bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method to Find Key Shapelets from Ripples in Hippocampus of Rats
Authors: Ishihara Yuta , Tomohara Yuto , Fujimoto Ken'ichi , Murai Hiroshi , Ishikawa Junko , Mitsushima Dai
Published: May 2024

Since ripples in hippocampal CA1 diversify with episodic experience to increase information entropy, we hypothesized that ripples contain local waveforms (shapelets) that episodic memories are encoded. Finding shapelets from ripples of rats that experienced an episode contributes to verify our hypothesis. In this letter, to find key shapelets from ripples, we proposed a method consisting of k‐shape for clustering time‐series waveforms, shapelet transform to classify time‐series waveforms, and L1 regularized logistic regression to select key factors for classification in shapelet transform. Among these, k‐shape and shapelet transform should be improved because k‐shape has a restriction that lengths of time‐series waveforms must be the same, and similarity criteria of time‐series waveforms in the both methods are inconsistent. To solve the problems, we improved functions defined as similarity between time‐series waveforms. Our experimental results showed that the proposed method was able to find key shapelets from ripples. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Design and Implementation of a Cost‐Effective, Portable Impedance Analyzer Device with AD5941
Authors: Tran Ngoc‐Luan , Ha‐Phan Ngoc‐Quan , Phan Thien‐Luan , Ching Congo Tak Shing , Ha Minh‐Khue
Published: May 2024

This study proposes a cost‐effective, small‐size, and portable impedance analyzer using the AD5941 Analog Front End (AFE) that makes frequency sweep measurement for various applications. The design utilizes a microcontroller and an AD5941 circuit for impedance measurement. The AD541 is a high precision impedance converter system that consists of a 16‐bit, 1.6 MSPS, analog to digital converter (ADC), an integrated waveform generator, and a digital signal processing (DSP) block. The AD5941 has many advantages over the AD5933 which was used in numerous studies in the past decade. Also, the device implements the four‐wire impedance method which is an impedance measuring technique that reduces the effect of electrodes to achieve higher accuracy. A supporting Graphic User Interface (GUI) software is employed to control the Impedance Analyzer device and to visualize the measurement. This impedance analyzer achieves a frequency resolution of 0.015 Hz and can generate sinusoid up to 200 kHz. In frequency range from 10 kHz to 150 kHz, the device can measure impedance in the range of 10 Ω–100 kΩ with less than 4.3% of error in comparison with benchtop impedance analyzer, Microtest 6632. Moreover, our impedance measurement device has undergone testing involving human calf measurements and electrochemical quantification, particularly for estimating Sodium Chlorite. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that our design not only fulfills the criteria of an impedance analyzer device but also performs effectively across diverse applications. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
LLM-Based Agents for Automating the Enhancement of User Story Quality: An Early Report
Authors: Zhang Zheying , Rayhan Maruf , Herda Tomas , Goisauf Manuel , Abrahamsson Pekka
Published: May 2024

In agile software development, maintaining high-quality user stories is crucial, but also challenging. This study explores the application of large language models (LLMs) to improve the quality of user stories within the agile teams of Austrian Post Group IT. We developed an Autonomous LLM-based Agent System (ALAS) and evaluated its impact on user story quality with 11 participants from six agile teams. Our findings reveal the potential of LLMs in improving user story quality, provide a practical example, and lay the foundation for future research into the broad application of LLMs in a variety of industry settings.
Tumor-derived extracellular vesicle proteins as new biomarkers and targets in precision oncology
Authors: Liao Haiyan , Zhang Cheng , Wang Fen , Jin Feng , Zhao Qiqi , Wang Xinying , Wang Shubin , Gao Jing
Published: May 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important carriers of signaling molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, and have become a focus of increasing interest due to their numerous physiological and pathological functions. For a long time, most studies on EV components focused on noncoding RNAs; however, in recent years, extracellular vesicle proteins (EVPs) have been found to play important roles in diagnosis, treatment, and drug resistance and thus have been considered favorable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various tumors. In this review, we describe the general protocols of research on EVPs and summarize their multifaceted roles in precision medicine applications, including cancer diagnosis, dynamic monitoring of therapeutic efficacy, drug resistance research, tumor microenvironment interaction research, and anticancer drug delivery.
Forty years of advances in optical biosensors—are “autonomous” biosensors in our future?
Authors: Ligler Frances S. , Ligler George T.
Published: May 2024

Optical biosensors have employed at least three distinct system architectures over the last 40 years, moving from “sample in-answer out” systems to completely embedding the optical biosensor into the sample to embedding the recognition module in the sample and optically interrogating the recognition module from outside of the sample. This trends article provides an overview of the evolution of these three system architectures and discusses how each architecture has been applied to solve the measurement challenges of a wide variety of applications. A fourth biosensor system architecture, that of an “autonomous” biosensor which “takes the user out of the loop” while both detecting target analytes and responding to that measurement, is currently under development for applications initially including environmental cleanup and “smart therapeutics.” As is the case in many other areas of technology, it will be profoundly interesting to observe the further development and application of elegant, simpler (optical) biosensor systems to address tomorrow’s measurement needs.

Graphical abstract
Attention facilitates initiation of perceptual decision making: a combined psychophysical and electroencephalography study
Authors: Ueno Tomohiro , Kumano Hironori , Uka Takanori
Published: May 2024

Humans can selectively process information and make decisions by directing their attention to desired locations in their daily lives. Numerous studies have shown that attention increases the rate of correct responses and shortens reaction time, and it has been hypothesized that this phenomenon is caused by an increase in sensitivity of the sensory signals to which attention is directed. The present study employed psychophysical methods and electroencephalography (EEG) to test the hypothesis that attention accelerates the onset of information accumulation. Participants were asked to discriminate the motion direction of one of two random dot kinematograms presented on the left and right sides of the visual field, one of which was cued by an arrow in 80% of the trials. The drift–diffusion model was applied to the percentage of correct responses and reaction times in the attended and unattended fields of view. Attention primarily increased sensory sensitivity and shortened the time unrelated to decision making. Next, we measured centroparietal positivity (CPP), an EEG measure associated with decision making, and found that CPP latency was shorter in attended trials than in unattended trials. These results suggest that attention not only increases sensory sensitivity but also accelerates the initiation of decision making.
Completing the picture: using vertebrae as well as otoliths in diet analysis reveals new preferred prey of great skuas
Authors: Quer Susanna , Pierce Graham John , Waggershauser Cristian N. , Gilbert Lucy
Published: May 2024

Knowledge of the diet of marine predators such as seabirds is fundamental to understanding the ecological cascades they may influence and the impact that environmental changes may have on them. Diet analysis of seabirds frequently relies on the identification of fish otoliths in pellets. However, it is recognised that the true dietary importance of fish with small and fragile otoliths is likely underestimated, requiring an additional method. In this study, we compared the identification of otoliths with that of vertebrae in pellets to gain a more complete picture of seabird diet. We identified fish otoliths and vertebrae from 2584 great skua Stercorarius skua pellets collected between 2014 and 2017 from five colonies in Scotland. Diet varied markedly between colonies, comprising mostly fish in Shetland and mostly birds in St Kilda. 10% of pellets contained otoliths compared to 70% with fish vertebrae. Atlantic herring Clupea harengus and Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus were the most common fish species at all colonies when using vertebrae in contrast to being virtually absent when using otoliths. Conversely, the occurrence of Norway pout Trisopterus esmarkii and pollock Pollachius pollachius otoliths was six and eight times, respectively, higher than for vertebrae. Therefore, combining data from both otoliths and vertebrae provides a more complete profile of the fish component of seabird diet. This is fundamental to improving our understanding of the impacts of marine management policies on seabirds, as well as how changes in the population size of such seabird species might affect their prey species.
Enhancing precision in quantification and spatial distribution of logging residues in plantation stands
Authors: Udali Alberto , Talbot Bruce , Ackerman Simon , Crous Jacob , Grigolato Stefano
Published: May 2024

Forests, essential components of ecosystems, are managed for sustainable timber production in forest plantations to meet the growing demand for wood products. The intricate balance between sustainable forest management and logging residue management practices is crucial for ecological integrity and economic viability. Logging residues, byproducts of timber harvesting, significantly influence carbon and nutrient cycling, soil structure, and overall ecosystem health. Recent technological advancements, particularly the use of drones integrated with artificial intelligence, enable the processing of large datasets, providing meaningful insights into logging residues and forest dynamics. This study aims to evaluate the quantification and distribution of logging residues in forest plantations, utilizing machine learning classification models fed with drone-based images. The classification was performed using a Random Forest model fed with spectral and terrain variables, whereas the volume estimations were derived from field measurements and from the drone classification. Overall the classification achieved solid results (Overall Accuracy of 0.89), and the volume estimation resulting in solid comparison with field estimation (ratio 0.72–1.98), but poor correlation (R2 of 0.26 and 0.36). We concluded that the proposed methodology is suitable for classifying and assessing residues distribution over recently harvested areas, but further improvement of the volume estimation methodology is necessary to ensure comprehensive and precise assessment of residue distribution over recently harvested areas.
Socio-demographic Predictors of Hospitalization Duration Among Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Yaniv-Rosenfeld Amit , Savchenko Elizaveta , Netzer Maya , Elalouf Amir , Nitzan Uri
Published: May 2024

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex psychopathology associated with high service utilization rates. In turn, the hospitalization of BPD patients is a controversial challenge for mental health professionals. Prior literature has identified certain socio-demographic factors as linked to an increased risk of BPD. In this study, we examined the possible connection between these socio-demographic factors and hospitalization duration. We analyzed 1077 hospitalization records of 200 BPD-diagnosed patients. Patients’ gender, age, education level, employment and marital statuses, and living arrangement were statistically significantly linked with hospitalization duration. Specifically, female gender, age twenty or below, no high-school diploma (or, to a lesser extent, a diploma with no academic education), unemployment status and/or patients who live with parents are strongly associated with longer hospitalizations compared to male gender, older patients, more educated, married/divorced status and/or those who do not live with their parents. Additionally, the results point to a weak, albeit statistically significant, temporal pattern with more advanced hospitalizations generally aligning with the duration of their preceding ones, while being slightly shorter. In order to prevent potentially unnecessary prolonged and regressive hospitalizations, an estimation of the expected hospitalization duration should be explicitly considered when setting hospitalization goals and plans.
The perceptions of task cohesion in collaborative learning teams
Authors: Zamecnik Andrew , Kovanović Vitomir , Joksimović Srećko , Grossmann Georg , Ladjal Djazia , Pardo Abelardo
Published: May 2024

Team cohesion is critical in driving successful outcomes for teams in collaborative learning settings. It shapes team behaviour, fostering shared perceptions, group synchrony and a common goal-oriented approach. This affinity becomes evident in dynamic interactions, offering insights into team behaviour through interaction data analysis. Interpreting interaction data proves complex, hampering our understanding and insights into shared team perceptions and task cohesion development. This paper used temporal motif analysis to examine the changes in team members’ cohesive perceptions and behaviours, including task cohesion, performance outcomes, engagement and group synchrony. Trace data from an online work-integrated learning environment captured learning behaviours, while responses to a questionnaire at different stages of a study program captured task cohesion and cohesive perceptions. The findings reveal teams with strong task cohesion and high performance tend to share similar cohesive perceptions driven by interdependent interactions. Conversely, teams with different cohesion perceptions have lower interaction interdependence and poorer performance. Through analysing team interaction data, this study uncovered key insights to promote positive adjustments aligning team perceptions, enhancing collaborative learning and offering support for improved performance, engagement and synchrony among teams, ultimately benefiting learning outcomes and the cultivation of skills and competencies.
Improving assessment of lesions in longitudinal CT scans: a bi-institutional reader study on an AI-assisted registration and volumetric segmentation workflow
Authors: Hering Alessa , Westphal Max , Gerken Annika , Almansour Haidara , Maurer Michael , Geisler Benjamin , Kohlbrandt Temke , Eigentler Thomas , Amaral Teresa , Lessmann Nikolas , Gatidis Sergios , Hahn Horst , Nikolaou Konstantin , Othman Ahmed , Moltz Jan , Peisen Felix
Published: May 2024

Purpose

AI-assisted techniques for lesion registration and segmentation have the potential to make CT-based tumor follow-up assessment faster and less reader-dependent. However, empirical evidence on the advantages of AI-assisted volumetric segmentation for lymph node and soft tissue metastases in follow-up CT scans is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency, quality, and inter-reader variability of an AI-assisted workflow for volumetric segmentation of lymph node and soft tissue metastases in follow-up CT scans. Three hypotheses were tested: (H1) Assessment time for follow-up lesion segmentation is reduced using an AI-assisted workflow. (H2) The quality of the AI-assisted segmentation is non-inferior to the quality of fully manual segmentation. (H3) The inter-reader variability of the resulting segmentations is reduced with AI assistance.

Materials and methods

The study retrospectively analyzed 126 lymph nodes and 135 soft tissue metastases from 55 patients with stage IV melanoma. Three radiologists from two institutions performed both AI-assisted and manual segmentation, and the results were statistically analyzed and compared to a manual segmentation reference standard.

Results

AI-assisted segmentation reduced user interaction time significantly by 33% (222 s vs. 336 s), achieved similar Dice scores (0.80–0.84 vs. 0.81–0.82) and decreased inter-reader variability (median Dice 0.85–1.0 vs. 0.80–0.82; ICC 0.84 vs. 0.80), compared to manual segmentation.

Conclusion

The findings of this study support the use of AI-assisted registration and volumetric segmentation for lymph node and soft tissue metastases in follow-up CT scans. The AI-assisted workflow achieved significant time savings, similar segmentation quality, and reduced inter-reader variability compared to manual segmentation.
A power-aware vision-based virtual sensor for real-time edge computing
Authors: Contoli Chiara , Calisti Lorenzo , Fabrizio Giacomo Di , Kania Nicholas , Bogliolo Alessandro , Lattanzi Emanuele
Published: May 2024

Graphics processing units and tensor processing units coupled with tiny machine learning models deployed on edge devices are revolutionizing computer vision and real-time tracking systems. However, edge devices pose tight resource and power constraints. This paper proposes a real-time vision-based virtual sensors paradigm to provide power-aware multi-object tracking at the edge while preserving tracking accuracy and enhancing privacy. We thoroughly describe our proposed system architecture, focusing on the Dynamic Inference Power Manager (DIPM). Our proposed DIPM is based on an adaptive frame rate to provide energy savings. We implement and deploy the virtual sensor and the DIPM on the NVIDIA Jetson Nano edge platform to prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed solution. The results of extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed virtual sensor can achieve a reduction in energy consumption of about 36% in videos with relatively low dynamicity and about 21% in more dynamic video content while simultaneously maintaining tracking accuracy within a range of less than 1.2%.
Dialoge und Sprachlehrstrategien: Alternative Ansätze zur Erklärung frühkindlicher Sprachentwicklung – Ergebnisse einer Interventionsstudie
Authors: Hormann Oliver
Published: May 2024

Die Studie untersucht den Einfluss zweier pädagogischer Prozessqualitätsmerkmale – des Gebrauchs von Sprachlehrstrategien (Input-Strategien, Modellierungs- und Korrekturtechniken und Output-Strategien) und der dialogischen Qualität der Konversation – auf die Sprachentwicklung von Kindern im Alter von 3 bis 5 Jahren. Die Prozessqualität wird dabei sowohl als unabhängige Einflussgröße des kindlichen Sprachzuwachses wie auch als Übertragungsmechanismus für eine Qualifizierungsmaßnahme zur alltagsintegrierten Sprachbildung im Elementarbereich untersucht. Die Daten wurden in einem Prätest-Posttest-Follow-Up-(Intervention-Kontrollgruppen‑)Design erhoben. Die Sprachkompetenzen der Kinder wurden breitgefächert in den Bereichen des Wortschatzes, des Sprachverständnisses, der Grammatik sowie der auditiven Gedächtnisleistungen gemessen. Gruppenbezogene Maße der Prozessqualität wurden auf Basis von Videoaufnahmen der Fachkraft-Kind-Interaktionen ermittelt. Im Rahmen von Mehrebenen-Mediationsanalysen wird gezeigt, dass unterschiedliche Zustände der Dialogqualität zu Beginn der Erhebung Verbesserungen des morphologischen Regelwissens, Satzgedächtnisses und Satzverständnisses zum zweiten Messzeitpunkt und Zuwächse im Satzverständnis auch zum dritten Messzeitpunkt vorhersagen. Demgegenüber wirken sich Veränderungen der Dialogqualität im Interventionszeitraum positiv auf parallele Veränderungen im phonologischen Arbeitsgedächtnis sowie in der Gedächtnisspanne für Wortfolgen aus. Input-Strategien beeinflussen die Sprachentwicklung der Kinder in den Bereichen des expressiven Wortschatzes, des morphologischen Regelwissens, des Satzgedächtnisses sowie des Satzverständnisses. Die Wirkungen werden dabei durch Zuwächse in der Nutzungshäufigkeit der Input-Strategien im Interventionszeitraum hervorgebracht und treten in parallelen und/oder langfristigen Veränderungen der Sprachleistungen zutage. Während die Output-Strategien keinen Effekt auf die Sprachentwicklung haben, wirken sich die Modellierungs- und Korrekturtechniken auf viele Kompetenzbereiche, die durch den Einsatz der Input-Strategien gefördert werden, negativ aus. Die Befunde werden unter methodischen Gesichtspunkten diskutiert. Die Mediationsanalysen belegen insgesamt das Potenzial der Dialogqualität und Input-Strategien für die Übertragung von Fortbildungsinhalten alltagsintegrierter Sprachbildungsprogramme auf die kindliche Sprachentwicklung.
Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Staple Line Leaks Following Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Abu-Abeid Adam , Litmanovich Adi , Abu-Abeid Subhi , Eldar Shai Meron , Lahat Guy , Yuval Jonathan Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The long-term outcomes of patients with staple line leaks (SLL) after SG are under-reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with SLL after SG.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of a maintained patient registry of patients undergoing SG between January 2012 and December 2020 in a single bariatric center was analyzed and included patients with SLL. Outcomes were compared to a group without SLL.

Results

During this period, 1985 patients underwent SG of which 61 patients (3.1%) developed leak. 26 patients (1.3%) had overt SLL and the rest had organ space infection around the staple line. The mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 39.8 ± 11.3 and 41.5 ± 4.7, respectively. 7 patients (11.4%) underwent concomitant surgery and 12 patients (19.7%) had intraoperative complications. Leak was complicated by Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 in 31 patients (50.8%). Reoperation rate was 27.8% (n = 17). ≥ 2 interventions were required in 26% of patients (n = 16). Two patients died during hospitalization due to septic complications. Long-term follow-up of median 121 months was available in 78% of the cohort (n = 48). The median total weight loss and BMI were 27% and 30.1 kg/m2, respectively. Weight loss outcomes were higher in comparison to patients without SLL. Seven patients (14.6%) underwent SG revision. All associated medical problems improved during follow-up except for gastroesophageal reflux which was found in 50% of cohort.

Conclusion

Long-term outcomes of SG patients with SLL are satisfactory in terms of weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and requirement for surgical revision.

Graphical Abstract
Influence of N2 plasma treatment on properties of black phosphorus devices in space electronic systems
Authors: Wang Shenli , Wang Zhigao , Wang Xuan , Xia Huan , Wang Qian , Duan Peng , Leng Feiyu , Tian Jing , Huang Hao , Ip Wai-Hung , Yung Kai-Leung
Published: May 2024

In order to improve the country’s comprehensive national strength and seize space resources, the implementation of new space systems requires the use of advanced technology in key applications of microelectronics. To further improve device performance, black phosphorus (BP) is used to overcome feature size limitations for its atomic thickness. BP has excellent physical properties such as in-plane anisotropy, thickness-dependent direct band gap and high carrier mobility. However, the performance control of phosphene is a major challenge in practical applications. In order to tune the BP performance, various theoretical and experimental studies on the doping mechanism and strategies of BP have been proposed and reported. In this work, the performance of BP can be effectively tuned by N2 plasma treatment. By changing the power and processing time, the on-state current and mobility of the device can be effectively improved. This simple and efficient doping technique provides a valuable way to realize high performance BP thin film transistors.
Numerical modelling for stability of homogeneous clay and sand slopes improved by polyurethane foam piles in slope face
Authors: Hassona Faek , Hakeem Beshoy Maher
Published: May 2024

Polyurethane foam (P.U.) injection resin techniques have been widely used for slab crack repair, soil improvement, and structural crack repair over the past 20 years. In this study, numerical investigations were carried out to enhance the strength of both sand and clay soils via utilizing polyurethane foam as inclusion material. The investigation was conducted using ‘GeoStudio (SLOPE/W) 2D’ software to model 6 m high homogeneous slopes made of soft clay and medium sand with varying slope angles (25°, 30°, 35°) on same soil extended up to 9 m depth and with inclusion of polyurethane foam piles of varying diameter (0.5 m, 0.8 m), length (up to 10 m) and spacing (0.5 m, 1 m, 2 m) in the slope face. The numerical model was verified using experimental test results conducted by Hassona and Abdelnaeem (Physical and mechanical properties of polyurethane foam conditioned sand. MSc, Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Minia University). The results revealed that, for slope angle, Ø = 30°, the factor of safety for clay soil increased when using polyurethane piles (diameter, 0.5 m and 10 m length) having spacing of two m, one m, half m, and when used as sheet piles, respectively. The factor of safety for clay soil increased significantly when using polyurethane piles (diameter, 0.8 m, and 10 m length) having spacing the same as before and as sheet piles having width of 0.5 and 0.8 m, respectively. Also, for medium dense sand soil, using polyurethane piles (diameter, 0.5 m and 10 m length) having spacing the same as before, and as sheet piles increased factor of safety much more than that for clay soil. In addition, for medium dense sand soil similar observation were noticed using polyurethane piles (diameter 0.8 m, and 10 m length) having spacing the same as before, and as sheet piles, respectively. In addition, the effects of slope angles also studied.
Potentially toxic metals contamination in stream sediments of Mbal area (Pan-African fold belt, Cameroon)
Authors: Jean-Lavenir Ndema Mbongué , Cyrille Sigué , Fulbert Mbowou Ngantche Igor , Nkongho Ako Arrey Jane Obi , Yiika Lemnyuy Prosper , Estelle Nga Essomba Tsoungui Philomène , Junior Emmanuel Eseya Mengu
Published: May 2024

The Mbal area is situated within the Neoproterozoic Lom Basin in Cameroon. The objective of this paper was to determine the level of contamination and risk associated of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in stream sediments of Mbal. Sampling was performed by panning and collected sediment were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. The sediment samples showed significant enrichment in mercury, above 10000 ppb. The other transition metals including manganese, zinc, lead were also elevated, ranging from 825 to 1950, 50.80 to 97 and 9.80 to 87.20 ppm, respectively. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that the enrichment of the PTMs were attributed both to geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Pollution indicators such as degree of contamination, modified degree of contamination and pollution load index yielding 10809.33–200005, 982.67–18182.33 and 0.59–1.18 respectively, suggest high degree of sediments contamination from natural and anthropogenic sources. Geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor revealed moderate to extreme levels of metallic pollution. Potential ecological risk indices show extreme ecological risk index of PTMs suggesting ecological effects to biota and humans in the ecosystem. Mercury, lithology, mining, domestic and agricultural activities were major sources of PTMs pollution. Toxic metals may cause chronic health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, nervous system disorder, kidney damage and gastrointestinal disorder. This study underlines the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management for the preservation of the biotic and non-biotic environment. The results may assist mining companies and local populations in setting realistic targets for monitoring and remediation programs.
Electric Brain Signals
Authors: Halnes Geir , Ness Torbjørn V. , Næss Solveig , Hagen Espen , Pettersen Klas H. , Einevoll Gaute T.
Published: May 2024

It is common to study the electric activity of neurons by measuring the electric potential in the extracellular space of the brain. However, interpreting such measurements requires knowledge of the biophysics underlying the electric signals. Written by leading experts in the field, this volume presents the biophysical foundations of the signals as well as results from long-term research into biophysics-based forward-modeling of extracellular brain signals. This includes applications using the open-source simulation tool LFPy, developed and provided by the authors. Starting with the physical theory of electricity in the brain, this book explains how this theory is used to simulate neuronal activity and the resulting extracellular potentials. Example applications of the theory to model representations of real neural systems are included throughout, making this an invaluable resource for students and scientists who wish to understand the brain through analysis of electric brain signals, using biophysics-based modeling.
Defending Aggregated Legislative Intent
Authors: Tan David
Published: May 2024

Theories of aggregated legislative intent posit that the legislative intent of parliament is what a significant enough proportion of legislators intended (e.g., legislative intent is p if a majority intend that p). After all, many think the same way about democracy (‘votes reveal the will of the people’) and about courts (‘a court decision is based on judicial voting’). The existing literature on aggregated legislative intent, however, tends to make two undefended assumptions: (i) Informed Assumption: all legislators have policy intentions; and (ii) Group Intent Assumption: the existence of an aggregated intent entails the existence of a group intent. Despite these assumptions being subject to great scrutiny, they largely remain undefended. This paper defends the Group Intent Assumption and shows that aggregated theories can survive with a weaker version of the Informed Assumption.
Trust, Guilds, and Kinship in London, 1330–1680
Authors: Adam Ammaarah , Adès Raphael , Banks William , Benning Canberk , Grant Gwyneth , Forster-Brass Harry , McGiveron Owen , Miller Joseph , Phelan Daniel , Randazzo Sebastian , Reilly Matthew , Scott Michael , Serban Sebastian , Stockton Carys , Wallis Patrick
Published: May 2024

How was trust created and reinforced between the inhabitants of medieval and early modern cities? And how did the social foundations of trusting relationships change over time? Current research highlights the role of kinship, neighbourhood, and associations, particularly guilds, in creating ‘relationships of trust’ and social capital in the face of high levels of migration, mortality, and economic volatility, but tells us little about their relative importance or how they developed. We uncover a profound shift in the contribution of family and guilds to trust networks among the middling and elite of one of Europe's major cities, London, over three centuries, from the 1330s to the 1680s. We examine almost 15,000 networks of sureties created to secure orphans’ inheritances to measure the presence of trusting relationships connected by guild membership, family, and place. We uncover a profound increase in the role of kinship – a re-embedding of trust within the family – and a decline of the importance of shared guild membership in connecting Londoners who secured orphans’ inheritances together. These developments indicate a profound transformation in the social fabric of urban society.
Navigating the Digital Divide: Challenges and Opportunities in Research Publishing for African Scholars
Authors: Aldirdiri Osman
Published: May 2024

From ancient times, African civilization has participated in knowledge production and dissemination. The nature of research production and publishing in Africa varied throughout the years according to the influences and infrastructures present at each point in time. The colonization era was a landmark in the evolution of research practice and research publishing in Africa. It had consequences that lasted long after independence and contributed to the underdevelopment of research production and publishing systems in Africa. Currently, Africa is lagging behind in terms of its contribution to global research. An increase in African research output and an improvement of its visibility are needed. The digitization of research publishing holds great opportunities for the enhancement of scholarly publishing systems in Africa, yet it is faced with challenges. This article identifies the major challenges faced by governments, institutions, and scholars in digitizing research publishing in Africa. These challenges include limited funding, poor infrastructures, low research output, language barriers, difficulties in establishing quality assurance, copyright issues, data-management issues, and lack of policies and regulations. Addressing these challenges in local contexts is necessary to enhance digital research publishing in Africa.
The role of neuropsychology in the care of patients with functional neurological symptom disorder
Authors: Van Patten Ryan , Mordecai Kristen , LaFrance W. Curt
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD) is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by signs/symptoms associated with brain network dysfunction. FNSDs are common and are associated with high healthcare costs. FNSDs are relevant to neuropsychologists, as they frequently present with chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms, subjective cognitive concerns, and/or low neuropsychological test scores, with associated disability and reduced quality of life. However, neuropsychologists in some settings are not involved in care of patients with FNSDs. This review summarizes relevant FNSD literature with a focus on the role of neuropsychologists.

Methods:

A brief review of the literature is provided with respect to epidemiology, public health impact, symptomatology, pathophysiology, and treatment.

Results:

Two primary areas of focus for this review are the following: (1) increasing neuropsychologists’ training in FNSDs, and (2) increasing neuropsychologists’ role in assessment and treatment of FNSD patients.

Conclusions:

Patients with FNSD would benefit from increased involvement of neuropsychologists in their care.
Design of a broadband high-efficiency power amplifier based on ring-resonant filter with compensation architecture and a series of continuous modes
Authors: Xu Sen , Wu JianFeng , Chen Xiang
Published: May 2024

A systematic design approach is presented for the design of broadband high-efficiency power amplifiers (PAs) by combining an improved ring-resonant filter matching network with a series of continuous modes. The improved ring-resonant matching network presented can effectively enhance out-of-band attenuation and sharp roll-off characteristics by adding a compensation structure with parallel stub. To verify the proposed design theory, a 10-W GaN HEMT device is designed and fabricated. The test results indicate that from the operating frequency band of 0.55−3.3 GHz with a relative bandwidth of 142.9%, a saturated output power of 38.5−42 dBm, drain efficiency of 58.2−70.3%, and a gain of 8.5–12 dB can be achieved under 3 dB gain compression, indicating the rationality of the design theory.
Verbindliche Lernbegleitung für nachhaltiges Lernen
Authors: Stumpf-Parketny Tanja , Schünemann Sebastian
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung: Freiwilligkeit hat im Kontext von Lernbegleitung eine hohe Relevanz. Als ein wesentliches Merkmal gilt es, dieses bei der Gestaltung und Reflexion zu berücksichtigen und genau zu beleuchten (Pätzold & Ulm, 2015). Die Evaluationsergebnisse des Praxisprojektes ILKA zeigen, dass Teilnehmende einer verpflichtenden Lernbegleitung zustimmen, wenn die Nachhaltigkeit und Effekte des Angebotes als positiv eingeschätzt werden.
Structural basis of a small monomeric Clivia fluorogenic RNA with a large Stokes shift
Authors: Huang Kaiyi , Song Qianqian , Fang Mengyue , Yao Deqiang , Shen Xin , Xu Xiaochen , Chen Xianjun , Zhu Linyong , Yang Yi , Ren Aiming
Published: May 2024

RNA-based fluorogenic modules have revolutionized the spatiotemporal localization of RNA molecules. Recently, a fluorophore named 5-((Z)-4-((2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino)benzylidene)-3-methyl-2-((E)-styryl)-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one (NBSI), emitting in red spectrum, and its cognate aptamer named Clivia were identified, exhibiting a large Stokes shift. To explore the underlying molecular basis of this unique RNA–fluorophore complex, we determined the tertiary structure of Clivia–NBSI. The overall structure uses a monomeric, non-G-quadruplex compact coaxial architecture, with NBSI sandwiched at the core junction. Structure-based fluorophore recognition pattern analysis, combined with fluorescence assays, enables the orthogonal use of Clivia–NBSI and other fluorogenic aptamers, paving the way for both dual-emission fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging of RNA molecules within living cells. Furthermore, on the basis of the structure-based substitution assay, we developed a multivalent Clivia fluorogenic aptamer containing multiple minimal NBSI-binding modules. This innovative design notably enhances the recognition sensitivity of fluorophores both in vitro and in vivo, shedding light on future efficient applications in various biomedical and research contexts.
A novel fatty acid metabolism-related signature identifies MUC4 as a novel therapy target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Shanshan , Liu Zhengcao , Chen Qingqing , Chen Yuetong , Ji Shengjun
Published: May 2024

Fatty acid metabolism has been identified as an emerging hallmark of cancer, which was closely associated with cancer prognosis. Whether fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FMGs) signature play a more crucial role in biological behavior of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prognosis remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to identify a reliable FMGs signature for assisting treatment decisions and prognosis evaluation of ESCC. In the present study, we conducted consensus clustering analysis on 259 publicly available ESCC samples. The clinical information was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, 80 ESCC samples) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE53625, 179 ESCC samples). A consensus clustering arithmetic was used to determine the FMGs molecular subtypes, and survival outcomes and immune features were evaluated among the different subtypes. Kaplan–Meier analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was applied to evaluate the reliability of the risk model in training cohort, validation cohort and all cohorts. A nomogram to predict patients’ 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rate was also studied. Finally, CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were implemented to evaluate the inherent mechanisms of FMGs for tumorigenesis in ESCC. Two subtypes were identified by consensus clustering, of which cluster 2 is preferentially associated with poor prognosis, lower immune cell infiltration. A fatty acid (FA) metabolism-related risk model containing eight genes (FZD10, TACSTD2, MUC4, PDLIM1, PRSS12, BAALC, DNAJA2 and ALOX12B) was established. High-risk group patients displayed worse survival, higher stromal, immune and ESTIMATE scores than in the low-risk group. Moreover, a nomogram revealed good predictive ability of clinical outcomes in ESCC patients. The results of qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the MUC4 and BAALC had high expression level, and FZD10, PDLIM1, TACSTD2, ALOX12B had low expression level in ESCC cells. In vitro, silencing MUC4 remarkably inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Our study fills the gap of FMGs signature in predicting the prognosis of ESCC patients. These findings revealed that cluster subtypes and risk model of FMGs had effects on survival prediction, and were expected to be the potential promising targets for ESCC.
Deflection of sliding droplets by dielectrophoresis force on a superhydrophobic surface
Authors: Bai Yun-Han , Chiu Shih-Yuan , Jiang Hong-Ren
Published: May 2024

In this study, we experimentally identify the effect of liquid dielectrophoresis (LDEP) force on a superhydrophobic surface in directing the trajectory of moving water droplets across designed interdigitated electrodes and show that this method is capable of rapidly selecting droplets at a high speed (200 mm/s). As the droplets traverse down the surface by the electric field, their deflection on the edge of these electrodes is achieved successively, allowing for the selective manipulation of discrete droplets. A series of experiments were conducted to validate the relationships among droplet deflections, applied electric fields, and dynamic contact angles. Our findings reveal that the principal driving force behind the droplet deflections is the LDEP force, which can provide instant manipulation of moving droplets rather than a variation in contact angles brought about by electrowetting. This study presents a proof-of-concept experiment utilizing LDEP for high-throughput droplet selection and also highlights the potential applications of this mechanism in high-speed digital microfluidics (DMF) and biological separation methodologies.
In vivo trial of bioresorbable mesh cages contained bone graft granules in rabbit femoral bone defects
Authors: Yanagisawa Toshiki , Hayashi Koichiro , Tsuchiya Akira , Kishida Ryo , Ishikawa Kunio
Published: May 2024

Bone graft granules implanted in bone defects come into physical contact with the host bone and form interconnected porous structure. However, there exists an accidental displacement of granules to unintended locations and leakage of granules from bone defects. Although covering the defect with a barrier membrane prevents granule emanation, this procedure is troublesome. To resolve these problems, we fabricated bioresorbable mesh cages (BRMc) in this study. Bone graft granules composed of carbonate apatite alone (Gr) and bioresorbable mesh cages (BRMc/Gr) introduced the bone graft granules and were implanted into the bone defect in the rabbit femur. Micro-computed tomography and histological analysis were conducted at 4 and 12 weeks after implantation. Osteoprogenitors in the bloodstream from the host bone passed through the pores of BRMc, penetrated the porous structure of graft granules, and might interact with individual granules. Then bone remodeling could progress actively and new bone was formed. The new bone formation was similar to the host bone at 12 weeks and there were minimal signs of local tissue inflammation. BRMc/Gr could reduce the risk of unwanted new bone formation occurring due to loss of granules from the bone defects compared with Gr because BRMc enclosed granules and prevent granules leakage from bone defects and BRMc could not induce unfavorable effects to forme new bone. Additionally, BRMc/Gr could keep granules assembled in one place, avoid displacement of granules to unintended locations, and carry easily. These results demonstrated that BRMc/Gr was effective in bone regeneration and improved clinical handling.
Effect of micro-plastic particles on coral reef foraminifera
Authors: Zientek Alexander , Schagerl Michael , Nagy Matthias , Wanek Wolfgang , Heinz Petra , Ali Sameh S. , Lintner Michael
Published: May 2024

Foraminifera are single-celled protists which are important mediators of the marine carbon cycle. In our study, we explored the potential impact of polystyrene (PS) microplastic particles on two symbiont-bearing large benthic foraminifera species—Heterostegina depressa and Amphistegina lobifera—over a period of three weeks, employing three different approaches: investigating (1) stable isotope (SI) incorporation—via 13C- and 15N-labelled substrates—of the foraminifera to assess their metabolic activity, (2) photosynthetic efficiency of the symbiotic diatoms using imaging PAM fluorometry, and (3) microscopic enumeration of accumulation of PS microplastic particles inside the foraminiferal test. The active feeder A. lobifera incorporated significantly more PS particles inside the cytoplasm than the non-feeding H. depressa, the latter accumulating the beads on the test surface. Photosynthetic area of the symbionts tended to decrease in the presence of microplastic particles in both species, suggesting that the foraminiferal host cells started to digest their diatom symbionts. Compared to the control, the presence of microplastic particles lead to reduced SI uptake in A. lobifera, which indicates inhibition of inorganic carbon and nitrogen assimilation. Competition for particulate food uptake was demonstrated between algae and microplastic particles of similar size. Based on our results, both species seem to be sensitive to microplastic pollution, with non-feeding H. depressa being more strongly affected.
Longitudinal qualitative study on the psychological experiences of COVID-19 patients based on timing it right framework
Authors: Zhang Liangyan , Zhang Chen , Li Kesang , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2024

Timing it right framework was used as a framework to explore the illness experiences of patients infected with COVID-19 and to analyze the patients' perceptions of the disease and their true inner feelings to provide a reference for the control of infectious diseases. This research adopted a phenomenological research approach to develop a longitudinal qualitative study. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants and 37 patients were recruited. Depending on the principle that participants should have maximum variation and sampling should cease when interviews content saturation is achieved, 16 COVID-19 patients in an isolation ward in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province were finally included. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and the content of the interviews was analyzed by Colaizzi’s 7-step method. The themes of COVID-19 patients’ experiences at various phase were presented as follows: multiple emotions intertwined at the time of diagnosis (anxiety, stressful panic, facing the diagnosis calmly), multiple pressures during the hospitalization period (concerns about the disease, unable to adapt to the ward environment, worrying about future hardship), growth of positive illness experience during the isolation and observation period (sublimated outlook on life, affirmation of the government's anti-epidemic policy, more concerned about their own health), adjustment after returning to society (stigma, loss of previous living environment, problems caused by nucleic acid testing), and adaptation to social life (return to normal life, avoidance of illness experience, post-covid-19 syndrome). The illness experience of COVID-19 patients changed dynamically with time, but a sense of shame and uncertainty about recovery was present throughout the process. Interventions should be developed according to the needs of the patients at different times to inform subsequent optimization of care and management of infectious diseases.