bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impulsivity and compulsivity as parallel mediators of emotion dysregulation in eating‐related addictive‐like behaviors, alcohol use, and compulsive exercise
Authors: Forsén Mantilla Emma , Clinton David , Monell Elin , Levallius Johanna , Birgegård Andreas
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Transdiagnostically relevant psychological traits associated with psychiatric disorders are increasingly being researched, notably in substance use and addictive behaviors. We investigated whether emotion dysregulation mediated by impulsivity and/or compulsivity could explain variance in binge eating, food addiction, self‐starvation, and compulsive exercise, as well as alcohol use (addictive‐like behaviors relevant to the obesity and eating disorder fields).

Method

A general population sample of adults (N = 500, mean age = 32.5 years), females (n = 376) and males (n = 124), completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale‐16, the Trait Rash Impulsivity Scale, the Obsessive‐Compulsive Inventory—Revised, the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, the Self‐Starvation Scale, the Exercise Dependence Scale, the Yale Food Addiction Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test online. Besides gender comparisons and intercorrelations between measures, we used predefined multiple mediation models with emotion dysregulation as independent variable, impulsivity and compulsivity as parallel mediators, to investigate whether these factors contributed explanatory power to each addictive‐like behavior as outcome, also using age and body mass index as covariates.

Results

Females scored higher than males on emotion dysregulation and the eating‐related addictive‐like behaviors food addiction, self‐starvation, and binge eating. Intercorrelations between measures showed that emotion dysregulation and compulsivity were associated with all outcome variables, impulsivity with all except compulsive exercise, and the eating‐related behaviors intercorrelated strongly. Mediation models showed full or partial mediation of emotion dysregulation for all behaviors, especially via compulsivity, suggesting a behavior‐specific pattern. Mediation models were not affected by age or gender.

Discussion

Addictive‐like behaviors seemed to be maintained by trait levels of emotion dysregulation, albeit channeled via trait levels of compulsivity and/or impulsivity. The role of emotion dysregulation may help us to understand why addictive‐like behaviors can be difficult to change in both clinical and nonclinical groups, and may be informative for treatment‐planning in patients where these behaviors are present. Our findings support adopting a more dimensional approach to psychiatric classification by focusing psychological facets such as those studied.
Efficient Hydrolytic Hydrogen Evolution from Sodium Borohydride Catalyzed by Polymer Immobilized Ionic Liquid‐Stabilized Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Doherty Simon , Knight Julian G. , Alharbi Hussam Y. , Paterson Reece , Wills Corinne , Dixon Casey , Šiller Lidija , Chamberlain Thomas W. , Griffiths Anthony , Collins Sean M. , Wu Kejun , Simmons Matthew D. , Bourne Richard A. , Lovelock Kevin R. J. , Seymour Jake
Published: December 2021

Platinum nanoparticles stabilized by imidazolium‐based phosphine‐decorated Polymer Immobilized Ionic Liquids (PPh2‐PIIL) catalyze the hydrolytic evolution of hydrogen from sodium borohydride with remarkable efficiency, under mild conditions. The composition of the polymer influences efficiency with the catalyst based on a polyethylene glycol modified imidazolium monomer (PtNP@PPh2‐PEGPIILS) more active than its N‐alkylated counterpart (PtNP@PPh2‐N‐decylPIILS). The maximum initial TOF of 169 moleH2.molcat−1.min−1 obtained at 30 °C with a catalyst loading of 0.08 mol% is among the highest to be reported for the aqueous phase hydrolysis of sodium borohydride catalyzed by a PtNP‐based system. Kinetic studies revealed that the apparent activation energy (Ea) of 23.9 kJ mol−1 for the hydrolysis of NaBH4 catalyzed by PtNP@PPh2‐PEGPIILS is significantly lower than that of 35.6 kJ mol−1 for PtNP@PPh2‐N‐decylPIILS. Primary kinetic isotope effects kH/kD of 1.8 and 2.1 obtained with PtNP@PPh2‐PEGPIILS and PtNP@PPh2‐N‐decylPIILS, respectively, for the hydrolysis with D2O support a mechanism involving rate determining oxidative addition or σ‐bond metathesis of the O−H bond. Catalyst stability and reuse studies showed that PtNP@PPh2‐PEGPIILS retained 70 % of its activity across five runs; the gradual drop in conversion appears to be due to poisoning of the catalyst by the accumulated metaborate product as well as the increased viscosity of the reaction mixture.
Color trend prediction method based on genetic algorithm and extreme learning machine
Authors: Wang Weihao , Liu Yan , Song Fanghao , Wang Yong
Published: December 2021

Predicting the trends of future color is a crucial task in the study of color application, which is also of great importance to the business economy and has received increasing attention in the design field in recent years. More advanced quantitative computational methods are expected to make the prediction more accurate, and thus help designers to avoid the interference of subjective factors when carrying out the design. In this article, a hybrid model based on genetic algorithm and extreme learning machine is developed to predict color trends. The accuracy is improved through the optimal solution of hidden bias and input weights of the extreme learning machine searched by a genetic algorithm. By using a real historical dataset of smartphone appearance color, the prediction results of the genetic algorithm‐extreme learning machine model are compared with those of several commonly used models in the past. The accuracy of the model is evaluated in terms of absolute error and mean absolute error values. The results show that the method proposed in this article can maintain higher accuracy when predicting the trends of smartphone appearance color.
Peptide‐Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles for the Colorimetric Detection of the Oncoprotein Mdm2 in Human Serum
Authors: Retout Maurice , Gosselin Bryan , Mattiuzzi Alice , Ternad Indiana , Jabin Ivan , Bruylants Gilles
Published: December 2021

The development of efficient, reliable, and easy‐to‐use biosensors allowing early cancer diagnosis is of paramount importance for patients. Herein, we report a biosensor based on silver nanoparticles functionalized by peptide aptamers for the detection of a cancer biomarker, i. e. the Mdm2 protein. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced and stabilized with a thin PEGylated‐calix[4]arene layer that allows (i) the steric stabilization of the AgNPs and (ii) the covalent conjugation of the peptide aptamers via the formation of an amide bond. These peptide‐conjugated AgNPs were then used to detect Mdm2 via a dual trapping strategy that was previously reported with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Our results showed that replacing AuNPs by AgNPs improves the detection limit by nearly one order of magnitude, down to 5 nM, while the high selectivity of the system and the stability of the particles provided by the calixarene coating allow the detection of Mdm2 in human serum.
High‐Throughput Screening of Blade‐Coated Polymer:Polymer Solar Cells: Solvent Determines Achievable Performance
Authors: Harillo‐Baños Albert , Fan Qunping , Riera‐Galindo Sergi , Wang Ergang , Inganäs Olle , Campoy‐Quiles Mariano
Published: December 2021

Optimization of a new system for organic solar cells is a multiparametric analysis problem that requires substantial efforts in terms of time and resources. The strong microstructure‐dependent performance of polymer:polymer cells makes them particularly difficult to optimize, or to translate previous knowledge from spin coating into more scalable techniques. In this work, the photovoltaic performance of blade‐coated devices was studied based on the promising polymer:polymer system PBDB‐T and PF5‐Y5 as donor and acceptor, respectively. Using the recently developed high‐throughput methodology, the system was optimized for multiple variables, including solvent system, active layer composition, ratio, and thickness, among others, by fabricating more than 500 devices with less than 24 mg of each component. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of the blade‐coated devices varied from 0.08 to 6.43 % in the best device. The performed statistical analysis of the large experimental data obtained showed that solvent selection had the major impact on the final device performance due to its influence on the active layer microstructure. As a conclusion, the use of the plot of the device efficiency in the Hansen space was proposed as a powerful tool to guide solvent selection in organic photovoltaics.
Aspiration cytology of pleomorphic adenoma with squamous metaplasia: A case series and literature review illustrating diagnostic challenges
Authors: Li Joshua J. X. , Ng Joanna K. M. , Lau Eric H. L. , Chan Amy B. W.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Squamous metaplasia is not uncommonly observed in salivary gland neoplasms, including pleomorphic adenomas (PAs). It poses as a diagnostic pitfall with cytomorphologic features overlapping with low‐grade epithelial malignances and carcinoma ex‐PA. We report series of aspirates of PAs with squamous metaplasia and review the literature for the clinicopathological and cytologic features of this diagnostically challenging entity.

Methods

Three cases including index aspiration cytology, post‐aspiration specimen cytology, cell block immunohistochemistry (IHC), histologic correlation, and clinical data were reviewed. Literature search was performed for cases of PAs with squamous metaplasia, yielding 22 case reports including 11 with aspiration cytology performed.

Results

Metaplastic squamous components were seen in all index aspirations, but foreign body reaction and cystic changes were observed only after aspiration or in irritated lesions. PLAG1 IHC demonstrated reliable immunoreactivity in cell block preparations. Summarizing cases in this series and in the literature, cytologic features reported were variable and no consistent diagnostic feature was identified. Most reported cases were initially diagnosed as suspicious or malignant, but all ran a benign clinical course. Significant morbidity was reported only in one case due extensive surgery based on a malignant diagnosis.

Conclusions

Squamous metaplasia in PAs is not associated with adverse outcomes, but may induce reactive changes upon aspiration/irritation, resulting in worrisome cytologic features. PLAG1 IHC is a useful adjunct when characteristic cytologic features for PAs are absent or obscured. Prudent use of the diagnostic category salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP) in the Milan system can avoid overtreatment.
Adopt an abundance mindset to boost your leadership potential
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2021

When Laura Freebairn‐Smith was conducting research for her doctorate, she worked with John Pepper, who served as Chief Executive Officer of Proctor & Gamble. While thinking through other questions about leadership, the one she kept coming back to was “Why is he so great to work for?” He was “energetically a joy to be with” and exuded a sense that everything would be fine.
High‐Fidelity Dimerization of Xanthenyl Radicals and Dynamic Qualities of a Congested Ethane: Diethyl Dixanthenyl‐9,9′‐Dicarboxylate
Authors: Hogan David T. , Dubrawski Zachary , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Sutherland Todd C.
Published: December 2021

Exploration of the sterically‐congested ethane diethyl dixanthenyl‐9,9′‐dicarboxylate has revealed the dynamic behavior arising from its congested C−C bond. Interlocking ‘geared’ substituents and favorable dispersion interactions around this bond result in a conformational preference for partially cofacial xanthene moieties both in solid state and as dilute solutions. The weak, centrally located C−C bond is 1.628 Å long and permits selective thermolysis to yield two carbon‐centered ethyl xanthenyl‐9‐carboxylate radicals, which dimerize with high fidelity into the original sterically‐congested ethane. Recombination of the radicals into this symmetrical head‐to‐head dimer is highly reproducible – by observing the equilibrium, the bond dissociation enthalpy was calculated to be 20.4 kcal ⋅ mol−1. The substituents around the central carbon provide insufficient stabilization against oxygen, which consumes the radicals and unbalances the dimer‐radical equilibrium.
Synthesis of Aryl Sulfides by Metal‐Free Arylation of Thiols with Diaryliodonium Salts under Basic Conditions**
Authors: Sarkar Sudeep , Wojciechowska Natalia , Rajkiewicz Adam A. , Kalek Marcin
Published: December 2021

Metal‐free arylation of thiols with diaryliodonium salts has been developed. The application of a strong organic base enables the C−S bond formation under mild and experimentally simple conditions. The method allows for the synthesis of aryl sulfides containing a broad range of aryl groups from an array of thiols, including aryl, heteroaryl, and alkyl ones. The mechanism of the reaction was studied by DFT calculations, demonstrating that it proceeds via the inner sphere pathway involving formation of an Ar2I(SR) intermediate, followed by reductive elimination.
The Negro River in the Anavilhanas Archipelago: Streamflow and geomorphology of a complex anabranching system in the Amazon
Authors: Marinho Rogério Ribeiro , Zanin Paulo Rodrigo , Filizola Junior Naziano Pantoja
Published: December 2021

The evolution of the fluvial landscape is the result of controls and processes that can be observed by the adjustments a river makes to its hydrological regime. The Negro River is the sixth‐largest river in the world by water volume and contains two complex anabranching systems, the Anavilhanas and Mariuá archipelagos, and despite its importance, there is a lack of hydrological survey data on its multichannel reaches. The objective of this study was to analyse the fluvial dynamics of the lower Negro River and the morphodynamics of the Anavilhanas Archipelago channels in the Amazon basin. The analysed set of fluviometric surveys and cartographic data indicated that the average water velocity and depth of the channels were the most sensitive variables for water discharge variability. In addition, the reduction in the width/depth ratio of the channels in the Anavilhanas region is associated with an increased number of islands, but not with a fluvial transport capacity increase. These landforms play an important role in modulating flood wave dynamics in the lower reach of the Negro River. Seasonal water storage occurs in the channels and lakes of the archipelago due to the backwater effect caused by the Amazon River, which is the main control in the spatiotemporal variation of water discharge along the Anavilhanas Archipelago.
Blockchain‐enabled secure communication mechanism for IoT‐driven personal health records
Authors: Wazid Mohammad , Das Ashok Kumar , Park Youngho
Published: December 2021

The information system of healthcare operates through various frameworks, like wireless body area network, telecare medical information system, and mobile or electronic healthcare. All these systems need to maintain the personal health records (PHRs) for various users (ie, patients, doctors, and nurses). In such systems, we need to process and store the health related sensitive data (ie, PHRs). In this article, we aim to provide a robust security mechanism to secure exchange and storage of healthcare data, especially PHRs. We present a generic architecture of blockchain‐enabled secure communication mechanism for Internet of Things‐driven personal health records (BIPHRS). We then discuss various threats and security attacks of healthcare system along with different available security mechanisms. The conducted security analysis and detailed comparative study of the state of art blockchain enabled security schemes for PHR systems show that the proposed BIPHRS provides a better security and more functionality features as compared to other similar existing approaches.
Response surface optimization of cupcake physicochemical and sensory attributes during storage period: Effect of apricot kernel flour addition
Authors: Ahmadi Fahimeh , Aghajani Narjes , Gohari Ardabili Ashraf
Published: December 2021

Today, the demand for functional products has increased. Apricot kernel is an important source of protein, oil, and fiber and has high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In this study, the effect of adding different levels (15% and 30%) of apricot kernel flour (AKF) to the cupcake formulation on the physicochemical, textural, and sensory attributes of the produced cupcake during 14 days of storage was investigated and optimized by the response surface methodology (RSM) to find the optimum cupcake production with respect to maintaining the quality attributes of produced cake during storage period compared with control sample. The results showed that increasing AKF significantly increased the consistency and apparent viscosity of the dough, as well as the volume, height, and percentage of cake baking loss, but the moisture content and hardness of the cake did not show a significant difference compared with the control sample. Also, the crust and crumb color of the samples containing AKF were significantly lighter than the control sample. The results of optimization process showed that addition up to 30% AKF improved the sensory properties such as the crust and crumb color, texture, porosity, aroma, taste, and overall acceptance compared with the control sample. Samples containing 30% AKF were selected as the best formulation by panelists.
Murburn precepts for lactic‐acidosis, Cori cycle, and Warburg effect: Interactive dynamics of dehydrogenases, protons, and oxygen
Authors: Manoj Kelath Murali , Nirusimhan Vijay , Parashar Abhinav , Edward Jesucastin , Gideon Daniel Andrew
Published: December 2021

It is unresolved why lactate is transported to the liver for further utilization within the physiological purview of Cori cycle, when muscles have more lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) than liver. We point out that the answer lies in thermodynamics/equilibriums. While the utilization of NADH for the reduction of pyruvate to lactate can be mediated via the classical mechanism, the oxidation of lactate (with/without the uphill reduction of NAD+) necessitates alternative physiological approaches. The latter pathway occurs via interactive equilibriums involving the enzyme, protons and oxygen or diffusible reactive oxygen species (DROS). Since liver has high DROS, the murburn activity at LDH would enable the cellular system to tide over the unfavorable energy barriers of the forward reaction (~476 kJ/mol; earlier miscalculated as ~26 kJ/mole). Further, the new mechanism does not necessitate any “smart decision‐making” or sophisticated control by/of proteins. The DROS‐based murburn theory explains the invariant active‐site structure of LDH isozymes and their multimeric nature. The theoretical insights, in silico evidence and analyses of literature herein also enrich our understanding of the underpinnings of “lactic acidosis” (lowering of physiological pH accompanied by lactate production), Warburg effect (increased lactate production at high pO2 by cancer cells) and approach for cancer therapy.
Is the brain involved in patients with late‐onset Pompe disease?
Authors: van den Dorpel Jan J. A. , van der Vlugt Willemijn M. C. , Dremmen Marjolein H. G. , Muetzel Ryan , van den Berg Esther , Hest Roos , de Kriek Joni , Brusse Esther , van Doorn Pieter A. , van der Ploeg Ans T. , van den Hout Johanna M. P. , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E.
Published: December 2021

Our objective was to investigate brain structure, cerebral vasculature, and cognitive function in a cohort of patients with late‐onset Pompe disease, with particular reference to the differences from those with the classic infantile phenotype, where extensive white‐matter abnormalities (WMA) and impaired cognition on long‐term enzyme treatment are reported in a subset of patients. Brain imaging (T1, T2, T2 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery, susceptibility‐weighted images, and magnetic resonance angiography–time of flight) was combined with extensive cognitive testing of general intelligence (Wechsler IQ Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) and specific neuropsychological domains (verbal fluency, cognitive flexibility, attention, memory, and visuospatial abilities). We included 19 patients with late‐onset Pompe disease (age range 11‐56 years). Two patients showed mild punctate WMA within normal range for age, with a Fazekas score (FS) of 1 to 2. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed a slight vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia in two patients yet did not show any aneurysms or vascular dissections. Most patients had age‐adjusted scores within the normal range for the Wechsler index scores (verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed) and combined total intelligence (IQ) score (median 101, interquartile range 91‐111; one patient had a below‐average score for total IQ) as well as for the specific domains verbal fluency, attention, and memory. A subset of patients performed suboptimally on the Rey Complex Figure Test (9/14 patients) or cube‐copying/clock‐drawing test of the MoCA (8/10 patients). We therefore concluded that our study showed no brain abnormalities, other than minor microvascular lesions considered within normal range for age, nor general cognitive impairment in late‐onset Pompe patients. These findings are in sharp contrast with the widespread WMA and cognitive problems found in some classic infantile patients.
Omicron: Call for updated vaccines
Authors: Li Xingguang
Published: December 2021

The Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 variant was potentially generated from a chronically infected COVID‐19 patient vaccinated with an messenger RNA (mRNA)‐ or non‐mRNA‐based vaccine, offering the opportunity for the virus to evolve and mutate to evade the body's immune response. To understand the significance of this SARS‐CoV‐2 variant and what it means for the global response to the pandemic, vaccinologists should systematically evaluate the role of mRNA‐ and non‐mRNA‐based vaccines in the generation of novel SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, including variants of concerns (VOCs) and interest (VOIs), that occur via breakthrough vaccine‐elicited immunity. Although COVID vaccine boosters are likely to offer some protection and mRNA‐ or non‐mRNA‐based vaccines can be adapted to new variants, such as Omicron, the requirement of a booster so soon after full vaccination, with further shots potentially required, is of concern given the impacts on human health. Therefore, in the race to protect the global population against novel SARS‐CoV‐2 VOCs and VOIs, there is an urgent need to create much more effective one‐dose vaccines that can protect people over their entire lifetime.
The efficacy and safety outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure in Thailand: Phramongkutklao experience
Authors: Limprasert Sarawuth , Uerojanaungkul Preecha , Chantrarat Thoranis
Published: December 2021

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the crucial treatments in patients with symptomatic heart failure reduced ejection fraction. This study aimed to report the efficacy and safety of CRT implantation in treating patients with heart failure. The responders and related outcomes were also analyzed.

Methods

Medical records of all patients with CRT implantation, because of heart failure treatment indication, in Phramongkutklao Hospital between 2008 and 2019 were reviewed. Free from death and heart failure hospitalization were analyzed as composited efficacy outcomes with survival analysis. Follow‐up echocardiography was used to define a responder. The safety outcomes were reported using descriptive data. Cox‐proportional hazard model analysis was used for the responder as a predictor of outcomes.

Results

A total of 152 patients underwent CRT implantation because of heart failure. 77.63% were male, the mean age of 65.9 ± 13.19 years, 59.85% were diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy, mean LVEF of 22.69 ± 7.51%, and QRS duration of 147 ± 21 ms. Mean Follow‐up was 41 months. The composited efficacy outcomes were 91.7%, 54.8%, and 35.4% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. CRT‐related complications were found in 12 patients (7.89%). 71.30% of patients who were responders had lower death or heart failure hospitalization when compared to non‐responders (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24–0.78).

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety in CRT treating patients in our center were consistent with the previous randomized and observational studies. The responder rate remained the same as in previous trials but was a strong predictor for better outcomes.
A new approach for the generalized fractional Casson fluid model with Newtonian heating described by the modified Riemann–Liouville fractional operator
Authors: Radhakrishnan Bheeman , Tamilarasi Mathivanan
Published: December 2021

This research is about the transfer of heat of a generalized fractional Casson fluid on an unsteady boundary layer that is passing through an infinite oscillating plate, in a vertical direction combined with the Newtonian heating. The results are obtained by using a Modified Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. The present fluid model starts with the governing equations which are then converted to a system of partial differential equations (linear) by using some suitable nondimensional variables. Using the method of integral balance and the Laplace transform technique, an analytical solution is obtained. The velocity and temperature expressions are derived, and the effects of modeling parameters are shown in tables and graphs to validate the obtained theoretical results.
SMART‐Miner: A convolutional neural network‐based metabolite identification from 1H‐13C HSQC spectra
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Zhang Chen , Cottrell Garrison W. , Gerwick William H.
Published: December 2021

The identification of metabolites from complex biofluids and extracts of tissues is an essential process for understanding metabolic profiles. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is widely used in metabolomics studies for identification and quantification of metabolites. However, the accurate identification of individual metabolites is still a challenging process with higher peak intensity or similar chemical shifts from different metabolites. In this study, we applied a convolutional neural network (CNN) to 1H‐13C HSQC NMR spectra to achieve accurate peak identification in complex mixtures. The results reveal that the neural network was successfully trained on metabolite identification from these 2D NMR spectra and achieved very good performance compared with other NMR‐based metabolomic tools.
High‐order conservative transport on Yin‐Yang grids using the multi‐moment constrained finite volume method
Authors: Gu Juan , Peng Xindong , Chang Jun , Che Yuzhang
Published: December 2021

A numerical constraint was developed to improve the global and local conservation for the Yin‐Yang grid system, which has been known as one of the quasi‐uniform grids on a sphere. Two‐dimensional cubic mass distribution within an individual mesh was assumed, to describe the subgrid‐scale structure of local properties and to ensure high‐order‐accuracy mass flux specification for the Yin‐Yang boundary. A three‐point Multi‐moment Constrained finite Volume scheme, in cooperation with a fourth‐order Runge–Kutta scheme, was selected for numerical transport with the help of Boundary Gradient Switching for oscillation suppression. The new scheme was tested with a couple of idealized numerical experiments in advection and shallow‐water models on the Yin‐Yang grid to verify its performance. Numerical results confirmed the exact mass conservation in spherical advection problems, and the numerical convergence rate reached fourth order in both advection and shallow‐water models. Computational stability, shape‐preserving and numerical oscillation‐free properties were also revealed in the nonlinear testing problems.
What do large‐scale patterns teach us about extreme precipitation over the Mediterranean at medium‐ and extended‐range forecasts?
Authors: Mastrantonas Nikolaos , Magnusson Linus , Pappenberger Florian , Matschullat Jörg
Published: December 2021

Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) can have devastating consequences, such as floods and landslides, posing a great threat to society and economy. Predicting such events long in advance can support the mitigation of negative impacts. Here, we focus on EPEs over the Mediterranean, a region that is frequently affected by such hazards. Previous work identified strong connections between localized EPEs and large‐scale atmospheric flow patterns, affecting weather over the entire Mediterranean. We analyse the predictive skill of these patterns in the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) extended range forecasts and assess if and where these patterns can be used for indirect predictions of EPEs, using the Brier skill score. The results show that the ECMWF model provides skilful predictions of the Mediterranean patterns up to 2 weeks in advance. Moreover, using the forecasted patterns for indirect predictability of EPEs outperforms the reference score up to ∼10 days lead time for many locations. For high orography locations or coastal areas in particular, like parts of western Turkey, western Balkans, Iberian Peninsula, and Morocco, this limit extends to 11–14 days lead time. This study demonstrates that the connections between localized EPEs and large‐scale patterns over the Mediterranean extend the forecasting horizon of the model by over 3 days in many locations, in comparison with forecasting based on the predicted precipitation. Thus, it is beneficial to use the predicted patterns rather than the predicted precipitation at longer lead times for EPE forecasting. The model's performance is also assessed from a user perspective, showing that the EPE forecasting based on the patterns increases the economic benefits at medium/extended range lead times. Such information could support higher confidence in the decision‐making of various users; for example, the agricultural sector and (re)insurance companies.
A viewpoint on population analyses
Authors: Davidson Ernest R. , Clark Aurora E.
Published: December 2021

Population analyses have become an indispensable tool to computational chemists. Yet implementation within popular quantum chemistry software can hide the interesting philosophical choices made when partitioning the electron density into atomic contributions. There is further historical context that has significantly influenced common conceptions of chemical bonding and reactivity. This work reviews select aspects of orbital and spatial decomposition schemes of the density matrix, pointing out essential linear algebraic considerations and associated tools of shared interest to us and Prof Mayer.
Understanding and developing locality with a non‐representational approach: Cases of waterfront spaces along the river Rhine
Authors: Ruan Huiting , Prominski Martin
Published: December 2021

In response to the problem of urban uniformity and loss of identity, in the past, locality research focused mainly on the physical environment and their symbolic values. This study takes the initiative by applying the zero theory from human geography to the planning and design fields. It has investigated promenades and parks along the Rhine in 20 towns or cities using spatial analysis and on‐site experiences. Four types of waterfront space have been identified from the case studies, and the pattern of their distribution along the Rhine suggests that this is influenced mainly by the varying characteristics of the river and the historical development of the towns. This result permits planning to refer to spatial layout based on a region's character. The research also reveals the dominance of representational thinking in our current design practice and its negative impact. The application of non‐representational approaches reveals the importance of sensory experiences and everyday spaces for better on‐site engagement, thus forming the basis for a set of design guidelines for achieving locality in river‐related open spaces. The paper demonstrates that the non‐representational theory could provide the opportunity to enliven the connection between people and places in locality research.
Study's findings offer insights to help develop, improve peer mentorship programs for students with autism
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2021

T he first comprehensive, systematic review on the state of peer mentorship programs for college and university students with autism has found that these programs, while effective in some areas, still had gaps where services could be improved for greater student success.
Atomic‐Level Metal Electrodeposition: Synthetic Strategies, Applications, and Catalytic Mechanism in Electrochemical Energy Conversion
Authors: Shi Yi , Lee Carmen , Tan Xianyi , Yang Lan , Zhu Qiang , Loh Xianjun , Xu Jianwei , Yan Qingyu
Published: December 2021

Electrochemical energy conversion is considered a promising method to alleviate the global energy crisis and environmental issues. By decreasing the length scale to the atomic level, the energy‐related metal electrocatalysts can possess unique catalytic properties, which can maximize their utilization. The electrodeposition technique has gained unprecedented attention for the synthesis of atomic‐level metal catalysts. In this review, the recent progress on the various strategies used to electrodeposit atomic‐level metal catalysts is summarized. The basic principles of the surface‐limited electrochemical techniques (underpotential deposition (UPD)) and their applications in the self‐terminating growth of atomic‐level metal catalysts are highlighted. This review also discusses the mechanistic investigations, comprehensive understanding of the structure–activity relationships at the atomic level and the application of these atomic‐level catalysts in the electrochemical energy conversion in details. Finally, the current challenges and future directions on the potential use of the atomic level electrodeposition are presented.
Event parsing and the origins of grammar
Authors: Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: December 2021

How did grammar evolve? Perhaps a better way to ask the question is what kind of cognition is needed to enable grammar. The present analysis departs from the observation that linguistic communication is structured in terms of agents and patients, a reflection of how humans see the world. One way to explore the origins of cognitive skills in humans is to compare them with primates. A first approach has been to teach great apes linguistic systems to study their production in subsequent conversations. This literature has revealed considerable semantic competences in great apes, but no evidence for a corresponding grammatical ability, at least in production. No ape has ever created a sentence with an underlying causal structure of agency and patienthood. A second approach has been to study natural communication in primates and other animals. Here, there is intermittent evidence of compositionality, for example, a capacity to perform operations on semantic units, but again no evidence for an ability to refer to the causal structure of events. Future research will have to decide whether primates and other animals are simply unable to see the world as casually structured the way humans do, or whether they are just unable to communicate causal structures to others.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Computer Science and Robotics > Artificial Intelligence

Linguistics > Evolution of Language
Satisfaction of Public Land Hunters During Long‐term Deer Population Decline
Authors: Rosenberger Jacalyn P. , Boley B. Bynum , Edge Adam C. , Yates Cheyenne J. , Miller Karl V. , Osborn David A. , Killmaster Charlie H. , Johannsen Kristina L. , D'Angelo Gino J.
Published: December 2021

White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations and deer hunter participation on federal public lands within the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States have been declining over the last 30 years. Our study focused on Chattahoochee National Forest hunters in North Georgia, a region that has sustained a 64% decline in buck harvest success rates and 68% decline in hunter participation during 1979–2018. To better understand factors influencing satisfaction of remaining hunters, we sent mail questionnaires to 1,271 hunters in February 2019. We received 441 completed questionnaires for a 36% adjusted response rate. First, we used principal component analysis to identify 4 unique motivations for deer hunting: 1) escaping the daily routine and spending time outdoors, 2) harvesting deer for food, 3) socializing with hunting partners, and 4) harvesting trophy bucks. Second, we used ordinal logistic regression, which indicated that perception of a low deer population density was associated with lower levels of satisfaction. Perception of the right number of hunters on the landscape was associated with higher levels of satisfaction. In addition, greater importance ratings of harvesting trophy bucks were associated with lower satisfaction levels. Last, we applied revised importance‐performance analysis to 19 aspects of WMA deer hunting, which revealed that managers should focus on increasing opportunities for hunters to see deer and harvest bucks for the best chance at improving hunter satisfaction. Considering the 64% decline in harvest success rates between 1979 and 2018, the positive relationship between hunter satisfaction and perception of deer density, and hunter desires to see more deer and have more opportunities to harvest bucks, we recommend managing the deer population to increase numbers. Overall, our findings suggested that hunters and managers agree on the direction of deer management on North Georgia public lands for the near future. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
A metal‐organic framework ZJU‐136‐Ce for combined chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Lei Chen , Yang Xue , Huang Xiajuan , Yu Shijiang , Zhu Hongliang , Lin Wenxin , Mou Xiaozhou
Published: December 2021

A metal‐organic framework ZJU‐136‐Ce with ideal water stability was synthesized. It was adopted to load Mn2+ and DOX for chemo/chemodynamic therapy of tumor, the loading capacity of Mn2+ and DOX was 0.87 wt % and 10.19 wt % in ZJU‐136‐Ce, respectively. DOX&Mn@ZJU‐136‐Ce exhibited significant effects of inhibition of Hela cell growth, which confirmed it had a potential application prospect in the multimodal cancer therapy.
Comparative study for analysis of carbohydrates in biological samples
Authors: Meyer Martin , Montero Lidia , Meckelmann Sven W. , Schmitz Oliver J.
Published: December 2021

This work presents a comparative study for the analysis of carbohydrates for four common chromatographic methods, each coupled to mass spectrometry. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) and gas chromatography (GC) with detection by triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (QqQ-MS) are compared. It is shown that gas chromatography and reversed-phase liquid chromatography, each after derivatisation, are superior to the other two methods in terms of separation performance. Furthermore, comparing the different working modes of the mass spectrometer, it can be determined that a targeted analysis, i.e. moving from full scan to single ion monitoring (SIM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), results in an improvement in the sensitivity as well as the repeatability of the method, which has deficiencies especially in the analysis using HILIC. Overall, RP-LC–MS in MRM after derivatisation with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) proved to be the most suitable method in terms of separation performance, sensitivity and repeatability for the analysis of monosaccharides. Detection limits in the nanomolar range were achieved, which corresponds to a mass concentration in the low µg/L range. The applicability of this method to different biological samples was investigated with various herbal liquors, pectins and a human glycoprotein.

Graphical abstract
Alterations of circulating lymphocyte subsets in patients with colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Waidhauser Johanna , Nerlinger Pia , Arndt Tim Tobias , Schiele Stefan , Sommer Florian , Wolf Sebastian , Löhr Phillip , Eser Stefan , Müller Gernot , Claus Rainer , Märkl Bruno , Rank Andreas
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Cellular immune response to cancer is known to be of great importance for tumor control. Moreover, solid tumors influence circulating lymphocytes, which has been shown for several types of cancer. In our prospective study we elucidate changes in lymphocyte subsets in patients with colorectal carcinoma compared to healthy volunteers.

Methods

Flow cytometry was performed at diagnosis of colon carcinoma to analyze B cells, T cells and NK cells including various subtypes of each group. Univariate and multivariate analyses including age, gender, tumor stage, sidedness and microsatellite instability status (MSI) were performed.

Results

Forty-seven patients and 50 healthy volunteers were included. Median age was 65 years in patients and 43 years in the control group. Univariate analysis revealed lower total lymphocyte counts, lower CD4 + cells, CD8 + cells, B cells and NKs including various of their subsets in patients. In multivariate analysis patients had inferior values of B cells, CD4 + cells and NK cells and various subsets, regardless of age and gender. Naïve, central memory and HLADR + CD8 + cells showed an increase in patients whereas all other altered subsets declined. MSI status had no influence on circulating lymphocytes except for higher effector memory CD8 + cells in MSI-high patients. Localization in the left hemicolon led to higher values of total cytotoxic T cells and various T cell subsets.

Conclusion

We found significant changes in circulating lymphocyte subsets in colon carcinoma patients, independent of physiological alterations due to gender or age. For some lymphocyte subsets significant differences according to tumor localization or MSI-status could be seen.
Cochlea implantation in patients with superficial hemosiderosis
Authors: Artukarslan E. , Matin F. , Donnerstag F. , Gärtner L. , Lenarz T. , Lesinski-Schiedat A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Superficial hemosiderosis is a sub-form of hemosiderosis in which the deposits of hemosiderin in the central nervous system damage the nerve cells. This form of siderosis is caused by chronic cerebral hemorrhages, especially subarachnoid hemorrhages. The diversity of symptoms depends on the respective damage to the brain, but in most of the cases it shows up as incipient unilateral or bilateral hearing loss, ataxia and signs of pyramidal tracts. We are investigating the question of whether cochlear implantation is a treatment option for patients with superficial hemosiderosis and which strategy of diagnostic procedure has to be ruled out preoperatively.

Materials and methods

In a tertiary hospital between 2009 and 2018, we examined (N = 5) patients with radiologically confirmed central hemosiderosis who suffered from profound hearing loss to deafness were treated with a cochlear implant (CI). We compared pre- and postoperative speech comprehension (Freiburg speech intelligibility test for monosyllables and HSM sentence test).

Results

Speech understanding improved on average by 20% (monosyllabic test in the Freiburg speech intelligibility test) and by 40% in noise (HSM sentence test) compared to preoperative speech understanding with optimized hearing aids.

Discussion

The results show that patients with superficial siderosis benefit from CI with better speech understanding. The results are below the average for all postlingual deaf CI patients. Superficial siderosis causes neural damages, which explains the reduced speech understanding based on central hearing loss. It is important to correctly weigh the patient's expectations preoperatively and to include neurologists within the therapy procedure.
Observation error covariance specification in dynamical systems for data assimilation using recurrent neural networks
Authors: Cheng Sibo , Qiu Mingming
Published: December 2021

Data assimilation techniques are widely used to predict complex dynamical systems with uncertainties, based on time-series observation data. Error covariance matrices modeling is an important element in data assimilation algorithms which can considerably impact the forecasting accuracy. The estimation of these covariances, which usually relies on empirical assumptions and physical constraints, is often imprecise and computationally expensive, especially for systems of large dimensions. In this work, we propose a data-driven approach based on long short term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks (RNN) to improve both the accuracy and the efficiency of observation covariance specification in data assimilation for dynamical systems. Learning the covariance matrix from observed/simulated time-series data, the proposed approach does not require any knowledge or assumption about prior error distribution, unlike classical posterior tuning methods. We have compared the novel approach with two state-of-the-art covariance tuning algorithms, namely DI01 and D05, first in a Lorenz dynamical system and then in a 2D shallow water twin experiments framework with different covariance parameterization using ensemble assimilation. This novel method shows significant advantages in observation covariance specification, assimilation accuracy, and computational efficiency.
Combining Halo-EFT Descriptions of Nuclei and Precise Models of Nuclear Reactions
Authors: Capel Pierre
Published: December 2021

The clear separation of scales observed in halo nuclei between the extended halo and the compact core makes these exotic nuclei a perfect subject for effective field theory (EFT). Such description leads to a systematic expansion of the core-halo Hamiltonian, which naturally orders the nuclear-structure observables. In this short review, I show the advantages there are to include Halo-EFT descriptions within precise models of reactions. It helps identifying the nuclear-structure observables that matter in the description of the reactions, and enables us to easily bridge predictions of nuclear-structure calculations to reaction observables. I illustrate this on breakup, transfer and knockout reactions with $$^{11}$$

11

Be, the archetypical one-neutron halo nucleus.