bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Backers of school‐based mental health don't see pushback as a barrier
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2022

Eye‐catching headlines about controversial policy decisions often leave an outsized impression, leading some to believe that what's happening prominently in one location must be reflecting what's going on everywhere. As 2023 opens, children's mental health advocates want to convey that the quieter but highly committed activity happening in America's schools is having a substantially greater impact than the occasional outcry against school‐based mental health services.
Readers open up about challenges, new opportunities in 2023
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2022

Editor's note: Our Mental Health Weekly readers are once again submitting their forecasts for the new year. Here are some of their comments. More will appear in next week's issue.
Optimization of partially thinned subarrays based on two‐stage random search method for large phased array antenna
Authors: Kim Doo‐Soo , Han Il‐Tak , Kim Woo‐Sung , Yeom Dong‐Jin , Kim Kyung‐Tae
Published: December 2022

In this letter, the partially thinned subarrays to be optimized by using a two‐stage random search method are presented. The cost function is defined by the side lobe blanking (SLB) cover rate and maximum peak side lobe (MPSL) and the gain over the system noise temperature (G/T). To form the subarrays, especially two subarrays are randomly selected, then 16 array elements of those subarrays are eliminated randomly to generate partially thinned subarrays. Although theG/Tof the optimized subarray structure is lower by 0.07 dB/k than the reference subarray structure, the false alarm rate decreases to one‐sixth and the MPSL decreases by 1.6 dB.
Rauch, der nicht so heißen soll
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: December 2022

Die Inhaltsstoffe erhitzten Tabaks zu inhalieren soll weniger schädlich sein als die aus verbranntem Tabak. Doch das Werbeversprechen der Hersteller ist größtenteils Augenwischerei.
Forschungsinstitute: Stromrechnungs‐Beschleuniger
Authors: Kuschmitz Paul
Published: December 2022

Durch gestiegene Strom‐ und Gaspreise ist vor allem die energieintensive Forschung teurer geworden. An deutschen Hochschulen werden die chemischen Institute noch mehr zum Kostenfaktor.
Wie wir auf den Esel kamen
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: December 2022

Neue Genomuntersuchungen zeigen: Der Esel wurde bereits vor 7000 Jahren in Afrika domestiziert. Erst die Ankunft der später in Asien gezüchteten Pferde degradierte ihn zum Lasten‐ und Reittier für Arme.
Exzellenzunis unzufriedener
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: December 2022

Universitätsleitungen sehen die Lage ihrer Hochschulen generell positiv. Bei den Exzellenzunis hat sich die Stimmung allerdings verschlechtert.
Discharge process challenges of an academic vascular surgery service: A qualitative study
Authors: Doss Elizabeth R. , Vogel Todd R. , Kruse Robin L. , Camazine Maraya , Schlesselman Chase , Popejoy Lori L.
Published: December 2022

Vascular surgery patients have a high incidence of unplanned hospital readmissions and complications. Previous research has not fully examined specific elements of the hospital discharge process for vascular surgery patients to identify issues that may contribute to readmissions. The objective of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore challenges identified by healthcare providers and patients regarding the discharge process from an academic vascular surgery service. Data were collected from eight focus group interviews and analyzed for relevant themes. Patients and healthcare providers identified several challenges within the standard discharge process, including ineffective communication, insufficient time for discharge education, and limitations accessing providers with post‐discharge concerns. These obstacles may be ameliorated in part by specialized coordinators, caregiver support, and use of adaptive strategies outside of the current discharge process. The discharge challenges described by study participants likely contribute to adverse post‐hospitalization outcomes, including unplanned hospital readmissions. A multifaceted approach that incorporates standardized discharge processes, as well as informal problem‐solving strategies, is recommended to improve hospital discharge and outcomes for vascular surgery patients.
Synthesis and characterization ofPES/PSF/PEGby immersion precipitation for Mediterranean seawater desalination byFOmembrane
Authors: Hassen Mai Ali , Hamdy Gehad , Sabry Rania M. , Ali Sahar S. , Taher Fatma A.
Published: December 2022

In the present study, a simple, inexpensive, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer was used to enhance the hydrophilicity of the forward osmosis (FO) membrane using various PEG concentrations as a pore forming agent in the casting solution of polyethersulfone/polysulfone (PES/PSF) blend membranes. A nonwoven PES/PSF FO blend membrane was fabricated via the immersion precipitation phase inversion technique. The membrane dope solution was cast on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nonwoven fabric. The results revealed that PEG is a pore forming agent and that adding PEG promotes membrane hydrophilicity. The membrane with 1 wt% PEG (PEG1) had about 27% lower contact angle than the pristine blend membrane. The PEG1 membrane has less tortuosity (which reduces from 3.4–2.73), resulting in a smaller structure parameter (Svalue) of 277 μm, due to the presence of open pores on the bottom surface structure, which results in diminished ICP. Using 1 M NaCl as the draw solution and distilled water as the feed solution, the PEG1 membrane exhibited higher water flux (136 L m−2 h−1) and lower reverse salt flux (1.94 g m−2 h−1). Also, the selectivity of the membrane, specific reverse salt flux, (Js/Jw) showed lower values (0.014 g/L). Actually, the PEG1 membrane has a 34.6% higher water flux than the commercial nonwoven‐cellulose triacetate (NW‐CTA) membrane. By means of varied concentrations of NaCl salt solution (0.6, 1, 1.5, and 2 M), the membrane with 1 wt% PEG showed improved FO separation performance with permeate water fluxes of 108, 136, 142, and 163 L m−2 h−1. In this work, we extend a promising gate for designing fast water flux PES/PSF/PEG FO blend membranes for water desalination.
Cannabidiol‐rich non‐psychotropic Cannabis sativa L. oils attenuate peripheral neuropathy symptoms by regulation of CB2‐mediated microglial neuroinflammation
Authors: Borgonetti Vittoria , Anceschi Lisa , Brighenti Virginia , Corsi Lorenzo , Governa Paolo , Manetti Fabrizio , Pellati Federica , Galeotti Nicoletta
Published: December 2022

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic disease that affects the normal quality of life of patients. To date, the therapies available are only symptomatic and they are unable to reduce the progression of the disease. Many studies reported the efficacy of Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) on NP, but no Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC)‐free extracts have been investigated in detail for this activity so far. The principal aim of this work is to investigate the potential pain‐relieving effect of innovative cannabidiol‐rich non‐psychotropic C. sativa oils, with a high content of terpenes (K2), compared to the same extract devoid of terpenes (K1). Oral administration of K2 (25 mg kg−1) induced a rapid and long‐lasting relief of pain hypersensitivity in a mice model of peripheral neuropathy. In spinal cord samples, K2 reduced mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPKs) levels and neuroinflammatory factors. These effects were reverted by the administration of a CB2 antagonist (AM630), but not by a CB1 antagonist (AM251). Conversely, K1 showed a lower efficacy in the absence of CB1/CB2‐mediated mechanisms. In LPS‐stimulated murine microglial cells (BV2), K2 reduced microglia pro‐inflammatory phenotype through the downregulation of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC‐1) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells inhibitor (IKBα) and increased interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) expression, an important antiinflammatory cytokine. In conclusion, these results suggested that K2 oral administration attenuated NP symptoms by reducing spinal neuroinflammation and underline the important role of the synergism between cannabinoids and terpenes.
A reliability evaluation method for phased‐mission system considering multi‐mechanism coupling within phases
Authors: Dong Jing , He Liang , Chen Hua , Zhang Hongrui , Xiao Xiaolei , Wang Xianyu
Published: December 2022

Due to the difference of environmental stress and system configuration, as well as the coupling between phases, the phased‐mission system (PMS) has significant disparity in the failure modes and mechanisms of components in different phases. From the perspective of failure mechanism, an initial independent one will affect or be affected by other failure mechanisms during a task, and eventually leads to the failure of system. Therefore, the coupling of failure mechanisms in PMS is considered in this paper, and the recursive quantitative analysis of coupling from failure mechanism level to system level and phase level are accomplished by means of the basic rules of reliability physics. Furthermore, taking a core circuit from an aircraft electronic system as an example, the reliability modeling and analysis are performed. The results show that after considering the coupling relationship between failure mechanisms within each phase, the reliability and lifetime of components are reduced compared with the mechanism‐ independence situation, however, the cumulative failure probability of the system is increased. It reveals that it is very important to involve the coupling relationship between failure mechanisms in the reliability analysis of PMS, which can improve the accuracy of the prediction.
Learning from a Pandemic. The Impact of COVID-19 on Education Around the World
Authors: Reimers Fernando M.
Published: December 2022

This introductory chapter sets the stage for the book, explaining the goals, methods, and significance of the comparative study. The chapter situates the theoretical significance of the study with respect to research on education and inequality, and argues that the rare, rapid, and massive change in the social context of schools caused by the pandemic provides a singular opportunity to study the relative autonomy of educational institutions from larger social structures implicated in the reproduction of inequality. The chapter provides a conceptual educational model to examine the impact of COVID-19 on educational opportunity. The chapter describes the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it resulted into school closures and in the rapid deployment of strategies of remote education. It examines available evidence on the duration of school closures, the implementation of remote education strategies, and known results in student access, engagement, learning, and well-being.
Analysis of Temperature Data Using the Innovative Trend Pivot Analysis Method and Trend Polygon Star Concept: A Case Study of Soan River Basin, Potohar, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Fiaz , Wu Ray-Shyan , Nabi Ghulam , Noor Rana Shahzad , Anjum Muhammad Naveed , Azam Muhammad , Afzal Arslan
Published: December 2022

The trend analysis approach is used to estimate changing climate and its impact on the environment, agriculture and water resources. Innovative polygonal trend analyses are qualitative methods applied to detect changes in the environment. In this study, the Innovative Trend Pivot Analysis Method (ITPAM) and Trend Polygon Star Concept Method were applied for temperature trend detection in Soan River Basin (SRB), Potohar region, Pakistan. The average monthly temperature data (1995–2020) for 11 stations were used to create polygon graphics. Trend length and slope were calculated separately for arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The innovative methods produced useful scientific information, with the identification of monthly shifts and trend behaviors of temperature data at different stations. Some stations showed an increasing trend and others showed decreasing behavior. This increasing and decreasing variability is the result of climate change. The winter season temperature is increasing, and the months of December to February are getting warmer. Summer is expanding and pushing autumn towards winter, swallowing the early period of the cold season. The monthly polygonal trends with risk graphs depicted a clear picture of climate change in the Potohar region of Pakistan. The phenomena of observed average temperature changes, indicated by both qualitative methods, are interesting and have the potential to aid water managers’ understanding of the cropping system of the Potohar region.
What do we currently know about Novichoks? The state of the art
Authors: Noga Maciej , Jurowski Kamil
Published: December 2022

Novichok is the name given to the group of nerve agents created stealthily in the later phases of the Cold War by the Soviet Union. Constitute the fourth generation of chemical warfare agents; like other nerve agents, they are organophosphorus compounds designed to be incurable and undetectable. The mechanism of action is based on the non-competitive and irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Due to their enormous toxicity, Novichoks have become attractive targets for terrorists. However, little information is known about the identity of nerve agents. Furthermore, these compounds have never been submitted to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Our article aspires to provide a general overview of Novichoks knowledge. As part of this, we reviewed the available literature data to answer the question, what are Novichoks? In addition to the physical and chemical properties of A-agents, synthesis, mechanism of action, and toxicity of nerve agents were also reviewed. We hope that this review will highlight the tremendous threat posed by nerve agents and will inspire further studies on the interdisciplinary aspects of these compounds.
Bending Resistance Covalent Organic Framework Superlattice: “Nano-Hourglass”-Induced Charge Accumulation for Flexible In-Plane Micro-Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Xiaoyang , Zhang Zhenni , Xiong Rui , Lu Guandan , Zhang Jia , Ning Wang , Hu Shuozhen , Feng Qingliang , Qiao Shanlin
Published: December 2022

Covalent organic framework (COF) film with highly exposed active sites is considered as the promising flexible self-supported electrode for in-plane micro-supercapacitor (MSC). Superlattice configuration assembled alternately by different nanofilms based on van der Waals force can integrate the advantages of each isolated layer to exhibit unexpected performances as MSC film electrodes, which may be a novel option to ensure energy output. Herein, a mesoporous free-standing A-COF nanofilm (pore size is 3.9 nm, averaged thickness is 4.1 nm) with imine bond linkage and a microporous B-COF nanofilm (pore size is 1.5 nm, averaged thickness is 9.3 nm) with β-keto-enamine-linkages are prepared, and for the first time, we assembly the two lattice matching films into sandwich-type superlattices via layer-by-layer transfer, in which ABA–COF superlattice stacking into a “nano-hourglass” steric configuration that can accelerate the dynamic charge transportation/accumulation and promote the sufficient redox reactions to energy storage. The fabricated flexible MSC–ABA–COF exhibits the highest intrinsic CV of 927.9 F cm−3 at 10 mV s−1 than reported two-dimensional alloy, graphite-like carbon and undoped COF-based MSC devices so far, and shows a bending-resistant energy density of 63.2 mWh cm−3 even after high-angle and repeat arbitrary bending from 0 to 180°. This work provides a feasible way to meet the demand for future miniaturization and wearable electronics.
Computer-vision-guided semi-autonomous concrete crack repair for infrastructure maintenance using a robotic arm
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhou Cheng , Cheng Li-li
Published: December 2022

Engineering inspection and maintenance technologies play an important role in safety, operation, maintenance and management of buildings. In project construction control, supervision of engineering quality is a difficult task. To address such inspection and maintenance issues, this study presents a computer-vision-guided semi-autonomous robotic system for identification and repair of concrete cracks, and humans can make repair plans for this system. Concrete cracks are characterized through computer vision, and a crack feature database is established. Furthermore, a trajectory generation and coordinate transformation method is designed to determine the robotic execution coordinates. In addition, a knowledge base repair method is examined to make appropriate decisions on repair technology for concrete cracks, and a robotic arm is designed for crack repair. Finally, simulations and experiments are conducted, proving the feasibility of the repair method proposed. The result of this study can potentially improve the performance of on-site automatic concrete crack repair, while addressing such issues as high accident rate, low efficiency, and big loss of skilled workers.
MyProstateScore in men considering repeat biopsy: validation of a simple testing approach
Authors: Tosoian Jeffrey J. , Sessine Michael S. , Trock Bruce J. , Ross Ashley E. , Xie Cassie , Zheng Yingye , Samora Nathan L. , Siddiqui Javed , Niknafs Yashar , Chopra Zoey , Tomlins Scott , Kunju Lakshmi P. , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Morgan Todd M. , Wei John T. , Salami Simpa S. , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Men with persistent risk of Grade Group (GG) ≥ 2 cancer after a negative biopsy present a unique clinical challenge. The validated MyProstateScore test is clinically-available for pre-biopsy risk stratification. In biopsy-naïve patients, we recently validated a straightforward testing approach to rule-out GG ≥ 2 cancer with 98% negative predictive value (NPV) and 97% sensitivity. In the current study, we established a practical MPS-based testing approach in men with a previous negative biopsy being considered for repeat biopsy.

Methods

Patients provided post-digital rectal examination urine prior to repeat biopsy. MyProstateScore was calculated using the validated, locked model including urinary PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG scores with serum PSA. In a clinically-appropriate primary (i.e., training) cohort, we identified a lower (rule-out) threshold approximating 90% sensitivity and an upper (rule-in) threshold approximating 80% specificity for GG ≥ 2 cancer. These thresholds were applied to an external validation cohort, and performance measures and clinical outcomes associated with their use were calculated.

Results

MyProstateScore thresholds of 15 and 40 met pre-defined performance criteria in the primary cohort (422 patients; median PSA 6.4, IQR 4.3–9.1). In the 268-patient validation cohort, 25 men (9.3%) had GG ≥ 2 cancer on repeat biopsy. The rule-out threshold of 15 provided 100% NPV and sensitivity for GG ≥ 2 cancer and would have prevented 23% of unnecessary biopsies. Use of MyProstateScore >40 to rule-in biopsy would have prevented 67% of biopsies while maintaining 95% NPV. In the validation cohort, the prevalence of GG ≥ 2 cancer was 0% for MyProstateScore 0–15, 6.5% for MyProstateScore 15–40, and 19% for MyProstateScore >40.

Conclusions

In patients who previously underwent a negative prostate biopsy, the MyProstateScore values of 15 and 40 yielded clinically-actionable rule-in and rule-out risk groups. Using this straightforward testing approach, MyProstateScore can meaningfully inform patients and physicians weighing the need for repeat biopsy.
Titers of antibodies against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 correlate with levels of neutralizing antibodies to multiple variants
Authors: Tran Trung The , Vaage Eline Benno , Mehta Adi , Chopra Adity , Tietze Lisa , Kolderup Anette , Anthi Aina , König Marton , Nygaard Gro , Lind Andreas , Müller Fredrik , Nissen-Meyer Lise Sofie , Magnus Per , Trogstad Lill , Mjaaland Siri , Søraas Arne , Midtvedt Karsten , Åsberg Anders , Barratt-Due Andreas , Medhus Asle W. , Høivik Marte Lie , Lundin Knut , Karlsen Randi Fuglaas , Dahle Reidun , Danielsson Karin , Thomassen Kristine Stien , Kro Grete Birkeland , Cox Rebecca J. , Zhou Fan , Langeland Nina , Aukrust Pål , Melum Espen , Åvitsland Tone Lise , Wiencke Kristine , Holter Jan Cato , Munthe Ludvig A. , Grødeland Gunnveig , Andersen Jan-Terje , Vaage John Torgils , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof
Published: December 2022

Diagnostic assays currently used to monitor the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines measure levels of antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (RBDwt). However, the predictive value for protection against new variants of concern (VOCs) has not been firmly established. Here, we used bead-based arrays and flow cytometry to measure binding of antibodies to spike proteins and receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from VOCs in 12,000 serum samples. Effects of sera on RBD-ACE2 interactions were measured as a proxy for neutralizing antibodies. The samples were obtained from healthy individuals or patients on immunosuppressive therapy who had received two to four doses of COVID-19 vaccines and from COVID-19 convalescents. The results show that anti-RBDwt titers correlate with the levels of binding- and neutralizing antibodies against the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Omicron variants. The benefit of multiplexed analysis lies in the ability to measure a wide range of anti-RBD titers using a single dilution of serum for each assay. The reactivity patterns also yield an internal reference for neutralizing activity and binding antibody units per milliliter (BAU/ml). Results obtained with sera from vaccinated healthy individuals and patients confirmed and extended results from previous studies on time-dependent waning of antibody levels and effects of immunosuppressive agents. We conclude that anti-RBDwt titers correlate with levels of neutralizing antibodies against VOCs and propose that our method may be implemented to enhance the precision and throughput of immunomonitoring.
Development of InDel markers for interspecific hybridization between hill pigeons and feral pigeons based on whole-genome re-sequencing
Authors: Kim Jin-Yong , Hwang Jung Eun , Eo Soo Hyung , Kang Seung-Gu , Moon Jeong Chan , Kim Jung A , Park Jin-Young , An Junghwa , Yeo Yonggu , Yoon Jongmin
Published: December 2022

Interspecific hybridization occurs among birds, and closely related sister taxa tend to hybridize at a high rate. Genomic hybridization markers are useful for understanding the patterns and processes of hybridization and for conserving endangered species in captivity and the wild. In this study, we developed genomic hybridization markers for the F1 progeny of the sister taxa feral pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) and endangered hill pigeons (Columba rupestris) (family Columbidae). Using whole-genome re-sequencing data, we performed genome-wide analysis for insertion/deletion (InDel) polymorphisms and validated using primers. We conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis to identify species-specific InDels. We produced eight F1 hybrids of hill and feral pigeons, and their samples were tested by re-performing analyses and sequencing using 11 species-specific InDel polymorphisms. Eight InDel markers simultaneously amplified two DNA fragments from all F1 hybrids, and there was no abnormality in the sequencing results. The application of genomic tools to detect hybrids can play a crucial role in the assessment of hybridization frequency in the wild. Moreover, systematic captive propagation efforts with hybrids can help control the population decline of hill pigeons.
The effect of ionic liquids on the nucleation and growth of perylene films obtained by vapor deposition
Authors: Costa José C. S. , Campos Ricardo M. , Castro Ângela C. M. , Farinha Artur F. M. , Oliveira Gonçalo N. P. , Araújo João P. , Santos Luís M. N. B. F.
Published: December 2022

The formation of perylene films with improved crystalline quality was achieved by using nanoscale ionic liquids under vacuum as a media for increased control of the nucleation and subsequent growth of perylene crystals.
Gas-phase reactions driven by polarized metal–metal bonding in atomic clusters
Authors: Li Xiao-Na , He Sheng-Gui
Published: December 2022

The importance of polarized metal–metal bonds in atomic clusters in the activation and catalytic transformation of small molecules was emphasized.
Computational screening toward transition metal doped vanadium carbides in different crystal planes for efficient hydrogen evolution: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Bo , Tong Likai , Xing Junjie , Fu Xiuli
Published: December 2022

Through the synergistic effect of selecting exposed crystal planes and doping transition metal atoms on the surface, the catalytic activity of VC for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was greatly improved.
Evaluation of ability to withstand short circuit and development of large capacity 500 kV autotransformer
Authors: Li Zhongxiang , Tan Yanghong , Li Yong , Lin Xiaoqing , Liu Jun , Wang Shaoyang , Zhong Hao , Zhu Yiqin
Published: December 2022

Once the short circuit damage accident of a large capacity 500 kV transformer occurs suddenly, it will seriously affect the safe operation of the power grid. The article expounds on the calculation principle and evaluation method of the transformer's ability to withstand short circuit, then introduces the design structure of 400 MVA/500 kV short circuit autotransformer and calculates the electromagnetic force and evaluates the ability to withstand short circuit under high voltage ‐ medium voltage (HV‐MV) and medium voltage ‐ low voltage (MV‐LV) conditions. By comparing with typical 110 kV and 220 kV transformers, the short‐circuit characteristics are analysed, the control strategy is proposed, and the largest capacity short circuit prototype with 400 MVA/500 kV autotransformer is developed. Last, the sudden short circuit test is carried out in the large current test centre. The results show that the large capacity autotransformer passed the big current impulse under HV‐MV and MV‐LV short circuit conditions for the first time in the world, and all indicators are good, which confirms the accuracy of the strength check and the effectiveness of the short circuit evaluation method and also proves that the 500 kV autotransformer has strong strength to withstand short circuits.
Chinese Herbs for Pharyngitis Including COVID-19-Related Sore Throat
Authors: Jin Guanyuan , Jin Louis Lei
Published: December 2022

Sore throat is one of the most prominent clinical manifestations seen among mild cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) modalities, especially Chinese herbs, have accumulated rich experience in successfully treating sore throats in both acute and chronic pharyngitis. By sharing a real-world case study of three patients suffering pharyngeal discomfort including sore throat that might be related to the new coronavirus infection and have similar manifestations to general viral-induced pharyngitis, the article systematically presents and summarizes key Chinese herbs for acute and chronic pharyngitis based on TCM herbal prescriptions (principles of herbal formula writing) below: clearing heat and removing toxins, nourishing yin and the throat, loosening the stools and soothing the throat, along with TCM syndrome differentiation or disease differentiation and treatment. Moreover, a modern interpretation of these principles in terms of the relationship between Shanghuo and Fire Rising, which may often be characterized by local redness, swelling, fever, and pain in the mouth or throat along with possible inflammation, and the correspondence between the pharynx and the anus are proposed. Finally, the article will share their experience in applying specific herbs locally via various pharyngeal delivery modalities to improve efficacy including recommended prescriptions for a variety of acute and chronic pharyngitis, as well as those that may be caused by the new coronavirus infection.
“Tong Guan Li Qiao” Acupuncture Therapy on Post-Stroke Dysphagia
Authors: Huang Hongwen , Shi Huiyan , Ren Xuesong , Shi Xuemin
Published: December 2022

The differences between the “Tong Guan Li Qiao” acupuncture therapy and the conventional and current other acupuncture methods for poststroke dysphagia are as follows: first, it adheres to the basic idea of “Xing Nao Kai Qiao” acupuncture therapy in selecting and combining acupoints, centers on the brain, and combines the dysphagia symptoms of the mouth, tongue, and throat-related orifices with the root cause of “brain”; second, there are strict and standard requirements in the acupuncture operation, that is, manipulation quantification. In addition to standardized twirling, lifting, and thrusting, the techniques of deep needling on the acupoints in the neck region, blood-letting puncturing at the posterior wall of the pharynx, and the needling sensation of “like a fishbone getting stuck in the throat” are all unique.
Third Ventricular Epidermoid Tumor in a Pediatric Case
Authors: Yuksek Muhammed Erkam , Arac Densel , Erdi Mehmet Fatih
Published: December 2022

Epidermoid tumors, which constitute 0.2 to 1.8% of primary intracranial neoplasms, occur in the third and fifth weeks of fetal development. Epidermoid tumors, which are known to occur most frequently in the cerebellopontine angle, are rarely located intraventricularly. A third ventricular location can be seen in 0.7% of cases. Epidermoid tumors are more common between the ages of 19 and 69, and are very rare in the pediatric period. In this report, we present a third ventricular epidermoid tumor in an 11 years old pediatric patient.
Turbulent secondary flows in low aspect ratio open-channels over heterogeneous surfaces: Anisotropy in forces
Authors: Yücesan S. , Wildt D. , Gmeiner P. , Schobesberger J. , Hauer C. , Sindelar C. , Habersack H. , Tritthart M.
Published: December 2022

Studies of turbulent flows over heterogeneous surfaces revealed elevated turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds shear stress in low-momentum-path regions. These regions induce large-scale multi-cellular secondary flows. The aim of the current study is to analyze the influence of these regions on drag, lift, and lateral forces acting on spherical particles at different exposure levels, thereby addressing the hitherto unknown contribution of the spanwise inhomogeneities. For this reason, numerical simulations of turbulent open-channel flow with varying aspect ratio (AR=1,3,5) over single-sized spherical particles with diameter D were studied. Ensemble-averaged cross-flow velocity vectors showed large-scale secondary flows to penetrate in-between the spherical particles, therefore stretching over the entire flow depth. Their magnitude above 0.8D was observed to range between 12.9%and14.9% of U. Strong tertiary vortices in the vicinity of the lateral walls were identified by analysis of swirl strength. Triple decomposition of streamwise velocity fluctuations showed strong backflow at the trailing edge of the spherical particles in high-momentum-path (HMP) regions. Furthermore, it was found that drag forces are higher in HMPs, which is attributed to the larger streamwise pressure gradient.
δ
−
shocks and vacuum states in the Riemann problem for isothermal van der Waals dusty gas under the flux approximation
Authors: Kipgen Lhinghoineng , Singh Randheer
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we analyze the Riemann problem for concentration and cavitation phenomena to the isothermal Euler equations for van der Waals gas with dust particles in the presence of flux approximation. By the Riemann problem, we mean that it is an initial value problem for the system of conservation laws supplemented by constant discontinuous initial data involving one breaking. The existence of δ−shock and vacuum state in the Riemann problem for the system under consideration is examined. Further, it is shown that as the flux approximation and pressure vanish, the Riemann solution containing two shock waves to the isothermal Euler equation for van der Waals gas with dust particles converges to δ−shock solution and the Riemann solution containing two rarefaction waves tends to the vacuum state solution of the transport equations. Numerical simulations presenting the formation of δ−shocks and vacuum states for different flux approximations are also shown.
Prostaglandin F
2α
drives female pheromone signaling in cichlids, revealing a basis for evolutionary divergence in olfactory signaling
Authors: Li Cheng-Yu , Lawrence Karli , Merlo-Coyne John , Juntti Scott A.
Published: December 2022

Pheromones play essential roles in reproduction in many species. Prostaglandin F
2α
(PGF
2α
) acts as a female reproductive hormone and as a sex pheromone in some species. An olfactory receptor (OR) for PGF
2α
was recently discovered in zebrafish, but this signaling pathway is evolutionarily labile. To understand the evolution of signals that attract males to fertile females, we used the African cichlid
Astatotilapia burtoni
and found that adult males strongly prefer fertile female odors. Injection of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor abolishes this attractivity of fertile females, indicating these hormones are necessary for pheromonal signaling. Unlike zebrafish,
A. burtoni
males are insensitive to PGF
2α
, but they do exhibit strong preference for females injected with PGF
2α
. This attractiveness is independent of the PGF
2α
hormonal receptor Ptgfr, indicating that this pheromone signaling derives from PGF
2α
metabolization into a yet-undiscovered pheromone. We further discovered that fish that are insensitive to PGF
2α
lack an ortholog for the OR Or114 that zebrafish use to detect PGF
2α
. These results indicate that PGF
2α
itself does not directly induce male preference in cichlids. Rather, it plays a vital role that primes females to become attractive via an alternative male OR.
Sizable spin-to-charge conversion in PLD-grown amorphous (Mo, W)Te2−x
films
Authors: Sun Wenxuan , Chen Yequan , Zhuang Wenzhuo , Chen Zhongqiang , Song Anke , Liu Ruxin , Wang Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

We report on the spin-to-charge conversion (SCC) in Mo0.25W0.75Te2−x
(MWT)/Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) heterostructures at room temperature. The centimeter-scale amorphous MWT films are deposited on liquid-phase-epitaxial YIG by pulsed laser deposition technique. The significant SCC voltage is measured in the MWT layer with a sizable spin Hall angle of ∼0.021 by spin pumping experiments. The control experiments by inserting MgO or Ag layer between MWT and YIG show that the SCC is mainly attributed to the inverse spin Hall effect rather than the thermal or interfacial Rashba effect. Our work provides a novel spin-source material for energy-efficient topological spintronic devices.
System matrix recovery based on deep image prior in magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Yin Lin , Guo Hongbo , Zhang Peng , Li Yimeng , Hui Hui , Du Yang , Tian Jie
Published: December 2022

Objective. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging tomography imaging technique with high specificity and temporal-spatial resolution. MPI reconstruction based on the system matrix (SM) is an important research content in MPI. However, SM is usually obtained by measuring the response of an MPI scanner at all positions in the field of view. This process is very time-consuming, and the scanner will overheat in a long period of continuous operation, which is easy to generate thermal noise and affects MPI imaging performance. Approach. In this study, we propose a deep image prior-based method that prominently decreases the time of SM calibration. It is an unsupervised method that utilizes the neural network structure itself to recover a high-resolution SM from a downsampled SM without the need to train the network using a large amount of training data. Main results. Experiments on the Open MPI data show that the time of SM calibration can be greatly reduced with only slight degradation of image quality. Significance. This study provides a novel method for obtaining SM in MPI, which shows the potential to achieve SM recovery at a high downsampling rate. It is expected that this study will increase the practicability of MPI in biomedical applications and promote the development of MPI in the future.
Spatial autocorrelation method for simple microtremor array survey at rock/stiff-soil sites
Authors: Cho Ikuo
Published: December 2022

It is shown that the phase velocities of Rayleigh waves can be identified with a very simple microtremor array even at a rock or stiff-soil site. The main problem at rock/stiff-soil sites is the low signal-to-noise ratio, which is addressed in this study by applying a zero-crossing method, which is one form of a technique called spatial autocorrelation (SPAC). This method uses zero-crossing frequencies of the SPAC-coefficient spectrum to identify the phase velocities, modelled by the zeroth-order Bessel function of the first kind. A simple array, such as a linear array, can cause biases called directional aliasing, depending on the wavefield directionality. A systematic, theoretical examination of directional aliasing was made in this study to determine a practical shape for microtremor arrays, as well as to develop an improved scheme for reading the zero-crossing points of a SPAC coefficient curve. It is shown that, for an L-shaped array consisting of two independent linear arrays, the SPAC-coefficient curve can include biases in the frequency range immediately higher than the first zero-crossing point. In this study, based on these results, later zero-crossing points were not read depending on the indicator of possible biases, or the amplitude of the SPAC-coefficient curve immediately after the zero-crossing point. This systematic study also reveals that, for L-shaped arrays, although the first zero-crossing point is sometimes obscured (e.g. it appears to just touch the zero line rather than cross it), the biases of directional aliasing decrease as the intersection angle of the two linear arrays approaches a right angle. Therefore, an L-shaped array with a right angle is selected in this study as the simplest practical array, and a criterion for reading the first zero-crossing point is devised. It is shown that obscured zero-crossing points can be appropriately read, in general, by checking the systematic change in the zero-crossing frequency with array radius. Once the first zero-crossing point is thus appropriately read, we can identify accurate phase velocities. To test the feasibility of these theoretical findings, microtremor array data were acquired at 15 sites in the northern Kanto region, Japan, with an average S-wave velocity to a depth of 30 m (Vs30) based on velocity log data ranging from 182 to 1433 m s−1 (i.e. 14 sites with rock/stiff-soil and a site with relatively soft soil). The microtremor arrays were L-shaped, consisting of two independent linear arrays with lengths of 24 m. Each linear array consisted of seven unequally spaced 4.5-Hz geophones. Microtremors were recorded for about 20 min for each measurement. The soil parameters Vs10, Vs20 and Vs30 and S-wave velocity structure models were evaluated based on the obtained phase-velocity dispersion curves. The analysis results for the microtremor array data were in good agreement with values based on velocity logging.
A narrative review of the intermediate category of the antimicrobial susceptibility test: relation with dosing and possible impact on antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Yusuf Erlangga , Zeitlinger Markus , Meylan Sylvain
Published: December 2022

The interpretation of ‘susceptible (S)’ or ‘resistant (R)’ results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing is easily understood, but the interpretation of the ‘intermediate (I)’ category can be confusing. This review critically discusses how this categorization (clinical breakpoints) comes into being with the emphasis on the use of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic data. It discusses the differences between the ‘I’ according to the CLSI and the EUCAST. This review also discusses the recent EUCAST change of the ‘I’ definition, and the impact of this change from laboratory and clinical points of view.
Investigating the radiative properties of LHAASO J1908 + 0621
Authors: Wu Keyao , Zhou Liancheng , Gong Yunlu , Fang Jun
Published: December 2022

LHAASO J1908+0621 has recently been detected as a source emitting γ-rays with energies above 100 TeV, and multiband observations show that a break around 1 TeV appears in the γ-ray spectrum. We have reanalysed the GeV γ-ray properties of the 100-TeV source using 14 years of data recorded by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT). The spectrum in the energy range range 30–500 GeV has an index of 1.50 ± 0.26, which is much smaller than that detected in TeV γ-rays. Additionally, the radiation properties of this source are investigated based on a one-zone time-dependent model. In the model, LHAASO J1908+0621 is associated with a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) powered by the pulsar PSR J1907 + 0602. High-energy particles composed of electrons and positrons are injected into the nebula. Multiband non-thermal emission is produced via synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton scattering (ICS). Taking the effect of radiative energy losses and adiabatic cooling into account, the spectral energy distribution from a model with a broken power law for the distribution of the injected particles can explain the fluxes detected in the γ-ray bands. The results support the idea that LHAASO J1908 + 0621 originates from the PWN powered by PSR J1907 + 0602, and γ-rays with energy above 100 TeV are produced by electrons/positrons in the nebula via ICS.
Constraining mass, radius, and tidal deformability of compact stars with axial wI modes: new universal relations including slow stable hybrid stars
Authors: Ranea-Sandoval Ignacio F , Mariani Mauro , Lugones Germán , Guilera Octavio M
Published: December 2022

We revisit asteroseismology with quadrupolar wI modes and present universal relationships for its fundamental and first overtone. In contrast to relationships proposed in the literature, our universal relationships are capable of including slow stable hybrid stars that appear when considering slow sharp hadron-quark phase transitions. We show that if the frequency and damping time of the fundamental mode of a given pulsating object are measured, its mass, radius, and dimensionless tidal deformability can be inferred. Moreover, we show that the errors of such estimates are smaller than a few per cent for the mass and radius. For the dimensionless tidal deformability, the errors are – for compact objects with $M\gtrsim 1.4\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ – in general smaller than $\sim 100 \, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. Comparison with previous universal relationships shows that the ones proposed in this work produce better estimates of the mass and radius of totally stable compact objects.
The quadrupole in the local Hubble parameter: first constraints using Type Ia supernova data and forecasts for future surveys
Authors: Dhawan Suhail , Borderies Antonin , Macpherson Hayley J , Heinesen Asta
Published: December 2022

The cosmological principle asserts that the Universe looks spatially homogeneous and isotropic on sufficiently large scales. Given its fundamental implications, it is important to empirically test its validity. In this paper, we use the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) magnitude–redshift relation, from both the Pantheon and joint light-curve analysis compilations, to constrain theoretically motivated anisotropies in the Hubble flow. In particular, we constrain the quadrupole in the effective Hubble parameter and the dipole in the effective deceleration parameter. We find no significant quadrupole term regardless of the redshift frame used. Our results are consistent with the theoretical expectation of a quadrupole moment of a few percent at scales of ∼100 h−1 Mpc. We place an upper limit of an $\sim 10{{\%}}$ quadrupole amplitude relative to the monopole, H0, at these scales. We find that we can detect an $\sim 7{{\%}}$ quadrupole at the 5σ level, for a forecast low-z sample of 1055 SNe Ia. We find the signficance of an exponentially decaying dipole of the deceleration parameter depends on the redshift frame used. In the heliocentric frame, as expected, it is detected at ∼3σ significance. In the cosmic microwave background (CMB) rest frame, we find a marginal ∼2σ dipole, however, after applying peculiar velocity (PV) corrections, the dipole is insignificant. Finally, we find the best-fitting frame of rest relative to the supernovae to differ from that of the CMB at ∼2σ for both compilations, which reduces to <1σ when including PV covariance.
Unexpected no significant soil carbon losses in the Tibetan grasslands due to rodent bioturbation
Authors: Huang Miao , Gan Dezhao , Li Zheng , Wang Jinsong , Niu Shuli , Zuo Hongchao , Long Ruijun , Ma Lei
Published: December 2022

The Tibetan grasslands store 2.5% of the Earth’s soil organic carbon. Unsound management practices and climate change have resulted in widespread grassland degradation, providing open habitats for rodent activities. Rodent bioturbation loosens topsoil, reduces productivity, changes soil nutrient conditions, and consequently influences the soil organic carbon stocks of the Tibetan grasslands. However, these effects have not been quantified. Here, using meta-analysis and upscaling approaches, we found that rodent bioturbation impacts on the Tibetan grassland soil organic carbon contents were depth-dependent, with significant (P < 0.001) decreasing of 24.4% in the topsoil (0 to 10 cm) but significant (P < 0.05) increasing of 35.9% in the deeper soil layer (40 to 50 cm), and nonsignificant changes in other soil layers. The depth-dependent responses in soil organic carbon content were closely associated with rodent tunnel burrowing, foraging, excrement deposition, and mixing of the upper and deeper soil layers. Rodent bioturbation had shown nonsignificant impacts on soil bulk density, independent of soil layer. Tibetan grasslands totally lose −35.2 Tg C yr–1 (95% CI: −48.5 to −21.1 Tg C yr–1) and –32.9 Tg C yr–1 (−54.2 to −8.6 Tg C yr–1) due to rodent bioturbation in the 0 to 10 or 0 to 30 cm soil layer, while no significant net loss was found over the 0 to 90 cm layer. Our findings highlight the importance of considering depth-dependent factors to robustly quantify the net changes in the terrestrial soil organic carbon stocks resulting from disturbances such as rodent bioturbation.
Structure-activity relationship read-across and transcriptomics for branched carboxylic acids
Authors: Wu Shengde , Ellison Corie , Naciff Jorge , Karb Michael , Obringer Cindy , Yan Gang , Shan Yuqing , Smith Alex , Wang Xiaohong , Daston George P
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to use chemical similarity evaluations, transcriptional profiling, in vitro toxicokinetic data, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to support read-across for a series of branched carboxylic acids using valproic acid (VPA), a known developmental toxicant, as a comparator. The chemicals included 2-propylpentanoic acid (VPA), 2-ethylbutanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid (EHA), 2-methylnonanoic acid, 2-hexyldecanoic acid, 2-propylnonanoic acid (PNA), dipentyl acetic acid or 2-pentylheptanoic acid, octanoic acid (a straight chain alkyl acid), and 2-ethylhexanol. Transcriptomics was evaluated in 4 cell types (A549, HepG2, MCF7, and iCell cardiomyocytes) 6 h after exposure to 3 concentrations of the compounds, using the L1000 platform. The transcriptional profiling data indicate that 2- or 3-carbon alkyl substituents at the alpha position of the carboxylic acid (EHA and PNA) elicit a transcriptional profile similar to the one elicited by VPA. The transcriptional profile is different for the other chemicals tested, which provides support for limiting read-across from VPA to much shorter and longer acids. Molecular docking models for histone deacetylases, the putative target of VPA, provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the activity cliff elucidated by transcriptomics. In vitro toxicokinetic data were utilized in a PBPK model to estimate internal dosimetry. The PBPK modeling data show that as the branched chain increases, predicted plasma Cmax decreases. This work demonstrates how transcriptomics and other mode of action-based methods can improve read-across.