bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using machine-learning strategies to solve psychometric problems
Authors: Trognon Arthur , Cherifi Youssouf Ismail , Habibi Islem , Demange Loïs , Prudent Cécile
Published: November 2022

Validating scales for clinical use is a common procedure in medicine and psychology. Through the application of computational methods, we present a new strategy for estimating construct validity and criterion validity. XGBoost, Random Forest and Support-Vector machine learning algorithms were employed in order to make predictions based on the pattern of participants’ responses by systematically controlling computational experiments with artificial experiments whose results are guaranteed. According to these findings, these approaches are capable of achieving construct and criterion validity and therefore could provide an additional layer of evidence to traditional validation approaches. In particular, this study examined the extent to which measured items are inferable by theoretically related items, as well as the extent to which the information carried by a given construct can be translated into other theoretically compatible normative scales based on other constructs (thereby providing information about construct validity); as well as the replicability of clinical decision rules on several partitions (thereby providing information about criterion validity).
Association of treatment delay and stage with mortality in breast cancer: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Nai-Chen , Kung Pei-Tseng , Kuo Wei-Yin , Tsai Wen-Chen
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death globally. In this retrospective study, we investigated the effects of the diagnosis-to-first-treatment interval (DFTI) and other related factors on cancer-specific survival in patients with breast cancer. We included 49,426 patients newly diagnosed as having breast cancer during 2011–2017. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality with various DFTIs; the HRs of the 31–60-, 61–90-, and ≥ 91-day DFTI groups did not differ significantly compared with the reference group (DFTI ≤ 30 days). After stratifying the patients according to initial tumor stage and age, we found that patients aged 55–64 and ≥ 65 years with stage II breast cancer treated ≥ 91 days after diagnosis had a 3.34- and 2.93-fold higher mortality risk (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.29–8.69 and 1.06–8.10, respectively). Patients aged ≥ 65 years with stage IV breast cancer treated within 61–90 or ≥ 91 days after diagnosis had a 7.14- and 34.78-fold higher mortality risk (95% CIs 1.28–39.82 and 3.08–393.32, respectively). In conclusion, DFTI is associated with mortality in patients with stage II and IV breast cancer, especially at an older age.
Different characteristics of retinal damage between chronic hypertension and hypertensive retinopathy
Authors: Nam Ki-Yup , Lee Min-Woo , Jun Ji-Ho , Sung Jae-Yun , Kim Jung-Yeul
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify how chronic hypertension (HTN) and hypertensive retinopathy (HTNR) have different effects on retinal damage including inner retinal thinning and microvasculature impairment. The subjects were divided into three groups: controls, HTN patients without HTNR (HTN group), and patients with relieved HTNR (HTNR group). The ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, vessel density (VD), and GC-IPL/VD ratio were compared among the groups. A total of 241 eyes were enrolled; 101 in the control group, 92 in the HTN group, and 48 in the HTNR group. The mean GC-IPL thicknesses were 83.5 ± 5.7, 82.1 ± 6.2, and 75.9 ± 10.7 μm in each group, respectively (P < 0.001). The VD was 20.5 ± 1.3, 19.6 ± 1.4, and 19.5 ± 1.6 mm−1in each group, respectively (P = 0.001). The GC-IPL/VD ratio was 4.10 ± 0.33, 4.20 ± 0.40, and 3.88 ± 0.56 in each group, respectively (P < 0.001). In the HTNR group, HTN duration (B = 0.054,P = 0.013) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (B = −0.012,P = 0.004) were significantly associated with the GC-IPL/VD ratio. In conclusion, inner retinal reduction and retinal microvasculature impairment were observed in patients with HTN and HTNR, and the GC-IPL/VD ratio of HTNR patients was significantly lower than that of HTN patients, indicating more prominent damage to the inner retina than microvasculature in HTNR patients. Additionally, the GC-IPL/VD ratio was significantly associated with SBP in HTNR patients, so more strict BP control is required in HTNR patients.
Efficacy and safety of combination of mirabegron and solifenacin in patients with double-J stent related overactive bladder: a prospective study
Authors: Tang Qing-lai , Zhou Shuang , Liu Yi-qing , Wu Jie , Tao Rong-zhen
Published: November 2022

To observe the efficacy and safety of solifenacin and/or mirabegron as a medical expulsive therapy (MET) in patients with double-J stent-related overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. A total of 219 patients with double-J stent-related OAB symptoms were prospectively randomized into two groups. One-hundred and nine cases in the combination group accepted mirabegron and solifenacin therapy and 110 cases as control only accepted solifenacin therapy. The lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) health-related quality of life (HRQol) and symptom bother score between two groups were compared at the 1st, 2nd and 4th week ends. All of 219 patients were randomly assigned to two groups, of which 109 patients were included in the combination group and 110 in the solifenacin group. The incidences of LUTS, including urgency, frequent urination, and incontinence episodes, in the 2nd week (44.9% vs. 64.5%, P = 0.028; 48.6% vs. 62.7%, P = 0.036; and 40.4% vs. 56.4%, P = 0.018) and the 4th week (14.7% vs. 30.9%, P = 0.004; 16.5% vs. 33.6%, P = 0.003; and 11.9% vs. 26.4%, P = 0.007) after combination treatment were significantly lower than those in the solifenacin group. The incidence of drug-related adverse events in the solifenacin group was higher than that in the combination group, but there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). In terms of secondary variables, the OAB-q HRQol score in the combination group was statistically superior in comparison with that in the solifenacin group between the second and fourth week (77.9 vs. 76.4, P = 0.020; and 87.9 vs. 85.6, P = 0.001). The OAB-q symptom bother score was higher in the solifenacin group than in the combination group (37.6 vs. 36.4, P = 0.016; and 26.2 vs. 24.8, P = 0.003). Combination therapy of solifenacin and mirabegron demonstrated significant improvements over solifenacin monotherapy in reducing OAB symptoms associated with double-J stents, and providing a higher quality of life without increasing bothersome adverse effects.
An organic artificial spiking neuron for in situ neuromorphic sensing and biointerfacing
Authors: Sarkar Tanmoy , Lieberth Katharina , Pavlou Aristea , Frank Thomas , Mailaender Volker , McCulloch Iain , Blom Paul W. M. , Torricelli Fabrizio , Gkoupidenis Paschalis
Published: November 2022

The effective mimicry of neurons is key to the development of neuromorphic electronics. However, artificial neurons are not typically capable of operating in biological environments, which limits their ability to interface with biological components and to offer realistic neuronal emulation. Organic artificial neurons based on conventional circuit oscillators have been created, but they require many elements for their implementation. Here we report an organic artificial neuron that is based on a compact nonlinear electrochemical element. The artificial neuron can operate in a liquid and is sensitive to the concentration of biological species (such as dopamine or ions) in its surroundings. The system offers in situ operation and spiking behaviour in biologically relevant environments—including typical physiological and pathological concentration ranges (5–150 mM)—and with ion specificity. Small-amplitude (1–150 mV) electrochemical oscillations and noise in the electrolytic medium shape the neuronal dynamics, whereas changes in ionic (≥2% over the physiological baseline) and biomolecular (≥ 0.1 mM dopamine) concentrations modulate the neuronal excitability. We also create biohybrid interfaces in which an artificial neuron functions synergistically and in real time with epithelial cell biological membranes.
An organ-on-chip model of pulmonary arterial hypertension identifies a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis
Authors: Ainscough Alexander J. , Smith Timothy J. , Haensel Maike , Rhodes Christopher J. , Fellows Adam , Whitwell Harry J. , Vasilaki Eleni , Gray Kelly , Freeman Adrian , Howard Luke S. , Wharton John , Dunmore Benjamin , Upton Paul D. , Wilkins Martin R. , Edel Joshua B. , Wojciak-Stothard Beata
Published: November 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an unmet clinical need. The lack of models of human disease is a key obstacle to drug development. We present a biomimetic model of pulmonary arterial endothelial-smooth muscle cell interactions in PAH, combining natural and induced bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) dysfunction with hypoxia to induce smooth muscle activation and proliferation, which is responsive to drug treatment. BMPR2- and oxygenation-specific changes in endothelial and smooth muscle gene expression, consistent with observations made in genomic and biochemical studies of PAH, enable insights into underlying disease pathways and mechanisms of drug response. The model captures key changes in the pulmonary endothelial phenotype that are essential for the induction of SMC remodelling, including a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis and offers an easily accessible approach for researchers to study pulmonary vascular remodelling and advance drug development in PAH.
Zinc(ii) complexes of 3-bromo-5-chloro-salicylaldehyde: characterization and biological activity
Authors: Zianna Ariadni , Vradi Ellie , Hatzidimitriou Antonios G. , Kalogiannis Stavros , Psomas George
Published: November 2022

Zinc(ii) complexes of 3-bromo-5-chloro-salicylaldehyde were isolated, and showed DNA- and albumin-binding affinity and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
High performance visible light response of a Z-type Bi2WO6/BiOBr/RGO heterojunction photocatalyst for the degradation of norfloxacin
Authors: Wu Xiaolong , Xu Jing , Zhu Pengfei , Liu Mei , Duan Ming , Zhang Shasha
Published: November 2022

In this work, the Bi2WO6/BiOBr/RGO composite photocatalyst with Z-type heterojunction was prepared, and the heterojunction enhanced the catalytic performance, which provided an idea for improving the performance of the catalyst.
Machine learning-augmented surface-enhanced spectroscopy toward next-generation molecular diagnostics
Authors: Zhou Hong , Xu Liangge , Ren Zhihao , Zhu Jiaqi , Lee Chengkuo
Published: November 2022

This review summarizes the integration of machine learning with surface-enhanced Raman scattering and infrared absorption in terms of concepts, processes, and applications, and provides an outlook on the future development of this technology.
3-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethoxy)propionitrile-based electrolytes for high energy density lithium metal batteries
Authors: Zhou Xin , Kozdra Melania , Ran Qin , Deng Keqing , Zhou Hu , Brandell Daniel , Wang Jinglun
Published: November 2022

A high-safety and high-voltage 3-(2,2,2-trifluoro)ethoxypropionitrile based electrolyte displayed excellent compatibility with lithium metal anode and 4.4 V NCM cathode, exhibiting potential application in high energy density lithium batteries.
Probe and dye design through copper-mediated reactions of N-arylhydroxylamines
Authors: Xia Xiaotong , Liu Shuru , Liu Wenming , Xu Qiuying , Xu Ximing , Liu Fang , Deng Tao
Published: November 2022

A fluorescence probe has been prepared for the detection of copper ions. A new rearrangement reaction mediated by copper provides a mild way to prepare a new type of ultra-small and green-emitting ESIPT dye.
A water-tuned reversible spin transition with the largest hysteresis loop in 3D Hofmann frameworks pillared by flexible ligands
Authors: Feng Zhe , Ling Jie-Jie , Song Huijie , Zhu Dunru
Published: November 2022

Two spin-crossover materials, [Fe(bph)M(CN)4]·4.5H2O (M = Pt2+, Pd2+) based on N,N′-bis(4-picolinoyl)hydrazine (bph) have been prepared to show a hysteretic abrupt spin transition.
Clerodane diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and synergistic antibacterial activities from Tinospora crispa
Authors: Zhu Yang-Li , Deng Li , Song Jia-Qi , Zhu Yan , Yuan Rong-Wen , Fan Xian-Zhe , Zhou Hong , Huang Ya-Si , Zhang Li-Jun , Liao Hai-Bing
Published: November 2022

Compounds 5 and 7 exhibited nitric oxide release inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 7.5 and 10.6 μM, respectively, and compounds 9 and 14 at the sub-MIC level significantly decreased the MIC of oxacillin against MRSA from 32.0 to 1.0 and 0.5 μg mL−1, respectively.
Rhodium-catalyzed formal [2 + 2 + 1] annulation of arylboronic acids with alkynes
Authors: Wang Chenhong , Wu Changhui , Yang Yiming , Xing Junhao , Dou Xiaowei
Published: November 2022

A novel rhodium-catalyzed formal [2 + 2 + 1] annulation of alkynes with arylboronic acids to produce 1,1-disubstituted 1(H)-indenes is developed.
Ligand effect on controlling the synthesis of branched gold nanomaterials against fusarium wilt diseases
Authors: Osonga Francis J. , Eshun Gaddi B. , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: November 2022

The widespread wilt disease caused by Fusarium solani spp is a pressing problem affecting crop production and intensive farming.
Highly effective removal of Hg(ii) solution using corn bract@MoS2 as a new biomass adsorbent
Authors: Xu Xiaoxu , Guo Qihui , Yang Chengyue , Hu Zhuang , Chen Qifan , Hu Jianshe
Published: November 2022

As known, mercury contamination is one of the current environmental issues due to the high toxicity of mercury.
ZIF-8 metal organic framework materials as a superb platform for the removal and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants: a review
Authors: Elaouni Aicha , El Ouardi M. , Zbair M. , BaQais A. , Saadi M. , Ait Ahsaine H.
Published: November 2022

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are attracting significant attention for applications including adsorption, chemical sensing, gas separation, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and catalysis.
Identification of the effect of N-glycan modification and its sialylation on proteolytic stability and glucose-stabilizing activity of glucagon-like peptide 1 by site-directed enzymatic glycosylation
Authors: Liu Huan , Liang Zengwei , Wang Yu , Li Yingze , Wang Ya , Guo Xin , Guan Wanyi , Zou Wei , Wu Zhigang
Published: November 2022

Site-directed glycosylation of glucagon-like peptide 1 enhanced its proteolytic stability and improved its blood glucose-stabilizing activity.
Design and simulation of a uniform irradiance photochemical platform
Authors: Walsh Dylan J. , Schneider Timo N. , Olsen Bradley D. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: November 2022

Radiometry, simulations, and photo-polymerization case studies validate a photo-reactor platform with uniform illumination and multiple wavelengths for well plates, in-plane flow reactors, and droplets.
Chemo-mechanical effect of chlorine modified TiO2coatings on LMO
Authors: De Taeye Louis L. , Vereecken Philippe M.
Published: November 2022

Cl-modified TiO2coatings were ALD-deposited on a thin film LMO model system. Direct interaction of LMO with the precursor, and the link between the mechanical properties of the coating material and the performance of the cathode are described.
Simultaneous manipulation of scalable absorbance and the electronic bridge for efficient CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhang Xin , Ding Penghui , Zhong Kang , Yang Jinman , Yi Jianjian , Hu Qingsong , Zhou Ganghua , Wang Xiaozhi , Xu Hui , Zhu Xingwang
Published: November 2022

An oxygen bridge structure was introduced into graphitic carbon nitride using a unique synthetic method. The presence of the oxygen bridge enables electron transfer and the reaction of CO2 molecules adsorbed on the surface to form CO.
Reaction mechanism for the α-MnO2cathode in aqueous Zn ion batteries revisited: elucidating the irreversible transformation of α-MnO2into Zn–vernadite
Authors: Cui Shuangshuang , Zhang Dan , Zhang Guoxu , Gan Yang
Published: November 2022

Reaction mechanism for the α-MnO2electrode during long cycles elucidating the irreversible transformation of α-MnO2into Zn–vernadite.
An illustrative understanding of strengthening the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells: utilization of the perovskite-constructed polymer hybrid system, PHQACl-CN
Authors: Ingabire Providence Buregeya , Gu Ningxia , Lei Ning , Song Lixin , Chen Xiang , Zhang Pengyun , Chen Shouwen , Du Pingfan , Xiong Jie
Published: November 2022

Integrating a proper amount of polymer hybrid of quaternary ammonium chloride functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (PHQACl-CN) in the perovskite leads to positive adjustments in the morphology of the treated perovskite films and boosts the PSC device performance.
Unravelling 3D growth in the moss Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Moody Laura A.
Published: November 2022

The colonization of land by plants, and the greening of the terrestrial biosphere, was one of the most important events in the history of life on Earth. The transition of plants from water to land was accompanied, and largely facilitated, by the acquisition of apical cells with three or more cutting faces (3D growth). This enabled plants to develop the morphological characteristics required to survive and reproduce effectively on land and to colonize progressively drier habitats. Most plants develop in such a way that makes genetic studies of 3D growth difficult as the onset of 3D growth is established early during embryo development. On the other hand, in the moss Physcomitrium patens, the onset of 3D growth is preceded by a protracted 2D filamentous phase of the life cycle that can be continuously propagated. P. patens is an ideal model system in which to identify the genetic toolkit underpinning the 2D to 3D growth transition, and this is because 3D growth is not a pre-requisite for survival. Thus, insights into the mechanisms underpinning the formation of apical cells and the subsequent establishment and maintenance of 3D growth have largely been gained through studies in P. patens. This review summarizes the most recently published articles that have provided new and important insights into the mechanisms underpinning 3D growth in P. patens.
Direct Instruction Improves Word Learning for Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Pomper Ron , McGregor Karla K. , Arbisi-Kelm Timothy , Eden Nichole , Ohlmann Nancy
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

The current study compared the effects of direct instruction versus indirect exposure on multiple aspects of novel word learning for children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and children with typical language development (TLD).

Method:

Participants included 36 children with DLD and 45 children with TLD. All children were in the first grade and 6–8 years of age (
Mdn
= 7 years; 2 months). Using a between-subjects design, children were randomly assigned to be exposed to novel words and their unfamiliar referents via either direct instruction (each referent presented in isolation with an explicit goal of learning) or indirect exposure (multiple referents presented with the goal of answering yes/no questions).

Results:

In alternative forced-choice measures of recognition, children with DLD were less accurate than their TLD peers in linking words to referents, encoding semantic categories for words, and encoding detailed representations of word forms. These differences in word learning were accounted for by a constellation of cognitive measures, including receptive vocabulary, phonological memory, visuospatial memory, and sustained attention. All children were similarly accurate in retaining word forms over a 24- to 48-hr delay. Children with TLD were more accurate in all aspects of word learning following direct instruction compared to indirect exposure. Benefits from direct instruction were observed for children with DLD in link and semantic, but not word form, learning.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that vocabulary interventions with direct instruction can help children with DLD learn some, but not all, aspects of novel words. Additional support is necessary to help children with DLD encode rich phonological representations.
UHF RFID reader antenna with switchable far‐field and near‐field working state
Authors: Li Danhua , Cao Wenquan , Wang Chuang , Tong Yixin
Published: November 2022

An ultra‐low profile and high‐performance UHF RFID reader antenna is proposed in this letter, which can be switched between far‐field (FF) and near‐field (NF) operative modes. This antenna is composed of four dipoles and a reconfigurable feed network. The four dipoles form a square, and the feed network is located in the centre. The feed network is a four‐way power divider, and the phase of the output signal can be controlled by switching diodes. As a balanced structure, double‐sided parallel‐strip lines (DSPSLs) are used to feed four dipoles. Compared to the balun structure, the application of DSPSLs can reduce the area of the feed network, thereby reducing the influence of the feed network on the central magnetic field. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna can provide a NF reading area of 180 × 180 mm2, and the identification rate can reach 100% within 30–60 mm height. The FF gain of the antenna is 4.7 dBic, and the overlapping range of 3 dB AR bandwidth and −10 dB impedance bandwidth is 800–960 MHz. The good FF and NF performance of this antenna is conducive to its application in RFID systems.
Distributed utility‐based real‐time power flow optimization in ICT‐enabled low voltage distribution grids
Authors: Ipach Hanko , Fisser Leonard , Becker Christian , Timm‐Giel Andreas
Published: November 2022

Low‐Voltage (LV) distribution grids are facing a rapid increase of connected Photovoltaic (PV) power plants as well as flexible consumers like Battery‐Electric Vehicle (BEV) chargers and Heat Pumps (HPs). The coordinated operation of these generation, storage and consumption units, referred to as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), is regarded as a key requirement to maximize the benefits of renewable generation without violating, for example, voltage limits. Therefore, an operation management scheme was proposed in previous work that optimizes the power flows in LV grids in real‐time, where optimality is expressed as a maximization of the utility that DER owners experience from power consumption or injection, respectively. In this contribution, this method is extended by: (1) detailing a time‐varying utility‐model to express customer needs, (2) introducing a distributed implementation enhancing the robustness to failures, (3) developing a testbed using a real‐time digital power grid simulator and a communication network emulator, and (4) integrating a real‐time information flooding protocol. The performance is evaluated in different simulation scenarios, showing that the proposed method is able to cooperatively utilize the flexible units in order to fulfil the DER owners' needs even in the event of controller failures and constrained communication.
Experimental and simulation study on luminous characteristics of Trichel discharge in air at picosecond time resolution
Authors: Meng Xianglin , Song Hui , Sheng Gehao , Jiang Xiuchen
Published: November 2022

The optical morphology of discharge is the main characteristic parameter describing the physical process of the discharge, and the luminescence behavior is inextricably linked to the motion behavior of charged particles. Since the Trichel discharge in air is a weak ionization event occurring on the sub‐nanosecond time scale, micron space scale and accompanied by weak luminescence, the current experimental observation means have a low spatial and temporal resolution, which is insufficient to study the details of its luminescence properties clearly. To address this problem, the intensity of light generated by Trichel discharge in air is first measured and resolved in time and space using a constructed ultrafast optical counting and imaging system. At a very high temporal resolution of 55 ps, it is found that both its light emission and current pulse showed a trend of first rapid growth and then slow decline on the time scale of tens of nanoseconds. Later, in order to further investigate the connection between the microscopic behavior of charged particles and photons, a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic simulation model with three components (electrons, positive ions, and negative ions) is developed and the current simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The results show that the size of the ionization region and the interaction between particles in the discharge process are the main factors affecting the Trichel pulse and its photoemission. Electrons play a dominant role in photon generation during the rise time process, while it is the recombination process of positive and negative charges, which contributes the main photons during the fall time process. Finally, it is proposed that the expression of photon flux should be amended to include an additional term responsible for the photons generated due to recombination. The study helps to advance the understanding of the luminescence characteristics and the discharge mechanism of Trichel discharge.
Cooperative decision making for connected automated vehicles in multiple driving scenarios
Authors: Wang Jinzhu , Ma Zhixiong , Zhu Xichan , Bai Jie , Huang Libo
Published: November 2022

To improve the application range of decision‐making systems for connected automated vehicles, this paper proposes a cooperative decision‐making approach for multiple driving scenarios based on the combination of multi‐agent reinforcement learning with centralized planning. Specifically, the authors derived driving tasks from driving scenarios and computed the policy functions for different driving scenarios as linear combinations of policy functions for a set of specific driving tasks. Then, the authors classified vehicle coalitions according to the relationships between vehicles and used centralized planning methods to determine the optimal combination of actions for each coalition. Finally, the authors conducted tests in two driving scenarios considering different traffic densities to evaluate the performance of the developed approach. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach exhibits good robustness in multiple driving scenarios while enabling cooperative decision making for connected automated vehicles, thereby ensuring safe and rational decision making.
Bayesian learning with Wasserstein barycenters
Authors: Backhoff-Veraguas Julio , Fontbona Joaquin , Rios Gonzalo , Tobar Felipe
Published: November 2022

We introduce and study a novel model-selection strategy for Bayesian learning, based on optimal transport, along with its associated predictive posterior law: the Wasserstein population barycenter of the posterior law over models. We first show how this estimator, termed Bayesian Wasserstein barycenter (BWB), arises naturally in a general, parameter-free Bayesian model-selection framework, when the considered Bayesian risk is the Wasserstein distance. Examples are given, illustrating how the BWB extends some classic parametric and non-parametric selection strategies. Furthermore, we also provide explicit conditions granting the existence and statistical consistency of the BWB, and discuss some of its general and specific properties, providing insights into its advantages compared to usual choices, such as the model average estimator. Finally, we illustrate how this estimator can be computed using the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm in Wasserstein space introduced in a companion paper, and provide a numerical example for experimental validation of the proposed method.
Autoimmun vermittelte Enzephalitis
Authors: Rößling Rosa , Prüß Harald
Published: November 2022

Autoimmunenzephalitiden bilden eine heterogene Gruppe neurologischer und
psychiatrischer Erkrankungen. Es werden Antikörper-vermittelte
Enzephalitiden von den häufig paraneoplastisch auftretenden
Antikörper-assoziierten Enzephalitiden unterschieden. Während
die Antikörper im ersten Fall direkt krankheitsverursachend sind, dienen
sie im zweiten Fall als diagnostischer Biomarker mit hoher Aussagekraft
für einen zugrunde liegenden Tumor.
Endoscopic Removal of an Intramurally Ingrown Foreign Body in the Angular Fold of the Stomach
Authors: Wulfert Anna , Khessrawi Belal , Ries Jürgen , Sahm Stephan , Zimmer Matthias
Published: November 2022

Eine 67-jährige Patientin mit chronischer Gastritis stellte sich wegen zunehmenden epigastrischen Schmerzen in der Notaufnahme vor. Auf Grund einer nicht wegweisenden Initialdiagnostik wurde eine Computertomographie des Abdomens durchgeführt. In dieser stellte sich ein Fremdkörper am Magenausgang dar. Unter radiologischer Kontrolle erfolgte ein anspruchsvolles, zeitintensives endoskopisches Freipräparieren des Fremdkörpers. Nach postinterventionellem Abschwellen der Schleimhaut konnte in einer zweiten Sitzung ein Fischknochen geborgen werden. Die aufwendige endoskopische Intervention bewahrte die Patientin vor einer Operation.
Selective Inhibition of 11beta-Hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase-1 with BI
187004 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight or Obesity: Safety,
Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics After Multiple Dosing Over 14
Days
Authors: Bianzano Susanna , Schepers Cornelia , Wolff Michael , Heise Tim , Plum-Moerschel Leona
Published: November 2022

Objective To assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and
pharmacodynamics of treatment with the selective 11beta-hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase-1 (11beta-HSD1) inhibitor BI 187004 in male and female patients
with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.

Methods Randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled
multiple rising dose study, with 10–360 mg BI 187004 once daily
over 14 days in 71 patients. Assessments included 11beta-HSD1 inhibition in the
liver and subcutaneous adipose tissue ex vivo (clinical trial registry number
NCT01874483).

Results BI 187004 was well tolerated and safe in all tested dose groups.
The incidence of drug-related adverse events was 51.8% (n=29)
for BI 187004 and 35.7% (n=5) for placebo. There were no
clinically relevant deviations in laboratory or electrocardiogram parameters
besides one patient on 360 mg discontinuing treatment due to moderate
supraventricular tachycardia.

BI 187004 was rapidly absorbed within 2 h; exposure increased
non-proportionally. The oral clearance was low, apparent volume of distribution
was moderate to large, and terminal half-life with 106–124 h was
rather long. Urinary tetrahydrocortisol/tetrahydrocortisone ratio
decreased, indicating liver 11beta-HSD1 inhibition. Median inhibition of
11beta-HSD1 in subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies was
87.9–99.4% immediately after the second dose and
73.8–97.5% 24 h after the last dose of BI 187004.

Conclusions BI 187004 was safe and well tolerated over 14 days and could
be dosed once daily. Targeted 11beta-HSD1 enzyme inhibition
of≥80% could be shown for BI 187004 doses≥40 mg.
This dose should be targeted in further studies to test blood glucose lowering
in patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.
Aquaporin-4 Expression in Meningioma Malignancy Progression
Authors: Pereira Benedito Jamilson Araújo , Oba-Shinjo Sueli M. , Aguiar Paulo Henrique Pires de , Almeida Antonio Nogueira de , Paiva Wellingson da Silva , Marie Suely Kazue Nagahashi
Published: November 2022

Objectives The aim of the present study is to analyze if aquaporin-4 (AQP4) may also be a tumor progression marker for meningiomas.

Methods This is an immunohistochemistry study realized at the Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil: frozen meningioma samples from 81 patients (57 females and 24 males, age range from 22 to 81 years old, average 56.5 ± 14.1 years old), including 57 meningiomas World Health Organization (WHO) grade I (GI); 19 grade II (GII), and 5 grade III (GIII) were analyzed. The relative expression level of AQP4 was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), using the SYBR Green approach and for staining detection. Tissue sections were routinely processed and subjected to antigen retrieval.

Results The expression of AQP4 in meningioma samples ranged from 0 to 10.26, with a median of 0.001 in GI cases, of 0.008 in GII cases, and of 0.006 in GIII cases. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.942), GI meningiomas have a lower median AQP4 expression level than higher malignant grade cases.

Conclusion The AQP4 gene and protein expressions presented no association with meningioma malignant progression.
Effects of Age and Middle Ear on the Frequency Tuning of the cVEMP and oVEMP
Authors: Jha Raghav Hira , Piker Erin G. , Romero Daniel
Published: November 2022

Abstract Background Upward shift in the air conducted (AC) frequency tuning of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) as an effect of aging is hypothesized to be due to the microstructural stiffening changes in the inner ear. However, with an AC stimulus,
it may be possible that the shift in the frequency tuning of VEMPs as an effect of aging may also be due to contributions from the middle ear. Purpose The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of age on the frequency tuning of the cervical VEMP (cVEMP) and ocular
VEMP (oVEMP) and determine the role of middle ear transmission characteristics in shaping these effects. Research Design Standard group comparison. Study Sample One-hundred seven participants divided in three groups: young adult, middle-age, and older adults
with “normal” middle ear and negative history of neurological or vestibular complaints. Data Collection and Analyses Middle ear measures included static admittance and middle ear resonant frequency. cVEMP and oVEMPs were elicited with AC tone bursts at 500, 750,
and 1,000 Hz. Results No significant effect of age was observed on any of the middle ear measures. There was a significant effect of age on the amplitude of the cVEMP, but this effect was frequency specific. The age-related reduction in cVEMP corrected amplitude was
only observed when the eliciting stimulus was 500 or 750 Hz, with no significant effect observed with a 1,000 Hz stimulus. For the oVEMP, the effects of age were apparent at all stimulus frequencies. We also observed a general upward shift in the frequency tuning of both the
cVEMP and oVEMP for middle-age and older adults, with 750 and 1,000 Hz yielding higher response rates and larger amplitudes among middle-aged and older adults. Measurements of middle ear did not significantly contribute to the observed findings. Conclusions The upward
shift in frequency tuning of VEMPs among middle age and older adults could be due to the changes in the vestibular system and not from the middle ear. These results support the use of different frequency stimuli (i.e., 750 or 1,000 Hz) to elicit a VEMP if a response is absent using
a 500 Hz stimulus, especially in patients over the age of 40.
The droning of the drones
Authors: Ikenson Ben
Published: November 2022

New measurement setup can gauge noise emissions from drones and more
High-order mode interaction structure for a W-band CW sheet beam extended interaction klystron
Authors: Jin Qi , Geng Zhihui , Zhang Rui , Xie Bingchuan , Wang Shuzhong , Liao Yunfeng , Yang Xiudong , Xu Shouxi
Published: November 2022

To solve the problem of mode competition in high-order working modes, this paper presents a fast design method based on the TM31-2π mode for the dumbbell shaped extended interaction cavity. Based on the equivalent circuit theory, the high-frequency characteristics of the structure are studied. In addition, we propose a W-band continuous wave sheet beam extended interaction klystron high-frequency circuit. The circuit was driven by a 20 kV and 0.85 A sheet electron beam, with a 3.2 × 0.3 mm2 section. The beam was focused by a 0.8 T permanent magnet system. The high-frequency system adopts five dumbbell shaped five-gap cavities, and the output system adopts a symmetrical output waveguide. The 3D particle-in-cell simulation shows that more than 1.5 kW power can be obtained at an input power of 0.12 W, and the electron efficiency and gain are 9.2% and 41.2 dB, respectively.
Replacement of choline chloride with a plant source of choline in broiler chicken diets
Authors: Dias Allan Gabriel Ferreira , Leandro Nadja Susana Mogyca , Stringhini José Henrique , Batista João Marcos Monteiro , Brasileiro Julio Cesar Lopes , Santin Ana Paula Iglesias , Moura Veridiana Maria Brianezi Dignani , Café Marcos Barcellos
Published: November 2022

Context Choline is an essential nutrient in broiler diets, and its supplementation is traditionally made using choline chloride, a synthetic ingredient that is difficult to handle and store because of its hygroscopicity. A natural choline alternative may have benefits for feed manufacturing and broiler performance. Aim The objective of the present study was to examine the use of a plant source of choline to replace choline chloride in broiler diets. Methods Male Cobb broilers (n = 1120) were reared from Day 1 to Day 42 in boxes in an industrial shed and fed isonutritive diets based on maize and soybean meal. The experimental design was completely randomised with four treatments, eight replicates and 35 birds per replicate. Treatments were: control, choline source 100% choline chloride; and replacement of 25%, 50% and 100% of choline chloride with herbal choline. Herbal choline was derived from Ocimum sanctum, Andrographis paniculata, Silybum marianum, Glycine max and Azadirachta indica. Production performance, carcass and cut yields (at Day 42), feathering score and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Key results There were no differences among the treatments for weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, viability, or carcass and cut yields. However, lot uniformity improved when 100% herbal choline replaced choline chloride. There was no difference among treatments for feathering score, but feather percentage (at Day 42) was highest in treatments with herbal choline associated with choline chloride (25:75 or 50:50). The 100% herbal choline treatment resulted in lower concentration of serum low-density lipoprotein at Days 21 and 42. Conclusions Herbal choline can fully replace choline chloride in broiler diets. Implications Use of plant choline in broiler diets reduces ingredient losses and improves chicken health by reducing serum low-density lipoprotein.
Midbrain dopamine neurons arbiter OCD-like behavior
Authors: Xue Jinwen , Qian Dandan , Zhang Bingqian , Yang Jingxuan , Li Wei , Bao Yifei , Qiu Shi , Fu Yi , Wang Shaoli , Yuan Ti-Fei , Lu Wei
Published: November 2022

The neurobiological understanding of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) includes dysregulated frontostriatal circuitry and altered monoamine transmission. Repetitive stereotyped behavior (e.g., grooming), a featured symptom in OCD, has been proposed to be associated with perturbed dopamine (DA) signaling. However, the precise brain circuits participating in DA’s control over this behavioral phenotype remain elusive. Here, we identified that DA neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) orchestrate ventromedial striatum (VMS) microcircuits as well as lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) during self-grooming behavior. SNc–VMS and SNc–lOFC dopaminergic projections modulate grooming behaviors and striatal microcircuit function differentially. Specifically, the activity of the SNc–VMS pathway promotes grooming via D1 receptors, whereas the activity of the SNc–lOFC pathway suppresses grooming via D2 receptors. SNc DA neuron activity thus controls the OCD-like behaviors via both striatal and cortical projections as dual gating. These results support both pharmacological and brain-stimulation treatments for OCD.
Activity-adjusted crime rates show that public safety worsened in 2020
Authors: Massenkoff Maxim , Chalfin Aaron
Published: November 2022

This paper argues that changes in human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unusual divergence between crime rates and victimization risk in US cities. Most violent crimes declined during the pandemic. However, analysis using data on activity shows that the risk of street crime victimization was elevated throughout 2020. People in public spaces were 15 to 30% more likely to be robbed or assaulted. This increase is unlikely to be explained by changes in crime reporting or selection into outdoor activities by potential victims. Traditional crime rates may present a misleading view of the recent changes in public safety.
Wealth redistribution promotes happiness
Authors: Dwyer Ryan J. , Dunn Elizabeth W.
Published: November 2022

How much happiness could be gained if the world’s wealth were distributed more equally? Despite decades of research investigating the relationship between money and happiness, no experimental work has quantified this effect for people across the global economic spectrum. We estimated the total gain in happiness generated when a pair of high-net-worth donors redistributed US$2 million of their wealth in $10,000 cash transfers to 200 people. Our preregistered analyses offer causal evidence that cash transfers substantially increase happiness among economically diverse individuals around the world. Recipients in lower-income countries exhibited happiness gains three times larger than those in higher-income countries. Still, the cash provided detectable benefits for people with household incomes up to $123,000.
“This figure could be better, but how?”
Authors: Semouchkina Vassilissa , Chen Yeechi , Larson Kevin , Cheng Karen
Published: November 2022

This paper considers whether scientists can improve their visual design abilities by participating in critiques. In design education, a critique is a class session where designers present their work-in-progress and receive feedback from faculty, peers, and invited critics. In this study, we show that an intervention consisting of (1) an introduction to visual principles, (2) an explanation of critique methodology, and (3) participation in a group critique led to a significant increase in both the quantity and quality of feedback that scientists provided on a set of figures. These findings indicate that critiques can be a valuable practice for scientists to integrate into their research labs.
This deserves a brief mention
Authors: Siepmann Dirk
Published: November 2022

This article takes a doubly contrastive approach to spoken academic language. On the one hand, it explores genre differences between spoken and written academic English and French; on the other, it considers divergences between spoken academic discourse in the two languages. The corpora used for this purpose were purpose-built on the basis of YouTube video subtitles and other sources. The focus of attention is on keywords and key metadiscursive routines. The results suggest that, somewhat counterintuitively, the distance between academic speech and writing is smaller in French than it is in English, so that written routines can be more easily transferred to speech in French. French written and spoken discourse shows a greater degree of abstraction and self-referentiality than is the case in English. The article selectively illustrates that both French and English have a distinct set of spoken routines that are not used in writing; these need to be described and recorded in lexicographic resources to make them available for teachers and learners.
‘Beirut you will rise again’
Authors: Karam Fares J. , Kibler Amanda K. , Warren Amber N. , Shweiry Zinnia
Published: November 2022

This study examines the Linguistic Landscape (LL) of two streets in Beirut (Foch and Weygand) following a series of protests in October 2019 against the Lebanese government. We analyzed signs of protest on those two streets collected in 2020 and compared them to archival data collected back in 2015 prior to the commencement of the protests. We drew upon an expanding LL literature of contestation and resistance and theoretically framed our study in concepts of reclaiming public spaces through protest signs (Martín Rojo, 2014a). Photographic data was collected and analyzed based on a critical discourse historiographical approach (Flowerdew, 2017). Implications with regard to Beirut’s changing identity and conflicting discourses of protest, hope, and censorship competing for space on its streets are presented. The study also presents asynchronous narrative layering as an approach that addresses historical and cultural dimensions and power structures that underlie the narratives that shape protest movements.
Residual stress reduction in wire arc additively manufactured parts using in-situ electric pulses
Authors: Gudur Srinath , Simhambhatla Suryakumar , Venkata Reddy N.
Published: November 2022

Components fabricated in metal additive manufacturing, including wire arc additive manufacturing, undergo complex thermal cycles, resulting in residual stresses and thermal distortions. The present work investigates the effect of applying in-situ electric pulses to the component after the deposition of every layer to reduce residual stresses. The experimental results revealed that electropulsing resulted in dislocation rearrangement/annihilation, thereby decreasing dislocation density. A significant reduction in the fraction of low angle grain boundaries was observed for electropulse-treated samples, indicating a decrease in residual stress. Further, X-ray diffraction results also confirm a reduction in residual stress (24.0–29.4% reduction compared to untreated samples). The method can effectively be used to address specific regions selectively in addition to in-situ reduction of residual stresses in deposited components.

Abbreviations: EBSD: electron backscattered diffraction; EPT: electropulsing treatment; EWF: electron wind force; GND: geometrically necessary dislocations; KAM: Kernel average misorientation; LAGBs: low angle grain boundaries; WAAM: wire arc additive manufacturing; XRD: X-ray diffraction
The relationship between physical characteristics and match collision performance among elite international female rugby union players
Authors: Woodhouse Luke Nicholas , Bennett Mark , Tallent Jamie , Patterson Stephen David , Waldron Mark
Published: November 2022

This study investigated whether anthropometric and physical abilities explained variance in match collision performance among international female rugby union players. Physical performance and anthropometric data for fifty‐one international female rugby union players, and collision actions categorised as “effort” or “performance” variables, from 20 international matches, were analysed using partial least squares regression. Among forwards, variance in carries/min was explained (R2 = .22) by a combination of; body mass, skinfolds, acceleration momentum and negative associations with mean aerobic speed and single‐leg isometric squat relative force (SLISO/kgBM). Variance in collision dominance among forwards was explained (R2 = .21) by lower skinfolds and higher acceleration momentum, while tackles/min (R2 = .19) were explained by greater jumping power and single‐leg isometric squat (SLISO). Among backs, variance in tackles/min (R2 = .54) was explained by greater bench press, SLISO and SLISO/kgBM. Variance in collision dominance among backs was explained (R2 = .23) by negative and positive associations with body mass and SLISO/kgBM, respectively. These findings suggest the development of physical characteristics, such as body mass and composition, strength and power contribute towards successful collision actions among international female rugby union players. The contribution of different physical characteristics towards collision events is dependent on position, and whether the collision event is categorised by “performance” or “effort”. It is suggested that physical training programmes should reflect this level of specificity.