bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Some new φ-fixed point and φ-fixed disc results via auxiliary functions
Authors: Sun Yan , Liu Xiao-lan , Deng Jia , Zhou Mi , Zhang Huan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we first introduce several new contractions by some auxiliary functions. Then we establish some φ-fixed point results for $(\gamma ,\psi ,\varphi ,\phi )$
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contractions, rational-$(\gamma , \psi ,\varphi ,\phi )$
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contractions and almost-$(\gamma ,\psi , \varphi ,\phi )$
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contractions and φ-fixed disc results for $(\psi ,\varphi ,\phi )_{x_{0}}$

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type 1 contractions, $(\psi ,\varphi ,\phi )_{x_{0}}$

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type 2 contractions, and $(\psi ,\varphi ,\phi )_{x_{0}}$

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type 3 contractions in metric spaces. We generalize some existing φ-fixed point and φ-fixed circle results in the literature. Further, we give some examples to demonstrate the usefulness of our results and investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions of nonlinear integral equations.
Derivation of a Kalman-type filter for linear systems with pointwise delay in signal noise
Authors: Abuasbeh Kinda , Bashirov Agamirza E. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRecently, it was demonstrated that a modification of the Kalman-filtering model with a pointwise delay of the signal noise could improve communication with considerably distanced spacecraft. However, a complete and correct derivation of the equations of the Kalman-type filter for this case has not yet been provided. In this paper, we close this gap. The method of derivation is based on a passage from the distributed delay to pointwise by means of a delta function. The derived equations constitute a system of first-order partial differential equations with the initial and boundary conditions.
Phraseological competence in IELTS academic writing task 2: phraseological units and test-takers’ perceptions and use
Authors: Estaji Masoomeh , Hashemi Mina 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study intended to explore the different types of phraseological units in IELTS academic writing task 2 and probe into the IELTS candidates’ perceptions of phraseological competence. To this end, a corpus entailing 100 essays (26,423 words) written for IELTS writing task 2 was scrutinized, through which phraseological units were extracted and their types were identified based on Moon’s (Phraseology: Theory, analysis, and application, 1998) typology. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine IELTS candidates. The results indicated that simple formulae were the most commonly used phraseological units in IELTS writing task 2. The interview data, using inductive thematic and summative content analyses, also demonstrated that IELTS candidates have had varying perceptions of phraseological competence, wherein higher band score candidates appeared to have a deeper and more accurate understanding of the concept. As for the candidates’ perceived phraseological competence, they were found to under- or overestimate their own competence at using phraseology. The findings of the study can be employed in making learner dictionaries based on the phraseologies used in IELTS.
Assessment and language improvement: the effect of peer assessment (PA) on reading comprehension, reading motivation, and vocabulary learning among EFL learners
Authors: Ritonga Mahyudin , Tazik Khalil , Omar Abdulfattah , Saberi Dehkordi Elham 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAssessment is an inseparable part of teaching and learning, and it helps teachers and students to modify their teaching and learning processes. One type of assessment is peer assessment (PA), and its effects were examined on developing Iranian EFL learners’ reading comprehension (RC), reading motivation (RM) and vocabulary learning (VL) in this research. To achieve this goal, 60 Iranian EFL students at the intermediate level and with the age range of 18 to 26 years were selected based on a convenience sampling method and divided into two groups: the control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). After that, the groups took the pre-tests of RC, RM, and VL. The EG then was divided into six sub-groups of five, and PA was applied to evaluate their reading and vocabulary performances. The learners in the EG checked their classmates’ performances in peers with the teacher’s help. In the CG class, the participants themselves assessed their own performances after each test with the help of the teacher. After a 15-session treatment, the post-tests of vocabulary, RM, and RC were carried out on both groups. The outcomes of the one-way ANCOVA tests demonstrated that the EG outflanked the CG on the three post-tests of RC, RM, and VL. In fact, the results indicated that using PA generated positive effects on Iranian EFL learners’ RC, RM, and VL. It can be claimed that the PA is a practical technique to improve EFL learners’ language learning. The implications of this research can reduce students’ dependency on teachers and increase their independence in the evaluation process.
Development and validation of a potential assessment inventory for assessing EFL teachers’ ecological agency
Authors: Ghamoushi Masoumeh , Zenouzagh Zohre Mohammadi , Hashamdar Mohammad 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTeacher agency as an influential factor in teacher professionalism has recently gained global inquiry in the EFL context. However, no valid instrument has ever been designed to evaluate EFL teachers’ ecological agency. This gap prompted the researchers of the current study to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess EFL teachers’ ecological agency. In the first phase, a comprehensive review of the literature and semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine the underlying components of the teacher ecological (TEA) questionnaire based on Priestley et al.’s (Flip the System134–148, 2015) ecological agency model. In the second phase, the newly developed TEA questionnaire including 40 items was subjected to reliability and validity issues. Therefore, it was piloted with 222 Iranian EFL teachers selected through non-probability convenience sampling. The Cronbach alpha results confirmed an acceptable reliability index (.858). The results of factor analysis revealed that the number of items was reduced to 37 and indicated that the data on teacher ecological agency loaded on 3 components: iterational (9 items), practical-evaluative (14 items), and projective (10 items). In addition, the structural equation modeling (SEM) results confirmed that the model enjoyed sound psychometric properties. The upshots of the current study have undoubtedly significant implications for teacher educators and teaching practitioners.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key pathological driver of early stage Parkinson’s
Authors: Toomey Christina E. , Heywood Wendy E. , Evans James R. , Lachica Joanne , Pressey Sarah N. , Foti Sandrine C. , Al Shahrani Mesfer , D’Sa Karishma , Hargreaves Iain P. , Heales Simon , Orford Michael , Troakes Claire , Attems Johannes , Gelpi Ellen , Palkovits Miklos , Lashley Tammaryn , Gentleman Steve M. , Revesz Tamas , Mills Kevin , Gandhi Sonia 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The molecular drivers of early sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) remain unclear, and the presence of widespread end stage pathology in late disease masks the distinction between primary or causal disease-specific events and late secondary consequences in stressed or dying cells. However, early and mid-stage Parkinson’s brains (Braak stages 3 and 4) exhibit alpha-synuclein inclusions and neuronal loss along a regional gradient of severity, from unaffected-mild-moderate-severe. Here, we exploited this spatial pathological gradient to investigate the molecular drivers of sporadic PD.

Methods
We combined high precision tissue sampling with unbiased large-scale profiling of protein expression across 9 brain regions in Braak stage 3 and 4 PD brains, and controls, and verified these results using targeted proteomic and functional analyses.

Results
We demonstrate that the spatio-temporal pathology gradient in early-mid PD brains is mirrored by a biochemical gradient of a changing proteome. Importantly, we identify two key events that occur early in the disease, prior to the occurrence of alpha-synuclein inclusions and neuronal loss: (i) a metabolic switch in the utilisation of energy substrates and energy production in the brain, and (ii) perturbation of the mitochondrial redox state. These changes may contribute to the regional vulnerability of developing alpha-synuclein pathology. Later in the disease, mitochondrial function is affected more severely, whilst mitochondrial metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration are affected across all brain regions.

Conclusions
Our study provides an in-depth regional profile of the proteome at different stages of PD, and highlights that mitochondrial dysfunction is detectable prior to neuronal loss, and alpha-synuclein fibril deposition, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the key drivers of early disease.
Regulating microglial miR-155 transcriptional phenotype alleviates Alzheimer’s-induced retinal vasculopathy by limiting Clec7a/Galectin-3+ neurodegenerative microglia
Authors: Shi Haoshen , Yin Zhuoran , Koronyo Yosef , Fuchs Dieu-Trang , Sheyn Julia , Davis Miyah R. , Wilson Jered W. , Margeta Milica A. , Pitts Kristen M. , Herron Shawn , Ikezu Seiko , Ikezu Tsuneya , Graham Stuart L. , Gupta Vivek K. , Black Keith L. , Mirzaei Mehdi , Butovsky Oleg , Koronyo-Hamaoui Maya 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSingle cell RNA sequencing studies identified novel neurodegeneration-associated microglial (MGnD/DAM) subtypes activated around cerebral amyloid plaques. Micro-RNA (miR)-155 of the TREM2-APOE pathway was shown to be a key transcriptional regulator of MGnD microglial phenotype. Despite growing interest in studying manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the retina, a CNS organ accessible to noninvasive high-resolution imaging, to date MGnD microglia have not been studied in the AD retina. Here, we discovered the presence and increased populations of Clec7a+ and Galectin-3+ MGnD microglia in retinas of transgenic APPSWE/PS1L166P AD-model mice. Conditionally targeting MGnD microglia by miR-155 ablation via the tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 system in APPSWE/PS1L166P mice diminished retinal Clec7a+ and Galectin-3+ microglial populations while increasing homeostatic P2ry12+ microglia. Retinal MGnD microglia were often adhering to microvessels; their depletion protected the inner blood-retina barrier and reduced vascular amyloidosis. Microglial miR-155 depletion further limits retinal inflammation. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed enhanced retinal PI3K-Akt signaling and predicted IL-8 and Spp1 decreases in mice with microglia-specific miR-155 knockout. Overall, this study identified MGnD microglia in APPSWE/PS1L166P mouse retina. Transcriptional regulation of these dysfunctional microglia mitigated retinal inflammation and vasculopathy. The protective effects of microglial miR-155 ablation should shed light on potential treatments for retinal inflammation and vascular damage during AD and other ocular diseases.
Clinical validation of a population-based input function for 20-min dynamic whole-body 18F-FDG multiparametric PET imaging
Authors: Dias André H. , Smith Anne M. , Shah Vijay , Pigg David , Gormsen Lars C. , Munk Ole L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Contemporary PET/CT scanners can use 70-min dynamic whole-body (D-WB) PET to generate more quantitative information about FDG uptake than just the SUV by generating parametric images of FDG metabolic rate (MRFDG). The analysis requires the late (50–70 min) D-WB tissue data combined with the full (0–70 min) arterial input function (AIF). Our aim was to assess whether the use of a scaled population-based input function (sPBIF) obviates the need for the early D-WB PET acquisition and allows for a clinically feasible 20-min D-WB PET examination.

Methods
A PBIF was calculated based on AIFs from 20 patients that were D-WB PET scanned for 120 min with simultaneous arterial blood sampling. MRFDG imaging using PBIF requires that the area under the curve (AUC) of the sPBIF is equal to the AUC of the individual patient’s input function because sPBIF AUC bias translates into MRFDG bias. Special patient characteristics could affect the shape of their AIF. Thus, we validated the use of PBIF in 171 patients that were divided into 12 subgroups according to the following characteristics: diabetes, cardiac ejection fraction, blood pressure, weight, eGFR and age. For each patient, the PBIF was scaled to the aorta image-derived input function (IDIF) to calculate a sPBIF, and the AUC bias was calculated.

Results
We found excellent agreement between the AIF and IDIF at all times. For the clinical validation, the use of sPBIF led to an acceptable AUC bias of 1–5% in most subgroups except for patients with diabetes or patients with low eGFR, where the biases were marginally higher at 7%. Multiparametric MRFDG images based on a short 20-min D-WB PET and sPBIF were visually indistinguishable from images produced by the full 70-min D-WB PET and individual IDIF.

Conclusions
A short 20-min D-WB PET examination using PBIF can be used for multiparametric imaging without compromising the image quality or precision of MRFDG. The D-WB PET examination may therefore be used in clinical routine for a wide range of patients, potentially allowing for more precise quantification in e.g. treatment response imaging.
Solar farm cable layout optimization as a graph problem
Authors: Gritzbach Sascha , Stampa Dominik , Wolf Matthias 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe introduce the Solar Farm Cable Layout Problem (SoFaCLaP), a novel graph-theoretic optimization problem. SoFaCLaP formalizes the task of finding a cost-optimal cable layout in a solar farm where PV string positions are already determined but the positions of other components such as transformers can be picked from a set of candidate positions. The problem statement incorporates a network flow model in which the flow value of a connection represents the number of strings that are (indirectly) connected to a transformer via this connection. A mixed-integer linear program (MILP) formulation is proposed that uses binary variables to indicate which of several available cable types is chosen for each connection. We propose a framework to randomly generate benchmark instances to evaluate any algorithmic approach to SoFaCLaP. In particular, we generate a set of instances based on real-world solar farm characteristics. With an extensive evaluation of the MILP formulation on those instances we establish mixed-integer linear programming as a baseline for future algorithmic approaches to finding solar farm cable layouts.
Qualitative evaluation of the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach as a strategy to increase HIV testing in family planning clinics using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and the Implementation Outcomes Framework
Authors: Eastment McKenna C. , Long Jessica E. , Wanje George , Richardson Barbra A. , Mwaringa Emily , Sherr Kenneth , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Mandaliya Kishorchandra , Jaoko Walter , McClelland R. Scott 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Significant gaps remain in HIV testing and counseling (HTC) in family planning (FP) clinics. To address these gaps, our group tested an implementation strategy called the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach (SAIA), an evidenced-based multi-component implementation strategy focused on improving entire care cascades. In a cluster randomized trial of 24 FP clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya, SAIA led to a significant increase in HTC in intervention clinics compared to control clinics. The objective of this manuscript was to evaluate SAIA using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and assess the Implementation Outcomes Framework outcomes of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.

Methods
This qualitative assessment was nested within the cluster-randomized trial. Data collection included questionnaires to assess modifiable and non-modifiable health system factors related to HTC and in-depth interviews to query clinic norms, priorities, communication strategies, and readiness for change. The primary outcomes of interest were feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of SAIA. Data on inner setting and structural characteristics of FP clinics were collected to inform how context may impact outcomes. All interviews were recorded and analyzed using a rapid assessment approach.

Results
Of the 12 intervention clinics, 6 (50%) were public facilities. Availability of resources varied by clinic. Most clinics had a positive implementation climate, engaged leadership, and access to resources and information. While not all clinics identified HTC as a clinic priority, most reported a strong culture of embracing change and recognition of the importance of HIV testing within FP clinics. Interviews highlighted very high acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of SAIA. The implementation strategy was not complicated and fit well into existing clinic processes. In particular, staff appreciated that SAIA allowed clinic staff to generate contextually relevant solutions that they implemented.

Conclusions
SAIA was implemented in FP clinics of varying sizes, capacity, and management support and was found to be acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. The agency that clinic staff felt in proposing and implementing their own solutions was likely part of SAIA’s success. We anticipate this will continue to be a mechanism of SAIA’s success when it is scaled up to more clinics in future trials.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02994355) registered 16 December 2016.
Islet Autoantibody Level Distribution in Type 1 Diabetes and Their Association With Genetic and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Grace Sian Louise , Bowden Jack , Walkey Helen C , Kaur Akaal , Misra Shivani , Shields Beverley M , McKinley Trevelyan J , Oliver Nick S , McDonald Timothy J , Johnston Desmond G , Jones Angus G , Patel Kashyap A 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Context
The importance of the autoantibody level at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not clear.

Objective
We aimed to assess the association of glutamate decarboxylase (GADA), islet antigen-2 (IA-2A), and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A) autoantibody levels with clinical and genetic characteristics at diagnosis of T1D.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study. GADA, IA-2A, and ZnT8A were measured in 1644 individuals with T1D at diagnosis using radiobinding assays. Associations between autoantibody levels and the clinical and genetic characteristics for individuals were assessed in those positive for these autoantibodies. We performed replication in an independent cohort of 449 people with T1D.

Results
GADA and IA-2A levels exhibited a bimodal distribution at diagnosis. High GADA level was associated with older age at diagnosis (median 27 years vs 19 years, P = 9 × 10−17), female sex (52% vs 37%, P = 1 × 10−8), other autoimmune diseases (13% vs 6%, P = 3 × 10−6), and HLA-DR3-DQ2 (58% vs 51%, P = .006). High IA-2A level was associated with younger age of diagnosis (median 17 years vs 23 years, P = 3 × 10−7), HLA-DR4-DQ8 (66% vs 50%, P = 1 × 10−6), and ZnT8A positivity (77% vs 52%, P = 1 × 10−15). We replicated our findings in an independent cohort of 449 people with T1D where autoantibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Conclusion
Islet autoantibody levels provide additional information over positivity in T1D at diagnosis. Bimodality of GADA and IA-2A autoantibody levels highlights the novel aspect of heterogeneity of T1D. This may have implications for T1D prediction, treatment, and pathogenesis.
Familial Male-limited Precocious Puberty (FMPP) and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Kooij Cezanne D , Mavinkurve-Groothuis Annelies M C , Kremer Hovinga Idske C L , Looijenga Leendert H J , Rinne Tuula , Giltay Jacques C , de Kort Laetitia M O , Klijn Aart J , de Krijger Ronald R , Verrijn Stuart Annemarie A 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study is to report development of a malignant testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) in 2 young adult males with familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP) because of LHCGR pathogenic variants in 2 families. Secondarily, to study the possible relation between FMPP and testicular tumors and to investigate whether FMPP might predispose to development of malignant testicular tumors in adulthood a literature review is conducted.

Methods
Data on 6 cases in 2 families are obtained from the available medical records. In addition, a database search is performed in Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase for studies that report on a possible link between FMPP and testicular tumors.

Results
The characteristics of 6 males with FMPP based on activating LH receptor (LHCGR) germline pathogenic variants are described, as are details of the testicular GCTs. Furthermore, a literature review identified 4 more patients with signs of FMPP and a (precursor of) testicular GCT in adolescence or adulthood (age 15-35 years). Additionally, 12 patients with signs of precocious puberty and, simultaneously, occurrence of a Leydig cell adenoma or Leydig cell hyperplasia are reported.

Conclusion
There is a strong suggestion that FMPP might increase the risk of development of testicular GCTs in early adulthood compared with the risk in the general population. Therefore, prolonged patient monitoring from mid-pubertal age onward including instruction for self-examination and periodic testicular ultrasound investigation in patients with a germline LHCGR pathogenic variant might contribute to early detection and thus early treatment of testicular GCT.
Long-term Burosumab Administration Is Safe and Effective in Adults With X-linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Weber Thomas J , Imel Erik A , Carpenter Thomas O , Peacock Munro , Portale Anthony A , Hetzer Joel , Merritt J Lawrence , Insogna Karl 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Context
Burosumab was developed as a treatment option for patients with the rare, lifelong, chronically debilitating, genetic bone disease X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).

Objective
Collect additional information on the safety, immunogenicity, and clinical response to long-term administration of burosumab.

Methods
UX023-CL203 (NCT02312687) was a Phase 2b, open-label, single-arm, long-term extension study of adult subjects with XLH who participated in KRN23-INT-001 or KRN23-INT-002 studies. The long-term UX023-CL203 study (January 5, 2015 through November 30, 2018) provided data up to 184 weeks. Participants in UX023-CL203 received burosumab based on the last dose in the prior KRN23-INT-001 or KRN23-INT-002 studies (0.3, 0.6, or 1.0 mg/kg given by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks). At Week 12, burosumab could be titrated upward/downward to achieve fasting serum phosphate levels within the normal range. Primary objectives included long-term safety, the proportion of subjects achieving fasting serum phosphate in the normal range, changes in bone turnover markers, patient-reported outcomes for pain and stiffness, and measures of mobility.

Results
Fasting serum phosphate levels at the midpoint of the dosing interval (2 weeks postdose, the time of peak effect) were within the normal range in 85% to 100% of subjects. Measures of phosphate metabolism and bone biomarkers generally improved with burosumab therapy, approaching or reaching their respective normal ranges by study end. Improvements in patient-reported outcomes and mobility were sustained throughout the observation period. No new safety findings emerged with longer-term burosumab treatment.

Conclusion
These data support the conclusion that burosumab therapy may be a safe and effective long-term treatment option for adult patients with XLH.