bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correction of errors in estimates of T1ρ at low spin‐lock amplitudes in the presence of B0 and B1 inhomogeneities
Authors: Zu Zhongliang , Adelnia Fatemeh , Harkins Kevin , Wang Feng , Ostenson Jason , Gore John C. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRelaxation rates R1ρ in the rotating frame measured by spin‐lock methods at very low locking amplitudes (≤ 100 Hz) are sensitive to the effects of water diffusion in intrinsic gradients and may provide information on tissue microvasculature, but accurate estimates are challenging in the presence of B0 and B1 inhomogeneities. Although composite pulse preparations have been developed to compensate for nonuniform fields, the transverse magnetization comprises different components and the spin‐lock signals measured do not decay exponentially as a function of locking interval at low locking amplitudes. For example, during a typical preparation sequence, some of the magnetization in the transverse plane is nutated to the Z‐axis and later tipped back, and so does not experience R1ρ relaxation. As a result, if the spin‐lock signals are fit to a monoexponential decay with locking interval, there are residual errors in quantitative estimates of relaxation rates R1ρ and their dispersion with weak locking fields. We developed an approximate theoretical analysis to model the behaviors of the different components of the magnetization, which provides a means to correct these errors. The performance of this correction approach was evaluated both through numerical simulations and on human brain images at 3 T, and compared with a previous correction method using matrix multiplication. Our correction approach has better performance than the previous method at low locking amplitudes. Through careful shimming, the correction approach can be applied in studies using low spin‐lock amplitudes to assess the contribution of diffusion to R1ρ dispersion and to derive estimates of microvascular sizes and spacings. The results of imaging eight healthy subjects suggest that R1ρ dispersion in human brain at low locking fields arises from diffusion among inhomogeneities that generate intrinsic gradients on a scale of capillaries (~7.4 ± 0.5 μm).
Attitude and influencing factors to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine among university students in Sichuan Province, China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yang Kaihan , Chi Yang , Wan Jiamin , Qing Xuedan , Peng Yubinxin , Chen Hong , Li Jiehang , Jiang Xiaolian 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimsTo explore the university students' attitude and the potential influencing factors to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine in Sichuan Province, China.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsThe self‐designed questionnaire was distributed among university students online in June 2021. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis of the data. Descriptive statistics, Chi‐square, two independent samples t‐tests, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate linear regression, and content analysis were performed.ResultsA total of 397 questionnaires were analysed, involving 316 (79.6%) respondents have received at least one dose of a COVID‐19 vaccine and 81 (20.4%) have not taken the vaccine. The total mean score of university students' vaccination attitude was 25.97 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.720), and the total scoring rate was 74.2%. Main factors influencing students' attitude included education level, major, living style, with chronic disease or not, self‐reported vaccination status, and number of medical units that can provide vaccination within 3 km of residence. Students were more willing to choose Chinese‐manufactured vaccines (66.8%) and participate in collective vaccination programs organized by the school (71.3%). The desired vaccine protection period was 5–10 years (42.1%). The top three reasons for refusing the vaccine or vaccine hesitancy were as follows: concern about the side effects of vaccine (44.8%), lack of information about vaccine (31.0%), and concern about the efficacy of vaccine (29.3%).ConclusionIn general, most of the participants had relatively high level of positive attitude to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine. Nevertheless, more attention should be paid to postgraduate students, non‐medical students, those living alone, those with chronic disease, those have not received the COVID‐19 vaccine, and those living far away from the vaccination medical units. Findings of this study can help educational institutions in developing effective interventions to improve the vaccination rate in the university student population.
Robust formation control of uncertain linear multi‐agent systems in presence of time‐delay using output information
Authors: Pal Arnab , Naskar Asim Kr. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA major challenge in multi‐agent formation is the issue of delay and uncertainty. This article investigates a robust formation control problem for linear multi‐agent systems with input delay and model uncertainty. The strategy adopted by an agent in the system aims to predict the delayed state using output information from neighboring agents over a fixed communication network and generate the control input from the predictor output. The predictor is employed using the finite spectrum assignment (FSA) technique. The overall strategy leads to a unified framework representation, and the multi‐agent formation control problem is simplified to a closed‐loop stability problem for an agent. The overall problem comes down to deciding two feedback gains: predictor gain and controller gain. For a perfect plant model, any choice of stabilizing gains can achieve formation. But when agent models are uncertain, the gains need to be derived from the solutions of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) containing network information and delay. LMIs are obtained from the bounded real lemma and the gains obtained from the solution guarantee to maximize the norm bound of allowable perturbation, modeled as additive uncertainty, for a known delay size. Further, since the FSA technique is sensitive to discretization, a digital implementation of the overall scheme is elaborated, which may help to debug stability issues in the implementation process. Finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed ideas.
Normative Values for the Inner EAR Scale
Authors: Zhou Allen S. , Corrales Carleton Eduardo , Prince Anthony , Yueh Bevan , Shin Jennifer J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine normative values for the Inner Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (Inner EAR) scale, a validated instrument utilized to study the impact of hearing loss and potential treatments.Study DesignObservational outcomes study.SettingAcademic medical center and community care sites.MethodsWe included patients who were at least 18 years of age and completed the Inner EAR scale, pure‐tone audiometry, and word recognition score assessment. Based on audiometry results, patients were categorized as having: (1) normal bilateral hearing, (2) unilateral hearing loss, and (3) bilateral hearing loss. The distributions of Inner EAR scale scores were assessed within each category. Fisher's exact test was utilized to determine whether data‐driven threshold values could discriminate among the 3 clinical groups.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐two consecutive patients with hearing‐related complaints met inclusion criteria. Mean Inner EAR scores for patients with bilateral hearing loss (29.2, interquartile range [IQR] 10‐41.5), unilateral hearing loss (38.9, IQR 23‐49), and normal hearing (46.6, IQR 31‐62) were significantly different (analysis of varianceF < 0.0001). An Inner EAR score threshold of 50 supported the ability to statistically significantly discriminate between bilateral hearing loss and normal hearing (p = .003), as well as between unilateral hearing loss and normal hearing (p = .015).ConclusionAn Inner EAR score normative threshold value of 50 provides significant discriminatory ability between normal hearing and unilateral or bilateral hearing loss on audiometry. Normative values provide useful, frequently referenced data when assessing responses to treatment. Based on these data, this threshold may help distinguish patients with and without perceived functional impact from hearing loss.
Effective antimicrobial therapies of urinary tract infections among children in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Ara Rifat , Nasrullah Sarker Mohammad , Tasnim Zarrin , Afrin Sadia , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain , Saif‐Ur‐Rahman KM 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTImportanceUrinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections encountered in infancy and childhood. Despite the emerging problem of antibiotic resistance in recent years, the use of antibiotics for better management of UTIs is inevitable.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the efficacy and adverse effects of the available antimicrobial agents that are used in pediatric UTIs in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).MethodsFive electronic databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of the available literature. Randomized controlled trials providing antimicrobial interventions in both male and female participants within the age range of 3 months to 17 years in LMICs were included.ResultsSix randomized controlled trials from 13 LMICs were included in this review (four trials explored the efficacy). Due to high heterogeneity across the studies, a meta‐analysis was not performed. Other than attrition and reporting bias, the risk of bias was moderate to high due to poor study designs. The differences in the efficacy and adverse events of different antimicrobials were not found to be statistically significant.InterpretationThis review indicates the necessity for additional clinical trials on children from LMICs with more significant sample numbers, adequate intervention periods, and study design.
Research progress of self‐healing polymer materials for flexible electronic devices
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Liu Zhihao , Li Wenyao , Zhang Haiwei , Dai Guoliang , Zhou Xing 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSelf‐healing polymer materials have been a research hotspot in the field of smart materials since their invention. They have self‐diagnostic functions and are capable of self‐healing small cracks. By applying self‐healing materials to flexible electronic devices, the mechanical damage caused by bending, folding and scratching of these devices can be reduced. The reliability and service life of the devices could be improved accordingly. This paper provides a brief overview of self‐healing polymers and focuses on their applications in flexible electronic devices. In addition, this paper prospects the future development and challenges of self‐healing polymer materials.
Absence of botanical European Palaeolithic cave art: What can it tell us about plant awareness disparity?
Authors: Walton Georgina , Mitchley Jonathan , Reid Geraldine , Batke Sven 
Published: April 2023

Societal Impact StatementCave art has been an integral part of human history, providing a glimpse into the lives and cultures of our ancestors. Prehistoric botanical art is an important medium that can help us to redefine our intimate relationship with plants. The findings from our work provide some evidence from the European Palaeolithic period that modern plant awareness disparity (PAD) might be more deeply rooted in our past. By inspiring a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world, cave art can help people to reconnect with plants, thus tackling PAD.
Smoking and lower urinary tract symptoms in Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events Trial
Authors: Kramer Jordan J. , Gu Lin , Moreira Daniel , Andriole Gerald , Freedland Stephen J. , Csizmadi Ilona 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia is common in older men, with many developing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that impair quality of life. Smoking has many well‐established adverse effects, but its effects on benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and associated LUTS are unclear. We sought to determine if smoking is a risk factor for the incidence of LUTS in asymptomatic men and for the progression of LUTS in symptomatic men.MethodsWe performed a post‐hoc analysis of Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events in 3060 “asymptomatic” men with baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) < 8 and in 2198 symptomatic men with baseline IPSS ≥ 8 not taking 5α‐reductase inhibitors or α‐blockers. We used multivariable Cox regression models to assess associations between smoking status at baseline and LUTS incidence and progression. Among asymptomatic men, incident LUTS was defined as the first report of medical or surgical treatment for BPH, or sustained clinically significant LUTS (two reports of IPSS > 14). Among symptomatic men, LUTS progression was defined as IPSS increase of ≥4 points from baseline, surgical intervention for BPH, or starting a new BPH drug.ResultsOf 3060 asymptomatic men, 15% (n = 467) were current, 40% (n = 1231) former, and 45% (n = 1362) never‐smokers. Of 2198 symptomatic men, 14% (n = 320) were current, 39% (n = 850) former, and 47% (n = 1028) never‐smokers. In asymptomatic men, compared with never‐smokers, current and former smoking at baseline were not associated with LUTS incidence (adjusted hazard ratio [adj‐HR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.78–1.48 and adj‐HR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.80–1.30). In symptomatic men, compared with never‐smokers, current and former smoking at baseline were not associated with the progression of LUTS (adj‐HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.92–1.33 and adj‐HR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.90–1.18).ConclusionsIn REDUCE, smoking status was not associated with either incident LUTS in asymptomatic men or progression of LUTS in symptomatic men.
Union formation, within‐couple dynamics, and child well‐being: A global macrolevel perspective
Authors: Batyra Ewa , Pesando Luca Maria , Castro Torres Andrés F. , Furstenberg Frank F. , Kohler Hans‐Peter 
Published: April 2023

AbstractStudies on global changes in families have greatly increased over the past decade, adopting both a country‐specific and, more recently, a cross‐national comparative perspective. While most studies are focused on the drivers of global changes in families, little comparative research has explored the implications of family processes for the health and well‐being of children. This study aims to fill this gap and launch a new research agenda exploring the intergenerational implications of union‐formation and within‐couple dynamics for children's health and well‐being across low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), both globally, regionally, and by the stage of fertility transition. We do so by adopting a macrolevel perspective and a multi‐axis conceptualization of children's outcomes—health at birth, health in later life, and schooling—and leveraging Demographic and Health Survey and World Bank data across 75 LMICs. Our results show that in societies where partnerships are characterized by more equal status between spouses—that is, where the age range between spouses and differences in years of schooling between partners are narrower—children fare better on several outcomes. These associations are particularly strong in mid‐ and high‐fertility settings. Despite a series of regularities, our results also highlight a set of findings whereby, at a macrolevel, the prevalence of marriage and divorce/separation are not invariably associated with children's outcomes, especially in LMICs where fertility is comparatively lower. We document little cross‐regional heterogeneity, primarily highlighting the centrality of demographic factors such as age vis‐à‐vis, for instance, region‐specific characteristics that are more tied to the social fabric of specific societies.
Blinded by the person? Experimental evidence from idea evaluation
Authors: Dahlander Linus , Thomas Arne , Wallin Martin W. , Ångström Rebecka C. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractResearch SummarySeeking causal evidence on biases in idea evaluation, we conducted a field experiment in a large multinational company with two conditions: (a) blind evaluation, in which managers received no proposer information, and (b) non‐blind evaluation, in which they received the proposer's name, unit, and location. To our surprise—and in contrast to the preregistered hypotheses—we found no biases against women and proposers from different units and locations, which blinding could ameliorate. Addressing challenges that remained intractable in the field experiment, we conducted an online experiment, which replicated the null findings. A final vignette study showed that people overestimated the magnitude of the biases. The studies suggest that idea evaluation can be less prone to biases than previously assumed and that evaluators separate ideas from proposers.Managerial SummaryWe wanted to find out if there were biases in the way managers evaluate ideas from their employees. We did a field experiment in a large multinational technology company where we tested two different ways of evaluating ideas: one where managers did not know anything about the person who came up with the idea and one where they did know the person's name, which unit they worked for, and where they were located. The results were surprising. We did not find any bias against women and employees that did not work in the same location and unit as the evaluator. Managers are advised that hiding the identity of idea proposers (from idea evaluators) may not be a silver bullet to improving idea evaluation.
Adhesive Composite Microspheres with Dual Antibacterial Strategies for Infected Wound Healing
Authors: Yang Caihong , Ma Xiao , Wu Pan , Shang Luoran , Zhao Yuanjin , Zhong Liping 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSkin damage and infection pose a severe challenge to human health. Construction of a novel versatile dressing with good anti‐infection and healing‐promoting abilities is greatly expected. In this paper, nature‐source‐based composite microspheres with dual antibacterial mechanisms and bioadhesive features by microfluidics electrospray for infected wound healing is developed. The microspheres enable sustained release of copper ions, which not only show long‐term antibacterial properties, but also play important role in wound‐healing‐related angiogenesis. Additionally, the microspheres are coated with polydopamine via self‐polymerization, which renders the microspheres adhesive to the wound surface, and further enhance the antibacterial ability through photothermal energy conversion. Based on the dual antibacterial strategies provided by copper ions and polydopamine as well as the bioadhesive property, the composite microspheres exhibit excellent anti‐infection and wound healing performances in a rat wound model. These results, along with the nature‐source‐based composition and biocompatibility, indicate the great potential of the microspheres in clinical wound repair.
Advances in Ordered Architecture Design of Composite Solid Electrolytes for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Sun Jichang , Liu Chuanbang , Liu Huaiyin , Li Junwei , Zheng Penglun , Zheng Yun , Liu Zhihong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSolid electrolyte lithium batteries are the next generation of advanced energy devices. The incorporation of solid electrolytes can significantly improve the safety issue of lithium‐ion batteries. Organic‐inorganic composite solid electrolytes (CSE) are promising candidates for solid‐state batteries, but their application is mainly limited by low ionic conductivity. Many studies have shown that the architecture of ordered inorganic fillers in CSE can act as fast lithium‐ion transfer channels by auxiliary means, thus significantly improving the ionic conductivities. This review summarises the recent advances in CSE with different dimensional inorganic fillers. Various effective strategies for the construction of ordered structures in CSE are then presented. The review concludes with an outlook on the future development of CSE. This review aims to provide researchers with an in‐depth understanding of how to achieve ordered architectures in CSE for advanced solid state lithium batteries.
Bruno “Burl” Touschek (1921–1978)
Authors: Touschek Francis 
Published: April 2023

AbstractI was kindly invited to give a small contribution to this symposium which I gladly accepted, fully aware I was surrounded by the gotha of the physics world. So, I spent a long time brooding over what might be appropriate, my first instinct was to denounce the ugliness and brutality my father had to endure throughout his whole life. I finally decided on a softer approach, impromptu and recount some of the more amusing moments I was lucky enough to share and enjoy with him. He was an extraordinary man, with a vicious sense of humour. I have never met anyone quite like him.
Technical Challenges for Future Accelerators
Authors: Rossi Lucio 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAccelerators have accompanied the development of nuclear and particle physics in the last ninety years. From first cyclotrons to the LHC and the discovery of the Higgs boson, throughout the collider concept demonstrated first by Bruno Toushek, accelerators have been instrumental for the discovery of new fundamental particles and mechanisms, thanks to an undeniable progress in performance supported by a continuous technical development. Now for the after-LHC era even larger challenges have to be faced, pushing existing technologies much beyond their present limits and pursuing until practical demonstration new technologies and concepts.
Bruno Touschek and Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Rossi Giancarlo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this talk I will describe the history of the birth of the “Meccanica Statistica” book, that Bruno Touschek and I wrote in 1970. The book was conceived and brought to conclusion in the broad context of the stimulating atmosphere that the Touschek scientific and teaching activity had created in the Physics Department of the University of Rome “La Sapienza”. I will present a recollection of my memories of the years from 1965 to 1970 during which the book was imagined, written, rewritten, corrected and polished till its final version. I will also briefly describe the content of the book underlining the unmistakable footprint of Touschek unconventional way of thinking.
Detectors and Experiments at the Laboratory for Electro-Strong Physics: A Personal View
Authors: Amaldi Ugo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn the first two Sections I recount few episodes that highlight the unique personality of Bruno Touschek, and I propose to call ‘Bruno’s domain’ the electron–positron energy range dominated by the one-photon channel. Section 8.3, devoted to a presentation of the four LEP detectors, is followed by three Sections describing electroweak precision tests, in particular those involving the production of b-quarks, Higgs searches and the most accurate measurements of the strong coupling. In Sects. 8.7 and 8.8, the unification of the forces is discussed from a personal point of view and the legacy of LEP to the LHC experiments is highlighted.
Clustered Relational Thread-Modular Abstract Interpretation with Local Traces
Authors: Schwarz Michael , Saan Simmo , Seidl Helmut , Erhard Julian , Vojdani Vesal 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe construct novel thread-modular analyses that track relational information for potentially overlapping clusters of global variables – given that they are protected by common mutexes. We provide a framework to systematically increase the precision of clustered relational analyses by splitting control locations based on abstractions of local traces. As one instance, we obtain an analysis of dynamic thread creation and joining. Interestingly, tracking less relational information for globals may result in higher precision. We consider the class of 2-decomposable domains that encompasses many weakly relational domains (e.g., Octagons). For these domains, we prove that maximal precision is attained already for clusters of globals of sizes at most 2.