bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the HADES URL in better understanding of the Boom Clay pore water geochemistry
Authors: De Craen Mieke , Moors Hugo , Honty Miroslav , Van Geet Maarten M.
Published: December 2022

When assessing a rock formation for its suitability as a potential host rock for the disposal of radioactive waste, knowledge about its pore water chemical composition is essential. When the HADES underground research laboratory became operational in the early 1980s, it offered the possibility of extracting pore water from Boom Clay. At the time, however, there was almost no experience of sampling pore water from deep clay formations. The low hydraulic conductivity of clays makes it difficult to extract pore water and the sampling process itself can induce changes in the observed chemical characteristics due to oxidation and re-equilibration with the ambient air. In the past decades, significant progress has been made in the techniques and protocols to sample and monitor pore water. The use of nitrogen instead of compressed air to drill boreholes and installing piezometers limited the disturbances induced by oxidation of the clay. Furthermore, an advanced system was developed to simultaneously sample pore water and dissolved gases and measure some key geochemical parameters such as pH, pCO
2
and redox potential under
in situ
conditions. This has resulted in a more reliable characterization of the Boom Clay pore water and a better understanding of perturbing processes such as oxidation.
Convex Hulls of Random Order Types
Authors: Goaoc Xavier , Welzl Emo
Published: December 2022

We establish the following two main results on order types of points in general position in the plane (realizable simple planar order types, realizable uniform acyclic oriented matroids of rank 3):

(a)

The number of extreme points in an
n
-point order type, chosen uniformly at random from all such order types, is on average 4+
o
(1). For labeled order types, this number has average

\(4- \mbox{$\frac{8}{n^2 - n +2}$}\)

and variance at most 3.

(b)

The (labeled) order types read off a set of
n
points sampled independently from the uniform measure on a convex planar domain, smooth or polygonal, or from a Gaussian distribution are concentrated, i.e., such sampling typically encounters only a vanishingly small fraction of all order types of the given size.

Result (a) generalizes to arbitrary dimension
d
for labeled order types with the average number of extreme points 2
d
+
o
(1) and constant variance. We also discuss to what extent our methods generalize to the abstract setting of uniform acyclic oriented matroids. Moreover, our methods show the following relative of the Erdős-Szekeres theorem: for any fixed
k
, as
n
→ ∞, a proportion 1 -
O
(1/
n
) of the
n
-point simple order types contain a triangle enclosing a convex
k
-chain over an edge.

For the unlabeled case in (a), we prove that for any antipodal, finite subset of the two-dimensional sphere, the group of orientation preserving bijections is cyclic, dihedral, or one of
A
4
,
S
4
, or
A
5
(and each case is possible). These are the finite subgroups of
SO
(3) and our proof follows the lines of their characterization by Felix Klein.
Polling-Based Memory Interface
Authors: Le Trung , Zhang Zhao , Zhu Zhichun
Published: December 2022

Non-volatile memory has been extensively researched as the alternative for a DRAM-based system; however, the traditional memory controller cannot efficiently track and schedule operations for all the memory devices in heterogeneous systems due to different timing requirements and complex architecture supports of various memory technologies. To address this issue, we propose a hybrid memory architecture framework called
POMI
(POlling-based Memory Interface). It uses a small buffer chip inserted on each DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) to decouple operation scheduling from the controller to enable the support for diverse memory technologies in the system. Unlike the conventional DRAM-based system, POMI uses a polling-based memory bus protocol for communication and to resolve any bus conflicts between memory modules. The buffer chip on each DIMM will provide feedback information to the main memory controller so that the polling overhead is trivial. We propose two unique designs. The first one adds additional bus lines for sending the feedback information, and the second one utilizes the Command/Address bus. The framework provides several benefits: a technology-independent memory system, higher parallelism, and better scalability. Our experimental results show that POMI can efficiently support both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Compared with the conventional DDR4-2400 implementation, our scheme improves the performance of memory-intensive workloads by 3.7% on average. Compared with an existing interface for hybrid memory systems, Twin-Load, it also improves performance by 22.0% on average for memory-intensive workloads.
Flexible Paper-Based Immunosensor for the Detection of Specific Cancer-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Sahraei Nafiseh , Mazloum-Ardakani Mohammad , Mohiti Javad , Moradi Alireza , Khoshroo Alireza , Emadi Elaheh , Vajhadin Fereshteh
Published: December 2022

This study aims at an electrochemical paper-based device for the selective and sensitive detection of exosomes as an economic and flexible platform. Using a laser cutter, a three-electrode platform was patterned on a hydrophobic paper, and then synthetic carbon and silver ink were screen-printed on the paper. Anti-human CD9 antibody was covalently attached to the surface of a carbon ink electrode enriched with graphene oxide aerogel/CoFe2O4@chitosan nanocomposite. The immobilization, incubation and binding time of the capture antibody were investigated as effective parameters. Under optimum conditions, the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to establish a calibration plot that covered 500 to 5 × 106 exosoms μl−1 with a detection limit of 100 exosome μl−1. This method was implemented successfully for the detection of exosomes in a serum sample. As the results show, the fabricated biosensor is capable of detecting exosomes for the early diagnosis of cancers.
A virological view of tenascin-C in infection
Authors: Zuliani-Alvarez Lorena , Piccinini Anna M.
Published: December 2022

Tenascin-C is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein with complex, not yet fully unveiled roles. Its context- and structure-dependent modus operandi renders tenascin-C a puzzling protein. Since its discovery ∼40 years ago, research into tenascin-C biology continues to reveal novel functions, the most recent of all being its immunomodulatory activity, especially its role in infection, which is just now beginning to emerge. Here, we explore the role of tenascin-C in the immune response to viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1. Recently, tenascin-C has emerged as a biomarker of disease severity during COVID-19 and other viral infections, and we highlight relevant RNA sequencing and proteomic analyses that suggest a correlation between tenascin-C levels and disease severity. Finally, we ask what the function of this protein during viral replication is and propose tenascin-C as an intercellular signal of inflammation shuttled to distal sites via exosomes, a player in the repair and remodeling of infected and damaged tissues during severe infectious disease, as well as a ligand for specific pathogens with distinct implications for the host.
Effects of Replacing Fishmeal with Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) Larvae Meal in Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica) Diet on Growth Performance, Fillet Texture, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Intestinal Histomorphology
Authors: Kuo I-Pei , Liu Ching-Shuo , Yang Shuenn-Der , Liang Shih-Hsiang , Hu Yeh-Fang , Nan Fan-Hua
Published: December 2022

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (DBSFLM) in the diets of Japanese eel on their growth performance, fillet texture, serum biochemical parameters, and intestinal histomorphology. Six isoproteic (520 g kg−1), isolipidic (80 g kg−1), and isoenergetic (15 MJ kg−1) diets were formulated with fishmeal replacement levels of 0% (R0), 15% (R15), 30% (R30), 45% (R45), 60% (R60), and 75% (R75). The growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, survival rate, serum liver function enzymes, antioxidant ability, and lysozyme activity of fish were not affected (

P
>
0.05

) by DBSFLM. However, the crude protein and cohesiveness of the fillet in groups R60 and R75 significantly decreased, and the fillet hardness significantly increased (

P
<
0.05

). Additionally, the intestinal villus length significantly decreased in the R75 group, and the goblet cell densities were significantly lower in the R45, R60, and R75 groups (

P
<
0.05

). Overall, high levels of DBSFLM did not affect growth performance and serum biochemical parameters but significantly altered fillet proximate composition and texture and intestinal histomorphology (

P
<
0.05

). The optimal fishmeal replacement level is 30% with 184 g kg−1 DBSFLM.
Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies on the Aqueous Extract of the Plant Mixture (Bidens pilosa and Cymbopogon citratus Aerial Parts) in Rat Model
Authors: Tcheutchoua Yannick Carlos , Bilanda Danielle Claude , Mengue Ngadena Yolande Sandrine , Djomeni Dzeufiet Paul Désiré , Owona Pascal Emmanuel , Goufani Ronald Bidingha á , Fifen Rodrigue Ngapout , Nguegan Lohik Mbolang , Noubom Michel , Dimo Théophile , Kamtchouing Pierre
Published: December 2022

Bidens pilosa (B. pilosa) and Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) are plants used individually or in combination in the traditional treatment of several ailments such as cardiovascular disorders. In order to valorise their traditional use, a toxicological study was conducted on the aqueous extract of the mixture of aerial parts of B. pilosa and C. citratus. The acute and subchronic toxicity studies were conducted according to the OECD 425 and 407 guidelines. Regarding the acute study, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus 50 : 50 (2000 and 5000 mg/kg) was administered once to rats of both sexes. In the subchronic study, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) was administered once daily to rats for 28 days. The aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (2000 and 5000 mg/kg) did not cause death and did not induce any apparent sign of toxicity during the 14 days of observation. The DL50 of the extract is therefore greater than 5000 mg/kg. Taken daily for 28 days, the extract had no significant effect on selected parameters (creatinine, AST, ALT, urea, and uric acid) of renal and hepatic function, as well as on the number of some blood cells. However, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (200 and 400 mg/kg) caused a significant (

p
 
<
 
0.05

;

p
 
<
 
0.001
,

respectively) decrease in creatinine levels in male rats as compared to normal control animals. In females, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (200 and 400 mg/kg) resulted in a significant (

p
 
<
 
0.05

) increase in total cholesterol levels as compared to normal control animals. The study showed that the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus has a low toxicity and does not cause any injury to the liver, kidney, lungs, or spleen.
Development of a Cancer‐Associated Fibroblast‐Related Prognostic Model in Breast Cancer via Bulk and Single‐Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Hu Jing , Jiang Yueqiang , Wei Qihao , Li Bin , Xu Sha , Wei Guang , Li Pin , Chen Wei , Lv Wenzhi , Xiao Xianjin , Lu Yaping , Huang Xuan
Published: December 2022

Background. The most numerous cells in the tumor microenvironment, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in cancer development. Our objective was to develop a cancer‐associated fibroblast breast cancer predictive model. Methods. We acquire breast cancer (BC) scRNA‐seq data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and “Seurat” was used for data processing, including quality control, filtering, principal component analysis, and t‐SNE. Afterward, “singleR” software was used to annotate cells. Seurat’s “FindAllMarkers” program is used to locate particular CAF markers. clusterProfiler was used to analyze Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to provide univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage operator (LASSO) analysis using bulk RNA‐seq data. For model development, multivariate Cox regression studies are used. Utilizing pRRophetic and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithms, chemosensitivity and immunotherapy response were predicted. The “rms” software was used to facilitate and simplify modeling. Results. Integrating the scRNA‐seq (GSE176078) dataset yielded 28 cell clusters. In addition, well‐known cell types helped identify 12 cell types. We found 193 marker genes that are elevated in CAFs. In addition, a five‐gene predictive model associated to CAF was created in the training set. In the training set, the validation set, and the external validation set, greater risk scores were associated with a worse prognosis. And individuals with a higher risk score were more susceptible to immunotherapy and conventional chemotherapy medicines. Conclusion. In conclusion, we establish a strong prognostic model comprised of 5 genes related with CAF that might serve as a potent prognostic indicator and aid clinicians in making more rational medication choices.
Effects of the Particle Shape and Size on the Single‐Particle Breakage Strength
Authors: Qing Yun , Qiu Zhenfeng , Tang Yi , Deng Wenjie , Zhang Xujin , Miu Jilun , Song Shaoxian
Published: December 2022

The strength and deformation of a soil foundation are related to the strength of each particle. Maybe the shape affects the strength of a particle. In this study, single‐particle breakage tests were conducted on limestone particles of different sizes to analyze the influence of limestone particle shapes on the particle crushing strength. The results showed that 90 percent of limestone particle shapes were oblate spherical, subspherical, and long spherical particles randomly selected from the soil foundation. The single‐particle breakage test results showed that the characteristic stress of limestone particles increases with the increased particle size. The crushing strength of limestone particles increased with the increase in particle size. There was a significant size effect on the single‐particle compressive strength. The relationship between the characteristic strength and the particle size can be fitted by a power exponential formulation of four types of limestone particle shapes. The more irregular the particle shape, the smaller the Weibull modulus (m) and the power index and the more obvious the particle strength size effect.
Nonlinear Analysis of the Car-Following Model considering Delay under the V2X Environment
Authors: Xu Zhipeng
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a model that analyzes the delay effect in V2X communication. V2X technology in the intelligent transportation system can realize the exchange of information between vehicles, people, and the environment. Still, more V2X links occupy many channel resources, and the occupation of channel resources leads to longer communication delays. Therefore, based on the optimal velocity of the car-following model, we model the channel delay in the V2X environment. The stability analysis results show that delay increases lead to system instability and traffic congestion. However, if more links are established, that is, the number of vehicles in the vehicle group ahead increases, traffic jams are less likely to occur. The numerical simulation results show that the longer the delay, the more serious the traffic congestion. In addition, we find an apparent phase transition region in the numerical simulation results, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis results. Therefore, in the intelligent transportation system, the delay caused by the complex electromagnetic environment is a factor that cannot be ignored, and thus the allocation of spectrum resources needs to be reasonably arranged. Otherwise, the V2X technology leads to traffic congestion.
Analyzing the Prospects of Blockchain in Healthcare Industry
Authors: Srivastava Shilpa , Pant Millie , Jauhar Sunil Kumar , Nagar Atulya K.
Published: December 2022

Deployment of secured healthcare information is a major challenge in a web-based environment. eHealth services are subjected to same security threats as other services. The purpose of blockchain is to provide a structure and security to the organization data. Healthcare data deals with confidential information. The medical records can be well organized and empower their propagation in a secured manner through the usage of blockchain technology. The study throws light on providing security of health services through blockchain technology. The authors have analyzed the various aspects of role of blockchain in healthcare through an extensive literature review. The application of blockchain in COVID-19 has also been analyzed and discussed in the study. Further application of blockchain in Indian healthcare has been highlighted in the paper. The study provides suggestions for strengthening the healthcare system by blending machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data, and IoT with blockchain.
The Coupling and Coordinated Development of Intellectual Property and High-Quality Economy: Using China’s 30 Provinces as an Example
Authors: Yu Liyan , Liang Yabin , Chen Wei
Published: December 2022

Research Background and Content. Intellectual property and high-quality economic development are mutually reinforcing and restrictive, China is a large but not a strong intellectual property country, and China’s high-quality economic development still has problems of inadequacy and imbalance. Based on the above research background, this paper mainly studies the relationship between the intellectual property system and the high-quality economic development system from the perspective of coupled and coordinated development. Research Objective. The objective is to measure the coupling and coordination degree between the intellectual property development system and the high-quality economic development system and to explore the spatiotemporal characteristics and differences in the coupling and coordination between the two systems. Research Method. Based on the data of 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) from 2013 to 2020, the methods used in this paper to analyse include entropy weight method, grey correlation analysis, coupling coordination degree model, and Dagum Gini coefficient. Research Results. The development of economic openness and innovation are more closely related to the development of intellectual property, and the protection, utilization, and creation of intellectual property are more closely related to high-quality economic development; the coupling coordination degree of the two systems shows the characteristics such as “high in the east and low in the west” and “coastal area is better than inland,” and the development of intellectual property lags behind the high-quality economic development; the coupling and coordination degree of the two systems shows a slight growth trend in most provinces, but the overall differences shows an expanding trend, and differences between regions are the main sources of overall regional differences. Research Innovation. Research innovation is to study the two-way relationship between intellectual property and high-quality economic development and to measure the coupling and coordination degree between the development system of intellectual property and the high-quality economic development system, and its spatiotemporal characteristics, regional differences, and sources of differences are analyzed. Research Value. Research value is to provide decision reference for the two-way empowerment of intellectual property and high-quality economic development and regional coordinated development.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds, Flavonoids, and Antioxidants from Dill (Anethum graveolens L.)
Authors: Ratananikom Khakhanang , Premprayoon Kantapon
Published: December 2022

This study evaluated the effect of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) on the isolation of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants from dill. UAE improved the extraction yields of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid content as well as increased the antioxidant activities of all dill extracts. The optimum UAE condition to obtain highest total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities was 50% ethanol for 30 min giving 135.88 ± 3.23 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 229.53 ± 4.97 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, respectively. Lowest IC50 values against 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were 0.034 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.12 ± 0.00 mg/mL, respectively. Results indicated the capability of UAE in extracting biologically active compounds from dill as a prospective functional material.
DNA Extracted from Cytologic Slides Is a Valuable Source for PCR-Based Molecular Tests
Authors: Kwon Hyo Sum , Shin Dong Hoon , Kim So Young , Hwang Chung Su , Kim Arhong , Lee Hyun Jung , Na JooYoung , Lee Jung Hee , Kim Jee Yeon
Published: December 2022

Introduction: DNA extracted from cytologic samples is occasionally used for various molecular tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate DNA extracted from differently prepared cytologic slides that can be used for PCR-based molecular tests. Methods: For each 23 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma or colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues, six touch-imprinted cytological slides were prepared (group 1∼3), and remnant tissues were blocked for FFPE tissue (group 4). Cytologic slides were grouped by preparation methods: air-dried slides (group 1), fixed slides (group 2), and stained slides (group 3). Fixed slides were classified as 95% ethanol fixed (group 2A) and CytoRich Red Preservative solution fixed (group 2B). Stained slides were divided in 3 ways: Giemsa, Pap, and H&E stained (group 3A, 3B, and 3C, respectively). DNA extracted from each group was evaluated for concentration, 260/280 ratio, DNA Integrity Number (DIN) value, and mutation. Results: DNA concentration was highest in group 1 and lowest in group 2B. DIN value was highest in group 2A and lowest in group 2B. A mutation of BRAF or KRAS genes was detected in 18 FFPE tissue samples. Matched DNA extracts from groups 1, 2A, and 3 produced results consistent with FFPE tissue results, while mutation testing was successful for only four samples of DNA from group 2B. Conclusion: The mutation tests worked well for most samples except CytoRich Red Preservative-fixed slides. This study indicates that stained and unstained cytologic slides are a suitable source of PCR-based molecular tests as long as they are fixed in ethanol or stored for a short time in an air-dried condition.
Integrative Medizin: Fußreflexzonenmassage hilft onkologischen Patient*innen bei Schmerzen
Authors: Witt Claudia
Published: December 2022

Background: Pain and nausea affect a significant number of patients with cancer. Applying foot reflexology to this population has had some positive effects, but more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on pain and nausea among inpatients with cancer as compared to traditional nursing care alone. Methods: A pilot study was conducted with adult patients with cancer hospitalized on a 24-bed inpatient oncology unit. Using convenience sampling, 40 patients provided consent and were randomized into either the intervention or control group. Each group had a treatment session of 20-25 minutes in which pre- and postsession surveys were completed, with reflexology performed in the intervention group only. Findings: Results show that foot reflexology significantly decreases pain for inpatients with cancer as compared to traditional nursing care alone. Although the effects on nausea are not statistically significant, they may be clinically relevant; the mean changes in pre- and postsession nausea ratings indicate at least some decreased nausea among patients in the intervention group.
Psychosoziale Intervention: Über Bedarf, Akzeptanz und Machbarkeit in der pädiatrischen Onkologie
Authors: Zimmermann Tanja
Published: December 2022

Objective Psychosocial screening is a standard of care in pediatric oncology, but there is limited information about how to intervene after screening. This pilot trial aimed to determine feasibility of the novel Enhanced Psychosocial Screening Intervention (EPSI) and explore its preliminary efficacy outcomes. We examined rates of recruitment, retention, intervention acceptability, and monthly distress screening completion, as well as exploratory efficacy outcomes (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: depression, anxiety and fatigue; distress thermometer, pain and sleep). Methods Parallel-group randomized pilot trial: Caregiver-youth (10–17 years at enrollment, newly diagnosed with cancer) dyads were randomly allocated to either EPSI or standard care with 1:1 ratio allocation. EPSI consists of having a Psychosocial Navigator who shares screening results conducted near diagnosis and monthly for one year with treating teams and families, and provides recommendations tailored to screening results. Results Enrollment rate was 54% (38 dyads); retention was 90% and acceptability 86% (caregivers) and 76% (youth). Exploratory symptoms of depression, anxiety, distress and fatigue outcomes consistently improved mainly for caregivers. Conclusions Results suggest EPSI is feasible and acceptable and exploratory mental and physical efficacy outcomes are promising for use in a future confirmatory multisite efficacy trial.
Cardiac Characteristics of the First Two Waves of COVID-19 in Denmark and the Prognostic Value of Echocardiography: The ECHOVID-19 Study
Authors: Christensen Jacob , Davidoski Filip Søskov , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Alhakak Alia Sead , Sengeløv Morten , Nielsen Anne Bjerg , Johansen Niklas Dyrby , Bundgaard Henning , Hassager Christian , Jabbari Reza , Carlsen Jørn , Kirk Ole , Kristiansen Ole Peter , Nielsen Olav Wendelboe , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Gislason Gunnar , Iversen Kasper , Jensen Jens Ulrik Stæhr , Schou Morten , Hviid Anders , Krause Tyra Grove , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: December 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 has spread globally in waves, and Danish treatment guidelines have been updated following the first wave. We sought to investigate whether the prognostic values of echocardiographic parameters changed with updates in treatment guidelines and the emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, 20E (EU1) and alpha (B.1.1.7), and further to compare cardiac parameters between patients from the first and second wave. Methods: A total of 305 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were prospectively included, 215 and 90 during the first and second wave, respectively. Treatment in the study was defined as treatment with remdesivir, dexamethasone, or both. Patients were assumed to be infected with the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant at the time of their hospitalization. Results: Mean age for the first versus second wave was 68.7 ± 13.6 versus 69.7 ± 15.8 years, and 55% versus 62% were males. Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function was worse in patients hospitalized during the second wave (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] for first vs. second wave = 58.5 ± 8.1% vs. 52.4 ± 10.6%, p < 0.001; and global longitudinal strain [GLS] = 16.4 ± 4.3% vs. 14.2 ± 4.3%, p < 0.001). In univariable Cox regressions, reduced LVEF (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.07 per 1% decrease, p = 0.002), GLS (HR = 1.21 per 1% decrease, p < 0.001), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (HR = 1.18 per 1 mm decrease, p < 0.001) were associated with COVID-related mortality, but only GLS remained significant in fully adjusted analysis (HR = 1.14, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Reduced GLS was associated with COVID-related mortality independently of wave, treatment, and the SARS-CoV-2 variant. LV function was significantly impaired in patients hospitalized during the second wave.
Associations of Serum Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone Levels with Fat and Lean Mass during Menopausal Transition
Authors: Liu Xun , Xu Jingyue , Wei Danmei , Chen Yongjie
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The association of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels with body fat mass remains inconclusive. Furthermore, little was known about the association of luteinizing hormone (LH) with body fat. This study aimed to investigate the associations of serum FSH and LH levels with fat and lean mass in women during menopausal transition. Methods: The data analyzed in this study were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2002. Women aged from 35 to 60 years were eligible. Serum FSH and LH levels were assayed using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay technology. A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure body fat mass and lean mass. Fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were respectively used to assess fat and lean mass. General linear regression was employed to examine the associations of serum FSH and LH levels with FMI and FFMI. Results: This study included 1,329 women. For the total participants, elevated serum FSH and LH levels were associated with an increased FMI (β = 0.004 and 0.007; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.006 and 0.004, 0.010, respectively) and a decreased FFMI (β = −0.004 and −0.007; 95% CI: −0.006, −0.002 and −0.010, −0.004, respectively). Furthermore, the significant associations of serum FSH and LH levels with FMI and FFMI were fully observed in postmenopausal women, especially in a certain range of higher serum FSH and LH quartiles. Conclusion: Elevated serum FSH and LH levels were associated with increased body fat mass but decreased lean mass in postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women. Furthermore, only higher serum FSH and LH percentiles were associated with fat and lean mass in postmenopausal women.
Menotti Del Picchia e o Monumento às Bandeiras: entre a loba capitolina e a anta
Authors: Chiarelli Tadeu
Published: December 2022

Victor Brecheret concebeu dois projetos para o Monumento às Bandeiras: o primeiro em 1920 (nunca realizado) e o segundo em 1936 (inaugurado em 1953, em São Paulo). Diferentes entre si em termos estéticos e ideológicos, eles teriam contado com a assessoria do poeta e político Menotti Del Picchia para o embasamento histórico sobre as “bandeiras paulistas”. Este artigo propõe apresentar um panorama das posições de Del Picchia sobre o Brasil e os brasileiros, entre 1920 e 1936, para entender as mudanças ocorridas nos projetos do escultor.
Viés de desejabilidade social na pesquisa qualitativa em saúde
Authors: Bispo Júnior José Patrício
Published: December 2022

Ensaio com o objetivo de discutir o viés de desejabilidade social na pesquisa qualitativa em saúde. O viés de desejabilidade social consiste em um erro sistemático de pesquisa, no qual o participante apresenta respostas que são mais socialmente aceitáveis do que suas opiniões ou comportamentos verdadeiros. Estudos qualitativos são muito suscetíveis a esse tipo de viés, que pode levar a conclusões distorcidas sobre o fenômeno em estudo. Inicialmente, apresento os aspectos teórico-conceituais do viés de desejabilidade social. Discuto como sua ocorrência pode ser intencional ou não intencional, com diferenciação entre os conceitos de autoengano e gerenciamento de impressão. Em seguida, discuto os fatores determinantes desse viés a partir de quatro dimensões: desenho do estudo; contexto do estudo; característica do entrevistado; postura do entrevistador. Por fim, apresento uma sistematização de seis estratégias a serem utilizadas por pesquisadores qualitativos para a identificação e controle do viés de desejabilidade social.
The limits of mtDNA analysis for determining the provenance of invasive species: a midwife toad example
Authors: Vliegenthart Chris , van de Vrede Maurits , den Boer Ingrid , Gilbert Maarten J. , Lemmers Pim , France James , de Visser Manon C. , Struijk Richard P.J.H. , Wielstra Ben
Published: December 2022

For most if not all European herpetofauna, range-wide mtDNA phylogeographies have been published. This facilitates establishing the provenance of introduced populations. However, precision is contingent on the spatial genetic structure across the range of the taxon under study and, in particular, from where within that range the introduction was sourced. In the Netherlands, the common midwife toad, Alytes obstetricans, only naturally occurs in the extreme southeast and is on the decline there. Yet, introduced populations thrive elsewhere in the country. We use mtDNA analysis to try to determine the origin of two introduced populations along the Dutch coast, in the city of The Hague and the dune area Meijendel. We compiled a database of hundreds of individuals from throughout the distribution range and added over 130 individuals from both native and introduced populations from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The mtDNA haplotypes found in the introduced populations are associated with postglacial expansion. The main haplotype predominates in the natural range in the Netherlands, but also occurs much more widely across western Europe, north of the Pyrenees. A closely related haplotype, newly identified from The Hague, was not found in the native Netherlands range, suggesting an origin from abroad. The combination of low phylogeographic resolution and low sampling density in the postglacially colonized part of the range hampers our ability to determine the provenance of the introduced A. obstetricans populations.
Many Amersfoort hands: Revisiting the making of Albert Eckhout’s Brazilian paintings (1641-1643)
Authors: Wadum Jørgen
Published: December 2022

Albert Eckhout’s twenty-one paintings, signed and dated 1641-1643, kept at the National Museum of Denmark, has stirred much speculation as to their making, meaning, and function. Eight impressive larger-than-life depictions of native Brazilian inhabitants and a huge dancing scene of the Tarairiu Indians were presented as gifts to the Danish King Frederik III (1609-1670) in 1654, together with twelve almost square still lifes of exotic fruits and vegetables from Brazil. The present was from the initiator of the paintings, Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen (1604-1679), the governor of the Dutch possessions in north-eastern Brazil.

Following on the archival, historical and technical reports that have been presented over the years, a re-evaluation of the technical examinations combined with new comparative research points to a more complex genesis of the paintings. The canvases and ground layers suggest that the tall single-figure pieces were made in one batch, while the large dancing scene and the still-lifes were prepared in a small number of separate batches. Infrared imaging visualises different approaches in paint handling within the group of nine figure pieces. The working up of the final paint layer in the faces of the figures has been approached in two different ways, either opaquely or with semi-transparent layers in the shadow areas. Idiosyncratic manners of rendering the eyes complement these findings and reveal details hardly studied so far.

The article concludes that the Tupi man, the Black man, and the Mulatto man are painted in a different and more transparent technique. Further, the manner of mixing black paint with white to render a nuanced whiteness of the eyes of the three figures, is not found in any of the other six paintings. These tall figures were painted by another hand than Eckhout, and most probably someone active in Jacob van Campen’s large Randenbroek workshop in Amersfoort. Here, together with the still anonymous painter, Eckhout completed the impressive series of large Brazilian figures and twelve still lifes around 1647-1650. This research exemplifies the seventeenth-century collaborative practice of working on larger commissions, yet all the works continue to demonstrate Eckhout’s legacy and how studies from his Brazilian sojourn were used by a larger community of artists in the Netherlands to satisfy the need for exotic images of the time.
A New Paradigm for Medium-Range Severe Weather Forecasts: Probabilistic Random Forest–Based Predictions
Authors: Hill Aaron J. , Schumacher Russ S. , Jirak Israel L.
Published: December 2022

Historical observations of severe weather and simulated severe weather environments (i.e., features) from the Global Ensemble Forecast System v12 (GEFSv12) Reforecast Dataset (GEFS/R) are used in conjunction to train and test random forest (RF) machine learning (ML) models to probabilistically forecast severe weather out to days 4–8. RFs are trained with ∼9 years of the GEFS/R and severe weather reports to establish statistical relationships. Feature engineering is briefly explored to examine alternative methods for gathering features around observed events, including simplifying features using spatial averaging and increasing the GEFS/R ensemble size with time lagging. Validated RF models are tested with ∼1.5 years of real-time forecast output from the operational GEFSv12 ensemble and are evaluated alongside expert human-generated outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). Both RF-based forecasts and SPC outlooks are skillful with respect to climatology at days 4 and 5 with diminishing skill thereafter. The RF-based forecasts exhibit tendencies to slightly underforecast severe weather events, but they tend to be well-calibrated at lower probability thresholds. Spatially averaging predictors during RF training allows for prior-day thermodynamic and kinematic environments to generate skillful forecasts, while time lagging acts to expand the forecast areas, increasing resolution but decreasing overall skill. The results highlight the utility of ML-generated products to aid SPC forecast operations into the medium range.

Significance Statement

Medium-range severe weather forecasts generated from statistical models are explored here alongside operational forecasts from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). Human forecasters at the SPC rely on traditional numerical weather prediction model output to make medium-range outlooks and statistical products that mimic operational forecasts can be used as guidance tools for forecasters. The statistical models relate simulated severe weather environments from a global weather model to historical records of severe weather and perform noticeably better than human-generated outlooks at shorter lead times (e.g., day 4 and 5) and are capable of capturing the general location of severe weather events 8 days in advance. The results highlight the value in these data-driven methods in supporting operational forecasting.
Legalization of press control under democratic backsliding: The case of post-national security law Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Francis LF , Chan Chi-kit
Published: December 2022

During democratic backsliding, the state can curtail press freedom through the legalization of press control, that is, the establishment and utilization of legal instruments for the purpose of controlling the media and journalistic work. Drawing upon the literature on authoritarian rule of law, this article emphasizes that legalization of press control has to be examined by paying attention to both the conspicuous and subtle measures that constitute the legal minefield for journalism, the evolution of official discourses that aim at legitimizing the laws and their implementation, and the changing politics of self-censorship as journalists and the society react to emerging legal risks. The empirical analysis focuses on Hong Kong after the establishment of the National Security Law in June 2020. The article offers an updated analytical account of press freedom in Hong Kong and the conceptualization of a process possibly observable in other authoritarian states or hybrid regimes.
Student Outcomes from the Pilot Test of a Comprehensive School Safety Framework for High Schools: Student Ownership, Accountability, and Responsibility for School Safety (SOARS)
Authors: Vincent Claudia G. , Walker Hill , Espelage Dorothy L. , Valido Alberto , Murray Christopher , Svanks Rita , Marquez Brion , Pennefather Jordan
Published: December 2022

This paper has two purposes: First, we describe the components of the Student Ownership, Accountability, and Responsibility for School Safety (SOARS) framework in the context of the literature on school safety. Second, we offer outcomes from a pilot study testing the framework's impact on student perceptions of: (a) school belonging, (b) sense of personal safety, (c) level of disruption, (d) level of delinquency, (e) responsibility for school safety, (f) engagement in victimizing behavior, and (g) sense of being victimized by peers. We conducted a study with two conditions, intervention and control. The study was conducted in Oregon and Illinois. Four high schools participated in the study. Two high schools received access to the SOARS framework and two high schools served as controls. We collected usage data of the Advocatr app, the central components of the SOARS framework, as well as survey data from students. We examined Advocatr use by overall frequency as well as across student race and gender. Survey data were analyzed using an ANCOVA analytic approach. Almost all outcomes were in the desired direction. Intervention effects on student-reported school belonging, sense of personal safety, and level of disruption reached statistical significance. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium, with the largest effect in students’ perceptions of personal safety. We contextualize our study in the literature on school safety and describe the alignment of the SOARS components with existing recommendations for increasing students’ safety at school.
Cluster analysis on damage pattern recognition in carbon/epoxy composites using acoustic emission wavelet packet
Authors: Qiao Shuai , Zhou Wei , Liang Ya-zhao , Liu Jia , Liu Shuo
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the damage pattern recognition in carbon/epoxy composite laminates by Acoustic Emission technique. Three specimens with layup of [90/0/90/0]s were fabricated and subjected to three-point bending test. The dataset was clustered and analyzed by three unsupervised algorithms, namely, k-means, Self-Organizing Map, and Fuzzy C-Means. The results show that the signals can be divided into four clusters, which correspond to matrix cracking, delamination, fiber/matrix debonding, and fiber breakage, respectively. A method of energy feature extraction based on wavelet packet decomposition was used to analyze the clustering center to obtain the frequency band with relatively high energy corresponding each damage mode further determined the actual damage pattern of these signals with disputed classification results. The results of k-means illustrated that little difference in the determination of matrix cracking, preferring to assign more signal to inter-laminar damage and higher peak frequency to fiber breakage compared to the other two algorithms. It can verify the clustering results well and k-means algorithm performs better in damage pattern recognition of composites.
Celebrate Good Times: How Celebrations Increase Perceived Social Support
Authors: Brick Danielle J. , Wight Kelley Gullo , Bettman James R. , Chartrand Tanya L. , Fitzsimons Gavan J.
Published: December 2022

Despite the ubiquity of celebrations in everyday life, little is known about how celebrations may contribute to consumer well-being. In the current work, the authors propose that celebrations promote perceived social support, which prior work has conceptualized as the belief that others will be there for you for future negative life events. The authors further theorize that celebrations require three key characteristics that, in combination, are necessary for increasing perceived social support. Specifically, celebrations must (1) mark an individual's separate positive event and (2) involve consumption (3) with others (i.e., social). They test this theory across eight studies and demonstrate a process mechanism for this effect: these characteristics lead to increases in enacted support and perceived responsiveness, which in turn lead to increases in more general perceived social support. They then extend these findings by investigating virtually held celebrations, the individual's role at the celebration, and a downstream prosocial outcome. By doing so, this work highlights the broader benefits of celebrations beyond the focal individual and the immediate experience. Finally, specific policy implications and suggestions for enhancing consumer well-being are provided.
Boosting Employees’ Performance through the Affective Commitment and Transformational Leadership: The Role of Employee Engagement as a Mediator
Authors: Mansoor Adil , Wahab Sazali Abdul , Jahan Sarwat , Islam Ariful
Published: December 2022

The current study explores boundary conditions and underlying mechanisms through which commitment and transformational leadership (TFL) affects customer service representatives (CSRs) performance in the telecom sector. Additionally, it investigates how and why the engagement of employees mediates the relationship of commitment and leadership with the productivity of employees. Data collected from the CSRs of telecom companies were analyzed through SmartPLS. The results revealed a positive relationship between leadership style, organizational commitment, and employees performance. This research also found the complementary mediation of employee engagement. Therefore, this research provides evidence regarding effective management style and the requirement of a conducive work environment that nurtures engagement and commitment within CSRs. Furthermore, it stresses the need for a psychological bond between leaders and employees, which fosters productivity with the help of engagement. Organizational efforts directed to enhance performance would be fruitful in a culture that promotes TFL style, commitment, and engagement of employees as performance is largely dependent on these attributes.
Integrating SMART Recovery and Mental Health Services to Meet the Needs and Goals of LGBTQ Individuals Experiencing Substance Use–Related Problems
Authors: McGeough Briana L. , Greenwood Emera (M) , Cohen Nicole L. , Wootton Angie R.
Published: December 2022

LGBTQ (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) individuals experience increased risk for substance use disorders. Many LGBTQ individuals experience barriers to benefiting from substance use programs. A recent study suggests that SMART Recovery, a cognitive-behavioral mutual help group for addictive behaviors, may be a valuable resource for LGBTQ individuals experiencing substance use–related problems. Mental health service providers can play a valuable role in supporting LGBTQ clients in participating in SMART Recovery by introducing them to the program, supporting them in overcoming barriers to successful engagement, and helping clients to apply SMART Recovery tools to salient situations to promote recall and utilization, and teaching additional cognitive-behavioral tools to promote effective emotion regulation and coping with minority stressors.