bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artifact suppression using cross-circular polarization for millimeter-wave imaging
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Lu Jian , Zhang Yongshen , Cheng Yayun 
Published: March 2023

Millimeter-wave imaging is widely applied to radar detection, personnel security inspection, environmental perception, and so on. Multipath artifact is a common phenomenon in active millimeter-wave (AMMW) imaging and is difficult to be removed. The suppression methods in image reconstruction and post-processing stage are usually complex or time-consuming. This report proposes a cross-polarization method to suppress multipath artifacts between equivalent two-cylinder structures before image reconstruction. The physical mechanisms of co-polarization and cross-polarization imaging are revealed. The suppression effectiveness is demonstrated by conducting W-band AMMW imaging simulation and measurement experiments of a typical multipath scenario at the central frequency of 100 GHz (97 ∼103 GHz). The proposed method can directly reconstruct the image with artifact suppression and reduce the pressure of post-processing.
A single-set functional training program increases muscle power, improves functional fitness, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rocha Jackson Neris de Souza , Vasconcelos Alan Bruno Silva , Aragão-Santos José Carlos , de Resende–Neto Antônio Gomes , Monteiro Marcos Raphael Pereira , Nogueira Albernon Costa , Cardoso Alan Pantoja , Corrêa Cristiane Bani , Moura Tatiana Rodrigues de , Da Silva-Grigoletto Marzo Edir 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Aging can be associated with reduced muscle power, functional decline, and increased plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. Functional training (FT) can improve muscle power, functional fitness and reduce plasma cytokines. However, the functional training optimal volume required to produce these adaptations must be clarified. Our study analyzed the effects of multiple–set functional training (MSFT) and single–set functional training (SSFT) on postmenopausal women’s muscle power, functional fitness, and inflammatory profile.Methods: Forty–three women were randomly allocated into three groups: multiple–set functional training (n = 16, age 64.13 ± 5.17), single–set functional training (n = 14, age 63.79 ± 4.88), and control group (CG, n = 13, age 64.62 ± 5.44). The bench press and squat exercises evaluated upper and lower limb muscle power. The following tests assessed functional fitness: putting on and taking off a T–shirt, gallon–jug shelf–transfer, standing up and walking around the house, five times sit–to–stand, and 400–m walk. Plasma cytokine (TNF–α, IL–6, and IL 10) concentrations were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Single–set functional training and multiple–set functional training increased upper and lower limbs muscle power and improved functional fitness, except for the putting on and taking off a T–shirt test. Multiple–set functional training reduced TNF–α and IL–6, while single–set functional training reduced only TNF–α. IL–10 was unaffected by exercise.Discussion: Single–set functional training and multiple–set functional training, therefore, promoted similar muscle power and functional fitness improvements over 24 weeks. Multiple–set functional training was more effective than single–set functional training, reducing both TNF and IL–6, while single–set functional training only decreased TNF–α.
A microencapsulated feed additive containing organic acids and botanicals has a distinct effect on proliferative and metabolic related signaling in the jejunum and ileum of broiler chickens
Authors: Johnson Casey N. , Arsenault Ryan J. , Piva Andrea , Grilli Ester , Swaggerty Christina L. 
Published: March 2023

Well designed and formulated natural feed additives have the potential to provide many of the growth promoting and disease mitigating characteristics of in-feed antibiotics, particularly feed additives that elicit their effects on targeted areas of the gut. Here, we describe the mechanism of action of a microencapsulated feed additive containing organic acids and botanicals (AviPlus®P) on the jejunum and ileum of 15-day-old broiler-type chickens. Day-of-hatch chicks were provided ad libitum access to feed containing either 0 or 500 g/MT of the feed additive for the duration of the study. Fifteen days post-hatch, birds were humanely euthanized and necropsied. Jejunum and ileum tissue samples were collected and either flash frozen or stored in RNA-later as appropriate for downstream applications. Chicken-specific kinome peptide array analysis was conducted on the jejunum and ileum tissues, comparing the tissues from the treated birds to those from their respective controls. Detailed analysis of peptides representing individual kinase target sites revealed that in the ileum there was a broad increase in the signal transduction pathways centering on activation of HIF-1α, AMPK, mTOR, PI3K-Akt and NFκB. These signaling responses were largely decreased in the jejunum relative to control birds. Gene expression analysis agrees with the kinome data showing strong immune gene expression in the ileum and reduced expression in the jejunum. The microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals elicit a more anti-inflammatory phenotype and reduced signaling in the jejunum while resulting in enhanced immunometabolic responses in the ileum.
South African student leaders' role experience through social dream drawing: A driver of compassion
Authors: Pule Neo , Gibney John 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionCompassion can be viewed as a central gluing agent for the soul. Coupled with companionship toward a unique quality of listening, we call this companionate listening. South African student leaders' role is central to the decolonization and transformation of higher education based on the legacies founding these institutions. As such, a humanized practice that is centered on more emotional or virtue-embodied approaches than the traditional lens has been sought. This lens offers avenues for innovative, creative, and inclusive perspectives that promote compassion, social justice, and democracy.MethodsTo extend existing conceptualizations of compassion, this research uses social dream drawing to attain “companionate listening” as a means of exploring communication as “exquisite” empathy. Through psychoanalytic theory, companionate listening is theorized from observing the value of social dream-drawing research with South African student leaders.ResultsThe drawings show how assuming leadership roles re-ignites feelings and dream images of complex political, historical, social, cultural, and psychological South African intersections that emerge during South African student leadership.DiscussionIt is, therefore, concluded that innovative and inclusive research agendas into new horizons of forms of compassion, like social dream drawing in this research, are necessary within South African student leadership. Accordingly, through social dream drawing, compassionate listening facilitates a process of emotional growth toward an integrated self and group. This is because dreams allow the human capacity for connections that open space for compassion, enabling the feeling of relatedness and connection for student leaders that leads to the more impactful transformation of South African institutions.
The experiences of female bisexual student-athletes in China: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Xiang Meng , Soh Kim Geok , Xu Yingying , Ahrari Seyedali , Zakaria Noor Syamilah 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionMany scholars have explored the participation of LGBTQ individuals in sports. However, these studies have either categorized homosexuality and bisexuality together or focused only on lesbian, gay, or transgender individuals. There is a lack of research in the literature on bisexual individuals’ sports participation and an even more significant lack of Asia perspectives. Therefore, this qualitative study is aimed to explore the experiences of female bisexual student-athletes in China.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with four female bisexual student-athletes were conducted and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).ResultsThree themes and eight sub-themes were identified. Theme 1. what bisexual identity means, and sub-themes: a struggling journey, emotional attraction, and gender role for female bisexual student-athletes; Theme 2. invalid identity, and sub-themes: lesbian mask, unrecognized identity; Theme 3. perceptions of sports context, and sub-themes: the influence of the sports context on sexual fluidity, relative inclusion, and perceived rejection.ConclusionThis study provides new insights into understanding the experience of female bisexual student-athlete. In addition, the results highlight the importance of the need to study bisexuality as a distinct identity.
Negative cognitive beliefs, positive metacognitive beliefs, and rumination as mediators of metacognitive training for depression in older adults (MCT-Silver)
Authors: Schneider Brooke C. , Veckenstedt Ruth , Karamatskos Evangelos , Pinho Lara Guedes , Morgado Bruno , Fonseca César , Moritz Steffen , Jelinek Lena 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMetacognitive Training for Depression in older adults (MCT-Silver; www.uke.de/mct-silver) is a cognitive-behavioral based group intervention that aims at reducing depression by targeting (meta)cognitive beliefs and rumination. In the present study, it was examined whether negative cognitive beliefs, positive metacognitive beliefs and/or rumination may be implicated as mediators of MCT-Silver’s effects on depression.Materials and methodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing MCT-Silver to an active control intervention (cognitive remediation) including 66 older adults (60 years and older) with complete baseline data. Clinician-rated (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and self-reported (Beck Depression Inventory-II) depression, negative cognitive beliefs (Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale-18B), positive metacognitive beliefs (positive beliefs subscale; Metacognition Questionnaire-30) and rumination (10-item Ruminative Response Scale) were assessed before (pre) and after 8 weeks of treatment (post), as well as 3 months later (follow-up). It was examined whether change in depression (pre- to follow-up) was mediated by change in negative cognitive beliefs, positive metacognitive beliefs and/or rumination (pre- to post-assessment).ResultsMediation results differed for self-reported vs. clinician-rated depression. The effect of MCT-Silver on reduction in clinician-rated depression was mediated by a reduction in self-reported rumination, whereas reduction in self-reported depression was mediated by a reduction in negative cognitive beliefs. Positive metacognitive beliefs were not a significant mediator for either outcome.ConclusionThe current study provides initial evidence for the roles of negative cognitive beliefs and rumination in the treatment of depression in later life with MCT-Silver. Given the divergence of findings and lack of causal precedence, mechanisms of change for MCT-Silver cannot yet be equivocally identified.
Salient omissions—pupil dilation in response to unexpected omissions of sound and touch
Authors: Dercksen Tjerk T. , Widmann Andreas , Wetzel Nicole 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionRecent theories describe perception as an inferential process based on internal predictive models adjusted by means of prediction violations (prediction error). To study and demonstrate predictive processing in the brain the use of unexpected stimulus omissions has been suggested as a promising approach as the evoked brain responses are uncontaminated by responses to stimuli. Here, we aimed to investigate the pupil’s response to unexpected stimulus omissions in order to better understand surprise and orienting of attention resulting from prediction violation. So far only few studies have used omission in pupillometry research and results have been inconsistent.MethodsThis study adapted an EEG paradigm that has been shown to elicit omission responses in auditory and somatosensory modalities. Healthy adults pressed a button at their own pace, which resulted in the presentation of sounds or tactile stimuli in either 88%, 50% or 0% (motor-control) of cases. Pupil size was recorded continuously and averaged to analyze the pupil dilation response associated with each condition.ResultsResults revealed that omission responses were observed in both modalities in the 88%-condition compared to motor-control. Similar pupil omission responses were observed between modalities, suggesting modality-unspecific activation of the underlying brain circuits.DiscussionIn combination with previous omission studies using EEG, the findings demonstrate predictive models in brain processing and point to the involvement of subcortical structures in the omission response. Our pupillometry approach is especially suitable to study sensory prediction in vulnerable populations within the psychiatric field.
A varactor-based 1024-element RIS design for mm-waves
Authors: da Silva Luis G. , Chu Z. , Xiao Pei , Cerqueira S Arismar 
Published: March 2023

This paper reports a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) for beamforming and beam steering applications operating in the millimeter wave (mm-waves) frequency band. The proposed 2-bit RIS design is implemented using a radar cross-section (RCS) approach in ANSYS HFSS for performance evaluation and system-level analysis. It is based on split-ring resonator (SRR) unit cells, tuned by varactor diodes, comprising 1,024 elements arranged in a 32 × 32 matrix with linear gradient phase configuration operating at 24.5 GHz over the fifth generation of mobile communications New Radio (5G NR) frequency range 2 (FR2). A beam steering from −60° to 60° in the azimuth plane is demonstrated for mm-waves coverage extension. Numerical simulations of RCS patterns from −10° to −60° and from 10° to 60° with approximately 3 dB scan loss manifest the applicability of the proposed RIS towards the sixth generation of mobile communications (6G). Furthermore, simulated results of angular reciprocity prove the RIS response up to 110° under an oblique incident wave at 60°. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest RIS angular reciprocity reported in the literature, validating its application to coverage extension from −60° to 60°. In addition, the RCS level and reflected angle relationship are modeled for system-level analysis purposes.
Delineating the effect of upward propagating migrating solar tides with the TIEGCM-ICON
Authors: Maute Astrid , Forbes Jeffrey M. , Cullens Chihoko Y. , Immel Thomas J. 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The vertical coupling of the lower and upper atmosphere via atmospheric solar tides is very variable and affects the thermosphere and ionosphere system. In this study, we use Ionospheric Connection (ICON) explorer data from 220–270 Day Of Year (DOY), 2020 when large changes in the migrating semidiurnal tide (SW2) and the zonal and diurnal mean (ZM) zonal wind occur within 8 days.Method: We use the ICON Level4 product, the thermosphere-ionosphere-electrodynamics general circulation model (TIEGCM) driven by tides fitted to ICON observations via the Hough Mode Extension (HME) method. The effect of the upward propagating tides is isolated by examining the difference between two TIEGCM simulations with and without tidal HME forcing at the model lower boundary.Results: The simulations reveals that the solar SW2 changes its latitudinal structure at 250 after DOY 232 from two peaks at mid latitudes to one broad low latitude peak, while at 110 km the two-peak structure persists. The ZM zonal wind at 250 km undergoes a similar dramatic change. These SW2 changes are associated with the prevalence of antisymmetric HMEs after DOY 232. The migrating diurnal, terdiurnal and quaddiurnal tides at 250 km undergo similar variations as SW2. TW3 is strong in the thermosphere and most likely caused by non-linear tidal interaction between DW1 and SW2 above 130 km. Surprisingly, the solar in situ forcing of TW3 and SW2 in the upper thermosphere is not nearly as important as their upward propagating tidal component. Associated with the strong dynamical changes, the zonal and diurnal mean NmF2 decreases by approximately 15%–20%, which has a major contribution from the O/N2 decrease by roughly 10%. These changes are stronger than general seasonal behavior.Discussion: While studies have reported on the dynamical changes via SW2 in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) region during the equinox transition period, this study is, to our knowledge, the first to examine the effects of rapid changes in SW2 on the upper thermosphere and ionosphere. The study highlights the potential of using ICON-TIEGCM for scientific studies.
Median survival following geriatric hip fracture among 17,868 males from the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Lee Alexander , Xi Ianto Lin , Ahn Jaimo , Bernstein Joseph 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe expected value of treatments for geriatric femoral neck fracture is influenced by the predicted duration of survival after injury. Specifically, total hip arthroplasty is more suited for patients likely to live long enough to reap its longer-term benefits. For predicting short- and medium-term survival, there are many tools available, but for longer-term survival prognosis the current literature is insufficient. Our hypothesis is that patient age at the time of injury correlates with median life expectancy and survival rates, and these values can anchor a prediction regarding a given patient’s life expectancy. We therefore sought to determine median and fractional survival rates at 30 days, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 years after surgery for a large cohort of elderly patients with hip fracture as a function of age.Methods17,868 male patients, 65–89 years of age, treated surgically for hip fracture within the Veterans Affairs system were assessed. From this set, 10,000 patients were randomly selected, and their ages at surgery and death (if any) were recorded at least 10 years post-operatively. Median and fractional survival rates were recorded at 1 month and 1, 2, 5, and 10 years. The mathematical relationship between age and median survival was determined. All findings from the 10,000-patient cohort were compared to corresponding values of the remaining 7,868 patients, to assess the predictive power of the initial observations.ResultsThe median survival rate for the entire cohort was 2.2 years, with 90.4% of the group surviving at 30 days. The percentage of the cohort surviving at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years after treatment was 64.5%, 52.3%, 27.1% and 8.9% respectively. Median survival was approximately (13 − (0.13 × age-at-time-of-surgery) years for patients of all ages.ConclusionsMedian survival after geriatric hip fracture can be accurately predicted by the patient’s age at the time of injury. Median survival and fractional survival at key milestones can help estimate life-expectancy and thereby help guide treatment.
Safety and efficacy of Levorag emulgel in the treatment of anal fissures using a validated scoring system
Authors: Tomasicchio G , Dezi A , Picciariello A , Altomare D. F , Giove C , Martines G , De Fazio M , Rinaldi M 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionAnal fissure is one of the most common anal disease characterized by intense anal pain, and deterioration of patients quality of life. Treatment is mainly based on the topical administration of calcium antagonist or nitric oxide ointments, and in cases refractory to medical treatment patients can undergo surgery. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Levorag emulgel in the treatment of acute and chronic fissures using of a validated scoring system.Material and MethodsA prospective observational study was carried out on patients with anal fissures between February and May 2022. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated using the REALISE score, a new validated scoring system that rates VAS for pain, NSAID use, pain duration, bleeding, and quality of life (QoL), recorded after 10, 20 and 30 days from the beginning of treatment.ResultsForty patients (median age 46 years, IQR 29–57, 70% women) with acute (22, 55%) or chronic (18, 45%) anal fissures entered the study. The median anal pain score according to the VAS scale decreased significantly from 7 (IQR 4.7–8) at baseline to 1 (IQR 0–3.2, p = 0.05) after 20 days. At the 30-day proctological examination, 22 patients (61%) were pain free (median VAS of 0, IQR 0–1.2, p &lt; 0.05). Pain duration after defecation measured according to the REALISE score, showed a significant decrease after 10 days, from a median value of 2 (IQR 1–4) to 1 (IQR 1–1.2) (p &lt; 0.005). The median value of the REALISE score decreased significantly, from 15 (IQR 11–19.25) at first proctological evaluation to 4 (IQR 4–6, p = 0.139) after 30 days of treatment. At day 30, complete fissure healing was achieved in 30 patients (80%). The healing rate was 82% and 78% in patients with acute and chronic anal fissures, respectively.ConclusionThe use of Levorag® Emulgel may represent a safe and effective non-invasive first line treatment in patients affected by acute or chronic anal fissure.
Mechanochemical Synergism of Reactive Oxygen Species Influences on RBC Membrane
Authors: Kozlova Elena , Sergunova Viktoria , Sherstyukova Ekaterina , Grechko Andrey , Lyapunova Snezhanna , Inozemtsev Vladimir , Kozlov Aleksandr , Gudkova Olga , Chernysh Aleksandr 
Published: March 2023

The influences of various factors on blood lead to the formation of extra reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in the disruption of morphology and functions of red blood cells (RBCs). This study considers the mechanisms of the mechanochemical synergism of OH• free radicals, which are most active in the initiation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in RBC membranes, and H2O2 molecules, the largest typical diffusion path. Using kinetic models of differential equations describing CH2O2t and COH•t, we discuss two levels of mechanochemical synergism that occur simultaneously: (1) synergism that ensures the delivery of highly active free radicals OH• to RBC membranes and (2) a positive feedback system between H2O2 and OH•, resulting in the partial restoration of spent molecules. As a result of these ROS synergisms, the efficiency of LPO in RBC membranes sharply increases. In blood, the appearance of OH• free radicals is due to the interaction of H2O2 molecules with free iron ions (Fe2+) which arise as a result of heme degradation. We experimentally established the quantitative dependences of COH• CH2O2 using the methods of spectrophotometry and nonlinear curve fitting. This study extends the analysis of the influence of ROS mechanisms in RBC suspensions.