bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Preparation of FFPE Tissue Samples for Preserving Appropriate Nucleic Acid Quality for Genomic Analysis in Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Okubo Yoichiro , Toyama Nagisa , Kasajima Rika , Toda Soji , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Yoshioka Emi , Washimi Kota , Sato Shinya , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Hasegawa Chie , Yuguchi Shu , Kadoya Mei , Narimatsu Hiroto , Masudo Katsuhiko , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Yokose Tomoyuki , Miyagi Yohei
Published: November 2024

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples are important for genomic analysis of thyroid carcinomas, particularly for various molecularly targeted therapies. Therefore, this study developed and validated a technique for preparing FFPE tissue samples that preserves nucleic acid quality, which is fundamental for precise genomic analysis, more effectively than conventional methods. We analyzed surgically resected thyroid gland tumors, lymph node metastases, and separately fixed tumor samples to optimize formalin fixation and assess the influence of specimen type and preparation methods on nucleic acid quality. We assessed several quality indicators, including the DNA integrity number, cycle threshold ratio, RNA integrity number, and DV200. Separately fixed tumor samples consistently exhibited higher DNA and RNA quality than conventionally processed samples. Additionally, lymph node metastases often exhibit nucleic acid quality matching or exceeding that of thyroid gland tumors, highlighting their potential reliability for genomic analysis. These findings suggest the utility of various specimen types for the comprehensive genetic profiling of thyroid carcinomas. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that preparing separately fixed tumor samples is an effective method for preserving DNA and RNA quality for genomic analyses. Biopsy punches enable specimen collection at various facilities, including those without the ability to handle frozen specimens. This contributes to the development of a method for obtaining high-quality pathological samples that can be widely used in general medical practice. Moreover, lymph node metastases often exhibit nucleic acid quality equal to or superior to that of thyroid gland tumors, highlighting their potential as acceptable sources for genomic analyses.
Unsupervised Clustering in Neurocritical Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tas Jeanette , Rass Verena , Ianosi Bogdan-Andrei , Heidbreder Anna , Bergmann Melanie , Helbok Raimund
Published: November 2024

Managing patients with acute brain injury in the neurocritical care (NCC) unit has become increasingly complex because of technological advances and increasing information derived from multiple data sources. Diverse data streams necessitate innovative approaches for clinicians to understand interactions between recorded variables. Unsupervised clustering integrates different data streams and could be supportive. Here, we provide a systematic review on the use of unsupervised clustering using NCC data. The primary objective was to provide an overview of clustering applications in NCC studies. As a secondary objective, we discuss considerations for future NCC studies. Databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for unsupervised clustering in acute brain injury studies including traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, acute ischemic stroke, and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury published until  March 13th 2024. We performed the systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We identified 18 studies that used unsupervised clustering in NCC. Predominantly, studies focused on patients with TBI (12 of 18 studies). Multiple research questions used a variety of resource data, including demographics,  clinical- and monitoring data, of which intracranial pressure was most often included (8 of 18 studies). Studies also covered various clustering methods, both traditional methods (e.g., k-means) and advanced methods, which are able to retain the temporal aspect. Finally, unsupervised clustering identified novel phenotypes for clinical outcomes in 9 of 12 studies. Unsupervised clustering can be used to phenotype NCC patients, especially patients with TBI, in diverse disease stages and identify clusters that may be used for prognostication. Despite the need for validation studies, this methodology could help to improve outcome prediction models, diagnostics, and understanding of pathophysiology.

Registration number: PROSPERO: CRD4202347097676.
Age patterns of emigration from Egypt and return to it during 2000–2013
Authors: Metwally Soha , Mohamed Sayed
Published: November 2024

Egyptian emigration has been addressed as a singular incident, and it does not examine the possibility of returning to its home country or moving to another destination. Thus, more studies are needed to fill a gap in our knowledge of emigration from Egypt. Using a multistate life table approach, the study estimated the probability of emigration from Egypt according to destinations and the exact age of the emigrants, the probability of returning from the destination to the home country before reaching age 60, and the expected migration time in each destination; the study depended on data from the rich nationwide “The Egypt Household International Migration Survey.” Results confirm the pattern of migration from Egypt, which is acknowledged through previous studies, except that the driver of migration is no longer unemployment but rather in search of better conditions or a decent life. Also, the results indicate that Saudi Arabia attracted the largest percentage of working-age emigrants from Egypt, while Kuwait was the more stable destination. Libya is considered the least stable destination for Egyptian emigrants and the preferred country for young emigrants. Moreover, Saudi Arabia was the preferred destination for older Egyptians, followed by Kuwait. The probability of returning to Egypt increases significantly at 50-59 for all destination countries except Jordan. Finally, if an Egyptian emigrant wishes to move from their first destination, the next destination will be Saudi Arabia.
„Das ist wirklich eine Gratwanderung“: Schlüsselprobleme der Patientinnen- und Familienedukation zu technischen Assistenzsystemen in Sozial- und Gesundheitsberufen – eine Grounded Theory
Authors: Kardas Leopold , Nick Carola , Lüftl Katharina
Published: November 2024

Hintergrund

Zwischen technischen Assistenzsystemen für die häusliche Versorgung und ihren potenziellen Nutzer:innen bestehen häufig erhebliche Passungsprobleme. Patient:innen- und Familienedukation stellt eine multimethodische und subjektorientierte Vermittlungsstrategie, die Brücken zwischen Mensch und Technik bauen und somit das postulierte Potenzial technischer Assistenzsysteme nutzbar machen könnte, dar. Pflegefachpersonen scheinen durch ihr edukatives Selbstverständnis und ihre Nähe zu Betroffenen prädestiniert für diese Aufgabe zu sein, werden durch ihre Ausbildung bisher aber nur unzureichend darauf vorbereitet.

Zielsetzung und Fragestellung

Zur Fundierung eines curricularen Bausteins der Pflegeausbildung und des Pflegestudiums sollen berufliche Schlüsselprobleme der Patient:innenedukation zu technischen Assistenzsystemen in den Sozial- und Gesundheitsberufen erhoben werden. Diese stellen empirisch identifizierte Herausforderungen im Handlungsfeld der Technikberatung, die zugleich auch pflegedidaktische Verhältnisbestimmungen zwischen Technik und pflege- bzw. gesundheitsberuflichem Handeln ermöglichen sollen, dar.

Methoden

Es wurde eine qualitative Studie durchgeführt. Auf der Grundlage einer Methodentriangulation wurden 15 Interviews geführt und anschließend mithilfe der Grounded-Theory-Methodologie nach Strauss und Corbin ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Als zentrales Schlüsselphänomen konnte die Praxis der Gratwanderung, welche 4 Schlüsselprobleme umfasst, identifiziert werden. Die Gratwanderung der Akteur:innen im Umgang mit den Schlüsselproblemen mündet in einer heuristischen Technikfolgenabschätzung, in der potenzieller Nutzen und Schaden von technischen Assistenzsystemen gegeneinander abgewogen werden. Hierfür müssen technische Artefakte in einen Zusammenhang mit (1) den Alltagspraktiken, (2) den soziomaterialen Rahmenbedingungen sowie (3) den Technikdeutungen ihrer Nutzer:innen gestellt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Patient:innenedukation stellt eine geeignete Strategie dar, um das Handlungsfeld der Technikberatung weiter zu professionalisieren und so die Potenziale von technischen Assistenzsystemen in der häuslichen Versorgung realistisch zu nutzen.
Teacher and Middle Leader Perceptions of Culturally Responsive Middle Leadership Practices and Their Ability to Meet the Needs of Māori Students in New Zealand Secondary Schools
Authors: Highfield Camilla , Webber Melinda , Woods Rachel
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the self-reported culturally responsive practices of curriculum leaders (n = 53) and teachers (n = 105) from six state funded secondary schools in New Zealand. Partcipants were surveyed to examine the relationship between middle leader self-reporting of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) for improving Māori student engagement and teacher perceptions of those practices. School contextual factors and student academic achievement were also compared with the response ratings to understand any association between culturally responsive middle leadership and student academic outcomes. The study found that middle leaders with more experience generally reported greater confidence in their leadership of CRP. Furthermore, there was some indication that teacher perceptions of middle leader’s use of CRP practices may be higher in schools with more experienced middle leaders. However, despite the crucial role middle leaders have in supporting the use of CRP in their departments, no relation was found between the confidence of middle leaders regarding CRP and student academic achievement (155).
Room temperature quantitative liquid concentration device and application to interleukins analysis in a B-cell culture medium
Authors: Kawanabe Ruriko , Tazawa Hidekatsu , Mawatari Kazuma , Yoshizaki Ayumi
Published: November 2024

In biological analysis and medical diagnosis, there is an increasing demand for improving the lower detection limit without deteriorating the quantitativity; however, it is usually challenging. In this study, we utilized a cyclone flow device and established a liquid concentration method. An air cyclone flow induced a liquid cyclone flow in the concentration devices and enhanced the air/liquid interface area, which allowed an effective concentration of liquid from mL to mL at room temperature. The heating temperature and actual temperature inside the liquid were investigated to know the cooling effect of evaporation. The collection efficiency of larger than 98% was confirmed with a standard solution. Finally, the analytical procedure to realize a quantitative concentration was established, and the concentration and quantification of interleukins (IL-8, IL-17, and IL-23) from the supernatant of the B-cell culture medium was demonstrated. The B-cell was stimulated with CD40L, and the supernatant was concentrated 27 times at maximum.

Graphical abstract
A subtle call to greatness: Unipolarity, US foreign policy, and the indefinite extension of the NPT
Authors: Craig Campbell , Ruzicka Jan , Egeland Kjølv
Published: November 2024

In this article, we analyse the implications of the end of the Cold War for US non-proliferation policy and the non-proliferation regime. Contrary to widely held expectations, we show that the end of bipolarity did not undercut the pursuit of non-proliferation but supercharge it. While bipolarity had afforded non-proliferation hold-outs opportunities to evade superpower pressure, the structural condition of unipolarity both incentivised and enabled the United States to pursue a more robust non-proliferation policy than before. Against the view that contemporary unipolar power is severely circumscribed by the need to make compromises and adhere to social norms, unipolarity allowed the United States to entrench a regime that was widely considered unjust. We support this argument with an analysis of non-proliferation dynamics in the early 1990s, focusing in particular on the process that culminated with the indefinite extension of the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1995.
Half a century of survey data reveal population recovery but persistent threats for the Vulnerable yellow-footed rock-wallaby in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Silcock Jennifer Lesley , Gynther Ian C. , Horsup Alan , Molyneux Jenny , Wattz Tracy L. , Fairfax Russell J. , Healy Al J. , Murphy David , McRae Peter D.
Published: November 2024

The record of mammal declines and extinctions in Australia raises concerns regarding geographically restricted and poorly known taxa. For many taxa, the existing data are insufficient to assess their conservation status and inform appropriate management. Concerns regarding the persistence of the subspecies of yellow-footed rock-wallaby Petrogale xanthopus celeris, which is endemic to Queensland, have been expressed since the 1970s because of red fox Vulpes vulpes predation, competition with feral goats Capra hircus and land clearing. This rock-wallaby is rarely observed, occupies rugged mountain ranges and, prior to our surveys, had not been surveyed for 25 years. We surveyed 138 sites across the range of this rock-wallaby during 2010–2023, including revisiting sites surveyed in the 1970s–1980s and locations of historical records. We examined occurrence in relation to habitat variables and threats. Occupancy and abundance remained similar over time at most sites. However, by 2023 the subspecies had recolonized areas in the north-east of its range where it had disappeared between surveys in the 1980s and 2010s, and three south-western subpopulations that were considered extinct in the 1980s were rediscovered. Recolonization and increases in abundance at numerous sites between the 2010s and 2020s are associated with declines in feral goat abundance, indicating dietary and habitat competition are major threats. Exclusion fences erected since 2010 could limit genetic exchange between rock-wallaby subpopulations whilst allowing domestic goats to be commercially grazed. Petrogale xanthopus celeris should remain categorized as Vulnerable based on these ongoing threats. Repeated monitoring approximately every decade should underpin management of this endemic taxon.
Early adoption of international policy innovations: A theoretical framework – with evidence on business and human rights in Colombia and Ecuador
Authors: Higham Ian
Published: November 2024

This article proposes a theoretical framework for explaining the motivations behind the early adoption of international public policy innovations. While there has been a proliferation of transnational policy diffusion studies, there is less research on why some governments become early adopters when new international policy norms are promoted. Most research on the topic looks only at monocausal explanations without considering their interactions in a coherent, integrated framework. The article proposes four motivations for early adoption: normative, reputation, competition, and locking-in. The framework is then illustrated by application to the early adoption of business and human rights policy innovations, with Colombia and Ecuador serving as two cases for comparative analysis. The article advances understanding of early adoption and policy diffusion by highlighting particularly important explanations for what motivates early adopters to begin processes of subsequent diffusion and suggesting how motivations may interact to strengthen the case for early adoption.
Norm waverers and norm enforcement: ASEAN, Myanmar, and the anti-coup norm
Authors: Plunkett Anna , Tansey Oisin
Published: November 2024

Since the end of the Cold War, democracies have sought to create a range of normative and international legal standards intended to reduce the frequency, and legitimacy, of coups. The rise of the anti-coup norm has led to the isolation and punishment of numerous coup-created governments, and evidence suggests it has helped reduce the frequency of coup attempts. However, the norm is contested, and coup leaders often find that the international condemnation they face is countered by quiet acquiescence or active support by international allies. This paper examines the politics of norm contestation around the anti-coup norm by considering the international response to the 2021 coup in Myanmar. It introduces the concept of ‘norm waverers’ and illustrates how committed norm promoters and norm resisters often try to persuade norm waverers – in this case exemplified by ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) – to join their respective camps. International pressure after the Myanmar coup induced ASEAN to take steps to enforce the anti-coup norm. But these ultimately reflected a concern with its own reputation and credibility, rather than any underlying institutional commitment to the norm itself. The result was a shallow institutionalisation of the anti-coup norm.
Is Enhanced Transparency the “Backbone” of the Paris Agreement? A Critical Assessment
Authors: van Deursen Max , Gupta Aarti
Published: November 2024

This article scrutinizes the role of transparency in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Specifically, it examines a widely heard claim that ‘transparency is the backbone of the Paris Agreement’, and the assumption that mandatory transparency (reporting and review) is essential to fill potential gaps in climate action left by voluntary, nationally determined climate targets. We subject this claim to critical scrutiny by tracing the political contestations around the desired role of transparency in the UNFCCC, with a focus on mitigation-related transparency. Our analysis shows that, despite developing countries expressing concerns during the pre-Paris negotiations, the Paris Agreement's enhanced transparency framework (ETF) is almost exclusively ‘enhanced’ (compared with earlier provisions) for developing countries, with some instances of regression for developed countries. Furthermore, the effects of such enhanced reporting are not straightforward and might de facto have an impact on countries’ autonomy to nationally determine their mitigation targets in diverse ways, even as all the detailed reporting does not facilitate comparability of effort. With implementation of the ETF due to start in 2024, our analysis provides a timely exploration of the extent to which transparency is really a backbone of the Paris Agreement, and for whom and with what implications for ambitious action from all under the international climate regime. It calls into question whether the transformative potential of transparency, much extolled within the UNFCCC process, will materialize for all countries in a similar manner or rather will have an impact on countries differentially.
Modeling the Effects of Vegetation and Snow on Dust Storm Over the Gobi Desert
Authors: Hao Yueting , Wang Zilin , Xue Lian , Lou Sijia , Ding Ke , Qin Yue , Huang Xin
Published: November 2024

The Gobi Desert is a prominent dust source in Asia, where the dust storm is severe and features great interannual and seasonal variability. Previous studies have found land surface variation plausibly plays an important role in the occurrence and intensity of dust storms. However, the quantitative estimation and numerical description in current models are still limited. Here, a comprehensive study utilizing multiple observations and modeling methods to assess the influence of vegetation and snow on dust was conducted. We found that Gobi deserts exhibit substantial monthly and interannual variability in dust storms, which shows a close connection with vegetation and snow. To quantitatively understand the impact of vegetation and snow cover on dust emissions and also to better characterize such effects in numerical models, we introduced a high‐resolution dynamic dust source function that incorporates the effects of vegetation and snow on erodibility. The new parameterization noticeably improved dust‐related simulations, including aerosol optical thickness and PM10 concentrations, and provided insights into the distinct effects of vegetation and snow on dust emissions. This study sheds light on the effects of vegetation and snow on dust storms over the Gobi Desert, highlighting the importance of dynamic representation of time‐varying surface properties in dust simulation.
The effectiveness and usability of online, group-based interventions for people with severe obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Milne-Ives Madison , Burns Lorna , Swancutt Dawn , Calitri Raff , Ananthakrishnan Ananya , Davis Helene , Pinkney Jonathan , Tarrant Mark , Meinert Edward
Published: November 2024

Long wait times, limited resources, and a lack of local options mean that many people with severe obesity cannot access treatment. Face-to-face group-based interventions have been found effective and can treat multiple people simultaneously, but are limited by service capacity. Digital group interventions could reduce wait times, but research on their effectiveness is limited. This systematic review aimed to examine the literature about online group-based interventions for adults with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2). The review followed the PRISMA and PICOS frameworks. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Two authors independently screened articles. Data extraction, analysis, and quality assessment (using RoB2 and MMAT) was shared between two authors. A meta-analysis was conducted on eligible studies; other results were descriptively analysed. 20 papers reporting on 15 studies were included. Most studies reported some evidence of weight loss, but evidence of weight-related behaviour change was mixed. A meta-analysis on four studies indicated that online, group-based interventions had a statistically significant impact on weight loss (p = 0.001; 95% CI −0.69 to −0.17) with a small-to-moderate effect size, compared to waitlist or standard care conditions. Online interventions were considered more convenient but lack of familiarity with the group or counsellor, accessibility issues, and time constraints hindered engagement. Technical support, incentives, and interactive forums to improve group cohesion could mitigate these barriers. The findings suggested that online, group-based interventions are feasible and potentially beneficial, but barriers such as internet accessibility, digital literacy, and unfamiliarity with group members need to be mitigated. Key recommendations to improve experience and impact include providing instructions and run-throughs, building group cohesion, and providing session and additional content throughout the intervention. Future studies should focus on the influence of specific intervention characteristics and investigate the effect of these interventions compared to face-to-face interventions. Registration: National Institute for Health Research, PROSPERO CRD42021227101; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021227101.
A computational signature of self-other mergence in Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Story Giles W. , Ereira Sam , Valle Stephanie , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Grant Jon E. , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: November 2024

A tendency to merge mental representations of self and other is thought to underpin the intense and unstable relationships that feature in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, clinical theories of BPD do not specify, in computational terms, how the perspectives of self and other might become confused. To address this question, we used a probabilistic false belief task (p-FBT) to examine how individuals with BPD (N = 38) and matched controls from the general population (N = 74) selectively assigned beliefs to self or other. The p-FBT requires participants to track a gradually changing quantity, whilst also predicting another person’s belief about that quantity. We found that BPD participants showed less selectivity in belief assignment compared with controls (Cohen’s d = 0.64). Behaviourally, participants with BPD tended to predict that others’ beliefs resembled their own. Modelling analysis revealed that BPD participants were prone to generalise their own learning signals to others. Furthermore, this generalising tendency correlated with BPD symptomatology across participants, even when controlling for demographic factors and affective psychopathology. Our results support a computational account of self-other mergence, based on a generalisation of learning across agents. Self-other generalisation in learning purports to explain key clinical features of BPD, and suggests a potential transdiagnostic marker of mentalising capability.
Immunological reconstitution and infections after alloHCT - a comparison between post-transplantation cyclophosphamide, ATLG and non-ATLG based GvHD prophylaxis
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Maas-Bauer Kristina , Wäsch Ralph , Duyster Justus , Zeiser Robert , Finke Jürgen , Wehr Claudia
Published: November 2024

Immunological reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is critical for patient survival. We compared short- and long-term immune reconstitution and clinical endpoints in adult recipients of haploidentical or mismatched T cell replete peripheral blood stem cell transplants (PBSCT) with post-transplant cyclophosphamide as GvHD prophylaxis (PTCY, n = 68) to: (a) patients receiving matched unrelated grafts and anti-T lymphocyte globulin (ATLG) (MUD/ATLG, n = 280); (b) patients with a mismatched donor and ATLG (MM/ATLG, n = 54); and (c) recipients of matched related grafts without ATLG (MRD/NoATLG, n = 97). PTCY was associated with delayed neutrophil engraftment, low NK-cell counts on day 30 and reduced CD8+ cells on days 60–80. In terms of long-term reconstitution, PTCY recipients demonstrated significantly higher CD4+ counts from day 100–365, primarily derived from naïve T cells. Additionally, B-lymphocyte counts at one year were highest in the PTCY group. Early morbidity and mortality due to infectious complications (viral reactivation, (blood stream) infections) were most frequent in PTCY patients during the first three months. However, beyond three months, no PTCY patient suffered a fatal infection. Our study highlights the pattern of early immunodeficiency followed by robust long-term immune reconstitution in PTCY recipients, identifying critical time periods of risk that could be targeted to optimise patient survival and reduce infectious complications.
Chromatin landscape dynamics during reprogramming towards human naïve and primed pluripotency reveals the divergent function of PRDM1 isoforms
Authors: Zhou Jianfeng , Guo Mingyue , Yang Guang , Cui Xinyu , Hu Jindian , Lin Tan , Wang Hong , Gao Shaorong , Jiang Cizhong , Wang Liping , Wang Yixuan
Published: November 2024

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology holds great potential in both scientific research and clinical applications. It enables the generation of naïve and primed iPSCs from various cell types through different strategies. Despite extensive characterizations of transcriptional and epigenetic factors, the intricacies of chromatin landscape dynamics during naïve and primed reprogramming, particularly in humans, remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses to delineate and compare the chromatin landscape of naïve and primed pluripotency through the human secondary reprogramming system. Our investigations revealed several key transcriptional and epigenetic factors pivotal for reprogramming-associated chromatin remodeling. Notably, we found two isoforms of PRDM1, PRDM1α, and PRDM1β, bind to distinct genomic loci and play different roles in the naïve reprogramming process. We proposed an auto-regulatory model explaining the distinct functions of PRDM1α and PRDM1β. Overall, our findings highlight the complexity and diversity of transcription factors in shaping chromatin landscape dynamics and directing the fates of pluripotent cells.
Placental T2* as a measure of placental function across field strength from 0.55T to 3T
Authors: Hall Megan , Verdera Jordina Aviles , Cromb Daniel , Silva Sara Neves , Rutherford Mary , Counsell Serena J. , Hajnal Joseph V , Story Lisa , Hutter Jana
Published: November 2024

Placental MRI is increasingly implemented in clinical obstetrics and research. Functional imaging, especially T2*, has been shown to vary across gestation and in pathology. Translation into the clinical arena has been slow because of time taken to mask the region of interest and owing to differences in T2* results depending on field strength. This paper contributes methodology to remove these barriers by utilising data from 0.55, 1.5 and 3T MRI to provide a fully automated segmentation tool; determining field strength dependency of placental assessment techniques; and deriving normal ranges for T2* by gestational age but independent of field strength. T2* datasets were acquired across field strengths. Automatic quantification including fully automatic masking was achieved and tested in 270 datasets across fields. Normal curves for quantitative placental mean T2*, volume and other derived measurements were obtained in 273 fetal MRI scans and z-scores calculated. The fully automatic segmentation achieved excellent quantification results (Dice scores of 0.807 at 3T, 0.796 at 1.5T and 0.815 at 0.55T.). Similar changes were seen between placental T2* and gestational age across all three field strengths (p < 0.05). Z-scores were generated. This study provides confidence in the translatability of T2* trends across field strengths in fetal imaging.
Higher eigenvector centrality in grooming network is linked to better inhibitory control task performance but not other cognitive tasks in free-ranging Japanese macaques
Authors: Kaigaishi Yu , Yamamoto Shinya
Published: November 2024

The Social Intelligence Hypothesis predicts that complex social environments promote higher cognitive capacities. This hypothesis is often tested by comparing species or conspecific groups with varying group sizes or social structures. However, individual social environments differ not only among species or groups but also within the same group. We examined the relationship between social centrality and cognitive ability in wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We created a grooming network using data from 196 adult macaques and calculated social centrality for each individual. We then tested the macaques with a cognitive test battery to assess their abilities in social, physical, and inhibitory control domains. Our findings revealed that social centrality was uniquely associated with inhibitory control performance, particularly in the behavioral inhibition task, but not with other cognitive domains. This suggests that inhibitory control, a key component of executive functions, plays a pivotal role in the social lives of wild Japanese macaques.
Privacy guarantees for personal mobility data in humanitarian response
Authors: Kohli Nitin , Aiken Emily , Blumenstock Joshua E.
Published: November 2024

Personal mobility data from mobile phones and other sensors are increasingly used to inform policymaking during pandemics, natural disasters, and other humanitarian crises. However, even aggregated mobility traces can reveal private information about individual movements to potentially malicious actors. This paper develops and tests an approach for releasing private mobility data, which provides formal guarantees over the privacy of the underlying subjects. Specifically, we (1) introduce an algorithm for constructing differentially private mobility matrices and derive privacy and accuracy bounds on this algorithm; (2) use real-world data from mobile phone operators in Afghanistan and Rwanda to show how this algorithm can enable the use of private mobility data in two high-stakes policy decisions: pandemic response and the distribution of humanitarian aid; and (3) discuss practical decisions that need to be made when implementing this approach, such as how to optimally balance privacy and accuracy. Taken together, these results can help enable the responsible use of private mobility data in humanitarian response.
Decoding the pathological and genomic profile of epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Rejaibi Rim , Guille Arnaud , Manai Maroua , Adelaide Jose , Agavnian Emilie , Jelassi Aida , Doghri Raoudha , Charafe-Jauffret Emmanuelle , Bertucci François , Manai Mohamed , Mrad Karima , Charfi Lamia , Sabatier Renaud
Published: November 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common cancers in women, with a high mortality rate. Most of published studies have been focused on Caucasian populations, with the need to explore biological features and clinical outcomes of patients from other ethnicities. We described clinical outcome (progression-free survival and overall survival) and biomarkers associated with survival in a cohort of patients with OC from Tunisia. Using immunohistochemistry, we assessed the expression of 14 proteins known to be altered in OC in a cohort of 198 patients. We explored the correlation between protein expression and copy number alteration (CNA) profiles. FIGO stage, menopausal status and mismatch repair deficiency were associated with survival. ERBB2 amplification was correlated with high ERBB2 expression (OR = 69.32, p = 4.03 E-09), and high PDL1 expression was associated to CD274 amplification (OR = 4.97, p = 5.79 E-2). We identified a correlation between survival and exposure to two CNA signatures (MAPK pathway and BRCA-related homologous recombination deficiency). Moreover, Gama-H2AX protein expression was correlated with exposure to a genomic signature associated with homologous recombination deficiency. We observed that OC clinical and pathological characteristics of these patients from Tunisia were similar to those of Caucasian patients. We identified frequent CNA in this population that need to be confirmed in other sets from Africa.
A hybrid mutational Northern Goshawk and elite opposition learning artificial rabbits optimizer for PEMFC parameter estimation
Authors: Jangir Pradeep , Ezugwu Absalom E. , Saleem Kashif , Arpita  , Agrawal Sunilkumar P. , Pandya Sundaram B. , Parmar Anil , Gulothungan G. , Abualigah Laith
Published: November 2024

For the purpose of simulating, controlling, evaluating, managing and optimizing PEMFCs it is necessary to develop accurate mathematical models. The present study develops a mathematical model which uses empirical or semi-empirical equations to estimate unknown model parameters through optimization techniques. This thesis calculates, analyzes and discusses the sum of squares error (SSE) between measured and estimated current and voltage values using parameters derived from multiple optimization techniques for six commercially available PEMFCs: BCS 500 W-PEMFC, 500 W SR-12 PEMFC, Nedstack PS6 PEMFC, H-12 PEMFC, HORIZON 500 W PEMFC and a 250 W-stack PEMFC. To minimize the SSE between measured and estimated current values under these new models we employ an advanced version of Artificial Rabbits Optimization called Mutational Northern goshawk and Elite opposition learning-based Artificial Rabbits Optimizer (MNEARO). Additionally SSE, Absolute Error (AE), and Mean Bias Error (MBE) are computed for different recent methods according to literature on voltage measurement. Other optimization algorithms including ARO, TLBO, DE and SSA are used for comparative analysis purposes. On top of that MNEARO outperforms others in terms of both computational cost as well as solution quality while experiments carried out using benchmark problems indicate its superiority over other meta-heuristics approaches.
Recent advances in peptide macrocyclization strategies
Authors: Fang Pengyuan , Pang Wing-Ka , Xuan Shouhu , Chan Wai-Lun , Leung Ken Cham-Fai
Published: November 2024

Owing to their special spatial structures, peptide-based macrocycles have recently shown tremendous promise in multidisciplinary research ranging from potent antibiotics against resistant strains to functional biomaterials with novel properties.
Versatile copper(ii) discrete and polymeric coordination compounds with (pyridine-2-yl)methylenenicotinohydrazide and azelaic acid
Authors: Benito Mónica , Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Molins Elies , Zangrando Ennio , Servati Gargari Masoumeh , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Safin Damir A.
Published: November 2024

This manuscript presents the synthesis, structural characterization and DFT analysis of a series of copper(ii) coordination compounds synthesized through various methods.
Complexes of N-chloroquinuclidinium with chloride: strong halogen bonding via chlorine atoms
Authors: Hardin Maison , Zeller Matthias , Rosokha Sergiy V.
Published: November 2024

The first structures containing bonds between chlorines and tertiary nitrogen atoms and very strong halogen bonds via chlorine (with a substantial contribution of orbital interactions) are reported.
Correction: Improving the grindability of rice husk-based green silica through pyrolysis process optimization employing the Taguchi method and response surface methodology
Authors: Yuan Shengwang , Ma Zichao , Hou Yihao , Niu Shichao , Lekai Li , Liu Xuanting , Wang Shuo , Xu Zihe , Ma Yunhai
Published: November 2024

Correction for ‘Improving the grindability of rice husk-based green silica through pyrolysis process optimization employing the Taguchi method and response surface methodology’ by Shengwang Yuan et al., CrystEngComm, 2024, 26, 128–142, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CE01016C.
Sulfobetaine ionic liquid crystals based on strong acids: phase behavior and electrochemistry
Authors: Lange Alyna , Kapernaum Nadia , Wojnarowska Zaneta , Holtzheimer Lea , Mies Stefan , Williams Vance , Gießelmann Frank , Taubert Andreas
Published: November 2024

New zwitterionic ionic liquid crystals were synthesized and their phase and ion transport behavior was investigated. They show relatively high conductivities and are easy to fabricate. Thus, they are promising compounds for ion conductive materials.
Advancements in high-entropy materials for electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Yuan Mingyue , Weible Alan H. , Azadi Fatemeh , Li Bangxin , Cui Jiacheng , Lv Hualiang , Che Renchao , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: November 2024

This review includes synthetic methods, characterization techniques, electronic structure-regulating strategies, and electromagnetic wave absorption applications of high-entropy materials.
Long-life graphite–lithium sulfide full cells enabled through a solvent Co-intercalation-free electrolyte design
Authors: Lai Tianxing , Bhargav Amruth , Reed Seth , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: November 2024

An optimized ether-based electrolyte is designed to suppress solvent co-intercalation and decomposition of graphite anodes, thereby enabling lithium–sulfur batteries with low N/P ratio.
TFA-promoted (hetero)arylation/hydroxylation of quinoxaline-2-one derivatives with electron-rich aromatic compounds
Authors: Jatoth Ramanna , Gugulothu Kishan , Ravi Nidhi , Gayathri Ranamalla , Chandrakumar Shravani Parehosahalli , Shiva Kumar K.
Published: November 2024

A metal- and solvent-free, one-pot and TFA-promoted method for the construction of hetero/aryl-substituted quinoxalin-2-ones, pyrazin-2(1H)-ones, and pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones is reported.
The study of the photochemical behavior of 5-aryl-2,3-dihydropyrazine 1,4-dioxides
Authors: Bakuleva Nadezhda A. , Lichitskii Boris V. , Komogortsev Andrey N. , Tretyakov Evgeny V.
Published: November 2024

For the first time, the photochemical behavior of aryl-substituted 2,3-dihydropyrazine 1,4-dioxides was investigated.
N-Aryl/heteroaryl oxaziridines: from photochemical synthesis to reactivity investigation in heteroatom transfer reactions
Authors: Cai Bao-Gui , Mao Hui , Wang Kun , Xuan Jun
Published: November 2024

Described herein is the photochemical synthesis of N-aryl/heteroaryl oxaziridines under visible light irradiation. These formed compounds have the flexibility to be either stably isolated or directly utilized in heteroatom transfer reactions.
Antileishmanial potential of thiourea-based derivatives: design, synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Hadi Abdul , Yaqoob Muhammad , Hussain Fahad , Al-Kahraman Yasser M.S.A , Jan Muhammad Saeed , Mahmood Abid , Shier Thomas , Rashid Umer
Published: November 2024

The evaluation of the results showed that compounds 4g and 20a–b could be promising leads/hits to enrich the arsenal of antileishmanial drug development.
Bulk passivation and suppressing non-radiative recombination loss in a 3D all-inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cell via a 2D layered perovskite framework
Authors: Das Tapas , Farooq Faisal , Garg Parul , Singla Sakal , Guchhait Asim , Bera Ashok
Published: November 2024

Bulk passivation in the CsPbIBr2 absorber layer with controlled (PEA)2PbI4 doping reduces the nonradiative recombination loss resulting in enhanced performance and stability in solution-processed CsPbIBr2-based perovskite solar cells.
A multi-interaction conductive double-network polyelectrolyte hydrogel with high stretchability, self-adhesion, and tunable transparency for bioelectronic sensing and information encryption
Authors: Lu Dongdong , Zhu Zilong , Zhu Mingning , Zhang Peng , Xiang Xiaodong
Published: November 2024

A conductive double-network polyelectrolyte hydrogel with multiple interactions was developed. The gel is stretchable, self-adhesive, and transparency adjustable. It can be applied to flexible bioelectronic sensing and information encryption.
Exploring the photoactive properties of promising MXenes for water splitting
Authors: Ontiveros Diego , Viñes Francesc , Sousa Carmen
Published: November 2024

Ten MXenes show robust stability, high carriers mobilities, strong visible light absorption, and promising solar-to-hydrogen efficiency for water splitting photocatalysis.
Multifaceted classification and integration of time-varying complex signals using analog neuromorphic UV phototransistors
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Lee Suwan , Dang Hyunmin , Seo Hyungtak
Published: November 2024

We present neuromorphic optical sensor for multifaceted classification. It discriminates 310, 365, and 395 nm wavelengths, tracks illumination duration and termination, real-time dynamic sensing, and monitors complex phenomena like water vortices.
X-Ray imaging and enantioselective photopolymerization enabled by chiral Eu(iii) complex nanoscintillators
Authors: Li Zejian , Zhang Chenxi , Li Yan , Wu Yiming , Zhang Wenchao , He Chenlu
Published: November 2024

This study develops chiral Eu(NTA)3(BINAPO) complexes as X-ray scintillators with unique circularly polarized luminescence and imaging potential, advancing X-ray-activated enantioselective photocatalysis for diverse environmental applications.
Polar-end 3,5-diarylisoxazole liquid crystals with SmA and highly ordered CrE mesophases
Authors: Weber Caroline S. B. , da Rosa Rafaela R. , de Araújo Bruno B. , Avila Lindiomar B. , Furini Leonardo N. , Bechtold Ivan H. , Eccher Juliana , Merlo Aloir A.
Published: November 2024

Polar-end 3,5-diarylisoxazol liquid crystals (ILCs) with nitro, amine and bromine polar terminal groups were thermally and structurally characterized.
A Methodological Review of Stimuli Used for Classroom Speech-in-Noise Tests
Authors: Mealings Kiri , Miles Kelly , Buchholz Joerg M.
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

Listening is the gateway to learning in the mainstream classroom; however, classrooms are noisy environments, making listening challenging. Therefore, speech-in-noise tests that realistically incorporate the complexity of the classroom listening environment are needed. The aim of this article was to review the speech stimuli, noise stimuli, presentation mode, and presentation levels of current classroom speech-in-noise tests to determine how representative they are of real-world classroom listening.

Method:

A comprehensive search of Scopus database following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was conducted to identify classroom speech-in-noise tests used in the research literature. The search term was
classroom AND (listening OR (speech AND (perception OR intelligibility OR recognition OR discrimination) AND noise) OR speech-in-noise) AND (test OR task OR measure OR assessment) AND children
in the article title, abstract, and key word fields
.

Results:

A total of 97 papers met the criteria to be included in the review. While the speech and noise stimuli were generally presented at realistic speech and noise levels, the speech materials were not representative of real-world classroom listening. Additionally, unrealistic noise and presentation modes were used in several studies.

Conclusion:

This review will help researchers choose appropriate speech-in-noise test stimuli in future research and also help researchers understand what to consider when creating new speech-in-noise tests for classroom listening.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27659619
A CIGALE module tailored (not only) for low-luminosity active galactic nuclei
Authors: López I. E. , Yang G. , Mountrichas G. , Brusa M. , Alexander D. M. , Baldi R. D. , Bertola E. , Bonoli S. , Comastri A. , Shankar F. , Acharya N. , Alonso Tetilla A. V. , Lapi A. , Laloux B. , López López X. , Muñoz Rodríguez I. , Musiimenta B. , Osorio Clavijo N. , Sala L. , Sengupta D.
Published: November 2024

The spectral energy distribution (SED) of low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGN) presents unique challenges as the emission from these objects is comparable to the radiation from their host galaxy and the accretion physics involved is particularly complex. This study introduces a novel CIGALE module specifically designed to address these challenges. The module combines the empirical LX–L12 μm relationship with physically motivated accretion models, such as advection-dominated accretion flows (ADAFs) and truncated accretion disks, providing a more accurate depiction of LLAGN central engine emission. A mock analysis of the module revealed good recovery of true parameters, with only a slight bias toward higher input values, further validating its reliability. We tested the module on a sample of 50 X-ray-detected local galaxies, including low-ionization nuclear emission-line regions (LINERs) and Seyferts, and demonstrated its capacity to accurately estimate bolometric luminosities, even in the presence of significant galaxy contamination. Notably, the previous X-ray module failed to provide AGN solutions for this sample, stressing the need for a novel approach. Comparisons with mid-luminosity AGN datasets confirm the module’s robustness and applicability up to LX < 1045 erg/s. We also expanded the X-ray-to-bolometric correction formula, making it applicable to AGN spanning ten orders of magnitude in luminosity, and revealing lower kX values for LLAGN than typically assumed. Additionally, our analysis of the αox index, which represents the slope between UV and X-ray emissions, uncovered trends that differ from those observed in high-luminosity AGN. Unlike quasars, where αox correlates with λEdd, LLAGN exhibit nearly constant or weakly correlated αox values, suggesting a shift in accretion physics and photon production mechanisms in low-luminosity regimes. These results underscore the importance of a multiwavelength approach in AGN studies and reveal distinct behaviors in LLAGN compared to quasars. Our findings significantly advance our understanding of LLAGN and offer a comprehensive framework for future research to complete the AGN population census.