bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplified expressions of uncertainty for single number quantities in ISO 3382-3 (2022)
Authors: Lenne Lucas , Aboutiman Alkahf , Selzer Jan , Schelle Florian , Chevret Patrick , Parizet Etienne
Published: May 2024

The ISO 3382-3 (2022) standard defines single number quantities (SNQs) characterizing the spatial decay of speech (D2S, LpAS4m, rC) and of its intelligibility (rD). The standard assesses the accuracy of the measurement using a unique uncertainty value for each SNQ, relying on a round-robin test performed in a single office. To make this assessment more accurate, analytical expressions have been established by applying the law of propagation of uncertainty. These expressions, although precise, are too complex to be included in the standard. This work consists of their simplification, relying on 95 measurements conducted in 36 companies in France and Germany. First, the terms associated with distance measurement uncertainties were found to be negligible. Second, the estimation of the uncertainties of A-weighted speech levels and Speech Transmission Index, based on the measurements made at the workstations constituting the 95 paths, enabled further simplifications. Finally, simplified expressions turn out to be as accurate as the original expressions, and the estimated uncertainties are comparable to those reported by Yadav et al. (2019). If a unique value of uncertainty is to be retained for each SNQ, this study suggests 0.6 dB for D2S and LpAS4m, 7% for rC, and 10% for rD.
Effects of spatial configuration and fundamental frequency on speech intelligibility in multiple-talker conditions in the ipsilateral horizontal plane and median plane
Authors: Yao Dingding , Zhao Jiale , Wang Linyi , Shang Zengqiang , Gu Jianjun , Wang Yunan , Jia Maoshen , Li Junfeng
Published: May 2024

Spatial separation and fundamental frequency (F0) separation are effective cues for improving the intelligibility of target speech in multi-talker scenarios. Previous studies predominantly focused on spatial configurations within the frontal hemifield, overlooking the ipsilateral side and the entire median plane, where localization confusion often occurs. This study investigated the impact of spatial and F0 separation on intelligibility under the above-mentioned underexplored spatial configurations. The speech reception thresholds were measured through three experiments for scenarios involving two to four talkers, either in the ipsilateral horizontal plane or in the entire median plane, utilizing monotonized speech with varying F0s as stimuli. The results revealed that spatial separation in symmetrical positions (front-back symmetry in the ipsilateral horizontal plane or front-back, up-down symmetry in the median plane) contributes positively to intelligibility. Both target direction and relative target-masker separation influence the masking release attributed to spatial separation. As the number of talkers exceeds two, the masking release from spatial separation diminishes. Nevertheless, F0 separation remains as a remarkably effective cue and could even facilitate spatial separation in improving intelligibility. Further analysis indicated that current intelligibility models encounter difficulties in accurately predicting intelligibility in scenarios explored in this study.
Neural correlates of tonal loudness, intensity discrimination, and duration discrimination
Authors: Kuwada Shigeyuki , Trahiotis Constantine
Published: May 2024

A long-standing quest in audition concerns understanding relations between behavioral measures and neural representations of changes in sound intensity. Here, we examined relations between aspects of intensity perception and central neural responses within the inferior colliculus of unanesthetized rabbits (by averaging the population's spike count/level functions). We found parallels between the population's neural output and: (1) how loudness grows with intensity; (2) how loudness grows with duration; (3) how discrimination of intensity improves with increasing sound level; (4) findings that intensity discrimination does not depend on duration; and (5) findings that duration discrimination is a constant fraction of base duration.
Aging affects auditory contributions to focus perception in Jianghuai Mandarin
Authors: Zhao Xinxian , Yang Xiaohu
Published: May 2024

Speakers can place their prosodic prominence on any locations within a sentence, generating focus prosody for listeners to perceive new information. This study aimed to investigate age-related changes in the bottom-up processing of focus perception in Jianghuai Mandarin by clarifying the perceptual cues and the auditory processing abilities involved in the identification of focus locations. Young, middle-aged, and older speakers of Jianghuai Mandarin completed a focus identification task and an auditory perception task. The results showed that increasing age led to a decrease in listeners' accuracy rate in identifying focus locations, with all participants performing the worst when dynamic pitch cues were inaccessible. Auditory processing abilities did not predict focus perception performance in young and middle-aged listeners but accounted significantly for the variance in older adults' performance. These findings suggest that age-related deteriorations in focus perception can be largely attributed to declined auditory processing of perceptual cues. Poor ability to extract frequency modulation cues may be the most important underlying psychoacoustic factor for older adults' difficulties in perceiving focus prosody in Jianghuai Mandarin. The results contribute to our understanding of the bottom-up mechanisms involved in linguistic prosody processing in aging adults, particularly in tonal languages.
Fast iterative shooter localization in urban terrain using ray casting
Authors: Ospel Matthias , Blonde-Weinmann Cyril , Hamery Pascal , Iacob David-Octavian , Hengy Sebastien
Published: May 2024

This study presents a method for real-time capable localization of impulsive acoustic events in urban terrain, omitting the need for precomputation phases, such as in time matching or impulse response matching. Using ray casting, solutions of the wave equation are computed using a boundary discretization of intersected objects, forming a weighted graph using line of sight checks, and deploying an A* search graph traversal algorithm for the calculation of the propagation time. Subsequently, the wave amplitude along the identified eigenrays is computed. The study discusses the properties and suitability of cost functions based on time differences of arrival, amplitude differences of arrival, and a combined cost function for iterative ray-based localization. The method is validated using pressure data of the muzzle blasts of various firearms collected via unattended ground sensors during an experimental campaign at the military urban combat facility in Walenstadt, Switzerland.
The Use of Bricolage in a Resource-Constrained Sport for Development and Peace Organization
Authors: McSweeney Mitchell , Lu Landy , Jones Gareth
Published: May 2024

Despite the growth of the sport-for-development and peace (SDP) field, the sector remains heavily resource-constrained whereby organizations have limited resources but also operate in resource-scarce environments. Given this, we draw on the theoretical concept of bricolage to explore how such resource constraints are overcome. In this study, an organization implementing SDP for refugees and throughout their existence have been confronted with resource constraints is examined. Across the organization’s start-up phase and growth stage, multiple forms of bricolage are identified, which enabled the organization to address the social needs of refugees through SDP. We discuss these findings in relation to existing literature on bricolage as well as social entrepreneurship in SDP, emphasizing the way in which the recombination of resources offers opportunities for organizations and practitioners to effectively manage a scarce resource base.
Parental Travel Behaviors and Children’s Independent Mobility: A MultiSite Study
Authors: Hecker Victoria , Blanchette Sebastien , Faulkner Guy , Riazi Negin A. , Tremblay Mark S. , Trudeau François , Larouche Richard
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Children who are allowed greater independent mobility (IM) are more physically active. This study investigated associations between parents’ current travel mode to work, their own IM and school travel mode as a child, and their child’s IM. Methods: Children in grades 4 to 6 (n = 1699) were recruited from urban, suburban, and rural schools in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Trois-Rivières. Parents reported their current travel mode to work, IM, and school travel mode as a child. Children self-reported their IM using Hillman’s 6 mobility licenses. Multiple imputation was performed to replace missing data. Gender-stratified generalized linear mixed models were adjusted for child age, parent gender, urbanization, and socioeconomic status. Results: The older a parent was allowed to travel alone as a child, the less IM their child had (boys: β = −0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.13 to −0.04; girls: β = −0.09, 95% CI, −0.13 to −0.06). Girls whose parents biked to work (β = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.06–0.83) or lived in Trois-Rivières versus other sites (β = 0.82, 95% CI, −0.43 to 1.21) had higher IM. IM increased with each year of age (boys: β = 0.46, CI, 0.34–0.58; girls: β = 0.38, 95% CI, 0.28–0.48). Conclusion: Parents who experienced IM later may be more restrictive of their child’s IM. This may help explain the intergenerational decline in children’s IM.
Long-Term Alterations in Pulmonary V˙O2 and Muscle Deoxygenation On-Kinetics During Heavy-Intensity Exercise in Competitive Youth Cyclists: A Cohort Study
Authors: Hovorka Matthias , Prinz Bernhard , Simon Dieter , Zöger Manfred , Rumpl Clemens , Nimmerichter Alfred
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The aim of this investigation was to assess alterations of pulmonary oxygen uptake () and muscle deoxygenation on-kinetics during heavy-intensity cycling in youth cyclists over a period of 15 months. Methods: Eleven cyclists (initial age, 14.3 [1.6] y; peak , 62.2 [4.5] mL·min−1·kg−1) visited the laboratory twice on 3 occasions within 15 months. Participants performed an incremental ramp exercise test and a constant workrate test within the heavy-intensity domain during the first visit and second visit, respectively. Subsequently, parameter estimates of the and muscle deoxygenation on-kinetics were determined with mono-exponential models. Results: The phase II time constant decreased from occasion 1 (34 [4] s) to occasion 2 (30 [4] s, P = .005) and 3 (28 [4] s, P = .010). However, no significant alteration was observed between occasions 2 and 3 (P = .565). The slow component amplitude either expressed in absolute values (ie, L·min−1) or relative to end exercise (ie, %) showed no significant changes throughout the study (P = .972 and .996). Furthermore, the muscle deoxygenation on-kinetic mean response time showed no significant changes throughout the study (18 [8], 18 [3], and 16 [5] s for occasions 1, 2, and 3, respectively; P = .279). Conclusion: These results indicate proportional enhancements of local muscle oxygen distribution and utilization, which both contributed to the speeding of the on-kinetics herein.
The actin-binding protein CAP1 represses MRTF-SRF–dependent gene expression in mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Khudayberdiev Sharof , Weiss Kerstin , Heinze Anika , Colombaretti Dalila , Trausch Nathan , Linne Uwe , Rust Marco B.
Published: May 2024

Serum response factor (SRF) is an essential transcription factor for brain development and function. Here, we explored how an SRF cofactor, the actin monomer-sensing myocardin-related transcription factor MRTF, is regulated in mouse cortical neurons. We found that MRTF-dependent SRF activity in vitro and in vivo was repressed by cyclase-associated protein CAP1. Inactivation of the actin-binding protein CAP1 reduced the amount of actin monomers in the cytoplasm, which promoted nuclear MRTF translocation and MRTF-SRF activation. This function was independent of cofilin1 and actin-depolymerizing factor, and CAP1 loss of function in cortical neurons was not compensated by endogenous CAP2. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of cerebral cortex lysates from wild-type and
Cap1
knockout mice supported the role of CAP1 in repressing MRTF-SRF–dependent signaling in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis identified likely MRTF-SRF target genes, which aligned with the transcriptomic and proteomic results. Together with our previous studies that implicated CAP1 in axonal growth cone function as well as the morphology and plasticity of excitatory synapses, our findings establish CAP1 as a crucial actin regulator in the brain relevant for formation of neuronal networks.
The
Streptococcus pyogenes
stand-alone regulator RofA exhibits characteristics of a PRD-containing virulence regulator
Authors: Hart Meaghan T. , Rom Joseph S. , Le Breton Yoann , Hause Lara L. , Belew Ashton T. , El-Sayed Najib M. , McIver Kevin S.
Published: May 2024

Streptococcus pyogenes
[group A streptococcus (GAS)] is a human pathogen capable of infecting diverse tissues. To successfully infect these sites, GAS must detect available nutrients and adapt accordingly. The phosphoenolpyruvate transferase system (PTS) mediates carbohydrate uptake and metabolic gene regulation to adapt to the nutritional environment. Regulation by the PTS can occur through phosphorylation of transcriptional regulators at conserved PTS-regulatory domains (PRDs). GAS has several PRD-containing stand-alone regulators with regulons encoding both metabolic genes and virulence factors [PRD-containing virulence regulators (PCVRs)]. One is RofA, which regulates the expression of virulence genes in multiple GAS serotypes. It was hypothesized that RofA is phosphorylated by the PTS in response to carbohydrate levels to coordinate virulence gene expression. In this study, the RofA regulon of M1T1 strain 5448 was determined using RNA sequencing. Two operons were consistently differentially expressed across growth in the absence of RofA; the pilus operon was downregulated, and the capsule operon was upregulated. This correlated with increased capsule production and decreased adherence to keratinocytes. Purified RofA-His was phosphorylated
in vitro
by PTS proteins EI and HPr, and phosphorylated RofA-FLAG was detected
in vivo
when GAS was grown in low-glucose C medium. Phosphorylated RofA was not observed when C medium was supplemented 10-fold with glucose. Mutations of select histidine residues within the putative PRDs contributed to the
in vivo
phosphorylation of RofA, although phosphorylation of RofA was still observed, suggesting other phosphorylation sites exist in the protein. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that RofA is a PCVR that may couple sugar metabolism with virulence regulation.
Comparison of BD Phoenix and disk diffusion to broth microdilution for determining cefepime susceptibility among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Fouad Aliaa , Simner Patricia J. , Nicolau David P. , Asempa Tomefa E.
Published: May 2024

There are increasing reports of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) that test as cefepime-susceptible (S) or susceptible-dose dependent (SDD). However, there are no data to compare the cefepime testing performance of BD Phoenix automated susceptibility system (BD Phoenix) and disk diffusion (DD) relative to reference broth microdilution (BMD) against carbapenemase-producing (CP

bla

KPC
-CRE) and non-producing (non-CP CRE) isolates. Cefepime susceptibility results were interpreted according to CLSI M100Ed32. Essential agreement (EA), categorical agreement (CA), minor errors (miEs), major errors (MEs), and very major errors (VMEs) were calculated for BD Phoenix (NMIC-306 Gram-negative panel) and DD relative to BMD. Correlates were also analyzed by the error rate-bounded method. EA and CA for CP

bla

KPC
-CRE isolates (
n
= 64) were <90% with BD Phoenix while among non-CP CRE isolates (
n
= 58), EA and CA were 96.6%, and 79.3%, respectively. CA was <90% with DD for both cohorts. No ME or VME was observed for either isolate cohort; however, miEs were >10% for CP

bla

KPC
-CRE and non-CP CRE with BD Phoenix and DD tests. For error rate-bounded method, miEs were <40% for I
High
+ 1 to I
Low
− 1 ranges for CP

bla

KPC
-CRE and non-CP CRE with BD Phoenix. Regarding disk diffusion, miEs were unacceptable for all MIC ranges among CP

bla

KPC
-CRE. For non-CP CRE isolates, only I
High
+ 1 to I
Low
− 1 range was acceptable at 37.2%. Using this challenge set of genotypic-phenotypic discordant CRE, the BD Phoenix MICs and DD susceptibility results trended higher (toward SDD and resistant phenotypes) relative to reference BMD results yielding lower CA. These results were more prominent among CP

bla

KPC
-CRE than non-CP CRE.
Unveiling the connection between lode gold mineralization and the metamorphic core complex evolution from the large Yangzhaiyu gold deposit, North China Craton
Authors: Li Wen-Tian , Jiang Shao-Yong
Published: May 2024

The Xiaoqinling gold province, located in the Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic uplifted footwalls of the Xiaoqinling metamorphic core complex (XMCC), is one of China’s largest gold producers; however, achieving a consensus regarding their metallogenic model remains elusive. Scheelite is an indicator mineral that commonly occurs in lode gold deposits worldwide used to recognize deposit types and understand hydrothermal evolution and the origin of features. Xenotime, monazite, and rutile are common hydrothermal minerals in association with lode gold deposits worldwide. Here, we provide textual, in situ U-Pb geochronology of xenotime, monazite, and rutile, and in situ elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of scheelite within different stages from the large Yangzhaiyu lode gold deposit, aiming to elucidate its genesis and, for the first time, establish a holistic correlation between the lode gold mineralization and the evolution of the XMCC. Notably low εNd(t) values (−30.7 to −23.7), high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.72659–0.75914), and distinct rare earth elements, Sr, Mo, and As contents of scheelite confirm a metamorphic crustal source. Xenotime U-Pb dating and pre-ore (Stage I) scheelite reveal that ore-barren metamorphic fluids at ca. 140 Ma were oxidized with low Bi contents and buffered by greenschist facies metamorphism when the XMCC initiated. Monazite and rutile U-Pb dating combined with ore-stage scheelite geochemistry indicate a compositional shift in the more reduced auriferous metamorphic fluids, which dominated during major gold deposition periods (stages II and III) from 130 Ma to 120 Ma, characterized by significantly depleted Na and increased Bi contents. This resulted from the prograde greenschist-to-amphibolite metamorphism at mid-lower crustal depths as the result of the XMCC isostatic doming and the lithospheric mantle thinning after 130 Ma. This study highlights the crucial role of metamorphic core complexes in governing the timing, locations, and resources of the lode gold metallogenic system.
Original investigation: manipulating energy availability in male endurance runners: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sim Alexiaa , Tan Hui Qing , Ali Yusuf , Burns Stephen F.
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the effect of 4 days low energy availability (LEA) on physiological markers and mood states in male endurance runners. Twelve participants (mean (standard deviation); age: 25.8 (3.8) years; fat-free mass (FFM): 52.8 (5.5) kg) completed three 4-day conditions: adequate energy availability (AEA): 45 kcal/kg FFM/day; LEA1: 30 kcal/kg FFM/day; and LEA2: 15 kcal/kg FFM/day, in a randomized order. Participants ran on a treadmill at 65% of V̇O2max until they expended 15 kcal/kg FFM/day of energy. Energy intake was adjusted to achieve the desired energy availability. Pre- and post-measurements of bone turnover, metabolism, testosterone and estradiol (plasma), resting metabolic rate (indirect calorimetry), and mood states (Brunel Mood Scale) were assessed. The results reported a significant decrease in testosterone (condition × time interaction, p = 0.03) occurred on LEA2 (Pre: 23.8 (7.0) nmol/L vs. Post: 20.3 (7.7) nmol/L) compared with AEA (Pre: 22.9 (5.5) nmol/L vs. Post: 23.3 (6.1) nmol/L) or LEA1 (Pre: 23.6 (8.6) nmol/L vs. Post: 20.9 (8.8) nmol/L). Fatigue level significantly increased (condition × time interaction, p = 0.02) in LEA2 (Pre: 3.5 (1.7) vs. Post: 6.5 (2.9)) but did not change in AEA (Pre: 2.8 (1.5) vs. Post: 2.5 (2.7)) or LEA1 (Pre: 2.8(2.4) vs. Post: 2.9 (2.0)). Other measures were unaffected by the interventions. In conclusion, this study suggests that testosterone and fatigue may serve as early indicators of LEA in male runners. However, other physiological markers and mood states appeared largely unaffected, aligning with existing literature indicating minimal disruption of physiological functions during acute LEA in male athletes. Study registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial No.: 381278).
Coupling multidimensional chromatography with plasmonic sensing: an exploration of electrochemical SERS as a detection modality for 2D-LC
Authors: Eisnor Maddison M. , Biton Makatendeka , Granados Patricia , Reader Heather , Brosseau Christa L.
Published: May 2024

Complex mixtures that may contain hundreds, if not thousands, of unique compounds pose an analytical challenge for complete and detailed analyses. For example, green tea is a well-known complex substance requiring advanced separation techniques and ultrasensitive detection methods for full characterization. Separation and identification of components in green tea help gauge tea quality, as green tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. In this work, the coupling of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) and electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) was explored for the first time to analyze compounds in green tea. 2D-LC offers enhanced separation compared to conventional HPLC systems due to the second dimension of separation. EC-SERS was used as an offline detection modality and qualitative tool to help identify the compounds in green tea fractions collected from the second dimension separation. 2D-LC and EC-SERS are coupled in this work for the first time and offer a pathway forward for sensitive and selective separation and identification of components in complex mixtures.
A primary evaporite weld revealed in the late Paleozoic Antigonish sub-basin of Nova Scotia
Authors: Thomas Alison K. , Waldron John W.F.
Published: May 2024

The Antigonish sub-basin lies within the late Paleozoic Maritimes Basin of Atlantic Canada. Late Devonian to early Carboniferous basin development resulted in a basin-and-range topography, within which the clastic Horton Group was deposited in grabens and half-grabens. The overlying Viséan Windsor Group contains substantial evaporite units; later basin development was accompanied by expulsion of these evaporites. In the Antigonish sub-basin, a significant stratigraphic omission surface initially described as a thrust was subsequently reinterpreted as the extensional Ainslie Detachment. This surface can be examined in drill-core, where the halite-bearing interval is reduced to 3.8 m of halite-cemented breccia of sedimentary rock fragments. The halite cement is sub-horizontally foliated and lineated. At Lakevale, an outcrop section of the Windsor Group is reduced in thickness to tens of metres. Above a basal limestone unit containing pseudomorphs of gypsum, most of the Windsor Group is represented by sedimentary-clast breccias that resemble those seen in core, but with the halite removed by solution in the near-surface environment. The stratigraphic record within the sub-basin implies that expulsion of lower Windsor salt was initially toward the edges of the basin where rising diapirs blocked the deposition of middle Windsor group, but in the basin centre a second salt unit was deposited. Subsequently, during contractional inversion of basin-bounding faults, the middle Windsor salt was expelled into diapirs near the centre of the basin. The Ainslie Detachment is reinterpreted as a primary salt weld: a boundary between units formerly above and below expelled lower Windsor evaporites. The resulting stratigraphic omissions and structures match those seen above expelled evaporite layers on continental margins.
Finslerian extension of an anisotropic strange star in the domain of modified gravity
Authors: Chowdhury Sourav Roy , Deb Debabrata , Rahaman Farook , Ray Saibal
Published: May 2024

In this article, we apply the Finsler spacetime to develop the Einstein field equations in the extension of modified geometry. Following Finsler geometry, which is focused on the tangent bundle with a scalar function, a scalar equation should be the field equation that defines this structure. This spacetime maintains the required causality properties on the generalized Lorentzian metric manifold. The matter field is coupled with the Finsler geometry to produce the complete action. The developed Einstein field equations are employed on the strange stellar system to improve the study. The interior of the system is composed of a strange quark matter, maintained by the MIT bag equation of state. In addition, the modified Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkov (TOV) equation is formulated. In particular, the anisotropic stress attains the maximum at the surface. The mass-central density variation confirms the stability of the system.
Local well-posedness of a viscoelastic fluid model for reactive polymers
Authors: Long Si-Ying , Liu An-Ping , Zhang Teng-Fei
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we study the Cauchy problem of the two-species incompressible viscoelastic fluid of Oldroyd-B system, which involving a reaction effect between two species of polymers. We prove the local existence with initial data in [Formula: see text] in a classical solution framework, and then provide a blow-up criteria. We concentrate on the a priori estimate, by using the energy method. In particular, the variant system in a general formulation is also studied, and the corresponding local well-posedness is established.
NLOS Identification and Mitigation for Time-based Indoor Localization Systems: Survey and Future Research Directions
Authors: Nkrow Raphael Elikplim , Silva Bruno , Boshoff Dutliff , Hancke Gerhard , Gidlund Mikael , Abu-Mahfouz Adnan
Published: May 2024

One hurdle to accurate indoor localization using time-based networks is the presence of Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) and multipath signals, affecting the accuracy of ranging in indoor environments. NLOS identification and mitigation have been studied over the years and applied to different time-based networks, with most works considering NLOS links with WiFi and UWB channels. In this article, we discuss the effects and challenges of NLOS conditions on indoor localization and present current state-of-the-art approaches to NLOS identification and mitigation in literature. We survey these approaches and classify them under different categories together with their merits and demerits. We further categorize approaches to tackle NLOS effects into single and hybrid measurement-based approaches in this work. Lessons learnt from the survey with future directions are also presented in this article.
Enhancing Chinese Event Extraction with Event Trigger Structures
Authors: Li Fei , Deng Kaifang , Mo Yiwen , Ji Yuanze , Teng Chong , Ji Donghong
Published: May 2024

The dependency syntactic structure is widely used in event extraction. However, the dependency structure reflecting syntactic features is essentially different from the event structure that reflects semantic features, leading to the performance degradation. In this article, we propose to use Event Trigger Structure for Event Extraction (ETSEE), which can compensate the inconsistency between two structures. First, we leverage the ACE2005 dataset as case study, and annotate three kinds of ETSs, that is, “light verb + trigger”, “preposition structures” and “tense + trigger”. Then we design a graph-based event extraction model that jointly identifies triggers and arguments, where the graph consists of both the dependency structure and ETSs. Experiments show that our model significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods. Through empirical analysis and manual observation, we find that the ETSs can bring the following benefits: (1) enriching trigger identification features by introducing structural event information; (2) enriching dependency structures with event semantic information; (3) enhancing the interactions between triggers and candidate arguments by shortening their distances in the dependency graph.
Effect of Subtle Changes in Ni2+/Ni3+ and Particle Surface Area in LiNi0.5Mn0.5−xCoxO2 (x = 0.1–0.3) Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Senthil Arumugam Rajalakshmi , Shunmugasundaram Ramesh , Safonova Olga V. , Wood Vanessa
Published: May 2024

In Li[Ni,Mn,Co]O2 (NMC) cathode materials, small changes in transition metal ratio and particle surface area can significantly impact capacity retention. To understand the combined effect of transition metal ratio and the particle surface area, we studied LiNi0.5Mn0.5−xCoxO2 (x = 0.1–0.3) particles with two different morphologies: dense, spherical particles and high-surface area aggregates. All compositions in this series contain the same percentage of Ni but have differing amounts of Ni2+ and Ni3+. While Ni2+ tends to induce anti-site defects predominantly in the bulk, Ni3+ promotes particle surface reconstruction, both of which negatively impact capacity retention. Upon cycling to 4.4 V for 100 cycles, we observe that particles of high surface area with high Ni3+ concentration undergo the most severe capacity degradation. However, high surface area particles with high proportion of anti-site defects undergo sluggish capacity fade. Overall, with 60% of Ni2+ and 40% of Ni3+, spherical NMC 532 particles endure the detrimental effects of anti-site defects and surface reconstruction, but neither too prominently and thus emerges as the best candidate among the studied samples. This study highlights the synergy between transition metal ratio and particle surface area and how it determines the properties of the NMC cathode materials.
Depletion of Electrolyte Salt Upon Calendaric Aging of Lithium-Ion Batteries and its Effect on Cell Performance
Authors: Hartmann Louis , Reuter Lennart , Wallisch Lea , Beiersdorfer Anton , Adam Alexander , Goldbach Daniel , Teufl Tobias , Lamp Peter , Gasteiger Hubert A. , Wandt Johannes
Published: May 2024

The trend for increased nickel content in layered transition metal oxide cathode active materials and increasing charging cut-off voltages aggravates aging of lithium-ion battery cells at high state of charge (SOC). We investigate the calendaric aging behavior of large-format automotive prototype cells and laboratory single-layer pouch cells at high but realistic cell voltages/SOCs and demonstrate that electrolyte oxidation in combination with follow-up reactions can cause a significant loss of the LiPF6 salt in the electrolyte. For this, we analyze the LiPF6 concentration in aged cells, the generation of H2 upon storage, and the cell resistance for different aging conditions. We show that the LiPF6 loss is a critical aging phenomenon, as it cannot readily be detected by capacity fading measurements at low/medium C-rates or by cell resistance measurements, while it severely reduces rate and fast-charging capability. Under certain circumstances, LiPF6 loss can even lead to a temporary capacity increase due to conversion of the conducting salt in the electrolyte to cyclable lithium in the active material. Finally, we suggest a possible reaction mechanism and a simple accounting model to keep track of how different side reactions involved in LiPF6 loss change the cyclable lithium inventory of a lithium-ion cell.
Mathematical Model for a Lithium-Ion Battery with a SiO/Graphite Blended Electrode Based on a Reduced Order Model Derived Using Perturbation Theory
Authors: Tu Mingjie , Dao Thanh-Son , Verbrugge Mark W. , Koch Brian
Published: May 2024

Silicon oxide (SiO) is a promising anode material for high-energy lithium-ion batteries, as it is made from low-cost precursors, has a potential close to that of Li, and has high theoretical specific capacity. However, the applications of SiO are limited by the intrinsic low electrical conductivity, large volume change, and low coulombic efficiency, which often lead to poor cycling performance. A common strategy to address these shortcomings is to blend SiO with graphite active materials to form a composite anode for better capacity retention. In this work, we derive a reduced order model (ROM1) using perturbation theory. We employ the multi-site, multi-reaction (MSMR) framework of a composite porous electrode blend consisting of two lithium-host materials, SiO and graphite. The ROM1 model employs a single-particle model (SPM) approach as the leading-order solution and involves the numerical analysis of a single, nonlinear partial differential equation for each host material that describes diffusion by means of irreversible thermodynamics, wherein chemical-potential gradients are the driving forces for the diffusion. The first-order correction treats losses other than that of the SPM.
Measures of Performance of Vanadium and Other Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Krowne Clifford M.
Published: May 2024

The Vanadium redox flow battery and other redox flow batteries have been studied intensively in the last few decades. The focus in this research is on summarizing some of the leading key measures of the flow battery, including state of charge (SoC), efficiencies of operation, including Coulombic efficiency, energy efficiency, and voltage efficiency, and energy density. New formulas are presented to allow calculation of energy density, under varying circumstances, including varying ionic electrolyte concentrations, terminal voltage, discharge times and cycle numbers, and electron exchange numbers in the redox chemical reactions. Effects of ionic crossover and side reactions are addressed, and it is shown which forms of energy density are robust against these additional undesirable chemical reactions.
Non-TGFβ profibrotic signaling in ulcerative colitis after in vivo experimental intestinal injury in humans
Authors: Seidelin Jakob B. , Bronze Mariana , Poulsen Anja , Attauabi Mohamed , Woetmann Anders , Mead Benjamin E. , Karp Jeffrey M. , Riis Lene B. , Bjerrum Jacob T.
Published: May 2024

The study reveals the regulatory dynamics of epithelial regeneration and extracellular matrix remodeling after experimental injury of the human colon in vivo and shows that human intestinal regeneration is different from data obtained from animals. A lag phase in epithelial restitution is associated with induction of stromal cell-derived epithelial growth factors. Postinjury regeneration is transforming growth factor β-independent, and we find a profibrotic response in patients with ulcerative colitis despite being in remission.
Hepatitis B: Model Systems and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Yu Xiaoxiao , Gao Yating , Zhang Xin , Ji Longshan , Fang Miao , Li Man , Gao Yueqiu
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health issue and ranks among the top causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current antiviral medications, including nucleot(s)ide analogs and interferons, could inhibit the replication of HBV and alleviate the disease, HBV cannot be fully eradicated. The development of cellular and animal models for HBV infection plays an important role in exploring effective anti‐HBV medicine. During the past decades, advancements in several cell culture systems, such as HepG2.2.15, HepAD38, HepaRG, hepatocyte‐like cells, and primary human hepatocytes, have propelled the research in inhibiting HBV replication and expression and thus enriched our comprehension of the viral life cycle and enhancing antiviral drug evaluation efficacy. Mouse models, in particular, have emerged as the most extensively studied HBV animal models. Additionally, the present landscape of HBV therapeutics research now encompasses a comprehensive assessment of the virus’s life cycle, targeting numerous facets and employing a variety of immunomodulatory approaches, including entry inhibitors, strategies aimed at cccDNA, RNA interference technologies, toll‐like receptor agonists, and, notably, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This review describes the attributes and limitations of existing HBV model systems and surveys novel advancements in HBV treatment modalities, which will offer deeper insights toward discovering potentially efficacious pharmaceutical interventions.
3D‐Printed Temporary Wing Bride as a Temporary Restoration in the Posterior
Authors: Mosch Richard , Hatzky Maurice , Hatzky Patricia , von See Constantin
Published: May 2024

The fear of a missing tooth often leads to postponing the visit at the dentist. While extraction itself is a major stressful experience for the patient, the presence of visible gaps or missing teeth inside or outside the aesthetic zone is a deal breaker for a lot of patients. Bridging the time spent until inserting any final restoration with a provisional enables the patients to still take part in everyday life. This case report shows a new approach for a fixed dental provisional in the anterior region using a printed wing bridge approach to replace an extracted tooth. The provisional was prefabricated, and extraction and integration of the provisional could be placed in a single visit. The chosen approach shows the integrability of 3D printing in everyday practice providing immediate economical and aesthetic treatment.
New Mean and Median Techniques to Solve Multiobjective Linear Fractional Programming Problem and Comparison with Other Techniques
Authors: Fentaw Getaye , Akate Adane
Published: May 2024

In the field of operation research, both linear and fractional programming problems have been more encountered in recent years because they are more realistic in expressing real-life problems. Fractional programming problem is used when several rates need to be optimized simultaneously such as resource allocation planning, financial and corporate planning, healthcare, and hospital planning. There are several techniques to solve the multiobjective linear fractional programming problem. However, because of the use of scalarization, these techniques have some limitations. This paper proposed two new mean and median techniques to solve the multiobjective linear fractional programming problem by overcoming the limitations. After utilizing mean and median techniques, the problem is converted into an equivalent linear fractional programming problem; then, the linear fractional programming problem is transformed into linear programming problem and solved by the conventional simplex method or mathematical software. Some numerical examples have been illustrated to show the efficiency of the proposed techniques and algorithm. The performance of these solutions was evaluated by comparing their results with other existing methods. The numerical results have shown that the proposed techniques are better than other techniques. Furthermore, the proposed techniques solve a pure multiobjective maximization problem, which is even impossible with some existing techniques. The present investigation can be improved further, which is left for future research.
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Transgender and Gender Diverse Population: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Draper Lachlan , Vikas Ashis , Das Subhash , Yadav Suresh , Walker Frances , Bandilovska Ivona
Published: May 2024

Objective. Present a case of a transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individual receiving gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) who presented with first episode bipolar mania and received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). To understand the safety and efficacy of ECT in the TGD population including those receiving GAHT through literature review. Materials and Methods. Case report using informed consent from an individual TGD patient who received ECT. A review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Medline. Results. The case illustrated safe and effective ECT use in a TGD individual receiving GAHT. Eight studies were reviewed. GAHT has been reported to interfere with certain anaesthetic agents used in ECT. ECT appeared to be a safe and effective treatment in the TGD samples in those studies. Conclusion. There is limited literature on the safety and efficacy of ECT for TGD individuals receiving GAHT. More research is required to address mental health inequalities in this population and to support safe and effective gender affirming treatment modalities.
Copper Poisoning with Emphasis on Its Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Intoxication
Authors: Rafati Rahimzadeh Mehrdad , Rafati Rahimzadeh Mehravar , Kazemi Sohrab , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar
Published: May 2024

Background. Copper is an essential trace element found in the human body in an oxidized (Cu II) and reduced (Cu I) form. It plays a crucial role in the integrity and function of proteins and enzymes. Short-term and long-term exposure to copper can result in harmful effects and lead to clinical manifestations in multiple bodily systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, eyes, respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, endocrine, and hematopoietic systems. Objective. The purpose of this study is the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of copper poisoning immediate and necessary measures and the use of chelators. Materials and Methods. In this review article, authors from Pub Med, Scopus, and a toxicologic emergencies reference book from 1996 to 2024 are used. Result. An excessive increase in copper level produces reactive oxygen species that can cause lipid peroxidation in cell membranes, direct oxidation of proteins, and the breakdown of DNA and RNA molecules. All of these can generally be reasons for cell death. Conclusion. Assessing levels of copper in whole blood, free serum copper, 24-hr urine copper, liver biopsy for copper concentration, and ceruloplasmin play a crucial role in the diagnosis. The blood copper concentration is directly related to the severity of poisoning. Treatment for copper poisoning typically involves removing the source of exposure and administering medications to help remove the excess copper from the body. Supportive care for copper intoxication usually includes managing vomiting, correcting fluids and electrolytes, and stabilizing vital signs. Chelators like D-penicillamine, succimer, trientine, tetrathiomolybdate, and PBT-2 have been utilized in treatment.
Practical Implications of the Organizational Commitment Model in Healthcare: The Case of Nurses
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Mercedes , Herrera Juan , de las Heras-Rosas Carlos , Ciruela-Lorenzo Antonio Manuel
Published: May 2024

Background. In addition to the usual difficulty of managing human capital in any organization, healthcare institutions have other problems to solve arising from the circumstances and the very nature of the work they perform, such as the ethical pressure on staff, emotional exhaustion, the distribution of work shifts, or the general shortage for nurses. In many cases, this situation has an impact on the quality of care. Objective. The main objective of this research is to compile, in a single document, human resource practices that help health centre managers improve results in terms of performance and quality of care, as well as avoid the intention of abandoning the job, specifically related to the work of nurses. Methods. To this end, a systematic literature review has been performed based on 229 papers published in the Web of Science database, from which the practical implications for nurses proposed by these authors have been extracted. Results. The main results suggest that developing affective commitment helps to improve organizational performance and enhance patient safety culture. Furthermore, improving communication and meaningfulness of work, recognition by superiors, or job flexibility would improve the quality of outcomes, for the work of nurses. Conclusions and Implications for Nursing. Stimulating normative commitment, reducing excessive control, and paying attention to job burnout and job stress help combat the intention of voluntary turnover or leaving the job, especially in the case of nurses.
The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression before and after COVID-19 Vaccines Were Universally Available for Adults in the United States
Authors: Parcesepe Angela M. , Nash Denis , Shen Jenny , Kulkarni Sarah G. , Zimba Rebecca , You William , Berry Amanda , Piltch-Loeb Rachael , Fleary Sasha A. , Stanton Eva , Grov Christian , Robertson McKaylee M.
Published: May 2024

Our objective was to examine the influence of COVID-19 vaccination on recent (i.e., past month) moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety (GAD‐7≥10) or depression (PHQ‐8≥10) before and after the COVID-19 vaccine became universally available for adults in the U.S. Participants belonged to the Communities, Households, and SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology Cohort (CHASING COVID), a national longitudinal study. Our analytic population included 4,832 participants who reported vaccination status from December 2020 to December 2021 with follow-up outcomes assessed through March 2022. We emulated a hypothetical randomized experiment, a target trial, to estimate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on symptoms of anxiety or depression. Before vaccines were universally available, participants who were vaccinated versus not had significantly lower adjusted odds of symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety (aOR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70-0.89). In the universal vaccine era, vaccination was associated with marginally higher adjusted odds of symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety (aOR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.00-1.50). Vaccination did not influence subsequent moderate or severe depressive symptoms in the preuniversal vaccine era (aOR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.82-1.03) or universal vaccine era (aOR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.91-1.36). Research into the longitudinal relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and symptoms of depression and anxiety is warranted, with a focus on advancing understanding of potential mediators on the pathway between vaccination and mental health as well as modifiable factors, such as vaccine hesitancy or vaccine beliefs, that may help identify populations for whom vaccination may be particularly beneficial to their mental health.
Reportes Integrados: La evolución de los Contadores Públicos y Auditores
Authors: Borges Humberto A.
Published: May 2024

Los Principios Contables Generalmente Aceptados (PCGA) fueron los pilares de la Contabilidad desde que el Colegio de Contadores de Chile A.G. nace en el 1932. (seguir leyendo...)
Políticas industriales y el fin del libre comercio
Authors: García Carlos
Published: May 2024

En los años setenta, los economistas de Chicago decidieron dejar de proteger a la industria doméstica, reduciendo drásticamente los aranceles y liberalizando todos los precios de la economía. El resultado fue avasallador, cientos de empresas cerraron, perdiéndose miles de empleos, capital y sobre todo conocimiento para producir bienes. La economía tomó otro rumbo y, después de la crisis de la deuda externa de los ochenta, resurgió otra industria basada en recursos naturales y orientada hacia el sector exportador y los servicios.(seguir leyendo...)