bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the Long Process of the Incus by Use of Glass Ionomer Cement: Our Experience
Authors: Ali Khaled Abd El Rahman , Ibrahim Maha Ahmed , Hussien Mohammed Ahmed , Dahy Khaled Gamal
Published: June 2022

Introduction Chronic suppurative otitis media is one of the most common causes of reversible conductive hearing loss which can lead to necrosis of the ossicles. The incus, especially its long process, is the most common ossicle affected.

Objectives The present study aims to assess the use of glass ionomer cement for the reconstruction of the long process of the incus.

Methods The present study was conducted on 27 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media with central perforation with dry and quiescent ears with an eroded long process of the incus submitted to tympanoplasty. The audiological evaluations were done on all patients, including preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the air-bone gap; the average pure tone threshold was done 6 months postoperatively.

Results The average air pure tone threshold was 42.8 dB preoperatively and 22.5 dB postoperatively. The postoperative air pure tone thresholds were significantly smaller than the preoperative values (p < 0.01). The air-bone gap was 30.5 dB at 500 Hz, 31.6 dB at 1 KHz, and 24.1 dB at 2 kHz preoperatively, and 7.7 dB at 500 Hz, 7.2 dB at 1 KHz, and 7.1 dB at 2 kHz postoperatively at the end of 6 months of follow-up. There were significant hearing gains in the air-bone gap (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Glass ionomer cement is a useful and effective material for bridging the defect of the long process of the incus.
Vertical GaN trench MOSFETs with step-graded channel doping
Authors: Zhu Renqiang , Jiang Huaxing , Tang Chak Wah , Lau Kei May
Published: June 2022

Vertical GaN trench MOSFETs have shown enormous potential for efficient power switching applications. Low ON-resistance (RON) to minimize power loss, high output current (ION) to maximize driving capability, and large threshold voltage (Vth) to avoid false turn-on are highly desirable. This work reports vertical GaN trench MOSFETs with step-graded channel doping. Conventional devices with uniform channel doping were involved for comparison. The experimental results show that step-graded channel doping can achieve an improved trade-off between ION, RON, and Vth than uniform channel doping.
Research on factors affecting ultrasonic phased array detection imaging quality for curved component
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhang Chao , Li Xiahui
Published: June 2022

An in-depth analysis on the beam directivity of ultrasonic phased arrays has been made to solve the problems of low image quality and identification difficulties caused by a suboptimal configuration of array elements. The influence on the number and spacing of array elements on the imaging quality of curved components was studied. The simulation and experimental verification of the phased array sound field for curved components were carried out. The rules governing the influence of phased array transducer parameters on imaging quality were obtained, and an approach to the optimization of parameters was proposed. The results of this study have important significance for transducer design and the phased array detection of curved components.
Sub-100-picosecond time resolution from undoped and Li-doped two-dimensional perovskite scintillators
Authors: Cala' Roberto , Frank Isabel , Pagano Fiammetta , Maddalena Francesco , Dang Cuong , Birowosuto Muhammad Danang , Auffray Etiennette
Published: June 2022

Fast hybrid organic–inorganic two-dimensional (2D) perovskite scintillators with high light yield are measured for their scintillating properties. With a light yield of 17 300 ± 2140 photons/MeV, undoped PEA2PbBr4 crystals already exhibit 100 ± 4 ps coincidence time resolution (CTR) at 511 keV excitation. However, Li-doped PEA2PbBr4 crystals have improved the light yield to 21 400 ± 2140 photons/MeV and showed sub-100 ps CTR. Such CTR values and low-cost manufacturing processes make these 2D perovskite scintillators as promising competitors for commercial lanthanide scintillators in time-of-flight positron emission tomography and for fast timing detectors.
New insights on the factors affecting the heterogeneous kinetics of bulk Fe2O3 on the Earth: A molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Trong Dung Nguyen , Long Van Cao , Ţălu Ştefan
Published: June 2022

This study aims to provide new insights into the influencing factors of the Earth (low temperature, depth, and annealing time) on the heterogeneous kinetics of bulk Fe2O3 by the molecular dynamics simulation method. The obtained results show that there is an influence of the low temperature corresponding to the temperature of liquefied gases, such as helium (4.212 K), nitrogen (77 K), argon (83.8058 K), oxygen (90 K), and carbon (194.5 K), the depth (h) of the Earth’s surface from h0 = 0 km to h5* = 6370 km that corresponds to the temperature (T) from T = 300 K to T = 7000 K and the pressure (P) from P = 0 GPa to P = 360 GPa, and then annealing time (t) (120 ps) on the heterogeneous kinetics of bulk Fe2O3, such as the Radial Distribution Function (RDF), Coordination Number (CN), angular distribution, number of structural units, size (l), and energy (E). When the temperature increases in the low temperature (T) region at zero pressure (P), the link length (r), RDF height, size, CN, and the number of structural units FeO4, FeO5, and FeO6 do not change significantly, but only the very large change in E serves as the basis for future research on the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of semiconductor materials. When the depth (h) of the Earth’s surface and the thermal annealing time at different locations are increased, the characteristic quantities of dynamic dynamics change greatly, including the disappearance of FeO4 at depth h1 ≥ 17.5 km and the appearance of additional structural units FeO7, FeO8, and FeO9 at h3 ≥ 1742 km and FeO10 at h5 ≥ 5562.5 km.
Successes and challenges in using machine-learned activation energies in kinetic simulations
Authors: Ismail I. , Robertson C. , Habershon S.
Published: June 2022

The prediction of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of chemical reactions is increasingly being addressed by machine-learning (ML) methods, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs). While a number of recent studies have reported success in predicting chemical reaction activation energies, less attention has been focused on how the accuracy of ML predictions filters through to predictions of macroscopic observables. Here, we consider the impact of the uncertainty associated with ML prediction of activation energies on observable properties of chemical reaction networks, as given by microkinetics simulations based on ML-predicted reaction rates. After training an ANN to predict activation energies, given standard molecular descriptors for reactants and products alone, we performed microkinetics simulations of three different prototypical reaction networks: formamide decomposition, aldol reactions, and decomposition of 3-hydroperoxypropanal. We find that the kinetic modeling predictions can be in excellent agreement with corresponding simulations performed with ab initio calculations, but this is dependent on the inherent energetic landscape of the networks. We use these simulations to suggest some guidelines for when ML-based activation energies can be reliable and when one should take more care in applications to kinetics modeling.
Effects of fluctuations in concentration on detonation propagation
Authors: Zhou Yong , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhong Lijia , Deiterding Ralf , Zhou Lei , Wei Haiqiao
Published: June 2022

The authors examine the effects of inhomogeneity in the equivalence ratio on detonation propagation by using a set of two-dimensional numerical simulations of the detailed reaction chemistry of an H2/air mixture. A random field of fluctuations but with statistical characteristics is introduced, and several combinations of the root mean square (RMS) and characteristic length scales of the fluctuations are considered to investigate the evolutions of the cellular structure, speed of detonation, and shock pressure under these setups. The results indicate that an increase in the RMS enlarged the cell formed by the original triple points as well as the characteristic length scale to promote the transition from a single cellular pattern to a double cellular pattern. The large cell of the double cellular pattern was formed by triple points generated from local explosion, and the decoupling or curvature of the detonation wave within an extremely lean region was important for this process. Moreover, sustainable detonation propagation under these configurations benefited from the strong transverse detonation generated by the local explosion as well as the propagation of these original triple points along the stoichiometric region, where their collisions reinitiated detonation in the extremely lean region. The instantaneous and average speeds of detonation were calculated. The former followed the trend of evolution of the normalized potential instantaneous energy release, whereas the latter decreased with an increase in ∅′. However, the value of l∅ had a non-monotonic influence that can be attributed to two factors.
The interactions of a circular synthetic jet with a turbulent crossflow
Authors: Ho Haonan H. , Essel Ebenezer E. , Sullivan Pierre E.
Published: June 2022

The three-dimensional flow of a circular synthetic jet interacting with a turbulent crossflow is investigated with unsteady Reynold-Averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. The effects of jet momentum are examined using three blowing ratios (CB=0.32, 0.67, and 1.10) at constant actuation frequency (f=300 Hz), approach crossflow Reynolds number, Reθ=900, and boundary layer thickness, δ/d=7.25, where d is the jet diameter. The results showed that the expelled jet is accompanied by a reverse flow region on the downstream side which undergoes alternating expansion and contraction during the jet cycle. The size of the reverse flow region and depth of penetration increased with increasing jet momentum. For the low momentum jet, the expelled flow structure evolved into a hairpin vortex which significantly enhanced the wall shear stress in the spanwise direction and near the jet exit. The higher momentum jets, on the other hand, exhibited strong vortex loops around the expelled jet column that transitioned into trailing vortex pairs and a tilted vortex ring further downstream. Along the wall, both horseshoe vortex upstream of the jet exit and tertiary vortices downstream were found attached to the wall. The strong tertiary vortices promoted downwash of fluids which significantly enhanced the wall shear stress along the symmetry plane for the medium and high momentum jets. The impact of the tertiary vortices increased with the jet momentum, offering greater potential for flow separation control.
Blood-based untargeted metabolomics in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis revealed the testable therapeutic target
Authors: Zahoor Insha , Suhail Hamid , Datta Indrani , Ahmed Mohammad Ejaz , Poisson Laila M. , Waters Jeffrey , Rashid Faraz , Bin Rui , Singh Jaspreet , Cerghet Mirela , Kumar Ashok , Hoda Md Nasrul , Rattan Ramandeep , Mangalam Ashutosh K. , Giri Shailendra
Published: June 2022

Metabolic aberrations impact the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and possibly can provide clues for new treatment strategies. Using untargeted metabolomics, we measured serum metabolites from 35 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 14 healthy age-matched controls. Of 632 known metabolites detected, 60 were significantly altered in RRMS. Bioinformatics analysis identified an altered metabotype in patients with RRMS, represented by four changed metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid, citrate cycle, sphingolipid, and pyruvate metabolism. Interestingly, the common upstream metabolic pathway feeding these four pathways is the glycolysis pathway. Real-time bioenergetic analysis of the patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed enhanced glycolysis, supporting the altered metabolic state of immune cells. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice treated with the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose ameliorated the disease progression and inhibited the disease pathology significantly by promoting the antiinflammatory phenotype of monocytes/macrophage in the central nervous system. Our study provided a proof of principle for how a blood-based metabolomic approach using patient samples could lead to the identification of a therapeutic target for developing potential therapy.
Jordanian Arabic euphemizers in English translation
Authors: Al-Azzam Bakri , Al-Kharabsheh Aladdin , Al-Quran Majed
Published: June 2022

This study investigates a special category of euphemism, i.e., euphemizers (Farghal 2012). It makes a key distinction between euphemism which is normally engineered to mitigate the impact of a certain specific expression in a structure through substituting it by a milder one, and euphemizer which is seen as a scene-setter for and an impact-softener of the entire topic or discourse in any given communicative situation. As far as the Politeness Principle (Leech 1983) and the Cooperative Principle (Grice 1975) are concerned, the study shows that euphemizers in Jordanian Arabic have been found to be exploited to generate particularized rather than generalized conversational implicatures or floutings as to achieve certain communicative politeness-related purposes, such as softening the overarching negative force of the entire discourse, soothing the fury of interactants, showing respect, high-esteem, friendliness, warmth, and hospitability. These purposes emerge as the raison d’être behind such a pervasive “socio-discoursal deodorization.” Analysis also shows that the pragmatic translation proved to be an appropriate, but to a large extent, a dominant strategy that has aptly been opted for in dealing with many cases that match with English, whereas the deletion or zero-translation strategy, to a lesser extent, has been applied to unmatchful ones.
Cultural semantics of the ‘salt’ word in Persian
Authors: Arab Reza
Published: June 2022

This article explicates the cultural conceptualizations of the word for salt (namak) in Persian. The concept ofnamakreveals an important aspect of Persian sociality, hospitality, mutual respect, and playfulness. For instance, a person’s face or words can be perceived to ‘have salt’, or one’s hand is declared to ‘not have salt’ in the Persian language. To examine the conceptualization ofnamak, this article makes use of corpus data as well as the metalanguage proposed by Natural Semantic Metalanguage to spell out the nuances of salt-related cultural concepts in Persian. Three senses are identified fornamakfrom a historical perspective:namak0for the substance of salt;namak1the cornerstone of Iranian sociality and hospitality; andnamak2the pleasantness, which has changed its semantic content from referring to being pleasant and eloquent to being amusing and playful.
The interactions of Ce-P on microstructure and mechanical properties in pure copper
Authors: Song Jin-tao , Liu Hai-tao , Song Ke-xing , Hua Yun-xiao , Peng Xiao-wen , Zhou Yan-jun , Guo Xiu-hua , Cheng Chu , Zhang Ling-liang , Wang Guo-jie , Tian An-fu
Published: June 2022

The interactions of Ce and P on microstructure, mechanical properties in as-cast pure copper were investigated by utilising the OM, SEM and TEM techniques, combined with tensile tests. The results reveal that the micron-scale CeP precipitates are distributed along grain boundaries (GBs), leading to an obvious reduction of grain size and a significant improvement in mechanical properties, compare with pure copper. In addition, the fracture mechanism transformed from microvoid coalescence fracture to quasi-cleavage failure due to the formation of grain boundary precipitates CeP.
Bit commitment as an introduction to quantum cryptography
Authors: Lethen Tim
Published: June 2022

This paper analyzes some of the drawbacks of Bennett & Brassard’s quantum key distribution protocol when used in an educational setting introducing components of quantum cryptography. We propose to utilize a quantum bit commitment protocol instead in order to avoid the outlined difficulties. Additionally, we present implementations of the latter protocol in two different programming paradigms which may either be used as a practical demonstration tool for holding a quantum bit ballot, or as a means to foster an in-depth understanding of the cryptographic protocol amongst pupils with a background in computer science.
Nanoarchitectonics for granular systems: in the case of disordered Mo–SiO
x
thin films
Authors: Hou Boyu , Liu Zhengyuan , Luo Bingcheng
Published: June 2022

Granular systems composed of metallic granules embedded as artificial atoms in the insulating matrix, have been extensively studied over the last decade due to their importance for nanotechnological applications and fundamental research on disordered materials. However, fabrication of uniform granular systems with tunable functionalities is still challenging. Here, from a nanoarchitectonic perspective, we proposed a general fabrication approach which exploits the different oxygen affinity between involving chemical elements to realize granular systems. Such a routine was demonstrated in the prototypical Mo–SiO
x
granular systems when the Mo–Si alloy target was sputtered at room temperature under oxygen-poor conditions. This growth approach produces highly disordered Mo–SiO
x
granular thin films, which exhibit the tunable electronic behavior, and huge photo-response (I
L/I
D up to 107 at 100 K), over 100% external quantum efficiency (in the wavelength range of 500–750 nm) and a short response time (∼3 ms). Our work provides a new design principle for fabricating granular systems with tunable functionalities, which lays the foundation for understanding novel physical phenomena and rational design of multi-functional devices.
Demonstration of dynamical control of three-level open systems with a superconducting qutrit
Authors: Zheng Ri-Hua , Ning Wen , Yang Zhen-Biao , Xia Yan , Zheng Shi-Biao
Published: June 2022

We propose a method for the dynamical control in three-level open systems and realize it in the experiment with a superconducting qutrit. Our work demonstrates that in the Markovian environment for a relatively long time (3 μs), the systemic populations or coherence can still strictly follow the preset evolution paths. This is the first experiment for precisely controlling the Markovian dynamics of three-level open systems, providing a solid foundation for the future realization of dynamical control in multiple open systems. An instant application of the technique demonstrated in this experiment is to stabilize the energy of quantum batteries.
Preparation and characteristic analysis of carbon coated nanoscale SnO2 system: an integrated experimental and first principles approach
Authors: Shukla Nishant , Chetri Pawan , Ahmed Gazi A
Published: June 2022

A successful preparation of carbon coated (CC- SnO2)and uncoated (UC- SnO2) nanoscale SnO2 is achieved via cost-effective physicochemical method employing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the source of carbon. The idea of coating with carbon is to reduce agglomeration and investigate single particle properties. The resulting phase compositions of UC- and CC- SnO2 is characterized by XRD, Raman, TEM, UV–vis, photoluminescence, dielectric- spectroscopy and conductivity measurement. The carbon coated SnO2 finds advancement in its characteristic properties with versatility, like phase and material stability, increase in activation energy and reduction in agglomeration formation. The prepared CC- SnO2 suppresses the natural mode of vibration of SnO2 nanoparticles. Dielectric spectroscopy measurements show that the dielectric loss is more in UC- SnO2 than CC- SnO2 at all frequencies. The existence of carbon coating on SnO2 nanoparticles and its phenomenal characterizing behavior was verified by first- principles approach with investigation of the structural and electronic properties of SnO2, PVA, and their merged structures. A model has been used to observe the surface interaction effect between SnO2 and PVA for a defined geometry elucidated through variations in the density of states results. The reported method and investigations approached through the integrated technique provides conspicuous enrichment to the field.
Impact of incident direction on neutron-induced single-bit and multiple-cell upsets in 14 nm FinFET and 65 nm planar SRAMs
Authors: Yang Shao-Hua , Zhang Zhan-Gang , Lei Zhi-Feng , Huang Yun , Xi Kai , Wang Song-Lin , Liang Tian-Jiao , Tong Teng , Li Xiao-Hui , Peng Chao , Wu Fu-Gen , Li Bin
Published: June 2022

Based on the BL09 terminal of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), single event upset (SEU) cross sections of 14 nm fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) and 65 nm quad data rate (QDR) static random-access memories (SRAMs) are obtained under different incident directions of neutrons: front, back and side. It is found that, for both technology nodes, the “worst direction” corresponds to the case that neutrons traverse package and metallization before reaching the sensitive volume. The SEU cross section under the worst direction is 1.7–4.7 times higher than those under other incident directions. While for multiple-cell upset (MCU) sensitivity, side incidence is the worst direction, with the highest MCU ratio. The largest MCU for the 14 nm FinFET SRAM involves 8 bits. Monte–Carlo simulations are further performed to reveal the characteristics of neutron induced secondary ions and understand the inner mechanisms.
Optomagnonically tunable whispering gallery cavity laser wavelength conversion
Authors: Zhu Yining , Zhu Zixu , Pei Anbang , Gao Yong-Pan
Published: June 2022

We achieve laser wavelength conversion in an optomagnonical whispering gallery cavity by adjusting the strength of the applied static magnetic field. Numerical simulations are carried out on a yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere under different cavity quality factors or coupling strength. It is found that a high cavity quality factor will not always mean a high cavity excitation field for Gaussian lasers with finite linewidth. On state of the art, the high cavity quality factor will always mean the higher lightwave conversion rate. In addition, we also find that increasing the mode coupling strength is beneficial to the conversion of the laser. Our study provides new insights into generation of highly precise tunable coherent light.
Selection of photodetectors in nuclear medical imaging using MCDM methods
Authors: Ozsahin I. , Uzun B. , Ozsahin D.U.
Published: June 2022

Photodetectors used in nuclear medical imaging such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are an important element of radiation detection systems. Selecting the photodetector depends on many physical criteria including quantum efficiency (QE) and gain. The aim of this study is to apply multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to determine the optimum photodetector based on the evaluation and comparison of complex and multiple criteria. The photodetectors investigated in this study are photomultiplier tube (PMT), avalanche photodiode (APD) and silicon photomultiplier (SiPM). The bias voltage, gain, rise time, and QE were selected since they are considered as the key criteria for the photodetectors. Then, the corresponding values of each criteria were defined and preferred weights were assigned to each criteria based on the desired outcome. The fuzzy preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations (PROMETHEE) and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods were used to evaluate the alternatives. The results showed that conventional PMT came first in the ranking, followed by SiPM, while APD was the least desirable photodetector according to the fuzzy PROMETHEE and fuzzy TOPSIS methods based on the selected criteria and assigned weights. MCDM methods were used to select photodetectors used in PET and SPECT systems. One can incorporate as many alternatives and criteria as needed and assign the weights accordingly.
CO2 fertilization of crops offsets yield losses due to future surface ozone damage and climate change
Authors: Leung Felix , Sitch Stephen , Tai Amos P K , Wiltshire Andrew J , Gornall Jemma L , Folberth Gerd A , Unger Nadine
Published: June 2022

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is harmful to plant productivity and negatively impacts crop yields. O3 concentrations are projected to decrease globally in the optimistic Representative Concentration Pathway of 2.6 W m–2 (RCP2.6) but increase globally following the high-emission scenario under the RCP8.5, with substantial implications for global food security. The damaging effect of O3 on future crop yield is affected by CO2 fertilization and climate change, and their interactions for RCP scenarios have yet to be quantified. In this study, we used the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator modified to include crops (JULES-crop) to quantify the impacts, and relative importance of present-day and future O3, CO2 concentration and meteorology on crop production at the regional scale until 2100 following RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios. We focus on eight major crop-producing regions that cover the production of wheat, soybean, maize, and rice. Our results show that CO2 alone has the largest effect on regional yields, followed by climate and O3. However, the CO2 fertilization effect is offset by the negative impact of tropospheric O3 in regions with high O3 concentrations, such as South Asia and China. Simulated crop yields in 2050 were compared with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) statistics to investigate the differences between a socioeconomic and a biophysical process-based approach. Results showed that FAO estimates are closer to our JULES-crop RCP8.5 scenario. This study demonstrates that air pollution could be the biggest threat to future food production and highlights an urgent policy need to mitigate the threat of climate change and O3 pollution on food security.
Tannin phenotyping of the Vitaceae reveals a phylogenetic linkage of epigallocatechin in berries and leaves
Authors: Brillouet Jean-Marc , Romieu Charles , Bacilieri Roberto , Nick Peter , Trias-Blasi Anna , Maul Erika , Solymosi Katalin , Teszlák Peter , Jiang Jiang-Fu , Sun Lei , Ortolani Danielle , Londo Jason P , Gutierrez Ben , Prins Bernard , Reynders Marc , Van Caekenberghe Frank , Maghradze David , Marchal Cecile , Sultan Amir , Thomas Jean-Francois , Scherberich Daniel , Fulcrand Helene , Roumeas Laurent , Billerach Guillaume , Salimov Vugar , Musayev Mirza , Ejaz Ul Islam Dar Muhammad , Peltier Jean-Benoit , Grisoni Michel
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Condensed tannins, responsible for berry and wine astringency, may have been selected during grapevine domestication. This work examines the phylogenetic distribution of condensed tannins throughout the Vitaceae phylogenetic tree.

Methods

Green berries and mature leaves of representative true-to-type members of the Vitaceae were collected before ‘véraison’, freeze-dried and pulverized, and condensed tannins were measured following depolymerization by nucleophilic addition of 2-mercaptoethanol to the C4 of the flavan-3-ol units in an organic acidic medium. Reaction products were separated and quantified by ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography/diode array detection/mass spectrometry.

Key Results and Conclusions

The original ability to incorporate epigallocatechin (EGC) into grapevine condensed tannins was lost independently in both the American and Eurasian/Asian branches of the Vitaceae, with exceptional cases of reversion to the ancestral EGC phenotype. This is particularly true in the genus Vitis, where we now find two radically distinct groups differing with respect to EGC content. While Vitis species from Asia are void of EGC, 50 % of the New World Vitis harbour EGC. Interestingly, the presence of EGC is tightly coupled with the degree of leaf margin serration. Noticeably, the rare Asian EGC-forming species are phylogenetically close to Vitis vinifera, the only remnant representative of Vitis in Eurasia. Both the wild ancestral V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris as well as the domesticated V. vinifera subsp. sativa can accumulate EGC and activate galloylation biosynthesis that compete for photoassimilates and reductive power.
The meaning and origin of goal-directedness: a dynamical systems perspective
Authors: Heylighen Francis
Published: June 2022

This paper attempts to clarify the notion of goal-directedness, which is often misunderstood as being inconsistent with standard causal mechanisms. We first note that goal-directedness does not presuppose any mysterious forces, such as intelligent design, vitalism, conscious intention or backward causation. We then review attempts at defining goal-directedness by means of more operational characteristics: equifinality, plasticity, persistence, concerted action and negative feedback. We show that all these features can be explained by interpreting a goal as a far-from-equilibrium attractor of a dynamical system. This implies that perturbations that make the system deviate from its goal-directed trajectory are automatically compensated—at least as long as the system stays within the same basin of attraction. We argue that attractors and basins with the necessary degree of resilience tend to self-organize in complex reaction networks, thus producing self-maintaining ‘organizations’. These can be seen as an abstract model of the first goal-directed systems, and thus of the origin of life.
Risk of pathogenic virus transmission by somatic cell nuclear transfer: implications for xenotransplantation
Authors: Denner Joachim
Published: June 2022

Using somatic cell nuclear transfer for the generation of cloned and transgenic animals bears the risk of transmission of viruses, either by the oocyte or by the introduced donor cell. There is evidence that the zona pellucida (ZP) surrounding the oocyte prevents virus infection; however, virus infections despite intact ZP were reported. Furthermore, the protective ZP has to be penetrated to place the somatic cell in the oocyte’s perivitelline space during SCNT. Transmission of viruses also represents a severe problem during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Genetically modified and IVF-produced pigs serve as an important biomedical model for numerous diseases and it is important to evaluate whether infections of the model animals can falsify the research data. Of special significance is this topic in the case of xenotransplantation using genetically modified pigs as donor animals, because transmission of porcine viruses may be harmful to the human recipient. This was repeatedly demonstrated in preclinical pig to non-human primate trials. Therefore, donor pigs, oocytes used for SCNT, and genetically modified donor cells should be screened for potentially zoonotic viruses when creating genetically modified pigs designed for xenotransplantation.
Sleep deprivation altered encoding of basolateral amygdala on fear acquisition
Authors: Feng Pan , Becker Benjamin , Zhou Feng , Feng Tingyong , Chen Zhiyi
Published: June 2022

Sleep deprivation (SD) may lead to the development of fear- and anxiety-related emotional disorders. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of SD on fear acquisition are unclear. Here, we tested whether and how SD influences the behavioral and neural manifestations of fear acquisition. We found that subjective fear ratings and objective fear indices (skin conductance response [SCR]) in the SD group were greater than those in the control group during fear acquisition, suggesting that SD facilitated fear acquisition (nSD = 18 and ncontrol = 23 for self-reported rating analysis; nSD = 10 and ncontrol = 10 for SCR analysis). Neuroimaging data showed that the SD group exhibited stronger activity in the left basolateral amygdala (BLA) and left superficial amygdala (SFA). Moreover, the left BLA activity, which positively correlated with the objective fear indices, significantly mediated the effect of SD on fear acquisition. Together, the present findings indicate that SD facilitates fear acquisition by augmenting threat-specific encoding in the BLA, which may be a potential biomarker of the risk of developing fear-related disorders under traumatic and distressing situations.
Explainable machine learning approach to predict and explain the relationship between task-based fMRI and individual differences in cognition
Authors: Pat Narun , Wang Yue , Bartonicek Adam , Candia Julián , Stringaris Argyris
Published: June 2022

Despite decades of costly research, we still cannot accurately predict individual differences in cognition from task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Moreover, aiming for methods with higher prediction is not sufficient. To understand brain-cognition relationships, we need to explain how these methods draw brain information to make the prediction. Here we applied an explainable machine-learning (ML) framework to predict cognition from task-based fMRI during the n-back working-memory task, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (n = 3,989). We compared 9 predictive algorithms in their ability to predict 12 cognitive abilities. We found better out-of-sample prediction from ML algorithms over the mass-univariate and ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression. Among ML algorithms, Elastic Net, a linear and additive algorithm, performed either similar to or better than nonlinear and interactive algorithms. We explained how these algorithms drew information, using SHapley Additive explanation, eNetXplorer, Accumulated Local Effects, and Friedman’s H-statistic. These explainers demonstrated benefits of ML over the OLS multiple regression. For example, ML provided some consistency in variable importance with a previous study and consistency with the mass-univariate approach in the directionality of brain-cognition relationships at different regions. Accordingly, our explainable-ML framework predicted cognition from task-based fMRI with boosted prediction and explainability over standard methodologies.
The brain network underlying attentional blink predicts symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
Authors: Zhang Dai , Zhang Ruotong , Zhou Liqin , Zhou Ke , Chang Chunqi
Published: June 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disease that can markedly impair educational, social, and occupational function throughout life. Behavioral deficits may provide clues to the underlying neurological impairments. Children with ADHD exhibit a larger attentional blink (AB) deficit in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) tasks than typically developing children, so we examined whether brain connectivity in the neural network associated with AB can predict ADHD symptoms and thus serve as potential biomarkers of the underlying neuropathology. We first employed a connectome-based predictive model analysis of adult resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data to identify a distributed brain network for AB. The summed functional connectivity (FC) strength within the AB network reliably predicted individual differences in AB magnitude measured by a classical dual-target RSVP task. Furthermore, the summed FC strength within the AB network predicted individual differences in ADHD Rating Scale scores from an independent dataset of pediatric patients. Our findings suggest that the individual AB network could serve as an applicable neuroimaging-based biomarker of AB deficit and ADHD symptoms.
Substitution rate heterogeneity across hexanucleotide contexts in noncoding chloroplast DNA
Authors: Morton Brian R
Published: June 2022

Substitutions between closely related noncoding chloroplast DNA sequences are studied with respect to the composition of the 3 bases on each side of the substitution, that is the hexanucleotide context. There is about 100-fold variation in rate, among the contexts, particularly on substitutions of A and T. Rate heterogeneity of transitions differs from that of transversions, resulting in a more than 200-fold variation in the transitions: transversion bias. The data are consistent with a CpG effect, and it is shown that both the A + T content and the arrangement of purines/pyrimidines along the same DNA strand are correlated with rate variation. Expected equilibrium A + T content ranges from 36.4% to 82.8% across contexts, while G–C skew ranges from −77.4 to 72.2 and A–T skew ranges from −63.9 to 68.2. The predicted equilibria are associated with specific features of the content of the hexanucleotide context, and also show close agreement with the observed context-dependent compositions. Finally, by controlling for the content of nucleotides closer to the substitution site, it is shown that both the third and fourth nucleotide removed on each side of the substitution directly influence substitution dynamics at that site. Overall, the results demonstrate that noncoding sites in different contexts are evolving along very different evolutionary trajectories and that substitution dynamics are far more complex than typically assumed. This has important implications for a number of types of sequence analysis, particularly analyses of natural selection, and the context-dependent substitution matrices developed here can be applied in future analyses.
On-site alert-level earthquake early warning using machine-learning-based prediction equations
Authors: Song Jindong , Zhu Jingbao , Wang Yuan , Li Shanyou
Published: June 2022

To rapidly and accurately provide alerts at target sites near the epicentre, we develop an on-site alert-level earthquake early warning (EEW) strategy involving P-wave signals and machine-learning-based prediction equations. These prediction equations are established for magnitude estimation and peak ground velocity (PGV) prediction accounting for multiple feature inputs and the support vector machine (SVM). These prediction equations are called SVM-M model for estimating magnitude and SVM-PGV model for predicting PGV, respectively. According to comparison between the predicted magnitude and PGV values with the predicted threshold values (M = 5.7 and PGV = 9.12 cm s–1, respectively), different alert level (0, 1, 2, 3) is issued at the different recording site when the predicted magnitude or PGV values exceed the given threshold values. Alert level 3 means that both the predicted magnitude and the predicted PGV exceed a given threshold, and there may be serious damage in this recording site. We apply the method to three destructive earthquake events (M ≥ 6.5) occurred in Japan, and our results indicate that with regard to the performance of SVM-PGV model for predicting PGV, at 3 s after P-wave arrival, the percentage of successful alarms (SAs) for these three events is higher than 95, 73 and 94 per cent, respectively, and the percentage of false alarms approaches 0. Additionally, with regard to the performance of SVM-M model for estimating magnitude, at 3 s after P-wave arrival, the percentage of SAs for these three events exceeds 95 per cent, and the percentage of missed alarms approaches 0. Moreover, almost all stations in the areas PGV ≥ 16 cm s–1 (IMM ≥ VII) near the epicentre issue alert level 3. The proposed method provides potential applications in EEW system.
A Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with Practical Guidelines for Interpretation
Authors: Stafford Imogen S , Gosink Mark M , Mossotto Enrico , Ennis Sarah , Hauben Manfred
Published: June 2022

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a gastrointestinal chronic disease with an unpredictable disease course. Computational methods such as machine learning (ML) have the potential to stratify IBD patients for the provision of individualized care. The use of ML methods for IBD was surveyed, with an additional focus on how the field has changed over time.

Methods

On May 6, 2021, a systematic review was conducted through a search of MEDLINE and Embase databases, with the search structure (“machine learning” OR “artificial intelligence”) AND (“Crohn* Disease” OR “Ulcerative Colitis” OR “Inflammatory Bowel Disease”). Exclusion criteria included studies not written in English, no human patient data, publication before 2001, studies that were not peer reviewed, nonautoimmune disease comorbidity research, and record types that were not primary research.

Results

Seventy-eight (of 409) records met the inclusion criteria. Random forest methods were most prevalent, and there was an increase in neural networks, mainly applied to imaging data sets. The main applications of ML to clinical tasks were diagnosis (18 of 78), disease course (22 of 78), and disease severity (16 of 78). The median sample size was 263. Clinical and microbiome-related data sets were most popular. Five percent of studies used an external data set after training and testing for additional model validation.

Discussion

Availability of longitudinal and deep phenotyping data could lead to better modeling. Machine learning pipelines that consider imbalanced data and that feature selection only on training data will generate more generalizable models. Machine learning models are increasingly being applied to more complex clinical tasks for specific phenotypes, indicating progress towards personalized medicine for IBD.
Tofacitinib Response in Ulcerative Colitis (TOUR): Early Response After Initiation of Tofacitinib Therapy in a Real-world Setting
Authors: Long Millie D , Afzali Anita , Fischer Monika , Hudesman David , Abdalla Maisa , McCabe Robert , Cohen Benjamin L , Ungaro Ryan C , Harlan Will , Hanson John , Konijeti Gauree , Polyak Steven , Ritter Timothy , Salzberg Bruce , Seminerio Jennifer , English Emily , Zhang Xian , Sharma Puza P , Herfarth Hans H
Published: June 2022

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral, small-molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Using a novel electronic reporting tool, we aimed to prospectively describe the onset of tofacitinib efficacy during induction therapy in a real-world study.

Methods

Patient-reported outcome data (PROs) including the simple clinical colitis activity index (SCCAI), PRO Measurement Identification Systems (PROMIS) measures, and adverse events were collected daily for the first 14 days and at day 28 and 56. Paired t tests and P for trend were utilized to compare changes in SCCAI over time. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were performed to describe response (SCCAI <5) and remission (SCCAI ≤2) by clinical factors.

Results

Of all included patients (n = 96), 67% had failed ≥2 biologics, and 61.5% were on concomitant steroids. Starting at day 3, PROs showed significant and persistent decline of the mean SCCAI (−1.1, P < 000.1) including significantly lower SCCAI subscores for stool frequency (−0.3; P < .003), bleeding (−0.3; P < .0002) and urgency (−0.2; P < .001). Steroid-free remission at day 14, 28, and 56 was achieved in 25%, 30.2%, and 29.2% of patients, respectively. Neither prior biologics nor endoscopic severity were independently predictive of response or remission in multivariate models. Numeric improvements in all PROMIS measures (anxiety, depression, social satisfaction) were seen through day 56. Rates of discontinuation due to adverse events were low.

Conclusions

In this prospective real-world study, tofacitinib resulted in a rapid and persistent improvement in UC disease activity PROs. The safety findings were consistent with the established safety profile of tofacitinib.
Innovative Earth-Friendly UV-Spectrophotometric Technique for In Vitro Dissolution Testing of Miconazole Nitrate and Nystatin in Their Vaginal Suppositories: Greenness Assessment
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed R , Abolmagd Ebrahim , Badrawy Mohamed , Nour Israa M
Published: June 2022

Background

The combined mixture of miconazole nitrate (MIC) and nystatin (NYS) has proven its efficiency as a prodigious remedy to cure women’s frequent infections: vaginal mycosis and vaginal candidiasis.

Objective

A novel green spectrophotometric technique, namely the Fourier self-deconvolution method (FSD), was employed for the quantitative determination of MIC and NYS in their pure and pharmaceutical forms without prior separation. Moreover, the proposed technique was first employed to study the dissolution profile of the cited drugs in their pharmaceutical formulation according to FDA recommendations without excipient interference.

Method

The FSD method is based on a simple mathematical manipulation of zero-order spectra of the cited drugs, which suffered from severe overlapping, so zero-order spectra of the cited drugs were deconvoluted using the Fourier wavelet function in spectrophotometer software. The deconvoluted amplitudes for MIC and NYS were measured at 255 nm and 320 nm, respectively.

Results

Linearity ranges were 70–700 µg/mL for MIC and 1–25 µg/mL for NYS. The greenness of the proposed technique was assessed using two assessment tools, namely eco-scale scoring and green analytical procedure index (GAPI), revealing the excellent greenness of this technique. The proposed technique was validated consistent with ICH guidelines and statistically compared to the reported method with no significant differences between them.

Conclusions

The proposed technique has advantages of being simple, time-saving, and noting need any modification to be suitable for quantitative analysis of MIC and NYS in both pharmaceutical and laboratory mixtures.

Highlights

An innovative FSD method was developed for quantitative analysis of MIC and NYS in their synthetic and pharmaceutical mixtures and applied for in vitro dissolution testing of their pharmaceutical mixture, producing satisfactory results.