bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Memristor-Based Neural Network Design and Applications
Authors: Ye Longcheng , Gao Zhixuan , Fu Jinke , Ren Wang , Yang Cihui , Wen Jing , Wan Xiang , Ren Qingying , Gu Shipu , Liu Xiaoyan , Lian Xiaojuan , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

Conventional von Newmann-based computers face severe challenges in the processing and storage of the large quantities of data being generated in the current era of “big data.” One of the most promising solutions to this issue is the development of an artificial neural network (ANN) that can process and store data in a manner similar to that of the human brain. To extend the limits of Moore’s law, memristors, whose electrical and optical behaviors closely match the biological response of the human brain, have been implemented for ANNs in place of the traditional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) components. Based on their different operation modes, we classify the memristor family into electronic, photonic, and optoelectronic memristors, and review their respective physical principles and state-of-the-art technologies. Subsequently, we discuss the design strategies, performance superiorities, and technical drawbacks of various memristors in relation to ANN applications, as well as the updated versions of ANN, such as deep neutral networks (DNNs) and spike neural networks (SNNs). This paper concludes by envisioning the potential approaches for overcoming the physical limitations of memristor-based neural networks and the outlook of memristor applications on emerging neural networks.
Quantum Droplet in Lower Dimensions
Authors: Khan Ayan , Debnath Argha
Published: July 2022

The study of Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) in lower dimensions plays an important role in understanding the fundamentals of many-body physics as they can be treated theoretically with relative ease and can be verified experimentally. Recently, observation of a liquid-like state in a BEC mixture has been reported along with a theoretical prescription for its observation in the lower dimension. This observation is unique and has serious ramifications in our prevailing conception of the liquid state, which has a deep influence on the van der Waals theory. In explaining the self-bound nature of this state, quantum fluctuation and its fine balance with mean-field (MF) interaction turn out to be playing a key role. Though the experiments are performed predominantly in three dimensions, theoretical studies extend to the lower dimensions. In this brief review, we plan to summarize the recent theoretical advances in droplet research in the lower dimension and elaborate on the description of our contributions. We will mainly focus on analytical results related to this self-bound state in a one-dimension and quasi one-dimension environment. We aim to cover a few results from the family of cnoidal solutions to droplet solutions with smooth transitions between each other, finishing it by carrying a modest discussion on the supersolid phase.
Do Active Nematic Self-Mixing Dynamics Help Growing Bacterial Colonies to Maintain Local Genetic Diversity?
Authors: Schwarzendahl Fabian Jan , Beller Daniel A.
Published: July 2022

Recent studies have shown that packings of cells, both eukaryotic cellular tissues and growing or swarming bacterial colonies, can often be understood as active nematic fluids. A key property of volume-conserving active nematic model systems is chaotic self-mixing characterized by motile topological defects. However, for active nematics driven by growth rather than motility, less is understood about mixing and defect motion. Mixing could affect evolutionary outcomes in bacterial colonies by counteracting the tendency to spatially segregate into monoclonal sectors, which reduces the local genetic diversity and confines competition between subpopulations to the boundaries between neighboring sectors. To examine whether growth-driven active nematic physics could influence this genetic demixing process, we conduct agent-based simulations of growing, dividing, and sterically repelling rod-like bacteria of various aspect ratios, and we analyze colony morphology using tools from both soft matter physics and population genetics. We find that despite measurable defect self-propulsion in growth-driven active nematics, the radial expansion flow prevents chaotic mixing. Even so, at biologically relevant cell aspect ratios, self-mixing is more effective in growing active nematics of rod-like cells compared to growing isotropic colonies of round cells. This suggests potential evolutionary consequences associated with active nematic dynamics.
Materials on Plant Leaf Surfaces Are Deliquescent in a Variety of Environments
Authors: Tredenick E. C. , Stuart-Williams H. , Enge T. G.
Published: July 2022

Materials on plant leaf surfaces that attract water impact penetration of foliar-applied agrochemicals, foliar water uptake, gas exchange, and stomatal density. Few studies are available on the nature of these substances, and we quantify the hygroscopicity of these materials. Water vapor sorption experiments on twelve leaf washes of sample leaves were conducted and analyzed with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and X-ray diffraction. All leaf surface materials studied were hygroscopic. Oils were found on the surface of the Eucalyptus studied. For mangroves that excrete salt to the leaf surfaces, significant sorption occurred at high humidity of a total of 316 mg (~0.3 ml) over 6–10 leaves and fitted a Guggenheim, Anderson, and de Böer sorption isotherm. Materials on the plant leaf surface can deliquesce and form an aqueous solution in a variety of environments where plants grow, including glasshouses and by the ocean, which is an important factor when considering plant-atmosphere relations.
BrCPS1 Function in Leafy Head Formation Was Verified by Two Allelic Mutations in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Gao Yue , Qu Gaoyang , Huang Shengnan , Liu Zhiyong , Fu Wei , Zhang Meidi , Feng Hui
Published: July 2022

The formation of the leafy heads of Chinese cabbage is an important agricultural factor because it directly affects yield. In this study, we identified two allelic non-heading mutants, nhm4-1 and nhm4-2, from an ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenic population of a heading Chinese cabbage double haploid line “FT.” Using MutMap, Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR genotyping, and map-based cloning, we found that BraA09g001440.3C was the causal gene for the mutants. BraA09g001440.3C encodes an ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase 1 involved in gibberellin biosynthesis. A single non-synonymous SNP in the seventh and fourth exons of BraA09g001440.3C was responsible for the nhm4-1 and nhm4-2 mutant phenotypes, respectively. Compared with the wild-type “FT,” the gibberellin content in the mutant leaves was significantly reduced. Both mutants showed a tendency to form leafy heads after exogenous GA3 treatment. The two non-heading mutants and the work presented herein demonstrate that gibberellin is related to leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage.
Factorial Structure of the Parent-Reported Version of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits Among Belgian Children: A Theory-Based Model
Authors: Payot Morgane , Monseur Christian , Stievenart Marie
Published: July 2022

The factorial structure of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits (ICU) is still under debate in the current literature and the published models are predominantly based on the empirical results of the statistical analyses rather than on a strong theoretical background. Aimed at overcoming these limits, the current study examined a factorial structure initiated by a theoretical framework for the parent-version of the ICU, based on a community sample of Belgian children aged 3–9 (N = 437; M age = 5.59; 54.7% boys). Further, the current study investigated measurement invariance across age and gender, and the external validity of this structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that empirical factor models from the current literature demonstrated a relatively poor fit to the data. Alternative models were built based on theory, specifically criteria from the DSM-V specifier “with limited prosocial emotions.” CFA supported an 18-item second order model with three first order factors (Lack of conscience, Unconcern about performance, Lack of emotional expression), a second order latent factor (General dimension of CU traits) and a methodological factor encompassing negatively worded items. Results supported measurement invariance across child gender, and to a lesser extent across age. As expected, the general dimension correlated with measures of aggressive behavior, attention problems, internalizing behavior and empathy. The Lack of emotional expression subfactor showed a different pattern of associations in comparison to the two other subfactors. The implications of these findings are discussed, specifically in relation to the DSM-V LPE specifier.
Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes via an Anthropomorphic Conversational Agent: Development of an Evidence and Theory-Based Multi-Behavior Intervention
Authors: Pimenta Nuno , Félix Isa Brito , Monteiro Diogo , Marques Marta Moreira , Guerreiro Mara Pereira
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Anthropomorphic conversational agents (ACA) are a promising digital tool to support self-management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), albeit little explored. There is a dearth of literature on the detailed content of these interventions, which may limit effectiveness and replication. Our aim is to describe the development of an evidence and theory-based intervention to improve physical activity in older adults with T2D, subsumed in a multi-behavior intervention via a mobile application with an ACA.

Methods

Overall decisions on the multi-behavior intervention design, such as the use of standardized behavior change techniques (BCTTv1), guided the development of the physical activity component. Firstly, recommendations on ambulatory activity were used to select the target behavior (walking). Meta-research on effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) was then identified. One meta-analysis linked effective BCTs with the three basic psychological needs of the self-determination theory (SDT). This meta-analysis, taken together with additional evidence on SDT, led to the selection of this theory to inform the design. BCTs were extracted from meta-research; we selected the most appropriate to be operationalized via the conversational agent through multidisciplinary discussions. Rules governing the dialogue flow and BCTs tailoring, taking the form “if some conditions hold then execute some action,” were derived based on the Basic Psychological in Exercise Scale (competence, autonomy, and relatedness scores), in conjunction with published evidence and multidisciplinary discussions.

Results

Thirteen BCTs were implemented in the prototype via the ACA (e.g., goal setting behavior 1.1). Six if-then rules were derived and depicted in the dialogue steps through process flow diagrams, which map how the system functions. An example of a rule is “If competence score ≤ 10 then, apply BCT 1.1 with 500 steps increments as options for the daily walking goal; If competence score > 10 then, apply BCT 1.1 with 1,000 steps increments as options for the daily walking goal.”

Conclusion

Evidence and SDT were translated into a mobile application prototype using an ACA to promote physical activity in older adults with T2D. This approach, which includes 13 BCTs and six if-then rules for their tailoring, may leverage the efforts of others in developing similar interventions.
Interrogating the Construct of PRETCO-Oral: Longitudinal Evidence From Raters and Test-Takers
Authors: Yang Zhiqiang , Zeng Yongqiang , Li Zhifang , Lin Zhiqing
Published: July 2022

In speaking assessment, many factors such as characteristics of test-takers, test tasks, rating bias, etc. may affect the speaking performance of test-takers. Besides, the stability of raters' rating of a speaking test might pose a threat to its reliability, validity, and fairness, which calls for longitudinal construct validation of the speaking test. This study explores the construct validity of PRETCO-Oral through analysis of data retrieved from various sources, including longitudinal ratings of performances of test-takers across four occasions, and perceptions of the construct of PRETCO-Oral from both raters and test-takers. The results indicate that raters' ratings keep stable and the PRETCO-Oral assessment is equipped with longitudinal reliability; tasks of Interpretation and Presentation represent a large amount of variance of the construct, while those of Reading Aloud and Question and Answer seem to be construct-underrepresented, as evidenced via analyzing the data collected from perceptions of raters and test-takers upon the test construct. Finally, factors that threaten the construct representation are also discussed.
The Mediating and Moderating Roles of Life Skills and Cortisol in the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents With Childhood Household Dysfunction
Authors: Mao Ping , Peng Lianhua , Yuwen Weichao , Liu Dongdong , Yan Fang , Chen Yang , Long Yixiang , Hash Jonika
Published: July 2022

Background

Various studies show that sleep quality, life skills, and cortisol are associated with depressive symptoms, separately. However, the relationships between sleep quality, life skills, cortisol, and depressive symptoms remain unclear. Thus, this study aims to examine the mediating or moderating roles of life skills and cortisol in the relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed among 212 adolescents with childhood household dysfunction (CHD) from August to October 2020 in China. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Secondary School Student Life Skills Rating Scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to measure sleep quality, life skills, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Additionally, 65 participants provided blood samples to assess their blood cortisol levels. Analyses included correlations, regressions, and structural equation models. Bootstrapping was performed to examine the mediation effect. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the moderation effect.

Results

The results showed that sleep quality and life skills were significantly associated with depressive symptoms (p< 0.01). Life skills mediated the relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Cortisol moderated the relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Our findings support potential mediating and moderating roles of life skills and cortisol in the relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms, which suggests improving sleep quality, life skills are of great significance in the prevention and intervention of depression in adolescents with CHD, and disseminating knowledge about the high risk of developing increased depressive symptoms among adolescents with CHD with higher cortisol levels is indicated.
Combined Fainting and Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures as Significant Therapy Hurdles in Blood-Injury-Injection Phobia: A Mini-Review and Case Report
Authors: von Mücke-Heim Iven-Alex , Walter Isabelle , Nischwitz Sandra , Erhardt Angelika
Published: July 2022

Background

Anxiety disorders are the most frequent mental disorders. Among the different subtypes, specific phobias are the commonest. Due to the ongoing SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, blood-injury-injection phobia (BII) has gained wider attention in the context of large-scale vaccination campaigns and public health. In this BII phobia mini-review and case report, we describe the successful treatment of a severe BII phobia case with combined fainting and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and demonstrate the role of specialized outpatient care.

Case Report

The patient was a 28-year-old woman. She suffered from intense fear and recurrent fainting with regard to needles, injections, injuries, and at the sight of blood since early childhood. Medical history revealed infrequent events suggestive of PNES following panic attacks after sustained exposure to phobic stimuli. Family history was positive for circulation problems and BII fears. Psychopathological evaluation confirmed BII phobia symptoms and diagnosis was made according to the DSM-5. The Multidimensional Blood/Injury Phobia Inventory short version (MBPI-K) revealed severe manifestation of the disease. Neurological examination was ordinary. Repeated electroencephalography detected no epileptic pattern. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed normal morphology. Treatment was carried out by a seasoned, multidisciplinary team. Cognitive behavior therapy and exposure were performed. Modification of standard treatment protocol was necessary due to hurdles posed by recurrent fainting and a severe panic-triggered dissociative PNES during in vivo exposure. Modification was implemented by limiting in vivo exposure intensity to moderate anxiety levels. In addition to applied muscle tension and ventilation techniques, increased psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and distress tolerance skills (e.g., ice pack, verbal self-instructions) were used to strengthen the patient's situational control during in vivo exposure. A total of 15 sessions were performed. Therapy success was proven by 83% reduction in MBPI-K rating, SARS-CoV-19 vaccination, and a blood draw without psychological assistance, fainting, or seizure.

Conclusion

Taken together, this case demonstrates the potential of and need for specialized outpatient care and individualized treatment for severe BII phobia patients in order to provide them the perspective to have necessary medical procedures done and get vaccinated.
Resting-State Brain Variability in Youth With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Hong Soon-Beom , Hwang Seungsik
Published: July 2022

In this study, we sought to determine the nature of the abnormality in resting-state default mode network (DMN) activation and explore its correlation with functional connectivity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We obtained resting-state functional magnetic resonance images of youth with ADHD and typically developing counterparts from the publicly available ADHD-200 database. We used data from Peking University (232 scans) and New York University (172 scans); the scan repetition time was 2 s for both data collection sites. We applied generalized estimating equations to estimate the variability of the averaged blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) time series extracted from the DMN at rest. We performed network-based statistics to determine the association between the observed differences in BOLD signal variability and altered functional connectivity. We analyzed data from 105 youth with ADHD (age: mean 12.17, standard deviation 2.31, median 12.25; 15.2% female, 84.8% male) and 140 typically developing youth (age: mean 11.99, standard deviation 2.28, median 11.85; 47.1% female, 52.9% male), who aged 7–17 years. The imaging data were cross-sectionally collected for each participant at one time point. We observed a greater number of significant BOLD signal changes and higher-order polynomial significant associations in youth with ADHD. Moreover, there were significant between-group differences in BOLD signal change after the first 140 s, which coincided with decreased resting-state functional connectivity within the DMN in youth with ADHD. Increased variability of neural signaling was intermittently observed in the brains of youth with ADHD at rest, thereby indicating their default mode state was more unstable than that of typically developing youth.
A Standard Protocol for the Clinical Management of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Implications for the Suicide Prevention Narrative
Authors: David Rudd M. , Bryan Craig J. , Jobes David A. , Feuerstein Seth , Conley David
Published: July 2022

The last several decades have witnessed growing and converging evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) that an identifiable set of simple clinical management strategies are effective for those at risk for suicidal thinking and/or suicide attempts. The current article offers a brief review of clinical strategies supported by RCT’s targeting suicidality as “commonalities of treatments that work” and related recommendations for use in the delivery of care for suicidal individuals in generic fashion, regardless of any particular treatment, theoretical orientation, or intervention perspective. The article includes eight recommendations that can be easily adapted across the full range of clinical contexts, institutional settings, and delivery systems, recommendations that help frame a broader clinical narrative for suicide prevention. Recommendations cut across five identifiable domains or clinical strategies for the delivery of care: (1) informed consent discussion that identifies risks of opting out of care and emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility and a collaborative process, (2) an explanatory model that emphasizes the importance of individual self-management skills and targeting the causes of suicide rather than describing suicidality as a function of mental illness, (3) the importance of proactively identifying barriers to care and engaging in targeted problem-solving to facilitate treatment adherence, (4) a proactive and specific plan for management of future suicidal episodes, and (5) reinforcing the importance of taking steps to safeguard lethal means and facilitate safe storage of firearms.
Conflict of Interests in the Scientific Production on Vitamin D and COVID-19: A Scoping Review
Authors: Passini Carolina Saggioro Meissonier , Cavalcanti Maria Birman , Ribas Simone Augusta , de Carvalho Camila Maranha Paes , Bocca Cláudia , Lamarca Fernando
Published: July 2022

The use of scientific evidence to support the process of formulating and implementing public policies might be biased by studies funded by the pharmaceutical and food industry, which more often than not meet corporate interests. This review aimed to analyze the occurrence of conflict of interest (COI) in academic production regarding vitamin D and COVID-19, considering the facility offered during the pandemic for academic publications of heterogeneous quality. A scoping review of observational studies published in Medline, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases was carried out. The selected studies were published between December 2019 and August 2021, focused on the relationship between vitamin D and prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in non-institutionalized individuals, with no language restrictions. Twenty-nine studies met eligibility criteria. COI was disclosed in five papers and further identified by review authors in eight other papers, meaning COI was present in thirteen papers (44.8%). Studies were funded by companies in the diagnostics, pharmaceutical and food sectors. Conclusions favorable to vitamin D supplementation were more prevalent in papers where COI was identified (9/13, 69.2%) than among papers where COI was not found (4/16, 25.0%). Omissions of disclosure of COI, funding source, and sponsor functions were observed. The identification of possible corporate political activities in scientific papers about vitamin D published during the COVID-19 pandemic signals a need for greater transparency and guideline development on the prevention of COI in scientific production.
Clinical and Pulmonary CT Characteristics of Patients Infected With the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Compared With Those of Patients Infected With the Alpha Viral Strain
Authors: Yang Naibin , Wang Chuwen , Huang Jiajia , Dong Jing , Ye Jihui , Fu Yuan , Huang Jingfeng , Xu Daojie , Cao Gang , Qian Guoqing
Published: July 2022

Background

Omicron has become the dominant variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) globally. We aimed to compare the clinical and pulmonary computed tomography (CT) characteristics of the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron with those of patients infected with the Alpha viral strain.

Methods

Clinical profiles and pulmonary CT images of 420 patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) at Ningbo First Hospital between January 2020 and April 2022 were collected. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, and imaging manifestations of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant were compared with those of patients infected with the Alpha strain.

Results

A total of 38 patients were diagnosed to be infected with the Alpha strain of SARS-CoV-2, whereas 382 patients were thought to be infected with the Omicron variant. Compared with patients infected with the Alpha strain, those infected with the Omicron variant were younger, and a higher proportion of men were infected (P < 0.001). Notably, 93 (24.3%) of the patients infected with Omicron were asymptomatic, whereas only two (5.3%) of the patients infected with the Alpha strain were asymptomatic. Fever (65.8%), cough (63.2%), shortness of breath (21.1%), and diarrhea (21.1%) were more common in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha strain, while runny nose (24.1%), sore throat (31.9%), body aches (13.6%), and headache (12.3%) were more common in patients with the Omicron variant. Compared with 33 (86.84%) of 38 patients infected with the Alpha strain, who had viral pneumonia on pulmonary CT images, only 5 (1.3%) of 382 patients infected with the Omicron variant had mild foci. In addition, the distribution of opacities in the five patients was unilateral and centrilobular, whereas most patients infected with the Alpha strain had bilateral involvement and multiple lesions in the peripheral zones of the lung.

Conclusion

The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha strain mainly affects the lungs, while Omicron is confined to the upper respiratory tract in patients with COVID-19.
Understanding Robustness and Generalization of Artificial Neural Networks Through Fourier Masks
Authors: Karantzas Nikos , Besier Emma , Ortega Caro Josue , Pitkow Xaq , Tolias Andreas S. , Patel Ankit B. , Anselmi Fabio
Published: July 2022

Despite the enormous success of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in many disciplines, the characterization of their computations and the origin of key properties such as generalization and robustness remain open questions. Recent literature suggests that robust networks with good generalization properties tend to be biased toward processing low frequencies in images. To explore the frequency bias hypothesis further, we develop an algorithm that allows us to learn modulatory masks highlighting the essential input frequencies needed for preserving a trained network's performance. We achieve this by imposing invariance in the loss with respect to such modulations in the input frequencies. We first use our method to test the low-frequency preference hypothesis of adversarially trained or data-augmented networks. Our results suggest that adversarially robust networks indeed exhibit a low-frequency bias but we find this bias is also dependent on directions in frequency space. However, this is not necessarily true for other types of data augmentation. Our results also indicate that the essential frequencies in question are effectively the ones used to achieve generalization in the first place. Surprisingly, images seen through these modulatory masks are not recognizable and resemble texture-like patterns.
Association of Mesoscale Auroral Structures and Breakups With Energetic Particle Injections at Geosynchronous Orbit
Authors: Henderson M. G.
Published: July 2022

Geomagnetic substorms are associated with characteristic energetic particle injection signatures at geosynchronous orbit that are often dispersionless in both electrons and ions near the magnetic local time sector of auroral onset locations and are dispersed farther away from this region. Although the precise mechanism responsible for the coherent injection signatures at geosynchronous orbit have been the topic on considerable ongoing debate for decades, recent work on bursty bulk flows (BBFs) in the tail have led to the hypothesis that they may be the result of multiple, overlapping flow bursts penetrating into the inner magnetosphere from more distant downtail reconnection sites. Since auroral streamers are thought to be ionospheric signatures of BBFs in the tail, they can be used as proxies for testing this hypothesis. Using high resolution auroral imagery from the POLAR/VIS instrument combined with multi-spacecraft observations of energetic particle injections at geosynchronous orbit, we examine the association of mesoscale auroral structures with particle injection signatures over many hours during the 9 November 1998 storm. We find that the explosive types of auroral activations, such as pseudo-breakups and substorm onset breakups, are associated with the more intense and well-defined dispersed injection signatures, while intervals of isolated streamer activity appear to be associated with smaller dispersed “injectionlet” signatures. Furthermore, intervals of sustained, intense, and late expansion phase/recovery phase streamer activity appear to be associated with sustained elevated dispersed particle fluxes. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that it is the overlapping effects of sustained, intense multiple flow bursts penetrating toward the Earth that result in classical substorm particle injection signatures at geosynchronous orbit. However, it is also suggested that torches/omega-band tongues are the prime fate of braking isolated flow bursts (streamers) rather than the development of breakups, bulges, and substorm current wedge formation. A statistical analysis is presented showing that 93% of the observed torches evolved from streamers, 93% of streamers arriving in the equatorward regions of the bulge led to torches, 10.5% of such streamers led to breakups (either pseudo-breakups or substorm onsets), and only 3.5% of such streamers led to substorm onsets.
Exploring Moderators of the Effect of High vs. Low-to-Moderate Intensity Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness During Breast Cancer Treatment – Analyses of a Subsample From the Phys-Can RCT
Authors: Bjørke Ann Christin Helgesen , Buffart Laurien M. , Raastad Truls , Demmelmaier Ingrid , Stenling Andreas , Nordin Karin , Berntsen Sveinung
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The results from the physical training and cancer randomized controlled trial (Phys-Can RCT) indicate that high intensity (HI) strength and endurance training during (neo-)adjuvant cancer treatment is more beneficial for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, measured as peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak]) than low-to-moderate intensity (LMI) exercise. Adherence to the exercise intervention and demographic or clinical characteristics of patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant treatment may moderate the exercise intervention effect on VO2peak. In this study, the objective was to investigate whether baseline values of VO2peak, body mass index (BMI), time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), physical fatigue, age, chemotherapy treatment, and the adherence to the endurance training moderated the effect of HI vs. LMI exercise on VO2peak.

Materials and Methods

We used data collected from a subsample from the Phys-Can RCT; women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and had a valid baseline and post-intervention VO2peak test were included (n = 255). The exercise interventions from the RCT included strength and endurance training at either LMI, which was continuous endurance training at 40–50% of heart rate reserve (HRR), or at HI, which was interval training at 80–90% of HRR, with similar exercise volume in the two groups. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate moderating effects using a significance level of p < 0.10. Statistically significant interactions were examined further using the Johnson–Neyman (J-N) technique and regions of significance (for continuous variables) or box plots with adjusted means of post-intervention VO2peak (for binary variables).

Results

Age, as a continuous variable, and adherence, dichotomized into < or > 58% based on median, moderated the effect of HI vs. LMI on CRF (B = −0.08, 95% CI [−0.16, 0.01], pinteraction = 0.06, and B = 1.63, 95% CI [−0.12, 3.38], pinteraction = 0.07, respectively). The J-N technique and regions of significance indicated that the intervention effect (HI vs. LMI) was positive and statistically significant in participants aged 61 years or older. Baseline measurement of CRF, MVPA, BMI, physical fatigue, and chemotherapy treatment did not significantly moderate the intervention effect on CRF.

Conclusion

Women with breast cancer who are older and who have higher adherence to the exercise regimen may have larger effects of HI exercise during (neo-)adjuvant cancer treatment on CRF.
Mid and long-term overall survival after carcinologic resections of thyroid cancer bone metastases
Authors: Fragnaud Henri , Mattei Jean-Camille , Le Nail Louis-Romée , Nguyễn Mỹ-Vân , Schubert Thomas , Griffin Anthony , Wunder Jay , Biau David , Gouin François , Bonnevialle Paul , Vaz Gualter , Ropars Mickael , Crenn Vincent
Published: July 2022

Background

Bone metastases in thyroid cancer impair the patient's quality of life and prognosis. Interestingly, wide margins resection as the surgical treatment of bone metastases might improve the overall survival (OS). Nonetheless, data are lacking regarding the potential benefits of this strategy.

Methods

In order to assess the OS of patients with thyroid cancer after a bone metastases carcinologic resection, a retrospective multicentric study was performed, evaluating the 1, 5, 10 and 15 years-OS along with the potential prognosis associated factors.

Results

40 patients have been included in this multicentric study, with a mean follow-up after surgery of 46.6 ± 58 months. We observed 25 (62.5%) unimestastatic patients and 15 multimetastatic patients (37.5%). The median overall survival after resection was 48 ± 57.3 months. OS at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was respectively 76.2%, 63.6%, 63.6%, and 31.8%. Survival for patients with a single bone metastasis at 15 year was 82.3%, compared with 0.0% (Log Rank, p = 0.022) for multi-metastatic bone patients.

Conclusions

This study advocates for an increased long term 10-year OS in patients with thyroid cancer, after resection of a single bone metastasis, suggesting the benefits of this strategy in this population.
Evaluation of Osseointegration and Bone Healing Using Pure-Phase β - TCP Ceramic Implant in Bone Critical Defects. A Systematic Review
Authors: Garcia Daniel Cardoso , Mingrone Larissa Eckmann , Sá Marcelo Jorge Cavalcanti de
Published: July 2022

Background

The gold standard for osseointegration remains the autogenous bone graft, but biomaterials such as Beta - tricalcium phosphate (β - TCP) in its pure-phase showed promising results to be practical bone substitutes. This kind of implants are optimal candidates for bone integration due to their osseoconductive, biocompatibility, bioactivity, and absorptive properties.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using 5 databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scielo, Medline-Bireme and Google Scholar) for searching published studies between January 1st 2011 and June 15th 2021. Only clinical and experimental studies, and case reports were included in this research. Human and animal studies published only in Portuguese or English with clinical, radiologic, and histologic evidence of new bone formation, osseoconduction, and osseointegration were included. This systematic review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Approximately 14.554 articles were initially found, but after advanced searching using specific including and excluding keywords, matching Boolean operators “AND,” “OR” and “NOT,” and after excluding duplicates, a total of 12 articles were included for this systematic review, including experimental works, a retrospective study, a randomized controlled clinical study, a randomized prospective study, a prospective observational study, and a case report. All articles showed 100% effectiveness in bone integration after β - TCP implantation by clinical, image and/or histologic assessment. Implant shape and porosity seem to have influence in osseointegration process. β - TCP can give predictable, sustainable, and adequate new bone formation with the least infection rates in implant placement cases and patient morbidity, which is the current goals for bone integration, augmentation and replacement.

Conclusion

β - TCP in its pure-phase is widely used in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, but there is a lack of information about the use of this biomaterial for filling critical segmental defects of long bones in veterinary medicine. In this area, only experimental studies in small defects were carried out, with no clinical cases performed in animals with a longer observation time. β - TCP can produce predictable, sustainable, and adequate bone formation, with minimal infection rates and low patient morbidity. But more clinical studies in the future, demonstrating specific metric measurements in relation to bone consolidation, as well as showing results using other shapes of this implant are needed to evaluate further in depth osseoconductive and osseointegrative characteristics of this biomaterial, in order to develop new comparisons and quantitative analyses for its use in veterinary medicine as a bone replacement.
Influence of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Intramuscular Supplementation on Kinematic and Morphometric Sperm Parameters of Boar Ejaculates
Authors: Calderón-Calderón Josué , Sevilla Francisco , Roldan Eduardo R. S. , Barquero Vinicio , Valverde Anthony
Published: July 2022

Ejaculate quality can be regarded as multifactorial, with nutrition being a factor that could directly influence sperm parameters. The present study aimed to evaluate seminal quality associated with seasonal fat-soluble vitamin supplementation of boars. Seven sexually mature boars were randomly allotted to one of the three groups, and fed one of the three supplementary diets for 32 weeks: (1) control treatment (COD), without supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins, (2) treatment containing 100% fat-soluble vitamin supplementation administered intramuscularly, which was based on fat soluble vitamin supplementation (A, D3, E) (FVD1), and (3) treatment containing 50% of fat-soluble vitamin supplementation (FVD12). Semen was collected at 7-day intervals. Semen samples were analyzed to assess several sperm parameters using the Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) ISAS®v1 system. Results showed that groups receiving FVD1 and FVD12supplementation had an increased semen volume. The percentages of motile and progressively motile sperm were increased by FVD1 treatment. A statistically significant interaction between treatment and season was found in the percentage of motility and progressive motility (p< 0.05). Sperm concentrations showed significant differences (p< 0.05) between treatments. Velocity variables (VSL, VCL, and VAP) were higher (p< 0.05) in boars that received fat-soluble vitamin supplementation in comparison to controls receiving no supplementation. The FVD1 treatment presented spermatozoa with greater head size and more elongated heads (p< 0.05). Overall, the utilization of dietary fat-soluble vitamin supplementation significantly improved the semen quality of boar ejaculates. This highlights the importance of fat-soluble vitamin supplementation in sexually active boars.
Color M-Mode Echocardiography for Non-Invasive Assessment of the Intraventricular Pressure in Dogs Before and After Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hirose Miki , Mandour Ahmed S. , Goya Seijirow , Hamabe Lina , Matsuura Katsuhiro , Yoshida Tomohiko , Watanabe Momoko , Shimada Kazumi , Uemura Akiko , Takahashi Ken , Tanaka Ryou
Published: July 2022

Background

Novel non-invasive evaluation of the intraventricular pressure differences and gradients (IVPD and IVPG) by color M-mode echocardiography (CMME) is a promising method in diastolic function evaluation. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect which is associated with increased preload. The present work provides a clinical trial for the assessment of IVPD and IVPG changes in dogs before and after surgical occlusion of PDA.

Materials and Methods

A total of 12 client-owned dogs were enrolled in this study. PDA was confirmed using echocardiography, and all dogs underwent PDA occlusion. Conventional echocardiography and CMME were conducted on each patient on the operation day (Pre-PDA) and 48 h after its occlusion (Post-PDA). The total IVPD and total IVPG, as well as segmental intraventricular pressure (basal, mid-to-apical, mid, and apical) were measured from Euler's equation using specific software (MATLAB). Data were analyzed for variability and for the difference between pre- and post-PDA. The effect of PDA occlusion on the measured variables was calculated using biserial ranked correlation (rc).

Results

There was a significant reduction in end-diastolic volume, fraction shortening, stroke volume, and mitral inflow velocities (early and late) after PDA closure. CMME was feasible in all dogs, and the CMME indices showed moderate variability, except for the apical segment of IVPD and IVPG. After PDA closure, in comparison with the pre-PDA occlusion, there was a significant reduction in total IVPD (2.285 ± 0.374 vs. 1.748 ± 0.436 mmHg; P = 0.014), basal IVPD (1.177 ± 0.538 vs. 0.696 ± 0.144 mmHg; P = 0.012), total IVPG (1.141 ± 0.246 vs. 0.933 ± 0.208 mmHg; P = 0.032), and basal IVPG (0.578 ± 0.199 vs. 0.377 ± 0.113 mmHg; P = 0.001); meanwhile, mid, mid-to-apical, and apical segments of both IVPD and IVPG showed non-significant difference. The magnitude of PDA occlusion on the measured variables was clinically relevant and associated with a large effect size on total and basal IVPD and IVPG (rc > 0.6).

Conclusion

The current clinical study revealed matched response of IVPD and IVPG to the reduced preload rather than left ventricular relaxation. This result is an initial step in the clinical utility of CMME-derived IVPD and IVPG measurements in the diastolic function evaluation in dogs with PDA that warrants further clinical studies.
Fractional Order PID Control Based on Ball Screw Energy Regenerative Active Suspension
Authors: Zhang Jingming , Liu Jiang , Liu Bilong , Li Min
Published: July 2022

A ball screw type energy regenerative active suspension under fractional order PID control is proposed and studied in order to improve the vibration damping performance of the suspension. A mathematical model of the energy regenerative actuator is established, the energy recovery power at different frequencies is measured through experiments, and then the electromagnetic torque constant, representing the proportional relationship between the output torque and current of the motor, is calculated according to the experimental results. A mathematical model of the control circuit is established and the feasibility and the superiority of the fractional order PID control are verified by simulation and experiments. To achieve a better damping effect, the fractional order PID controller of the whole vehicle suspension system is parameterized using the Beetle Antenna Search (BAS) algorithm. The results showed that the mean energy recovery power of the actuator was about 3.5091 W at a vibration frequency of 11/6 Hz, and the electromagnetic torque constant of the motor was about 0.2885. The actuator control circuit was feasible, and the root mean square value of current deviation under fractional order PID control was 1.1158 mA, which was optimized by 9.40%, compared to the PID control. The BAS algorithm effectively realized the parameter tuning of the controller, and both the tuned PID and fractional order PID controllers, achieved optimization of suspension damping performance. The optimal value of the damping performance objective function under fractional order PID control was 0.3270, which was optimized by 62.93%, compared to the PID control. In addition, all suspension performance indices under fractional order PID control were optimized to a certain extent, compared with the PID control.
Analysis of Bilateral Air Services Agreement Liberalization in Australia
Authors: Heiets Iryna , Yeun Richard C.K. , Verhagen Wim J.C. , La Jiezhuoma
Published: July 2022

This paper examines an assessment of the level of air transport services liberalization in Australia in order to generate recommendations on what key market access features of Air Services Agreements should be revised to reflect the changes in air transport characteristics, including the increase in air cargo traffic during the COVID-19 period. The different variants of the key market access features of ASA, levels of air transport liberalization and the extent of air transport service liberalization between Australia and 104 partner countries were analysed using descriptive study, comparison analysis and the ALI index. The ALI index is calculated for four different weighting schemes. Passenger capacity in 41 bilateral agreements contain restrictions of frequency, capacity and aircraft type. The analysis of cooperative arrangements indicated that Australia has a single aviation market only with New Zealand. The cargo capacity analysis identified different types of capacity restrictions based on weekly cargo service, volume, destinations, designated airline and aircraft types. In conclusion, cargo capacity analysis illustrates that the level of liberalization is high, but the air services agreements between Australia and other countries in the first and second cargo capacity groups should be revised to reflect the increase in air cargo traffic during COVID-19.
High-Order CFD Solvers on Three-Dimensional Unstructured Meshes: Parallel Implementation of RKDG Method with WENO Limiter and Momentum Sources
Authors: Pei Weicheng , Jiang Yuyan , Li Shu
Published: July 2022

In aerospace engineering, high-order computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers suitable for three-dimensional unstructured meshes are less developed than expected. The Runge–Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) finite element method with compact weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) limiters is one of the candidates, which might give high-order solutions on unstructured meshes. In this article, we provide an efficient parallel implementation of this method for simulating inviscid compressible flows. The implemented solvers are tested on lower-dimensional model problems and real three-dimensional engineering problems. Results of lower-dimensional problems validate the correctness and accuracy of these solvers. The capability of capturing complex flow structures even on coarse meshes is shown in the results of three-dimensional applications. For solving problems containing rotary wings, an unsteady momentum source model is incorporated into the solvers. Such a finite element/momentum source hybrid method eliminates the reliance on advanced mesh techniques, which might provide an efficient tool for studying rotorcraft aerodynamics.