bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent deep learning‐based hierarchical clustering for unstructured text data
Authors: Jyothi Bankapalli , Lingamgunta Sumalatha , Eluri Suneetha
Published: October 2022

Document clustering is a technique used to split the collection of textual content into clusters or groups. In modern days, generally, the spectral clustering is utilized in machine learning domain. By using a selection of text mining algorithms, the diverse features of unstructured content is captured for ensuing in rich descriptions. The main aim of this article is to enhance a novel unstructured text data clustering by a developed natural language processing technique. The proposed model will undergo three stages, namely, preprocessing, features extraction, and clustering. Initially, the unstructured data is preprocessed by the techniques such as punctuation and stop word removal, stemming, and tokenization. Then, the features are extracted by the word2vector using continuous Bag of Words model and term frequency‐inverse document frequency. Then, unstructured features are performed by the hierarchical clustering using the optimizing the cut‐off distance by the improved sensing area‐based electric fish optimization (FISA‐EFO). Tuned deep neural network is used for improving the clustering model, which is proposed by same algorithm. Thus, the results reveal that the model provides better clustering accuracy than other clustering techniques while handling the unstructured text data.
Organocatalyzed Synthesis of Tetrahydro‐α‐Carboline Derivatives Bearing N,O‐Acetals
Authors: Genet Manon , Takfaoui Abdelilah , Marrot Jérôme , Greck Christine , Moreau Xavier
Published: October 2022

An enantioselective organocatalytic reaction of indole‐derived‐1‐azadienes with aldehydes leading the formation of enantioenriched cyclic N,O‐acetals is reported. The corresponding products can be obtained with high levels of stereoselectivity (de >95 %, 65–99 % ee, 8–98 % yield). Furthermore, fused tetracyclic scaffolds can also be obtained by implementing a one‐pot strategy involving an additional oxa‐Michael reaction from aldehydes bearing an α,β‐unsaturated ketone group.
Response spectra of fitted post‐seismic residual track irregularity for high‐speed railway
Authors: Yu Jian , Zhou Wangbao , Jiang Lizhong
Published: October 2022

Chinese high‐speed railway (HSR) network construction has expanded into earthquake‐prone areas. In this context, analyses of post‐seismic residual track irregularity and post‐seismic train speed threshold are vital. With a HSR bridge with track system taken as the study object, time‐domain signal for target post‐seismic residual track irregularity was constructed based on the Gaussian pulse translation theory. The response spectra of fitted post‐seismic residual track irregularity applicable to stochastic structures were established, thus providing irregularity input for ascertaining post‐seismic speed threshold. The results show that residual alignment irregularity has a large amplitude under transverse seismic actions; by contrast, cross‐level, gauge, and vertical irregularities showed small amplitudes. The evolution power spectral density (EPSD) of the stochastic post‐seismic residual track irregularities obeys a definite distribution in any frequency‐space coordinate. A uniquely deterministic target post‐seismic residual track irregularity can be constructed based on the stochastic irregularity set, and its safety guarantee rate can be precisely controlled by varying the significance level. Taking the first‐order transverse natural vibration period as the x‐axis and the amplitude of fitted post‐seismic residual track irregularity as the y‐axis, the response spectra of fitted post‐seismic residual track irregularity can be created. The irregularity response spectra are applicable to stochastic structures.
Effect of exogenous melatonin in fruit postharvest, crosstalk with hormones, and defense mechanism for oxidative stress management
Authors: Sati Hansika , Khandelwal Aparna , Pareek Sunil
Published: October 2022

Derived from tryptophan, melatonin (MT; N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is a ubiquitous indoleamine that is widely distributed in species ranging from microorganisms to mammals. It has been associated to play vital roles in the human body like cardiac rhythms, immunological enhancement, and antioxidant activity. In plants, it is a pleiotropic molecule with multiple roles, as it not only performs extensive functions like delaying senescence, growth and development regulation, exerting antioxidant effects, and facilitating adaption of plants to certain biotic and abiotic stress responses but also provides resistance to chilling injury and disease development. This paper reviews the latest progress in the multiple roles of MT in fruits, summarizes the pathways for its biosynthesis, and presents the relation of MT with plant hormones, like auxin, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellins, abscisic acid, jasmonic, and salicylic acid, and highlights the effect of postharvest application of MT on physiology and quality of fruits, action mechanisms, and safety regulations of MT. Recent trends focus on using alternatives that are safe for postharvest produce and do not have major side effects. MT is a better alternative to hazardous chemicals being commercially used in the postharvest management of fruits and providing future directions for its utilization.
Structure, Function and Mechanism of N‐Glycan Processing Enzymes: endo‐α‐1,2‐Mannanase and endo‐α‐1,2‐Mannosidase
Authors: Burchill Laura , Males Alexandra , Kaur Arashdeep , Davies Gideon J. , Williams Spencer J.
Published: October 2022

While most glycosidases that act on N‐linked glycans remove a single sugar residue at a time, endo‐α‐1,2‐mannosidases and endo‐α‐1,2‐mannanases of glycoside hydrolase family GH99 cut within a chain and remove two or more sugar residues. They are stereochemically retaining enzymes that use an enzymatic mechanism involving an epoxide intermediate. Human endo‐α‐1,2‐mannosidase (MANEA) trims glucosylated mannose residues; the endomannosidase pathway provides a glucosidase‐independent pathway for glycoprotein maturation. Cell‐active MANEA inhibitors alter N‐glycan processing and reduce infectivity of dengue virus, demonstrating that MANEA has potential as a host‐directed antiviral target. Sequence‐related enzymes from gut Bacteroides spp. exhibit endo‐α‐1,2‐mannosidase activity and are a fruitful test bed for structure‐guided inhibitor development. The genes encoding the Bacteroides spp. enzymes sit within polysaccharide utilization loci and are preferential endo‐α‐1,2‐mannanases.
How deeply are core electrons perturbed when valence electrons are spin polarized? The case study of transition metal compounds
Authors: Pascale Fabien , Doll Klaus , Gentile Francesco Silvio , Dovesi Roberto
Published: October 2022

The ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic wave functions of the KMnF3 perovskite have been evaluated quantum‐mechanically by using an all electron approach and, for comparison, pseudopotentials on the transition metal and the fluorine ions. It is shown that the different number of α and β electrons in the d shell of Mn perturbs the inner shells, with shifts between the α and β eigenvalues that can be as large as 6 eV for the 3s level, and is far from negligible also for the 2s and 2p states. The valence electrons of F are polarized by the majority spin electrons of Mn, and in turn, spin polarize their 1s electrons. When a pseudopotential is used, such a spin polarization of the core functions of Mn and F can obviously not take place. The importance of such a spin polarization can be appreciated by comparing (i) the spin density at the Mn and F nuclear position, and then the Fermi contact constant, a crucial quantity for the hyperfine coupling, and (ii) the ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic energy difference, when obtained with an all electron or a pseudopotential scheme, and exploring how the latter varies with pressure. This difference is as large as 50% of the all electron datum, and is mainly due to the rigid treatment of the F ion core. The effect of five different functionals on the core spin polarization is documented.
Interframe Echo Intensity Variation of Subregions and Whole Plaque in Two‐Dimensional Carotid Ultrasonography
Authors: Rohlén Robin , Jiang Biao , Nyman Emma , Wester Per , Näslund Ulf , Grönlund Christer
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The risk of cardiovascular disease is associated with the echo intensity of carotid plaques in ultrasound images and their cardiac cycle‐induced intensity variations. In this study, we aimed to 1) explore the underlying origin of echo intensity variations by using simulations and 2) evaluate the association between the two‐dimensional (2D) spatial distribution of these echo intensity variations and plaque vulnerability.

Methods

First, we analyzed how out‐of‐plane motion and compression of simulated scattering spheres of different sizes affect the ultrasound echo intensity. Next, we propose a method to analyze the features of the 2D spatial distribution of interframe plaque echo intensity in carotid ultrasound image sequences and explore their associations with plaque vulnerability in experimental data.

Results

The simulations showed that the magnitude of echo intensity changes was similar for both the out‐of‐plane motion and compression, but for scattering objects smaller than 1 mm radius, the out‐of‐plane motion dominated. In experimental data, maps of the 2D spatial distribution of the echo intensity variations had a low correlation with standard B‐mode echo intensity distribution, indicating complementary information on plaque tissue composition. In addition, we found the existence of ∼1 mm diameter subregions with pronounced echo intensity variations associated with plaque vulnerability.

Conclusions

The results indicate that out‐of‐plane motion contributes to intra‐plaque regions of high echo intensity variation. The 2D echo intensity variation maps may provide complementary information for assessing plaque composition and vulnerability. Further studies are needed to verify this method's role in identifying vulnerable plaques and predicting cardiovascular disease risk.
Transcription factor CASZ1 increases an oncogenic transcriptional process in tumorigenesis and progression of glioma cells
Authors: Mao Chaofu , Huang Chengying , Hu Zhicheng , Qu Shanqiang
Published: October 2022

As a transcription factor, the role of CASZ1 in different entities is inconsistent. Glioma is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Its prognostic relevance and biological functions in glioma remain obscure. We focused on the role, mechanism, and prognostic value of CASZ1 in glioma cells. Herein, CASZ1 was identified as a novel potential oncogene in glioma tissues from GEO and TCGA datasets. CASZ1 was highly expressed in glioma tissues, predicting poor prognosis in glioma patients. Knockdown of CASZ1 inhibited proliferation and invasion in vitro, whereas upregulation of CASZ1 presented opposite results. Overexpression of CASZ1 increased transcriptional process of target gene p75NTR. CASZ1 was the potential transcriptional regulators for p75NTR. In addition, the p75NTR expression is essential for CASZ1 to exert its function as an oncogene. Our findings indicate that highly expressed CASZ1 in glioma cells acts as a pro‐oncogene factor in gliomas via regulating transcriptional process of target gene p75NTR, which was identified as an unfavorable prognostic marker in patients with gliomas. CASZ1 is expected to become a novel target for the treatment of gliomas.
Circular RNAs: emerging players in brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Wu Deng‐Pan , Zhao Yuan‐Dan , Yan Qiu‐Qing , Liu Ling‐Ling , Wei Yan‐Su , Huang Jin‐Lan
Published: October 2022

Brain aging is closely related to neurodegenerative diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of conserved RNAs with covalently closed continuous loops. Emerging evidence has shown that circRNAs are implicated in the biology of brain aging and the pathology of age‐related neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we summarize current studies on circRNAs associated with brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases by discussing their expression features, pathophysiological roles, and mechanisms of action. We also discuss the potential challenges of circRNA‐based therapy against brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as their potential as diagnostic biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. The review provides insights into current progress in the functions of circRNAs in the process of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
PROK2, HRNR, and FIG4 as potential genetic biomarkers of high bleeding propensity in East Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome using ticagrelor
Authors: Xiang Qian , Wang Zhe , Mu Guangyan , Xie Qiufen , Liu Zhiyan , Zhou Shuang , Zhang Hanxu , Wang Zining , Hu Kun , Song Hongtao , Yuan Dongdong , Xia Quan , Huang Yan , Cui Yimin
Published: October 2022

Study Objective

East Asians have a higher risk of bleeding than Europeans when treated with ticagrelor. This study aimed to explore genetic indicators related to the high bleeding propensity in East Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using ticagrelor.

Design

A multicenter prospective cohort study.

Setting

Four sub center hospitals participating the study.

Patients

Between March 2018 and July 2021, 208 patients with ACS were administered ticagrelor and underwent genetic testing.

Invertention

Patients were enrolled and followed up for bleeding events for 12 months. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected using whole‐exome sequencing. SNPs significantly associated with cumulative bleeding events within 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐ups were selected (p < 0.01). Among these, SNPs showing a difference of ≥2 fold in their distribution frequency among East Asians and Europeans were selected.

Measurements and Main Results

Among all patients, 96.60% received ticagrelor plus aspirin or cilostazol, and 42.3% suffered from bleeding events during 12‐month follow‐up. Furthermore, 22 SNPs of 15 genes were found to have a significant association with cumulative bleeding events within 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐ups. Among these SNPs, FIG4 rs2295837 (A>T) variant had the strongest association with bleeding events within 1 month (p = 1.28 × 10−4), with an increased risk of bleeding in T allele carriers (odds ratio [OR]: 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68–5.63). PROK2 rs3796224 (C>T) variant was most strongly associated with cumulative bleeding events within 6 months (p = 4.57 × 10−4) with an increased risk of bleeding in T allele carriers (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.20–3.89). Moreover, HRNR rs6662450 (C>T) variant showed the strongest relation with cumulative bleeding events within 12 months (p = 4.86 × 10−4) with a reduced risk of bleeding in T allele carriers (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24–0.95).

Conclusion

Fifteen genes, including PROK2, HRNR, and FIG4, were potential biomarkers of high bleeding propensity in East Asian patients with ACS using ticagrelor.
Proteoglycans orchestrate remodeling of prostatic cytoarchitecture after androgenic blockade in old gerbils
Authors: Campos Silvana G. P. , Gonçalves Bianca F. , Ruiz Thalles Fernando Rocha , Leonel Ellen Cristina R. , Ribeiro Daniele L. , Falleiros Junior Luiz Roberto , Goes Rejane M. , Taboga Sebastião R.
Published: October 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate modifications in proteoglycan morphology and composition in the prostatic stroma of 18‐month‐old gerbils after surgical castration, in association or not with an androgenic blockade.

Methods

The animals (n = 5) were sorted into groups subjected or not to antiandrogen treatment (flutamide 10 mg/kg/day) administered for the total postsurgery period and euthanized at 7‐ or 30‐day postcastration; the control group consisted of intact animals. Tissue analysis included immunohistochemical assessment (perlecan and chondroitin sulfate) and proteoglycan morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Chondroitin sulfate frequency was increased 7 days postcastration with an androgenic blockade. The presence of these carbohydrates was rare after 30 days of androgenic blockade treatment. There was a significant increase in the amount of perlecan in the prostate stroma from groups subjected to castration plus flutamide for 7 or 30 days. Ultrastructural analysis showed that the incidence of areas occupied by proteoglycans and basement membrane was altered by treatment. In addition, androgenic blockade results in changes in the amount, thickness, and morphology of these structures. At 30 days postcastration, with or without flutamide treatment, larger proteoglycans were common.

Conclusions

In this study, in particular, the decrease in chondroitin sulfate after the longer period might be understood as a prostatic response to androgenic deprivation, while the high frequency and permanence of perlecan led to the assumption that its modulation could be androgen‐independent. Length and form alterations in proteoglycans as well as associations among them and with the basement membrane were dynamic events in the prostate microenvironment.
Asymptotic stabilization for switched affine systems with time delay: A novel dynamic event‐triggered mechanism
Authors: Xie Hongzhen , Zong Guangdeng , Yang Dong , Chen Yunjun , Shi Kaibo
Published: October 2022

This article concentrates on the asymptotic stabilization problem of switched affine systems (SASs) with unmeasurable states and time delay by constructing a novel dynamic event‐triggered mechanism (ETM). Given the limited network transmission and the difficulties caused by affine terms in excluding the triggering Zeno behavior, we propose a novel dynamic ETM. It has been shown that the dynamic ETM not only has fewer data transfers than the existing ETM but also avoids Zeno behavior while maintaining asymptotic stability. Then, by constructing a set of dynamic output feedback switched affine controllers and switching laws, delicately incorporating Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, an asymptotic stabilization criterion is derived for the closed‐loop SASs. The design methods of the controllers and switching laws are skillfully implemented by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, an application example of the flyback DC–DC converter is offered to verify the proposed algorithm.
Semiclassics of three-dimensional SCFTs from holography
Authors: Cremonesi Stefano , Lanza Stefano , Martucci Luca
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We use holography to compute the large-N effective field theory along the moduli space of vacua of an infinite class of three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFTs admitting a dual M-theory description. We focus in particular on toric models and show how the spectrum of large R-charge SCFT chiral scalar operators corresponds to a set of explicit semiclassical solutions of our effective field theory, which describe bound states of backreacting giant gravitons and baryonic-like M5-branes. Our semiclassical description allows for a direct computation of the scaling dimensions of these operators and provides a starting point for a semiclassical investigation of the SCFT data in the large R-charge sector. We consider the models corresponding to the Y12(ℙ2) and Q111 Sasaki-Einstein spaces as explicit examples.
5d Higgs branches from M-theory on quasi-homogeneous cDV threefold singularities
Authors: De Marco Mario , Sangiovanni Andrea , Valandro Roberto
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We classify rank zero 5d SCFTs geometrically engineered from M-theory on quasi-homogeneous compound Du Val isolated threefold singularities. For all such theories, we characterize the Higgs Branch, by computing the dimension, the continuous and discrete symmetry groups, as well as more refined details such as the charges of the hypermultiplets under these groups. We derive these data by means of a gauge-theoretic method, that we have recently introduced, based on establishing a correspondence between an adjoint Higgs field and the M-theory geometry. As a byproduct, this further allows us to construct several T-brane backgrounds, that yield inequivalent 5d spectra but are associated with the same geometry.
NLO QCD and EW corrections to off-shell tZj production at the LHC
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Pelliccioli Giovanni , Schwan Christopher
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The production of a single top quark in association with a Z boson (tZj production) at the LHC is a relevant probe of the electroweak sector of the Standard Model as well as a window to possible new-physics effects. The growing experimental interest in performing differential measurements for this process demands an improved theoretical modelling in realistic fiducial regions. In this article we present an NLO-accurate tZj calculation that includes complete off-shell effects and spin correlations, combining QCD and electroweak radiative corrections to the LO signal. Integrated and differential cross sections are shown for a fiducial setup characterised by three charged leptons, two jets, and missing energy.
All things retarded: radiation-reaction in worldline quantum field theory
Authors: Jakobsen Gustav Uhre , Mogull Gustav , Plefka Jan , Sauer Benjamin
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We exhibit an initial-value formulation of the worldline quantum field theory (WQFT) approach to the classical two-body problem in general relativity. We show that the Schwinger-Keldysh (in-in) formalism leads to purely retarded propagators in the evaluation of observables in the WQFT. Integration technology for retarded master integrals is introduced at third post-Minkowskian (3PM) order. As an application we compute the complete radiation-reacted impulse and radiated four momentum for the scattering of two non-spinning neutron stars including tidal effects at 3PM order, as well as the leading (2PM) far-field gravitational waveform.
3D assessment of initial fracture displacement of tibial plateau fractures is predictive for risk on conversion to total knee arthroplasty at long-term follow-up
Authors: Assink Nick , Kraeima Joep , Meesters Anne M. L. , El Moumni Mostafa , Bosma Eelke , Nijveldt Robert J. , van Helden Sven H. , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M. , Witjes Max J. H. , IJpma Frank F. A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Currently used classification systems and measurement methods are insufficient to assess fracture displacement. In this study, a novel 3D measure for fracture displacement is introduced and associated with risk on conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed including 997 patients treated for a tibial plateau fracture between 2003 and 2018. All patients were contacted for follow-up and 534 (54%) responded. For all patients, the 3D gap area was determined in order to quantify the degree of initial fracture displacement. A cut-off value was determined using ROC curves. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of 3D gap area with conversion to TKA. Subgroups with increasing levels of 3D gap area were identified, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted to assess survivorship of the knee free from conversion to TKA.

Results

A total of 58 (11%) patients underwent conversation to TKA. An initial 3D gap area ≥ 550 mm2 was independently associated with conversion to TKA (HR 8.4; p = 0.001). Four prognostic groups with different ranges of the 3D gap area were identified: excellent (0–150 mm2), good (151–550 mm2), moderate (551–1000 mm2), and poor (> 1000 mm2). Native knee survival at 10-years follow-up was 96%, 95%, 76%, and 59%, respectively, in the excellent, good, moderate, and poor group.

Conclusion

A novel 3D measurement method was developed to quantify initial fracture displacement of tibial plateau fractures. 3D fracture assessment adds to current classification methods, identifies patients at risk for conversion to TKA at follow-up, and could be used for patient counselling about prognosis.

Level of evidence

Prognostic Level III.
Detecting minimum energy states and multi-stability in nonlocal advection–diffusion models for interacting species
Authors: Giunta Valeria , Hillen Thomas , Lewis Mark A. , Potts Jonathan R.
Published: October 2022

Deriving emergent patterns from models of biological processes is a core concern of mathematical biology. In the context of partial differential equations, these emergent patterns sometimes appear as local minimisers of a corresponding energy functional. Here we give methods for determining the qualitative structure of local minimum energy states of a broad class of multi-species nonlocal advection–diffusion models, recently proposed for modelling the spatial structure of ecosystems. We show that when each pair of species respond to one another in a symmetric fashion (i.e. via mutual avoidance or mutual attraction, with equal strength), the system admits an energy functional that decreases in time and is bounded below. This suggests that the system will eventually reach a local minimum energy steady state, rather than fluctuating in perpetuity. We leverage this energy functional to develop tools, including a novel application of computational algebraic geometry, for making conjectures about the number and qualitative structure of local minimum energy solutions. These conjectures give a guide as to where to look for numerical steady state solutions, which we verify through numerical analysis. Our technique shows that even with two species, multi-stability with up to four classes of local minimum energy states can emerge. The associated dynamics include spatial sorting via aggregation and repulsion both within and between species. The emerging spatial patterns include a mixture of territory-like segregation as well as narrow spike-type solutions. Overall, our study reveals a general picture of rich multi-stability in systems of moving and interacting species.
Total atrial conduction time provides novel information in prediction for stroke in patients with sinus rhythm
Authors: Bejinariu A. G. , Schilling M. , Müller P. , Clasen L. , Gerguri S. , Angendohr S. , Katsianos S. , Schmidt J. , Brinkmeyer C. , Meuth S. G. , Kelm M. , Makimoto H.
Published: October 2022

The total atrial conduction time (TACT) measured by echocardiography predicts the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to investigate whether adding the TACT to the revised Framingham stroke risk profile (rFSRP) improves the efficacy of predicting stroke incidence in patients without prior stroke or known AF. The TACT was measured in 376 consecutive patients > 18 years (58.5 ± 16.3 years; 46% male) receiving echocardiography without any prior history of stroke or AF. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of ischemic stroke, and the secondary endpoint was any documentation of AF during the 2 years of follow-up. During the follow-up period, ischemic strokes occurred in 10 patients (2.65%), and AF in 22 patients (5.85%). The TACT was significantly longer in those who later had a stroke compared with those who did not (169.4 vs. 142.7 ms, p < 0.001). Both rFSRP and TACT predicted the risk for stroke incidence. The univariate model showed that the TACT was a predictor of ischemic stroke incidence (p < 0.001; hazard ratio of 1.94 for every 10 ms; 95% confidence interval, 1.49–2.54). The addition of TACT to rFSRP significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.79 vs. 0.85, p = 0.001). Stroke risk prediction was significantly improved by the addition of TACT to rFSRP. The utility of the TACT should be further investigated in large-scale randomized clinical trials.
Effects of enactment in virtual reality: a comparative experiment on memory for action
Authors: Koßmann Cosima , Straatmann Tammo , Mueller Karsten , Hamborg Kai-Christoph
Published: October 2022

Virtual reality (VR) is thought of as a promising educational medium, especially for learning actions, as it enables learning by enactment. Learning by enactment is associated with the enactment effect which describes a superior memory for enacted actions compared to actions which have not been enacted. To date, however, little is known about whether the enactment effect across different conditions of action learning can be found in VR which sets the stage for our first research question. Additionally, as a second research question, this study explores the extent to which the memory performance of learning by enactment in VR corresponds to learning by enactment in physical reality. We conducted a VR between subjects experiment with four groups (N = 112) that differed in terms of condition or environment. Participants were asked to remember short action phrases for a subsequent memory test. The results indicate that learning by enactment in VR outperforms learning by reading in VR but does not exceed observational learning in VR. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the memory performance of learning by enactment in VR is similar to that in physical reality. These findings are highly relevant as they demonstrate the potential of VR as a new educational medium supporting learning by enactment.
Ten years of Inuit co-management: advancing research, resilience, and capacity in Nunatsiavut through fishery governance
Authors: Cadman Rachael , Snook Jamie , Bailey Megan
Published: October 2022

Community-based approaches have risen to prominence in fisheries governance as decision makers have recognized the importance of local perspectives, and Indigenous Peoples have pursued their right to self-determination. In Canada, some Indigenous Peoples have pursued a formalized approach to co-management through land claim agreements. The Torngat Joint Fisheries Board (TJFB) is one such co-management arrangement that focuses on fisheries management in Nunatsiavut, a land claim area in northern Labrador, Canada. This research examines how the TJFB’s work contributes to fisheries governance in the region, and subsequently, how co-management is placed in terms of supporting greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples in resource governance. To understand the TJFB’s role, this research examined 12 years of recorded meeting minutes from 2010 to 2021, highlighting the activities in which the TJFB engages, and how those activities have changed over time. Inductive content analysis was used to understand the activities undertaken by the TJFB, highlighting their actions as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the co-management board in practice. The analysis found that the TJFB plays important roles in research, drafting recommendations, and public education, and that their activities support greater participation from fisheries stakeholders. Land claim–based co-management has a significant impact on how Indigenous sovereignty operates and how it will evolve into the future. The TJFB’s efforts to increase research capacity in the region, push focus towards the socio-cultural dimensions of fisheries management, and strengthen the political voice of the region represent an important move toward self-determination in Nunatsiavut’s commercial fisheries.
Visual authoring of virtual reality conversational scenarios for e-learning
Authors: Baena-Perez Rubén , Ruiz-Rube Iván , Mota José Miguel , Berns Anke , Balderas Antonio
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to face-to-face activities being developed in a virtual format that often offers a poor experience in areas such as education. Virtual Learning Environments have improved in recent years thanks to new technologies such as Virtual Reality or Chatbots. However, creating Virtual Learning Environments requires advanced programming knowledge, so this work is aimed to enable teachers to create these new environments easily. This work presents a set of extensions for App Inventor that facilitate the authoring of mobile learning apps that use Chatbots in a Virtual Reality environment, while simultaneously monitoring of student activity. This proposal is based on integrating block-based languages and Business Process Model and Notation diagrams. The developed extensions were successfully implemented in an educational app called Let’s date!. A quantitative analysis of the use of these extensions in App Inventor was also carried out, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of blocks required. The proposed contribution has demonstrated its validity in creating virtual learning environments through visual programming and modelling, reducing development complexity.
Steuertarif nicht der richtige Hebel für gezielte Entlastungen
Authors: Rietzler Katja
Published: October 2022

With the current high inflation, bracket creep is back on the agenda. The federal government has introduced a bill to compensate for this effect, among other things, by shifting income tax brackets. In the debate on bracket creep, the point of reference is very important. Results differ greatly depending on the period and the income concept considered. Moreover, the income tax burden must be seen in the context of the overall fiscal policy. The decision on tax rate adjustments is a political issue.
Neuroprotective Effect of miR-483-5p Against Cardiac Arrest-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mediated Through the TNFSF8/AMPK/JNK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhan Haohong , Liu Cong , Zhang Chenyu , Wei Hongyan , Li Bo , Zhou Dawang , Lu Yuanzheng , Huang Shaomin , Cheng Jingge , Li Shuhao , Wang Chuyue , Hu Chunlin , Liao Xiaoxing
Published: October 2022

Substantial morbidity and mortality are associated with postcardiac arrest brain injury (PCABI). MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are essential regulators of neuronal metabolism processes and have been shown to contribute to alleviated neurological injury after cardiac arrest. In this study, we identified miRNAs related to the prognosis of patients with neurological dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation based on data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we explored the effects of miR-483-5p on mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis, and oxidative stress levels after ischemia‒reperfusion injury in vitro and in vivo. MiR-483-5p was downregulated in PC12 cells and hippocampal samples compared with that in normal group cells and hippocampi. Overexpression of miR-483-5p increased the viability of PC12 cells after ischemia‒reperfusion injury and reduced the proportion of dead cells. A western blot analysis showed that miR-483-5p increased the protein expression of PCG-1, NRF1, and TFAM and reduced the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3, inhibiting the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and alleviating oxidative stress injury by inhibiting the production of ROS and reducing MDA activity. We confirmed that miR-483-5p targeted TNFSF8 to regulate the AMPK/JNK pathway, thereby playing a neuroprotective role after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hence, this study provides further insights into strategies for inhibiting neurological impairment after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and suggests a potential therapeutic target for PCABI.
Measuring Appearance-Related Comparisons: Validation of the Comparison Standards Scale for Appearance
Authors: Morina Nexhmedin , McCarthy Peter , Meyer Thomas , Schlechter Pascal
Published: October 2022

Background

Humans constantly compare their attributes to different reference frames. According to the theoretical framework of the general comparative-processing model, such comparisons may be perceived as aversive (i.e., appraised as threatening the motives of the comparer) or appetitive (i.e., appraised as consonant with, or positively challenging the motives). However, we lack a measure that adequately captures multi-standard comparisons.

Methods

Considering appearance-related comparisons as a relevant comparison domain, we introduce the Comparison Standards Scale for Appearance (CSS-A) that assesses appearance-related social, temporal, counterfactual, criteria-based, and dimensional upward and downward comparisons regarding their (a) frequency, (b) perceived discrepancy, and (c) engendered affect. We administered the CSS-A to 1121 participants, along with measures of appearance social comparison, body satisfaction, physical self-concept, self-esteem, well-being, and depression.

Results

A two-factor model (aversive and appetitive comparisons) fit the data better than a bifactor model with an additional general domain-factor (comparative thinking). The validity of the CSS-A was supported by correlations with external validators beyond appearance, social comparison, and body satisfaction. Aversive comparisons displayed higher associations with most outcomes than appetitive comparisons.

Conclusions

Overall, the CSS-A offers a psychometrically sound and useful measure of multi-standard comparisons.
Living in sprawling areas: a cost–benefit analysis in Poland
Authors: Lityński Piotr
Published: October 2022

Suburbanization still remains the key urbanization process in the world. Urban sprawl, as a specific manifestation of suburban morphology, belongs to the urban phenomena that is very often studied but still remains ambivalent. The ambivalence of the assessment results from the problems of weighing costs and benefits generated by sprawl. At the same time, there is a gap in international research on the costs and benefits of urban sprawl for households. Therefore, the aim of this article is to analyze and evaluate the household budgets in Poland in terms of potential costs and benefits of living in an urban sprawl area. The research hypothesis that households causing urban sprawl achieve net budgetary benefits was also adopted. In order to achieve the aim and verify the hypothesis, the data on the budgets of Polish households purchased from the Polish Central Statistical Office was used, and a questionnaire survey was carried out to determine the conclusions. The research hypothesis was not confirmed. The analysis and evaluation of many income and expenditure items of household budgets indicate that net costs in a significant group of budget items is high, while net benefits are relatively low. Households relocating to the sprawl zone, striving to meet their own needs, do not fully take into account all operating expenditures and ultimately incur net costs.
Weighted Davis Inequalities for Martingale Square Functions
Authors: Wollgast Dennis , Zorin-Kranich Pavel
Published: October 2022

For a Hilbert space-valued martingale $$(f_{n})$$

(

f
n

)

and an adapted sequence of positive random variables $$(w_{n})$$

(

w
n

)

, we show the weighted Davis-type inequality $$\begin{aligned} {\mathbb {E}}\left( {|}f_{0}{|} w_{0} + \frac{1}{4} \sum _{n=1}^{N} \frac{{|}df_{n}{|}^{2}}{f^{*}_{n}} w_{n} \right) \le {\mathbb {E}}( f^{*}_{N} w^{*}_{N}). \end{aligned}$$

E

|

f
0

|

w
0

+

1
4

∑

n
=
1

N

|
d

f
n

|

2

f
n

∗

w
n

≤
E

(

f
N

∗

w
N

∗

)

.

More generally, for a martingale $$(f_{n})$$

(

f
n

)

with values in a $$(q,\delta )$$

(
q
,
δ
)

-uniformly convex Banach space, we show that $$\begin{aligned} {\mathbb {E}}\left( {|}f_{0}{|} w_{0} + \delta \sum _{n=1}^{\infty } \frac{{|}df_{n}{|}^{q}}{(f^{*}_{n})^{q-1}} w_{n} \right) \le C_{q} {\mathbb {E}}( f^{*} w^{*}). \end{aligned}$$

E

|

f
0

|

w
0

+
δ

∑

n
=
1

∞

|
d

f
n

|

q

(

f
n

∗

)

q
-
1

w
n

≤

C
q

E

(

f

∗

w

∗

)

.

These inequalities unify several results about the martingale square function.
Temperature dependence of structural and magnetic transformations in Finemet-type amorphous alloys with Fe substituted for La
Authors: Moneta Marek , Wasiak Michał , Sovak Pavol
Published: October 2022

Structural and magnetic properties of amorphous and partly crystallized $$\text {Fe}_{73.5-{\text{x}}}\text {La}_{\text{x}=0,1,3,5,7}\text {Si}_{13.5}\text {B}_{9}\text {Nb}_{3}\text {Cu}_{1}$$

Fe

73.5
-
x

La

x
=
0
,
1
,
3
,
5
,
7

Si

13.5

B
9

Nb
3

Cu
1

alloys were analysed in the temperature ranging from room temperature (RT) to 800 $$^\circ $$

∘

C with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermomagnetic gravimetry (TMG). The Fe(Si) and Fe(B) structures were identified and characterized with set of crystallization temperatures and activation energies. Also, Curie temperatures for amorphous and for crystalline structures were determined and analysed as functions of La content.
Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis in low-seismicity regions: an investigation of sensitivity with a focus on Finland
Authors: Fülöp Ludovic , Mäntyniemi Päivi , Malm Marianne , Toro Gabriel , Crespo María J. , Schmitt Timo , Burck Simon , Välikangas Pekka
Published: October 2022

We investigate probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) in low-seismicity regions in which epistemic uncertainties are largely due to the sparsity of data, with a focus on Finland, northern Europe. We investigate the sensitivity of site-specific PSHA outcomes to different choices of basic input parameters, starting from preexisting PSHA models of the nuclear licensees in the country, without producing a final hazard curve. The outcome shows that the parameters and models needed to estimate future seismicity rates from actual observations, in particular the b value, seismicity rates, and the largest possible magnitude, Mmax, as well as the median ground-motion prediction equation, play significant roles. The sensitivity also depends on the spectral frequency; for example, the effect of Mmax is significant especially for a low-frequency hazard at annual frequency of exceedance 10−5 but more moderate for peak ground acceleration. The delineation of seismic source zones (SSZs) remains ambiguous in regions of low seismicity. This, combined with the dominance of the host SSZ and its seismicity parameters, may have a substantial impact on the outcome. Our results are quantitatively applicable to Finland, but may also be of relevance to other low-seismicity regions in Europe and elsewhere. For future work we recommend the exploration of PSHA sensitivity with focus on the host SSZ with its immediate vicinity and the b value around the site of interest.
Feller generators with measurable lower order terms
Authors: Kühn Franziska , Kunze Markus
Published: October 2022

We study perturbations of Feller generators by ‘lower order terms’ with measurable coefficients. We investigate which properties of the original semigroup—such as positivity, conservativeness and the Feller property—are passed on to the perturbed semigroup. We give several examples and discuss applications in the theory of martingale problems and stochastic differential equations with measurable coefficients.
Health-related Quality of Life using the EQ-5D-5L: normative utility scores in a Dutch female population
Authors: Clarijs Marloes E. , Kregting Lindy M. , van Ravesteyn Nicolien T. , Koppert Linetta B. , Korfage Ida J.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Normative utility scores represent the health related quality of life of the general population, are of utmost importance in cost-effectiveness studies and should reflect relevant sexes and age groups. The aim of this study was to estimate EQ-5D-5L normative utility scores in a population of Dutch females, stratified by age, and to compare these scores to those of female populations of three other countries.

Methods

Dutch women completed the EQ-5D-5L online between January and July 2020. Mean normative utilities were computed using the Dutch EQ-5D-5L value set, stratified by age, tested for differences using the Kruskall–Wallis test, and compared to normative utility scores of female populations elsewhere. Additionally, to support the use of the Dutch EQ-5D-5L data in other settings, normative utility scores were also calculated by applying the value sets of Germany, United Kingdom and USA.

Results

Data of 9037 women were analyzed and the weighted mean utility score was 0.911 (SD 0.155, 95% CI 0.908–0.914). The mean normative utility scores differed between age groups, showing lower scores in older females. Compared to other normative utility scores of female populations, Dutch mean utilities were consistently higher except for age groups 18–24 and 25–34. With the three country-specific value sets, new age-specific mean normative utility scores were provided.

Conclusion

This study provides mean normative utility scores of a large cohort of Dutch females per age group, which were found to be lower in older age groups. Utility scores calculated with three other value sets were made available.
In silico analysis of key regulatory networks related to microfibril angle in Populus trichocarpa Hook.
Authors: Köbölkuti Zoltán Attila , Benke Attila , Cseke Klára , Borovics Attila , Tóth Endre György
Published: October 2022

Dissection of regulatory network that control wood structure is highly challenging in functional genomics. Nevertheless, due to the availability of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic sequences, a large amount of information is available for use in achieving this goal. MicroRNAs, which compose a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that inhibit protein translation by targeting mRNA cleavage sites and thus regulate a wide variety of developmental and physiological processes in plants, are important parts of this regulatory network. These findings and the availability of sequence information have made it possible to carry out an in silico analysis to predict and annotate miRNAs and their target genes associated with an important factor affecting wood rigidity, microfibril angle (MFA), throughout the Populus trichocarpa Hook. genome. Our computational approach revealed miRNAs and their targets via ESTs, sequences putatively associated with microfibril angle. In total, 250 miRNAs were identified as RNA molecules with roles in the silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of the expression of nine genes. We found SHY2, IAA4 (ATAUX2–11), BZIP60, AP2, MYB15, ABI3, MYB17, LAF1 and MYB28 as important nodes in a network with possible role in MFA determination. Other co-expressed genes putatively involved in this regulatory system were also identified by construction of a co-expression network. The candidate genes from this study may help unravel the regulatory networks putatively linked to microfibril angle.
Sarcopenia and Frailty in Heart Failure: Is There a Biomarker Signature?
Authors: Sato Ryosuke , Vatic Mirela , da Fonseca Guilherme Wesley Peixoto , von Haehling Stephan
Published: October 2022

Purpose of Review

Sarcopenia and frailty are common in patients with heart failure (HF) and are strongly associated with prognosis. This review aims to examine promising biomarkers that can guide physicians in identifying sarcopenia and frailty in HF.

Recent Findings

Traditional biomarkers including C-reactive protein, aminotransaminase, myostatin, and urinary creatinine as well as novel biomarkers including microRNAs, suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), galectin-3, and procollagen type III N-terminal peptide may help in predicting the development of sarcopenia and frailty in HF patients. Among those biomarkers, aminotransferase, urinary creatinine, and ST2 predicted the prognosis in HF patients with sarcopenia and frailty.

This review outlines the current knowledge of biomarkers that are considered promising for diagnosing sarcopenia and frailty in HF. The listed biomarkers might support the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic decisions for sarcopenia and frailty in HF patients.