bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal white-noise stochastic forcing for linear models of turbulent channel flow
Authors: Holford Jacob J. , Lee Myoungkyu , Hwang Yongyun
Published: April 2023

In the present study an optimisation problem is formulated to determine the forcing of an eddy-viscosity-based linearised Navier–Stokes model in channel flow at$Re_\tau \approx 5200$($Re_\tau$is the friction Reynolds number), where the forcing is white-in-time and spatially decorrelated. The objective functional is prescribed such that the forcing drives a response to best match a set of velocity spectra from direct numerical simulation (DNS), as well as remaining sufficiently smooth. Strong quantitative agreement is obtained between the velocity spectra from the linear model with optimal forcing and from DNS, but only qualitative agreement between the Reynolds shear stress co-spectra from the model and DNS. The forcing spectra exhibit a level of self-similarity, associated with the primary peak in the velocity spectra, but they also reveal a non-negligible amount of energy spent in phenomenologically mimicking the non-self-similar part of the velocity spectra associated with energy cascade. By exploiting linearity, the effect of the individual forcing components is assessed and the contributions from the Orr mechanism and the lift-up effect are also identified. Finally, the effect of the strength of the eddy viscosity on the optimisation performance is investigated. The inclusion of the eddy viscosity diffusion operator is shown to be essential in modelling of the near-wall features, while still allowing the forcing of the self-similar primary peak. In particular, reducing the strength of the eddy viscosity results in a considerable increase in the near-wall forcing of wall-parallel components.
Non-iterative vortex-based smearing correction for the actuator line method
Authors: Kleine Vitor G. , Hanifi Ardeshir , Henningson Dan S.
Published: April 2023

The actuator line method (ALM) is used extensively in wind turbine and rotor simulations. However, its original uncorrected formulation overestimates the forces near the tip of the blades and does not reproduce well forces on translating wings. The recently proposed vortex-based smearing correction for the ALM is a correction based on physical and mathematical properties of the simulation that allows for a more accurate and general ALM. So far, to correct the forces on the blades, the smearing correction depended on an iterative process at every time step, which is usually slower, less stable and less deterministic than direct methods. In this work, a non-iterative process is proposed and validated. First, we propose a formulation of the nonlinear lifting line that is equivalent to the ALM with smearing correction, showing that the results are practically identical for a translating wing. Then, by linearizing the lifting line method, the iterative process of the correction is substituted by the direct solution of a small linear system. No significant difference is observed in the results of the iterative and non-iterative corrections, in both wing and rotor simulations. Additional contributions of the present work include the use of a more accurate approximation for the velocity induced by a smeared vortex segment and the implementation of a free-vortex wake model to define the vortex sheet, which contribute to the accuracy and generality of the method. The results presented here may motivate the adoption of the ALM by other communities, for example, in fixed-wing applications.
ON THE C.E. DEGREES REALIZABLE IN
$\Pi ^0_1$
CLASSES
Authors: CSIMA BARBARA F. , DOWNEY ROD , NG KENG MENG
Published: April 2023

We study for each computably bounded
$\Pi ^0_1$
class P the set of degrees of c.e. paths in P. We show, amongst other results, that for every c.e. degree a there is a perfect
$\Pi ^0_1$
class where all c.e. members have degree a. We also show that every
$\Pi ^0_1$
set of c.e. indices is realized in some perfect
$\Pi ^0_1$
class, and classify the sets of c.e. degrees which can be realized in some
$\Pi ^0_1$
class as exactly those with a computable representation.
Group independent components underpin responses to items from a depression scale
Authors: Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Khorev Vladimir , Paunova Rossitsa , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Kurkin Semen , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: April 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study is to investigate the brain circuits or networks that underpin diagnostically specific tasks by means of group independent component analysis for FMRI toolbox (GIFT). We hypothesised that there will be neural network patterns of activation and deactivation, which correspond to real-time performance on clinical self-evaluation scales.

Methods

In total, 20 healthy controls (HC) and 22 patients with major depressive episode have been included. All subjects were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with paradigm composed of diagnostic clinical self-assessment depression scale contrasted to neutral scale. The data were processed with group independent component analysis for functional MRI toolbox and statistical parametric mapping.

Results

The results have demonstrated that there exist positively or negatively modulated brain networks during processing of diagnostic specific task questions for depressive disorder. There have also been confirmed differences in the networks processing diagnostic versus off blocks between patients and controls in anterior cingulate cortex and middle frontal gyrus. Diagnostic conditions (depression scale) when contrasted to neutral conditions demonstrate differential activity of right superior frontal gyrus and right middle cingulate cortex in the comparison of patients with HC.

Conclusion

Potential neuroimaging of state-dependent biomarkers has been directly linked with clinical assessment self-evaluation scale, administered as stimuli simultaneously with the fMRI acquisition. It may be regarded as further evidence in support of the convergent capacity of both methods to distinguish groups by means of incremental translational cross-validation.
‘Super-Unsupervised’ Classification for Labelling Text: Online Political Hostility as an Illustration
Authors: Hebbelstrup Rye Rasmussen Stig , Bor Alexander , Osmundsen Mathias , Petersen Michael Bang
Published: April 2023

We live in a world of text. Yet the sheer magnitude of social media data, coupled with a need to measure complex psychological constructs, has made this important source of data difficult to use. Researchers often engage in costly hand coding of thousands of texts using supervised techniques or rely on unsupervised techniques where the measurement of predefined constructs is difficult. We propose a novel approach that we call ‘super-unsupervised’ learning and demonstrate its usefulness by measuring the psychologically complex construct of online political hostility based on a large corpus of tweets. This approach accomplishes the feat by combining the best features of supervised and unsupervised learning techniques: measurements of complex psychological constructs without a single labelled data source. We first outline the approach before conducting a diverse series of tests that include: (i) face validity, (ii) convergent and discriminant validity, (iii) criterion validity, (iv) external validity, and (v) ecological validity.
Perfection for semigroups
Authors: Laan Valdis , Lepik Alvin
Published: April 2023

We call a semigroup right perfect if every object in the category of unitary right acts over that semigroup has a projective cover. In this paper, we generalize results about right perfect monoids to the case of semigroups. In our main theorem, we will give nine conditions equivalent to right perfectness of a factorizable semigroup. We also prove that right perfectness is a Morita invariant for factorizable semigroups.
Brain transcriptome-wide association study implicates novel risk genes underlying schizophrenia risk
Authors: Zhang Chengcheng , Li Xiaojing , Zhao Liansheng , Guo Wanjun , Deng Wei , Wang Qiang , Hu Xun , Du Xiangdong , Sham Pak Chung , Luo Xiongjian , Li Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

To identify risk genes whose expression are regulated by the reported risk variants and to explore the potential regulatory mechanism in schizophrenia (SCZ).

Methods

We systematically integrated three independent brain expression quantitative traits (eQTLs) (CommonMind, GTEx, and BrainSeq Phase 2, a total of 1039 individuals) and GWAS data (56 418 cases and 78 818 controls), with the use of transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS). Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging was utilized to quantify the integrity of white matter bundles and determine whether polygenic risk of novel genes linked to brain structure was present in patients with first-episode antipsychotic SCZ.

Results

TWAS showed that eight risk genes (CORO7, DDAH2, DDHD2, ELAC2, GLT8D1, PCDHA8, THOC7, and TYW5) reached transcriptome-wide significance (TWS) level. These findings were confirmed by an independent integrative approach (i.e. Sherlock). We further conducted conditional analyses and identified the potential risk genes that driven the TWAS association signal in each locus. Gene expression analysis showed that several TWS genes (including CORO7, DDAH2, DDHD2, ELAC2, GLT8D1, THOC7 and TYW5) were dysregulated in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of SCZ cases compared with controls. TWS genes were mainly expressed on the surface of glutamatergic neurons, GABAergic neurons, and microglia. Finally, SCZ cases had a substantially greater TWS genes-based polygenic risk (PRS) compared to controls, and we showed that fractional anisotropy of the cingulum-hippocampus mediates the influence of TWS genes PRS on SCZ.

Conclusions

Our findings identified novel SCZ risk genes and highlighted the importance of the TWS genes in frontal-limbic dysfunctions in SCZ, indicating possible therapeutic targets.
OVERSEAS CONNECTIONS OF KNOSSOS AND CRETE IN THE SIXTH AND FIFTH CENTURIES BC: INSIGHTS FROM THE UNEXPLORED MANSION
Authors: Paizi Eirini
Published: April 2023

In relation to previous periods, Archaic and Classical Crete presents a contraction in the material record and the evidence for overseas connections. This phenomenon has attracted wide-ranging attention in the scholarship, much of which focuses upon the major Cretan city of Knossos. The present article reviews the evidence from Knossos which suggests a decline in overseas connections and revisits the problem in the light of Archaic and Classical pottery from abroad found at the settlement site of the ‘Unexplored Mansion’. On the basis of these finds, I argue that the impression of decline has been exaggerated, and has been partly shaped by methodological problems in the study of ceramics.
The growth trajectories of morphological awareness and its predictors
Authors: Inoue Tomohiro , Georgiou George K. , Parrila Rauno
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the early growth of morphological awareness and its predictors. We followed 172 English-speaking Canadian children (82 girls, 90 boys, Mage = 75.56 months at the first assessment point) from Grade 1 to Grade 3 and assessed them on nonverbal IQ, phonological short-term memory, phonological awareness, letter knowledge, and vocabulary at the beginning of Grade 1 and on morphological awareness at the end of Grade 1, beginning and end of Grade 2, and beginning of Grade 3. Results of growth curve modeling showed different growth patterns for Word Analogy and Sentence Analogy. In addition, vocabulary and phonological awareness were associated with the initial status of morphological awareness, and phonological awareness and letter knowledge predicted the growth rate of morphological awareness. These findings suggest that code-related skills drive the development of morphological awareness during the early years of literacy instruction.
NUCLEAR NORM REGULARIZED QUANTILE REGRESSION WITH INTERACTIVE FIXED EFFECTS
Authors: Feng Junlong
Published: April 2023

This paper studies large N and large T conditional quantile panel data models with interactive fixed effects. We propose a nuclear norm penalized estimator of the coefficients on the covariates and the low-rank matrix formed by the interactive fixed effects. The estimator solves a convex minimization problem, not requiring pre-estimation of the (number of) interactive fixed effects. It also allows the number of covariates to grow slowly with N and T. We derive an error bound on the estimator that holds uniformly in the quantile level. The order of the bound implies uniform consistency of the estimator and is nearly optimal for the low-rank component. Given the error bound, we also propose a consistent estimator of the number of interactive fixed effects at any quantile level. We demonstrate the performance of the estimator via Monte Carlo simulations.
A characterisation of atomicity
Authors: TRINGALI SALVATORE
Published: April 2023

In a 1968 issue of the Proceedings, P. M. Cohn famously claimed that a commutative domain is atomic if and only if it satisfies the ascending chain condition on principal ideals (ACCP). Some years later, a counterexample was however provided by A. Grams, who showed that every commutative domain with the ACCP is atomic, but not vice versa. This has led to the problem of finding a sensible (ideal-theoretic) characterisation of atomicity.

The question (explicitly stated on p. 3 of A. Geroldinger and F. Halter–Koch’s 2006 monograph on factorisation) is still open. We settle it here by using the language of monoids and preorders.
The synergistic effect of genetic and environmental factors in the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children and adolescents
Authors: Leffa Douglas Teixeira , Caye Arthur , Belangero Sintia I. , Gadelha Ary , Pan Pedro Mario , Salum Giovanni Abrahão , Rohde Luis Augusto
Published: April 2023

Gene-environment interactions (GxE) have been increasingly explored in psychiatry but with low replication rates. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a suitable candidate for studying GxE due to its high heritability and well-defined environmental risk factors. Here, we explored GxE using polygenic risk score (PRS) to represent the genetic liability to ADHD (ADHD-PRS) and environmental risk score (ERS) to represent the combined effects of environmental risk factors. We analyzed longitudinal data of 2,046 individuals (6-14 years of age at baseline and 14-23 at the last follow-up) from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Psychiatric Disorders. Psychiatric evaluation included the Child Behavior Checklist and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed-effects models. We observed statistically significant interactions between ADHD-PRS and ERS, suggesting that environmental and genetic factors act synergistically in the development of ADHD symptoms. These effects were not present for depression or anxiety symptoms. No evidence of GxE correlation was detected. Mechanistically, our findings suggest that environmental stressors modulate the genetic risk for ADHD. Future studies should investigate whether the reduction of environmental risks can prevent the development of symptoms of ADHD, especially in children with a family history of the disorder.
Developmental antecedents of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in middle childhood: The role of father-child interactions and children’s emotional underregulation
Authors: Aquino Gabriela A. , Perry Nicole B. , Aviles Ashleigh I. , Hazen Nancy , Jacobvitz Deborah
Published: April 2023

The present study examined the influence of fathers’ parenting quality during infancy on children’s emotion regulation during toddlerhood and, subsequently, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in middle childhood. Fathers and their 8-month-old infants (N = 124) were followed over time to obtain home observations of parenting quality at 8 and 24 months, laboratory observations of children’s emotion regulation at 24 months, and teacher reports of children’s ADHD symptoms at 7 years. A path analysis revealed that fathers’ emotional disengagement in infancy and minimizing responses to children’s distress in toddlerhood forecast children’s development of ADHD symptoms in middle childhood. Further, a significant indirect effect was found such that fathers’ parenting at 8 and 24 months predicted subsequent development of ADHD symptoms at age 7 through toddlers’ difficulty regulating emotion. Implications of this study for early intervention and directions for future research are discussed.
A rare coexistence: Hammock mitral valve and aortopulmonary window
Authors: Simsek Baran , Ozyuksel Arda , Saygi Murat
Published: April 2023

Congenital mitral stenosis is a broad-spectrum pathology in which blood flow to the left ventricle is obstructed both functionally and anatomically. Hammock mitral valve, also known as anomalous mitral arcade, is a rare congenital anomaly particularly in infants and children. Hammock mitral valve may not be suitable for repair regarding the advanced dysplastic mitral valve structure. Aortopulmonary window is an unusual cardiac anomaly which is defined as a communication between the main pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta. As a result of the excessive left-to-right shunt, early intervention and surgical closure deemed mandatory to avoid development of severe pulmonary hypertension and its consequences. All patients with an aortopulmonary window necessitates prompt repair immediately. In this brief report, mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve and repair of aortopulmonary window with a Dacron patch were performed simultaneously in a 5-month-old patient with a hammock mitral valve and accompanying aortopulmonary window.
A eunuch at the threshold: mediating access and intimacy in the Mughal world
Authors: Kalb Emma
Published: April 2023

Across the early modern Islamicate world, the phenomenon of eunuch slavery constitutes a significant aspect of courtly contexts and royal households. Although Mughal historiography has focused on the eunuch primarily in relation to the harem, this article analyses the function of such figures in regulating elite male space, in order to explore how these practices shaped both the representation of courtly life as well as the dynamics animating the Mughal court and the inner palace. As is shown in both textual and visual materials, enslaved, castrated men appear as figures both marking and mediating the perimeters of such spaces. In the process they played an important part in the spatial formation of access, intimacy, and hierarchical relations. However, their formative role in mediating elite social interactions at times entangled eunuchs in political conflict. The article concludes with an examination of a particularly dense archive of evidence from the reign of Aurangzeb dealing with royal princes. This material underlines the sometimes-precarious situation of eunuchs in moments of intrafamilial struggle, a fact which suggests the complicated reality of these kinds of intimate roles not only in Mughal princely households but wherever they took on such proximate positions.
The Socio-Political Faces of Clara Schumann on German Film
Authors: Grimes Nicole
Published: April 2023

Filmic portrayals of Clara Schumann from World War II to the present provide a fascinating insight into changing conceptions of her professional and domestic roles. Just as fictional reshapings of her biography from the late-nineteenth century to the present can be understood to relate to changing social and political contexts, filmic portrayals of this great musical figure over the past 80 years speak to both constancy and change. The image that remains constant, the depiction of a loyal wife in the service of her husband's art, takes on different guises as it is reflected in the mirror of each film's historical, social, and political moment. In Träumerei (1943/44) Clara Schumann provides an idealized depiction of the German woman in the context of war, one who sacrifices her performance career for love of husband, children and domesticity. Song of Love (1947) reflects the revered role of the mother of a large family in post-war America. Limiting its narrative frame to the years leading up to Robert Schumann's death, Frühlingssinfonie (1974) casts a new light on the domestic strands explored in Träumerei, reflecting then recent developments in research in the Neue Schumann-Gesamtausgabe. In Geliebte Clara (2008), whereas the titular focus shifts explicitly to Clara herself, this passionate retelling is based on the familiar narrative that informs all four films. Building on the historiographical work of Beatrix Borchard, Matthias Wendt, and Yael Braunschweig, this article provides a rich cultural context for each film, and explores how that context relates to source materials including letters and diaries. Reaching beyond that scholarship, this article challenges the familiar narrative found in these movies by re-reading passages of Clara's letters and diaries that can be understood to express regret and frustration at the limitations that her domestic life imposed on her artistic career.
Der Körper, der ich bin
Authors: Mühlebach Adrian
Published: April 2023

Nichts ist uns näher als unser Körper - und doch sind wir uns dessen nur wenig oder gar nicht bewusst!
Unser Körper spielt oft die entscheidende Rolle in unserem Leben: als Basis unserer Existenz, in der Regulierung unseres Wohlbefindens sowie bei unserer Verhaltenssteuerung. -Dennoch nehmen wir ihn viel zu selten aufmerksam wahr.
Während sich Körperempfindungen auf emotional bewertete, somatosensorische Informationen gründen, bildet die Körperwahrnehmung das kognitive Gerüst, in das sich Körperempfindungen einordnen lassen. Sie ist ein dynamischer, zirkulärer, sich selbst verändernder Prozess, bei dem mittels individuell und kollektiv entstandener Vorstellungen aus Körperempfindungen Körperwahrnehmungen entstehen.
Unsere subjektive Körperwahrnehmung ist nur schwer objektiv oder naturwissenschaftlich zu begründen. In diesem Buch wird sie aus der Sicht verschiedener Disziplinen wie Philosophie, Psychologie, Physiologie und Geschichte beleuchtet, um so ihre Bedeutung für unser Leben zu reflektieren und ihren Nutzen angesichts der Herausforderungen unserer Zeit aufzuzeigen.
Ein bewusstes und differenziertes Wahrnehmen des Körpers sowie seines Eingebundenseins in die Umwelt
•ermöglicht uns ein waches Dasein,
•erhöht unsere Kompetenz in der Entfaltung unserer Fähigkeiten und
•unterstützt uns bei der Pflege unserer Gesundheit von der Kindheit bis ins Alter.
Mit der Alexander-Technik lässt sich die Körperwahrnehmung in den Lebensalltag integrieren und für die bewusste Selbstorganisation nutzen: für einen lebendigen und authentischen Umgang mit sich selbst und anderen Menschen sowie als Zugang zur Erfahrung der eigenen Existenz in den Kreisläufen der Natur.
Meine schönsten Ferien
Authors: Weber Jutta Maria
Published: April 2023

Die Schnelllebigkeit und Reizfülle des Alltags sowie Termin- und Leistungsdruck können bei Kindern leicht zu Stresssymptomen führen. Umso wichtiger ist es, Kinder darin zu unterstützen, nach Belastungen zu regenerieren, ihnen zu einem inneren Gleichgewicht zu verhelfen und Inseln der Ruhe zu schaffen.
Die Geschichten in diesem Buch lassen Kinder von 5 bis 12 Jahren in naturnahe Erlebnisse eintauchen und helfen ihnen dabei, im Moment zu verweilen und sich zu entspannen. Der Band beinhaltet drei Reihen mit Geschichten zum Vorlesen. Als Rahmenhandlung dient jeweils der Aufenthalt auf einem Ferienhof. Die Kinder werden dazu eingeladen, in ihrer Fantasie auf Reisen zu gehen, Dinge aufmerksam wahrzunehmen und eigene Empfindungen ganz bewusst zu spüren. Sie erkunden in ihrer Vorstellung Orte inmitten der Natur, nehmen Kontakt mit den Tieren des Ferienhofs auf und schließen Freundschaften.
Mit jeder Geschichte verfestigt sich das Bild eines inneren Ortes, der mit Ruhe, Sicherheit und positiven Emotionen verbunden ist. Die Fantasiereisen eignen sich für den Einsatz im pädagogischen und therapeutischen Kontext ebenso wie für den familiären Alltag.
Global Urban Land Expansion Tends To Be Slope Climbing: A Remotely Sensed Nighttime Light Approach
Authors: Shi Kaifang , Cui Yuanzheng , Liu Shirao , Wu Yizhen
Published: April 2023

The slope climbing of urban land expansion (SE) has become an increasingly prevalent phenomenon, and it has resulted in unique characteristics in terms of urban form, landscape, and governance with challenges for sustainable urban development worldwide. However, relatively little concern has been given to the SE with a long time series worldwide. On the basis of urban entities extracted from Suomi National Polar‐Orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite‐like (SNPP‐VIIRS‐like) data, we attempted to quantify and evaluate global SE with the help of slope spectrum analysis from different scales (e.g., global, continental, national, and city scales) during the period of 2000–2020. Our study proves that urban entities not only identify physical scopes but also reflect the intensity differences of socioeconomic development, which can provide an accurate approach to evaluate the SE. We found that global urban entities increased from 157,733 km2 in 2000 to 470,632 km2 in 2020, representing a 1.98‐fold increase. The global average slope of urban entities was on an upward trend, from 0.85° by 2000 to 0.96° by 2020, an increase of about 0.11°. Asia, Africa, and South America have experienced an evident SE process, while North America has exhibited a slow SE trend. A remarkable phenomenon has been found in China, where rapid SE has occurred due to the country's unprecedented urbanization process. The change value of the upper limit slope of urban land and the average slope climbing index of urban land have also experienced a volatile growth trend at global, continental, national, and city scales. Our study suggests that sustainable urban development should take the SE phenomenon into considerations, and that reasonable governance policies and strategies should be formulated to address its potential impacts.
Observed Relationships Between Tropical Cyclone Vortex Height, Intensity, and Intensification Rate
Authors: DesRosiers Alexander J. , Bell Michael M. , Klotzbach Philip J. , Fischer Michael S. , Reasor Paul D.
Published: April 2023

As a tropical cyclone (TC) intensifies, the tangential wind field expands vertically and increases in magnitude. Observations and modeling support vortex height as an important TC structural characteristic. The Tropical Cyclone Radar Archive of Doppler Analyses with Recentering data set provides kinematic analyses for calculation of the height of the vortex (HOV) in observed storms. Analyses are azimuthally‐averaged with tangential wind values taken along the radius of maximum winds. A threshold‐based technique is used to determine the HOV. A fixed threshold HOV strongly correlates with current intensity. A dynamic HOV metric quantifies vertical decay of tangential wind with reduced dependency on intensity. Statistically significant differences are present between dynamic HOV values in groups of steady‐state, intensifying, and rapidly‐intensifying cases categorized by subsequent changes in pressure. A tall vortex is always observed in cases meeting a pressure‐based rapid intensification definition. Taller vortices are also evident with slower intensification. Results suggest HOV may be a helpful predictor for TC intensification.
Changes in Tropical Cyclones Undergoing Extratropical Transition in a Warming Climate: Quasi‐Idealized Numerical Experiments of North Atlantic Landfalling Events
Authors: Jung Chunyong , Lackmann Gary M.
Published: April 2023

The current study extends earlier work that demonstrated future extratropical transition (ET) events will feature greater intensity and heavier precipitation to specifically consider potential changes in the impacts of landfalling ET events in a warming climate. A quasi‐idealized modeling framework allows comparison of highly similar present‐day and future event simulations; the model initial conditions are based on observational composites, increasing representativeness of the results. The future composite ET event features substantially more impactful weather conditions in coastal areas, with heavier precipitation and greater storm intensity. Specifically, a Category 2 present‐day storm attained Category 4 Saffir‐Simpson intensity in the future simulation and maintained greater intensity throughout the entire life cycle, although the storm undergoes less reintensification during the post‐ET process, a result of reduced baroclinic conversion. These findings suggest increased potential for coastal hazards due to stronger tropical cyclone winds and heavier rainfall, leading to more severe coastal flooding and storm surge.
On the Lateral Entrainment Instability in the Inner Core Region of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zhu Ping , Zhang Jun A. , Marks Frank D.
Published: April 2023

Entrainment of dry moat air with low equivalent potential temperature laterally into the eyewall and rainbands is a unique turbulent process in the inner‐core region of a tropical cyclone (TC). By analyzing in‐situ aircraft measurements collected by the reconnaissance flights that penetrated the eyewalls and rainbands of Hurricanes Rita (2005), Patricia (2015), Harvey (2017), and Michael (2018), as well as numerical simulations of Hurricanes Patricia (2015), and Michael (2018), we show that the moat air entrained into the eyewall and rainbands meets the instability criterion, and therefore, sinks unstably as a convective downdraft. The resultant positive buoyancy fluxes are an important source for the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the eyewall and rainband clouds. This mechanism of TKE generation via lateral entrainment instability should be included in the TKE‐type turbulent mixing schemes for a better representation of turbulent transport processes in numerical forecasts of TCs.
A Numerical Model Approach Toward a Settling Process and Feedback Loop of Ocean Microplastics Absorbed Into Phytoplankton Aggregates
Authors: Yoshitake M. , Isobe A. , Song Y. K. , Shim W. J.
Published: April 2023

To quantify the settling velocity of buoyant oceanic microplastics absorbed into phytoplankton (algae) aggregates heavier than seawater, a vertical two‐dimensional numerical particle tracking model (PTM) representing the motion of both particles and their interaction in oceanic turbulence was developed. The model incorporated “in silico phytoplankton,” and could generate an aggregate particle with phytoplankton and microplastic particles positioned close to the “aggregation radius.” The model included the dense phytoplankton concentrations typically observed in the spring/autumn boom or red tides, and reproduced sinking microplastics with settling velocities of Ο (10−5–10−4) m/s, which were comparable to the vertical velocities ubiquitously observed in oceans, by the absorption into phytoplankton aggregates. The model reproduced the observed vertical distribution of microplastic abundance, showing subsurface maxima and a rapid decrease in particles smaller than 1 mm in the water column, while only an equilibrium between rise velocity of buoyant microplastic particles and vertical diffusion by oceanic turbulence could not reproduce the observed abundance. Buoyant microplastics, therefore, are likely to settle to the deep layer by the absorption into phytoplankton aggregates in the actual oceans. A feedback loop was suggested in which the settling velocities of aggregates were also dependent on the abundance of microplastics in the ambient water. However, a further in‐depth examination is required to confirm the feedback by including ambient ocean circulations as well as oceanic turbulence, and by replacing the settling velocity with an alternative formula appropriate for aggregates absorbing lightweight microplastics, which might decrease the velocity more rapidly than expected.
Sensitivity of Model Estimates of CME Propagation and Arrival Time to Inner Boundary Conditions
Authors: James Lauren A. , Scott Christopher J. , Barnard Luke A. , Owens Mathew J. , Lang Matthew S. , Jones Shannon R.
Published: April 2023

Accurately forecasting the arrival of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) at Earth is important to enabling mitigation of the associated space weather risks to society. This is only possible with accurate modeling of the event. To do so, we must understand the propagation of a CME through the heliosphere and quantify the performance of models through comparison with spacecraft observations. For the 12 December 2008 Earth‐directed CME event, we compute ensembles using the HUXt solar wind model to analyze CME distortion with a structured solar wind and explore hindcast arrival time error (ATE). By highlighting the impact CME shape has on Root‐Mean‐Square‐Error (RMSE) values, we show that time‐elongation profiles of fronts captured by the Heliospheric Imager (HI) instruments onboard NASA's STEREO mission match those of the modeled CME nose and flank and can therefore be used to infer details of the longitudinal extent of the CME. We then show that accounting for CME distortion is important to enable accurate estimates of the CME arrival at Earth. This can be achieved by either using observations of multiple features in HI data to infer CME evolution or mapping the solar wind back to a lower inner boundary to allow CMEs to be distorted close to the Sun. For the event studied we show that these approaches resulted in reduced RMSEs of 0.73° and 0.64° with an ATE of 1 hour and 3 hours respectively.
Preventive and therapeutic benefits of nelfinavir in rhesus macaques and human beings infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Xu Zhijian , Shi Danrong , Han Jian-Bao , Ling Yun , Jiang Xiangrui , Lu Xiangyun , Li Chuan , Gong Likun , Ge Guangbo , Zhang Yani , Zang Yi , Song Tian-Zhang , Feng Xiao-Li , Tian Ren-Rong , Ji Jia , Zhu Miaojin , Wu Nanping , Wu Chunhui , Wang Zhen , Xu Yechun , Peng Cheng , Zheng Min , Yang Junling , Du Feifei , Wu Junliang , Wang Peipei , Shen Jingshan , Zhang Jianliang , Zheng Yong-Tang , Yao Hangping , Zhu Weiliang
Published: April 2023

Effective drugs with broad spectrum safety profile to all people are highly expected to combat COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. Here we report that nelfinavir, an FDA approved drug for the treatment of HIV infection, is effective against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Preincubation of nelfinavir could inhibit the activity of the main protease of the SARS-CoV-2 (IC50 = 8.26 μM), while its antiviral activity in Vero E6 cells against a clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2 was determined to be 2.93 μM (EC50). In comparison with vehicle-treated animals, rhesus macaque prophylactically treated with nelfinavir had significantly lower temperature and significantly reduced virus loads in the nasal and anal swabs of the animals. At necropsy, nelfinavir-treated animals had a significant reduction of the viral replication in the lungs by nearly three orders of magnitude. A prospective clinic study with 37 enrolled treatment-naive patients at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, which were randomized (1:1) to nelfinavir and control groups, showed that the nelfinavir treatment could shorten the duration of viral shedding by 5.5 days (9.0 vs. 14.5 days, P = 0.055) and the duration of fever time by 3.8 days (2.8 vs. 6.6 days, P = 0.014) in mild/moderate COVID-19 patients. The antiviral efficiency and clinical benefits in rhesus macaque model and in COVID-19 patients, together with its well-established good safety profile in almost all ages and during pregnancy, indicated that nelfinavir is a highly promising medication with the potential of preventative effect for the treatment of COVID-19.
Collective protection against the type VI secretion system in bacteria
Authors: Granato Elisa T , Smith William P J , Foster Kevin R
Published: April 2023

Bacteria commonly face attacks from other strains using the type VI secretion system (T6SS), which acts like a molecular speargun to stab and intoxicate competitors. Here we show how bacteria can work together to collectively defend themselves against these attacks. This project began with an outreach activity: while developing an online computer game of bacterial warfare, we noticed that one strategist (“Slimy”) that made extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was able to resist attacks from another strategist that employed the T6SS (“Stabby”). This observation motivated us to model this scenario more formally, using dedicated agent-based simulations. The model predicts that EPS production can serve as a collective defence mechanism, which protects both producing cells and neighbouring cells that do not make EPS. We then tested our model with a synthetic community that contains a T6SS-wielding attacker (Acinetobacter baylyi), and two T6SS-sensitive target strains (Escherichia coli) that either secrete EPS, or not. As predicted by our modelling, we find that the production of EPS leads to collective protection against T6SS attacks, where EPS producers protect each other and nearby non-producers. We identify two processes that explain this protection: EPS sharing between cells and a second general mechanism whereby groups of resistant cells shield susceptible cells, which we call “flank protection”. Our work shows how EPS-producing bacteria can work together to defend themselves from the type VI secretion system.
CSF neurochemical profile and cognitive changes in Parkinson’s disease with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Paolini Paoletti Federico , Gaetani Lorenzo , Bellomo Giovanni , Chipi Elena , Salvadori Nicola , Montanucci Chiara , Mancini Andrea , Filidei Marta , Nigro Pasquale , Simoni Simone , Tambasco Nicola , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Parnetti Lucilla
Published: April 2023

Pathophysiological substrate(s) and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) are still matter of debate. Baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurochemical profile and cognitive changes after 2 years were investigated in a retrospective series of PD-MCI (n =48), cognitively normal PD (PD-CN,n = 40), prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD,n = 25) and cognitively healthy individuals with other neurological diseases (OND,n = 44). CSF biomarkers reflecting amyloidosis (Aβ42/40 ratio, sAPPα, sAPPβ), tauopathy (p-tau), neurodegeneration (t-tau, NfL, p-NfH), synaptic damage (α-syn, neurogranin) and glial activation (sTREM2, YKL-40) were measured. The great majority (88%) of PD-MCI patients was A-/T-/N-. Among all biomarkers considered, only NfL/p-NfH ratio was significantly higher in PD-MCI vs. PD-CN (p = 0.02). After 2 years, one-third of PD-MCI patients worsened; such worsening was associated with higher baseline levels of NfL, p-tau, and sTREM2. PD-MCI is a heterogeneous entity requiring further investigations on larger, longitudinal cohorts with neuropathological verification.
Tau-targeting antisense oligonucleotide MAPTRx in mild Alzheimer’s disease: a phase 1b, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Mummery Catherine J. , Börjesson-Hanson Anne , Blackburn Daniel J. , Vijverberg Everard G. B. , De Deyn Peter Paul , Ducharme Simon , Jonsson Michael , Schneider Anja , Rinne Juha O. , Ludolph Albert C. , Bodenschatz Ralf , Kordasiewicz Holly , Swayze Eric E. , Fitzsimmons Bethany , Mignon Laurence , Moore Katrina M. , Yun Chris , Baumann Tiffany , Li Dan , Norris Daniel A. , Crean Rebecca , Graham Danielle L. , Huang Ellen , Ratti Elena , Bennett C. Frank , Junge Candice , Lane Roger M.
Published: April 2023

Tau plays a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology, and accumulating evidence suggests that lowering tau may reduce this pathology. We sought to inhibit MAPT expression with a tau-targeting antisense oligonucleotide (MAPTRx) and reduce tau levels in patients with mild AD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending dose phase 1b trial evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics and target engagement of MAPTRx. Four ascending dose cohorts were enrolled sequentially and randomized 3:1 to intrathecal bolus administrations of MAPTRx or placebo every 4 or 12 weeks during the 13-week treatment period, followed by a 23 week post-treatment period. The primary endpoint was safety. The secondary endpoint was MAPTRx pharmacokinetics in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The prespecified key exploratory outcome was CSF total-tau protein concentration. Forty-six patients enrolled in the trial, of whom 34 were randomized to MAPTRx and 12 to placebo. Adverse events were reported in 94% of MAPTRx-treated patients and 75% of placebo-treated patients; all were mild or moderate. No serious adverse events were reported in MAPTRx-treated patients. Dose-dependent reduction in the CSF total-tau concentration was observed with greater than 50% mean reduction from baseline at 24 weeks post-last dose in the 60 mg (four doses) and 115 mg (two doses) MAPTRx groups. Clinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT03186989.
A ubiquitous method for predicting underground petroleum deposits based on satellite data
Authors: Newaz Sarfaraz , Tahmid Md Toki , Al-Aboody Nadia , Islam A. B. M. Alim Al
Published: April 2023

The method of finding new petroleum deposits beneath the earth’s surface is always challenging for having low accuracy while simultaneously being highly expensive. As a remedy, this paper presents a novel way to predict the locations of petroleum deposits. Here, we focus on a region of the Middle East, Iraq to be specific, and conduct a detailed study on predicting locations of petroleum deposits there based on our proposed method. To do so, we develop a new method of predicting the location of a new petroleum deposit based on publicly available data sensed by an open satellite named Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). Using GRACE data, we calculate the gravity gradient tensor of the earth over the region of Iraq and its surroundings. We use this calculated data to predict the locations of prospective petroleum deposits over the region of Iraq. In the process of our study for making the predictions, we leverage machine learning, graph-based analysis, and our newly-proposed OR-nAND method altogether. Our incremental improvement in the proposed methodologies enables us to predict 25 out of 26 existing petroleum deposits within the area under our study. Additionally, our method shows some prospective petroleum deposits that need to be explored physically in the future. It is worth mentioning that, as our study presents a generalized approach (demonstrated through investigating multiple datasets), we can apply it anywhere in the world beyond the area focused on in this study as an experimental case.
Altered oral microbiome in Sudanese Toombak smokeless tobacco users carries a newly emerging risk of squamous cell carcinoma development and progression
Authors: Sami Amel , Elimairi Imad , Ryan C. Anthony , Stanton Catherine , Patangia Dhrati , Ross R. Paul
Published: April 2023

There are an estimated 6–10 million smokeless tobacco (Toombak) users in Sudan, the majority being males. Toombak is known to be a carcinogenic product that is likely to modify the oral microbiome spatiality into a high-risk potential for the development and progression of oral cancer, but previous studies are lacking in this field. Here, we endeavour for the first time the exploration of the oral microbiome in key mucosal areas of the oral cavity and assess the microbiome variations in premalignant and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) samples from both users and non-users of Toombak. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on DNA obtained from pooled saliva, oral mucosa and supragingival plaque from 78 Sudanese users and non-users of Toombak, aged between 20 and 70 years. In 32 of the pooled saliva samples, the mycobiome (fungal) environment was analysed through ITS sequencing. Then, 46 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of premalignant and OSCC samples were collected, and their associated microbiomes sequenced. The oral Sudanese microbiome was found to be enriched inStreptococcaceae, butStaphylococcaceaewere significantly more abundant amongst Toombak users. Genera enriched in the oral cavity of Toombak users includedCorynebacterium_1andCardiobacteriumwhile in non-users,Prevotella, LactobacillusandBifidobacteriumwere prominent.Aspergilluswas the most abundant fungus in the mouths of Toombak users with a marked loss ofCandida.The genusCorynebacterium_1was abundant in the buccal, floor of the mouth and saliva microbiomes as well as in oral cancer samples from Toombak users indicating a possible role for this genus in the early stages of oral cancer development. An oral cancer microbiome that favours poor survival and metastasis in those who use Toombak also emerged that includes the generaStenotrophomonasandSchlegelella. Those utilising Toombak carry an altered oral microbiome that may be an additional risk factor for this products carcinogenicity to the oral structures. These significant microbiome modulations are a newly emerging key driving factor in oral cancer development and progression in Toombak users while it is also shown that Toombak users carry an oral cancer microbiome that may increase the potential for a poorer prognosis.
Design and key construction technology of steel-concrete-steel sandwich composite pylon for a large span cable-stayed bridge
Authors: Pei Bida , Chong Aixiu , Xia Huan , Kang Xueyun
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces a new type of steel-concrete composite pylon that has been applied to Nanjing Fifth Yangtze River Bridge (a three-pylon cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 600 m). For this new type of pylon, the steel shells are connected with concrete through PBL shear connectors and studs, and the inner steel shells are connected with the outer steel shells by angle steels. Numerical analysis and full-scale model tests show that the pylon structure exhibits excellent mechanical properties and construction performance. The application of BIM technology, the research and development of special spreaders and construction platforms ensure the precise installation of structures. Highly factory-manufactured modular assembly of the reinforced steel shell structure can effectively reduce the intensity and difficulty of on-site operations, and improve the quality of the project, with low construction risks. Whereas, the successful application of this steel-concrete-steel sandwich composite pylon marks the formation of a complete set of construction technology of steel-concrete-steel sandwich composite pylon, which can be widely used in similar bridges.
Fungicidal activities of Cymbopogon winterianus against anthracnose of banana caused by Colletotrichum musae
Authors: Mangoba Mark Anthony Angeles , Alvindia Dionisio de Guzman
Published: April 2023

The genus Cymbopogon (Poaceae) species have been widely cultivated throughout the world for a wide range of uses in the pharmaceutical and agricultural fields. The current work investigates the fungicidal activities of Cymbopogon winterianus extract (CWE) in controlling the C. musae that caused anthracnose disease in banana fruit. In vitro assay results showed that CWE at 1.5–2.5 gL−1 concentrations controlled the development of the test pathogen. Mycelial blast, cytoplasmic discharge, and spore edema were noticed when CWE was applied. The Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) of CWE for the in vivo assay was 1.50 gL−1 and can be used as a postharvest treatment on banana fruit to deter anthracnose infection. Moreover, no visible phytotoxicity or changes in aroma were observed on banana fruit treated with CWE, even at the highest concentration of 2.5 gL−1. The GCMS analysis revealed 41 chemical components associated with CWE. The five main compounds were the following: Methyl oleyl ether (40.20%), γ-Sitosterol (15.80%), 6-Methylheptan-3-ol (7.13%), α-Terpineol (5.56%), and n-Pentadecanol (4.05%). The CWE possesses excellent fungicidal effects against C. musae; in the near future, it can be used as an alternative to commercially available traditional fungicides on the market.