bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sub-concussive head impacts from heading footballs do not acutely alter brain excitability as compared to a control group
Authors: Hamel Raphael , Waltzing Baptiste Maxime , Massey Tom , Blenkinsop James , McConnell Leah , Osborne Kieran , Sesay Karamo , Stoneman Finn , Carter Adam , Maaroufi Hajar , Jenkinson Ned 
Published: August 2024

Background
Repeated sub-concussive head impacts are a growing brain health concern, but their possible biomarkers remain elusive. One impediment is the lack of a randomised controlled human experimental model to study their effects on the human brain.

Objectives
This work had two objectives. The first one was to provide a randomised controlled human experimental model to study the acute effects of head impacts on brain functions. To achieve this, this work’s second objective was to investigate if head impacts from heading footballs acutely alter brain excitability by increasing corticospinal inhibition as compared to a control group.

Methods
In practised and unpractised young healthy adults, transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess corticospinal silent period (CSP) duration and corticospinal excitability (CSE) before and immediately after performing headings by returning 20 hand-thrown balls directed to the head (Headings; n = 30) or the dominant foot (Control; n = 30). Moreover, the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ) was used to assess the symptoms of head impacts. Head acceleration was also assessed in subgroups of participants.

Results
The intervention lengthened CSP duration in both the Headings (6.4 ± 7.5%) and Control groups (4.6 ± 2.6%), with no difference in lengthening between the two groups. Moreover, CSE was not altered by the intervention and did not differ between groups. However, performing headings increased headaches and dizziness symptoms and resulted in greater head acceleration upon each football throw (12.5 ± 1.9g) as compared to the control intervention (5.5 ± 1.3g).

Conclusions
The results suggest that head impacts from football headings do not acutely alter brain excitability as compared to a control intervention. However, the results also suggest that the present protocol can be used as an experimental model to investigate the acute effects of head impacts on the human brain.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites in bronchoalveolar lavage and urine samples from patients with inhalation injury throughout their hospitalization: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Vyklicka Katerina , Gregor Petr , Lipovy Bretislav , Raska Filip , Kukucka Petr , Kohoutek Jiri , Pribylova Petra , Čupr Pavel , Borilova Linhartova Petra 
Published: August 2024

Background
Specific toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their metabolites, may affect the inhalation injury (INHI) grade, patients’ status, and prognosis for recovery. This pilot prospective study aimed to: i) evaluate the suitability of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for determination of PAHs in the LRT and of urine for determination of hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) in patients with INHI, ii) describe the dynamic changes in the levels of these toxic compounds, and iii) correlate these findings with clinical variables of the patients with INHI.

Methods
The BAL and urine samples from 10 patients with INHI were obtained on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 of hospitalization, if possible, and PAHs (BAL) and OH-PAHs (urine) were analyzed using chromatographic methods (GC-MS and HPLC).

Results
Concentrations of analyzed PAHs were in most cases and time points below the limit of quantification in BAL samples. Nine OH-PAHs were detected in the urine samples; however, their concentrations sharply decreased within the first three days of the hospitalization. On Day 14, the total amount of OH-PAHs in urine was higher in surviving patients with High-grade INHI (≥3) than in those with Low-grade INHI (<3, p = 0.032). Finally, a significant correlation between certain OH-PAHs and clinical variables (AST/ALT, TBSA, ABSI) from Day 1 of the hospitalization was observed (p<0.05).

Conclusions
BAL samples are not suitable for the analysis of PAHs. However, the OH-PAHs levels in urine can be measured reliably and were correlated with several clinical variables. Moreover, High-grade INHI was associated with higher total concentrations of OH-PAHs in urine.
Pannexin1 deletion in lymphatic endothelium affects lymphatic function in a sex‐dependent manner
Authors: Ehrlich Avigail , Pelli Graziano , Pick Robert , Clochard Linda , Molica Filippo , Kwak Brenda R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe lymphatic network of capillaries and collecting vessels ensures tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of dietary fats and trafficking of immune cells. Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels allow for the passage of ions and small metabolites between the cytosol and extracellular environment. Panx1 channels regulate the pathophysiological function of several tissues in a sex‐dependent manner. Here, we studied the role of Panx1 in lymphatic function, and potential sex‐dependent differences therein, in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl and Panx1fl/fl control mice. Panx1 expression was higher in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) of male mice. Lymphatic vessel morphology was not affected in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl male and female mice. Lymphatic drainage was decreased by 25% in male Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl mice, but was similar in females of both genotypes. Accordingly, only male Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl mice exhibited tail swelling, pointing to interstitial fluid accumulation in males upon Panx1 deletion in LECs. Moreover, serum triglyceride and free fatty acid levels raised less in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl mice of both sexes in an oral lipid tolerance test. Finally, the percentage of migratory dendritic cells arriving in draining lymph nodes was increased in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl female mice, but was comparable between male mice of both genotypes. Our results point to a LEC‐specific role for Panx1 in the functions of the lymphatic system.
AI in Europe – Is Regulation the Answer to Being a Laggard?
Authors: Bertschek Irene , Wambach Achim 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
AI is characterized by the features of a general purpose technology and thus has the potential to spur innovation and productivity across sectors. While large digital U.S. companies are dominant players in the development of AI models, Europe is lagging behind. The European Union has agreed on the AI Act in order to allow for innovation, in particular for SMEs, and to prevent harm to society. However, regulation may have ambiguous effects on the state of the digital economy in Europe and of AI in particular. We point out these potential effects and suggest measures to speed up AI development and usage in Europe. We thereby build on recommendations of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI) as well as the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Der Kaiser, das Berliner Schloss und der deutsche Kolonialismus
Authors: Kreienbaum Jonas 
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung
Der Artikel knüpft an die Debatten um die Rolle Wilhelms II. im Kaiserreich und des Humboldt Forums an und fragt nach der Bedeutung des Monarchen und des Berliner Schlosses für den deutschen Kolonialismus. Dazu nimmt er drei konkrete Episoden in den Blick: Er beginnt mit einer Untersuchung des Genozids an den Herero und der Frage, welchen Anteil der Kaiser an der extremen Radikalisierung der Gewalt in Deutsch-Südwestafrika hatte. Anschließend rückt mit dem „Erwerb“ von Kiautschou auf dem chinesischen Festland jene Episode in den Blick, in der Wilhelm II. wohl am eindeutigsten an der Vergrößerung des deutschen Kolonialreiches beteiligt war. Schließlich widmet sich der dritte Abschnitt den Besuchen von Friedrich Maharero (1896) und Tupua Tamasese Lealofi (1910/11) in Berlin, denen der Monarch zwar Audienzen im Berliner Schloss gewährte, die aber nur als Teil sogenannter Völkerschauen nach Deutschland reisen konnten. Insgesamt, so das Argument des Artikels, engagierte sich der Kaiser sehr viel mehr, wenn es um „Weltpolitik“ in Asien ging als um die afrikanischen Kolonien, die ihn kaum interessierten. Hier spielte er vor allem als Symbolfigur eine Rolle, die das Kaiserreich verkörperte, aber weniger als Akteur mit einer eigenen kolonialpolitischen Agenda. Ebenso kam dem Berliner Schloss eine primär symbolische Funktion zu, während die zentralen Entscheidungen der Kolonialpolitik andernorts getroffen wurden.
Lipid profile and mortality in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roshanravan Neda , Seyed Ghiasi Nikan , Ghaffari Samad , Ghasemnezhad Saadatlou Saeid , Seifimansour Sina , Hamzezadeh Sina , Naseri Amirreza , Ghanivash Amin , Mosharkesh Erfan , Nasiri Ehsan , Javanshir Elnaz , Banisefid Erfan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening disease. Considering the availability and accessibility of assessing the serum lipids, this study aims to define the predictive value of lipid profile, as well as the history of lipid disorders, for the mortality of PTE patients.

Content
Clinical studies, in which the relation of lipid profile, including triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol, as well as history of imbalance of lipids, with mortality of PTE patients was reported, were included. Non-English articles, reviews, letters, editorials, and non-English papers were excluded. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools and CMA 4 was utilized for the quantitative synthesis. Out of 3,724 records, six studies were included in this systematic review. Lipid profile is suggested as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with PTE so higher initial serum HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol levels were associated with lower mortality rates in PTE patients. In addition, dyslipidemia was found to be associated with mortality of PTE patients. Based on the quantitative synthesis, there was a greater serum level of HDL in the survival group (standardized mean difference: −0.98; 95 % CI: −1.22 to −0.75; p-value<0.01).

Summary and Outlook
Mortality is lower in PTE patients with greater serum lipid levels; therefore, the early prognosis of PTE may be ascertained by measuring serum lipids within the first 24 h of admission.
Leonhard Med, a trusted research environment for processing sensitive research data
Authors: Okoniewski Michal J. , Wiegand Anna , Schmid Diana Coman , Bolliger Christian , Bovino Cristian , Belluco Mattia , Wüst Thomas , Byrde Olivier , Maffioletti Sergio , Rinn Bernd 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the development and operation of the Leonhard Med Trusted Research Environment (TRE) at ETH Zurich. Leonhard Med gives scientific researchers the ability to securely work on sensitive research data. We give an overview of the user perspective, the legal framework for processing sensitive data, design history, current status, and operations. Leonhard Med is an efficient, highly secure Trusted Research Environment for data processing, hosted at ETH Zurich and operated by the Scientific IT Services (SIS) of ETH. It provides a full stack of security controls that allow researchers to store, access, manage, and process sensitive data according to Swiss legislation and ETH Zurich Data Protection policies. In addition, Leonhard Med fulfills the BioMedIT Information Security Policies and is compatible with international data protection laws and therefore can be utilized within the scope of national and international collaboration research projects. Initially designed as a “bare-metal” High-Performance Computing (HPC) platform to achieve maximum performance, Leonhard Med was later re-designed as a virtualized, private cloud platform to offer more flexibility to its customers. Sensitive data can be analyzed in secure, segregated spaces called tenants. Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs) are in place to assure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. At the same time, Leonhard Med ensures broad access to cutting-edge research software, especially for the analysis of human -omics data and other personalized health applications.
Direct, age- and gender-specific reference intervals: applying a modified M-estimator of the Yeo-Johnson transformation to clinical real-world data
Authors: Blatter Tobias Ueli , Nakas Christos Theodoros , Leichtle Alexander Benedikt 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Reference intervals for the general clinical practice are expected to cover non-pathological values, but also reflect the underlying biological variation present in age- and gender-specific patient populations. Reference intervals can be inferred from routine patient data measured in high capacity using parametric approaches. Stratified reference distributions are obtained which may be transformed to normality via e.g. a Yeo-Johnson transformation. The estimation of the optimal transformation parameter for Yeo-Johnson through maximum likelihood can be highly influenced by the presence of outlying observations, resulting in biased reference interval estimates.

Methods
To reduce the influence of outlying observations on parametric reference interval estimation, a reweighted M-estimator approach for the Yeo-Johnson (YJ) transformation was utilised to achieve central normality in stratified reference populations for a variety of laboratory test results. The reweighted M-estimator for the YJ transformation offers a robust parametric approach to infer relevant reference intervals.

Results
The proposed method showcases robustness up to 15 % of outliers present in routine patient data, highlighting the applicability of the reweighted M-estimator in laboratory medicine. Furthermore, reference intervals are personalised based on the patients’ age and gender for a variety of analytes from routine patient data collected in a tertiary hospital, robustly reducing the dimensionality of the data for more data-driven approaches.

Conclusions
The method shows the advantages for estimating reference intervals directly and parametrically from routine patient data in order to provide expected reference ranges. This approach to locally inferred reference intervals allows a more nuanced comparison of patients’ test results.
Substrate-induced hybridization of plasmon modes in the composite nanostructure of nanodisk array/thin film for spectrum modulation
Authors: Liang Yuzhang , Chu Shuwen , Wei Xinran , Wei Haonan , Cheng Sun , Han Yi , Peng Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Hybridization coupling among plasmon modes is an effective approach to manipulate near-field properties thus optical spectral shapes of plasmonic nanostructures. Generally, mode hybridization coupling is achieved by modifying the topography and dimensions of nanostructures themselves, with few concerns about substrate-induced manipulation. Herein, we propose a composite nanostructure consisting of a gold (Au) nanodisk array and a thin Au film supported by a dielectric substrate. In this configuration, both the refractive index of the dielectric substrate and thin gold film’s thickness mediate the interaction of plasmon modes supported by upper and lower interfaces of the composite nanostructure, resulting in two hybridized plasmon modes. We systematically investigate the relationship between optical fields at the top surface of plasmon modes before and after the hybridization coupling. Specifically, the near-field amplitude at the top surface of the unhybridized modes is stronger than that of individual hybridized mode, and lower than the near-field summation of these two hybridized modes. This work not only provides a straightforward strategy for generating two plasmon modes in a nanostructure but also elucidates the variation of the optical field during the hybridization process, which is of crucial significance for applications, such as upconversion enhancement and multi-resonance sensing.
Request for confirmation sequences in German
Authors: Deppermann Arnulf , Gubina Alexandra , König Katharina , Pfeiffer Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In request for confirmation (RfC) sequences, interlocutors negotiate their social positions regarding access and rights to knowledge. The article presents an overview of a quantitative analysis of 200 RfCs and their responses in German conversations to highlight the relevant linguistic resources speakers of the language deployed to position themselves vis-à-vis a confirmable proposition. In German RfCs, modal particles and tags play an important role in expressing the requester’s epistemic stance; explicit inference marking is used less frequently. Responses usually include response tokens (among others doch as a token specialized for disconfirming negatively formatted RfCs) and an expansion. The article shows that such expansions do important work to tailor the response to the situated informational needs of the requester in a cooperative way beyond the constraints of type-conformity.
Textsortenspezifische Abhängigkeit der Schreibflüssigkeit bei Grundschulkindern
Authors: Springstein Sander , Stephany Sabine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
An essential prerequisite for a fully developed writing ability is the effortless mastery of lower-level writing skills. These include, in particular, writing fluency, since fluent writing frees up sufficient cognitive capacity for other demanding higher-order processes of text production, such as planning and revising a text or tailoring it to a particular audience. Despite its relevance, writing fluency – in contrast to reading fluency – has so far only played a minor role in both writing research and classroom practice. This article first defines the construct of writing fluency and then elaborates on its two components: transcription fluency and text generation fluency. While transcription fluency is fairly well defined in the existing literature, text generation fluency remains underspecified, particularly from a linguistic point of view. How ideas are fluently translated into language is not sufficiently addressed by cognitive models of writing processes. It remains unclear which linguistic knowledge is most relevant for writing processes; what is known is that part of it is knowledge of genre-specific text patterns. Within the framework of an explorative empirical study, the influence of different text genres on the text generation fluency of primary school students was investigated to shed more light on this component. We found that text genre has an influence on text generation fluency, in particular in more competent writers, whereas there appears to be no such influence in weaker writers. The latter can be explained by the fact that in texts of weaker writers, the content appears to have been written more associatively and that there are hardly any genre-specific patterns and linguistic elements irrespective of the text genre they were asked to produce.
Comparative Study of Spray-Drying and Freeze-Drying Techniques for Increasing Fenofibrate’s Solubility and Dissolution Rate
Authors: Nikam Aarti P. , Meshram Pawan D. , Vanjari Archana V. , Mundada Saurabh V. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground:Fenofibrate (FF) is a BCS class II compound whose poor solubility poses challenges in drug delivery and bioavailability. Solid self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SMEDDS) have emerged as a promising solution to address these issues. These systems are aimed at enhancing the solubility and dissolution rates of poorly soluble drugs, such as FF, by formulating them into solid dosage forms.Methods:FF solubility was investigated in various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants to identify the most suitable components for formulating S-SMEDDS. The preparation of S-SMEDDS was carefully evaluated according to parameters including drug content, morphological characteristics, and structural features. Two methods, freeze-drying, and spray-drying, were compared for their efficacy in producing S-SMEDDS. Additionally, in vitro dissolution studies were conducted to assess the dissolution rates of FF-loaded S-SMEDDS tablets compared with conventional tablets.Results:Among the oils tested, oleic oil achieved the highest FF solubility, whereas Tween 80 and Transcutol HP were identified as the optimal surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The preparation method significantly influenced the properties of S-SMEDDS. Freeze-drying outperformed the other methods by enhancing dissolution rates, primarily through increased surface area. Moreover, the solid-state characteristics of S-SMEDDS were dependent on the polymer concentration and processing method. In vitro dissolution studies demonstrated that FF-loaded S-SMEDDS tablets exhibited faster drug release than conventional tablets, owing to the inclusion of the super disintegrating agent CCS and the S-SMEDDS component. Freeze-drying was superior to spray-drying in enhancing dissolution, albeit with potentially higher production costs.Conclusions:The study highlights the potential of S-SMEDDS to overcome the solubility and bioavailability challenges associated with FF. Freeze-drying emerged as the preferred method for producing S-SMEDDS, because of its superior dissolution enhancement capabilities, despite potentially higher production costs, whereas spray-dried S-SMEDDS offers economic and environmental benefits, but may achieve lower dissolution rates. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of formulation strategy in enhancing the efficacy of poorly soluble drugs such as FF.