bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical capsaicin modulates the two‐point discrimination threshold—Modulation depends on stimulation modality and intensity
Authors: Frahm Ken Steffen , Andersen Ole Kæseler , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Gervasio Sabata , Mørch Carsten Dahl 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpatial acuity concerns the ability to localize and discriminate sensory input and is often tested using the two‐point discrimination threshold (2PDT). Sensitization of the pain system can affect the spatial acuity, but it is unclear how 2PDTs of different testing modalities are affected. The aim was to investigate if the 2PDTs for mechanical and heat stimulation at different intensities were modulated by topical capsaicin sensitization.Methods30 healthy subjects were divided into either a capsaicin or a placebo group. The 2PDT was tested using two different modalities, mechanical and thermal (laser) delivered at innocuous and noxious intensities. The 2PDT were determined at baseline and re‐assessed 48 h later. In the follow‐up session, the subjects either had a capsaicin patch (8%) or placebo patch placed in the testing area for 30 min before re‐testing the 2PDT.ResultsThe 2PDT was highly dependent on stimulation modality and intensity. The lowest 2PDT was found for innocuous mechanical stimuli (40.0 mm, 95% CI 38.1–41.9 mm), and the highest 2PDT was found for innocuous thermal stimuli (81.7 mm, 95% CI 73.9–89.5 mm). Topical capsaicin generally increased the 2PDT, but this was only significant for innocuous mechanical stimuli. The perceived intensity of the stimuli was increased following capsaicin and was generally higher for noxious stimuli than for innocuous stimuli (ANOVA, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study showed that capsaicin provoked pain sensitization increased the 2PDT. The 2PDT tested using innocuous mechanical stimuli showed less variable results indicating that this test is most suitable to detect this aspect of spatial acuity.Significance StatementThis study investigated how the two‐point discrimination threshold (2PDT) can be modulated by topical capsaicin. The 2PDT was assessed for two different modalities (thermal and mechanical) and for two different intensities (innocuous and noxious) before and after capsaicin. The results showed that the 2PDT was generally impaired following capsaicin, but this was only significant for mechanical innocuous stimuli. Furthermore, it was shown that mechanical innocuous stimuli assessed the 2PDT with lower variability than other combinations.
Synthesis of a Hematite‐Geopolymer Composite: Optimization of Formulation Parameters and Application to the Detection of Pb2+ Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Boutianala Michèle , Pengou Martin , Ngassa Guy Bertrand Piegang , Hou Pengkun , Tchekwagep Jean Jacques Kouadjo , Tchakouté Herve Kouamo , Nanseu‐Njiki Charle Péguy , Ngameni Emmanuel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Composite Centered Experimental Design (CCED) using the response surface methodology was used to optimize the synthesis of a hematite‐geopolymer composite, applied to the preparation of a Pb2+ electrochemical sensor. Two important experimental parameters in the formulation (curing time and hematite content) were considered in the optimization of the synthesis of the composite material. The electrochemical signal of Pb2+ at a carbon paste electrode modified by the synthesized composite was used as a response to identify the best formulation. After applying the generated experimental plan, the optimal composite material was obtained using 17.08% hematite and a curing time of 0.16 days. The characterization of the optimized composite material revealed the presence of a porous structure and a poly(phospho‐ferro‐siloxo) network, but with a fraction of well dispersed and unreacted hematite. Preliminary experiments confirmed that the sensor prepared with the composite showed high stability and reproducibility of the Pb (II) signal, justifying its application for accurate sensing of the metal cation in an aqueous solution. A Pb2+ calibration curve was obtained after optimizing the experimental detection parameters (composition of the carbon paste electrode, pH of the accumulation solution, accumulation time, and electrolysis potential). A detection limit of 0.2 nM (based on a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3) was obtained for a studied concentration range between 0.04 and 0.48 nM. The designed sensor also showed remarkable selectivity and excellent performance in real media samples (spring, tap, rain, and well water).
A GARCH model selection and estimation method based on neural network with the loss function of mean square error and model confidence set
Authors: Huang Yanhao , Ren Ruibin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a method that uses mean square error (MSE) and model confidence set (MCS) as the loss function of back‐propagation neural network (BPNN), aiming to train and find a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) model that has the best forecasting performance of a time series. Combining MSE and the p‐value of MCS can not only estimate better parameters for the GARCH models but also find the best GARCH model to forecast the volatility of a time series. Meanwhile, we divide a time series into several parts and use each part as the input of the BPNN. Through the BPNN, each part of the time series will be turned into several forecasting values. These values will be used to calculate the MSE and the p‐value of MCS, which will then be used to update the parameters of the BPNN. In the end, we use MCS to choose the best GARCH model among the trained GARCH models and compare this method with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and the generalized least squares estimation (GLS). The result shows that the p‐value of MCS of the best model estimated by this method is higher than the p‐value of MCS of the best model estimated by MLE and GLS. According to the theory of MCS, a model that has a larger p‐value does have a better forecasting performance. The method proposed by this paper can provide a potential application of neural network in GARCH model forecasting and estimation.
High‐Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Based on Protic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Rodenbücher Christian , Korte Carsten , Chen Yingzhen , Wippermann Klaus , Kowalski Piotr M. , Kim Sangwon , Kim Jungtae , Hempelmann Rolf , Kim BeomJun 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTA hydrogen‐based energy system will be the backbone of a future energy grid using renewable energies. It is widely accepted that polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising converters of chemical energy stored as hydrogen into electrical energy. An increase of the operation temperature from below 80°C to above about 160°C is considered beneficial, as it would allow for much simpler water management and the use of waste heat. Here, we are investigating protic ionic liquids (PILs) immobilized in a polybenzimidazole polymer as electrolytes for high‐temperature PEMFCs. Ionic liquids are promising for fuel cell applications as they provide high thermal and chemical stability and high proton conductivity. In contrast to aqueous electrolytes, ionic liquids form a dense layered structure at the electrode–electrolyte interface that depends on the potential and on the content of residual water in the electrolyte. We investigate how PILs interact with the host polymer of the membrane revealing that porous polymer structures can be formed by solution casting, which allows for an encapsulation of the ionic liquid within the pores. After doping the polymer with small amounts of phosphoric acid, the membranes showed reasonable conductivity and fuel cell performance.
Study on the Influence of GDL Porosity Distribution Variation on PEMFC Performance Under Assembly Pressure
Authors: Cao Yifei , Xing Yanfeng , Cao Juyong , Zhang Xiaobing , Peng Linfa 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThe porosity of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) significantly impacts the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Assembly pressure in PEMFCs leads to GDL deformation and alterations in porosity distribution. This study integrated a three‐dimensional (3D) GDL deformation model with a 3D two‐phase PEMFC model, employing a four‐term Fourier series model to optimize the fitting of the GDL porosity distribution curve. The approach quantitatively assessed the impact of GDL porosity distribution under assembly pressure on PEMFC performance. Results reveal an arched porosity distribution in GDL, peaking in the middle of low channels adjacent to ribs. High porosity enhances oxygen and heat conduction but excessive porosity may cause uneven current density distribution, hindering GDL drainage. Furthermore, the analysis compares performances at various GDL compression ratios and thicknesses, showing an initial rise then fall in current density with increasing pressure. This represents a trade‐off between the adverse impact of GDL compression on mass transfer losses and the favorable impact of reduced ohmic losses. At the optimal pressure, the current density is 3% higher than neighboring values at the same potential, and within the optimal GDL thickness range, the current density error remains below 1%.
Robustness and exploration of variational and machine learning approaches to inverse problems: An overview
Authors: Auras Alexander , Gandikota Kanchana Vaishnavi , Droege Hannah , Moeller Michael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of current approaches for solving inverse problems in imaging using variational methods and machine learning. A special focus lies on point estimators and their robustness against adversarial perturbations. In this context results of numerical experiments for a one‐dimensional toy problem are provided, showing the robustness of different approaches and empirically verifying theoretical guarantees. Another focus of this review is the exploration of the subspace of data‐consistent solutions through explicit guidance to satisfy specific semantic or textural properties.
Motivations for suicide attempts and risk factors among youths in Western Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Darabi Fatemeh , Ziapour Arash , Ahmadinia Hassan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsSuicide attempts are a fundamental problem in health care systems and are known for their complex and multifaceted nature. This study aimed to explore the reasons for suicide attempts and to identify associated factors in western Iran.MethodsIn Asadabad, western Iran, a cross‐sectional study was carried out between April 2020 and March 2021. A nonrandom sampling method was used to select 110 participants, ages 15–35. Structured questionnaires such as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II), and the Suicide Motivation Scale (IMSA) were used to gather the data. Multiple linear regression, one‐way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and independent t tests were all used in the data analysis.ResultsThe majority of participants (59.1%) were female, with a mean age of 25.78 years. The most common reason for suicide attempts (43.6%) was family issues, and the most popular means (66.4%) were pills and medication. Eighty‐nine percent of participants had symptoms of depression. The mean scores were calculated for motivation for suicide attempts (32.46 ± 16.11), depression (34.60 ± 20.50), and anxiety (34.14 ± 15.69). The analysis showed that the motivation for suicide attempts and anxiety was greater in single persons than in married and divorced persons (p < 0.05). Motivation for suicide attempts was also greater in low‐ to middle‐income individuals with a history of divorce (p < 0.05). The multiple regression model showed that anxiety, sex, education, and medical history significantly influenced the motivation for suicide attempts (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results showed that a wide range of social, economic, and cultural factors and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are involved in suicide attempts. This study aimed to design interventions and strategies to prioritize mental health, improve life skills to control stressful events, and focus on high‐risk groups (women, married people, people with low education levels, and those with a history of physical and mental illnesses) for suicide prevention in health promotion programs.
Predicting soil erosion risk using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model and geo‐spatial methods
Authors: Naqvi Syed Ali Asad , Tariq Aqil , Shahzad Mudsar , Khalid Shoaib , Tariq Zara , Salma Ume , Haseeb Muhammad , Soufan Walid 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnthropogenic activities like overgrazing, deforestation and mismanaged land use accelerate soil erosion (SE), causing nutritional and organic matter loss. In this study, we predicted the annual rate of soil loss in the Salt Range, extending south from the Pothohar plateau, Pakistan, using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). The RUSLE model parameters and erosion probability zones were estimated using remote sensing and Geo‐Spatial methods. The annual average soil loss rates were calculated by considering five geo‐environmental factors, that is, slope length and steepness (LS), rainfall erosivity (R), cover management (C), soil erodibility (K), and conservation practice (P) range from 0–559 527, 1404–4431, 0–1, −0.14 to 1.64, and 0.2–122 respectively. This research determined that the yearly average rate of SE in the Salt Range varies from over 50 to above 350 . The distribution of land area across different SE probability zones reveals that a small portion (2.11%) is classified as High, a moderate portion (7.13%) falls under the category of Moderate, while the majority (90.7%) is classified as Low in terms of proneness towards erosion. The land devoid of vegetation and characterized by steep slopes is especially prone to SE. The Salt Range is highly vulnerable to SE risk due to climatic variations and improper land use practices. The result provides a spatial distribution of SE across the salt range, utilized for management planning processes and conservation at the policy level among decision‐makers and land‐use planners.
Improving rice yield and water productivity in lowland rice systems: A global meta‐analysis exploring the synergy of agro‐ecological practices and water management technologies
Authors: Sounon Orou Bio Zimé , Adjogboto André , Zakari Sissou , Tovihoudji Pierre G. , Akponikpè P. B. Irénikatché , Vanclooster Marnik 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis meta‐analysis evaluated the impact of agro‐ecological practices and water management techniques on lowland rice yield and water productivity (WP). A total of 573 observations were collected from 56 articles that met specific criteria from 445 publications. Five water management practices were assessed: continuous flooding (CF), soil saturation (SS), moderate (AWDm) and severe (AWDs) alternate wetting and drying, and the aerobic rice system (ARS). The response ratios (RRs) of yield and WP were compared for crop management, soil fertility, weed control and evaporation. The integration of agro‐ecological practices such as short‐cycle rice varieties, crop rotation, organic nutrient application and mechanical weeding with water management led to similar yields across CF, SS, AWDm and AWDs, with ARS consistently yielding the lowest yields. However, medium‐ and long‐cycle varieties under AWDs experienced yield losses of 11 and 13%, respectively. Mineral fertilizer combined with AWDs resulted in a 14% lower yield than did CF. Mechanical weeding increased the rice yield and WP by 10 and 10% in SS, and only WP by 35% in AWDs, whereas chemical weeding decreased the yield by 13% in AWDs. Crop rotation enhanced yield and WP by 13 and 12%, respectively, under AWDm compared to that under CF. WP was greater under AWDs (36%) and AWDm (12%) than under CF.
Comparing interteaching and discussion forums in an asynchronous online classroom
Authors: Shaw Sacha K. G. , Posey Jennifer L. , Zane Thomas , Weiss Mary Jane 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe current study compared the effects of interteaching and discussion forum activities on quiz and assignment scores in a master's‐level asynchronous research methods course. In an alternating‐treatments design, six participants engaged in interteaching on half of the weeks and in the discussion forum on alternate weeks. Participants in the interteaching condition (M = 96.75) generally scored higher on quizzes than did those in the discussion forum condition (M = 75.95). The results of a paired‐sample t test indicated statistically significant differences between the two conditions at p < .0001, with a substantial effect size of 0.6760. Significant differences in assignment scores were not observed between the interteaching (M = 87.28) and discussion forum (M = 89.08) conditions. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Does macroeconomic uncertainty (really) influence managers’ earnings management?
Authors: Cho Kang Ho , Patil Bharat 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe revisit the literature on using the economic policy uncertainty index (EPU) to estimate macroeconomic uncertainty1. The extant literature has shown mixed evidence on whether macroeconomic uncertainty affects accounting quality. The EPU reflects unrepresentative political risks and thus is expected to substantially mismeasure economic uncertainty. This study investigates the association between macro uncertainty and earnings management by utilizing a novel and more unbiased measure of macro uncertainty, the gross domestic product (GDP) dispersion, and the volatility index (VIX). We find that firms engage more in earnings management when macroeconomic uncertainty is high, consistent with the notion that investors’ attention is limited due to information asymmetry providing earnings management opportunities. We also document that managers’ earnings management not only involves discretionary accruals but also real earnings management. The results are robust to controlling for firm characteristics, to an alternative measure of macroeconomic uncertainty, and to the endogeneity concern.
Prospective Outcomes After Serial Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection in Vocal Fold Scar and Sulcus
Authors: Santa Maria Chloe , Shuman Elizabeth A. , Van Der Woerd Benjamin , Moffatt Clare , Castellanos Carlos X. , Gao William Z. , Bhatt Neel K. , Bensoussan Yael E. , Rodman Jack , La Forest Kacie , Francois Felicia , O'Dell Karla , Chhetri Dinesh K. , Johns Michael M. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveVocal fold scar and sulcus pose significant treatment challenges with no current optimal treatment. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentration of growth factors, holds promise for regenerating the superficial lamina propria. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of serial PRP injections on mucosal wave restoration and vocal function.MethodsIn a prospective clinical trial across two institutions, patients with vocal fold scar underwent four serial PRP injections, one month apart. Blinded independent laryngologists and expert listeners used pretreatment and one‐month post‐fourth injection videostroboscopy and CAPE‐V assessments to evaluate mucosal wave and voice quality changes, respectively. Additionally, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated.ResultsIn the study, 15 patients received 55 PRP injections without adverse effects. Eight patients (53.3%) had mild, three patients (20%) had moderate, and four patients (26.7%) had severe scar.There was an average reduction of 8.7 points in post‐treatment VHI‐10 scores (p = 0.007). The raters observed an improvement in post‐treatment voice in 73.4% of cases, and CAPE‐V scores showed a reduction of 18.8 points on average (p = 0.036). The videostroboscopic VALI ratings showed an improvement in mucosal wave rating from 2.0 to 4.0. On average, the raters perceived the post‐PRP exams to be better in 56.7% of cases.ConclusionsPRP has been validated as a safe autologous option for treatment of vocal fold scar. While results for mucosal wave and voice quality varied, there was a consistent improvement in PROMs.Level of Evidence3: Prospective cohort study, with blinded analysis Laryngoscope, 134:5021–5027, 2024
Real‐Time Comprehensive Control over Soliton Molecules Enabled By Physics‐Inspired Searching
Authors: Luo Chao , Pu Guoqing , Fang Zhiwei , Wu Yong , Wang Jiajin , Hu Weisheng , Yi Lilin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSoliton molecules (SMs), which represent bound aggregations of sub‐solitons, have inherent multi‐dimensional properties, thereby giving them substantial potential for use in optical communications and optical data storage. However, releasing this potential requires the ability to control SMs over these multiple dimensions to allow valid information to be modulated onto these dimensions. Here, a real‐time feedback scheme is proposed that is governed using a specifically designed physics‐inspired searching strategy and provides comprehensive control of the SM's multi‐dimensional properties. This technique can be used to manipulate the inter‐soliton separations and the relative intensities of the SMs within a basic nonlinear‐polarization‐evolution‐based mode‐locked fiber laser (MLFLs). A wide tuning range for the inter‐soliton separation from 2 to 58 ps is achieved and seamless tuning with ultra‐high precision of 0.05 ps is also demonstrated. The relative intensities between solitons can also be controlled separately and a 2D joint regulation procedure is performed. Furthermore, real‐time transmission over a 30‐km‐long single‐mode fiber is demonstrated and spectral period doubling of the SMs is captured, thus providing further confirmation of the validity of the proposed comprehensive control method.
Enhanced Osteogenesis in 2D and 3D Culture Systems Using RGD Peptide and α‐TCP Phase Transition within Alginate‐Based Hydrogel
Authors: Kim Jueun , Choi Yeong‐Jin , Gal Chang‐Woo , Sung Aram , Utami Siwi Setya , Park Honghyun , Yun Hui‐suk 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCell‐laden hydrogels have been extensively investigated in various tissue engineering fields by their potential capacity to deposit numerous types of cells in a specific area. They are largely used in soft‐tissue engineering applications because of their low mechanical strength. In addition, sodium alginate is well‐known for its encapsulation, loading capacity and for being easily controllable; however, it lacks cell‐binding ligands and hence the ability to adhere cells. In this study, it is aimed to enhance osteogenesis in cells encapsulated in alginate and improve its mechanical properties by introducing a synthetic peptide and calcium phosphate phase transition. To increase cell–hydrogel interactions and increasing cell viability, an RGD peptide is added to a photocrosslinkable methacrylate‐modified alginate, and alpha‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) is added to the hydrogel to increase its mechanical strength via phase transition. Cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation are assessed in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. The addition of α‐TCP significantly improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Moreover, the RGD peptide and α‐TCP showed a synergistic effect with significantly improved cell adhesion and osteogenesis in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. Therefore, the functional hydrogel developed in this study can potentially be used for bone tissue regeneration.