bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can China change the Arctic regime?
Authors: Kobzeva Mariia , Todorov Andrey
Published: October 2023

China’s role in the Arctic regime remains a debatable topic in the expert discourse on the High North. Currently, in view of the aggravated conflicts in other regions that include Russia as the largest Arctic state, and China as its strategic partner, the Arctic regimes are experiencing salient disturbances. Against this backdrop, an understanding of China’s opportunities to affect Arctic affairs is urgently needed. We address this issue by combining political and legal analyses. We used the regime theory approach to outline the Arctic regime complex (ARC), and through this lens, we discuss the recent changes that are being observed. Based on this, we determine China’s actual potential for making amendments to the ARC. We conclude that China has no capacity to make a crucial shift in the ARC, but it is still able to alter particular rules, like those related to Arctic Ocean management and scientific cooperation. The further efficient operation of the Arctic Council will play a decisive role in envisaging China’s behaviour in the region.
Revisiting frequencies of phonological sound classes in speech input: Change over time in child-directed speech
Authors: LEE Sue Ann S. , LEE Jaehoon , DAVIS Barbara L.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the current study was to revisit a controversial topic: whether frequencies of phonological consonant and vowel classes differ in speech directed to children and to adults. In addition, the current study investigated whether the frequency of phonological consonant and vowel classes changes with children’s increasing chronological and/or developmental age. This study analyzed speech input from 44 adults to four different age groups of listeners (i.e., three groups of children at 6, 18, and 36 months of age and one group of adult listeners) in terms of frequency of occurrence of consonant and vowel classes. Results revealed that consonant stop, nasal, fricative and glide manner classes as well as all four consonant place classes were significantly different in speech directed to the four different age groups. A perspective is discussed to better understand the nature of frequency input of phonological sound classes.
Subject and Family Perspectives from the Central Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation Trial for Traumatic Brain Injury: Part II
Authors: Fins Joseph J. , Wright Megan S. , Shulman Kaiulani S. , Henderson Jaimie M. , Schiff Nicholas D.
Published: October 2023

This is the second paper in a two-part series describing subject and family perspectives from the CENTURY-S (CENtral Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain InjURY-Safety) first-in-human invasive neurological device trial to achieve cognitive restoration in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). To participate, subjects were independently assessed to formally establish decision-making capacity to provide voluntary informed consent. Here, we report on post-operative interviews conducted after a successful trial of thalamic stimulation. All five msTBI subjects met a pre-selected primary endpoint of at least a 10% improvement in completion time on Trail-Making-Test Part B, a marker of executive function. We describe narrative responses of subjects and family members, refracted against that success. Interviews following surgery and the stimulation trial revealed the challenge of adaptation to improvements in cognitive function and emotional regulation as well as altered (and restored) relationships and family dynamics. These improvements exposed barriers to social reintegration made relevant by recoveries once thought inconceivable. The study’s success sparked concerns about post-trial access to implanted devices, financing of device maintenance, battery replacement, and on-going care. Most subjects and families identified the need for supportive counseling to adapt to the new trajectory of their lives.
Natural history of cardiac findings in mucopolysaccharidosis type I: report from an international registry
Authors: Braunlin Elizabeth , Bay Luisa , Guffon Nathalie , Yang Meng , Pangaud Nicolas , Clarke Lorne A.
Published: October 2023

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I is an inborn error of glycosaminoglycan catabolism with phenotypes ranging from severe (Hurler syndrome) to attenuated (Hurler–Scheie and Scheie syndromes). Cardiovascular involvement is common and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the prevalence and natural history of cardiac abnormalities in treatment-naïve individuals enrolled in the international Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I Registry. Interrogation of echocardiography data (presence of cardiac valve regurgitation and/or stenosis; measurements of left ventricular chamber dimensions in diastole and systole, diastolic left ventricular posterior wall and interventricular septal thicknesses and ventricular systolic function (shortening fraction)) showed that mitral regurgitation was the most common and earliest finding for individuals with both severe (58.3%, median age 1.2 years) and attenuated (74.2%, median age 8.0 years) disease. Left-sided valve stenosis was also common in individuals with attenuated disease (mitral 30.3%; aortic 25%). Abnormal ventricular wall and septal thickness (Z-scores ≥2) were observed early in both phenotypes. Z-scores for diastolic left ventricular posterior wall and interventricular septal thicknesses increased with age in the severe phenotype (annualised slopes of 0.2777 [p = 0.037] and 0.3831 [p = 0.001], respectively); a similar correlation was not observed in the attenuated phenotype (annualised slopes of −0.0401 [p = 0.069] and −0.0029 [p = 0.875], respectively). Decreased cardiac ventricular systolic function (defined as shortening fraction <28%) was uncommon but, when noted, was more frequent in infants with the severe phenotype. While cardiac abnormalities occur early in both severe and attenuated mucopolysaccharidosis type I, the pattern of valve dysfunction and progression of ventricular abnormalities vary by phenotype.
Low pre-albumin but not thiamine predicts cognitive deficits in adolescents post-Fontan and healthy controls
Authors: Pike Nancy A. , Avedissian Tamar , Halnon Nancy H. , Lewis Alan B. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: October 2023

Background:

Low pre-albumin, body mass index, and thiamine levels have been associated with poor nutritional status and cognitive/memory deficits in adult heart failure patients. However, the relationship of these nutritional/dietary intake biomarkers to cognition has not been assessed in adolescents post-Fontan procedure and healthy controls.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study. Adolescents (14–21 years of age) post-Fontan completion were recruited from paediatric cardiology clinics and controls from the community. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was administered (normal ≥ 26), and blood draw (thiamine [normal 70–110 nmol/L] and pre-albumin levels [adolescent normal 23–45 mg/dL]) and the Thiamine Food Frequency Questionnaire were completed by all participants.

Results:

Seventy subjects, 40 post-Fontan (mean age 16 ± 1.6, female 51%, Hispanic 44%, hypoplastic left heart syndrome 26%) and 30 controls (mean age 16.8 ± 1.9, female 52%, Hispanic 66%), were participated. Post-Fontan group had lower median total cognitive scores (23 versus 29, p < 0.001), pre-albumin levels (23 versus 27, p = 0.013), and body mass index (20 versus 24, p = 0.027) than controls. Post-Fontan group had higher thiamine levels than controls (127 versus 103, p = 0.033). Lower pre-albumin levels (< 23) and underweight body mass index were associated with abnormal total cognitive scores (p = 0.030). Low pre-albumin level (p = .038) was an independent predictor of worse cognition.

Conclusion:

Lower pre-albumin was an independent predictor for worse cognition in adolescents post-Fontan. Lower pre-albumin levels may reflect chronic liver changes or protein-losing enteropathy seen in Fontan physiology. These findings highlight the possibility for nutrition-induced cognitive changes.
Articulation in ‘Image Event’: The Media Discourse from the Perspective of Post-Marxism
Authors: Wang Lihui
Published: October 2023

Media discourse is the main ideographic system in the world today. Post-Marxist discourse theory, represented by Laclau and Mouffe, argues that media discourse no longer merely conveys information but, more importantly, it has a powerful constructive and representational power over reality. Post-Marxist discourse theory has been gradually applied to social science research, and has also been further developed in the field of communication studies. ‘Articulation’ is a very significant rhetorical practice in the discursive generation mechanism of image events. The basic idea of articulation is to discover and activate the relationship between things and specific discourses. Many of the image events are disseminated through the deliberate appropriation of a series of established discourses, discovering a hidden interface between the topic and the established discourse, which not only enables the production and recreation of a new discourse, but also gives the event a legitimate discursive underpinning. This article aims to provide a post-Marxist analysis of the media discourse interface that exists in the image event in order to broaden theoretical and methodological horizons and create new perspectives for the study of media discourse.
The Entrepreneurial Welfare Mix: The Case of Community-Based Old Age Services in China
Authors: Fang Lijie , Li Bingqin
Published: October 2023

Developing an old-age service system that can meet the fast-growing needs of the aging population is challenging. It is increasingly recognised that community-level services should be pivotal in providing services to older people. In this article, the authors use the Chinese experience and argue that because the state is not clear how such a system should look like, all actors behave like entrepreneurs who strategise, take risks and search for a viable “business model”. The research draws upon in-depth interviews and focus groups in six cities in China collected in 2015-2016 and follow-up interviews in one community in three cities in 2021. The findings show that the service system has evolved into a dynamic entrepreneurial welfare mix that actively embraces the market. This research contributes to the theoretical development of the welfare mix. The authors also raised possible issues with such a direction of change in the conclusion.
Confronting Racism of Omission
Authors: Mijs Jonathan J. B. , Herrera Huang Anna Dominique (Nikki) , Regan William
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement have brought ethnic and racial inequalities to the forefront of public conversation on both sides of the Atlantic. However, research shows that people routinely overestimate the progress made towards equality and underestimate disparities between racial and ethnic majority and minority groups. Common among the American public is a naive belief in equal opportunity that stands in sharp contrast to the reality of structural racial inequity. Across the Atlantic, Dutch people’s self-perception of a tolerant, progressive, and egalitarian society means that racism and discrimination are topics often avoided, rendering invisible the stigmatization of ethnic and racial minorities. The result is racism of omission: ethnic and racial disparities are minimized and attributed to factors other than discrimination, which leads to legitimize inequities and justify non-intervention. Against this background, we field an internationally comparative randomized survey experiment to study whether (willful) ignorance about racial and ethnic inequality can be addressed through the provision of information. We find that facts about ethnic and racial inequality, on the whole, (1) have the greatest impact on people’s perceptions of inequality as compared to their explanations of inequality and policy attitudes, (2) register most strongly with majority-group White participants as compared to participants from minority groups, (3) cut across partisan lines, and (4) effect belief change most consistently in the Netherlands, as compared to the United States. We make sense of these findings through the lens of how ‘shocking’ the information provided was to different groups of participants.
AN ALGEBRAIC PROOF OF COMPLETENESS FOR MONADIC FUZZY PREDICATE LOGIC
Authors: WANG JUNTAO , WU HONGWEI , HE PENGFEI , SHE YANHONG
Published: October 2023

Monoidal t-norm based logic

$\mathbf {MTL}$

is the weakest t-norm based residuated fuzzy logic, which is a

$[0,1]$

-valued propositional logical system having a t-norm and its residuum as truth function for conjunction and implication. Monadic fuzzy predicate logic

$\mathbf {mMTL\forall }$

that consists of the formulas with unary predicates and just one object variable, is the monadic fragment of fuzzy predicate logic

$\mathbf {MTL\forall }$

, which is indeed the predicate version of monoidal t-norm based logic

$\mathbf {MTL}$

. The main aim of this paper is to give an algebraic proof of the completeness theorem for monadic fuzzy predicate logic

$\mathbf {mMTL\forall }$

and some of its axiomatic extensions. Firstly, we survey the axiomatic system of monadic algebras for t-norm based residuated fuzzy logic and amend some of them, thus showing that the relationships for these monadic algebras completely inherit those for corresponding algebras. Subsequently, using the equivalence between monadic fuzzy predicate logic

$\mathbf {mMTL\forall }$

and S5-like fuzzy modal logic

$\mathbf {S5(MTL)}$

, we prove that the variety of monadic MTL-algebras is actually the equivalent algebraic semantics of the logic

$\mathbf {mMTL\forall }$

, giving an algebraic proof of the completeness theorem for this logic via functional monadic MTL-algebras. Finally, we further obtain the completeness theorem of some axiomatic extensions for the logic

$\mathbf {mMTL\forall }$

, and thus give a major application, namely, proving the strong completeness theorem for monadic fuzzy predicate logic based on involutive monoidal t-norm logic

$\mathbf {mIMTL\forall }$

via functional representation of finitely subdirectly irreducible monadic IMTL-algebras.
Machine Learning Provides a Clearer Window into Ocean Motion
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: October 2023

A new method could translate satellite information about sea surface heights into insights on current, heat flow, and—ultimately—climate change.
A Model for Mid‐Holocene—Present U.S. Mid‐Atlantic Piedmont River Corridor Sediment Budgets Fit to Stratigraphic Data
Authors: Pizzuto J. E.
Published: October 2023

Fluvial sediment transport and deposition shapes river, floodplain, and estuarine systems but also can create water quality problems, which in some cases motivates efforts to reduce hillslope erosion. However, watershed management efforts rarely consider the fate of eroded sediments and the time scale of transport to estuaries. This study presents a modeling approach to estimate regionally averaged floodplain deposition, erosion, and sediment flux for the mid‐Atlantic U.S. caused by changing forest cover, urban development, and milldam construction. Regional regression equations estimate discharge at 3‐month intervals, and (temporally invariant) channel width and slope. Sediment concentrations are determined from a rating curve (defined for modern conditions by gaging‐station data). Tuning the model to floodplain stratigraphic data suggests that‐sediment concentrations prior to European colonization (i.e., before ∼1750) were 5%–8% of those prevailing today, while legacy (1750–1950) sediment concentrations were 25%–35% of present values. The calibration process, however, is only partly successful for the period before 1750 due to the limited number of older dated samples available. Nonetheless, the model accurately reproduces the observed age distribution of floodplain deposits. Computed sediment‐budget components increase monotonically from before 1750 to the present, and the ratio of budget components remains similar from one time period to the next. The model also predicts that millennial timescales are needed for mid‐Atlantic floodplains to equilibrate following a change in sediment regime, a finding with important implications for river corridor and watershed restoration planning.
Tryp: a dataset of microscopy images of unstained thick blood smears for trypanosome detection
Authors: Anzaku Esla Timothy , Mohammed Mohammed Aliy , Ozbulak Utku , Won Jongbum , Hong Hyesoo , Krishnamoorthy Janarthanan , Van Hoecke Sofie , Magez Stefan , Van Messem Arnout , De Neve Wesley
Published: October 2023

Trypanosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), challenges communities in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. The World Health Organization underscores the need for practical, field-adaptable diagnostics and rapid screening tools to address the negative impact of NTDs. While artificial intelligence has shown promising results in disease screening, the lack of curated datasets impedes progress. In response to this challenge, we developed the Tryp dataset, comprising microscopy images of unstained thick blood smears containing the Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasite. The Tryp dataset provides bounding box annotations for tightly enclosed regions containing the parasite for 3,085 positive images, and 93 images collected from negative blood samples. The Tryp dataset represents the largest of its kind. Furthermore, we provide a benchmark on three leading deep learning-based object detection techniques that demonstrate the feasibility of AI for this task. Overall, the availability of the Tryp dataset is expected to facilitate research advancements in diagnostic screening for this disease, which may lead to improved healthcare outcomes for the communities impacted.
Context reexposure to bolster contextual dependency of emotional episodic memory
Authors: Cox Wouter R. , Woelk Mandy , de Vries Olivier T. , Krypotos Angelos-Miltiadis , Kindt Merel , Engelhard Iris M. , Sevenster Dieuwke , van Ast Vanessa A.
Published: October 2023

Contextual overgeneralization of emotional memory is a core aspect of anxiety disorders. Identifying methods to enhance contextual dependency of emotional memory is therefore of significant clinical interest. Animal research points to a promising approach: reexposure to the context in which fear is acquired reduces generalization to other contexts. However, the exact conditions for this effect are unknown, complicating translation to effective interventions. Most notably, exposure to a context that resembles—but is not identical to—the learning context may diminish contextual dependency of memory by integration of additional contextual cues. Here, we therefore assessed in a large-scale study (N = 180) whether context reexposure enhances contextual dependency of emotional episodic memory whereas exposure to a similar context impairs it. We also tested whether relatively strong memory retrieval during context (re)exposure amplifies these effects. We replicated prior research showing that correct recognition depends on context and contextual dependency is lower for emotional than neutral memories. However, exposure to the encoding context or a similar context did not affect contextual dependency of memory, and retrieval strength did not interact with such effects. Thorough insight into factors underlying the effects of context (re)exposure on contextual dependency seems key to eventually attain a memory recontextualization intervention.
Pulmonary and chest wall function in obese adults
Authors: Lo Mauro Antonella , Tringali Gabriella , Codecasa Franco , Abbruzzese Laura , Sartorio Alessandro , Aliverti Andrea
Published: October 2023

Obesity is frequently associated with breathing disorders. To investigate if and how the highest levels of obesity impact respiratory function, 17 subjects with obesity (median age: 49 years; BMI: 39.7 kg/m2, 8 females) and 10 normal-weighted subjects (49 years; 23.9 kg/m2, 5 females) were studied. The abdominal volume occupied 41% in the obese group, being higher (p < 0.001) than the normal-weighted group (31%), indicating accumulation of abdominal fat. Restrictive lung defect was present in 17% of subjects with obesity. At rest in the supine position, subjects with obesity breathed with higher minute ventilation (11.9 L/min) and lower ribcage contribution (5.7%) than normal weighted subjects (7.5 L/min, p = 0.001 and 31.1%, p = 0.003, respectively), thus indicating thoracic restriction. Otherwise healthy obesity might not be characterized by a systematic restrictive lung pattern. Despite this, another sign of restriction could be poor thoracic expansion at rest in the supine position, resulting in increased ventilation. Class 3 obesity made respiratory rate further increased. Opto-electronic plethysmography and its thoraco-abdominal analysis of awake breathing add viable and interesting information in subjects with obesity that were complementary to pulmonary function tests. In addition, OEP is able to localize the restrictive effect of obesity.
Phylogenomic insights into the polyphyletic nature of Altai falcons within eastern sakers (Falco cherrug) and the origins of gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus)
Authors: Zinevich Liudmila , Prommer Mátyás , Laczkó Levente , Rozhkova Daria , Sorokin Alexander , Karyakin Igor , Bagyura János , Cserkész Tamás , Sramkó Gábor
Published: October 2023

The Altai falcon from Central Asia always attracted the attention of humans. Long considered a totemic bird in its native area, modern falconers still much appreciated this large-bodied and mighty bird of prey due to its rarity and unique look. The peculiar body characteristics halfway between the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and the gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus) triggered debates about its contentious taxonomy. The weak phylogenetic signal associated with traditional genetic methods could not resolve this uncertainty. Here, we address the controversial evolutionary origin of Altai falcons by means of a genome-wide approach, Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing, using sympatric eastern sakers falcons, allopatric western saker falcons and gyrfalcons as outgroup. This approach provided an unprecedented insight into the phylogenetic relationships of the studied populations by delivering 17,095 unlinked SNPs shedding light on the polyphyletic nature of Altai falcons within eastern sakers. Thus we concluded that the former must correspond to a low taxonomic rank, probably an ecotype or form of the latter. Also, we found that eastern sakers are paraphyletic without gyrfalcons, thus, these latter birds are best regarded as the direct sister lineage of the eastern sakers. This evolutionary relationship, corroborated also by re-analyzing the dataset with the inclusion of outgroup samples (F. biarmicus and F. peregrinus), put eastern sakers into a new light as the potential ancestral genetic source of high latitude and altitude adaptation in descendent populations. Finally, conservation genomic values hint at the stable genetic background of the studied saker populations.
Correlation between cognitive ability and educational attainment weakens over birth cohorts
Authors: Van Hootegem Arno , Røgeberg Ole , Bratsberg Bernt , Lyngstad Torkild Hovde
Published: October 2023

Educational attainment is a key indicator of status and opportunity in meritocratic societies. However, it is unclear how educational expansion has affected the link between cognitive abilities and educational attainment. As a result, this study examines the correlation between cognitive ability and educational attainment across male birth cohorts in Norway. Utilizing administrative register data covering more than four decades, we investigate multiple measures of educational attainment and their connection to cognitive abilities. Our findings reveal a consistent decline in the correlation over time. These findings question the assumed shift towards meritocracy in educational systems and highlight a more complex relationship between cognitive ability and educational attainment.
GeneToCN: an alignment-free method for gene copy number estimation directly from next-generation sequencing reads
Authors: Pajuste Fanny-Dhelia , Remm Maido
Published: October 2023

Genomes exhibit large regions with segmental copy number variation, many of which include entire genes and are multiallelic. We have developed a computational method GeneToCN that counts the frequencies of gene-specific k-mers in FASTQ files and uses this information to infer copy number of the gene. We validated the copy number predictions for amylase genes (AMY1, AMY2A, AMY2B) using experimental data from digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) on 39 individuals and observed a strong correlation (R = 0.99) between GeneToCN predictions and experimentally determined copy numbers. An additional validation on FCGR3 genes showed a higher concordance for FCGR3A compared to two other methods, but reduced accuracy for FCGR3B. We further tested the method on three different genomic regions (SMN, NPY4R, and LPA Kringle IV-2 domain). Predicted copy number distributions of these genes in a set of 500 individuals from the Estonian Biobank were in good agreement with the previously published studies. In addition, we investigated the possibility to use GeneToCN on sequencing data generated by different technologies by comparing copy number predictions from Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore data of the same sample. Despite the differences in variability of k-mer frequencies, all three sequencing technologies give similar predictions with GeneToCN.
Human thymic putative CD8αα precursors exhibit a biased TCR repertoire in single cell AIRR-seq
Authors: Heimli Marte , Tennebø Flåm Siri , Sagsveen Hjorthaug Hanne , Bjørnstad Pål Marius , Chernigovskaya Maria , Le Quy Khang , Tekpli Xavier , Greiff Victor , Lie Benedicte Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Thymic T cell development comprises T cell receptor (TCR) recombination and assessment of TCR avidity towards self-peptide-MHC complexes presented by antigen-presenting cells. Self-reactivity may lead to negative selection, or to agonist selection and differentiation into unconventional lineages such as regulatory T cells and CD8$$\mathrm{\alpha \alpha }$$

α
α

T cells. To explore the effect of the adaptive immune receptor repertoire on thymocyte developmental decisions, we performed single cell adaptive immune receptor repertoire sequencing (scAIRR-seq) of thymocytes from human young paediatric thymi and blood. Thymic PDCD1+ cells, a putative CD8$$\mathrm{\alpha \alpha }$$

α
α

T cell precursor population, exhibited several TCR features previously associated with thymic and peripheral ZNF683+ CD8$$\mathrm{\alpha \alpha }$$

α
α

T cells, including enrichment of large and positively charged complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) amino acids. Thus, the TCR repertoire may partially explain the decision between conventional vs. agonist selected thymocyte differentiation, an aspect of importance for the development of therapies for patients with immune-mediated diseases.
Quantitative analysis of prion disease using an AI-powered digital pathology framework
Authors: Salvi Massimo , Molinari Filippo , Ciccarelli Mario , Testi Roberto , Taraglio Stefano , Imperiale Daniele
Published: October 2023

Prion disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by accumulation of an abnormal prion protein (PrPSc) in the central nervous system. To identify PrPSc aggregates for diagnostic purposes, pathologists use immunohistochemical staining of prion protein antibodies on tissue samples. With digital pathology, artificial intelligence can now analyze stained slides. In this study, we developed an automated pipeline for the identification of PrPSc aggregates in tissue samples from the cerebellar and occipital cortex. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first framework to evaluate PrPSc deposition in digital images. We used two strategies: a deep learning segmentation approach using a vision transformer, and a machine learning classification approach with traditional classifiers. Our method was developed and tested on 64 whole slide images from 41 patients definitively diagnosed with prion disease. The results of our study demonstrated that our proposed framework can accurately classify WSIs from a blind test set. Moreover, it can quantify PrPSc distribution and localization throughout the brain. This could potentially be extended to evaluate protein expression in other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Overall, our pipeline highlights the potential of AI-assisted pathology to provide valuable insights, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival in nonsurgically treated elderly patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxia , Cai Qian , Wang Jinkui , Yao Zhigang , Ji Fengming , Hang Yu , Ma Jing , Jiang Hongchao , Yan Bing , Zhanghuang Chenghao
Published: October 2023

Prostate Cancer (PC) is the most common male nonskin tumour in the world, and most diagnosed patients are over 65 years old. The main treatment for PC includes surgical treatment and nonsurgical treatment. Currently, for nonsurgically treated elderly patients, few studies have evaluated their prognostic factors. Our aim was to construct a nomogram that could predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) in nonsurgically treated elderly PC patients to assess their prognosis-related independent risk factors. Patient information was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, and our target population was nonsurgically treated PC patients who were over 65 years old. Independent risk factors were determined using both univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. A nomogram was built using a multivariate Cox regression model. The accuracy and discrimination of the prediction model were tested using the consistency index (C-index), the area under the subject operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the calibration curve. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to examine the potential clinical value of this model. A total of 87,831 elderly PC patients with nonsurgical treatment in 2010–2018 were included in the study and were randomly assigned to the training set (N = 61,595) and the validation set (N = 26,236). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression model analyses showed that age, race, marital status, TNM stage, chemotherapy, radiotherapy modality, PSA and GS were independent risk factors for predicting CSS in nonsurgically treated elderly PC patients. The C-index of the training set and the validation set was 0.894 (95% CI 0.888–0.900) and 0.897 (95% CI 0.887–0.907), respectively, indicating the good discrimination ability of the nomogram. The AUC and the calibration curves also show good accuracy and discriminability. We developed a new nomogram to predict CSS in elderly PC patients with nonsurgical treatment. The model is internally validated with good accuracy and reliability, as well as potential clinical value, and can be used for clinical aid in decision-making.
Numerical simulation and experiment of double chamber brake based on CFD
Authors: Yuhao Liu , Pu Qu , Qiang Li
Published: October 2023

The artillery firing process will instantly produce high-temperature and high-pressure gunpowder gas, this process will produce shock waves. The gunpowder gas has a limited effect on the projectile during the firing and ballistic after-effects period, however, it has a very obvious effect on the stability of the gun body, and the reduction of the stability of the gun body directly affects the firing accuracy and the safety of the firing personnel. Based on the method of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), numerical simulation is carried out, and the structure and flow parameters of the muzzle flow field are obtained by using three-dimensional Euler's control equation, gas equation of state, and k-epsilon model, as well as dynamic mesh technology. By comparing the flow parameters of the brake before and after optimization, and analyzing the results obtained from the 8-round firing experiments, the efficiency of the optimized brake is increased by 8.2%, and the deviation between the experimental data and the simulation results is only 10.5%, which not only verifies the accuracy of the numerical simulation calculations but also verifies the optimized brake's good retracting effect. The results of the study can provide a reference for the optimization and design of the double-chamber brake.
Comparative and phylogenetic analyses of the chloroplast genomes of Filipendula species (Rosoideae, Rosaceae)
Authors: Zhang Shu-Dong , Ling Li-Zhen
Published: October 2023

Genus Filipendula (Rosoideae, Rosaceae) comprises about 15 species and mainly distributed in Northern Hemisphere. The phylogenetic relationships based on the nrITS marker are not consistent with the traditional taxonomic systems of the genus. Here, we first analysed the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of seven Filipendula species (including two varieties of F. palmate). Our results indicated that the cp genomes of Filipendula species had few changes in size, ranging from 154,205 bp to 154,633 bp and the average of 36.63% GC content. A total of 126 annotated genes had the identical order and orientation, implying that the cp genome structure of Filipendula species was rather conserved. However, the cp genomes of Filipendula species exhibited structural differences, including gene loss, transposition and inversion when compared to those of other genera of Rosoideae. Moreover, SSRs with the different number were observed in the cp genome of each Filipendula species and sequence divergence mainly occurred in noncoding regions, in which four mutational hotspots were identified. In contrast, only two positive selection genes (matK and rps8) were found. Phylogenetic and molecular-dating analysis indicated that Filipendula species were divergent from other genera of Rosoideae at about 82.88 Ma. Additionally, Filipendula species from East Asia were split at about 9.64 Ma into two major clades. These results provide a basis for further studying the infrageneric classification of Filipendula.
High-frequency ultrasound in anti-aging skin therapy monitoring
Authors: Czajkowska Joanna , Juszczyk Jan , Bugdol Monika Natalia , Glenc-Ambroży Małgorzata , Polak Anna , Piejko Laura , Pietka Ewa
Published: October 2023

Over the last few decades, high-frequency ultrasound has found multiple applications in various diagnostic fields. The fast development of this imaging technique opens up new diagnostic paths in dermatology, allergology, cosmetology, and aesthetic medicine. In this paper, being the first in this area, we discuss the usability of HFUS in anti-aging skin therapy assessment. The fully automated algorithm combining high-quality image selection and entry echo layer segmentation steps followed by the dermal parameters estimation enables qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-aging products. Considering the parameters of subcutaneous layers, the proposed framework provides a reliable tool for TCA-peel therapy assessment; however, it can be successfully applied to other skin-condition-related problems. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, forty-six postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Women were treated four times at one-week intervals and applied skin cream daily between visits. The three month follow-up study enables measurement of the long-term effect of the therapy. According to the results, the TCA-based therapy increased epidermal (entry echo layer) thickness, indicating that the thinning process has slowed down and the skin’s condition has improved. An interesting outcome is the obtained growth in the intensity of the upper dermis in the experimental group, which might suggest a reduced photo-aging effect of TCA-peel and increased water content. The same conclusions connected with the anti-aging effect of TCA-peel can be drawn by observing the parameters describing the contribution of low and medium-intensity pixels in the upper dermis. The decreased share of low-intensity pixels and increased share of medium-intensity pixels in the upper dermis suggest a significant increase in local protein synthesis.
The use of tourniquet is useful in terms of blood loss and soft tissue damage in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a retrospective study
Authors: Nagashima Masaki , Sasaki Ryo , Tanaka Kentaro , Takeshima Kenichiro
Published: October 2023

Whether a tourniquet should be used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) when the operative field is secured remains controversial. Little is known about the influence of not using a tourniquet on total perioperative blood loss and soft tissue damage. The aim of this study was to compare total perioperative blood loss and soft tissue damage with and without tourniquet use during ACLR. Seventy-seven consecutive ACLRs in 76 patients were performed without tourniquet use at our hospital and enrolled in this study (T− group) between November 2018 and September 2021. The control group (T + group) comprised 55 historical ACLRs in 55 patients performed with tourniquet use at our hospital between April 2017 and September 2018. Total perioperative blood loss, calculated from the change in hemoglobin between that preoperatively and on postoperative day (POD) 1, and indicators of soft tissue damage including serum white blood cell (WBC) counts, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and C-reactive protein (CRP) values measured on POD 1 and POD 7 were compared between groups. Total blood loss was significantly higher in the T− group (339 ± 216 mL) than in the T + group (258 ± 199 mL; P = 0.030). On POD 1, WBC counts were significantly higher in the T− group (9.7 ± 2.4 × 103 cells/µL) than in the T + group (9.1 ± 2.5 × 103 cells/µL; P = 0.043), CPK levels were significantly higher in the T− group (294 ± 417 U/L) than in the T + group (255 ± 88 U/L; P = 0.046), and CRP levels were also significantly higher in the T− group (1.40 ± 1.12 mg/dL) than in the T + group (0.91 ± 0.76 mg/dL; P = 0.016). No significant differences in WBC counts or CPK or CRP levels were seen between groups on POD 7. Total blood loss and soft tissue damage were significantly increased without tourniquet use during ACLR. No advantage was found for not using a tourniquet in terms of blood loss or soft tissue damage.
Repetitive small seismicity coupled with rainfall can trigger large slope instabilities on metastable volcanic edifices
Authors: Durand Virginie , Mangeney Anne , Bernard Pascal , Jia Xiaoping , Bonilla Fabian , Satriano Claudio , Saurel Jean-Marie , Aissaoui El Madani , Peltier Aline , Ferrazzini Valérie , Kowalski Philippe , Lauret Frédéric , Brunet Christophe , Hibert Clément
Published: October 2023

Quantifying the effect of external forcings like seismicity or rain on slope destabilization is a long-standing and challenging issue. To investigate the respective roles of these forcings, we analyze an unprecedented 10-year long catalog of rockfalls occurring in the crater of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Reunion Island), using statistical tools originally developed for earthquakes. Our analysis reveals the predominant effect of low amplitude repetitive seismicity in the triggering of rockfalls located at a few kilometers from the source, due to progressive damaging of the slope. Moreover, we show that the efficiency and time-delay of this dynamic triggering is controlled by the stability state of the slope, i.e. its closeness to the failure, as observed with lab-experiments on metastable granular slopes. Our results show the need to account for long-term swarm-type seismic activity that can affect the stability of geological structures like slopes and faults, but also buildings.
Variations in triple oxygen isotope of speleothems from the Asian monsoon region reveal moisture sources over the past 300 years
Authors: Sha Lijuan , Wassenburg Jasper A. , Sha Lifen , Li Youwei , Zhou Shilun , Liang Qisheng , Zhao Jingyao , Ruan Jiaoyang , Li Hanying , Zhao Xinnan , Duan Pengzhen , Wang Jian , Lu Jiayu , Zhang Haiwei , Kathayat Gayatri , Mahata Sasadhar , Ban Fengmei , Li Ting-Yong , Cheng Hai
Published: October 2023

Characterization of moisture origins is crucial to understanding hydroclimatic processes. Nevertheless, documenting past atmospheric moisture contents and their sources remains challenging partially due to insufficient moisture-tracing proxies. Here, we present triple oxygen isotope compositions in 21 cave speleothems from monsoonal Asia to examine spatial moisture origin differences in eastern Asia over the past 300 years. Our data suggest an isotopic equilibrium fractionation during speleothem formation, and thus parent water 17O anomalies (Δ′17O) values reconstructed from speleothems preserve information on moisture origins and recycling across space. Notably, speleothem Δ′17O records exhibit a distinct geographical distribution, with low values in central-eastern and southern China, high values in northwestern and northern China, and relatively high values in the Yangtze River region. This spatial pattern underscores the diverse influence of different moisture sources regulated by regional hydrological circulation, and demonstrates the potential use of speleothem Δ′17O in reconstructing the moisture cycle at spatial scales.
Failure of load-bearing dyke networks as a trigger for volcanic edifice collapse
Authors: Thiele Samuel T. , Cruden Alexander R. , Micklethwaite Steven
Published: October 2023

Most large ocean-island volcanoes are gravitationally unstable. Some deform slowly, forming long-lived slumps, while others collapse and generate potentially dangerous debris avalanches. Here we investigate the effect of pervasive dyke networks on edifice instability, using data from La Palma, Spain. Like fibre-reinforced composites, where rigid layers are embedded in a compliant matrix, we find that dykes experience higher stress than surrounding host rocks. If the ratio of dyke to host stiffness is larger than the corresponding strength ratio, the dyke network will fail first, causing a rapid stress redistribution and possibly triggering edifice collapse. Fibre bundle models of a weak layer crosscut by dykes suggest this can occur with less seismicity or deformation than models without dykes. The models also suggest that dyke network strength could determine the potential for rapid collapse rather than gradual slump-type deformation. We conclude that dyke networks should be considered when assessing volcanic edifice stability.
Recharge net metering (ReNeM) is a novel, cost-effective management strategy to incentivize groundwater recharge
Authors: Bruce Molly , Sherman Luke , Bruno Ellen , Fisher Andrew T. , Kiparsky Michael
Published: October 2023

Managed aquifer recharge, which uses available water to augment groundwater resources, holds promise as a strategy to reduce chronic groundwater overdraft. However, water management agencies often confront hurdles when implementing managed aquifer recharge. Favourable sites for recharging water are often located on private land, and common-pool resource conflicts frequently disincentivize voluntary private participation. We introduce recharge net metering (ReNeM), a conceptually novel, market-based mechanism to help overcome these barriers and achieve multiple extractive and non-extractive benefits from improved groundwater management. ReNeM enables an agency to incentivize practices that enhance infiltration and groundwater recharge. Here we formalize the basis for incentivizing recharge and conduct a multi-party cost–benefit analysis of an operating ReNeM programme in California’s Pajaro Valley. Calculations show that water supply from ReNeM can be achieved at a lower cost than many viable alternatives and can produce multiple benefits for collaborating entities and stakeholders.
Operando study of the influence of small molecule acceptors on the morphology induced device degradation of organic solar cells with different degrees of π–π stacking
Authors: Jiang Xinyu , Gillett Alexander J. , Zheng Tianle , Song Xin , Heger Julian E. , Sun Kun , Spanier Lukas V. , Guo Renjun , Liang Suzhe , Bernstorff Sigrid , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: October 2023

A real time study of the active layer morphology evolution with different acceptors during the OSC operation under vacuum atmosphere.
Computing of neuromorphic materials: an emerging approach for bioengineering solutions
Authors: Prakash Chander , Gupta Lovi Raj , Mehta Amrinder , Vasudev Hitesh , Tominov Roman , Korman Ekaterina , Fedotov Alexander , Smirnov Vladimir , Kesari Kavindra Kumar
Published: October 2023

Machine learning techniques for the development of neuromorphic materials for bioengineering solutions by developing energy-efficient hardware, enhancing neuron models, and learning algorithms.
Polylactic acid/wood-based in situ polymerized densified composite material
Authors: Gondaliya Akash Madhav , Foster Kieran , Foster E. Johan
Published: October 2023

Development of an advanced wood bio-composite, using an economical and energy-efficient manufacturing strategy is showcased in this study.
Unveiling the potential of Ti3C2Tx MXene for gas sensing: recent developments and future perspectives
Authors: Chourasia Nitesh K. , Rawat Ankita , Chourasia Ritesh Kumar , Singh Hemant , Kulriya Ramesh Kumar , Singh Vinod , Kulriya Pawan Kumar
Published: October 2023

Graphical abstract of the review article, which offers a fresh perspective on the utilization of Ti3C2Tx MXene in gas sensing applications, including experimental as well as theoretical aspects.
Investigation on the physical properties and biocompatibility of zirconia–alumina-silicate@diopside composite materials and its in vivo toxicity study in embryonic zebrafish
Authors: Rittidach Tanawut , Sillapaprayoon Siwapech , Chantho Varissara , Pimtong Wittaya , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol , Thongbunchoo Jirawan , Krishnamra Nateetip , Bootchanont Atipong , Porjai Porramain , Pon-On Weeraphat
Published: October 2023

Bioceramic materials have a wide range of applications in the biomedical field, such as in the repair of bone defects and dental surgery.
Using phenolic polymers to control the size and morphology of calcium carbonate microparticles
Authors: Nakanishi Yurie , Cheng Bohan , Richardson Joseph J. , Ejima Hirotaka
Published: October 2023

By adding phenolic polymers with different numbers of hydroxy groups, the relatively monodisperse CaCO3 microparticles were produced in a diameter range of 2–9 μm.
Fe-based double perovskite with Zn doping for enhanced electrochemical performance as intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell cathode material
Authors: Xue Liang-Mei , Li Song-Bo , An Sheng-Li , Li Ning , Ma Hui-Pu , Li Meng-Xin
Published: October 2023

This study aims to investigate the implications of Zn doping at the B-site on the crystal structure. The average thermal expansion coefficient, electrocatalytic activity, and electrochemical performance of LaBaFe2−xZnxO5+δ were investigated.
Isolation, virtual screening, action mechanisms, chelation with zinc ions, and stability of ACE-inhibitory peptides from ginkgo seed globulin
Authors: Gao Wei , Liu Min , Wang Yu
Published: October 2023

This study simultaneously investigates the ACE-inhibitory activity, zinc-chelating ability, and stability of ginkgo seed globulin peptides.
Solvent-induced polymorphism in dipodal N-donor ligands containing a biphenyl core
Authors: Chaudhary Simran , Kędziera Dariusz , Rafiński Zbigniew , Dobrzańska Liliana
Published: October 2023

Polymorph screenings performed for two related dipodal N-donor ligands containing a biphenyl core revealed solvent-induced polymorphism.
An ultrafine spider-like carbon nanonet for high performance air filters, health monitoring sensors, and green energy generators
Authors: Xiong Ziyin , Xia Ming , Guo Xiaoming , Wang Lijun , Wu Yi , Cheng Qin , Xu Jia , He Shanshan , Li Mufang , Liu Ke , Wang Dong
Published: October 2023

The NF@CNT air filters are composed of PVA-co-PE nanofibers and ultrafine spider-like carbon nanonets, and can be applied in comfortable face masks, human motion and physiological signal monitoring sensors, and TEPGs for green power generation.