bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative assessment of high efficiency flat solar thermal collectors’ performances
Authors: Ciocan Mihaela , Serban Alexandru , Dobrovicescu Alexandru , Hiris Daniel P , Dudescu Mircea C. , Balan Mugur C 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The study investigates the performances of high efficiency flat solar thermal collectors, under the climatic conditions of Galați, Romania. The same mathematical model was used to evaluate the stationary and the transitory thermal behavior of 12 high effic iency collectors, with reduced heat losses. The thermal characteristics of the collectors were extracted from the technical reports of two European independent testing laboratories. The annual specific energy production was found to vary in a large domain between 415.9 kWh/m2 and 947.9 kWh/m2, the maxim value representing more than the double of the minimum one. It was highlighted that both the optical efficiency and the heat losses contribute to the global efficiency of the flat solar thermal collectors, and the most efficient one is the flat evacuated one.
One degree of freedom resonance wave energy convertor
Authors: Milkov V , Dimitrov D M , Iliyaz Sh 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this work, a single degree of freedom resonant converter model is proposed and theoretical studies of the converter are carried out. The converter is suitable for waves with height of up to 2 m and period of up to 5 seconds, such as the waves on the western coast of the Black Sea. It is shown that at resonance its power increases significantly and approaches the theoretical values of the power of the swell. In high waves (up to 5 m) its efficiency decreases, but its power remains relatively constant and equal to about half of its power at resonance.
Grounding Political Obligation
Authors: Valentini Laura 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This chapter brings the agency-respect framework to bear on the question of political obligation, that is, whether we have a “content-independent obligation” to obey the law because it is the law. It first critically reviews familiar affirmative answers and finds some difficulties with all of them. In particular, while several succeed in showing that we often have content-dependent obligations to act in conformity with the law, they fail to establish a content-independent obligation to obey the law because it is the law. The chapter then argues that such a content-independent obligation can be successfully grounded in agency respect for people’s commitment to the rule of law. In doing so, the agency-respect view offers a defence of political obligation which, surprisingly, should appeal to anarchists too. On this view, obligations to obey the law are “pro tanto” and highly qualified. Moreover, what explains the bindingness of legal norms also explains the bindingness of informal social norms. From an agency-respect perspective, the law is therefore not morally special.
Combining Inserts With Warning Labels on Cigarette Packs to Promote Smoking Cessation: A 2-Week Randomized Trial
Authors: Thrasher James F , Ferguson Stuart G , Hackworth Emily E , Wu Chung-Li , Lambert Victoria C , Porticella Norman , Kim Minji , Hardin James W , Niederdeppe Jeff 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Cigarette pack inserts with messages on cessation benefits and advice are a promising labeling policy that may help promote smoking cessation.

Purpose
To assess insert effects, with and without accompanying pictorial health warning labels(HWLs), on hypothesized psychosocial and behavioral outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a 2 × 2 between-subject randomized trial (inserts with efficacy messages vs. no inserts; large pictorial HWLs vs. small text HWLs), with 367 adults who smoked at least 10 cigarettes a day. Participants received a 14-day supply of their preferred cigarettes with packs modified to reflect their experimental condition. Over 2 weeks, we surveyed participants approximately 4–5 times a day during their smoking sessions, querying feelings about smoking, level of worry about harms from smoking, self-efficacy to cut down on cigarettes, self-efficacy to quit, hopefulness about quitting, and motivation to quit. Each evening, participants reported their perceived susceptibility to smoking harms and, for the last 24 hr, their frequency of thinking about smoking harms and cessation benefits, conversations about smoking cessation or harms, and foregoing or stubbing out cigarettes before they finished smoking. Mixed-effects ordinal and logistic models were estimated to evaluate differences between groups.

Results
Participants whose packs included inserts were more likely than those whose packs did not include inserts to report foregoing or stubbing out of cigarettes (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.36, 4.20). Otherwise, no statistically significant associations were found between labeling conditions and outcomes.

Conclusions
This study provides some evidence, albeit limited, that pack inserts with efficacy messages can promote behaviors that predict smoking cessation attempts.
The Relationship Between L2 Interactional Competence and Proficiency
Authors: Roever Carsten , Ikeda Naoki 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The relationship between L2 linguistic skills and the ability to use language for social purposes is still under-explored. While previous research suggests that higher proficiency coincides with better pragmatic and interactional performance, incongruities are also apparent with some low-proficiency learners being able to communicate effectively, and some high-proficiency learners showing pronounced weaknesses in interactional performance. In this study, 150 ESL learners completed a standardized speaking proficiency test, the TOEFL iBT Speaking section, followed by a test of interactional competence consisting of role plays and monologues. Quantitatively, we found a fairly strong correlation between measures of speaking proficiency and interactional ability, but our qualitative analysis showed a more nuanced picture with some interactionally relevant features apparently impacted by speaking proficiency, whereas others were largely independent of it. We discuss implications for the conceptualization of second language ability, language teaching, and language testing.
Linguistic Features Distinguishing Students’ Writing Ability Aligned with CEFR Levels
Authors: Ma Hong , Wang Jinglei , He Lianzhen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A substantive body of research has been revolving around the linguistic features that distinguish different levels of students’ writing samples (e.g. Crossley and McNamara 2012; McNamara et al. 2015; Lu 2017). Nevertheless, it is somewhat difficult to generalize the findings across various empirical studies, given that different criteria were adopted to measure language learners’ proficiency levels (Chen and Baker 2016). Some researchers suggested using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (Council of Europe 2001) as the common standard of evaluating and describing students’ proficiency levels. Therefore, the current research intends to identify the linguistic features that distinguish students’ writing samples across CEFR levels by adopting a machine-learning method, decision tree, which provides the direct visualization of decisions made in each step of the classification procedure. The linguistic features that emerged as predicative of CEFR levels could be employed to (i) inform L2 writing instruction, (ii) track long-term development of writing ability, and (iii) facilitate experts’ judgment in the practice of aligning writing tests/samples with CEFR.
XII—Knowing and Acknowledging Others
Authors: Avramides Anita 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
It is possible to tease out two questions in connection with the epistemological problem of other minds: (i) How do I know what others think and feel? and (ii) How do I know that others think and feel? Fred Dretske offers a perceptual account of our knowledge of other minds that yields an answer to (i) but not (ii). Quassim Cassam uses Dretske’s perceptual account to show how we can answer both (i) and (ii). In this paper I show how we can use Dretske’s work to understand some work by Stanley Cavell. I suggest that, where Dretske claims that we cannot answer (ii), Cavell holds that (ii) is a question that reflects a misunderstanding of our relations to others. In the place of asking how I can know that others think and feel, Cavell holds that I must acknowledge the other. And at the heart of this acknowledgment is an acceptance of others as separate from me. I must acknowledge the other as an other to me.
Preparation and processing of dried blood spots for microRNA sequencing
Authors: Morgunova Alice , Ibrahim Pascal , Chen Gary Gang , Coury Saché M , Turecki Gustavo , Meaney Michael J , Gifuni Anthony , Gotlib Ian H , Nagy Corina , Ho Tiffany C , Flores Cecilia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDried blood spots (DBS) are biological samples commonly collected from newborns and in geographic areas distanced from laboratory settings for the purposes of disease testing and identification. MicroRNAs (miRNAs)—small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene activity at the post-transcriptional level—are emerging as critical markers and mediators of disease, including cancer, infectious diseases, and mental disorders. This protocol describes optimized procedural steps for utilizing DBS as a reliable source of biological material for obtaining peripheral miRNA expression profiles. We outline key practices, such as the method of DBS rehydration that maximizes RNA extraction yield, and the use of degenerate oligonucleotide adapters to mitigate ligase-dependent biases that are associated with small RNA sequencing. The standardization of miRNA readout from DBS offers numerous benefits: cost-effectiveness in sample collection and processing, enhanced reliability and consistency of miRNA profiling, and minimal invasiveness that facilitates repeated testing and retention of participants. The use of DBS-based miRNA sequencing is a promising method to investigate disease mechanisms and to advance personalized medicine.
A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial to Improve Social Problem-Solving Skills of Kunjing Children without Sufficient Parental Care
Authors: Wang Miao , Zhou Yue 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Social problem-solving skills (SPS) are essential to child development, especially for kunjing children without sufficient parental care (KCw/oSPC). This study aimed to design and implement a group-based pilot intervention programme to improve KCw/oSPC’s SPS and assessed its effectiveness. This pilot intervention was a randomised controlled trial, fifty-seven KCw/oSPC at seventh grade (aged twelve to thirteen years) were recruited and randomly assigned into experimental (n = 24) and waiting (n = 33) groups. All participants in the experimental group received SPS training, whilst the waiting group did not receive any services at the research stage. Both pre- and post-test data about participants’ SPS from both groups were analysed with Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, respectively. Results indicated that KCw/oSPC’s SPS in the experimental group improved significantly, with large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.15). This pilot study, although with limitations, contributed to informing future social work intervention studies and practice to promote KCw/oSPC’s SPS in Mainland China and worldwide.
Generalizability of a Machine Learning Model for Improving Utilization of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide Testing across Multiple Clinical Centers
Authors: Yang He S , Pan Weishen , Wang Yingheng , Zaydman Mark A , Spies Nicholas C , Zhao Zhen , Guise Theresa A , Meng Qing H , Wang Fei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Measuring parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) helps diagnose the humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, but is often ordered for patients with low pretest probability, resulting in poor test utilization. Manual review of results to identify inappropriate PTHrP orders is a cumbersome process.

Methods
Using a dataset of 1330 patients from a single institute, we developed a machine learning (ML) model to predict abnormal PTHrP results. We then evaluated the performance of the model on two external datasets. Different strategies (model transporting, retraining, rebuilding, and fine-tuning) were investigated to improve model generalizability. Maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) was adopted to quantify the shift of data distributions across different datasets.

Results
The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.936, and a specificity of 0.842 at 0.900 sensitivity in the development cohort. Directly transporting this model to two external datasets resulted in a deterioration of AUROC to 0.838 and 0.737, with the latter having a larger MMD corresponding to a greater data shift compared to the original dataset. Model rebuilding using site-specific data improved AUROC to 0.891 and 0.837 on the two sites, respectively. When external data is insufficient for retraining, a fine-tuning strategy also improved model utility.

Conclusions
ML offers promise to improve PTHrP test utilization while relieving the burden of manual review. Transporting a ready-made model to external datasets may lead to performance deterioration due to data distribution shift. Model retraining or rebuilding could improve generalizability when there are enough data, and model fine-tuning may be favorable when site-specific data is limited.
Circulating GDF11 exacerbates myocardial injury in mice and associates with increased infarct size in humans
Authors: Kraler Simon , Balbi Carolina , Vdovenko Daria , Lapikova-Bryhinska Tetiana , Camici Giovanni G , Liberale Luca , Bonetti Nicole , Canestro Candela Diaz , Burger Fabienne , Roth Aline , Carbone Federico , Vassalli Giuseppe , Mach François , Bhasin Shalender , Wenzl Florian A , Muller Olivier , Räber Lorenz , Matter Christian M , Montecucco Fabrizio , Lüscher Thomas F , Akhmedov Alexander 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
The heart rejuvenating effects of circulating growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a transforming growth factor-β superfamily member that shares 90% homology with myostatin (MSTN), remains controversial. Here, we aimed to probe the role of GDF11 in acute myocardial infarction (MI), a frequent cause of heart failure and premature death during ageing.

Methods and results
In contrast to endogenous Mstn, myocardial Gdf11 declined during the course of ageing and was particularly reduced following ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, suggesting a therapeutic potential of GDF11 signalling in MI. Unexpectedly, boosting systemic Gdf11 by recombinant GDF11 delivery (0.1 mg/kg body weight over 30 days) prior to myocardial I/R augmented myocardial infarct size in C57BL/6 mice irrespective of their age, predominantly by accelerating pro-apoptotic signalling. While intrinsic cardioprotective signalling pathways remained unaffected by high circulating GDF11, targeted transcriptomics and immunomapping studies focusing on GDF11-associated downstream targets revealed attenuated Nkx2-5 expression confined to CD105-expressing cells, with pro-apoptotic activity, as assessed by caspase-3 levels, being particularly pronounced in adjacent cells, suggesting an indirect effect. By harnessing a highly specific and validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry–based assay, we show that in prospectively recruited patients with MI circulating GDF11 but not MSTN levels incline with age. Moreover, GDF11 levels were particularly elevated in those at high risk for adverse outcomes following the acute event, with circulating GDF11 emerging as an independent predictor of myocardial infarct size, as estimated by standardized peak creatine kinase-MB levels.

Conclusion
Our data challenge the initially reported heart rejuvenating effects of circulating GDF11 and suggest that high levels of systemic GDF11 exacerbate myocardial injury in mice and humans alike. Persistently high GDF11 levels during ageing may contribute to the age-dependent loss of cardioprotective mechanisms and thus poor outcomes of elderly patients following acute MI.
Seasonal activity of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in Southeast Pennsylvania
Authors: Calvin Dennis D , Rost John , Keller Joseph , Crawford Stephen , Walsh Brian , Bosold Michael , Urban Julie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845), is an invasive species in the United States. This pest causes damage to vineyards and has the potential to negatively affect other crops and industries. Information describing the seasonal timing of life stages can improve its management. In 2019 and 2020, spotted lanternfly seasonal activity was followed weekly from spring egg hatch to the first hard freeze. Weighted mean timing of activity for each nymphal instar, early adults, late adults, total adults, and egg mass deposition are presented for 2019 and 2020 on Acer rubrum and 2020 on Ailanthus altissima. Logistic equations describing the percentage completion of each activity period on these hosts were fitted using a start date of 1 January to calculate accumulated degree days (ADD). For the adult and egg mass deposition periods, we additionally used a biofix of the date adults were first observed to calculate ADD. ADD from 1 January adequately estimated the timing of nymphal instars but ADD from observation of the first adult better estimated the timing of adult activity and egg mass deposition. Late adult activity and egg mass deposition periods appeared to be influenced by another environmental cue, such as day length. Maps of season-long ADD show that spotted lanternflies are unlikely to reach adulthood in colder regions of the northeast United States, and therefore may not establish there. We also report a strong seasonal trend in sex ratio on A. rubrum, where the population shifted from over 80% male to over 80% female in October.
Pleiotropic fitness effects across sexes and ages in the Drosophila genome and transcriptome
Authors: Wong Heidi W S , Holman Luke 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Selection varies between categories of individuals, with far-reaching ramifications: Sex-specific selection can impede or accelerate adaptation, and differences in selection between young and old individuals are ultimately responsible for senescence. Here, we measure early- and late-life fitness in adults of both sexes from the Drosophila genetic reference panel and perform quantitative genetic and transcriptomic analyses. Fitness was heritable, showed positive pleiotropy across sexes and age classes, and appeared to be influenced by very large numbers of loci with small effects plus a smaller number with moderate effects. Most loci affected male and female fitness in the same direction; relatively few candidate sexually antagonistic loci were found, though these were enriched on the X chromosome as predicted by theory. The expression level of many genes showed an opposite correlation with fitness in males and females, consistent with unresolved sexual conflict over transcription. The load of deleterious mutations correlated negatively with fitness across genotypes, and we found some evidence for the mutation accumulation (but not the antagonistic pleiotropy) theory of aging.
Rensch’s rule: linking intraspecific to evolutionary allometry
Authors: Reyes-Puig Carolina , Adams Dean C , Enriquez-Urzelai Urtzi , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Sexual dimorphism describes phenotypic differences between the sexes; the most prominent of which is sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Rensch’s rule (RR) is an allometric trend in which SSD increases in male-larger taxa and decreases in female-larger ones. Covariation between a trait and overall size within and across species can both be affected by sexual and natural selection. Thus, intraspecific allometric variation could influence the expression of RR. Here we used computer simulations to dissect how RR emerges under specific allometric patterns of intraspecific sexual differentiation in a trait. We found that sexual differentiation in static allometric slopes is the main determinant of RR. Based on our findings, RR and its converse can manifest in both body size and other traits. As a realistic showcase, we also examined RR and static allometry of different body parts in Mediterranean green lizards to establish whether intraspecific and evolutionary allometry are linked. Here, we identified RR and its converse for different traits, where the amount of sexual differentiation in static allometric slopes within species had a significant contribution to RR. Integrating the simulations and the empirical case we corroborate that sexual differentiation in static allometric slopes is a major parameter affecting evolutionary allometry.
Production of Lactobacillus plantarum ghosts by conditional expression of a prophage-encoded holin
Authors: Riangrungroj Pinpunya , Visessanguan Wonnop , Leartsakulpanich Ubolsree 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are nonviable empty bacterial cell envelopes with intact cellular morphology and native surface structure. BGs made from pathogenic bacteria are used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. However, incomplete pathogenic cell inactivation during BG preparation raises safety concerns that could limit the intended use. Therefore, safer bacterial cell types are needed for BG production. Here, we produced BGs from the food-grade Gram-positive bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum TBRC 2–4 by conditional expression of a prophage-encoded holin (LpHo). LpHo expression was regulated using the pheromone-inducible pSIP system and LpHo was localized to the cell membrane. Upon LpHo induction, a significant growth retardation and a drastic decrease in cell viability were observed. LpHo-induced cells also showed membrane pores by scanning electron microscopy, membrane depolarization by flow cytometry, and release of nucleic acid contents in the cell culture supernatant, consistent with the role of LpHo as a pore-forming protein and L. plantarum ghost formation. The holin-induced L. plantarum BG platform could be developed as a safer alternative vehicle for the delivery of biomolecules.
Effects of Caregiver Sleep Disturbances on Relationship Quality With Their Care Recipient
Authors: Perepezko Kate , Shaffer Kelly , Beach Scott , Rolle Natalie , Fields Beth 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Sleep problems are highly prevalent and disruptive for caregivers. Although the connection between caregivers’ sleep and outcomes like caregiver burden and quality of life is well established, the potential influence of caregivers’ sleep on their reported relationship quality with the care recipient is not known. The current study sought to address this gap.

Methods
We analyzed data from the 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and linked it with data from the 2017 National Study of Caregiving. Our dependent variable was caregiver-reported relationship quality, and our predictor variable of interest was caregiver sleep problems. We also included several covariates related to the caregiver and care recipient. We used a generalized linear model to examine the relationship between caregiver sleep problems and relationship quality, controlling for other potentially influential factors.

Results
Sleep problems were significantly related to relationship quality. Compared to caregivers who reported no sleep problems, those who reported at least one sleep problem (β: −0.23, 95% CI: −0.46 to −0.01) had lower relationship quality with the care recipient. Other factors that remained related to relationship quality in the generalized linear model were negative aspects of caregiving, emotional difficulties, caregiver race, relationship type, care recipient depressive symptoms, and care recipient sex.

Discussion
Sleep problems are influential health behaviors that are related to relationship quality for caregivers. Therefore, it is critical that sleep is more systematically assessed and addressed in caregiving populations.