bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How accurate and predictive are judgments of solvability? Explorations in a two-phase anagram solving paradigm
Authors: Burton Olivia R. , Bodner Glen E. , Williamson Paul , Arnold Michelle M.
Published: July 2022

Meta-reasoning requires monitoring and controlling one’s reasoning processes, and it often begins with an assessment of problem solvability. We explored whether Judgments of Solvability (JOS) for solvable and unsolvable anagrams discriminate and predict later problem-solving outcomes once anagrams solved during the JOS task are excluded. We also examined whether providing training via longer-duration anagrams improves JOS discrimination and predictiveness. In a two-phase paradigm, participants judged each anagram as solvable, not solvable, or already solved (S, NS, AS; JOS phase) then later attempted to solve the anagrams within 45 s (solving phase). Anagrams were presented in 4 blocks. In the training groups, anagram duration started at 16 s and halved across blocks, whereas in the no-training groups anagram duration was always 2 s. Participants’ S JOSs typically were discriminating after excluding anagrams that received AS JOSs, but training did not lead to better discrimination in the final block. Training improved AS JOS predictiveness, but not S JOS predictiveness. Thus, training increased solving during the JOS task rather than increasing JOS predictiveness. In Experiment 3 these findings replicated when both solvable and unsolvable anagrams were presented in the solving phase and no response deadline was set. Here, problem-solving outcomes and effort regulation (i.e., response times) were predicted by AS and NS JOSs, but not by S JOSs. Overall, although S JOSs were discriminating, they were not predictive of later problem solving or effort regulation—and this was true even after training with longer-duration anagrams.
Segregation of a Phosphorus Rich Phase During Differential Solidification of BOF Slag
Authors: Nguyen Thi Bang Tuyen , Mitra Subhasish , Evans Geoffrey M. , Doostmohammadi Hamid , Monaghan Brian J. , Zulli Paul , Jang Kyoung-oh , O’Dea Damien , Honeyands Tom
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the segregation behaviour of the phosphorus rich (P-rich) phase from the iron-rich (Fe-rich) phase in steelmaking slag from laboratory to industrial scale using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to propose a suitable separation practice for the P-rich phase. Crucible experiments and corresponding CFD simulations using enthalpy-porosity approach were first performed to verify the concentration difference of phosphorus in the two phases. Both simulation and experimental results showed ~ 17 to 18 pct increase in phosphorus concentration in the top region of the crucible after solidification. The simulations were then scaled up to an industrial slag pot and slag pit. Reasonable agreement was obtained with published results for phosphorus concentration, and the total liquid amount in the 16-tonne slag pot, under practical cooling conditions. Simulations in the 30-tonne slag pit with in-ground insulation showed an increase of ~ 25 pct of the P-rich phase in the top region (while concentrating the Fe-rich phase in the bottom region). Differential concentration of the P-rich phase within the slag (as a result of heat transfer, micro/macro-segregation) suggested that separation of phosphorus in industrial scale slag pot and slag pit—as batch systems—is possible. Suggestions for separation in continuous operation are also discussed.
Multifunctional Metal Matrix Composites by Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yan Shiqin , Chen Ling , Yob Andrew , Renshaw David , Yang Kun , Givord Michel , Liang Daniel
Published: July 2022

We report a class of multifunctional metal matrix composite (MMC) materials that combine structural and functional properties, potentially providing significantly improved protection against space environmental hazards, without the punishment of increasing weight and size or poor scalability. Formed by a scalable friction stir additive manufacturing (FSAM) process, these MMCs are incorporated with a high level of uniformly distributed ceramic or metallic particles at a fraction of greater than 30%. The microstructures of the metal matrices between these added particles are significantly refined by the FSAM process as well as by the presence of large amounts of the particles, e.g., interparticle space of down to less than 1 µm in aluminum MMCs. Consequently, a combination of this high concentration of ceramic and metallic particles and the refinement of the MMC matrix by the FSAM process results in not only enhancing mechanical properties, e.g., hardness and resistance to wear but also embedding functionalities of these incorporated particles in the MMCs. These embedded functional properties can be controlled to provide effective shielding of particle radiation, improved tolerance to high temperature, increased friction force at contact surfaces, etc., which are critical to mitigate the hazards of the space environment.
Manual on the proper use of meta-[211At] astato-benzylguanidine ([211At] MABG) injections in clinical trials for targeted alpha therapy (1st edition)
Authors: Ukon Naoyuki , Higashi Tatsuya , Hosono Makoto , Kinuya Seigo , Yamada Takahiro , Yanagida Sachiko , Namba Masao , Nakamura Yoshihide
Published: July 2022

In this manuscript, we present the guideline for use of meta-[211At] astatobenzylguanidine ([211At] MABG), a newly introduced alpha emitting radiopharmaceutical to the up-coming World’s first clinical trial for targeted alpha therapy (TAT) at Fukushima Medical University in Japan, focusing on radiation safety issues in Japan. This guideline was prepared based on a study supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, and approved by the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine on Oct. 5th, 2021. The study showed that patients receiving [211At] MABG do not need to be admitted to a radiotherapy room and that TAT using [211At] MABG is possible on an outpatient basis. The radiation exposure from the patient is within the safety standards of the ICRP and IAEA recommendations for the general public and caregivers or patient’s family members. In this guideline, the following contents are also included: precautions for patients and their families, safety management associated with the use of [211At] MABG, education and training, and disposal of medical radioactive contaminants. TAT using [211At] MABG in Japan should be carried out according to this guideline. Although this guideline is based on the medical environment and laws and regulations in Japan, the issues for radiation protection and evaluation methodology presented in this guideline are useful and internationally acceptable as well.
The role of domestic and foreign economic uncertainties in determining the foreign exchange rates: an extended monetary approach
Authors: Murad S. M. Woahid
Published: July 2022

This study extends the monetary model of the exchange rate by incorporating news-based domestic and US economic policy uncertainties (EPUs). We consider 12 developed and developing economies and use monthly data covering 2000:M1 to 2017:M2. The extended monetary model is estimated by the panel quantile regression of Machado and Santos Silva (2019) and Pesaran (2006) common correlated effects within linear and nonlinear panel ARDL frameworks. The estimates illustrate the significant effects of EPUs on developed and developing economies. The ARDL models show that the impact of EPUs is mostly a long-run phenomenon. The Wald test statistics confirm asymmetric effects of EPUs at different quantiles. Moreover, the Wald statistics also support the asymmetric effects of increasing and decreasing EPUs. Overall, domestic, and foreign economic uncertainties significantly affect developed and developing economies’ exchange rates, at least in the long run. Therefore, economic uncertainty should be considered in determining the exchange rate. This extended model might be more appropriate in the post-Covid-19 era.
Mapping the Patent Landscape of Quantum Technologies: Patenting Trends, Innovation and Policy Implications
Authors: Aboy Mateo , Minssen Timo , Kop Mauritz
Published: July 2022

Recent technical breakthroughs underscore the potential of second generation (2G) quantum technologies including quantum simulation, quantum sensing and metrology, quantum computation, and quantum communication. Patenting trends of such technologies are an indicator of the pace of innovation at the invention stage. Empirical studies looking at the real-world patenting activity can provide valuable evidence to help assess and guide policy proposals related to intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation and governance of quantum technologies. In this paper, we report the results of a study designed to map the patent landscape of quantum technologies. We evaluate the patenting trends over the last 20 years to determine: (1) the growth of quantum technology patents, (2) the technology breakdown and classification of patenting activity, (3) the choice of priority patent office, (4) the types of patent claims and strategies, (5) the subject matter of recently awarded patents, (6) the top patent owners, (7) the dominant patent portfolios, and (8) the geographical distribution of this patent activity. Based on our patent landscape study, we critically examine if patent protection is posing a problem in the technical field of quantum technologies. We show how quantum patent disclosure is moving us to an emerging quantum information commons, gradually reinforcing the public domain. Additionally, we examine the innovation and policy implications of these results in the broader context of quantum innovation initiatives, market competition, the patent/trade secret interface, and governance of quantum technologies.
Impact of sarcopenia on daily functioning: a cross-sectional study among older inpatients
Authors: Bertschi Dominic , Kiss Caroline M. , Beerli Nadine , Mauthner Oliver , Kressig Reto W.
Published: July 2022

Background and aim

Geriatric patients with sarcopenia are at increased risk for functional decline with loss of independence in daily living. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on different domains of functional status in hospitalized geriatric patients.

Methods

Sarcopenia was assessed at hospital admission using the recommendations of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Body impedance analysis (BIA) was performed to determine muscle mass, and a pneumatic hand dynamometer was used to assess muscle strength. The functional independence measure (FIM) score, an 18-item tool exploring an individual's physical, cognitive and social functions, was used to measure functional status.

Results

In 305 included inpatients with a median age of 84.0 years (65.6% female), prevalence of sarcopenia was 22.6%. Overall, sarcopenic patients had significant lower FIM scores compared to non-sarcopenic patients (p = 0.006). An association with sarcopenia was found for the FIM items bed/chair/wheelchair transfer (p = 0.047), transfer to toilet (p = 0.048), locomotion (p = 0.001), climbing stairs (p = 0.012), comprehension (p = 0.029), and social interaction (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

In hospitalized geriatric patients, sarcopenia was found to be associated with both cognitive and mobility domains, but not with self-care domains of the FIM score. Therefore, when addressing sarcopenia in inpatients, tailored and multi-dimensional training interventions mainly should focus on motor-cognitive abilities.
Fighting social isolation in times of pandemic COVID-19: the role of video calls for older hospitalized patients
Authors: Dürst Anne-Véronique , Graf Christophe E. , Ruggiero Carmelinda , Zekry Dina , Boccardi Virginia , Monney Lauretta , Joss Isaline , Vuilloud Karine , Vespignani Giulia , Bosshard Wanda , Mecocci Patrizia , Bula Christophe J. , D’Amelio Patrizia
Published: July 2022

Background

Loneliness and social isolation are associated with anxiety and psychological discomfort, especially amongst the oldest and fragile persons.

Aims

SILVER evaluates the acceptance of video calls by old hospitalized patients and their relatives during the ban on visits due to the COVID-19. Moreover, SILVER evaluates if the use of different communication technology is associated with different outcomes in terms of anxiety, fear of self and of others’ death and mood.

Methods

SILVER is an observational multicentre study. Patients hospitalized in two geriatric units in Switzerland and in one orthogeriatric unit in Italy and their relatives were enrolled. Participants can freely choose to use phone or video calls and were evaluated over a week. We measured anxiety, fear of death and mood at baseline and at the end of the study with standard scales. The use of video or phone calls was associated to a change in these parameters by two-way ANOVA for repeated measures.

Results

Sixty-four patients and relatives were enrolled, 26.5% used phone calls and 73.5% video calls. The use of video calls was associated with a reduction in anxiety and fear of death in patients and relatives as compared to participants using phone calls.

Discussion

Old patients and their relatives accepted and appreciated the use of video calls during hospitalization; moreover, participant using video calls appears to be less anxious and less afraid of death.

Conclusions

Video calls may be a useful communication tool for hospitalized older patients to keep social relationships with relatives and reduce their anxiety and fear of death.

Trial Registration

Retrospectively registered on 1st September 2021 in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05000099).
A Systematic Review of Emergent Learning Outcomes Produced by Foreign language Tact Training
Authors: Wooderson John R. , Bizo Lewis A. , Young Kirsty
Published: July 2022

This systematic review evaluated the effects of foreign tact training on emergent learning outcomes in ten published studies. We also conducted a meta-analysis of aggregate data from seven studies comparing outcomes of foreign tact training with other verbal operant procedures. The preliminary findings indicated foreign tact training produced criterion-level responses in 84 of 106 (79.2%) post-test probes across 37 learners and 55 evaluations of foreign tact training. The meta-analysis results revealed significantly higher within-subjects mean levels of emergent responding following foreign tact training than foreign-to-native intraverbal, native-to-foreign intraverbal, and foreign listener training. Emergent outcomes for adults were not significantly greater than for children. Finally, foreign tact training was slightly more efficient than the other verbal operant procedures, although most of the differences were not statistically significant.
The n-queens completion problem
Authors: Glock Stefan , Munhá Correia David , Sudakov Benny
Published: July 2022

An n-queens configuration is a placement of n mutually non-attacking queens on an $$n\times n$$

n
×
n

chessboard. The n-queens completion problem, introduced by Nauck in 1850, is to decide whether a given partial configuration can be completed to an n-queens configuration. In this paper, we study an extremal aspect of this question, namely: how small must a partial configuration be so that a completion is always possible? We show that any placement of at most n/60 mutually non-attacking queens can be completed. We also provide partial configurations of roughly n/4 queens that cannot be completed and formulate a number of interesting problems. Our proofs connect the queens problem to rainbow matchings in bipartite graphs and use probabilistic arguments together with linear programming duality.
The microeconomics of data – a survey
Authors: Pino Flavio
Published: July 2022

In recent years, academia, institutions, and policymakers have been focusing their attention on the impact of data in digital markets. The economic literature that explicitly models data and their collection as strategic variables is growing, but most studies focus on distinct settings with specific data uses. This survey aims to organise this literature to extract general insights that hold across different models and assumptions. To do so, I identify three classes of models according to the way they model data collection. I find that each class is characterised by a specific impact of data on the market outcomes, regardless of the specific data use. First, when firms obtain data without strategic interactions, their use has a pro-competitive effect on the market. However, firms fail to fully internalise the data externalities, leading to data overuse and, in turn, privacy concerns. Second, when firms collect data from their interaction with consumers, data can facilitate market tipping, especially if firms are asymmetric in their starting positions. Third, when firms acquire data from data intermediaries, data are strategically sold to temper competition in the downstream market, allowing intermediaries to extract most of the surplus at the expense of firms and consumers. These general insights can facilitate future research and help policymakers to have a more general understanding of the competitive effects of data, depending on the situation at hand.
A qualitative, network-centric method for modeling socio-technical systems, with applications to evaluating interventions on social media platforms to increase social equality
Authors: Joseph Kenneth , Chen Huei-Yen Winnie , Ionescu Stefania , Du Yuhao , Sankhe Pranav , Hannak Aniko , Rudra Atri
Published: July 2022

We propose and extend a qualitative, complex systems methodology from cognitive engineering, known as theabstraction hierarchy, to model how potential interventions that could be carried out by social media platforms might impact social equality. Social media platforms have come under considerable ire for their role in perpetuating social inequality. However, there is also significant evidence that platforms can play a role inreducingsocial inequality, e.g. through the promotion of social movements. Platforms’ role in producing or reducing social inequality is, moreover, not static; platforms can and often do take actions targeted at positive change. How can we develop tools to help us determine whether or not a potential platform change might actually work to increase social equality? Here, we present the abstraction hierarchy as a tool to help answer this question. Our primary contributions are two-fold. First, methodologically, we extend existing research on the abstraction hierarchy in cognitive engineering with principles from Network Science. Second, substantively, we illustrate the utility of this approach by using it to assess the potential effectiveness of a set of interventions, proposed in prior work, for how online dating websites can help mitigate social inequality.
Response of sunflower and soybean to infection with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with addition of organic amendments
Authors: Asadabadi Ramin Safaei , Hage-Ahmed Karin , Steinkellner Siegrid
Published: July 2022

The addition of compost, green waste biochar, and wood biochar to a pathosystem consisting of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary and two susceptible host plants, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.), was investigated in a greenhouse study. Plant growth characteristics, disease incidence and the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum in root exudates of plants inoculated and not inoculated with this pathogen were determined. Both plants showed different responses in terms of shoot and root weight. Disease incidence in sunflower was lowest in the substrate consisting of green waste biochar and compost. The disease incidence in this substrate was approximately half that in the control treatment. In soybean, the highest disease suppression was achieved with this combined substrate too. Mycelial growth in sunflower root exudates from uninoculated plants was higher than that in sunflower plants inoculated with S. sclerotiorum. The substrate did not influence mycelial growth in root exudates. Soybean root exudates did not show this effect of the pathogen. This study proves that the addition of organic matter inputs such as biochar and compost can improve plant growth and can also have favorable effects against S. sclerotiorum infection. In addition, it is demonstrated that both the pathogen and host plant are instrumental in determining the mode of action of the supplemented organic material. The addition of the same organic material can lead to different responses in certain pathogens, such as S. sclerotiorum, depending on the host plant.
Gone with the wind: how state power and industrial policy in the offshore wind power sector are blowing away the obstacles to East Asia’s green energy transition
Authors: Mathews John , Thurbon Elizabeth , Kim Sung-Young , Tan Hao
Published: July 2022

Offshore wind power (OWP) is emerging as the fastest growing sector in the global race towards renewables, and likely to emerge in just a few years as the largest segment in absolute terms. It has grown from accounting for just 1% of wind power capacity in 2010 to 10% by 2019 and is anticipated to reach 20% early in the 2020s. The OWP sector involves heavy engineering in the building of huge turbines, steel and concrete platforms, and extensive subsea cabling that resembles the shipbuilding industry more than mass production of consumables like solar cells. European firms were early developers of OWP but are now witnessing the rise of strong competitors from Northeast Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan) as well as potentially the USA. We use the framework of developmental environmentalism to argue that NEAsian developmental state traditions are being extended in the way that firms and governments from the region are promoting OWP. We frame an evolutionary political economy (EPE) argument that characterizes these NEAsian states as in their different ways utilizing OWP as a sustainable and scalable renewable energy source, particularly when linked to green hydrogen production, and are developing a new generation of industrial policies to break down resistance to the energy transition. We frame an argument for these NEAsian transitions as continuing the developmental tradition in what has been described as developmental environmentalism, with state agencies playing a continuing role in setting new directions — in this case towards OWP. We contrast this framework with that of the widely recognized multilevel perspective (MLP) with its emphasis on bottom-up processes. We highlight the role played by fossil fuel companies in finding a place for themselves in the green transition, as they diversify from oil and gas operations (e.g., floating oil platforms) to renewable energy operations (offshore wind), redeploying their resources and capabilities to do so.
Magnetofluidic-based controlled droplet breakup: effect of non-uniform force field
Authors: Shyam Sudip , Dhapola Bhavesh , Mondal Pranab Kumar
Published: July 2022

We report the breakup dynamics of a magnetically active (ferrofluid) droplet in a T-shaped Lab on a Chip (LOC) device under the modulation of a non-uniform magnetic field. We adhere to high-speed imaging modalities for the experimental quantification of the droplet splitting phenomenon, while the underlying phenomenon is supported by the numerical results in a qualitative manner as well. On reaching theT-junction divergence, the droplet engulfs the intersection fully and eventually deforms into the dumbbell-shaped form, making its bulges move towards the branches of the junction. We observe that the asymmetric distribution of the magnetic force lines, acting over theT-junction divergence, induces an accelerating motion to the left of the moving bulge (since the magnet is placed adjacent to the left branch). We show that the non-uniform force field gradient allows the formation of a hump-like structure inside the left moving bulge, which triggers the onset of augmented convection in its flow field. We reveal that this augmented internal convection developed in the left moving volume/bulge, on becoming coupled to the various involved time scales of the flow field, leads to the asymmetric splitting of the droplet into two sister droplets. Our analysis establishes that, at the critical strength of the applied forcing, as realized by the critical magnetic Bond number, the flow time scale becomes minimum at the left branch of the channel, leading to the formation of larger sized sister droplets therein. Inferences of the present analysis, which demonstrates a plausible means of independently controlling the size of the sister droplet by manoeuvring the applied force field gradient, will provide a potential solution for rapid droplet splitting, which typically finds significant importance in point-of-care diagnostics.
Sparsifying the resolvent forcing mode via gradient-based optimisation
Authors: Skene Calum S. , Yeh Chi-An , Schmid Peter J. , Taira Kunihiko
Published: July 2022

We consider the use of sparsity-promoting norms in obtaining localised forcing structures from resolvent analysis. By formulating the optimal forcing problem as a Riemannian optimisation, we are able to maximise cost functionals whilst maintaining a unit-energy forcing. Taking the cost functional to be the energy norm of the driven response results in a traditional resolvent analysis and is solvable by a singular value decomposition (SVD). By modifying this cost functional with the$L_1$-norm, we target spatially localised structures that provide an efficient amplification in the energy of the response. We showcase this optimisation procedure on two flows: plane Poiseuille flow at Reynolds number$Re=4000$, and turbulent flow past a NACA 0012 aerofoil at$Re=23\,000$. In both cases, the optimisation yields sparse forcing modes that maintain important features of the structures arising from an SVD in order to provide a gain in energy. These results showcase the benefits of utilising a sparsity-promoting resolvent formulation to uncover sparse forcings, specifically with a view to using them as actuation locations for flow control.
The Right to Run for Election in Zambia: A Preserve of the “Educated” Class?
Authors: Phiri Christopher
Published: July 2022

The 2016 amendments to the Constitution of Zambia 1991 have transformed Zambia's constitutional order in many respects. Among other transformative provisions, the Constitution now requires everyone seeking elective public office to have, as a minimum qualification, a grade twelve certificate or its equivalent. This article examines the rationale for this requirement, as judicially interpreted, through the lens of the right to run for election. The article's core argument is twofold. First, that the requirement is an unwarranted restriction on the right to run for election and cannot be justified when considered in its relevant context. Secondly, that the Constitutional Court of Zambia's recent interpretation of the requirement further limits the right to run for election and in turn narrows the field of candidates from which voters may choose, potentially depriving the country of resourceful political leadership. The article concludes with a call for reform.
Connecting the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions: The Role of Practical Mathematics
Authors: Kelly Morgan , Ó Gráda Cormac
Published: July 2022

Disputes over whether the Scientific Revolution contributed to the Industrial Revolution begin with the common assumption that natural philosophers and artisans formed distinct groups. In reality, these groups merged together through a diverse group of applied mathematics teachers, textbook writers, and instrument makers catering to a market ranging from navigators and surveyors to bookkeepers. Besides its direct economic contribution in diffusing useful numerical skills, this “practical mathematics” facilitated later industrialization in two ways. First, a large supply of instrument and watch makers provided Britain with a pool of versatile, mechanically skilled labor to build the increasingly complicated machinery of the late eighteenth century. Second, the less well-known but equally revolutionary innovations in machine tools—which, contrary to the Habbakuk thesis, occurred largely in Britain during the 1820s and 1830s to mass-produce interchangeable parts for iron textile machinery—drew on a technology of exact measurement developed for navigational and astronomical instruments.
Patterns of shell utilization and preference in two sipunculan genera, Phascolion and Aspidosiphon
Authors: Oshiro Kohei , Yoshikawa Akihiro , Asakura Akira , Goto Ryutaro
Published: July 2022

Sipunculans are non-segmented marine worms with an anterior retractable introvert, which are commonly included in Annelida based on molecular phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses. They generally burrow in the soft sediments or live inside the crevices of hard substrata (e.g. calcareous/coralline rocks). However, members of some sipunculan genera (mainly Phascolion and Aspidosiphon) are known to have a peculiar habit of dwelling in vacant shells of gastropods or scaphopods. In this study, we investigated the shell utilization and preference pattern of the species of Phascolion and Aspidosiphon in Japan. We collected 302 sipunculans, comprising 273 and 29 individuals in Phascolion and Aspidosiphon, respectively, from 57–800 m depth of three study sites in the Pacific coast of Honshu Island, Japan. The species of Phascolion were found in vacant shells of 38 genera of 27 families of gastropods and six genera of four families of scaphopods, whereas the species of Aspidosiphon were found in 11 genera of 11 families of gastropods and one genus of scaphopod. These results suggest that members of each genus use a wide range of gastropod and scaphopod shells. The body size of the sipunculans was positively correlated with the shell size, suggesting that they change the shells as they grow. Furthermore, we investigated the shell preference of Phascolion species by comparing morphological characteristics of shells occupied and unoccupied by sipunculans. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analyses suggest that the species of Phascolion tend to use long and narrow shells. Such shells likely fit well the elongated trunk of sipunculans.
Outcomes of repair of anomalous origin of pulmonary artery branch from aorta ascendens with autologous tissue: a rare condition revisited
Authors: Raja Javid , Menon Sabarinath , Ramanan Sowmya , Baruah Sudip Dutta , Gopalakrishnan Arun , Dharan Baiju
Published: July 2022

Background:

Anomalous origin of pulmonary artery branch from ascending aorta (APA) in the presence of two separate semilunar valves is an uncommon entity necessitating early diagnosis and surgery to prevent development of irreversible pulmonary vascular disease. We evaluated our experience with the technique and outcome of 11 patients with this condition.

Methods:

Between January 2000 and December 2019, 11 patients were diagnosed with APA. Echocardiographic data were collected from the records, including the site of origin of the anomalous pulmonary artery, additional defects, pulmonary artery pressures, and biventricular function. Intraoperative charts were reviewed for the details of the surgical procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass. Post-operative data included survival, ventilatory support, and duration of hospital stay. After discharge, children were reviewed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and then at yearly intervals.

Results:

Of the 11 patients, females were more than males (7:4) with a median age of 6 months (15 days–28 years) and median weight of 5.7 kg (1.8–40 kg). Nine patients underwent direct re-implantation of anomalous pulmonary artery branch to main pulmonary artery. The survival rate was 88.8% in our series. On follow-up, no re-operations or re-interventions were required and all surgically corrected patients were in stable clinical condition.

Conclusion:

Early- and midterm outcomes of children who underwent surgery for APA is convincing. Early direct re-implantation of the anomalous branch pulmonary artery to main pulmonary artery without any graft material is the optimal surgical strategy for these patients.
Genetic Specificity of Hippocampal Subfield Volumes, Relative to Hippocampal Formation, Identified in 2148 Young Adult Twins and Siblings
Authors: Hansell Narelle K. , Strike Lachlan T. , van Eijk Liza , O’Callaghan Victoria , Martin Nicholas G. , de Zubicaray Greig I. , Thompson Paul M. , McMahon Katie L. , Wright Margaret J.
Published: July 2022

The hippocampus is a complex brain structure with key roles in cognitive and emotional processing and with subregion abnormalities associated with a range of disorders and psychopathologies. Here we combine data from two large independent young adult twin/sibling cohorts to obtain the most accurate estimates to date of genetic covariation between hippocampal subfield volumes and the hippocampus as a single volume. The combined sample included 2148 individuals, comprising 1073 individuals from 627 families (mean age = 22.3 years) from the Queensland Twin IMaging (QTIM) Study, and 1075 individuals from 454 families (mean age = 28.8 years) from the Human Connectome Project (HCP). Hippocampal subfields were segmented using FreeSurfer version 6.0 (CA4 and dentate gyrus were phenotypically and genetically indistinguishable and were summed to a single volume). Multivariate twin modeling was conducted in OpenMx to decompose variance into genetic and environmental sources. Bivariate analyses of hippocampal formation and each subfield volume showed that 10%–72% of subfield genetic variance was independent of the hippocampal formation, with greatest specificity found for the smaller volumes; for example, CA2/3 with 42% of genetic variance being independent of the hippocampus; fissure (63%); fimbria (72%); hippocampus-amygdala transition area (41%); parasubiculum (62%). In terms of genetic influence, whole hippocampal volume is a good proxy for the largest hippocampal subfields, but a poor substitute for the smaller subfields. Additive genetic sources accounted for 49%–77% of total variance for each of the subfields in the combined sample multivariate analysis. In addition, the multivariate analyses were sufficiently powered to identify common environmental influences (replicated in QTIM and HCP for the molecular layer and CA4/dentate gyrus, and accounting for 7%–16% of total variance for 8 of 10 subfields in the combined sample). This provides the clearest indication yet from a twin study that factors such as home environment may influence hippocampal volumes (albeit, with caveats).
Unsaturated Transport Modeling: Random‐Walk Particle‐Tracking as a Numerical‐Dispersion Free and Efficient Alternative to Eulerian Methods
Authors: Henri Christopher V. , Diamantopoulos Efstathios
Published: July 2022

Lagrangian methods, such as the random‐walk particle‐tracking (RWPT), are often qualified as a potentially valuable alternative to error‐prone Eulerian methods for simulating solute transport in unsaturated porous media. Yet, the RWPT method has not yet been validated against ‐ and compared to ‐ currently used Eulerian solutions for simulating solute transport under a range of typical unsaturated conditions. This paper presents a new implementation of the RWPT approach for advective ‐ dispersive transport problems under variably saturated conditions. We first show that, as previously demonstrated for a heterogeneous dispersion tensor, using an interpolation scheme in the RWPT algorithm performs well for problems with abrupt changes in the water content. The new model is then compared against a simple 1D uniform transport problem, for which an analytical solution exist, and against a variety of 1D and 3D numerical solutions using the different Eulerian schemes implemented in Hydrus software suite. Results show that, while the Eulerian solutions significantly suffer from numerical dispersion in case of a coarse spatial discretization of the simulation domain, the new Lagrangian model provides accurate solutions for all problems. Furthermore, RWPT reproduces accurately solute transport for typical unsaturated flow conditions (infiltration, evaporation). Moreover, the Lagrangian model appears to be orders of magnitude faster than its Eulerian alternative to solve a 3D heterogeneous problem. Thus, RWPT should be seen as an attractive, stable and efficient alternative for simulating solute transport in the vadose zone, especially in case of complex and large problems.
The role of histone modifications: from neurodevelopment to neurodiseases
Authors: Park Jisu , Lee Kyubin , Kim Kyunghwan , Yi Sun-Ju
Published: July 2022

Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and microRNA expression, play critical roles in cell differentiation and organ development through spatial and temporal gene regulation. Neurogenesis is a sophisticated and complex process by which neural stem cells differentiate into specialized brain cell types at specific times and regions of the brain. A growing body of evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modifications, allow the fine-tuning and coordination of spatiotemporal gene expressions during neurogenesis. Aberrant histone modifications contribute to the development of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Herein, recent progress in understanding histone modifications in regulating embryonic and adult neurogenesis is comprehensively reviewed. The histone modifications implicated in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are also covered, and future directions in this area are provided.
Calycosin prevents bone loss induced by hindlimb unloading
Authors: Jin Xiang , Wang Hong , Liang Xuechao , Ru Kang , Deng Xiaoni , Gao Shuo , Qiu Wuxia , Huai Ying , Zhang Jiaqi , Lai Linbin , Li Fan , Miao Zhiping , Zhang Wenjuan , Qian Airong
Published: July 2022

Bone loss induced by microgravity exposure seriously endangers the astronauts’ health, but its countermeasures still have certain limitations. The study aims to find potential protective drugs for the prevention of the microgravity-induced bone loss. Here, we utilized the network pharmacology approach to discover a natural compound calycosin by constructing the compound-target interaction network and analyzing the topological characteristics of the network. Furthermore, the hind limb unloading (HLU) rats’ model was conducted to investigate the potential effects of calycosin in the prevention of bone loss induced by microgravity. The results indicated that calycosin treatment group significantly increased the bone mineral density (BMD), ameliorated the microstructure of femoral trabecular bone, the thickness of cortical bone and the biomechanical properties of the bone in rats, compared that in the HLU group. The analysis of bone turnover markers in serum showed that both the bone formation markers and bone resorption markers decreased after calycosin treatment. Moreover, we found that bone remodeling-related cytokines in serum including IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-α were partly recovered after calycosin treatment compared with HLU group. In conclusion, calycosin partly recovered hind limb unloading-induced bone loss through the regulation of bone remodeling. These results provided the evidence that calycosin might play an important role in maintaining bone mass in HLU rats, indicating its promising application in the treatment of bone loss induced by microgravity.
Coherent interfaces govern direct transformation from graphite to diamond
Authors: Luo Kun , Liu Bing , Hu Wentao , Dong Xiao , Wang Yanbin , Huang Quan , Gao Yufei , Sun Lei , Zhao Zhisheng , Wu Yingju , Zhang Yang , Ma Mengdong , Zhou Xiang-Feng , He Julong , Yu Dongli , Liu Zhongyuan , Xu Bo , Tian Yongjun
Published: July 2022

Understanding the direct transformation from graphite to diamond has been a long-standing challenge with great scientific and practical importance. Previously proposed transformation mechanisms1–3, based on traditional experimental observations that lacked atomistic resolution, cannot account for the complex nanostructures occurring at graphite−diamond interfaces during the transformation4,5. Here we report the identification of coherent graphite−diamond interfaces, which consist of four basic structural motifs, in partially transformed graphite samples recovered from static compression, using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. These observations provide insight into possible pathways of the transformation. Theoretical calculations confirm that transformation through these coherent interfaces is energetically favoured compared with those through other paths previously proposed1–3. The graphite-to-diamond transformation is governed by the formation of nanoscale coherent interfaces (diamond nucleation), which, under static compression, advance to consume the remaining graphite (diamond growth). These results may also shed light on transformation mechanisms of other carbon materials and boron nitride under different synthetic conditions.
A synergistic mindsets intervention protects adolescents from stress
Authors: Yeager David S. , Bryan Christopher J. , Gross James J. , Murray Jared S. , Krettek Cobb Danielle , H. F. Santos Pedro , Gravelding Hannah , Johnson Meghann , Jamieson Jeremy P.
Published: July 2022

Social-evaluative stressors—experiences in which people feel they could be judged negatively—pose a major threat to adolescent mental health1–3and can cause young people to disengage from stressful pursuits, resulting in missed opportunities to acquire valuable skills. Here we show that replicable benefits for the stress responses of adolescents can be achieved with a short (around 30-min), scalable 'synergistic mindsets' intervention. This intervention, which is a self-administered online training module, synergistically targets both growth mindsets4(the idea that intelligence can be developed) and stress-can-be-enhancing mindsets5(the idea that one’s physiological stress response can fuel optimal performance). In six double-blind, randomized, controlled experiments that were conducted with secondary and post-secondary students in the United States, the synergistic mindsets intervention improved stress-related cognitions (study 1,n = 2,717; study 2,n = 755), cardiovascular reactivity (study 3,n = 160; study 4,n = 200), daily cortisol levels (study 5,n = 118 students,n = 1,213 observations), psychological well-being (studies 4 and 5), academic success (study 5) and anxiety symptoms during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns (study 6,n = 341). Heterogeneity analyses (studies 3, 5 and 6) and a four-cell experiment (study 4) showed that the benefits of the intervention depended on addressing both mindsets—growth and stress—synergistically. Confidence in these conclusions comes from a conservative, Bayesian machine-learning statistical method for detecting heterogeneous effects6. Thus, our research has identified a treatment for adolescent stress that could, in principle, be scaled nationally at low cost.
Systematic review of mental health symptom changes by sex or gender in early-COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic
Authors: Dal Santo Tiffany , Sun Ying , Wu Yin , He Chen , Wang Yutong , Jiang Xiaowen , Li Kexin , Bonardi Olivia , Krishnan Ankur , Boruff Jill T. , Rice Danielle B. , Markham Sarah , Levis Brooke , Azar Marleine , Neupane Dipika , Tasleem Amina , Yao Anneke , Thombs-Vite Ian , Agic Branka , Fahim Christine , Martin Michael S. , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Turecki Gustavo , Benedetti Andrea , Thombs Brett D.
Published: July 2022

Women and gender-diverse individuals have faced disproportionate socioeconomic burden during COVID-19. There have been reports of greater negative mental health changes compared to men based on cross-sectional research that has not accounted for pre-COVID-19 differences. We compared mental health changes from pre-COVID-19 to during COVID-19 by sex or gender. MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection: Citation Indexes, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, medRxiv (preprints), and Open Science Framework Preprints (preprint server aggregator) were searched to August 30, 2021. Eligible studies included mental health symptom change data by sex or gender. 12 studies (10 unique cohorts) were included, all of which reported dichotomized sex or gender data. 9 cohorts reported results from March to June 2020, and 2 of these also reported on September or November to December 2020. One cohort included data pre-November 2020 data but did not provide dates. Continuous symptom change differences were not statistically significant for depression (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.12, 95% CI -0.09–0.33; 4 studies, 4,475 participants; I2 = 69.0%) and stress (SMD = − 0.10, 95% CI -0.21–0.01; 4 studies, 1,533 participants; I2 = 0.0%), but anxiety (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI 0.07–0.22; 4 studies, 4,344 participants; I2 = 3.0%) and general mental health (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI 0.12–0.18; 3 studies, 15,692 participants; I2 = 0.0%) worsened more among females/women than males/men. There were no significant differences in changes in proportions above cut-offs: anxiety (difference = − 0.05, 95% CI − 0.20–0.11; 1 study, 217 participants), depression (difference = 0.12, 95% CI -0.03–0.28; 1 study, 217 participants), general mental health (difference = − 0.03, 95% CI − 0.09–0.04; 3 studies, 18,985 participants; I2 = 94.0%), stress (difference = 0.04, 95% CI − 0.10–0.17; 1 study, 217 participants). Mental health outcomes did not differ or were worse by small amounts among women than men during early COVID-19.
Human pointing motion during interaction with an autonomous blimp
Authors: Hou Mengxue , Tao Qiuyang , Zhang Fumin
Published: July 2022

We investigate the interaction between a human and a miniature autonomous blimp using a wand as pointing device. The wand movement generated by the human is followed by the blimp through a tracking controller. The Vector Integration to Endpoint (VITE) model, previously applied to human–computer interface (HCI), has been applied to model the human generated wand movement when interacting with the blimp. We show that the closed-loop human–blimp dynamics are exponentially stable. Similar to HCI using computer mouse, overshoot motion of the blimp has been observed. The VITE model can be viewed as a special reset controller used by the human to generate wand movements that effectively reduce the overshoot of blimp motion. Moreover, we have observed undershoot motion of the blimp due to its inertia. The asymptotic stability of the human–blimp dynamics is beneficial towards tolerating the undershoot motion of the blimp.