bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American College of Rheumatology/EULAR Remission Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis: 2022 Revision
Authors: Studenic Paul , Aletaha Daniel , de Wit Maarten , Stamm Tanja A. , Alasti Farideh , Lacaille Diane , Smolen Josef S. , Felson David T.
Published: October 2022

Objective

In 2011, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR endorsed provisional criteria for remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both Boolean‐ and index‐based. Based on recent studies indicating that a higher threshold for the patient global assessment (PtGA) may improve agreement between the 2 sets of criteria, our goals were to externally validate a revision of the Boolean remission criteria using a higher PtGA threshold and to validate the provisionally endorsed index‐based criteria.

Methods

We used data from 4 randomized trials comparing biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs to methotrexate or placebo. We tested the higher proposed PtGA threshold of 2 cm (Boolean2.0) (range 0–10 cm) compared to the original threshold of 1 cm (Boolean1.0). We analyzed agreement between the Boolean‐ and index‐based criteria (Simplified Disease Activity Index [SDAI] and Clinical Disease Activity Index [CDAI]) for remission and examined how well each remission definition predicted later good physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] score ≤0.5) and radiographic nonprogression.

Results

Data from 2,048 trial participants, 1,101 with early RA and 947 with established RA, were included. The proportion of patients with disease in remission at 6 months after treatment initiation increased when using Boolean2.0 compared to Boolean1.0, from 14.8% to 20.6% in early RA and 4.2% to 6.0% in established RA. Agreement between Boolean2.0 and the SDAI or CDAI remission criteria was better than for Boolean1.0, particularly in early disease. Boolean2.0, SDAI, and CDAI remission criteria had similar positive likelihood ratios (LRs) to predict radiographic nonprogression and a HAQ score of ≤0.5 (positive LR 3.8–4.3). The omission of PtGA (BooleanX) worsened the prediction of good functional outcomes.

Conclusion

Using the Boolean 2.0 criteria classifies more patients as achieving remission and increases the agreement with index‐based remission criteria without jeopardizing predictive value for radiographic or functional outcomes. This revised Boolean definition and the previously provisionally endorsed index‐based criteria were endorsed by ACR and EULAR.
Nitrogen/Phosphorus Dual‐Doped Hard Carbon Anode with High Initial Coulombic Efficiency for Superior Sodium Storage
Authors: Wu Sheng , Lu Xiaoyi , Zhang Kaili , Xu Junling , Sun Zhipeng
Published: October 2022

Among anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), hard carbon (HC) gains more attention due to its low cost, high electronic conductivity, and renewable resources. However, sluggish kinetics result in its low‐rate capability and unfavorable cycle stability. Moreover, HC often presents low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), which also limits the utilization of the battery capacity and energy density. Herein, nitrogen and phosphorus dual‐doped HC (denoted as NPHC) with network structure is synthesized by a facile interfacial polymerization method, which endows the NPHC with synergistic effects of the enlarged interlayer spacing and improved conductivity. Consequently, the obtained NPHC exhibits a high reversible capacity (286 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (144 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1), high ICE (71 %), and remarkable cyclability over 2000 cycles at 1 A g−1. Moreover, the storage mechanism of sodium ions is examined by a series of ex‐situ characterizations. Additionally, when coupled with Na3V2(PO4)2F3 as a cathode, the full cell delivers superior cyclability (capacity retains 90 % over 300 cycles at 1 A g−1). This work may shed new insight into designing other carbon‐based electrode materials for high‐performance energy storage.
Research on nonstroke dementia screening and cognitive function prediction model for older people based on brain atrophy characteristics
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zheng Xiaoran , Li Renren , Liu Meng , Xiao Weixin , Huang Lihe , Xu Feiyang , Dong Ningxin , Li Yunxia
Published: October 2022

Background

Brain atrophy is an important feature in dementia and is meaningful to explore a brain atrophy model to predict dementia. Using machine learning algorithm to establish a dementia model and cognitive function model based on brain atrophy characteristics is unstoppable.

Method

We acquired 157 dementia and 156 normal old people.s clinical information and MRI data, which contains 44 brain atrophy features, including visual scale assessment of brain atrophy and multiple linear measurement indexes and brain atrophy index. Five machine learning models were used to establish prediction models for dementia, general cognition, and subcognitive domains.

Results

The extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model had the best effect in predicting dementia, with a sensitivity of 0.645, a specificity of 0.839, and the area under curve (AUC) of 0.784. In this model, the important brain atrophy features for predicting dementia were temporal horn ratio, cella media index, suprasellar cistern ratio, and the thickness of the corpus callosum genu.

Conclusion

For nonstroke elderly people, the machine learning model based on clinical head MRI brain atrophy features had good predictive value for dementia, general cognitive impairment, immediate memory impairment, word fluency disorder, executive dysfunction, and visualspatial disorder.
D‐Peptide and D‐Protein Technology: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities**
Authors: Lander Alexander J. , Jin Yi , Luk Louis Y. P.
Published: October 2022

Total chemical protein synthesis provides access to entire D‐protein enantiomers enabling unique applications in molecular biology, structural biology, and bioactive compound discovery. Key enzymes involved in the central dogma of molecular biology have been prepared in their D‐enantiomeric forms facilitating the development of mirror‐image life. Crystallization of a racemic mixture of L‐ and D‐protein enantiomers provides access to high‐resolution X‐ray structures of polypeptides. Additionally, D‐enantiomers of protein drug targets can be used in mirror‐image phage display allowing discovery of non‐proteolytic D‐peptide ligands as lead candidates. This review discusses the unique applications of D‐proteins including the synthetic challenges and opportunities.
Nanostructuring Pt‐Pd Bimetallic Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction Using Atmospheric Pressure Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Li Ming , Fu Shilong , Saedy Saeed , Rajendrakumar Aparna , Tichelaar Frans D. , Kortlever Ruud , van Ommen J. Ruud
Published: October 2022

Preparing supported nanoparticles with a well‐defined structure, uniform particle size, and composition using conventional catalyst synthesis methods, such as impregnation, precipitation, and deposition‐precipitation is challenging. Furthermore, these liquid phase methods require significant solvent consumption, which has sustainable issues and requires complex purification processes, usually leaving impurities on the catalyst, affecting its selectivity and activity. In this work, we employed atomic layer deposition (ALD, a vapor phase synthesis method) to synthesize electrocatalysts with well‐controlled core‐shell and alloy structures for CO2 reduction to formic acid. With this approach, the structural control of the catalysts is down to the atomic scale, and the effect of core‐shell and alloy structure on Pt−Pd bimetallic catalysts has been investigated. It is shown that the Pt−Pd alloy catalyst displays a 46 % faradaic efficiency toward formic acid, outperforming Pt@Pd and Pd@Pt core‐shell structures that show faradaic efficiencies of 22 % and 11 %, respectively. Moreover, both core‐shell bimetallic catalysts (Pd@Pt and Pt@Pd) are not stable under electroreduction conditions. These catalysts restructure to more thermodynamically stable structures, such as segregated clusters or alloy particles, during the electrochemical reduction reaction, altering the catalytic selectivity.
A synthetic review of some recent extensions of ComDim
Authors: Jouan‐Rimbaud Bouveresse Delphine , Rutledge Douglas N.
Published: October 2022

The simultaneous analysis of several data matrices related to the same set of samples can be done with the use of multiblock methods. Common components and specific weights analysis (CCSWA), also called ComDim, is one method enabling the analysis of such data. CCSWA, which is a multiblock version of principal components analysis (PCA), is particularly interesting as it can easily be modified and transformed, either by replacing its PCA‐based data decomposition by another multivariate method, such as independent components analysis or partial least‐squares regression, for example, or by segmenting the data matrices before multiblock analysis, or both. These modifications aim at improving the models and their interpretation. This article will give a concise description of ComDim and then a presentation of several recent extensions of the method, showing its usefulness as both a supervised and a non‐supervised method.
A phase 2 study of first‐line nivolumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous‐cell carcinoma
Authors: Munhoz Rodrigo R. , Nader‐Marta Guilherme , de Camargo Veridiana P. , Queiroz Marcello M. , Cury‐Martins Jade , Ricci Hermínia , de Mattos Marcela R. , de Menezes Thiago A. F. , Machado Guilherme U. C. , Bertolli Eduardo , Barros Milton , de Souza Carina E. , Franke Fábio , Ferreira Fabio O. , Feher Olavo , de Castro Gilberto
Published: October 2022

Background

Cutaneous squamous‐cell carcinoma (CSCC) is among the most frequent malignancies worldwide. For those not amenable to treatment with curative intent, immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) with anti‐programmed death receptor 1 (PD‐1) antibodies has emerged as a novel therapeutic option. In this study, the authors sought to investigate the activity of the anti‐PD‐1 agent nivolumab in patients with advanced CSCC (aCSCC).

Methods

CA209‐9JC was an open‐label, single‐arm, phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and/or efficacy of nivolumab in systemic treatment‐naive patients with aCSCC. Nivolumab (3 mg/kg) was administered every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or 12 months of treatment. The primary end point was the best objective response rate (BORR) as per RECIST 1.1 criteria. Secondary end points included safety, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Twenty‐four patients with aCSCC were enrolled with a median age of 74 years (range, 48–93). Among the 24 patients evaluable for response, the BORR was 58.3% (14/24); there were no complete responses. With a median follow‐up of 17.6 months, median duration of response has not been reached, and the estimated median PFS and OS were 12.7 and 20.7 months, respectively. Prior exposure to radiotherapy was associated with worse outcomes (p = .035, univariate analysis). Treatment‐related adverse events of any grade and grade ≥ 3 occurred in 21 (87.5%) and six (25%) patients, respectively, and one patient discontinued nivolumab due to toxicities.

Conclusions

Nivolumab resulted in robust antitumor activity, sustained responses, and good tolerability in systemic treatment‐naive patients with aCSCC. These data provide further evidence to support the use of ICI as the standard treatment of aCSCC.
Analysis of path loss and channel capacity in quad element MIMO antenna for terahertz communication systems
Authors: Singh Ajit Kumar , Mahto Santosh Kumar , Kumar Praveen , Sinha Rashmi
Published: October 2022

A quad element multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna with improved impedance bandwidth of 0.126 THz (0.198–0.324 THz) by using defected ground structure (DGS) is proposed for terahertz applications. The four elements are placed orthogonally to one another to reduce mutual coupling and envelope correlation coefficient (ECC). The maximum isolation of the proposed MIMO antenna is 34 dB at 0.290 THz frequency. The diversity performance characteristics of the proposed antenna are studied in terms of ECC, diversity gain (DG), mean effective gain (MEG), total active reflection coefficient (TARC), and isolation between the ports, and the obtained values are 0.05, 9.9, 3, −5, −10, respectively. Each antenna has a peak gain of 4.4 dBi with an average radiation efficiency of 92.5%. The proposed MIMO antenna is designed on a Rogers RO4003 substrate having a dielectric constant of 3.55, and a loss tangent of 0.0027 with a dimension of   m3. Further analyses of path loss in free space, atmospheric absorption, and roughness factor in indoor surfaces for THz communication are also studied. The designed MIMO antenna is suitable for high‐speed short distance communication, video‐rate imaging, biomedical imaging, sensing, and security scanning in the THz frequency band.
Statistical property parameterization of simple rocking block response
Authors: Lachanas Christos G. , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Dimitrakopoulos Elias G.
Published: October 2022

The parametric representation of rocking fragilities is statistically investigated. Initially, the potential normalization of the rocking parameters to reduce the problem's dimensionality is tackled by undertaking comparisons both on a single‐record and a sample‐of‐records basis. It is found that the slenderness angle can be normalized out when probabilistically considering the rocking response of simple rocking blocks with the same semi‐diagonal length. Then, the robustness of the lognormal distribution for characterizing the rocking motion is investigated. Sets of pulse‐like and ordinary ground motions are employed to test the lognormal fit for the full range of rocking response when the peak ground acceleration or the peak ground velocity are employed as intensity measures. In both cases, the lognormal distribution offers an adequate, but often imperfect, baseline model of the rocking fragility curves. Instead, a shifted lognormal that accounts for the absence of response below the rocking initiation intensity is an enhanced solution that can form the basis for offering simplified response model surrogates.
Circulating tumor‐associated autoantibodies as novel diagnostic biomarkers in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhuang Liping , Huang Changjing , Ning Zhouyu , Yang Lina , Zou Wenbin , Wang Peng , Cheng Chien‐Shan , Meng Zhiqiang
Published: October 2022

To develop a superior diagnostic approach for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAC), the present study prospectively included 338 PAAC patients, 294 normal healthy volunteers (NHV), 122 chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients and 100 patients with non‐PAAC malignancies. In the identification phase, HuProt Human Proteome Microarray, comprising 21 065 proteins, was used to identify serum tumor‐associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) candidates differentiating PAAC (n = 30) from NHV (n = 30). A PAAC‐focused array containing 165 differentially expressed TAAbs identified was subsequently adopted in the validation phase (n = 712) for specificity and sensitivities. The multivariate TAAbs signature for differentiation PAAC from controls (NHV + CP) identified five candidates, namely the IgG‐type TAAbs against CLDN17, KCNN3, SLAMF7, SLC22A11 and OR51F2. Multivariate logistic performance model of y = (22.893 × CA19‐9 + 0.68 × CLDN17 − 4.012) showed a significant better diagnostic accuracy than that of CA19‐9 and CLDN17 in differentiating PAAC from controls (NHV + CP) (AUC = 0.97, 0.92 and 0.82, respectively, P‐value < .0001). We further tested the autoantigen level of CLDN17 by ELISA in 82 sera samples from PAAC (n = 42), CP (n = 24) and NHV (n = 16). Similarly, the model showed superior diagnostic performance than that of CA19‐9 and CLDN17 (AUC = 0.93, 0.83 and 0.81, respectively, P‐value < .0001) in differentiating PAAC from controls. In conclusion, our study is the first to characterize the circulating TAAbs signatures in PAAC. The results showed that CLDN17 combined with CA19‐9 provided potentially clinical value and may serve as noninvasive novel biomarkers for PAAC diagnosis.
Viral and non‐viral gene therapy using 3D (bio)printing
Authors: Jahangiri Sepideh , Rahimnejad Maedeh , Nasrollahi Boroujeni Narges , Ahmadi Zarrin , Motamed Fath Puria , Ahmadi Sepideh , Safarkhani Moein , Rabiee Navid
Published: October 2022

The overall success in launching discovered drugs is tightly restricted to the high rate of late‐stage failures, which ultimately inhibits the distribution of medicines in markets. As a result, it is imperative that methods reliably predict the effectiveness and, more critically, the toxicity of medicine early in the drug development process before clinical trials be continuously innovated. We must stay up to date with the fast appearance of new infections and diseases by rapidly developing the requisite vaccinations and medicines. Modern in vitro models of disease may be used as an alternative to traditional disease models, and advanced technology can be used for the creation of pharmaceuticals as well as cells, drugs, and gene delivery systems to expedite the drug discovery procedure. Furthermore, in vitro models that mimic the spatial and chemical characteristics of native tissues, such as a 3D bioprinting system or other technologies, have proven to be more effective for drug screening than traditional 2D models. Viral and non‐viral gene delivery vectors are a hopeful tool for combinatorial gene therapy, suggesting a quick way of simultaneously deliver multiple genes. A 3D bioprinting system embraces an excellent potential for gene delivery into the different cells or tissues for different diseases, in tissue engineering and regeneration medicine, in which the precise nucleic acid is located in the 3D printed tissues and scaffolds. Non‐viral nanocarriers, in combination with 3D printed scaffolds, are applied to their delivery of genes and controlled release properties. There remains, however, a big obstacle in reaching the full potential of 3D models because of a lack of in vitro manufacturing of live tissues. Bioprinting advancements have made it possible to create biomimetic constructions that may be used in various drug discovery research applications. 3D bioprinting also benefits vaccinations, medicines, and relevant delivery methods because of its flexibility and adaptability. This review discusses the potential of 3D bioprinting technologies for pharmaceutical studies.
Evaluation of the spatial characteristics of climate scenarios based on statistical and dynamical downscaling for impact assessments in Japan
Authors: Ishizaki Noriko N. , Shiogama Hideo , Hanasaki Naota , Takahashi Kiyoshi , Nakaegawa Tosiyuki
Published: October 2022

Representation of spatial dependence on temporal variations in climate scenarios is quite important when performing impact assessments in various sectors, including water resource management, agriculture, and energy. Although the complex terrain of Japan is closely related to the formation of regional climates, the spatial aspects of climate scenarios have not been investigated. To examine how well spatial dependency on temporal variations in precipitation is represented, we analysed the dependence of the correlation of daily precipitation time series for station pairs on the geographical distance between stations in several downscaled products for Japan. Although the bias correction (BC) method using quantile mapping was sufficient for removing the inherent biases at each station, we found minimal improvement in the spatial dependency. The performance was strongly dependent on the grid spacing of the parent model when the downscaling process was simple; it could not be improved by applying BC to the model output statistics. When analogue‐type statistical downscaling was applied, the observed spatial pattern of interstation correlations was much better reproduced; this was comparable to the results obtained using a dynamical downscaling technique with grid spacing of a few kilometres. Our results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate data to represent the spatial variability of meteorological variables because mean bias‐based or accessibility‐based data selection may produce misleading results. The combination of an analogue method with BC of model output statistics has the potential to effectively represent the marginal and spatial aspects of climate scenarios.
A blended shifted‐fracture/phase‐field framework for sharp/diffuse crack modeling
Authors: Li Kangan , Rodríguez‐Ferran Antonio , Scovazzi Guglielmo
Published: October 2022

The shifted fracture method (SFM) is an embedded method that enables sharp crack representations while using mesh‐fitted data structures. In the SFM, the true crack is embedded in the computational grid, but the crack interface conditions are approximated by, or shifted to, a surrogate crack composed of element boundaries (i.e., edges/faces in two/three dimensions). This avoids enriched degrees‐of‐freedom and cut elements, so that data structures and geometrical treatment are much simpler, while still maintaining mesh‐independent and accurate crack approximations. This article presents a continuous‐discontinuous model of fracture based on blending a phase‐field (PF) model with the SFM. The PF tracks the evolution of cracks inside a numerical fracture processing zone: diffuse cracks initiate, propagate, branch, and merge according to the field equations of energy minimization; no ad‐hoc criteria are needed. The PF damage variable is then used to define the geometry of the true crack. With computational efficiency in mind, the PF model is only solved in subdomains where additional crack growth is expected and the SFM representation is used elsewhere. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach in capturing complex crack patterns are illustrated by a representative set of two‐dimensional numerical examples.
Morphology and microchemistry study of three commercial dental implants
Authors: Ausiello Pietro , Bolli Eleonora , Kaciulis Saulius , Gloria Antonio , Lanzotti Antonio , Martorelli Massimo , Mezzi Alessio , Montanari Roberto , Richetta Maria , Varone Alessandra
Published: October 2022

Titanium and its alloys are widely employed in commercial dental devices. Because the surface morphology and chemical composition of Ti‐based dental implants play a relevant role in osseointegration, three different commercial threaded implants have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Implants A and C were made of pure Ti whereas the Implant B was made of Ti6Al4V alloy. Obtained results evidenced the common features and differences due to specific process parameters used in the treatments of mordanting and sandblasting for surface roughening. Implant A exhibits a uniform surface covered by very small dimples of about 1–2 μm. The surface of Implant B is not homogeneous: The thread tops present an irregular morphology (dimples size >10 μm) while finer dimples (about 1 μm) are observed along the thread flanks and valleys. Implant C shows an irregular morphology with dimples of different sizes and shapes distributed on thread tops, flanks, and valleys. XPS analyses revealed the presence of metal oxides: TiO2 in all the implants; Al2O3 and V2O5 only in the implant B. Moreover, these results demonstrated that Mg2SiO4 is present on the surface of Implant A, probably due to a specific preparation process. Obtained results have been discussed on the basis of the factors promoting the osseointegration.
Revisiting Co 2p core‐level photoemission in LiCoO2 by in‐lab soft and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy: A depth‐dependent study of cobalt electronic structure
Authors: Fantin Roberto , Van Roekeghem Ambroise , Benayad Anass
Published: October 2022

Addressing the oxidation state of functional materials such as transition metal oxides is a current critical challenge and requires new methodologies to characterize their electronic structure within surface to bulk resolution at the nanometer scale. One approach to this issue is the combination of co‐localized soft and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies for a non‐destructive depth profiling. In this work, we demonstrate the capability to characterize the oxidation state of cobalt in LiCoO2 thin films, a model electrode material in the Li‐ion battery field, within the first 15 nm. The capability of the methodology to address the surface evolution of the cobalt oxidation state is tested through a proof of concept surface modification introduced by Ar‐ion sputtering. To address the cobalt local electronic structure at different depths from the extreme surface, we exploited Auger‐free Hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) spectra to fit the Co 2p core‐level features in the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra. This approach may pave the way for a better understanding of the surface electronic structure changes in transition metal oxides driven by their applications in a broad range of technologies.
Is the edge really necessary for drone computing offloading? An experimental assessment in carrier‐grade 5G operator networks
Authors: Candal‐Ventureira David , González‐Castaño Francisco Javier , Gil‐Castiñeira Felipe , Fondo‐Ferreiro Pablo
Published: October 2022

In this article, we evaluate the first experience of computation offloading from drones to real fifth‐generation (5G) operator systems, including commercial and private carrier‐grade 5G networks. A follow‐me drone service was implemented as a representative testbed of remote video analytics. In this application, an image of a person from a drone camera is processed at the edge, and image tracking displacements are translated into positioning commands that are sent back to the drone, so that the drone keeps the camera focused on the person at all times. The application is characterised to identify the processing and communication contributions to service delay. Then, we evaluate the latency of the application in a real non standalone 5G operator network, a standalone carrier‐grade 5G private network, and, to compare these results with previous research, a Wi‐Fi wireless local area network. We considered both multi‐access edge computing (MEC) and cloud offloading scenarios. Onboard computing was also evaluated to assess the trade‐offs with task offloading. The results determine the network configurations that are feasible for the follow‐me application use case depending on the mobility of the end user, and to what extent MEC is advantageous over a state‐of‐the‐art cloud service.
First non‐amber Mesozoic pseudoscorpion from Upper Triassic deposits of eastern Europe, with a description of two new fossil subfamilies (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones, Feaellidae)
Authors: Kolesnikov Vasiliy B. , Turbanov Ilya S. , Eskov Kirill Yu. , Propistsova Evgenia A. , Bashkuev Alexey S.
Published: October 2022

Pseudoscorpiones is one of the oldest arachnid orders, known in the palaeontological record since the Middle Devonian (c. 390 Ma). The following reliable indications of fossil pseudoscorpions occur in Early Cretaceous amber: Lebanese amber (c. 135–125 Ma), Spanish Álava amber (c. 113–100 Ma), Archingeay amber (c. 100 Ma) and Burmese amber (c. 99 Ma). Thus, there is a gap of at least 255–265 myr in the palaeontological record of pseudoscorpions. Therefore, the fossil feaellid pseudoscorpionArchaeofeaella henderickxigen. et sp. nov., described herein from Triassic deposits of Ukraine (c. 227 Ma) is of exceptional interest. Based on the analysis of previously unknown morphological features for the family Feaellidae, we placeA. henderickxiin Archaeofeaellinae subfam. nov. The previously described speciesProtofeaella peetersaefrom Burmese amber is placed in Protofeaellinae subfam. nov., based on comparisons withA. henderickxias more ancient and closer to the basal group, as well with Recent representatives of this family. Based on this new data, we show that the family Feaellidae survived the Triassic break‐up of Pangaea, and its earliest find is associated not with Gondwana, but with Laurasia; thus, the current ‘Gondwanan distribution’ of the family on the continents of the southern hemisphere is a relic of a wider (probably pancontinental) distribution.
The art of translational statistics
Authors: McCabe George P. , Newell John
Published: October 2022

Translational statistics report results of an analysis of data in a way that is designed to facilitate the use of the results as a guide in practical settings. In this sense, they go beyond the basic inferential statistics that are the focus of most applications of statistics. The goal is to reach a target audience whose concern is how to implement results based on what has been learned. This audience may not have the statistical background to understand the fine details of the analysis, but it is essential that they understand what the results mean. We illustrate the fundamental ideas with several examples from a variety of settings.
A survey of numerical algorithms that can solve the Lasso problems
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Huo Xiaoming
Published: October 2022

In statistics, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) is a regression method that performs both variable selection and regularization. There is a lot of literature available, discussing the statistical properties of the regression coefficients estimated by the Lasso method. However, there lacks a comprehensive review discussing the algorithms to solve the optimization problem in Lasso. In this review, we summarize five representative algorithms to optimize the objective function in Lasso, including iterative shrinkage threshold algorithm (ISTA), fast iterative shrinkage‐thresholding algorithms (FISTA), coordinate gradient descent algorithm (CGDA), smooth L1 algorithm (SLA), and path following algorithm (PFA). Additionally, we also compare their convergence rate, as well as their potential strengths and weakness.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Numerical Methods

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Computational Complexity
Motivationspsychologen als politische Aktivisten: Zur Politik der Selbststeuerung in den USA der langen 1960er Jahre
Authors: Held Lukas
Published: October 2022

Der Artikel analysiert am Beispiel des amerikanischen Motivationspsychologen David C. McClelland, wie Psychologen in den langen 1960er Jahren über die Verbreitung ihres Wissens als großzügige Wissensspender mit gesellschaftspolitischer Agenda auftraten, ohne dabei das Feld der institutionalisierten Politik betreten zu müssen. Untersucht wird eine vermeintlich passive Form von Aktivismus jenseits von Lobby- und Beratertätigkeit, die sich den „Umweg“ über die Politik zu ersparen hoffte, indem sie Bürger zur Selbststeuerung animierte, um damit Veränderungen herbeizuführen, die angeblich jenseits strukturverändernder Maßnahmen lagen. Anhand zweier Fallbeispiele wird argumentiert, dass sich das häufig als „neoliberal“ eingeordnete Prinzip der Selbststeuerung parallel zur strukturverändernden Planungspolitik entwickelte und nicht erst deren Scheitern voraussetzte. Weil dies häufig auf unternehmerischem Weg geschah, führte dies in der Psychologie zur Entstehung des Unternehmer-Wissenschaftlers, der Wissenschaft, Training und gesellschaftliche Reform als Geschäft betrieb. Anders als die politische Einflussnahme durch Lobbyismus war diese Form des scientific political activism zwardirekt, insofern unmittelbar auf einzelne gesellschaftliche Gruppen eingewirkt wurde, hinsichtlich ihrer Erfolgsaussichten aber auchprekär, weil die Frage, ob die Adressierten das ihnen Angebotene für sich zu übernehmen bereit waren, von Bedingungen abhingen, auf die die beteiligten Wissenschaftler keinen Einfluss hatten. Schon in den langen 1960er Jahren, so das Fazit, waren Programme, die auf die Aktivierung des Individuums setzten, Teil dessen, was wir als staatlich gesteuerte Wohlfahrtspolitik erinnern.
Expression of phosphate and calcium transporters and their regulators in parotid glands of mice
Authors: Moser Seraina O. , Haykir Betül , Küng Catharina J. , Bettoni Carla , Hernando Nati , Wagner Carsten A.
Published: October 2022

The concentration of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in plasma is under hormonal control, with deviations from normal values promptly corrected to avoid hyper- or hypophosphatemia. Major regulators include parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), and active vitamin D3 (calcitriol). This control is achieved by mechanisms largely dependent on regulating intestinal absorption and renal excretion, whose combined actions stabilise plasma Pi levels at around 1–2 mM. Instead, Pi concentrations up to 13 and 40 mM have been measured in saliva from humans and ruminants, respectively, suggesting that salivary glands have the capacity to concentrate Pi. Here we analysed the transcriptome of parotid glands, ileum, and kidneys of mice, to investigate their potential differences regarding the expression of genes responsible for epithelial transport of Pi as well as their known regulators. Given that Pi and Ca2+ homeostasis are tightly connected, the expression of genes involved in Ca2+ homeostasis was also included. In addition, we studied the effect of vitamin D3 treatment on the expression of Pi and Ca2+ regulating genes in the three major salivary glands. We found that parotid glands are equipped preferentially with Slc20 rather than with Slc34 Na+/Pi cotransporters, are suited to transport Ca2+ through the transcellular and paracellular route and are potential targets for PTH and vitamin D3 regulation.
Percentage of intrathoracic stomach predicts operative and post-operative morbidity, persistent reflux and PPI requirement following laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair and fundoplication
Authors: Cocco A. M. , Chai V. , Read M. , Ward S. , Johnson M. A. , Chong L. , Gillespie C. , Hii M. W.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Large hiatus hernias are relatively common and can be associated with adverse symptoms and serious complications. Operative repair is indicated in this patient group for symptom management and the prevention of morbidity. This study aimed to identify predictors of poor outcomes following laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair and fundoplication (LHHRaF) to aid in counselling potential surgical candidates.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis was performed from a prospectively maintained, multicentre database of patients who underwent LHHRaF between 2014 and 2020. Revision procedures were excluded. Hernia size was defined as the intraoperative percentage of intrathoracic stomach, estimated by the surgeon to the nearest 10%. Predictors of outcomes were determined using a prespecified multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

625 patients underwent LHHRaF between 2014 and 2020 with 443 patients included. Median age was 65 years, 62.9% were female and 42.7% of patients had ≥ 50% intrathoracic stomach. In a multivariate regression model, intrathoracic stomach percentage was predictive of operative complications (P = 0.014, OR 1.05), post-operative complications (P = 0.026, OR 1.01) and higher comprehensive complication index score (P = 0.023, OR 1.04). At 12 months it was predictive of failure to improve symptomatic reflux (P = 0.008, OR 1.02) and persistent PPI requirement (P = 0.047, OR 1.02). Operative duration and blood loss were predicted by BMI (P = 0.004 and < 0.001), Type III/IV hernias (P = 0.045 and P = 0.005) and intrathoracic stomach percentage (P = 0.009 and P < 0.001). Post-operative length of stay was predicted by age (P < 0.001) and emergency presentation (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

In a multivariate regression model, intrathoracic stomach percentage was predictive of operative and post-operative morbidity, PPI use, and failure to improve reflux symptoms at 12 months.
Characteristics of heavy metals in soil of lead-zinc mining areas and changes of antioxidant enzyme systems in maize leaf under Pb stress
Authors: Jiang Ranran , Liu Ping , He Yongjian , Cao Yanru , Hou Xiuli
Published: October 2022

Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn content of soil in mining areas and abandoned land, flats of the Pijiang River and farmlands were investigated. On this basis of soil heavy metal pollution, the changes of antioxidant enzyme system in maize (Qiandan 88) under different Pb concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 mg/L) stress were studied. The results show that the content of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn in soil is the highest in mining areas and abandoned land, followed by flats of the Pijiang River > farmlands, and that the variation range of Pb, Cu, Cd in mining areas and abandoned land are 106.40–2564.72, 14.83–490.88, 22.57–712.77 mg/kg, respectively, which are higher than that of the other land use types. When maize is under stress of 20–500 mg/L Pb concentration, T-SOD activity of maize leaves increase with the increase of Pb concentration and the highest value is 50.21 U/mg prot, but under Pb concentration > 1000 mg/L stress, T-SOD activity of maize leaves decrease gradually. The activity of POD decreases with the increases of Pb concentration, and the lowest POD activity of leaves in maize with the value of 93.24 U/mg prot is appeared in Pb 1000 mg/L concentration treatment group. MDA content in leaves of maize increases with the increase of the Pb concentration and the highest value is 101.98 nmol/mg prot, then the content of MDA decreases gradually when the Pb concentration is more than 500 mg/L, which indicates that the membrane lipid peroxidation of maize leaves under high concentration of Pb stress is serious and leads to the cell damage.
The Polar Contradiction Between “Power” And “Justice”
Authors: Wiese Harald
Published: October 2022

One might surmise that distributions (of payoffs) that result from (i) “power” or (ii) “justice” are not systematically related to each other. However, I claim the existence of a polar contradiction between these two types of distributions. The framework for my assertion is similar to the one of (Wiese et al. (eds), Rationality in Social Science: Foundations, Norms, and Prosocial Behavior, Springer, 2021), where interpersonal comparability of utility (ICU) is defended. ICU is important in the contexts of both bargaining (the power perspective) and welfare (the justice point of view). The bargaining-framework is evoked by the Shapley value from Cooperative Game Theory and in a sociological paper by Emerson. The particular welfare perspective taken in this paper is due to Harsanyi. The current paper (but not the former one) argues for a polar contradiction in the following sense: ICU parameters in utility functions that make one bargaining agent obtain a large share of a “pie” are exactly those that attribute a small share to the very same individual from a welfare perspective.
Comparisons between sequenced and re-sequenced genomes of historical subterranean clover mottle virus isolates
Authors: Fosu-Nyarko John , Adams Ian P. , Jones Michael G. K. , Fox Adrian , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: October 2022

We report comparisons between the complete genomic sequences of five historical Western Australian isolates of subterranean clover mottle virus (SCMoV) from 1989–2000, and an infectious clone of its 1989 isolate. Sanger Sequencing (SS) and High Throughput Sequencing (HTS), or both, were used to obtain these genomes. Four of the SCMoV isolates were sequenced by SS in 1999–2002, but re-sequenced again by HTS in 2020. The pairs of sequences obtained from these four isolates differed by only 18–59 nucleotides. This small difference resulted from the different sequencing methods, the < 1–5 years each isolate was host passaged before freeze-drying prior to HTS sequencing, or a combination of both. Since SCMoV has not been reported outside Australia, this similarity suggests the population sequenced represents the progeny of either an indigenous virus that spread from a native legume to subterranean clover after its introduction or a recent seed-borne incursion from elsewhere. The ORF1 was the most variable, and the phylogenetic tree constructed with ORF1s showed the isolates grouped according to their symptom severity in subterranean clover, indicating the probability that ORF1-encoded P1 protein is a symptom determinant. A satellite RNA was associated with all SCMoV genomes obtained by HTS but none derived by SS.
Reexamining computer ethics in light of AI systems and AI regulation
Authors: Jacobs Mattis , Simon Judith
Published: October 2022

This article argues that the emergence of AI systems and AI regulation showcases developments that have significant implications for computer ethics and make it necessary to reexamine some key assumptions of the discipline. Focusing on design- and policy-oriented computer ethics, the article investigates new challenges and opportunities that occur in this context. The main challenges concern how an AI system’s technical, social, political, and economic features can hinder a successful application of computer ethics. Yet, the article demonstrates that features of AI systems that potentially interfere with successfully applying some approaches to computer ethics are (often) only contingent, and that computer ethics can influence them. Furthermore, it shows how computer ethics can make use of how power manifests in an AI system’s technical, social, political, and economic features to achieve its goals. Lastly, the article outlines new interdependencies between policy- and design-oriented computer ethics, manifesting as either conflicts or synergies.
Personal Power in Africa: Legislative Networks and Executive Appointments in Ghana, Togo and Gabon
Authors: Osei Anja , Wigmore-Shepherd Daniel
Published: October 2022

Personal relations and networks have long been argued to dominate African politics. Since personal power is difficult to measure, much of the literature has remained either anecdotal or has used ethnicity to approximate power distributions. This article is proposing a social network approach to the analysis of personal power in legislatures and cabinets in three cases: Ghana, Togo and Gabon. We combine survey data on parliamentary discussion networks with a new data set on cabinet appointments. We find that power accumulation in one institution correlates with power accumulation in the other in all three countries, irrespective of the level of democracy: individuals build up a unique power base to advance their careers. We also find differences between the modes of power accumulation and elite integration across our cases. Our findings could stimulate new debates on personal power, regime survival and elite reproduction across different regimes.
On the scalar turbulent/turbulent interface of axisymmetric jets
Authors: Kohan Khashayar F. , Gaskin Susan J.
Published: October 2022

The effect of a zero-mean-flow turbulent ambient on the geometry of the turbulent/turbulent interface (TTI) of an axisymmetric jet is investigated and compared with the traditional turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI). The ambient turbulence is generated using a random jet array. Orthogonal cross-sections of the jet subjected to different levels of ambient turbulence intensities and length scales are captured using planar laser-induced fluorescence. The enhanced radial transport of concentration from the jet core towards the interface and the increased scalar fluctuations within the jet caused by the ambient turbulence result in steeper mean and root-mean-square scalar conditional jumps across the TTI layer compared with those of the TNTI, respectively. When compared with the quiescent ambient, the mean effect of background turbulence is to stretch and corrugate the interface surface area as evident from the wider probability density of the interface radial position, the lowered occurrence of zero-curvature surface elements, the greater misalignment between the radial and normal unit vectors of the interface, the increased tortuosity and the increased magnitude of the fractal exponent.
How urban riots influence political behavior: vote choices after the 2011 London riots
Authors: Leon-Ablan Gabriel , John Peter
Published: October 2022

What are the electoral consequences of urban riots? We argue that riots highlight the economic and social problems suffered by those who participate, inducing potential electoral allies to mobilize. These allies can then punish local incumbents at the ballot box. We test this hypothesis with fine-grained geographic data that capture how exposure to the 2011 London riots changed vote choices in the subsequent 2012 mayoral election. We find that physical proximity to both riot locations and the homes of rioters raised turnout and reduced the vote for the incumbent Conservative mayor. These results are partly driven by a change in the turnout and vote choices of white residents. This provides support for the view that riots can help shift votes against incumbents who oppose the implied policy goals of rioters.
How do we quantify the utility of quantum algorithms?
Authors: Devitt Simon J.
Published: October 2022

Quantum computing advantage emerges not from brute force power, but from subtle differences in information processing that can occur for key bottleneck subroutines. In 2019, the Google Quantum AI team performed a landmark experiment demonstrating quantum computational supremacy (Arute et al., 2019) where they performed a quantum computation that, at the time, could not be done on a classical supercomputer. This was remarkable because it was achieved by a processor with only 53 qubits, an observation that emerged from theoretical work which identified that quantum computers could have a massive advantage for certain specially designed benchmarking tasks (Boixo et al., 2018; Bremner et al., 2016).
Control techniques for autonomous launching of ship-based unmanned air vehicles (UAVs)
Authors: Crump M. R. , Bil C.
Published: October 2022

Autonomous shipboard launching of UAVs in a hostile atmospheric environment would greatly extend the usefulness of these aircraft. Currently a majority of UAVs are remotely launched under limited conditions. This paper presents control and guidance strategies that will allow autonomous launching under a much greater set of atmospheric hazards. Two modern control techniques are compared for use in this case. The main problem when dealing with low speed UAVs is found to be high steady winds causing stall. Several strategies are presented that can allow stall to be avoided and recovered.
Integrated engine management: a new approach to health monitoring and control of gas turbine aero-engines
Authors: Gribble J. J. , Dadd G. J.
Published: October 2022

Integrated engine management (IEM) is a technique for unifying and improving the control and health monitoring of gas turbine aeroengines by increasing the quality and quantity of information available about the engine's health and performance. The core of the system is a real-time engine simulation whose outputs are compared continuously with those of the real engine. Any differences between the predicted and measured outputs are attributed to inaccuracy in the simulation's component performance parameters (such as the compressor efficiencies) which are continuously trimmed to make the outputs of the simulation track those of the real engine. The result is a real-time simulation whose input-output behaviour matches that of the real engine very closely.
Future air traffic management — passing the key tests
Authors: Brooker P.
Published: October 2022

Air traffic management (ATM) for commercial traffic will need to
meet major challenges in the coming years. The industry is faced
with many questions, for example:

What ATM system can we realistically expect to have in 2010,
2020 and beyond?

What safety improvements should we target for?

What business analyses are needed to drive innovation forward?

What are the key questions to be answered about the balance of responsibility between air and ground?

How do we best address ‘gate-to-gate’ ATM issues?

What are the systems architecture problems?