bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering of uveal melanoma: County wide analysis within Ohio
Authors: Clevenger Leanne M. , Wrenn Jacquelyn D. , Bena James , Sodhi Guneet , Tullio Katherine , Singh Arun D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To determine if a greater than expected number of cases (clustering) of uveal melanoma occurred within Ohio for any specific region or time period as compared to others.

Design

Analysis of population database.

Methods

Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (OCISS) database (2000–2019) was accessed for the diagnosis of uveal melanoma using the International Classification of Disease for Oncology codes: C69.3 (choroid), C69.4 (ciliary body and iris). Counties within Ohio were grouped by geographic regions (7) and socioeconomic variables. Age- and race-standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated to determine temporal or geographic clustering.

Results

Over the twenty-year period, the total number of uveal melanoma cases reported within Ohio were 1,617 with the overall age-adjusted annual incidence of 6.72 cases per million population (95% CI 6.30–7.16). There was an increase in the incidence of uveal melanoma over 20 years (p<0.001) across seven geographic regions, but no significant difference in incidence rates between the regions. There was no difference in incidence based on county classification by age composition (p = 0.14) or education level (p = 0.11). Counties with a low median household income (p<0.001), those classified as urban (p = 0.004), and those with a greater minority population (p = 0.004) had lower incidence. Less populated counties had a higher incidence of uveal melanoma (p<0.001).

Conclusions

There is no evidence of geographic or temporal clustering of uveal melanoma within Ohio from 2000 to 2019.
Is there a place for sigmoidoscopy in colorectal cancer screening? A systematic review and critical appraisal of cost-effectiveness models
Authors: Diedrich Leonie , Brinkmann Melanie , Dreier Maren , Rossol Siegbert , Schramm Wendelin , Krauth Christian
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is effective in reducing both incidence and mortality. Colonoscopy and stool tests are most frequently used for this purpose. Sigmoidoscopy is an alternative screening measure with a strong evidence base. Due to its distinct characteristics, it might be preferred by subgroups. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the cost-effectiveness of sigmoidoscopy for CRC screening compared to other screening methods and to identify influencing parameters.

Methods

A systematic literature search for the time frame 01/2010–01/2023 was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, Embase, EconLit, Web of Science, NHS EED, as well as the Cost-Effectiveness Registry. Full economic analyses examining sigmoidoscopy as a screening measure for the general population at average risk for CRC were included. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated. All included studies were critically assessed based on a questionnaire for modelling studies.

Results

Twenty-five studies are included in the review. Compared to no screening, sigmoidoscopy is a cost-effective screening strategy for CRC. When modelled as a single measure strategy, sigmoidoscopy is mostly dominated by colonoscopy or modern stool tests. When combined with annual stool testing, sigmoidoscopy in 5-year intervals is more effective and less costly than the respective strategies alone. The results of the studies are influenced by varying assumptions on adherence, costs, and test characteristics.

Conclusion

The combination of sigmoidoscopy and stool testing represents a cost-effective screening strategy that has not received much attention in current guidelines. Further research is needed that goes beyond a narrow focus on screening technology and models different, preference-based participation behavior in subgroups.
A clinical prediction model to differentiate tuberculous spondylodiscitis from pyogenic spontaneous spondylodiscitis
Authors: Lertudomphonwanit Thamrong , Somboonprasert Chirtwut , Lilakhunakon Kittiphon , Jaovisidha Suphaneewan , Ruangchaijatuporn Thumanoon , Fuangfa Praman , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Watcharananan Siriorn , Chanplakorn Pongsthorn
Published: August 2023

Background

Microbiological diagnosis of tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) and pyogenic spontaneous spondylodiscitis (PS) is sometime difficult. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for differentiating TS from PS using clinical characteristics, radiologic findings, and biomarkers, and to develop scoring system by using predictive factors to stratify the probability of TS.

Methods

A retrospective single-center study. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and radiographic findings of patients, confirmed causative pathogens of PS or TS, were assessed for independent factors that associated with TS. The coefficients and odds ratio (OR) of the final model were estimated and used to construct the scoring scheme to identify patients with TS.

Results

There were 73 patients (51.8%) with TS and 68 patients (48.2%) with PS. TS was more frequently associated with younger age, history of tuberculous infection, longer duration of symptoms, no fever, thoracic spine involvement, ≥3 vertebrae involvement, presence of paraspinal abscess in magnetic-resonance-image (MRI), well-defined thin wall abscess, anterior subligamentous abscess, and lower biomarker levels included white blood cell (WBC) counts, erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate (ESR), neutrophil fraction, and C-reactive protein (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant predictors of TS included WBC ≤9,700/mm3 (odds ratio [OR] 13.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.23–40.61), neutrophil fraction ≤78% (OR 4.93, 95% CI 1.59–15.30), ESR ≤92 mm/hr (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.24–13.36) and presence of paraspinal abscess in MRI (OR 10.25, 95% CI 3.17–33.13), with an area under the curve of 0.921. The scoring system stratified the probability of TS into three categories: low, moderate, and high with a TS prevalence of 8.1%, 29.6%, and 82.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

This prediction model incorporating WBC, neutrophil fraction counts, ESR and presence of paraspinal abscess accurately predicted the causative pathogens. The scoring scheme with combination of these biomarkers and radiologic features can be useful to differentiate TS from PS.
Eating for honour: A cultural-ecological analysis of food behaviours among adolescent girls in the southern plains of Nepal
Authors: Morrison Joanna , Basnet Machhindra , Sharma Neha
Published: August 2023

Access to adequate and nutritious food is important for the current and future health of adolescent girls. Interventions often focus on the individual as responsible for their own health ignoring the complex structural issues that underlie optimal nutrition. In South Asia gender inequalities have been noted as an important determinant of poor nutrition among women and their young children, but analysis of adolescent girls’ diets and what influences these are rarely undertaken. Therefore, we sought to analyse the factors affecting what and where girls’ eat and what affects their behaviour in the plains of Nepal, using a cultural-ecological approach. We analysed a secondary qualitative dataset of focus group discussions with adolescent girls aged 12–19 years old, young mothers, mothers-in-law, and older female key informants. Eating was heavily influenced by patriarchal norms. Boys had preferential access to food, money, and freedom of movement to appreciate their future role in providing for the family. Food was an investment, and boys were perceived to have more nutritional need than girls. Girls were not perceived to be a good return on investment of food, and eating practices sought to prepare them for life as a subservient daughter-in-law and wife. Obedience and sacrifice were valued in girls, and they were expected to eat less and do more housework than boys. Girls’ eating and behaviour was constrained to maintain self and family honour. Interventions should acknowledge cultural influences on eating and engage multiple actors in addressing harmful gender norms which limit eating and prevent girls from reaching their potential.
Examining sociodemographic correlates of opioid use, misuse, and use disorders in the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Yeh Hsueh-Han , Peltz-Rauchman Cathryn , Johnson Christine C. , Pawloski Pamala A. , Chesla David , Waring Stephen C. , Stevens Alan B. , Epstein Mara , Joseph Christine , Miller-Matero Lisa R. , Gui Hongsheng , Tang Amy , Boerwinkle Eric , Cicek Mine , Clark Cheryl R. , Cohn Elizabeth , Gebo Kelly , Loperena Roxana , Mayo Kelsey , Mockrin Stephen , Ohno-Machado Lucila , Schully Sheri , Ramirez Andrea H. , Qian Jun , Ahmedani Brian K.
Published: August 2023

Background

The All of Us Research Program enrolls diverse US participants which provide a unique opportunity to better understand the problem of opioid use. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of opioid use and its association with sociodemographic characteristics from survey data and electronic health record (EHR).

Methods

A total of 214,206 participants were included in this study who competed survey modules and shared EHR data. Adjusted logistic regressions were used to explore the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and opioid use.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of street opioids was 4%, and the nonmedical use of prescription opioids was 9%. Men had higher odds of lifetime opioid use (aOR: 1.4 to 3.1) but reduced odds of current nonmedical use of prescription opioids (aOR: 0.6). Participants from other racial and ethnic groups were at reduced odds of lifetime use (aOR: 0.2 to 0.9) but increased odds of current use (aOR: 1.9 to 9.9) compared with non-Hispanic White participants. Foreign-born participants were at reduced risks of opioid use and diagnosed with opioid use disorders (OUD) compared with US-born participants (aOR: 0.36 to 0.67). Men, Younger, White, and US-born participants are more likely to have OUD.

Conclusions

All of Us research data can be used as an indicator of national trends for monitoring the prevalence of receiving prescription opioids, diagnosis of OUD, and non-medical use of opioids in the US. The program employs a longitudinal design for routinely collecting health-related data including EHR data, that will contribute to the literature by providing important clinical information related to opioids over time. Additionally, this data will enhance the estimates of the prevalence of OUD among diverse populations, including groups that are underrepresented in the national survey data.
Echocardiographic determination of right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction: Validation of a truncated cone and rhomboid pyramid formula
Authors: Al Ateah Ghazi , Kirschfink Annemarie , Frick Michael , Almalla Mohammad , Becker Michael , Cornelissen Christian , Hoffmann Rainer , Marx Nikolaus , Altiok Ertunc
Published: August 2023

Background

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular (RV) measurements may be challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a formula for calculation of RV volumes and function based on measurements of linear dimensions by 2-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in comparison to cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

129 consecutive patients with standard TTE and RV analysis by CMR were included. A formula based on the geometric assumptions of a truncated cone minus a truncated rhomboid pyramid was developed for calculations of RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and RV end-systolic volume (ESV) by using the basal diameter of the RV (Dd and Ds) and the baso-apical length (Ld and Ls) in apical 4-chamber TTE views: RV EDV = 1.21 * Dd2 * Ld, and RV ESV = 1.21 * Ds2 * Ls.

Results

Calculations of RV EDV (ΔRV EDV = 10.2±26.4 ml to CMR, r = 0.889), RV ESV (ΔRV ESV = 4.5±18.4 ml to CMR, r = 0.921) and RV EF (ΔRV EF = 0.5±4.0% to CMR, r = 0.905) with the cone-pyramid formula (CPF) highly agreed with CMR. Impaired RV function on CMR (n = 52) was identified with a trend to higher accuracy by CPF than by conventional echocardiographic parameters (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and fractional area change (FAC)).

Conclusion

Calculations of RV volumes and RV function by 2D TTE with the newly developed CPF were in high concordance to measurements by CMR. Accuracy for detection of patients with reduced RV function were higher by the proposed 2D TTE CPF method than by conventional echocardiographic parameters of TAPSE and RV FAC.
The healthy context paradox of bullying victimization and academic adjustment among Chinese adolescents: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Huang Yongqi , Gan Xiong , Jin Xin , Wei Zixu , Cao Youhan , Ke Hanzhe
Published: August 2023

Few empirical studies have specifically examined the underlying mechanisms of the "healthy context paradox" in Chinese cultural context. By constructing a moderated mediation model, the present study investigated the relationship between bullying victimization and academic adjustment, as well as the mediating effects of subjective well-being and the moderating role of classroom-level victimization. A sample of 631 adolescents (Mage = 13.75, SD = 0.74, 318 boys) were recruited from four schools in Hubei, Southern China. Results show that: (1) classroom-level victimization moderates the relationship between bullying victimization and academic adjustment. (2) Classroom-level victimization moderates the association through subjective well-being. This study confirms the healthy context paradox of bullying victimization and first reveals the mechanism of the mediating role of subjective well-being. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the health context paradox is crucial for developing targeted intervention strategies for individuals who experience ongoing bullying.
Targeting FoxO proteins induces lytic reactivation of KSHV for treating herpesviral primary effusion lymphoma
Authors: Lan Jungang , Wang Yeqing , Yue Shusheng , Xu Duo , Li Yinan , Peng Xiangyu , Hu Jiao , Ju Enguo , He Shanping , Li Tingting
Published: August 2023

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic virus consisting of both latent and lytic life cycles. Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive B-cell lineage lymphoma, dominantly latently infected by KSHV. The latent infection of KSHV is persistent and poses an obstacle to killing tumor cells. Like the "shock and kill" strategy designed to eliminate latent HIV reservoir, methods that induce viral lytic reactivation in tumor latently infected by viruses represent a unique antineoplastic strategy, as it could potentially increase the specificity of cytotoxicity in cancer. Inspired by this conception, we proposed that the induction of KSHV lytic reactivation from latency could be a potential therapeutic stratagem for KSHV-associated cancers. Oxidative stress, the clinical hallmark of PEL, is one of the most prominent inducers for KSHV reactivation. Paradoxically, we found that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) triggers robust cytotoxic effects on KSHV-negative rather than KSHV-positive B lymphoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we identified forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) and FoxO3 as irrevocable antioxidant defense genes and both of them are upregulated by KSHV latent infection, which is essential for the promoted ROS scavenging in KSHV-positive B lymphoma cells. Pharmacological inhibition or functional knockdown of either FoxO1 or FoxO3 is sufficient to ablate the antioxidant ability and therefore increases the intracellular ROS level that further reverses KSHV from latency to active lytic replication in PEL cells, resulting in tremendous cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the elevated level of ROS by inhibiting FoxO proteins further sensitizes PEL cells to ROS-induced apoptosis. Our study therefore demonstrated that the lytic reactivation of KSHV by inhibiting FoxO proteins is a promising therapeutic approach for PEL, which could be further extended to other virus-associated diseases.
Welcome to the glitch and make some noise: Understanding media through audio hacking
Authors: Claussen Jan Torge
Published: August 2023

This article describes the experimental examination of various audio devices and their storage media, such as the radio, the tape recorder and the CD player, in the context of interdisciplinary university courses in arts and humanities, particularly cultural studies, with a focus on music production, sound studies and audio culture. Glitches and intrinsic noises become perceptible as aesthetic material by means of hacking and modifying audio technology failures. Following Marshall McLuhan’s concept of media, it is clear that the audio technology itself, not just the transmitted content of a piece of music or radio programme, is the message. Examples of diverse aesthetic strategies that account for various artists’ positions are presented in detail. These strategies have been the subject of a seminar that has been held several times at two different universities in Germany, addressing interdisciplinary groups of students. Unconventional, hands-on approaches to the different media devices have been evaluated positively by the participants.
Editorial
Authors: Walzer Daniel , Brereton Jude , Herbst Jan-Peter , López Mariana
Published: August 2023

The Guest Editors introduce the Special Issue: ‘Exploring Audio and Music Technology in Education: Pedagogical, Research and Sociocultural Perspectives’. As the body of research on audio and music technology continually expands, the guest editors provide a brief overview of emerging scholarship on music technology education (MTE) from various disciplines and theoretical perspectives and their implications for teaching and learning. After a summary of the articles in the issue, the Guest Editors conclude with implications for future music and audio technology research in educational settings.
‘Animated Sound’: An application of digital technologies and open scores in interdisciplinary collaboration and education
Authors: Simpson Elliot , Grundman Jorge
Published: August 2023

We describe a collaborative project carried out with an ensemble of amateur adult musicians in which a participant created a composition derived from her background as an animator in conjunction with the appropriation of interface elements used in digital animation software. Conceived of during the 2020 quarantine for online performance with an undefined instrumentation of acoustic and electronic sound sources, subsequent versions have been created for film soundtracks, ensemble concerts, live-scoring/coding audio-visual presentations and solo performances. These diverse realizations are analysed through two frameworks. The first, adapted from an analysis of the embodiment of values in digital games, indicates that the community-oriented values present in early ensemble versions are replaced by more typical aesthetic values, such as complexity and virtuosity, as the work evolves from one realization to another. The addition of notational and technical elements presupposing conventional musical training results in a particularly profound shift in the perceived nature of the composition. The second framework addresses this divergence in embodied values by expanding the role of the instructor/facilitator in educational and socially engaged practices, situating artistic control and outcomes alongside functions of learning and inclusivity.
TCP-Puerto-Londero: A New Approach for End-to-End Queue Length Control
Authors:   Universidade de Brasília, Sup Luciano M. A. , de Moraes Renato M ,   Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Bauchspiess Adolfo
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a new TCP protocol called TCPPuerto-Londero, which makes dynamic tuning in the congestion window (cwnd) by means of adaptive control theory aiming to keep stable and small the queue length in the bottleneck link located on the path from source to destination. This adaptive control loop has the relative delay in the forward path measured as an input and the cwnd value as an output. Thus, unlike classic TCP protocols, TCP-Puerto-Londero does not use Round Trip Time (RTT) information. Also, unlike classic Active Queue Management (AQM) strategies and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) based protocols, TCP-Puerto-Londero employs end-to-end queue management without the need for ECN resources. Moreover, TCP-Puerto-Londero also aims to attend to the new challenges of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Its performance has been tested in a Dumbbell network topology shared by TCP and UDP-like Networked Control Systems (NCS) flows. Therefore, TCP-Puerto-Londero performance has been compared with ECN-based protocols like DCTCP, E-DCTCP, TCP-Jersey, and ENCN. Furthermore, this paper employs an approach for modeling, analysis, simulation, and verification of the communication network and NCS employing UPPAAL simulation software tool, where all network constituents (transmitters, channels, routers, receivers, controllers, and plants) were modeled employing timed automata, simplifying a formal verification of the complete studied system. Simulations and statistical verification indicate that even though utilizing fewer resources (as it does not require the AQM/ECN information) TCP-Puerto-Londero overcomes TCP-Jersey, DCTCP, and EDCTCP with regard to throughput and fairness for TCP flows. Also, TCP-Puerto-Londero flows are capable to keep the queue length more stable and smaller than other protocols that were compared, and consequently, it reduces the impact in NCS-UDPlike flows sharing the same network, whose performance was measured employing the Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE), which is a desirable feature for Industrial IoT.
MIRIKIZUMAB-INDUCED TRANSCRIPTOME CHANGES IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS PATIENT BIOPSIES AT WEEK 12 ARE MAINTAINED THROUGH WEEK 52
Authors: Johnson Travis , Steere Boyd , Zhang Pengyue , Zang Yong , Higgs Richard , Milch Catherine , Reinisch Walter , Panés Julian , Huang Kun , D’Haens Geert , Krishnan Venkatesh
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Mirikizumab, an anti-IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody, demonstrated efficacy in phase 2 and 3 randomized clinical trials of patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Previous results have shown that 12 weeks of mirikizumab treatment down-regulated transcripts associated with UC disease activity and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor resistance. We assessed Week-52 gene expression from Week-12 responders receiving mirikizumab or placebo.

Methods:

In the phase 2 AMAC study (NCT02589665), mirikizumab-treated patients achieving Week-12 clinical response were re-randomized to mirikizumab 200 mg subcutaneous every 4 or 12 weeks through Week 52 (N=31). Week-12 placebo responders continued placebo through Week 52 (N=7). The limma R package clustered transcript changes in colonic mucosa biopsies from baseline to Week 12 into differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among DEGs, similarly expressed genes (DEGSEGs) maintaining Week-12 expression through Week 52 were identified.

Results:

Of 89 DEGSEGs, 63 (70.8%) were present only in mirikizumab induction responders, 5 (5.6%) in placebo responders, and 21 (23.6%) in both. Week-12 magnitudes and Week-52 consistency of transcript changes were greater in mirikizumab than in placebo responders (log2FC>1). DEGSEG clusters (from 84 DEGSEGs identified in mirikizumab and mirikizumab/placebo responders) correlated to modified Mayo score (26/84 with Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC]>0.5) and Robarts Histopathology Index (55/84 with PCC>0.5), sustained through Week 52.

Discussion:

Mirikizumab responders had broader, more sustained transcriptional changes of greater magnitudes at Week 52 versus placebo. Mirikizumab responder DEGSEGs suggest a distinct molecular healing pathway associated with mirikizumab IL-23 inhibition. The cluster’s correlation with disease activity illustrates relationships between clinical, endoscopic, and molecular healing in UC.
Butterflies and Barbarians: Swiss Missionaries and Systems of Knowledge in South-East Africa
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Banda Felix
Published: August 2023

Butterflies and Barbarians: Swiss Missionaries and Systems of Knowledge in South-East Africa
Nonlinearity of functions over finite fields
Authors: Ryabov Vladimir G.
Published: August 2023

The nonlinearity and additive nonlinearity of a function are defined as the Hamming distances, respectively, to the set of all affine mappings and to the set of all mappings having nontrivial additive translators. On the basis of the revealed relation between the nonlinearities and the Fourier coefficients of the characters of a function, convenient formulas for nonlinearity evaluation for practically important classes of functions over an arbitrary finite field are found. In the case of a field of even characteristic, similar results were obtained for the additive nonlinearity in terms of the autocorrelation coefficients. The formulas obtained made it possible to present specific classes of functions with maximal possible and high nonlinearity and additive nonlinearity.
The limit joint distributions of statistics of three tests of the NIST package
Authors: Savelov Maksim P.
Published: August 2023

For sequences of independent random variables having a Bernoulli distribution the joint distribution and the limit joint distribution of statistics of three tests of the NIST statistical package («Monobit Test», «Frequency Test within a Block», and «Cumulative Sums Test») are obtained. In the case when two blocks are used in «Frequency Test within a Block», pairwise covariance of these statistics is given.
Co-constructing devices in narrative sequences of multilingual preschool children
Authors: Videsott Ruth , Salzmann Katharina
Published: August 2023

The following paper aims at analysing co-constructing devices used in adult-child narrative interaction both in the first and in the second language. In order to build a “common ground” for communication and comprehension, adult speakers often need to rely on supporting strategies that provide the child with narrative, grammatical and lexical help. When investigating speakers in multilingual settings, these devices become even more crucial. The present study is based on a corpus which contains data from six multilingual children at preschool age from the Ladin valleys in South Tyrol. The analysis outlines both the adults’ devices used to support the child as well as the children’s self-adopted strategies to enable the interaction to be performed. As far as the adult part is concerned, the focus is put on initiating, replying and expanding devices. Children’s devices, instead, are mainly influenced by the multilingual setting they are involved in. In this sense code-mixing and code-switching phenomena emerge as main strategies.
Quality enhancement of spray-dried pumpkin powder by mixing with mulberry leaf and oat bran powders
Authors: Lyu Ying , Chen Qinqin , Gou Min , Liu Gege , Bi Jinfeng
Published: August 2023

To solve the delamination & precipitation phenomena and to improve the quality of the spray-dried pumpkin powder (PP), the effects of adding mulberry leaf powder (MLP) and oat bran powder (OBP) on the PP quality were investigated. Results showed that POBP (PP + OBP, w:w = 2:1) had lower hygroscopicity (≤42.96 %), which was more homogeneous and stickiness after being brewed, effectively alleviating delamination & precipitation phenomena. Besides, PMLP (PP + MLP, w:w = 2:1) had the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content, with the values of 96.92 and 90.50 mg/100 g, respectively. PMLP also exhibited about ten times the antioxidant activity of PP. Furthermore, nine regression equations predicted the antioxidant properties of powders based on soluble solid values and bitterness. Overall, this study indicated that the addition of OBP and MLP improved the stability and nutritional quality of PP, respectively.
Polarization-independent achromatic Huygens’ metalens with large numerical aperture and broad bandwidth
Authors: He Xiaoluo , Qi Chu , Lei Sheng , Wong Alex M. H.
Published: August 2023

Achromatic lenses, which have the same focal length regardless of the illumination frequency, find strong applications in imaging, sensing, and communication systems. Making achromatic lenses with metasurfaces is highly desirable because they are flat, ultrathin, relatively light, and easily fabricable. However, existing metalenses experience combinations of limitations which include single polarization operation, narrow bandwidth, and small numerical aperture (NA). In this work, we propose a dual polarized, broadband and high NA achromatic metalens based on the Huygens’ metasurface. We use Huygens’ metasurface unit cells with three tunable resonances to realize a stable group delay over a large bandwidth, while also achieving high transparency and large phase tunability. With these cells, we construct a dual-polarized achromatic Huygens’ metalens with an NA of 0.64 that works from 22 to 26 GHz. Our achromatic metalens achieves diffraction-limited focusing with 2 % maximum focal length deviation and 70 % average focusing efficiency over a bandwidth of 16.7 %. Most key performance metrics for this lens surpass or are comparable with the best of previous metalenses. An achromatic metalens simultaneously achieving broad bandwidth, large NA, and polarization-independent operation will open wide-ranging opportunities for microwave and mm-wave imaging and communication applications.
The crystal structure of (bromido, chlorido)-tricarbonyl-(5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine)-rhenium(I), C15H12Br0.2Cl0.8N2O3Re1
Authors: Moherane Lehlohonolo , Makhatshwa Marcus , Malan Frederick P. , Visser Hendrik G. , Manicum Amanda-Lee E.
Published: August 2023

C15H12Br0.2Cl0.8N2O3Re1, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 14.6713(4) Å, b = 11.4724(3) Å, c = 9.6206(3) Å, β = 106.592 (3), V = 1551.87(8) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0452, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1110, T = 149.99(10) K.
Crystal structure of (Z)-2-(4-((5-bromopentyl)oxy)benzylidene)-4,5,6-trimethoxybenzofuran-3(2H)-one, C23H25BrO6
Authors: Wang Hua-Bin , Xu Lian-Hua , Shi Ju-Mei , Zhou Ying , Hao Yong-Jia
Published: August 2023

C23H25BrO6, triclinic, P

1
‾

$\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.8451(3) Å, b = 7.9428(2) Å, c = 17.6360(6) Å, α = 90.146(3), β = 90.433(3)∘, γ = 99.307(3)∘, V = 1084.44(7) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0464, wRref(F
2) = 0.1402, T = 297.37(10) K.
Evolution of the pore structure of pumice aggregate concrete and the effect on compressive strength
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Dexi , Bai Ru , Liu Shuguang , Yan Changwang , Zhang Ju
Published: August 2023

China possesses abundant pumice resources and thereby makes the utilization of pumice in the preparation of pumice aggregate concrete (PAC) a significant strategy for environmental protection and resource conservation. To obtain the effect of pumice pore structure variation on the compressive strength of PAC, PACs with strength classes LC20, LC30, and LC40 were prepared. Moreover, the pore structure of PAC was characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance to investigate the effect of pore structure variation on the compressive strength of PAC. Results showed that the higher the coarse aggregate content of PAC, the higher the percentage of large capillary and non-capillary pore sizes of PAC, corresponding to higher porosity and lower compressive strength. The hydration products in PAC continuously fill in the pore structure, the proportion of large capillary pores and non-capillary pore size gradually decreases, the proportion of small capillary pores and medium capillary pore size gradually increases, the pumice concrete matrix gradually becomes dense, and the compressive strength increases. The prediction model of the pore structure and compressive strength is established based on gray theory, and the relative error between predicted and tested values is not significant, which can effectively predict its compressive strength. It provides effective guidance for the engineering practical application of PAC.
CAT PETR: a graphical user interface for differential analysis of phosphorylation and expression data
Authors: Flanagan Keegan , Pelech Steven , Av-Gay Yossef , Dao Duc Khanh
Published: August 2023

Antibody microarray data provides a powerful and high-throughput tool to monitor global changes in cellular response to perturbation or genetic manipulation. However, while collecting such data has become increasingly accessible, a lack of specific computational tools has made their analysis limited. Here we present CAT PETR, a user friendly web application for the differential analysis of expression and phosphorylation data collected via antibody microarrays. Our application addresses the limitations of other GUI based tools by providing various data input options and visualizations. To illustrate its capabilities on real data, we show that CAT PETR both replicates previous findings, and reveals additional insights, using its advanced visualization and statistical options.
Use of Time–Temperature Superposition and Stepped Isothermal Method for Estimating Long-Term Properties of Recycled Aggregate Roller-Compacted Concrete
Authors: Polidora Jamie , Sobhan Khaled
Published: August 2023

Although the use of recycled materials in civil engineering construction is a desirable option from a sustainability standpoint, the questionable long-term performance of these materials often hinders their widespread use in practice. The primary focus of this study was to perform accelerated aging and testing for estimating long-term properties of a roller-compacted concrete composed of crushed recycled aggregate, Type-I portland cement, and ASTM Class-F fly ash replacing up to 50 % of cement by weight. Accelerated aging was accomplished by curing cylindrical specimens at three different elevated temperature regimes for specific time durations. At the end of each time–temperature regime, the residual stiffness of the specimen was measured in a nondestructive fashion. Series of stiffness–time master curves were then constructed for each mix using the time–temperature superposition (TTS) technique and the stepped isothermal method (SIM). While the TTS method uses different sets of specimens for each elevated time–temperature regime, SIM uses a single set of specimens that are stepped up in temperature and held at each regime for a specified duration. Results indicated that for all mixes, the material stiffness degraded with time. Based on the Arrhenius equation, stiffness–equivalent age master curves were developed. Stiffness prediction was accomplished up to an equivalent age of almost 600 days, although the actual short-term test lasted only up to 6 days. It was also found that SIM and TTS provided comparable results, thus implying that the testing time and the number of specimens can be significantly reduced by using the SIM.
Excessive Thyroid Hormone Signaling Induces Photoreceptor Degeneration in Mice
Authors: Ma Hongwei , Yang Fan , York Lilliana R. , Li Shujuan , Ding Xi-Qin
Published: August 2023

Rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate in inherited and age-related retinal degenerative diseases, ultimately leading to loss of vision. Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism. Recent studies have shown a link between TH signaling and retinal degeneration. This work investigates the effects of excessive TH signaling on photoreceptor function and survival in mice. C57BL/6,Thra1−/−,Thrb2−/−,Thrb−/−, and the cone dominantNrl−/−mice received triiodothyronine (T3) treatment (5–20 μg/ml in drinking water) for 30 d, followed by evaluations of retinal function, photoreceptor survival/death, and retinal stress/damage. Treatment with T3 reduced light responses of rods and cones by 50–60%, compared with untreated controls. Outer nuclear layer thickness and cone density were reduced by ∼18% and 75%, respectively, after T3 treatment. Retinal sections prepared from T3-treated mice showed significantly increased numbers of TUNEL-positive, p-γH2AX-positive, and 8-OHdG-positive cells, and activation of Müller glial cells. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of the genes involved in oxidative stress, necroptosis, and inflammation after T3 treatment. Deletion ofThra1prevented T3-induced degeneration of rods but not cones, whereas deletion ofThrb2preserved both rods and cones. Treatment with an antioxidant partially preserved photoreceptors and reduced retinal stress responses. This study demonstrates that excessive TH signaling induces oxidative stress/damage and necroptosis, induces photoreceptor degeneration, and impairs retinal function. The findings provide insights into the role of TH signaling in retinal degeneration and support the view of targeting TH signaling for photoreceptor protection.
Activity of the Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata during Saccade Adaptation
Authors: Kojima Yoshiko , Koketsu Daisuke , May Paul J.
Published: August 2023

When movements become inaccurate, the resultant error induces motor adaptation to improve accuracy. This error-based motor learning is regarded as a cerebellar function. However, the influence of the other brain areas on adaptation is poorly understood. During saccade adaptation, a type of error-based motor learning, the superior colliculus (SC) sends a postsaccadic error signal to the cerebellum to drive adaptation. Since the SC is directly inhibited by the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), we hypothesized that the SNr might influence saccade adaptation by affecting the SC error signal. In fact, previous studies indicated that the SNr encodes motivation and motivation influences saccade adaptation. In this study, we first established that the SNr projects to the rostral SC, where small error signals are generated, in nonhuman primates. Then, we examined SNr activity while the animal underwent adaptation. SNr neurons paused their activity in association with the error. This pause was shallower and delayed compared with those of no-error trial saccades. The pause at the end of the adaptation was shallower and delayed compared with that at the beginning of the adaptation. The change in the intertrial interval, an indicator of motivation, and adaptation speed had a positive correlation with the changes in the error-related pause. These results suggest that (1) the SNr exhibits a unique activity pattern during the error interval; (2) SNr activity increases during adaptation, consistent with the decrease in SC activity; and (3) motivational decay during the adaptation session might increase SNr activity and influence the adaptation speed.
The Novel Somatosensory Nose-Poke Adapted Paradigm (SNAP) Is an Effective Tool to Assess Differences in Tactile Sensory Preferences in Autistic-Like Mice
Authors: Binder Matthew S. , Bordey Angelique
Published: August 2023

One of the most prevalent deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are sensitivities to sensory stimuli. Despite the prevalence of sensory deficits in autism, there are few paradigms capable of easily assessing sensory behaviors in ASD-like mouse models. We addressed this need by creating the Somatosensory Nose-poke Adapted Paradigm (SNAP), which consists of an elevated platform with 6 holes in the center, half of which are lined with sandpaper and half are smooth, requiring mice to use their whiskers to sense the texture. The SNAP paradigm assesses tactile sensory preferences as well as stereotypy, anxiety, and locomotion. We used two wild-type (neurotypical) mouse strains, C57BL/6J (C57) inbred and CD-1 outbred mice, and two ASD mouse models, BTBR (a model of idiopathic ASD) andCntnap2−/−mice (a model of syndromic ASD). We found that both ASD models produced more nose pokes into the rough condition than the smooth condition, suggesting an increased preference for complex tactile stimulation when compared with the neurotypical groups, wherein no differences were observed. Furthermore, we found increased stereotypy and time spent in the center, suggestive of decreased anxiety, only for BTBR mice compared with the other mouse strains. Overall, SNAP is an easy to implement task to assess the degree of preference for complex tactile stimulation in ASD mouse models that can be further modified to exclude possible confounding effects of novelty or anxiety on the sensory preferences.
Adding Meaning to Memories: How Parietal Cortex Combines Semantic Content with Episodic Experience
Authors: Lee Hongmi , Keene Paul A. , Sweigart Sarah C. , Hutchinson J. Benjamin , Kuhl Brice A.
Published: August 2023

Neuroimaging studies of human memory have consistently found that univariate responses in parietal cortex track episodic experience with stimuli (whether stimuli are 'old' or 'new'). More recently, pattern-based fMRI studies have shown that parietal cortex also carries information about the semantic content of remembered experiences. However, it is not well understood how memory-based and content-based signals are integrated within parietal cortex. Here, in humans (males and females), we used voxel-wise encoding models and a recognition memory task to predict the fMRI activity patterns evoked by complex natural scene images based on (1) the episodic history and (2) the semantic content of each image. Models were generated and compared across distinct subregions of parietal cortex and for occipitotemporal cortex. We show that parietal and occipitotemporal regions each encode memory and content information, but they differ in how they combine this information. Among parietal subregions, angular gyrus was characterized by robust and overlapping effects of memory and content. Moreover, subject-specific semantic tuning functions revealed that successful recognition shifted the amplitude of tuning functions in angular gyrus but did not change the selectivity of tuning. In other words, effects of memory and content were additive in angular gyrus. This pattern of data contrasted with occipitotemporal cortex where memory and content effects were interactive: memory effects were preferentially expressed by voxels tuned to the content of a remembered image. Collectively, these findings provide unique insight into how parietal cortex combines information about episodic memory and semantic content.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeuroimaging studies of human memory have identified multiple brain regions that not only carry information about “whether” a visual stimulus is successfully recognized but also “what” the content of that stimulus includes. However, a fundamental and open question concerns how the brain integrates these two types of information (memory and content). Here, using a powerful combination of fMRI analysis methods, we show that parietal cortex, particularly the angular gyrus, robustly combines memory- and content-related information, but these two forms of information are represented via additive, independent signals. In contrast, memory effects in high-level visual cortex critically depend on (and interact with) content representations. Together, these findings reveal multiple and distinct ways in which the brain combines memory- and content-related information.
The mechanism of value formation in restaurant business enterprises
Authors:   Kharkiv State University of Food Technology and Trade, Grosul Victoria , Balatska Natalia ,   Kharkiv State University of Food Technology and Trade
Published: August 2023

The article investigates the theoretical aspects of the concept of value as a key dominant in the development of a restaurant business. It is substantiated that the main goal of the value chain in the restaurant business is to provide customers with a set of values through a process of cooperation, in which the exchange of knowledge ensures the formation of an innovative and effective value proposition. The main structural components of the consumer value of restaurant services are determined: social, emotional, material and service, and the features of their formation are characterized. It has been argued that, in addition to the consumption process, the specificity of the offer of restaurant services is an emotional and communicative service - getting pleasure from the very process of consumption. The results of the study are the systematization of the main approaches to the process of creating consumer value (situational, communication, process, structural, integrative) and the substantiation of the mechanism of value formation in the restaurant business.
Social networks as a marketing tool in implementation of crowdfunding campaigns
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ugolkova Olena , Prokopenko Iryna ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: August 2023

The article reveals the essence and features of the concept of "social networks". The dynamics of social network users around the world is analyzed, the list of the most popular by the number of active social network users is determined, the peculiarities of gender distribution of social network users by regions and by gender are researched. It was determined that such social networks as YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and TikTok are more involved among men, while Facebook and Instagram are significantly dominated by women, a special network is Pinterest, which is dominated by women, with only 15% men. In addition, the possibility and effectiveness of using social networks for the implementation of crowdfunding projects were analyzed, as well as the advantages of their use for the promotion of crowdfunding projects were determined.
Information support for management decision support on the basis of insider expert assessment
Authors:   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Filippov Volodymyr , Antoshchuk Vitalii ,   Odessa National Polytechnic University
Published: August 2023

Information support for support of management decisions on the basis of insider expert assessment. Improving the efficiency of management decisions on the organization of business processes of the enterprise in a dynamic environment depends on how quickly and in full the information about the state of the external and internal environment. The concept of assessment of alternatives on the basis of the complex criterion "chances - risks" for collective insider expert assessment is offered for this purpose. The method of its implementation and approbation at the small business enterprise are given. The calculations of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient show that KEOs of ways to bring an enterprise out of a crisis situation with the formation of KEI give almost identical results for the traditional method of processing KEO results and for a progressive scientifically sound method of "chances and risks".
Current state of administrative services provision in conditions of decentralization of power in Ukraine
Authors:   Odesa State Academy of Technical Regulation and Quality, Zgadova Nataliy , Sizonenko Serhii ,   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Bondarenko Alisa ,   Odessa National Polytechnic University
Published: August 2023

The article analyzes the current status of administrative services provision. The main tasks that Ukraine faces during the reform of power decentralization are identified. The effective work of local authorities will result in the creation of a more efficient work organization, performance of all duties and functions at a high level, in particular in the field of public services. Having analyzed the processes status of providing administrative services, one should focus on solving a number of shortcomings and challenges in this area. The problem of administrative services provision quality in the context of decentralization is quite relevant and attracts the attention of scholars and practitioners. It is very important to study the services provision mechanism, to improve this process in terms of increasing a number of functions and powers of local self-government bodies.