bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oscillatory and Aperiodic Neural Activity Jointly Predict Language Learning
Authors: Cross Zachariah R. , Corcoran Andrew W. , Schlesewsky Matthias , Kohler Mark J. , Bornkessel-Schlesewsky Ina 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Memory formation involves the synchronous firing of neurons in task-relevant networks, with recent models postulating that a decrease in low-frequency oscillatory activity underlies successful memory encoding and retrieval. However, to date, this relationship has been investigated primarily with face and image stimuli; considerably less is known about the oscillatory correlates of complex rule learning, as in language. Furthermore, recent work has shown that nonoscillatory (1/ƒ) activity is functionally relevant to cognition, yet its interaction with oscillatory activity during complex rule learning remains unknown. Using spectral decomposition and power-law exponent estimation of human EEG data (17 women, 18 men), we show for the first time that 1/ƒ and oscillatory activity jointly influence the learning of word order rules of a miniature artificial language system. Flexible word-order rules were associated with a steeper 1/ƒ slope, whereas fixed word-order rules were associated with a shallower slope. We also show that increased theta and alpha power predicts fixed relative to flexible word-order rule learning and behavioral performance. Together, these results suggest that 1/ƒ activity plays an important role in higher-order cognition, including language processing, and that grammar learning is modulated by different word-order permutations, which manifest in distinct oscillatory profiles.
COVID-19: Challenges and solutions for the provision of care to seriously ill and dying people and their relatives during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic – perspectives of pandemic response team members: A qualitative study on the basis of expert interviews (part of PallPan)
Authors: Klinger Isabell , Heckel Maria , Shahda Sophie , Kriesen Ursula , Schneider Carolin , Kurkowski Sandra , Junghanss Christian , Ostgathe Christoph 
Published: May 2022

Background: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic’s initial waves, bans on visiting and isolation measures placed limits on providing services for seriously ill and dying people and their relatives. Pandemic response teams at governmental level (macro), at federal state and municipal level (meso) and in healthcare facilities (micro) played their role in pandemic management procedures. Aim: To explore pandemic-related challenges and solutions of pandemic response teams regarding the provision of care to seriously ill and dying people and their relatives. Findings were to be integrated into a national strategy (PallPan). Design: Semi-structured expert interviews (10/2020–2/2021) analysed via structured content analysis. SettingParticipants: We interviewed 41 members, who discussed the work of 43 German pandemic response teams (micro n = 23; meso n = 20; no members were available at macro level) from 14 German federal states. Results: Twenty-nine of 43 teams took account of the needs of seriously ill and dying. Their main challenges resulted from pandemic-related legal requirements in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The implementation of such was in the remits of the meso level. Dysfunctional or non-existent communication between the levels was reported to be challenging. To foster patient-related solutions the micro level pandemic response teams supported individual decisions to enable patient-relative contact for example, visiting and saying goodbye outside, meeting via digital solutions. Conclusions: Pandemic response teams evidently struggled to find appropriate solutions to ease pandemic-related impact on the care of seriously ill and dying patients and their relatives. We recommend bringing palliative care expertise on board.
Antidepressant-like effect of tofisopam in mice: A behavioural, molecular docking and MD simulation study
Authors: Turan Yücel Nazlı , Evren Asaf Evrim , Kandemir Ümmühan , Can Özgür Devrim 
Published: May 2022

Background: Depression is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and the discovery and development of effective and safe antidepressant drugs is one of the important topics of psychopharmacology. Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like activity potential of tofisopam, an anxiolytic drug with 2,3-benzodiazepine structure, and to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms mediating this effect. Methods: The antidepressant-like activity of tofisopam was investigated using tail suspension and modified forced swimming tests. Possible interactions of tofisopam with µ- and δ-opioid receptor subtypes were clarified by pharmacological antagonism, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies. Results: Tofisopam (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly shortened the immobility time of mice in both the tail suspension and the modified forced swimming tests. The drug, at the same doses, prolonged the duration of swimming and climbing behaviours measured in modified forced swimming tests. A dosage of 25 mg/kg was ineffective. Mechanistic studies showed that the pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (serotonin synthesis inhibitor; 4 consecutive days, 100 mg/kg), α-methyl-para-tyrosine methyl ester (catecholamine synthesis inhibitor; 100 mg/kg), naloxonazine (selective µ-opioid receptor blocker, 7 mg/kg) and naltrindole (a selective δ-opioid receptor blocker, 0.99 mg/kg) abolished the anti-immobility effect induced by the 50 mg/kg dose of tofisopam in the tail suspension tests. Our in silico studies supported the behavioural findings that the antidepressant-like effect of tofisopam is mediated by μ- and δ-opioid receptors. Conclusion: This study is the first to show that tofisopam has antidepressant-like activity mediated by the serotonergic, catecholaminergic and opioidergic systems.
The monoclonal CGRP-receptor blocking antibody erenumab has different effects on brainstem and cortical sensory-evoked responses
Authors: Casillo Francesco , Sebastianelli Gabriele , Di Renzo Antonio , Cioffi Ettore , Parisi Vincenzo , Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Serrao Mariano , Coppola Gianluca 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesIt is unclear whether the electrophysiological effects of erenumab, a monoclonal antibody against the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, occur only at the periphery of the trigeminal system or centrally and at the cortical level.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 20 patients with migraine who had failed at least two preventative treatments. We measured the nociceptive blink reflex and non-noxious somatosensory evoked potentials in all participants. The area under the curve and habituation of the second polysynaptic nociceptive blink reflex component (R2) as well as the amplitude and habituation of somatosensory evoked potentials N20-P25 were measured. Electrophysiological data were collected at baseline (T0), 28 days (T1), and 56 days (T2) before each injection of erenumab (70 mg).ResultsErenumab reduced the patients’ mean monthly headache days, headache intensity, and acute medication intake considerably at T1 and T2 (all p < 0.05). The nociceptive blink reflex area under the curve was considerably lower at T1 and T2 than at baseline without changing the habituation slope. At T2, there was a significant increase in the delayed somatosensory evoked potentials amplitude reduction (habituation) but not in the initial cortical activation.ConclusionOur findings showed that erenumab, in addition to its well-known peripheral effects, can induce central effects earlier in the brainstem and later in the cortex. We cannot rule out whether these results are due to a direct effect of erenumab on the central nervous system or an indirect effect secondary to peripheral drug modulation.
The Effect of Gender on Study Effort: Nudges Versus Market Incentives
Authors: Schubert Jens 
Published: May 2022

In an educational field experiment, I study the role of peers’ study habits (a social norm nudge) and for-credit assignments (a market incentive) on student study effort and learning outcomes. I randomize students in a large-enrollment introductory economics course into one of four treatments: for-credit practice problems only, information about successful peers’ study habits only, for-credit practice problems paired with peer information, and control. The 2x2 experimental design allows me to assess whether peer information and for-credit incentives act as complements or substitutes. I find that for-credit alone works significantly better than peer information alone to improve study effort. Interestingly, peer information works better for men than women. The interaction of the study incentives works best to improve study effort for women. The findings of this study inform micro-targeted educational choice architecture which could help narrow gender performance disparities in economics courses. JEL Classification: C93, I24, J16, D84, A22
Different properties of poly(L-lactic acid) monofilaments and its corresponding braided springs after constrained and unconstrained annealing
Authors: Zhao Gutian , Ma Siyuan , Li Xin , Tian Yuan , Wu Gensheng , Zhang Yi , Cheng Jie , Ni Zhonghua 
Published: May 2022

Thermal annealing is widely applied to enhance the mechanical performance of PLLA monofilaments, which brings in a variety of expected strengths through different constrained methods. In this work, samples with constrained and unconstrained annealing process were both prepared and characterized, including mechanical performance, surface morphology, radial supporting performance and axial flexibility. Experimental results revealed that the monofilaments under constrained annealing showed higher elastic modulus with 6.4 GPa, which were higher than those without any constraint. While the maximal elongation at break with 51.11% were observed in unconstrained annealed monofilaments. Few changes were presented in the molecular weight between the two types of samples. Moreover, the springs under constrained annealing inhibited the most reliable radial supporting performance with higher radial compression force and chronic outward force, 0.665 N/mm and 0.14 N respectively. However, unconstrained annealing springs showed better flexibility with 0.178 N bending stiffness and 1.58 N maximum bending force. These results suggested that filaments and springs with various properties can be obtained under different annealing conditions.
Significantly enhanced thermally conductive epoxy composite composed of caterpillar-like structured expanded graphite/ boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Menghan , Xiao Chao , Qu Qiqi , Da Yunsheng , Liu Yanyan , Tian Xingyou , Wang Hua 
Published: May 2022

The trend toward miniaturization, integration and multifunctionality of modern electronics has led to a rapid increase in power density, which makes heat dissipation a critical issue. Despite the great potential of graphite-related nanocomposites in dissipating excess heat to ensure high efficiency and long lifetime of electronic devices, the practical application of these composites is limited by the ultra-low vertical thermal conductivity due to the interfacial thermal resistance between graphite layers. Here, a caterpillar-like hybrid filler was fabricated by the in situ intercalation of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) between expanded graphite (EG) layers based on chemical vapor deposition technology. Owing to the optimized interfacial thermal resistance by forming covalent C-N bonding at the interface of EG and BNNT, the through-plane thermal conductivity of epoxy-based nanocomposites can be up to 5.18 Wm−1 K−1. In addition, the composite possessed electromagnetic interference shielding performance of 33.34 dB while maintaining electrical insulation due to the hierarchical structure. This work provided a new strategy for fabricating polymer-based composites with excellent through-plane thermal conductivity in thermal management applications.
Return and Volatility Spillover Effects between Rupee–Dollar Exchange Rate and Asian Stock Indices
Authors: Mahalakshmi S. , Thiyagarajan S. , Vasudevan Gopala , Naresh G. 
Published: May 2022

India is a major Asian economy that has attracted global investment due to its economic stability and relatively open financial markets. We investigate the return and volatility spillover effects between the Indian rupee against US dollar and stock index volatility in neighboring (Asian) nations. Consistent with the uncovered equity parity, we find that when the rupee depreciates against US dollar, the foreign institutional investors pull back their portfolio investments from other Asian markets and invest in Indian stock market, similarly if rupee appreciates they may divest their investments to gain profits. The unidirectional causality from the exchange rate to all stock indices is indicated by the causality in the mean approach. Our study shows a strong linkage between the currency value of a stable economy and the economies with which it has strong trade ties. Further, the results also show that investors adjust their position in the related markets during periods of currency appreciation and depreciation in an economy with significant growth prospects. JEL Codes: F31, D53, B23
Non-injection-site soft tissue sarcoma in cats: outcome following adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Zajc Alenka Lavra , Harper Aaron , Benoit Jerome , Mason Sarah 
Published: May 2022

Objectives Biological behaviour and treatment options of non-injection-site soft tissue sarcomas (nFISS) in cats are less well understood than in dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the outcomes of cats with nFISS following treatment with adjuvant radiotherapy. Methods The medical records of cats with soft tissue sarcomas in locations not associated with, and histology reports not suggestive of, injection-site sarcomas were reviewed. All cats underwent adjuvant radiotherapy, either hypofractionated (32–36 Gy delivered in weekly 8–9 Gy fractions) or conventionally fractionated (48–54 Gy delivered in 16–18 3 Gy fractions) to microscopic disease. Results In total, 18 cats were included in the study, 17 with extremity nFISS and one with facial nFISS. Nine received radiotherapy after a single surgery and nine after multiple surgeries for recurrent nFISS. Eight cats were treated with a hypofractionated protocol and 10 with a conventionally fractionated protocol. The median follow-up time was 540 days (range 51–3317 days). The tumour recurred in eight (44.4%) cats following adjuvant radiotherapy; it recurred in three (37.5%) cats following a hypofractionated protocol and in five (50%) cats following a conventionally fractionated protocol. The overall median progression-free interval (PFI) for 17/18 cats was 2748 days, while the median PFI for the 7/8 cats with recurrence was 164 days. The recurrence for one cat was reported, but the date was unknown and it was therefore censored from these data. When stratifying based on the protocol, the median PFI for hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated protocols was 164 days and 2748 days, respectively. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the two protocols ( P = 0.636). Conclusions and relevance Adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in good long-term tumour control in 12/18 cats with nFISS. Further studies in larger populations are required to assess the significance of radiation dose and fractionation on tumour control and the effect of multiple surgeries prior to initiation of radiotherapy on outcome.
Association between pre-treatment IQ and educational achievement after gender-affirming treatment including puberty suppression in transgender adolescents
Authors: Arnoldussen Marijn , Hooijman Evelien C , Kreukels Baudewijntje PC , de Vries Annelou LC 
Published: May 2022

Background: Concerns exist regarding effects of puberty suppression on neurodevelopment. Intelligence is strongly correlated with educational achievement in the general population. This study aimed to examine the association between pre-treatment intelligence and educational achievement after gender-affirming treatment including puberty suppression in transgender adolescents to contribute to the emerging understanding of the effect that gender-affirming treatment including puberty suppression may have on cognitive development. Methods: IQ was measured in 72 adolescents (45 trans boys, 27 trans girls) at clinical entry (mean age 12.78 years), educational achievement was evaluated after gender-affirming treatment (mean age 20.40 years). Results: IQ pre-treatment and educational achievement post-treatment were positively associated (Nagelkerke R = 0.71). Discussion: The association between IQ pre-treatment and educational achievement post-treatment in transgender adolescents who received gender-affirming medical treatment including puberty suppression appears to be similar to the general population. This may reflect that gender-affirming medical treatment including puberty suppression does not negatively affect the association between IQ and educational achievement.
Environmental co-benefits of urban design to mitigate urban heat island and PM2.5 pollution: Considering prevailing wind’s effects
Authors: Meng Ming-Rui , Xi Chang , Feng Zhuangbo , Cao Shi-Jie 
Published: May 2022

The impact of PM2.5 pollution and urban heat island (UHI) on sustainable urban development and human health has been a major concern for governments. Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation and on-site monitoring, this study investigated the airflow velocity, PM2.5 concentration and urban heat island intensity (UHII) distribution in the urban area at different prevailing wind directions, from the perspective of urban design. In order to validate the accuracy of CFD simulation results, on-site monitoring of temperature and airflow velocity was conducted on the roof of a building. A low-dimensional model was adopted to improve the efficiency of CFD data analysis. Moreover, based on the results of the low-dimensional model, PM2.5 concentration and UHII in urban areas at different prevailing wind directions were assessed by clustering analysis. The findings showed that when α = 0° and 90°, the average PM2.5 concentration was 28.9–56.8% (8.76–27.66 μg/m³) lower and the average UHII was 23.4–34.2% (0.8–1.15°C) higher, compared to α = 30°, 45° and 60°. Meanwhile, the downwind area suffers from more serious PM2.5 pollution and UHII than the upwind area. These findings could potentially provide a guide for future building/urban design to improve the urban environment from the perspective of building and road construction.
Experimental study of energy absorption in 3D-textile reinforced polymer composites under high-velocity impact loading
Authors: Madani Fatemeh , Ajeli Saeed , Mirdamadi Hamid Reza 
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the energy absorption capacity of polymer composites reinforced with Kevlar fibers and various textile structures under high-velocity impact loading was investigated. Noobing textile, woven laminate, and stitched laminate were used as composite reinforcements. Fiber density and structural thickness were also examined in impact performance. The impact test was performed using a gas gun at a speed of 235 m/s. The impact performance of composite samples was evaluated by comparing residual velocity, ballistic limit, and impact energy absorption. To analyze the damage caused by the impact, all specimens were inspected using CT scan images. It was found that the presence of reinforcing fibers in the thickness direction can significantly improve energy absorption. In thicker composites, impact indentation was observed and the projectile could not penetrate the structure. The indentation depth of the Noobing composite was less than the stitched laminate. Increased fiber density in all three composite configurations showed an increase in energy absorption capacity and a decrease in residual impact velocity.
Objective ambulatory pH monitoring and subjective symptom assessment of gastroesophageal reflux disease show type of carbohydrate and type of fat matter
Authors: Gu Cihang , Olszewski Timothy , Vaezi Michael F. , Niswender Kevin D. , Silver Heidi J. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Rising prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in US Veterans is concurrent with increasing excess body weight. Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine relationships between dietary macronutrients, gastrointestinal hormones, and GERD status. Methods: Ninety-eight veterans with overweight/obesity and empiric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment were enrolled from the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. Subjects had esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. Subjective symptoms were assessed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) and Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS). The primary outcomes, total acid exposure time (AET) and number of reflux episodes, enabled categorizing subjects as either pathologic GERD or inconclusive GERD. Data analysis included independent T-tests, Spearman Rho correlations, and multivariable linear regression modeling. Results: Higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (sugar-sweetened tea, soda, and fruit juice) associated with higher AET. Higher saturated-to-unsaturated fat intake is associated with higher AET and number of reflux episodes. Overall, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, saturated-to-unsaturated fat ratio, tomato-based food items, glucagon-like polypeptide 1 (GLP-1) level, time of first meal, and education status accounted for a significant amount of the variability in AET. Pathologic GERD subjects reported more heartburn ( p = 0.006), regurgitation ( p = 0.01), acid taste (0.001), and nausea severity ( p = 0.04). GERDQ score associated with AET ( r = 0.31, p = 0.005), but GSAS did not ( r = 0.12, p = 0.28). Conclusion: Of the many foods and nutrients tested, the type (not amount) of carbohydrate (simple sugars) and the type (not amount) of fat (saturated vs unsaturated fat) consumed associated with objective and/or subjective GERD testing. These novel findings contribute to the evidence base guiding specific dietary recommendations in the clinical management of GERD.