bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T2′ mapping of the brain from water‐unsuppressed 1H‐MRSI and turbo spin‐echo data
Authors: Zhang Tianxiao , Guo Rong , Li Yudu , Zhao Yibo , Li Yao , Liang Zhi‐Pei
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To obtain high‐quality maps of brain tissues from water‐unsuppressed magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and turbo spin‐echo (TSE) data.

Methods

mapping can be achieved using mapping from water‐unsuppressed MRSI data and mapping from TSE data. However, mapping often suffers from signal dephasing and distortions caused by field inhomogeneity; measurements may be biased due to system imperfections, especially for ‐weighted image with small number of TEs. In this work, we corrected the field inhomogeneity effect on mapping using a subspace model‐based method, incorporating pre‐learned spectral basis functions of the water signals. estimation bias was corrected using a TE‐adjustment method, which modeled the deviation between measured and reference decays as TE shifts.

Results

In vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. High‐quality maps were obtained in the presence of large field inhomogeneity in the prefrontal cortex. Bias in measurements obtained from TSE data was effectively reduced. Based on the and measurements produced by the proposed method, high‐quality maps were obtained, along with neurometabolite maps, from MRSI and TSE data that were acquired in about 9 min. The results obtained from acute stroke and glioma patients demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in the clinical setting.

Conclusions

High‐quality maps can be obtained from water‐unsuppressed 1H‐MRSI and TSE data using the proposed method. With further development, this method may lay a foundation for simultaneously imaging oxygenation and neurometabolic alterations of brain disorders.
Factors associated with hand bone changes in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Valner Annika , Kirsimägi Ülle , Müller Raili , Kull Mart , Põlluste Kaja , Kumm Jaanika , Lember Margus , Kallikorm Riina
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of this research was to assess if hand bone mineral density (HBMD) changes associated with the appearance of erosions in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA), compared with the population‐based control group. Additionally, we tried to identify if there are novel factors that associate with HBMD and erosive changes (EC), and if they are dissimilar. The study was conducted as the data are limited.

Methods

The study group consisted of 83 ERA patients and 321 controls. Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) machine was used to measure HBMD. EC of RA (rheumatoid arthritis) were assessed in X‐rays of hands using Sharp scores. Life‐style habits, inflammation markers were assessed to evaluate the effects of different factors.

Results

The presence of ERA was associated with lower HBMD compared with controls (adjusted for age, gender, height and weight; b −0.01, p = 0.045). 76% (95% CI 65.3–84.6) of ERA patients had EC in hand X‐ray. Smoking habits and higher BMI (body mass index) were associated with an increased likelihood of having RA specific EC. In ERA, decreasing of HBMD was associated with the elevation of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity.

Conclusions

In ERA, HBMD changes were not associated with the appearance of erosions. Factors that associate in ERA with HBMD changes and appearance of erosions differ. HBMD assessment together with serum IL‐6 level could be useful in everyday clinical practice for better surveillance of ERA patients who do not have EC in hand X‐rays.
Taking Time to Unwind
Authors: Atwood Stephen P.
Published: July 2022

Summer has arrived, and the busy season of Display Week is in the rearview mirror. I'm writing this at a picnic table from our summer camp in the Berkshire mountains, where (for a little while) I can escape the demands and sounds of civilization. We have marginal internet and some radio reception, but mostly the background soundtrack is birds and breezes in the trees.
An application of a fuzzy system for solving time delay fractional optimal control problems with Atangana–Baleanu derivative
Authors: Mortezaee Marzieh , Ghovatmand Mehdi , Nazemi Alireza
Published: July 2022

In this article, a new approach based on fuzzy systems is used for solving time delay fractional order optimal control problems. The fractional derivatives are considered in the Atangana–Baleanu sense that is a new derivative with the nonsingular and nonlocal kernel. By means of the calculus of variations and the formula for fractional integration by parts, the necessary optimality conditions associated to the time delay problem is derived. In order to solve the obtained optimality system, the solution of the system is first approximated by fuzzy solutions with adjustable parameters. The optimality system is then reduced to an unconstrained optimization problem by using appropriate error function. A learning algorithm is also presented to achieve the parameters of these fuzzy solutions. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach are assessed through some illustrative examples of the time delay fractional optimal control problems.
An open‐source image classifier for characterizing recreational activities across landscapes
Authors: Winder Samantha G. , Lee Heera , Seo Bumsuk , Lia Emilia H. , Wood Spencer A.
Published: July 2022

Environmental management increasingly relies on information about ecosystem services for decision‐making. Compared with regulating and provisioning services, cultural ecosystem services (CES) are particularly challenging to characterize and measure at management‐relevant spatial scales, which has hindered their consideration in practice.

Social media are one source of spatially explicit data on where environments support various types of CES, including physical activity. As tools for automating social media content analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) become more commonplace, studies are promoting the potential for AI and social media to provide new insights into CES. Few studies, however, have evaluated what biases are inherent to this approach and whether it is truly reproducible.

This study introduces and applies a novel and open‐source convolutional neural network model that uses computer vision to recognize recreational activities in the content of photographs shared as social media. We train a model to recognize 12 common recreational activities to map one aspect of recreation in a national forest in Washington, USA, based on images uploaded to Flickr.

The image classifier performs well, overall, but varies by activity type. The model, which is trained with data from one region, performs nearly as well in a novel region of the same national forest, suggesting that it is broadly applicable across similar public lands. By comparing the results from our CNN model with an on‐site survey, we find that there are apparent biases in which activities visitors choose to photograph and post to social media.

After considering potential issues with underlying data and models, we map activity diversity and find that natural features (such as rivers, lakes and higher elevations) and some built infrastructure (campgrounds, trails, roads) support a greater diversity of activities in this region.

We make our model and training weights available in open‐source software, to facilitate reproducibility and further model development by researchers who seek to understand recreational values at management‐relevant scales—and more broadly provide an example of how to build, test and apply AI to understand recreation and other types of CESs.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Experimental investigation on mechanical properties and free vibration characteristics of epoxy‐based glass/flax laminates
Authors: Ganesan Gnanakumar , Muthunadar Selvaraj , Ramasamy Murugan
Published: July 2022

In the present study, an attempt is made to replace the synthetic glass fiber used in the FRP structures in terms of natural flax fibers without much sacrifice on static and dynamic stability of the structure. Three types of glass/flax hybrid composite laminates were prepared with different fiber volume fraction of glass and flax fibers. For better understanding purpose, a dedicated glass and dedicated flax laminates were also fabricated. All the laminates were fabricated by vacuum bag molding method with uniform laminate thickness. The mechanical properties of the fabricated laminates, such as tensile strength and flexural strength, were evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards. The impulse excitation technique was used to assess the free vibration characteristics of glass/flax laminates such as modal frequency and material damping. Based on experimentally evaluated mechanical and vibration characteristics a suitable fiber volume fraction for the preferred laminate thickness was suggested to achieve optimum static and dynamic stability.
A surface modification of polylactic acid composites for additive manufacturing with modified chopped carbon fiber and modified nano‐hydroxyapatite
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Wang Xin , Xie Minghui , Zhou Zheng , Xu Huan
Published: July 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA) composites parts obtained by fused deposition modeling (FDM) three‐dimensional (3D) printing have obvious fusion interfaces. The printed parts have low strength and poor plastic toughness, limiting their application in clinical degradable load‐bearing implants. In this article, first, the nano‐hydroxyapatite (n‐HA) was modified by PLA to obtain a core‐shell structure with PLA coating. The micron chopped carbon fiber (CF) was modified by nitric acid to obtain a rich oxygen‐containing functional group structure. Second, the above two modified materials of n‐HA and CF were coated on the surface of the PLA filament by ultrasonic impregnation to obtain the PLA/n‐HA/CF composite filament. Finally, tensile samples were manufactured by FDM 3D printing with the PLA/n‐HA/CF composite filament, and the tensile test was conducted. The results show that the surface‐modified n‐HA particles form a regular spherical core‐shell structure with good dispersibility. It can be combined with a matrix of PLA filament by the PLA coating layer, while a silane coupling agent combines the PLA coating layer and the core of n‐HA. The modified chopped CF treated with 68% nitric acid for 6 h has an ideal etch pits with moderate depth and distribution producing firm combination with the PLA matrix. The surface of modified chopped CF has abundant –COOH and –OH functional groups. It can be combined with a matrix of PLA filament through an esterification reaction. Among all the tensile samples, PLA_5% n‐HA_6% CF, with 5% modified n‐HA and 6% modified chopped CF, respectively, improves the bonding strength between the fused interfaces with the two reinforcement materials well‐distributed in the fuse interface area.
TTOP‐model‐based maps of permafrost distribution in Northeast China for 1961–2020
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Jin Huijun , Sun Long , Wang Hongwei , Huang Yadong , He Ruixia , Chang Xiaoli , Yu Shaopeng , Zang Shuying
Published: July 2022

Northeast China has experienced rapid and substantial climate warming over the past 60 years, and permafrost is degrading rapidly. In this study, permafrost distribution and extent in Northeast China were estimated from monitored ground surface temperatures using the temperature at the top of permafrost (TTOP) model and geographically weighted regression method. Using the TTOP model, the computed mean annual ground temperatures (MAGT@TOP) at the top of permafrost of Northeast China increased significantly from 1961–1990 (1.8°C) to 1991–2020 (3.0°C). The areal extents of permafrost defined by a subzero MAGT@TOP (MAGT@TOP ≤ 0°C) in Northeast China in the period 1961–1990 and 1991–2020 were estimated at 461.5 × 103 and 365.8 × 103 km2, respectively, indicating a decline of 95.7 × 103 km2. On average, the simulated MAGT@TOP values were 2.07°C lower than the observed MAGT@TOP values in boreholes. The linear correlation coefficient between the simulated and measured MAGT@TOP values was 0.63. Compared with the simulation results of other previous models, the result of this research is more reliable and accurate. The compiled maps of permafrost distribution can serve as an important reference for the study of permafrost changes in Northeast China.
Exploring the effects of mutations on NFAT5‐DNA binding using molecular dynamics simulations and energy calculations
Authors: Li Yufei , Chen Lin , Han Zhisen , Na Jingyun , Wang Ruige , Jing Tao , Zhao Bing
Published: July 2022

NFAT5, an activated T‐cell factor, plays a regulatory role in a variety of autoimmune processes through specific recognition with DNA. However, the details of the interaction of NFAT5 with DNA are unclear. Focused on the complexes of wild type (WT) and mutant NFAT5 with DNA complexes, respectively, we have conducted research on the conformational and dynamics effects caused by residue mutations through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with MM‐PBSA prediction. According to the results of MM‐PBSA, non‐polar interactions are the main driving force in the interaction between NFAT5 and DNA. At the same time, 26 residues play a key role in the interaction with DNA. The energy decomposition results suggest that extensive interactions between the nitrogenous bases of DNA and NFAT5 are responsible for the specific recognition of DNA by NFAT5. By superimposing the structures of mutants and WT complexes, it was found that mutations not only affect the mutated residues, but also change the binding contribution of other amino acids, hydrogen bonding interactions and the stability of the complexes. These results provide a strong rationale and new ideas for NFAT5 as a new target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Distributed optimal event‐triggered cooperative control for nonlinear multi‐missile guidance systems with partially unknown dynamics
Authors: Gao Yuxin , Liu Chunsheng , Duan Dandan , Zhang Shaojie
Published: July 2022

This article is concerned with the design of a novel distributed optimal event‐triggered (ET) cooperative control strategy for nonlinear multi‐missile guidance systems under the condition of partially unknown dynamics via adaptive dynamics programming. First, an improved online‐identifier is proposed to reconstruct the unknown dynamics based on the data‐driven mechanism in which an adaptive compensation term is introduced. The identification residual error is counteracted and the priori identification information is not required. In order to solve the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, a single critic neural network (CNN) is utilized to approximate the online solutions and helps calculate the control policy. Then, the uniformly ultimately bounded for the ET closed‐loop system and the CNN weight error are proved by utilizing Lyapunov theory. Finally, the application to the multi‐missile guidance systems with simultaneous impact consideration validates all missiles can hit the target simultaneously and indicates the effectiveness of the designed approach.
A Series of Novel Bioactive Cyclic Peptides: Synthesis by Head‐to‐Tail Cyclization Approach, Antimicrobial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Tivari Sunil R. , Kokate Siddhant V. , Sobhia Elizabeth M. , Kumar Siva G. , Shelar Uttam B. , Jadeja Yashwantsinh S.
Published: July 2022

A new series of cyclic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) containing D/L‐α‐amino acids have been designed and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Newly synthesized cyclic peptides were tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities in the hopes of discovering novel clues that may be used to create effective anti‐microbial medicine. Those cyclic AMPs demonstrated good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and that was comparable to reference drug Imipenem, as well as good antifungal activity against microbial strains Aspergillus Flavus, Candida Albicans and Candida GlabarataI that was comparable to reference drug Miconazole. In continuous, molecular docking study of the targeted cyclic peptides revealed that they exhibited promising binding interaction networks with DNA gyrase and lanosterol‐14 alpha demethylase, which showed the correlation between biologic activity and docking score of the synthesized analogs.
Fe‐doped Nickel Carbonate Hydroxide Array Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Tian Zhangmin , Peng Bin , Yang Jianing , Shi Yingying , Ma Chenxu , Liu Guiying , Zheng Wenjun
Published: July 2022

Developing efficient and inexpensive oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is crucial to address the ever‐increasing energy crisis and environment pollution. In this work, bimetallic nickel‐iron carbonate hydroxide arrays were strongly grown on a conductive carbon cloth (NiFeCH/CC) through a facile one‐step hydrothermal method, which were used as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. Ni0.8Fe0.2CH/CC requires overpotential of just 246 mV at 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope of 43 mV dec−1, and charge transfer resistance of 3.1 Ω for OER in 1 M KOH. The catalyst also shows excellent durability by a long‐term operation for 10 h. A post‐OER study of Ni0.8Fe0.2CH/CC reveals that the NiFeOOH species form on the surface during OER and the carbonate ions still intercalate between the cationic layers. Benefiting from a three‐dimensional structure and Fe doping strategy, the performance of Ni0.8Fe0.2CH/CC has been improved. This work provides an effective strategy to design efficient OER electrocatalysts in alkaline media.
Association between abnormal brain oscillations and cognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder: Molecular mechanisms and clinical evidence
Authors: Lu Zhou , Wang Huixiao , Gu Jiajie , Gao Feng
Published: July 2022

Brain oscillations have gained great attention in neuroscience during recent decades as functional building blocks of cognitive‐sensory processes. Research has shown that oscillations in “alpha,” “beta,” “gamma,” “delta,” and “theta” frequency windows are highly modified in brain pathology, including in patients with cognitive impairment like bipolar disorder (BD). The study of changes in brain oscillations can provide fundamental knowledge for exploring neurophysiological biomarkers in cognitive impairment. The present article reviews findings from the role and molecular basis of abnormal neural oscillation and synchronization in the symptoms of patients with BD. An overview of the results clearly demonstrates that, in cognitive‐sensory processes, resting and evoked/event‐related electroencephalogram (EEG) spectra in the delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands are abnormally changed in patients with BD showing psychotic features. Abnormal oscillations have been found to be associated with several neural dysfunctions and abnormalities contributing to BD, including abnormal GABAergic neurotransmission signaling, hippocampal cell discharge, abnormal hippocampal neurogenesis, impaired cadherin and synaptic contact‐based cell adhesion processes, extended lateral ventricles, decreased prefrontal cortical gray matter, and decreased hippocampal volume. Mechanistically, impairment in calcium voltage‐gated channel subunit alpha1 I, neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase proteins, genes involved in brain neurogenesis and synaptogenesis like WNT3 and ACTG2, genes involved in the cell adhesion process like CDH12 and DISC1, and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling have been reported as the main molecular contributors to the abnormalities in resting‐state low‐frequency oscillations in BD patients. Findings also showed the association of impaired synaptic connections and disrupted membrane potential with abnormal beta/gamma oscillatory activity in patients with BD. Of note, the synaptic GABA neurotransmitter has been found to be a fundamental requirement for the occurrence of long‐distance synchronous gamma oscillations necessary for coordinating the activity of neural networks between various brain regions.
On (g − 2)μ from gauged U(1)X
Authors: Greljo Admir , Stangl Peter , Thomsen Anders Eller , Zupan Jure
Published: July 2022

Abstract

We investigate an economical explanation for the (g − 2)μ anomaly with a neutral vector boson from a spontaneously broken U(1)X gauge symmetry. The Standard Model fermion content is minimally extended by 3 right-handed neutrinos. Using a battery of complementary constraints, we perform a thorough investigation of the renormalizable, quark flavor-universal, vector-like U(1)X models, allowing for arbitrary kinetic mixing. Out of 419 models with integer charges not greater than ten, only 7 models are viable solutions, describing a narrow region in model space. These are either Lμ− Lτ or models with a ratio of electron to baryon number close to −2. The key complementary constraints are from the searches for nonstandard neutrino interactions. Furthermore, we comment on the severe challenges to chiral U(1)X solutions and show the severe constraints on a particularly promising such candidate.
Antibacterial properties and abrasion-stability: Development of a novel silver-compound material for orthodontic bracket application
Authors: Denis Hannah , Werth Richard , Greuling Andreas , Schwestka-Polly Rainer , Stiesch Meike , Meyer-Kobbe Viktoria , Doll Katharina
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Bacteria-induced white spot lesions are a common side effect of modern orthodontic treatment. Therefore, there is a need for novel orthodontic bracket materials with antibacterial properties that also resist long-term abrasion. The aim of this study was to investigate the abrasion-stable antibacterial properties of a newly developed, thoroughly silver-infiltrated material for orthodontic bracket application in an in situ experiment.

Methods

To generate the novel material, silver was vacuum-infiltrated into a sintered porous tungsten matrix. A tooth brushing simulation machine was used to perform abrasion equal to 2 years of tooth brushing. The material was characterized by energy dispersive X‑ray (EDX) analysis and roughness measurement. To test for antibacterial properties in situ, individual occlusal splints equipped with specimens were worn intraorally by 12 periodontal healthy patients for 48 h. After fluorescence staining, the quantitative biofilm volume and live/dead distribution of the initial biofilm formation were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

Results

Silver was infiltrated homogeneously throughout the tungsten matrix. Toothbrush abrasion only slightly reduced the material’s thickness similar to conventional stainless steel bracket material and did not alter surface roughness. The new silver-modified material showed significantly reduced biofilm accumulation in situ. The effect was maintained even after abrasion.

Conclusion

A promising, novel silver-infiltrated abrasion-stable material for use as orthodontic brackets, which also exhibit strong antibacterial properties on in situ grown oral biofilms, was developed. The strong antibacterial properties were maintained even after surface abrasion simulated with long-term toothbrushing.
Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing renal sympathetic denervation
Authors: Zeijen Victor J. M. , Feyz Lida , Nannan Panday Rajiv , Veen Kevin , Versmissen Jorie , Kardys Isabella , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Daemen Joost
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Renal denervation (RDN) proved to significantly lower blood pressure (BP) at 2–6 months in patients on and off antihypertensive drugs. Given a lack of longer-term follow-up data, our aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of RDN up to five years taking into account antihypertensive drug regimen changes over time.

Methods

In the present single-center study, patients underwent RDN for (therapy resistant) hypertension. Patients underwent protocolized yearly follow-up out to five years. Data were collected on 24-h ambulatory BP and office BP monitoring, renal function, antihypertensive drug regimen, and safety events, including non-invasive renal artery imaging at 6/12 months. Efficacy analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

Seventy-two patients with mean age 63.3 ± 9.5 (SD) years (51% female) were included. Median follow-up time was 3.5 years and Clark’s Completeness Index was 72%. Baseline ambulatory daytime BP was 146.1/83.7 ± 17.4/12.2 mmHg under a mean number of 4.9 ± 2.7 defined daily doses (DDD). At five years, ambulatory daytime systolic BP as calculated from the mixed model was 120.8 (95% CI 114.2–127.5) mmHg and diastolic BP was 73.3 (95% CI 69.4–77.3) mmHg, implying a reduction of -20.9/-8.3 mmHg as compared to baseline estimates (p < 0.0001). The number of DDDs remained stable over time (p = 0.87). No procedure-related major adverse events resulting in long-term consequences were observed.

Conclusions

The BP-lowering effect of RDN was safely maintained at least five years post-procedure as reflected by a significant decrease in ambulatory daytime BP in the absence of escalating antihypertensive drug therapy over time.

Graphical abstract
Outcomes of distal ulna locking plate in management of unstable distal ulna fractures: a prospective case series
Authors: Stock K. , Benedikt S. , Kastenberger T. , Kaiser P. , Arora R. , Zelger P. , Pallua J. D. , Schmidle G.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Given the absence of a satisfying plate system to deal with multifragmentary or subcapital distal ulnar fractures, the Distal Ulna Locking Plate (DUL, I.T.S. GmbH, Graz, Austria) could become a useful treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the results of this anatomically pre-contoured plate regarding patients with unstable or displaced distal ulnar fractures.

Methods

In a prospective clinical trial, 20 patients (18 female, two male; mean age 70 years (24–91 years)) with unstable or displaced distal ulna fractures between December 2010 and August 2015 were analyzed. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the DUL. They were evaluated at three follow-up appointments at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively regarding their bone healing, ulnar variance (UV), range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Patient related outcomes were measured using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The results after one year were compared to the outcome of the healthy contralateral side.

Results

All fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the Distal Ulna Locking Plate healed within 6 months and showed stable ulnar variances after surgery. ROM (rotational plane 81.1 ± 9.0°, sagittal plane 55.1 ± 14.6°, frontal plane 33.0 ± 9.4°) and grip strength (18.7 ± 7.1 N) at the follow-up after 12 month had similar values compared with the uninjured side. The mean DASH score (36.4 ± 29.0), the PRWE-score (14.5 ± 27.0), and the VAS (at rest 0.5 ± 1.1, during activity 1.2 ± 2.4) after one year had no significant difference to the uninjured side. The surgeon’s overall satisfaction rate regarding plate handling reached 81.8%.

Conclusion

Stabilization of unstable distal ulna fractures using the DUL restores nearly normal anatomy and function. Its pre-countered design, volar placement, and enhanced stability present a satisfying plate system.

Trial registration

 The trial was retrospectively Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov on 16 December 2021 (Trial Registration Number: NCT05329012).
Hands-on false memories: a combined study with distributional semantics and mouse-tracking
Authors: Gatti Daniele , Marelli Marco , Mazzoni Giuliana , Vecchi Tomaso , Rinaldi Luca
Published: July 2022

Although mouse-tracking has been seen as a real-time window into different aspects of human decision-making processes, currently little is known about how the decision process unfolds in veridical and false memory retrieval. Here, we directly investigated decision-making processes by predicting participants’ performance in a mouse-tracking version of a typical Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM) task through distributional semantic models, a usage-based approach to meaning. Participants were required to study lists of associated words and then to perform a recognition task with the mouse. Results showed that mouse trajectories were extensively affected by the semantic similarity between the words presented in the recognition phase and the ones previously studied. In particular, the higher the semantic similarity, the larger the conflict driving the choice and the higher the irregularity in the trajectory when correctly rejecting new words (i.e., the false memory items). Conversely, on the temporal evolution of the decision, our results showed that semantic similarity affects more complex temporal measures indexing the online decision processes subserving task performance. Together, these findings demonstrate that semantic similarity can affect human behavior at the level of motor control, testifying its influence on online decision-making processes. More generally, our findings complement previous seminal theories on false memory and provide insights into the impact of the semantic memory structure on different decision-making components.
Role of H4K16 acetylation in 53BP1 recruitment to double-strand break sites in in vitro aged cells
Authors: González-Bermúdez Lourdes , Genescà Anna , Terradas Mariona , Martín Marta
Published: July 2022

Increased frequency of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) with aging suggests an age-associated decline in DSB repair efficiency, which is also influenced by the epigenetic landscape. H4 acetylation at lysine 16 (H4K16Ac) has been related to DSB repair since deacetylation of this mark is required for efficient 53BP1 recruitment to DSBs. Although age-associated changes in H4K16Ac levels have been studied, their contribution to age-related DSB accumulation remains unknown. In vitro aged Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs) display lower levels of H4K16A that correlate with reduced recruitment of 53BP1 to basal DSBs. Following DNA damage induction, early passage (EP) cells suffered from a transient H4K16 deacetylation that allowed proper 53BP1 recruitment to DSBs. In contrast, to reach this specific and optimum level, aged cells responded by increasing their overall lower H4K16Ac levels. Induced hyperacetylation of late passage (LP) cells using trichostatin A increased H4K16Ac levels but did not ameliorate 53BP1 recruitment. Instead, deacetylation induced by MOF silencing reduced H4K16Ac levels and compromised 53BP1 recruitment in both EP and LP cells. Age-associated decrease of H4K16Ac levels contributes to the repair defect displayed by in vitro aged cells. H4K16Ac responds to DNA damage in order to reach a specific, optimum level that allows proper 53BP1 recruitment. This response may be compromised with age, as LP cells depart from lower H4K16Ac levels. Variations in H4K16Ac following the activation of the DNA damage response and aging point at this histone mark as a key mediator between DNA repair and age-associated chromatin alterations.
Social norms explain prioritization of climate policy
Authors: Cole Jennifer C. , Ehret Phillip J. , Sherman David K. , Van Boven Leaf
Published: July 2022

Most people in the United States recognize the reality of climate change and are concerned about its consequences, yet climate change is a low priority relative to other policy issues. Recognizing that belief in climate change does not necessarily translate to prioritizing climate policy, we examine psychological factors that may boost or inhibit prioritization. We hypothesized that perceived social norms from people’s own political party influence their climate policy prioritization beyond their personal belief in climate change. In Study 1, a large, diverse sample of Democratic and Republican participants (N = 887) reported their prioritization of climate policy relative to other issues. Participants’ perceptions of their political ingroup’s social norms about climate policy prioritization were the strongest predictor of personal climate policy prioritization—stronger even than participants’ belief in climate change, political orientation, environmental identity, and environmental values. Perceptions of political outgroup norms did not predict prioritization. In Study 2 (N = 217), we experimentally manipulated Democratic and Republican descriptive norms of climate policy prioritization. Participants’ prioritization of climate policy was highest when both the political ingroup and the outgroup prioritized climate policy. Ingroup norms had a strong influence on personal policy prioritization whereas outgroup norms did not. These findings demonstrate that, beyond personal beliefs and other individual differences, ingroup social norms shape the public’s prioritization of climate change as a policy issue.
Bank capital buffer releases, public guarantee programs, and dividend bans in COVID-19 Europe: an appraisal
Authors: Matyunina Alexandra , Ongena Steven
Published: July 2022

We analyse the recent policy decisions made by the European Central Bank and the national authorities related to capital and shareholders’ remuneration aimed at promoting banking credit supply in COVID-19-afflicted economies. We forecast the impact of the regulatory decisions based on the empirical literature and discuss the factors that reduce the banks’ incentives to expand their loan portfolios. We argue that the introduction of the dividend ban caused a surge in regulatory uncertainty and undermined banks’ market valuation raising the expected funding costs and contributing to the banks’ reluctance to make use of the capital buffers. We develop policy suggestions intended to mitigate this effect.
Constructing group inclusions with arbitrary depth via wreath products
Authors: Horváth Erzsébet , Janabi Hayder Abbas
Published: July 2022

It was proved in a paper by Burciu, Kadison and Külshammer in 2011 that the ordinary depth $$d(S_n,S_{n+1})$$

d
(

S
n

,

S

n
+
1

)

of the symmetric group $$S_n$$

S
n

in $$S_{n+1}$$

S

n
+
1

is $$2n-1$$

2
n
-
1

, so arbitrarily large odd numbers can occur as subgroup depth. Lars Kadison in 2011 posed the question if subgroups of even ordinary depth bigger than 6 can occur. Recently in a paper with Breuer we constructed a series $$(G_n,H_n)$$

(

G
n

,

H
n

)

of groups and subgroups where the depth $$d(H_n,G_n)$$

d
(

H
n

,

G
n

)

was 2n, thus answering the question of Kadison. Here we generalize the method of that proof. The main result of this paper is that for every positive integer n there are infinitely many pairs (G, H) of finite groups such that $$d(H,G)=n$$

d
(
H
,
G
)
=
n

. As a corollary of its proof we get that for every positive integer n there are infinitely many triples (H, N, G) of finite solvable groups $$H\triangleleft N\triangleleft G$$

H
◃
N
◃
G

such that G/N is cyclic of order $$\lceil {n/2} \rceil $$

⌈

n
/
2

⌉

, N/H is cyclic of arbitrarily large prime order and $$d(H,G)=n$$

d
(
H
,
G
)
=
n

. We investigate the series $$d(H_n,G_n)$$

d
(

H
n

,

G
n

)

in the cases when the depth, $$d(H_1,G_1)$$

d
(

H
1

,

G
1

)

, is 1, 2 or 3, where $$H_n:=H_1\times G^{n-1}$$

H
n

:
=

H
1

×

G

n
-
1

and $$G_n:=G_1\wr C_n$$

G
n

:
=

G
1

≀

C
n

. We also prove that if $$H_1=S_k$$

H
1

=

S
k

and $$G_1=S_{k+1}$$

G
1

=

S

k
+
1

then $$d(H_n,G_n)=2nk-1$$

d
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Model for water infiltration in vegetated soil with preferential flow oriented by plant roots
Authors: Mair Andrew , Dupuy Lionel X. , Ptashnyk Mariya
Published: July 2022

Purpose

There is strong experimental evidence that root systems substantially change the hydraulic properties of soil. However, the mechanisms by which they do this remain largely unknown. In this work, we made the hypothesis that a preferential flow of soil moisture occurs in directions which follow the orientation and distribution of roots within the soil, and that this phenomenon alters soil moisture flow patterns.

Methods

We modified Richards’ equation to incorporate root-oriented preferential flow of soil moisture. Using the finite element method and Bayesian optimisation, we developed a pipeline to calibrate our model with respect to a given root system.

Results

When applied to simulated root distributions, our model produced pore-water pressure profiles which agreed with those derived from experimental saturated hydraulic conductivity values of soils vegetated with willow and grass. Agreement improved for simulated root distributions where root segments were oriented in a more realistic way, suggesting that the hydraulic characteristics of vegetated soils are a consequence of root-oriented preferential flow.

Conclusion

By incorporating root-oriented preferential flow, our model improves the ability to describe and analyse water infiltration through vegetated soil. This could help optimise irrigation, forecast flood events and plan landslide prevention strategies.
Investors’ response to the #MeToo movement: does corporate culture matter?
Authors: Billings Mary Brooke , Klein April , Shi Yanting Crystal
Published: July 2022

This paper provides evidence that the #MeToo movement revised investors’ beliefs about the costs (benefits) of fostering an exclusive (inclusive) culture, as reflected by the absence (presence of a critical mass) of women directors in the board room. Tracking a timeline of events associated with the #MeToo movement that begin with the Harvey Weinstein exposé in October 2017 in the New York Times, we document contrasting market reactions to the movement depending on the existing culture of the firm. Firms that historically excluded women from their board experienced a negative market response as momentum for the cause increased, whereas investors responded favorably to firms that historically embraced the inclusion of women on their boards. In contrast, we do not detect differences in the market’s response to randomly generated pseudo-events during the same time frame when comparing firms with exclusive and inclusive cultures. In the context of increased regulator attention to board gender diversity, as well as the ESG activist campaigns by large institutional investors, our study documents a shift in investors’ beliefs about the risks associated with sexual misconduct and about the value of having women in the boardroom shaping the culture of the firm.
Designing for a Healthier Indore, India: Participatory Systems Mapping
Authors: Bakhtawar Alsa , Bachani Damodar , Grattan Karen , Goldman Bailey , Mishra Neeraj , Pomeroy-Stevens Amanda
Published: July 2022

In Indore, India, BHC engaged 247 multi-sector stakeholders through a systems mapping approach to gather qualitative data across three workshops and four citizen town halls from 2018 to 2020. These data were synthesized with results from BHC’s 18 other city activities to build a systems map and identify high-impact areas for engagement. Contextual findings showed a tension at the heart of Indore’s growth—Indore’s great success as a city has spurred rapid population growth. This growth creates pressure on municipal systems as population outpaces service delivery capacity. This is central to the systems map that BHC developed and is expanded upon through additional patterns that fall within four main domains: (1) leadership, governance, and financing; (2) essential service delivery and workforce; (3) information systems; and (4) community infrastructure and education. Stakeholders found three key leverage opportunities within this context that, if included in every action, could help overcome barriers. These opportunities are: (1) improving data quality, use, and integration; (2) supporting accountability to, and enforcement of, policies and regulations; and (3) increasing community engagement. Brought together through a better understanding of the key patterns driving system behavior from the context map and leverage opportunities, BHC was able to co-create, with stakeholders, seven “coherent actions” to move Indore to a healthier, more equitable state. When COVID-19 regulations ease, BHC and city officials will reconvene to finalize an implementation plan for these actions.
Structural and Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline 3-(2-Benzothiazolyl)-7-(diethylamino) Coumarin (C6) Thin Films for Optoelectronic Application
Authors: Ebied Mostafa Saad , Dongol Mahmoud , Ibrahim Medhat , Nassary Mohammed , Elnobi Sahar , Abuelwafa Amr Attia
Published: July 2022

In the current work, the structural and optical properties of thermally evaporated 3-(2-Benzothiazolyl)-7-(diethylamino) coumarin [Coumarin 6 (C6)] thin films on a pre-cleaned quartz substrate were studied as a function of the annealing temperature. The influence of annealing on the structural, morphological, and molecular structures was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The XRD and AFM results confirmed that the as-deposited and annealed films have nanostructural features (30.96–45.34 nm). Also, the increase in roughness of the C6 thin film surface resulted from particle agglomeration and coalescence. Optical constants of C6 thin films were derived from the transmittance T(λ) and reflectance, R(λ) measurements in the spectral range of 200–2500 nm. Analysis of the optical absorption coefficient data indicates that the type of electronic transition in these films is an indirect allowed transition. The estimated optical band gap was decreased from 2.12 eV to 2.01 eV as the annealing temperature was increased. Dispersion and dielectric parameters were determined as functions of the annealing temperature. Lastly, nonlinear optical parameters such as the third-order nonlinear susceptibility, χ(3) and nonlinear refractive index, n(2) were estimated and influenced by annealing temperature. The optical properties of C6 thin films were showed that C6 thin films would be used in a wide range of photonic applications

Graphical Abstract
Simplified Growth Model for Multicomponent Systems - Inclusion of PARA and NPLE Conditions
Authors: Ågren John , Chen Qing
Published: July 2022

A simplified model for the growth of particles in a multicomponent system has been developed. The model takes into account of the effects of cross diffusion and finite interface mobility. It can be applied in a straightforward way to treat precipitation under the conditions of paraequilibrium (PARA) or non-partitioning local equilibrium (NPLE).
The Dark Tetrad, cybervictimization, and cyberbullying: The role of moral disengagement
Authors: Gajda Anna , Moroń Marcin , Królik Michał , Małuch Magdalena , Mraczek Monika
Published: July 2022

Cyberbullying is a form of antisocial online behaviors. Perpetration of intentional and repeated harm inflicted through electronic devices is associated with dark personality traits and may be caused by morally impaired reasoning. In the current study, we investigated the associations between the Dark Tetrad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, sadism), cybervictimization, and cyberbullying. We also examined the intervening role of moral disengagement in the relationship between the Dark Tetrad and cyberbullying. Two hundred fifty-one adults (72.6% women) participated in an on-line study. Correlational analysis indicated that all dark personality traits were associated with higher cyberbullying and cybervictimization (except narcissism as a predictor of cybervictimization). Moral disengagement was positively related to Machiavellianism, sadism and cybervictimization. Controlled for covariance between the Dark Tetrad traits and cybervictimization, sadism and cybervictimization appeared to be associated with cyberbullying. Moreover, moral disengagement did not account for the associations between the Dark Tetrad and cyberbullying.
Experimental investigation of the anchoring properties of special-shaped cross-section self-drilling bolts
Authors: Peng Ningbo , Hong Jie , Dong Yun , Chen Jiarui , Zhu Ye , Sun Bo
Published: July 2022

This paper designed a special-shaped cross-section hollow self-drilling bolt with discharge grooves, in which Mindlin’s solution of displacement was used in the elastic solution of a wholly grouted bolt. Theoretically, the ultimate pulling force and the residual pulling force were analyzed by considering the average distribution assumption of residual stress. The bolts’ performance with 2, 3, and 4 discharge grooves was compared with circular cross-section bolts, which experimental results are consistent with the theoretical results. The ultimate pulling force and the residual pulling force of the special-shaped cross-section bolt improved significantly according to the circular bolt. The bonding properties of special-shaped cross-section bolts present significant difference to circular section bolts. The residual pulling strength was contributed both by the bar-grout and grout-grout frictions. Upgrading the grout strength may further enhance the pulling strength of special-shaped cross-section bolts.
Study of strontium-doped tricalcium silicate/hydroxyapatite composite cement prepared through sol–gel process
Authors: Thirumurugan Senthilkumar , Lin Yu-Chien , Lin Guan-Yi , Fan Kuei-Sheng , Liang Yung-He , Kuo Yi-Jie , Chung Ren-Jei
Published: July 2022

A composite cement made of strontium containing tricalcium silicate and hydroxyapatite (SrC3S/HAp) was prepared and studied through a two-stage sol–gel method. The elemental components are 75 wt% of strontium-doped tricalcium silicate (SrC3S) and 25 wt% of hydroxyapatite (HAp). According to previous studies, the SrC3S has good mechanical properties and hydraulic conductivity, and the HAp has good biocompatibility. Therefore, the 75SrC3S-25HAp powder with 10 wt% of NaH2PO4 solution was mixed to prepare the slurry material. This slurry was measured for the working time and setting time at 37 °C under saturated vapor pressure. The material properties were evaluated in terms of crystal structures, surface morphologies, and mechanical properties. The in vitro testing was conducted to determine the ion release rate and curing behavior under a simulated body fluid environment. Finally, the L929 murine fibroblast cells were cultured to study the biocompatibility of the material. The results indicated that the operating time was 15.2 min, and the setting time was 43.6 min. After being soaked into simulated body fluid for14 days of the experiment, the compressive strength of 75SrC3S-25HAp remained 22.1 MPa, and the release of calcium and strontium ions was 501.4 ppm and 49.5 ppm, respectively. The cell viabilities were higher than 70% in various concentrations. These results suggest the 75SrC3S-25HAp has excellent potential for bone cement application.