bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimization method for untargeted MS-based isotopic tracing investigations of metabolism
Authors: Butin Noémie , Bergès Cécilia , Portais Jean-Charles , Bellvert Floriant
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Stable isotope tracer studies are increasingly applied to explore metabolism from the detailed analysis of tracer incorporation into metabolites. Untargeted LC/MS approaches have recently emerged and provide potent methods for expanding the dimension and complexity of the metabolic networks that can be investigated. A number of software tools have been developed to process the highly complex MS data collected in such studies; however, a method to optimize the extraction of valuable isotopic data is lacking.

Objectives

To develop and validate a method to optimize automated data processing for untargeted MS-based isotopic tracing investigations of metabolism.

Methods

The method is based on the application of a suitable reference material to rationally perform parameter optimization throughout the complete data processing workflow. It was applied in the context of 13C-labelling experiments and with two different software, namely geoRge and X13CMS. It was illustrated with the study of a E. coli mutant impaired for central metabolism.

Results

The optimization methodology provided significant gain in the number and quality of extracted isotopic data, independently of the software considered. Pascal triangle samples are well suited for such purpose since they allow both the identification of analytical issues and optimization of data processing at the same time.

Conclusion

The proposed method maximizes the biological value of untargeted MS-based isotopic tracing investigations by revealing the full metabolic information that is encoded in the labelling patterns of metabolites.
Two constructed wetlands within a Mediterranean natural park immersed in an agrolandscape reduce most heavy metal water concentrations and dampen the majority of pesticide presence
Authors: Rodrigo Maria A. , Puche Eric , Carabal Nuria , Armenta Sergio , Esteve-Turrillas Francesc A. , Jiménez Javier , Juan Fernando
Published: June 2022

The water concentrations of 12 heavy and other metals/metalloids were analyzed seasonally along two horizontal-flow constructed wetlands (CWs) (Tancat Mília—TM and Tancat l’Illa—TLI) located within the Mediterranean Albufera de València Natural Park during 2020–2021. A wide-scope screening of pesticides present in waters was also performed. The two CWs were created to improve water quality and increase biodiversity. They currently receive effluent waters from two different tertiary-treatment wastewater plants, and the water flows along the CWs before being discharged into the main lagoon and a smaller lagoon in TM and TLI, respectively. TLI manages to reduce (Mn) or maintain the concentration of most of the studied elements (Zn, Ni, Hg, Cr, Fe Cd, Cu) at the same level as outside (67%). Only Al, Pb, B, and As remain at a higher concentration. TM also reduces Zn and Cu and keeps the concentration of Cr, Cd, and Hg (representing 42%). Al, Pb, B, and As remain at higher concentrations, as in TLI, but Ni, Fe, and Mn are also at higher concentrations. Although both CWs vary in their ability to remove elements, no risks to human health or the environment have been detected due to the low metal concentration in their outlets, all of them (except Hg) below the legal limits for environmental quality in the European Union. With the detection of 71 compounds in water in each CW area (26 herbicides, 26 insecticides, and 19 fungicides in TLI, and 29 herbicides, 23 insecticides, and 19 fungicides in TM), we also provide evidence of the impact of pesticides, which depends on the application method (helicopter, tractor), originated from areas with high agricultural pressure (chiefly rice crops) on systems (mainly TM) created to preserve biodiversity. Nevertheless, both systems provide crucial environmental services in water quality in this agrolandscape.
The impact of unilateral BIT terminations on FDI: Quasi-experimental evidence from India
Authors: Hartmann Simon , Spruk Rok
Published: June 2022

This study identifies the impact of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) on foreign direct investments (FDI) by taking advantage of the random timing of 44 unilateral BIT terminations in India between 2013 and 2019. Using quarterly bilateral data of 138 foreign investors’ home countries (FIHCs), our difference-in-differences (DD) estimates uncover a significant reduction in FDI inflows to India in response to BIT terminations by more than 30 percent compared to countries without terminations. We identify the sudden break with investor protection for new investments as the major transmission channel. Further investigations suggest that investors do not necessarily abandon India in response to BIT terminations but apparently reroute FDI via FIHCs with BITs. Evidence from firm-level data reveals that investors revoke or reroute mainly deals (e.g. mergers and acquisitions) rather than own new projects. Moreover, similarity of some legal institutions with India offsets the negative effect of BIT terminations.
F-18-FDG PET/CT findings of paraneoplastic dermatoses
Authors: Suga Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2022

Paraneoplastic dermatoses (PD) are defined as nonspecific skin disorders which are associated with internal neoplasms, but without direct association to primary tumors or metastases. Recognition of PD and the following surveillance may lead to the diagnosis of internal malignant neoplasms including early stage ones. Accurate imaging examinations in the following searching is essential in identifying the underlying neoplasms. Since whole-body 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (F-18-FDG)-positron emission (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has been widely used in early diagnosis, staging of various malignant tumors, it may play a role for detection of underlying or occult malignant neoplasms in patients with PD. However, to date, only a few reports of FDG PET/CT findings of the associated neoplasms in PD patients have been cited in the literature. The present paper shows the cases of FDG-avid associated neoplasms in patients with PD in our 10-year experience in our institute, and reviews the well-known and/or relatively common PD and their associated neoplasms, and the previously reported cases of FDG-avid associated neoplasms in these patients.
Defining the “Positive Impact” of socio-technical systems for absolute sustainability: a literature review based on the identification of system design principles and management functions
Authors: Gebler Malte , Juraschek Max , Thiede Sebastian , Cerdas Felipe , Herrmann Christoph
Published: June 2022

Socio-technical systems represent complex interactions of humans with ecological, social and economic systems. A system’s design and its operations determine whether its impact is “negative”, “neutral/zero” or “positive” over the system life cycle with regard to its contribution to sustainable development. But coping with exceeded planetary boundaries and social challenges requires more than “net-zero” approaches to achieve biosphere resilience and healthy societies. While negative and zero impacts are widely studied, the term “positive impact” has just recently gained importance to describe the outcome of design, planning, operational, organizational or engineering processes. Various case studies, reviews and conceptual proposals exist—mostly applied in a specific context—but a clear definition is not yet detectable. Based on a review of existing literature, this paper: (i) analyzes current perceptions of negative, zero and positive impacts of socio-technical systems on absolute sustainability, (ii) summarizes the current state of knowledge on positive impact concepts for sustainable development, (iii) identifies relevant socio-technical system design principles for positive impacts on biosphere, society and economy, (iv) derives management functions and organizational prerequisites within socio-technical systems to enable positive impacts, (v) proposes a guiding framework and a definition for “positive impact of socio-technical systems for absolute sustainability”, and (vi) discusses briefly potential applications and further research demand. This review intends to synthesize existing knowledge from an industrial and engineering design perspective, and delivers an overview on the subject from a global sustainability level to the operational level. The derived insights provide a basis for method development, system design processes and new business models.
Artificial Intelligence in Bariatric Surgery: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bektaş Mustafa , Reiber Beata M. M. , Pereira Jaime Costa , Burchell George L. , van der Peet Donald L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Machine learning (ML) has been successful in several fields of healthcare, however the use of ML within bariatric surgery seems to be limited. In this systematic review, an overview of ML applications within bariatric surgery is provided.

Methods

The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for articles describing ML in bariatric surgery. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the PROBAST tool were used to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies.

Results

The majority of applied ML algorithms predicted postoperative complications and weight loss with accuracies up to 98%.

Conclusions

In conclusion, ML algorithms have shown promising capabilities in the prediction of surgical outcomes after bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, the clinical introduction of ML is dependent upon the external validation of ML.
Endoscopic Bariatric Treatment with Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Liner Improves Non-invasive Markers of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Karlas Thomas , Petroff David , Feisthammel Jürgen , Beer Sebastian , Blüher Matthias , Schütz Tatjana , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Hoffmeister Albrecht , Wiegand Johannes
Published: June 2022

Purpose

People with obesity often develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and are at high risk of progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Few therapies are effective other than bariatric surgery. We therefore analyzed data from duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) patients regarding steatosis, fibrosis, and NASH.

Methods

Consecutive DJBL patients with type 2 diabetes underwent standardized assessments up to device removal at 48 weeks. These included aspartate and alanine transaminase (AST, ALT), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP, for steatosis), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM, for fibrosis). The NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), fibrosis-4 score (FIB4), and enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test were also used to assess fibrosis and the Fibroscan-AST (FAST) score to assess NASH. Mixed models were used and missing data were accounted for with multiple imputation.

Results

Thirty-two patients (18 female, mean age 55.1, mean BMI 40.2 kg/m2) were included. After 48 weeks, the change compared to baseline with 95% CI was a factor 0.74 (0.65 to 0.84) for AST, 0.63 (0.53 to 0.75) for ALT, and a difference of − 0.21 (− 0.28 to − 0.13) for FAST, all with p < 0.001. Fibrosis based on LSM, NFS, and ELF did not change whereas FIB4 exhibited slight improvement. Eight DJBL were explanted early due to device-related complications and eight complications led to hospitalization.

Conclusions

One year of DJBL therapy is associated with relevant improvements in non-invasive markers of steatosis and NASH, but not fibrosis, and is accompanied by a substantial number of complications. Given the lack of alternatives, DJBL deserves further attention.

Graphical abstract
Ethnic Polarization and Human Development: The Conditional Effects of Minority Language Recognition
Authors: Csata Zsombor , Hlatky Roman , Liu Amy H.
Published: June 2022

The literature suggests ethnic diversity has a negative effect on development. Yet, we also know that government policies—e.g., recognizing multiple languages in minority-sizable areas—can attenuate these effects. In this paper, we ask: What are the socioeconomic implications of minority language recognition? We leverage a legal stipulation in Romania as a quasi-experiment: Minority languages are recognized as official in areas where the minority constitutes more than 20% of the population. We argue the recognition of minority languages builds social trust and facilitates efficiency in economic exchanges—mollifying the otherwise detrimental consequences of diversity. Using data at the municipality level, we find that in areas where only Romanian is recognized, ethnic diversity has a negative effect on development—a result consistent with the literature. This effect, however, is absent in areas where a minority language is recognized. The implications suggest that lowering the threshold for language recognition could promote even further development.
Assessing the Potency of the Novel Tocolytics 2-APB, Glycyl-H-1152, and HC-067047 in Pregnant Human Myometrium
Authors: Hossain Md Reduanul , Tolosa Jorge M. , Young Roger C. , Smith Roger , Paul Jonathan W.
Published: June 2022

The intracellular signaling pathways that regulate myometrial contractions can be targeted by drugs for tocolysis. The agents, 2-APB, glycyl-H-1152, and HC-067047, have been identified as inhibitors of uterine contractility and may have tocolytic potential. However, the contraction-blocking potency of these novel tocolytics was yet to be comprehensively assessed and compared to agents that have seen greater scrutiny, such as the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, aminophylline and rolipram, or the clinically used tocolytics, nifedipine and indomethacin. We determined the IC50 concentrations (inhibit 50% of baseline contractility) for 2-APB, glycyl-H-1152, HC-067047, aminophylline, rolipram, nifedipine, and indomethacin against spontaneous ex vivo contractions in pregnant human myometrium, and then compared their tocolytic potency. Myometrial strips obtained from term, not-in-labor women, were treated with cumulative concentrations of the contraction-blocking agents. Comprehensive dose–response curves were generated. The IC50 concentrations were 53 µM for 2-APB, 18.2 µM for glycyl-H-1152, 48 µM for HC-067047, 318.5 µM for aminophylline, 4.3 µM for rolipram, 10 nM for nifedipine, and 59.5 µM for indomethacin. A single treatment with each drug at the determined IC50 concentration was confirmed to reduce contraction performance (AUC) by approximately 50%. Of the three novel tocolytics examined, glycyl-H-1152 was the most potent inhibitor. However, of all the drugs examined, the overall order of contraction-blocking potency in decreasing order was nifedipine > rolipram > glycyl-H-1152 > HC-067047 > 2-APB > indomethacin > aminophylline. These data provide greater insight into the contraction-blocking properties of some novel tocolytics, with glycyl-H-1152, in particular, emerging as a potential novel tocolytic for preventing preterm birth.
Sexual Function and Problematic Use of Smartphones and Social Networking Sites
Authors: Fuzeiro Vanessa , Martins Catarina , Gonçalves Cátia , Santos Ana Rolos , Costa Rui Miguel
Published: June 2022

Background

The use of social networking sites (SNS) sometimes acquires an addictive-like quality, often referred to as problematic use of SNS. This condition overlaps with problematic (addictive-like) use of smartphones, as the latter are commonly used for online social networking in addition to other activities that may gain addictive-like qualities. There is ample evidence that problematic use of smartphones and SNS is associated with poorer mental health, but research on associations with sexual function is scarce.

Aim

To examine if sexual difficulties are related to problematic use of SNS and smartphones.

Methods

Data from 4 studies conducted in Portugal between October 2019 and December 2021 (analyzed for the first time) were collapsed, resulting in 946 women and 235 men providing data on sexual function and problematic use of smartphones, and in 536 women and 194 men providing data on sexual function and problematic use of SNS. Female sexual function was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale – Revised (FSDS-R). Male sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function. Problematic smartphone use was measured by the Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS-SV). Problematic use of SNS was measured by the Internet Addiction Scale (IAT) specifically adapted to online social networking.

Outcomes

Participants rated their symptoms of problematic use of smartphones and SNS, as well as their sexual function.

Results

In women, problematic use of SNS correlated with lower sexual arousal (r = -0.22), difficulties lubricating (r = -0.13), difficulties having orgasms (r = -0.20), sexual dissatisfaction (r = -0.23), coital pain (r = -0.19), and greater sexual distress (r = 0.33). In men, problematic use of SNS correlated with lower erectile function (r = -0.26), lower desire (r = -0.17), intercourse dissatisfaction (r = -0.20), overall sexual dissatisfaction (r = -0.30), and more difficulties having orgasms (r = -0.20). For both sexes, correlations between sexual function and problematic smartphone use were in the same direction, but were generally weaker and, in most cases, become nonsignificant after controlling for problematic use of SNS.

Clinical Implications

Addictive-like use of SNS might be a risk factor for sexual difficulties.

Strengths & Limitations

This study is innovative and well-powered to uncover associations between poorer sexual function and addictive-like use of new technologies. The lack of representativeness of the sample warrants caution.

Conclusions

Problematic (addictive-like) use of SNS was associated with male and female sexual difficulties. This corroborates previous research.
L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology Studies
Authors: Westbrook Donald A.
Published: June 2022

This Element surveys the history and practice of Scientology studies over the past sixty years and offers resources for scholars and students moving forward. Section 1 reviews the history of academic research on the subject from 1958 to the present day. Section 2 draws on the author's fieldwork with the Church of Scientology to illuminate how founder L. Ron Hubbard (1911–86) is viewed among contemporary members. Section 3 considers Hubbard's influence and legacy in terms of the church sites and institutions that exist today in connection with the soteriological 'Bridge to Total Freedom.' Section 4 introduces English-language archival resources and their strengths. Section 5 proposes some open areas for Scientology researchers. Finally, glossaries of terms and appendices are included with major dates in Hubbard's life and Scientology research and bibliographical information for major archival collections in North America.
Prophylaxis against spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: Too much or too little?
Authors: Dhanani Muhammad , Krishnamoorthy Aparna , Ciolino Jody D. , Gupta Kalpana , Strymish Judith M.
Published: June 2022

Prophylaxis against spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is recommended for select patients with cirrhosis, but long-term antibiotic therapy has risks. We evaluated concordance with guideline recommendations in 179 veterans with cirrhosis; 55% received guideline-concordant management of SBP prophylaxis. Despite stable guideline recommendations since 2012, guideline adherence remains low.
Making the body politic through medicine: taste, health and identity in the Dutch Republic, 1636–1698
Authors: Hendriksen Marieke M.A.
Published: June 2022

How, where and by whom were bodies shaped, maintained and politicized through medicine, diet and taste in the seventeenth-century Low Countries? The medicinal use of foodstuffs, tastes and diets played an important role in the maintenance and restoration of health in the early modern period. Simultaneously, the metaphor of the body politic has been used widely in historical regimes, yet the focus tends to be on royalty or elite bodies, and on political literature and the medical metaphors used in relation to the body politic in such documents. In the seventeenth-century Low Countries, politically engaged medical men published popular medical literature aimed at the lower and middle classes in which they offered advice on diet and taste, which was aimed not only at maintaining and restoring health, but also at shaping emerging national tastes and identities. This chapter analyses six of the most popular medical and pharma-botanical works in the vernacular by seventeenth-century Dutch physicians. It shows that politics – and, by extension, ideas about the body politic – influenced popular medicine, and thus shaped the health, bodies and identities of the lower and middle classes through diet and taste.
Dimension estimates for iterated function systems and repellers. Part I
Authors: FENG DE-JUN , SIMON KÁROLY
Published: June 2022

This is the first paper in a two-part series containing some results on dimension estimates for
$C^1$
iterated function systems and repellers. In this part, we prove that the upper box-counting dimension of the attractor of any
$C^1$
iterated function system (IFS) on
${\Bbb R}^d$
is bounded above by its singularity dimension, and the upper packing dimension of any ergodic invariant measure associated with this IFS is bounded above by its Lyapunov dimension. Similar results are obtained for the repellers for
$C^1$
expanding maps on Riemannian manifolds.
Automatic taxonomic identification based on the Fossil Image Dataset (>415,000 images) and deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Liu Xiaokang , Jiang Shouyi , Wu Rui , Shu Wenchao , Hou Jie , Sun Yongfang , Sun Jiarui , Chu Daoliang , Wu Yuyang , Song Haijun
Published: June 2022

The rapid and accurate taxonomic identification of fossils is of great significance in paleontology, biostratigraphy, and other fields. However, taxonomic identification is often labor-intensive and tedious, and the requisition of extensive prior knowledge about a taxonomic group also requires long-term training. Moreover, identification results are often inconsistent across researchers and communities. Accordingly, in this study, we used deep learning to support taxonomic identification. We used web crawlers to collect the Fossil Image Dataset (FID) via the Internet, obtaining 415,339 images belonging to 50 fossil clades. Then we trained three powerful convolutional neural networks on a high-performance workstation. The Inception-ResNet-v2 architecture achieved an average accuracy of 0.90 in the test dataset when transfer learning was applied. The clades of microfossils and vertebrate fossils exhibited the highest identification accuracies of 0.95 and 0.90, respectively. In contrast, clades of sponges, bryozoans, and trace fossils with various morphologies or with few samples in the dataset exhibited a performance below 0.80. Visual explanation methods further highlighted the discrepancies among different fossil clades and suggested similarities between the identifications made by machine classifiers and taxonomists. Collecting large paleontological datasets from various sources, such as the literature, digitization of dark data, citizen-science data, and public data from the Internet may further enhance deep learning methods and their adoption. Such developments will also possibly lead to image-based systematic taxonomy to be replaced by machine-aided classification in the future. Pioneering studies can include microfossils and some invertebrate fossils. To contribute to this development, we deployed our model on a server for public access at www.ai-fossil.com.
Prejudiced When Climbing Up or When Falling Down? Why Some People of Color Express Anti-Black Racism
Authors: PÉREZ EFRÉN , ROBERTSON CRYSTAL , VICUÑA BIANCA
Published: June 2022

We contend that some people of color express anti-Black prejudice to cope with their own marginalization. Individuals stationed along an in-group’s periphery are often motivated to exclude others to bolster their own belonging in a community. Yet this process is sometimes triggered when individuals feel they are losing their marginal position. We examine these dynamics in the context of Latino prejudice toward Black individuals, withAmericanas the in-group. Study 1 shows strongerAmericanidentity among Latinos is associated with anti-Black racism, which then correlates with weaker support for Black-centered policies. Studies 2 and 3 induce Latinos to feel moreAmerican, which sometimes increases anti-Black prejudice and decreases support for pro-Black policies. Study 4 causes Latinos to feel lessAmerican, which powerfully heightens anti-Black racism and drastically undercuts support for Black-centered policies. These patterns are generally conditioned by ideology, with liberal Latinos exhibiting more sensitivity to their rank asAmerican.
Long non-coding RNA-EN_181 potentially contributes to the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Authors: Yang Wenwen , Guo Rui , Pi Aiwen , Ding Qinchao , Hao Liuyi , Song Qing , Chen Lin , Dou Xiaobing , Na Lixin , Li Songtao
Published: June 2022

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) possesses a strong capability to ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Our study aimed to clarify the involvement of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in the beneficial effects of NAC on HFD-induced NAFLD. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal-fat diet (10 % fat), a HFD (45 % fat) or a HFD plus NAC (2 g/l). After 14-week of intervention, NAC rescued the deleterious alterations induced by HFD, including the changes in body and liver weights, hepatic TAG, plasma alanine aminotransferase, plasma aspartate transaminase and liver histomorphology (haematoxylin and eosin and Oil red O staining). Through whole-transcriptome sequencing, 52 167 (50 758 known and 1409 novel) hepatic lncRNA were detected. Our cross-comparison data revealed the expression of 175 lncRNA was changed by HFD but reversed by NAC. Five of those lncRNA, lncRNA-NONMMUT148902·1 (NO_902·1), lncRNA-XR_001781798·1 (XR_798·1), lncRNA-NONMMUT141720·1 (NO_720·1), lncRNA-XR_869907·1 (XR_907·1), and lncRNA-ENSMUST00000132181 (EN_181), were selected based on an absolute log2 fold change value of greater than 4, P-value < 0·01 and P-adjusted value < 0·01. Further qRT-PCR analysis showed the levels of lncRNA-NO_902·1, lncRNA-XR_798·1, and lncRNA-EN_181 were decreased by HFD but restored by NAC, consistent with the RNA sequencing. Finally, we constructed a ceRNA network containing lncRNA-EN_181, 3 miRNA, and 13 mRNA, which was associated with the NAC-ameliorated NAFLD. Overall, lncRNA-EN_181 might be a potential target in NAC-ameliorated NAFLD. This finding enhanced our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial role of NAC.
Reduced anhedonia following internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression is mediated by enhanced reward circuit activation
Authors: Hanuka Shir , Olson Elizabeth A. , Admon Roee , Webb Christian A. , Killgore William D. S. , Rauch Scott L. , Rosso Isabelle M. , Pizzagalli Diego A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric condition, yet many patients do not receive adequate treatment. Novel and highly scalable interventions such as internet-based cognitive-behavioral-therapy (iCBT) may help to address this treatment gap. Anhedonia, a hallmark symptom of MDD that refers to diminished interest and ability to experience pleasure, has been associated with reduced reactivity in a neural reward circuit that includes medial prefrontal and striatal brain regions. Whether iCBT can reduce anhedonia severity in MDD patients, and whether these therapeutic effects are accompanied by enhanced reward circuit reactivity has yet to be examined.

Methods

Fifty-two MDD patients were randomly assigned to either 10-week iCBT (n = 26) or monitored attention control (MAC, n = 26) programs. All patients completed pre- and post-treatment assessments of anhedonia (Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale; SHAPS) and reward circuit reactivity [monetary incentive delay (MID) task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)]. Healthy control participants (n = 42) also underwent two fMRI scans while completing the MID task 10 weeks apart.

Results

Both iCBT and MAC groups exhibited a reduction in anhedonia severity post-treatment. Nevertheless, only the iCBT group exhibited enhanced nucleus accumbens (Nacc) and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) activation and functional connectivity from pre- to post-treatment in response to reward feedback. Enhanced Nacc and sgACC activations were associated with reduced anhedonia severity following iCBT treatment, with enhanced Nacc activation also mediating the reduction in anhedonia severity post-treatment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that increased reward circuit reactivity may contribute to a reduction in anhedonia severity following iCBT treatment for depression.
Review Essay: Xenophon as Philosopher
Authors: McBrayer Gregory A.
Published: June 2022

Xenophon's reputation as a thinker of the highest order has been rehabilitated thanks principally to the work of Leo Strauss, his students, and his students’ students in political theory. Evidence of Xenophon's rehabilitated reputation is also the recent growth in Xenophon studies in academic fields outside political theory—classics, history, and philosophy—by scholars who are unaffiliated with Strauss, some of whom are even deeply critical of him, among them Paul Cartledge, Louis-André Dorion, Vivienne Gray, and Christopher Tuplin. There is also the success of the Landmark editions of Xenophon's Hellenika and Anabasis. To this growing body of scholarly literature, three monographs devoted to Xenophon's Socratic writings are now added. Thomas Pangle has written two excellent books, The Socratic Way of Life: Xenophon's “Memorabilia” and Socrates Founding Political Philosophy in Xenophon's “Economist,” “Symposium,” and “Apology.” Additionally, Dustin Sebell has written a penetrating analysis of Book IV of Xenophon's Memorabilia, titled Xenophon's Socratic Education: Reason, Religion, and the Limits of Politics.
The production of space and the changing character of the recording studio
Authors: Goold Lachlan
Published: June 2022

The propagation of low-cost music production technologies changes the way recording artists experience the spatial environments and technology of the recording studio. Concomitantly dwindling recording budgets have led to large-format studio closures. Many artists are choosing do-it-yourself (DIY) recording practices with the help of a producer, or self-produced, in non-purpose-built and domestic environments. This research seeks to understand the differences in creative agency and recording experience for performers in various recording environments. I use a practice-led approach to record performers in DIY recording spaces, large-format recording studios and a hybrid combination of both environments. I then use a Lefebvrian theoretical lens to analyse participant interviews and field notes. This research suggests that artist attitudes towards the choice of recording space are variable, with each participant preferring a different aspect of large-format and domestic spaces depending on which facet of those spaces they are considering. Despite this, the participants seem to experience DIY recording as broadly positive for creativity but respond with views that emphasise freedom from time constraints, a reclamation of power, fewer economic burdens and freedom to experiment. The research indicates that the DIY studio is emerging as a new paradigm in the recording field and defines the current era of music-making.
The Nigerian “End SARS” counter protest and the monumental destruction of cultural heritage
Authors: Adewumi Afolasade A. , Akintayo John Oluwole A.
Published: June 2022

This research responds to the recent destruction of cultural heritage in Nigeria during the protest against police brutality meted out on the populace by a unit of the Nigerian police force known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. This article uncovers issues implicated in the destruction of the Iga Idunganran, a national monument. Through a survey questionnaire, the article determines the perceptions of people about African traditional religion and the knowledge of people about the value and significance of heritage loss occasioned by the recent destruction of the palace. Findings reveal that many Nigerians are unaware of the value and significance of the palace as heritage that is essential to societal development. Many Nigerians are suffering from an identity crisis because of colonization. The Nigerian government has not fulfilled its role in protecting cultural heritage. The Nigerian government needs to put structures in place to implement its commitment at the national level.
Comparison of early-stage stenosis and regurgitation results among patients who underwent aortic valve repair
Authors: Tan-Recep Berra Zumrut , Hatemi Ali Can , Yavuz Yasemin , Yildirim Ayse Inci , Ceyran Hakan
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

This study aimed to analyse the results of paediatric aortic valve repairs in our institution.

Method:

The data of 57 patients under 18 years of age who underwent aortic valve repair between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Early postoperative reoperation and hospital mortality rates were evaluated based on the ages of the patients, their preoperative diagnoses, and the surgical techniques used. Survival curves for groups of patients were calculated by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results:

The rate of reoperation was 14% (n = 8), and there were no significant differences regarding valve pathologies and preoperative diagnoses (p > 0.05). Among the repair techniques, tricuspidisation was considered to be a risk factor for reoperation (p < 0.05). Augmentation, the material used (0.1 PTFE or pericardium), and the number of cusps were not found to have significant effects on reoperation or mortality. The mean follow-up period was 29.86 ± 21.30 months. The survival rates of the patients were 88%, 100%, and 88.2% for those with aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, and mixed disease, respectively, and no significant difference was found when these rates were evaluated with the log-rank test (p > 0.05). The mortality rate was 8.8% (n = 5), and undergoing surgery before the age of 1 year was found to be significant in terms of mortality (p = 0.032, p < 0.05). The bicuspid aortic valve group had the lowest mortality risk, while the Shone complex group had the highest.

Conclusion:

With its acceptable reoperation and mortality rates, aortic valve repair should be the first choice of treatment in the paediatric age group. Early results were satisfactory in all groups.
Quantifying the Risk to Health Care Workers of Cough as an Aerosol Generating Event in an Ambulance Setting: A Research Report
Authors: Gedge Dale A. , Chilcott Robert P. , Williams Julia
Published: June 2022

Introduction and Objective:

United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance related to mask use for health care workers in a non-aerosol generating procedure (AGP) setting has remained as Level 2 water repellent paper mask (surgical mask) only. Energetic respiratory events, such as coughing, can generate vast numbers of droplets and aerosols. Coughing, considered to be a non-AGP event, frequently occurs in the relatively small, confined space of an ambulance (∼25 m3). The report seeks to explore whether existing research can provide an indication of the risk to ambulance staff, via aerosol transmission, of an acute respiratory infection (ARI) during a coughing event within the clinical setting of an ambulance.

Methods:

International bibliographic databases were searched (CINAHL Plus, SCOPUS, PubMed, and CENTRAL) using appropriate search strings and a combination of relevant medical subject headings with appropriate truncation. Methodological filters were not applied. Papers without an English language abstract were excluded from the review. Grey literature was sought by searching specialist databases OpenGrey and GreyNet, as well as key organizations’ websites. The initial search identified 2,405 articles. Following screening, along with forward and backward citation of key papers identified within the literature search, 36 papers were deemed eligible for the scoping review.

Discussion:

Attempts to replicate a clinical environment to investigate the risk of transmission of airborne viruses to health care workers during a coughing event provided evidence for the generation of respirable aerosol particles and thus potential transmission of pathogens. In cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), potential to infect versus true airborne transmission is a debate that continues, but there is general consensus that a large variation of cough characteristics and aerosol generation amongst individuals exists. Studies widely endorsed face masks as a source control device, but there were conflicting views about the impact of mask leakage.

Conclusion:

Further research is required to provide clarity of the risk to health care workers when caring for a coughing patient in the confined clinical ambulance setting and to provide an evidence base to assist in the determination of appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
Disproportionate Service: Considering the Impacts of George Floyd’s Death and the Coronavirus Pandemic for Women Academics and Faculty of Color
Authors: Simien Evelyn M. , Wallace Sophia Jordán
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on disproportionate service burdens faced by women academics and faculty of color in higher education created by COVID-19 and the massive, multilocation street protests that followed George Floyd’s death. Our work aims to inform provosts, deans, directors, and other institutional actors in academia who recognize the need for documenting structural inequities and investing in high-impact, long-term solutions. Recommendations are offered to meet challenges, given the need to raise colleague awareness of disproportionate service burdens.
IAPT CBT treatment for PTSD following COVID-19-related intensive care admission – a case study
Authors: Skilbeck Lilian , Byrne Suzanne
Published: June 2022

The current case study was conducted as part of the National Health Services and Health Education England implemented IAPT top-up training in trauma-focused cognitive therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There has been an increase in the number of clients presenting to IAPT with COVID-19 intensive care unit PTSD since the pandemic. However, there are no current unitary guidelines for psychological therapy for this population. Treatment of PTSD using individual trauma-focused cognitive therapy has been shown to be effective for ICU-PTSD. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence treatment guidelines recommend adapting existing protocols. This study describes how these recommendations were used in the treatment of COVID-19 ICU-PTSD in a 46-year-old male. It illustrates the use of trauma-focused cognitive therapy for PTSD and how ICU trauma memories including hallucinations were conceptualised. It also illustrates how the challenges of co-morbid panic attacks, long COVID and remote working were managed. The client attended 16 individual, 60- to 90-minute video sessions of trauma-focused cognitive therapy, conducted weekly via Microsoft Teams over a period of five months. The treatment plan was conducted in collaboration with the client’s general practitioner, physiotherapists, cardiopulmonary specialists, and his family. Treatment included a timeline, written narrative and imaginal reliving. It also applied stimulus discrimination, behavioural experiments and site visit. At the end of treatment, the client no longer showed clinically important symptoms of PTSD as assessed on the PCL-5 and interview. This was sustained at 3-month follow-up.

Key learning aims.

It is hoped that the reader will increase their understanding of the following:

(1)

Delivery of trauma-focused cognitive therapy for ICU-PTSD.

(2)

Cognitive conceptualisation of the trauma memory including hallucinations.

(3)

Management of co-morbid symptoms.
Exhuming and Preserving Epizonal Orogenic Au‐Sb Deposits in Rapidly Uplifting Orogenic Settings
Authors: Yu Hao‐Cheng , Qiu Kun‐Feng , Deng Jun , Zhu Rui , Mathieu Lucie , Sai Sheng‐Xun , Sha Wu‐Jin
Published: June 2022

Epizonal orogenic Au‐Sb deposits are generally Phanerozoic in age, possibly as a consequence of erosion that can entirely remove older mineral deposits in rapidly uplifting orogenic setting. Quantifying post‐mineralization thermotectonic processes is essential for documenting the exhumation and preservation of epizonal deposits, which in turn is critical for constraining regional deformation. This study focuses on the giant Zaozigou deposit, and documents cooling rates using amphibole and biotite Ar‐Ar, zircon U‐Th/He, and apatite fission track dating. Six cooling phases are identified, including Early to Middle Triassic very rapid cooling, Late Triassic rapid cooling, Early Jurassic slow cooling, Middle to Late Jurassic rapid cooling, Cretaceous to Oligocene slow cooling, and Miocene to present rapid cooling. Initial cooling corresponds to thermal exchange between magmatic rocks and wall rocks. Phases two through five are related to a sequence of post‐mineralization compressional, strike‐slip, compressional, and extensional events, pointing to multi‐phase tectonic evolution of the Qinling Orogen since the Late Triassic. Late exhumation is probably related to lateral growth of the Tibetan Plateau and/or to rapid erosion induced by intensification of the Asian monsoon. In total, ∼6.3 km of rock was removed post‐mineralization. We conclude that Cretaceous to Oligocene extension retarded the continuous erosion and thus played an important role in the preservation of Zaozigou. Combined with known orogenic processes, our results demonstrate that a long‐lived extension is a favorable tectonic environment for the preservation of epizonal orogenic Au‐Sb deposits in rapidly uplifting orogenic setting.
Projected Increases in Global Terrestrial Net Primary Productivity Loss Caused by Drought Under Climate Change
Authors: Cao Dan , Zhang Jiahua , Han Jiaqi , Zhang Tian , Yang Shanshan , Wang Jingwen , Prodhan Foyez Ahmed , Yao Fengmei
Published: June 2022

Understanding present and future impacts of drought on the terrestrial carbon budget is of great significance to the evaluation of terrestrial ecosystem disturbance and terrestrial carbon sink. Here, we evaluate the effect of vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) associated with drought through the difference between the mean NPP in the drought and normal years during a specific time period (30 years). Then, the NPP effects in different vegetation types and climatic zones under baseline stage (1981–2010) and future climate scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) is assessed. The results indicate that the negative NPP extremes are captured in most regions, except for the high‐latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. The NPP loss caused by extreme droughts in 2071–2100 is largest under RCPs, followed by the effects of severe and moderate droughts. Regionally, central United States, southern Africa, central Asia, India, Amazon tropical rainforest, and Australia are projected to experience a significant increase in negative NPP extremes and most of these regions are in arid and semi‐arid and tropical rain forest areas. In contrast, tropical Asia suffers little drought effects. For different vegetation, Evergreen Broadleaf Forest, Closed Shrubland, Open Shrubland, Croplands, and Grassland are the most affected by drought. The largest NPP loss occurs in most part of regions under RCP4.5 scenario, not RCP8.5. Climate change is projected to play the largest role in aggravating the risk of drought‐induced NPP reduction. And meanwhile, the adverse effects of drought on vegetation may be resisted through rational fertilizer utilization and land management in future.
Global Driving of Auroral Precipitation: 1. Balance of Sources
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Agnit , Welling Daniel , Liemohn Michael , Ridley Aaron , Burleigh Meghan , Wu Chen , Zou Shasha , Connor Hyunju , Vandegriff Elizabeth , Dredger Pauline , Tóth Gabor
Published: June 2022

The accurate determination of auroral precipitation in global models has remained a daunting and rather inexplicable obstacle. Understanding the calculation and balance of multiple sources that constitute the aurora, and their eventual conversion into ionospheric electrical conductance, is critical for improved prediction of space weather events. In this study, we present a semi‐physical global modeling approach that characterizes contributions by four types of precipitation—monoenergetic, broadband, electron, and ion diffuse—to ionospheric electrodynamics. The model uses a combination of adiabatic kinetic theory and loss parameters derived from historical energy flux patterns to estimate auroral precipitation from magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) quantities. It then converts them into ionospheric conductance that is used to compute the ionospheric feedback to the magnetosphere. The model has been employed to simulate the 5–7 April 2010 Galaxy15 space weather event. Comparison of auroral fluxes show good agreement with observational data sets like NOAA‐DMSP and OVATION Prime. The study shows a dominant contribution by electron diffuse precipitation, accounting for ∼74% of the auroral energy flux. However, contributions by monoenergetic and broadband sources dominate during times of active upstream solar conditions, providing for up to 61% of the total hemispheric power. The study also finds a greater role played by broadband precipitation in ionospheric electrodynamics which accounts for ∼31% of the Pedersen conductance.
Gravity Waves in Titan's Atmosphere: A Comparison Between Linearized Wave Model Calculations and HASI Observations
Authors: Huang Jianping , Wu Zhaopeng , Cui Jun , Wan Xin , Zhong Jiahao , Hao Yongqiang
Published: June 2022

The Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument (HASI) detected wavelike temperature fluctuations from 500 to 1,000 km on Titan. However, these fluctuation structures have not been satisfactorily reproduced by any theoretical model to date. In this study, we construct a full‐wave model to simulate the observed gravity wave structure. The model includes dissipation processes due to molecular viscosity, which increases exponentially with altitude, and eddy viscosity, which dominates the lower atmosphere. Using our model, we reproduced the observed temperature perturbations with the superposition of two gravity wave modes, one with λz = 600 km and λx = 1,600 km while the other with λz = 140 km and λx = 8,000 km. We estimate the thermal effects introduced by gravity waves and find that gravity waves below 900 km may significantly modify temperature structure of the upper atmosphere by tens of Kelvins. The wave‐induced thermal effect is sensitive to the eddy viscosity, which controls the dissipation and thermal conductivity below 900 km. When the eddy viscosity is increased by a factor of five, the thermal effect of gravity waves changes from −89 K cooling to nearly zero. This heating mechanism may contribute to the large temperature variability of 60 K in Titan's upper atmosphere.