bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Music-Based Intervention Connects Auditory and Reward Systems
Authors: Quinci Milena Aiello , Belden Alexander , Goutama Valerie , Gong Dayang , Hanser Suzanne , Donovan Nancy J. , Geddes Maiya , Loui Psyche 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Listening to pleasurable music is known to engage the brain’s reward system. This has motivated many cognitive-behavioral interventions for healthy aging, but little is known about the effects of music-based intervention (MBI) on plasticity of the cognitive and reward systems. Here we show preliminary evidence that brain network connectivity can change after receptive MBI in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Using a combination of whole-brain regression, seed-based connectivity analysis, and representational similarity analysis (RSA), we examined fMRI responses during music listening in older adults before and after an eight-week personalized MBI. Participants rated self-selected and researcher-selected musical excerpts on liking and familiarity. Parametric effects of liking, familiarity, and selection showed simultaneous activation in auditory, reward, and default mode network (DMN) areas. Seed-based connectivity comparing pre- and post-intervention showed significant increase in functional connectivity between auditory regions and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC); this auditory-mPFC connectivity was modulated by participant liking and familiarity ratings. RSA showed significant representations of selection and novelty at both time-points, and an increase in striatal representation of musical stimuli following intervention. Taken together, results show how regular music listening can provide an auditory channel towards the mPFC, thus offering a potential neural mechanism for MBI supporting healthy aging.
Social Class and Income Inequality is Associated with Morality: Empirical Evidence from 67 Countries
Authors: Elbaek Christian , Mitkidis Panagiotis , Aarøe Lene , Otterbring Tobias 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A fundamental characteristic of modern societies is economic inequality, where deprived individuals experience chronic economic scarcity. While such experiences have been shown to produce detrimental outcomes in regards to human judgment and decision-making, the consequences of such scarcity for our morality remain debated. We conduct one of the most comprehensive tests of the relationship between experiences of relative chronic economic scarcity and various measures linked to morality. In a pre-registered study, we analyse data from a large, cross-national survey (N = 46,450 across 67 countries) allowing us to address important limitations related to measurement validity and external validity in past research. Our findings demonstrate that experiences of relative chronic economic scarcity, as indexed by (1) low subjective socioeconomic status at the individual level, and (2) income inequality at the national macro level, predict higher levels of moral identity, higher morality-as-cooperation, a larger moral circle, and importantly; more prosocial behaviour. The results appear robust to several advanced control analyses. Finally, exploratory analyses indicate that observed income inequality at the national level does not significantly moderate the predicted effect of subjective socioeconomic status. Our findings have vital implications for understanding human morality under chronic resource scarcity.
rGO Sheets / ZnFe2O4 Nanocomposities as an Efficient Electro Catalyst Material for I3- / I- Reaction for High Performance DSSCs
Authors: V Anto feradrick Samson , S Bharathi Bernadsha , Winston Albin John P Paul , D Divya , Abraham James , M Victor Antony Raj , J Madhavan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this paper, Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) / ZnFe2O4 (rZnF) nanocomposite is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and employed as a counter electrode (CE) material for tri-iodide redox reactions in Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) to replace the traditional high cost platinum (Pt) CE. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), clearly indicated the formation of rZnF nanocomposite and also amorphous rGO sheets were smoothly distributed on the surface of ZnFe2O4 (ZnF) nanostructure. The rZnF-50 CE shows excellent electro catalytic activity toward I3− reduction, which has simultaneously been confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarization measurements. A DSSC developed by rZnF-50 CE (η = 8.71%) obtained quite higher than the Pt (η = 8.53%) based CE under the same condition. The superior performances of rZnF-50 CE due to addition of graphene in to Spinel (ZnF) nanostructure results in creation of highly active electrochemical sites, fast electron transport linkage between CE and electrolyte. Thus it’s a promising low cost CE material for DSSCs.
Pattern of Opioid Overdoses and Interventions at the Emergency Department: Impact of COVID-19
Authors: Potaka Katherine L , Freeman Rebecca , Soo Danny , Nguyen Nam-Anh , Sim Tin Fei , Moullin Joanna C 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOpioid-related overdoses cause substantial numbers of preventable deaths. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist available in take-home naloxone (THN) kits as a lifesaving measure for opioid overdose. As the emergency department (ED) is a primary point of contact for patients with high-risk opioid use, evidence-based recommendations from the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia THN practice guidelines include the provision of THN, accompanied by psychosocial interventions. However, implementation of these guidelines in practice is unknown. This study investigated ED opioid-related overdose presentations, concordance of post-overdose interventions with the THN practice guidelines, and the impact, if any, of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on case presentations.MethodsA single-centre retrospective audit was conducted at a major tertiary hospital of patients presenting with overdoses involving opioids and non-opioids between March to August 2019 and March to August 2020. Patient presentations and interventions delivered by the paramedics, ED and upon discharge from the ED were collated from medical records and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi square and independent T-tests.ResultsThe majority (66.2%) of patients presented to hospital with mixed drug overdoses involving opioids and non-opioids. Pharmaceutical opioids were implicated in a greater proportion (72.1%) of overdoses than illicit opioids. Fewer patients presented in March to August 2020 as compared with 2019 (26 vs. 42), and mixed drug overdoses were more frequent in 2020 than 2019 (80.8% vs. 57.1%). Referral to outpatient psychology (22.0%) and drug and alcohol services (20.3%) were amongst the most common post-discharge interventions. Naloxone was provided to 28 patients (41.2%) by the paramedics and/or ED. No patients received THN upon discharge.ConclusionsThis study highlights opportunities to improve ED provision of THN and other interventions post-opioid overdose. Large-scale multi-centre studies are required to ascertain the capacity of EDs to provide THN and the impact of COVID-19 on opioid overdose presentations.
Association Between Haemoglobin A1c and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Middle-Aged and Older Koreans: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Bo Mi , Lee Jung Hyun , Woo Hae Dong , Cho Mi Jin , Kim Sung Soo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background This study aimed to examine associations between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over time and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in middle-aged and older Koreans.Methods Using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, we analysed 9,294 40–69-year-old participants with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer. HbA1c levels were measured at baseline and at each biennial follow-up examination. Participants were divided into one group of participants with known diabetes and five groups of participants without known diabetes classified according to HbA1c levels: <31 mmol/mol (5.0%), 31–36 mmol/mol (5.0%–5.4%), 37–41 mmol/mol (5.5%–5.9%), 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0%–6.4%), and ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%). Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with HbA1c levels were calculated using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for several variables. Restricted cubic spline models were fitted to investigate the relationship between continuous HbA1c levels and mortality among people without known diabetes. Subgroup analyses were performed for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, liver diseases, and red blood cell (RBC) counts. Results During a median follow-up period of 15.7 years, there were 944 deaths, including 185, 359, and 400 from CVD, cancer, and other causes, respectively. Compared with participants with HbA1c levels of 37–41 mmol/mol, multivariate-adjusted HRs and 95% confidence intervals for all-cause death of participants with levels <31 mmol/mol, 31–36 mmol/mol, 42–47 mmol/mol, and ≥48 mmol/mol and participants with known diabetes were 1.84 (1.35–2.51), 1.13 (0.95–1.34), 1.30 (1.04–1.62), 1.37 (0.97–1.93), and 2.03 (1.70–2.44), respectively. There was a U-shaped association between HbA1c levels over time and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. When we performed diverse subgroup analyses, low HbA1c levels were strongly associated with mortality in participants with low RBC counts or liver diseases.Conclusions We found U-shaped associations between HbA1c levels over time and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in middle-aged and older Koreans. In particular, people with low RBC counts or liver diseases and low HbA1c levels had a high risk of mortality. Therefore, more careful management of these groups is recommended to decrease the risk of mortality.
Hypoglycemia Induces Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Subjects With Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Okada Yosuke , Torimoto Keiichi , Nishio Kosuke , Narisawa Manabu , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This prospective study determined the effects of hypoglycemic stimulation on vascular endothelial function in non-diabetic patients using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). The study included non-diabetic patients who were hospitalized for an insulin tolerance test (ITT) for the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism or hypopituitarism. Vascular endothelial function was assessed using the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) measured by the RH-PAT. We also measured the levels of anterior pituitary hormone, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine at the time of hypoglycemia. The primary endpoint was a change in the RHI at 120 minutes after insulin administration. The study included 27 patients. ITT was associated with significant increases in systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and the blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, growth hormone, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine. RHI significantly decreased after ITT from 2.24±0.51 to 1.71±0.42. A significant inverse correlation was observed between the change in RHI and change in adrenaline (r=-0.670, p=0.012). We concluded that hypoglycemic stimulation altered vascular endothelial function, as measured by RH-PAT, even in patients free of glucose intolerance. The observed deterioration in vascular endothelial function correlated with increases in catecholamine levels during hypoglycemia.Trial registration: UMIN000033244
Targeting MDSCs using ATRA: a phase I/II clinical trial combining pembrolizumab and all-trans retinoic acid for metastatic melanoma
Authors: Tobin Richard , Cogswell Dasha , Vorwald Victoria , Davis Dana , Borgers Jessica , Gulick Robert Van , Couts Kasey , Jordan Kimberly , Gao Dexiang , Davila Eduardo , Medina Theresa , Lewis Karl , Gonzalez Rene , McFarland Ross , Robinson William , McCarter Martin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are potent suppressors of antitumor immunity and are commonly associated with poor outcomes in melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Inducing the differentiation of MDSCs using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) alters their activity and reduces MDSC frequency. This trial seeks to assess the safety and efficacy of combining ATRA and pembrolizumab in metastatic melanoma patients. In 24 stage IV melanoma patients, treatment with pembrolizumab Q3W plus the supplemental treatment of ATRA orally for three days surrounding each of the first four pembrolizumab infusions effectively lowered the frequency of circulating PMN-MDSCs and enhanced melanoma-specific T cell activity. The combination was well tolerated. Median progression free survival was 20.3 months, and the overall response rate was 71%, with 50% of patients experiencing a complete response. Targeting MDSCs remains a promising mechanism to enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapies and this combination merits further investigation.
Heat Transfer Analysis For Oscillating Flow of Magnetized Fluid By Using The Modified Prabhakar-Like Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Raza Ali , Khan Sami Ullah , Khan M. Ijaz , El-Zahar Essam Roshdy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this analysis, an unsteady and incompressible flow of magnetized fluid in presence of heat transfer has been presented with fractional simulations. The oscillating plate with periodically variation has induced the flow. The model is formulated in terms of partial differential equations (PDE’s). The traditional PDEs cannot analyze and examine the physical behavior of flow parameters with memory effects. On this end, the solution approach is followed with the efficient mathematical fractional technique namely Prabhakar fractional derivative. The non-dimensional leading equations are transformed into the fractional model and then solved with the help of the Laplace transformation scheme. The effects and behavior of significant physical and fractional parameters are analyzed graphically and numerically. As a result, we have concluded that the temperature and velocity profiles decrease with the enhancement of fractional parameters. Furthermore, with time both (temperature and velocity fields)decreasing away from the plate and asymptotically increases along y-direction, which also satisfies the corresponding conditions.
Neurosurgical Shunt Treatment of Paediatric Hydrocephalus: Epidemiology and Influencing Factors on Revision Surgeries – a Single-centre Retrospective Analysis of 131 Patients
Authors: Nagl Jasmin , Schwarm Frank Patrick , Bender Michael , Gencer Aylin , Ehrhardt Harald , Hahn Andreas , Neubauer Bernd A. , Kolodziej Malgorzata 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Paediatric hydrocephalus is a result of cerebrospinal fluid circulatory dysfunction and has diverse pathogeneses. This study investigates the epidemiology of paediatric hydrocephalus and influences of primary aetiology, type of implants, and of complications to develope new therapeutic approaches and strategies. Between 2013-2018 a retrospective analysis of 131 children, suffering from hydrocephalus, was conducted. Medical charts, operative reports and clinical follow-up visits were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test/ANOVA and Kruksal-Wallis-test/ Mann-Whitney-U test. Most common pathogeneses of hydrocephalus among our patients were meningomyelocele associated and posthaemorrhagic. The majority received a programmable differential pressure valve (PP valve, 77.8%) or a fixed differential pressure valve with gravitational unit (FPG valve, 14.8%). Among 333 shunt associated surgeries 66% were performed because of mechanical shunt dysfunction (61%), infection (12%), or due to other reasons (27%). The median rate of revisions for each patient within one year was 0.15 (IQR25-75:0.00-0.68) and was influenced by aetiology (p=0.045) and used valves (p=0.029). The highest rates were seen in patients with posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus and in those with FPG valve, the lowest in meningomyelocele associated hydrocephalus and PP valve. The occurrence of mechanical dysfunctions showed a relation to FPG valve (p=0.014). Furthermore, the median time interval between initial shunt surgery and infections was shorter than in mechanical dysfunctions (p=0.033). Conclusion: We could state several influence factors on revision surgeries in paediatric shunt patients. With the assessment of patients’ risk profiles, we can classify paediatric shunt patients and could avoid unnecessary examinations or invasive procedures. Furthermore, we could prevent revisions surgeries, if we choose shunt material in accordance with the patients’ associated shunt complications.
Anomeric stereoauxiliary strategy enables efficient synthesis of wide-ranging imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines
Authors: Zeng Kui , Ye Jin , Meng Xintong , Dechert Sebastian , Simon Martin , Gong Shuaiyu , Mata Ricardo , Zhang Kai 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines are one of the most important groups of N-heterocyclic compounds, with wide applications in pharmaceutics, chemical science and material science. Despite tremendous progress in their synthesis over the past decade, a number of important imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines as intermediate products remain inaccessible, such as 1-alkylimidazo[1,5-α]pyridines. Herein, we report a novel anomeric stereoauxiliary approach for the preparation of this important class of compounds. It strongly expands the scope of readily accessible imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines well beyond the existing state-of-the-art methods. More than 80 products with a substantial number of deemed unattainable ones were synthesized. With the first time accessibility to alkyl(pyridine-2-yl)methanone substrates, a group of important deuterated imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines derivatives were also efficiently achieved. The mechanism containing a key seven-membered ring transition state via α-anomeric stereoauxiliary for this new synthetic pathway is provided in great detail and supported by electronic structure calculations. In total, this novel synthetic approach for a broad range of imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines involving the native stereochemistry will open a new window for research endeavors in diverse fields, encompassing organic synthesis, biomass conversion via cleavage of C-N bonds and medicinal chemistry.
Analysis of Individual-Level Epidemic Data: Study of 2018-2020 Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Vossler Harley , Akilimali Pierre , Pan Yuhan , Khudabukhsh Wasiur , Kenah Eben , Rempala Grzegorz 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The 2018-2020 Ebola virus disease epidemic in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) resulted in 3481 cases (probable and confirmed) and 2299 deaths. In this paper, we use a novel statistical method to analyze the individual-level incidence and hospitalization data on DRC Ebola victims. Our analysis suggests that an increase in the rate of quarantine and isolation by approximately 12% during the epidemic’s third and final wave was likely responsible for the eventual containment of the outbreak. The analysis further reveals that the total effective population size or the average number of individuals at risk for the disease exposure in three epidemic waves over the period of 24 months was around 19,000—a much smaller number than previously estimated and likely an evidence of at least partial protection of the population at risk through ring vaccination and contact tracing as well as adherence to strict quarantine and isolation policies.
Carbon Performance, Company Financial Performance, Financial Value And Transmission Channel: An Analysis of South African Listed Companies
Authors: Ganda Fortune 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This article examines the influence of carbon performance on corporate financial performance and company financial value among South African listed firms for the period 2014 to 2018 using a two-step GMM panel process. The short-run findings show that carbon performance develops a positive and significant association with return on assets, firm value and Tobin’s Q. In the long run, the relationship between carbon performance and return on assets as well as firm value is significantly negative; however, the link with Tobin’s Q remains positively significant. Where carbon performance is employed as the dependent parameter, a positive, significant relationship is established with return on assets, firm value and Tobin’s Q in both the short and long run. The findings also demonstrate that carbon performance is a transmission channel whereby the debt-to-equity ratio, interest cover ratio, price to cash flow ratio and current ratio improve corporate financial performance and firm value in the long run. In the short run, the regression analysis frameworks produce mixed findings on whether carbon performance is a transmission channel. Policy recommendations are made based on the findings.
Silent Speech Command Word Recognition Using Stepped Frequency Continuous Wave Radar
Authors: Wagner Christoph , Schaffer Petr , Digehsara Pouriya Amini , Bärhold Michael , Plettemeier Dirk , Birkholz Peter 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Recovering speech in the absence of the acoustic speech signal itself, i.e., silent speech, holds great potential for restoring or enhancing oral communication in those who lost it. Radar is a relatively unexplored silent speech sensing modality, even though it has the advantage of being fully non-invasive. We therefore built a custom stepped frequency continuous wave radar hardware to measure the changes in the transmission spectra during speech between three antennas, located on both cheeks and the chin with a measuring frequency of 100 Hz. We then recorded a command word corpus of 40 phonetically balanced, two-syllable German words and the German digits zero to nine for two individual speakers and evaluated both the speaker-dependent multi-session and inter-session recognition accuracies on this 50-word corpus using a bidirectional long-short term memory network. We obtained recognition accuracies of 99.17 % and 88.87 % for the speaker-dependent multi-session and inter-session accuracy, respectively. These results show that the transmission spectra are very well suited to discriminate individual words from one another, even across different sessions, which is one of the key challenges for fully non-invasive silent speech interfaces.