bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The young Leibniz's tentative acceptance of physical occasionalism
Authors: Henkel Christian
Published: April 2024

In this article, I revisit Leibniz's early views on physical causation, more specifically, his relation to physical occasionalism focusing on the period from 1668 to 1676. An in‐depth analysis of the Confession of Nature against the Atheists taken together with the Catholic Demonstrations, Leibniz's correspondence with Jakob Thomasius from 1668/69, and the Pacidius Philalethi (1676) serve as evidence that his position leads to physical occasionalism. This receives further confirmation by taking into account Leibniz's familiarity with Weigel's occasionalism in contrast to Leibniz's later encounter of French occasionalism à la Cordemoy, La Forge, or Malebranche. Leibniz's exposure to Weigel's occasionalism, in turn, helps us better understand Leibniz's later critical reaction to occasionalism and how occasionalism helped him develop his own distinct views on causation as expressed in his mature philosophy.
Investigation on Optimized Flavonoid Extraction from Leucas zeylanica and Its Anthelmintic Activity
Authors: Selahuddeen Muhammad Luqman , Bouguerra Marouane , Hashim Siti Ernieyanti , Abdul Wahab Roswanira , A. Samad Abdul Fatah , ABDULLAH FAIZUAN
Published: April 2024

Extraction has been the primary method of concentrating and obtaining a crude essence of plants, and to an extend fruits and nuts. In modern times, there are many methods of extraction developed from simple maceration to using Soxhlet extractor to microwave assisted extraction and ultrasound assisted extraction. However, the more time saving and energy efficient method for the extraction of plants needs to be investigated. This research explored optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction of flavonoids from Leucas zeylanica and the optimization was done on parameters of sonication time (minutes), water bath temperature (°C), volume of solvent to solid ratio (ml/g) and solvent concentration (%) using response surface methodology (RSM). By measuring the total flavonoid content using aluminium colorimetric method and UV visible spectrophotometry, highest flavonoid yield is achieved with 30.38% increase compared to unoptimized method. This occurred with sonication time of 42 minutes, temperature of 55°C, solvent to solid ratio of 40 ml/g and solvent concentration of 100%. The resulting extract was then tested for its anthelmintic (anti-worm) ability, obtaining 40% efficacy of that of Albendazole.
Twisted L2$L^2$‐Betti numbers for sofic groups
Authors: Boschheidgen Jan , Jaikin‐Zapirain Andrei
Published: April 2024

For a given group , Wolfgang Lück asked whether twisting a chain complex of finitely generated free ‐modules with a finite‐dimensional complex representation of before passing to the ‐completion has no other effect on ‐Betti numbers than a scaling by the factor . The purpose of the article is to answer this question affirmatively provided is sofic.
Learning‐induced bidirectional enhancement of inhibitory synaptic metaplasticity
Authors: Kundu Sankhanava , Paul Blesson , Reuevni Iris , Lamprecht Raphael , Barkai Edi
Published: April 2024

Training rodents in a particularly difficult olfactory‐discrimination (OD) task results in the acquisition of the ability to perform the task well, termed ‘rule learning’. In addition to enhanced intrinsic excitability and synaptic excitation in piriform cortex pyramidal neurons, rule learning results in increased synaptic inhibition across the whole cortical network to the point where it precisely maintains the balance between inhibition and excitation. The mechanism underlying such precise inhibitory enhancement remains to be explored. Here, we use brain slices from transgenic mice (VGAT‐ChR2‐EYFP), enabling optogenetic stimulation of single GABAergic neurons and recordings of unitary synaptic events in pyramidal neurons. Quantal analysis revealed that learning‐induced enhanced inhibition is mediated by increased quantal size of the evoked inhibitory events. Next, we examined the plasticity of synaptic inhibition induced by long‐lasting, intrinsically evoked spike firing in post‐synaptic neurons. Repetitive depolarizing current pulses from depolarized (−70 mV) or hyperpolarized (−90 mV) membrane potentials induced long‐term depression (LTD) and long‐term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic inhibition, respectively. We found a profound bidirectional increase in the ability to induce both LTD, mediated by L‐type calcium channels, and LTP, mediated by R‐type calcium channels after rule learning. Blocking the GABAB receptor reversed the effect of intrinsic stimulation at −90 mV from LTP to LTD. We suggest that learning greatly enhances the ability to modify the strength of synaptic inhibition of principal neurons in both directions. Such plasticity of synaptic plasticity allows fine‐tuning of inhibition on each particular neuron, thereby stabilizing the network while maintaining the memory of the rule.

image

Key points

Olfactory discrimination rule learning results in long‐lasting enhancement of synaptic inhibition on piriform cortex pyramidal neurons.

Quantal analysis of unitary inhibitory synaptic events, evoked by optogenetic minimal stimulation, revealed that enhanced synaptic inhibition is mediated by increased quantal size.

Surprisingly, metaplasticity of synaptic inhibition, induced by intrinsically evoked repetitive spike firing, is increased bidirectionally. The susceptibility to both long‐term depression (LTD) and long‐term potentiation (LTP) of inhibition is enhanced after learning.

LTD of synaptic inhibition is mediated by L‐type calcium channels and LTP by R‐type calcium channels. LTP is also dependent on activation of GABAB receptors.

We suggest that learning‐induced changes in the metaplasticity of synaptic inhibition enable the fine‐tuning of inhibition on each particular neuron, thereby stabilizing the network while maintaining the memory of the rule.
Semántica y lógica del aprendizaje autorregulado: aportes para una cartografía conceptual del constructo
Authors: Requena-Arellano Marcos Antonio
Published: April 2024

Este artículo de reflexión presenta parte de una cartografía conceptual del aprendizaje autorregulado (AAR), correspondiente a la conceptuación, categorización y clasificación del referido constructo. El análisis, sustentado en fuentes obtenidas principalmente de Scopus, lleva a proponer una definición que integra aspectos relevantes presentes en las definiciones revisadas, determinar que el AAR pertenece simultáneamente a dos categorías inmediatamente superiores e identificar cuatro tipologías de procesos. Se concluye que el estudio del AAR ha tenido una evolución que coloca al constructo bajo un enfoque complejo en crecimiento y con amplio sustento empírico.
Teaching undergraduate medical students how to communicate with vaccine-hesitant patients: A scoping review
Authors: Bilszta Justin , Nguyen Edward
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy poses a challenge to healthcare professionals. Prior to graduation, medical students may not be fully equipped with the knowledge or skills to manage interactions with vaccine-hesitant patients. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and evaluate the characteristics of educational interventions that improve medical students’ skills in communicating with vaccine-hesitant patients.
Methods: EMBASE, OVID Medline, CINAHL, and ERIC databases were searched with keywords related to “vaccine hesitancy” and “undergraduate medical education”. One hundred and fourteen primary studies were identified, and seven articles were included for review. Data extraction included the characteristics of educational interventions, such as the modality, duration, frequency and assessment methods.
Results: There is limited literature describing educational interventions that help medical students develop skills to effectively with vaccine-hesitant patients. This makes it difficult to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches. Although the included studies generally reported an increase in student self-reported confidence to communicate with vaccine-hesitant patients, none assessed whether the interventions led to changes in student clinical practice or improvements in patient outcomes.
Conclusion: Additional research into the identification of educational interventions that establish persistent changes in students’ knowledge, attitudes and skills to communicate with vaccine-hesitant patients is required. An evidence-based medicine component of an education program, which can adapt to evolving contributors to vaccine hesitancy and the variety of concerns across different vaccines, may present a potential solution. Educators would be better directed with further research that aligns health outcomes with teaching, assessment and evaluation of a proposed vaccine-hesitancy curriculum.
Hearing and vocalizations in a small songbird, the red-cheeked cordon bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) (L)
Authors: Magnaterra Anna K. , Rose Evangeline M. , Ball Gregory F. , Dooling Robert J.
Published: April 2024

The auditory sensitivity of a small songbird, the red-cheeked cordon bleu, was measured using the standard methods of animal psychophysics. Hearing in cordon bleus is similar to other small passerines with best hearing in the frequency region from 2 to 4 kHz and sensitivity declining at the rate of about 10 dB/octave below 2 kHz and about 35 dB/octave as frequency increases from 4 to 9 kHz. While critical ratios are similar to other songbirds, the long-term average power spectrum of cordon bleu song falls above the frequency of best hearing in this species.
Time-domain sound field reconstruction using a rigid spherical microphone array
Authors: Jiang Peihong , Chu Zhigang , Zhao Yang , Yang Yang
Published: April 2024

A time-domain approach for interior spherical near-field acoustic holography is proposed to achieve the low-delay reconstruction of time-domain sound fields using a rigid spherical microphone array. This reconstruction encompasses the incident pressure field, the incident radial particle velocity field, and the total pressure field, which includes scattering. The proposed approach derives time-domain radial propagators through the inverse Fourier transform of their frequency-domain counterparts. These propagators are then applied to the array measurements to obtain the time-domain spherical harmonic coefficients of the interior sound field. Given the fact that the time-domain radial propagators possess finite-time support and exhibit significant high-frequency attenuation characteristics, they can be efficiently implemented using finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The proposed approach processes the signal sample-by-sample through these FIR filters, avoiding a series of issues associated with time-frequency transformations in frequency-domain methods. As a result, the approach offers higher accuracy and lower latency in reconstructing non-stationary sound fields compared to its frequency-domain counterpart and thus holds greater potential for real-time applications. Additionally, owing to the scattering effect of the rigid sphere, the approach avoids the impact of spherical Bessel function nulls and does not require the measurement of particle velocities, which renders the measurements cost effective.
Sphingolipid biosynthesis is essential for metabolic rewiring during T
H
17 cell differentiation
Authors: Abimannan Thiruvaimozhi , Parthibane Velayoudame , Le Si-Hung , Vijaykrishna Nagampalli , Fox Stephen D. , Karim Baktiar , Kunduri Govind , Blankenberg Daniel , Andresson Thorkell , Bamba Takeshi , Acharya Usha , Acharya Jairaj K.
Published: April 2024

T helper 17 (T
H
17) cells are implicated in autoimmune diseases, and several metabolic processes are shown to be important for their development and function. In this study, we report an essential role for sphingolipids synthesized through the de novo pathway in T
H
17 cell development. Deficiency of SPTLC1

, a major subunit of serine palmitoyl transferase enzyme complex that catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of de novo sphingolipid synthesis, impaired glycolysis in differentiating T
H
17 cells by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) through enhancement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 activity. Increased ROS leads to impaired activation of mammalian target of rapamycin C1 and reduced expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1–alpha and c-Myc–induced glycolytic genes. SPTLCI deficiency protected mice from developing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and experimental T cell transfer colitis. Our results thus show a critical role for de novo sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway in shaping adaptive immune responses with implications in autoimmune diseases.
Functional diversity enhances dryland forest productivity under long-term climate change
Authors: Hisano Masumi , Ghazoul Jaboury , Chen Xinli , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: April 2024

Short-term experimental studies provided evidence that plant diversity increases ecosystem resilience and resistance to drought events, suggesting diversity to serve as a nature-based solution to address climate change. However, it remains unclear whether the effects of diversity are momentary or still hold over the long term in natural forests to ensure that the sustainability of carbon sinks. By analyzing 57 years of inventory data from dryland forests in Canada, we show that productivity of dryland forests decreased at an average rate of 1.3% per decade, in concert with the temporally increasing temperature and decreasing water availability. Increasing functional trait diversity from its minimum (monocultures) to maximum value increased productivity by 13%. Our results demonstrate the potential role of tree functional trait diversity in alleviating climate change impacts on dryland forests. While recognizing that nature-based climate mitigation (e.g., planting trees) can only be partial solutions, their long-term (decadal) efficacy can be improved by enhancing functional trait diversity across the forest community.
Reversible strain-promoted DNA polymerization
Authors: Han Zhenyu , Hayes Oliver G. , Partridge Benjamin E. , Huang Chi , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: April 2024

Molecular strain can be introduced to influence the outcome of chemical reactions. Once a thermodynamic product is formed, however, reversing the course of a strain-promoted reaction is challenging. Here, a reversible, strain-promoted polymerization in cyclic DNA is reported. The use of nonhybridizing, single-stranded spacers as short as a single nucleotide in length can promote DNA cyclization. Molecular strain is generated by duplexing the spacers, leading to ring opening and subsequent polymerization. Then, removal of the strain-generating duplexers triggers depolymerization and cyclic dimer recovery via enthalpy-driven cyclization and entropy-mediated ring contraction. This reversibility is retained even when a protein is conjugated to the DNA strands, and the architecture of the protein assemblies can be modulated between bivalent and polyvalent states. This work underscores the utility of using DNA not only as a programmable ligand for assembly but also as a route to access restorable bonds, thus providing a molecular basis for DNA-based materials with shape-memory, self-healing, and stimuli-responsive properties.
Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies: new tools for malaria control
Authors: Miura Kazutoyo , Flores-Garcia Yevel , Long Carole A. , Zavala Fidel
Published: April 2024

Malaria remains one of the biggest health problems in the world. While significant reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality had been achieved from 2000 to 2015, the favorable trend has stalled, rather significant increases in malaria cases are seen in multiple areas. In 2022, there were 249 million estimated cases, and 608,000 malaria-related deaths, mostly in infants and children aged under 5 years, globally. Therefore, in addition to the expansion of existing anti-malarial control measures, it is critical to develop new tools, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), to fight malaria. In the last 2 years, the first and second malaria vaccines, both targeting
Plasmodium falciparum
circumsporozoite proteins (PfCSP), have been recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent
P. falciparum
malaria in children living in moderate to high transmission areas. While the approval of the two malaria vaccines is a considerable milestone in vaccine development, they have much room for improvement in efficacy and durability. In addition to the two approved vaccines, recent clinical trials with mAbs against PfCSP, blood-stage vaccines against
P. falciparum
or
P. vivax
, and transmission-blocking vaccine or mAb against
P. falciparum
have shown promising results. This review summarizes the development of the anti-PfCSP vaccines and mAbs, and recent topics in the blood- and transmission-blocking-stage vaccine candidates and mAbs. We further discuss issues of the current vaccines and the directions for the development of next-generation vaccines.
Japanese encephalitis virus NS1 and NS1’ proteins induce vimentin rearrangement via the CDK1-PLK1 axis to promote viral replication
Authors: Xie Shengda , Yang Xiaoxiao , Yang Xingmiao , Cao Ziyu , Wei Ning , Lin Xinxin , Shi Miaolei , Cao Ruibing
Published: April 2024

The host cytoskeleton plays crucial roles in various stages of virus infection, including viral entry, transport, replication, and release. However, the specific mechanisms by which intermediate filaments are involved in orthoflavivirus infection have not been well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) remodels the vimentin network, resulting in the formation of cage-like structures that support viral replication. Mechanistically, JEV NS1 and NS1’ proteins induce the translocation of CDK1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and interact with it, leading to the phosphorylation of vimentin at Ser56. This phosphorylation event recruits PLK1, which further phosphorylates vimentin at Ser83. Consequently, these phosphorylation modifications convert the typically filamentous vimentin into non-filamentous “particles” or “squiggles.” These vimentin “particles” or “squiggles” are then transported retrogradely along microtubules to the endoplasmic reticulum, where they form cage-like structures. Notably, NS1’ is more effective than NS1 in triggering the CDK1-PLK1 cascade response. Overall, our study provides new insights into how JEV NS1 and NS1’ proteins manipulate the vimentin network to facilitate efficient viral replication.

IMPORTANCE

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus that causes severe encephalitis in humans, particularly in Asia. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, JEV infection remains a significant public health threat due to limited vaccination coverage. Understanding the interactions between JEV and host proteins is essential for developing more effective antiviral strategies. In this study, we investigated the role of vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, in JEV replication. Our findings reveal that JEV NS1 and NS1’ proteins induce vimentin rearrangement, resulting in the formation of cage-like structures that envelop the viral replication factories (RFs), thus facilitating efficient viral replication. Our research highlights the importance of the interplay between the cytoskeleton and orthoflavivirus, suggesting that targeting vimentin could be a promising approach for the development of antiviral strategies to inhibit JEV propagation.
Coding-complete genomes of 18 SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN.1, JN.1.4, and JN.1.11 sub-lineages in Bangladesh
Authors: Tahsin Anika , Hasan Mahin , Rahman Saikt , Jubair Mohammad , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Khan Manjur Hossain , Alam Md Shaheen , Begum Mst Noorjahan , Karim Md Yeasir , Mukta Sharmin Aktar , Habib Mohammad Tanbir , Alam Ahmed Nawsher , Chowdhury Emran Kabir , Rahman Md Rofiqur , Ryan Edward T. , Shirin Tahmina , Rahman Mustafizur , Qadri Firdausi
Published: April 2024

We report 18 coding-complete genome sequences of emerging SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages JN.1, JN.1.4, and JN.1.11 from Bangladesh. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained from individuals with COVID-19 symptoms between December 2023 and January 2024. Whole genome sequencing was performed following the ARTIC Network-based protocol using Oxford Nanopore Technology.
Conditions of Formation of the Pavlik Gold–Sulfide–Quartz Deposit (Northeast of Russia) According to a Study of Fluid Inclusions
Authors: Volkov A. V. , Prokofiev V. Y. , Aristov V. V. , Sidorova N. V.
Published: April 2024

The stockwork gold–sulfide–quartz ores of the Pavlik deposit (northeast of Russia) are formed mainly by homogeneous, low saline (9.4–4.3 wt %-eq. NaCl), essentially water–chloride fluid at temperatures of 275–330°C and a fluid pressure of 600–1840 bar. The fluid is characterized by a rather high CO2 content and a reduced methane content, with the ratio of CO2 : CH4 being 17–37.3. In the fluid, among the cations, the main role is played by Na and Ca, and K and Mg are in a subordinate amount. In addition, many trace elements were detected in the fluid composition: As, Li, Rb, Cs, Mo, Ag, Sb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, U, Ga, Ge, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Sn, Ba, W, Au, Hg, and rare-earth elements. The obtained data allow us to suppose that there was a decrease in the depth of ore formation during the formation of the deposit by 4–5 km due to the rise of the ore-bearing block. Attention is drawn to the low fluid pressures for a number of samples (330–140 bar), which may be associated with a separate stage of mineral formation. The ore-forming fluid of the Pavlik deposit in composition, temperatures and pressures shows similarities with the fluids of the neighboring Natalka and Rodionovsky deposits and has a great similarity with typical fluids of orogenic gold deposits. The information given in the article is of great practical importance for regional predictive metallogenic constructions, as well as prospecting and evaluation of gold deposits.
Predictive performance of the common red flags in emergency department headache patients: a HEAD and HEAD-Colombia study
Authors: Chu Kevin , Kelly Anne-Maree , Kuan Win Sen , Kinnear Frances B , Keijzers Gerben , Horner Daniel , Laribi Said , Cardozo Alejandro , Karamercan Mehmet Akif , Klim Sharon , Wijeratne Tissa , Kamona Sinan , Graham Colin A , Body Richard , Roberts Tom
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Only a small proportion of patients presenting to an ED with headache have a serious cause. The SNNOOP10 criteria, which incorporates red and orange flags for serious causes, has been proposed but not well studied. This project aims to compare the proportion of patients with 10 commonly accepted red flag criteria (singly and in combination) between patients with and without a diagnosis of serious secondary headache in a large, multinational cohort of ED patients presenting with headache.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data obtained in the HEAD and HEAD-Colombia studies. The outcome of interest was serious secondary headache. The predictive performance of 10 red flag criteria from the SNNOOP10 criteria list was estimated individually and in combination.

Results

5293 patients were included, of whom 6.1% (95% CI 5.5% to 6.8%) had a defined serious cause identified. New neurological deficit, history of neoplasm, older age (>50 years) and recent head trauma (2–7 days prior) were independent predictors of a serious secondary headache diagnosis. After adjusting for other predictors, sudden onset, onset during exertion, pregnancy and immune suppression were not associated with a serious headache diagnosis. The combined sensitivity of the red flag criteria overall was 96.5% (95% CI 93.2% to 98.3%) but specificity was low, 5.1% (95% CI 4.3% to 6.0%). Positive predictive value was 9.3% (95% CI 8.2% to 10.5%) with negative predictive value of 93.5% (95% CI 87.6% to 96.8%).

Conclusion

The sensitivity and specificity of the red flag criteria in this study were lower than previously reported. Regarding clinical practice, this suggests that red flag criteria may be useful to identify patients at higher risk of a serious secondary headache cause, but their low specificity could result in increased rates of CT scanning.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR376695.
Radiative corrections: from medium to high energy experiments
Authors: Afanasev Andrei , Bernauer Jan C. , Blunden Peter , Blümlein Johannes , Cline Ethan W. , Friedrich Jan M. , Hagelstein Franziska , Husek Tomáš , Kohl Michael , Myhrer Fred , Paz Gil , Schadmand Susan , Schmidt Axel , Sharkovska Vladyslava , Signer Adrian , Tomalak Oleksandr , Tomasi-Gustafsson Egle , Ulrich Yannick , Vanderhaeghen Marc
Published: April 2024

Radiative corrections are crucial for modern high-precision physics experiments, and are an area of active research in the experimental and theoretical community. Here we provide an overview of the state of the field of radiative corrections with a focus on several topics: lepton–proton scattering, QED corrections in deep-inelastic scattering, and in radiative light-hadron decays. Particular emphasis is placed on the two-photon exchange, believed to be responsible for the proton form-factor discrepancy, and associated Monte-Carlo codes. We encourage the community to continue developing theoretical techniques to treat radiative corrections, and perform experimental tests of these corrections.
Effects of Explanation Types on User Satisfaction and Performance in Human-agent Teams
Authors: Lavender Bryan , Abuhaimed Sami , Sen Sandip
Published: April 2024

Automated agents, with rapidly increasing capabilities and ease of deployment, will assume more key and decisive roles in our societies. We will encounter and work together with such agents in diverse domains and even in peer roles. To be trusted and for seamless coordination, these agents would be expected and required to explain their decision making, behaviors, and recommendations. We are interested in developing mechanisms that can be used by human-agent teams to maximally leverage relative strengths of human and automated reasoners. We are interested in ad hoc teams in which team members start to collaborate, often to respond to emergencies or short-term opportunities, without significant prior knowledge about each other. In this study, we use virtual ad hoc teams, consisting of a human and an agent, collaborating over a few episodes where each episode requires them to complete a set of tasks chosen from available task types. Team members are initially unaware of the capabilities of their partners for the available task types, and the agent task allocator must adapt the allocation process to maximize team performance. It is important in collaborative teams of humans and agents to establish user confidence and satisfaction, as well as to produce effective team performance. Explanations can increase user trust in agent team members and in team decisions. The focus of this paper is on analyzing how explanations of task allocation decisions can influence both user performance and the human workers’ perspective, including factors such as motivation and satisfaction. We evaluate different types of explanation, such as positive, strength-based explanations and negative, weakness-based explanations, to understand (a) how satisfaction and performance are improved when explanations are presented, and (b) how factors such as confidence, understandability, motivation, and explanatory power correlate with satisfaction and performance. We run experiments on the CHATboard platform that allows virtual collaboration over multiple episodes of task assignments, with MTurk workers. We present our analysis of the results and conclusions related to our research hypotheses.
Swarm Guidance Based on Mean Field Game Concepts
Authors: Le Ménec Stéphane
Published: April 2024

The concept of swarm comes from the biological world. Drones gather in groups of 100 or even 1000 to fly like a flock of birds, called swarms. Swarm systems satisfy several assumptions such as decentralized controls, local information and simple platforms. Swarm systems have attractive properties such as resilience, scalability, and ease of development and implementation. Swarm techniques can perform simple tasks such as moving in a coordinated direction. The flocking behavior of a group of animals that converge by local interactions toward the same heading is an example of simple consensus for decentralized dynamic systems. However, the notion of decentralized control based on local information suffers from taking into account the overall behavior of the group. For example, in a complex environment, a swarm will adapt to the presence of obstacles and congestion reactively, whereas we would like more anticipatory control. The objective of this paper is to propose a solution based on Mean Field Game (MFG) concepts to integrate macro-level knowledge at the micro-level in decentralized flocking.
Analysis of EEG Fluctuation Patterns Using Nonlinear Phase-Based Functional Connectivity Measures for Emotion Recognition
Authors: Kumar Himanshu , Ganapathy Nagarajan , D. Puthankattil Subha , Swaminathan Ramakrishnan
Published: April 2024

Automated emotion recognition is crucial in identifying and monitoring psychological disorders. Although several electroencephalography (EEG)-based methods have been explored for emotion recognition, capturing the subtle oscillations within EEG signals associated with distinct emotional states remains a persistent challenge. Nonlinear phase-based functional connectivity (FC) can capture the intricate time-varying patterns of brain activity during the processing of emotions. In this work, an attempt has been made to characterize the EEG-based emotional states using nonlinear phase-based FC techniques. For this, the EEG signals are obtained from the publicly available DEAP database and decomposed into four frequency bands: Theta (4–7[Formula: see text]Hz), alpha (8–12[Formula: see text]Hz), beta (13–30[Formula: see text]Hz) and gamma (30–45[Formula: see text]Hz). Three nonlinear phase-based FC measures, namely phase lag index (PLI), phase locking value (PLV) and Rho index, are extracted from individual frequency bands. Two types of features, namely network features and FC indices, are fed to three classifiers, namely random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGB) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). The results reveal that the proposed approach can capture EEG dynamics to characterize emotional states. The gamma band-based Rho index demonstrated prominence in discriminating arousal and valence emotional states. The utilization of the Rho index-based FC feature effectively reveals interactions among cortical brain regions in response to audio-visual stimuli. Thus, the proposed approach could be extended to classifying various emotional states in clinical settings.
A note on odd periodic derived Hall algebras
Authors: Zhang Haicheng , Zhang Xinran , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: April 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be an odd positive integer and [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-periodic derived category of a finitary hereditary Abelian category [Formula: see text]. In this note, we prove that there is an embedding of algebras from the derived Hall algebra of [Formula: see text] defined by Xu–Chen [Hall algebras of odd periodic triangulated categories, Algebr. Represent. Theory 16(3) (2013) 673–687] to the extended derived Hall algebra of [Formula: see text] defined in [H. Zhang, Periodic derived Hall algebras of hereditary Abelian categories, preprint (2023), arXiv:2303.02912v2]. This homomorphism is given on basis elements, rather than just on generating elements.
Study of six coordinated cobalt(III) oxophlorin with different axial ligands: Optimization of geometry and determining of energy and electronic configuration at various spin states by employing of B3LYP, BV86P and M06-2X methods
Authors: Bahrami Homayoon , Ostadhosseini Narges , Shamlouei Hamid Reza , Zahedi Mansour
Published: April 2024

The six coordinated CoIIIoxophlorin have been studied with imidazole, pyridine and t-butylcyanide as axial ligands using B3LYP, BV86P and MO6-2X methods. Conversion between two isomers [(L)2CoIII(PO)][Formula: see text] and [(L)2CoIII(PO)][Formula: see text] can be occurred at various spin multiplicities, namely singlet, triplet and quintet states. L is employed to show axial ligand namely, imidazole or pyridine. London forces have a basic role in the stability of the mentioned complexes due to non-specific solvent effects. The latter fact has been obtained using the PCM model. Also, it is specified that minimum geometries have not been obtained for some parallel or perpendicular six-coordinated complexes with special axial ligands at a finite spin state. The B3LYP method indicates that one and three [Formula: see text]-electron can be found on the Co atom in every optimized complex at triplet and quintet spin states, respectively. Also, another [Formula: see text]-electron is placed on the ring of oxophlorin. This fact is obtained for different isomers of [(IM2(CoIII(PO)] and [(Py)2CoIII(PO)] at triplet and quintet spin states, while these complexes are optimized using B3LYP. Besides, results obtained from B3LYP show that the most stable state for six coordinated CoIIIoxophlorin with any axial ligand is the singlet state. Based on crystal field theory and molecular orbital theory, electron configuration and hybridization of cobalt in [(IM)2CoIII(PO)] at singlet state can be written as t2g6 eg0 and sp3d2, respectively. Former electronic configuration indicates a strong field with low spin for d orbitals of cobalt, and latter hybridization is expected for a metal with a coordination number of 6 in a complex with Oh symmetry. The results obtained are completely satisfied by NBO analysis.
Base-Driven Ring-Opening Reactions of Vinylene Carbonate
Authors: Gogoi Neeha , Lundström Robin , Hernández Guiomar , Berg Erik J.
Published: April 2024

Vinylene carbonate (VC) is the most commonly applied performance-enhancing electrolyte additives in Li-ion batteries to date. Despite numerous studies, there is a lack of consensus regarding the various reaction pathways of VC and their implications. VC has primarily been observed to either polymerize forming poly(vinylene carbonate) (poly(VC)) or decompose releasing major amounts of CO2, two seemingly contradictory processes. Herein, we present evidence of additional reaction pathways of VC highlighting its role as a H2O scavenging agent. In contrast to the typical electrolyte solvent ethylene carbonate, VC reacts much more rapidly with water impurities, especially when in contact with hydroxides, forming products less likely to influence cell performance. Efficient removal of water and hydroxides is essential to preserve the stability of Li-ion electrolyte solvent and salt, hence guaranteeing a long lifetime of the battery. Model studies pinpointing reaction pathways of electrolytes and additives, as presented herein, are critical not only to improve modern Li-ion cells but also to establish design principles for future battery chemistries.
Iron-Based Thermally Regenerative Flow Battery Recharged by Distillation of Acetone
Authors: Matsui Yohei , Maeda Yuki , Kawase Makoto , Suzuki Takahiro , Tsushima Shohji
Published: April 2024

Thermo-electrochemical conversion systems can convert abundant low-grade heat into electricity. In particular, thermally regenerative flow batteries (TRFBs) have gained significant attention owing to their high power density compared to other thermo-electrochemical conversion systems. However, the variety of redox species is limited in previous studies. To provide an alternative option for the redox species, we newly propose using Fe, and investigate the performance of an Fe-based TRFB called the solvation difference flow battery (SDFB). In this study, the SDFB uses [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− as the redox species and can be recharged by the distillation of acetone. The maximum power density was 40 W m−2 and the thermal efficiency was estimated to be 0.20% at an average power density of 16 W m−2. In addition, we discuss the challenges for future improvements. The cell voltage should be enhanced by optimizing the electrolyte components, such as solvents and counterions. For the cell design, the cell resistance is reduced by improving the flow fields of the electrolytes to enhance the mass-transfer properties. Moreover, a membrane that satisfies both a high ion conductivity and low crossover rate of the solvents is required. This study provides new options for the redox species in TRFBs.
Teaching the tutors: use of an OSTE to train medical students to be peer tutors
Authors: Schill Christian , Panich Samantha , Barbe Mary F. , Gusic Maryellen E. , Litvin Judith
Published: April 2024

This novel application of the Objective Structured Teaching Exercise (OSTE) was done to enhance tutors’ skills as valued members of our integrated academic support program. The OSTE provided feedback to the tutors and enabled us to identify a need for enhanced tutor training in active learning strategies. The OSTE can be adapted for use in other health science educational programs to enhance their training programs and to assess tutor’s skills in preparation for their role.
On Design and Verification of an Efficient Microwave Wireless Power Transmission System
Authors: Zheng Baoxian , Ma Kunding , Liu Yuanyuan , Jiang Tong , Liu Tingyi , Ma Qishuai , Liu Yi , Yang Lin , Li Xi
Published: April 2024

We report on the theoretical design and experimental verification of a high efficiency microwave wireless power transmission (MWPT) system operating in the Fresnel region. To achieve high conversion efficiency over a transmit distance of 11 meters, the transmit reflector antenna was optimized to locate the focal point at 11 m. The size of the receive antenna was decided by calculating the field distribution and the received power at different positions in the receive antenna aperture. Furthermore, an accurate model of the diode is presented, which was imported into the ADS software for high-precision rectifying circuit design. As a result, an overall DC-DC conversion efficiency of 20% was achieved, as measured in an anechoic chamber at a given distance of 11 m. The experimental results validated the proposed method.
Changing Landscape of Haemophilus influenzae Meningitis and Implication on Public Health
Authors: Allonce John , Ahsan Mohammed , Browne Angelina , Witherell Rebecca , Rasnake Mark
Published: April 2024

Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) has evolved as a prominent pathogen, with nontypeable strains (NTHi) emerging as a leading cause of invasive disease, particularly among the elderly. Since the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib) vaccine, invasive infection has shifted from children with Hib to the elderly with NTHi. NTHi affects those primarily with predisposing factors such as an immunocompromised state, CSF leakage, or ENT infections. We present two cases that emphasize the shift of invasive infection, risk factors, and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) as a complication. Case 1. A 75-year-old female with a sudden onset of weakness and respiratory symptoms deteriorated rapidly. Imaging revealed mastoid effusion and ventriculitis, likely originating from otomastoiditis. Lumber puncture confirmed NTHi. ICU course complicated by elevated ICP prompted repeat lumbar puncture. The patient recovered after 8 days but not near baseline. Case 2. A 50-year-old female with altered mental status, headache, and ear pain exhibited signs of pansinusitis and pseudotumor cerebri. Elevated ICP was evident upon lumbar puncture, and NTHi was isolated in CSF and blood cultures. MRI of the brain showed prominent optic nerve sheaths and transverse sinus arachnoid granulations’ concern for underlying pseudotumor cerebri. Repeat lumbar puncture or ventricular drainage was deferred after discussion with neurosurgery. Diabetes was identified as a comorbidity. The patient’s condition improved after 14 days of antibiotics and dexamethasone. These cases emphasize the shifting landscape of H. influenzae meningitis, primarily driven by NTHi, especially among the elderly. Although NTHi infections were considered less invasive, recent epidemiology review indicated it as the leading cause of H. influenzae meningitis. With the increasing prevalence of NTHi and its increase in invasive patterns, it is crucial to implement vaccination strategies and develop new vaccines targeting NTHi.
First Description of Novel End-Organ Effects by Speed Modulation Using the Aortix™ Device
Authors: Bhandari Ajay , Dunham Alden , Bassily Emmanuel , Mohanty Bibhu D. , Wu Robby
Published: April 2024

Aortix™ is a novel percutaneous mechanical circulatory support device designed to facilitate diuresis in patients with cardiorenal syndrome. We describe for the first time the development of end-organ hypoperfusion from excess blood acceleration at the nominal setting and demonstrate through temporal-perfusion marker curves, the potential for speed modulation to optimize results. This will inform future device development and investigation of patient-specific device titration.
Characteristics of Unsuccessful Balance Reactive Responses to Lateral Loss of Balance in Older Adults
Authors: Batcir Shani , Berdichevsky Yuliya , Bachner Yaacov G. , Lubovsky Omri , Debi Ronen , Melzer Itshak
Published: April 2024

Introduction: An effective reactive step response to an unexpected balance loss is an important factor that determines if a fall will happen. We investigated reactive step strategies and kinematics of unsuccessful balance recovery responses that ended with falls in older adults. Methods: We compared the strategies and kinematics of reactive stepping after a lateral loss of balance, i.e., perturbations, between 49 older female adults who were able to successfully recover from perturbations (perturbation-related non-fallers, PNFs) and 10 female older adults who failed to recover (perturbation-related fallers, PFs). In addition, we compared the successful versus unsuccessful recovery responses of PFs matched to perturbation magnitude. Results: The kinematics of the first reactive step response were significantly different between PFs and PNFs, i.e., longer initiation time, step time, swing time, and time to peak swing-leg velocity, larger first-step length, and center-of-mass displacement. Incomplete crossover stepping and leg collision were significant causes of falls among PFs. Similar findings were found when we compared the successful versus unsuccessful recovery responses of PFs. Conclusions: The crossover step, which requires a complex coordinated leg movement, resulted in difficulty in controlling and decelerating the moving center of mass following a lateral perturbation, affecting the kinematics of the stepping response, leading to a fall.
Hypoxia Leads to Diminished Ovarian Reserve in an Age-Dependent Manner
Authors: Gutzeit Ola , Bachar Gal , Iluz Roee , Araaf Alaa , Nebenzahl-Sharona Keren , Nasatzky Maya , Weiner Zeev , Beloosesky Ron , Fainaru Ofer
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Perinatal hypoxia causes premature activation and initiation of growth in dormant follicles, leading to diminished ovarian reserve. An indirect mechanism such as the release of stress-related hormones may influence ovarian follicle recruitment under hypoxic conditions. We wanted to determine whether hypoxic ovarian damage results from increased follicle growth and “burnout” or from increased apoptosis and whether this damage is age-dependent. Design: Animal study was conducted. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: Using adult 6-week-old (n = 8) and one-day-old newborn (n = 20) ICR (CD-1) female mice, ovarian follicular counts were conducted on H&E-stained sections. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on sections stained with Ki-67, anti-Caspase 3, and anti-FOXO3A. Results: Exposure to hypoxia resulted in significantly reduced proportion of primordial follicles versus normoxia in both adult dams and newborn pups (3.17 ± 2.75 vs. 17.89 ± 4.4%; p = 0.004; 40.59 ± 14.88 vs. 81.92 ± 31.56%, p = 0.001, respectively), concomitant with increased growing-primary and secondary follicles, and more pronounced in adult dams versus newborn pups (6-fold vs. 2-fold, respectively). Ki67 staining revealed higher scores of cell proliferation in follicular granulosa cells after exposure to hypoxia than normoxia. However, Caspase 3 and Foxo3A staining did not show any differences in these markers of apoptosis in oocytes, granulosa cells, theca cells, or stromal cells when exposed to hypoxia versus normoxia. Limitations: The current study has several limitations; first, the sample size for each group is relatively small, which could limit the generalizability of the findings. Second, the study used an ex vivo culture system, which may not fully capture the complex interactions that occur in the whole animal. Third, the exposure to hypoxia only lasted for 3 h, which may not be long enough to observe all the potential effects. In addition, the study only analyzed specific markers of apoptosis in a few cell types, and other cell types or apoptotic pathways might be involved. Lastly, the study provides evidence for accelerated follicular activation and decreased ovarian reserve, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully explored. Conclusions: Direct tissue hypoxia led to premature activation and initiation of growth in dormant follicles leading to diminished ovarian reserve. Hypoxic damage is age-dependent, with adult ovaries more susceptible than newborn ovaries. These findings support the possibility of follicular “burn out” as a potential mechanism responsible for hypoxia-induced loss of ovarian reserve.
Garthia, a new genus for Gymnodactylus gaudichaudii Duméril e Bibron (Sauria, Gekkonidae)
Authors: Vanzolini P. E. , Donoso-Barros Roberto
Published: April 2024

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On a new species of Squirrel Monkey, Genus Saimiri, from Brazilian Amazônia (Primates, Cebidae)
Authors: Ayres J. M.
Published: April 2024

Saimiri vanzolinii, sp.ru, localidade tipo Lago Mamirauá, foz do Japurá, pertencente ao grupo boliviensis, é descrita com base em 13 exemplares. A distribuição das espécies de Saimirina região que vai da foz do Japurá ao lago de Tefé é discutida com base em novas coletas.
ANALYSIS OF HABITS AND BEHAVIORS RELATED TO MEDICATION USE INCHILDREN UP TO 12 YEARS OF AGE - COMU 2023
Authors: Marcilio Eloah Silva , Silva Giulia Beatriz Gasparini , Nieddermeyer Mariana Weinhardt , Girotto Edmarlon
Published: April 2024

People who use medications without guidance represent a significant risk factor for the development of adverse effects in the pediatric population. However, the literature still lacks studies evaluating this phenomenon. In this context, the objective was to identify habits and behaviors related to medication use in children up to twelve years old. For this purpose, the methodology employed was a descriptive cross-sectional study, using a questionnaire on the Google Forms platform for parents and guardians to respond. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 19. As a result, it was observed that caregivers often rely on doctors for medication guidance, and some children receive prescribed medications intended for another child, mainly due to similar symptoms or illnesses. The majority of children did not experience adverse reactions to medications, but a small percentage reported allergic reactions, skin rashes, and drowsiness. Furthermore, easy access to medications, lack of healthcare services, inappropriate medication use, and medication storage at home are highlighted. Based on the observed practices, it can be concluded that safe medication practices in pediatric populations are important, as well as the role of healthcare professionals in guiding parents.