bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probiotics improve survival and growth of larval Pacific Lamprey in laboratory culture
Authors: Maine Alexa N. , Moser Mary L. , Jackson Aaron D. , Wilhelm Frank
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus is a First Food for members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and other Columbia Plateau tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Declines in Pacific Lamprey abundance have prompted restoration efforts, including development of artificial propagation. Laboratory rearing of larvae has focused on maximizing survival and growth to conserve resources and increase production. To test the hypothesis that bacterial supplements increased the survival and growth of first-feeding larval Pacific Lamprey, we conducted two controlled experiments.

Methods

First, a probiotic supplement (EPI-CIN G2; Epicore, Bionetworks) was added to a standard food ration (yeast and Otohime mix) at two levels (2 and 5 mg/L) in a replicated, randomized design.

Result

Growth at 10 weeks was measured, and larvae that were fed probiotics at both levels grew significantly faster (2 mg/L: 11.0 μm/day; 5 mg/L: 13.3 μm/day) than controls that were fed the standard ration alone (6.6 μm/day). Larvae that received the probiotic supplement also had a higher survival (2 mg/L: 36%; 5 mg/L: 44%) than those fed the standard ration (24%). Next, a different cohort of larval lamprey was fed the same two levels of probiotic (at the same rate as in the first experiment), but the lamprey was kept in larger rearing pans and were fed for 28 weeks. Overall growth rates in the second experiment (2 mg/L: 4.6 μm/day; 5 mg/L: 5.7 μm/day; control 3.4 μm/day) were lower than those in the first experiment, but growth and survival (2 mg/L: 71.4%; 5 mg/L: 78.6%; control: 55.7%) were both highest in the treatments with probiotic. Moreover, in both experiments, we observed the highest growth in the probiotic treatments that also had high larval density.

Conclusion

This suggests that probiotics may help to overcome density-dependent growth, which is a common problem in lamprey culture. Successful artificial propagation and culture of Pacific Lamprey are vital to the long-term restoration goals for this imperiled First Food.
Stage‐cost design for optimal and model predictive control of linear port‐Hamiltonian systems: Energy efficiency and robustness
Authors: Şen Gökçen Devlet , Schaller Manuel , Worthmann Karl
Published: October 2023

We consider singular optimal control of port‐Hamiltonian systems with minimal energy supply. We investigate the robustness of different stage‐cost designs w.r.t. time discretization and show that alternative formulations that are equivalent in continuous time, differ strongly in view of discretization. Furthermore, we consider the impact of additional quadratic control regularization and demonstrate that this leads to a considerable increase in energy consumption. Then, we extend our results to the tracking problem within model predictive control and show that the intrinsic but singular choice of the cost functional as the supplied energy leads to a substantial improvement of the closed‐loop performance.
First‐Principles Study of Optical Properties of Linde‐Type A Zeolite
Authors: Núñez-González Roberto , Xiao Mufei , Antúnez-García Joel , Ponce-Ruiz Jesús L. A. , Reyes-Serrato Armando , Petranovskii Vitalii , Murrieta-Rico Fabián N. , Rakov Nikifor
Published: October 2023

Within the framework of density functional theory, electronic structures of Linde‐type A (LTA) zeolite membranes are calculated, and based on the electronic structures, several key optical properties of LTA zeolite membranes can be conveniently determined, with the method of the full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave under the random phase approximation for the boundaries and the generalized gradient approximation for the exchange–correlation potentials. The calculated optical properties as a function of frequency include the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function ε(ω), the refraction index n(ω), the extinction coefficient k(ω), the reflectivity R(ω), the energy loss function L(ω), the absorption coefficient α(ω), and finally the optical conductivity σ(ω), along with specific directions of the primitive cell. It is demonstrated that the optical properties of the sodium LTA zeolite cluster appear anisotropic within the range of UV. The nature of anisotropy implies that all the functions are 3 × 3 tensors with nonzero off‐diagonal elements. Three diagonal and three off‐diagonal elements are simultaneously presented.
Characterization and Coherent Control of Spin Qubits with Modulated Electron Beam and Resonator
Authors: Yasini Soheil , Shaterzadeh‐Yazdi Zahra , Mohammad Taheri Mahmoud
Published: October 2023

The coherent dynamics and control of spin qubits are fundamental requirements for the development and implementation of quantum technology. However, controlling a single spin qubit within a set of qubits is challenging due to the spatial extent of the applied magnetic field, which can negatively impact the coherent dynamics of neighboring qubits. In this study, a scheme is proposed for characterizing and controlling the coherent dynamics of spin qubits. The proposed scheme comprises a resonator that encloses the desired quantum system and a modulated electron beam that passes through the resonator in close proximity to the qubit of interest. The scheme involves solving the quantum master equation with Lindblad terms to obtain the system's dynamics. Reliability of the proposed model is validated by testing it on a potassium atom, 41K, and an NV‐ center in diamond. The results demonstrate that by controlling the parameters of the resonator and electron beam, the coherence and decoherence rates of these quantum systems can be enhanced. The proposed scheme has the potential to characterize various types of spin‐based quantum systems and implement quantum logic gates for quantum computation .
M2 Macrophage Membrane‐Camouflaged Fe3O4‐Cy7 Nanoparticles with Reduced Immunogenicity for Targeted NIR/MR Imaging of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zou Lin , Zhang Yao , Cheraga Nihad , Abodunrin Oluwatosin David , Qu Kai‐Yun , Qiao Li , Ma Yu‐Qing , Hang Yue , Huang Ning‐Ping , Chen Li‐Juan
Published: October 2023

Atherosclerosis （AS） is the primary reason behind cardiovascular diseases, leading to approximately one‐third of global deaths. Developing a novel multi‐model probe to detect AS is urgently required. Macrophages are the primary cells from which AS genesis occurs. Utilizing natural macrophage membranes coated on the surface of nanoparticles is an efficient delivery method to target plaque sites. Herein, Fe3O4‐Cy7 nanoparticles (Fe3O4‐Cy7 NPs), functionalized using an M2 macrophage membrane and a liposome extruder for Near‐infrared fluorescence and Magnetic resonance imaging, are synthesized. These macrophage membrane‐coated nanoparticles (Fe3O4@M2 NPs) enhance the recognition and uptake using active macrophages. Moreover, they inhibit uptake using inactive macrophages and human coronary artery endothelial cells. The macrophage membrane‐coated nanoparticles (Fe3O4@M0 NPs, Fe3O4@M1 NPs, Fe3O4@M2 NPs) can target specific sites depending on the macrophage membrane type and are related to C‐C chemofactor receptor type 2 protein content. Moreover, Fe3O4@M2 NPs demonstrate excellent biosafety in vivo after injection, showing a significantly higher Fe concentration in the blood than Fe3O4‐Cy7 NPs. Therefore, Fe3O4@M2 NPs effectively retain the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and depict reduced immunological response in blood circulation. These NPs mainly reveal enhanced targeting imaging capability for atherosclerotic plaque lesions.
A review of the freshwater diversity in the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami (Botswana): taxonomic composition, ecology, comparison with similar systems and conservation status
Authors: Moliner Cachazo Luis , Makati Kaelo , Chadwick Michael A. , Catford Jane A. , Price Benjamin W. , Mackay Anson W. , Guiry Michael D. , Murray-Hudson Michael , Murray-Hudson Frances
Published: October 2023

Freshwater organisms in the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami (Botswana) provide direct and indirect benefits to people and the economy of the region. However, their existence could be potentially threatened by human activities (primarily, upstream water abstraction and planned hydropower structures) coupled with climate change. For their protection, it is essential to know their distribution, ecology, and status of the ecosystems that they inhabit. Publications that record taxa from the Delta at species level are scarce, particularly aquatic macroinvertebrates. Identifying organisms to species level can provide more accurate information for environmental monitoring and conservation programmes but requires significant training and expertise. Here, we present a comprehensive taxonomical review of 2204 freshwater species from the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami, with additional 355 species found in other areas of Botswana that are likely to be present in the study region. We also compare the diversity of the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami with two other tropical wetlands: the Pantanal (Brazil) and the Kakadu Region (Australia). We show that biodiversity in the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami is higher than in previous estimates, with recorded species richness dominated by phytoplankton and macroinvertebrates. Most species are widespread across the system and southern Africa. The resulting database includes new records (Bryozoa, Porifera), information on species conservation status, habitat, ecology, distribution in continental Africa, site details and taxonomical notes. This will be an essential resource for researchers, conservation managers, policy makers and consultants investigating freshwater biodiversity in tropical wetlands in the region.
Interaction between mitochondria and microbiota modulating cellular metabolism in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hirose Misa , Sekar Priyadharshini , Eladham Mariam Wed Abdelaziz , Albataineh Mohammad T. , Rahmani Mohamed , Ibrahim Saleh Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prototypic complex disease in the gastrointestinal tract that has been increasing in incidence and prevalence in recent decades. Although the precise pathophysiology of IBD remains to be elucidated, a large body of evidence suggests the critical roles of mitochondria and intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBD. In addition to their contributions to the disease, both mitochondria and gut microbes may interact with each other and modulate disease-causing cell activities. Therefore, we hypothesize that dissecting this unique interaction may help to identify novel pathways involved in IBD, which will further contribute to discovering new therapeutic approaches to the disease. As poorly treated IBD significantly affects the quality of life of patients and is associated with risks and complications, successful treatment is crucial. In this review, we stratify previously reported experimental and clinical observations of the role of mitochondria and intestinal microbiota in IBD. Additionally, we review the intercommunication between mitochondria, and the intestinal microbiome in patients with IBD is reviewed along with the potential mediators for these interactions. We specifically focus on their roles in cellular metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. To this end, we propose a potential therapeutic intervention strategy for IBD.
Evaluation of new alternative methods for the identification of estrogenic, androgenic and steroidogenic effects: a comparative in vitro/in silico study
Authors: Najjar A. , Wilm A. , Meinhardt J. , Mueller N. , Boettcher M. , Ebmeyer J. , Schepky A. , Lange D.
Published: October 2023

A suite of in vitro assays and in silico models were evaluated to identify which best detected the endocrine-disrupting (ED) potential of 10 test chemicals according to their estrogenic, androgenic and steroidogenic (EAS) potential compared to the outcomes from ToxCast. In vitro methods included receptor-binding, CALUX transactivation, H295R steroidogenesis, aromatase activity inhibition and the Yeast oestrogen (YES) and Yeast androgen screen (YAS) assays. The impact of metabolism was also evaluated. The YES/YAS assays exhibited a high sensitivity for ER effects and, despite some challenges in predicting AR effects, is a good initial screening assay. Results from receptor-binding and CALUX assays generally correlated and were in accordance with classifications based on ToxCast assays. ER agonism and AR antagonism of benzyl butyl phthalate were abolished when CALUX assays included liver S9. In silico final calls were mostly in agreement with the in vitro assays, and predicted ER and AR effects well. The efficiency of the in silico models (reflecting applicability domains or inconclusive results) was 43–100%. The percentage of correct calls for ER (50–100%), AR (57–100%) and aromatase (33–100%) effects when compared to the final ToxCast call covered a wide range from highly reliable to less reliable models. In conclusion, Danish (Q)SAR, Opera, ADMET Lab LBD and ProToxII models demonstrated the best overall performance for ER and AR effects. These can be combined with the YES/YAS assays in an initial screen of chemicals in the early tiers of an NGRA to inform on the MoA and the design of mechanistic in vitro assays used later in the assessment. Inhibition of aromatase was best predicted by the Vega, AdmetLab and ProToxII models. Other mechanisms and exposure should be considered when making a conclusion with respect to ED effects.
High surface area g-C3N4 nanosheets as superior solar-light photocatalyst for the degradation of parabens
Authors: Stefa S. , Zografaki M. , Dimitropoulos M. , Paterakis G. , Galiotis C. , Sangeetha P. , Kiriakidis G. , Konsolakis M. , Binas V.
Published: October 2023

The rational design and development of highly-active photocatalytic materials for the degradation of dangerous chemical compounds, such as parabens, is one of the main research pillars in the field of photocatalysis. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a 2D non-metal material and is considered one of the most promising photocatalysts, because of its peculiar physicochemical properties. In this work, porous g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNNs) were successfully prepared via thermal exfoliation of bulk g-C3N4 (CNB). A thorough physicochemical characterization analysis before and after the exfoliation process was performed, revealing the improved textural characteristics (surface area of 212 m2/g), chemical stability, and optical properties (wide band gap of 2.91 eV) of CNNs compared to the CNB. Then, both CNB and CNNs were comparatively assessed as photocatalysts for the degradation of methyl-, ethyl- and propylparaben (MP, EP, and PP), as well as of their mixture. CNNs with high surface area display superior photocatalytic performance under solar irradiation, offering > 95% degradation efficiency to all parabens, in contrast to the much inferior performance of CNB (< 30%). Several experimental parameters, involving catalyst concentration, initial concentration of parabens, and irradiation type were thoroughly investigated for the degradation of MP over CNNs. Moreover, various scavengers were employed to discriminate the role of different reactive species, revealing that superoxide anion radicals (·O2–) play a pivotal role in the degradation process, in contrast to hydroxyl radicals (·OH). The present results pave the way towards the facile synthesis of high surface area CNNs with improved textural and electronic characteristics, which can be applied in various environmental applications.
Physiological adaptations of active postmenopausal women and matched men to the multi-day Sardinia Selvaggio Blu wild trek: a gender-comparative pilot study
Authors: Morrone Marco , Boi Anna , Meloni Martina , Martinez Gianluca , Ventura Lucia , Pusole Maurizio , Ghiani Giovanna , Crisafulli Antonio , Bandiera Pasquale , Cugusi Lucia , Deriu Franca , Manca Andrea
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of wild trekking by examining, in postmenopausal women, the physiological adaptations to an intensive 5-day wild trek and comparing their responses to those displayed by a group of men of comparable age, training status and mountaineering skills.

Methods

Six healthy, active postmenopausal women in their sixth decade of life participated in the study. Six men of comparable age and training status were also enrolled for gender-based comparisons. The participants traversed the Selvaggio Blu wild trek (Sardinia, Italy) completing a total of 56 km, for an overall height differential of 14,301 m. During all 5-day trek, subjects were supervised by two alpine guides. Changes in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic patterns of energy expenditure were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Results

Total energy expenditure during the trek was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in women (12.88 ± 3.37 kcal/h/kg) than men (9.27 ± 0.89 kcal/h/kg). Extracellular (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) increased significantly following the trek only in women (ECW: − 3.8%; p = 0.01; ICW: + 3.4%; p = 0.01). The same applied to fat-free mass (+ 5.6%; p = 0.006), fat mass (− 20.4%; p = 0.006), skeletal muscle mass (+ 9.5%; p = 0.007), and appendicular muscle mass (+ 7.3%; p = 0.002). Peak VO2/kg (+ 9.4%; p = 0.05) and fat oxidation (at 80 W: + 26.96%; p = 0.04; at 100 W: + 40.95%; p = 0.02; at 120 W: + 83.02%; p = 0.01) were found increased only in women, although no concurrent changes in partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) was observed.

Conclusions

In postmenopausal women, a 5-day, intensive and physically/technically demanding outdoor trekking activity led to significant and potentially relevant changes in body composition, energy balance and metabolism that are generally attained following quite longer periods of training.
Gastric acid challenge of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic after polishing and glazing—impact on surface properties
Authors: Hjerppe Jenni , Shahramian Khalil , Rosqvist Emil , Lassila Lippo V. J. , Peltonen Jouko , Närhi Timo O.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate the impact of simulated gastric acid on the surface properties of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic after certain polishing and glazing procedures.

Materials and methods

Four different types of square-shaped specimens (10 × 10 × 2 mm3, n = 13) were manufactured: lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramic milled and polished (LDS-P); milled, polished, and glazed (LDS-PG); milled, glazed, and no polishing (LDS-G); and milled and polished zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic (ZR-LS). Specimens were immersed in hydrochloride acid (HCl 0.06 M, pH 1.2) to simulate gastric acid irritation and stored in the acid for 96 h in 37 °C. Specimen weight, surface gloss, Vickers surface microhardness and surface roughness (Ra, Rq, with optical profilometer), and surface roughness on nanometer level (Sq, Sal, Sq/Sal, Sdr, Sds with atomic force microscope) were measured before and after the acid immersion.

Results

ZR-LS specimens lost significantly more weight after acid immersion (p = 0.001), also surface microhardness of ZR-LS was significantly reduced (p = 0.001). LDS-G and LDS-PG showed significantly lower surface roughness (Sa, Sq) values compared to LDS-P before (p ≤ 0.99) and after (p ≤ 0.99) acid immersion and ZR-LS after acid immersion (p ≤ 0.99).

Conclusions

Gastric acid challenge affects the surface properties of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic. Glazing layer provides lower surface roughness, and the glazed surface tends to smoothen after the gastric acid challenge.

Clinical relevance

Surface finish of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic has a clear impact on material’s surface properties. Gastric acidic challenge changes surface properties but glazing seems to function as a protective barrier. Nevertheless, also glazing tends to smoothen after heavy gastric acid challenge. Glazing can be highly recommended to all glass–ceramic restorations but especially in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.
Galerkin–Chebyshev approximation of Gaussian random fields on compact Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Lang Annika , Pereira Mike
Published: October 2023

A new numerical approximation method for a class of Gaussian random fields on compact connected oriented Riemannian manifolds is introduced. This class of random fields is characterized by the Laplace–Beltrami operator on the manifold. A Galerkin approximation is combined with a polynomial approximation using Chebyshev series. This so-called Galerkin–Chebyshev approximation scheme yields efficient and generic sampling algorithms for Gaussian random fields on manifolds. Strong and weak orders of convergence for the Galerkin approximation and strong convergence orders for the Galerkin–Chebyshev approximation are shown and confirmed through numerical experiments.
Turing instability for a Leslie–Gower model
Authors: Capone F. , De Luca R. , Fiorentino L. , Luongo V. , Massa G.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to investigate a reaction-diffusion Leslie–Gower predator–prey model, incorporating the intraguild predation and both self and cross-diffusion. The longtime behaviour of the solutions is analysed, proving the existence of an absorbing set. The existence of patterns is investigated by looking for conditions guaranteeing that an equilibrium, stable in the absence of diffusion, becomes unstable when diffusion is allowed.
Development of a Conceptual Model for the Patient Experience of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A Qualitative Targeted Literature Review
Authors: Aldhouse Natalie V. J. , Kitchen Helen , Al-Zubeidi Tamara , Thursfield Madeleine , Winnette Randall , See Tai Sandi , Zhu Linda , Garnier Nicolas , Baker Christine L.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of kidney disease and can progress to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). An overview of symptoms and impacts of the disease experienced will help inform the selection or development of fit-for-purpose clinical outcome assessments (COA) to be used in FSGS clinical trials. This study aimed to develop a conceptual model (CM) of the adult and pediatric patient experience of FSGS including disease signs/symptoms, treatment side-effects, and impact on functioning and wellbeing.

Methods

This study comprised a systematic review and thematic analysis of qualitative studies with adults and pediatric patients diagnosed with FSGS. Data sources were identified through an electronic database search of journal articles (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO; June 2021) and hand-searching of conference proceedings, patient advocacy group websites, and gray literature. Non-English articles were excluded. Identified data (patient/caregiver quotes, author summaries, and interpretations of patient experiences) were extracted from the articles. Extracted data were qualitatively analyzed aided by ATLAS.ti v7. Codes were applied to data and concepts (symptoms/impacts) were identified, named, and refined. A CM was developed by grouping related concepts into domains.

Results

In total, 12 sources were identified for analysis: 6 journal articles and 6 series of patient testimonials. Salient sign/symptom/side-effect domains included swelling/puffiness (edema), pain/aches/discomfort, fatigue, weight changes, skin problems, respiratory problems, and sleep problems. Salient impact domains included emotional/psychological wellbeing, physical functioning/activities of daily living, social functioning, and work/school.

Conclusion

Secondary analysis of published qualitative literature permitted development of a CM describing the adult and pediatric experience of FSGS. Concept elicitation interviews are recommended to refine the CM, confirm the salient/most bothersome concepts, and confirm the extent of impact on daily life. The refined CM will provide a useful tool to inform the selection, development, and/or amendment of COAs for use in future FSGS clinical trials.
Prostate volume analysis in image registration for prostate cancer care: a verification study
Authors: Bugeja Jessica M. , Mehawed Georges , Roberts Matthew J. , Rukin Nicholas , Dowling Jason , Murray Rebecca
Published: October 2023

Combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) may enhance diagnosis, aid surgical planning and intra-operative orientation for prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy. Although PET-MRI may provide these benefits, PET-MRI machines are not widely available. Image fusion of Prostate specific membrane antigen PET/CT and MRI acquired separately may be a suitable clinical alternative. This study compares CT-MR registration algorithms for urological prostate cancer care. Paired whole-pelvis MR and CT scan data were used (n = 20). A manual prostate CTV contour was performed independently on each patients MR and CT image. A semi-automated rigid-, automated rigid- and automated non-rigid registration technique was applied to align the MR and CT data. Dice Similarity Index (DSI), 95% Hausdorff distance (95%HD) and average surface distance (ASD) measures were used to assess the closeness of the manual and registered contours. The automated non-rigid approach had a significantly improved performance compared to the automated rigid- and semi-automated rigid-registration, having better average scores and decreased spread for the DSI, 95%HD and ASD (all p < 0.001). Additionally, the automated rigid approach had similar significantly improved performance compared to the semi-automated rigid registration across all accuracy metrics observed (all p < 0.001). Overall, all registration techniques studied here demonstrated sufficient accuracy for exploring their clinical use. While the fully automated non-rigid registration algorithm in the present study provided the most accurate registration, the semi-automated rigid registration is a quick, feasible, and accessible method to perform image registration for prostate cancer care by urologists and radiation oncologists now.
»Bücher wie ...« Fanliteratur von Buch-Influencern
Authors: Thomalla Erika
Published: October 2023

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit Texten, die zwischen Fanfiction- und Genre-Literatur stehen. Von Verlagen und in digitalen Buch-Communities werden diese Texte damit beworben, dass sie an berühmte Klassiker der Genreliteratur wie Harry Potter, Twilight oder Die Tribute von Panem erinnern. Sie stammen überwiegend von Buchbloggern und Buchinfluencerinnen, die im Zuge wachsender Follower-Zahlen von lesenden zu schreibenden Fans wurden. Für Verlage sind sie attraktive Debütanten, da sie bereits eine große Community mit gemeinsamen Geschmacksvorlieben besitzen. Die Übertragung findet aber nicht nur auf der Inhaltsebene statt. Auch die Vermarktungsstrategien der Vorbilder werden teilweise übernommen. Die epigonalen Bücher werden so präsentiert, als handle es sich bereits um Kultbücher oder Klassiker. In der Rezeption geht dieses Kalkül allerdings nicht immer reibungslos auf. Die digitalen Fan-Gemeinschaften erweisen sich im Hinblick auf die Frage, welche Adaptionen zulässig und originell, welche unoriginell und einfallslos sind, und inwiefern die Anforderungen an das Genre erfüllt wurden, als differenzierte Leserinnen und Leser.
Effects of a digital support tool on student teachers’ knowledge about, assessment of, and feedback on self-regulated learning
Authors: Zeeb Helene , Bürgermeister Anika , Saalbach Henrik , Renkl Alexander , Glogger-Frey Inga
Published: October 2023

In this quasi-experimental field study, we investigated the effects of a digital support tool on knowledge about, assessment of, and feedback on self-regulated learning (SRL). Student teachers (N = 119) took the roles of learners and teachers. As learners, they wrote learning journals and received feedback on the strategies they had used. As teachers, they assessed a peer’s learning strategies elicited in the learning journals and provided feedback. A digital tool supported the participants in their role as teachers by providing additional assessment support (yes/no) and feedback support (yes/no). Assessment support was realized with rubrics, feedback support was realized with sentence starters. Our results indicated that declarative and self-reported knowledge about SRL increased in all groups. Assessment support did not foster assessment skills, but feedback support fostered the quality of the peer feedback and feedback quality in a standardized posttest. High feedback quality, in turn, predicted learners’ application of organizational (but not metacognitive) strategies. We conclude that the combination of writing learning journals and providing peer feedback on SRL is a promising approach to promote future teachers’ SRL skills. Digital tools can support writing the feedback, for example, by providing sentence starters as procedural facilitators. Such support can help teachers supply high-quality feedback on SRL, which can then help learners improve their SRL.
A TMB Approach to Study Spatial Variation in Weather-Generated Claims in Insurance
Authors: Sandvig Thorsen Ingrid , Støve Bård , Skaug Hans J.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we use TMB to study spatial variation in weather-generated claims in insurance. Our motivation is twofold. By comparing with INLA, we first find that TMB is a robust and efficient approach to deal with spatial variation of covariates and the dependent variable in a case with sparse data. Second, we demonstrate how examining the spatial pattern of random effects may offer auspicious suggestions for model extensions, represented by added covariates accounting for relevant spatial characteristics. Both the approach and the results represent useful input in reaching an efficient spatial diversification of premium rates in non-life insurance.
A dynamic core evolutionary clustering algorithm based on saturated memory
Authors: Xie Haibin , Li Peng , Ding Zhiyong
Published: October 2023

Because the number of clustering cores needs to be set before implementing the K-means algorithm, this type of algorithm often fails in applications with increasing data and changing distribution characteristics. This paper proposes an evolutionary algorithm DCC, which can dynamically adjust the number of clustering cores with data change. DCC algorithm uses the Gaussian function as the activation function of each core. Each clustering core can adjust its center vector and coverage based on the response to the input data and its memory state to better fit the sample clusters in the space. The DCC algorithm model can evolve from 0. After each new sample is added, the winning dynamic core can be adjusted or split by competitive learning, so that the number of clustering cores of the algorithm always maintains a better adaptation relationship with the existing data. Furthermore, because its clustering core can split, it can subdivide the densely distributed data clusters. Finally, detailed experimental results show that the evolutionary clustering algorithm DCC based on the dynamic core method has excellent clustering performance and strong robustness.
Synthesis and characterization of liquid crystal methyl methacrylic monomers
Authors: Amos Olusegun , Mehl Georg H. , Pashameah Rami Adel
Published: October 2023

Three liquid crystalline monomers were systematically designed, synthesised and characterised. Methyl methacrylic unit was linked to the mesogenic compound, 4′-Undecycloxybiphenyl-4-yl 4-octyloxy-2-(pent-4-en-1-yloxy) benzoate, (Me), using disiloxane, ester and siloxane units respectively. In the first compound, 4′-(undecyloxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl 2-((5-(3-(4-(methacryloyloxy)butyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxanyl)pentyl)oxy)-4-(octyloxy)benzoate, (M1), the methyl methacrylic unit was linked to the mesogen by disiloxane group, (Si–O–Si), while ester group, (COOC), was used in the second compound, 4′-(undecyloxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl 2-((5-(methacryloyloxy)pentyl)oxy)-4-(octyloxy)benzoate, (M2), and siloxane unit, (Si–O), in the third compound, 4′-(undecyloxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl 2-((5-((4-(methacryloyloxy)butyl)dimethylsilyl)pentyl)oxy)-4-(octyloxy)benzoate, (M3). The introduction of the methyl methacrylic unit caused the melting point of the compounds to reduce with Me melting at 53.3 °C, M1 at −8.1 °C and M2 at −12.5 °C. The three compounds showed characteristic nematic textures when observed under POM and when compared to the mesogenic compound (Me, 71.7 °C), there were remarkable reduction in the clearing points of the compounds, with M1 clearing at 18.6 °C, M2 at 68.8 °C and M3 at 10.3 °C. Finally, there was appreciable increment in the nematic phase range for the compounds when compared to the mesogen, Me, 18.4 °C. The range was 26.7 °C for M1, 81.3 °C for M2 and since there was no observable crystallization point for M3, the range was not determined.
Designing an online educational program to improve immunisation service delivery for migrants and refugees in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Mahimbo Abela , Tiwari Preeti , Abdi Ikram , Seale Holly , Charania Nadia , Heywood Anita E.
Published: October 2023

Migrants and refugees are likely to be under-immunised according to the host country's national immunisation schedule and may remain under-immunised post-resettlement for various reasons. In Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, primary health care professionals including general practitioners and nurses provide the majority of routine and catch-up immunisations for migrants and refugees. However, immunisation service delivery for migrants and refugees is complex, with evidence that unmet training needs for immunisation providers, particularly in the development of catch-up plans, is a significant barrier to immunisation service delivery for this group. Targeted professional development opportunities for immunisation providers are essential to improve their awareness, confidence, and capability to improve immunisation service delivery for migrants and refugees. We developed an educational program to support learning for immunisation providers and equip them with the requisite knowledge and confidence to improve immunisation service delivery for refugees and migrants. The development of the multi-module online educational program drew on evidence-based web design principles, adult learning theories, and its content aimed to complement general immunisation training and align with the continuing professional development standards of Australian and New Zealand general practice and nursing colleges. Input from experts and feedback from a few selected providers in Australia and New Zealand added to the robustness of the program. This program has the potential to improve the understanding and capacity of immunisation providers, to improve vaccination experiences and increase overall vaccine uptake among migrants and refugees.
Experimental study of propeller and ducted propeller’s wake inducted scour
Authors: Zhang Qin , Liang Bingchen , Qin Yingfan , Ji Shuai
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the scour profile, scour hole depth, deposition mound height, and the positions produced by the propeller and the ducted propeller that vary over time. The terrains produced by the Ka4-70 propeller and the Ka4-70 propeller + No. 19A duct are obtained using a linear laser three-dimensional terrain scanning system. Compared with the Acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) and other approaches, the system presented here could efficiently and precisely capture the terrain. The principle and system layout are elaborated in this work. Notably, the system can perform underwater scanning. Moreover, compared with the ADV, our system is more efficient and has a smaller data interval. The scour profile, max scour depth and height, and their positions over time are analyzed. The development of the ducted propeller scour is faster than that of the propeller. The ducted propeller scour has a longer, narrower, and shallower influence range compared to the propeller scour. The scour hole range is bigger than that of the scour deposition mound. The general trends of the propeller and ducted propeller development are similar. In each development, the terrain is also morphologically similar at different phases. In addition, the relationship between the max deposition mound position and the max scour hole depth is analyzed, and a scour classic formula is used to fit the scour data on a time scale.
Interpolation for Brill–Noether curves
Authors: Larson Eric , Vogt Isabel
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we determine the number of general points through which a Brill–Noether curve of fixed degree and genus in any projective space can be passed.
‘Money looks for money’: managing financialization in eastern Uganda
Authors: Jones Ben , Amongin Sarah
Published: October 2023

Savings groups are an important feature of life in rural Uganda and elsewhere. They have been celebrated as an ‘alternative’, community-based approach to economic development with a particular focus on empowering women. In this article we offer a more critical perspective, showing how a savings group in a village in eastern Uganda informs more general experiences of financialization. Joining the group was not really an ‘alternative’ to other forms of finance and was often a first step to securing loans from moneylenders, microfinance institutions and commercial banks. We show how poorer members of the group, typically women, ‘rented out’ their membership to wealthier villagers. Members also used the Friday meetings to socialize and to build political careers, and to reflect critically on experiences of financialization. ‘Money looks for money’, a phrase new to the area, interrogates these socialities and inequalities, as part of the seemingly inexorable pull of loans, interest and financialized debt.
Neural Arabic singular-to-plural conversion using a pretrained Character-BERT and a fused transformer
Authors: Radman Azzam , Atros Mohammed , Duwairi Rehab
Published: October 2023

Morphological re-inflection generation is one of the most challenging tasks in the natural language processing (NLP) domain, especially with morphologically rich, low-resource languages like Arabic. In this research, we investigate the ability of transformer-based models in the singular-to-plural Arabic noun conversion task. We start with pretraining a Character-BERT model on a masked language modeling task using 1,134,950 Arabic words and then adopting the fusion technique to transfer the knowledge gained by the pretrained model to a full encoder–decoder transformer model, in one of the proposed settings. The second proposed setting directly fuses the output Character-BERT embeddings into the decoder. We then analyze and compare the performance of the two architectures and provide an interpretability section in which we track the features of attention with respect to the model. We perform the interpretation on both the macro and micro levels, providing some individual examples. Moreover, we provide a thorough error analysis showing the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed framework. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort in the Arabic NLP domain that adopts the development of an end-to-end fused-transformer deep learning model to address the problem of singular-to-plural conversion.
TrackAnalyzer: A Fiji/ImageJ toolbox for a holistic analysis of tracks
Authors: Cayuela López Ana , García-Cuesta Eva M. , Gardeta Sofía R. , Rodríguez-Frade José Miguel , Mellado Mario , Gómez-Pedrero José Antonio , S. Sorzano Carlos Oscar
Published: October 2023

Current live-cell imaging techniques make possible the observation of live events and the acquisition of large datasets to characterize the different parameters of the visualized events. They provide new insights into the dynamics of biological processes with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Here we describe the implementation and application of a new tool called TrackAnalyzer, accessible from Fiji and ImageJ. Our tool allows running semi-automated single-particle tracking (SPT) and subsequent motion classification, as well as quantitative analysis of diffusion and intensity for selected tracks relying on the graphical user interface (GUI) for large sets of temporal images (X–Y–T or X–Y–C–T dimensions). TrackAnalyzer also allows 3D visualization of the results as overlays of either spots, cells or end-tracks over time, along with corresponding feature extraction and further classification according to user criteria. Our analysis workflow automates the following steps: (1) spot or cell detection and filtering, (2) construction of tracks, (3) track classification and analysis (diffusion and chemotaxis), and (4) detailed analysis and visualization of all the outputs along the pipeline. All these analyses are automated and can be run in batch mode for a set of similar acquisitions.
Regularized Exploratory Factor Analysis as an Alternative to Factor Rotation
Authors: Goretzko David
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is widely used in psychological (assessment) research. Due to its exploratory nature, several researcher degrees of freedom exist on how to conduct the analysis. While simulation studies can provide meaningful insights into which factor retention methods to use to determine the number of latent factors, or which estimation methods recover parameter values most precisely given certain data characteristics, the issue of rotational indeterminacy makes it very difficult to decide which rotation method to apply. An alternative to the two-stage approach of extracting factors and subsequently rotating them to foster interpretability is the so-called regularized EFA. In this paper, we contrast both approaches and demonstrate how regularized EFA can be applied. In doing so, we want to encourage researchers to try out the approach themselves and help them find a way of EFA that appears less arbitrary compared to classical factor rotation.
Verbs Are Associated With Agency
Authors: Pietraszkiewicz Agnieszka , Formanowicz Magdalena
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Agency and communion comprise the big two of social perception, with agency in general denoting goal orientation and communion orientation toward others. Both dimensions can be coded and detected in language through agentic and communal words, however, only agency through lexical classes, namely verbs. This research examines whether the link between semantic and lexical agency occurs in natural language, as past research was limited to pseudowords or single words. Using existing databases, Study 1 found that people rated verbs as more agentic than nouns. Using large textual datasets, Study 2 found verb use to be positively related to agentic – but not communal word – use. These findings contribute to the identification of agency in language and indicate its importance in social cognition.
Acoustic metamaterials based on polymer sheets: from material design to applications as sound insulators and vibration dampers
Authors: Nakayama Masanari
Published: October 2023

Flat and uniform plate-like materials made of rubber, glass, and metal can be utilized as sound insulators. The weights of these materials need to be increased to increase the sound insulation effects according to the mass law. In contrast, acoustic metamaterials with periodic structures composed of numerous resonators can break the mass law limit at certain frequencies. However, their feasible applications are still limited because of the time-consuming processes for assembling and integrating resonators. Recently, our group reported an acoustic metamaterial based on a polymer sheet that mutually connects spring-mass local resonators. The integrated structure enables high-throughput fabrication through a polymer molding method and single-step implementation on target objects. It is expected that acoustic metamaterial sheets and the customization of the sheet designs according to individual requirements will offer practical and innovative solutions for various problems related to noise and vibration. In this Focus Review, the polymer-based material design, functional control based on the physical properties of polymers, and applications to sound insulators and vibration dampers are described. Moreover, useful insights of new acoustic materials that are developed by combining polymers and metamaterials are provided.
Prevalence and course of pregnancy symptoms using self-reported pregnancy app symptom tracker data
Authors: Nissen Michael , Barrios Campo Nuria , Flaucher Madeleine , Jaeger Katharina M. , Titzmann Adriana , Blunck Dominik , Fasching Peter A. , Engelhardt Victoria , Eskofier Bjoern M. , Leutheuser Heike
Published: October 2023

During pregnancy, almost all women experience pregnancy-related symptoms. The relationship between symptoms and their association with pregnancy outcomes is not well understood. Many pregnancy apps allow pregnant women to track their symptoms. To date, the resulting data are primarily used from a commercial rather than a scientific perspective. In this work, we aim to examine symptom occurrence, course, and their correlation throughout pregnancy. Self-reported app data of a pregnancy symptom tracker is used. In this context, we present methods to handle noisy real-world app data from commercial applications to understand the trajectory of user and patient-reported data. We report real-world evidence from patient-reported outcomes that exceeds previous works: 1,549,186 tracked symptoms from 183,732 users of a smartphone pregnancy app symptom tracker are analyzed. The majority of users track symptoms on a single day. These data are generalizable to those users who use the tracker for at least 5 months. Week-by-week symptom report data are presented for each symptom. There are few or conflicting reports in the literature on the course of diarrhea, fatigue, headache, heartburn, and sleep problems. A peak in fatigue in the first trimester, a peak in headache reports around gestation week 15, and a steady increase in the reports of sleeping difficulty throughout pregnancy are found. Our work highlights the potential of secondary use of industry data. It reveals and clarifies several previously unknown or disputed symptom trajectories and relationships. Collaboration between academia and industry can help generate new scientific knowledge.
Design and evaluation of multi-core raspberry-like platinum nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal treatment
Authors: Guénin Erwann , Fromain Alexandre , Serrano Aida , Gropplero Giacomo , Lalatonne Yoann , Espinosa Ana , Wilhelm Claire
Published: October 2023

While gold-based nanoparticles are now commonly used in nanomedicine due to their stability and high plasmonic resonance, platinum nanoparticles are recently emerging as promising candidates for enhancing radiotherapy sensitivity due to their high atomic number. Here, we demonstrate that platinum-based nanomaterials with a multi-core structure also possess efficient near-infrared photothermal properties, despite platinum’s maximum absorption being primarily in the ultraviolet region. The photothermal efficacy of these platinum multi-core raspberry-like nanoparticles is compared with single-core ultra-small platinum nanoseeds, within glioblastoma cancer spheroids, showcasing the potential of platinum nanocore aggregation for photothermal therapy in cancer treatment. Additionally, we used a microfabrication technique for high-throughput growth of spheroids in microwells to evaluate photothermal treatment on glioblastoma spheroids. Finally, X-ray absorption spectroscopy was conducted to analyze the stability and behavior of both nanoparticles in the cellular environment, indicating their excellent biostability. Moreover, even after laser application, none of the nanoparticles degraded but instead underwent reshaping into a more crystalline structure.