bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A machine-learning algorithm correctly classifies cortical evoked potentials from both visual stimulation and electrical stimulation of the optic nerve
Authors: Gaillet Vivien , Borda Eleonora , Zollinger Elodie Geneviève , Ghezzi Diego 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objective. Optic nerve’s intraneural stimulation is an emerging neuroprosthetic approach to provide artificial vision to totally blind patients. An open question is the possibility to evoke individual non-overlapping phosphenes via selective intraneural optic nerve stimulation. To begin answering this question, first, we aim at showing in preclinical experiments with animals that each intraneural electrode could evoke a distinguishable activity pattern in the primary visual cortex. Approach. We performed both patterned visual stimulation and patterned electrical stimulation in healthy rabbits while recording evoked cortical activity with an electrocorticogram array in the primary visual cortex. Electrical stimulation was delivered to the optic nerve with the intraneural array OpticSELINE. We used a support vector machine algorithm paired to a linear regression model to classify cortical responses originating from visual stimuli located in different portions of the visual field and electrical stimuli from the different electrodes of the OpticSELINE. Main results. Cortical activity induced by visual and electrical stimulation could be classified with nearly 100% accuracy relative to the specific location in the visual field or electrode in the array from which it originated. For visual stimulation, the accuracy increased with the separation of the stimuli and reached 100% for separation higher than 7°. For electrical stimulation, at low current amplitudes, the accuracy increased with the distance between electrodes, while at higher current amplitudes, the accuracy was nearly 100% already for the shortest separation. Significance. Optic nerve’s intraneural stimulation with the OpticSELINE induced discernible cortical activity patterns. These results represent a necessary condition for an optic nerve prosthesis to deliver vision with non-overlapping phosphene. However, clinical investigations will be required to assess the translation of these results into perceptual phenomena.
The use of spherical learning XR-arenas based on an abstract symbolic environment in physics teaching
Authors: Yavoruk O 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) teaching technologies are increasingly popular in physics classes. The AR/VR (united by the term Extended Reality or XR) makes the physics course more close and understandable for young people. In addition, an abstract symbolic environment inside XR spherical arenas is easy applicable for physics teaching. The paper describes elements of an AR/VR sphere, abstract and symbolic objects of a learning arena. It deals with some essential findings from the analysis of experimental XR-teaching, controversial and debatable issues. Methodology of the study involved practical using of XR-devices and XR-applications in order to find adequate teaching elements of XR-arenas and the survey of students’ opinions. Nowadays, XR hardware and software are becoming much more prevalent among students. Physics teachers can easily respond to this request due to the specifics of their professional activities. Both teachers and students are interested in the easy use of XR demonstrations, unusual techniques, and pretty staggering opportunities of virtuality.
Practical Application Peculiarities of Geo-Information Technologies While Planning the Protective Forest Belts
Authors: Smirnov V O , Zelentsova M G , Krainyuk E S 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This article considers methodological and practical aspects of applying geo- informational technologies in assessing environmental and biologic states of the protective forest-belts. The algorithm for geo-informational cartographic database compilation has been suggested to develop the projects of forest-belts restoration, functions assessment and reclamation effect. The examples of computations while planning forest-belts for the Crimean Republic are given here.
Removal of Ni and Zn heavy metal ions from industrial waste waters using modified slag of electric arc furnace
Authors: Changalvaei Morteza , Nilforoushan Mohammad Reza , Arabmarkadeh Arash , Tayebi Morteza 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the present study modified slag of electric arc furnace which itself is considered as an industrial waste material was used to eliminate nickel and zinc metals from industrial waste water. The modified slag was characterized by SEM, XRD and XRF analyses and it was demonstrated that it could be used as an efficient novel adsorbent. Experimental and thermodynamic evaluations of heavy metal removal efficiency were carried out at different conditions including temperatures of 25, 35 and 50 °C. In addition, in order to develop this process on an industrial scale, optimization of different parameters such as contact time, metallic ion concentration, adsorbent amount, adsorbent particle size, temperature, pH, etc was carried out. Results showed that the optimum conditions for removal of nickel and zinc ions were at the adsorbent dosage of 30 mg L−1, adsorbent particles size finer than 75 μm and adsorption time of 3 h. Moreover, by increasing the process temperature, the adsorbing efficiency was improved. Kinetic investigations displayed that the adsorption of metallic ions was more likely correlated with the pseudo-first-order model than the pseudo-second-order model and diffusion model. Additionally, the correlation coefficient indicated that the Freundlich adsorption model predicted more precisely than that of the Langmuir model for adsorption of nickel and zinc metallic ions.
Enhanced energy storage properties of La3+ modified 0.92Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 -0.06Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.02NaNbO3 ternary ceramic system
Authors: Ali Khan Aqib , Arbab Safeer Ahmad , Manan Abdul , Saboor Abdul , Ullah Atta , Khattak Noor Saeed , Ahmad Iftikhar , Naeem Khan Muhammad , Bashir Tariq , Asif Muhammad , Sadiq Muhammad , Arif Muhammad 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The development in field of hybrid vehicles, telecommunication and energy sectors require dielectric materials having high-energy storage density with optimum thermal stability to operate in certain environment. To fulfil such requirement a new set of materials along the ternary solid solutions of 0.92Bi0.5(1-x)-La(x)Na0.5TiO3 -0.06Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.02NaNbO3 (NB1-xLxT-BZT-NN) (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) were fabricated through solid-state mix oxide route. The XRD patterns analysis confirmed a structural phase transformation from rhombohedral to the tetragonal-P4bm phase when x content increased from 0 to 0.07. The SEM study revealed, dense microstructure for all ceramics accompanied by a decrease in the average grain from 1.66 μm to 1.05 μm leading to high densities for these materials with an increase in the x content. The dielectric breakdown field increased from ∼115 to 137 kV cm−1 resulting in an increase in recoverable energy density from ∼0.68 to 1.14 J cm−3 with the increase in x content. Furthermore, excellent temperature stability (±15%) in dielectric permittivity was observed in a wide temperature range for each ceramic. In the present study, a recoverable energy density of 1.14 J cm−3 along with an efficiency of 70.6% was obtained for the composition of x = 0.07.
Self-repairing inorganic phosphors/polymer composite film for restructuring luminescent patterns
Authors: Cheng Long-Xiang , Liu Tao , Li Lei , Yang Liu , He Hong-Wei , Zhang Jun-Cheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Practical applications of phosphor particles in light sources and displays generally require the adhesion and support of polymer materials. However, these phosphor/polymer composites suffer from the difficulty in self-repairing after fracture. Inspired by the development of self-healing polymers, herein, we prepared phosphor/polymer composite films with self-repairing and restructuring properties. The N,N-dimethylformamide dispersant was used to uniformly disperse the phosphor particles in the self-healing polymer, which is considered to the key process for obtaining self-repairing properties. The developed self-repairing composite films are particularly suitable for restructuring luminescent patterns to provide multidimensional light-emitting modes including photoluminescence, persistent luminescence and mechanoluminescence. These results are expected to provide new insights for designing multifunctional self-repairing and reconstructing composites for anti-counterfeiting, integrated optics, optical communications, and artificial skins.
Preparation and oxidation resistance of polyphenylene sulfide modified by high-temperature antioxidants
Authors: Xing J , Xu Z Z , Li D W 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Two types of high-temperature antioxidants (Revonox 608 and GA-80) were used to improve the oxidation resistance of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) through melt blending, and the resistance against oxidation and other properties were characterized. The results showed that GA-80 exhibited better dispersibility and compatibility with the PPS matrix than did Revonox 608. Revonox 608 could act as a heterogeneous nucleation agent that can promote crystallization and improve the crystallinity of PPS, whereas GA-80 could delay the movement of chain segments and limit crystallization. The thermal-oxidative stability of PPS can be improved by adding antioxidants due to prior oxidative decomposition. The dynamic oxidation induction temperature of PPS increased by more than 10 °C because of the capture of free radicals and the decomposition of hydroperoxides by antioxidants. The XPS results showed that both GA-80 and Revonox 608 could retard the oxidative cleavage of the C-S-C bond in the PPS macromolecular chains and protect the S atoms from oxidizing to sulfone groups.
Recent progress on strategies to improve the high-voltage stability of layered-oxide cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Song Tengfei , Kendrick Emma 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Sodium-ion batteries offer a low-cost sustainable alternative to current lithium-ion batteries and can be made on the same manufacturing lines. The sustainability arises from the low cost, reduction in the use of critical elements and strategic materials, and potential long-life. To maximize their potential, higher energy density batteries are required, this can be achieved in part through the stabilization of higher voltage cathode materials. In this review we summarize the failure and degradation processes associated with the high capacity and higher voltage layered oxide cathode materials. Material crystal structure rearrangements, electrolyte oxidation, particle cracking and reactive surfaces form most of the degradation mechanisms. Strategies to overcome these processes are discussed in detail, and the synergistic requirements to stabilize the materials structure and the interfaces highlighted. The importance of surface engineering in future materials design is emphasized.
Mechanisms of Action in a Behavioral Weight-Management Program: Latent Growth Curve Analysis
Authors: Bates Sarah , Norman Paul , Breeze Penny , Brennan Alan , Ahern Amy L 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
A greater understanding of the mechanisms of action of weight-management interventions is needed to inform the design of effective interventions.

Purpose
To investigate whether dietary restraint, habit strength, or diet self-regulation mediated the impact of a behavioral weight-management intervention on weight loss and weight loss maintenance.

Methods
Latent growth curve analysis (LGCA) was conducted on trial data in which adults (N = 1,267) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2 were randomized to either a brief intervention (booklet on losing weight), a 12 week weight-management program or the same program for 52 weeks. LGCA estimated the trajectory of the variables over four time points (baseline and 3, 12 and 24 months) to assess whether potential mechanisms of action mediated the impact of the weight-management program on BMI.

Results
Participants randomized to the 12 and 52 week programs had a significantly greater decrease in BMI than the brief intervention. This direct effect became nonsignificant when dietary restraint, habit strength, and autonomous diet self-regulation were controlled for. The total indirect effect was significant for both the 12 (estimate = −1.33, standard error [SE] = 0.41, p = .001) and 52 week (estimate = −2.13, SE = 0.52, p &lt; .001) program. Only the individual indirect effect for dietary restraint was significant for the 12 week intervention, whereas all three indirect effects were significant for the 52 week intervention.

Conclusions
Behavior change techniques that target dietary restraint, habit strength, and autonomous diet self-regulation should be considered when designing weight loss and weight loss maintenance interventions. Longer interventions may need to target both deliberative and automatic control processes to support successful weight management.
The Causal Interpretation of “Overall Vaccine Effectiveness” in Test-Negative Studies
Authors: Feng Shuo , Sullivan Sheena G , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J , Cowling Benjamin J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Test-negative studies are commonly used to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE). In a typical study, an “overall VE” estimate based on data from the entire sample may be reported. However, there may be heterogeneity in VE, particularly by age. Therefore, in this article we discuss the potential for a weighted average of age-specific VE estimates to provide a more meaningful measure of overall VE. We illustrate this perspective first using simulations to evaluate how overall VE would be biased when certain age groups are overrepresented. We found that unweighted overall VE estimates tended to be higher than weighted VE estimates when children were overrepresented and lower when elderly persons were overrepresented. Then we extracted published estimates from the US Flu VE network, in which children are overrepresented, and some discrepancy between unweighted and weighted overall VE was observed. Differences in weighted versus unweighted overall VE estimates could translate to substantial differences in the interpretation of individual risk reduction among vaccinated persons and in the total averted disease burden at the population level. Weighting of overall estimates should be considered in VE studies in the future.
Validating Data-Driven Methods for Identifying Transgender Individuals in the Veterans Health Administration of the US Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Wolfe Hill L , Reisman Joel I , Yoon Samuel S , Blosnich John R , Shipherd Jillian C , Vimalananda Varsha G , Rao Sowmya R , Hashemi Leila , Berlowitz Dan , Goodman Michael , Livingston Nicholas A , Reece Scott G , Jasuja Guneet K 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We sought to operationalize and validate data-driven approaches for identifying transgender individuals in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through a retrospective analysis using VA administrative data from 2006–2018. Besides diagnoses of gender identity disorder (GID), a combination of non-GID data elements was used to identify potentially transgender veterans, including 1) an International Classification of Diseases (Ninth or Tenth Revision) code of endocrine disorder, unspecified or not otherwise specified; 2) receipt of sex hormones not associated with the sex documented in the veteran’s records (gender-affirming hormone therapy); and 3) a change in the veteran’s administratively recorded sex. Both GID and non-GID data elements were applied to a sample of 13,233,529 veterans utilizing the VHA of the VA between January 2006 and December 2018. We identified 10,769 potentially transgender veterans. Based on a high positive predictive value for GID-coded veterans (83%, 95% confidence interval: 77, 89) versus non–GID-coded veterans (2%, 95% confidence interval: 1, 11) from chart review validation, the final analytical sample comprised only veterans with a GID diagnosis code (n = 9,608). In the absence of self-identified gender identity, findings suggest that relying entirely on GID diagnosis codes is the most reliable approach for identifying transgender individuals in the VHA of the VA.
Revefenacin, a once-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, for nebulized maintenance therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hvisdas Christopher 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Purpose
This article reviews the efficacy and safety of revefenacin, the first once-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, when delivered via a standard jet nebulizer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Summary
Revefenacin 175 µg is indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with moderate to very severe COPD. Preclinical studies showed that revefenacin is a potent and selective antagonist with similar affinity for the different subtypes of muscarinic receptors (M1-M5). Furthermore, prevention of methacholine- and acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstrictive effects was dose dependent and lasted longer than 24 hours, demonstrating a long duration of action. In phase 2 and 3 trials, treatment with revefenacin was demonstrated to result in statistical improvements in pulmonary function (≥100 mL, P &lt; 0.05) vs placebo, including among patients with markers of more severe disease and those who received concomitant long-acting β-agonists or long-acting β-agonists together with inhaled corticosteroids. Revefenacin was also demonstrated to have efficacy similar to that of tiotropium. The clinical trial findings indicated no significant difference between revefenacin and tiotropium with regard to rates of adverse events. Overall, revefenacin was well tolerated, with COPD worsening/exacerbation, dyspnea, headache, and cough among the most common adverse events noted in the clinical trials.

Conclusions
Revefenacin treatment delivered via nebulization led to improvements in lung function in patients with COPD. It was also generally well tolerated, with no major safety concerns. Revefenacin provides a viable treatment option for patients with COPD and may be a suitable alternative for those with conditions that may impair proper use of traditional handheld inhalers.
The Inconvenient Truth About Mobile Phone Distraction: Understanding the Means, Motive and Opportunity for Driver Resistance to Legal and Safety Messages
Authors: Wells Helen , Briggs Gemma , Savigar-Shaw Leanne 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Evidence for how phone-use impacts driving is clear: phone-using drivers are four times more likely to crash; demonstrate poor hazard detection ability; take longer to react to any hazards they notice; and can look yet fail to see. However, drivers are often resistant to research findings and, despite it being an enforceable offence, many still admit to using their phones. This paper combines what is known about the dangers of distracted driving with what research tells us about how drivers think about themselves, the law, and their risk of both crashing and being prosecuted. These blended insights explain why evidence may be resisted both by drivers and policymakers, highlighting the inconvenient truth of the distraction caused by mobile phone-use.
Rethinking Prosecutorial Discretion: Towards A Moral Cartography of Prosecutors
Authors: Tuesta Diego 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article examines the justifications that a group of prosecutors employs when coordinating human trafficking investigations in the Amazon. The study is based on interviews with officials who work in Madre de Dios, Peru, a region affected by small-scale gold mining, whose demand for labour has increased the incidence of human trafficking. I draw from Boltanski and Thévenot’s polity model to elucidate three moral principles regularly endorsed by prosecutors in the course of criminal investigations: efficiency, civic and domestic values. Together these comprise a moral cartography of prosecution. This study from the Global South contributes to a more holistic—and pragmatic—understanding of prosecutors’ charging decisions, complementing research approaching this topic from the perspective of bounded rationality.
Determining Cost-Optimal Next-Generation Sequencing Panels for Rare Disease and Pharmacogenomics Testing
Authors: Katragadda Shanmukh , Hall Taryn O , Bettadapura Radhakrishna , Dalton Joline C , Ganapathy Aparna , Ghana Pallavi , Hariharan Ramesh , Janakiraman Anand , Kotha Kumar B V S S P , Manjunath Ashwini , Mannan Ashraf U , MS Niveditha , Saraf Shradha , Tzeng Kathy T H , Veeramachaneni Vamsi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Multi–gene panel sequencing using next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods is a key tool for genomic medicine. However, with an estimated 140 000 genomic tests available, current system inefficiencies result in high genetic-testing costs. Reduced testing costs are needed to expand the availability of genomic medicine. One solution to improve efficiency and lower costs is to calculate the most cost-effective set of panels for a typical pattern of test requests.

Methods
We compiled rare diseases, associated genes, point prevalence, and test-order frequencies from a representative laboratory. We then modeled the costs of the relevant steps in the NGS process in detail. Using a simulated annealing-based optimization procedure, we determined panel sets that were more cost-optimal than whole exome sequencing (WES) or clinical exome sequencing (CES). Finally, we repeated this methodology to cost-optimize pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing.

Results
For rare disease testing, we show that an optimal choice of 4–6 panels, uniquely covering genes that comprise 95% of the total prevalence of monogenic diseases, saves $257–304 per sample compared with WES, and $66–135 per sample compared with CES. For PGx, we show that the optimal multipanel solution saves $6–7 (27%–40%) over a single panel covering all relevant gene–drug associations.

Conclusions
Laboratories can reduce costs using the proposed method to obtain and run a cost-optimal set of panels for specific test requests. In addition, payers can use this method to inform reimbursement policy.