bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The generalized Hausman test for detecting non‐normality in the latent variable distribution of the two‐parameter IRT model
Authors: Guastadisegni Lucia , Cagnone Silvia , Moustaki Irini , Vasdekis Vassilis 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces the generalized Hausman test as a novel method for detecting the non‐normality of the latent variable distribution of the unidimensional latent trait model for binary data. The test utilizes the pairwise maximum likelihood estimator for the parameters of the latent trait model, which assumes normality of the latent variable, and the maximum likelihood estimator obtained under a semi‐non‐parametric framework, allowing for a more flexible distribution of the latent variable. The performance of the generalized Hausman test is evaluated through a simulation study and compared with other test statistics available in the literature for testing latent variable distribution fit and an overall goodness‐of‐fit test statistic. Additionally, three information criteria are used to select the best‐fitted model. The simulation results show that the generalized Hausman test outperforms the other tests under most conditions. However, the results obtained from the information criteria are somewhat contradictory under certain conditions, suggesting a need for further investigation and interpretation. The proposed test statistics are used in three datasets.
Clinical performance of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition for perivascular soft‐tissue cuffing suspected to be extravascular migratory metastases of pancreatic or bile duct cancer (with video)
Authors: Maehara Kosuke , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Maruki Yuta , Yamashige Daiki , Okamoto Kohei , Agarie Daiki , Yagi Shin , Fukuda Soma , Kuwada Masaru , Komori Yasuhiro , Koga Takehiko , Kanno Atsushi , Imamura Tsunao , Saito Yutaka , Okusaka Takuji 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance and safety of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA) for perivascular soft‐tissue cuffing (PSTC).MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective study evaluated patients in whom EUS‐TA was performed for PSTC in pancreatic or bile duct cancer lesions between October 2017 and March 2024. PSTC was defined as a perivascular soft‐tissue area contiguous with nearby blood vessels from the suspected primary tumor. EUS‐TA procedures and outcomes, including technical success, diagnostic performance, adverse events, and comparison with contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT), were analyzed.ResultsOf 1803 patients, 53 underwent EUS‐TA for PSTC. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 92.1%, 100%, and 92.5%, respectively. The technical success rate was 98.1% (52/53). The adverse event rate was 1.9%. EUS‐TA for PSTC was significantly superior to CECT for PSTC in terms of diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, the diagnostic performance and adverse event rates for EUS‐TA for PSTC were comparable to those for TA in solid tumors. Shorter puncture lengths were associated with lower accuracy.ConclusionEUS‐TA for PSTC in pancreatic or bile duct cancer demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy and a low rate of adverse events, showing superior diagnostic performance compared to CECT. These findings suggest that EUS‐TA for PSTC can be performed safely and is a clinically beneficial procedure. Despite the technical challenges, EUS‐TA for PSTC can influence clinical judgment and should be considered in skilled institutions for future patient treatment decisions. Prospective multicenter studies are warranted to further evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Longer‐run equilibrium interest rates: evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Kaykhusraw Omar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe natural rate of interest () has recently been in decline, yet little is known about its historical variation. This paper estimates over more than three centuries for the United Kingdom, between 1700 and 2019. Results suggest that the longer‐run equilibrium interest rate rose persistently during much of the 18th and 19th centuries, and only began to decline around the turn of the 20th. Historical decompositions suggest that structural changes in productivity, demography, and risk are largely responsible for this reduction. I argue that secular stagnation is unique to contemporary history, insofar as ascended across much of the Late Modern Era.
Unsupervised clustering of a deeply phenotyped cohort of adults with idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Gavnholt Line , Gesche Joanna , Cerulli Irelli Emanuele , Krøigård Thomas , Mangaard Sofie Bloch , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Rubboli Guido , Röttger Richard , Beier Christoph Patrick 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveIdiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) in adults comprise juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), and epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures alone (EGTCS), which are defined by their seizure types but also cover a broad endophenotype of symptoms. Controversy exists on whether adult IGE is a group of distinct diseases or a clinical spectrum of one disease. Here, we used a deeply phenotyped cohort to test the hypothesis that IGE comprises three distinct clinical entities.MethodsPatients (>18 years old) with IGE were recruited between 2016 and 2020 at Odense University Hospital and the Danish Epilepsy Center. Complete data were available for basic demographics, imaging, social status, and treatment response. Subjects were offered neuropsychological screening (including symptoms of psychiatric disease). Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were reanalyzed, and missing data were imputed. After selecting the features and normalizing the data, the dataset and an identical randomized dataset were subjected to k‐means cluster analysis.ResultsThe dataset comprised 502 patients and 22 distinct nonoverlapping clinical features. Elbow and gap analyses revealed an optimal number of clusters of 1; the features with the highest eigenvalues were age at diagnosis and self‐reported executive dysfunction. Applying k‐means clustering yielded three low‐quality clusters as assessed by silhouette score (mean = .400 ± .01). The corresponding mean silhouette score for the randomized control dataset was .390 (±.002). Age at diagnosis was associated with the epileptic discharges on EEG and treatment response. Self‐reported executive dysfunction showed associations with psychiatric symptoms and impulsivity. JME, JAE, and EGTCS were loosely associated with the clusters (k = .088, p = .002) but showed a specific distribution within a matrix defined by age at diagnosis and self‐reported executive dysfunction.SignificanceIGE in adults is best described as a continuum of symptoms, where age at diagnosis and executive dysfunction are two main factors explaining most of its clinical variability. The seizure‐defined syndromes cover different patient groups within the clinical spectrum.
Fast activity chirp patterns in focal seizures from patients and animal models
Authors: Lévesque Maxime , Gnatkovsky Vadym , Li Fei Ran , Scalmani Paolo , Uva Laura , Avoli Massimo , de Curtis Marco 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTime–frequency analysis of focal seizure electroencephalographic signals performed with depth electrodes in human temporal lobe structures has revealed the occurrence at onset of oscillations at approximately 30–100 Hz that feature a monotonic rapid decay in frequency content. This seizure onset pattern, referred to as chirp, has been identified as a highly specific and sensitive marker of focal seizures that are characterized by low‐voltage fast activity. We report that this chirp pattern is also observed in animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy in both in vivo and in vitro preparations. We propose here that chirps mirror the involvement of synchronous interneuron firing that is known to represent a specific cellular mechanism leading to the initiation of focal seizures, in particular those characterized by low‐voltage fast activity.
The European Political Community in the EU's wider neighbourhood: A new element of the differentiated pan Euro‐Mediterranean integration framework
Authors: Lannon Erwan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe contribution explores the implications of the creation of the European Political Community (EPC) and of its potential enlargement to the EU's Southern neighbourhood. After an overview of the federal roots of internal and external differentiated integration, and those of the EPC, the future of the pan Euro‐Mediterranean economic integration will be tackled. Following this, the question of geopolitical divergence and convergence with the EU's neighbours shall be addressed. The potential institutionalisation of the EPC, in the light of the analysis of the four first summits held in 2022, 2023 and 2024, is taken into consideration in order to make proposals.Among the key recommendations are: the potential role of the EPC to better associate neighbouring countries with the EU's decision shaping; the possibility to use the EPC to modernise old association agreements and deepen regulatory convergence; the EPC could help to launch a reflection on a new European security architecture and on new provisions devoted to security in some association agreements; the EPC could reactivate the objective of a Euro‐Mediterranean security Charter; the use of reinforced and enhanced cooperation, as well as PESCO, to deepen integration with third countries is also relevant, as is their association with EU CSDP missions and operations, which should be encouraged. The need for the EU to improve consistency when referring to different sets of values, and to continue to promote peace and democracy aspirations, as a universal value, in the pan‐Euro‐Mediterranean area is put forward.A proposal to amend and supplement Article 8 TEU is made at the end of the Article.
Review of intra‐articular 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel, a new concept in the management of osteoarthritis
Authors: Tnibar A. 
Published: December 2024

SummaryRecent observational and experimental trials have demonstrated that intra‐articular 2.5% injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5 iPAAG) is highly effective, lasting and safe for the treatment of equine osteoarthritis (OA). Over the last decade, intra‐articular 2.5 iPAAG has shown to be a potent and promising drug in the medication of OA in horses, as no other single medical treatment for OA has such prolonged efficacy. Preliminary observations on the mechanisms of action of intra‐articular 2.5 iPAAG support a mechanical effect through integration into the synovial membrane, an increase in joint elasticity possibly reducing overall joint capsule stiffness, and provision of lasting viscosupplementation which contributes to protecting articular surfaces. Because 2.5 iPAAG is an inert and biocompatible hydrogel, no effects on arthrocentesis cytology parameters have been observed. Studies also suggest that the positive effects of 2.5 iPAAG occur in the absence of intra‐articular neurotoxicity or fibrosis, with a low‐level macrophage‐driven foreign body response. The effect on the synovial membrane and joint capsule and the long‐acting viscosupplementation represent new concepts in the management of equine OA.
The Mechanical Performance of Resistance Welded Thermoplastic Composite Double Overlap Joint Tested Under Static and Fatigue Loading
Authors: Kowalczyk Piotr , Sienicki Jarosław , Galińska Anna 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe results of testing resistance welded joints using double lap shear (DLS) specimens are presented. The welded joints of polyetheretherketone reinforced with carbon 5‐harness satin weave (CF/PEEK) were made using two steel meshes with wire diameters of 0.04 mm and 0.1 mm. Additionally, the impact of welding with thin glass fabric (48 gsm) as an electrical insulator on joint strength was investigated. The specimens with selected process parameters were then fatigue‐tested at various percentages of their static shear strengths at a load ratio R = 0.1 and frequency f = 10 Hz. The performances of resistance welded DLS‐B specimens were compared with the current state of art, especially in the context of the use of SLS specimens. The failure modes of the specimens were presented, and a linear stress‐life (S–N) curve was drawn and analyzed.
The Once and Future Fish: Assessing a Millennium of Atlantic Herring Exploitation Through Mixed‐Stock Analysis and Ancient DNA
Authors: Atmore Lane M. , van der Jagt Inge , Boilard Aurélie , Häberle Simone , Blevis Rachel , Dierickx Katrien , Quinlan Liz M. , Orton David C. , Hufthammer Anne Karin , Barrett James H. , Star Bastiaan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSmall pelagic fish support profitable fisheries and are important for food security around the world. Yet, their sustainable management can be hindered by the indiscriminate impacts of simultaneous exploitation of fish from multiple distinct biological populations over extended periods of time. The quantification of such impacts is greatly facilitated by recently developed molecular tools—including diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels for mixed‐stock analysis (MSA)—that can accurately detect the population identity of individual fish. However, the biological relevance of such tools over longer periods of time remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that diagnostic SNP panels designed for contemporary MSA in Atlantic herring have a millennium‐long biological relevance and applicability. We assign the population identity of ancient Atlantic herring specimens—obtained through famously profitable historic fisheries—up to 1300 years old from eight archaeological sites across Europe. Analyzing contemporary and ancient whole‐genome data, we obtain evidence for the long‐term mixed‐stock exploitation of Atlantic herring. Despite such mixed‐stock exploitation, we exclusively identify autumn‐spawning herring amongst these archaeological remains, indicative of a specific biological availability or cultural preference for certain herring ecotypes in the past. Moreover, our results show that herring demographic patterns were relatively stable until the dramatic disruptions and stock collapses during the 20th century. We find small but significant reductions in genetic diversity over time, indicating long‐term evolutionary consequences from 20th‐century stock declines. The long‐term applicability of diagnostic SNP panels underscores their biological relevance and cost‐effective application for the genetic monitoring of herring stocks and highlights the utility of ancient DNA to obtain insights in herring ecology and population dynamics.
Interferon‐Dependent Expression of the Human STAT1 Gene Requires a Distal Regulatory Region Located Approximately 6 kb Upstream for Its Autoregulatory System
Authors: Yuasa Katsutoshi , Masubuchi Aimi , Okada Tomo , Shinya Miho , Inomata Yui , Kida Honoka , Shyouji Sayoko , Ichikawa Hirona , Takahashi Tetsuyuki , Muroi Masashi , Hijikata Takao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWe previously suggested that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) gene is autoregulated in an interferon (IFN)‐dependent manner via a distal regulatory region approximately 5.5–6.2 kb upstream of the murine and human STAT1 promoters (designated 5.5URR). Here, we examined whether this IFN‐dependent positive feedback mechanism of the STAT1 gene actually functions in cells. First, we created human embryonic kidney 293 cell mutants lacking the IFN‐responsive transcription factor binding sites (IFN‐stimulated response element and IFN‐gamma‐activated sequence) within the 5.5URR and stimulated them with IFN‐α/γ. The mutants showed a loss of response to IFN, indicating that the 5.5URR is essential for IFN‐induced transcriptional enhancement in STAT1 gene expression. Second, we cloned the full‐length 11 kb human STAT1 promoter, including the region upstream of the 5.5URR, from the start codon and linked it to a luciferase gene. Reporter assays showed that IFN‐α/γ significantly activated the STAT1 promoter via the 5.5URR. Furthermore, recombinant DNA linking the full‐length STAT1 promoter to STAT1 cDNA was introduced into STAT1‐deficient cells. In vitro reconstitution experiments showed that IFN‐α/γ stimulation increased STAT1 protein levels via the 5.5URR. These results demonstrate that the 5.5URR confers IFN‐dependent autoregulation of the STAT1 promoter.
Is Teledentistry as Effective as Clinical Dental Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients?
Authors: Mola Müge Erbay , Çoğulu Dilşah , Eden Ece , Topaloğlu Aslı 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTeledentistry integrates telecommunications with dental practice, facilitating the exchange of clinical information and images for remote dental consultation and treatment planning. This approach enables dental care access across long distances, addressing the need for flexible healthcare solutions.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teledentistry compared to clinical in‐person dental diagnosis in pediatric patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignThe study sample consisted of 200 children aged 3–13 years, each undergoing both teledentistry‐based and in‐person clinical dental diagnosis. Caries index scores, including DMFT/dmft and DMFS/dmfs, as well as the identification of specific dental conditions such as molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), black tooth staining, periodontal disease, dental trauma, and orthodontic anomalies, were recorded in both diagnostic settings. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi‐square, Wilcoxon, and Fisher's Exact tests.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 7.86 ± 2.40 years. Caries index scores (DMFT/dmft, DMFS/dmfs) showed compatibility between teledentistry and clinical diagnoses. While “d/D, f/F, ds/DS, fs/FS” scores were observed to be higher in clinical diagnoses compared to teledentistry, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Scores for “m/M” and “ms/MS” were identical in both diagnostic methods. Additionally, the prevalence of dental anomalies, including MIH, black tooth staining, periodontal disease, dental trauma, and orthodontic anomalies, was comparable across both diagnostic approaches.ConclusionFindings suggest that teledentistry serves as an effective alternative to clinical in‐person diagnosis for pediatric dental consultations and treatment planning, demonstrating comparable accuracy in identifying caries and dental anomalies in children.
CRN synthesis mechanism of high sinterability MgAlON powder for fast fabrication of highly transparent ceramics
Authors: Yu Xiaotian , Guo Haoran , Shan Yingchun , Han Yanbin , Han Xiaoguang , Xu Jiujun , Li Jiangtao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUtilizing γ‐Al2O3, MgO, and black carbon powders as starting materials, single‐phase magnesium aluminum oxynitride (MgAlON) powders with excellent sinterability were successfully synthesized by carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN) method, and the CRN synthesis mechanism was investigated through analyzing phase assemblage and morphology of the powders during heating. As heating to 1700°C, single‐phase MgAlON is obtained, while its O/N ratio can be adjusted by controlling the composition of starting mixture and the CRN process. The MgAlON powders with O/N ratio of 9.52–11.39 (using the mixture with 8.6 wt.% MgO and 5.2 wt.% carbon black, and prepared at 1700°C for 90–150 min or 1720°C for 120 min) exhibit high sinterability. These powders were successfully fast pressureless sintered into ceramics with high transmittance (>80%@3750 nm) at 1880°C for 2.5 h. During the heating process for preparing MgAlON powder, magnesium aluminate spinel (MAS) is first formed at <1500°C, then at 1500–1600°C, along with formation of AlN via CRN and its instantaneous solid solution with MAS, MgAlON is obtained. The phase assemblage and morphology comparison between the Al2O3–MgO–C, Al2O3–MgO, and Al2O3–C powders during heating indicates that carbon and MAS act in concert to inhibit the growth of Al2O3, which contribute to the rapid formation MgAlON and high sinterability of prepared MgAlON powders.
A nanoindentation approach for unveiling the photoplastic effects by a “light switch”: A case study on ZnO
Authors: Oguri Hiroto , Li Yan , Nakamura Atsutomo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe nanoindentation method is a widely utilized approach for characterizing the mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale. In typical nanoindentation tests, the mechanical responses of materials are monitored while maintaining constant environmental factors, such as lighting and temperature, in order to ensure the reliability of the results. Here, we propose a testing method that switches the light conditions during a single nanoindentation creep test to detect slight changes in the mechanical response due to weak light illumination. To achieve this, a reference sample of fused silica was employed, which is insensitive to light, in order to compensate for the thermal expansion/contraction of approximately 1 nm due to the light environment. The calibrated results revealed the instantaneous suppressive influence of light illumination on the indentation creep behavior of ZnO. It was found that upon initiating illumination, the indentation creep rate decreased by 45%, whereas terminating illumination led to a dramatic 19.4‐fold increase in the creep rate. The effective testing pattern involving a “light switch” enables quantitatively visualizing the light illumination effects through the instant “jump” in the creep strain rate within a single test, facilitating the detection of minor and instantaneous effects of light environments on indentation creep behavior.
Using Weighted Goal Programming Model to Achieve Genetic Gain in a Beluga Sturgeon Breeding Program
Authors: Rahbar Mina , Safari Roghieh , Perez‐Rostro Carlos I. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWe estimated the desired genetic gains for important traits in Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted goal programming (WGP). Two questionnaires were distributed to 122 private Beluga sturgeon farmers in Iran in two stages. The initial stage involved the first questionnaire, which aimed to gather information on the environmental and management aspects of the farms. Additionally, farmers were requested to rate 4 important traits from a list of 12 traits for genetic improvement in the Beluga breeding program. Based on the results, four traits, that is, ovarian fat lobe weight (OFW), total caviar weight (CW), body weight of broodstock (BW) and larval body area at hatching (LBA) were rated highest. In the second stage, the second questionnaire asked farmers to make six pairwise comparisons between the above traits to determine preferences of these traits. The analytical hierarchy process was used to estimate individual preference (Ind‐P) values using Super Decisions software. The medians of the Ind‐P values were OFW and CW (0.30), BW (0.27) and LBA (0.10). Social group preference (Soc‐P) values were estimated for five categories, with 13 social groups using the WGP model in LINGO software. Most disagreements in Soc‐P values were found between the commercial products and water temperature categories. Consensus preference values (Con‐P) for the above two categories were obtained by the extended WGP model with the range of λ between 0 and 1 in LINGO software. The average best Con‐P values were OFW = BW (0.29), LBA (0.21) and CW (0.19). Desired genetic gains (%) were calculated using the percentage genetic improvement (G%) multiplied by the mean of Con‐P, yielding values of 2.09, 1.88, 1.44 and 0.62 for BW, CW, LBA and OFW, respectively. The most important achievements of this research are the determination of the economic traits importance and multi‐traits selection in the Beluga breeding program.