bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a French version of the Vancouver Obsessional Compulsive Inventory–Mental Contamination scale (VOCI-MC) and the Contamination Thought–Action Fusion scale (CTAF) in non-clinical and clinical samples
Authors: Lebrun Cindy , De Connor Alexandre , Dellouve Charline , Novara Caroline , Adloff Valentin , Capdevielle Delphine , Bortolon Catherine , Raffard Stéphane
Published: April 2023

The Vancouver Obsessional Compulsive Inventory–Mental Contamination scale (VOCI-MC) and the Contamination Thought–Action Fusion scale (CTAF) are two self-report instruments that assess symptoms of mental contamination and fusion between thoughts, and feelings and behaviours associated with contamination, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the French version of these two scales in non-clinical and clinical samples. We included 79 participants diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 31 diagnosed with anxiety disorders, who were recruited from the University Department of Adult Psychiatry in Montpellier, and 320 non-clinical participants recruited from the general population. Psychometric properties of the French VOCI-MC and CTAF were investigated. Results showed that the French versions of the VOCI-MC and the CTAF had high internal consistency, good convergent and divergent validity, as well as good temporal stability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed a one-factor structure for the two scales in both non-clinical and OCD samples. Adequate discriminative validity was established by comparing OCD patients with contamination-related symptoms and OCD patients who did not report contamination-related symptoms. The French VOCI-MC and CTAF are valid and appropriate tools for measuring mental contamination in both clinical and research contexts.
Impact of culturally tailored shared medical appointments on diabetes self-care ability and knowledge in African Americans
Authors: Reddick Adrienne L. , Gray Deborah C.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to disproportionately affect African Americans, significantly impacting morbidity and mortality. Research suggests that addressing barriers that stem from socioeconomic circumstances, systemic inequalities, biological factors, and cultural factors may positively influence biometric indicators of health and diabetes control.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate a diabetes shared medical appointment (SMA) model program that has been culturally tailored to address the unique social determinants of health barriers faced by an inner city African American population in Norfolk, Virginia.

Methods:

A pilot study using a within-group pretest–posttest design was conducted. Information was collected from self-report surveys that included the Modified Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test, the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, and researcher generated surveys before and after a single-session three-hour SMA program.

Key Results:

The program increased perceived diabetes self-care confidence and perceived overall diabetes knowledge levels. Increases in knowledge scores were seen but not statistically significant. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program model.

Discussion:

Findings indicate that this model is an effective and engaging method of improving self-care ability and diabetes disease management knowledge among African Americans. Addressing unique circumstances and barriers experienced by this population may be more effective than usual traditional care approaches.
‘I’m a bit of a champion for it actually’: qualitative insights into practitioner-supported self-collection cervical screening among early adopting Victorian practitioners in Australia
Authors: Zammit Claire , Creagh Nicola , Nightingale Claire , McDermott Tracey , Saville Marion , Brotherton Julia , Kelaher Margaret
Published: April 2023

Background:

Self-collection for cervical screening has been available in the Australian National Cervical Screening Program since 2017 and is now available to all people as an option for cervical screening through a practitioner-supported model. Documenting early adopting practitioner experiences with self-collection as a mechanism to engage people in cervical screening is crucial to informing its continuing roll-out and implementation in other health systems.

Aim:

This study aimed to describe the experiences of practitioners in Victoria, Australia, who used human papillomavirus (HPV)-based self-collection cervical screening during the first 17 months of its availability.

Methods:

Interviews (n = 18) with practitioners from Victoria, who offered self-collection to their patients between December 2017 and April 2019, analysed using template analysis.

Findings:

Practitioners were overwhelmingly supportive of self-collection cervical screening because it was acceptable to their patients and addressed patients’ barriers to screening. Practitioners perceived that knowledge and awareness of self-collection were variable among the primary care workforce, with some viewing self-collection to be inferior to clinician-collected screening. Practitioners championed self-collection at an individual level, with the extent of practice-level implementation depending on resourcing. Concerns regarding supporting the follow-up of self-collected HPV positive patients were noted. Other practical barriers included gaining timely, accurate screening histories from the National Cancer Screening Register to assess eligibility. Practitioners’ role surrounded facilitating the choice between screening tests through a patient-centred approach.
Modern China's financial obligations and strategies, 1901–1925: the depreciation of tael, the Austrian loans and the gold franc
Authors: Chang Chihyun , Kao Chiu-Ya
Published: April 2023

The financial burden of the Boxer Indemnity forced the Chinese government to change its behaviours since 1901. This article re-examines the position that the decision to honour indeminity obligations enabled the Chinese state to maintain peaceful relations with western powers during the first quarter of the twentiety century. The 1901 edict affirming that China would re-examine its capacity to satisfy its international commitments. Before this edict, China had selectively followed its Sino-foreign treaties, but thereafter, China completely assumed all of her financial obligations to foreign creditors. These changes in behaviour helped China restore its deteriorated foreign relations and were followed by Provisional Executive Duan Qirui until 1925. These changes can be illustrated by three cases, namely the depreciation of tael, the Austrian loans, and the gold franc. The cases were highly international as the first concerned eleven foreign creditors, the second concerned two, and the third concerned three. From 1901–1925, foreign powers also provided China with reciprocal favours in exchange for China's responsible behaviours. Eventually, China retrieved its tariff autonomy in 1930.
Highly selective, fractal-configured UWB-FSS for sub-6 GHz 5G, GSM, WLAN, and C band electromagnetic stealth application
Authors: Chattopadhyay Chandranath , Coomar Srimita , Mondal Santanu , Sanyal Rajarshi
Published: April 2023

A miniaturized and flexible frequency-selective surface (FSS) has been presented in this article with a unit cell size of 0.049 λc × 0.049 λc where λc is the free space wavelength at the lower cut-off frequency. In order to achieve an ultra-wide (−3 dB) second order pass band of 151.3% with enhanced selectivity factor of 0.887, a cascaded triple layered hybrid resonating structure has been proposed with symmetrical Minkowski island-shaped fractal geometry pair and spiral-shaped middle layer in optimized air gap coupling. Furthermore, 149.8% ultra-wide pass band also ascertains the conformal feature of the proposed structure. In addition to this, the proposed FSS provides the stable angular response for both TE and TM polarization. An equivalent circuit model has been synthesized for accurate frequency response. Finally, a sample prototype has been fabricated to verify the experimental validation. Excellent angular stability under large oblique incident and significant conformal characteristics ensure the compatibility of the proposed structure for electromagnetic stealth in 0.9–1.8 GHz GSM band, 2.10–2.14 GHz wireless medical telemetry band, 2.4–2.5 and 4.9–5.8 GHz WLAN band, 3.4–3.7 and 4.4–4.9 GHz sub-6 GHz 5 G band, and 3.7–4.2 GHz C band.
Building back better in Latin America: examining the sustainability of COVID-19 recovery and development programs
Authors: O'Ryan Raúl , Villavicencio Andrea , Gajardo Joaquín , Ulloa Andrés , Ibarra Cecilia , Rojas Maisa
Published: April 2023

Non-technical summary

The significant outlays by countries in the Global South to recover from the COVID-19 crisis could have been an opportunity to build back better, advancing both a green recovery and addressing pressing social problems, thus advancing sustainability. To examine if this was the case, in this paper we analyze the expected impacts of recovery initiatives in five Latin American countries. Our results show that these programs do not support the possibility of building back better, weakly impacting 12 dimensions related to sustainability. We also propose a methodology to improve how sustainability concerns can be included in future choice of projects.

Technical summary

It has been argued that the significant outlays by governments across the world required to recover from the COVID-19 crisis can be an opportunity to build back better, that is, advance toward greener societies. In the Global South, which suffered acute social, economic and environmental problems prior to this health crisis, recovery initiatives would be best suited to focus on sustainable economic recovery which – along with the environmental concerns of a green recovery – could address pressing local problems. To this end, we analyzed the expected impacts of recovery initiatives in five Latin American countries on each of 71 sustainability criteria. These criteria are based on the UN sustainable development goals and other relevant literature related to sustainable development. Using principal component analysis, criteria are grouped into 12 dimensions. Our results show that recovery programs examined do not take advantage of the possibility of building back better, and many relevant dimensions related to a sustainable recovery are only weakly considered. Our methodology provides a step forward toward supporting governments in their efforts to identify better policies and investment projects and consequently put together packages of initiatives that advance on sustainability, green recovery or other long-term goals they may have.

Social media summary

Methodology to analyze COVID-19 recovery packages shows small impact on sustainability in five Latin American countries.
Nature of the Paleo‐Pacific Subduction Along the East Asian Continental Margin in the Mesozoic: Insights From the Sedimentary Record of West Sarawak, Borneo
Authors: Zhou Yang , Carter Andrew , Wu Jonny , Yao Yongjian , Zhu Rongwei , Liu Hailing , Liu Wei , Zhao Qi , Zhu Zuofei , Yan Yi , Liu Qingsong
Published: April 2023

The Mesozoic subduction history of the Paleo‐Pacific plate below the East Asian margin remains contentious, in part because the southern part is poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a sediment provenance study to constrain Mesozoic subduction history below West Sarawak, Borneo. A combination of detrital zircon U‐Pb geochronology, heavy minerals, trace element, and bulk rock Nd isotope data were used to identify the tectonic events. The overall maturity of mineral assemblages, dominantly felsic sources, abundant Precambrian‐aged zircons, and low εNd(0) values (average −13.07) seen in Late Triassic sedimentary rocks suggest a period of inactive subduction near Borneo. Slab shallowing subduction occurred between 200 and 170 Ma based on subdued magmatism and tectonic compression across West Sarawak. From c. 170 to 70 Ma there was widespread magmatism and we interpret the Paleo‐Pacific slab steepened. Collectively, we show the Paleo‐Pacific plate subduction had variable slab dip histories in Borneo.
NAIRAS Model Run‐On‐Request Service at CCMC
Authors: Mertens C. J. , Gronoff G. P. , Zheng Y. , Petrenko M. , Buhler J. , Phoenix D. , Willis E. , Jun I. , Minow J.
Published: April 2023

The Nowcast of Aerospace Ionizing RAdiation System (NAIRAS) version 3 model is available to the community through the Community Coordinated Modeling Center run‐on‐request (RoR) service. The RoR capability allows the user to run the NAIRAS model for customized applications and time‐periods using two run options. The global dosimetric run option mirrors the execution of the real‐time NAIRAS run mode. This class of run option capability provides global context and situational awareness of the atmospheric ionizing radiation environment. The flight trajectory run option allows the user to upload an aircraft, balloon, or spaceflight trajectory file. This class of run option allows detailed human radiation flight exposure characterization, detailed comparisons to onboard dosimeters, and the assessment of single event effects (SEE) in aircraft and spacecraft electronic systems. The model output includes dosimetric quantities, differential and integral flux, and fluence quantities. The flux and fluence quantities are a new feature in version 3 for the assessment of SEE. The trajectory run option and the extension of the model domain to the space environment is also a new feature in version 3.
Effect of pulse-current-based protocols on the lithium dendrite formation and evolution in all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Reisecker V. , Flatscher F. , Porz L. , Fincher C. , Todt J. , Hanghofer I. , Hennige V. , Linares-Moreau M. , Falcaro P. , Ganschow S. , Wenner S. , Chiang Y.-M. , Keckes J. , Fleig J. , Rettenwander D.
Published: April 2023

Understanding the cause of lithium dendrites formation and propagation is essential for developing practical all-solid-state batteries. Li dendrites are associated with mechanical stress accumulation and can cause cell failure at current densities below the threshold suggested by industry research (i.e., >5 mA/cm2). Here, we apply a MHz-pulse-current protocol to circumvent low-current cell failure for developing all-solid-state Li metal cells operating up to a current density of 6.5 mA/cm2. Additionally, we propose a mechanistic analysis of the experimental results to prove that lithium activity near solid-state electrolyte defect tips is critical for reliable cell cycling. It is demonstrated that when lithium is geometrically constrained and local current plating rates exceed the exchange current density, the electrolyte region close to the defect releases the accumulated elastic energy favouring fracturing. As the build-up of this critical activity requires a certain period, applying current pulses of shorter duration can thus improve the cycling performance of all-solid-solid-state lithium batteries.
A high-temperature double perovskite molecule-based antiferroelectric with excellent anti-breakdown capacity for energy storage
Authors: Liu Yi , Ma Yu , Zeng Xi , Xu Haojie , Guo Wuqian , Wang Beibei , Hua Lina , Tang Liwei , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: April 2023

Halide double perovskites have recently emerged as an environmentally green candidate toward electronic and optoelectronic applications owing to their non-toxicity and versatile physical merits, whereas study on high-temperature antiferroelectric (AFE) with excellent anti-breakdown property remains a huge blank in this booming family. Herein, we present the first high-temperature AFE of the lead-free halide double perovskites, (CHMA)2CsAgBiBr7 (1, where CHMA+ is cyclohexylmethylammonium), by incorporating a flexible organic spacer cation. The typical double P-E hysteresis loops and J-E curves reveal its concrete high-temperature AFE behaviors, giving large polarizations of ~4.2 μC/cm2 and a high Curie temperature of 378 K. Such merits are on the highest level of molecular AFE materials. Particularly, the dynamic motional ordering of CHMA+ cation contributes to the formation of antipolar alignment and high electric breakdown field strength up to ~205 kV/cm with fatigue endurance over 104 cycles, almost outperforming the vast majority of molecule counterparts. This is the first demonstration of high-temperature AFE properties in the halide double perovskites, which will promote the exploration of new “green” candidates for anti-breakdown energy storage capacitor.
Sediment delivery to sustain the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta under climate change and anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Raff Jessica L. , Goodbred Steven L. , Pickering Jennifer L. , Sincavage Ryan S. , Ayers John C. , Hossain Md. Saddam , Wilson Carol A. , Paola Chris , Steckler Michael S. , Mondal Dhiman R. , Grimaud Jean-Louis , Grall Celine Jo , Rogers Kimberly G. , Ahmed Kazi Matin , Akhter Syed Humayun , Carlson Brandee N. , Chamberlain Elizabeth L. , Dejter Meagan , Gilligan Jonathan M. , Hale Richard P. , Khan Mahfuzur R. , Muktadir Md. Golam , Rahman Md. Munsur , Williams Lauren A.
Published: April 2023

The principal nature-based solution for offsetting relative sea-level rise in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta is the unabated delivery, dispersal, and deposition of the rivers’ ~1 billion-tonne annual sediment load. Recent hydrological transport modeling suggests that strengthening monsoon precipitation in the 21st century could increase this sediment delivery 34-60%; yet other studies demonstrate that sediment could decline 15-80% if planned dams and river diversions are fully implemented. We validate these modeled ranges by developing a comprehensive field-based sediment budget that quantifies the supply of Ganges-Brahmaputra river sediment under varying Holocene climate conditions. Our data reveal natural responses in sediment supply comparable to previously modeled results and suggest that increased sediment delivery may be capable of offsetting accelerated sea-level rise. This prospect for a naturally sustained Ganges-Brahmaputra delta presents possibilities beyond the dystopian future often posed for this system, but the implementation of currently proposed dams and diversions would preclude such opportunities.
Chemical evolution of an autonomous DNAzyme with allele-specific gene silencing activity
Authors: Nguyen Kim , Malik Turnee N. , Chaput John C.
Published: April 2023

Low activity has been the primary obstacle impeding the use of DNA enzymes (DNAzymes) as gene silencing agents in clinical applications. Here we describe the chemical evolution of a DNAzyme with strong catalytic activity under near physiological conditions. The enzyme achieves ~65 turnovers in 30 minutes, a feat only previously witnessed by the unmodified parent sequence under forcing conditions of elevated Mg2+ and pH. Structural constraints imposed by the chemical modifications drive catalysis toward a highly preferred UGUD motif (cut site underlined) that was validated by positive and negative predictions. Biochemical assays support an autonomous RNA cleavage mechanism independent of RNase H1 engagement. Consistent with its strong catalytic activity, the enzyme exhibits persistent allele-specific knock-down of an endogenous mRNA encoding an undruggable oncogenic KRAS target. Together, these results demonstrate that chemical evolution offers a powerful approach for discovering new chemotype combinations that can imbue DNAzymes with the physicochemical properties necessary to support therapeutic applications.
Ethnic diversity fosters the social integration of refugee students
Authors: Boda Zsófia , Lorenz Georg , Jansen Malte , Stanat Petra , Edele Aileen
Published: April 2023

Forced migration has become a global megatrend, and many refugees are school aged. As social integration is key to their wellbeing and success, it is pivotal to determine factors that promote the social integration of refugee youth within schools. Here, using a large, nationally representative social network dataset from Germany, we examine the relationships of refugee adolescents with their peers (304 classrooms, 6,390 adolescents and 487 refugees). We find that refugee adolescents have fewer friends and are more often rejected as desk mates than their classmates. Crucially, however, they are less rejected in more diverse classrooms. This results from two basic processes: (1) more opportunities to meet other ethnic minority peers, who are more accepting of refugees in general and (2) higher acceptance of refugee adolescents by ethnic majority peers in more diverse settings. Our results can help promote the social adjustment of young refugees in school and mitigate the negative consequences of prejudice.
Human memory B cells show plasticity and adopt multiple fates upon recall response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zurbuchen Yves , Michler Jan , Taeschler Patrick , Adamo Sarah , Cervia Carlo , Raeber Miro E. , Acar Ilhan E. , Nilsson Jakob , Warnatz Klaus , Soyka Michael B. , Moor Andreas E. , Boyman Onur
Published: April 2023

The B cell response to different pathogens uses tailored effector mechanisms and results in functionally specialized memory B (Bm) cell subsets, including CD21+ resting, CD21–CD27+ activated and CD21–CD27– Bm cells. The interrelatedness between these Bm cell subsets remains unknown. Here we showed that single severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific Bm cell clones showed plasticity upon antigen rechallenge in previously exposed individuals. CD21– Bm cells were the predominant subsets during acute infection and early after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunization. At months 6 and 12 post-infection, CD21+ resting Bm cells were the major Bm cell subset in the circulation and were also detected in peripheral lymphoid organs, where they carried tissue residency markers. Tracking of individual B cell clones by B cell receptor sequencing revealed that previously fated Bm cell clones could redifferentiate upon antigen rechallenge into other Bm cell subsets, including CD21–CD27– Bm cells, demonstrating that single Bm cell clones can adopt functionally different trajectories.
Lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for anti-viral applications via delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins
Authors: LaBauve Annette E. , Saada Edwin A. , Jones Iris K. A. , Mosesso Richard , Noureddine Achraf , Techel Jessica , Gomez Andrew , Collette Nicole , Sherman Michael B. , Serda Rita E. , Butler Kimberly S. , Brinker C. Jeffery , Schoeniger Joseph S. , Sasaki Darryl , Negrete Oscar A.
Published: April 2023

Emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens present a unique challenge for anti-viral therapeutic development. Anti-viral approaches with high flexibility and rapid production times are essential for combating these high-pandemic risk viruses. CRISPR-Cas technologies have been extensively repurposed to treat a variety of diseases, with recent work expanding into potential applications against viral infections. However, delivery still presents a major challenge for these technologies. Lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (LCMSNs) offer an attractive delivery vehicle for a variety of cargos due to their high biocompatibility, tractable synthesis, and amenability to chemical functionalization. Here, we report the use of LCMSNs to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) that target the Niemann–Pick disease type C1 gene, an essential host factor required for entry of the high-pandemic risk pathogen Ebola virus, demonstrating an efficient reduction in viral infection. We further highlight successful in vivo delivery of the RNP-LCMSN platform to the mouse liver via systemic administration.
A novel Alzheimer’s disease prognostic signature: identification and analysis of glutamine metabolism genes in immunogenicity and immunotherapy efficacy
Authors: Wu Zixuan , Liu Ping , Huang Baisheng , Deng Sisi , Song Zhenyan , Huang Xindi , Yang Jing , Cheng Shaowu
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized as a distinct onset and progression of cognitive and functional decline associated with age, as well as a specific neuropathology. It has been discovered that glutamine (Gln) metabolism plays a crucial role in cancer. However, a full investigation of its role in Alzheimer’s disease is still missing. This study intended to find and confirm potential Gln-related genes associated with AD using bioinformatics analysis. The discovery of GlnMgs was made possible by the intersection of the WGCNA test and 26 Gln-metabolism genes (GlnMgs). GlnMgs’ putative biological functions and pathways were identified using GSVA. The LASSO method was then used to identify the hub genes as well as the diagnostic efficiency of the four GlnMgs in identifying AD. The association between hub GlnMgs and clinical characteristics was also studied. Finally, the GSE63060 was utilized to confirm the levels of expression of the four GlnMgs. Four GlnMgs were discovered (ATP5H, NDUFAB1, PFN2, and SPHKAP). For biological function analysis, cell fate specification, atrioventricular canal development, and neuron fate specification were emphasized. The diagnostic ability of the four GlnMgs in differentiating AD exhibited a good value. This study discovered four GlnMgs that are linked to AD. They shed light on potential new biomarkers for AD and tracking its progression.
Tropical lacustrine sediment microbial community response to an extreme El Niño event
Authors: Chen Mingfei , Conroy Jessica L. , Sanford Robert A. , Wyman-Feravich D. Allie , Chee-Sanford Joanne C. , Connor Lynn M.
Published: April 2023

Salinity can influence microbial communities and related functional groups in lacustrine sediments, but few studies have examined temporal variability in salinity and associated changes in lacustrine microbial communities and functional groups. To better understand how microbial communities and functional groups respond to salinity, we examined geochemistry and functional gene amplicon sequence data collected from 13 lakes located in Kiritimati, Republic of Kiribati (2° N, 157° W) in July 2014 and June 2019, dates which bracket the very large El Niño event of 2015–2016 and a period of extremely high precipitation rates. Lake water salinity values in 2019 were significantly reduced and covaried with ecological distances between microbial samples. Specifically, phylum- and family-level results indicate that more halophilic microorganisms occurred in 2014 samples, whereas more mesohaline, marine, or halotolerant microorganisms were detected in 2019 samples. Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) and functional gene results (nifH, nrfA, aprA) suggest that salinity influences the relative abundance of key functional groups (chemoheterotrophs, phototrophs, nitrogen fixers, denitrifiers, sulfate reducers), as well as the microbial diversity within functional groups. Accordingly, we conclude that microbial community and functional gene groups in the lacustrine sediments of Kiritimati show dynamic changes and adaptations to the fluctuations in salinity driven by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.
Improvement of semantic segmentation through transfer learning of multi-class regions with convolutional neural networks on supine and prone breast MRI images
Authors: Ham Sungwon , Kim Minjee , Lee Sangwook , Wang Chuan-Bing , Ko BeomSeok , Kim Namkug
Published: April 2023

Semantic segmentation of breast and surrounding tissues in supine and prone breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required for various kinds of computer-assisted diagnoses for surgical applications. Variability of breast shape in supine and prone poses along with various MRI artifacts makes it difficult to determine robust breast and surrounding tissue segmentation. Therefore, we evaluated semantic segmentation with transfer learning of convolutional neural networks to create robust breast segmentation in supine breast MRI without considering supine or prone positions. Total 29 patients with T1-weighted contrast-enhanced images were collected at Asan Medical Center and two types of breast MRI were performed in the prone position and the supine position. The four classes, including lungs and heart, muscles and bones, parenchyma with cancer, and skin and fat, were manually drawn by an expert. Semantic segmentation on breast MRI scans with supine, prone, transferred from prone to supine, and pooled supine and prone MRI were trained and compared using 2D U-Net, 3D U-Net, 2D nnU-Net and 3D nnU-Net. The best performance was 2D models with transfer learning. Our results showed excellent performance and could be used for clinical purposes such as breast registration and computer-aided diagnosis.
Analysis of fractional order model on higher institution students’ anxiety towards mathematics with optimal control theory
Authors: Teklu Shewafera Wondimagegnhu
Published: April 2023

Anxiety towards mathematics is the most common problem throughout nations in the world. In this study, we have mainly formulated and analyzed a Caputo fractional order mathematical model with optimal control strategies on higher institution students’ anxiety towards mathematics. The non-negativity and boundedness of the fractional order dynamical system solutions have been analysed. Both the anxiety-free and anxiety endemic equilibrium points of the Caputo fractional order model are found, and the local stability analysis of the anxiety-free and anxiety endemic equilibrium points are examined. Conditions for Caputo fractional order model backward bifurcation are analyzed whenever the anxiety effective reproduction number is less than one. We have shown the global asymptotic stability of the endemic equilibrium point. Moreover, we have carried out the optimal control strategy analysis of the fractional order model. Eventually, we have established the analytical results through numerical simulations to investigate the memory effect of the fractional order derivative approach, the behavior of the model solutions and the effects of parameters on the students anxiety towards mathematics in the community. Protection and treatment of anxiety infectious students have fundamental roles to minimize and possibly to eradicate mathematics anxiety from the higher institutions.
Attention-based message passing and dynamic graph convolution for spatiotemporal data imputation
Authors: Wang Yifan , Bu Fanliang , Lv Xiaojun , Hou Zhiwen , Bu Lingbin , Meng Fanxu , Wang Zhongqing
Published: April 2023

Although numerous spatiotemporal approaches have been presented to address the problem of missing spatiotemporal data, there are still limitations in concurrently capturing the underlying spatiotemporal dependence of spatiotemporal graph data. Furthermore, most imputation methods miss the hidden dynamic connection associations that exist between graph nodes over time. To address the aforementioned spatiotemporal data imputation challenge, we present an attention-based message passing and dynamic graph convolution network (ADGCN). Specifically, this paper uses attention mechanisms to unify temporal and spatial continuity and aggregate node neighbor information in multiple directions. Furthermore, a dynamic graph convolution module is designed to capture constantly changing spatial correlations in sensors utilizing a new dynamic graph generation method with gating to transmit node information. Extensive imputation tests in the air quality and traffic flow domains were carried out on four real missing data sets. Experiments show that the ADGCN outperforms the state-of-the-art baseline.
A propensity score matching study on survival benefits of radiotherapy in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Hao , Su Ke , Chen Xiaojing , Li Xueting , Wen Lianbin , Song Yanqiong , Chen Lan , Li Han , Guo Lu , Han Yunwei
Published: April 2023

With the advancements in radiotherapy (RT) in recent years, several studies have shown that RT can significantly prolong the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a noninvasive treatment option, the application of RT for the treatment of HCC is garnering increasing attention. In this retrospective study, we included data from 13,878 patients with HCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2019 and 325 patients with HCC treated in three tertiary hospitals in China between 2015 and 2021. Patient data were divided into RT and non-RT groups based on whether the patients underwent RT. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to minimize the deviation between the RT and non-RT groups, and the Kaplan–Meier method, Cox proportional hazard model, and nomogram were used to assess the efficacy of undergoing RT. The median overall survival (mOS) of the RT group was significantly longer compared with that of the non-RT group for the SEER data (16 months versus 9 months, p < 0.01). Similarly, the survival benefit was more significant in the RT group than in the non-RT group at our hospitals (34.1 months versus 15.4 months, p < 0.01). Furthermore, multivariate Cox analysis revealed that factors, including tumor (T) stage, patient age, tumor grade, serum AFP level, and chemotherapy, also affected patient survival. Moreover, these factors were also used to construct a nomogram. Subgroup analysis of these factors showed that RT was effective in prolonging patient survival in different populations. RT significantly improves the survival time of patients with inoperable HCC, thereby providing a basis for selecting HCC patients who can benefit from RT.
Perceived barriers to early presentation and symptom-specific time to seek medical advice for possible colorectal cancer symptoms among Palestinians
Authors: Elshami Mohamedraed , Ayyad Mohammed , Hamdan Fatma Khader , Alser Mohammed , Al-Slaibi Ibrahim , Naji Shoruq Ahmed , Mohamad Balqees Mustafa , Isleem Wejdan Sudki , Shurrab Adela , Yaghi Bashar , Qabaja Yahya Ayyash , Dwikat Mohammad Fuad , Sweity Raneen Raed , Jneed Remah Tayseer , Assaf Khayria Ali , Albandak Maram Elena , Hmaid Mohammed Madhat , Awwad Iyas Imad , Alhabil Belal Khalil , Alarda Marah Naser , Alsattari Amani Saleh , Aboyousef Moumen Sameer , Aljbour Omar Abdallah , AlSharif Rinad , Giacaman Christy Teddy , Alnaga Ali Younis , Nemer Ranin Mufid Abu , Almadhoun Nada Mahmoud , Skaik Sondos Mahmoud , Abu-El-Noor Nasser , Bottcher Bettina
Published: April 2023

This study explored the anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible colorectal cancer (CRC) signs/symptoms and its association with CRC symptom awareness. In addition, it examined perceived barriers that may delay seeking medical advice. Palestinian adults were recruited from hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates. A modified, translated-into-Arabic version of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure was used. The questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographics, assessment of CRC symptom awareness and time to seek medical advice, and barriers to early presentation. A total of 4623 participants were included. The proportion that reported seeking immediate medical advice for possible CRC signs/symptoms with blood or mass ranged from 47.1% for ‘blood in stools’ to 59.5% for ‘bleeding from back passage’. Less than half of the participants reported immediate seeking of medical advice for non-specific symptoms (ranging from 5.4% for ‘loss of appetite’ to 42.0% for ‘anemia’) and other gastrointestinal symptoms (ranging from 7.7% for ‘feeling persistently full’ to 35.7% for ‘change in bowel habits’). Good CRC symptom awareness was associated with higher likelihood of seeking medical advice within a week from recognizing a CRC symptom. About 13.0% reported a delay to visit their doctor after recognizing a CRC symptom. The most reported barriers were practical with ‘would try some herbs first’ (50.9%) as the leading barrier. CRC symptoms with blood or mass prompted earlier help seeking. Participants with good CRC awareness were more likely to seek medical advice within a week.
Relationship between antidementia medication and fracture prevention in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia using a nationwide health insurance claims database
Authors: Hosoi Tatsuya , Yakabe Mitsutaka , Matsumoto Shoya , Fujimori Kenji , Tamaki Junko , Nakatoh Shinichi , Ishii Shigeyuki , Okimoto Nobukazu , Kamiya Kuniyasu , Akishita Masahiro , Iki Masayuki , Ogawa Sumito
Published: April 2023

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between antidementia medication use and incidence of new vertebral, hip, and radial fractures in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). We used the nationwide health insurance claims database of Japan from 2012 to 2019 and identified 12,167,938 patients aged ≥ 65 years who were newly registered from April 2012 to March 2016 and had verifiable data receipt from half-year before to 3 years after the registration. Among these patients, 304,658 were diagnosed with AD and we showed the prescription status of antidementia and osteoporosis medication among them. Propensity score matching was conducted for AD group with and without antidementia medication use, and 122,399 matched pairs were yielded. The incidence of hip fractures (4.0% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001) and all clinical fractures (10.5% vs. 9.0%, p < 0.001) significantly decreased and that of radial fractures increased (0.6% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001) in AD patients with antidementia medication use compared with AD patients without antidementia medication use. No significant difference was found in vertebral fractures (6.6% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.51). Overall, these results suggest a positive relationship between antidementia medication use and fracture prevention in patients with AD.
Global trends in research related to the links between microbiota and antibiotics: a visualization study
Authors: Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Shakhshir Muna , Abushanab Amani S. , Koni Amer , Taha Adham Abu , Abushamma Faris , Sabateen Ali , Al-Jabi Samah W.
Published: April 2023

The scientific community widely acknowledges that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining host health and can be altered by a range of factors, such as antibiotic use, diet, stress, and infections. Therefore, this study utilized bibliometric analysis to thoroughly investigate research trends in the microbiota and antibiotics. Scopus was used to extract papers linked to microbiota and antibiotics published between 2002 and 2021, and both Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer were used to conduct the analysis of the data. A total of 2,816 publications discussed the connection between the microbiota and antibiotics. Growth occurred in two stages: the first (2002–2015) was characterized by fairly slow publication production, while the second (2016–2021) saw a rapid increase in publishing progress. The United States has the most publications, 654, representing 23.22% of the total. China came second with 372 publications (13.21%), followed by the United Kingdom with 161 publications (5.72%) and India with 157 publications (5.58%). In addition, publications on ‘altered intestinal microbiota composition with antibiotic treatment’ were introduced after 2017, while ‘gut microbiota and antimicrobial resistance’ and ‘probiotics as an alternative antimicrobial therapy’ were introduced before 2017. Based on these results, this study provides an in-depth look at key moments in the history of microbiota and antibiotic research, as well as possible directions for future research in different areas of microbiota and antibiotic research. Therefore, it is suggested that more attention should be given to the latest promising hotspots, such as how antibiotic treatment changes the composition of the gut microbiota.
Filming enhanced ionization in an ultrafast triatomic slingshot
Authors: Howard Andrew J. , Britton Mathew , Streeter Zachary L. , Cheng Chuan , Forbes Ruaridh , Reynolds Joshua L. , Allum Felix , McCracken Gregory A. , Gabalski Ian , Lucchese Robert R. , McCurdy C. William , Weinacht Thomas , Bucksbaum Philip H.
Published: April 2023

Filming atomic motion within molecules is an active pursuit of molecular physics and quantum chemistry. A promising method is laser-induced Coulomb Explosion Imaging (CEI) where a laser pulse rapidly ionizes many electrons from a molecule, causing the remaining ions to undergo Coulomb repulsion. The ion momenta are used to reconstruct the molecular geometry which is tracked over time (i.e., filmed) by ionizing at an adjustable delay with respect to the start of interatomic motion. Results are distorted, however, by ultrafast motion during the ionizing pulse. We studied this effect in water and filmed the rapid “slingshot” motion that enhances ionization and distorts CEI results. Our investigation uncovered both the geometry and mechanism of the enhancement which may inform CEI experiments in many other polyatomic molecules.
Accelerated quantum Monte Carlo with probabilistic computers
Authors: Chowdhury Shuvro , Camsari Kerem Y. , Datta Supriyo
Published: April 2023

Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) techniques are widely used in a variety of scientific problems and much work has been dedicated to developing optimized algorithms that can accelerate QMC on standard processors (CPU). With the advent of various special purpose devices and domain specific hardware, it has become increasingly important to establish clear benchmarks of what improvements these technologies offer compared to existing technologies. In this paper, we demonstrate 2 to 3 orders of magnitude acceleration of a standard QMC algorithm using a specially designed digital processor, and a further 2 to 3 orders of magnitude by mapping it to a clockless analog processor. Our demonstration provides a roadmap for 5 to 6 orders of magnitude acceleration for a transverse field Ising model (TFIM) and could possibly be extended to other QMC models as well. The clockless analog hardware can be viewed as the classical counterpart of the quantum annealer and provides performance within a factor of < 10 of the latter. The convergence time for the clockless analog hardware scales with the number of qubits as ∼ N, improving the ∼ N2 scaling for CPU implementations, but appears worse than that reported for quantum annealers by D-Wave.
Rapid grain boundary diffusion in foraminifera tests biases paleotemperature records
Authors: Adams Arthur , Daval Damien , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Bernard Sylvain , Vennemann Torsten , Cisneros-Lazaro Deyanira , Stolarski Jarosław , Baronnet Alain , Grauby Olivier , Guo Jinming , Meibom Anders
Published: April 2023

The oxygen isotopic compositions of fossil foraminifera tests constitute a continuous proxy record of deep-ocean and sea-surface temperatures spanning the last 120 million years. Here, by incubating foraminifera tests in 18O-enriched artificial seawater analogues, we demonstrate that the oxygen isotopic composition of optically translucent, i.e., glassy, fossil foraminifera calcite tests can be measurably altered at low temperatures through rapid oxygen grain-boundary diffusion without any visible ultrastructural changes. Oxygen grain boundary diffusion occurs sufficiently fast in foraminifera tests that, under normal upper oceanic sediment conditions, their grain boundaries will be in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with the surrounding pore fluids on a time scale of <100 years, resulting in a notable but correctable bias of the paleotemperature record. When applied to paleotemperatures from 38,400 foraminifera tests used in paleoclimate reconstructions, grain boundary diffusion can be shown to bias prior paleotemperature estimates by as much as +0.86 to −0.46 °C. The process is general and grain boundary diffusion corrections can be applied to other polycrystalline biocarbonates composed of small nanocrystallites (<100 nm), such as those produced by corals, brachiopods, belemnites, and molluscs, the fossils of which are all highly susceptible to the effects of grain boundary diffusion.
Southern California winter precipitation variability reflected in 100-year ocean salinity record
Authors: Byrne Sierra M. , Merrifield Mark A. , Carter Melissa L. , Cayan Daniel R. , Flick Reinhard E. , Gershunov Alexander , Giddings Sarah N.
Published: April 2023

Rainfall in southern California is highly variable, with some fluctuations explainable by climate patterns. Resulting runoff and heightened streamflow from rain events introduces freshwater plumes into the coastal ocean. Here we use a 105-year daily sea surface salinity record collected at Scripps Pier in La Jolla, California to show that El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation both have signatures in coastal sea surface salinity. Averaging the freshest quantile of sea surface salinity over each year’s winter season provides a useful metric for connecting the coastal ocean to interannual winter rainfall variability, through the influence of freshwater plumes originating, at closest, 7.5 km north of Scripps Pier. This salinity metric has a clear relationship with dominant climate phases: negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation and La Niña conditions correspond consistently with lack of salinity anomaly/ dry winters. Fresh salinity anomalies (i.e., wet winters) occur during positive phase Pacific Decadal Oscillation and El Niño winters, although not consistently. This analysis emphasizes the strong influence that precipitation and consequent streamflow has on the coastal ocean, even in a region of overall low freshwater input, and provides an ocean-based metric for assessing decadal rainfall variability.
SNARE mimic peptide triggered membrane fusion kinetics revealed using single particle techniques
Authors: van der Borg Guus , Crone Niek , Boyle Aimee L. , Kros Alexander , Roos Wouter H.
Published: April 2023

Fusogenicity of CPE and CPK peptides in liposomes is, at least partially, dependent on the size of the particle. Under certain conditions (small liposomes), CPK alone is enough to trigger membrane fusion in both bulk and single-particle studies.
Synthesis of functionalized 1,4-dihydropyridines containing benzosultams catalyzed by lipase
Authors: Xu Yuelin , Li Fengxi , Tang Yong , Wu Junhao , Wang Chunyu , Du Chuang , Wang Zhi , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

As a base structural unit, 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs) containing benzosultams widely exist in bioactive molecules and drugs.
Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of a magnetic biochar@ZIF-67: an efficient nanocomposite-based adsorbent for the dye-contaminated water cleanup
Authors: Haghdoust Sepehr , Arabkhani Payam , Ghaderi Sajad , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Asfaram Arash
Published: April 2023

A magnetic waste date seed-derived biochar@zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 was fabricated by the microwave-assisted synthesis method, and used as an efficient nanocomposite-based adsorbent for the removal of Tartrazine and Sunset yellow dyes from contaminated water.
Favorable morphology and compositional distribution enable efficient and stable quasi-2D Dion–Jacobson perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhou Chao , Han Yonglei , Cheng Lei , Ma Ruijie , Wang Fei , Weng Shuchen , Yu Guicheng , Lin Fang , Zhou Kang , Hu Hanlin , Liang Xiao , Wang Yongfei , Lin Haoran , Li Gang
Published: April 2023

New small molecules MDAN and EDAN are synthesized and found to be different in tuning the morphology of low-dimensional perovskite morphology.
Synthesis and characterization of PEDOT:PSS-co-TF for enhancing detection performances of organic photodetectors
Authors: Shen Long , Seo Gyeong Uk , Eun Hyeong Ju , Prem Prabhakaran , Yoon Sang Eun , Kim Jong H. , Kim Tae-Dong
Published: April 2023

The newly developed fluorinated PSS derivative provides improved electrical conductivity and enhanced hydrophobicity suitably applicable to OPD devices.
3D graphene: synthesis, properties, and solar cell applications
Authors: Su Hanrui , Hu Yun Hang
Published: April 2023

This feature article summarizes the progress in 3D graphene materials for solar cells, highlighting their performance, challenges, and potential solutions.
An investigation of Al2O3 induced variations in the structural parameters in strontium borosilicate glasses using solid state NMR
Authors: Illath Kavya , Ojha Prasanta K. , Rath Sangram K. , Ajithkumar T. G.
Published: April 2023

The structural aspects of strontium aluminoborosilicate glasses were studied using multinuclear solid-state NMR. Specifically, different Qn mAl/B species of silicate units are identified, and structural parameters calculated using the NMR results.