bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional differences in epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in lung cancer treatment using a national database in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Hiromi , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Shinoda Satoru , Goto Atsushi , Kaneko Ayami , Fukuda Nobuhiko , Kamimaki Chisato , Kubo Sousuke , Watanabe Keisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Hara Yu , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEpidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are extensively used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); hence, equal access to them is important. Therefore, this study aimed to identify regional differences in the prescription of EGFR-TKIs and the factors contributing to these differences. In this ecological study, we collected data using the National Database Open Data and the National Cancer Registry. The standardized claim ratio (SCR) was used as an indicator of the number of EGFR-TKI prescriptions. Additionally, we examined the association between SCR and various factors to identify the factors associated with this difference. The average SCR for the top three provinces was 153.4, while the average for the bottom three provinces was 61.6. Multivariate analysis used for evaluating the association of SCR with variables revealed that the number of designated cancer hospitals and radiation therapies were independent factors associated with the SCR of EGFR-TKIs. There were significant regional differences in the prescriptions of EGFR-TKIs in Japan based on the number of coordinated designated cancer hospitals and the number of patients receiving radiotherapy alone. These findings emphasize the need to implement policies to increase the number of hospitals to reduce regional differences.
Utilizing genetic code expansion to modify N-TIMP2 specificity towards MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-14
Authors: Hayun Hezi , Coban Matt , Bhagat Ashok Kumar , Ozer Eden , Alfonta Lital , Caulfield Thomas R. , Radisky Evette S. , Papo Niv 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulate the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in biological processes. MMP activity is controlled by natural tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) that non-selectively inhibit the function of multiple MMPs via interaction with the MMPs' Zn2+-containing catalytic pocket. Recent studies suggest that TIMPs engineered to confer MMP specificity could be exploited for therapeutic purposes, but obtaining specific TIMP-2 inhibitors has proved to be challenging. Here, in an effort to improve MMP specificity, we incorporated the metal-binding non-canonical amino acids (NCAAs), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and (8-hydroxyquinolin-3-yl)alanine (HqAla), into the MMP-inhibitory N-terminal domain of TIMP2 (N-TIMP2) at selected positions that interact with the catalytic Zn2+ ion (S2, S69, A70, L100) or with a structural Ca2+ ion (Y36). Evaluation of the inhibitory potency of the NCAA-containing variants towards MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14 in vitro revealed that most showed a significant loss of inhibitory activity towards MMP-14, but not towards MMP-2 and MMP-9, resulting in increased specificity towards the latter proteases. Substitutions at S69 conferred the best improvement in selectivity for both L-DOPA and HqAla variants. Molecular modeling provided an indication of how MMP-2 and MMP-9 are better able to accommodate the bulky NCAA substituents at the intermolecular interface with N-TIMP2. The models also showed that, rather than coordinating to Zn2+, the NCAA side chains formed stabilizing polar interactions at the intermolecular interface with MMP-2 and MMP-9. Our findings illustrate how incorporation of NCAAs can be used to probe—and possibly exploit—differential tolerance for substitution within closely related protein–protein complexes as a means to improve specificity.
Dynamics of non-household contacts during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 in the Netherlands
Authors: Backer Jantien A. , Bogaardt Laurens , Beutels Philippe , Coletti Pietro , Edmunds W. John , Gimma Amy , van Hagen Cheyenne C. E. , Hens Niel , Jarvis Christopher I. , Vos Eric R. A. , Wambua James , Wong Denise , van Zandvoort Kevin , Wallinga Jacco 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic was in 2020 and 2021 for a large part mitigated by reducing contacts in the general population. To monitor how these contacts changed over the course of the pandemic in the Netherlands, a longitudinal survey was conducted where participants reported on their at-risk contacts every two weeks, as part of the European CoMix survey. The survey included 1659 participants from April to August 2020 and 2514 participants from December 2020 to September 2021. We categorized the number of unique contacted persons excluding household members, reported per participant per day into six activity levels, defined as 0, 1, 2, 3–4, 5–9 and 10 or more reported contacts. After correcting for age, vaccination status, risk status for severe outcome of infection, and frequency of participation, activity levels increased over time, coinciding with relaxation of COVID-19 control measures.
Fixed-point iterative linear inverse solver with extended precision
Authors: Zhu Zheyuan , Klein Andrew B. , Li Guifang , Pang Sean 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSolving linear systems, often accomplished by iterative algorithms, is a ubiquitous task in science and engineering. To accommodate the dynamic range and precision requirements, these iterative solvers are carried out on floating-point processing units, which are not efficient in handling large-scale matrix multiplications and inversions. Low-precision, fixed-point digital or analog processors consume only a fraction of the energy per operation than their floating-point counterparts, yet their current usages exclude iterative solvers due to the cumulative computational errors arising from fixed-point arithmetic. In this work, we show that for a simple iterative algorithm, such as Richardson iteration, using a fixed-point processor can provide the same convergence rate and achieve solutions beyond its native precision when combined with residual iteration. These results indicate that power-efficient computing platforms consisting of analog computing devices can be used to solve a broad range of problems without compromising the speed or precision.
Perspectives of Emergency Physicians, Primary Care Physicians, and Otolaryngologists on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Vertigo
Authors: Dede Melike Nur , Başoğlu Yuşa , Yilmaz Berrin , Şerbetçioğlu Mustafa Bülent 
Published: March 2023

Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the differences in diagnosis (Dix–Hallpike test; the head impulse, nystagmus, and the test of skew [HINTS] procedures; imaging modalities; and audiological battery) and treatment (pharmacological treatments and the Epley maneuver) of acute vertigo (AV) by examining the perspectives of otolaryngologists, emergency physicians (EPs), and primary care physicians (PCPs).

Method:

A total of 123 physicians (otolaryngologists [
n
= 40], EPs [
n
= 41], PCPs [
n
= 42]) were included in this study. This study was conducted using an online questionnaire created in Google Forms. The questionnaire included five demographic questions and eight questions assessing the diagnosis and treatment of four case scenarios (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV], vestibular neuronitis, Meniere's disease [MD], and vertebrobasilar insufficiency). Multiple-response and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.

Results:

In the case of BPPV, 82.5% of otolaryngologists, 73.2% of EPs, and 59.6% of PCPs preferred the “Dix–Hallpike maneuver” (
p
= .067). In addition, 72.5% of otolaryngologists, 48.8% of EPs, and 47.6% of PCPs preferred the Epley maneuver for treatment in a case with BPPV (
p
= .032). It was found that physicians preferred the most (18.9%) “videonystagmography (VNG)-caloric” test for diagnosis in the MD case. There was a statistically significant difference in the intravenous serum therapy and rest, and Epley maneuver preferences of physicians for the treatment of cases with MD (
p
= .002 and
p
= .046).

Conclusions:
In this study, significant differences were found in the AV care provided by different specialties. Standardized education systems for AV (symposiums, congresses, scientific activities, etc., with multidisciplinary participation) may be beneficial for improving the diagnosis and treatment process of AV in our country.
What Plays a Role in Perceived Confidence for Managing Pediatric Feeding Disorders in the Public School
Authors: Neubauer Natalie P. , Singleton Nina Capone 
Published: March 2023

Purpose:This study examined public school (PS) speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') perceived confidence in managing pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs). Perceived confidence is a rater's self-reported assurance level to manage PFDs. The study then looked for relationships between personal and professional factors that might account for perceived confidence. Geographic location as well as administrative supports and resources were also examined.Method:Participants were PS SLPs from across the United States who were recruited via American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Groups. This study measured perceived confidence with a 5-point Likert-type scale for 17 roles and responsibilities in PFD management. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to identify relationships with personal and professional characteristics.Results:PS SLPs perceived themselves as having low confidence in managing PFDs. Personal and professional characteristics account for low perceived confidence (e.g., number of graduate courses, clinical experience with swallowing and feeding in early intervention or medical settings, managing swallowing and feeding currently, having more administrative support).Conclusions:This study provided a more representative sample (i.e., geographic regions) of PS SLPs. Perceived confidence in PFD management is linked to factors that can be modified through personal and professional changes.
Development of Novel Speech Stimuli With Phonetic Coverage and Phonemic Balance
Authors: Gurevich Naomi , Kim Heejin 
Published: March 2023

Purpose:
Gurevich and Kim (2022) call for new speech materials that provide not only phonemic but also allophonic coverage so that production and perception of consonants can be examined as a function of their positional contexts. The purpose of this work was to construct such materials.

Method:
A total of 466 allowable contexts for the 24 English consonants were determined by considering positional contexts in terms of word and syllable positions, lexical stress, and proximity to other phonemes. These contexts were filled using 308 unique tokens composed of frequent content words ensuring both phonemic and allophonic coverages. In addition, the words were combined into 37 declarative and interrogative phrases to incorporate prosodic elements of speech. Twenty healthy adults were recorded reading these phrases to assess time and effort required for the task.

Results:
The newly constructed speech materials achieved high-overall phonetic coverage at 83.05% of all allowable English contexts, including coverage of consonant categories and positional contexts of particular importance for clinical and research purposes. Moreover, these materials attained the balance of consonant frequencies in typical spoken English. This was achieved with 37 phrases that take an average of 3 min, 6 s to read at an average of 5.02 s per phrase.

Conclusions:
Compared with the commonly used standard reading passages examined in Gurevich and Kim (2022), the newly constructed materials provide significantly superior phonetic coverage, including important linguistic features known to affect production and perception of consonants. The new materials are therefore well suited for eliciting speech representative of General American English for investigating consonant production and perception.
Anatomical Step-by-Step Dissection of Complex Skull Base Approaches for Trainees: Surgical Anatomy of the Frontotemporal and Orbitozygomatic Craniotomies
Authors: Carlstrom Lucas P. , Graffeo Christopher S. , Leonel Luciano CPC , Perry Avital , Link Michael J. , Peris-Celda Maria 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Introduction Although many neuroanatomic atlases have been published, few have detailed complex cranial approaches and pertinent anatomic considerations in a stepwise fashion intended for rapid comprehension by neurosurgery students, residents, and fellows.
Methods Five sides of formalin-fixed latex-injected specimens were dissected under microscopic magnification. The frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches were performed by neurosurgical residents and fellows at different training levels with limited previous experience in anatomical dissection mentored by the senior authors (M.P.C. and M.J.L.). Meticulous surgical anatomic dissections were performed until sufficient visual and technical completion was attained, with parameters of effectively demonstrating key surgical steps for educational training purposes. Following the completion of dissection and three-dimensional photography, illustrative case examples were reviewed to demonstrate the relative benefits and optimal applications of each approach.
Results The frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches afford excellent access to anterior and middle skull base pathologies, as well as the exposure of the infratemporal fossa. Key considerations include head positioning, skin incision, scalp retraction, fat pad dissection and facial nerve protection, true or false MacCarty keyhole fashioning, sphenoid wing drilling and anterior clinoidectomy, completion of the craniotomy and accessory orbital osteotomy cuts, dural opening, and intradural neurovascular access.
Conclusion The frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches are core craniotomies that offer distinct advantages for complex cranial operations. Learning and internalizing their key steps and nuanced applications in a clinical context is critical for trainees of many levels. The orbitozygomatic craniotomy in particular is a versatile but challenging approach; operative-style laboratory dissection is an essential component of its mastery and one that will be powerfully enhanced by the current work.
Practical and Scalable Total Syntheses of (+)-Dysidavarones A–C
Authors: Chong Chuanke , Lu Zhaoyong , Kuang Yang , Chang Le , Wang Bingjian , Kang Jingyi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA practical and scalable enantioselective total syntheses of the marine anticancer sesquiterpene quinone meroterpenoids (+)-dysidavarones A–C has been accomplished. The central bridged bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane structure of dysidavarones was efficiently established by a one-pot intermolecular diastereoselective alkylation and intramolecular α-arylation of a Wieland–Miescher ketone derivative with a substituted benzylic bromide, without protection of the more-reactive C(4) carbonyl group. (+)-Dysidavarones A and ‘E’ were prepared on a 150-mg scale, demonstrating the efficiency and reliability of our synthetic route and providing sufficient amounts of the dysidavarones for further bioactivity evaluation.
On the nature of the Schottky anomaly in endohedral water
Authors: Serwatka Tobias , Yim Spencer , Ayotte Patrick , Roy Pierre-Nicholas 
Published: March 2023

In this work, we study the heat capacity contribution of a rigid water molecule encapsulated in C60 by performing six-dimensional eigenstate calculations with the inclusion of its quantized rotational and translational degrees of freedom. Two confinement model potentials are considered: in the first, confinement is described using distributed pairwise Lennard-Jones interactions, while in the second, the water molecule is trapped within an eccentric but isotropic 3D harmonic effective confinement potential [Wespiser et al., J. Chem. Phys. 156, 074304 (2022)]. Contributions to the heat capacity from both the ortho and para nuclear spin isomers of water are considered to enable the effects of their interconversion to be assessed. By including a symmetry-breaking quadrupolar potential energy term in the Hamiltonian, we can reproduce the experimentally observed Schottky anomaly at ∼2 K [Suzuki et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 10, 1306 (2019)]. Furthermore, our calculations predict a second Schottky anomaly at ∼0.1 K resulting from the H configuration, a different orientational arrangement of the fullerene cages in crystalline solid C60. Contributions from the H configuration to CV also explain the second peak observed at ∼7 K in the experimentally measured heat capacity.
Lexical development of Spanish heritage and L2 learners in a study abroad setting
Authors: Marqués-Pascual Laura , Checa-García Irene 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of an immersion experience on the lexical development of Spanish heritage
language learners (HLLs) and second language learners (L2Ls) abroad. Data were collected from 21 Spanish HLLs and 33 L2Ls who
spent a semester abroad. Lexical development was assessed based on written narratives collected before and after the semester. The
narratives were analyzed to determine the impact of study abroad on three measures of lexical development: density, diversity, and
sophistication. Lexical sophistication was assessed based on Spanish frequency data from the Corpus del Español
(Davies, 2006) using the log-transformed frequency count. Results indicate a
significant increase over time in lexical density for HLLs but not L2Ls, and a significant decrease in lexical sophistication for
both groups. Findings are discussed in light of previous research on study abroad and the analysis of lexical development.
Swirling currents
Authors: Junker Christine R. , Cubberley Mark S. , Jacquemin Stephen J. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Understanding how humans relate to and think about nonhuman nature has never been more important. To begin
exploring that question, our study compares literature (nature-writing) that explicitly addresses this relationship with
literature of the same genre that does not address nonhuman nature (creative nonfiction) using the tools of digital humanities and
ecological analysis. We used Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) and Meaning Extraction Method (MEM) to examine 228 texts.
Resulting scores were then examined for gradients, patterns, and trends across texts using principal components analysis (PCA).
Overall, we found that nature writing texts scored higher in analytical and authenticity scores; were associated with
psychological processes such as perception, cognition, politics, and power; and were typified by individual word
choice clouds associated with clusters of text such as tree/human/see/time/form/place than non-nature creative nonfiction. This
analysis serves as a foundation for understanding the genre of nature-writing and the ways that humans think about nonhuman
nature.
Verbal past inflection in Nigerian English
Authors: Bohmann Axel , Babalola Adesoji 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We analyze variation in Nigerian English verbal past inflection on the basis of 2,989 verbs with past-time reference. Observations were extracted from the spontaneous conversations category of the International Corpus of English Nigeria and from two sets of sociolinguistic interviews. In contrast to the previous literature, our analysis shows rich systematicity in the constraints governing verbal past inflection, but also significant differences between the data sets. The latter concern both the overall frequency of past inflection and the number and strength of linguistic conditioning variables. At the level of method, we argue for ‘sociolinguistic compound vision,’ i.e. an active effort to include diverse data sets in order to avoid homogenizing accounts of New Englishes.
Analysing the speech rhythm of New Englishes
Authors: Fuchs Robert 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Most New Englishes are classified as syllable-timed and many L1 varieties of English as stress-timed. However, much empirical work on varieties of English and other languages has shown that a categorical distinction between discrete rhythm classes is not commensurate with the empirical evidence. Moreover, the comparability of published research is hampered by a lack of methodological standardization. This chapter provides a step-by-step guide for researchers and charts new avenues for future enquiries, illustrated with a case study comparing Pakistani, Nigerian, Philippine, and British English. Results indicate that the first three can be described as more syllable-timed than British English, but also that a binary classification of syllable- vs. stress-timed does not fully do justice to the results.
Mixed methods in the mapping of accent perceptions in Indian varieties of English
Authors: Regnoli Giuliana 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This paper discusses the benefits of a mixed-methods approach designed for the investigation of language attitudes towards accent variation in Indian English. The study was carried out in a transient community of Indian university students in Heidelberg, Germany in 2018. Methods from language attitude research were combined with those from perceptual dialectology with the aim of eliciting both overt and covert attitudes. The paper critically assesses the current methods used in language attitude research in New Englishes, which often neglect the mapping of perceptual landscapes and mostly rely on Verbal Guise Tests and direct questions. The results show that a mixed-methods approach helps to depict the perceptual heterogeneity of language users in New Englishes contexts.
Mapping perceptions in New Englishes
Authors: Schmalz Mirjam 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This chapter presents a case study illustrating the validity of employing a mixed-methods approach based on a draw-a-map task and semi-structured sociolinguistic interviews in language attitude research of a New Englishes context. This is illustrated by the analysis of two data sets. First, 49 participants drew perceptual maps of St Kitts and Nevis. The analysis of these maps shows that the participants exhibit complex perceptual landscapes, including areas with varying degrees of fine-grained subdivisions. In addition, interview data from sociolinguistic interviews allows for triangulation of the data and furthermore provides additional information. Thus, this chapter shows how a mixed-methods approach, including map-drawing tasks, can enrich the toolbox of research in New Englishes.