bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Latency Afferent Inhibition Correlates with Stage of Disease in Parkinson’s Patients
Authors: Choudhury Supriyo , Siddique Ummatul , Rahman Simin , Kumar Yogesh , Banerjee Sattwika , Baker Mark R. , Baker Stuart N. , Kumar Hrishikesh
Published: June 2022

Background:

Sensory-motor decoupling at the cortical level involving cholinergic circuitry has also been reported in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) paradigm that has been used previously to probe cortical cholinergic circuits in well-characterised subgroups of patients with PD. In the current study, we compared SAI in a cohort of PD patients at various stages of disease and explored correlations between SAI and various clinical measures of disease severity.

Methods:

The modified Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale was used to stage disease in 22 patients with PD. Motor and cognitive function were assessed using the MDS-UPDRS (Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) part III and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) score, respectively. Objective gait assessment was performed using an electronic walkway (GAITRite®). SAI was measured as the average percentage inhibition of test motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) conditioned by electrical stimulation of the contralateral median nerve at the wrist.

Results:

SAI was significantly reduced in patients with advanced PD (H&Y stage 3) compared to early PD patients (H&Y stage 1) on pairwise comparison. The visuospatial executive function and orientation domains of cognition demonstrated significant negative associations with SAI.

Conclusion:

Cortical sensory-motor integration is progressively diminished as disease progresses. The observation that a reduction in SAI is associated with a reduction in cognitive function possibly reflects the progressive involvement of cortical cholinergic circuits in PD with increasing motor stage. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm this preliminary result.
TNF-α/anti-TNF-αdrugs and its effect on pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Dai Fang-fang , Hu Min , Zhang Yu-wei , Zhu Rong-hui , Chen Li-ping , Li Zhi-dian , Huang Yan-jie , Hu Wei , Cheng Yan-xiang
Published: June 2022

Pregnancy is a complex biological process. The establishment and maintenance of foetal–maternal interface are pivotal events. Decidual immune cells and inflammatory cytokines play indispensable roles in the foetal–maternal interface. The disfunction of decidual immune cells leads to adverse pregnancy outcome. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a common inflammatory cytokine, has critical roles in different stages of normal pregnancy process. However, the relationship between the disorder of TNF-αand adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), spontaneous abortion (SA), preterm birth and so on, is still indefinite. In this review, we thoroughly reviewed the effect of TNF-αdisorder on pathological conditions. Moreover, we summarized the reports about the adverse pregnancy outcomes (PE, IUGR, SA and preterm birth) of using anti-TNF-αdrugs (infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab, certolizumab and golimumab) currently in the clinical studies. Overall, IUGR, SA and preterm birth are the most common adverse pregnancy outcomes of anti-TNF-αdrugs. Our review may provide insight for the immunological treatment of pregnancy-related complication, and help practitioners make informed decisions based on the current evidences.
Undecidability of the Spectral Gap
Authors: Cubitt Toby , Perez-Garcia David , Wolf Michael M.
Published: June 2022

We construct families of translationally invariant, nearest-neighbour Hamiltonians on a 2D square lattice of d-level quantum systems (d constant), for which determining whether the system is gapped or gapless is an undecidable problem. This is true even with the promise that each Hamiltonian is either gapped or gapless in the strongest sense: it is promised to either have continuous spectrum above the ground state in the thermodynamic limit, or its spectral gap is lower-bounded by a constant. Moreover, this constant can be taken equal to the operator norm of the local operator that generates the Hamiltonian (the local interaction strength). The result still holds true if one restricts to arbitrarily small quantum perturbations of classical Hamiltonians. The proof combines a robustness analysis of Robinson’s aperiodic tiling, together with tools from quantum information theory: the quantum phase estimation algorithm and the history state technique mapping Quantum Turing Machines to Hamiltonians.
Saffron Suffrage: Buddhist Monks and Constitutional Politics in Cambodia
Authors: Lawrence Benjamin
Published: June 2022

As one of the world’s only constitutions to recognize Theravada Buddhism as the state religion yet not include a religious exemption to the universal franchise for its monastic community, Cambodia’s Constitution stands out as an anomaly. This article traces the ways in which the realities of this remarkably inorganic approach to religion—enshrined in Cambodia’s Constitution in 1993, pursuant to a heavily internationalized peace process—have subsequently been shaped by debates occurring within Cambodia’s Buddhist institutions, rather than judicial ones. Drawing on data derived from archival research and a series of ethnographic interviews conducted during 2017 and 2018, I home in on decades-old debates about the voting rights of Cambodian monks to show how individual monks justify their participation in electoral politics through a mixture of both secular and religious arguments. The on-the-ground reality of the extension of the franchise to the Buddhist clergy in Cambodia, in other words, is ultimately shaped by an ongoing contestation within the sangha, with proponents and opponents of a religious exception grounding their arguments simultaneously in constitutional and theological vocabularies. The article sheds light on a singular constitutional arrangement—a unique relationship between religious and state institutions that has so far received relatively little scholarly attention—and highlights an instance of constitutional practice that occurs beyond the reach of both judicial and other state institutions.
THE SIMPLEST LOW LINEAR ORDER WITH NO COMPUTABLE COPIES
Authors: FROLOV ANDREY , ZUBKOV MAXIM
Published: June 2022

A low linear order with no computable copy constructed by C. Jockusch and R. Soare has Hausdorff rank equal to$2$. In this regard, the question arises, how simple can be a low linear order with no computable copy from the point of view of the linear order type? The main result of this work is an example of a low strong$\eta $-representation with no computable copy that is the simplest possible example.
Tensions between the Middle Classes and the “New Middle Class” in Brazil: An Accidental Biographical Ethnography
Authors: Hilgers Tina , Calderón Anna , Honigmann Max
Published: June 2022

This article constructs an understanding of the Brazilian middle classes using economic, sociological, and cultural factors. It argues that the so-called new middle class is actually an expanded vulnerable class, and that the middle classes are simultaneously conscious and in denial of injustice toward the lower classes. The argument is based on an accidental biographical ethnography: reinterpretation of a field journal and the use of one person to understand broader trends. The resulting textual product juxtaposes biographical passages with theoretical analysis, deviating from traditional article structures to share the voice of the biographical participant while also critically examining the implications of this voice.
SINGULAR HERMITIAN METRICS WITH ISOLATED SINGULARITIES
Authors: INAYAMA TAKAHIRO
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study the coherence of a higher rank analogue of a multiplier ideal sheaf. Key tools of the study are Hörmander’s
$L^2$
-estimate and a singular version of a Demailly–Skoda-type result.
Viewing Quantum Charge from the Classical Vantage Point
Authors: Gilton Marian J. R.
Published: June 2022

This article demonstrates the benefit of studying a classical version of chromodynamics in order to better understand color charge in quantum chromodynamics. Standard presentations of the conservation and confinement of color charge serve to obscure the Lie-algebra-valued character of the conserved Noether charge. This article shows how we can remove these obscuring factors by studying color charge from the vantage point of classical chromodynamics. This key example of color charge illustrates the larger methodological benefit of this classical vantage point: interpreting classical gauge theories helps to delineate the uniquely quantum features of quantum field theories.
Structural Inequality in Collaboration Networks
Authors: Ventura Rafael
Published: June 2022

Recent models of scientific collaboration show that minorities can end up at a disadvantage in bargaining scenarios. However, these models presuppose the existence of social categories. Here, I present a model of scientific collaboration in which inequality arises in the absence of social categories. I assume that all agents are identical except for the position that they occupy in the collaboration network. I show that inequality arises in the absence of social categories. I also show that this is due to the structure of the collaboration network and that similar patterns arise in two real-world collaboration networks.
n-3 index is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors but is not improved by walnut intake in free-living elderly: a single-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jehi Tony , Sabaté Joan , Bitok Edward , Sala-Vila Aleix , Ros Emilio , Cofan Montse , Oda Keiji , Rajaram Sujatha
Published: June 2022

n-3 index, the erythrocyte proportion of the EPA + DHA fatty acids is a clinical marker of age-related disease risk. It is unclear whether regular intake of α-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, raises n-3 index in older adults. Of the 356 participants at the Loma Linda, CA centre from the original study, a randomly selected subset (n 192) was included for this secondary analysis (mostly Caucasian women, mean age 69 years). Participants were assigned to either the walnut (15 % of daily energy from walnuts) or the control group (usual diet, no walnuts) for 2 years. Erythrocyte fatty acids were determined at baseline and 1-year following intervention. No differences were observed for erythrocyte EPA, but erythrocyte DHA decreased albeit modestly in the walnut group (–0·125 %) and slightly improved in the control group (0·17 %). The change in n-3 index between the walnut and control groups was significantly different only among fish consumers (those who ate fish ≥ once/month). Longitudinal analyses combining both groups showed significant inverse association between the 1-year changes of the n-3 index and fasting plasma TAG (ß = −10), total cholesterol (ß = −5·59) and plasma glucose (ß = −0·27). Consuming ALA-rich walnuts failed to improve n-3 index in elders. A direct source of EPA/DHA may be needed to achieve desirable n-3 index, as it is inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk. Nevertheless, incorporating walnuts as part of heart healthy diets is still encouraged.
Gatekeeping by Central and Local Party Actors: Theory and Evidence from a Field Study of New Brunswick Nominations, 2017–2018
Authors: Albaugh Quinn M.
Published: June 2022

Under what circumstances do central and local party actors engage in gatekeeping to influence the outcomes of local nomination races? In this article, I develop a theory of gatekeeping in Canadian parties by synthesizing past work on candidate selection with a multi-method field study of New Brunswick provincial nominations (2017–2018). I present evidence in favour of this theory from participant-observation of 25 nominating conventions, 93 elite interviews, and an original dataset of major party nominations for the 2018 New Brunswick election. The theory and evidence show how gatekeeping by central party actors helps explain how nominations can go uncontested, even in competitive and safe seats. The theory also generates several testable claims for future studies of candidate selection in other places, time periods and levels of government in Canada.
Sum expressions for Kubota–Leopoldt -adic -functions
Authors: Zhao Luochen
Published: June 2022

When $p$ is an odd prime, Delbourgo observed that any Kubota–Leopoldt $p$-adic $L$-function, when multiplied by an auxiliary Euler factor, can be written as an infinite sum. We shall establish such expressions without restriction on $p$, and without the Euler factor when the character is non-trivial, by computing the periods of appropriate measures. As an application, we will reprove the Ferrero–Greenberg formula for the derivative $L_p'(0,\chi )$. We will also discuss the convergence of sum expressions in terms of elementary $p$-adic analysis, as well as their relation to Stickelberger elements; such discussions in turn give alternative proofs of the validity of sum expressions.
A note on the rational homological dimension of lattices in positive characteristic
Authors: Hughes Sam
Published: June 2022

We show via
$\ell^2$
-homology that the rational homological dimension of a lattice in a product of simple simply connected Chevalley groups over global function fields is equal to the rational cohomological dimension and to the dimension of the associated Bruhat–Tits building.
Are we free to work miracles? On Peter van Inwagen's concept of the miraculous
Authors: Kuźniar Adrian
Published: June 2022

To bolster his consequence argument against David Lewis's rejoinder, Peter van Inwagen uses the concept of miracle. He claims that the Lewisian compatibilist must admit that under determinism, we possess the ability to work miracles par excellence, that is, not just in some purely technical sense of the term. The article argues that van Inwagen's definition of a ‘miracle’ is too broad even if it is interpreted merely as an explication of one component often thought to be inherent in the religious concept of miracle, namely the concept of an event that breaks the laws of nature. Nomological effects of miracles are not miracles themselves.
Semantic compositionality and Berkeley's divine language argument
Authors: DeRose Todd
Published: June 2022

Critics of Berkeley's divine language argument usually dismiss it for one of two main reasons: (1) it appears to be a mere variation on Descartes's argument for the existence of other minds, or (2) there is too little similarity between human languages and the ‘discourse of nature’. I will first show that the compositional features of language on which Berkeley partially bases his argument include systematicity and productivity – not merely the generativity on which Descartes's is based. I will then show that the analogy between human languages and the discourse of nature is stronger than typically appreciated, even given contemporary understandings of language.
Energy consumption analysis for an adaptive prototype of 3R industrial robot
Authors: González-Barbosa Erick-Alejandro , González-Palacios Max Antonio , Aguilera-Cortés Luz Antonio , González-Barbosa José-Joel , Serrano-Rubio Juan Pablo , Colin Robles José Ángel
Published: June 2022

This article presents a methodology to reduce the energy consumption of an industrial robot. We propose a design for a 3R serial manipulator of general geometry. We show an analytical model aiming to analyze the search space of architectures based on the torsion angles of the robot to determine the optimal architecture that allows the efficient use of energy. The analytical model provides a theoretical estimation of the energy consumption and is validated by monitoring the experimental robot. The numerical calculations obtained with a particular case reduced the energy consumption by approximately 7.5%.
Crystallographic and Compositional Evolution of Ordered B2 and Disordered BCC Phases During Isothermal Annealing of Refractory High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Dasari Sriswaroop , Sharma Abhishek , Soni Vishal , Kloenne Zachary , Fraser Hamish , Banerjee Rajarshi
Published: June 2022

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) are promising candidates for next-generation high-temperature materials. RHEAs containing Al, often exhibit a checkered pattern microstructure comprising a combination of disordered BCC and ordered B2 phases. Since the ordered B2 phase is based on the BCC parent matrix, distinguishing these two phases can be rather challenging. Advanced characterization techniques are necessary for a reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis of BCC and B2 phases in RHEAs. Additionally, there is a tendency for transformation of the ordered B2 phase into more complex ordered-omega type phases that are usually deleterious to mechanical properties. The current study focuses on the phase stability of a candidate RHEA, Al0.5Mo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr. Correlative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT) have been employed to investigate the phase stability and transformation pathway of this RHEA when isothermally annealed at 800°C. The results show that a metastable two-phase BCC + B2 microstructure formed at the early stages of decomposition, eventually transforming into a three-phase BCC + B2 + hP18 microstructure. The hP18 phase is an ordered omega derivative of the ordered B2 phase. The correlative microscopy techniques (TEM and APT) reveal a very interesting interplay of compositional partitioning between the different phases and their respective stability.
Development and application of criteria to evaluate written CBT self-help interventions adopted by Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services
Authors: Farrand Paul , Dawes Adam , Doughty Michelle , Phull Sundeep , Saines Sally , Winter Simon , Roth Anthony
Published: June 2022

Guided CBT self-help represents a low-intensity intervention to deliver evidence-based psychological therapy within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. Best practice guidance highlighting characteristics associated with CBT self-help is available to help services reach decisions regarding which interventions to adopt. However, at present a single process to evaluate written CBT self-help interventions informed by guidance is lacking. This study reports on the development of a standardised criteria-driven process that can be used to determine the extent written CBT self-help interventions are consistent with guidance regarding the fundamental characteristics of low-intensity CBT and high-quality written patient information. Following development, the process was piloted on 51 IAPT services, with 23 interventions identified as representing free-to-use written CBT self-help interventions. Overall, inter-rater reliability was acceptable. Following application of the criteria framework, 14 (61%) were considered suitable to be recommended for use within the IAPT programme. This pilot supports the development and potential utility of an independent criteria-driven process to appraise the suitability of written workbook-based CBT self-help interventions for use within the IAPT programme.

Key learning aims

(1)

To recognise the range of written low-intensity CBT self-help interventions currently used within IAPT services.

(2)

To identify separate criteria associated with high-quality written CBT self-help interventions.

(3)

To use identified criteria to develop a framework to evaluate written workbook based low-intensity CBT self-help interventions for use within the IAPT programme.

(4)

To evaluate inter-rater reliability of the criteria framework to evaluate the quality and appropriateness of written workbook based low-intensity CBT self-help interventions used within IAPT services.
Oedipus Philosophus: A Thought Experiment
Authors: Moran Jerome
Published: June 2022

This article has a four-fold purpose: (I) to point out the interface and overlap of Classics and Philosophy; (ii) to encourage the take-up of A level Philosophy as a fitting companion for Classics courses, linguistic and non-linguistic; (iii) to reinforce the correction of certain crucial misunderstandings about Sophocles’ play, Oedipus Rex, especially concerning the agency of Oedipus both in the play and the back story of the play; (iv) to present a ‘thought experiment’ in order to show how modern philosophy might be applied to an ancient Greek play in order to resolve issues of truth and necessity.
Embrittlement Within Viscous Shear Zones Across the Base of the Subduction Thrust Seismogenic Zone
Authors: Tulley C. J. , Fagereng Å. , Ujiie K. , Diener J. F. A. , Harris C.
Published: June 2022

Geophysical observations indicate that patches of localized fracturing occur within otherwise viscous regions of subduction plate boundaries. These observations place uncertainty on the possible down‐dip extent of the seismogenic zone, and as a result the maximum magnitude of subduction thrust earthquakes. However, the processes controlling where and how localized fracturing occurs within otherwise viscous shear zones are unclear. We examined three exposures of exhumed plate boundary on Kyushu, Japan, which contain subducted sediments and hydrated oceanic crust deformed at ∼300 to ∼500°C. These exposures preserve subduction‐related viscous deformation, which in two of the studied exposures has a mutually overprinting relationship with quartz veins, indicating localized cyclical embrittlement. Where observed, fractures are commonly near lithological contacts that form viscosity contrasts. Mineral equilibrium calculations for a metabasalt composition indicate that exposures showing cyclical embrittlement deformed at pressure‐temperature conditions near dehydration reactions that consume prehnite and chlorite. In contrast, dominantly viscous deformation occurred at intervening pressure‐temperature conditions. We infer that at conditions close to metamorphic dehydration reactions, only small stress perturbations are required for transient embrittlement, driven by localized dehydration reactions reducing effective stress, and/or locally increased shear stresses along rheological contrasts. Our results show that the protolith composition of the subducting oceanic lithosphere controls the locations and magnitudes of dehydration reactions, and the viscosity of metamorphosed oceanic crust. Therefore, compositional variations might drive substantial variations in slip style.
Fossil Fuels Drive Increase in Atmospheric Helium
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer
Published: June 2022

After decades of uncertainty, scientists have finally shown that fossil fuel extraction has flooded the atmosphere with 4He.
High‐Pressure Melting Curve of FeH: Implications for Eutectic Melting Between Fe and Non‐Magnetic FeH
Authors: Tagawa Shoh , Helffrich George , Hirose Kei , Ohishi Yasuo
Published: June 2022

While hydrogen could be an important light alloying element in planetary iron cores, phase relations in the Fe‐FeH system remain largely unknown at high pressures and temperatures (P‐T). A speculative Fe‐H2 phase diagram has been proposed assuming continuous solid solution between Fe and FeH and eutectic melting between FeH and H2. Recent studies revealed that stoichiometric FeH becomes non‐magnetic above ∼40 GPa, which might affect its melting behavior. Here we examined the melting curve of non‐magnetic FeH between 43 and 152 GPa by a combination of laser‐heated diamond‐anvil cell techniques and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The melting temperature was determined by employing the appearance of additional hazy XRD signals upon quenching temperature as a melting criterion. We also performed thermodynamic modeling, which well reproduces the change in the curvature of FeH melting curve upon the loss of magnetism and extrapolates the experimental constraints to inner core pressures. The XRD data showed that non‐magnetic FeH melts congruently at temperatures higher than the known eutectic melting curve for FeHx (x > 1). Combined with the fact that the endmembers exhibit different crystal structures, these results indicate that Fe and non‐magnetic FeH form a eutectic system. The dT/dP slope of the FeH melting curve is comparable to that for Fe, suggesting that the eutectic liquid composition of FeH0.42 (Fe + 0.75 wt% H) previously estimated at ∼40 GPa changes little with increasing pressure.
Full‐Field Modeling of Heat Transfer in Asteroid Regolith: 2. Effects of Porosity
Authors: Ryan Andrew J. , Pino Muñoz Daniel , Bernacki Marc , Delbo Marco , Sakatani Naoya , Biele Jens , Emery Joshua P. , Rozitis Benjamin
Published: June 2022

The thermal conductivity of granular planetary regolith is strongly dependent on the porosity, or packing density, of the regolith particles. However, existing models for regolith thermal conductivity predict different dependencies on porosity. Here, we use a full‐field model of planetary regolith to study the relationship between regolith radiative thermal conductivity, porosity, and the particle non‐isothermality. The model approximates regolith as regular and random packings of spherical particles in a 3D finite element mesh framework. Our model results, which are in good agreement with previous numerical and experimental datasets, show that random packings have a consistently higher radiative thermal conductivity than ordered packings. From our random packing results, we present a new empirical model relating regolith thermal conductivity, porosity, temperature, particle size, and the thermal conductivity of individual particles. This model shows that regolith particle size predictions from thermal inertia are largely independent of assumptions of regolith porosity, except for when the non‐isothermality effect is large, as is the case when the regolith is particularly coarse and/or is composed of low thermal conductivity material.
Globally distributed mining-impacted environments are underexplored hotspots of multidrug resistance genes
Authors: Yi Xinzhu , Liang Jie-Liang , Su Jian-Qiang , Jia Pu , Lu Jing-li , Zheng Jin , Wang Zhang , Feng Shi-wei , Luo Zhen-hao , Ai Hong-xia , Liao Bin , Shu Wen-sheng , Li Jin-tian , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: June 2022

Mining is among the human activities with widest environmental impacts, and mining-impacted environments are characterized by high levels of metals that can co-select for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in microorganisms. However, ARGs in mining-impacted environments are still poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study of ARGs in such environments worldwide, taking advantage of 272 metagenomes generated from a global-scale data collection and two national sampling efforts in China. The average total abundance of the ARGs in globally distributed studied mine sites was 1572 times per gigabase, being rivaling that of urban sewage but much higher than that of freshwater sediments. Multidrug resistance genes accounted for 40% of the total ARG abundance, tended to co-occur with multimetal resistance genes, and were highly mobile (e.g. on average 16% occurring on plasmids). Among the 1848 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), 85% carried at least one multidrug resistance gene plus one multimetal resistance gene. These high-quality ARG-carrying MAGs considerably expanded the phylogenetic diversity of ARG hosts, providing the first representatives of ARG-carrying MAGs for the Archaea domain and three bacterial phyla. Moreover, 54 high-quality ARG-carrying MAGs were identified as potential pathogens. Our findings suggest that mining-impacted environments worldwide are underexplored hotspots of multidrug resistance genes.
Excellence in dental research: nominated scholars for the Nobel Prize 1901-1950 with a focus on Lady May Mellanby (1882-1978) and Walter Hess (1885-1980)
Authors: Hense Lena , Hugger Alfons , Hansson Nils
Published: June 2022

Why has no dentist received the Nobel Prize so far? To answer that question, we need to take a closer look at the prize candidates. This article presents an overview of scholars in the field of dental research who were nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine during the first half of the twentieth century. Drawing on archival sources in the archive of the Nobel Committee, we focus on the physiologist, Lady May Mellanby (1882-1978) and the dentist, Walter Hess (1885-1980). While Hess did not reach the shortlist, Mellanby was judged 'prize-worthy' by the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine but she never received the award in the end. In this paper, we discuss the impact of their work among dentists.
The dental demolition derby: bruxism and its impact - part 3: repair and reconstruction
Authors: Thayer Mark. L. T. , Ali Rahat
Published: June 2022

Bruxism is a term that encompasses a range of presentations of rhythmic and repetitive muscular activity. For many, this is not a significant problem but for some, this behaviour leads to substantial impact and tissue damage that can be significant, compromising function and quality of life. This paper will review management methods for reconstructing the damaged dentition.
An energy-aware and Q-learning-based area coverage for oil pipeline monitoring systems using sensors and Internet of Things
Authors: Rahmani Amir Masoud , Ali Saqib , Malik Mazhar Hussain , Yousefpoor Efat , Yousefpoor Mohammad Sadegh , Mousavi Amir , khan Faheem , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi
Published: June 2022

Pipelines are the safest tools for transporting oil and gas. However, the environmental effects and sabotage of hostile people cause corrosion and decay of pipelines, which bring financial and environmental damages. Today, new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can provide solutions to monitor and timely detect corrosion of oil pipelines. Coverage is a fundamental challenge in pipeline monitoring systems to timely detect and resolve oil leakage and pipeline corrosion. To ensure appropriate coverage on pipeline monitoring systems, one solution is to design a scheduling mechanism for nodes to reduce energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a reinforcement learning-based area coverage technique called CoWSN to intelligently monitor oil and gas pipelines. In CoWSN, the sensing range of each sensor node is converted to a digital matrix to estimate the overlap of this node with other neighboring nodes. Then, a Q-learning-based scheduling mechanism is designed to determine the activity time of sensor nodes based on their overlapping, energy, and distance to the base station. Finally, CoWSN can predict the death time of sensor nodes and replace them at the right time. This work does not allow to be disrupted the data transmission process between sensor nodes and BS. CoWSN is simulated using NS2. Then, our scheme is compared with three area coverage schemes, including the scheme of Rahmani et al., CCM-RL, and CCA according to several parameters, including the average number of active sensor nodes, coverage rate, energy consumption, and network lifetime. The simulation results show that CoWSN has a better performance than other methods.
The complete chloroplast genome of critically endangered Chimonobambusa hirtinoda (Poaceae: Chimonobambusa) and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Liu Yanjiang , Zhu Xiao , Wu Mingli , Xu Xue , Dai Zhaoxia , Gou Guangqian
Published: June 2022

Chimonobambusa hirtinoda, a threatened species, is only naturally distributed in Doupeng Mountain, Duyun, Guizhou, China. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is used to obtain the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of C. hirtinoda. The sequence was assembled and analyzed for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies. Additionally, we compared the cp genome of C. hirtinoda with previously published Chimonobambusa species. The cp genome of C. hirtinoda has a total length of 139, 561 bp and 38.90% GC content. This genome included a large single -copy (LSC) region of 83, 166 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 20, 811 bp and a pair of inverted repeats of 21,792 bp each. We discovered 130 genes in the cp genome, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. A total of 48 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected. The A/U preference of the third nucleotide in the cp genome of C. hirtinoda was obtained by measuring the codon usage frequency of amino acids. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using complete cp sequences and matK gene revealed a genetic relationship within the Chimonobambusa genus. This study reported the chloroplast genome of the C. hirtinoda.
An analysis of the accuracy of COVID-19 country transmission classification
Authors: Deza-Cruz I. , Prada J. M. , Del Rio Vilas V.
Published: June 2022

Accurate epidemiological classification guidelines are essential to ensure implementation of adequate public health and social measures. Here, we investigate two frameworks, published in March 2020 and November 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to categorise transmission risks of COVID-19 infection, and assess how well the countries’ self-reported classification tracked their underlying epidemiological situation. We used three modelling approaches: an ordinal longitudinal model, a proportional odds model and a machine learning One-Rule classification algorithm. We applied these models to 202 countries’ daily transmission classification and epidemiological data, and study classification accuracy over time for the period April 2020 to June 2021, when WHO stopped publishing country classifications. Overall, the first published WHO classification, purely qualitative, lacked accuracy. The incidence rate within the previous 14 days was the best predictor with an average accuracy throughout the period of study of 61.5%. However, when each week was assessed independently, the models returned predictive accuracies above 50% only in the first weeks of April 2020. In contrast, the second classification, quantitative in nature, increased significantly the accuracy of transmission labels, with values as high as 94%.
Detection of pesticide residues and risk assessment from the local fruits and vegetables in Incheon, Korea
Authors: Park Byung Kyu , Kwon Sung Hee , Yeom Mi Sook , Joo Kwang Sig , Heo Myung Je
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the pesticide residue concentrations and assess potential human health risks from fruit and vegetable consumption in Incheon. A total of 1,146 samples of 20 different types of fruits and vegetables were collected from the Incheon area in 2020. The pesticide residues were analyzed by the multi-residue method of the Korean Food Code for 400 different pesticides. Among the fruit and vegetable samples, 1,055 samples (92.1%) were free from detectable residues, while 91 samples (7.9%) contained residues and 11 samples (1.0%) had residues exceeding the Korean maximum residue limit. A total of 32 different pesticide residues were found and 8 residues exceeded MRLs. The most frequently detected pesticide residues were chlorfenapyr, procymidone, etofenprox, pendimethalin, fluopyram and azoxystrobin. The highest values of short term and long term exposure were obtained in the case of consumption of lettuce(leaves) with chlorfenpyr. For chronic dietary exposure, the cumulative hazard index (cHI) were below 100%. The results of this study showed that the detected pesticides were not exposed to potential health risks through the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Development of a reliable empirical correlation to calculate hydrogen solubility in seventeen alcoholic media
Authors: Hosseini Saleh
Published: June 2022

This study uses the differential evolution optimization algorithm to adjust the coefficient of Arrhenius-shape correlation for calculating hydrogen (H2) solubility in alcohol-based media. The pre-exponential and exponential parts of this correlation are the functions of pressure and absolute temperature, respectively. Since this model has been validated using seventeen alcohol/hydrogen binary mixtures, it is the most generalized correlation in this regard. The proposed Arrhenius-shape correlation predicts 285 laboratory solubility measurements with the absolute average relative deviation (AARD%) of 3.28% and regression coefficient (R2) of 0.99589. The accuracy of the developed model has also been compared with two empirical correlations and three equations of state suggested in the literature. The Arrhenius-shape model has 15% and 50% smaller AARD than the most accurate empirical correlation and equation of state, respectively. Simulation findings demonstrate that all alcohol/hydrogen mixtures thermodynamically behave based on Henry’s law. Hydrogen solubility in alcohols increases by increasing either pressure or temperature. 1-octanol has the maximum ability to absorb the H2 molecules.
Probabilistic prediction of increased intracranial pressure in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wijayatunga Priyantha , Koskinen Lars-Owe D. , Sundström Nina
Published: June 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes alteration in brain functions. Generally, at intensive care units (ICU), intracranial pressure (ICP) is monitored and treated to avoid increases in ICP with associated poor clinical outcome. The aim was to develop a model which could predict future ICP levels of individual patients in the ICU, to warn treating clinicians before secondary injuries occur. A simple and explainable, probabilistic Markov model was developed for the prediction task ICP ≥ 20 mmHg. Predictions were made for 10-min intervals during 60 min, based on preceding hour of ICP. A prediction enhancement method was developed to compensate for data imbalance. The model was evaluated on 29 patients with severe TBI. With random data selection from all patients (80/20% training/testing) the specificity of the model was high (0.94–0.95) and the sensitivity good to high (0.73–0.87). Performance was similar (0.90–0.95 and 0.73–0.89 respectively) when the leave-one-out cross-validation was applied. The new model could predict increased levels of ICP in a reliable manner and the enhancement method further improved the predictions. Further advantages are the straightforward expandability of the model, enabling inclusion of other time series data and/or static parameters. Next step is evaluation on more patients and inclusion of parameters other than ICP.
Microstructure analysis, tribological correlation properties and strengthening mechanism of graphene reinforced aluminum matrix composites
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Heping , Liu Zesheng , Guo Zhiming , Sun Fenger
Published: June 2022

In this paper, graphene reinforced aluminum matrix composites are successfully prepared by high-energy ball milling. The results show that no graphene agglomeration is found in the mixed powder. The complex composites prepared by high energy ball milling and powder metallurgy have approximately 4–5 layers of graphene and the thickness of single-layer graphene is approximately 0.334 nm. The final experimental results confirm the formation of compound AlC3 in the microstructure, and its diffraction spot index is ($$\overline{2 }$$

2
¯

00), ($$\overline{1 }$$

1
¯

1$$\overline{1 }$$

1
¯

) and (11$$\overline{1 }$$

1
¯

). The maximum friction coefficient is 0.126, and the average friction coefficient is 0.027, suggesting good wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the friction corrosion mechanism of the material is deeply analyzed. The results of strengthening mechanism analysis show that the main strengthening mechanism of the materials designed in this experiment is thermal mismatch strengthening. It can be concluded that the yield strength of the material calculated by the modified model is 227.75 MPa. This value is slightly lower than the calculated value of the general shear lag model (237.68 MPa). However, it is closer to the yield strength value of the actual material (211 MPa).
A normal pattern of mitral inflow predicts a better prognosis following cardiovascular events in early advanced-age patients
Authors: Watanabe Tomoyuki , Iwai-Takano Masumi , Saitoh Hiromi , Kanazawa Kohko , Igarashi Takashi , Fujimiya Tsuyoshi , Ohira Tetsuya
Published: June 2022

Although a mitral inflow pattern usually changes from a normal pattern to an abnormal relaxation pattern as part of the aging process in healthy people, some early advanced-age individuals maintain a normal pattern. We investigated whether a normal pattern of mitral inflow predicts a better prognosis following cardiovascular (CV) events in early advanced-age patients. We enrolled 425 patients aged 60–65 years with 0.6 < E/A < 1.5. Patients were divided according to their mitral inflow pattern, i.e., a normal pattern group (E/A ≥ 1.0, n = 77) and an abnormal relaxation pattern group (E/A < 1, n = 348), and were evaluated the relationship with CV events. Multivariate regression analysis found that the normal inflow pattern was associated with odds ratios of 0.859 for body mass index (BMI; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.778–0.937), 0.529 for hypertension (0.303–0.924), and 0.325 for heart rate (0.228–0.463). During the follow-up period (4.9 ± 1.8 years), the adjusted-hazard ratio was significantly lower in the normal pattern group (HR: 0.119, 95% CI 0.016–0.910). Kaplan–Meier curves showed a higher event-free rate for the normal pattern group than for the abnormal relaxation pattern group (p = 0.0292). Normal inflow pattern in early advanced-age patients predicts a better prognosis following CV events.
Inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressive cell function with all-trans retinoic acid enhanced anti-PD-L1 efficacy in cervical cancer
Authors: Liang Yun , Wang Wenshan , Zhu Xiaojun , Yu Minghua , Zhou Caiyun
Published: June 2022

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatments are relatively inefficacious in advanced cervical cancer patients. The presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment may be one significant barrier to efficacy. It has been shown that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can differentiate MDSCs into mature myeloid cells. However, whether ATRA suppression of MDSCs function could enhance PD-L1 blockade-mediated tumor immunotherapy remains unknown. Here, the frequency of tumor-infiltrating MDSCs in cervical cancer patients was measured. ATRA was used to target MDSCs both in vitro and in tumor-bearing mice. The impact of ATRA on the human cell line HeLa was also investigated. The frequency of MDSCs and T cells was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of immunosuppressive genes was measured with quantitative real time-PCR and infiltration of immune cells was assessed by immunohistochemical examination. We found that tumor-infiltrating PD-L1+ MDSCs were more prevalent in cervical cancer patients. Blockade of PD-L1 expression in MDSCs with anti-PD-L1 antibody cannot relieve the suppressive activity of MDSCs induced by HeLa cells, while ATRA efficiently abrogated the suppressive activity of MDSCs. Furthermore, ATRA had no effect on PD-L1 expression in HeLa cells in vitro. In in vivo treatment, ATRA decreased MDSCs accumulation and increased the frequency of CD8+ T cells in BALB/C mice with U14 cervical tumors. Importantly, a combination treatment of ATRA and anti-PD-L1 antibody further delayed U14 tumor growth and increased the proportion of CD62L−CD8+ T cells, CD62L−CD4+ T cells, CD107a+CD8+ T cells as well as IFN-γ and TNF-α levels in tumors. Our results provide a rationale for the use of ATRA to suppress MDSCs and enhance anti-PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy in cervical cancer.
Predictive value of computed tomography for short-term mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Shota , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Suido Yoshihiro , Sato Shintaro , Tabata Erina , Okamori Satoshi , Yoshida Takuo , Ando Koichi , Yoshitake Shigenori , Okada Yohei
Published: June 2022

The best available evidence and the predictive value of computed tomography (CT) findings for prognosis in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are unknown. We systematically searched three electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov). A total of 410 patients from six observational studies were included in this systematic review. Of these, 143 patients (34.9%) died due to ARDS in short-term. As for CT grade, the CTs used ranged from 4- to 320-row. The index test included diffuse attenuations in one study, affected lung in one study, well-aerated lung region/predicted total lung capacity in one study, CT score in one study and high-resolution CT score in two studies. Considering the CT findings, pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30–88%), 76% (95% CI 57–89%), 2.58 (95% CI 2.05–2.73), 0.50 (95% CI 0.21–0.79), and 5.16 (95% CI 2.59–3.46), respectively. This systematic review revealed that there were major differences in the definitions of CT findings, and that the integration of CT findings might not be adequate for predicting short-term mortality in ARDS. Standardisation of CT findings and accumulation of further studies by CT with unified standards are warranted.
Reactions of permethyltitanocene tucked-in derivatives with carbon dioxide
Authors: Pinkas Jiří , Gyepes Róbert , Polášek Miroslav , Mach Karel , Horáček Michal
Published: June 2022

Single and double tucked-in titanocenes react with excess CO2 by insertion into their Ti–CH2 bonds to form carboxylate-tethered species and subsequently new dimeric carbodiolates.
Structural modification of salt-promoted MgO sorbents for intermediate temperature CO2capture
Authors: Choi Dasol , Park Youngjune
Published: June 2022

A MgO sorbent synthesized on a CNT template achieved stable multicycle CO2capture performance by preventing agglomeration and preserving the material's structure.
Degradation of mirubactin to multiple siderophores with varying Fe(iii) chelation properties
Authors: Pu Hong , Jiang Ting , Peng Dian , Xia Juanjuan , Gao Juan , Wang Yeji , Yan Xiaohui , Huang Xueshuang , Duan Yanwen , Huang Yong
Published: June 2022

Three siderophores mirubactins B–D (4–6) were identified as the degradation products of previously isolated mirubactin (1) and 4 contains an unusual cyclic amidine functionality. Cyclic voltammetry showed that 5 and 6 have reduced iron complexing capacity.
Catalyst and reactor design considerations for selective production of acids by oxidative cleavage of alkenes and unsaturated fatty acids with H2O2
Authors: Yun Danim , Zhang Zhongyao , Flaherty David W.
Published: June 2022

Mechanistic insight and measurements of apparent kinetics for productive and non-productive reaction pathways guide the development of semi-batch reactors and conditions for stable production of carboxylic acids and diacids over supported tungstate catalysts.
Investigating the effect of rGO on microstructural and electrical properties of La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 in intermediate temperature SOFCs
Authors: Hanif Muhammad Bilal , Rauf Sajid , Qayyum Sana , Šihor Marcel , Motola Martin
Published: June 2022

The effect of rGO on LSGM electrolyte composites for SOFC applications at lower sintering temperatures (∼1300 °C).
Apprentissage des systèmes de communications sans fil à base de plateformes SDR
Authors: Jabbour Ch. , Pham G.
Published: June 2022

Cet article présente des enseignements sous forme de travaux pratiques et de projets pour l’apprentissage des systèmes de communications sans fil. Ces enseignements sont basés sur des plateformes SDR faciles à utiliser par les étudiants. Deux applications principales ont été abordées : i) la prédistorsion numérique des amplificateurs de puissance ii) le brouillage des communications sans fil. Le public visé est divers allant d’étudiants en première année d’un cycle ingénieur généraliste en Télécommunications à des étudiants en Master 2 en microélectronique.