bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity Profiles and the Role of Interpersonal Relationships in Primary School Pupils: A Person‐Centered Approach
Authors: Liu Jiabin , Yu Linwei , Zhao Xiaoqian , Liu Yanan , Jiao Lan
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of creativity and the role of interpersonal relationships for creativity subgroups among primary school students. We used latent profile analysis to identify subgroups of creativity among pupils. We then used logistic regression analysis to investigate the role of teacher‐student and peer relationships in these subgroups. A total of 1,047 primary school students (Mage = 10.97, SD = 0.91; 47.80% girls) completed the Chinese version of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking Figural Form A, the Teacher‐Student Relationship Scale, and peer nominations. First, the results revealed five creativity profiles for pupils in primary school: high‐creativity individuals, innovators, medium‐creativity individuals, adaptors, and low‐creativity individuals. Heterogeneity across the five subgroups was reflected in the differing creativity levels and differences in creativity dimensions. Second, students who had better teacher‐student relationships were more likely to be high‐creativity individuals and innovators than low‐creativity individuals. In addition, students who had higher perceived popularity tended to be high‐creativity individuals, innovators, adaptors, and medium‐creativity individuals than low‐creativity individuals. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and empirical support for the targeted cultivation of creativity in primary schools.
Picomolar detection limits for glyphosate by two‐dimensional column‐coupled isotachophoresis/capillary zone electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Graf Hannes Georg , Rudisch Benjamin Maximilian , Ude Lukas , Müller Linda , Huhn Carolin
Published: August 2022

Capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry often lacks sufficient limits of detection for trace substances in the environment due to its low loadability. To overcome this problem, we conducted a feasibility study for column‐coupling isotachophoresis to capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry. The first dimension isotachophoresis preconcentrated the analytes. The column‐coupling of both dimensions was achieved by a hybrid capillary microfluidic chip setup. Reliable analyte transfer by voltage switching was enabled by an in‐chip capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector placed around the channel of the common section between two T‐shaped crossings in the chip connecting both dimensions. This eliminated the need to calculate the moment of analyte transfer. A commercial capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry instrument with easily installable adaptations operated the setup. Prior to coupling isotachophoresis with capillary zone electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry, both dimensions were optimized individually by simulations and verified experimentally. Both dimensions were able to stack/separate all degradation products of glyphosate, the most important herbicide applied worldwide. The first dimension isotachophoresis also removed phosphate, which is a critical matrix component in many environmental samples. Enrichment and separation of glyphosate and its main degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid by the two‐dimensional setup provided an excellent limit of detection of 150 pM (25 ng/L) for glyphosate.
Food niches of planktonic rotifers: Diversification and implications
Authors: Gilbert John J.
Published: August 2022

The diverse diets of common planktonic rotifers are described in detail from field and laboratory observations and experiments. Also considered are methodological approaches, rotifer feeding mechanisms, and the availability in natural waters of less well‐known food items (detritus, picoplankton, protozoans). Despite much variation among and within rotifer genera, food niches of planktonic rotifers can be subdivided into four broad, overlapping categories defined by the predominant types and sizes of food ingested: (1) microphagous rotifers that eat fine detritus/organic aggregates, picoplankton, and 2–10 μm nanoplankton; (2) polyphagous rotifers that eat the above items, larger nanoplankton, and small (20–50 μm) microplankton; (3) macrophagous algivores that eat 5–50 μm algae; and (4) macrophagous omnivores/predators that eat 5–250 μm algae, protozoans, and metazoans. These diet‐based categories have ecological advantages over categories based on rotifer morphology or feeding mode. The information on diets assembled here is important for understanding: (1) the population dynamics of planktonic rotifers and their food organisms; (2) the position of rotifers in classical and microbial food webs; (3) the seasonality, spatial distribution, and species diversity of rotifers in plankton communities; and (4) food overlap, and thus potential resource competition, among planktonic protozoans, rotifers, and crustaceans.
Interactive effects of increasing chloride concentration and warming on freshwater plankton communities
Authors: McClymont Alexandra , Arnott Shelley E. , Rusak James A.
Published: August 2022

Across the Northern hemisphere, chloride concentrations in lakes are increasing from decades of road salt use, threatening aquatic ecosystems. Zooplankton are sensitive to increasing chloride but few studies have considered how additional stressors, such as soft water or increasing lake temperatures interact with the negative effects of chloride. To determine the effects of increasing chloride and temperature on freshwater zooplankton and phytoplankton communities, we conducted a mesocosm experiment using 30 concentrations of chloride from ambient levels to 1500 mg L−1, ambient or warmed (+2.7°C) temperatures, and plankton from a softwater lake. We compared the results with current Canadian Water Quality Guidelines (CWQG) for chronic exposure to chloride. Although warming elicited little response, increasing chloride concentrations led to reduced zooplankton biomass and richness, even at concentrations below the CWQG, and an increase in cyanobacteria abundance, suggesting that policies regulating road salt application should be reevaluated to better protect aquatic ecosystems.
Preparation of Thermosensitive Hydroxybutyl Chitosan/Silk Fibroin Hybrid Hydrogels
Authors: Liu Xueping , Wu Hui , Pan Peng , Wang Mengmeng , Zhang Wenjing , Hu Cheng , Lu Shenzhou , Li Mingzhong , Liu Yu
Published: August 2022

Endowing silk fibroin (SF) with the thermosensitivity of rapid in situ gelation remains a challenge in the field of silk fibroin‐based tissue engineering scaffolds and injectable soft tissue fillers. In this study, thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC)/SF hybrid hydrogels are prepared by physical interaction between HBC and SF. In HBC/SF hybrid system, hydrophobic segments of HBC are aggregated to form microaggregates at physiological temperature, which induce hydrophobic segments of SF to aggregate to the microaggregates by hydrophobic interaction, thus achieving the sol–gel transformation of the two components jointly. The observations and tests of the gelation process show that HBC/SF hybrids with mass ratios of 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, 80/20, 75/25, and 70/30 can complete sol–gel transition rapidly within 5–8 min at 37 °C, and have the reversibility of sol–gel transition. CCK‐8 assay results reveal that the cytotoxicity of HBC hydrogel is effectively reduced by the introduction of SF component. Thermosensitive HBC/SF hybrids have the potential to be used as injectable tissue engineering scaffolds and soft tissue filler.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for interval‐valued differentiability
Authors: Osuna‐Gómez Rafaela , Costa Tiago Mendonca da , Hernández‐Jiménez Beatriz , Ruiz‐Garzón Gabriel
Published: August 2022

This paper presents necessary and sufficient conditions for generalized Hukuhara differentiability of interval‐valued functions and counterexamples of some equivalences previously presented in the literature, for which important results are based on. Moreover, applications of interval generalized Hukuhara differentiability are presented.
Maximizing total early work in a distributed two‐machine flow‐shop
Authors: Dolgui Alexandre , Kovalyov Mikhail Y. , Lin Bertrand M. T.
Published: August 2022

The problem of maximizing total early work in a two‐machine flow‐shop, in which n jobs are to be scheduled subject to a common due date d, has been recently studied in the scheduling literature. An O(n2d4) time dynamic programming algorithm was presented first for the weighted case, and then for the unweighted case another O(n2d2) running time dynamic programming algorithm was proposed and converted into an time fully polynomial time approximation scheme (FPTAS). By establishing new problem properties, we present an O(nd2) time dynamic programming algorithm and an time FPTAS for the unweighted problem. We generalize the problem to a distributed setting of m parallel two‐machine flow‐shops, develop an O(nd3m) time dynamic programming algorithm, an time FPTAS, and three integer linear programming (ILP) formulations for it. Computational experiments are conducted to appraise the proposed ILP models.
Maximum isometric tongue strength and tongue endurance in healthy adults
Authors: Hao Grace , Chih Yu‐Chun , Ni Anpin , Harada Kazuaki , Thompson Jorde , Chen Shiuan‐Chih , Chang Yu‐Jung
Published: August 2022

Objective

Tongue muscles play critical roles in swallowing function. This study was designed to investigate the tongue function of healthy individuals without food intake and compose a tongue function database in Taiwan across age, gender, and two tongue bulb placement positions.

Methods

Both tongue strength and tongue endurance were measured at the anterior and the posterior tongue position. A total of 214 participants (102 males and 112 females) across six age groups completed the tongue strength study. Only 203 participants (96 males and 107 females) completed the tongue endurance study.

Results

Results of this study found no significant interaction effects between age and gender for all the tongue strength and endurance measures. Both anterior and posterior tongue strength were significantly lower in the older group (60+) compared with the middle‐aged participants (31–40). Although no significant differences were found in younger age groups at either tongue positions on endurance measures, significantly lower tongue endurances were noticed in the 60+ age group. The tongue strength and tongue endurance measurements were greater at the anterior position than the posterior position, decrease in the 60+ age group.

Conclusion

The tongue endurance duration was similar between males and females and remained relatively stable throughout life. In contrast, the impact of age and gender on the maximum tongue strength measurement was more obvious. Tongue strength and endurance level were observed to decline with advancing age at both the anterior and the posterior positions. These data could be one feasible reference indicator for oral function and swallowing state in Taiwanese population.
Application of a clinical decision rule and laboratory assays in pediatrics: Adult heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Cohen Omri , Lange Kfir , Budnik Ivan , Tamarin Ilia , Brutman‐Barazani Tami , Barg Assaf Arie , Rosenberg Nurit , Lubetsky Aharon , Kenet Gili , Levy‐Mendelovich Sarina
Published: August 2022

Background

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is rare among pediatric patients. The diagnosis of HIT depends upon clinical decision tools to assess its pretest probability, supported by laboratory evidence of anti‐platelet factor 4 (anti‐PF4)/heparin antibodies.

Aims

To compare the use of the 4Ts score clinical decision tool, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings between pediatric and adult patients with suspected HIT.

Methods

We compiled all pediatric patients in our center for whom HIT testing was performed during the years 2015–2021. These were compared with a cohort of consecutive adult patients. Laboratory diagnosis of HIT was performed with particle gel immunoassay (PaGIA) as screening test and confirmed by an automated latex‐enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay (LIA) and/or by functional flow cytometry assay (FCA).

Results

The cohort included 34 children (under 18 years) and 105 adults. Adults mostly received heparins for thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment (72.4%, n = 76), and were more frequently treated with low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH). Children were mostly exposed during cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO, 61.8%, n = 21), and were more frequently treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH). Compared with adults, children had significantly higher 4Ts scores. Nevertheless, adults had a slightly higher rate of a positive diagnosis of HIT. Six out of 16 adults with confirmed HIT presented with thrombosis (37.5%), whereas all three pediatric patients with HIT presented with thrombosis (p = .087).

Conclusions

4Ts scores are higher in children compared with adult patients for whom laboratory tests for HIT were obtained. A potentially higher incidence of thrombosis in children with HIT may be attributable to the severity of underlying illness.
Relationship of explicit/implicit self‐esteem discrepancies, suicide ideation, and suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Yin Xunbao , Shen Jianfei , Jiang Nengzhi , Sun Jing , Wang Yanyu , Sun Hongwei
Published: August 2022

The present study was conducted to explore the associations between explicit self‐esteem (ESE), implicit self‐esteem (ISE), ESE/ISE discrepancies, depression severity, suicidal ideation (SI), and suicide risk among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). To this end, 36 MDD patients with SI, 35 MDD patients without SI, and 32 healthy controls were recruited. All participants were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and they also completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation‐Chinese Version (BSI‐CV) and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (SES) were used for the analysis. Further, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) was conducted to assess participants' ISE. The study revealed significant differences in ESE among the three groups, F(2, 90) = 44.88, p < .001. In particular, the group of MDD patients with SI had the lowest score. The interaction between the size and direction of ESE/ISE discrepancy was associated with depression severity, β = −.50, p = .004, and SI, β = −.39, p = .045. Among the four types of self‐esteem, individuals with diminished self‐esteem had the highest SI score whereas individuals with low congruent self‐esteem had the highest suicide risk score. Based on these findings, the study suggested that diminished self‐esteem could help in the early detection of depression and SI. Low‐congruent self‐esteem may also be considered a screening factor for suicide risk.
Clinician‐reported chorionicity and zygosity assignment using single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based cell‐free DNA: Lessons learned from 55,344 twin pregnancies
Authors: Wojas Anna , Martin Kimberly A. , Koyen Malashevich Allyson , Hashimoto Katelyn , Parmar Sheetal , White Roseann , Demko Zachary , Billings Paul , Jelsema Russ , Rebarber Andrei
Published: August 2022

Objective

Prenatal chorionicity assessment relies on ultrasound, which can be confounded by many factors. Noninvasive assessment of zygosity is possible using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based cell‐free DNA testing. Our objective was to determine the relationship between provider‐reported chorionicity and SNP‐cfDNA assignment of twin zygosity.

Methods

All twin pregnancy blood samples received by a reference laboratory between September 27, 2017 and September 8, 2021 were included. Chorionicity assignment was requested on the requisition, recorded as; monochorionic (MC), dichorionic, or “don't know”. SNP‐cfDNA zygosity results, monozygotic (MZ) or dizygotic (DZ), were correlated with chorionicity assignment.

Results

59,471 twin samples (median gestational age = 12.0 weeks at draw) were received and analyzed; 55,344 (93.1%) received zygosity assignment. SNP‐cfDNA reported 16,673 (30.1%) MZ and 38,671 (69.9%) as DZ. Provider‐reported chorionicity was compared to the zygosity assignment for each case. Of 6283 provider‐reported MC twins, 318 (5.1%) were reported as DZ using SNP‐cfDNA.

Conclusion(s)

One in 20 suspected MC twin pregnancies were reported as DZ using SNP‐cfDNA. Approximately 30% of 55,344 twin pregnancies were found to be MZ, including cases where chorionicity was unknown. SNP‐cfDNA zygosity assessment is a useful adjunct assessment for twin pregnancies, particularly those reported as MC or without determined chorionicity.
Adverse events in the digital age and where to find them
Authors: Di Giovanni Robert , Cochrane Andrew , Parker Jeremy , Lewis David J.
Published: August 2022

Exponential growth of health‐related data collected by digital tools is a reality within pharmaceutical and medical device research and development. Data generated through digital tools may be categorized as relevant to efficacy and/or safety. The enormity of these data requires the adoption of new approaches for processing and evaluation. Recognition of patterns within the safety data is vital for sponsors seeking regulatory approval for their new products. Nontraditional data sources may contain relevant safety information; early evaluation of these data will help to determine the product safety profile. Advanced technologies have allowed the development of digital tools to screen these data, which in some situations are classified as software as a medical devices and subject to clinical evaluation and post‐marketing surveillance. Artificial intelligence may help to reduce or even eliminate noise from within these data, allowing safety experts to focus on the most pertinent evidence. We propose a data typology and provide considerations on how to define adverse events within different types of data, even where no human reporter exists. Proposals are made for the automation of screening processes. We consider validation aspects to support solutions that are proven to produce reliable results, and to deliver trusted outputs to stakeholders.
Profiling the response to lumacaftor‐ivacaftor in children with cystic between fibrosis and new insight from a French‐Italian real‐life cohort
Authors: Cornet Matthieu , Robin Geneviève , Ciciriello Fabiana , Bihouee Tiphaine , Marguet Christophe , Roy Valérie , Lebourgeois Muriel , Chedevergne Frédérique , Bonnel Anne Sophie , Kelly Mairead , Reix Philippe , Lucidi Vincenzina , Stoven Véronique , Sermet‐Gaudelus Isabelle
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Clinical trials for CFTR modulators consider mean changes of clinical status at the cohort level, and thus fail to assess the heterogeneity of the response. We aimed to study the different response profiles to lumacaftor‐ivacaftor according to age in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods

A mathematical framework, including principal component analysis, data clustering, and data completion, was applied to a multicenter cohort of 112 children aged 6–18 years, treated with lumacaftor‐ivacaftor. Studied parameters at baseline and 6 months included body mass index (BMI), number of days of antibiotics (ATB), Sweat test (ST), forced expiratory volume in 1 s expressed in percentage predicted (ppFEV1), forced vital capacity (ppFVC), and forced expiratory flow at 25%–75% of FVC (ppFEF25–75).

Results

Change in ppFEV1 was the most significant parameter in characterizing response heterogeneity among the 12–18‐year‐old patients. Patients with minimal changes in ppFEV1 were further separated by change in BMI and ATB course. In the 6–12‐year‐old children both BMI and ppFEV1 evolution were the most relevant. ST change was not associated with a clinical response.

Conclusions

Change in ppFEV1, BMI, and ATB course are the most relevant outcomes to discriminate clinical response profiles in children treated with lumacaftor‐ivacaftor. Prepubertal and pubertal children display different response profiles.
Pilot proteomic study of locally advanced rectal cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy indicates high metabolic activity in non‐responders' tumor tissue
Authors: Babic Tamara , Lygirou Vasiliki , Rosic Jovana , Miladinov Marko , Rom Aleksandra Djikic , Baira Eirini , Stroggilos Rafael , Pappa Eftychia , Zoidakis Jerome , Krivokapic Zoran , Nikolic Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In the search for candidate predictive biomarkers to evaluate response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in rectal cancer, only a few studies report proteomic profiles of tumor tissue before and after nCRT. The aim of our study was to determine differentially expressed proteins between responders and non‐responders before and after the therapy in order to identify candidate molecules for prediction and follow‐up of response to nCRT.

Experimental Design

The study has included tissue sections of rectal tumor and non‐tumor mucosa from five responders and five non‐responders taken before and after nCRT from patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Extracted proteins were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS analysis followed by a set of bioinformatics analyses.

Result

Proteomics analysis provided a mean of approximately 1050 protein identifications per sample. A comparison of proteomic profiles between responders and non‐responders has identified 18 differentially expressed proteins. Pathway analysis demonstrated high metabolic activity in non‐responders' tumors before nCRT, indicating the presence of intrinsic chemoradioresistance in these subjects. Two proteins associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer, ADAM10 and CAD, were identified as candidate predictive biomarkers as they were present in non‐responders only.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Shortlisted proteins from our study should be further validated as candidate biomarkers for response to routinely applied nCRT protocols.
Application of European‐specific polygenic risk scores for predicting prostate cancer risk in different ancestry populations
Authors: Ruan Xiaohao , Huang Da , Huang Jingyi , Xu Danfeng , Na Rong
Published: August 2022

Background

Polygenic risk score (PRS) has shown promise in predicting prostate cancer (PCa) risk. However, the application of PRS in non‐European ancestry was poorly studied.

Methods

We constructed PRS using 68, 86, or 128 PCa‐associated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified through a large‐scale Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in the European ancestry population. A calibration approach was performed to adjust the PRS exact value for each ancestry. The study was conducted in East Asian (ChinaPCa Consortium, n = 2379), European (UK Biobank, n = 209,172), and African American (African Ancestry Prostate Cancer Consortium, n = 6016).

Results

Individuals with the highest PRS (in >97.5th percentile) had over 2.5‐fold increased risk of PCa than those with average PRS (in 40th–60th percentile) in both European (odds ratio [OR] = 3.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.46–4.16, p < 0.001) and Chinese (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.29–6.40, p = 0.010), while slightly lower in African American (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.22–2.58, p = 0.008). Compared with the lowest PRS (in <2.5th percentile), increased PRS was also associated with the earlier onset of PCa (All log‐rank p < 0.05). The highest PRS contributed to having about 5‐ to 12‐fold higher lifetime risk and 5–10 years earlier at disease onset than the lowest category across different ancestry populations.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that European‐GWAS‐based PRS could also significantly predict PCa risk in Asian ancestry and African ancestry populations.
RNAi of Mannosidase‐Ia in the Colorado potato beetle and changes in the midgut and peritrophic membrane
Authors: Liu Dongdong , De Schutter Kristof , Far Johann , Staes An , Dewettinck Koen , Quinton Loic , Gevaert Kris , Smagghe Guy
Published: August 2022

Background

In addition to its role in the digestive system, the peritrophic membrane (PM) provides a physical barrier protecting the intestine from abrasion and against pathogens. Because of its sensitivity to RNA interference (RNAi), the notorious pest insect, the Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata), has become a model insect for functional studies. Previously, RNAi‐mediated silencing of Mannosidase‐Ia (ManIa), a key enzyme in the transition from high‐mannose glycan moieties to paucimannose N‐glycans, was shown to disrupt the transition from larva to pupa and the metamorphosis into adult beetles. While these effects at the organismal level were interesting in a pest control context, the effects at the organ or tissue level and also immune effects have not been investigated yet. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed an analysis of the midgut and PM in ManIa‐silenced insects.

Results

As marked phenotype, the ManIaRNAi insects, the PM pore size was found to be decreased when compared to the control GFPRNAi insects. These smaller pores are related to the observation of thinner microvilli (Mv) on the epithelial cells of the midgut of ManIaRNAi insects. A midgut and PM proteome study and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis with a selection of marker genes was performed to characterize the midgut cells and understand their response to the silencing of ManIa. In agreement with the loss of ManIa activity, an accumulation of high‐mannose N‐glycans was observed in the ManIa‐silenced insects. As a pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP), the presence of these glycan structures could trigger the activation of the immune pathways.

Conclusion

The observed decrease in PM pore size could be a response to prevent potential pathogens to access the midgut epithelium. This hypothesis is supported by the strong increase in transcription levels of the anti‐fungal peptide drosomycin‐like in ManIaRNAi insects, although further research is required to elucidate this possibility. The potential immune response in the midgut and the smaller pore size in the PM shed a light on the function of the PM as a physical barrier and provide evidence for the relation between the Mv and PM. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Soil organic matter prediction with benchtop and implement‐mounted optical reflectance sensing approaches
Authors: Conway Lance S. , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Kitchen Newell R. , Anderson Stephen H. , Veum Kristen S. , Myers D. Brenton
Published: August 2022

Proximal sensing technologies can densely quantify soil organic matter (OM) variability using visible and near infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy. However, issues with global calibrations and varying water content can reduce accuracy. Therefore, research was conducted to determine OM prediction accuracy across soil volumetric water content (VWC) with (a) a planter‐mounted optical sensor and (b) multiple combinations of reflectance bands within the VNIR spectrum. Ninety soils collected across Missouri and Illinois were used in the study. Data were collected at three VWC with the Precision Planting SmartFirmer and a benchtop spectrometer. SmartFirmer OM was derived through an internal algorithm, while spectral pre‐processing and machine learning were used for OM prediction in all approaches that used reflectance from the benchtop spectrometer. Results found that SmartFirmer OM predictions were affected by soil VWC, with predicted OM decreasing with increasing VWC. Findings from three modeling approaches using the benchtop spectrometer showed that a continuous spectrum (i.e., 400–1,500 nm) improved performance (RMSE = 5.25 g kg–1) over the discrete waveband approach (RMSE = 9.23 g kg–1). Furthermore, including the entire VNIR region (400–2,500 nm) resulted in the best predictive capability (RMSE = 1.42 g kg–1). However, because a full‐spectrum approach increases cost, using reflectance from 400 to 1,500 nm along with spectral pre‐processing and machine learning may be an acceptable method for estimating OM. These findings contribute to the improvement of commercially available proximal sensors that may be used to monitor soil carbon (C) stocks, assess soil health, or for other precision agriculture applications.
Recent Progress on Bimetallic‐Based Spinels as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Olowoyo Joshua O. , Kriek Roelof J.
Published: August 2022

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a promising and viable technology to produce clean, sustainable, and storable hydrogen as an energy carrier. However, to meet the ever‐increasing global energy demand, it is imperative to develop high‐performance non‐precious metal‐based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as the OER is considered the bottleneck for electrocatalytic water splitting. Spinels, in particular, are considered promising OER electrocatalysts due to their unique properties, precise structures, and compositions. Herein, the recent progress on the application of bimetallic‐based spinels (AFe2O4, ACo2O4, and AMn2O4; where A = Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn) as electrocatalysts for the OER is presented. The fundamental concepts of the OER are highlighted after which the family of spinels, their general formula, and classifications are introduced. This is followed by an overview of the various classifications of bimetallic‐based spinels and their recent developments and applications as OER electrocatalysts, with special emphasis on enhancing strategies that have been formulated to improve the OER performance of these spinels. In conclusion, this review summarizes all studies mentioned therein and provides the challenges and future perspectives for bimetallic‐based spinel OER electrocatalysts.
Modeling Plurilithic Orientations to English with Pre‐Service Teachers: An Exploratory International Study
Authors: Hall Christopher J. , Gruber Alice , Qian Yuan
Published: August 2022

A major challenge for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) professionals is how to address the learning needs of diverse learners for whom a monolithic, native‐normed version of English is no longer always useful or appropriate. Research in Global Englishes (GE) has noted many teachers' resistance to the adoption of a more “plurilithic” orientation. This study explores whether monolithic beliefs can be effectively challenged using practitioner role models. Video clips featuring early‐career English teachers from Germany and China modeling a plurilithic orientation were played to pre‐service teachers with the same L1 (“near peers”) or different L1s (“more distant peers”). Before viewing, participants responded to a questionnaire assessing their beliefs about English. Immediately following viewing, open‐ended reactions to the video content were collected. One month later, participants answered the questionnaire again to measure potential changes in belief. After a further 5 months, a small group of participants were interviewed to explore impacts in greater depth. Data indicate that viewing the role models was a positive experience for most participants and was associated with significant increases in plurilithic orientation for near peers, with evidence of enduring impact for some. We interpret these results as support for the use of near peer video modeling as part of efforts to promote ontological clarity about GE in teacher education.
Training professional caregivers to screen for report of cognitive changes in persons with intellectual disability
Authors: Walaszek Art , Albrecht Tammi , LeCaire Tamara , Sayavedra Noelia , Schroeder Molly , Krainer Jody , Prichett Gregory , Wilcenski Mickell , Endicott Sarah , Russmann Sydney , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Mahoney Jane
Published: August 2022

Introduction

By age 60, 60% of adults with Down syndrome (DS) have dementia. Detecting dementia in persons with intellectual disability (ID) can be challenging because their underlying cognitive impairment can confound presentation of dementia symptoms and because adults with ID may have difficulty reporting symptoms. The National Task Group Early Detection Screen for Dementia (NTG‐EDSD) was developed to aid detection of report of cognitive impairment in adults with ID. We implemented an educational curriculum using the NTG‐EDSD and evaluated the impact of the intervention on professional caregivers’ self‐assessed capacity to identify persons with ID and dementia.

Methods

We held five in‐person training sessions for professional caregivers of persons with ID, partnering with various managed care organizations and social services agencies. We assessed knowledge and attitudes at baseline; immediately after training; and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after training.

Results

A total of 154 direct care workers, case managers, health‐care providers, and other social services staff attended the trainings. Satisfaction with the NTG‐EDSD training was high; 94% of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that they could use the NTG‐EDSD with their clients. After training, attendees reported a marked increase in confidence in their ability to track various health circumstances and detect functional decline in their clients, although some gains were not sustained over time. As a result of the training, one managed care organization made the NTG‐EDSD a standard part of its assessment of adults with DS starting at age 40.

Discussion

Social services and health‐care professionals can learn to document signs of cognitive decline in adults with ID using the NTG‐EDSD. Attendees were highly satisfied with the training, experienced an increase in confidence in their care of persons with ID, and found the NTG‐ EDSD feasible to use. Because not all gains were sustained over time, booster trainings may be necessary.
The canonical ensemble reloaded: the complex-stability of Euclidean quantum gravity for black holes in a box
Authors: Marolf Donald , Santos Jorge E.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We revisit the stability of black hole saddles for the Euclidean path integral describing the canonical partition function Z(β) for gravity inside a spherical reflecting cavity. The boundary condition at the cavity wall couples the transverse-traceless (TT) and pure-trace modes that are traditionally used to describe fluctuations about Euclidean Schwarzschild black holes in infinite-volume asymptotically flat and asymototically AdS spacetimes. This coupling obstructs the familiar Gibbons-Hawking-Perry treatment of the conformal factor problem, as Wick rotation of the pure-trace modes would require that the TT modes be rotated as well. The coupling also leads to complex eigenvalues for the Lichnerowicz operator. We nevertheless find that the Lichnerowicz operator can be diagonalized in the space of coupled modes. This observation allows the eigenmodes to define a natural generalization of the pure-trace Wick-rotation recipe used in infinite volume, with the result that a mode with eigenvalue λ is stable when Re λ > 0. In any cavity, and with any cosmological constant Λ ≤ 0, we show this recipe to reproduce the expectation from black hole thermodynamics that large Euclidean black holes define stable saddles while the saddles defined by small Euclidean black holes are unstable.
iCAST: Ein praktisches Modell für die Integration nonverbaler Signale in die Psychotherapie
Authors: Ramseyer Fabian T.
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Nonverbales Verhalten wird therapieschulenübergreifend als wichtiger Faktor der Therapiebeziehung betrachtet. Trotz einer Vielzahl von Befunden aus einer fruchtbaren Forschungsphase der 1960er- bis 1980er-Jahre sind die zurzeit verfügbaren Kenntnisse in diesem Bereich relativ bescheiden, und konkrete Anleitungen zu deren Verwendung in der Psychotherapie bleiben selten.

Fragestellung

Anhand eines praktischen Modells zum theorieunabhängigen Umgang mit nonverbalen Signalen sollen eine gewinnbringende Thematisierung und Integration dieses Kommunikationskanals angeregt und vorgeschlagen werden.

Material und Methoden

Das iCAST-Modell bietet mit seinen 5 Bereichen einen möglichen Rahmen, der den konkreten Umgang mit nonverbalen Signalen in psychotherapeutischen Interaktionen nahelegt. Eine exemplarische Analyse des Bewegungsverhaltens von Therapeut:innen illustriert die heutigen technischen Möglichkeiten und bietet Einblick in das Potenzial dieser Beobachtungsposition.

Ergebnisse

Nonverbale Signale erweitern die therapeutischen Freiheitsgrade in diversen Bereichen: Neben den unzähligen Möglichkeiten, Elemente anzusprechen und in Sitzungen zu bearbeiten, zu erfahren und zu üben, kann nonverbales Verhalten auch auf der Ebene eines Fallverständnisses wichtige Informationen liefern.

Diskussion

Der Blick auf die Dyade unterstreicht den dynamischen, gemeinsamen Prozess zwischen Patient:in und Therapeut:in und lädt Therapierende ein, eigene Empfindungen und Verhaltensweisen vor dem Hintergrund gegenseitiger Beeinflussung („attunement“) zu reflektieren und in die Therapie zu integrieren.
Wavelength dependence of laser-induced excitation dynamics in silicon
Authors: Venkat Prachi , Otobe Tomohito
Published: August 2022

Effect of laser wavelength on the carrier-phonon dynamics and damage threshold of silicon is studied numerically. Laser excitation dynamics in silicon is studied using Three-Temperature Model (3TM). We consider the evolution of electron, hole, and lattice temperatures separately and including band-gap re-normalization effect on optical properties of silicon. Finite Difference Time Domain method is used to model the laser field. Damage threshold calculated using the 3TM is in reasonable agreement with the experiments. Our results indicate that the competition of inter-band excitation, plasma heating, and electron–phonon relaxation process defines the damage threshold for various wavelengths and pulse durations.
The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice: an analysis of the treatment patterns, survival and toxicity rates by sex
Authors: Wahli Murielle N. , Hayoz Stefanie , Hoch Dennis , Ryser Christoph O. , Hoffmann Michèle , Scherz Amina , Schwacha-Eipper Birgit , Häfliger Simon , Wampfler Julian , Berger Martin D. , Novak Urban , Özdemir Berna C.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Our aim is to describe the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in clinical practice by providing the patient and tumor characteristics as well as survival and toxicity rates by sex.

Methods

We used electronic health records to identify patients treated at the Cancer Center of the University Hospital Bern, Switzerland between January 1, 2017 and June 16, 2021.

Results

We identified 5109 patients, 689 of whom (13.5%) received at least one dose of ICI. The fraction of patients who were prescribed ICI increased from 8.6% in 2017 to 22.9% in 2021. ICI represented 13.2% of the anticancer treatments in 2017 and increased to 28.2% in 2021. The majority of patients were male (68.7%), who were older than the female patients (median age 67 vs. 61 years). Over time, adjuvant and first line treatments increased for both sexes. Lung cancer and melanoma were the most common cancer types in males and females. The incidence of irAEs was higher among females (38.4% vs. 28.1%) and lead more often to treatment discontination in females than in males (21.1% vs. 16.8%). Independent of sex, the occurrence of irAEs was associated with greater median overall survival (OS, not reached vs. 1.1 years). Female patients had a longer median OS than males (1.9 vs. 1.5 years).

Conclusions

ICI play an increasingly important role in oncology. irAEs are more frequent in female patients and are associated with a longer OS. More research is needed to understand the association between patient sex and toxicity and survival.
Evaluation of mercury content in combustible tobacco products by employing cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy and considering the moisture content: a comprehensive study
Authors: Hać Paweł , Padariya Chintankumar , Cieślik Bartłomiej Michał , Konieczka Piotr
Published: August 2022

Plants are mainly made up of water, which constitutes between 80 and 90% of their weight. Moisture factor comes across as one of the most important in tobacco products. Rapid determination of moisture content in tobacco products comes at necessity in any tobacco management plants (before and after production). Therefore, the concern has been raised in this study to evaluate the moisture content in four kinds of combustible tobacco products using the gravimetric method. In addition, a total mercury content using cold vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy has been evaluated in all chosen combustible tobacco products in this study. Determining moisture content in four types of tobacco products does not show significant differences within a product group. Moisture content ranged from 7.9% in bidis to 25% in pipe tobaccos. Mercury content in tobacco ranged from 13 µg/kg to 32 µg/kg while in cigarette wrapper paper and filter from the limit of detection (LOD) < 1.3 µg/kg to 8.2 µg/kg. As evidenced, cigarette wrapper paper and filters alone are unlikely to be a significant source of consumer exposure to mercury. However, the proposed sample preparation method provides good results for the preparation of specific material, such as tobacco products.

Graphical abstract
Downscaling population and urban land use for socio-economic scenarios in the UK
Authors: Merkle Magnus , Alexander Peter , Brown Calum , Seo Bumsuk , Harrison Paula A. , Harmáčková Zuzana V. , Pedde Simona , Rounsevell Mark
Published: August 2022

Projecting the distribution of population is critical in supporting analysis of the impacts and risks associated with climate change. In this paper, we apply a computational algorithm parameterised for the UK Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (UK-SSP) narratives to create 1-km gridded urban land use and population projections for the UK to the end of the twenty-first century. Using a unimodal neighbourhood function, we model heterogeneity in urban sprawl patterns. The urban land use maps are used as weights to create downscaled population projections. We undertake a model uncertainty analysis using 500 simulations with varying parameter settings per UK-SSP. Results illustrate how sprawl can emerge from scenario conditions even when population numbers decline, and irrespective of socio-economic wellbeing. To avoid negative environmental externalities associated with uncontrolled sprawl, such as in UK-SSP5 and UK-SSP3, planning policies will be vital. Uncertainties about future population development in the UK are higher in rural areas than in urban areas. This has an effect on the competition for land and influences confidence in projections of broader land system change.
Study smart – impact of a learning strategy training on students’ study behavior and academic performance
Authors: Biwer Felicitas , de Bruin Anique , Persky Adam
Published: August 2022

Recent research shows the importance to teach students the self-regulated use of effective learning strategies at university. However, the effects of such training programs on students’ metacognitive knowledge, use of learning strategies, and academic performance in the longer term are unknown. In the present study, all first-year pharmacology students from one university attended a learning strategy training program, i.e., the ‘Study Smart program’, in their first weeks. The 20% (n = 25) lowest scoring students on the first midterm received further support regarding their learning strategies. Results showed that all students gained accurate metacognitive knowledge about (in)effective learning strategies in the short- and long-term and reported to use less highlighting, less rereading, but more interleaving, elaboration, and distributed practice after the training program. Academic performance was compared to the prior cohort, which had not received the Study Smart program. While in the previous cohort, students in the top, middle, and bottom rank of midterm 1 stayed in these ranks and still differed significantly in the final exam, students in the Study Smart cohort that received the training program improved throughout the year and differences between ranks were significantly reduced. A learning strategy training program including a remediation track for lower performing students can thus support students to study more effectively and enhance equal chances for all students at university.
Broad band flux-density monitoring of radio sources with the Onsala twin telescopes
Authors: Varenius Eskil , Maio Francesco , Le Bail Karine , Haas Rüdiger
Published: August 2022

The Onsala twin telescopes (OTT) are two 13 m telescopes located at the Onsala Space Observatory in Sweden. With dual linear polarized broad-band (3-14 GHz) receivers, they are part of the next generation Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Global Observing System (VGOS) for geodesy and astrometry. In addition to purely geodetic data products, VGOS will regularly produce full-polarisation images of hundreds of radio sources. These rich monitoring data will be valuable for both astronomy and geodesy. In this pilot study we aimed at monitoring ten bright radio sources to search for flares or similar activity, and at testing the instrument calibration on long (months) and short (hours) time scales. Using the OTT as a standalone instrument, we observed and analysed 91 short (<30 min) sessions spanning seven months. We monitored seven potentially variable radio sources (0059+581, 0552+398, 1144+402, 1156+295, 1617+229, 3C418, OJ287) and three reference calibrators (3C147, 3C286, 3C295). We used the Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) package to fringe-fit, bandpass-correct and scale the data to obtain flux densities in the four standard VGOS bands: 3.0-3.5 GHz (band 1), 5.2-5.7 GHz (band 2), 6.3-6.8 GHz (band 3), and 10.2-10.7 GHz (band 4). We obtained simultaneous multi-frequency light curves for ten radio sources. A bright multi-frequency flare is observed in the radio source 0059+581. OJ287 and 1156+295 show significant long-term variability in their light curves. After correcting for instrumental biases, we determine the empirical flux density uncertainty as$$\sim$$∼5 %.
Enhancing the Uptake of Earth Observation Products and Services in Africa Through a Multi-level Transdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Ifejika Speranza Chinwe , Akinyemi Felicia Olufunmilayo , Baratoux David , Benveniste Jérôme , Ceperley Natalie , Driouech Fatima , Helmschrot Jörg
Published: August 2022

Africa stands to gain from Earth Observation (EO) science, products and applications. However, its use and application remain below potential on the continent. This article examines how EO can better serve the needs of African users. First, we argue that a successful uptake of EO services is conditional on understanding the African context and matching EO development and deployment to it. Using reference cases, we find that actors outside Africa drive most EO initiatives, whereas country-level expenditures on EO remain low. Recent developments, such as the African space policy and strategy, and initiatives in partnerships with Africa-based organisations to develop a community of practice on EO hold the potential to fill the identified gaps. The analysis indicates that most EO users are either government organisations or researchers, with very few cases involving other types of users. It is generally assumed that users at the local levels are educated and digitally literate, or that the transmission of EO-based knowledge is achieved by government officers and researchers. Although still very few, potentials are emerging for the private sector to deploy EO products and services such as crop or index-based insurance directly to farmers. These private initiatives have prospects for further developing indigenous EO capacity as envisioned in the African space policy and strategy. We then formulate recommendations for a transdisciplinary approach that integrates user contexts, attributes and needs to enhance the uptake of EO products and services in Africa. We conclude by proposing actions to close some of the identified gaps and seize emerging opportunities.