bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptual learning based on a temporal stimulus enhances visual function in adult amblyopic subjects
Authors: Eisen-Enosh Auria , Farah Nairouz , Polat Uri , Mandel Yossi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractStudies have shown that Perceptual Learning (PL) can lead to enhancement of spatial visual functions in amblyopic subjects. Here we aimed to determine whether a simple flickering stimulus can be utilized in PL to enhance temporal function performance and whether enhancement will transfer to spatial functions in amblyopic subjects. Six adult amblyopic and six normally sighted subjects underwent an evaluation of their performance of baseline psychophysics spatial functions (Visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), temporal functions (critical fusion frequency (CFF) test), as well as a static and flickering stereopsis test, and an electrophysiological evaluation (VEP). The subjects then underwent 5 training sessions (on average, a total of 150 min over 2.5 weeks), which included a task similar to the CFF test using the method of constant stimuli. After completing the training sessions, subjects repeated the initial performance evaluation tasks. All amblyopic subjects showed improved temporal visual performance (CFF) in the amblyopic eye (on average, 17%, p << 0.01) following temporal PL. Generalization to spatial, spatio-temporal, and binocular tasks was also found: VA increased by 0.12 logMAR (p = 0.004), CS in backward masking significantly increased (by up to 19%, p = 0.003), and flickering stereopsis increased by 85 arcsec (p = 0.048). These results were further electrophysiologically manifested by an increase in VEP amplitude (by 43%, p = 0.03), increased Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) (by 39%, p = 0.024) to levels not different from normally sighted subjects, along with an improvement in inter-ocular delay (by 5.8 ms, p = 0.003). In contrast, no significant effect of training was found in the normally sighted group. These results highlight the potential of PL based on a temporal stimulus to improve the temporal and spatial visual performance in amblyopes. Future work is needed to optimize this method for clinical applications.
Distinct nonlinear spectrotemporal integration in primary and secondary auditory cortices
Authors: Kline Amber M. , Aponte Destinee A. , Kato Hiroyuki K. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAnimals sense sounds through hierarchical neural pathways that ultimately reach higher-order cortices to extract complex acoustic features, such as vocalizations. Elucidating how spectrotemporal integration varies along the hierarchy from primary to higher-order auditory cortices is a crucial step in understanding this elaborate sensory computation. Here we used two-photon calcium imaging and two-tone stimuli with various frequency-timing combinations to compare spectrotemporal integration between primary (A1) and secondary (A2) auditory cortices in mice. Individual neurons showed mixed supralinear and sublinear integration in a frequency-timing combination-specific manner, and we found unique integration patterns in these two areas. Temporally asymmetric spectrotemporal integration in A1 neurons suggested their roles in discriminating frequency-modulated sweep directions. In contrast, temporally symmetric and coincidence-preferring integration in A2 neurons made them ideal spectral integrators of concurrent multifrequency sounds. Moreover, the ensemble neural activity in A2 was sensitive to two-tone timings, and coincident two-tones evoked distinct ensemble activity patterns from the linear sum of component tones. Together, these results demonstrate distinct roles of A1 and A2 in encoding complex acoustic features, potentially suggesting parallel rather than sequential information extraction between these regions.
Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of Dmrt genes in echinoderms
Authors: Wang Quanchao , Cao Tiangui , Wang Yanxia , Li Xiaojing , Wang Yue 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe Dmrt (Doublesex-mab3-related transcription factor) gene family is a class of crucial transcription factors characterized by one or several conserved DM (Doublesex/Mab-3) domains. Dmrt family genes can participate in various physiological developmental processes, especially in sex determination/differentiation. Echinoderms are extremely important research objects in various fields, such as sex determination/differentiation and neuroscience. However, to date, the genome-wide characterization and analysis of Dmrt genes in echinoderms have not been investigated. In this study, the identification and analysis of Dmrt genes in 11 representative echinoderms were performed using bioinformatics methods. A total of 43 Dmrt genes have been found in the studied echinoderms, and the number of Dmrt genes in different species ranges from 2 to 5. The phylogenetic tree showed that all Dmrt genes from echinoderms can be subdivided into 5 classes, the Dmrt2-like class, Dmrt3-like class, Dmrt4/5-like class, Dsx-like class, and a novel Dmrt (starfish-specific) class. Furthermore, selective pressure assessment suggested that the Dmrt genes underwent purifying selection pressure. In general, this study provides a molecular basis for echinoderm Dmrt genes and may serve as a reference for in-depth phylogenomics.
Combinatorial immunotherapy with gemcitabine and ex vivo-expanded NK cells induces anti-tumor effects in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Koh Eun-Kyoung , Lee Hong-Rae , Son Woo-Chang , Park Ga-Young , Kim Juhee , Bae Jae-Ho , Park You-Soo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose at the initial stage and is often discovered after metastasis to nearby organs. Gemcitabine is currently used as a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, since chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer has not yet reached satisfactory therapeutic results, adjuvant chemotherapy methods are attempted. It can be expected that combining immune cell therapy with existing anticancer drug combination treatment will prevent cancer recurrence and increase survival rates. We isolated natural killer (NK) cells and co-cultured them with strongly activated autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as feeder cells, activated using CD3 antibody, IFN-r, IL-2, and γ-radiation. NK cells expanded in this method showed greater cytotoxicity than resting NK cells, when co-cultured with pancreatic cancer cell lines. Tumor growth was effectively inhibited in a pancreatic cancer mouse xenograft model. Therapeutic efficacy was increased by using gemcitabine and erlotinib in combination. These findings suggest that NK cells cultured by the method proposed here have excellent anti-tumor activity. We demonstrate that activated NK cells can efficiently inhibit pancreatic tumors when used in combination with gemcitabine-based therapy.
Data‐driven chance‐constrained dispatch for integrated power and natural gas systems considering wind power prediction errors
Authors: Zhao Yuehao , Li Zhiyi , Ju Ping , Zhou Yue 
Published: May 2023

AbstractStochastic wind power prediction errors hurt the normal operation of integrated power and natural gas systems (IPGS). First, the data‐driven stochastic chance‐constrained programming method is applied to deal with wind power prediction errors, and its probability distribution is accurately fitted by variational Bayesian Gaussian mixture model with massive historical data. In addition, the data‐driven chance constraints of tie‐line power and reserve capacity of gas turbine are built. Next, to utilize wind power more reasonably, the operational characteristics and optimal commitment of power‐to‐hydrogen devices are considered and modelled in proposed strategy to reflect the actual situation of IPGS. Then, the original complicated dispatch problem is converted into a tractable second‐order cone programming problem via convex relaxation and quantile‐based analytical reformulation techniques. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated by numerical experiments based on a modified IEEE 33‐bus system integrated with a 10‐node natural gas system and a micro hydrogen system.
Participation of energy hubs in the market clearing price‐based energy market considering generation and consumption uncertainty modelling
Authors: Farsani Ahmad Torabi , Joorabin Mahmood , Mortazavi Seyed Saeidollah 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe market clearing pricing (MCP) model is used to operate electricity, gas, and heating networks (EGHNs) with flexible energy hubs (EHs) in the day‐ahead energy market. It's two‐level optimization. Its higher level refers to EHs' participation in the market and their profit maximization bound by the operational model of power sources, storage devices, and responsive loads in the form of EHs and their flexibility limit. In the lower‐level problem, the MCP model calculates energy price and evaluates EH performance's effects on the networks' technical and economic indices. It optimizes power flow in the networks to reduce centralized generator operating costs. This approach is linear approximation. Unscented transformation (UT) model load and renewable power uncertainties. This technique contains the fewest situations, reducing issue volume and computing time. Benders decomposition (BD) technique calculates energy prices, EHs, and networks. Finally, the numerical results show that the proposed scheme can extract the optimal economic and flexibility states of EHs. EHs' optimal performance enhanced energy networks' economic and operating status compared to power flow studies and promoted societal welfare by lowering energy prices.
Low‐voltage ride‐through handling in wind farm with doubly fed induction generators based on variable‐step model predictive control
Authors: Nie Yonghui , Zhang Jie , Liu Tianyu , Cui Jiaxu , Zhang Lidong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA severe voltage sag on the wind‐farm grid side with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) can induce a peak inrush current in the rotors and damage converters, resulting in wind‐turbine disconnection from the grid. To prevent this from happening, a variable‐step model predictive control (VS‐MPC) strategy is proposed for improving the wind turbines’ ability to operate without disconnecting themselves from the grid when a fault occurs. First, the predictive‐control state‐space model of a doubly fed wind farm is established according to its working principle. Second, model predictive control (MPC) is applied on the rotor side of the DFIG to realize the rapid tracking of the rotor current to the reference value during low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) of the DFIG. Finally, a variable‐step size algorithm is introduced into the MPC controller to change the step size continuously during the LVRT period. This increases the control accuracy, realizing rapid attenuation of each transient component, whereby the wind‐farm LVRT capability is enhanced. The proposed control strategy was simulated and verified using MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results indicated that VS‐MPC can effectively handle LVRT, allowing the recovery of a wind farm that uses DFIGs and improving the performance of wind‐farm.
Littératie en santé mentale : de quoi s’agit-il et pourquoi la promouvoir ?
Authors: Montagni Ilaria 
Published: May 2023

La littératie en santé mentale trouve son origine dans la littératie en santé plus « générale » avec un focus spécifique sur le bien-être mental. Sa première définition, en 1997 par Anthony Jorm, utilise une approche médicalisée car elle se réfère à la connaissance et aux croyances sur les problèmes de santé mentale qui favorisent leur identification, gestion ou prévention. Plus tard, entre 2014 et 2016, le concept de promotion de la santé mentale est ajouté par Stan Kutcher qui introduit les notions de résilience et de psychologie positive. Ainsi, la littératie en santé mentale est définie comme un déterminant modifiable de la santé mentale dont il existe plusieurs échelles de mesure. La plus complète, à présent, est la Mental Health Literacy Scale de O’Connor&Casey validée aussi en français. À partir du programme « Premiers secours en santé mentale », diverses interventions pour améliorer la littératie en santé mentale ont été évaluées et initiées récemment en France.
Insulin icodec: neues Basalinsulin mit einmal wöchentlicher Injektion
Authors: Kellerer Monika 
Published: May 2023

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGFür die Therapie des Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) stehen zahlreiche Optionen zur Verfügung. Leitlinien empfehlen nach Ausschöpfen aller vorangehenden Maßnahmen (Lebensstiländerung, orale Antidiabetika, GLP-1-Analoga) die Insulintherapie, meist mit einem Basalinsulin. Im klinischen Alltag erfolgt die Umstellung jedoch meist verzögert. Insulin icodec ist ein neues Basalinsulin, das nach Injektion an Albumin bindet und damit allmählich einen Speicher aufbaut. Durch das langsame Anfluten aus dem Albuminspeicher und einer Halbwertszeit von 196 Stunden eignet es sich als einmal wöchentliches Insulin. Ergebnisse aus den Phase-2-Studien zu T2DM zeigen, dass eine Ein- oder Umstellung auf Insulin icodec den Blutzucker genauso wirksam senken kann wie ein einmal tägliches Basalinsulin, bei vergleichbarem Hypoglykämierisiko. Die nur einmal wöchentliche Applikation von Insulin icodec könnte damit den Einstieg in die Insulintherapie erleichtern.
Diabetestherapie bei herzkranken Patienten
Authors: Gallwitz Baptist 
Published: May 2023

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGWenn es nicht möglich ist, die glykämischen Behandlungsziele mit nicht-medikamentösen Maßnahmen zu erreichen, soll innerhalb weniger Monate – oder bei Stoffwechseldekompensation sofort – mit einer medikamentösen Diabetestherapie begonnen werden. Dabei müssen individualisierte Therapieziele unter Einbezug des individuellen kardiovaskulären und renalen Risikos definiert werden.
Evaluation of a single-use gastroscope in patients presenting with suspected upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a pilot feasibility study (One-Scope I)
Authors: Ebigbo Alanna , Tadic Vidan , Schlottmann Jakob , Braun Georg , Prinz Friederike , Wanzl Julia , Ayoub Mousa , Kraus Lisa , Scheppach Markus , Nagl Sandra , Schnoy Elisabeth , Weber Tobias , Probst Andreas , Messmann Helmut , Römmele Christoph 
Published: May 2023

Background Outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria due to contaminated duodenoscopes and infection risks during the COVID-19 pandemic have driven the development of single-use endoscopes. The first single-use gastroscope is now available in Europe. Besides waste disposal and cost issues, the infection risk and performance remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate a single-use gastroscope in patients with signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Methods 20 consecutive patients presenting with clinical signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding between October and November 2022 were included in this case series. The primary aim was technical success, defined as access to the descending duodenum and adequate assessment of the upper gastrointestinal tract for the presence of a bleeding site.
Results The primary aim was achieved in 19/20 patients (95 %). The bleeding site was identified in 18 patients. A therapeutic intervention was performed in six patients (two cap-mounted clips, one standard hemostatic clip, two variceal band ligations, one hemostatic powder, two adrenaline injections); technical and clinical success were achieved in all six patients. Two crossovers to a standard gastroscope occurred.
Conclusions Use of single-use gastroscopes may be feasible for patients presenting for urgent endoscopic evaluation and treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Maternal and Cord Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG following COVID-19 Vaccination versus Infection during Pregnancy: A Prospective Study, Israel October 2021–March 2022
Authors: Abu Shqara Raneen , Frank Wolf Maya , Mikhail Mustafa Susana , Sgayer Inshirah , Assulyn Tikva , Abu Zraki Abdallah , Askhar Majadla Nadine , Rechnizter Hagai , Shehadeh Mona , Fleisher Sheffer Vered , Bordeynik-Cohen Mor , Yakir Orly , Lowenstein Lior , Sela Eyal , Edelstein Michael , Dror Amiel A. 
Published: May 2023

Objective Defining how pregnant women respond to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination is critical to optimize vaccination strategies that protect mother and infant at the epidemic. This study aimed to compare anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) of vaccinated versus infected women and to determine the optimal timing of maternal vaccination during pregnancy at the time of epidemic.
Study Design We collected maternal/cord blood at delivery (October 2021–March 2022) and measured anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike IgG geometric mean concentrations (IgG-GMCs) using a quantitative immunoassay. We compared groups according to timing and number of doses and correlated maternal and fetal IgG levels. We described the proportion of women with IgG levels above the 150 AU/mL positivity threshold according to the timing of infection/vaccination and performed a subanalysis for maternal IgG-GMC levels pre- and during the Omicron wave.
Results We included 238 vaccinated women, 125 who received two doses and 113 three doses, and 48 unvaccinated infected women. All groups infected/vaccinated in the second or third trimester had an IgG-GMC above the positivity threshold. Third-trimester vaccination (second/third dose) resulted in higher maternal and cord-blood IgG-GMC compared to the second trimester (maternal-IgG: 102,32 vs. 4,325 AU/mL, p < 0.001; cord-IgG: 12,113 vs. 8,112 AU/mL, p < 0.001). Compared with infected-only women, a higher proportion of vaccinated women with ≥2 doses and their newborns had IgG levels above the positivity threshold at all time points. In vaccinated women, there were higher maternal IgG-GMC levels during the Omicron wave than pre-Omicron.
Conclusion At the time of epidemic, receiving an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose in the third trimester resulted in a higher IgG-GMC compared to the second trimester. Relatively higher levels of maternal and cord IgG-GMC were achieved following vaccination than infection. Women infected during or before the first trimester might benefit from an additional third-trimester dose to prevent peripartum infection and to passively immunize their newborn. The higher levels of maternal IgG-GMC in the Omicron period are suggestive of hybrid immunity.
Key Points
Reference Ranges and Development Patterns of Fetal Myocardial Function Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Healthy Fetuses at 17 to 24 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Anuwutnavin Sanitra , Russameecharoen Kusol , Ruangvutilert Pornpimol , Viboonchard Sommai , Sklansky Mark , DeVore Greggory R. 
Published: May 2023

Objective The purposes of the study were to develop reference ranges and maturation patterns of fetal cardiac function parameters measured by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) using multiple biometric variables at 17 to 24 weeks' gestation among Thai fetuses and to compare with other previous reports.
Study Design The four-chamber view of the fetal heart in 79 healthy fetuses was suitably analyzed by STE to establish the best-fit regression model. The 95% reference intervals and Z-score equations of fetal cardiac function parameters were computed.
Results The fractional area change of both ventricles, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, LV stroke volume, LV cardiac output (CO), and LV CO per kilogram were all increased according to gestational age (GA) and five fetal biometric measurements. However, the global longitudinal strain, basal-apical length fractional shortening (BAL-FS), BAL annular free wall and septal wall FS, BAL free wall and septal wall annular plane systolic excursions, 24-segment transverse width FS, as well as LV ejection fraction were all independent of GA or other somatic characteristics. There were varying development patterns between fetal right and left ventricles of these cardiac function indices across the gestation period.
Conclusion Our study created Z-score and corresponding centile calculators, 5th and 95th centile reference tables, and corresponding graphs and determined the normal evolution across gestation using multiple somatic growth and age variables between 17 and 24 gestational weeks. These nomograms serve as an essential prerequisite for quantitatively evaluating fetal cardiac contractility and allow for precisely detecting early changes in the fetal heart function.
Key Points
Calibration of the sub-aperture backscatter system on OMEGA EP
Authors: Filkins T. , Rosenberg M. J. , Bahr R. E. , Katz J. , Ivancic S. T. 
Published: May 2023

The sub-aperture backscatter (SABS) diagnostic on the OMEGA EP Laser System [Waxer et al., Opt. Photonics News 16, 30 (2005)] is a diagnostic that is used to measure the backscattered and sidescattered light during laser–plasma interaction experiments [W. L. Kruer, The Physics of Laser Plasma Interactions, Frontiers in Physics Vol. 73, edited by D. Pines (Addison-Wesley, Redwood City, CA, 1988) and Myatt et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 055501 (2014)] that are relevant to high-energy-density physics and inertial confinement fusion. The diagnostic collects stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) UV light at around 351 nm and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in the visible-light regime in the 420–720-nm-wavelength range and provides spectrally and temporally resolved information. Five 1-in. light collectors, composed of a lens, ground glass diffuser, and coupling into a 300-μm fiber, are positioned behind the last steering mirror on one of the four beamlines to catch a portion of the beam cross section (∼1.5%) of the emission that is scattered into the beamline. The SRS light is collected in two light collectors, combined, and transported via graded index fibers to a streaked spectrometer. The SABS-SRS streak spectrometer has a temporal and spectral resolution of 100 ps and 1 nm, respectively. Three other light collectors collect, combine, and transport the SBS signal to a Hamamatsu high-voltage photodiode, where an oscilloscope digitizes the data, providing a time resolution of better than 1 ns. To obtain an absolute energy calibration of SRS measurements, light signals of known energy and wavelength were injected into the light collectors one at a time. The resulting counts on the streak camera charge-coupled device for SRS are then correlated with the incident fluence of scattered light at the light collector in order to allow a quantitative assessment of streak camera sensitivity to determine the energy of the scattered light during experiments. The measurements were performed in situ from the light collectors to the detectors. Additional offline measurements provided the transmission of the optics between the target chamber center and the light collectors.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintering produced ZrC–Mo composites
Authors: Zhang Lan , Yu Shiyao , Ma Huizhong , Zhu Mingcheng , Zhang Jidong 
Published: May 2023

The fabrication of ZrC–Mo composites with (10–25 vol. %) Mo content using a spark plasma sintering at 1750 °C under 35 MPa was investigated in this research. The effects of adding various Mo contents on the composites were also examined. The microstructure and phase analysis were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometer, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Microscopic analysis revealed that the addition of metal Mo resulted in making the ceramic particles of ZrC finer, the sintered products denser, and the sintering conditions softer. Moreover, a continuous solid solution forms in the composite as the Mo content rises, the (Zr, Mo)C and (Zr, Mo)2C start to generate, and thus solid solution strengthens the material. The addition of metal Mo reduced the grain size of the ceramic composite and also lead to fine-grain strengthening. With a relative density of 97.53%, a Vickers hardness of 23.88 GPa, and a flexural strength of 317.55 MPa, the composite possessed the best properties when the molybdenum volume fraction reaches 15 vol. %. The synergistic effect of fine grain strengthening and solid solution strengthening improved the mechanical behavior of the composite.