bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain activity of diving seals reveals short sleep cycles at depth
Authors: Kendall-Bar Jessica M. , Williams Terrie M. , Mukherji Ritika , Lozano Daniel A. , Pitman Julie K. , Holser Rachel R. , Keates Theresa , Beltran Roxanne S. , Robinson Patrick W. , Crocker Daniel E. , Adachi Taiki , Lyamin Oleg I. , Vyssotski Alexei L. , Costa Daniel P.
Published: April 2023

Sleep is a crucial part of the daily activity patterns of mammals. However, in marine species that spend months or entire lifetimes at sea, the location, timing, and duration of sleep may be constrained. To understand how marine mammals satisfy their daily sleep requirements while at sea, we monitored electroencephalographic activity in wild northern elephant seals (
Mirounga angustirostris
) diving in Monterey Bay, California. Brain-wave patterns showed that seals took short (less than 20 minutes) naps while diving (maximum depth 377 meters; 104 sleeping dives). Linking these patterns to accelerometry and the time-depth profiles of 334 free-ranging seals (514,406 sleeping dives) revealed a North Pacific sleepscape in which seals averaged only 2 hours of sleep per day for 7 months, rivaling the record for the least sleep among all mammals, which is currently held by the African elephant (about 2 hours per day).
Managing United States–China university relations and risks
Authors: Lester Richard , Tsai Lily , Berger Suzanne , Fisher Peter , Fravel M. Taylor , Goldston David , Huang Yasheng , Rus Daniela
Published: April 2023

US universities must proactively address potential concerns
The era of the intoxicated experimentalist
Psychonauts: Drugs and the Making of the Modern Mind
Mike Jay
Yale University Press, 2023. 376 pp.
Authors: Richert Lucas
Published: April 2023

A historian revisits psychoactive self-experimentation’s 19th-century heyday
Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis within Macrophages Does Not Require Carbon Dioxide or pH-Sensing Pathways
Authors: Wilson Hannah B. , Lorenz Michael C.
Published: April 2023

The opportunistic fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
has evolved a variety of mechanisms for surviving inside and escaping macrophages, including the initiation of filamentous growth. Although several distinct models have been proposed to explain this process at the molecular level, the signals driving hyphal morphogenesis in this context have yet to be clarified. Here, we evaluate the following three molecular signals as potential hyphal inducers within macrophage phagosomes: CO
2
, intracellular pH, and extracellular pH. Additionally, we revisit previous work suggesting that the intracellular pH of
C. albicans
fluctuates in tandem with morphological changes
in vitro
. Using time-lapse microscopy, we observed that
C. albicans
mutants lacking components of the CO
2
-sensing pathway were able to undergo hyphal morphogenesis within macrophages. Similarly, a
rim101Δ
strain was competent in hyphal induction, suggesting that neutral/alkaline pH sensing is not necessary for the initiation of morphogenesis within phagosomes either. Contrary to previous findings, single-cell pH-tracking experiments revealed that the cytosolic pH of
C. albicans
remains tightly regulated both within macrophage phagosomes and under a variety of
in vitro
conditions throughout the process of morphogenesis. This finding suggests that intracellular pH is not a signal contributing to morphological changes.
Supplemental Material: Wet calc-alkaline magmatic fractionation in the middle–-upper crustal sections of the continental arc: Insights from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex, western Yangtze Block, South China
Authors: Zhu Yu , et al.
Published: April 2023

Figure S1: Field outcrops for the Nanba intrusive complex along the western Yangtze Block, South China. (See text for detailed descriptions). Figure S2: Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of representative zircons of the different lithologies in the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Figure S3: Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U-Pb concordia diagrams for the different lithologies in Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Figure S4: Photomicrographs show the polycrystalline aggregate of feldspar phases in the K-feldspar granites in Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Pl—plagioclase; Kfs—K-feldspar. Supplemental Data S1: A summary of Neoproterozoic igneous rocks of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S2: Representative electron probe analyses of feldspar from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S3: Representative electron probe analyses of hornblende from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S4: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results for the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S5: Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic data of the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S6: The whole-rock major (wt%) and trace (ppm) elements for the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China.
Comparative Analysis of Foliar Diseases of Some Native and Non-Native Tree Species in Belarus and Siberia
Authors: Tomoshevich M. A. , Belomesyatseva D. , Banaev E. V. , Vorob’eva I. G. , Shabashova T.
Published: April 2023

Urban green spaces are known to be subjected to additional anthropogenic stress. Using native plants in monoculture, i.e., planting trees of the same species, may favour disease outbreaks and plant death. Non-native plants to be used in large cities for creating sustainable plantations are being searched for worldwide. Meanwhile, it is necessary to control plant pathogens in the variable conditions of the region and natural habitat. In Siberian cities, non-native European trees are used, and non-native Siberian plants are introduced in Belarus. This article reports long-term observations of foliar fungal pathogens attacking 21 woody plants (19 European, 2 Siberian) in Siberian and Belarusian cities. In both regions, 48 leaf fungal pathogens were detected, with powdery mildew fungi predominating in Belarus and leaf spotting fungi prevailing in Siberia. In both research regions, the greatest number of fungal species was found on Syringa vulgaris L. In Siberia, many pathogens were found on the non-native European plant Berberis vulgaris (9 species) and native plant Caragana arborescens Lam. (8 species). We have not detected the pathogens on European plants: Acer campestre L., Acer platanoides L., Euonymus europaeus L., Lonicera caprifolium L. in urban green areas in Siberia, while we have identified one to four foliar fungal pathogens on these plants in Belarus. To sum up: more pathogens were found on native plants in Siberia and Belarus; some leaf pathogen species (Sawadaea tulasnei (Fuckel) Homma, Erysiphe alphitoides (Griffon & Maubl.) U. Braun & S. Takam., Cladosporium syringae (Oudem.) Montem., Erysiphe syringae Schwein., Erysiphe palczewskii (Jacz.) U. Braun & S. Takam.) followed their host plants (Acer tataricum L., Syringa vulgaris L., Caragana arborescens Lam.) when introduced into new areas; and some local pathogens were also observed to spread to the non-native plants of closely related species.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Managing post-COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID) in children and young people
Authors: Wacks Michael , Wortley Elizabeth , Gregorowski Anna , Segal Terry Y , Whittaker Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

Post-COVID-19 syndrome is a new condition that can have a major impact on the physical and mental well-being of children and young people, affecting their ability to access activities including education. Paediatricians and general practitioners need to be able to assess and manage patients with this condition; making the diagnosis, excluding serious pathology, managing comorbidities and accessing appropriate management are crucial. This 15 minute consultation presents an approach to history taking, examination, investigations, management principles and referrals.
Maternal depression or anxiety during pregnancy and offspring type 1 diabetes: a population-based family-design cohort study
Authors: Smew Awad I , Lundholm Cecilia , Gong Tong , Sävendahl Lars , Lichtenstein Paul , Brew Bronwyn K , Almqvist Catarina
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To investigate the association between maternal depression/anxiety during pregnancy and offspring type 1 diabetes, to assess the specific importance of exposure during pregnancy by comparing across different exposure periods before and/or after pregnancy, and to explore potential unmeasured familial confounding.

Research design and methods

This was a population-based cohort including 1 807 809 offspring born in Sweden 2002–2019. From national registers, data were available on diagnosis or medication prescription for depression/anxiety in and around pregnancy, as well as incident cases of type 1 diabetes defined through diagnosis or insulin treatment. Associations were examined using flexible parametric and Cox regression models. Familial confounding was explored using paternal exposure as a negative control and by comparing offspring exposed to maternal depression/anxiety with their unexposed siblings.

Results

For exposure during pregnancy, maternal depression/anxiety was associated with an increased risk of offspring type 1 diabetes onset after, but not before, 8 years of age (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.21 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.42]). Exposure occurring only during pregnancy was similarly associated to type 1 diabetes (aHR 1.24 (0.96 to 1.60)), whereas exposure occurring only before pregnancy was not (aHR 0.91 (0.64 to 1.30)). Associations were close to the null for paternal depression/anxiety (aHR 0.95 (0.72 to 1.25)), and point estimates were above 1 in sibling comparisons, although with wide CIs (aHR 1.36 (0.82 to 2.26)).

Conclusions

Maternal depression/anxiety specifically during pregnancy seems to be associated with offspring type 1 diabetes. Paternal negative control and sibling comparisons indicate that the results cannot entirely be explained by familial confounding.
Recurrent keratoconus: an analysis of breaks in Bowman’s layer in corneal grafts
Authors: Johns Lynette K , Leon Pia , Cortes-Barrantes Paula , Hanbazazh Mehenaz , Zurakowski David , Dryja Thaddeus P , Ciolino Joseph B
Published: April 2023

Objective

To study in a masked fashion whether an objective histological feature associated with keratoconus (KCN) occurs in donor corneas in eyes originally receiving a corneal graft for KCN.

Methods

Two ocular pathologists performed a retrospective masked histological analysis of slides from donor buttons recovered from 21 eyes with a history of KCN undergoing repeat penetrating keratoplasty (failed-PK-KCN), 11 eyes that underwent their first PK due to KCN (primary KCN), and 11 eyes without history of KCN which underwent PK for other conditions (failed-PK-non-KCN). Breaks/gaps in Bowman’s layer served as the pathological feature indicative of recurrent KCN.

Results

Breaks in Bowman’s layer were present in 18/21 (86%) of the failed-PK-KCN group, 10/11 (91%) of the primary KCN group, and in 3/11 (27%) of the failed-PK-non-KCN group. Pathological evidence suggests that the prevalence of breaks is significantly higher in grafted patients with a history of KCN than non-KCN controls (OR: 16.0, 95% CI 2.63 to 97.2, Fisher’s exact test p=0.0018) with a conservative Bonferroni criterion of p <0.017 to account for multiple group comparisons. There was no statistically significant difference found between the failed-PK-KCN and primary KCN groups.

Conclusions

This study provides histological evidence that breaks and gaps in Bowman’s layer, consistent with those found in primary KCN, may develop within the donor tissue in eyes with a history of KCN.
Chest pain symptoms during myocardial infarction in patients with and without diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar Abhinav , Sanghera Amrit , Sanghera Balpreet , Mohamed Tahira , Midgen Ariella , Pattison Sophie , Marston Louise , Jones Melvyn M
Published: April 2023

Objective

Chest pain (CP) is key in diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI). Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk of an MI but may experience less CP, leading to delayed treatment and worse outcomes. We compared the prevalence of CP in those with and without DM who had an MI.

Methods

The study population was people with MI presenting to healthcare services. The outcome measure was the absence of CP during MI, comparing those with and without DM. Medline and Embase databases were searched to 18 October 2021, identifying 9272 records. After initial independent screening, 87 reports were assessed for eligibility against the inclusion criteria, quality and risk of bias assessment (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and Newcastle–Ottawa criteria), leaving 22 studies. The meta-analysis followed Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology criteria and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pooled ORs, weights and 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results

This meta-analysis included 232 519 participants from 22 studies and showed an increased likelihood of no CP during an MI for those with DM, compared with those without. This was 43% higher in patients with DM in the cohort and cross-sectional studies (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.62), and 44% higher in case–control studies (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.87).

Conclusion

In patients with an MI, patients with DM are less likely than those without to have presentations with CP recorded. Clinicians should consider an MI diagnosis when patients with DM present with atypical symptoms and treatment protocols should reflect this, alongside an increased patient awareness on this issue.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017058223.
Achievement of the ABC goal among Canadians with type 2 diabetes and the influence of physical activity: data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Marcotte-Chénard Alexis , Maréchal René , Ghachem Ahmed , Cohen Alan , Riesco Eléonor
Published: April 2023

Achieving the three therapeutics targets known as ABC (A1c ≤ 7.0%, LDL-C < 2.0 mmol/L, and resting BP < 130/80 mmHg), limiting sedentary behaviors as well as accumulating a total of 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals. However, more recent data regarding the achievement of ABC over time in Canada is needed and it remains to be determined how sedentary behaviors and physical activity levels can influence its achievement. Analyses were performed using a total of 17 582 individuals (18–79 years) from the 2007–2017 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Sedentary behaviors and physical activity levels were estimated using an accelerometer for a total of 7 consecutive days and quartiles of physical activity were used to categorize individuals. The prevalence of T2D has increased from 2007 to 2017 in the Canadian population (from 4.80% to 8.38%) with a considerable number of undiagnosed patients. The achievement of ABC went from 11.53% [11.49%–11.57%] in 2007 to 14.84% [14.80%–14.89%] in 2017 in T2D individuals. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels were positively but weakly correlated to the achievement of the ABC ( r = 0.044; p = 0.001), while sedentary time and light physical activity were not ( r < −0.014; p = 0.266). Only 8.8% of individuals with the lowest level of MVPA (Q1) reached the ABC while 15.1% of the most active individuals (Q4) reached the triple target. In addition to physical activity, other important factors such as body mass index and medication use should also be considered as modifiable contributing factors.
The post-fire shift of temperate white pine-birch forest to boreal balsam fir forest in eastern Canada: climate-fire implications
Authors: Payette Serge , Frégeau Mathieu , Couillard Pierre-Luc , Laflamme Jason
Published: April 2023

Extensive 14C dating and botanical identification of charcoal fragments located in the organic surface soil layer and buried in the mineral podzolic solum were used to reconstruct the successional pathways of a balsam fir forest site. The studied forest site developed in a context of continuous fire disturbance over the last 9000 years with at least 26 fires occurring at a mean interval of 330 years. Tree vegetation of the site followed a four-step trajectory consisting of an early-Holocene spruce forest and a late-Holocene mixedwood balsam fir forest. Boreal-like spruce-birch and temperate-like white pine-birch forests dominated the site between 7900 and 5900 cal. B.P. and 5600 and 1275 cal. B.P., respectively. Because all forest types developed repeatedly after fire since early deglaciation, changes in forest composition, in particular the shift of white pine forest to balsam fir forest, and concurrent decline of birch (yellow birch and/or paper birch) and pine populations were most likely related to progressive cooler and wetter conditions from mid- to late Holocene. Fire disturbance on this part of the southern boreal biome has been a continuous, positive regenerative process over the Holocene, allowing the successional turnover of boreal and temperate trees under the influence of climatic change.
Solubility and solvation thermodynamics of l-tryptophan in aqueous methanol solvent mixtures
Authors: Saha Avishek , Mahali Kalachand , Roy Sanjay
Published: April 2023

This article presents mole fraction solubilities of l-tryptophan in binary aqueous methanol solvent systems and applied them to estimate thermodynamical parameters like transfer Gibbs free energetics and entropies of solutions. The estimated thermodynamic energies were linked with interaction parameters like dipole–dipole interactions, enthalpy due to transfer of l-tryptophan from water to binary water–methanol solvent mixtures. The transfer Gibbs free energetics for chemical interactions and entropies for solvent–solvent interaction were calculated by mathematical relations. The chemical transfer energetics was applied to explain the probable stability of l-tryptophan in the mixed solvents. Many associated thermophysical parameters were also calculated at standard temperature (298.15 K).
Abundance and occupancy of the western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) in Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Macías-Duarte Alberto , Juárez Edwin , Murrieta Eduardo Sánchez , Perales-Hoeffer E. Leonel , Rosas Carmen I. Ortega
Published: April 2023

Unveiling factors that determine abundance and distribution of endangered wildlife species has important implications for their conservation across international boundaries. For instance, the Western Distinct Population (as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) of the yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus (Linnaeus, 1758) has disappeared in most of the species’ range across western United States and southwestern Canada but little is known about the conservation status at the southern edge of its breeding distribution in Mexico. To fill this information gap, we estimated abundance and occupancy rates of yellow-billed cuckoos using a standard broadcast call survey protocol. We used Bayesian spatial count models to estimate cuckoo population density at survey sites. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate the effects of geography, climate, and vegetation on occupancy rates while accounting for imperfect detection. Mean cuckoo count per transect for all sites was [Formula: see text] = 9.00 ± 0.45 cuckoos. Overall cuckoo density was [Formula: see text] = 13.18 cuckoos/km2( SD([Formula: see text]) = 5.61 cuckoos/km2). Overall cuckoo occupancy in Sonora was [Formula: see text] = 0.538 (95% credible interval ( ψ) = 0.488–0.600), but showed strong geographic variation. Relatively high occupancy levels suggest yellow-billed cuckoo populations in Sonora may be robust, but they are largely reliant on declining high-tree cover.
Gamma-ray energies and intensities observed in decay chain 83Rb/83mKr/83Kr
Authors: Šefčík M. , Vénos D. , Lebeda O. , Noll C. , Ráliš J.
Published: April 2023

Radioactive sources of the monoenergetic low-energy conversion electrons from the decay of isomeric $$^{83\textrm{m}}\mathrm {{Kr}}$$

83
m

Kr

are frequently used in the systematic measurements, particularly in the neutrino mass and dark matter experiments. For this purpose, the isomer is obtained by the decay of its parent radionuclide $$^{83}\mathrm {{Rb}}$$

83

Rb

. In order to get more precise data on the gamma-rays occuring in the $$^{83}\mathrm {{Rb}}$$

83

Rb

/$$^{83\textrm{m}}\mathrm {{Kr}}$$

83
m

Kr

chain, we re-measured the relevant gamma-ray spectra, because the previous measurement took place in 1976. The obtained intensities are in fair agreement with the previous measurement. We have, however, improved the uncertainties by a factor of 4.3, identified a new gamma transition and determined more precisely energies of weaker gamma transitions.
Integrating Nearest Neighbors with Neural Network Models for Treatment Effect Estimation
Authors: Kiriakidou Niki , Diou Christos
Published: April 2023

Treatment effect estimation is of high-importance for both researchers and practitioners across many scientific and industrial domains. The abundance of observational data makes them increasingly used by researchers for the estimation of causal effects. However, these data suffer from several weaknesses, leading to inaccurate causal effect estimations, if not handled properly. Therefore, several machine learning techniques have been proposed, most of them focusing on leveraging the predictive power of neural network models to attain more precise estimation of causal effects. In this work, we propose a new methodology, named Nearest Neighboring Information for Causal Inference (NNCI), for integrating valuable nearest neighboring information on neural network-based models for estimating treatment effects. The proposed NNCI methodology is applied to some of the most well established neural network-based models for treatment effect estimation with the use of observational data. Numerical experiments and analysis provide empirical and statistical evidence that the integration of NNCI with state-of-the-art neural network models leads to considerably improved treatment effect estimations on a variety of well-known challenging benchmarks.
More on renormalizable exceptions to Nelson-Seiberg theorem
Authors: Nakayama Yu , Yoshida Takanobu
Published: April 2023

The Nelson-Seiberg theorem dictates conditions for the spontaneous breaking of the supersymmetry in Wess–Zumino models with generic, possibly nonrenormalizable, superpotential; the existence of the R-symmetry is necessary while the spontaneous breaking of the R-symmetry is sufficient. If we restrict ourselves to generic but renormalizable theories, however, there exist Wess–Zumino models whose vacua break the R-symmetry spontaneously while preserving the supersymmetry. The classification and conditions of such renormalizable exceptions are under active study. We give some new examples of spontaneous breaking of the R-symmetry with preserved supersymmetry that are not covered in the literature.
Few-shot learning CNN optimized using combined 2D-DWT injection and evolutionary optimization algorithms for human face recognition
Authors: Ghali Ahmed , Chouraqui Samira , Khaldi Amine , Kafi Med Redouane
Published: April 2023

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) has shown remarkable success in the area of machine vision. The purpose of this research is to enhance the classification for the few-shot learning datasets by developing a robust feature extraction system using an optimized CNN model. The aforementioned goal is attained in the following way by developing two classification models, (1) CNN optimized using Two-Dimensional Discrete Wavelet Transform (2D-DWT) injection using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and (2) CNN optimized using 2D-DWT injection using PCA and Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO) algorithm. This optimization process enhances the rate of face recognition for the small training dataset by extracting maximum features. Experiments on the AT&T (ORL), LFW, and Extended Yale-FACE-B databases show that the technique improves results significantly, with recognition rates increasing to 100% for training accuracy on all datasets and 100%, 98%, 97% on ORL, LFW, and Extended Yale-FACE-B datasets, respectively, for testing accuracy.
Challenging f(R,T) theory with ΛCDM model through cosmographic parameters
Authors: Houndjo M. J. S. , Baffou E. H. , Houngue T.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we reconstruct a [Formula: see text] model where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the curvature scalar and the trace of the stress-tensor, respectively, and confront it with [Formula: see text]CDM model through the cosmographic parameters. The reconstructed [Formula: see text] model is fundamentally characterized by a input parameter [Formula: see text] for which some suitable values are chosen. Our results show that for some values of these parameters the reconstructed [Formula: see text] fits very well with the [Formula: see text]CDM regarding the evolution of the cosmographic parameters.
Local symmetries in f(T)-like models: Lessons from 2D
Authors: Fiorini Franco
Published: April 2023

The comprehension of the intricate structure associated to the local symmetries encoded in the tetrad field, as well as its physical meaning, is perhaps the most important unsolved problem within [Formula: see text] gravity. This is inextricably connected to the number, nature and potential impact that the additional degree/s of freedom might have within these — and other closely related — models of gravity in which the local Lorentz invariance is broken at some level. Here, we review and further extend some recent results which make use of the more placid scenery provided by two-dimensional (2D)-torsional models of gravity, where the local symmetries linked to a given geometry can be fully characterized.
In vivo label-free measurement of blood flow velocity symmetry based on dual line scanning third-harmonic generation microscopy excited at the 1700 nm window
Authors: Cheng Hui , Zhong Jincheng , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: April 2023

Measurement of blood flow velocity is key to understanding physiology and pathology in vivo. While most measurements are performed at the middle of the blood vessel, little research has been done on characterizing the instantaneous blood flow velocity distribution. This is mainly due to the lack of measurement technology with high spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we tackle this problem with our recently developed dual-wavelength line-scan third-harmonic generation (THG) imaging technology. Simultaneous acquisition of dual-wavelength THG line-scanning signals enables measurement of blood flow velocities at two radially symmetric positions in both venules and arterioles in mouse brain in vivo. Our results clearly show that the instantaneous blood flow velocity is not symmetric under general conditions.
Ascertaining the Inference of Bank Internal Default Probabilities Variations on Variable Rate Institutional Loan Prepayments
Authors: Horovitz Andre
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to evaluate an inference of bank internal PDs (Default Probabilities) on subsequent prepayments of variable rate institutional loans. Since variable rate loans hardly present an economic motivation for early prepayments in that they would not offer a cheaper refinancing alternative, we test the conjecture of a correlation between improvements in obligors’ creditworthiness (as reflected by negative changes in Bank Internal PDs) and subsequent loan prepayments, as obligors might be tempted to renegotiate more advantageous terms (lower credit spreads) with their lenders. The analysis is purported to serve as an early warning mechanism for banks pursuing the Basel III internal rating-based (IRB) approach for unexpected inflows of liquidity in the near future. We use Machine Learning (ML) ensemble methods to forecast potential prepayments and perform a conditional prepayment analysis to make an inference on the prepayment amounts and the prepayment timing distributions while controlling for macroeconomic and corporate idiosyncratic characteristics.
Sources of Funding in a Crisis: Evidence from Investment Banks
Authors: Helwege Jean , Jindra Jan
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we evaluate changes in investment bank balance sheets to determine how these firms respond to shocks in a financial crisis. Contrary to theories that emphasize liquidity problems, we find that most investment banks maintain funding levels during these downturns. Investment banks typically respond to shocks with a shift into deposits or by raising equity, rather than selling assets at a loss. We do not find strong evidence of fire sales, as asset declines mainly reflect write-downs rather than sales at unusually low prices. Write-downs are combined with strategic use of Level 3 assets, suggesting that banks mask insolvency. Investment banks often rely on cherry picking of assets in order to boost reported capital in a downturn.
Old-Fashioned Deposit Runs
Authors: Rose Jonathan D.
Published: April 2023

This paper characterizes the deposit runs that occurred in the commercial banking system during 2008 and compares them with deposit runs during the 1930s. The importance of withdrawals by large depositors is a strong source of continuity across the two eras and reflects the longstanding concentration of deposit holdings. Runs occurred in 2008 despite the presence of national deposit insurance, which does not fully cover large accounts and therefore has limited impact on the incentives of those account holders. Large depositors continue to represent a source of both market discipline and financial instability.
Personal essay on geological mapping
Authors: Dewey John F.
Published: April 2023

This is a short personal essay on geological field mapping, mostly ‘hard-rock’, with my views, prejudices and conclusions based upon 67 years in geology and 65 field seasons, variably in Western Ireland, Newfoundland, New York and New England, California, Turkey, Tibet, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. I have also seen a lot of geology in most of the rest of the world with the exception of Antarctica, Siberia and most oceanic islands.
Within-limb variation in skin pigmentation does not influence cutaneous vasodilation
Authors: Fisher Kat G. , Kenney W. Larry , Wolf S. Tony
Published: April 2023

Locally derived endothelial nitric oxide (NO) contributes to the full expression of cutaneous vasodilation responses. Acute ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure attenuates NO-mediated vasodilation of the cutaneous microvasculature. Our findings suggest that in constitutively lightly pigmented skin, variation in skin melanin due to seasonal exposure to UVR does not alter the NO contribution to cutaneous vasodilation. Seasonal UVR exposure does not impact the NO-mediated cutaneous microvascular function.
Design and Simulation of a Cooling System for FTO/I-SnO2/CdS/CdTe/Cu2O Solar Cells
Authors: Khaledi Parinaz , Behboodnia Mahdi
Published: April 2023

The temperature in solar cells is one of the main factors affecting their efficiency. Increasing the temperature in solar cells reduces efficiency. According to previously published and recently published studies by our team, with increasing temperature in 5-layer FTO/i-SnO2/CdS/CdTe/Cu2O solar cells, the efficiency has decreased by 8.86% per 100 K. In this research, phase change materials have been used to control the temperature in 5-layer solar cells. Our overall goal in this study is to control the temperature in FTO/i-SnO2/CdS/CdTe/Cu2O solar cells to increase their efficiency. The results obtained using simulations and numerical analysis and comparative analysis show that if one layer is used as a cooling arrangement in 5-layer FTO/i-SnO2/CdS/CdTe/Cu2O solar cells, it reduces the surface temperature of solar cells and increases efficiency.
Statistical Inference for Estimators in a Semiparametric EV Model with Linear Process Errors and Missing Responses
Authors: Zhang Jing-Jing , Yang Xue
Published: April 2023

This paper concentrates on the properties of estimators in a semiparametric EV model, particularly considering the effects of missing data and linear process errors according to the actual situation. The missing data are processed by three different methods: the direct deletion method, imputation (interpolation fill) method, and regression surrogate method. Also, the corresponding estimators of the slope parameter β and the nonparameter variable g(⋅) are obtained. All the estimators are asymptotically normal, and the consistency rates for which can achieve o(n−1/6 log n). Besides, the performance of the estimators is investigated by one sample experiment.
Computation of Benzenoid Planar Octahedron Networks by Using Topological Indices
Authors: Ali Didar Abdulkhaleq , Ali Haidar , Ain Qurat Ul , Kirmani Syed Ajaz K. , Ali Parvez , Sesay Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Chemical descriptors are numeric numbers that contain a basic chemical structure and describe the structure of a graph. A graph’s topological indices are linked to its chemical characteristics. Biological activity of chemical compounds can be predicted using topological indices. Numerous chemical indices have been developed in theoretical chemistry, including the Zagreb index, the Randić index, the Wiener index, and many others. In this paper, we compute the exact results for the Randić, Zagreb, Harmonic, augmented Zagreb, atom‐bond connectivity, and geometric‐arithmetic indices for the Benzenoid networks theoretically.
Micro to Nanolevel Stabilization of Expansive Clay Using Agro-Wastes
Authors: Munawar Mehmood , Khan Ammad H. , Rehman Zia U. , Rahim Abdur , Aziz Mubashir , Almuaythir Sultan , El Kheir Bothaina S. I. A. , Haider Farhan
Published: April 2023

The circular economy encourages the production and consumption of sustainable embankment geomaterials and their blends utilizing recycled waste materials in roads, railway tracks, airfields, and underground structures. Geomaterials comprising high-plastic soft expansive clay pose excessive settlement during cyclic traffic/railway/airfield loading resulting in uneven geometry of overlying layers. This paper demonstrates multiobjective optimized improvement of expansive clay (C) geotechnical characteristics by cost-effective agro-wastes additives at microlevel (by 3% to 12% rice husk ash, i.e., RHA), nanolevel (by 0.6% to 1.5% rice husk derived green nano-SiO2, i.e., NS), and synergistic micro to nanolevel (NS-RHA). The swell potential, resilient modulus (MR), initial elastic modulus (Es), unconfined compressive strength (UCT), and California bearing ratio (CBR) of C and its blends were determined. The chemical characterization of C and its blends were conducted through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical microscopic tests. The outcome of this study depicted that the cost ratio for the optimized composite, i.e., (1.2% NS-9% RHA)/(9% RHA) is 1.22 whereas stiffness ratio MR (NS-RHA)/MR(RHA) and Es (NS-RHA)/Es(RHA) and strength ratio UCT(NS-RHA)/UCT(RHA) and CBR(NS-RHA)/CBR(RHA) were found to be 2.0, 1.64, 2.17, and 2.82, respectively. FTIR revealed the chemical compatibility between C, RHA, & NS from durability perspective. Cost-stiffness results of this study can be applied by geotechnical experts to economize the green stabilization of C by use of agro-waste for sustainable development.
Fine‐Grained Guided Model Fusion Network with Attention Mechanism for Infrared Small Target Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Yuze , Chen Jing , Yang Chunling , Rolfe Peter
Published: April 2023

Infrared small target segmentation plays an important role in infrared guidance systems. In this paper, a fine‐grained guided model fusion network with attention mechanism (FAMNet) is proposed for improving the performance of the infrared small target segmentation. An autonomous traditional feature extraction algorithm based on information entropy and four‐directional gradient contrast is proposed for solving the difficulty of feature extraction from small targets. The deep features are extracted from an improved U‐Net. The two kinds of features are fused by channel shuffle, which could enhance the communication efficiency between the channels of the two features. More context information from the target and background is introduced into the network by cross layer parallelization convolutional block attention module (CLPCBAM). Compared with some state‐of‐the‐art techniques, the proposed FAMNet performs significantly better in terms of IoU, nIoU, and F1‐score comprehensively.
Analysis of Fuzzy Differential Equation with Fractional Derivative in Caputo Sense
Authors: Ain Qura Tul , Nadeem Muhammad , Kumar Devendra , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: April 2023

In this article, the dynamics of the fuzzy fractional order enzyme Michaelis Menten model are investigated. To study problems with uncertainty, fuzzy fractional technique is applied. Using fuzzy theory, the sequential iterations of the model are calculated by applying fractional calculus theory and the homotopy perturbation method. A comparison is given for fractional and fuzzy results, and the numerical findings validate the fuzzy fractional case. Using MATLAB software, the results are simulated for various fractional orders, corresponding to the provided data. The simulations demonstrate the model’s appropriateness.
Effect of Hypoxia-Ischemia on the Expression of Iron-Related Proteins in Neonatal Rat Brains
Authors: Lin Qing , Hu Ding-Wang , Hao Xin-Hui , Zhang Geng , Lin Ling
Published: April 2023

Hypoxic-ischemic white matter injury (WMI) pathogenesis in preterm infants is not well established, and iron-related proteins in the brain may play an important role in imbalanced iron metabolism. We aimed to investigate the iron-related protein changes in neonatal rats after hypoxia-ischemia (HI), clarify the role of iron-related proteins in hypoxic-ischemic WMI, and potentially provide a new target for the clinical treatment of hypoxic-ischemic WMI in preterm infants. We adopted a WMI animal model of bilateral common carotid artery electrocoagulation combined with hypoxia in neonatal 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. We observed basic myelin protein (MBP) and iron-related protein expression in the brain (ferritin, transferrin receptor [TfR], and membrane iron transporter 1 [FPN1]) via Western blot and double immunofluorescence staining. The expression of MBP in the WMI group was significantly downregulated on postoperative days (PODs) 14, 28, and 56. Ferritin levels were significantly increased on PODs 3, 7, 14, and 28 and were most significant on POD 28, returning to the sham group level on POD 56. FPN1 levels were significantly increased on PODs 7, 28, and 56 and were still higher than those in the sham group on POD 56. TfR expression was significantly upregulated on PODs 1, 7, and 28 and returned to the sham group level on POD 56. Immunofluorescence staining showed that ferritin, TfR, and FPN1 were expressed in neurons, blood vessels, and oligodendrocytes in the cortex and corpus callosum on POD 28. Compared with the sham group, the immune-positive markers of three proteins in the WMI group were significantly increased. The expression of iron-related proteins in the brain (ferritin, FPN1, and TfR) showed spatiotemporal dynamic changes and may play an important role in hypoxic-ischemic WMI.
Time Course of Antispike Antibody Titer after Administration of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis on Methotrexate
Authors: Shinohara Satoshi , Hirose Yasuhiro
Published: April 2023

Methotrexate, an anchor drug for rheumatoid arthritis, hinders the immunogenicity of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, an optimal vaccine strategy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate is vital. We monitored antispike antibody titers after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in seven healthcare workers and one methotrexate-treated rheumatoid arthritis patient. The antispike antibody titers of healthcare workers significantly increased immediately after primary vaccination and then continued to decrease, whereas those of the rheumatoid arthritis patient were significantly lower immediately after primary vaccination and then increased. The titers in all participants dramatically increased 1-month postbooster. These changes over time may suggest that in the methotrexate-treated rheumatoid arthritis patient, the generation of short-lived plasma cells was strongly suppressed; in contrast, the generation of long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells was intact. For methotrexate-treated rheumatoid arthritis patients, it is important to complete the primary and booster vaccination series to ensure sufficient immunity against COVID-19.
Research on Optimization of Air Defense Firepower Configuration for Warship Cooperating with Strategic Location on the Sea
Authors: Zhao W. F. , Sun H. J. , Li M. , Teng K. N.
Published: April 2023

Aiming at the problem of optimizing the firepower configuration for warships cooperating with strategic locations on the sea, the influence of air defense elements on firepower configuration is analyzed comprehensively, and the constraints of firepower configuration are put forward. Combined with factors such as the forward distance of the warship, the depth of the defense, the angle of the combat sector, and the direction of the enemy’s attack, based on the coastal defense forces and the warship, the firepower configuration models of air defense at a strategic location on the sea for a single warship and two warships’ coordinated air defense at important places are established, respectively. The forward range of a single warship and two warships’ cooperative air defense at sea is determined, and the defense depth expectation calculation formula is given. And according to the configuration of air defense firepower of the warship cooperating with strategic locations on the sea, the warship cooperating with maritime key area defense effectiveness model is constructed by using the random service system theory. Finally, under the hypothetical conditions, the numerical simulation experiments show that the proposed model and calculation formula are reasonable and effective, which can provide a certain theoretical basis for the firepower configuration of warships cooperating with strategic locations on the sea.
Emerging Trends and Advancements in the Processing of Dairy Whey for Sustainable Biorefining
Authors: Goyal Chhaya , Dhyani Priya , Rai Dinesh Chandra , Tyagi Swati , Dhull Sanju Bala , Sadh Pardeep Kumar , Duhan Joginder Singh , Saharan Baljeet Singh
Published: April 2023

Increased milk production has boosted the market of milk-driven products, and as a result, the by-product production has also increased, which is a challenge to dispose of. Whey, a cheese by-product, is also increasing yearly, and its disposal in water bodies is responsible for water pollution and thus is an issue for the dairy sector. In this context, extensive research has been going on to valorize this by-product and create alternative ways to remove the organic load in whey rather than disposing of it. Recently, exciting developments have been made to convert whey into value-added commodities such as biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, and biohydrogen), bioplastics, bacterial cellulose, food colors and flavors, bioprotective solutions, bioactive peptides, and single-cell proteins. In this review, we aim to comprehend the recent developments and challenges in producing a whole range of value-added ingredients with whey as feedstock through microbial fermentation. Particular focus was paid to the potential of novel genetically engineered or adapted microbial strains to valorize bovine whey economically and sustainably.
Ubiquitin Ligases Siah1a/2 Control Alveolar Macrophage Functions to Limit Carcinogen-Induced Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Scortegagna Marzia , Du Yuanning , Bradley Linda M. , Wang Kun , Molinolo Alfredo , Ruppin Eytan , Murad Rabi , Ronai Ze'ev A.
Published: April 2023

Cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, including myeloid cells, play important roles in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its response to therapy. Here, we characterize the function of the ubiquitin ligases Siah1a/2 in regulating the differentiation and activity of alveolar macrophages (AM) and assess the implication of Siah1a/2 control of AMs for carcinogen-induced LUAD. Macrophage-specific genetic ablation of Siah1a/2 promoted accumulation of AMs with an immature phenotype and increased expression of protumorigenic and pro-inflammatory Stat3 and β-catenin gene signatures. Administration of urethane to wild-type mice promoted enrichment of immature-like AMs and lung tumor development, which was enhanced by macrophage-specific Siah1a/2 ablation. The profibrotic gene signature seen in Siah1a/2-ablated immature-like macrophages was associated with increased tumor infiltration of CD14+ myeloid cells and poorer survival of patients with LUAD. Single-cell RNA-seq confirmed the presence of a cluster of immature-like AMs expressing a profibrotic signature in lungs of patients with LUAD, a signature enhanced in smokers. These findings identify Siah1a/2 in AMs as gatekeepers of lung cancer development.

Significance:

The ubiquitin ligases Siah1a/2 control proinflammatory signaling, differentiation, and profibrotic phenotypes of alveolar macrophages to suppress lung carcinogenesis.
Associations of Post-Diagnosis Lifestyle with Prognosis in Women with Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Troeschel Alyssa N. , Hartman Terryl J. , McCullough Lauren E. , Ergas Isaac J. , Collin Lindsay J. , Kwan Marilyn L. , Ambrosone Christine B. , Flanders W. Dana , Bradshaw Patrick T. , Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M. , Roh Janise M. , Wang Ying , Valice Emily , Kushi Lawrence H.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Lifestyle habits can impact breast cancer development, but its impact on breast cancer prognosis remains unclear. We investigated associations of post-diagnosis lifestyle with mortality and recurrence in 1,964 women with invasive breast cancer enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Pathways Study shortly after diagnosis with lifestyle information at baseline (2005–2013) and the 2-year follow-up.

Methods:

We calculated a post-diagnosis lifestyle score (range, 0–18) based on 9 diet, physical activity, and body weight recommendations from the American Cancer Society/American Society of Clinical Oncology (ACS/ASCO) using follow-up data (body weight also included baseline data); higher scores indicate greater guideline concordance. Similarly, we calculated a pre-diagnosis lifestyle score using baseline data to investigate pre- to post-diagnosis changes. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Cox proportional hazard models, with follow-up through December 2018 (observing 290 deaths and 176 recurrences).

Results:

The 2-year post-diagnosis lifestyle score was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (ACM; HR per 2-point increase = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.98), and breast cancer–related mortality (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67–0.95), but not recurrence. Relative to women who maintained low concordance with recommendations at both time points, women who maintained high concordance had a lower risk of ACM (HR, 0.61, 95% CI, 0.37–1.03). Improved concordance with some specific recommendations (particularly PA) may be associated with a lower hazard of ACM (HRPA, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35–0.78).

Conclusions:

Results suggest that women with breast cancer may benefit from a post-diagnosis lifestyle aligned with ACS/ASCO guidelines.

Impact:

This information may potentially guide lifestyle recommendations for breast cancer survivors to reduce mortality risk.