bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of recurrent neural networks via property-directed verification of surrogate models
Authors: Khmelnitsky Igor , Neider Daniel , Roy Rajarshi , Xie Xuan , Barbot Benoît , Bollig Benedikt , Finkel Alain , Haddad Serge , Leucker Martin , Ye Lina
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a property-directed approach to verifying recurrent neural networks (RNNs). To this end, we learn a deterministic finite automaton as a surrogate model from a given RNN using active automata learning. This model may then be analyzed using model checking as a verification technique. The term property-directed reflects the idea that our procedure is guided and controlled by the given property rather than performing the two steps separately. We show that this not only allows us to discover small counterexamples fast, but also to generalize them by pumping toward faulty flows hinting at the underlying error in the RNN. We also show that our method can be efficiently used for adversarial robustness certification of RNNs.
Seasonal variation of lupus nephritis in a cohort of Egyptian patients
Authors: Abdelaziz Tarek Samy , Rakha Nehal K. , Fayad Tarek , Mahmoud Geilan A. , Fayed Ahmed , Hammad Hany
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune multisystem disease; renal affection is one of its most common manifestations. The effect of environmental factors on lupus nephritis flares is not fully understood.

Methods

This is a retrospective study that included 200 patients with lupus nephritis flares. All patients had confirmed diagnosis of lupus nephritis on histopathological examination. Lupus nephritis flares were defined by either (1) nephritic flare: defined as increased proteinuria or serum creatinine concentration; abnormal urinary sediment or a reduction in creatinine clearance, or (2) proteinuria flare defined as persistent increase in proteinuria > 0.5–1.0 g/day after achieving complete remission; doubling to > 1 g/day after achieving partial remission. The time of renal flare (month of the year) was recorded to determine the effect of seasonal variation on lupus nephritis flares.

Results

The median age for the patients was 33 years (IQR = 13); 92% of patients were females. The median duration of lupus was 7 years (IQR = 6). The median serum creatinine was 1.4 mg/dl, median serum urea level was 32, and median UPCR was 2.4 gm/dl. The highest incidence of flares occurred in June (14%) and July (12.5%) (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Seasonal pattern of LN flare was observed in our study in Egyptian cohort of patients, with most flares observed during meteorological summertime. Larger studies are needed to confirm this seasonal pattern.

Key Points• Flares of lupus nephritis are common in patients with systemic lupus erythromatosus.• A seasonal pattern of flares of lupus nephritis was observed in our study. This seasonal pattern has been observed by previous studies in variable ethnicities and variable climatic circumstances.
To what extent does the use of crosswalks instead of EQ-5D value sets impact reimbursement decisions?: a simulation study
Authors: Ben Ângela Jornada , van Dongen Johanna M. , Finch Aureliano Paolo , Alili Mohamed El , Bosmans Judith E.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Inconsistent results have been found on the impact of using crosswalks versus EQ-5D value sets on reimbursement decisions. We sought to further investigate this issue in a simulation study.

Methods

Trial-based economic evaluation data were simulated for different conditions (depression, low back pain, osteoarthritis, cancer), severity levels (mild, moderate, severe), and effect sizes (small, medium, large). For all 36 scenarios, utilities were calculated using 3L and 5L value sets and crosswalks (3L to 5L and 5L to 3L crosswalks) for the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan. Utilities, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental QALYs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and probabilities of cost-effectiveness (pCE) obtained from values sets and crosswalks were compared.

Results

Differences between value sets and crosswalks ranged from −0.33 to 0.13 for utilities, from −0.18 to 0.13 for QALYs, and from −0.01 to 0.08 for incremental QALYs, resulting in different ICERs. For small effect sizes, at a willingness-to-pay of €20,000/QALY, the largest pCE difference was found for moderate cancer between the Japanese 5L value set and 5L to 3L crosswalk (difference = 0.63). For medium effect sizes, the largest difference was found for mild cancer between the Japanese 3L value set and 3L to 5L crosswalk (difference = 0.06). For large effect sizes, the largest difference was found for mild osteoarthritis between the Japanese 3L value set and 3L to 5L crosswalk (difference = 0.08).

Conclusion

The use of crosswalks instead of EQ-5D value sets can impact cost–utility outcomes to such an extent that this may influence reimbursement decisions.
Mixed-species association and a record of a hybrid offspring between Trachypithecus pileatus and Trachypithecus phayrei in Bangladesh
Authors: Al-Razi Hassan , Sattar Auritro , Maria Marjan , Guala Chonchol , Nekaris K. A. I.
Published: November 2022

The term mixed-species association has a broad range of definitions, from temporary foraging association to permanent group living. A mixed-species association mostly involves species from closely related taxa and is found in birds, mammals and fish. It ranges from passive association with little interaction to coordinated behavioural interactions between the group members of a mixed-species group. Mixed-species association can result in the production of hybrid offspring in the wild. In this study, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first observational evidence of mixed-species association between the two threatened primate species Phayre’s langur (Trachypithecus pileatus) and capped langur (Trachypithecus phayrei), in fragmented forest patches of northeast Bangladesh. We also report a presumed hybrid offspring between these species. We conducted a short-term study from December 2021 to April 2022 in three forest patches based on information from eco-tourism guides. We confirmed the presence of three mixed-species troops; in two of the groups an adult maleT. phayreihad permanently immigrated into a group ofT. pileatus, and in the other one an adult maleT. pileatushad permanently immigrated into a group ofT. phayrei. A long-term detailed study is needed to elucidate the reasons for these mixed-species associations, their behavioural patterns, the fate of the presumed hybrid offspring, and to understand the genetic relatedness between the individuals.
Gentrification, White Encroachment, and the Policing of Black Residents in Washington, DC
Authors: Golash-Boza Tanya , Oh Hyunsu , Kane Robert
Published: November 2022

When middle-class and White residents move into working-class and poor Black neighborhoods, are there increases in the frequency of arrests of Black people? There are a handful of published articles that examine quantitatively the relationship between gentrification and policing. These studies focus almost exclusively on Los Angeles and New York City and the focus on racialized policing is limited. The present study considers racialized policing in a city that was, until very recently, majority Black and explores the extent to which gentrification and racial change in Washington, DC are associated with enhanced policing of Black residents. A spatial regression analysis which models the association between gentrification, White encroachment, and the policing of Black residents using arrest data from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and a gentrification score based on American Community Survey data reveals clear racialized and spatial disparities in arrest rates in Washington, DC. We hypothesized that census tracts experiencing gentrification and White encroachment would have higher drug arrest rates of Black residents. We found support for our White encroachment hypothesis but not for our gentrification hypothesis.
Targeted genetic analysis unveils novel associations between ACE I/D and APO T158C polymorphisms with D-dimer levels in severe COVID-19 patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Fiorentino Giuseppe , Benincasa Giuditta , Coppola Antonietta , Franzese Monica , Annunziata Anna , Affinito Ornella , Viglietti Mario , Napoli Claudio
Published: November 2022

Only a percentage of COVID-19 patients develop thrombotic complications. We hypothesized that genetic profiles may explain part of the inter-individual differences. Our goal was to evaluate the genotypic distribution of targeted DNA polymorphisms in COVID-19 patients complicated (PE+) or not (PE−) by pulmonary embolism. We designed a retrospective observational study enrolling N = 94 consecutive patients suffering severe COVID-19 with pulmonary embolism (PE+, N = 47) or not (PE−, N = 47) during hospitalization. A panel of N = 13 prothrombotic DNA polymorphisms (FV R506Q and H1299R, FII G20210A, MTHFR C677T and A1298C, CBS 844ins68, PAI-1 4G/5G, GPIIIa HPA-1 a/b, ACE I/D, AGT T9543C, ATR-1 A1166C, FGB − 455G > A, FXIII103G > T) and N = 2 lipid metabolism-related DNA polymorphisms (APOE T 112C and T158C) were investigated using Reverse Dot Blot technique. Then, we investigated possible associations between genotypic subclasses and demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters including age, obesity, smoking, pro-inflammatory cytokines, drug therapy, and biomarkers of thrombotic risk such as D-dimer (DD). We found that 58.7% of PE+ had homozygous mutant D/D genotype at ACE I/D locus vs. PE− (40.4%) and 87% of PE+ had homozygous mutant C/C genotype at APOE T158C locus vs. PE− (68.1%). In PE+ group, DD levels were significantly higher in D/D and I/D genotypes at ACE I/D locus (P = 0.00066 and P = 0.00023, respectively) and in C/C and T/C genotypes at APOE T158C locus (P = 1.6e−06 and P = 0.0012, respectively) than PE− group. For the first time, we showed significant associations between higher DD levels and ACE I/D and APOE T158C polymorphisms in PE+ vs. PE− patients suggesting potential useful biomarkers of poor clinical outcome.
Sub-lethal doses of imidacloprid alter food selection in the invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus
Authors: Frizzi Filippo , Balzani Paride , Masoni Alberto , Frasconi Wendt Clara , Marconi Matilde , Rossi Asia , Santini Giacomo
Published: November 2022

Despite several restrictions to their use, neonicotinoid insecticides are still widely employed worldwide. Residual sub-lethal amounts of these chemicals can have detrimental effects on the behavior of non-target insects. Toxic effects on economically important species such as bees have been widely documented, but less is known about their toxic action on other social insects, such as ants. In this study, we assessed the effect of different sub-lethal doses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on the ability of colonies of the invasive ant Lasius neglectus to select the most profitable resource. We used Y-shaped mazes having an imidacloprid-polluted or an unpolluted sucrose solution on the two branches. Two sucrose (0.1 M, 0.5 M) and two imidacloprid (1 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml) concentrations were used. In parallel, we evaluated the marking activity of foragers who fed on the same solutions. We found that the 0.1 M sugar solution polluted with 1 μg/ml imidacloprid was significantly more frequently selected in binary choices experiments than the unpolluted resource. Moreover, the ingestion of the same combination of sugar and imidacloprid significantly increased the marking rate of foragers. The higher concentration of the pollutant had lower effects, probably because of the hormesis phenomenon. Results suggest that the lower sub-lethal dose of imidacloprid can lead ants to select again the polluted resource. This “active” selection of the pollutant may magnify the negative effects on the colonies. Due to their ecological role, any impairment of ant survival or behavior may have detrimental cascade effects on the whole ecosystem.
Numerical Design of CoNi-Base Superalloys With Improved Casting Structure
Authors: Wahlmann Benjamin , Bandorf Jakob , Volz Nicklas , Förner Andreas , Pröbstle Johannes , Multerer Kerstin , Göken Mathias , Markl Matthias , Neumeier Steffen , Körner Carolin
Published: November 2022

Numerical methods can accelerate the design of alloys with improved material properties. One approach is the coupling of multi-criteria optimization with CALPHAD-based models of alloy properties. While this technique has already yielded promising new Nickel-base superalloys, the applicability to CoNi-base alloys has not yet been investigated. These alloys show promising properties for application as wrought high-temperature materials. We designed three CoNi-base superalloys, which were optimized for either high strength or high chemical homogeneity. The alloys were cast, and mechanical and thermophysical properties were characterized. The alloy optimized for strength showed creep performance inferior to a conventionally designed CoNi-alloy but had a much lower density. For developing highly homogeneous alloys, Scheil calculations were implemented in the optimization routine to quantify the severity of segregation. Non-equilibrium phases could be predicted successfully, resulting in a degree of homogeneity that rivaled that of a low-segregation ternary Co-base alloy. A comparison of elemental partitioning behavior and phase transition temperatures with CALPHAD calculations showed that trends are well represented for the most part. Finally, the applicability of the alloy design approach for Co-rich superalloys is evaluated, and possible applications for the optimized alloys are discussed.
Thinning intensity affects carbon sequestration and release in seasonal freeze–thaw areas
Authors: Gao Tong , Song Xinyu , Ren Yunze , Liu Hui , Qu Hangfeng , Dong Xibin
Published: November 2022

To explore how to respond to seasonal freeze–thaw cycles on forest ecosystems in the context of climate change through thinning, we assessed the potential impact of thinning intensity on carbon cycle dynamics. By varying the number of temperature cycles, the effects of various thinning intensities in four seasons. The rate of mass, litter organic carbon, and soil organic carbon (SOC) loss in response to temperature variations was examined in two degrees of decomposition. The unfrozen season had the highest decomposition rate of litter, followed by the frozen season. Semi-decomposed litter had a higher decomposition rate than undecomposed litter. The decomposition rate of litter was the highest when the thinning intensity was 10%, while the litter and SOC were low. Forest litter had a good carbon sequestration impact in the unfrozen and freeze–thaw seasons, while the converse was confirmed in the frozen and thaw seasons. The best carbon sequestration impact was identified in litter, and soil layers under a 20–25% thinning intensity, and the influence of undecomposed litter on SOC was more noticeable than that of semi-decomposed litter. Both litter and soil can store carbon: however, carbon is transported from undecomposed litter to semi-decomposed litter and to the soil over time. In summary, the best thinning intensity being 20–25%.
Global variation in skin injures and skincare practices in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Jani Pranav , Mishra Umesh , Buchmayer Julia , Maheshwari Rajesh , D’Çruz Daphne , Walker Karen , Gözen Duygu , Lowe Krista , Wright Audrey , Marceau James , Culcer Mihaela , Priyadarshi Archana , Kirby Adrienne , Moore James E. , Oei Ju Lee , Shah Vibhuti , Vaidya Umesh , Khashana Abdelmoneim , Godambe Sunit , Cheah Fook Choe , Zhou Wen-Hao , Hu Xiao-Jing , Satardien Muneerah
Published: November 2022

Background

Globally, are skincare practices and skin injuries in extremely preterm infants comparable? This study describes skin injuries, variation in skincare practices and investigates any association between them.

Methods

A web-based survey was conducted between February 2019 and August 2021. Quantifying skin injuries and describing skincare practices in extremely preterm infants were the main outcomes. The association between skin injuries and skincare practices was established using binary multivariable logistic regression adjusted for regions.

Results

Responses from 848 neonatal intensive care units, representing all geographic regions and income status groups were received. Diaper dermatitis (331/840, 39%) and medical adhesive-related skin injuries (319/838, 38%) were the most common injuries. Following a local skincare guideline reduced skin injuries [medical adhesive-related injuries: adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.45–0.88; perineal injuries: aOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.45–0.96; local skin infections: OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.26–0.65; chemical burns: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.26–0.83; thermal burns: OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.27–0.96]. Performing skin assessments at least every four hours reduced skin injuries (abrasion: aOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.33–0.67; pressure: aOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.34–0.78; diaper dermatitis: aOR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–0.99; perineal: aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.36–0.75). Regional and resource settings-based variations in skin injuries and skincare practices were observed.

Conclusions

Skin injuries were common in extremely preterm infants. Consistency in practice and improved surveillance appears to reduce the occurrence of these injuries. Better evidence regarding optimal practices is needed to reduce skin injuries and minimize practice variations.
Thom condition and monodromy
Authors: Giménez Conejero R. , Lê Dũng Tráng , Nuño-Ballesteros J. J.
Published: November 2022

We give the definition of the Thom condition and we show that given any germ of complex analytic function $$f:(X,x)\rightarrow ({\mathbb {C}},0)$$

f
:
(
X
,
x
)
→
(
C
,
0
)

on a complex analytic space X, there exists a geometric local monodromy without fixed points, provided that $$f\in {\mathfrak {m}}_{X,x}^2$$

f
∈

m

X
,
x

2

, where $${\mathfrak {m}}_{X,x}$$

m

X
,
x

is the maximal ideal of $${\mathcal {O}}_{X,x}$$

O

X
,
x

. This result generalizes a well-known theorem of the second named author when X is smooth and proves a statement by Tibar in his PhD thesis. It also implies the A’Campo theorem that the Lefschetz number of the monodromy is equal to zero. Moreover, we give an application to the case that X has maximal rectified homotopical depth at x and show that a family of such functions with isolated critical points and constant total Milnor number has no coalescing of singularities.
Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Disparities in Access to and Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Hernandez-Morgan Marisa , Stypula Christine , Fischer Matthew , Grogan Tristan , Neelankavil Jacques
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion on access to and outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

Methods

Retrospective observational study utilizing the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2011 to 2016. The southern region of the USA was used as a control and the western region as the implementation group. Univariate regression models and interrupted time series models were created to evaluate and assess the impact of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion on mortality after CABG with respect to patient race.

Results

From 2011 to 2016, a total of 117,819 isolated CABG operations were identified in the specified regions using the HCUP NIS. Of these, 89,918 were performed in the southern region, and the remainder were performed in the western region. The proportion of African American patients with Medicaid increased significantly in the western region after the ACA Medicaid expansion, from 13.1 to 17.6%, p = 0.034. There was no significant increase seen in the number of African American patients with Medicaid in the southern region. We found that overall, Black patients had higher mortality after CABG as compared to white patients (OR 1.15, p = 0.02); however, when broken down by region we found higher mortality among African American patients in the southern region only, with no statistically significant difference in mortality between white and Black patients in the western region.

Conclusions

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act increased access to Medicaid among Black Americans but did not necessarily decrease the disparity in access to CABG or mortality after CABG between Black and white patients. When it comes to racial disparities in mortality after CABG, there are significant regional and geographic variations which have not been previously described. This finding has important implications for the development of policy and other strategies that aim to reduce these disparities.
Mental Health Recovery Using the Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter (I.ROC) in a Community Rehabilitation Team: A Service Evaluation
Authors: Baufeldt Angela L. , Dawson David L.
Published: November 2022

There are many definitions of recovery in mental health. Community Rehabilitation Teams (CRTs) aim to support the mental health recovery of people. The Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter (I.ROC) is a way to measure recovery. To determine if being supported by a CRT helps mental health recovery for people transitioning from an inpatient service to the community. Individual reliable and clinically meaningful change indices were calculated for a total of 31 people. Two I.ROC questionnaires were completed by 31 people. Of these 31 people, 14 people had three completed I.ROC questionnaires. Of the 31 people, 17 showed a positive reliable change and three people made a clinically meaningful change. Of the 14 people, one had a positive reliable change, two had a negative reliable change, and no-one had a clinically meaningful change. The I.ROC shows the CRT to successfully support recovery in people with mental health difficulties.
Flow condensation heat transfer of propane refrigerant inside a horizontal micro-fin tube
Authors: Pham Quang Vu , Oh Jong-Taek
Published: November 2022

Due to the phase-out of CFCs and HCFC refrigerants, propane is a nature refrigerant occurring substance produced by natural gas production and oil refining. As a result, propane has a higher latent heat and lower density than conventional refrigerants while maintaining a comparable saturation pressure and thermal conductivity. So, propane refrigerant is already widely used in domestic fridges and freezers for many years. However, propane’s operating pressures and temperatures are well suited for air conditioning equipment, including chillers. This study investigates the contributions of different heat transfer mechanisms in two-phase flow condensation heat transfer coefficients for propane inside a 6.3-mm ID micro-fin copper tube. Data were collected through an experiment with a two-phase flow condensation. Measurements were taken at different refrigerant mass fluxes from 100 to 300 kg/m2s and heat fluxes from 3 to 9 kW/m2. In addition, the experiments investigated effect of vapor quality, mass flux, and heat flux on the heat transfer coefficients. Finally, a new heat transfer coefficient correlation was developed based on the experimental data with good agreement.
Hands on Film
Authors: Monahan Barry
Published: November 2022

Hands on Film is a comprehensive study of the representations and uses of that human limb from the birth of cinema to contemporary times. It examines how filmmakers have framed the hand for a variety of effects, from stylistic to thematic, and for the development of characterisation and narrative. The book offers insights into how films have created meaning by focusing on that part of the anatomy and, in turn, proposes a variety of ways in which its on-screen appearances might shed light on what it means to be sentient, cultured, and creative beings in the world.
Commerce, Food, and Identity in Seventeenth-Century England and France
Authors: van Dyk Garritt
Published: November 2022

Tell me what you eat, and I'll tell you who you are' was the challenge issued by French gastronomist Jean Brillat-Savarin. Champagne is declared a unique emblem of French sophistication and luxury, linked to the myth of its invention by Dom Pérignon. Across the Channel, a cup of sweet tea is recognized as a quintessentially English icon, simultaneously conjuring images of empire, civility, and relentless rain that demands the sustenance and comfort that only tea can provide. How did these tastes develop in the seventeenth century?

Commerce, Food, and Identity in Seventeenth-Century England and France: Across the Channel offers a compelling historical narrative of the relationship between food, national identity, and political economy in the early modern period. These mutually influential relationships are revealed through comparative and transnational analyses of effervescent wine, spices and cookbooks, the development of coffeehouses and cafés, and the 'national sweet tooth' in England and France.
Step-induced transition in compressible high Reynolds number flow
Authors: Costantini Marco , Risius Steffen , Klein Christian
Published: November 2022

The effect of sharp forward-facing steps on boundary-layer transition is systematically investigated in this work in combination with the influence of variations in Mach number, Reynolds number and streamwise pressure gradient. Experiments have been conducted in a quasi-two-dimensional flow at Mach numbers up to 0.77 and chord Reynolds numbers up to 13 million in the Cryogenic Ludwieg-Tube Göttingen. The adopted experimental set-up allows an independent variation of the aforementioned parameters and enables a decoupling of their respective effects on the boundary-layer transition, which has been measured accurately and non-intrusively by means of a temperature-sensitive paint. The functional relations determined between a non-dimensional transition parameter and the non-dimensional step parameters allow the step effect on transition to be isolated from the influence of variations in Mach number, Reynolds number and pressure gradient. Criteria for acceptable heights of forward-facing steps on natural laminar flow surfaces for the examined test conditions are derived from the present functional relations. The measured transition locations are also correlated with the results of linear, local stability analysis for the smooth configuration, enabling the estimation of the step-induced increment of the amplification factor ΔN of Tollmien–Schlichting waves, which can be incorporated in the eN transition prediction method.
Architecture and Settlement Dynamics in Central Germany from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age
Authors: RISCH ROBERTO , FRIEDERICH SUSANNE , KÜSSNER MARIO , MELLER HARALD
Published: November 2022

The wealth of settlement evidence has supposed a decisive difference between prehistoric archaeology of the Mediterranean compared to that of Central Europe. This situation has changed substantially during recent years due to large scale rescue excavations carried out in central and eastern Germany. Individual houses as well as large settlement complexes have been systematically recorded and can now be dated to the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. The catalogue of all ground plans discovered up to 2019 in the federal states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia has recently been published as a supplementary volume of the proceedings of the conference ‘Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Settlement Archaeology’, held in Halle (Saale) in October 2018. Based on the geographical distribution, shape, size, orientation, and dating of the more than 240 building ground plans, the present study examines the architecture and settlement development of the Corded Ware and Bell Beaker communities, as well as of the Únětice complex, between the rivers Saale and Elbe. This analysis offers new insight into the way of life of the first full metalworking societies of central Germany from the 3rd and first half of the 2nd millennium bce, which so far have mainly been approached through their outstanding, but numerically limited, funerary remains and hoards.
The interpretation of Spanish masculine plural NPs: Are they perceived as uniformly masculine or as a mixture of masculine and feminine?
Authors: Anaya-Ramírez Alejandro , Grinstead John , Nieves Rivera Melissa , Melamed David , Reig-Alamillo Asela
Published: November 2022

This article investigates whether human masculine plural noun phrases (NPs) in Spanish, which can be interpreted with an exclusively masculine or a mixed-gender meaning, are a case of balanced or unbalanced ambiguity. The results of an experiment using a sentence continuation task with oral stimuli are consistent with the claim that masculine grammatical gender biases listeners toward an exclusively masculine interpretation. The acceptance rate of continuations with the pronoun uno/una referring to a masculine plural antecedent showed that the exclusively masculine meaning of the NP is accessed more frequently and involves a lower cognitive cost than the mixed-gender interpretation. Further, this effect interacts with the stereotypicality of the noun: nouns independently established to carry a masculine stereotype are less likely to be associated with a mixed-gender interpretation. The study also found that the speakers’ attitudes toward nonsexist language predict their acceptance of the mixed-gender interpretation of masculine NPs.
Early and mid-term outcomes of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using the Lifetech™ Konar-MF Occluder device (MFO)
Authors: Odemis Ender , Kizilkaya Mete Han
Published: November 2022

Background:

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects is challenging. Double disk-designed devices have high adverse event rates; therefore, research into new devices persists. One such devise is the LifetechTM Konar-MF Occluder device (MFO), which is increasingly used. The purpose of this study is to present mid-term results of MFO for transcatheter closure of patients with perimembraneous ventricular septal defect.

Patients and methods:

Records of the 52 patients with perimembraneous ventricular septal defect who had undergone transcatheter closure with MFO were reviewed. Demographic, echocardiographic, and procedure details were investigated. Three years follow-up results were recorded.

Results:

We closed the perimembraneous ventricular septal defect in 51 of 52 patients (98%). The femoral venous approach was used in 27 patients (53 %) whilst no arteriovenous loop was established in the remaining patients. No significant procedure-related complication occurred. On day 1 echocardiography, the residual ventricular septal defect rate was 31%. Mean±SD (range) follow-up duration was 36 ± 7,9 (18–54) months. In the follow-up, at 6th months, only four patients had hemodynamically insignificant residual defects. No severe dysrhythmia was detected including complete heart block. A right bundle branch block pattern was seen in one patient.

Conclusion:

This study showed that MFO is a safe and effective device in the transcatheter treatment of perimembraneous ventricular septal defect’s with mid-term follow-up.
Management of routine postoperative pain for children undergoing cardiac surgery: a Paediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Gal Dana B. , Clyde Caitlin O. , Colvin Erin L. , Colyer Jessica , Ferris Anne M. , Figueroa Mayte I. , Hills Brittney K. , Lagergren Sarah M. , Mangum Jordan , Mann Jessica L. , McKeta Angela S. , Patel Sonali S. , Reeves Jennifer F. , Richter Molly , Ring Lisa M. , Rosenblum Joshua M. , Tindel Kaitlin , Weiner Jeffrey G. , Williams Kimberly G. , Zabala Luis M. , Madsen Nicolas L.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Pain following surgery for cardiac disease is ubiquitous, and optimal management is important. Despite this, there is large practice variation. To address this, the Paediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative undertook the effort to create this clinical practice guideline.

Methods:

A panel of experts consisting of paediatric cardiologists, advanced practice practitioners, pharmacists, a paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, and a paediatric cardiac anaesthesiologist was convened. The literature was searched for relevant articles and Collaborative sites submitted centre-specific protocols for postoperative pain management. Using the modified Delphi technique, recommendations were generated and put through iterative Delphi rounds to achieve consensus

Results:

60 recommendations achieved consensus and are included in this guideline. They address guideline use, pain assessment, general considerations, preoperative considerations, intraoperative considerations, regional anaesthesia, opioids, opioid-sparing, non-opioid medications, non-pharmaceutical pain management, and discharge considerations.

Conclusions:

Postoperative pain among children following cardiac surgery is currently an area of significant practice variability despite a large body of literature and the presence of centre-specific protocols. Central to the recommendations included in this guideline is the concept that ideal pain management begins with preoperative counselling and continues through to patient discharge. Overall, the quality of evidence supporting recommendations is low. There is ongoing need for research in this area, particularly in paediatric populations.
The Paris Commune and Karl Marx's Le capital
Authors: Hemmerechts Kenneth , Echeverría Vicente Nohemi Jocabeth
Published: November 2022

Few books on political economy have become as influential as Capital, volume 1. After Karl Marx, in 1867, published the first volume of Capital on the capitalist mode of production, the book was published again in Russian in 1872, in a second German edition in 1872–3 and in French—as Le capital—in 1872–5. The publishing process of the French edition started in December 1871 in the wake of the Paris Commune. This article aims to investigate the conditions that led to the initiation of this process. We specifically argue that by looking at the Paris Commune and its aftermath, we are in a better position to understand the new possibilities it created for publishing Marx's work in French, the connections it facilitated, and the way it shaped the publishing process of Le capital.
The EU Recovery Instrument and the Constitutional Implications of its Expenditure
Authors: Porras-Gómez Antonio-Martín
Published: November 2022

2021–2027 Recovery Plan for Europe and its Recovery and Resilience Facility have altered elements of the EU institutional equilibrium – constitutional consistency of the ensuing design – implications for the constitutional evolution of the EU – analysis of the expenditure of the Recovery and Resilience Facility – new fiscal economic stabilisation function – conditionality attached to the funds – strengthened role of the Council – nuanced multi-level financial governance – the fiscal stabilisation function enshrines a potential form of constitutional mutation – the new institutional framework for the expenditure of the EU funds seems to lean towards an intergovernmental preeminence
Seasonality and Impact Factor Analysis of Streamflow Sensitivity to Climate Change Across China
Authors: Gou Jiaojiao , Miao Chiyuan , Duan Qingyun , Zhang Qi , Guo Xiaoying , Su Ting
Published: November 2022

Streamflow sensitivity to climate change is an important indicator for evaluating the effects of climate change on terrestrial water. This study analyzed the spatial pattern and seasonality of streamflow sensitivity to climate change for 425 catchments across China. The results indicate that precipitation is consistently a more important contributor than temperature to streamflow variability (mean streamflow sensitivity to annual precipitation [εP,a] = 0.92; absolute mean sensitivity to annual temperature [εT,a] = 0.05). Meanwhile, the seasonal sensitivity evaluation found that streamflow response to precipitation change in warm seasons (mean εP,w = 0.90) is significantly greater than in cool seasons (mean εP,c = 0.46), but the sensitivity of streamflow to changes in temperature was stronger in cool seasons than in warm seasons. The magnitude of streamflow sensitivity to temperature in cool seasons is significantly affected by elevation (Pearson's r = 0.31, P < 0.01), which is possibly due to the increased snow and glacial melt volume of the high‐elevation catchments in cool seasons. We also found that catchments with higher elevation, drier climate, less vegetation cover, and lower infiltration rates are more likely to present seasonally asymmetric precipitation sensitivity. A possible reason for this spatial pattern is that the highland and continental climate regimes generally exhibit strong precipitation seasonality, thus enhancing the asymmetry of streamflow response to seasonal precipitation change. These findings are essential to improve understanding of the impact of climate change on hydrological processes and thus for formulating adaptive water management strategies for future climate change in China.
Relative Timing of the Ends of Hurricane Intensification and Contraction of the Radius of Maximum Wind in the North Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific
Authors: Li Yuanlong , Tan Zhe‐Min , Wang Yuqing
Published: November 2022

The statistical relationship between the ending times of hurricane intensification and contraction of the radius of maximum wind (RMW) over the North Atlantic (NA) and Eastern North Pacific (EP) is assessed using the Extended Best Track and Tropical Cyclone Observations‐Based Structure databases during 1999–2014. Results show that in more than half of hurricanes the end of RMW contraction precedes the end of intensification, and those hurricanes generally have lower relative intensity (intensity normalized by the corresponding maximum potential intensity) and larger curvature of the tangential wind profile at the RMW. The preceding time tends to be longer with lower relative intensity and lower intensification rate and on average is longer in the NA (∼19 hr) than in the EP (∼12 hr) due to the overall lower intensification rate in the former. These findings can help improve our understanding of hurricane structure and intensity changes.
On the Onset Time and Background Ionospheric Conditions of Postsunset Equatorial Plasma Bubble
Authors: Das S. K. , Pavanchaitanya P. , Patra A. K. , Niranjan K.
Published: November 2022

Onset time and conditions of the postsunset equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) observed by the Gadanki Ionospheric Radar Interferometer are presented and discussed in the light of collocated digisonde observations of background ionosphere. Observations show two important findings: (a) onset time of EPB is linked with the sunset terminator and it varies between the low latitude E region sunset and apex F region sunset with a tendency of EPB onset to be close to low latitude E region sunset, and (b) higher height of the bottomside F layer (by 50–60 km) and vertical plasma drift (by 10–30 m s−1) observed over Gadanki are found to be associated with the EPBs growing in a narrow longitude zone of ±1° centered on Gadanki than those outside this zone. The early onset of EPB coinciding with the low latitude E region sunset is attributed to the early predominance of the F region dynamo leading to prereversal enhancement (PRE) of zonal electric field, consistent with theoretical expectation. Delay in the onset of EPB is attributed to the effect of flux tube integrated Pedersen conductivity owing to low latitude sporadic E activity and the F region meridional neutral wind that could change the F region plasma density along the flux tube through field‐aligned movement of plasma. Observations also show that ionosonde observations from a single location cannot be used to predict the growth of EPB at other location, including those close to the station but away from the station by about 120 km.
The Lower Thermospheric Winter‐To‐Summer Meridional Circulation: 1. Driving Mechanism
Authors: Wang Jack C. , Yue Jia , Wang Wenbin , Qian Liying , Wu Qian , Wang Ningchao
Published: November 2022

In this study, the mechanism driving the narrow lower‐thermospheric winter‐to‐summer meridional circulation is thoroughly investigated for the first time using the Specified Dynamics configuration runs of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model eXtended (SD‐WACCMX) simulations and the TIMED Doppler Interferometer (TIDI) observations. The mean meridional circulation in the SD‐WACCMX is qualitatively consistent with the TIDI measurements, though the magnitude in the SD‐WACCMX is about 50% weaker. The lower‐thermospheric winter‐to‐summer circulation is mainly driven by the resolved wave forcing, including the tides and internally generated inertia gravity waves (GWs). The momentum forcing from the parameterized sub‐grid scale GWs is not as significant as the resolved wave forcing in driving the lower‐thermospheric meridional circulation. The GW parameterization scheme in the SD‐WACCMX only includes GWs with phase velocities in the range of ±45 m/s, which might result in most of the parameterized sub‐grid GWs dissipating and breaking in the mesosphere and hardly impacting the lower thermosphere. Only including slow GWs in the SD‐WACCMX parameterization could potentially lead to the underestimation of the meridional wind in the model. Analysis also indicates the lower‐thermospheric meridional circulation is stronger in the summer hemisphere, which is attributed to the hemispheric asymmetry in the resolved wave momentum forcing. This study underlines the importance of the whole atmosphere coupling through wave propagation and dissipation. This understanding can guide the model development with an accurate representation of underlying physical processes in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere which drives the lower‐thermospheric circulation as well as the overall dynamics of this region.
Emergence of Broadband Variability in a Marine Plankton Model Under External Forcing
Authors: Mayersohn Benjamin , Lévy Marina , Mangolte Inès , Smith K. Shafer
Published: November 2022

Temporal variability in plankton community structure and biomass is often driven by environmental fluctuations: nutrient supplies, light, stratification and temperature. But plankton time series also exhibit variability that is not strongly correlated with key physical variables and is distinctly nonlinear in nature. There is evidence, from both laboratory and modeling studies, that oscillations can arise from ecological interactions alone. In the open ocean, it is challenging to establish the roles and relative importance of environmental versus intrinsic processes in generating the observed ecological variability. To explore this competition, we employ a marine plankton model that supports two mechanisms of intrinsic ecological variability operating at distinct frequencies: predator‐prey interactions between zooplankton and phytoplankton, with timescales of weeks, and resource competition that occurs with multiple nutrients phytoplankton species, with timescales of years. The model is forced by imposing variable nutrient input rates. Representing typical open ocean situations, with periods ranging from subseasonal to multi‐annual. We find that intrinsically‐driven variability generally persists in the presence of extrinsic forcing, and that the interaction between the two can produce variability at frequencies that are not characteristic of either source. The intrinsic frequencies are found to be even more energetic when the extrinsic variability is augmented with stochastic noise. We conclude that interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic sources of variability may contribute to the wide range of observed frequencies in phytoplankton time series, and may explain why it is often difficult to relate planktonic variation to environmental variation alone.
Innate immune imprints in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection convalescents
Authors: Li Zhiqing , Chen Xiaosu , Dan Junyan , Hu Tianju , Hu Ye , Liu Shuxun , Chai Yangyang , Shi Yansong , Wu Jian , Ni Hailai , Zhu Jiaqi , Wu Yanfeng , Li Nan , Yu Yizhi , Wang Zhongfang , Zhao Jincun , Zhong Nanshan , Ren Xianwen , Shen Zhongyang , Cao Xuetao
Published: November 2022

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection generally gives rise to asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19 in vaccinated people. The immune cells can be reprogrammed or “imprinted” by vaccination and infections to generate protective immunity against subsequent challenges. Considering the immune imprint in Omicron infection is unclear, here we delineate the innate immune landscape of human Omicron infection via single-cell RNA sequencing, surface proteome profiling, and plasma cytokine quantification. We found that monocyte responses predominated in immune imprints of Omicron convalescents, with IL-1β-associated and interferon (IFN)-responsive signatures with mild and moderate symptoms, respectively. Low-density neutrophils increased and exhibited IL-1β-associated and IFN-responsive signatures similarly. Mild convalescents had increased blood IL-1β, CCL4, IL-9 levels and PI3+ neutrophils, indicating a bias to IL-1β responsiveness, while moderate convalescents had increased blood CXCL10 and IFN-responsive monocytes, suggesting durative IFN responses. Therefore, IL-1β- or IFN-responsiveness of myeloid cells may indicate the disease severity of Omicron infection and mediate post-COVID conditions.
LncRNA NALT1 promotes colorectal cancer progression via targeting PEG10 by sponging microRNA-574-5p
Authors: Ye Mengling , Zhao Lu , Zhang Lu , Wu Siyi , Li Zhao , Qin Yi , Lin Fei , Pan Linghui
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently one of the commonest tumors and the main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. It has been reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as important indicators and regulators in various cancers. There is an urgent need to explore new lncRNA biomarkers in CRC, as well as their functions and molecular mechanisms. NALT1 has been implicated in the occurrence of gastric cancer (GC). However, the detailed function and mechanism of NALT1 in CRC progress have not been reported. In this study, RT-qPCR was conducted to detect the expression of NALT1 in 76 CRC patients ranging from stages I through IV. To assess the biological function of NALT1, loss- and gain-of-function experiments were conducted both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, RNA-seq, bioinformatics analysis, RNA pulldown assay, dual-luciferase reporter, Ago2-RIP, quantitative PCR, Western blot assays, and rescue experiments were performed to reveal the molecular mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). It was observed that high expression of NALT1 was markedly correlated with advanced cancer stage in the clinic. Functionally, NALT1 downregulation inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas NALT1 overexpression exhibited an opposite trend both in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA pulldown, Ago2-RIP, and luciferase reporter assays showed that miRNA-574-5p was a target of NALT1. Additionally, dual-luciferase reporter assays, Ago2-RIP, and rescue experiments indicated that miRNA-574-5p could target the PEG10 gene directly. Our results suggested that NALT1 promoted CRC proliferation and migration by sponging miRNA-574-5p to upregulate PEG10 expression, and implied that NALT1 might act as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.