bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bloomsbury Open Collections: A new model for open access monographs
Authors: Bruce Charlotte , Iwanikiw Lianna , Pyne Ros
Published: November 2023

Open access brings important benefits to scholarly books and their authors. Research shows open access publication can substantially increase and diversify monograph readership, supporting and amplifying a worldwide interest in scholarship in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. But, while open access provides greater equality for readers, the prevailing fee-based models exclude many authors.
To address this challenge, Bloomsbury has this year launched a new model, Bloomsbury Open Collections, that aims to offer open access for books in a way that is sustainable for us as a publisher, but which does not rely on fees paid by individual authors’ institutions and funders. Through this model, we are aiming to make open access publication available to a wider range of scholarly book authors by spreading the cost across multiple organisations, while providing additional benefits to participating libraries. Our hope is to engage a more diverse set of authors, bringing their work to a wider global audience.
In this poster we share details of how our open access monographs pilot works in practice and how we went about developing the model. We provide insights into how feedback from librarians shaped our approach, and how we have sought to incorporate transparency into the model. We also discuss the principles we used to select titles for inclusion in the pilot, and share some early feedback from our author community.
Can we teach publication competency?
Authors: Thaule Jimi , Rundhovde Tora
Published: November 2023

Watch VIDEO.
Publication competency is a fundamental skill for researchers, serving as a vital criterion for attaining a Ph.D. degree. The European Qualifications Framework and Norwegian Qualifications Framework both recognize the importance of these skills. However, institutions differ in their approaches to teaching this skill set, with some neglecting it altogether.
The specific skills required for researchers to publish their work extend beyond simply disseminating research appropriately. While the qualifications frameworks offer broad guidelines, various definitions, such as the Vancouver guidelines, the Norwegian NVI guidelines, and Plan S, need consideration. Specifically we have taken publication ethics, understanding impact, copyright and Open Access into consideration.
In addition to benefiting Ph.D. students in their own endeavors, publication competency contributes to enhancing information literacy, research principles, and our local institutional knowledge. It establishes a foundation for a more systematic approach to teaching this essential skill.
To address this issue, we conducted an analysis of Ph.D. students' competency levels in publication at the University of Agder, through interviews and questionnaires. Our findings align with previous research conducted at other institutions. In our forthcoming paper, we will discuss these findings and their implications for the University Library's approach to disseminating publication competency and creating robust institutional support systems, and suggest a method for increasing publication competency among Ph.D. students.
Collaborative Open Access Library Hosting in Scotland
Authors: Wojturska Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Watch VIDEO.
Library hosting services are growing across the UK. In 2018, the University of Edinburgh submitted a proposal to create a shared service governed by the Scottish Confederation of University & Research Libraries (SCURL). The aim of the service was to equip member institutions with a hosting solution to fulfil their Open Access publishing activities, with the development time charged to the University of Edinburgh (which covers costs and is invested back into the service). The service launched with three members – Heriot Watt University, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the University of Edinburgh – and four years later has grown to include ten partners, with more members interested in signing up.
Although the shared service caters to members engaged in both publishing and hosting activities, we have seen a growth in library partners requesting to join so they can launch their own diamond Open Access library-based hosting initiatives. These initiatives – similar to the one at Edinburgh which is called Edinburgh Diamond – aim to support academics, staff and students in their publishing endeavours by providing a free publishing workflow system, as well as a hosting platform for journal and book content. The University of Edinburgh sets partners up with an Open Journal System (OJS) or Open Monograph Press (OMP) installation and provides full technical support as well as system training and publishing advice and guidance, which the member institution can use to mould their service. The shared service members meet three times a year to shape the service according to user needs and requirements.
This presentation will explain how the shared service grew, explore how and why hosting services and publishing programmes are developing within Scottish libraries, and provide conclusions and recommendations for institutions considering creating similar initiatives.
Gerenciamento e planejamento de projetos de software usando metodologias ágeis: um estudo de caso
Authors: Mendoza Daniela Milagros Quenaya , Pizzolato Nélio Domingues
Published: November 2023

Entregar software com qualidade, nos prazos previstos e respeitando os custos é um grande desafio e oportunidade para empresas deste setor. A constante procura pela produtividade e qualidade em projetos de software deu origem a diversos modelos de gerenciamento que procuram auxiliar esta área com metodologias e formas de organização de trabalho. O modelo mais conhecido na área de gerenciamento de software é o “Modelo em Cascata”, caracterizado pela rigidez e fases bem definidas nos processos. Uma vez encontrados problemas com os modelos rígidos surgiram como alternativa de gerenciamento os métodos ágeis, caracterizados pela agilidade, iteratividade e adaptabilidade para diversos projetos. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o problema do gerenciamento de projetos de desenvolvimento de software e propor um modelo de referência considerando a abordagem tradicional e a abordagem ágil. A pesquisa analisa a compatibilidade das metodologias ágeis com um modelo de maturidade nos processos de desenvolvimento de software. Finalmente, a pesquisa apresenta um estudo de caso, o qual permitiu observar as forças e fraquezas dos métodos estudados, concluindo que as práticas ágeis contribuem na melhoria e gerenciamento de projetos de software.
A Case Report on Septic Arthritis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Priyadharshini J , Banu M Marleena , Ramya P Smrithi , Senita Samuel
Published: November 2023

Melioidosis is an emerging infection in India caused by the environmental saprophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is a gram negative, oxidase-positive bacillus that is intrinsically resistant to gentamycin, penicillin, and colistin. Risk factors for this infection include diabetes mellitus, heavy alcohol use, malignancy, chronic lung infection, liver, and kidney conditions. B. pseudomallei can lead to variable clinical manifestations, ranging from mild localised abscesses to invasive infections. However, a proper identification system for early detection and speciation is not universally available in all laboratories, and it can be easily misidentified as Pseudomonas species due to its unfamiliarity. Consequently, there may be a delay in diagnosis and failure to initiate appropriate and effective treatment, which can worsen the outcome. In this report, the author presents a case of septic arthritis in a 44-year-old diabetic male with clinical symptoms of melioidosis and involvement of multiple organs.
Biomechanical Factors Influencing Post-strike Ball Velocity in Football Players: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Janani Gopalakrishnan , Vigneshmoorthy Koteeswaran , Nimishaanth SS , Vikram Rao , Thiagarajan Alwar , Arumugam Sivaraman
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Optimising post-strike ball velocity is essential for success in football. Biomechanical factors play a significant role in determining ball speed. However, further investigation is needed to understand the specific relationships between the biomechanical factors and post-strike ball velocity in football players. Aim: To identify the key biomechanical factors contributing to post-strike ball velocity and provide insights for enhancing performance in league-level football players. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science, Tamil Nadu, India. The duration of the study was five months, from January 2022 to May 2022. The study included 25 professional male football players from national-level league teams. Participants performed maximal instep kicks while various kinematic variables were measured using Vicon cameras, Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc., (AMTI) force footplates, and a radar speed gun. Data processing was performed using Vicon Nexus software version 2.7. The data were analysed using R statistical software version 4.0.2. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post-hoc tests, were used to compare the various kick matrices across the players. Pearson’s r correlation analysis was used to check for a correlation between post-strike ball velocity and other kick matrices. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the relative effects of various kick matrices on post-strike ball velocity, with significance set at a p-value <0.05. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 18.8 years. A significant positive correlation was observed between prestrike foot velocity (r=0.58) and training experience (r=0.48) with post-strike ball velocity. Step-wise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that 39% of the variance in post-strike ball velocity could be attributed to training experience and prestrike foot velocity. Conclusion: Training experience and prestrike foot velocity could be the most important factors to consider in order to maximise post-strike ball velocity among league-level football players.
Identification of Malocclusion by Dental Undergraduate Students: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Vandana Bogadi , Vineesha Cheepurupalli Meher , Simhadri Geetika , Pitta Neeraja , Kundana Durga
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Health is multifaceted and influenced by a variety of variables. Along with dental caries, periodontal and gingival disorders, malocclusion is one of the most prevalent dental issues. It can impair oral health by increasing the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and temporomandibular disorders, as well as predispose to oral habits in the majority of cases. Hence, knowledge about the need for treatment and the correct time of commencement is essential for treating malocclusion. Aim: To assess the level of understanding of dental undergraduate students in the identification of malocclusion. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 final-year dental undergraduate students from private dental colleges who were randomly chosen. A pre-tested questionnaire with closed-ended questions was given to every participant, and their knowledge levels were evaluated on the same day after the collection of completed questionnaires. The questionnaire contained intraoral and extraoral photographs of patients with malocclusions. Students were asked questions about the identification of various malocclusions, and the data was analysed as frequency (n) and percentages (%). Results: Questionnaire responses by a total of 150 dental undergraduate students, (48 males and 102 females) with a mean age of 21±2 years were analysed. The majority of students were able to identify Angle’s Class-I (n=139, 92.7%), Class-II (n=103, 68.7%), and Class-III (n=122, 81.3%) malocclusions, as well as canine relationships (n=136, 90.7%). The majority of students had no difficulty in recognising transverse malocclusions, such as posterior crossbite (n=103, 68.7%) and scissors bite (n=99, 66%), as well as common malocclusions like crowding, spacing, midline shift, and deep bite. Conclusion: Most of the students were familiar with the diagnosis of malocclusion. However, knowledge regarding the type of appliance to be used and the age of starting treatment was lacking.
Bacillary Angiomatosis of Lymph Nodes: Unusual Case Presentation in an Immunocompetent Adolescent
Authors: Gurumurthy Deepika , Krishnamurthy Vani , Satish Suchitha , Chandrashekar Sudhamshu Kalasapura , Mallaradhya Sushma Hulikere
Published: November 2023

Bacillary angiomatosis is a neovascular proliferative condition caused by the Bartonella group of opportunistic bacteria, commonly occurring in patients with advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other immunocompromised conditions. However, cases have also been reported to occur rarely in immunocompetent individuals. Skin lesions such as nodules and papules are the most common manifestations, although cases have been rarely reported in other sites such as the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and bones. Isolated lymph node involvement or systemic manifestations such as fever, chills, anorexia, and weight loss are very rare. Since Bartonella is a fastidious Gram-negative bacterium that is difficult to grow and isolate in culture, diagnosis relies on histological examination of the affected organ/tissue and demonstration of the causative bacteria using special stains such as Warthin-Starry, Giemsa, Gram’s, and silver stains. Herein, the authors presented a case of bacillary angiomatosis in a 14-year-old immunocompetent adolescent male who presented with recurrent fever and painful enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes. The case is notable for its unusual clinical manifestations of systemic symptoms, specifically anorexia and significant weight loss, leading to suspicion of malignancy. Following the establishment of the diagnosis, the boy experienced complete recovery, with regained appetite and weight, following treatment with a long duration of antibiotics.
Role of Primary Health Team in Promoting Mental Health of Adolescent Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Thiago Nogueira , Tavares Claudia Mara de Melo , Tavares Marilei de Melo , Moccellin Marcia Cristina , Rebello Marcelle Ignacio , Vargas Fabiana Ramos , Paiva Laís Mariano de , Silva Luciana Silverio Alleluia Higino da
Published: November 2023

Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify, through an integrative review, the strategies implemented in partnership with the primary care team that contribute to promoting the mental health of adolescents at school.

Methods: 2,791 studies were identified, 389 in PubMed, 389 in Scopus, 320 in VHL, 04 in Scielo and 1,693 in GALE. After excluding duplicate studies and applying the eligibility criteria, 17 articles were selected.

Results: The analysis of the studies revealed that 18% of the articles addressed the relevance of the characteristics of promoting adolescent mental health in school in partnership with the primary care team, while another 18% were related to barriers faced in this promotion. Additionally, 41% of the articles dealt with the strategies used in this context and 24% discussed the associated challenges.

Discussion: Several strategies have been incorporated into the partnership between the education sector and Primary Health Care to promote the mental health of school adolescents.

Conclusions: Identifying the potential of actions and strategies carried out by education and primary health professionals reinforces the need for investments in spaces, materials and training of professionals aimed at promoting adolescent mental health.
Reflective Practice for Language Teachers
Authors: Farrell Thomas S. C.
Published: January 2025

Reflective practice occurs when teachers consciously take on the role of reflective practitioner and subject their own beliefs about teaching and learning to critical analysis, take full responsibility for their actions in the classroom, and continue to improve their teaching practice. Language teachers who engage in reflective practice can develop a deeper understanding of their teaching, assess their professional growth, develop informed decision‐making skills, and become proactive and confident in their teaching. Teachers can make use of specific reflective tools to facilitate their reflections such as teaching journals, critical friends, teacher reflection groups, classroom observations, or action research. They can also consider what to reflect on from their identity, the metaphors they use, as well as their overall beliefs about teaching and learning English as a subsequent language. In addition, language teachers can make use of a five‐level holistic framework for reflecting on practice.
Raters of Subjectively Scored Tests
Authors: Rossi Olena , Brunfaut Tineke
Published: January 2025

The crucial importance of valid and reliable scores in performance assessment has led to a range of measures taken to reduce rater variability. These include training and monitoring of raters, statistical adjustment of scores, and approaches that advocate the necessity of plural opinions on a performance sample and involve communal rating sessions to resolve rater differences. Rater reliability and scoring validity are not only major concerns of large‐scale language testing but are equally important in classroom language assessment. Accordingly, this entry discusses ways in which teachers can improve the reliability and validity of the scores they award to their students' speaking and writing test responses.
L3 English Learning and Teaching
Authors: Archibald John , Wu Junyu
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the range of contexts in which English is taught as a third language globally. We consider situations where the L3 classroom makeup would be quite fixed (such as a minority L1 and a majority L2; or a majority L1 and a colonial L2) as well as contexts where the L3 classrooms can be quite mixed (such as cases where there is an immigrant population with diverse language histories). Three prominent models of third language acquisition are discussed: the Typological Primacy Model, the L2 Status Factor Model, and the Linguistic Proximity Model.
Individual Differences and L2 Writing
Authors: Manchón Rosa M. , Sanz Cristina
Published: January 2025

This entry synthesizes theory and research on the implication of individual differences in L2 writing. We first highlight the theoretical and practical relevance of studying how learner factors may contribute to L2 writing processes and writing products. This is followed by a synthesis of key theoretical positions and research findings on the role of individual differences in the act of writing itself as well as in the engagement with the feedback provided on one's own writing. The entry finishes by listing pedagogical implications related to two crucial dimensions of pedagogical decision making in the teaching of L2 writing: The choice and implementation of writing tasks, on the one hand, and key concerns in feedback provision and processing, on the other.
Storytelling as Social‐Emotional Learning in Video Production: Insights from TESOL Videographers
Authors: Herrera Luis Javier Pentón , Martínez‐Alba Gilda , Guerrero Judith Cruzado
Published: January 2025

By creating a scenario within a classroom where students get to engage in storytelling, in addition to having the opportunity to become part of a video production, students can really see how their ideas, cultures, and backgrounds are valued. This entry provides educators with tips on how to implement storytelling integrating social‐emotional learning, and a way to make it happen through video production that allows the stories to live on through time, beyond any class or course.
Integrated Parylene‐Based Thin‐Film Microfluidic Device for Time‐Resolved Cryo‐Electron Microscopy
Authors: Hwang Haerang , Jung Bum‐Joon , Park Jiho , Jeong Yujin , Choi Yo‐han , Kang Jin Young , Lee Wonhee
Published: January 2025

The observation of transient protein complex structures facilitates a deeper understanding of the underlying biochemical reactions. However, conventional cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) methods require tens of seconds for sample preparation, impeding the visualization of intermediate structures in short timescales. To address this limitation, time‐resolved cryo‐EM (TRCEM) is developed as a rapid sample preparation method that can mix and vitrify samples in a sub‐second timescale. However, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based microfluidic devices, commonly employed in TRCEM methods, suffer from large sample consumption and high time heterogeneity, limiting their widespread implementation. Here, a parylene‐based microfluidic mixing‐spraying device is presented, which features a thin‐film structure containing a mixer and a spray nozzle in a single layer. The high bonding strength of the device enables it to withstand high channel pressure, facilitating rapid mixing at a wider range of flow rates. Furthermore, the spray nozzle, comprising an ultra‐thin parylene nozzle tip, generates a stable jet at low flow rates, thereby reducing sample consumption and time heterogeneity. The monolithic mixing‐spraying device design minimizes the internal volume, achieving an in‐chip reaction time of <1 ms. This setup will facilitate structural biology with reduced sample consumption and the capability of resolving faster dynamics of biochemical reactions.
Active Thermal Field Integration for Marangoni‐Driven Salt Rejection and Water Collection
Authors: Ge Can , Guo Shuai , Li Wei , Zhang Xunlong , Chen Bin , Feng Xiao , Yang Shichang , Xu Duo , Yu Zhen , Ravi Sai Kishore , Xu Weilin , Fang Jian , Tan Swee Ching
Published: January 2025

Using solar energy to drive seawater desalination via solar steam generation (SSG) is a sustainable strategy for clean water supply. The weak efficiency and poor durability due to salt deposition severely restrict practical SSG operation. Traditional solar evaporators are difficult to simultaneously guarantee efficient evaporation and long‐term salt rejection due to increased salinity. Herein, to tackle this dilemma, a thermal gradient fabric (TGF) evaporator with an auxiliary active thermal field is constructed. Different from traditional works where additional energy resources with improved evaporation rate exacerbate salt accumulation, the auxiliary active thermal field is well integrated with external solar energy to boost ion circulation through moderate Marangoni flow, leading to a continuous salt rejection and superior energy utilization under high‐salinity desalination. The accelerated evaporation rate (2.42 kg m−2 h−1) and superior salt resistance (30 days of desalination in 10 wt.% brine) are simultaneously achieved through optimized thermal field construction. An outstanding water collection rate (5.84 kg m−2) is observed during high‐salinity outdoor desalination, which proves the practical purification ability. This study provides new insight into the construction of active thermal fields for efficient and sustainable clean water production, is believed.
Nonlinear Harmonics: A Gateway to Enhanced Image Contrast and Material Discrimination
Authors: Biglarbeigi Pardis , Bhattacharya Gourav , Finlay Dewar , Payam Amir Farokh
Published: January 2025

Recent advancements in atomic force microscopy (AFM) have enabled detailed exploration of materials at the molecular and atomic levels. These developments, however, pose a challenge: the data generated by microscopic and spectroscopic experiments are increasing rapidly in both size and complexity. Extracting meaningful physical insights from these datasets is challenging, particularly for multilayer heterogeneous nanoscale structures. In this paper, an unsupervised approach is presented to enhance AFM image contrast by analyzing the nonlinear response of a cantilever interacting with a material's surface using a wavelet‐based AFM. This method simultaneously measures different frequencies and harmonics in a single scan, without the need for additional hardware and exciting multiple cantilevers' eigenmodes. This developed AFM image contrast enhancement (AFM‐ICE) approach employs unsupervised learning, image processing, and image fusion techniques. The method is applied to interpret complex multilayer structures consist of defects, deposited nanoparticles and heterogeneities. Its substantial capability is demonstrated to improve image contrast and differentiate between various components. This methodology can pave the way for rapid and precise determination of material properties with enhanced resolution.
Nutritional benefits of pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy for severe duodenal polyposis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Fujinuma Ibuki , Ogura Toshiro , Takahashi Ayano , Nomura Satoshi , Kitamura Kei , Takahashi Amane , Shiraishi Takehiro , Mori Yoshiko , Ishiguro Toru , Matsuyama Takatoshi , Kumagai Youichi , Ishida Hideyuki
Published: January 2025

Aim

Severe duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis considerably increases the risk of duodenal cancer. Pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy is an alternative surgical approach for managing severe duodenal polyposis. This study evaluated the postoperative nutritional outcomes following pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy in patients with severe duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis.

Methods

This retrospective analysis compared 28 patients who underwent pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy for Spigelman stage IV duodenal polyposis with 29 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for low‐malignancy duodenal neoplasms. Patient demographics, postoperative complications, and nutritional parameters were analyzed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Compared with patients in the pancreatoduodenectomy group, those in the pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy group were younger and had a higher incidence of previous abdominal surgeries (p < 0.01). Postoperatively, the pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy group showed significantly better preservation of total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol levels, body mass index, body weight, and psoas major muscle area compared to the pancreatoduodenectomy group (p < 0.05). Additionally, glucose tolerance was better maintained in the pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy group than in the pancreatoduodenectomy group (p < 0.01), with no patients requiring the initiation of insulin therapy or experiencing the exacerbation of diabetes.

Conclusions

Pancreas‐sparing total duodenectomy effectively preserves the postoperative nutritional status in patients with duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis. This surgical option maintains postoperative nutritional integrity and improves long‐term outcomes.
Magnetic particle capture in high‐gradient magnetic separation: A theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Tesanovic Marko , de Souza J. Pedro , Bazant Martin Z. , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: January 2025

High‐gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) has traditionally been used in mineral processing, with many effective models developed for typically employed rod‐wire shaped matrices. However, its potential in bioprocessing, especially for high‐value products, introduces new demands on plant and matrix design. This study presents a multi‐scale model for HGMS that simulates new complex geometries, which enhance particle recovery. We have developed microscopic models to accurately simulate the trajectories of magnetic particles within the fluid flow and magnetic fields of HGMS systems. A pivotal aspect of our work is the effective translation of microscopic relationships into macroscopic transport models. The model is validated experimentally using a rotor‐stator HGMS system tailored for bioprocessing, with magnetic particle concentration measurements showing strong alignment with the model's predictions. The model's flexibility enables its application across various matrix shapes, overcoming the limitations of traditional rod‐wire models, and providing a robust framework for improved HGMS in‐silico process understanding and optimization.
Phenotypic Expansion of Knobloch Syndrome Type 2 in an Individual With a De Novo PAK2 Variant
Authors: Werren Elizabeth A. , Kalsner Louisa , Ewald Jessica M. , Peracchio Michael , King Cameron , Vats Purva , Audano Peter A. , Robinson Peter N. , Adams Mark D. , Kelly Melissa A. , Matson Adam P.
Published: January 2025

P21‐activated kinase 2 (PAK2) is a serine/threonine kinase essential for a variety of cellular processes including signal transduction, cellular survival, proliferation, and migration. A recent report proposed monoallelic PAK2 variants cause Knobloch syndrome type 2 (KNO2)—a developmental disorder primarily characterized by ocular anomalies. Here, we identified a novel de novo heterozygous missense variant in PAK2, NM_002577.4:c.1273G>A, p.(D425N), by genome sequencing in an individual with features consistent with KNO2. Notable clinical phenotypes observed in this individual were global developmental delay, congenital retinal detachment, mild cerebral ventriculomegaly, hypotonia, failure to thrive, pyloric stenosis, feeding intolerance, patent ductus arteriosus, and mild facial dysmorphism. The p.(D425N) variant lies within the protein kinase domain and is predicted to be functionally damaging by in silico analysis. Previous clinical genetic testing did not report this variant due to unknown relevance of PAK2 variants at the time of testing, highlighting the importance of reanalysis. Our findings substantiate the candidacy of PAK2 variants in KNO2 and expand the KNO2 clinical phenotypic spectrum.
Sleep spindles and slow oscillations predict cognition and biomarkers of neurodegeneration in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Páez Arsenio , Gillman Sam O. , Dogaheh Shahla Bakian , Carnes Anna , Dakterzada Faride , Barbé Ferran , Dang‐Vu Thien Thanh , Ripoll Gerard Piñol
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Changes in sleep physiology can predate cognitive symptoms by decades in persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but it remains unclear which sleep characteristics predict cognitive and neurodegenerative changes after AD onset.

METHODS

Using data from a prospective cohort of mild to moderate AD (n = 60), we analyzed non‐rapid eye movement sleep spindles and slow oscillations (SOs) at baseline and their associations with baseline amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau and with cognition from baseline to 3‐year follow‐up.

RESULTS

Higher spindle and SO activity predicted significant changes in Aβ and tau at baseline, lower Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale (better cognitive performance) score, and higher Mini‐Mental State Examination score from baseline to 36 months. Spindles and SOs mediated the effect of phosphorylated tau 181 (pTau181)/Aβ42 on cognition, while pTau181/aβ42 moderated the effect of spindles and SOs on cognition.

DISCUSSION

Our findings demonstrate that spindle and SO activity during sleep constitute predictive and non‐invasive biomarkers of neurodegeneration and cognition in AD patients.

Highlights

Sleep spindles predict long‐term cognitive performance in AD.

Sleep spindle and SOs can be predictive, non‐invasive biomarkers for AD.

Sleep may be one of the most important modifiable risk factors for AD progression.

Sleep microarchitecture is a novel therapeutic target for preserving brain heath.

Sleep physiology can provide novel therapeutic targets to slow AD progression.
Niedertemperatur‐Atomlagenabscheidung von (00l)‐Orientiertem Elementarem Bismut
Authors: Vazquez‐Arce Jorge Luis , Amoroso Alessio , Perez Nicolas , Charvot Jaroslav , Naglav‐Hansen Dominik , Zhao Panpan , Yang Jun , Lehmann Sebastian , Wrzesińska‐Lashkova Angelika , Pieck Fabian , Tonner‐Zech Ralf , Bureš Filip , Acquesta Annalisa , Vaynzof Yana , Devi Anjana , Nielsch Kornelius , Bahrami Amin
Published: January 2025

Diese Studie präsentiert den ersten erfolgreichen Nachweis der Herstellung von elementaren Bismut (Bi)‐Dünnfilmen mittels thermischer Atomlagenabscheidung (ALD) unter Verwendung von Bi(NMe2)3 als Präkursor und Sb(SiMe3)3 als Co‐Reaktant. Die Filme wurden bei einer relativ niedrigen Temperatur von 100 °C abgeschieden, mit einer Wachstumsrate pro Zyklus (GPC) von 0,31–0,34 Å/Zyklus. Die Anfangsstadien des Wachstums wurden durch Inselbildung geprägt, wobei die Oberflächenabdeckung nach etwa 1000 Zyklen 80 % erreichte und zwischen 2000 und 2500 Zyklen eine vollständige Abdeckung erzielt wurde. Morphologische Analysen zeigten, dass sich die Bi‐Körner mit zunehmender Anzahl von ALD‐Zyklen ausdehnten und klarer definiert wurden. Diese Koaleszenz wird durch Röntgenbeugungsmuster (XRD) weiter untermauert, die mit zunehmender Filmdicke eine präferenzielle Verschiebung der Wachstumsorientierung von der (012)‐Ebene zur (003)‐Ebene zeigen. Die Röntgen‐Photoelektronenspektroskopie (XPS) bestätigte das Vorhandensein von metallischem Bi mit minimaler Oberflächenoxidation. Temperaturabhängige Messungen des Flächenwiderstands unterstreichen die halbmetallischen Eigenschaften von Bi mit einem Raumtemperaturwiderstand von ≈200 μΩcm für die Filme mit 2500 Zyklen. Der temperaturabhängige Flächenwiderstand wurde auch mit einem Übergang in der Dominanz des Ladungsträgertyps von Löchern bei höheren Temperaturen zu Elektronen bei niedrigeren Temperaturen in Verbindung gebracht.
Imine‐Based Polymeric Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors Featuring Degradability and Biocompatibility for Transient Bioinspired Electronics
Authors: Chen Junxin , Cong Shengyu , Liu Riping , Duan Jiayao , Chen Chaoyue , Yu Dongsheng , Zhu Xiuyuan , Ran Chong , Cheng Du , Li Zhengke , McCulloch Iain , Yue Wan
Published: January 2025

Degradable features are highly desirable to advance next‐generation organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs) for transient bioinspired artificial intelligence devices. It is highly challenging that OMIECs exhibit excellent mixed ionic‐electronic behavior and show degradability simultaneously. Specially, in OMIECs, doping is often a tradeoff between structural disorder and charge carrier mobilities. Here, we describe a regiochemistry‐driven backbone curvature approach to prepare OMIECs, enabling doped state ordered within efficient ionic‐electronic conduction in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and presenting degradable characteristics. Significantly, i‐3gTIT shows an outstanding mobility (1.99 cm2 V−1 s−1) and μC* (302 F V−1 cm−1 s−1), and presents higher disorder‐tolerance upon doping and faster degradation behavior than its regioisomer, o‐3gTIT. Especially, the resulting OECT‐based inverter shows a high voltage gain of 31.6 V V−1 at a low driving voltage of 0.6 V. Moreover, we demonstrate an application of transient OECT, i. e., biodegradable solid‐state electrolyte of OECT‐based artificial synapses. Remarkably, the regiochemistry‐driven film crystallinity modulation enables the conversion from volatile to non‐volatile operation in such synapses. The transient synapse based on i‐3gTIT achieves over 90 % recognition accuracy for small digit handwritten images, showing potential in security neuromorphic computing. Our work is the first presentation enabling excellent mixed conduction of OMIECs with degradable features for transient bioinspired electronics.
Cationic Polyhedral Chalcogenaboranes: Activation without breaking Wade's Rules
Authors: Holub Josef , Náhlík Šimon‐Petr , Růžičková Zdeňka , Samsonov Maksim A. , Hnyk Drahomír , Cvačka Josef , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Vrána Jan , Růžička Aleš
Published: January 2025

Wade's rules are a well‐established tool for the description of the geometry of inorganic clusters. Among others, they state that a decrease or increase in charge is always accompanied by a change in the number of skeletal electron pairs (SEPs). This work reports the synthesis of the first cationic chalcogenaboranes closo‐[12‐X‐2‐IPr‐1‐EB11H10]BF4 (IPr=1,3‐(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)‐imidazole‐2‐ylidene; X=H, I; E=S, Se 3 a/b, 4 a/b) featuring the same SEP count as their neutral precursors, EB11H11, but bearing a positive charge. This ionisation significantly enhances the activity towards the electrophiles. It unlocks reactivity with very weak bases and offers the control of the regioselectivity towards hard/soft bases by the modulation of LUMO. The localisation of the positive charge within the borane cluster has been confirmed experimentally, spectroscopically and theoretically.
Low Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition of (00l)‐Oriented Elemental Bismuth
Authors: Vazquez‐Arce Jorge Luis , Amoroso Alessio , Perez Nicolas , Charvot Jaroslav , Naglav‐Hansen Dominik , Zhao Panpan , Yang Jun , Lehmann Sebastian , Wrzesińska‐Lashkova Angelika , Pieck Fabian , Tonner‐Zech Ralf , Bureš Filip , Acquesta Annalisa , Vaynzof Yana , Devi Anjana , Nielsch Kornelius , Bahrami Amin
Published: January 2025

This study presents the first successful demonstration of growing elemental bismuth (Bi) thin films via thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) using Bi(NMe2)3 as the precursor and Sb(SiMe3)3 as the co‐reactant. The films were deposited at a relatively low temperature of 100 °C, with a growth per cycle (GPC) of 0.31–0.34 Å/cycle. Island formation marked the initial growth stages, with surface coverage reaching around 80 % after 1000 cycles and full coverage between 2000 and 2500 cycles. Morphological analysis revealed that the Bi grains expanded and became more defined as the number of ALD cycles increased. This coalescence is further supported by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, which show a preferential shift in growth orientation from the (012) plane to the (003) plane as the film thickness increases. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of metallic Bi with minimal surface oxidation. Temperature‐dependent sheet resistance measurements highlight the semimetallic nature of Bi, with a room temperature resistivity of ≈200 μΩcm for the 2500 cycles Bi. Temperature‐dependent sheet resistance was also associated with a transition in carrier‐type dominance from holes at higher temperatures to electrones at lower temperatures.
Regulating Interphase Chemistry by Targeted Functionalization of Hard Carbon Anode in Ester‐Based Electrolytes for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Guangxiang , Fu Chuankai , Gao Shuyang , Zhao Haoquan , Ma Chi , Liu Ziwei , Li Shuai , Ju Zhijin , Huo Hua , Zuo Pengjian , Yin Geping , Liu Tiefeng , Ma Yulin
Published: January 2025

Commercial hard carbon (HC) anode suffers from unexpected interphase chemistry rooted in the parasitic reactions between surface oxygen‐functional groups and ester‐based electrolytes. Herein, an innovative strategy is proposed to regulate interphase chemistry by tailoring targeted functional groups on the HC surface, where highly active undesirable oxygen‐functional groups are skillfully converted into a Si−O−Si molecular layer favorable for anchoring anions. Then, an inorganic/organic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase with low interfacial charge transfer resistance and enhanced cycling durability is constructed successfully. Consequently, the modified HC anode delivers an excellent rate capability of 206.2 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a remarkable capacity retention of 92.5 % after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. Moreover, the coin‐type full‐cell equipped with Na2Fe[Fe(CN)6] cathode exhibits an exceptional capacity retention ratio of 80.9 % after 800 cycles at 1C. The present simple and effective interfacial modification strategy offers a promising and alternative avenue for promoting the development and practicability of HC anode in ester‐based electrolytes for sodium‐ion batteries.
Exploring family dynamics in living funerals: Rituals to relationships
Authors: Tang Yuen‐Ki
Published: January 2025

This study aims to analyse how internal family relationships and dynamics are manifested during funeral ceremonies in Chinese society. As an emerging farewell practice, living funerals in Chinese societies depart from traditional death rituals, challenging established funeral paradigms and providing a platform to scrutinise the inner family dynamic and experiences. The study utilises a multidimensional data collection approach, including interviews with the living funeral holders and attending family members, detailed field notes during the living funeral and whole video recordings of the event. Employing narrative analysis, it delves into the family's life experiences as narrated during the funeral, providing insight into the emotional and relational shifts that occur. The findings suggest that while living funerals allow for exploring family roles and emotional landscapes, they also highlight the complex interplay of cultural practices and familial relationships. The study contributes to understanding how traditional taboos around death may be navigated through contemporary practices. Findings underscore the profound exploration of living funerals on family dynamics within Chinese culture. The practice provides a vital lens for examining the interconnectedness and emotional underpinnings of family relationships. Participation engages families in a process of navigating collective and individual histories, aiding reconciliation and affirming familial identities. Research highlights how living funerals powerfully express love, regrets and unspoken words, fostering deeper understanding and continuing bonds before death. Living funerals represent a meaningful contemporary practice, challenging traditional death taboos and offering therapeutic benefits for family therapy and end‐of‐life care. The paper contributes to the literature by addressing a crucial gap regarding living funerals within Chinese culture and expanding family perspectives on death. By examining how these ceremonies influence familial interactions, the study offers new insights into emotional and cultural dynamics, enhancing understanding of the practice and broader death‐related family issues.
Knowledge acquisition in science and the blurred boundary between perception and cognition
Authors: Bryce T. G. K. , Blown E. J.
Published: January 2025

This paper provides a critical and detailed study of what researchers in the fields of contemporary cognition and neuroscience have revealed about the blurred boundary between perception and cognition. We set out the arguments with a view to what researchers and teachers should now consider regarding the subtleties of their interrelationship in children's learning, and how individuals may be better helped to grasp difficult ideas. The analysis spotlights children's cosmologies in science education—their acquisition of ideas in basic astronomy concerning the Earth, Sun, Moon and so forth—and we use illustrative examples drawn from our own research to emphasise the implications of what perceiving and cognising actually mean. The role of carefully exercised Socratic dialogue as part of a constructivist approach to learning lies at the core of our deliberations.
Histidine Tags in Human Recombinant Alpha B‐Crystallin (HSPB5) Proteins Are Detrimental for Zinc Binding Studies
Authors: Karmakar Srabani , Das K. P.
Published: January 2025

The stability of α‐crystallin, the major protein of the mammalian eye lens and a molecular chaperone, is one of the most crucial factors for its survival and function. The chaperone‐like activity and stability of α‐crystallin dramatically increased in the presence of Zn2. Each subunit of α‐crystallin could bind multiple zinc atoms through inter‐subunit bridging and cause enhanced stability. Three histidines H104, H111, and H119 of recombinant human αB‐crystallin (HSPB5) are found to be the Zn2+ binding residues. In this article, we did site‐directed mutagenesis of six histidine residues and made five‐point mutants and a double mutant of αB‐crystallin. We studied the effect of zinc on the chaperone function, surface hydrophobicity, and stability of the histidine mutants. We removed the histidine tag from H18A and H101V mutants and studied the stability and chaperone function in the presence and absence of zinc. H83 and H111 mutations showed similar enhancement in chaperone function like WT in the presence of Zn2+. Point mutants having his tags showed similar stability enhancement, but point mutant H18A without his tag showed less enhancement in stability in the presence of zinc. This indicates the significance of the presence of his tags in the study of zinc binding interaction with recombinant human αB‐crystallin.
Metagenomics education in a modular CURE format positively affects students' scientific discovery perception and data analytical skills
Authors: Morsink M. C. , van Schaik E. N. , Bossers K. , Duijker D. A. , Speksnijder A. G. C. L.
Published: January 2025

Targeted metagenomics is a rapidly expanding technology to analyze complex biological samples and genetic monitoring of environmental samples. In this research field, data analytical aspects play a crucial role. In order to teach targeted metagenomics data analysis, we developed a 4‐week inquiry‐driven modular course‐based undergraduate research experience (mCURE) using publicly available Australian coral microbiome DNA sequencing data and associated metadata. Since an enormous amount of metadata was provided alongside the DNA sequencing data, groups of students were able to develop their own authentic research questions. Throughout the course, the student groups worked on these research questions and were supported with bioinformatics and statistics lessons. Additionally, practical aspects of data collection and analysis were addressed during hands‐on field work on a nearby Dutch beach. Evaluation of the course indicated that the majority of students (1) achieved the intended metagenomics‐based learning outcomes and (2) experienced scientific discovery while working on their research projects. In conclusion, the huge amount of data and metadata available in the coral microbiome data set facilitated the development of a strongly inquiry‐driven course. Different groups of students were able to develop and conduct their own distinct microbiome research projects and our current mCURE format positively affected students' metagenomics data analytical skills and scientific discovery perception.
Unlocking Synergies: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability
Authors: Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Sarajoti Pattarake , Korphaibool Veerawin
Published: January 2025

The 2030 Agenda, represented by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), signifies a global commitment to peace, prosperity, and sustainability. However, the lack of a unified strategy has slowed progress, raising concerns about meeting the 2030 deadline. Thailand's progress toward the SDGs has been influenced by various factors, including the role of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). This study uses corporate‐level data and Refinitiv ESG ratings as proxies for sustainability performance to assess the impact of SEP score, as a proxy for SEP disclosure, on corporate sustainability. We find that Thai firms with higher SEP scores tend to exhibit better sustainability performance, especially in the environmental and governance dimensions. Our analyses reveal a causal relationship between SEP scores and corporate sustainability performance, with a one standard deviation increase in the SEP score leading to a 35% increase in sustainability performance. The findings support our hypothesis that SEP fosters stakeholder engagement and long‐term value creation while aligning corporate strategies with sustainability goals, thereby contributing to the SDGs. Furthermore, the SEP score serves as a nonfinancial indicator that signals a firm's commitment to sustainability strategies.