bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Cool, cooler, Clooney” – A corpus-based and relevance-theoretic analysis of the superlative heading construction in German
Authors: Stumpf Sören , Mollica Fabio
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on the intensifying schematic construction [[adj1positive] [adj1comparative] [NP]] that is strongly related to headings, as our corpus analysis reveals. A characteristic of the construction is that, although it structurally exhibits the paradigm of the German adjective comparison, it has a slot for a noun phrase in the third position, where an adjective in the superlative form would normally occur (e. g., Stark, stärker, Dante, ‘Strong, stronger, Dante’). We analyze this construction, which we refer to as a “superlative heading”, from syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic perspectives, using 2,835 instances (tokens) from the German Reference Corpus. To explain the formal and semantic peculiarities of the construction, we consider the principle of coercion and approaches to linguistic creativity. The pragmatic effects of the construction as a genre-specific pattern are discussed from a relevance-theoretic perspective. The paper thus combines construction grammar and relevance theory.
Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Self-Management: Strategies and Influencing Factors 5 Years After a Multimodal Intervention
Authors: Silverman ShienPei C. , Yang Bishan , Mata-Greve Felicia , Sajeev Nikita , Samiee Sophie , Norton Julia , Hugos Cinda L.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Fatigue: Take Control (FTC) is a multimodal self-management program. Results of a previous clinical trial showed its effectiveness at improving fatigue related to multiple sclerosis (MS). The objectives of this study were to use the very long-term data from the FTC study to understand fatigue management strategies used 5 years after enrollment, identify facilitators and barriers to utilizing strategies, and explore the potential relationships between the strategy used and fatigue outcomes.

METHODS:

This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. A subset of the original FTC clinical trial participants was invited to complete the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale for fatigue severity measurement and a 17-item questionnaire about their fatigue management strategies 5 years after enrollment. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data using the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior) model for behavior change as a framework.

RESULTS:

Planning daily activities and prioritizing tasks were the fatigue management strategies most often reported. Facilitators to utilizing management strategies included access to enabling devices, paid professional help, companions, and maintaining a positive attitude. Barriers to implementing strategies included high cost, the presence of other health problems, and temperature sensitivity. Internal focused strategies showed a trend toward reducing fatigue impact when controlled for typology group assignment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Future work may focus on promoting low-cost strategies to help people with MS manage fatigue. Internal factors (eg, motivation) play an important role in influencing the application of MS fatigue self-management strategies. Future clinical trials with larger sample sizes that assess the applicability of the COM-B model are warranted.
Graduate Versus Undergraduate Interrater Reliability of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and Less-Real Time
Authors: Thompson Megan B. , Succi Pasquale J. , Dinyer-Mcneely Taylor , Lockie Robert G. , Volberding Jennifer L. , Dawes J. Jay
Published: December 2024

The study sought to determine if the LESS and LESS-RT scoring criteria are reliable when scored by graduate and undergraduate kinesiology students with minimal experience. Eleven graduate (7 male: 28.29 ± 3.251 years; 4 female: 28.00 ± 4.082 years) and 19 undergraduate (7 male: 21.57 ± 1.512 years; 12 female: 21.42 ± 4.870 years) students participated as raters. Raters with minimal ( 2 hours) or no experience with the LESS watched 30 videos and evaluated jump-landing mechanics using the LESS and LESS-RT across four sessions (two per criteria). A 4-way repeated measures ANOVA analyzed interactions among trials, groups, videos, and scoring sheets. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and minimal difference (MD) values were calculated, with an alpha level of 0.05. ICC values for the whole group and undergraduates (R = 0.102 – 0.780) demonstrated “poor” to “good” reliability, while graduate students (R = 0.356 – 0.814) demonstrated “poor” to “excellent” reliability. The CV for the whole group, graduate, and undergraduate students (14.24 – 29.90%), were all above the 10% threshold thus, reliable. Prior experience with the LESS may impact the quality of assessment, therefore, providing a single training session could drastically improve the quality of ratings, even for novice raters.
The emergence of visual category representations in infants’ brains
Authors: Yan Xiaoqian , Tung Sarah Shi , Fascendini Bella , Chen Yulan Diana , Norcia Anthony M , Grill-Spector Kalanit
Published: December 2024

Organizing the continuous stream of visual input into categories like places or faces is important for everyday function and social interactions. However, it is unknown when neural representations of these and other visual categories emerge. Here, we used steady-state evoked potential electroencephalography to measure cortical responses in infants at 3–4 months, 4–6 months, 6–8 months, and 12–15 months, when they viewed controlled, gray-level images of faces, limbs, corridors, characters, and cars. We found that distinct responses to these categories emerge at different ages. Reliable brain responses to faces emerge first, at 4–6 months, followed by limbs and places around 6–8 months. Between 6 and 15 months response patterns become more distinct, such that a classifier can decode what an infant is looking at from their brain responses. These findings have important implications for assessing typical and atypical cortical development as they not only suggest that category representations are learned, but also that representations of categories that may have innate substrates emerge at different times during infancy.
Basement membranes are crucial for proper olfactory placode shape, position and boundary with the brain, and for olfactory axon development
Authors: Tignard Pénélope , Pottin Karen , Geeverding Audrey , Doulazmi Mohamed , Cabrera Mélody , Fouquet Coralie , Liffran Mathilde , Fouchard Jonathan , Rosello Marion , Albadri Shahad , Del Bene Filippo , Trembleau Alain , Breau Marie Anne
Published: December 2024

Despite recent progress, the complex roles played by the extracellular matrix in development and disease are still far from being fully understood. Here, we took advantage of the zebrafish sly mutation which affects Laminin γ1, a major component of basement membranes, to explore its role in the development of the olfactory system. Following a detailed characterisation of Laminin distribution in the developing olfactory circuit, we analysed basement membrane integrity, olfactory placode and brain morphogenesis, and olfactory axon development in sly mutants, using a combination of immunochemistry, electron microscopy and quantitative live imaging of cell movements and axon behaviours. Our results point to an original and dual contribution of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in organising the border between the olfactory placode and the adjacent brain: they maintain placode shape and position in the face of major brain morphogenetic movements, they establish a robust physical barrier between the two tissues while at the same time allowing the local entry of the sensory axons into the brain and their navigation towards the olfactory bulb. This work thus identifies key roles of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in neuronal tissue morphogenesis and axon development in vivo.
Frequency-specific cortico-subcortical interaction in continuous speaking and listening
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Steingräber Nadine , Chalas Nikos , Kluger Daniel S , Gross Joachim
Published: December 2024

Speech production and perception involve complex neural dynamics in the human brain. Using magnetoencephalography, our study explores the interaction between cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connectivities during these processes. Our connectivity findings during speaking revealed a significant connection from the right cerebellum to the left temporal areas in low frequencies, which displayed an opposite trend in high frequencies. Notably, high-frequency connectivity was absent during the listening condition. These findings underscore the vital roles of cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connections within the speech production and perception network. The results of our new study enhance our understanding of the complex dynamics of brain connectivity during speech processes, emphasizing the distinct frequency-based interactions between various brain regions.
Virus adaptation to heparan sulfate comes with capsid stability tradeoff
Authors: Tee Han Kang , Crouzet Simon , Muliyil Arunima , Mathez Gregory , Cagno Valeria , Dal Peraro Matteo , Antanasijevic Aleksandar , Clément Sophie , Tapparel Caroline
Published: December 2024

Because of high mutation rates, viruses constantly adapt to new environments. When propagated in cell lines, certain viruses acquire positively charged amino acids on their surface proteins, enabling them to utilize negatively charged heparan sulfate (HS) as an attachment receptor. In this study, we used enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) as the model and demonstrated that, unlike the parental MP4 variant, the cell-adapted strong HS-binder MP4-97R/167 G does not require acidification for uncoating and releases its genome in the neutral or weakly acidic environment of early endosomes. We experimentally confirmed that this pH-independent entry is not associated with the use of HS as an attachment receptor but rather with compromised capsid stability. We then extended these findings to another HS-dependent strain. In summary, our data indicate that the acquisition of capsid mutations conferring affinity for HS comes together with decreased capsid stability and allows EV-A71 to enter the cell via a pH-independent pathway. This pH-independent entry mechanism boosts viral replication in cell lines but may prove deleterious in vivo, especially for enteric viruses crossing the acidic gastric environment before reaching their primary replication site, the intestine. Our study thus provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying the in vivo attenuation of HS-binding EV-A71 strains. Not only are these viruses hindered in tissues rich in HS due to viral trapping, as generally accepted, but our research reveals that their diminished capsid stability further contributes to attenuation in vivo. This underscores the complex relationship between HS-binding, capsid stability, and viral fitness, where increased replication in cell lines coincides with attenuation in harsh in vivo environments like the gastrointestinal tract.
FedDL: personalized federated deep learning for enhanced detection and classification of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Bhulakshmi Dasari , Rajput Dharmendra Singh
Published: December 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a condition that can lead to vision loss or blindness and is an unavoidable consequence of diabetes. Regular eye examinations are essential to maintaining a healthy retina and avoiding eye damage. In developing countries with a shortage of ophthalmologists, it is important to find an easier way to assess fundus photographs taken by different optometrists. Manual grading of DR is time-consuming and prone to human error. It is also crucial to securely exchange patients’ fundus image data with hospitals worldwide while maintaining confidentiality in real time. Deep learning (DL) techniques can enhance the accuracy of diagnosing DR. Our primary goal is to develop a system that can monitor various medical facilities while ensuring privacy during the training of DL models. This is made possible through federated learning (FL), which allows for the sharing of parameters instead of actual data, employing a decentralized training approach. We are proposing federated deep learning (FedDL) in FL, a research paradigm that allows for collective training of DL models without exposing clinical information. In this study, we examined five important models within the FL framework, effectively distinguishing between DR stages with the following accuracy rates: 94.66%, 82.07%, 92.19%, 80.02%, and 91.81%. Our study involved five clients, each contributing unique fundus images sourced from publicly available databases, including the Indian Diabetic Retinopathy Image Dataset (IDRiD). To ensure generalization, we used the Structured Analysis of the Retina (STARE) dataset to train the ResNet50 model in a decentralized learning environment in FL. The results indicate that implementing these algorithms in an FL environment significantly enhances privacy and performance compared to conventional centralized learning methods.
Unlocking insights: integrated text mining and interpretive structural modeling for enhanced user review analysis
Authors: Li Na , Liu Yu-Tao , Chen Zhan
Published: December 2024

Effective keywords are extracted from the massive milk product user review data to construct thematic terms and explore the elemental influence relationships to assist manufacturers, and e-commerce platforms in understanding user behaviour and preferences and further optimise product design and marketing strategies. By fusing two different text mining methods, term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) and Word2vec, we explore the semantic relationships, then visualise the relevance of user reviews by drawing knowledge graphs with Neo4j, and finally, be able to explore the relationship between the themes of the mined reviews, interpretative structural model (ISM) was used for a comprehensive evaluation, and the effectiveness of the method was verified on the Suning.com website dataset. The fusion of text mining and systematic analysis helps users to locate products quickly and precisely from the huge review information. The six elements of user reviews were categorized as freshness of taste, discounted prices, logistics, customer repurchase, product packaging, nutritional composition, and their element levels were divided into three layers. the first layer was discounted prices, customer repurchase, and logistics; the second layer was product packaging and nutritional composition; and the third layer was taste freshness.
Enhancing transportation network intelligence through visual scene feature clustering analysis with 3D sensors and adaptive fuzzy control
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: December 2024

The complex environments and unpredictable states within transportation networks have a significant impact on their operations. To enhance the level of intelligence in transportation networks, we propose a visual scene feature clustering analysis method based on 3D sensors and adaptive fuzzy control to address the various complex environments encountered. Firstly, we construct a feature extraction framework for visual scenes using 3D sensors and employ a series of feature processing operators to repair cracks and noise in the images. Subsequently, we introduce a feature aggregation approach based on an adaptive fuzzy control algorithm to carefully screen the preprocessed features. Finally, by designing a similarity matrix for the transportation network environment, we obtain the recognition results for the current environment and state. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms competitive approaches with a mean average precision (mAP) value of 0.776, serving as a theoretical foundation for visual scene perception in transportation networks and enhancing their level of intelligence.
ISAnWin: inductive generalized zero-shot learning using deep CNN for malware detection across windows and android platforms
Authors: Tayyab Umm-e-Hani , Khan Faiza Babar , Khan Asifullah , Durad Muhammad Hanif , Khan Farrukh Aslam , Ali Aftab
Published: December 2024

Effective malware detection is critical to safeguarding digital ecosystems from evolving cyber threats. However, the scarcity of labeled training data, particularly for cross-family malware detection, poses a significant challenge. This research proposes a novel architecture ConvNet-6 to be used in Siamese Neural Networks for applying Zero-shot learning to address the issue of data scarcity. The proposed model for malware detection uses the ConvNet-6 architecture even with limited training samples. The proposed model is trained with just one labeled sample per sub-family. We conduct extensive experiments on a diverse dataset featuring Android and Portable Executables’ malware families. The model achieves high performance in terms of 82% accuracy on the test dataset, demonstrating its ability to generalize and effectively detect previously unseen malware variants. Furthermore, we examine the model’s transferability by testing it on a portable executable malware dataset, despite being trained solely on the Android dataset. Encouragingly, the performance remains consistent. The results of our research showcase the potential of deep convolutional neural network (CNN) in Siamese neural networks for the application of zero-shot learning to detect cross-family malware, even when dealing with minimal labeled training data.
CIT-EmotionNet: convolution interactive transformer network for EEG emotion recognition
Authors: Lu Wei , Xia Lingnan , Tan Tien Ping , Ma Hua
Published: December 2024

Emotion recognition is a significant research problem in affective computing as it has a lot of potential areas of application. One of the approaches in emotion recognition uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to identify the emotion of a person. However, effectively using the global and local features of EEG signals to improve the performance of emotion recognition is still a challenge. In this study, we propose a novel Convolution Interactive Transformer Network for EEG Emotion Recognition, known as CIT-EmotionNet, which efficiently integrates the global and local features of EEG signals. We convert the raw EEG signals into spatial-spectral representations, which serve as the inputs into the model. The model integrates convolutional neural network (CNN) and Transformer within a single framework in a parallel manner. We propose a Convolution Interactive Transformer module, which facilitates the interaction and fusion of local and global features extracted by CNN and Transformer respectively, thereby improving the average accuracy of emotion recognition. The proposed CIT-EmotionNet outperforms state-of-the-art methods, achieving an average recognition accuracy of 98.57% and 92.09% on two publicly available datasets, SEED and SEED-IV, respectively.
Machine learning models and dimensionality reduction for improving the Android malware detection
Authors: Morán Pablo , Robles-Gómez Antonio , Duque Andres , Tobarra Llanos , Pastor-Vargas Rafael
Published: December 2024

Today, a great number of attack opportunities for cybercriminals arise in Android, since it is one of the most used operating systems for many mobile applications. Hence, it is very important to anticipate these situations. To minimize this problem, the analysis of malware search applications is based on machine learning algorithms. Our work uses as a starting point the features proposed by the DREBIN project, which today constitutes a key reference in the literature, being the largest public Android malware dataset with labeled families. The authors only employ the support vector machine to determine whether a sample is malware or not. This work first proposes a new efficient dimensionality reduction of features, as well as the application of several supervised machine learning algorithms for prediction purposes. Predictive models based on Random Forest are found to achieve the most promising results. They can detect an average of 91.72% malware samples, with a very low false positive rate of 0.13%, and using only 5,000 features. This is just over 9% of the total number of features of DREBIN. It achieves an accuracy of 99.52%, a total precision of 96.91%, as well as a macro average F1-score of 96.99%.
Evaluating techniques for determining elasmobranch body size: a review of current methodologies
Authors: Ferreira Ana S. , Naré Márcia A. , Robalo Joana I. , Baylina Núria D.
Published: December 2024

There is global awareness that many species of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) have life history characteristics that make them susceptible to overexploitation. The study of these animals is critical, as it contributes to increasing knowledge of these specimens and aids in their conservation. In particular, growth rate, age, fecundity, and size at maturity are key parameters for defining management and conservation strategies in elasmobranchs. Biometric data collection allows these parameters to be determined and considered in the evaluation of population demography. Over the last decades, several methodologies for measuring elasmobranch size have evolved, progressing from traditional capture-based methods to sophisticated, non-intrusive photographic techniques. The present review aims to understand and analyse all the existing non-invasive techniques that currently allow the collection of zoometric data in elasmobranchs and, later, to highlight the advantages and limitations of each technique, with comments on their application to fieldwork. To this end, 49 articles were selected, encompassing seven measurement techniques: photogrammetry using distance to the individual, bar photogrammetry, laser photogrammetry, stereo-DOV, stereo-BRUV, stereo-ROV, and aerial photogrammetry. Globally, the last four techniques are excellent alternatives to methods that involve animal capture or death, as they are practical, simple to use, minimally invasive, and potentially highly accurate. Each technique’s requirements related to equipment and cost, limitations, and distinctive features are presented here and summarized to guide researchers on what’s available and how to select the most appropriate for their studies.
Quality of life and subjective well-being comparison between traumatic, nontraumatic chronic spinal cord injury, and healthy individuals in China
Authors: Altahla Ruba , Alshorman Jamal , Ali-Shah Sayed Zulfiqar , Nasb Mohammad , Tao Xu
Published: December 2024

Background

Differentiating between traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries (NT-SCI) is critical, as these classifications may significantly impact patients’ health outcomes and overall well-being, potentially resulting in differences in treatment protocols and therapeutic efficacy.

Objective

This study aims to compare the quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with life (SWL) among individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries (T-SCI), NT-SCI, and the healthy population in China.

Method

A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and December 2020 in the Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Department of Tongji Hospital, Hubei University of Science and Technology. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were administered to evaluate QoL and subjective well-being (SWB). An independent t-test was performed to assess differences within the SCI population, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was utilized to explore relationships between the WHOQOL-BREF domains and the SWLS. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to identify key determinants influencing World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) domain scores and overall SWLS score.

Result

Participants with NT-SCI exhibited significant differences in overall health as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF domains compared to those with T-SCI (p < 0.05). Both the NT-SCI and T-SCI groups demonstrated lower mean scores across all four WHOQOL-BREF domains compared to healthy individuals. No significant differences were observed between the NT-SCI and T-SCI groups in the SWLS, although both groups scored lower than the healthy population. Additionally, SWB was moderately positively correlated with QoL (p < 0.01). Collectively, the predictor variables explained 22.28% of the variance in physical health, 6.43% in psychological health, 28.67% in social health, and 25.68% in environmental health. Furthermore, the independent variables accounted for approximately 22.67% of the variance in the SWLS.

Conclusions

Individuals with NT-SCI experience significantly worse overall health outcomes compared to those with T-SCI, although both groups report QoL and life satisfaction than healthy individuals. No significant differences in life satisfaction were found between two groups. Additionally, SWB shows a moderate positive correlation with QoL, highlighting the close relationship between mental and physical health in SCI populations.
Spatial heterogeneity of soil properties in planted mixed forests in the rocky desertification areas of the Wuling Mountain
Authors: Pan Ziqian , Dong Yanyan , He Gongxiu , Guo Tongtong , Zhu Ninghua
Published: December 2024

In this study, experiments were conducted on soil samples collected from depths of 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–50 cm at the National Long-term Scientific Research Base for the Comprehensive Management of Rocky Desertification in the Wuling Mountains. The aim was to determine the physicochemical indexes and explore the nature and spatial heterogeneity of the soil of the planted mixed forests within the rocky desertification area of the Wuling Mountain. Various analytical methods were employed, including descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, analysis of variance, principal component analysis, spatial interpolation analysis, and kriging interpolation, to fit the optimal model of the semi-variance function of soil physicochemical properties and analyze the model’s parameters. The results indicated that soil physical and chemical properties varied with depth and were generally correlated. The relationship between soil organic matter and total nitrogen content was the closest. Additionally, there was a certain degree of correlation between soils at different depths in the vertical profile, generally the correlation between layer B (15–30 cm) and layer C (30–50 cm) > that between layer A (0–15 cm) and layer B (15–30 cm) > that between layer A (0–15 cm) and layer C (30–50 cm). The weighting coefficients of the principal components of soil physicochemical properties indicated that soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, total porosity, and capillary porosity are key factors in the soil properties of karst desertification areas. The spatial variability of soil physicochemical properties at different depths ranged from 21.91 to 87.59 m, and the abutment ratio (Co/Co+C) of these properties ranged from 12.99% to 89.53%. Using kriging interpolation in ArcGIS, the spatial distribution pattern of soil physical and chemical properties was mapped, revealing that these indicators were distributed with heterogeneous patches of various sizes and shapes. Therefore, the degree of rocky desertification significantly influences the spatial distribution pattern of soil physical and chemical properties.
Association of tyrosine kinase 2 polymorphisms with susceptibility to microscopic polyangiitis in a Guangxi population
Authors: Yang Binglan , Chu Liepeng , Feng Fei , Lu Shurong , Xue Chao
Published: December 2024

Background

Heredity and epigenetics affect the pathogenesis of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) polymorphisms (rs2304256C > A, rs280519A > G, and rs12720270G > A) may be potential protective factors against anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Current research suggests that TYK2 is associated with various autoimmune diseases; however, no study has examined the relationship between TYK2 polymorphisms and AAV. This study assessed the effect of TYK2 polymorphisms on susceptibility to MPA.

Methods

Overall, 562 Chinese participants (265 patients with MPA and 297 healthy volunteers) were recruited. Polymerase chain reactions combined with high-throughput sequencing were used to analyze polymorphic loci, while logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between polymorphism of the TYK2 gene and MPA susceptibility.

Results

In males, individuals with the CA genotype (rs2304256) in the overdominant model showed a significantly reduced risk of MPA (odds ratio (OR) = 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.29–0.93]; p = 0.025). Regarding rs280519, male carriers of the AG genotype had a significantly lower risk of developing MPA in both the codominant (OR = 0.51; 95% CI [0.28–0.93]; p = 0.039) and overdominant (OR = 0.48; 95% CI [0.27–0.86]; p = 0.013) models. The GA genotype of rs12720270 was associated with low susceptibility to MPA in males (OR = 0.52; 95% CI [0.29–0.93]; p = 0.027).

Conclusions

This study indicates that mutations in the TYK2 gene (rs2304256, rs280519, and rs12720270) may be associated with a reduced risk of MPA in the male Chinese population in Guangxi. The A allele of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2304256 may be a protective factor against MPA, while the G alleles of SNPs rs280519 and rs12720270 are protective factors against MPA.
Unique dental arrangement in a new species, Groenlandaspis howittensis (Placodermi, Arthrodira) from the Middle Devonian of Mount Howitt, Victoria, Australia.
Authors: Fitzpatrick Austin N. , Clement Alice M. , Long John A.
Published: December 2024

Well-preserved specimens of a new species of arthrodiran placoderm, Groenlandaspis howittensis sp. nov. (Middle Devonian of Victoria, Australia), reveals previously unknown information on the dermal skeleton, body-shape and dentition of the wide-spread genus Groenlandaspis. The new material includes dual pineal plates, extrascapular plates, and cheek bones showing the presence of cutaneous sensory organs. The anterior supragnathal, usually a paired element in arthrodires, is a fused median bone in G. howittensis sp. nov. It is positioned anterior to the occlusion of the mouth between the lower jaw (infragnathals) and upper jaw (posterior supragnathals) bones, indicating a specialised feeding mechanism and broadening the known diversity of placoderm dental morphologies. G. howittensis sp. nov. differs from all other groenlandaspidids by a less pronounced posterior expansion of the nuchal plate; the shape of the posterior dorsolateral plate and the presence of a short accessory canal on the anterior dorsolateral plate. A new phylogenetic analysis positions Groenlandaspididae in a monophyly with the phlyctaeniid families Arctolepidae and Arctaspididae, however, the specific intrarelationships of groenlandaspidids remain poorly resolved.
Spatial variations of soil seed banks in Shanghai’s urban wasteland: a gradient analysis of urbanization effects
Authors: Xia Siyi , Zhang Shumeng , Cui Yichong , Gao Zhiwen , Song Kun , Da Liangjun
Published: December 2024

Urbanization greatly impacts both the diversity of soil seed banks and the spatial dynamics of species. These seed banks serve as a window into the ecological history and potential for recovery in urban wastelands, which are continually evolving due to urbanization. In this study, we selected 24 plots along urban-rural gradients in Shanghai, China. Soil samples were collected from each plot for seed bank germination experiment in both spring and autumn. We tested whether the seed density, species diversity, and composition of soil seed banks in wasteland varied along an urban-rural gradient. The results showed that seed density was higher in autumn than in spring and no significant difference was found along urban-rural gradients. A total of 74 species, belonging to 26 families and 69 genera, was recorded in soil seed banks, in which annuals were the dominant life form and autochory was the dominant dispersal model. The proportion of exotic species was nearly 40%. There is no significant difference along urban-rural gradients for functional composition, species diversity, and species composition, excepting that marginal significant for autumn Shannon-Wiener index and species composition among urban-rural gradients. The relative homogeneity in the seed bank across urban-rural gradients may primarily be due to the young age of the wastelands.
Dosimetric comparison and evaluation of different convergence modes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma using VMAT treatment deliveries
Authors: Lan Maoying , Wu Rui , Deng Guanhua , Yang Bo , Zhuang Yongdong , Yi Wei , Xu Wenwei , Sun Jiancong
Published: December 2024

Background

This study investigates the impact of convergence mode (CM) in Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems) on the quality and complexity of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 21 NPC patients. For each patient, three VMAT plans with different CM settings (Off, On, and Extended) were created using identical optimization objectives. Plan quality was assessed using indices such as the conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI), as well as evaluating target coverage and sparing of organs at risk (OARs). Complexity was measured by metrics including average leaf pair opening (ALPO), modulation complexity scores for VMAT (MCSv), monitor units (MUs), and optimization time. Dosimetric verification was performed based on the gamma pass rate.

Results

Different CM settings can generate treatment plans that meet clinical dose objectives for planning target volumes (PTVs) and OARs. The ‘On’ or ‘Extended’ CM settings improved CI and HI for the NPC target volume and reduced OAR doses, especially the mean dose, without compromising target coverage. The ‘Extended’ CM setting produced the most favorable outcomes. ALPO values for CM settings ‘Off’, ‘On’, and ‘Extended’ were 29.1 ± 4.3 mm, 28.6 ± 4.2 mm, and 28.4 ± 4. 2 mm, respectively. MCSv values for these settings were 0.1730 ± 0.0215, 0.1691 ± 0.0204, and 0.1693 ± 0.0208, respectively. MUs were 796.2 ± 110.8 for CM ‘Off’, 798.6 ± 106.1 for CM ‘On’, and 799.7 ± 103.6 for CM ‘Extended’, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). Gamma pass rates for all plans were above 99% (3%/3 and 2%/2 mm), with no significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). The average optimization times for CM settings ‘Off’, ‘On’, and ‘Extended’ were 14.4 ± 3.2, 35.9 ± 8.9, and 145.6 ± 50.3 min, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CM usage can improve the CI and HI of the target volume and decrease the dose to OARs in VMAT plans for NPC patients. This study suggests that CM can be a valuable tool in VMAT planning for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, given adequate planning time.
Synthesis, and Characterization of Metal Transition Complexes Derived from the Schiff Base Ligand N,N'-Bis (5-bromosalicylidene)-Propane-1,2-Diamine (H2L)
Authors: Gueye Mbossé Ndiaye , Thiam Mariama , Santiago Pedro Henrique de Oliveira , Diouf Ngoné , Thiam Ibrahima Elhadji , Diouf Ousmane , Ellena Javier , Sall Abdou Salam , Gaye Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Five new transition metal complexes [Mn(L)(Cl)] (1), [Fe(L)(Cl)] (2), [Co(L)(H2O)2] (3),  [Ni(L)(H2O)] (4) and [Cu(L)] (5), are synthesized from the Schiff base ligand N,N'-Bis(5-bromosalicylidene)-propane-1,2-diamine (H2L) which derived from the condensation of 5-bromosalicylaldehyde with propane-1,2-diamine in methanol. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopies, conductivity and magnetic moment measurements. The results show that the complexes 1-5 are mononuclear neutral electrolytes in DMF. The dinegative tetradentate ligand is coordinated to the metal ion through two phenolate oxygen atoms and two azomethine nitrogen atoms. Octahedral geometry is proposed for complex 3, square planar geometry is proposed for complexes 4 and 5 and square pyramidal geometry is proposed for complex 1 and 2. The structures of complexes 1 and 5 were solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 crystallizes in a monoclinic system, with space group P21/c, while complex 5 crystallizes in a monoclinic system, with space group C2/c.
Effect of Boron, Potassium Sources and Rates on Soil Fertility, Sugar Beet Yield and Quality Cultivated in Saline Clay Soil in Egypt
Authors: Abd EL-Rahman Zeinab M. , Shaban Khaled A. H. , Mohaseb Mohamed I. , T. H. M. Dshesh
Published: December 2024

Two field experiments were conducted at a private farm in El-QantaraSharq, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 winter growing seasons. The study aimed to assess the effect of boron and potassium sources and rates on sugar beet yield quality and soil fertility. The experiments were arranged in a split-split plot design. The main plots had foliar boron (B) application (without and with 4 g B/L), while the sub-main plots had potassium sources: K-sulfate, K-silicate, and K-humate. The sub-plots had potassium rates (0, 4, 8, and 12 g/L) applied as foliar spray at three intervals: 30, 45, and 75 days after planting. Results indicated that foliar boron application led to a 17.17% decrease in soil electrical conductivity (EC) compared to without boron spraying. However, there was no significant change in pH values. The study showed a significant increase in soil available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and B with the application of 4 g/L of boron or K-humate at a rate of 12 g/L individually. Sugar beet yield, quality and root nutrients content were notably influenced by potassium sources in the following order: K-humate > K-silicate > K-sulfate. The interaction between boron spray and potassium sources and rates had a significant effect on various parameters, with the highest values for root length (cm), fresh root weight (kg/plant), root and top yield (t/ha), protein (%),sugar content (%) and sugar yield (t/ha) achieved by foliar application of boron combined with K-humate at a rate of 12 g/L.
Constraints in Adoption of Improved Kinnow Production Technology in Rajasthan, India: The Farmers Perspective
Authors: Meena Sanju , Kaur Manmeet , Singh Y. K.
Published: December 2024

The present study highlights the various barriers to the adoption of the improved kinnow production technology under National Horticulture Mission (NHM) by the farmers. Analysis of the constraints, including technical constraints, environmental constraints, financial constraints, marketing constraints and socio-personal & psychological constraints as experienced by the kinnow growers was the main objective of the investigation. Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan state was purposely selected as the district had highest numbers of registered farmers under NHM compared to other districts in the state. Findings of the study revealed that the major constraints faced by the kinnow growers in the adoption of improved kinnow production technology under NHM were “unsuitable land for kinnow orchard”, “scarcity of water for irrigation”, “inadequate subsidy”, “no timely sale of produce” and “traditional nature of farmers”. This might be due to the lack of awareness and training on the part of the kinnow growers regarding improved practices of kinnow cultivation. So, in order to mitigate these constraints more periodical training on various aspects of improved kinnow production technology should be organized and imparted to the kinnow growers at the grass root level to acquire more knowledge about the new techniques/improved practices of kinnow cultivation.
Vertretung der Aktiengesellschaft gegenüber geschäftsführenden Direktoren und Vorstand — Kommentar zu BGH v. 17.9.2024 – X ZR 39/23, AG 2025, 43
Authors: Denninger Philip
Published: December 2024

Der X. Zivilsenat des BGH hat in einer für die amtliche Sammlung vorgesehenen Entscheidung jüngst wichtige Fragen zur Reichweite der organschaftlichen Vertretungsmacht in der Aktiengesellschaft behandelt. Anders als die amtlichen Leitsätze es vermuten lassen könnten, enthält das Urteil dabei über die monistisch organisierte SE hinaus auch wichtige Aussagen für die dualistische AG.
KI: Generative Sprachmodelle im Steuerrecht – Konzepte, technologische Entwicklungen und Praxiseinblick
Authors: Bräutigam Rainer , Kirchhoff Steffen
Published: December 2024

Die Verfasser geben einen Überblick über die Funktionsweise und Einsatzmöglichkeiten von generativen Sprachmodellen, wobei zwischen allgemeinen generativen Sprachmodellen und steuerfachlich versierteren Modellen unterschieden wird. Durch eine Umfrage unter Studierenden wird der aktuelle Praxiseinsatz sowie mögliche Implikationen für die Ausbildung im Steuerrecht aufgezeigt.
Incidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis Among Male and Female United States Army Personnel
Authors: Nelson D. Alan , Kaplan Robert M. , Kurina Lianne M. , Weisman Michael H.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Incidence rates of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) among males versus females are poorly understood. Results of prior research have been mixed, including findings of a 3:1 incidence ratio for males versus females, but with increasing AS rates among females. The objective was to estimate the incidence of AS among members of the US military.

Methods

We estimated the incidence of AS in a retrospective cohort study of diverse, working‐age US military service members during March 2014 to June 2017 (n = 728,556) who underwent clinical practice guideline–directed screening for chronic back pain. Incident AS cases were identified using diagnostic codes from electronic medical and administrative records.

Results

In contrast to some prior studies, AS incidence was similar among males and females (incidence rate ratio 1.16, P = 0.23; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.79 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.61–1.02]; P = 0.072). AS rates increased approximately monotonically with age. Consistent with prior research, the AS incidence rate was greater in the White population than in the Black population (adjusted OR 1.39 [95% CI 1.01–1.66]; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

In this study population, the incidence of AS was similar for the sexes. Previous observations of male predominance have typically been derived from clinic populations that are less representative of the US race/ethnicity distribution and based on disease ascertainment tools that may have identified subjects later in their disease course. Our study population also differed in being subject to organized screenings for musculoskeletal symptoms. Our findings suggest that sex may not predict AS incidence in the US population.
Self‐Referenced Temperature Imaging with Dual Light Emitting Diode Excitation and Single‐Band Emission of AVO4:Eu3+ (A=Y, La, Lu, Gd) Nanophosphors
Authors: Piotrowski Wojciech , Dalipi Linda , Elzbieciak-Piecka Karolina , Bednarkiewicz Artur , Fond Benoit , Marciniak Lukasz
Published: August 2021

Luminescence thermometers exhibiting ratiometric response in their emission spectrum are widely investigated but to obtain two‐dimensional measurements, either the emission spectrum must be slowly scanned over the area of interest or the emission decomposed using two separate detector arrays with spectral filters. Here, the authors propose to exploit instead an excitation‐spectrum based ratiometric response. In AVO4 (A = Lu, Y, Gd, La) nanocrystals doped with Eu3+, the 1
E(1
T
1)→ 1
B
2(1
T
2) absorption band is thermally enhanced with respect to the 1
A
2(1
T
1)→ 1
B
2(1
T
2) of the V5+ ion. When observing the Eu3+ emission as a result of (VO4)3− to Eu3+ charge transfer, the ratio of intensities recorded upon two different excitation wavelengths is temperature dependent. This response is exploited for transient 2‐dimensional temperature imaging using two ultraviolet light emitting diodes (LEDs) for excitation, which are subsequently pulsed, while recording the emission on a single camera. As a demonstration, a YVO4:Eu3+ coated metal plate is subjected to localised heating by a flame. Thanks to the efficient excitation and signal collection, an accuracy of 0.6 °C and a precision of 1.5 °C are achieved at a resolution of 160 μm and a repetition rate of 2.5 Hz, all with peak LED powers below 1 mW and a single low‐frame‐rate camera.
Stochastic blockmodeling for learning the structure of optimization problems
Authors: Mitrai Ilias , Tang Wentao , Daoutidis Prodromos
Published: August 2021

Decomposition‐based solution algorithms for optimization problems depend on the underlying latent block structure of the problem. Methods for detecting this structure are currently lacking. In this article, we propose stochastic blockmodeling (SBM) as a systematic framework for learning the underlying block structure in generic optimization problems. SBM is a generative graph model in which nodes belong to some blocks and the interconnections among the nodes are stochastically dependent on their block affiliations. Hence, through parametric statistical inference, the interconnection patterns underlying optimization problems can be estimated. For benchmark optimization problems, we show that SBM can reveal the underlying block structure and that the estimated blocks can be used as the basis for decomposition‐based solution algorithms which can reach an optimum or bound estimates in reduced computational time. Finally, we present a general software platform for automated block structure detection and decomposition‐based solution following distributed and hierarchical optimization approaches.
New Fagaceous pollen taxa from the Miocene Søby flora of Denmark and their biogeographic implications
Authors: Denk Thomas , Bouchal Johannes M.
Published: August 2021

Premise

The Fagaceae comprise around 1000 tree species in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite an extensive fossil pollen record, reconstructing biogeographic patterns is hampered because it is difficult to achieve good taxonomic resolution with light microscopy alone. We investigate dispersed pollen of Fagaceae from the Miocene Søby flora, Denmark. We explore the latitudinal gradient in Fagaceae distribution during the Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO) in Europe and the Northern Hemisphere to compare it with the Eocene Warmhouse and the present.

Methods

We investigated dispersed pollen using light and scanning electron microscopy. We assessed biogeographic patterns in Fagaceae during two warm periods in Earth history (MCO, Eocene) and the present.

Results

Eight species of Fagaceae were recognized in the Søby flora. Of these, Fagus had a continuous Mediterranean to subarctic distribution during MCO; Quercus sect. Cerris and castaneoids had northern limits in Denmark, and evergreen Quercus sect. Ilex in Central Europe. In a northern hemispheric context, Fagus and sections of Quercus had more northerly distribution limits during Eocene and MCO with maximum northward extensions during Eocene (Fagus, castaneoids) or Oligo‐Miocene (Quercus sects. Cerris and Ilex). The known distribution of the extinct Tricolporopollenites theacoides during MCO included Central Europe and East China, while this taxon thrived in South China during Eocene.

Conclusions

More northerly distributions during MCO and Eocene probably were determined by temperature. In contrast, fossil occurrences in areas that are arid or semi‐humid today were determined by maritime conditions in these areas (western North America, Central Asia) during the Cenozoic.