bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-mobility spin-polarized quasi-two-dimensional electron gas and large low-field magnetoresistance at the interface of EuTiO3/SrTiO3 (110) heterostructures
Authors: Wang Zhao-Cai , Li Zheng-Nan , Ye Mao , Zhao Weiyao , Zheng Ren-Kui 
Published: March 2024

High-mobility spin-polarized two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interfaces of complex oxide heterostructures provide great potential for spintronic device applications. Unfortunately, the interfacial ferromagnetism and its associated spin polarization of mobile electrons and negative magnetoresistance (MR) are too weak. As of now, obtaining enhanced interfacial ferromagnetism and MR and strong spin-polarized 2DEG is still a great challenge. In this paper, we report on the realization of strong spin-polarized 2DEG at the interface of EuTiO3/SrTiO3 (110) heterostructures, which were prepared by directly depositing 39-nm EuTiO3 films onto as-received SrTiO3 (110) substrates. Hall and Kondo effects, low-field MR, Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillation, and magnetic hysteresis loop measurements demonstrate that high mobility electrons (1.4 × 104 cm2 V−1 s−1) accumulate at the interface of the heterostructures, which are not only highly conducting and show SdH oscillations with a non-zero Berry phase but also show a large out-of-plane and in-plane butterfly-like negative low-field MR whose magnitude is unprecedentedly large (46%–59% at 500 Oe and 1.8 K), approximately one to two orders higher than those of previously reported spin-polarized 2DEG systems. The strong spin polarization of the interfacial 2DEG is attributed to the presence of interfacial Eu2+ 4f (3.6–4 μB/f.u.) and Ti3+ 3d moments. Our results may provide guidance for exploring strong spin-polarized 2DEG at the interface of rare-earth titanate–strontium titanate heterostructures.
Monomial warm inflation revisited
Authors: Ballesteros Guillermo , Pérez Rodríguez Alejandro , Pierre Mathias 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We revisit the idea that the inflaton may have dissipated part of its energy into a
thermal bath during inflation, considering monomial inflationary potentials and three different
forms of dissipation rate. Using a numerical Fokker-Planck approach to describe the stochastic
dynamics of inflationary fluctuations, we confront this scenario with current bounds on the
spectrum of curvature fluctuations and primordial gravitational waves. We also obtain purely
analytical approximations that improve over previously used ones in the small dissipation regime
for the amplitude of the spectrum and its tilt. We show that only our numerical Fokker-Planck
method is accurate, fast and precise enough to test these models against current data. We advocate
its use in future studies of warm inflation. We also apply the stochastic inflation formalism to
this scenario, finding that the resulting spectrum is the same as the one obtained with standard
perturbation theory. We discuss the origin and convenience of using a commonly implemented large
thermal correction to the primordial spectrum and the implications of such a term for a specific
scenario. Improved bounds on the scalar spectral index will further constrain warm inflation in
the near future.
Pipeline thickness estimation using the dispersion of higher-order SH guided waves
Authors: Dai 代 Zhengchen 政辰 , Liu 刘 Jinxia 金霞 , Long 龙 Yunfei 云飞 , Zhang 张 Jianhai 建海 , Kundu Tribikram , Cui 崔 Zhiwen 志文 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Thickness measurement plays an important role in the monitoring of pipeline corrosion damage. However, the requirement for prior knowledge of the shear wave velocity in the pipeline material for popular ultrasonic thickness measurement limits its widespread application. This paper proposes a method that utilizes cylindrical shear horizontal (SH) guided waves to estimate pipeline thickness without prior knowledge of shear wave velocity. The inversion formulas are derived from the dispersion of higher-order modes with the high-frequency approximation. The waveform of the example problems is simulated using the real-axis integral method. The data points on the dispersion curves are processed in the frequency domain using the wave-number method. These extracted data are then substituted into the derived formulas. The results verify that employing higher-order SH guided waves for the evaluation of thickness and shear wave velocity yields less than 1% error. This method can be applied to both metallic and non-metallic pipelines, thus opening new possibilities for health monitoring of pipeline structures.
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Norms and Reliable Change Indices for Standard and MoCA-22 Administrations
Authors: Ratcliffe Lauren N , Hale Andrew C , McDonald Taylor , Hewitt Kelsey C , Nguyen Christopher M , Spencer Robert J , Loring David W 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is among the most frequently administered cognitive screening tests, yet demographically diverse normative data are needed for repeated administrations.

Method
Data were obtained from 18,410 participants using the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. We developed regression-based norms using Tobit regression to account for ceiling effects, explored test–retest reliability of total scores and by domain stratified by age and diagnosis with Cronbach’s alpha, and reported the cumulative change frequencies for individuals with serial MoCA administrations to gage expected change.

Results
Strong ceiling effects and negative skew were observed at the total score, domain, and item levels for the cognitively normal group, and performances became more normally distributed as the degree of cognitive impairment increased. In regression models, years of education was associated with higher MoCA scores, whereas older age, male sex, Black and American Indian or Alaska Native race, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with lower predicted scores. Temporal stability was adequate and good at the total score level for the cognitively normal and cognitive disorders groups, respectively, but fell short of reliability standards at the domain level.

Conclusions
MoCA total scores are adequately reproducible among those with cognitive diagnoses, but domain scores are unstable. Robust regression-based norms should be used to adjust for demographic performance differences, and the limited reliability, along with the ceiling effects and negative skew, should be considered when interpreting MoCA scores.
BERMAD: batch effect removal for single-cell RNA-seq data using a multi-layer adaptation autoencoder with dual-channel framework
Authors: Zhan Xiangxin , Yin Yanbin , Zhang Han 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Motivation
Removal of batch effect between multiple datasets from different experimental platforms has become an urgent problem, since single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) techniques developed rapidly. Although there have been some methods for this problem, most of them still face the challenge of under-correction or over-correction. Specifically, handling batch effect in highly nonlinear scRNA-seq data requires a more powerful model to address under-correction. In the meantime, some previous methods focus too much on removing difference between batches, which may disturb the biological signal heterogeneity of datasets generated from different experiments, thereby leading to over-correction.

Results
In this article, we propose a novel multi-layer adaptation autoencoder with dual-channel framework to address the under-correction and over-correction problems in batch effect removal, which is called BERMAD and can achieve better results of scRNA-seq data integration and joint analysis. First, we design a multi-layer adaptation architecture to model distribution difference between batches from different feature granularities. The distribution matching on various layers of autoencoder with different feature dimensions can result in more accurate batch correction outcome. Second, we propose a dual-channel framework, where the deep autoencoder processing each single dataset is independently trained. Hence, the heterogeneous information that is not shared between different batches can be retained more completely, which can alleviate over-correction. Comprehensive experiments on multiple scRNA-seq datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of our method over the state-of-the-art methods.

Availability and implementation
The code implemented in Python and the data used for experiments have been released on GitHub (https://github.com/zhanglabNKU/BERMAD) and Zenodo (https://zenodo.org/records/10695073) with detailed instructions.
An improved method for measuring catalase activity in biological samples
Authors: Hadwan Mahmoud Hussein , Hussein Marwah Jaber , Mohammed Rawa M , Hadwan Asad M , Saad Al-Kawaz Hawraa , Al-Obaidy Saba S M , Al Talebi Zainab Abbas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Catalase (CAT) is an important enzyme that protects biomolecules against oxidative damage by breaking down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen. CAT is present in all aerobic microbes, animals, and plants. It is, however, absent from normal human urine but can be detected in pathological urine. CAT testing can thus help to detect such urine. This study presents a novel spectrophotometric method for determining CAT activity characterized by its simplicity, sensitivity, specificity, and rapidity. The method involves incubating enzyme-containing samples with a carefully chosen concentration of H2O2 for a specified incubation period. Subsequently, a solution containing ferrous ammonium sulfate (FAS) and sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) is added to terminate the enzyme activity. A distinctive maroon-colored ferrisulfosalicylate complex is formed. The formation of this complex is a direct result of the reaction between FAS and any residual peroxide present. This leads to the generation of ferric ions when coordinated with SSA. The complex has a maximum absorbance of 490 nm. This advanced method eliminates the need for concentrated acids to stop CAT activity, making it safer and easier to handle. A comparative analysis against the standard ferrithiocyanate method showed a correlation coefficient of 0.99, demonstrating the new method’s comparable effectiveness and reliability. In conclusion, a simple and reliable protocol for assessing CAT activity, which utilizes a cuvette or microplate, has been demonstrated in this study. This interference-free protocol can easily be used in research and clinical analysis with considerable accuracy and precision.
‘Mind the Gap’: Extending Outcome Measurement for Accountability and Meaningful Innovation
Authors: Johnson Rebecca E , Kerridge Gary , Alderson Hayley , Currie Graeme , Friel Seana , Harrop Carrie , Lynch Amy , Mcgovern Ruth , Munro Emily R , Newlands Fiona , Smart Deborah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We examine the outcome measurement landscape in care leaver innovation, where many innovations to support transitions of young people leaving care fail to sustain beyond a fixed-term pilot, and fewer impact wider transition policies. Our empirical qualitative study comprises interviews with 31 senior UK children’s social care policy and practice professionals, 103 interviews across five innovation-focused case studies within England with a range of public and private providers. We consider these data in relation to evaluations from a nationally diffused social care innovation. We identified three measurement landscape challenges. First, we highlight the limits of the economically oriented measurement and identify an overlooked outcome measurement demand. Second, we emphasise a need to stratify care leaver population outcomes to better reflect individuals transition through different domains of life and trajectory. Third, we identify areas of precarity around the intended use of care leaver experience. We conclude that tensions exist between the pull towards a unified approach to outcome measurement and the reality of decoupled outcome requirements and legitimacy-seeking priorities which differ according to stakeholder. These tensions entrench stagnant innovation. Recognition of roles and legitimacies that exist across the process of care leaver innovation is warranted. Opportunities for action are discussed.
Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton mitigates whole abdominal irradiation-induced intestinal injury via regulating macrophage function
Authors: Wu Lingling , Chen Long , Li Huijuan , Wang Yawei , Xu Kexin , Chen Wanchao , Zhang Aihua , Wang Yu , Shi Chunmeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Ionizing radiation (IR)-induced intestinal injury is a major side effect and dose-limiting toxicity in patients receiving radiotherapy. There is an urgent need to identify an effective and safe radioprotectant to reduce radiation-induced intestinal injury. Immunoregulation is considered an effective strategy against IR-induced injury. The purpose of this article was to investigate the protective effect of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS), an immunomodulator, on radiation-induced intestinal damage and to explore its potential mechanism.

Methods
C57BL/6 J male mice exposed to 12 Gy whole abdominal irradiation (WAI) were examined for survival rate, morphology and function of the intestine and spleen, as well as the gut microbiota, to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic effects of Nr-CWS on radiation-induced intestinal and splenetic injury. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Nr-CWS-mediated intestinal protection, macrophages were depleted by clodronate liposomes to determine whether Nr-CWS-induced radioprotection is macrophage dependent, and the function of peritoneal macrophages stimulated by Nr-CWS was detected in vitro.

Results
Our data showed that Nr-CWS promoted the recovery of intestinal barrier function, enhanced leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5+ intestinal stem cell survival and the regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells, maintained intestinal flora homeostasis, protected spleen morphology and function, and improved the outcome of mice exposed to 12 Gy WAI. Mechanistic studies indicated that Nr-CWS recruited macrophages to reduce WAI-induced intestinal damage. Moreover, macrophage depletion by clodronate liposomes blocked Nr-CWS-induced radioprotection. In vitro, we found that Nr-CWS activated the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway and promoted the phagocytosis and migration ability of peritoneal macrophages.

Conclusions
Our study suggests the therapeutic effect of Nr-CWS on radiation-induced intestinal injury, and provides possible therapeutic strategy and potential preventive and therapeutic drugs to alleviate it.
Non-invasive pressure–volume loops using the elastance model and CMR: a porcine validation at transient pre-loads
Authors: Seemann Felicia , Heiberg Einar , Bruce Christopher G , Khan Jaffar M , Potersnak Amanda , Ramasawmy Rajiv , Carlsson Marcus , Arheden Håkan , Lederman Robert J , Campbell-Washburn Adrienne E 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Pressure–volume (PV) loops have utility in the evaluation of cardiac pathophysiology but require invasive measurements. Recently, a time-varying elastance model to derive PV loops non-invasively was proposed, using left ventricular (LV) volume by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and brachial cuff pressure as inputs. Validation was performed using CMR and pressure measurements acquired on the same day, but not simultaneously, and without varying pre-loads. This study validates the non-invasive elastance model used to estimate PV loops at varying pre-loads, compared with simultaneous measurements of invasive pressure and volume from real-time CMR, acquired concurrent to an inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion.

Methods and results
We performed dynamic PV loop experiments under CMR guidance in 15 pigs (n = 7 naïve, n = 8 with ischaemic cardiomyopathy). Pre-load was altered by IVC occlusion, while simultaneously acquiring invasive LV pressures and volumes from real-time CMR. Pairing pressure and volume signals yielded invasive PV loops, and model-based PV loops were derived using real-time LV volumes. Haemodynamic parameters derived from invasive and model-based PV loops were compared. Across 15 pigs, 297 PV loops were recorded. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) agreement was excellent between model-based and invasive parameters: stroke work (bias = 0.007 ± 0.03 J, ICC = 0.98), potential energy (bias = 0.02 ± 0.03 J, ICC = 0.99), ventricular energy efficiency (bias = −0.7 ± 2.7%, ICC = 0.98), contractility (bias = 0.04 ± 0.1 mmHg/mL, ICC = 0.97), and ventriculoarterial coupling (bias = 0.07 ± 0.15, ICC = 0.99). All haemodynamic parameters differed between naïve and cardiomyopathy animals (P &lt; 0.05). The invasive vs. model-based PV loop dice similarity coefficient was 0.88 ± 0.04.

Conclusion
An elastance model–based estimation of PV loops and associated haemodynamic parameters provided accurate measurements at transient loading conditions compared with invasive PV loops.
The Shale Revolution and the Dynamics of the Oil Market
Authors: Balke Nathan S , Jin Xin , Yücel Mine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We build and estimate a dynamic, structural model of the world oil market to quantify the impact of the shale revolution. We model the shale revolution as a decrease in shale production costs and find that the resultant increase in shale production lowers oil prices by 24% in the short run and 48% once the shale oil transition is complete. Current oil price volatility is lowered by 8% to 23% depending on the horizon. We also find that OPEC core acts to keep its market share constant in the face of the dramatic increase in shale production.
Outcomes after lung transplantation from selected donors older than 70 years in a single centre: time to close the debate?
Authors: Romero Román Alejandra , Gil Barturen Mariana , Crowley Carrasco Silvana , Hoyos Mejía Lucas , Naranjo Gómez Jose Manuel , Córdoba Peláez Mar , Pérez Redondo Marina , Royuela Vicente Ana , García Fadul Christian , Gómez de Antonio David , Novoa Nuria María , Campo-Cañaveral de la Cruz Jose Luis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of lung transplantations using grafts from donors aged over 70 years against those performed using younger donors.

METHODS
This retrospective single-centre analysis includes lung transplants conducted at our institution from January 2014 to June 2022. Lung recipients were classified into 2 groups based on donor age (group A &lt;70 years; group B ≥70 years). Variables regarding demographics, peri and postoperative outcomes and survival were included. The statistical analysis approach included univariable analysis, propensity score matching to address imbalances in donor variables (smoking status), recipient characteristics (sex, age, diagnosis and lung allocation score) and calendar period and survival analysis.

RESULTS
A total of 353 lung transplants were performed in this period, 47 (13.3%) using grafts from donors aged over 70 years. Donors in group B were more frequently women (70.2% vs 51.6%, P = 0.017), with less smoking history (22% vs 43%, P = 0.002) and longer mechanical ventilation time (3 vs 2 days, P = 0.025). Recipients in group B had a higher lung allocation score (37.5 vs 35, P = 0.035). Postoperative variables were comparable between both groups, except for pulmonary function tests. Group B demonstrated lower forced expiratory volume 1 s levels (2070 vs 2580 ml, P = 0.001). The propensity score matching showed a lower chance of chronic lung allograft dysfunction by 12% for group B. One-, three- and five-year survival was equal between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS
The use of selected expanded-criteria donors aged over 70 years did not result in increased postoperative morbidity, early mortality or survival in this study.
Outcomes of not using tracheoplasty in asymptomatic tracheal stenosis found during open-heart surgery
Authors: Bae Seon Yong , Lee Jae Hong , Kwon Hye Won , Cho Sungkyu , Kwon Chiheon , Kim Woong-Han , Kwak Jae Gun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to review the outcomes of treating incidentally encountered asymptomatic airway stenosis during open-heart surgery conservatively without the use of tracheoplasty.

METHODS
Between January 2002 and October 2022, 25 patients were incidentally diagnosed with tracheal stenosis during open-heart surgery. Intraoperative bronchoscopy and/or laryngoscopy revealed tracheal stenosis; however, this was not consistent with the findings of the preoperative computed tomography. Patients who were diagnosed with a pulmonary artery or vascular sling or had moderate-to-severe respiratory symptoms before open-heart surgery were excluded.

RESULTS
The median age and weight of the patients at operation were 3.0 months and 5.1 kg, respectively. They were categorized as those having tracheal stenosis on preoperative computed tomography (n = 12) or not having tracheal stenosis (n = 13). The narrowest diameter was significantly smaller in the former group (3.0 vs 5.8 mm, P &lt; 0.05). The rates of reintubation and the tracheostomy, and intubation days tended to be higher in former group without statistical significance. Stenotic degree improved 2 months and 1 year or more after the operation (39.3% at operation, 28.4% at 2 months, 12.5% after 1 year). All patients were Ross class 1 or 2 at follow-up (mean, 7.1 years).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with tracheal stenosis showed tolerable long-term outcomes without using tracheoplasty. Accordingly, if tracheal stenosis, that would cause intubation difficulty, was incidentally revealed, concomitant tracheoplasty may not be required during open-heart surgery if the stenosis did not cause considerable symptoms or signs preoperatively.