bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective outcome analysis of multiple sclerosis cases reveals candidate prognostic cerebrospinal fluid markers
Authors: Everest Elif , Uygunoglu Ugur , Tutuncu Melih , Bulbul Alper , Onat Umut Inci , Unal Mehmetcan , Avsar Timucin , Saip Sabahattin , Bilge Ugur , Turanli Eda Tahir , Siva Aksel
Published: June 2023

Background

Predicting the long-term disability outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases is challenging.

Objective

We prospectively analysed our previous MS cohort with initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics data to reveal disability markers after 8.2±2.2 years of follow-up.

Methods

Patients with regular follow-up visits were assigned into two groups: those with an age-related MS severity (ARMSS) score ≥5 (unfavourable course group, N = 27) and ARMSS score <5 (favourable course group, N = 67). A machine learning-based algorithm was applied to reveal candidate poor prognosis-associated initial CSF proteins, which were measured in an independent MS cohort (verification group, N = 40) by ELISA. Additionally, the correlation of initial clinical and radiological parameters with long-term disability was analysed.

Results

CSF alpha-2-macroglobulin (P = 0.0015), apo-A1 (P = 0.0016), and haptoglobin (P = 0.0003) protein levels, as well as cerebral lesion load (>9 lesions) on magnetic resonance imaging, gait disturbance (P = 0.04), and bladder/bowel symptoms (P = 0.01) were significantly higher in the unfavourable course group than in the favourable course group. Optic nerve involvement evident on initial magnetic resonance imaging (P = 0.002) and optic neuritis (P = 0.01) were more frequent in the favourable course group.

Conclusion

The herein identified initial CSF protein levels, in addition to the clinical and radiological parameters at disease onset, have predictive value for long-term disability in MS cases.
Perceived impacts of COVID-19 and bushfires on the implementation of an obesity prevention trial in Northeast Victoria, Australia
Authors: Whelan Jillian , Hillenaar Monique , Fraser Penny , Allender Steven , Jackson Michelle , Strugnell Claudia , Bell Colin
Published: June 2023

Background

Calls for the adoption of a systems approach to chronic disease prevention date back at least ten years because of the potential to empower communities to identify and address the complex causes of overnutrition, undernutrition and climate change. Australia, like many countries, has high levels of obesity and extreme climate events. The Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevent Obesity and Non-communicable Disease (RESPOND) trial aims to prevent unhealthy weight gain in children in 10 intervention and two pilot communities in north-east Victoria, Australia using community-based participatory approaches informed by systems science. Intervention activities co-designed in 2019 were disrupted by COVID-19 and bushfires. This paper explores the impacts of these ‘shocks’ on the local prevention workforce to implement actions within communities.

Methods

A case study design involving one-hour online focus groups and an on-line survey (November 2021-February 2022). Purposive sampling was used to achieve diverse representation from RESPOND stakeholders including local council, health services, primary care partnerships and department of health. The focus group interview schedule and survey questions were based on Durlak and DuPre’s implementation factors.

Results

Twenty-nine participants from seven different communities participated in at least one of nine focus groups to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 and bushfires on localised implementation. Twenty-eight participants (97% of focus group sample) also completed the on-line survey. Implementation of RESPOND stalled or stopped in most communities due to bushfires and/or COVID-19. These shocks resulted in organisational priorities changing, loss of momentum for implementation, redeployment of human resources, culminating in fatigue and exhaustion. Participants reported adaptation of RESPOND, but implementation was slowed due to limited resources.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to advance risk management strategies and protect resources within health promotion. System shocks such as bushfires and COVID-19 are inevitable, and despite multiple adaptation opportunities, this intervention approach was not ‘shock proof’.
Selection for insecticide resistance can promote Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles
Authors: Adams Kelsey L. , Selland Emily K. , Willett Bailey C. , Carew John W. , Vidoudez Charles , Singh Naresh , Catteruccia Flaminia
Published: June 2023

Insecticide resistance is under strong selective pressure in Anopheles mosquitoes due to widespread usage of insecticides in vector control strategies. Resistance mechanisms likely cause changes that profoundly affect mosquito physiology, yet it remains poorly understood how selective pressures imposed by insecticides may alter the ability of the mosquito to host and transmit a Plasmodium infection. From pyrethroid-resistant field-derived Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes, we established resistant (RES) and susceptible (SUS) colonies by either selection for, or loss of insecticide resistance. We show increased oocyst intensity and growth rate as well as increased sporozoite prevalence and intensity in RES compared to SUS females infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The increase in infection intensity in RES females was not associated with the presence of the kdrL1014F mutation and was not impacted by inhibition of Cytochrome P450s. The lipid transporter lipophorin (Lp), which was upregulated in RES compared to SUS, was at least partly implicated in the increased intensity of P. falciparum but not directly involved in the insecticide resistance phenotype. Interestingly, we observed that although P. falciparum infections were not affected when RES females were exposed to permethrin, these females had decreased lipid abundance in the fat body following exposure, pointing to a possible role for lipid mobilization in response to damage caused by insecticide challenge. The finding that selection for insecticide resistance can increase P. falciparum infection intensities and growth rate reinforces the need to assess the overall impact on malaria transmission dynamics caused by selective pressures mosquitoes experience during repeated insecticide challenge.
Intramedullary Schwannoma of the Spinal Cord: A Nationwide Analysis by the Neurospinal Society of Japan
Authors: Hara Takeshi , Mizuno Masaki , Hida Kazutoshi , Sasamori Toru , Miyoshi Yasuyuki , Uchikado Hisaaki , Ohashi Hiroki , Sugawara Taku , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Ohara Yukoh , Kondo Akihide , Endo Toshiki ,   for the Investigators of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors in the Neurospinal Society of Japan
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study was aimed to report the clinical characteristics of intramedullary schwannomas and discuss imaging findings and treatment strategies.Methods: The inclusion criterion was consecutive patients with intramedullary schwannomas who were surgically treated at 8 centers between 2009 and 2020. Clinical characteristics included age, sex, clinical presentation, disease duration, and follow-up period. The modified McCormick scale was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative conditions. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI) of each case were analyzed.Results: The mean age of the total 11 patients at the operation was 50.2 years. The mean duration of the symptoms was 23 months, with limb paresthesia being the most common clinical presentation. The cervical spine was the most common localization level of the tumor in 6 cases. The mean follow-up duration was 49.4 months. Gross total resection (GTR) and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 9 and 2 cases, respectively. According to the modified McCormick scale at 6 months postoperatively, 7 cases (63.6%) had improved and 4 cases (36.3%) had unchanged grades. Typical MRI findings of the intramedullary schwannoma included ring-like enhancement, syringomyelia, cystic formation, intramedullary edema, and hemosiderin deposition. Gadolinium enhancement was homogenous in 8 cases (72.7%). The tumor margins were well demarcated in all cases.Conclusion: Intramedullary schwannoma should be considered when sharp margins and well-enhanced tumors are present at the cervical spine level and the initial symptoms are relatively mild, such as dysesthesia. When GTR cannot be achieved, STR for tumor decompression is recommended.
Mapping of aridity and its connections with climate classes and climate desertification in future scenarios – Brazilian semi-arid region
Authors: Silva Lucas Augusto Pereira da , Silva Claudionor Ribeiro da , Souza Cristiano Marcelo Pereira de , Bolfe Édson Luís , Souza João Paulo Sena , Leite Marcos Esdras
Published: June 2023

Brazil has the most populous and biodiverse semi-arid region in the world (Brazilian Semi-arid - SAB). However, in recent decades, clusters of desertification have emerged, a problem that could intensify from climate change. The objective of this study was to elaborate on the spatial distribution of areas susceptible to climatic desertification in the SAB, considering future climate change scenarios. Understanding this dynamic is essential for SAB's agri-environmental management. Aridity indices and proposition of climate classes for current condition (1970-2000) and future scenarios (2061-2080) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) were prepared, considering scenarios from Shared Socioeconomic Pathways: Optimistic (SSP 126) and pessimists (SSP 585). The results indicate that by the end of the century, the climate in the SAB should become significantly drier (Kruskal-Wallis = p-value < 0.05), with an intensification of the aridity index in SSP 585. In the scenarios, the expansion of more arid areas over humid climates could reach 56,500 km² (10%) in SSP 126 and 140,400 km² (24%) in SSP 585. Consequently, areas with high (622,400 km² to 706,300 km²) and very high (622,400 km² to 706,300 km²) are expected to expand. 4,400 to 21,700 km²) susceptibility to climate desertification in the SAB, respectively in scenarios SSPs 126 and 585. Confirming these projections would imply socioeconomic and ecological risks in the SAB.
RETURN SPILLOVERS BETWEEN EMERGING MARKETS’ FINANCIAL STRESS AND EQUITY MARKETS OF BRIC-T COUNTRIES
Authors: GÜNAY Samet , ÖNER Mehtap , AYBARS Aslı
Published: June 2023

This study explores the connectedness between selected emerging equity markets (BRIC-T) and the

Emerging Markets Financial Stress Index (EMFSI). We aim to reveal the extent of spillovers from stock

market indices to aggregated financial tension in these countries. Empirical investigations are executed

through Quantile Vector Autoregression analysis. Results show that spillovers occur mainly during extreme

negative and positive return periods. When we focus on four important phases, namely Global Financial

Crisis (GFC), the Euro Area Sovereign Debt Crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war,

three countries come to the fore. While Brazil has had a substantial and persistent impact across the years,

during the GFC, two other countries, Russia and Türkiye, seem to induce positive return spillovers toward

emerging markets’ stress. This impact becomes bilateral in Russia (both in positive and negative returns)

during the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. Thus, we conclude that among the examined market

economies, negative or positive return transmissions to emerging market stress are led mainly by Brazil and

Russia. The importance of energy sources and political factors can account for this result.
SDR16C5 promotes proliferation and migration and inhibits apoptosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hong Kunqiao , Yang Qian , Yin Haisen , Zhang Jianwei , Yu Baoping
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PAAD) is usually found when it is already in its advanced stage, which has limited options available for treatment and poor overall survival. The SDR16C5 gene is necessary for embryonic and adult tissue differentiation, development, and apoptosis, and it also participates in immune response and regulates energy metabolism. However, the role of SDR16C5 in PAAD remains unclear. In this study, we find that SDR16C5 was highly expressed in multiple tumors including PAAD. Furthermore, higher expression of SDR16C5 was significantly associated with poorer survival. We also find that the knockdown of SDR16C5 can inhibit PAAD cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis by repressing Bcl-2, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 9 protein expression. Moreover, silencing SDR16C5 inhibits the migration of PANC-1 and SW1990 cells by interrupting epithelial–mesenchymal transition. KEGG pathway analysis and immunofluorescence staining indicate that SDR16C5 is associated with immunity and may also participate in the development of PAAD through the IL-17 signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that SDR16C5 is overexpressed in PAAD patients and promotes its proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis-inhibition of PAAD cells. Thus, SDR16C5 may be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target.
Foreign Investors and the Peer Effects to Payout Policies
Authors: Lee Jong Hwa , Seo Sung Won
Published: June 2023

This research studies the influence of foreign investors on payout policies and the peer effect of dividends. We show that peer effects on dividend policies exist in Korea using an instrumental variable approach. Additionally, our results suggest that foreign investor activities intensify the peer effect on dividend policies. Firms with a higher net purchase by foreign investors are more heavily scrutinized to reduce information asymmetry between managers and shareholders. This monitoring behavior affects dividend choices among firms and the responsiveness to peer influence. Further, the impact of foreign investors is prominent for dividend increases but not for decreases.
European Public Policies and Sovereign Risk in the Eurozone: How State-Contingent Governance Hampers Fiscal Discipline
Authors: van Riet Ad
Published: June 2023

The 30 years old Maastricht Treaty on European Union (EU) is based on the political vision that a stable euro requires sound budgetary policies and sustainable public finances in all the participating countries. This article reviews how the European framework for managing sovereign risk in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) has evolved in challenging times. The main finding is that over the years European policymakers have applied a range of special provisions contingent on the state of national economies, the demand for public investment, the need for a sound financial system, the effectiveness of monetary transmission, or on general concerns with the integrity of the eurozone, in a way which hampers fiscal discipline. The growing prominence of this state-contingent governance could mark the political transition from the Maastricht Treaty’s focus on public risk reduction to a ‘Next Generation EMU’ which favours public risk sharing. The challenge in designing the future EMU architecture will be to balance the need to preserve the integrity of eurozone with the need for fiscal discipline.
Dispersive surface-response formalism to address nonlocality in extreme plasmonic field confinement
Authors: Babaze Antton , Neuman Tomáš , Esteban Ruben , Aizpurua Javier , Borisov Andrei G.
Published: June 2023

The surface-response formalism (SRF), where quantum surface-response corrections are incorporated into the classical electromagnetic theory via the Feibelman parameters, serves to address quantum effects in the optical response of metallic nanostructures. So far, the Feibelman parameters have been typically obtained from many-body calculations performed in the long-wavelength approximation, which neglects the nonlocality of the optical response in the direction parallel to the metal–dielectric interface, thus preventing to address the optical response of systems with extreme field confinement. To improve this approach, we introduce a dispersive SRF based on a general Feibelman parameter d
⊥(ω, k
‖), which is a function of both the excitation frequency, ω, and the wavenumber parallel to the planar metal surface, k
‖. An explicit comparison with time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) results shows that the dispersive SRF correctly describes the plasmonic response of planar and nonplanar systems featuring extreme field confinement. This work thus significantly extends the applicability range of the SRF, contributing to the development of computationally efficient semiclassical descriptions of light–matter interaction that capture quantum effects.
Impact of substrates and quantum effects on exciton line shapes of 2D semiconductors at room temperature
Authors: van de Groep Jorik , Li Qitong , Song Jung-Hwan , Kik Pieter G. , Brongersma Mark L.
Published: June 2023

Exciton resonances in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide exceptionally strong light–matter interaction at room temperature. Their spectral line shape is critical in the design of a myriad of optoelectronic devices, ranging from solar cells to quantum information processing. However, disorder resulting from static inhomogeneities and dynamical fluctuations can significantly impact the line shape. Many recent works experimentally evaluate the optical properties of TMD monolayers placed on a substrate and the line shape is typically linked directly to the material’s quality. Here, we highlight that the interference of the substrate and TMD reflections can strongly influence the line shape. We further show how basic, room-temperature reflection measurements allow investigation of the quantum mechanical exciton dynamics by systematically controlling the substrate reflection with index-matching oils. By removing the substrate contribution with properly chosen oil, we can extract the excitonic decay rates including the quantum mechanical dephasing rate. The results provide valuable guidance for the engineering of exciton line shapes in layered nanophotonic systems.
Inquisition of micellar and surface active properties of gemini surfactants in the presence of a dipeptide
Authors: Kaur Jasmeet , Sharma Pooja , Kaur Gagandeep , Awasthi Pamita , Kumar Harsh , Kaur Ramanjeet
Published: June 2023

The influence of dipeptide glycyl-l-valine (gly-l-val) on the micellization and surface active properties of two different gemini surfactants varying in their spacer group i.e. ethylene-1,2-bis (N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) (12–2–12) and hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) (12–6–12) was explored using tensiometry as well as conductivity technique. Conductivity measurements at several temperatures (293.15, 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15) K and tensiometric measurements at 298.15 K at several concentrations of dipeptide (0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) mol/kg were conducted so as to deduce the interactions amid dipeptide and two surfactants. Several parameters viz. critical micelle concentration (CMC) as well as the degree of ionization (α) along with various parameters associated with thermodynamics; standard entropy of micellization (

Δ

S
m
0

${\Delta}{S}_{m}^{0}$

), Gibbs free energy of micellization (

Δ

G
m
0

${\Delta}{G}_{m}^{0}$

) and standard enthalpy of micellization (

Δ

H
m
0

${\Delta}{H}_{m}^{0}$

) have been evaluated through conductivity data. Various additional thermodynamic parameters such as free energy of adsorption (

Δ

G

a
d

0

${\Delta}{G}_{ad}^{0}$

) and surface free energy

(
G

min
s

${\left(G\right.}_{\mathrm{min}}^{s}$

) have been also estimated through surface tension measurements.
The Gascon evolution of Latin ‑ll‑: A new theory
Authors: Zarabozo Carlos
Published: June 2023

In Gascon, Latin ‑ll‑ has evolved to the word‑medial result ‑r‑ and the secondarily word‑final result ‑t in most of Gascony, along with word‑final palatal variants. These results are generally assumed to have originated from a lost retroflex stage, paralleling existing retroflex results for ‑ll‑ in South Italian dialects and in Western Asturias. The present study offers an alternative theory by positing a delateralization of a lateral to a voiced non‑spirant alveolar stop *d, with no change in the point of articulation. The *d is shown to be an areal phenomenon in that it is the source of the Upper Aragonese ‑ll‑ results and is a sound that is found currently in some Basque dialects. The same theory of a non­spirant alveolar *d stage for ‑ll‑ explains the eventual presence of retroflexion in Western Asturias. While on the surface any Basque influence on the Gascon sound changes appears unlikely, this study shows that both the initial change to an alveolar stop, and the word‑final palatal results, can plausibly be attributed to Basque influence.
Los sistemas de nominativo del pronombre personal gallego
Authors: Alonso Núñez Aquilino Santiago
Published: June 2023

The present research addresses the nominative case systems of the Galician personal pronouns and shows the possibilities that the mapping of linguistic zones based on a system of elements opens up for Galician dialectology. The territory occupied by the different linguistic convergences and their contextualization in the Galician-Portuguese dialectal continuum are also investigated. In addition to the most relevant bibliography, data from the ALGa (Galician linguistic atlas) were used for the analysis of Galician as a whole, and surveys and recordings were implemented to study the particularities of Galician in the municipality of Castrelo do Val and the region of Verín. The convergences detected do not match the three linguistic blocks proposed by Galician dialectology. The nominative case system of the personal pronoun of the Irian diocese is the most commonly used but its use is not as large as the Western Block. The second largest system is the Auriense, but it is less than half the size of the Central Block. The other systems detected occupy smaller areas than the two already mentioned. Among them, we can find the system used in the municipality of Castrelo do Val and the prototypical form from Verín, which only departs from the main system of the Galician-Portuguese continuum in the use of el instead of ele and in the pronunciation of ela with a close-mid front vowel.
Luta Hegemônica e Populismo:Soluções Agonísticaspara o Desafio Identitário
Authors: Da Silva Mayra Goulart
Published: June 2023

O objeto deste artigo é a abordagem neogramsciana de Chantal Mouffe e Ernesto Laclau. Centrada nos conceitos de luta hegemônica e populismo. Esta análise será realizada mediante uma genealogia que visa abordar as manifestações de ambas categorias na América Latina, correlacionando teoria e práxis. Após esse primeiro esforço, que objetiva situar a obra dos autores como um ponto de inflexão na tradição marxista, serão desenvolvidos três desdobramentos axiológicos desse movimento. O primeiro, diz respeito à relação entre o conceito de populismo e o marco teórico estabelecido em Hegemonia e Estratégia Socialista – por uma política democrática radical(1985). O segundo, apresenta tal formulação como uma síntese entre abordagens teóricas que ultrapassam os limites do marxismo. O terceiro movimento, por fim, salienta alguns riscos inerentes ao populismo enquanto operador que, embora possua uma afinidade com a contra-hegemonia, tem seu potencial emancipatório drenado pela excessiva ênfase na figura do líder.
Pós-democracia no Sul Global: Uma Leitura Sócio-fiscal dos Confrontos Políticos e da Ruptura Institucional no Crepúsculo da Nova República Brasileira (2003 - 2017)
Authors: Tavares Francisco Mata , Benedito Sérgio Mendonça
Published: June 2023

O artigo apresenta um olhar sócio-fiscal sobre os ciclos de confronto político que tiveram lugar no Brasil entre 2013 e 2017, bem como sobre o processo de deposição presidencial ocorrido em 2016, o qual é entendido como signo de ruptura com a ordem constitucional democrática. O texto possui um caráter ensaístico e interpretativo, antes de empírico ou tematicamente focado. A hipótese que se discute, por meio de uma tradução para o Sul Global de conceitos e interpretações provenientes de teorias críticas contemporâneas gestadas na Europa e nos EUA, é de que a lógica política pós-democrática e neoliberal já se manifestava no Brasil durante os governos de Lula da Silva e Dilma Rousseff, mas teria se tornado mais intensa a partir da deposição da Presidente eleita. O tema é discutido a partir dos vínculos entre política e fiscalidade, na esteira dos estudos relacionados à Nova Sociologia Fiscal.
As Paneleiras de Goiabeiras Velha e o “Outro” no processo de identificação dos sujeitos
Authors: Marques Marcelo de Souza
Published: June 2023

A produção de artefatos cerâmicos em Goiabeiras, região central de Vitória, capital do Espírito Santo, Brasil, é de longa data. Trata-se de uma tradição indígena, cujos primeiros registros datam de 1815. Contudo, a partir de meados do século XX, artesãos do nordeste brasileiro passaram a se instalar no estado, dando origem a novos núcleos produtores. Entre os novos polos ceramistas, os Artesãos de Guarapari, migrantes pernambucanos, foram os que conseguiram se destacar na concorrência com as Artesãs de Goiabeiras. Tendo em vista esse contexto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo central compreender o processo de identificação das artesãs como Paneleiras de Goiabeiras-Velha. A hipótese sustenta que esse processo discursivo, além de envolver a construção discursiva de Goiabeiras-Velha como território da tradição, abarca a demarcação de uma posição diferencial em relação aos Artesãos de Guarapari.
O tema “corrupção” na produção acadêmica da Ciência Política brasileira
Authors: Vitullo Gabriel Eduardo
Published: June 2023

Busca-se investigar qual é o lugar que ocupa a “corrupção” como objeto de investigação na Ciência Política brasileira e até que ponto esta consegue se distanciar do discurso predominante na sociedade a respeito do assunto. Para tanto realiza-se uma análise quantitativa e qualitativa do material publicado entre 1990 e 2019 em 12 das revistas mais importantes da área. A seleção é feita a partir da busca de termos-chave e da leitura desses termos no seu contexto; e os artigos recuperados são classificados em função da maior ou menor centralidade do assunto e do enfoque nestes adotado. Constata-se um claro predomínio do enfoque “convencional”, o que reflete uma disciplina mais predisposta a replicar a retórica anticorrupção hegemônica do que a questionar a funcionalidade dessa retórica para com o processo de criminalização da política e de ataque aos governos populares.
From Motivation to Action: Action Cost Better Predicts Changes in Premovement Beta-Band Activity than Speed
Authors: Pierrieau Emeline , Berret Bastien , Lepage Jean-François , Bernier Pierre-Michel
Published: June 2023

Although premovement beta-band event-related desynchronization (β-ERD; 13–30 Hz) from sensorimotor regions is modulated by movement speed, current evidence does not support a strict monotonic association between the two. Given that β-ERD is thought to increase information encoding capacity, we tested the hypothesis that it might be related to the expected neurocomputational cost of movement, here referred to as action cost. Critically, action cost is greater both for slow and fast movements compared with a medium or “preferred” speed. Thirty-one right-handed participants performed a speed-controlled reaching task while recording their EEG. Results revealed potent modulations of beta power as a function of speed, with β-ERD being significantly greater both for movements performed at high and low speeds compared with medium speed. Interestingly, medium-speed movements were more often chosen by participants than low-speed and high-speed movements, suggesting that they were evaluated as less costly. In line with this, modeling of action cost revealed a pattern of modulation across speed conditions that strikingly resembled the one found for β-ERD. Indeed, linear mixed models showed that estimated action cost predicted variations of β-ERD significantly better than speed. This relationship with action cost was specific to beta power, as it was not found when averaging activity in the mu band (8–12 Hz) and gamma band (31–49 Hz) bands. These results demonstrate that increasing β-ERD may not merely speed up movements, but instead facilitate the preparation of high-speed and low-speed movements through the allocation of additional neural resources, thereby enabling flexible motor control.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHeightened beta activity has been associated with movement slowing in Parkinson's disease, and modulations of beta activity are commonly used to decode movement parameters in brain–computer interfaces. Here we show that premovement beta activity is better explained by the neurocomputational cost of the action rather than its speed. Instead of being interpreted as a mere reflection of changes in movement speed, premovement changes in beta activity might therefore be used to infer the amount of neural resources that are allocated for motor planning.
A Potential Marker for Prognosis in Giant Left Ventricular Patients Undergoing Valve Surgery
Authors: Fan Linglin , Wu Yuan , Liu Fei , Wu Xijie
Published: June 2023

Background: Although many clinicians have made efforts to improve the prognosis for giant left ventricular with valve disease patients, potential markers to judge the prognosis of giant left ventricular patients undergoing valve surgery are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible impact factors for giant left ventricle prognosis. Methods: From September 2019 to September 2022, 75 patients with preoperative valvular disease with a giant left ventricle (left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) >65 mm) underwent cardiac valve surgery. The changes in cardiac function one year after surgery were used to describe prognosis and analyze the potential independent factors affecting surgical prognosis. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was considered to be recovered if it was ≥50% on follow-up echocardiography at least 6 months after the diagnosis. Results: The cardiac function of patients with a giant left ventricular and valve disease improved. Compared with preoperation, the left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), NT-proBNP, and cardio thoracic ratio (CTR) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the ratio of severe heart failure was decreased from 60% to 37.33%. In the univariate analyses, the preoperative NT-proBNP levels and PASP were significantly associated with the cardiac function recovery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.002, p = 0.027; OR = 1.092, 95% CI 1.015–1.175, p = 0.018). However, during the diagnostic test, PASP did not account for cardiac function recovery (AUROC = 0.505, 95% CI = 0.387–0.713, p = 0.531). Based on the cutoff value in the experiment, we found that a NT-proBNP >753 pg/mL (AUROC = 0.851, 95% CI = 0.757–0.946, p < 0.0001) was a potential prognostic marker for patients with a giant left ventricular valve disease. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that an elevated preoperative NT-proBNP level is an independent predictor of cardiac function recovery in a cohort of giant left ventricular patients undergoing valve surgery, and this is the first study about this specific cohort of patients.
Artesanía del hueso en la Bética romana. Estudio de los artefactos procedentes de las Termas Orientales de Torreparedones (Baena?Castro del Río, Córdoba)
Authors: Guillamón Dávila Santiago , Martínez Sánchez Rafael M.
Published: June 2023

A pesar de su escasa relevancia en las fuentes clásicas, la artesanía sobre hueso representa uno de los hallazgos más frecuentes en contextos de época romana, especialmente los artefactos destinados al arreglo y el cuidado personal femenino. En el presente trabajo, se expone el conjunto de artefactos hallado en las excavaciones de las Termas Orientales del enclave de Torreparedones (Baena-Castro del Río, Córdoba). Este corresponde a sucesivos aportes de residuos urbanos depositados durante la fase de abandono que experimentó este edificio entre finales del siglo II y a lo largo del III d. C. En él destacan artículos de aseo e higiene personal, costura, y objetos de mobiliario, así como preformas y desechos de trabajo de las fases iniciales de la cadena operativa. Dichos hallazgos no solo exponen la relevancia de estos artículos en la vida diaria de los habitantes de este núcleo urbano, sino la existencia de un taller dedicado a la artesanía de hueso que habría operado entre los siglos III y IV d. C.
“Z” Signs in the Pictorial Tradition of the Late Bronze Age Population
Authors:   DSc, Professor, the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Head of the Eneolithic — Bronze Age Archaeology department, Otroshchenko Vitalii
Published: June 2023

The increased interest in the sign “Z”, caused by the events of the active phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war (2014—2023), requires a more thorough analysis of its symbolism and semantics. At first glance, they are quite transparent. The count O. Bobrynskyi, an outstanding researcher of archaeology of Ukraine and head of the Imperial Archaeological Commission, convincingly proved the bird symbolism of the sign “Z” and its genetic connection with the swastika, based on materials from excavations in Europe. In the context of the count’s logical reasoning regarding the meaningful load of these signs, a reference to the thesis of the German researcher Von der Schtengen regarding the swastika as a symbol of the Indo-Germanic race sounded prophetically. Some 30 years had remained before the practical implementation of this thesis by Nazi Germany. For the rushist Russian Federation to choose the symbol of provocation of the World War III, the genetic component of the swastika, namely the sign “Z”, was enough. In addition, the topic of the article is the functioning of the named signs during the first half — the middle of the II millennium BC, when the Indo-Aryan tribes entered the world history with the above-mentioned symbols. At a distance of three or four thousand years, these events are seen by us as the “heroic age” of war chariots, although they do not become any less bloody. The study convinces that “zetas” and “swastikas” are mobile signs, capable of transformations and reincarnations in the context of the lines of other signs of that era, being components of the sign system of the tribes of the log community. The previously noted division of swastikas into right- and left-sided ones is interpreted, in particular, by gender, as “male” and “female”, respectively. So, within the mentioned sign system, a conflict between signs of different orientations is noticed, which can be considered within the limits of binary opposition, dialectical unity and the struggle of opposites, where the struggle is relative, and the unity is universal. This division can also be assumed for right- and left-sided zetas, as genetic components of swastikas.
Funeral Meal in Scythian Burial Rite (Case Study of Northern Azov Region, 5th—4th Centuries BC)
Authors:   Research Assistant, the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, the Department of Archaeology, Demina Alisa
Published: June 2023

In the article the author investigates the Scythian funerary practices in the Northern Azov region, focusing on the role of food offerings and animal sacrifice. In the study the relationship between food remains in personal burial spaces and communal feasting at the burial mound surface are highlighted.
GROUND BASED SUPPORT OF THE SPACE MISSION PARKER PERFORMED WITH UKRAINIAN LOW FREQUENCY RADIO TELESCOPES
Authors:   Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Dorovsky V. , Melnik V. ,   Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Brazhenko A. ,   Poltava Gravimetric Observatory, Subbotin Institute of Geophysics NAS of Ukraine
Published: June 2023

Subject and Purpose. The sporadic radio emissions coming from the Sun in a broad frequency range contain a lot of important information concerning the solar corona, parameters of the radio frequency sources therein, and the parameter variations resulting from active processes on and about the Sun. These have been the reasons for recent launches of the space missions intended for stud- ying the Sun and its corona, such as the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and the Solar Orbiter. The present work is aimed at demonstrating effectiveness of the ground-based support for the space missions, the PSP before all, which is provided by the large Ukrainian radio telescopes of the decameter wavelength range. Another purpose has been cross-calibration of the space-borne radiometer against calibrated data from a ground-based instrument. Methods and Methodology. One of the remote diagnosis techniques widely used with respect to the solar corona is to analyze parameters of the radio frequency emissions from sources lying at a variety of altitudes within the corona. The methodology of such joint, space-borne/terrestrial investigations suggests simultaneous observations of certain individual events during closest approach of the space probe PSP to the Sun, with analysis over a widest possible frequency range. The data obtainable within overlapping fre- quency bands are proposed for calibrating the on-board radio receivers of the space probe. Results. The methodology proposed for joint, space-based / terrestrial observations has been substantiated. Data from the UTR-2 and URAN-2 radio telescopes and the space probe PSP have been used to plot the dynamic and the polarization spectra of the June 9, 2020 solar bursts, with identification and comparison of the relevant individual events. A joint dynamic spectrum of these bursts has been obtained for the frequency band of 0.5 to 32 MHz. The calibrated data from the ground-based radio telescopes have allowed performing cross-calibration of the HF receiver in the FIELDS-PSP data taking module within the frequency band of 10 to 18 MHz. Conclusions. The paper has provided evidence of an effective ground-based support for the space mission PSP on the part of large Ukrainian radio telescopes. Examples of joint observations have been given, and a methodology described which is employed for cross-calibrating the HF receivers of the FIELD-PSP module. Prospects are outlined of further ground-based support for solar space research missions.
INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL SEISMIC ACTIVITY ON IONOSPHERE AND NEAR-EARTH ATMOSPHERE PARAMETERS
Authors:   V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Zakharov I. , Chernogor L. ,   V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
Published: June 2023

Subject and Purpose. The catastrophic magnitude of life and monetary losses associated with earthquakes spurs extensive searches for reliable earthquake precursors. It is common knowledge that lithospheric processes have a direct bearing on the state of atmosphere and ionosphere during earthquakes. However, the usual practice is to enquire things in the immediate vicinity of the hypocenter, notwithstanding the global nature of seismic processes. The present work is different as considers the changes of pressure and temperature in the near-Earth atmosphere and the total electron content (TEC) in the ionosphere for world regions at arbitrary distances from hypocenters of strong earthquakes. Methods and Methodology. Employed are the data from the maps of the ionospheric TEC and the maps of the pressure and temperature in the atmospheric surface layer in world regions of 40°N latitude. The quantitative estimates are provided by the superposed epoch analysis for winter seasons between 2012 to 2018. Days of strong earthquakes of the Richter magnitudes within 6.3 to 7.9 are taken for the "zeros" whatever the geographical coordinates of the event. Results. The near-Earth atmosphere pressure P0 shows a decrease for about 5 days before the earthquake and gets elevated for about 5 days after the event. The air temperature T behaves in the opposite way. The TEC shows a sharp increase 2 to 5 days before the earthquake. The typical deviations DP0 and DT are of up to 2 hPa and 0.3 K, respectively. The TEC deviations, DTEC, are within 3 to 4%. Where the longitudes fall on the lithosphere plate boundaries, these deviations are nearly doubled. Also, the magnitude of the effect is higher in the regions where the atmospheric pressure is lower. The established patterns indicate that the gas release from underground plays an important role in the lithosphere-atmosphere and lithosphere-ionosphere interaction effects. In this case, the main part is played by radon fluxes that initiate the near-Earth atmosphere ionization and trigger a whole chain of secon- dary processes. Conclusions. The results of the work indicate that atmospheric and ionospheric effects caused by lithospheric processes take place at arbitrary distances from strong earthquake hypocenters. Gaseous emissions from underground play an important role as a primary factor of these global effects.
ANALYSIS OF DUAL-FREQUENCY INTERFEROMETRY APPLICABILITY FOR TARGET ELEVATION ANGLE MEASUREMENT USING TWO-COORDINATE RADARS
Authors:   Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Galushko V. ,   Space Research Center of Polish Academy of Sciences, Vlasenko O. ,   Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Bulakh Y. ,   Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: June 2023

Subject and Purpose. The study deals with the dual-frequency radio interferometry technique, which is based on the employment of two fairly close frequencies with the aim to remove ambiguity of the radar target elevation estimation using 2D-radar and eliminate 2 pm-uncertainty of the signal phase difference measurement. Analysis of random noise action on the accuracy of the elevation angle estimation by the dual-frequency radio interferometry and assessment of practical applicability of the method make up the purpose of the paper. Methods and Methodology. The noise action on the elevation angle measurement accuracy is examined through a series of an- alytical calculations with the use of statistical analysis methods. The noise in each receiving channel is modeled in terms of additive, statistically independent stationary Gaussian processes with zero mean values and equal variances. The calculation results are checked via computer simulations with statistics estimations for 106 random noise realizations. Results. A correct condition has been developed for the sector width where the target elevation angle is unambiguously estimated depending on the space separation of the antennas (baselines) and the frequency ratio. Expressions for elevation angle estimation errors have been obtained, showing that the error is mainly contributed by the faults in the determination of the ambiguity interval number. A probability of the correct determination of the ambiguity interval number has been derived depending on the signal- to-noise ratio and the frequency difference, indicating that almost one hundred per cent probability of the correct determination of the ambiguity interval number is only achieved when the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 30 dB. A comparative analysis has been performed between the methods of dual-frequency interferometry and conventional phase-difference direction finding in the case of close X-band frequencies and the same sectors of survey. Conclusions. The dual-frequency radio interferometry technique with close frequencies has been shown to outperform the stand- ard phase-difference direction-finding method only when the signal-to-noise ratio is sufficiently high (over 30 dB). In principle, the accuracy of the technique seems possible to improve by taking significantly different frequencies selected with regard to the scale negotiation condition. However, it should be mentioned that the implementation of the relevant algorithm in practice is much more complicated than the conventional scheme with a single frequency and several antenna baselines.
A BROADBAND PATCH ANTENNA BASED ON A PLANAR UNCLOSED ANNULAR RADIATOR
Authors:   V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Pogarsky S. , Mayboroda D. ,   V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
Published: June 2023

Subject and Purpose. Results are presented of numerical simulation of a patch antenna in the form of a planar unclosed annular radiator placed above an earthed plane. The work has been aimed at optimizing the key parameters of the antenna, like the degree of its matching with external circuits, achievable through proper selection of the excitation method and variation of the substrate permittivity, antenna gain, and power and polarization characteristics. Methods and Methodology. The antenna has been designed as an unclosed annular strip line. The angular width of the gap in the ring was varied during the optimization process. The antenna is excited via a segment of a coplanar line. The numerical simulation was performed for the unclosed resonator model, with all the limitations imposed on the model in the framework of the finite element method. The performance characteristics of the antenna have been optimized with account of the return loss level, gain magnitude and ellipticity over the given frequency range. Results. Frequency and power characteristics of the patch antenna based on an unclosed annular strip-line radiator have been ana- lyzed and optimized over a broad frequency range. The impact of key parameters of the structure upon its performance characteristics has been established, specifically of the angular width of the gap in the unclosed ring, separation from the ground plane, and dielectric permittivity value in the substrate. The possibility has been demonstrated of generating radiation fields of an elliptical polarization which is rather close to circular. Conclusions. The frequency, spectral and power characteristics studied of a patch antenna built around a planar unclosed annu- lar strip-line radiator above an earthed plane. The numerical modeling was performed within the framework of the finite element method. The principal dependences of the antenna’s electrodynamic performance upon such parameters as geometry, characteristic dimensions and material constants have been condsidered. The results obtained allow suggesting application of such antennas in the capacity of both independent radiators and elements of phased antenna arrays.
Epidemiology and Prevention of Child Pedestrian Injury
Authors: Kendi Sadiqa , Johnston Brian D. ,   COUNCIL ON INJURY, VIOLENCE, AND POISON PREVENTION, Hoffman Benjamin , Agran Phyllis F. , Culyba Alison , Dodington James , Lee Lois K. , McFadden Terri , Monroe Kathy , Tenenbein Milton , Quinlan Kyran , Beno Suzanne , Dixon Cinnamon , Dunn Laura , Midgett Jonathan D. , Miller Bethany , Qualters Judith , Kozial Bonnie
Published: June 2023

This report supports policy recommendations in the accompanying policy statement “Child Pedestrian Safety” (www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/10.1542/peds.2023-62506). It reviews trends in public health and urban design relevant to pedestrian safety and provides information to assist practicing pediatricians discussing the benefits of active transportation and the specific risks and safety precautions to consider for child pedestrians at different ages. The report offers the evidence base for which programs and policies that, if implemented, could foster independent mobility for children while increasing pediatric pedestrian safety.

Since the previous policy statement was published in 2009, the field of pedestrian safety has advanced with new evidence related to pediatric pedestrian education, the risks of distracted walking, the benefits of design and programming in safe routes to school, and the emergence of the “Vision Zero” public health and safety initiatives to prevent all serious and fatal transportation injuries.