bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkaline persulfate oxidation as an intermediate step for the development of a wet chemical oxidation interface for compound-specific δ15N analysis by LC-IRMS
Authors: Köster Daniel , Hesse Tobias , Niemann Felix , Jochmann Maik A. , Schmidt Torsten C.
Published: February 2025

For the measurement of compound-specific isotope ratios by liquid chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC-IRMS), complete mineralization of organic compounds to a single species of measurement gas is required so that isotopic fractionation can be minimized and corrected by identical treatment with standards. The established use of peroxydisulfate in an acidic environment has its limitations, especially when it comes to the complete oxidation of nitrogen-containing compounds with aromatic ring systems. Under acidic oxidation conditions, ammonium and nitrate were identified as the main nitrogen containing mineralization products of the oxidation of different model compounds. In contrast to the oxidation in an acidic environment, alkaline peroxydisulfate oxidation leads to nitrate as a final mineralization product. The concept of alkaline oxidation was transferred from large-scale batch experiments to a commercially available oxidation reactor used in LC-IRMS systems. The obtained nitrate recoveries indicate that alkaline oxidation could be a promising step towards the measurement of compound-specific nitrogen isotope ratios by LC-IMRS. In our work, we show that alkaline peroxydisulfate oxidation allows faster and more complete mineralization of nitrogen-containing compounds. For several model compounds, 63 to 100% of the initially present nitrogen was converted to nitrate within a reaction time of 43 s.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of alcohol intoxication on primary and secondary haemostasis – results from comprehensive coagulation testing
Authors: Schmölders Ronja Sabine , Hoffmann Till , Hermsen Derik , Bernhard Michael , Boege Fritz , Lau Michael , Hartung Benno
Published: February 2025

Background

Alcohol intoxication is known to affect blood coagulation. The specific effects remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the impact of severe alcohol intoxication on blood clotting by comprehensive coagulation testing.

Methods

A prospective study included 21 patients admitted to the emergency department of University Hospital Düsseldorf with severe alcohol intoxication (target blood alcohol concentration > 2 g/l). Platelet function and coagulation was compared between states of alcohol intoxication and soberness using multiple platelet function analysis, thrombelastography and determination of single coagulation factors. The same test panel was used to study in vitro-effects of ethanol on coagulation.

Results

Blood alcohol was correlated with impaired platelet aggregation determined in vivo by functional testing employing ADP and ASPI stimulation. Blood alcohol-associated coagulation impairment was not detectable by thrombelastography or clotting factor measurements. Blood alcohol was negatively correlated with von Willebrand factor ratio and clot strength. The association of elevated blood alcohol with impaired coagulation could not be replicated in vitro.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that alcohol impairs primary hemostasis by reducing platelet function, while secondary hemostasis remains largely unaffected. Reversion of effects upon sobering suggest a rather direct impact of alcohol on platelet function. That effect was, however, not replicated in vitro possibly implicating involvement of vascular factors.

Conclusion

Blood alcohol has a potentially negative impact on platelet function, which should be considered in the clinical management of intoxicated patients, especially in emergency settings. Potential bleeding risks due to increased blood alcohol are possibly detected by analysis of platelet function, while not by thrombelastography or plasmatic coagulation tests.
Smartphone-based gait analysis in the assessment of fatigue and fatigability in people with multiple sclerosis: a supervised cohort study
Authors: Schönherr Carolin , Ziegler Julian , Zentek Ton , Rashid Asarnush , Strauss Sebastian , Tallner Alexander , Grothe Matthias
Published: February 2025

Background

Gait impairments and fatigue are the most common and disabling symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Objective 6-min walk test (6MWT) gait testing can be improved through body-worn accelerometers, but its association to subjective fatigue and objective fatigability is contradictory. This study aims to validate an algorithm using smartphone sensor data for spatial–temporal gait parameters in PwMS and healthy controls, and evaluate its accuracy in detecting fatigability, and quantify its association with fatigue in PwMS.

Methods

We recruited PwMS with mild to moderate disability (EDSS 0.0–6.5) and healthy controls in a supervised, lab-based cohort study. All participants performed the 6MWT while wearing a smartphone at the hip, which collected acceleration data of step count, cadence and walking speed. Algorithm validation included the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and Bland–Altman analysis. Fatigability and fatigue were measured in PwMS, with fatigability defined as a 10% decline in gait performance, and fatigue using the fatigue scale for motor and cognitive functions (FSMC). Further, correlations between gait parameters and FSMC were assessed.

Results

A total of 38 PwMS and 24 healthy controls were included. The algorithm demonstrated high validity for step count (MAPE < 3%) and cadence (MAPE < 10%). Gait analyses revealed fatigability in between 2.6 and 15.8% of PwMS, with large differences between the gait parameter assessed. Significant correlations were found especially between FSMC motor fatigue scores and step count (r = − 0.50), cadence (r = 0.51) and walking speed (r = 0.50).

Conclusion

Smartphone-based gait analysis provides an accessible and valid method for detecting steps and cadence. There are major differences in the assessment of fatigability, but an allover association to subjective motor fatigue.
Invasive therapies for Parkinson’s disease: an adapted excerpt from the guidelines of the German Society of Neurology
Authors: Reese René , Koeglsperger Thomas , Schrader Christoph , Tönges Lars , Deuschl Günther , Kühn Andrea A. , Krack Paul , Schnitzler Alfons , Storch Alexander , Trenkwalder Claudia , Höglinger Günter U. ,   for the German Parkinson‘s Guideline Group
Published: February 2025

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by hypokinetic motor symptoms, tremor, and various non-motor symptoms with frequent fluctuations of symptoms in advanced disease stages. Invasive therapies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), ablative therapies, and continuous subcutaneous or intrajejunal delivery of dopaminergic drugs via pump therapies are available for the management of this complex motor symptomatology and may also impact non-motor symptoms. The recent update of the clinical guideline on PD by the German Neurological Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie e.V.; DGN) offers clear guidance on the indications and applications of these treatment options.

Methods

The guideline committee formulated diagnostic questions for invasive therapies and structured them according to the PICOS framework (Population–Intervention–Comparisons–Outcome–Studies). A systematic literature review was conducted. Questions were addressed using the findings from the literature review and consented by the guideline committee.

Results

Specific recommendations are given regarding (i) the optimal timing for starting invasive therapies, (ii) the application of DBS, (iii) the use of pump therapies in advanced PD, (iv) the indications for ablative procedures, and (iv) selecting the most appropriate therapy according to individual patient characteristics.

Conclusion

This review is an adapted excerpt of the chapters on the use of invasive therapies in PD of the novel German guideline on PD. Clear recommendations on the use of treatment options for advanced PD are provided.
GAD antibodies in neurological disease: a critical evaluation of the utility and treatment implications of GAD antibodies in clinical practice
Authors: Brown Rachel L. , Thomas-Black Gilbert , Garcia-Moreno Hector , Chou Michael , Fleszar Zofia , Zandi Michael S. , Chapman Miles , Church Andrew J. , Hart Melanie , Giunti Paola , Vincent Angela , Lunn Michael P.
Published: February 2025

Background

The interpretation of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD-Abs) in neurological practice is challenging. GAD-Abs are not considered directly pathogenic and immunotherapy guidelines are lacking.

Methods

We undertook a single-center retrospective service evaluation of GAD-Abs, documenting clinical features, immunotherapy responses, and outcomes of 335 patients with positive GAD-Abs measured by indirect ELISA between 2012 and 2020. The serum:CSF ratio of GAD-Ab values was used as a surrogate for intrathecal synthesis.

Results

168 (50%) patients had diagnosed neurological disorders (GAD-ND). Ninety-six had neurological disorders often or sometimes associated with GAD-Abs, i.e., stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders (SPS-SD, n = 26), cerebellar ataxia (n = 21), epilepsy (n = 19), encephalitis (n = 18), or any combination of these (“mixed”, n = 12). Seventy-two had other neurological disorders (ONDs) not typically associated with GAD-Abs.

We defined a cut-off of 10,000 IU/mL a priori and a posteriori for GAD-Ab associated NDs, but identified values > 10,000 IU/mL in 21% and 11% of patients with ONDs or diabetes respectively, and < 10,000 IU/mL in 39% patients with classical GAD-Ab syndromes, indicating low assay specificity and sensitivity.

Low serum: CSF GAD-Ab ratios were consistent with intrathecal synthesis in 12/19 tested; 25/54 patients had oligoclonal bands. 30/50 patients given adequate immunotherapies had partial (n = 17) or good (n = 13) responses, particularly those with SPS-SD or limbic encephalitis. Within the limitations of small subgroups and routine laboratory titrations, patients with GAD-Ab values > 10,000 IU/mL, intrathecal synthesis of GAD-Abs, or oligoclonal bands, were not more likely to improve with immunotherapies than those with GAD-Ab values < 10,000 IU/mL and a non-inflammatory CSF. Rather, treatment response correlated with disease group, principally SPS-SD and encephalitis.

Conclusions

These results suggest caution in over-interpreting GAD-Abs values. Better biomarkers for identifying patients with immunotherapy responsive GAD-Ab disease are needed.
Effectiveness of CT perfusion in posterior circulation stroke: evaluation of perfusion abnormalities and associated clinical signs
Authors: Furlanis Giovanni , Ricci Edoardo , Ajčević Miloš , Spigariol Filippo , Vincis Emanuele , Prandin Gabriele , Mancinelli Laura , Palacino Federica , Quagliotto Magda , Caruso Paola , Ukmar Maja , Naccarato Marcello , Manganotti Paolo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Acute posterior circulation stroke (PCS) is characterized by often non-specific clinical signs, with neuroimaging playing a pivotal role in assessment in the emergency setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of CT Perfusion (CTP) maps in detecting acute PCS and to identify clinical factors associated with perfusion abnormalities.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical and radiological data of consecutive patients with acute PCS admitted to our Stroke Unit that underwent CTP. Follow-up NECT or MRI was performed to confirm the diagnosis of PCS. The effectiveness of CTP to identify PCS was evaluated as the ratio of the CTP in which perfusion abnormalities, compatible with an ischemic event, were present in at least one CTP map among MTT, CBF, TTP, and CBV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify clinical factors associated with perfusion abnormalities.

Results

CTP showed alterations in 69 of 107 PCS (64.5%) included in final analysis and MTT proved to be the most sensitive. Multivariate analysis showed that atrial fibrillation (OR = 8.571, CI 95% 2.224–33.037, p = 0.002), dyslipidemia (OR = 0.285, CI 95% 0.100–0.814, p = 0.019), visual field deficits (OR = 3.372, CI 95% 1.020–11.150, p = 0.046), and higher neurological deficit (NIHSS > 5) (OR = 4.054, CI 95% 1.147–14.331, p = 0.030) were significantly associated with perfusion abnormalities on CTP.

Conclusion

CT perfusion can be a valuable resource for detecting acute PCS showing a moderately high positivity rate, higher than that of NECT alone or CTA. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of perfusion imaging in acute posterior circulation stroke.
Genetic therapies for movement disorders - current status
Authors: Sartorelli J. , Ng J. , Rahim A. A. , Waddington S. N. , Kurian M. A.
Published: February 2025

Movement disorders are a group of heterogeneous neurological conditions associated with alterations of tone, posture and voluntary movement. They may either occur in isolation or as part of a multisystemic condition. More recently, the advent of next generation sequencing technologies has facilitated better understanding of the underlying causative genes and molecular pathways, thereby identifying targets for genetic therapy. In this review, we summarize the advances in genetic therapy approaches for both hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movement disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease and rarer monogenic conditions of childhood onset. While there have been significant advances in the field, multiple challenges remain, related to safety, toxicity, efficacy and brain biodistribution, which will need to be addressed by the next generation of genetic therapies.
Lenvatinib enhances antitumor immunity of anti-PD-1 antibody
Authors: Kato Yu
Published: February 2025

Lenvatinib is an orally available multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that mainly targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. These inhibitory activities of lenvatinib exhibit antitumor efficacy, mainly due to their repressive effects on angiogenesis. In addition, a recent non-clinical evaluation using mouse tumor models revealed that lenvatinib causes immunomodulatory effects, including activation of effector T-cells and regulation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Combined treatment with lenvatinib and anti-programmed cell death-1 antibody (anti-PD-1) resulted in enhanced antitumor activity relative to monotreatment with anti-PD-1 or lenvatinib. This review summarizes the antitumor mechanisms of lenvatinib and of lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 combination therapy.
Anatomical zone and tissue type impacts the repeatability of quantitative MRI parameters and radiomic features for longitudinal monitoring of treatment response in the prostate
Authors: Wang Yu-Feng , Tadimalla Sirisha , Holloway Lois , Thiruthaneeswaran Niluja , Haworth Annette
Published: February 2025

Objective

To (1) establish the repeatability coefficient (%RC) of region of interest (ROI) and voxel-wise measurements of a comprehensive range of quantitative MRI (qMRI) parameters and radiomic features in the prostate, and (2) assess the impact of different tissue types (benign vs tumor) and anatomical zones (peripheral, PZ, and non-peripheral, nPZ) on the %RCs.

Methods

Test–retest qMRI was acquired in ten prostate cancer patients and six healthy volunteers. Parametric maps of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion fraction (f), hypoxia score (HS), longitudinal relaxation time (T1), and observed transverse relaxation rate (R2*) were calculated. Fifty-nine radiomic feature maps were calculated from each of the parametric maps and T2-weighted images. The %RCs between tissue type and anatomical zones were compared using the Student’s t test at 95% significance level.

Results

The %RC of ADC, D and HS, and up to 118 (out of all 413) radiomic features was significantly different between either anatomical zones, or between tumor and benign tissue, or both.

Conclusions

DWI-derived parameters and a portion of their radiomic features require %RCs to be established specifically for anatomical zones, tumor and benign tissues. The remaining qMRI parameters and features can have a single threshold for the whole prostate.
“Getting myself motivated is the challenge”: A qualitative interview study exploring barriers to cancer screening among lonely and isolated people in Denmark
Authors: Tatari Camilla Rahr , Andersen Berit , Kirkegaard Pia
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study aimed to identify barriers to cancer screening among lonely and isolated people in Denmark and to explore strategies to improve their participation.

Subject and methods

The impact of loneliness and social isolation on higher mortality rates and lower cancer screening participation remains relatively unexplored. With rising loneliness worldwide, including in Denmark, understanding its influence on cancer screening is crucial. This exploratory qualitative study included individual and group interviews with 32 people experiencing loneliness or social isolation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

Most participants had undergone cancer screening at least once, but regular participation and awareness were lacking. Participants desired more personalised communication, such as outreach and reminders from general practitioners, to enhance motivation. Pre-booked appointments were favoured. Close relationships played a crucial role in motivating screening participation, with those living alone needing extra support. While self-sampling for cervical and colorectal cancer was seen as convenient, participants preferred human interaction and guidance.

Conclusion

This study reveals a paradox: high interest in cancer screening does not lead to regular participation. Enhancing social networks and providing clear, accessible information can increase participation and better integrate lonely or isolated populations into preventive healthcare.
Dynamic feature of infrapatellar fat pad during walking in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Sugimoto Miharu , Ishii Yosuke , Nakashima Yuko , Kamei Goki , Nekomoto Akinori , Hashizume Takato , Okinaka Riko , Matsumura Kohei , Takahashi Makoto , Adachi Nobuo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) absorbs mechanical stress in the knee joint owing to flexible morphological changes. The IFP is a key factor in knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, its dynamic feature during walking remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether the morphological changes in the IFP during walking involve specific features for patients with knee OA.

Methods

Twelve patients with knee OA, 12 healthy young volunteers, and 12 healthy elderly volunteers were recruited. The IFP was evaluated using ultrasonography, and dynamics were recorded in video mode during walking. The IFP value was identified as the thickness between the patellar tendon and proximal tibial line. The morphological change in the IFP (ΔIFP) was shown as the difference in IFP value between maximum and at initial contact on the waveform. Kinematics and kinetics data were evaluated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system synchronized with ultrasonography, and the knee flexion angle and its moment in the stance phase were evaluated.

Results

In the patients with knee OA, the ΔIFP was lower than that in healthy volunteers, but there was no difference between control groups (knee OA: 1.4 ± 0.3 mm, elderly control: 1.8 ± 0.2 mm, young control: 2.1 ± 0.5 mm, p < 0.05). In all the groups, there was no significant correlation between the IFP values and kinetic parameters, including the range of knee flexion angles and gait speed.

Conclusion

Insufficient morphological changes in the IFP during walking could be a feature of knee OA.
Comparison of Instrumented Mouthguard Post-Processing Methods
Authors: Gellner Ryan , Begonia Mark T. , Wood Matthew , Rockwell Lewis , Geiman Taylor , Jung Caitlyn , Gellner Blake , MacMartin Allison , Manlapit Sophia , Rowson Steve
Published: February 2025

Instrumented head acceleration measurement devices are commonly used in research studies to determine head acceleration exposure in certain populations. Instrumented mouthguards pair directly to the user’s teeth and offer six-degree-of-freedom measurements. Though many studies have recently used these devices, post-processing techniques vary by study. Other studies have attempted to label impact quality or coupling status, also with varying methods. This study sought to compare the effect of post-processing and labeling methods on reported exposure distribution characteristics in instrumented mouthguard data from ice hockey players. We collected data from 18 female adolescent ice hockey players on two teams for an entire season. We then post-processed the measured signals using five different techniques: (1) the instrumented mouthguard manufacturer’s data output, (2) a 500 Hz linear acceleration filter and a 300 Hz angular velocity filter, (3) HEADSport, (4) a 100 Hz linear acceleration filter and a 175 Hz angular velocity filter, and (5) a salvaging process to detect and remove decoupling based on signal frequency content. The post-processing techniques affected the reported exposure distributions by changing the mean, median, and 95th percentile values of peak linear and angular kinematics. We also compared labeling techniques by measuring agreement and inter-rater reliability between three labeling techniques: the instrumented mouthguard manufacturer’s label, Luke et al.’s coupling label, and our classification learner that detects and labels decoupling. We found that the labeling techniques had low agreement about which acceleration events were the best to keep. Labeling technique also influenced the reported distributions’ descriptive statistics. Post-processing and event labeling are crucial components of head acceleration event exposure studies. Methods should be described by researchers, and standardization should be sought to allow for better cross-study comparison. Published and publicly available techniques can help move the field toward this ideal. Researchers should be aware of the potential effect post-processing can have on a population’s final reported exposure metrics.
Controls on the respiratory quotient of organic matter decomposition across ecosystems
Authors: Vaziourakis Konstantinos-Marios , Heffernan Liam , Jakobsson Elizabeth , Grasset Charlotte , Kothawala Dolly , Tranvik Lars
Published: February 2025

There is substantial variation in estimates of the respiratory quotient (RQ), i.e., molar ratio of produced CO2 and consumed O2 during microbial mineralization of organic matter (OM). While several studies have examined RQ's controlling factors in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, there are no broader cross-ecosystem comparisons, and there is a lack of general understanding of the extrinsic (environmental) and intrinsic (organic matter composition) controls on RQ. In this study, we examine RQ across a broad range of environments, including soils, aquatic sediments, lake and coastal water. We measured CO2 production and O2 consumption using membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS). We also assessed the microbial metabolic profiles using BIOLOG EcoPlates and determined the energy content of the natural OM with bomb calorimetry and its elemental composition. We show that RQ differs significantly between the ecosystem types and strongly deviates from the frequently assumed value of 1. In addition, microbial mineralization across the different studied ecosystems is correlated with the bulk energy content of the OM (kJ g−1 organic carbon). Finally, RQ was correlated to the metabolic profiles of microorganisms, as estimated based on BIOLOG EcoPlates. We argue that an increased use of cross-ecosystem experimental studies will enhance the understanding of the factors controlling carbon cycling.
Recognition and refusal in Italy’s migrant labour struggles: building a better life from the picket line
Authors: Blais-McPherson Morganne
Published: February 2025

This article examines citizenship practices among migrant workers and their supporters in Prato, Italy, through the lens of the presidio—a physical site constructed and maintained by migrant workers and native activists to sustain daily life at a permanent picket line. Based on sixteen months of ethnographic fieldwork (2021–2023), I analyze how the presidio demanded recognition of strikers’ right to a forty-hour workweek while rejecting the terms of the Italian state. More than a site of resistance, the presidio became a space to experiment with building a cross-national political community outside the dominant frameworks of migrant labour governance. Picketers understood that leaving the presidio due to perceived irreconcilable differences, such as conflicting gender norms, could jeopardize their collective pursuit of a better life. The presidio thus exemplifies what Craig A. Clancy calls a ‘temporal autonomous space’, a space where people could experience temporalities beyond those imposed by capitalism and confront their finitude. By refusing racialized work schedules and inadequate state institutions, the presidio offered a material space from which to reimagine the futures of both migrants and natives, encapsulated by picketers’ slogan per una vita più bella (‘for a better life’). In sum, this paper demonstrates how the presidio could achieve material gains for migrant workers, cultivate alternative ways of thinking about otherness, and enable participants to confront existential questions. In doing so, the presidio challenged the assumption that resistance and prefiguration are mutually exclusive, showing instead how they can coexist and reinforce one another.
How does Parental Media Mediation Regulate the Association between Digital Parental Awareness and the Parent-Child Relationship?
Authors: Bayar Muammer Enes , Kulaksiz Taibe , Toran Mehmet
Published: February 2025

The parent-child relationship is evolving due to the influence of technology in the digital age. Traditional family dynamics are changing, prompting parents to rethink their approach to children’s development and learn how to interact effectively in digital environments. In light of these considerations, this study aims to examine the role of parental media mediation in the relationship between digital parental awareness and the parent-child relationship. The research was conducted as a cross-sectional survey study based on a quantitative research method. The sample consisted of 291 parents with preschool-age children. Data collection tools included the Demographic Information Form, Digital Parental Awareness Scale, Parental Media Mediation Scale, and Child-Parent Relationship Scale. GLM Mediation Model was performed for data analysis. The analysis revealed that parental mediation behaviors partially mediate the parent-child relationship across all dimensions of digital parental awareness, including being a negative role model, digital negligence, efficient usage, and protection from risks.
Eight Months into Reality: A Scoping Review of the Application of ChatGPT in Higher Education Teaching and Learning
Authors: Liu Qian , Hu Anjin , Gladman Tehmina , Gallagher Steve
Published: February 2025

ChatGPT has sparked heated discussion in higher education since its public release and increasing empirical studies have been made available examining its application to higher education teaching and learning. To capture and synthesize the initial scholarly developments in this topic, we undertook a scoping review of empirical research into the use of ChatGPT for higher education teaching and learning, published in the first eight months since its release. We identified 39 articles through a systematic literature search in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Our analysis identified five thematic areas that extant research has contributed to, including (1) ChatGPT's performance in assessment; (2) ChatGPT's capacity in facilitating learning; (3) staff and students' perceptions of ChatGPT; (4) the adoption of ChatGPT, and; (5) ChatGPT-related policy implications. Drawing on the findings, we discuss current understanding and directions for future research in each of the thematic area. We then discuss issues emerged from the reviewed literature, including implications for improving research design, researching academic integrity, and explaining ChatGPT's pedagogical value in light of learning theories and other digital technologies.
Civil War Induced Social Rupture and Transformative Changes: Women’s Political Participation and Land Ownership in Post-War Nepal
Authors: Joshi Madhav
Published: February 2025

Does civil war improve women’s access to economic resources in the post-war years? By defining access to economic resources in terms of land ownership, which is influenced by cultural norms and gender practices, this research develops the argument that civil war can improve women’s access to economic resources in the post-war years if war-induced social rupture breaks down traditional gender norms and cultural practices that discriminate against women. This rupture leads to an increase in women’s social visibility and political participation, further eroding traditional norms and institutions that discriminate against women, leading to an increase in women’s access to economic resources. Analyses of sub-national level data on civil war violence, women’s political participation, and land ownership in post-war Nepal show a positive relationship between civil war violence and women’s political participation. Additionally, women’s political participation was positively related to women’s land ownership.
Dominant contribution of Arctic sea ice cover to the bimodally interannual variation of the polar night jet in late November
Authors: Ando Yuta , Mochizuki Takashi
Published: February 2025

The polar night jet (PNJ), characterized by strong zonal-mean zonal winds at 60–80° N and 50 hPa, shows interannual variability that is distinctively observed in late November. The autumnal acceleration tendency of the PNJ exhibits the alternative of monotonous acceleration and temporary deacceleration marked by a “short break” and consequently represents bimodal fluctuations. Statistical analyses using reanalysis and objective analysis datasets in this study reveal that the reduction of Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) predominantly contributes to the PNJ short break, rather than other potential factors such as the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability. The PNJ short break is usually accompanied by the upward propagation of Rossby waves from the troposphere to the stratosphere over Siberia. When the Arctic SIC is lower than climatology, particularly in the Barents–Kara Sea, the increased heat flux at the sea surface causes deceleration events inherent to late November. In contrast, the intensity of the submonthly-scale PNJ deceleration and acceleration is affected little by the phase of the QBO, while the phase of the QBO is thought to contribute to the seasonal means of the PNJ. While ENSO variability can also give favorable conditions for the deceleration of the zonal-mean westerly winds, the upward wave propagation is observed mainly over the North Atlantic and Europe rather than over Siberia.
Clinical Education: Consultation-Liaison Psychology Services
Authors: Yost Joanna S. , Cavanagh Casey E.
Published: February 2025

Consultation-liaison (CL) psychology is a subspecialty of clinical health psychology primarily focused on providing both consultation and liaison services in the medical inpatient setting to benefit patients, families, and/or healthcare providers. The goals of this paper are threefold. The first is to educate clinicians about the scope and functions of traditional CL psychology services. The second is to identify contemporary areas of growth and development in CL psychology services. The third is to discuss practical recommendations and lessons we have learned throughout the process of establishing and sustaining CL psychology services at our organization. Additionally, we discuss the future of CL psychology particularly with regard to the dearth of CL psychology research.
20 Years of Character Strengths: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Feraco Tommaso , Casali Nicole
Published: February 2025

Character strengths were introduced into the positive psychology literature twenty years ago. The present bibliometric analysis quantitatively summarizes the research conducted in the field so far in terms of impact and themes analyzed. We conduct performance analysis to examine the total number of publications on character strengths, their bibliometric indices, the main journals contributing to the field, and the countries involved in such knowledge accumulation and how this has changed over time. We furthermore conduct science mapping analysis using the keywords of the papers. Specifically, we describe the time-varying occurrence of specific keywords and use network and thematic mapping analyses to determine the dynamic intercorrelations among the emerging research topics. Our results show the significant and growing contribution of character strengths to the positive psychology literature and beyond, but also the need for cross-fertilization with neighboring fields. We also highlight an increasing contribution from non-WEIRD countries in recent years, which calls for in-depth cross-cultural research. Topics such as measurement and well-being appear to be well-established and integrated, while there’s an emerging interest in mental health research. Overall, the present analysis illuminates on the past, present, and upcoming trends in the field.
How Social Desirability Influences the Relationship between Measures of Personality and Key Constructs in Positive Psychology
Authors: Persson Hampus , Björklund Fredrik , Bäckström Martin
Published: February 2025

Does socially desirable responding produce exaggerated correlations between self-ratings of personality and positive psychology constructs? We operationalized social desirability as the tendency to react to evaluative content in questionnaire items and related one standard measure and one evaluatively neutralized measure of the Big Five to measures of five key positive psychology constructs (optimism, purpose in life, satisfaction with life, well-being and sense of coherence). Structural equation modelling (N = 439) revealed substantially different relationships between the Big Five and positive psychology constructs when the evaluative factor was accounted for. The results indicated that although the Big Five still predict the positive psychology constructs when the evaluative factor is accounted for, their influence is strongly reduced and the evaluative factor itself a major predictor. Arguably, this suggests that when the evaluative factor is not accounted for, the use of self-ratings invites social desirability to inflate the estimated relationships between personality traits and evaluatively loaded constructs in positive psychology. Alternative interpretations of the evaluative factor are discussed, as well as the importance of probing different solutions to measurement issues surrounding evaluative psychological constructs.
MODELING THE RAILWAY TRACK BALLAST BEHAVIOR WITH HYPOPLASTICITY
Authors: Bauer Erich , Kovtunenko Victor A. , Krejčí Pavel , Monteiro Giselle A. , Paoli Laetitia , Petrov Adrien
Published: February 2025

The contact problem describing a railway vehicle — road — track ballast system is under our investigation. During the motion, the rolling stock (snowpiercer) is represented by a moving localized load, the road by a Timoshenko beam, and the track bed material is rigorously modeled using 3-by-3 matrices of stress and strain rate. To ensure physical consistency, the Kolymbas-type hypoplasticity theory well-suited for cohesionless granular materials is applied to describe the ballast. As a result, the normal stress and shear stress on the interface between the rail bottom and ballast are analytically derived from the closed-form solution to the nonlinear hypoplastic differential equation.
Performance improvement of high-density data center via two-phase liquid immersion cooling
Authors: Mohammed Nada M. , El-Maghlany Wael M. , Elhelw Mohamed , Abdelaziz Ahmed H.
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces two distinct approaches for efficiently cooling high-density data centers with a capacity of up to 1168 kW, aiming to achieve the optimal cooling method for extracting heat from electronic servers. The investigation involves a comparative analysis between air-based cooling, incorporating modifications to hot aisle containment, and liquid-based cooling utilizing a two-phase immersion system. Three-dimensional simulations are conducted employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Furthermore, the simulation examines the influence of introducing copper coating materials to server components in liquid cooling, varying the thickness to enhance heat transfer efficiency. The analysis demonstrates that, in liquid cooling, the maximum server temperature diminishes to 65 °C, and power usage effectiveness improves from 2 in the air cooling system to 1.01 in liquid cooling. The application of copper coating results in a 13% enhancement in the gradual temperature distribution among servers, especially in high-power servers, and eliminates most hot spots by decreasing the maximum temperature. However, the simulation indicates a comparatively modest temperature improvement of 8% when coating low-power servers.
Thermal management of high-discharge lithium-ion prismatic cells using various dielectric nanofluid-based novel immersion cooling design
Authors: Banerjee Rhik , Nidhul Kottayat
Published: February 2025

Immersion cooling is gaining attention as it does not involve complex flow channels within the battery, making it easier to manufacture a compact battery thermal management system for high-discharge prismatic cells. A novel immersion cooling domain with v-shaped fins and dielectric fluids such as deionized water, Novec 7200, and n-heptane as coolants as a continuous phase with Al2O3 nanoparticles as dispersed phase using a two-phase mixture model are compared at high-discharge rates of 3C and 5C for the same mass flow rate and coolant volume. V-shape fins considerably reduced the battery’s maximum temperature and improved the cell temperature homogeneity owing to secondary flow and better fluid mixing. Compared to the no-fin case, a maximum temperature reduction of 5 K and 9 K is obtained with deionized water nanofluid at 3C and 5C, respectively. The highest temperature homogeneity of less than 0.5 K is obtained with Novec 7200, even for a higher discharge rate (5C). Using deionized water resulted in a lower maximum temperature rise among the various dielectric fluids, and Novec 7200 reported better temperature homogeneity. Cooling performance improvement with nanofluid is obtained with negligible pumping power compared to the power output delivered by the battery pack.
Changes in Hospital Care of Newborn Infants with Trisomy 13
Authors: Ignatz-Hoover Allison O. , Farghaly Mohsen A. A. , Crist Anna , Abdalla Alshimaa , Aly Hany , Mohamed Mohamed A.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To examine the changes over recent years in neonatal survival to discharge, prevalence of adverse events, surgical procedures, tracheostomy and/or gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement, and length of stay (LOS) in infants with Trisomy 13.

Methods

We identified newborn infants with Trisomy 13 in the National Inpatient Sample in the years 2003–2018. We calculated prevalence of associated conditions. We examined procedures done, and common adverse events associated with each condition, survival rates, and LOS. We also calculated changes in trends over the years.

Results

The study identified 5792 newborn infants with Trisomy 13. Mortality during neonatal period was 58%. There was no significant change in mortality trends over the years, (p < 0.001). Average LOS was 10 (+ 34) days which had significantly increased over recent years (p < 0.001) and it was highest in conditions of NEC followed by gastrointestinal anomalies and sepsis. Among survivors, 2% were discharged with tracheostomy and 9% with G-tubes. LOS was significantly increased in association with these procedures.

Conclusion

There was a slight decrease in infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units with Trisomy 13 over recent years. In-hospital neonatal mortality was unchanged. However, there was a significant increase in LOS, which was increased with procedures such as tracheostomy and G-tube placement, which may reflect a trend toward increasing interventions without a corresponding improvement in mortality.
Generalized products and Lorentzian length spaces
Authors: Soultanis Elefterios
Published: February 2025

We construct a Lorentzian length space with an orthogonal splitting on a product

$$I\times X$$

I
×
X

of an interval and a metric space and use this framework to consider the relationship between metric and causal geometry, as well as synthetic time-like Ricci curvature bounds. The generalized Lorentzian product carries a natural Lorentzian length structure but can fail the push-up condition in general. We recover the push-up property under a log-Lipschitz condition on the time variable and establish sufficient conditions for global hyperbolicity. Moreover, we formulate time-like Ricci curvature bounds without push-up and regularity assumptions and obtain a partial rigidity of the splitting under a strong energy condition.
Biogeochemical survey of the Allchar (North Macedonia) arsenic-thallium ore body: a focus on hyperaccumulator plants
Authors: Jakovljević Ksenija , Bačeva Andonovska Katerina , Salinitro Mirko , Mišljenović Tomica , van der Ent Antony
Published: February 2025

Background and aims

The Allchar site in North Macedonia has a unique geology exceptionally enriched in arsenic and thallium, making the local soils extremely toxic to plant life. Surprisingly, the mineralized soils at Allchar host a diverse flora, with unknown metal(loid) accumulation potential for most of these plant species. The main aim of this study was to determine the elemental profiles ('elementomes') of plant species growing naturally in the Allchar area and to assess their elemental accumulation in relationship to concentrations in the soil in which the plants grow.

Methods

Samples of in total 23 plant species (with at least 4 replicates per species) and their associated rhizospheric soils were collected in the field at the Allchar site in North Macedonia and analysed with monochromatic X-ray fluorescence analysis for total and DTPA-extractable metal and metalloid concentrations.

Results

High foliar concentrations of thallium were found in some plant species, being the most extreme in Silene latifolia, at 79,200 µg g−1 thallium, whilst arsenic concentrations are generally low in most of the plant species analysed. Thallium hyperaccumulation (> 100 µg g−1) was found in the families Violaceae, Lamiaceae and Caryophyllaceae. Particularly high foliar thallium concentrations were found in Viola arsenica and V. tricolor subsp. macedonica, reaching up to 31,600 and 11,700 μg g−1 thallium, respectively. The elemental concentrations in soil and plant samples reflect that of the local mineralogy of the three different areas investigated at the Allchar site, with the highest mean values for thallium and arsenic in the Crven Dol area, and 249 and 3970 μg g−1, respectively, in the plants that were analysed.

Conclusion

The present study led to the discovery of several new thallium hyperaccumulating plant species, such as Clinopodium alpinum, Anthyllis vulneraria and Linum hirsutum, whereas the thallium concentrations found in Silene latifolia are the highest thus far recorded in nature highlighting the potential of this species for thallium phytomining applications.
Extreme values for the waiting time in large fork-join queues
Authors: Schol Dennis , Vlasiou Maria , Zwart Bert
Published: February 2025

We prove that the scaled maximum steady-state waiting time and the scaled maximum steady-state queue length among N GI/GI/1-queues in the N-server fork-join queue converge to a normally distributed random variable as

$$N\rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

. The maximum steady-state waiting time in this queueing system scales around

$$\frac{1}{\gamma }\log N$$

1
γ

log
N

, where

$$\gamma $$

γ

is determined by the cumulant generating function

$$\Lambda $$

Λ

of the service times distribution and solves the Cramér–Lundberg equation with stochastic service times and deterministic interarrival times. This value

$$\frac{1}{\gamma }\log N$$

1
γ

log
N

is reached at a certain hitting time. The number of arrivals until that hitting time satisfies the central limit theorem, with standard deviation

$$\frac{\sigma _A}{\sqrt{\Lambda '(\gamma )\gamma }}$$

σ
A

Λ
′

(
γ
)

γ

. By using the distributional form of Little’s law, we can extend this result to the maximum queue length. Finally, we extend these results to a fork-join queue with different classes of servers.
From omelet to UML: assessing the role of process thinking on process model quality among novice analyst
Authors: Tsoury Arava , Hindy Ling Hila , Beimel Dizza , Bar-Lev Shirly
Published: February 2025

Information Systems (IS) analysts are tasked with analyzing customer needs and designing the requisite information system, commonly using models. Ensuring the high quality of these models is crucial for the success of workflow-oriented IS. This study investigates how process thinking influences the ability of novices to produce high-quality process models in IS education, focusing on quality metrics such as completeness, correctness, and irredundancy. We conducted a detailed examination of 181 students enrolled in an IS Analysis and Design course (130 students in the final sample), employing a unique three-task methodology to assess their initial process thinking levels and subsequent model quality throughout the course. Our findings reveal that students with high initial process thinking proficiency continued to excel in subsequent modeling tasks, while those with lower initial proficiency narrowed the gap and improved the quality of their models in subsequent tasks due to learning. Additionally, we found a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.233, p = 0.008) between creativity and success in modeling tasks, suggesting that fostering creativity could enhance the quality of process models. Based on these insights, we recommend that IS training include targeted error correction, preliminary workshops for foundational skill enhancement including training in process thinking, and the integration of creativity into the curriculum. These recommendations aim to better prepare students for the complexities of IS planning and design, contributing to the development of proficient IS analysts capable of producing high-quality process models, thereby directly impacting the overall quality of software development processes.