bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro‐galvanic corrosion of duplex stainless steel annealed at different temperatures evaluated by experiments and a numerical simulation model
Authors: Cao Xinfeng , Hu Xiaojun
Published: August 2022

In this study, micro‐galvanic corrosion of SAF 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) annealed at different temperatures with different phase ratios (α/γ) in a 1 M H2SO4 + 1 M NaCl solution is analyzed by zero resistance ammeter (ZRA), immersion and numerical simulation model. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to solve the numerical simulation model and predict the local current density, potential distribution, and morphology of DSS annealed at different temperatures with different phase ratios. The modeling results are in good agreement with the immersion test results, which indicate that the micro‐galvanic corrosion depth of SAF 2205 DSS annealed at different temperatures initially decreases and then increases with the increase in the phase ratios (α/γ). The best micro‐galvanic corrosion resistance is obtained at an annealing temperature of 1100°C.
Mechanical properties of AA6061T6 and AA6351T6 plates joined by friction stir welding
Authors: Prasad L. , Kumar A. , Jaiswal R. , Kumar A. , Kumar V. , Yadav A.
Published: August 2022

In this study, friction stir welding using a vertical milling machine was performed to join 5 mm thick dissimilar AA6061‐T6 and AA6351‐T6 aluminium alloy plates. The friction stir welding was performed with cylindrical and square pin tools at the tool‘s different rotational and transverse speeds. A dye penetration test (non‐destructive test) was performed to check cracks on welded joints′ surfaces. Tensile strength and hardness were investigated, and microstructure was analyzed. It showed that the welded surfaces were free from any cracks. The maximum ultimate tensile strength of 167.95 MPa was recorded for the square tool pin, while the maximum microhardness was 92 RHN for the cylindrical tool pin. The microstructure analysis of the cross‐section of joints revealed good intermixing of material in the stir zone leading to improved mechanical properties for use in aerospace, automobile, and shipbuilding industries by managing the cost of aluminium welding and increased performance.
Influence of plasma nitriding on dry wear, corrosion and tribocorrosion performance of 17‐4 precipitation hardening stainless steel
Authors: Mindivan F. , Aktas G.R. , Bayram A.
Published: August 2022

Plasma nitriding treatment of 17‐4 precipitation hardening stainless steels was carried out at 400 °C and 450 °C using a direct current unit. The nitriding layer thicknesses of the plasma nitrided at 400 °C and 450 °C were measured as 37.29 μm and 49.97 μm, respectively. The plasma nitrided sample at 400 °C presented dominant martensite and retained austenite phases; however, the height of main martensite diffraction peaks increased at 450 °C. The hardness results demonstrated that the samples at 400 °C and 450 °C were 2.9 and 3.1 times as hard as the untreated sample, respectively. The wear rate values of the sample at 450 °C showed a decrease by 19 % in the corrosive salt solution and 57 % in the dry‐sliding condition compared with that of untreated sample. The corrosion potential of the sample at 400 °C had more positive potential value and lower current density value than those of at 450 °C. The corrosion resistance of the sample at 400 °C improved due to the positive effect of the retained austenite phase. In this study, the wear was more dominant rather than corrosion, therefore plasma nitrided sample at 450 °C showed the best dry wear and tribocorrosion resistance.
Hydrogen induced cracking and stress corrosion cracking behavior of the weld metals in 17‐4 precipitation hardening stainless steel after double over aging treatment
Authors: Adelian A. , Ranjbar K. , Tavakoli Shoushtari M.
Published: August 2022

This research studied the effect of two‐stage over aging treatment on corrosion behavior of the weld metals in the 17‐4 precipitation hardening stainless steel. Gas tungsten arc welding was performed under solution annealed condition. After the welding, weld metal was subjected to double over aging treatments. Hydrogen induced cracking and stress corrosion cracking standard tests were carried out on weld metals before and after ageing treatment. Charpy impact test and microhardness test were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of weld metals. Microstructural examinations of the welding zones were performed by the optical microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the as‐weld lath and coarse martensite were transferred to severely tempered martensite after over aging treatment with the formation of reversed austenite. In the latter case, the reversed austenite was about 30 % compared to 7 % before over aging treatment. The over aged weld metals were significantly more resistant to hydrogen induced cracking, and exhibited a longer time‐to‐failure in stress corrosion cracking test. The weld metal in the as‐weld condition in hydrogen induced cracking test showed severe cracking and failed rapidly in the stress corrosion cracking test.
Prevalence and Incidence of Nonmotor Symptoms in Individuals with and Without Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Paracha Mariam , Herbst Konnor , Kieburtz Karl , Venuto Charles S.
Published: August 2022

Background

The prevalence ratio (PR) and incidence rate ratio (IRR) of nonmotor symptoms (NMS) were calculated for early Parkinson's disease (PD) versus non‐PD from 2 observational studies.

Methods

NMS were assessed through the self‐reported Non‐Motor Symptom Questionnaire in the online Fox Insight study and through self‐ and clinician‐rated scales in the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) study. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted/matched PR and IRR were estimated for each NMS by PD status using Poisson regression.

Results

Most NMS occurred more frequently in PD. Among 15,194 Fox Insight participants, sexual dysfunction had the largest adjusted PR (12.4 [95% CI, 6.9–22.2]) and dysgeusia/hyposmia had the largest adjusted IRR over a 2‐year median follow‐up (17.0 [95% CI, 7.8–37.1]). Among 607 PPMI participants, anosmia had the largest PR (16.6 [95% CI, 6.1–44.8]). During the 7‐year median follow‐up, hallucinations had the largest IRR (13.5 [95% CI, 6.3–28.8]).

Conclusion

Although many NMS are more common in early PD than in non‐PD, their occurrence may differ with time (hallucinations) or data collection methods (sexual dysfunction).
Reconstruction of a time‐dependent coefficient in nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation using Bernstein spectral method
Authors: Rashedi Kamal
Published: August 2022

In this work, we present a spectral method for recovering an unknown time‐dependent lower‐order coefficient and unknown wave displacement in a nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation with overdetermination at a boundary condition. We apply the initial and boundary conditions to construct the satisfier function and use this function in a transformation to convert the main problem to a nonclassical hyperbolic equation with homogeneous initial and boundary conditions. Then, we utilize the orthonormal Bernstein basis functions to approximate the solution of the reformulated problem and use a direct technique based on the operational matrices of integration and differentiation of these basis functions together with the collocation technique to reduce the problem to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Regarding the perturbed measurements, the method takes advantage of the mollification method in order to derive stable numerical derivatives. Numerical simulations for solving several test examples are presented to show the applicability of the proposed method for obtaining accurate and stable results.
Lie group approach for constructing all reciprocal transformations: The two‐dimensional stationary gas dynamics equations
Authors: Siriwat Piyanuch , Meleshko Sergey V.
Published: August 2022

Recently, an infinitesimal approach for finding reciprocal transformations has been proposed. The method uses the group analysis approach and consists of similar steps as for finding an equivalence group of transformations. The new method provides a systematic tool for finding classes of reciprocal transformations (group of reciprocal transformations). Similar to the classical group analysis, this approach can be also applied for finding all reciprocal transformations (not only composing a group) of the equations under study. The present paper provides this algorithm. As an illustration, the method is applied to the two‐dimensional stationary gas dynamics equations. Equivalence group, group of reciprocal transformations, and completeness of all discrete reciprocal transformations are presented in the paper. The results are stated in form of a theorem.
COVID‐19 during the index hospital admission confers a ‘double‐hit’ effect on hip fracture patients and is associated with a two‐fold increase in 1‐year mortality risk
Authors: Hall Andrew J. , Clement Nicholas D. ,   IMPACT Revisited Group, MacLullich Alasdair M. J. , White Timothy O. , Duckworth Andrew D.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aims were to: (1) determine 1‐year mortality rates for hip fracture patients during the first UK COVID‐19 wave, and (2) assess mortality risk associated with COVID‐19.

Methods

A nationwide multicentre cohort study was conducted of all patients presenting to 17 hospitals in March‐April 2020. Follow‐up data were collected one year after initial hip fracture (‘index’) admission, including: COVID‐19 status, readmissions, mortality, and cause of death.

Results

Data were available for 788/833 (94.6%) patients. One‐year mortality was 242/788 (30.7%), and the prevalence of COVID‐19 within 365 days of admission was 142/788 (18.0%). One‐year mortality was higher for patients with COVID‐19 (46.5% vs. 27.2%; p < 0.001), and highest for those COVID‐positive during index admission versus after discharge (54.7% vs. 39.7%; p = 0.025). Anytime COVID‐19 was independently associated with 50% increased mortality risk within a year of injury (HR 1.50, p = 0.006); adjusted mortality risk doubled (HR 2.03, p < 0.001) for patients COVID‐positive during index admission. No independent association was observed between mortality risk and COVID‐19 diagnosed following discharge (HR 1.16, p = 0.462). Most deaths (56/66; 84.8%) in COVID‐positive patients occurred within 30 days of COVID‐19 diagnosis (median 11.0 days). Most cases diagnosed following discharge from the admission hospital occurred in downstream hospitals.

Conclusion

Almost half the patients that had COVID‐19 within 365 days of fracture had died within one year of injury versus 27.2% of COVID‐negative patients. Only COVID‐19 diagnosed during the index admission was associated independently with an increased likelihood of death, indicating that infection during this time may represent a ‘double‐hit’ insult, and most COVID‐related deaths occurred within 30 days of diagnosis.
Gröbner bases plugged into graphical skills to solve a set of multiple bifurcation equations in structural compound stability problems
Authors: Tanaka Masato , Matsubara Seishiro , Schröder Jörg , Fujii Fumio
Published: August 2022

A core issue in structural multiple bifurcations (MB) in computational engineering is to identify all existing branching paths emanating from the MB point in compound stability problems. The governing MB equations (MBEs) will commonly result in a set of three (or occasionally two) polynomial equations in asymptotic stability theory when the singular stiffness matrix is subject to a rank deficiency of two (i.e., two null eigenvalues). However, no general solution strategy has been established to solve MBEs so far. This study proposes innovative graphical solution ideas to intuitively visualize multiple path branching in 2D‐ and 3D‐spaces of variables. Although the graphical skills display real solutions in specified search areas on a graphical monitor, it is not assured that “all” real roots are detected. The total number of identified real and complex roots of simultaneous equations must be generally consistent with that predicted algebraically to ensure that all real and complex roots are captured in MB. In computational algebra, Gröbner bases are employed to convert a set of polynomial equations into single recursively solvable equations and can be plugged into visualization steps. Therefore, Gröbner bases and graphical skills are complementary and can be applied to numerically solve a set of plate/shell structural MBEs.
Immunohistochemical analysis of caspase expression in the brains of individuals with obesity or overweight
Authors: Gómez‐Apo Erick , Silva‐Pereyra Juan , Soto‐Abraham Virgilia , Mondragón‐Maya Alejandra , Sanchez‐Lopez Javier
Published: August 2022

Mechanisms underlying the negative effects of obesity on the brain are still unknown. Obesity is associated with oxidative stress in the brain and neuroinflammation that promotes neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic low‐grade neuroinflammation in obesity could be associated with lower volumes of gray matter and lower neuronal density. If neuroinflammation mediated by the expression of cytokines and chemokines leads to apoptosis, this can be assessed by examining caspase expression. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of caspases in the 16 brains of donors with obesity/overweight (n = 8; Body Mass Index [BMI] = 31.6 ± 4.35 kg/m2; 2 females; Age = 52.9 ± 4.76 years) and normal weight (n = 8; BMI = 21.8 ± 1.5 kg/m2; 3 females; Age = 37.8 ± 19.2 years). Sixteen human brain samples were processed. Serial paraffin sections were examined by anti‐caspase immunochemistry (caspase‐3, caspase‐4, caspase‐6, caspase‐1, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9 antibodies). Postmortem samples of cerebral cortex tissue were captured as photomicrographs and the images obtained were analyzed using ImageJ software to obtain the percentage of positive caspase expression. Nonparametric Mann–Whitney U tests were performed to compare caspase expression between samples from donors with obesity/overweight and normal weight. Taking into consideration the immunohistochemistry results, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes was used to model molecular interactions. Results showed that brain samples from individuals with obesity/overweight exhibited significantly greater values of positive expression for Caspase‐1 (U = 16.5, p = 0.05, Cohen d = 0.89) and −8 (U = 15, p = 0.03, Cohen d = 0.99) than those from donors with normal weight. This study contributes to the knowledge about the inflammatory effects of obesity/overweight on brain, suggesting the activation of the alternative inflammasome pathway in which interact caspase‐1 and ‐8.
Improving governance outcomes for water quality: Insights from participatory social network analysis for chalk stream catchments in England
Authors: Ball Jennifer , Hauck Jennifer , Holland Robert A. , Lovegrove Amy , Snaddon Jake , Taylor Gail , Peh Kelvin S.‐H.
Published: August 2022

Globally important chalk streams in England are in poor ecological health, in part due to inadequate water quality. Addressing this issue requires an understanding of the governance systems that surround water quality. The complexity and uncertainty inherent in hydrological systems has led to the emergence of integrated and adaptive forms of governance. In these multi‐actor governance systems, the structure of the relationships between actors (the social network) has been shown to affect governance processes and outcomes.

Using participatory social network analysis, we mapped and analysed the social networks for the River Test and River Itchen in Hampshire, United Kingdom, to identify actors and their roles, determine the network characteristics and identify interventions to improve governance.

Although the results suggest a well‐connected network of actors from the state, private sector and civil society, we find that decision‐making is not decentralised. Bureaucratic governance by central state actors dominates. However, trust in these central state actors and private actors in the networks is low, which undermines collaboration and co‐ordination in the network.

Devolving authority to local actors, building trust in the networks and improving connections to important actors could help to improve governance outcomes for water quality.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Dissemination of an evidence‐based behavioral intervention to alleviate distress in caregivers of children recently diagnosed with cancer: Bright IDEAS
Authors: Voll Megan , Fairclough Diane L. , Morrato Elaine H. , McNeal Demetria M. , Embry Leanne , Pelletier Wendy , Noll Robert B. , Sahler Olle Jane Z.
Published: August 2022

Background

Four multisite randomized clinical trials of > 1400 caregivers of children newly diagnosed with cancer showed that the Bright IDEAS (BI) paradigm of problem‐solving skills training is an acceptable and efficacious approach to alleviating the high levels of distress they experience. To facilitate providing evidence‐based caregiver support as recommended in the pediatric oncology standards of care, the project described here was designed to disseminate BI to 200 psychosocial professionals.

Procedure

We partnered with the Children's Oncology Group (COG), Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (APOSW), Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON), and special interest group in pediatric hematology/oncology of the Society for Pediatric Psychology (SPP). Membership surveys revealed substantial enthusiasm for training in BI. We structured training to include review of the evidence base for BI, role plays, and strategies for implementation at individual sites. Four conference calls designed to enhance implementation were held one, two, three, and five months after training.

Results

Ten 1.5‐day workshops were held in conjunction with annual meetings of COG, APOSW, APHON, and SPP. A total of 209 psychosocial clinicians from 134 sites were trained. Evaluations were highly favorable. Trainees had provided BI to 545 individuals as of the last conference call.

Conclusions

Initial dissemination goals were met. BI is now available at numerous pediatric oncology centers, but it has not become part of routine care. Future work focused on implementation might consider top‐down approaches that include direct communication with pediatric oncologists and hospital leaders about the benefits of incorporating this evidence‐based intervention systemically.
Fabrication and properties of aluminum phosphate framework/bismaleimide composites with double‐crosslinking structures
Authors: Niu Yongan , Song Bolun , Shi Zihang , Zheng Shuojin , Cao Xianqi , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2022

Aluminum phosphate (AP) framework/bismaleimide (BMI) composites were successfully prepared by the direct blending with phosphates and α‐Al2O3. Among them, the flexural strength of 20 wt% AP/BMI composites approached 47.5 MPa after thermal treatment at 300°C. The maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax = 650.2°C) and glass transition temperature (Tg = 299.8°C) was increased by 67.7 and 19.1°C, respectively. Furthermore, the dielectric constant (ε) of 20 wt% AP/BMI composites was approximately 3.12 at 500 kHz. After pyrolysis of BMI matrix, the reserved AP reinforcement was the three‐dimensional (3D) crosslinking framework. Therefore, the direct blending is a facile method to obtain double‐crosslinking inorganic/organic composites, and they would be potentially used as the high‐performance, low defect, and thermal resistant composites.
Stress and mental health in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis 1 year after the COVID pandemic: Findings from an Italian sample
Authors: Graziano Sonia , Boldrini Francesca , Quittner Alexandra L. , Fiocchi Alessandro G. , Tabarini Paola
Published: August 2022

Background

The spread of COVID‐19 was associated with increased stress and new mental health concerns for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), already at increased risk for depression and anxiety. This study assessed stress and mental health in adolescents and young adults with CF 1 year from when the pandemic began.

Methods

Sixty‐six pwCF (mean age = 24; range 14–36) completed a new measure of the impact of COVID‐19 (COVID‐19 Exposure and Family Impact Scale‐Adolescence and Young Adult; CEFIS‐AYA); the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7. The Italian translation of the CEFIS‐AYA was performed.

Results

On the CEFIS‐AYA, the mean Exposure score was 5.2 (SD = 2.6) out of 28. The mean Impact score was 1.8 (SD = 0.7; negative valence > 2.5). Individuals were more sedentary and undertaking less exercise. Average stress rating was 5.9 (SD = 2), indicating moderate stress. No significant differences were found between those who did (N = 12) and who did not have a COVID infection (N = 54). A high percentage of participants scored above the clinical cut‐off for depression (45%) and anxiety (41%), with a low proportion reporting moderate‐severe symptomatology.

Conclusion

After 1 year, the pandemic was having a less significant impact on patients' daily lives. Sedentary activity and reduced exercise were common. Despite expectations that this group was particularly vulnerable, depression and anxiety scores were similar to the rates described for this population before the pandemic. Overall, these results suggested that pwCF are highly resilient and nearly 1 year after the onset of COVID‐19, have returned to similar daily activities and emotional health.
Amorphization and Crystallization of Hexanitroazobenzene (HNAB) Using Conventional DSC and Flash DSC
Authors: Koh Yung P. , Fondren Zachary T. , Denton Aric A. , Simon Sindee L. , McKenna Gregory B.
Published: August 2022

The present work presents results from an investigation of the glass transition and crystallization behaviors of HNAB tested over more than five orders of magnitude of cooling rate from 0.005 °C/s to 600 °C/s (0.3 to 36000 °C/min) by a combination of conventional and Flash differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The work quantifies the influence of the thermal amorphization route on the properties of this high explosive. Cooling rates faster than 100 °C/s (6000 °C/min) result in amorphous HNAB as expected from prior work, but we also find that amorphization of the HNAB occurs at cooling rates slower than 0.008 °C/s (0.5 °C/min). The behavior of the amorphous HNAB made by slow cooling is compared with that of amorphous HNAB made by fast cooling, as well as with that made by solvent casting in terms of glass transition temperature, apparent activation energy of glass transition, and dynamic fragility parameter m. Besides, the non‐isothermal crystallization response as a function of cooling rate is also reported. The thermal stability and decomposition energy of amorphous HNAB are compared with those of the crystalline counterpart, being similar heats of decomposition of 3295 and 3392 J/g, respectively; suggesting that the amorphous HNAB will have similar thermal stability and chemical energy to the crystalline form.
Serum levels of chromogranin are not predictive of poorly differentiated prostate cancer: Results from a multicenter radical prostatectomy cohort
Authors: Lombardo Riccardo , Rovesti Lorenzo , Cicione Antonio , Gravina Carmen , Franco Antonio , Stira Jordi , Simone Giuseppe , D'Annunzio Simone , Nacchia Antonio , Papalia Rocco , Mastroianni Riccardo , Collura Devis , Brassetti Aldo , Vecchione Andrea , Muto Giovanni , Gallucci Michele , Tubaro Andrea , De Nunzio Cosimo
Published: August 2022

Background

Recently a possible link between elevated Chromogranin A (CgA) levels and poorly differentiated prostate cancer has been proposed. The aim of our study was to explore the association of CgA levels and the risk of poorly differentiated prostate cancer (PCa) in men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

Materials and Methods

From 2012 onwards, 335 consecutive men undergoing RRP for PCa at three centers in Italy were enrolled into a prospective database. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated before RRP. Blood samples were collected and tested for total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and chromogranin A (CgA). We evaluated the association between serum levels of CgA and upstaging and upgrading using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Median age and preoperative PSA levels were 65 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 60–69) and 7.2 ng/ml (IQR: 5.3–10.4), respectively. Median BMI was 26.1 kg/m2 (IQR: 24–29) with 56 (16%) obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Median CgA levels were 51 (39/71). Overall, 129/335 (38,5%) presented an upstaging, and 99/335 (30%) presented an upgrading. CgA was not a predictor of upstaging or upgrading on RP.

Conclusions

In our multicenter cohort of patients, CgA is not a predictor of poorly differentiated PCa on radical prostatectomy. According to our experience, CgA should not be considered a reliable marker to predict poorly differentiated or advanced prostate cancer.
High‐Temperature Ferromagnetism of the Iron‐Based FCC Phase: The Effect of Carbon and Nickel
Authors: Uimin Mikhail A. , Yermakov Anatoly Ye. , Korolev Alexander V. , Kurkin Mikhail I. , Konev Alexander S. , Novikov Sergey I. , Minin Artem S. , Volegov Alexey S. , Gaviko Vasily S.
Published: August 2022

The phase composition and magnetic properties of FeNi nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon with a nickel content of about 10% are studied in comparison with FeNi nanoparticles of similar composition without carbon coating. The Fe91Ni9 particles have the body centered cubic structure, whereas the Fe88Ni12@C particles have the face centered cubic (FCC) structure. The Fe88Ni12@C particles are characterized with a rather high magnetization of 60 emu g−1 in the field of 30 kOe at 5 K and 40 emu g−1 at 300 K. The monotonous behavior of magnetization with temperature gives grounds to assume that the Fe88Ni12@C particles retain the FCC structure over the entire temperature range down to 5 K. It is concluded that the stabilization of FCC phase of Fe88Ni12@C and the ferromagnetic state of this FCC phase are related to a large concentration of carbon in the core of the nanoparticles.
Coherent Quantum Emitters in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Kubanek Alexander
Published: August 2022

Hexagonal boron nitride is an emerging 2D material with far‐reaching applications in fields like nanophotonics or nanomechanics. Its layered architecture plays a key role for new materials such as Van der Waals heterostructures. The layered structure has also unique implications for hosted, optically active defect centers. A very special type of defect center arises from the possibility to host mechanically isolated orbitals localized between the layers. The resulting absence of coupling to low‐frequency acoustic phonons turns out to be the essential element to protect the coherence of optical transitions from mechanical interactions with the environment. Consequently, the spectral transition linewidth remains unusually narrow even at room temperature, thus paving a new way toward coherent quantum optics under ambient conditions. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art of defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride is summarized with a focus on optically coherent defect centers. The current understanding of the defect centers, remaining questions, and potential research directions to overcome pervasive challenges are discussed. The field is put into a broad perspective with impact on quantum technology such as quantum optics, quantum photonics, as well as spin optomechanics.
Advice for isolated statisticians collaborating in academic healthcare centre settings
Authors: Mehta C. Christina , Stedman Margaret R. , Rao Sowmya R. , Podolsky Robert
Published: August 2022

A substantial number of statisticians work in isolated domain science departments without access to support networks and resources typical of larger statistical units. These isolated statisticians face many challenges including limited professional networks, non‐traditional roles with idiosyncratic expectations and unique career paths. Furthermore, “the curse of success” lies ahead, as success of the department may only lead to greater demand and lagging support for the services needed. We provide suggestions for career development in an isolated environment by urging statisticians to build their network and become engaged with other statisticians to reduce isolation and identify mentors. We discuss the importance of regular communication with their supervisors to define one's role and navigate the change in expectations in the transition from a supporting role to a co‐investigator to a core leader. To help with “the curse of success,” we explain how to develop a business model with a plan for future expansion and professional development. We conclude that isolation should not be perceived as a limitation. Opportunities and resources exist within the American Statistical Association (ASA) to reduce isolation and support career development. However, there is a need for a formal career path along with evaluation criteria and example business models to support isolated statisticians striving to become core leaders.
Local Search for SMT on Linear Integer Arithmetic
Authors: Cai Shaowei , Li Bohan , Zhang Xindi
Published: August 2022

Satisfiability Modulo Linear Integer Arithmetic, SMT (LIA) for short, has significant applications in many domains. In this paper, we develop the first local search algorithm for SMT (LIA) by directly operating on variables, breaking through the traditional framework. We propose a local search framework by considering the distinctions between Boolean and integer variables. Moreover, we design a novel operator and scoring functions tailored for LIA, and propose a two-level operation selection heuristic. Putting these together, we develop a local search SMT (LIA) solver called LS-LIA. Experiments are carried out to evaluate LS-LIA on benchmarks from SMTLIB and two benchmark sets generated from job shop scheduling and data race detection. The results show that LS-LIA is competitive and complementary with state-of-the-art SMT solvers, and performs particularly well on those formulae with only integer variables. A simple sequential portfolio with Z3 improves the state-of-the-art on satisfiable benchmark sets of LIA and IDL benchmarks from SMT-LIB. LS-LIA also solves Job Shop Scheduling benchmarks substantially faster than traditional complete SMT solvers.
SMT-Based Translation Validation for Machine Learning Compiler
Authors: Bang Seongwon , Nam Seunghyeon , Chun Inwhan , Jhoo Ho Young , Lee Juneyoung
Published: August 2022

Machine learning compilers are large software containing complex transformations for deep learning models, and any buggy transformation may cause a crash or silently bring a regression to the prediction accuracy and performance. This paper proposes an SMT-based translation validation framework for Multi-Level IR (MLIR), a compiler framework used by many deep learning compilers. It proposes an SMT encoding tailored for translation validation that is an over-approximation of the FP arithmetic and reduction operations. It performs abstraction refinement if validation fails. We also propose a new approach for encoding arithmetic properties of reductions in SMT. We found mismatches between the specification and implementation of MLIR, and validated high-level transformations for , , and with proper splitting.
Quantization of interacting Galilean field theories
Authors: Banerjee Kinjal , Sharma Aditya
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We present the quantum field description of Galilean electrodynamics minimally coupled to massless Galilean fermion in (3 + 1)-dimensions. At classical level, the Lagrangian is obtained as a null reduction of a relativistic theory in one higher dimension. We use functional techniques to develop the quantum field description of the theory. Quantum corrections to the propagators and vertex are obtained upto first order and the theory is found to be renormalizable to this order. The beta function of the theory is found to grow linearly; the theory is not asymptotically free.
Quasi-local energy and microcanonical entropy in two-dimensional nearly de Sitter gravity
Authors: Svesko Andrew , Verheijden Evita , Verlinde Erik P. , Visser Manus R.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study the semi-classical thermodynamics of two-dimensional de Sitter space (dS2) in Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity coupled to conformal matter. We extend the quasi-local formalism of Brown and York to dS2, where a timelike boundary is introduced in the static patch to uniquely define conserved charges, including quasi-local energy. The boundary divides the static patch into two systems, a cosmological system and a black hole system, the former being unstable under thermal fluctuations while the latter is stable. A semi-classical quasi-local first law is derived, where the Gibbons–Hawking entropy is replaced by the generalized entropy. In the microcanonical ensemble the generalized entropy is stationary. Further, we show the on-shell Euclidean microcanonical action of a causal diamond in semi-classical JT gravity equals minus the generalized entropy of the diamond, hence extremization of the entropy follows from minimizing the action. Thus, we provide a first principles derivation of the island rule for U(1) symmetric dS2 backgrounds, without invoking the replica trick. We discuss the implications of our findings for static patch de Sitter holography.
Annihilogenesis
Authors: Arakawa Jason , Rajaraman Arvind , Tait Tim M. P.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We investigate a novel interplay between the decay and annihilation of a particle whose mass undergoes a large shift during a first order phase transition, leading to the particles becoming trapped in the false vacuum and enhancing their annihilation rates as the bubbles of true vacuum expand. This opens up a large region of the parameter space where annihilations can be important. We apply this scenario to baryogenesis, where we find that annihilations can be enhanced enough to generate the required baryon asymmetry even for relatively tiny annihilation cross sections with modest CP asymmetries.
Cytidine deaminase deficiency in tumor cells is associated with sensitivity to a naphthol derivative and a decrease in oncometabolite levels
Authors: Mameri Hamza , Buhagiar-Labarchède Géraldine , Fontaine Gaëlle , Corcelle Céline , Barette Caroline , Onclercq-Delic Rosine , Beauvineau Claire , Mahuteau-Betzer Florence , Amor-Guéret Mounira
Published: August 2022

Identifying new molecular targets for novel anticancer treatments is a major challenge in clinical cancer research. We have shown that cytidine deaminase (CDA) expression is downregulated in about 60% of cancer cells and tissues. In this study, we aimed to develop a new anticancer treatment specifically inhibiting the growth of CDA-deficient tumor cells. High-throughput screening of a chemical library led to the identification of a naphthol derivative, X55, targeting CDA-deficient tumor cells preferentially, without affecting the growth of non-tumoral cells regardless of CDA expression status. Metabolomic profiling revealed that CDA-deficient HeLa cells differed markedly from control HeLa cells. X55 treatment had a moderate effect on control cells, but greatly disturbed the metabolome of CDA-deficient HeLa cells, worsening the deregulation of many metabolites. In particular, the levels of the three oncometabolites, fumarate, succinate and 2-hydroxyglutarate, were significantly lower in CDA-depleted cells, and this decrease in levels was exacerbated by X55 treatment, revealing an unexpected link between CDA deficiency, mitochondrial function and X55 response. Finally, we identified strong downregulation of MAPT (encoding Tau, a microtubule associated protein) expression as a reliable predictive marker for tumor cell X55 sensitivity.
Fighting Science with Science: Counter-Expertise Production in Anti-Shale Gas Mobilizations in France and Poland
Authors: Cantoni Roberto
Published: August 2022

Between the second half of the 2000s and the first half of the 2010s, the prospect of shale gas extraction in Europe at first prompted fervent political support, then met with local and national opposition, and was finally rendered moot by a global collapse in the oil price. In the Europe-wide protests against shale gas and the main technique employed to extract it, hydraulic fracturing (or fracking), counter-expertise played a crucial role. This kind of expertise is one of the main elements of “energy citizenship,” a concept recently developed in the field of energy humanities which describes the empowerment of citizens in decision-making processes related to energy issues. This paper provides a socio-historical analysis of the co-production of counter-expertise and energy citizenship in the two European countries endowed with the largest shale gas reserves: Poland and France. In my analysis, concerns over the disruption of the food-water-energy nexus due to possible pollution emerge as particularly important. I argue that the exchange of information between activist groups and NGOs, as well as between activist groups from distant European locations, allowed for the creation of a genuinely transnational and science-based anti-fracking movement.
On the decidability of finding a positive ILP-instance in a regular set of ILP-instances
Authors: Wolf Petra
Published: August 2022

The regular intersection emptiness problem for a decision problemP($${{\textit{int}}_{{\mathrm {Reg}}}}$$intReg(P)) is to decide whether a potentially infinite regular set of encodedP-instances contains a positive one. Since$${{\textit{int}}_{{\mathrm {Reg}}}}$$intReg(P) is decidable for some NP-complete problems and undecidable for others, its investigation provides insights in the nature of NP-complete problems. Moreover, the decidability of the$${{\textit{int}}_{{\mathrm {Reg}}}}$$intReg-problem is usually achieved by exploiting the regularity of the set of instances; thus, it also establishes a connection to formal language and automata theory. We consider the$${{\textit{int}}_{{\mathrm {Reg}}}}$$intReg-problem for the well-known NP-complete problemInteger Linear Programming(ILP). It is shown that any DFA that describes a set ofILP-instances (in a natural encoding) can be reduced to a finite core of instances that contains a positive one if and only if the original set of instances did. This result yields the decidability of$${{\textit{int}}_{{\mathrm {Reg}}}}$$intReg(ILP).
Bacterial communities of hookah tobacco products are diverse and differ across brands and flavors
Authors: Malayil Leena , Chattopadhyay Suhana , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Sapkota Amy R.
Published: August 2022

Young adults are increasingly using non-cigarette products, such as hookahs, since they are perceived as healthier alternatives to cigarette smoking. However, hookah users are exposed to not only carcinogenic compounds but also microorganisms that may play an active role in the development of both infectious and chronic diseases among users. Nevertheless, existing hookah research in this area has focused only on microorganisms that may be transferred to users through the smoking apparatus and not on bacterial communities associated with hookah tobacco. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted time-series experiments on commercially available hookah brands (Al Fakher (flavors: two apple, mint, and watermelon) and Fumari (flavors: white gummy bear, ambrosia, and mint chocolate chill)) stored under three different temperature and relative humidity conditions over 14 days. To characterize bacterial communities, the total DNA was extracted on days 0, 5, 9, and 14, PCR-amplified for the V3V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq platform, and analyzed using R. Diversity (alpha and beta) analyses revealed that the microbiotas of Fumari and Al Fakher products differed significantly and that flavor had a significant effect on the hookah microbiota. Overall, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Sphingomonas, and Methylobacterium were the predominant bacterial taxa across all products. Additionally, we observed compositional differences between hookah brands across the 14-day incubation. These data suggest that the bacterial communities of hookah tobacco are diverse and differ across brands and flavors, which may have critical implications regarding exposures to specific bacteria among hookah users.

Key points

• Commercial hookah products harbor diverse bacterial communities.

• Brands and flavors impact the diversity of these communities.

• Research on their viability and transmission to users’ respiratory tracts is needed.

Graphical abstract
Whole-body MRI in oncology: can a single anatomic T2 Dixon sequence replace the combination of T1 and STIR sequences to detect skeletal metastasis and myeloma?
Authors: Chiabai Ophelye , Van Nieuwenhove Sandy , Vekemans Marie-Christiane , Tombal Bertrand , Peeters Frank , Wuts Joris , Triqueneaux Perrine , Omoumi Patrick , Kirchgesner Thomas , Michoux Nicolas , Lecouvet Frédéric E.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of a single T2 Dixon sequence to the combination T1+STIR as anatomical sequences used for detecting tumoral bone marrow lesions in whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) examinations.

Methods

Between January 2019 and January 2020, seventy-two consecutive patients (55 men, 17 women, median age = 66 years) with solid (prostate, breast, neuroendocrine) cancers at high risk of metastasis or proven multiple myeloma (MM) prospectively underwent a WB-MRI examination including coronal T1, STIR, T2 Dixon and axial diffusion-weighted imaging sequences. Two radiologists independently assessed the combination of T1+STIR sequences and the fat+water reconstructions from the T2 Dixon sequence. The reference standard was established by consensus reading of WB-MRI and concurrent imaging available at baseline and at 6 months. Repeatability and reproducibility of MRI scores (presence and semi-quantitative count of lesions), image quality (SNR: signal-to-noise, CNR: contrast-to-noise, CRR: contrast-to-reference ratios), and diagnostic characteristics (Se: sensitivity, Sp: specificity, Acc: accuracy) were assessed per-skeletal region and per-patient.

Results

Repeatability and reproducibility were at least good regardless of the score, region, and protocol (0.67 ≤ AC1 ≤ 0.98). CRR was higher on T2 Dixon fat compared to T1 (p < 0.0001) and on T2 Dixon water compared to STIR (p = 0.0128). In the per-patient analysis, Acc of the T2 Dixon fat+water was higher than that of T1+STIR for the senior reader (Acc = +0.027 [+0.025; +0.029], p < 0.0001) and lower for the junior reader (Acc = −0.029 [−0.031; −0.027], p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A single T2 Dixon sequence with fat+water reconstructions offers similar reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy as the recommended combination of T1+STIR sequences and can be used for skeletal screening in oncology, allowing significant time-saving.

Key Points

• Replacement of the standard anatomic T1 + STIR WB-MRI protocol by a single T2 Dixon sequence drastically shortens the examination time without loss of diagnostic accuracy.

• A protocol based on fat + water reconstructions from a single T2 Dixon sequence offers similar inter-reader agreement and a higher contrast-to-reference ratio for detecting lesions compared to the standard T1 + STIR protocol.

• Differences in the accuracy between the two protocols are marginal (+ 3% in favor of the T2 Dixon with the senior reader; −3% against the T2 Dixon with the junior reader).
Associations between dairy fat intake, milk-derived free fatty acids, and cardiometabolic risk in Dutch adults
Authors: Li Katherine J. , Brouwer-Brolsma Elske M. , Fleuti Charlotte , Badertscher René , Vergères Guy , Feskens Edith J. M. , Burton-Pimentel Kathryn J.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Milk-derived free fatty acids (FFAs) may act as both biomarkers of intake and metabolic effect. In this study we explored associations between different types of dairy consumption, a selection of milk-derived free fatty acids, and cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk factors.

Methods

Sixty-seven FFAs were quantified in the plasma of 131 free-living Dutch adults (median 60 years) using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Intakes of different dairy foods and groups were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Twelve different CMD risk factors were analyzed. Multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the associations under study.

Results

Based on the fully adjusted models, 5 long-chain unsaturated FFAs (C18:1 t13 + c6 + c7 + u, C18:2 c9t11 + u, C20:1 c11, C20:3 c8c11c14, and C20:4 c5c8c11c14), 2 medium-chain saturated FFAs (C15, C15iso), and atransFFA (C16:1 t9) were positively associated with at least one variable of dairy intake, as well as plasma total and LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and SCORE (p ≤ 0.05). A long-chain PUFA associated with high-fat fermented dairy intake (C18:2 t9t12), was negatively associated with serum triglyceride levels, and a long-chain saturated FFA associated with cheese intake (C18:1 u1) was negatively associated with plasma LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. No clear associations were observed between dairy intake and CMD risk factors.

Conclusion

Milk-derived FFAs could act as sensitive biomarkers for dairy intake and metabolism, allowing the association between dairy and CMD risk to be more precisely evaluated.
Studying coalescence at different lengthscales: from films to droplets
Authors: Chatzigiannakis Emmanouil , Chen Yun , Bachnak Rana , Dutcher Cari S. , Vermant Jan
Published: August 2022

The hydrodynamics of thin films is an important factor when it comes to the stability and rheology of multiphasic materials, such as foams, emulsions, and polymer blends. However, there have so far been only limited experimental studies addressing the dynamics of individual free-standing thin films at conditions similar to those encountered on macroscopic scales. In this article, we study a well-characterized system of a water-in-oil emulsion stabilized by a non-ionic surfactant (SPAN80) close to its CMC. We employ a dynamic thin film balance, to study the dynamics of freestanding films under both constant and time-varied pressure drops. We compare with the recently published results of Narayan et al. (2020) on colliding droplets of the same system with a hydrodynamic microfluidic trap, and show for the first time that agreement between the two lengthscales is possible, which indicates that the coalescence is indeed dominated by the dynamics in the film. We then address the scatter in the coalescence times and show that it can be affected by extrinsic factors, as well as by variations in the collision angle. Finally, we discuss the difficulties of extracting insight on the coalescence mechanism from coalescence time distributions when different effects such as impurities, small pressure variations, collision angle variations, and possible Marangoni-related instabilities are at play.