarized antenna.
Isolation enhancement for four‐element MIMO antenna by using novel meandering technique
Authors: Wu Wen‐Jing , Cheng Yi‐Feng , Wang Gaofeng
Published: April 2022

The paper proposes a four‐element printed multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna with high isolation achieved by employing a compact decoupling method. The optimal shaping (meandering) of the monopole strip is adopted to realize decoupling at the working frequency band ranging from 5.004 to 5.320 GHz. The ports isolation and are improved by using self‐meandering technology with transmission zero occurring at the frequencies of 5.004 and 5.320 GHz, respectively. Meanwhile, the isolation is also greatly increased. The decoupling technique can significantly improve the isolations between the four ports of the proposed antenna, without the extra‐added structure. A four‐element MIMO antenna with an edge‐to‐edge spacing of 0.069 ( is the wavelength at 5.162 GHz in free space) is fabricated and measured. In the experiment, the proposed MIMO antenna has a relative bandwidth (reflection coefficient of −10 dB) of 6.12% with a range from 5.004 to 5.32 GHz. In addition, this design can significantly obtain higher port isolation, antenna efficiency, gain, and a lower envelope correlation coefficient (ECC).
Alterations of white matter tracts and topological properties of structural networks in hemifacial spasm
Authors: Wang Jingqiang , Liu Xiaoming , Wang Xinyi , Hu Yuhuan , Zeng Qingrun , Lin Zhicheng , Xiong Nian , Feng Yuanjing
Published: April 2022

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by involuntary and paroxysmal muscle contractions on the hemiface. It is generally believed that HFS is caused by neurovascular compression at the root exit zone of the facial nerve. In recent years, the structural alterations of brains with HFS have aroused growing concern. However, little attention has been directed towards the possible involvement of specific white matter (WM) tracts and the topological properties of structural networks in HFS. In the present study, diffusion magnetic resonance imaging tractography was utilized to construct structural networks and perform tractometric analysis. The diffusion tensor imaging scalar parameters along with the WM tracts, and the topological parameters of global networks and subnetworks, were assessed in 62 HFS patients and 57 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs). Moreover, we investigated the correlation of these parameters with disease‐clinical‐level (DCL) and disease‐duration‐time (DDT) of HFS patients. Compared with HCs, HFS patients had additional hub regions including the amygdala, ventromedial putamen, lateral occipital cortex, and rostral cuneus gyrus. Furthermore, HFS patients showed significant alternations with specific topological properties in some structural subnetworks, including the limbic, default mode, dorsal attention, somato‐motor, and control networks, as well as diffusion properties in some WM tracts, including the superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum bundle, thalamo‐frontal, and corpus callosum. These subnetworks and tracts were associated with the regulation of emotion, motor function, vision, and attention. Notably, we also found that the parameters with subnetworks and tracts exhibited correlations with DCL and DDT. In addition to corroborating previous findings in HFS, this study demonstrates the changed microstructures in specific locations along with the fiber tracts and changed topological properties in structural subnetworks.
Flexible subspace iteration with moments for an effective contour integration‐based eigensolver
Authors: Huber Sarah , Futamura Yasunori , Galgon Martin , Imakura Akira , Lang Bruno , Sakurai Tetsuya
Published: April 2022

Contour integration schemes are a valuable tool for the solution of difficult interior eigenvalue problems. However, the solution of many large linear systems with multiple right hand sides may prove a prohibitive computational expense. The number of right hand sides, and thus, computational cost may be reduced if the projected subspace is created using multiple moments. In this work, we explore heuristics for the choice and application of moments with respect to various other important parameters in a contour integration scheme. We provide evidence for the expected performance, accuracy, and robustness of various schemes, showing that good heuristic choices can provide a scheme featuring good properties in all three of these measures.
Treatment self‐regulation questionnaire across three self‐care behaviours: An instrument validation study in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hazrati‐Meimaneh Zahra , Zamanian Hadi , Shalchi Oghli Somayyeh , Moradnejad Shima , Karkehabadi Fatemeh , Pourabbasi Ata , Amini‐Tehrani Mohammadali
Published: April 2022

Aim

The study aimed at testing the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the treatment self‐regulation questionnaire (TSRQ‐15) across healthy diet, exercise and medication‐use/glucose‐monitoring among Iranian people with type‐2 diabetes.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Content validity was investigated by 16 experts. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were employed. Construct validity, convergent/discriminant validity and internal consistency were examined. Concurrent validity was assessed using Spearman's rho correlation across different behaviours.

Results

Content validity was confirmed for Persian TSRQ‐15. A three‐factor structure was revealed, in which external regulation and introjected regulations were validated, while amotivation and autonomous failed to show discriminant validity. Internal consistency was sound, and concurrent validity was approved. The Persian version of TSRQ‐15 was shown to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing motivation behind the practice of healthy diet, exercise and medication‐use/glucose‐monitoring in people with type 2 diabetes.
Sustainable protected areas: Synergies between biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic development
Authors: Gatiso Tsegaye T. , Kulik Lars , Bachmann Mona , Bonn Aletta , Bösch Lukas , Freytag Andreas , Heurich Marco , Wesche Karsten , Winter Marten , Ordaz‐Németh Isabel , Sop Tenekwetche , Kühl Hjalmar S.
Published: April 2022

Reconciling conservation and socioeconomic development goals is key to sustainability but remains a source of fierce debate. Protected areas (PAs) are believed to play an essential role in achieving these seemingly conflicting goals. Yet, there is limited evidence as to whether PAs are actually achieving the two goals simultaneously.

Here, we investigate when and to what extent synergies or trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and local socioeconomic development occur. To explore these relationships, we collected data across a wide range of socioeconomic settings through face‐to‐face survey with PA managers from 114 African and European PAs using structured questionnaire.

We found synergies between biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic development for 62% of the PAs, albeit with significant differences between African (55%) and European PAs (75%). Moreover, the sustainability of PAs in conserving biodiversity was strongly correlated with the empowerment of the PA management and the involvement of local communities in PA planning and decision‐making processes.

Our results demonstrate that for PAs to promote synergies between biodiversity conservation and local socioeconomic development, and to enhance their long‐term sustainability, they should invest in the empowerment of their respective management and involvement of local communities in their planning and management activities.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Low‐dielectric silylbutylene‐benzocyclobutene resin with photoactive silacyclobutane groups via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization
Authors: Fan Li , Cao Ke , Hu Huan , Ma Jiajun , Peng Qiuxia , Li Xian , Huang Yawen , Yang Junxiao
Published: April 2022

UV‐curable resins with low dielectric constant can be processed or patterned to form required shapes, making them highly applicable to special fields. In our previous study, UV‐curable siloxane‐benzocyclobutene resins were synthesized, but their dielectric constants were relatively high. In this work, silylbutylene‐benzocyclobutene oligomers (ADM‐PBSC) were synthesized by acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization of 1,1‐dibutenylsilacyclobutane monomers with benzocyclobutene terminated groups. In this way, siloxane moieties were replaced by silylbutylene groups to further reduce dielectric constant while preserving UV curable properties. The UV/thermally cured ADM‐PBSC exhibited good mechanical properties and high thermal stability. Furthermore, the cured resins showed low dielectric constants (2.49 at 10 MHz) and low dielectric losses (10−3 at 10 MHz). Good comprehensive properties of ADM‐PBSC may be attributed to its UV/thermally dual cross‐linked structure.
Poly(ester‐anhydrides) with controlled molecular weight and structure
Authors: Ghosh Radhakanta , Siman Peter , Domb Abraham J.
Published: April 2022

We report on the synthesis of a series of poly(ester‐anhydride) composed of the following dicarboxylic acids: adipic, suberic, sebacic, dodecanedioic acids; and hydroxyalkanoic acids: ricinoleic and 12‐hydroxystearic acid with control molecular weight approaching from a new method in which well‐defined ester monomers are first synthesized by stepwise addition of hydroxyalkanoic acids molecules into melted dicarboxylic acids. The key advantage of the synthesis of ester monomers in this modified method is the full consumption of hydroxy acid devoid of any self‐condensation. The ester monomers are then activated using variable amounts of acetic anhydride followed by melt condensation polymerization. The molecular weights of the synthesized poly(ester‐anhydride) are highly controllable depending upon the degree of activation of the ester monomers; hence the amount of acetic anhydride. All the synthesized poly(ester‐anhydrides) are thoroughly characterized by 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and gel permeation chromatography.
Does minimal central nervous system involvement in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia increase the risk for central nervous system toxicity?
Authors: Anastasopoulou Stavroula , Harila‐Saari Arja , Als‐Nielsen Bodil , Eriksson Mats Anders , Heyman Mats , Johannsdottir Inga Maria , Marquart Hanne Vibeke , Niinimäki Riitta , Pronk Cornelis Jan , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Vaitkeviciene Goda , Thastrup Maria , Ranta Susanna
Published: April 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) implicates enhanced intrathecal chemotherapy, which is related to CNS toxicity. Whether CNS involvement alone contributes to CNS toxicity remains unclear. We studied the occurrence of all CNS toxicities, seizures, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in children with ALL without enhanced intrathecal chemotherapy with CNS involvement (n = 64) or without CNS involvement (n = 256) by flow cytometry. CNS involvement increased the risk for all CNS toxicities, seizures, and PRES in univariate analysis and, after adjusting for induction therapy, for seizures (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–8.82; p = 0.016) and PRES (HR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.71–13.75; p = 0.003).
Evaluating the mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties of poly (lactic acid)/silicone rubber blends reinforced with (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane‐functionalized titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Mokhtari Aghdami Raha , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Estaji Sara , Dermeni Reza Khalili , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Shakeri Alireza
Published: April 2022

Poly (lactic acid)/silicone rubber (PLA/SR) blends were reinforced with (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane‐functionalized titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and the effect of the virgin (TDO) and functionalized (FTDO) nanoparticles was investigated in the presence and absence of compatibilizer. The results demonstrated that the functionalization of TDO had no negative effect on the morphology of the blends, and no aggregation was seen in the blends containing TDO and FTDO. Furthermore, nanoparticles were localized at the interface of PLA and SR. Adding TDO in the PLA/SR blends increased the mechanical properties. The same trend was observed after incorporating the compatibilizer and FTDO. Additionally, a good agreement was seen between the theoretical and experimental mechanical properties values. Moreover, introducing SR diminished the crystallinity of PLA, and further reduction was observed by adding TDO, FTDO, and compatibilizer. Also, the modification of TDO did not affect the crystallinity of the blends. Incorporating 1 and 2 phr TDO to the blends increased the thermal stability while diminishing with 3 phr TDO. In addition, FTDO improved thermal stability. The antibacterial test indicated that the higher nanoparticles content, the better the antibacterial properties.
Evaluation of the hydrothermal aging effect on the buckling behavior of hybrid glass/aramid/epoxy composite plates: Comparison of distilled water and seawater
Authors: Oğuz Zeynal Abidin , Erkliğ Ahmet
Published: April 2022

This study aims to investigate the hydrothermal effect on the buckling behavior of glass/aramid/epoxy hybrid composites under distilled and seawater environments. The four types of composite groups ([G6]S, [A6]S, [G3A3]S, [A3G3]S) produced by vacuum infusion method were immersed in distilled and seawater at 25 and 70°C for 1000 h. The buckling test was carried out for dry, wet, and redried conditions. The periodic measurements showed that as temperature increases, the maximum water gain ratios also increase for all composite groups. Furthermore, the water absorption parameters were affected by the type of fluids. The buckling test results showed that both temperature and fluid type are effective on the critical buckling load of specimens. The increase in the critical buckling load of the hybrid samples tested in the redried state was less than the samples tested in the wet state for both temperatures. Moreover, the critical buckling loads of the composites aged in seawater were higher than the composites aged in distilled water.
Analysis of the degradation of amorphous silicon‐based modules after 11 years of exposure by means of IEC60891:2021 procedure 3
Authors: Piliougine Michel , Sánchez‐Friera Paula , Petrone Giovanni , Sánchez‐Pacheco Francisco José , Spagnuolo Giovanni , Sidrach‐de‐Cardona Mariano
Published: April 2022

The degradation of two amorphous silicon‐based photovoltaic (PV) modules, namely, of single junction amorphous silicon (a‐Si) and of micromorph tandem (a‐Si/
‐Si), after 11 years of exposure in the south of Spain is analyzed. Their I‐V curves were measured outdoors to study the changes of the electrical parameters in the course of three different periods: during the initial days of exposure, during the first year, and in the subsequent 10‐year period. The translation of the curves to an identical set of operating conditions, which enables a meaningful comparison, was done by the different correction procedures described in the standard IEC60891:2021, including the procedure 3, which does not require the knowledge of module parameters, whose values are typically not available. The annual power degradation rates over the entire 11‐year period are 1.12% for the a‐Si module, which is 3.02% for the first year, and 0.98% for the a‐Si/
‐Si, which is 2.29% for the initial year.
Qualitative analysis of school children's experience of receiving “Coping Cat program”: A cognitive behavioral therapy program for high anxiety
Authors: Mukund Bhavna , Jena S. P. K.
Published: April 2022

Coping Cat‐cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a 16‐week program, which has been used widely and has proven its efficacy in helping children in overcoming anxiety disorders. This research study intends to explore its efficacy on Indian school children with high anxiety in Delhi. The study aims at qualitative assessment of the experience of children with anxiety after intervention with Coping Cat‐CBT. After the Coping Cat‐CBT intervention, semistructured interviews were conducted with the children. Participants: Children aged 11–13 years exhibiting the symptoms of high anxiety were enrolled in the study. They were asked to write down their experience after the Coping Cat‐CBT intervention. Data were analyzed using the inductive approach of qualitative content analysis. Participants expressed that the intervention was beneficial in terms of their ability to combat anxiety experienced in day‐to‐day life, and reported improvements in various domains of life such as scholastic performance, interpersonal relationships, and successful use of coping skills in handling fearful situations and relaxation techniques in overcoming anxiety. The data provided empirical evidence that Indian children with anxiety‐related problems could benefit from the therapy. Coping Cat‐CBT was efficacious in reducing their symptoms of anxiety.
The effect of concussion on subsequent musculoskeletal injury risk in high school athletes
Authors: Nusbickel Alex J. , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Zapf Ashley D. , Tripp Brady L. , Herman Daniel C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Studies have demonstrated an increased risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injury after concussion in collegiate and professional athletes, but there has been relatively little study of this relationship in younger athletes.

Objective

To determine the odds of experiencing a subsequent MSK injury after concussion in high school athletes. It was hypothesized that concussion would increase the risk of MSK injury within 365 days of the concussion event.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Twelve high school sports programs.

Participants

Athletes (n = 14,461) from athletic training room records queried between 2010 and 2017.

Independent Variables

History of concussion and history of concussion and MSK injury in the year preceding MSK injury.

Main Outcome Measures

General estimating equation analyses were conducted to examine the odds of MSK injury related to (1) concussion within the preceding 365 days of injury; and (2) concussion and MSK injury within the preceding 365 days of concussion.

Results

Respectively, 8% and 8.3% of athletes were identified with a concussion and MSK injury. After controlling for gender and sport, athletes with a concussion and prior MSK injury (odds ratio = 2.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–4.67) and athletes with a concussion alone (odds ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–2.44) both had higher odds of experiencing a subsequent MSK injury compared to athletes without prior concussion.

Conclusions

High school athletes who sustain a concussion have elevated odds of MSK injury at rates comparable to those for collegiate athletes. These findings support the use of neuromuscular–based rehabilitation and injury prevention protocols in the post‐concussion period. These findings may also suggest exploring methods to modify concussion return‐to‐play criteria with the goal to reduce the risk of future MSK injury.
Health disparities in the management of ACL injuries: How socioeconomic status, insurance, and race influence care
Authors: Stafford Cleo D. , Keitt Frazier , Irvin Landon
Published: April 2022

Health care disparities and racial health inequities significantly influence health care delivery and patient outcomes, including for people with injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This narrative review explores factors that may influence the management of ACL injuries. Studies that have discussed potential social barriers to treatment such as socioeconomic status (SES), insurance status, educational level, and cost of treatment were identified by searching databases such as EBSCO Host, PubMed, and Galileo for the index years from 2008 to 2020. The influence of health care inequities on ACL injury management was explored. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria and described a total of 219,708 participants. Barriers to surgical management of ACL injury were higher cost of surgery, greater time to evaluation and treatment, lower SES, lack of private insurance, and being identified as a racial minority. In addition, surgical environment, whether within a private or community‐based health care system, and access to care affected post‐surgical complication rates. Finally, risk of revision, lack of physical therapy access, and odds of additional injuries to include chondral and meniscal derangement were higher in racial minority, lower SES, and government insurance populations. These findings suggest health disparity and inequity exist in the care of ACL injury for patients with lower SES and without commercial insurance, and in minority populations. These patients appear to have a significantly reduced ability to access timely care, which can impact healing and ability to return to preferred activities of daily life or sport.
Fast successive self‐nucleation and annealing (SSA) thermal fractionation protocol for the characterization of polyolefin blends from mechanical recycling
Authors: Góra Magdalena , Tranchida Davide , Albrecht Andreas , Müller Alejandro J. , Cavallo Dario
Published: April 2022

The sorting stage of mechanical recycling of post‐consumer polyolefins has severe challenges. Polypropylene (PP) is often contaminated with polyethylene (PE) and vice versa. To meet quality requirements, characterization of the recycled pellets is needed. To address this problem, fast characterization generating a statistical assessment of the content of the various batches from recycling is required. This investigation shows that the use of fast scanning rates (in a conventional Differential Scanning Calorimeter) in the successive self‐nucleation and annealing (SSA) protocol can reduce the thermal fractionation time, without losing resolution power, as long as the increase in heating/cooling rate is compensated by reducing sample mass. Using a “coupled SSA protocol” for polypropylene and polyethylene fractions at a rate of 10 °C/min, the measurement time is approximately 420 min. Implementing mass compensation, faster heating rates (i.e., 30 °C/min) and using a single‐fraction protocol, sufficient to determine the content of PP and high‐density PE, reduced the time of the measurement to 75 min. Examples of fractionations of commercial post‐consumer and post‐industrial recycled polyolefin blends conducted at a faster rate are provided. The derived polyolefin content is compared with the standard temperature rising elution fractionation analysis to assess the validity of the proposed method.
Characterization of field‐scale spray drift deposition and non‐target plant biological sensitivity: a corn herbicide (mesotrione/s‐metolochlor) case study
Authors: Perkins Daniel B. , Abi‐Akar Farah , Goodwin Gregory , Brain Richard A.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

This work reports a combined, field‐scale spray drift deposition and plant bioassay study for a pre‐mixture of the herbicides mesotrione and s‐metolachlor. Wind direction data and field dimensions were used to evaluate the potential for spray drift to bypass downwind sampling devices. Variability in resulting spray drift across downwind distances was assessed alongside wind speed measured at on‐site weather stations. Measured wind angles were used to geometrically adjust traveled drift particle distances and enabling isolation of wind direction impact from wind speed. Further, the use of single and multiple in‐field monitoring locations was compared to quantify the benefit of higher‐resolution meteorological sampling.

RESULTS

Generally, increased wind speed resulted in significantly greater herbicide deposition at distances proximal to the edge of the spray zone. According to the drift deposition curves that included wind speed data from single and multiple onsite weather stations, trials with relatively higher wind speeds were associated with greater spray drift deposition at relatively close sampling distances downwind from the application area. Only marginal improvement of linear mixed‐effects model fit was observed when including data from three weather stations, compared to the fit from a single weather station or absence of weather data in the model. Using tomato and lettuce plant bioassay species, the overall no‐effect distance was 3.0 m (10 ft).

CONCLUSION

Results from this study are informative to refine pesticide risk assessment for non‐target plants and indicate that a single weather station is sufficient to capture potential influential effects from wind speed and direction on spray drift. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Residual fracture energy of natural and recycled aggregate concrete after exposure to high temperatures
Authors: Chen Wei , Peng Linxin , Yang Haifeng , He Xingchuan
Published: April 2022

Fracture energy (GF) represents the average total energy consumed in the whole process of crack propagation. Using one parameter of GF, it is not sufficient to describe the fracture behavior during crack stable and unstable propagation periods. In this study, the GF, stable fracture energy (GFS) and unstable fracture energy (GFU) of natural and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) were investigated by using three‐point bending tests. Totally, 128 cubic specimens (100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm) and 64 notched beams with size of 510 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm were manufactured to test the compressive strength (fcu), splitting tensile strength (ft), load–deflection (P‐δ), and load‐cracking mouth opening displacement (P‐CMOD) curves, considering different replacement levels (0%, 30%, 70%, and 100%) of recycled coarse aggregate (RA) and high temperatures exposure (20, 100, 200, and 300°C). The effects of RA substitutions and temperatures on basic mechanical properties, GF, GFS, and GFU were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the fcu, ft, and elastic modulus (E) decreased with the incremental temperature. The GFS of concrete with different RA substitutions first decreased and then increased, and the minimum value appeared at 200°C. The GF and GFU of concrete with different RA substitutions increased with the elevated temperature, and the increase rate decreased with RA substitutions. When the temperature is less than 100°C, the GF and GFU of concrete remained mostly unchanged with the increase of RA substitutions, while the temperature reached 200 and 300°C, the GF and GFU of concrete increased and decreased with the increase of RA substitutions, respectively.
The problematic genus Problematospermum
Authors: Herendeen Patrick S. , Bickner Maya A. , Bugdaeva Eugenia , Naugolnykh Serge , Kostina Elena
Published: April 2022

The name Problematospermum has been used for Mesozoic age fossil seeds with a tuft of hairs at one end, the systematic affinity of which is uncertain. The generic name and names of two species were introduced by Turutanova‐Ketova but not validated in her 1930 publication. Paleobotanists have evidently been unaware of this because Turutanova‐Ketova is consistently cited as the authority for the names. Krassilov inadvertently validated the generic name Problematospermum and species name P. ovale in 1973, so the authority should be cited as “Turut.‐Ket. ex Krassilov”. This paper clarifies the nomenclatural problems surrounding these names. An additional problem is that the type specimen indicated by Krassilov is missing. A neotype is designated here to replace the missing type for P. ovale. The generic diagnosis for Problematospermum is amended to clarify contradictory interpretations in the literature.
The waterscape continuum concept: Rethinking boundaries in ecosystems
Authors: O'Sullivan Antóin M. , Devito Kevin J. , D'Orangeville Loïc , Curry R. Allen
Published: April 2022

Continuity and discontinuity are fundamental concepts of ecosystem science. In reality, both continuities and discontinuities can exist; lentic and lotic systems can expand and contract as can soil/rock moisture and groundwater systems. Surface water, soil moisture, rock moisture, and groundwater, represent hydrological domains that are interconnected. Under a state of expansion each domain may be characterized by spatial continuity; for instance, a river may be entirely flow connected. However, under a state of contraction, discontinuities may appear, and the river may become fragmented. The rate of expansion and contraction in each domain, that is land‐, lentic‐, and lotic‐scapes, is a function of topography, geology, climate, and biota. In an effort to reconcile older, and sometimes incongruous, concepts of continuity and discontinuity we present a view of water‐connected ecosystems, such as riverscapes and catchments that are nested upon and within the uppermost layer of Earth. This layer is the key interface between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, and is known as the critical zone (CZ). We present the waterscape continuum and define it as the spatially and temporally dynamic water upon and within the CZ. To guide ecosystem research (across the land‐, lentic‐, and lotic‐scapes), we introduce the waterscape continuum template (WCT). We propose the waterscape continuum and the WCT can enhance our understanding of ecosystem processes and mechanisms.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Muonic force behind flavor anomalies
Authors: Greljo Admir , Soreq Yotam , Stangl Peter , Thomsen Anders Eller , Zupan Jure
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We develop an economical theoretical framework for combined explanations of the flavor physics anomalies involving muons: (g − 2)μ, $$ {R}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

K

∗

, and b → sμ+μ− angular distributions and branching ratios, that was first initiated by some of us in ref. [1]. The Standard Model (SM) is supplemented with a lepton-flavored U(1)X gauge group. The U(1)X gauge boson with the mass of $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(0.1) GeV resolves the (g − 2)μ tension. A TeV-scale leptoquark, charged under the U(1)X, carries a muon number and mediates B-decays without prompting charged lepton flavor violation or inducing proton decay. We explore the theory space of the chiral, anomaly-free U(1)X gauge extensions featuring the above scenario, and identify many suitable charge assignments for the SM+3νR fermion content with the integer charges in the range $$ {X}_{F_i} $$

X

F
i

∈ [−10, 10]. We then carry out a comprehensive phenomenological study of the muonic force in representative benchmark models. Interestingly, we found models which can resolve the tension without conflicting the complementary constraints, and all of the viable parameter space will be tested in future muonic resonance searches. Finally, the catalog of the anomaly-free lepton-non-universal charge assignments motivated us to explore different directions in model building. We present a model in which the muon mass and the (g − 2)μ are generated radiatively from a common short-distance dynamics after the U(1)X breaking. We also show how to charge a vector leptoquark under U(1)μ−τ in a complete gauge model.
Galilean gauge theories from null reductions
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Basu Rudranil , Islam Minhajul , Kolekar Kedar S. , Mehra Aditya
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The procedure of null reduction provides a concrete way of constructing field theories with Galilean invariance. We use this to examine Galilean gauge theories, viz. Galilean electrodynamics and Yang-Mills theories in spacetime dimensions 3 and 4. Different non-relativistic conformal symmetries arise in these contexts: Schrödinger symmetry in d = 3 and Galilean conformal symmetry in d = 4. A canonical analysis further reveals that the symmetries enhance to their infinite dimensional versions in phase space and pick up central extensions. In addition, for the Abelian theory, we discuss non-relativistic electro- magnetic duality in d = 3 and its difference with the d = 4 version. We also mention some quantum aspects for both Abelian and non-Abelian theories.
TsT, black holes, and $$ T\overline{T} $$ + $$ J\overline{T} $$ + $$ T\overline{J} $$
Authors: Apolo Luis , Song Wei
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We generate a class of string backgrounds by a sequence of TsT transformations of the NS1-NS5 system that we argue are holographically dual to states in a single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

+ $$ J\overline{T} $$
J

T
¯

+ $$ T\overline{J} $$
T

J
¯

-deformed CFT2. The new string backgrounds include general rotating black hole solutions with two U(1) charges as well as a smooth solution without a horizon that is interpreted as the ground state. As evidence for the correspondence we (i) derive the long string spectrum and relate it to the spectrum of the dual field theory; (ii) show that the black hole thermodynamics can be reproduced from single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

+ $$ J\overline{T} $$
J

T
¯

+ $$ T\overline{J} $$
T

J
¯

-deformed CFTs; and (iii) show that the energy of the ground state matches the energy of the vacuum in the dual theory. We also study geometric properties of these new spacetimes and find that for some choices of the parameters the three-dimensional Ricci scalar in the Einstein frame can become positive in a region outside the horizon before reaching closed timelike curves and singularities.
Analysis of elongational flow of star polymers
Authors: Wagner Manfred H. , Narimissa Esmaeil , Huang Qian
Published: April 2022

Star polymers with three arms are the simplest example of branched polymers. Elongational rheology data of three well-characterized monodisperse polystyrene melts, a symmetric star, an asymmetric star, and a linear polymer with the same span molecular weight of 180 kg/mol reported by Huang et al. (Macromolecules 49:6694−6699, 2016) are analyzed by the enhanced relaxation of stretch (ERS) model (Wagner and Narimissa, J Rheol 65:1413–1421, 2021). All three melts show the same elongational stress growth coefficient and the same steady-state elongational viscosity in fast extensional flows when the stretch-related Weissenberg number $${Wi}_R=\dot{\varepsilon}{\tau}_R>1$$

Wi

R

=

ε
˙

τ
R

>
1

. Excellent agreement between experimental data of elongational stress growth coefficient and model predictions is obtained, based exclusively on the linear-viscoelastic characterization of the polymer systems. Stress relaxation following steady elongational flow depends on the presence of the branch point and the length of the arm, and a new process regarding relaxation of the orientation of the stars is identified.
Heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutations in frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Nie Yu , Murley Alexander , Golder Zoe , Rowe James B. , Allinson Kieren , Chinnery Patrick F.
Published: April 2022

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a common cause of young onset dementia and is characterised by focal neuropathology. The reasons for the regional neuronal vulnerability are not known. Mitochondrial mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of FTLD, raising the possibility that frontotemporal regional mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are contributory causes. Here we applied dual sequencing of the entire mtDNA at high depth to identify high-fidelity single nucleotide variants (mtSNVs) and mtDNA rearrangements in post mortem brain tissue of people affected by FTLD and age-matched controls. Both mtSNVs and mtDNA rearrangements were elevated in the temporal lobe, with the greatest burden seen in FTLD. mtSNVs found in multiple brain regions also reached a higher heteroplasmy levels in the temporal lobe. The temporal lobe of people with FTLD had a higher burden of ribosomal gene variants predicted to affect intra-mitochondrial protein synthesis, and a higher proportion of missense variants in genes coding for respiratory chain subunits. In conclusion, heteroplasmic mtDNA variants predicted to affect oxidative phosphorylation are enriched in FTLD temporal lobe, and thus may contribute to the regional vulnerability in pathogenesis.
Association between aerobic fitness and the functional connectome in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Roell Lukas , Maurus Isabel , Keeser Daniel , Karali Temmuz , Papazov Boris , Hasan Alkomiet , Schmitt Andrea , Papazova Irina , Lembeck Moritz , Hirjak Dusan , Sykorova Eliska , Thieme Cristina E. , Muenz Susanne , Seitz Valentina , Greska David , Campana Mattia , Wagner Elias , Loehrs Lisa , Stoecklein Sophia , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Poemsl Johannes , Roeh Astrid , Malchow Berend , Keller-Varady Katriona , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Falkai Peter
Published: April 2022

Background

Schizophrenia is accompanied by widespread alterations in static functional connectivity associated with symptom severity and cognitive deficits. Improvements in aerobic fitness have been demonstrated to ameliorate symptomatology and cognition in people with schizophrenia, but the intermediary role of macroscale connectivity patterns remains unknown.

Objective

Therefore, we aim to explore the relation between aerobic fitness and the functional connectome in individuals with schizophrenia. Further, we investigate clinical and cognitive relevance of the identified fitness-connectivity links.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were included in this cross-sectional resting-state fMRI analysis. Multilevel Bayesian partial correlations between aerobic fitness and functional connections across the whole brain as well as between static functional connectivity patterns and clinical and cognitive outcome were performed. Preliminary causal inferences were enabled based on mediation analyses.

Results

Static functional connectivity between the subcortical nuclei and the cerebellum as well as between temporal seeds mediated the attenuating relation between aerobic fitness and total symptom severity. Functional connections between cerebellar seeds affected the positive link between aerobic fitness and global cognition, while the functional interplay between central and limbic seeds drove the beneficial association between aerobic fitness and emotion recognition.

Conclusion

The current study provides first insights into the interactions between aerobic fitness, the functional connectome and clinical and cognitive outcome in people with schizophrenia, but causal interpretations are preliminary. Further interventional aerobic exercise studies are needed to replicate the current findings and to enable conclusive causal inferences.

Trial registration

The study which the manuscript is based on is registered in the International Clinical Trials Database (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier [NCT number]: NCT03466112) and in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00009804).
The impact of school-based screening on service use in adolescents at risk for mental health problems and risk-behaviour
Authors: Lustig Sophia , Kaess Michael , Schnyder Nina , Michel Chantal , Brunner Romuald , Tubiana Alexandra , Kahn Jean-Pierre , Sarchiapone Marco , Hoven Christina W. , Barzilay Shira , Apter Alan , Balazs Judit , Bobes Julio , Saiz Pilar Alejandra , Cozman Doina , Cotter Padraig , Kereszteny Agnes , Podlogar Tina , Postuvan Vita , Värnik Airi , Resch Franz , Carli Vladimir , Wasserman Danuta
Published: April 2022

Early detection and intervention can counteract mental disorders and risk behaviours among adolescents. However, help-seeking rates are low. School-based screenings are a promising tool to detect adolescents at risk for mental problems and to improve help-seeking behaviour. We assessed associations between the intervention “Screening by Professionals” (ProfScreen) and the use of mental health services and at-risk state at 12 month follow-up compared to a control group. School students (aged 15 ± 0.9 years) from 11 European countries participating in the “Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe” (SEYLE) study completed a self-report questionnaire on mental health problems and risk behaviours. ProfScreen students considered “at-risk” for mental illness or risk behaviour based on the screening were invited for a clinical interview with a mental health professional and, if necessary, referred for subsequent treatment. At follow-up, students completed another self-report, additionally reporting on service use. Of the total sample (N = 4,172), 61.9% were considered at-risk. 40.7% of the ProfScreen at-risk participants invited for the clinical interview attended the interview, and 10.1% of subsequently referred ProfScreen participants engaged in professional treatment. There were no differences between the ProfScreen and control group regarding follow-up service use and at-risk state. Attending the ProfScreen interview was positively associated with follow-up service use (OR = 1.783, 95% CI = 1.038–3.064), but had no effect on follow-up at-risk state. Service use rates of professional care as well as of the ProfScreen intervention itself were low. Future school-based interventions targeting help-seeking need to address barriers to intervention adherence.

Clinical Trials Registration: The trial is registered at the US National Institute of Health (NIH) clinical trial registry (NCT00906620, registered on 21 May, 2009), and the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00000214, registered on 27 October, 2009).