bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitating question identification through natural intensity eyebrow movements in virtual avatars
Authors: Nota Naomi , Trujillo James P. , Jacobs Vere , Holler Judith
Published: December 2023

In conversation, recognizing social actions (similar to ‘speech acts’) early is important to quickly understand the speaker’s intended message and to provide a fast response. Fast turns are typical for fundamental social actions like questions, since a long gap can indicate a dispreferred response. In multimodal face-to-face interaction, visual signals may contribute to this fast dynamic. The face is an important source of visual signalling, and previous research found that prevalent facial signals such as eyebrow movements facilitate the rapid recognition of questions. We aimed to investigate whether early eyebrow movements with natural movement intensities facilitate question identification, and whether specific intensities are more helpful in detecting questions. Participants were instructed to view videos of avatars where the presence of eyebrow movements (eyebrow frown or raise vs. no eyebrow movement) was manipulated, and to indicate whether the utterance in the video was a question or statement. Results showed higher accuracies for questions with eyebrow frowns, and faster response times for questions with eyebrow frowns and eyebrow raises. No additional effect was observed for the specific movement intensity. This suggests that eyebrow movements that are representative of naturalistic multimodal behaviour facilitate question recognition.
A new β-cyclodextrin-based nickel as green and water-soluble supramolecular catalysts for aqueous Suzuki reaction
Authors: Payamifar Sara , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad
Published: December 2023

A water-soluble nickel complex based on amino-β-CD was developed using a facile method and exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the Suzuki reaction in water. This synthesized complex has been characterized using UV–Vis, AAS, TGA, and FT-IR techniques. The easily synthesized novel supramolecular catalysts have been applied as a green and eco-friendly catalyst in the Suzuki coupling for preparing diverse biaryls. This result indicates that using 2.5 mol% of nickel, K2CO3 as the best base, and water as the green solvent are the best reaction conditions. This new catalyst features easy handling, low-cost, mild, and simple protocol. The use of low-cost and accessibility of the reagents, modest conditions, and good yields of products are notable characteristics of this method. Using aqueous media with this catalyst as a proper catalyst makes the presented process a fascinating method compared to most reports. Under mild reaction conditions, this green Ni(II)-β-CD catalyst displayed recyclable behavior seven times with minor loss in its catalytic activity.
Maximizing choreography and performance in artistic swimming team free routines: the role of hybrid figures
Authors: Yue Leijiao , Zhang Jiawen , Cui Wenlai , Yang Rui , Yin Jun
Published: December 2023

Hybrid figures serve as an important component of artistic swimming, however, no prior research has investigated objective indicators for predicting total scores in competition. This study aimed to identify significance of hybrid figure (HF) elements in predicting total scores in artistic swimming competitions and compare these variables between the Beijing team trials and international official competitions. Eight HF variables were measured in the videos from the international artistic swimming competitions, with calibration and measurement of the variables leg height index and leg angle deviation being performed by means of Kinovea. Multiple linear regression was conducted to predict the total scores based on these variables investigated for the international teams, which showed 5 significant predictors including movement frequency, leg height index, leg angle deviation, mean pattern duration, and rotation frequency. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine the differences in the variables between the Beijing team and the international teams (top 5), which showed significant difference on movement frequency, leg angle deviation, leg height index and total score. When designing hybrid figures choreography of team free routine in artistic swimming, coaches should prioritize appropriate movement frequency, pattern changes and rotations over excessively long durations. Overly complex HF choreography may lead to a decline on performance in artistic swimming competition.
Phonetic accommodation in non-native directed speech supports L2 word learning and pronunciation
Authors: Piazza Giorgio , Kalashnikova Marina , Martin Clara D.
Published: December 2023

This study assessed whether Non-native Directed Speech (NNDS) facilitates second language (L2) learning, specifically L2 word learning and production. Spanish participants (N = 50) learned novel English words, presented either in NNDS or Native-Directed Speech (NDS), in two tasks: Recognition and Production. Recognition involved matching novel objects to their labels produced in NNDS or NDS. Production required participants to pronounce these objects’ labels. The novel words contained English vowel contrasts, which approximated Spanish vowel categories more (/i-ɪ/) or less (/ʌ-æ/). Participants in the NNDS group exhibited faster recognition of novel words, improved learning, and produced the /i-ɪ/ contrast with greater distinctiveness in comparison to the NDS group. Participants’ ability to discriminate the target vowel contrasts was also assessed before and after the tasks, with no improvement detected in the two groups. These findings support the didactic assumption of NNDS, indicating the relevance of the phonetic adaptations in this register for successful L2 acquisition.
U-net based vortex detection in Bose–Einstein condensates with automatic correction for manually mislabeled data
Authors: Ye Jing , Huang Yue , Liu Keyan
Published: December 2023

Quantum vortices in Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) are essential phenomena in condensed matter physics, and precisely locating their positions, especially the vortex core, is a precondition for studying their properties. With the rise of machine learning, there is a possibility to expedite the localization process and provide accurate predictions. However, traditional machine learning requires particular considerable amount of manual data annotation, leading to uncontrollable accuracy. In this paper, we utilize the U-Net method to detect vortex positions accurately at the pixel level and propose an Automatic Correction Labeling (ACL) approach to optimize the acquisition of data sets for vortex localization in BECs. This approach addresses inaccuracies in the labeled vortex positions and improves the accuracy of vortex localization, especially the vortex core positions, while enhancing the tolerance for human mislabeling. The main process involves Rough Labeling$$\rightarrow $$→Machine Learning$$\rightarrow $$→Probability Region Search$$\rightarrow $$→Data Relabeling$$\rightarrow $$→Machine Learning again. The objective of ACL is to secure more accurate labeled data for model retraining. Through vortex localization experiments conducted in a two-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensate, our results establish the following: 1. Even under conditions of biased and missing manual annotations, U-Net can still accurately locate vortex positions; 2. Vortices exhibit certain regularities, and training U-Net with a small number of samples yields excellent predictive consequences; 3. The machine learning vortex locator based on the ACL method effectively corrects errors in manually annotated data, significantly improving the model’s performance metrics, thus enhancing the precision and metrics of vortex localization. This substantial advancement in the application of machine learning in vortex localization provides an effective way for vortex dynamics localization. Furthermore, this method of obtaining more accurate positions of approximate human labels through machine learning offers new insights for machine learning in other types of image recognition problems.
A NILM load identification method based on structured V-I mapping
Authors: Du Zehua , Yin Bo , Zhu Yuanyuan , Huang Xianqing , Xu Jiali
Published: December 2023

With the increasing number and types of global power loads and the development and popularization of smart grid technology, a large number of researches on load-level non-intrusive load monitoring technology have emerged. However, the unique power characteristics of the load make NILM face the difficult problem of low robustness of feature extraction and low accuracy of classification and identification in the recognition stage. This paper proposes a structured V-I mapping method to address the inherent limitations of traditional V-I trajectory mapping methods from a new perspective. In addition, for the verification of the V-I trajectory mapping method proposed in this paper, the complexity of load characteristics is comprehensively considered, and a lightweight convolutional neural network is designed based on AlexNet. The experimental results on the NILM dataset show that the proposed method significantly improves recognition accuracy compared to existing VI trajectory mapping methods.
Determinants of exposure to acrylamide in European children and adults based on urinary biomarkers: results from the “European Human Biomonitoring Initiative” HBM4EU participating studies
Authors: F. Fernández Sandra , Poteser Michael , Govarts Eva , Pardo Olga , Coscollà Clara , Schettgen Thomas , Vogel Nina , Weber Till , Murawski Aline , Kolossa-Gehring Marike , Rüther Maria , Schmidt Phillipp , Namorado Sónia , Van Nieuwenhuyse An , Appenzeller Brice , Ólafsdóttir Kristín , Halldorsson Thorhallur I. , Haug Line S. , Thomsen Cathrine , Barbone Fabio , Mariuz Marika , Rosolen Valentina , Rambaud Loïc , Riou Margaux , Göen Thomas , Nübler Stefanie , Schäfer Moritz , Zarrabi Karin H. A. , Sepai Ovnair , Martin Laura Rodriguez , Schoeters Greet , Gilles Liese , Leander Karin , Moshammer Hanns , Akesson Agneta , Laguzzi Federica
Published: December 2023

Little is known about exposure determinants of acrylamide (AA), a genotoxic food-processing contaminant, in Europe. We assessed determinants of AA exposure, measured by urinary mercapturic acids of AA (AAMA) and glycidamide (GAMA), its main metabolite, in 3157 children/adolescents and 1297 adults in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative. Harmonized individual-level questionnaires data and quality assured measurements of AAMA and GAMA (urine collection: 2014–2021), the short-term validated biomarkers of AA exposure, were obtained from four studies (Italy, France, Germany, and Norway) in children/adolescents (age range: 3–18 years) and six studies (Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Iceland) in adults (age range: 20–45 years). Multivariable-adjusted pooled quantile regressions were employed to assess median differences (β coefficients) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) in AAMA and GAMA (µg/g creatinine) in relation to exposure determinants. Southern European studies had higher AAMA than Northern studies. In children/adolescents, we observed significant lower AA associated with high socioeconomic status (AAMA:β =  − 9.1 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI − 15.8, − 2.4; GAMA: β =  − 3.4 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI − 4.7, − 2.2), living in rural areas (AAMA:β =  − 4.7 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI − 8.6, − 0.8; GAMA:β =  − 1.1 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI − 1.9, − 0.4) and increasing age (AAMA:β =  − 1.9 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI − 2.4, − 1.4; GAMA:β =  − 0.7 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI − 0.8, − 0.6). In adults, higher AAMA was also associated with high consumption of fried potatoes whereas lower AAMA was associated with higher body-mass-index. Based on this large-scale study, several potential determinants of AA exposure were identified in children/adolescents and adults in European countries.
Research on slurry diffusion and seepage law in mining overburden fractures based on CFD numerical method
Authors: Zhengzheng Cao , Yunlong Jia , Zhenhua Li , Feng Du
Published: December 2023

It is of great theoretical significance and engineering application value to research the diffusion law of slurry in mining fractures of rock strata to enrich grouting theory and improve grouting sealing effect. In this paper, the law of grout diffusion in fractures under different working conditions is systematically explored and analyzed, and a numerical simulation scheme of grout diffusion in a single slab crack is established. Then, the diffusion law of grouting slurry in crack under different rheological index and different consistency index is further investigated. The results show that the diffusion time of grouting slurry has no relation with the rheological index. The grout pressure at the same point increases with the increase of rheological index. When the rheological index increases by 0.1, the grout pressure increases by about 12.5%. The closer the grouting mouth is, the more the grouting pressure is affected by the rheological index. There is little relationship between the diffusion time of grouting slurry and consistency index. The grout pressure at each measurement point increases with the increase of the consistency index. When the consistency index increases by 1, the grout pressure increases by about 15% on the basis of the origin. The closer the grouting mouth is, the more the grouting pressure is affected by the consistency index. In engineering practice, when grouting slurry with large rheological index or consistency index exists, it is necessary to moderately increase the grouting pressure value.
Widely-tunable, multi-band Raman laser based on dispersion-managed thin-film lithium niobate microring resonators
Authors: Zhao Yanjing , Liu Xiaoyue , Yvind Kresten , Cai Xinlun , Pu Minhao
Published: December 2023

Stimulated Raman scattering is an attractive way to extend the operation spectral range of optical sources. However, the spectral extension range of a tunable Raman laser is limited by the Raman frequency shift and pump tuning bandwidth. This makes it challenging to realize chip-scale, widely tunable Raman lasers, as on-chip lasers only provide limited pump power and tuning bandwidth. Here, we tackle this by dispersion engineering of a thin-film lithium niobate microring resonator, where its high-quality factor ( ~ 2.5 million) ensures a sub-milli-watt (0.8 mW) threshold for Raman lasing while its strong normal dispersion with suppressed avoided mode crossing restrains the competing Kerr comb generation process. Combining the multi-wavelength Raman gain response of lithium niobate and cascaded Raman lasing, we demonstrate a widely tunable Raman laser covering 1592–1955 nm, showing a 335-nm spectral extension range from a 94-nm-tuning-bandwidth pump laser. Our demonstration paves the way to realize chip-scale, widely-tunable Raman lasers.
Respondents with more extreme views show moderation of opinions in multi-year surveys in the USA and the Netherlands
Authors: Klein Nadav , Stavrova Olga
Published: December 2023

People with extreme political attitudes are often assumed to be more resistant to change than moderates. If this assumption is true, extreme attitudes would ossify and continuously aggravate intergroup conflict and polarization. To test this assumption of stubborn extremists, we use large-scale panel surveys of attitudes towards policy issues and general ideologies across up to 13 years (combined N = 16,238). By tracking the same people across multi-year periods, we are able to ascertain whether extreme attitude holders exhibit less change in policy attitudes than moderates. The results revealed that extreme attitude holders are more likely to change their attitudes than moderates across various policy issues and general ideologies, and tend to directionally moderate over time. A final experiment finds that lay people incorrectly believe that extreme attitudes holders are more resistant to change, contrary to the results found here. We discuss the implications of this finding for understanding the evolution of extreme attitude holders, the misperception of ideological and policy differences, and the role of inaccurate out-group perceptions in shaping polarization and intergroup conflict.
Doped TiO2-supported IrO2 electrocatalysts with high activity and durability toward the acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Fang Zhen , Tang Zhongmin , Lin Senming , Li Runhua , Chen Xiaomei , Tian Jiakang , Liu Lijiang , Peng Jiaheng , Liu Shuai , Fu Benwei , Deng Tao , Wu Jianbo
Published: December 2023

The Fermi level difference induced by W doping generates an appropriate electron flow between TiO2 and IrO2, achieving favorable electron structure of the active component of IrOx.
Liquid plug propagation in computer-controlled microfluidic airway-on-a-chip with semi-circular microchannels
Authors: Viola Hannah L. , Vasani Vishwa , Washington Kendra , Lee Ji-Hoon , Selva Cauviya , Li Andrea , Llorente Carlos J. , Murayama Yoshinobu , Grotberg James B. , Romanò Francesco , Takayama Shuichi
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces a lung-on-a-chip device with semi-circular cross-section microchannels and computer-controlled fluidic switching that enables a broader systematic investigation of liquid plug dynamics in a manner relevant to the distal airways.
Cell surface functionalization with lysine ligand-containing copolymers for fibrinolytic activity
Authors: Liu Shengjie , Heng Xingyu , Wang Wenjin , Yang He , Sun Wei , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: December 2023

To address the massive loss of cells in cell transplantation, we provide a novel proof-of-concept to construct lysine ligand-containing copolymer-functionalized cell surfaces for fibrinolytic activity.
Phosphate ions improve the performance of BiFeO3 piezoelectric photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Li Jinzhe , Zhou Jianguo
Published: December 2023

Enhancing the piezoelectric polarization strength of materials to promote the photogenerated carrier separation is of great significance for piezoelectric polarization-assisted photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting.
One-pot construction of highly functionalized 4H-chromenes using K-10 montmorillonite in aqueous medium
Authors: Ansari Mohd Yeshab , Swarnkar Sumedha , Kumar Atul
Published: December 2023

Herein, we report the first one-pot K-10 montmorillonite-promoted construction of a densely functionalized 4H-chromene skeleton, from salicylaldehydes, dimedones and carbon, nitrogen, or sulfur-based bioactive nucleophiles in aqueous medium.
Snap-shots of cluster growth: structure and properties of a Zintl ion with an Fe3 core, [Fe3Sn18]4−
Authors: Li Zi-Sheng , Chen Wei-Xing , Morgan Harry W. T. , Shu Cong-Cong , McGrady John E. , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: December 2023

The effective oxidation state of the Sn18 unit determines the degree of fusion of the two Sn9 polyhedra in the series [Ni2CdSn18]6−, [Fe3Sn18]4− and [Pd2Sn18]4−. The new [Fe3Sn18]4− cluster represents an intermediate phase in the fusion process.
A universal orthogonal imaging platform for living-cell RNA detection using fluorogenic RNA aptamers
Authors: Yin Peng , Ge Mingmin , Xie Shiyi , Zhang Li , Kuang Shi , Nie Zhou
Published: December 2023

We report a dual-color orthogonal miLS imaging platform for sequence-specific miRNA imaging in different cells.
Lewis acid catalysed polymerisation of cyclopentenone
Authors: Dissanayake Deepamali , Draper Alysia , Liu Zhizhou , Jaunnoo Neelofur , Haven Joris J. , Forsyth Craig , McKay Alasdair I. , Junkers Tanja , Vidović Dragoslav
Published: December 2023

A modest structural change of a β-diketiminate-supported aluminium complex leads to dramatic differences in the reactivity towards cyclopentenone.
Light and endogenous enzyme triggered plasmonic antennas for accurate subcellular molecular imaging with enhanced spatial resolution
Authors: Chen Shuwei , Yin Yue , Pang Xiaozhe , Wang Congkai , Wang Lei , Wang Junqi , Jia Jiangfei , Liu Xinxue , Xu Shenghao , Luo Xiliang
Published: December 2023

Light and endogenous APE1-triggered plasmonic antennas were developed for accurate tumor-specific subcellular molecular imaging with enhanced spatial resolution.
Interfacial phosphate-like “bridge” mediates bulk charge and surface oxygenated-intermediate migration for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Wei , Gu Shuo , Sun Shengdong , Zhou Meng , Chen Wei , Li Shikuo
Published: December 2023

The interfacial [PO] bonds pave a barrier-free “bridge” regulating the bulk charge and surface oxygenated-intermediate migration for boosting the oxygen evolution reaction.
Multipath target discrimination in human monitoring based on MIMO mmWave radar
Authors: Du Borui , Liu Shidong , Wei Shaoming , Su Junshi , Zhang Chi
Published: December 2023

To address the interference caused by multipath ghosts, this paper presents a multipath target discrimination method based on separated Gaussian similarity matrices. The proposed method utilizes separated Gaussian similarity functions based on the Maximum Likelihood principle to quantify the similarity from distance and angle perspectives. Meanwhile, dimensionality reduction is applied to maximize the distinction between multipath ghosts and actual targets. This method can effectively discriminate the multipath relationships and attributes of detected targets and has higher recognition accuracy than other geometry‐based methods. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method were validated through Monte‐Carlo and practical experiments.
Lane changing and keeping as mediating variables to investigate the impact of driving habits on efficiency: An EWM‐GRA and CB‐SEM approach with trajectory data
Authors: Wang Tianshi , Lu Huapu , Sun Zhiyuan , Wang Jianyu
Published: December 2023

This paper uses the Entropy Weight Method‐Grey Relational Analysis (EWM‐GRA) and Covariance Base Structural Equations Model (CB‐SEM) to study the relationships between driving habits and efficiency. EWM‐GRA ranks 12 indicators in terms of their relevance of lane‐changing and driving efficiency. Based on this, a CB‐SEM‐based framework to describe the relevance between driving habits and lane‐changing is established, focusing on the effects of lane‐changing and car‐following behaviour. To validate the established framework, NGSIM trajectory data is used as measurement variables to describe latent variables. Several hypotheses about the relationships between the latent variables in this framework are proposed, and they are verified using trajectory data. The results show that driving habits have a direct impact on efficiency, and this impact becomes more significant when associated with lane‐change behaviour.
High‐resolution inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging of satellites in space
Authors: Anger Simon , Jirousek Matthias , Dill Stephan , Kempf Timo , Peichl Markus
Published: December 2023

In view of the increasing number of space objects, comprehensive high‐quality space surveillance becomes ever more important. Radar is a powerful tool that, in addition to detection and tracking of objects, also enables spatially high‐resolution imaging independent of daylight and most weather conditions. Together with the technique of Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), very high‐resolution and distance‐independent two‐dimensional images can be obtained. However, advanced high‐performance radar imaging of space objects is a complex and demanding task, touching many technological and signal processing issues. Therefore, besides theoretical work, the Microwaves and Radar Institute of German Aerospace Center (DLR) has developed and constructed an experimental radar system called IoSiS (Imaging of Satellites in Space) for basic research on new concepts for the acquisition of advanced high‐resolution radar image products of objects in a low earth orbit. Based on pulse radar technology, which enables precise calibration and error correction, IoSiS has imaged space objects with a spatial resolution in the centimetre range, being novel in public perception and accessible literature. The goal of this paper is therefore to communicate and illustrate comprehensively the technological steps for the construction and successful operation of advanced radar‐based space surveillance. Besides the basic description of the IoSiS system design this paper outlines primarily useful theory for ISAR imaging of objects in space, together with relevant imaging parameters and main formulae. All relevant processing steps, necessary for very high‐resolution imaging of satellites in practice, are introduced and verified by simulation results. Finally, a unique measurement result demonstrates the practicability of the introduced processing steps and error correction strategies.
Distortion‐less carrier phase tracking space‐time adaptive processor based on power inversion criterion for GNSS anti‐jamming receiver
Authors: Wang Yaoding
Published: December 2023

Space‐time adaptive processor (STAP) has been widely used for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) anti‐jamming receiver due to its good anti‐jamming performance. When direction of satellite is unknown, STAP can be implemented based on power inversion (PI) criterion. However, existing space‐time PI algorithm will introduce tens to hundreds of degrees biases into carrier phase, and sometimes will even cause cycle slips, which will reduce the success rate of ambiguity resolution, ultimately deteriorating positioning accuracy. A distortion‐less carrier phase tracking space‐time PI algorithm is proposed. The main novelty is that the proposed algorithm keeps the coefficients of the temporal taps as real values by imposing constraints on the weights of the antenna array. Several experiments are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. For comparison, the results of PI algorithm and minimum variance distortion‐less response (MVDR) algorithm are shown. Results show that when the number, style, and direction of interferences and the direction of GNSS signal vary, different degrees of biases are introduced into carrier phases for the PI and the MVDR algorithm. However, no bias is introduced into the proposed algorithm. As a result, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified.
Training in basic gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) Position Statement
Authors: Antonelli Giulio , Voiosu Andrei M. , Pawlak Katarzyna M. , Gonçalves Tiago Cúrdia , Le Nha , Bronswijk Michiel , Hollenbach Marcus , Elshaarawy Omar , Beilenhoff Ulrike , Mascagni Pietro , Voiosu Theodor , Pellisé Maria , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Arvanitakis Marianna , Bisschops Raf , Hassan Cesare , Messmann Helmut , Gralnek Ian M.
Published: December 2023

Main Statements

This ESGE Position Statement provides structured and evidence-based guidance on the essential requirements and processes involved in training in basic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures. The document outlines definitions; competencies required, and means to their assessment and maintenance; the structure and requirements of training programs; patient safety and medicolegal issues.

1 ESGE and ESGENA define basic endoscopic procedures as those procedures that are commonly indicated, generally accessible, and expected to be mastered (technically and cognitively) by the end of any core training program in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

2 ESGE and ESGENA consider the following as basic endoscopic procedures: diagnostic upper and lower GI endoscopy, as well as a limited range of interventions such as: tissue acquisition via cold biopsy forceps, polypectomy for lesions ≤ 10 mm, hemostasis techniques, enteral feeding tube placement, foreign body retrieval, dilation of simple esophageal strictures, and India ink tattooing of lesion location.

3 ESGE and ESGENA recommend that training in GI endoscopy should be subject to stringent formal requirements that ensure all ESGE key performance indicators (KPIs) are met.

4 Training in basic endoscopic procedures is a complex process and includes the development and acquisition of cognitive, technical/motor, and integrative skills. Therefore, ESGE and ESGENA recommend the use of validated tools to track the development of skills and assess competence.

5 ESGE and ESGENA recommend incorporating a multimodal approach to evaluating competence in basic GI endoscopic procedures, including procedural thresholds and the measurement and documentation of established ESGE KPIs.

7 ESGE and ESGENA recommend the continuous monitoring of ESGE KPIs during GI endoscopy training to ensure the trainee’s maintenance of competence.

9 ESGE and ESGENA recommend that GI endoscopy training units fulfil the ESGE KPIs for endoscopy units and, furthermore, be capable of providing the dedicated personnel, infrastructure, and sufficient case volume required for successful training within a structured training program.

10 ESGE and ESGENA recommend that trainers in basic GI endoscopic procedures should be endoscopists with formal educational training in the teaching of endoscopy, which allows them to successfully and safely teach trainees.
Identification of Factor XIII β-Sandwich Residues Mediating Glutamine Substrate Binding and Activation Peptide Cleavage
Authors: Mohammed Rameesa D. Syed , Piell Kellianne M. , Maurer Muriel C.
Published: December 2023

Background Factor XIII (FXIII) forms covalent crosslinks across plasma and cellular substrates and has roles in hemostasis, wound healing, and bone metabolism. FXIII activity is implicated in venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is a target for developing pharmaceuticals, which requires understanding FXIII – substrate interactions. Previous studies proposed the β-sandwich domain of the FXIII A subunit (FXIII-A) exhibits substrate recognition sites.

Material and Methods Recombinant FXIII-A proteins (WT, K156E, F157L, R158Q/E, R171Q, and R174E) were generated to identify FXIII-A residues mediating substrate recognition. Proteolytic (FXIII-A*) and non-proteolytic (FXIII-A°) forms were analyzed for activation and crosslinking activities toward physiological substrates using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS.

Results All FXIII-A* variants displayed reduced crosslinking abilities compared to WT for Fbg αC (233 – 425), fibrin, and actin. FXIII-A* WT activity was greater than A°, suggesting the binding site is more exposed in FXIII-A*. With Fbg αC (233 – 425), FXIII-A* variants R158Q/E, R171Q, and R174E exhibited decreased activities approaching those of FXIII-A°. However, with a peptide substrate, FXIII-A* WT and variants showed similar crosslinking suggesting the recognition site is distant from the catalytic site. Surprisingly, FXIII-A R158E and R171Q displayed slower thrombin activation than WT, potentially due to loss of crucial H-bonding with neighboring activation peptide (AP) residues.

Conclusion In conclusion, FXIII-A residues K156, F157, R158, R171, and R174 are part of a binding site for physiological substrates [fibrin (α and γ) and actin]. Moreover, R158 and R171 control AP cleavage during thrombin activation. These investigations provide new molecular details on FXIII – substrate interactions that control crosslinking abilities.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 3′-Oleyl–Oligonucleotide Conjugates as Potential Cellular Uptake Enhancers
Authors: Fàbrega Carme , Eritja Ramon , Navarro Natalia , Serantes Sergio , Aviñó Anna
Published: December 2023

The field of therapeutic oligonucleotides has experienced significant growth in recent years, both in terms of approved drugs and those undergoing clinical trials. This expansion has transformed it into a rapidly evolving area of research. However, their cellular internalization remains a major limitation for the clinical application of oligonucleotides. To address this limitation, we report different strategies for the synthesis of specialized solid supports for the direct synthesis of 3′-oleyl-oligonucleotides by means of an l-threoninol derivative. A series of in vitro cell experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of this strategy for enhanced cellular uptake. The results suggest that lipid conjugation enhances cellular uptake and facilitates oligonucleotide intracellular trafficking. Given these findings, the modification of therapeutic oligonucleotides through the attachment of lipidic moieties using a threoninol linker emerges as a valuable strategy to enhance their cellular internalization.
Squalene Biosynthesis in Engineered Escherichia Coli
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Yuan , Xie Li-Ping , Hu You-Jia
Published: December 2023

Squalene is a natural triterpenoid that is important in medicine, and daily-use chemical and nutraceutical industries. The demand for squalene remains high and constant. Shark liver oil is the source of the compound; however, the source is unsustainable due to the protection of the gradually extinct animal. This study aimed to construct an engineered Escherichia coli strain to produce squalene in a green and sustainable manner. In this study, the activity of several squalene synthases from different species was screened. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used for chemical structure identification. The mevalonate pathway (MVA) was constructed into BL21(DE3) to enhance the supply of farnesyl diphosphate to obtain squalene at a concentration of 69.3 mg/L. IspH was overexpressed in BL21(DE3) to decrease squalene production due to the accumulation of dimethylallyl diphosphate. By balancing the overexpression of ispH and ispG, the production of squalene increased to 298.3 mg/L. The genes of the MVA pathway were further separated upstream and downstream, and constructed into two plasmids with different origins to balance the metabolic flux. By optimizing the expression strength of genes in MVA and 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate pathway, an engineered strain was finally obtained with squalene production of 974.3 mg/L. By replacing chassis cell BL21(DE3) with XL1-Blue, squalene production was further increased to 1,274 mg/L.
Nasoenteric Tube Placement in Patients with Esophageal Varices: A Review of the Current Evidence and Society Guidelines
Authors: Qasim Agha Osama , Alsayid Muhammad , Reynolds Justin
Published: December 2023

Esophageal varices are a common complication of portal hypertension and variceal bleeding can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis might require nasoenteric tube (NET) placement, commonly for nutritional support and/or medication administration. However, the fear of causing massive variceal bleeding among clinicians might lead to hesitancy or complete avoidance of NET placement in patients who either have a known history of esophageal varices or are at risk to have them. Several experts and society guidelines addressed this concern with variable recommendations and degrees of evidence. In this article, we present an extensive review of the literature and latest society guidelines that address the safety of NET placement in patients with esophageal varices.
Gardner's Syndrome—A Case Report and Brief Literature
Authors: Shetty Mukul , Mahaveeran Shrivya Saloni , K. Arathi , Shetty Akhil
Published: December 2023

Gardner's syndrome has been recognized as a hereditary affliction that is autosomal in nature. This disorder is known to exhibit characteristics of familial adenomatous polyposis, of which it is also considered a variation. The features of this syndrome include the gradual development of osteomas and epidermoid cysts, including a characteristic feature that is the noted presence of intestinal polyps, which are generally multiple in number. Additionally, dental anomalies have been observed and recorded in a sizeable ratio of cases encompassing an increased frequency of multiple odontomas that are benign tumors linked to the development of a tooth and tooth agenesis/hypodontia that refers to developmental absence of one or more teeth. The other dental ascertainment includes abnormal morphology of the tooth/teeth as well as the presence of supernumerary teeth and impacted or unerupted teeth. This case report outlines the case of a 59-year-old male patient who had reported to the clinic, and was then diagnosed with Gardner's syndrome post a thorough examination. On radiographic examination, the manifestation of multiple osteomas in the frontal bone was revealed. The presence of a motley of diffused benign lesions of the bone in both the upper and lower jaw as well as the presence of an epidermoid cyst on the scalp was suggestive of an exemplar presentation of Gardner's syndrome.
Solvents Influence 1H NMR Chemical Shifts and Complete 1H and 13C NMR Spectral Assignments for Florfenicol
Authors: Ai Wan-Ting , Su Wei-Ke , Su Feng
Published: December 2023

Florfenicol (FFC) is an important and widely used veterinary drug, and its structure has been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The study aimed to investigate the influences of solvent type, solvent concentration, and temperature on the chemical shifts of the 1H NMR of FFC. The results showed that different types of solvents significantly affected the chemical shifts, especially the chemical shifts of 2-H, 3-H, 5-H, and the active protons. When DMSO-d
6 is used as the solvent, there is no significant difference in the chemical shifts of FFC with a concentration ranging from 20 to 250 mmol/L; however, as the temperature increases, the chemical shifts of the active protons move to a higher field. Besides, the NMR spectroscopic data and structural analysis of FFC were refined by 1H, 13C, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer-135 (DEPT-135), 1H–1H correlation spectroscopy (1H–1H COSY), phase-sensitive gradient heteronuclear singular quantum correlation (gHSQC), and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (gHMBC) NMR spectroscopy using DMSO-d
6 as a solvent. The study will help with qualitative and quantitative analysis of FFC in the future.
Spleen-Derived CCL9 Recruits MDSC to Facilitate Tumor Growth in Orthotopic Hepatoma Mice
Authors: Li Baohua , Li Wenjuan , Liang Yingxue , Zhang Chen , Kong Guangyao , Li Zongfang
Published: December 2023

Objectives Spleen is involved in multiple diseases, the role of the spleen and spleen-derived factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clarified.

Methods In the current study, a murine H22 orthotopic hepatoma model was established. Three groups were divided: normal mice, tumor-bearing mice with spleen-preserving, and tumor-bearing mice with splenectomy. Spleen and tumor weights were recorded by weeks 1 and 2. The proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) in peripheral blood and tumor tissue was detected using flow cytometry. Protein chip assay was used to compare the differential cytokines between normal liver supernatant and tumor supernatant. The common upregulated cytokines both in spleen and tumor were focused and analyzed using gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) database. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to verify the chip result, and to examine CCL9 expression before and after splenectomy. Spleen MDSC was sorted using flow cytometry, and chemotaxis assay was performed to demonstrate whether CCL9 attracted spleen MDSC.

Results The spleen enlarged during tumor progression, and compared with splenectomy group, there were faster tumor growth, shorter survival time, and higher proportions of MDSC in spleen-preserving group. Protein chip assay and GEPIA database revealed CCL9 was the most promising chemokine involved in HCC upregulated both in spleen and tumor tissue. CCL9 attracted MDSC in vitro, the level of CCL9 in tumor tissue was downregulated, and the percentage of MDSC was decreased after splenectomy.

Conclusion The results demonstrate that CCL9 may be derived from spleen; it facilitated HCC growth via the chemotaxis of MDSC, targeting CCL9 may be a promising strategy in HCC treatment.
Morphological awareness in arithmetic word-problem solving among Chinese early adolescents
Authors: Zhang Haomin , Xu Zhaohan , Xu Xiaoqian
Published: December 2023

The current study explored a specific reading subskill, morphological awareness, in arithmetic word-problem solving among Chinese early adolescent students (N = 668, mean age = 11.3 years). Participants completed measures of Chinese morphological awareness, receptive vocabulary as well as arithmetic word-problem solving. Drawing upon multivariate analyses (hierarchical multiple regression and path analysis), the study showed that morphological awareness facets collectively contributed to arithmetic word-problem solving above and beyond age and receptive vocabulary. More specifically, recognition and discrimination of compound words were uniquely associated with word-problem-solving skills. The current study highlights the uniqueness of Chinese morphological awareness in structural linguistic input, and the facilitative effect of morphological awareness on arithmetic problem-solving.
Segmental relaxation of sequence defined polymers
Authors: Bichler Karin J , Jakobi Bruno , Schneider Gerald J
Published: December 2023

The dynamical behavior of sequence defined polymers, P(CnEG4), was studied using dielectric spectroscopy showing one segmental relaxation in addition to a secondary relaxation. In case of segmental relaxation, the relaxation times strongly depend on the molecular weight at low temperatures, while at higher temperatures, unlike to linear homo polymers, this effect levels out. With increasing length of C-units, the segmental relaxation accelerates. This is also reflected in the glass transition temperature, extracted from dielectric spectroscopy. With increasing length of C-units the glass transition temperature decreases, compatible with the accelerated segmental relaxation.
Hierarchical spiking neural network auditory feature based dry-type transformer fault diagnosis using convolutional neural network
Authors: Zhao Hangyu , Yang Yong , Liu Houguang , Wang Jie , Wang Xiao , Yang Shanguo
Published: December 2023

Dry-type transformer fault diagnosis (DTTFD) presents a significant challenge because of its complex internal structure and sensitivity to noise. To address this challenge, we propose a DTTFD method that combines hierarchical spike neural network auditory features (HSNNAF) with convolutional neural networks (CNN). By leveraging the hierarchical structure of the central auditory system and sequential nonlinear feature extraction to compute the HSNNAF, we enhanced the relevant clues of transformer faults while removing non-fault source noise. Subsequently, the obtained HSNNAF were fed into a CNN for fault classification. The proposed method demonstrated high accuracy in DTTFD, with a diagnostic accuracy of 99.52%. Even at a signal-to-noise ratio of 0 dB, the diagnostic accuracy remains as high as 95.88%. These results indicate that the method can accurately diagnose faults in dry-type transformers while exhibiting excellent noise resistance capabilities.
A novel planning framework for efficient spot-scanning proton arc therapy via particle swarm optimization (SPArc-particle swarm)
Authors: Qian Yujia , Fan Qingkun , Dao Riao , Li Xiaoqiang , Yang Zhijian , Zhang Sheng , Yang Kunyu , Quan Hong , Tu Biao , Ding Xuanfeng , Liu Gang
Published: December 2023

Objective. Delivery efficiency is the bottleneck of spot-scanning proton arc therapy (SPArc) because of the numerous energy layers (ELs) ascending switches. This study aims to develop a new algorithm to mitigate the need for EL ascending via water equivalent thickness (WET) sector selection followed by particle swarm optimization (SPArc-particle swarm). Approach. SPArc-particle swarm divided the full arc trajectory into the optimal sectors based on K-means clustering analysis of the relative mean WET. Within the sector, particle swarm optimization was used to minimize the total energy switch time, optimizing the energy selection integrated with the EL delivery sequence and relationship. This novel planning framework was implemented on the open-source platform matRad (Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center-DKFZ). Three representative cases (brain, liver, and prostate cancer) were selected for testing purposes. Two kinds of plans were generated: SPArc_seq and SPArc-particle swarm. The plan quality and delivery efficiency were evaluated. Main results. With a similar plan quality, the delivery efficiency was significantly improved using SPArc-particle swarm compared to SPArc_seq. More specifically, it reduces the number of ELs ascending switching compared to the SPArc_seq (from 21 to 7 in the brain, from 21 to 5 in the prostate, from 21 to 6 in the liver), leading to a 16%–26% reduction of the beam delivery time (BDT) in the SPArc treatment. Significance. A novel planning framework, SPArc-particle swarm, could significantly improve the delivery efficiency, which paves the roadmap towards routine clinical implementation.
Mechanocardiography detects improvement of systolic function caused by resynchronization pacing
Authors: Tokmak Fadime , Koivisto Tero , Lahdenoja Olli , Vasankari Tuija , Jaakkola Samuli , Airaksinen K E Juhani
Published: December 2023

Objective. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is commonly used to manage heart failure with dyssynchronous ventricular contraction. CRT pacing resynchronizes the ventricular contraction, while AAI (single-chamber atrial) pacing does not affect the dyssynchronous function. This study compared waveform characteristics during CRT and AAI pacing at similar pacing rates using seismocardiogram (SCG) and gyrocardiogram (GCG), collectively known as mechanocardiogram (MCG). Approach. We included 10 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and previously implanted CRT pacemakers. ECG and MCG recordings were taken during AAI and CRT pacing at a heart rate of 80 bpm. Waveform characteristics, including energy, vertical range (amplitude) during systole and early diastole, electromechanical systole (QS2) and left ventricular ejection time (LVET), were derived by considering 6 MCG axes and 3 MCG vectors across frequency ranges of >1 Hz, 20–90 Hz, 6–90 Hz and 1–20 Hz. Main results. Significant differences were observed between CRT and AAI pacing. CRT pacing consistently exhibited higher energy and vertical range during systole compared to AAI pacing (p < 0.05). However, QS2, LVET and waveform characteristics around aortic valve closure did not differ between the pacing modes. Optimal differences were observed in SCG-Y, GCG-X, and GCG-Y axes within the frequency range of 6–90 Hz. Significance. The results demonstrate significant differences in MCG waveforms, reflecting improved mechanical cardiac function during CRT. This information has potential implications for predicting the clinical response to CRT. Further research is needed to explore the differences in signal characteristics between responders and non-responders to CRT.