bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative Nuclear Imaging Tools for Infection Imaging
Authors: Erba Paola Anna , Bartoli Francesco , Sollini Martina , Raffaella Berchiolli , Zanca Roberta , Enrica Esposito , Lazzeri Elena 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Cardiovascular infections are serious disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Their diagnosis is challenging, requiring a proper management for a prompt recognition of the clinical manifestations, and a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, infectious diseases specialist, imagers, and microbiologists. Imaging plays a central role in the diagnostic workout, including molecular imaging techniques. In this setting, two different strategies might be used to image infections: the first is based on the use of agents targeting the microorganism responsible for the infection. Alternatively, we can target the components of the pathophysiological changes of the inflammatory process and/or the host response to the infectious pathogen can be considered. Understanding the strength and limitations of each strategy is crucial to select the most appropriate imaging tool.

Recent Findings
Currently, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and nuclear imaging (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, and leucocyte scintigraphy) are part of the diagnostic strategies. The main role of nuclear medicine imaging (PET/CT and SPECT/CT) is the confirmation of valve/CIED involvement and/or associated perivalvular infection and the detection of distant septic embolism. Proper patients’ preparation, imaging acquisition, and reconstruction as well as imaging reading are crucial to maximize the diagnostic information.

Summary
In this manuscript, we described the use of molecular imaging techniques, in particular WBC imaging, in patients with infective endocarditis, cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections, and infections of composite aortic graft, underlying the strength and limitations of such approached as compared to the other imaging modalities.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Anxiety-Like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Neuropathic Pain via Regulating Different Dopamine Receptors of the Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Wu Mengwei , Chen Yeqing , Shen Zui , Zhu Yichen , Xiao Siqi , Zhu Xixiao , Wu Zemin , Liu Jinggen , Xu Chi , Yao Pingan , Xu Weiwei , Liang Yi , Liu Boyi , Du Junying , He Xiaofen , Liu Boyu , Jin Xiaoming , Fang Jianqiao , Shao Xiaomei 
Published: June 2022

AbstractChronic pain, such as neuropathic pain, causes anxiety and other negative emotions, which aggravates the pain sensation and increases the risk of chronic pain over time. Dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) have been implicated in mediating anxiety-related behaviors, but their potential roles in the BLA in neuropathic pain-induced anxiety have not been examined. Electroacupuncture (EA) is commonly used to treat chronic pain and emotional disorders, but it is still unclear whether EA plays a role in analgesia and anxiety relief through DRD1 and DRD2 in the BLA. Here, we used western blotting to examine the expression of DRD1 and DRD2 and pharmacological regulation combined with behavioral testing to detect anxiety-like behaviors. We observed that injection of the DRD1 antagonist SCH23390 or the DRD2 agonist quinpirole into the BLA contributed to anxiety-like behaviors in naive mice. EA also activated DRD1 or inhibited DRD2 in the BLA to alleviate anxiety-like behaviors. To further demonstrate the role of DRD1 and DRD2 in the BLA in spared nerve injury (SNI) model-induced anxiety-like behaviors, we injected the DRD1 agonist SKF38393 or the DRD2 antagonist sulpiride into the BLA. We found that both activation of DRD1 and inhibition of DRD2 could alleviate SNI-induced anxiety-like behaviors, and EA had a similar effect of alleviating anxiety. Additionally, neither DRD1 nor DRD2 in the BLA affected SNI-induced mechanical allodynia, but EA did. Overall, our work provides new insights into the mechanisms of neuropathic pain-induced anxiety and a possible explanation for the effect of EA treatment on anxiety caused by chronic pain.
Career Adaptability among Migrant Teachers Re-Entering the Labour Market: a Life Course Perspective
Authors: Ennerberg Elin , Economou Catarina 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAmongst the most significant labour market challenges is the integration of migrants and the opportunities for individual migrants to find employment that match their qualifications. The object of this study is to analyse the formal and informal obstacles migrant teachers face when entering the labour market. These obstacles include the formal validation of existing credentials, as well as the needs of local schools, and migrant teachers’ own experiences of the new school system. We have conducted qualitative interviews with school principals, representatives at labour market organizations and authorities and migrant teachers. By analysing these different accounts we argue that the individual career adaptability of migrants also needs to be understood in relation to institutional and organizational constraints. Moreover, by adding a temporal understanding to the integration process, we find that migrants’ own perception of the process and the time-scales of entering work should be accounted for more explicitly in the guidance process.
Optoelectronics Simulation of CIGS-Based Solar Cells Using a Cd-Free Nontoxic ZrSxSe2−x as a Novel Buffer Layer
Authors: Moustafa M. , Al Zoubi T. , Yasin S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this work, we investigate the performance of CIGS-based thin-film solar cells employing the SCAPS-1D simulation package. The paper is mainly devoted to the development of the ZrSxSe2−x (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 2) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) as a Cd-free, nontoxic, and abundant buffer layer, the first of its kind. In the first step, we have evaluated the impact of the p-MoSe2 interfacial layer between the GIGS absorber and Mo back contact. The J–V characteristic showed a higher slope, revealing that the p-MoSe2 layer at the CIGS/Mo interfaces beneficially on the CIGS/Mo hetero-contact, mediating the quasi-ohmic contact rather than the Schottky type. For the optimized solar cell using the ZrSxSe2−x as a buffer layer, the photovoltaic parameters, such as the short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, Fill Factor, and efficiency, were investigated versus the thickness, carrier concentration, and bandgap values. The results reveal an optimum efficiency of ~ 25.5% at a bandgap of 1.3 eV, corresponding to ZrS0.8Se1.2 (i.e., x = 0.8) and 180 nm thicknesses, at a high carrier concentration of 1 × 1018 cm−3. Furthermore, the solar cell performance is assessed with the increment of the operating temperature from 275 to 475 K. The observed decrease in the Voc is ascribed to the rise in the reverse saturation current associated with the higher temperatures. The study concludes an excellent potential for fabricating high-performance CIGS thin solar cells using a Cd-free nontoxic buffer layer.
Assessing the safety effect of red-light camera deactivation: a geographically weighted negative binomial regression approach
Authors: Li Jianling , da Silva Alan Ricardo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMunicipalities across the country have debated the safety effect of automatic red-light cameras (RLC) and their political and financial implications. Most empirical studies have used the Empirical Bayesian (EB) approach to assess the safe effects to facilitate policy debates. While popular, the EB method has several limitations in data requirement, reference site selection, and control of confounding factors. Moreover, empirical studies of the RLC deactivation effects are limited. This study fills these gaps using the Moran’s I statistic and the Geographically Weighted Negative Binomial Regression (GWNBR) approach for data in the City of Arlington, Texas. The results indicate that the total, injury, and angle crashes in Arlington are on the rise over the study period and that crashes are higher at RLC deactivation intersections than those at other intersections. The direct safety effect of removing RLCs is statistically significant. The spillover effect is observed but statistically insignificant. Speed limit plays an important role in road safety. The findings have significant implications for safety research and practices.
Notes from the University of the Free State
Authors: Roos Neil 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThrough an ethnographic telling of a curriculum reform project, this short contribution seeks to elucidate developments in the Department of History at the University of the Free State in South Africa. It touches on questions of transformation – both demographic and intellectual, what historical knowledge is valued, decolonization and international engagement, and it ends with some prognoses for the future.
A Dilemma for Solomonoff Prediction
Authors: Neth Sven 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe framework of Solomonoff prediction assigns prior probability to hypotheses inversely proportional to their Kolmogorov complexity. There are two well-known problems. First, the Solomonoff prior is relative to a choice of universal Turing machine. Second, the Solomonoff prior is not computable. However, there are responses to both problems. Different Solomonoff priors converge with more and more data. Further, there are computable approximations to the Solomonoff prior. I argue that there is a tension between these two responses. This is because computable approximations to Solomonoff prediction do not always converge.
Can Meaningless Statements Be Approximately True? On Relaxing the Semantic Component of Scientific Realism
Authors: Rowbottom Darrell P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFirst, I show that the semantic thesis of scientific realism may be relaxed significantly—to allow that some scientific discourse is not truth-valued—without making any concessions concerning the epistemic or methodological theses that lie at realism’s core. Second, I illustrate how relaxing the semantic thesis allows realists to avoid positing abstract entities and to fend off objections to the “no miracles” argument from positions such as cognitive instrumentalism. Third, I argue that the semantic thesis of scientific realism should be relaxed because it is possible for scientific statements to be partially true, and hence approximately true, without being false.
Mozart's Operatic Embellishments
Authors: Bandy Dorian 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAlongside the model embellishments Mozart composed for various keyboard works, he also wrote embellishments for contemporary arias including ‘Ah, se a morir mi chiama’ from Lucio Silla, the concert aria ‘Non sò d'onde viene’ K.294 and ‘Cara, la dolce fiamma’ from J.C. Bach's Adriano in Siria. Although these have been overlooked in the critical literature, they shed light on many aspects of Mozart's art of melodic decoration. In this article, I begin by examining these notated operatic embellishments: their textual histories, the styles of elaboration they evince, the pacing with which they unfold, and their motivic construction, as well as their relation to broader trends in Mozart's style. I then explore the embellishments Mozart composed into the texts of his other operas, arguing that these served not only a musical but also an aesthetic purpose, furthering elements of characterisation and drama, particularly in Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte. I end with brief remarks on the challenges facing modern-day interpreters who wish to embellish Mozart's operas.
Live wild bird exports from West Africa: insights into recent trade from monitoring social media
Authors: DAVIES ALISA , NUNO ANA , HINSLEY AMY , MARTIN ROWAN O. 
Published: June 2022

SummaryThe expansion of wildlife trade on social media presents many challenges but also opportunities to gain insights into areas of trade where there is little recent data. West Africa has historically been a major source of wild birds in international trade but in 2007, the requirement for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Parties to monitor a host of West-African species ended and there is little data regarding current trade. To address this gap, we surveyed trade-related posts created by known traders from 2016 to 2020 on a popular social-media platform to identify species composition, trade routes and potential conservation and biosecurity risks. We identified 427 social-media posts featuring a broad taxonomic diversity of birds, including 83 species from 26 avian families, including nine CITES-listed species, four listed in IUCN Threatened categories and 19 associated with alien introductions linked to bird trade. Disease risks were identified, with multiple species housed together in densely-stocked facilities and nine species recorded as posing a potential disease risk. Using novel analyses of post-engagement, we observed social-media posts facilitating connections with users across the globe. Trade-related engagement particularly came from countries in the Middle East and South Asia, notably India which has strong domestic restrictions on the importation of wild birds. Further research is needed to monitor the impact of trade from this region, as data regarding the population status and volume of trade in many observed species is largely absent.
ON BOUNDEDNESS OF DIVISORS COMPUTING MINIMAL LOG DISCREPANCIES FOR SURFACES
Authors: Han Jingjun , Luo Yujie 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLet
$\Gamma $
be a finite set, and
$X\ni x$
a fixed kawamata log terminal germ. For any lc germ
$(X\ni x,B:=\sum _{i} b_iB_i)$
, such that
$b_i\in \Gamma $
, Nakamura’s conjecture, which is equivalent to the ascending chain condition conjecture for minimal log discrepancies for fixed germs, predicts that there always exists a prime divisor E over
$X\ni x$
, such that
$a(E,X,B)=\mathrm {mld}(X\ni x,B)$
, and
$a(E,X,0)$
is bounded from above. We extend Nakamura’s conjecture to the setting that
$X\ni x$
is not necessarily fixed and
$\Gamma $
satisfies the descending chain condition, and show it holds for surfaces. We also find some sufficient conditions for the boundedness of
$a(E,X,0)$
for any such E.
Einsatz von Simulationspersonen in der Lehre und Prüfung psychotherapeutischer Kompetenzen
Authors: Lukasczik Matthias , Eckel Julia , Wagner Anna , Sendig Lucie , Wolf Hans-Dieter , Vogel Heiner 
Published: June 2022

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: In der Klinischen Psychologie und Psychotherapie werden bislang kaum Simulationspersonen (SPs) in Lehre und kompetenzorientierten Prüfungen eingesetzt. Deren geplante Nutzung etwa im Rahmen von Approbationsprüfungen nach dem neuen Psychotherapeutengesetz ist sinnvoll, jedoch mit inhaltlichen und methodischen Herausforderungen verknüpft. Fragestellung: Machbarkeit des Einsatzes von SPs in Prüfungsszenarien und Ableitung von relevanten therapeutischen Fertigkeiten, die in solchen Szenarien geprüft werden können. Methode: Quantitative Evaluation der Umsetzbarkeit einer SP-basierten Prüfung psychotherapeutischer Kompetenzen (Studie 1) und qualitative Erarbeitung therapeutischer Beziehungsfertigkeiten als Basis für Szenarien in kompetenzorientierten Prüfungen mit SPs (Studie 2). Ergebnisse: Die Evaluation der SP-basierten Prüfungen zeigte eine positive Bewertung hinsichtlich ihrer Machbarkeit durch Ausbildungsteilnehmende ( N = 48) und Prüfende ( N = 2), aber auch eine begrenzte Interrater-Reliabilität. In der zweiten Studie wurden aus Interviews mit Expertinnen und Experten ( N = 12 Psychotherapeutinnen und -therapeuten) Kompetenzen für Beziehungsaufbau und Aufrechterhaltung als Grundlage für SP-basierte Prüfungsszenarien aus den Bereichen Fertigkeiten, Haltung und Wissen abgeleitet. Schlussfolgerungen: SP-basierte Lehr- und Prüfungsformate in Psychotherapie und Klinischer Psychologie sind mit inhaltlichen und methodischen Anforderungen (u. a. Falldarstellung, Interrater-Reliabilität) verbunden, die bei der Implementierung berücksichtigt werden müssen.
A Four‐Dimensional Ensemble‐Variational (4DEnVar) Data Assimilation System Based on GRAPES‐GFS: System Description and Primary Tests
Authors: Zhu Shujun , Wang Bin , Zhang Lin , Liu Juanjuan , Liu Yongzhu , Gong Jiandong , Xu Shiming , Wang Yong , Huang Wenyu , Liu Li , He Yujun , Wu Xiangjun 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA four‐dimensional ensemble‐variational (4DEnVar) data assimilation (DA) system was developed based on the global forecast system of the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES‐GFS). Instead of using the adjoint technique, this system utilizes a dimension‐reduced projection (DRP) technique to minimize the cost function of the standard four‐dimensional variational (4DVar) DA. It dynamically predicts ensemble background error covariance (BEC) and realizes the explicit flow‐dependence of BEC in the variational configuration. An inflation technique based on a linear combination of analysis increments and balanced random perturbations, is utilized to overcome the problem of underestimation of BEC matrix (B‐matrix) during the assimilation cycle. To mitigate the spurious correlations in the ensemble B‐matrix caused by the insufficient ensemble members, an ensemble‐sample‐based subspace localization method is utilized. In order to evaluate the new system, single‐point observation experiments (SOEs) and observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) were conducted with sounding and cloud‐derived wind data based on GRAPES‐GFS. The explicit flow‐dependent characteristic of the 4DEnVar system using a localized ensemble covariance was verified in the SOEs. In the OSSEs, the ensemble mean analysis of 4DEnVar outperforms the analysis of 4DVar. The deterministic forecast initialized from the 4DEnVar ensemble mean analysis has better performance in the short‐range forecasts, better (worse) performance in the early (late) period of the medium‐range forecasts in the Northern Extratropics, and opposite performance in the Southern Extratropics, and exhibits slightly worse effects in the Tropics. Moreover, the ensemble mean forecast initialized by the 4DEnVar system has higher forecast skills.
Experimental Analysis of Mass Exchange Across a Heterogeneity Interface: Role of Counter‐Current Transport and Non‐Linear Diffusion
Authors: Walczak Monika S. , Erfani Hamidreza , Karadimitriou Nikolaos K. , Zarikos Ioannis , Hassanizadeh S. Majid , Niasar Vahid 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSolute transport in heterogeneous and fractured systems is a complex process given the permeability contrasts and the time scales discrepancies of transport in high‐permeability versus low‐permeability regions. We studied this phenomenon by injecting a solute (dyed water) in a micromodel comprising a single channel in contact with a porous medium and evaluated the mass exchange across the interface between the channel and porous medium (resembling the interface between free flow and porous media regions). Two sets of transport experiments were performed at three injection rates of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 ml/hr. Injection of dyed water into a clean‐water‐filled micromodel (referred to as the loading process hereafter) and injection of clean water into a dyed‐water‐filled micromodel (referred to as the unloading process hereafter). The dynamics of solute transport was recorded using time‐lapse optical imaging. Our experimental results demonstrated the change of the mass exchange rate coefficient with time and a much smaller transfer rate coefficient during the unloading compared to the loading process. It is proposed that concentration‐dependent counter‐current advection‐diffusion cause slow‐down and further delay in the transport. These results may provide further explanation for the observed slow release of contamination in aquifers.
Analysis of Surface Water Trends for the Conterminous United States Using MODIS Satellite Data, 2003–2019
Authors: Petrakis Roy E. , Soulard Christopher E. , Waller Eric K. , Walker Jessica J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSatellite imagery is commonly used to map surface water extents over time, but many approaches yield discontinuous records resulting from cloud obstruction or image archive gaps. We applied the Dynamic Surface Water Extent (DSWE) model to downscaled (250‐m) daily Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data in Google Earth Engine to generate monthly surface water maps for the conterminous United States (US) from 2003 through 2019. The aggregation of daily observations to monthly maps of maximum water extent produced records with diminished cloud and cloud shadow effects across most of the country. We used the continuous monthly record to analyze spatiotemporal surface water trends stratified within Environmental Protection Agency Ecoregions. Although not all ecoregion trends were significant (p < 0.05), results indicate that much of the western and eastern US underwent a decline in surface water over the 17‐year period, while many ecoregions in the Great Plains had positive trends. Trends were also generated from monthly streamgage discharge records and compared to surface water trends from the same ecoregion. These approaches agreed on the directionality of trend detected for 54 of 85 ecoregions, particularly across the Great Plains and portions of the western US, whereas trends were not congruent in select western deserts, the Great Lakes region, and the southeastern US. By describing the geographic distribution of surface water over time and comparing these records to instrumented discharge data across the conterminous US, our findings demonstrate the efficacy of using satellite imagery to monitor surface water dynamics and supplement traditional instrumented monitoring.
Estimation of the Thermally Reactive Layer in Lakes Based on Surface Water Temperature
Authors: Toffolon Marco , Yousefi Azadeh , Piccolroaz Sebastiano 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHow fast does lake surface water temperature (LSWT) react to climate warming or cooling? The thermal response of lakes varies with the season and, typically, day‐to‐day fluctuations are larger in summer. The reason is that lakes are stratified systems where the thermally reactive volume is smaller in summer and, hence, its heat capacity (thermal inertia) is reduced. We define the dimensionless parameter δ as the ratio between the surface volume reacting to the net heat flux through the air‐water interface and the volume of the whole lake. By referring to a fully controlled case study obtained by means of a one‐dimensional physically based model (Simstrat), we investigate the variability of δ throughout the year and its dependence on LSWT. Then, we compare the results with the parameterization adopted in the hybrid data‐driven model air2water. Our analysis confirms that δ follows an exponential decay with increasing LSWT (i.e., a thinner surface layer in summer), and shows that this functional dependence varies between the warming and the cooling periods. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of a warming climate on water bodies and ecosystems by providing a simple tool to estimate the rate of change in lakes' water temperature.