bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epileptic spasms relapse is associated with response latency but not conventional attributes of post‐treatment EEG
Authors: Deckard Emmi , Sathe Rujuta , Tabibzadeh David , Terango Aria , Groves Aran , Rajaraman Rajsekar R. , Nariai Hiroki , Hussain Shaun A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Relapse of epileptic spasms after initial treatment of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is common. However, past studies of small cohorts have inconsistently linked relapse risk to etiology, treatment modality, and EEG features upon response. Using a large single‐center IESS cohort, we set out to quantify the risk of epileptic spasms relapse and identify specific risk factors.

Methods

We identified all children with epileptic spasms at our center using a clinical EEG database. Using the electronic medical record, we confirmed IESS syndrome classification and ascertained treatment, response, time to relapse, etiology, EEG features, and other demographic factors. Relapse‐free survival analysis was carried out using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Among 599 children with IESS, 197 specifically responded to hormonal therapy and/or vigabatrin (as opposed to surgery or other second‐line treatments). In this study, 41 (21%) subjects exhibited relapse of epileptic spasms within 12 months of response. Longer duration of IESS prior to response (>3 months) was strongly associated with shorter latency to relapse (hazard ratio = 3.11; 95% CI 1.59–6.10; p = 0.001). Relapse was not associated with etiology, developmental status, or any post‐treatment EEG feature.

Significance

This study suggests that long duration of IESS before response is the single largest clinical predictor of relapse risk, and therefore underscores the importance of prompt and successful initial treatment. Further study is needed to evaluate candidate biomarkers of epileptic spasms relapse and identify treatments to mitigate this risk.

Plain Language Summary

Relapse of infantile spasms is common after initially successful treatment. With study of a large group of children with infantile spasms, we determined that relapse is linked to long duration of infantile spasms. In contrast, relapse was not associated with the cause of infantile spasms, developmental measures, or EEG features at the time of initial response. Further study is needed to identify tools to predict impending relapse of infantile spasms.
Centering socioecological connections to collaboratively manage post‐fire vegetation shifts
Authors: Davis Kimberley T , Wynecoop Monique , Rozance Mary Ann , Swensen Katherine B , Lyons Drew S , Dohrn Charlotte , Krosby Meade
Published: April 2024

Climate change is altering fire regimes and post‐fire conditions, contributing to relatively rapid transformation of landscapes across the western US. Studies are increasingly documenting post‐fire vegetation transitions, particularly from forest to non‐forest conditions or from sagebrush to invasive annual grasses. The prevalence of climate‐driven, post‐fire vegetation transitions is likely to increase in the future with major impacts on social–ecological systems. However, research and management communities have only recently focused attention on this emerging climate risk, and many knowledge gaps remain. We identify three key needs for advancing the management of post‐fire vegetation transitions, including centering Indigenous communities in collaborative management of fire‐prone ecosystems, developing decision‐relevant science to inform pre‐ and post‐fire management, and supporting adaptive management through improved monitoring and information‐sharing across geographic and organizational boundaries. We highlight promising examples that are helping to transform the perception and management of post‐fire vegetation transitions.
Experimental study on the performance of a highly efficient NE‐1 absorbent for CO2 capture
Authors: Huang Chenzhi , Cao Yongda , Li Yaxin , Li Qi , Liu Qiang , Xia Lin , Peng Xiujun , Yue Hairong
Published: April 2024

CO2 capture by absorption and stripping with aqueous amine is a well‐understood and widely used technology. However, drawbacks still exist in the practical applications, such as high energy consumption and easy degradation of the absorbents during the desorption process. In this paper, a novel NE‐1 absorbent was developed, and its suitable operating conditions were determined: concentration (45 wt.%), absorption temperature (40 °C), and desorption temperature (100 °C). The NE‐1 absorbent exhibits a high CO2 absorption capacity of 3.73 mol/kg, 1.33 times that of 30% monoethanolamine (MEA). After optimizing with carbamide as a corrosion inhibitor, 45% NE‐1a1 may attain an effective CO2 capacity of 2.5 mol/kg and over 70% desorption rate in five cycles, demonstrating excellent cycling stability performance. The research results have significant implications for developing an efficient and stable commercial carbon capture solvent and promoting the development of carbon reduction technologies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revisiting the effects of conventional and unconventional monetary policies
Authors: Noh Eul
Published: April 2024

This paper extends the discussion on the effects of the two distinctive monetary surprises in the literature. First, we show that the proxy of conventional monetary shock Granger causes the endogenous variables in the vector autoregressive model. Second, we provide evidence that the existing model can be exposed to a weak instrument problem. With our alternative model mitigating these concerns, the second monetary shock can be interpreted as unconventional monetary news in general. The estimation results show contractionary effect of the unconventional policy. We find increases in output after a positive conventional monetary surprise, suggesting an important Fed's information effect.
Determining differences between therapists using an extended version of the facilitative interpersonal skills performance test
Authors: van Thiel Sabine J. , de Jong Kim , Misset Kirsten S. , Joosen Margot C. W. , van der Klink Jac J. L. , Vermunt Jeroen K. , van Dam Arno
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The therapist‐facilitative interpersonal skills (FIS) has shown to predict therapy outcomes, demonstrating that high FIS therapists are more effective than low FIS therapists. There is a need for more insight into the variability in strengths and weaknesses in therapist skills. This study investigates whether a revised and extended FIS‐scoring leads to more differentiation in measuring therapists' interpersonal skills. Furthermore, we explorative examine whether subgroups of therapists can be distinguished in terms of differences in their interpersonal responses.

Method

Using secondary data analysis, 93 therapists were exposed to seven FIS‐clips. Responses of therapists using the original and the extended FIS scoring were rated.

Results

Three factors were found on the extended FIS scoring distinguishing supportive, expressive, and persuasive interpersonal responses of therapists. A latent profile analysis enlightened the presence of six subgroups of therapists.

Conclusion

Using the revised and extended FIS‐scoring contributes to our understanding of the role of interpersonal skills in the therapeutic setting by unraveling the question what works for whom.
Fetal hemodynamics and placental histopathology in Down syndrome
Authors: Santos Luisa Guimarães , de Sá Renato Augusto Moreira , Baião Ana Elisa Rodrigues , Portari Elyzabeth Avvad , de Avila Frayha Alexia , Gomes Junior Saint Clair , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association between Doppler patterns in fetuses with Down syndrome (DS) and their placental histopathologic findings.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed by collecting data from medical records of singleton pregnancies between January 2014 and January 2022, whose fetuses had a confirmed diagnosis of DS either prenatally or postnatally. Placental histopathology, maternal characteristics, and prenatal ultrasound (biometric parameters and umbilical artery [UA] Doppler) were evaluated.

Results

Of 69 eligible pregnant women, 61 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the sample, 15 fetuses had an estimated fetal weight < 10th percentile for gestational age (GA) and were considered small for gestational age (SGA). Thirty‐eight fetuses had increased resistance on the UA Doppler. Histologic changes were detected in 100% of the placentas, the most common being delayed villous maturation, alterations associated with poor fetal vascular perfusion, and villous dysmorphism. More than 50% of the placentas showed alterations related to placental insufficiency. We did not observe a statistically significant association between UA Doppler examination and placental alterations. All placentas analyzed in the SGA subgroup showed findings compatible with placental insufficiency.

Conclusion

We found no statistically significant association between placental histopathologic findings and UA Doppler abnormalities in fetuses with DS. The placental alterations identified were delayed villous maturation, alterations associated with poor fetal vascular perfusion, and villous dysmorphism.
Survival benefits of human papillomavirus 16 infection in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Qu Fengyi , Ji Chao , Wang Ying , Zhu Rui , Hu Weibin , Liu Siqi , Zhao Xu , Li Jing , Miao Guo , Zhang Mingxin , Zhang Xiaozhi , Sun Yuchen
Published: April 2024

The role of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HPV 16 in patients with ESCC and its impact on theirprognosis. HPV 16 was detected using FISH, and TP53 status was evaluated via immunohistochemistry. The factors influencing prognosis were ananalyzed using the Log‐rank test and Cox regression analyses. Among 178 patients with ESCC, 105 and 73 patients were categorized into concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and postoperative chemoradiotherapy (POCRT) cohorts, respectively. Among 178 patients, 87 (48.87%) tested positive for HPV 16. Log‐rank tests revealed that the overall survival (OS) of patients with ESCC who were HPV 16‐positive was longer than that of those who were HPV 16‐negative (median OS: 57 months vs. 27 months, p < 0.01**). HPV 16 infection and TP53 mutation status were identified as independent events. The OS of patients with mutant TP53 who were HPV 16‐positive was longer than that of those who were HPV 16‐negative in both CCRT and POCRT cohorts (p = 0.002** for CCRT cohorts and p = 0.0023** for POCRT cohorts). Conversely, HPV 16 infection had no effect on OS in the wild‐type TP53 subgroup (p = 0.13 and 0.052 for CCRT and POCRT cohorts, respectively). As a conclusion, the positive rate of HPV 16 in ESCC in this study was 48.87% (87/178). Among the patients with ESCC who had TP53 mutation, those who were HPV 16‐positive exhibited a better prognosis than those who were HPV 16‐negative.
Reimagining our futures together: An early bird's‐eye view of inclusive organizational behavior
Authors: Dhir Amandeep , Kaur Puneet , Hassan Sharfa , Vrontis Demetris
Published: April 2024

The world has witnessed high‐intensity and low‐occurrence crises such as the COVID‐19 pandemic that have radically changed not only the discourses of health and safety but also permanently changed the realities of the workplace. The COVID‐19 pandemic‐related new normal has resulted in the exponential increase in the acceptance of “homeplace” or “work from home” in work‐related domains. With this sudden dramatic shift in the way the present and future work is being conceptualized, there is every reason to believe that employees struggle with a plethora of intertwined thoughts and emotions, particularly a heightened sense of social isolation and exclusion from their work environment. The present study is an attempt to address this concern in the broader ambit of inclusive organizational behavior. Using an interpretivist research approach, we dwell on the genesis of organizational behavior in changing times, particularly digitalization and social isolation. We employ inductive analysis of the employee data generated over two waves and use grounded theory to explain how inclusive behavior could be fostered within organizations. Our study provides an early conceptualization of inclusive organizational behavior by identifying four factors, namely, inclusive support, inclusive work design, inclusive culture, and inclusive mindset. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study, a three‐tier model of inclusive organizational behavior is proposed that links individual, group, and system‐level dynamics in the organizations.
Seasonal prediction of tropical cyclones activity in the North Indian Ocean during post‐monsoon months
Authors: Jaiswal Neeru , Singh Randhir
Published: April 2024

The frequency and power dissipation index (PDI) of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the North Indian Ocean (NIO) has dramatically grown over the last 10 years, according to our analysis utilizing the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis version‐5 (ERA5) dataset and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) best track data over the period 1982–2021. Our findings indicate that the recent increase in the post‐monsoon TC PDI over NIO is caused by a reduction in wind shear and an increase in convective available potential energy over the Bay of Bengal. The importance of improving our understanding and developing more accurate predictions of the TCs activity has increased as TCs become more frequent and intense owing to the effects of global warming. This study therefore develops TC prediction models for frequency and PDI over NIO for various lead times that vary from 2 to 8 months in addition to the trend analysis employing the ERA5 and IMD best track data. The potential predictors used in proposed model are surface temperature (2 m temperature over land and sea surface temperature over oceanic regions), vertical wind shear, winds (zonal, meridional), geopotential height and temperature at different pressure levels during January–August. The developed models are remarkably accurate (skill is ~94%) in forecasting TCs frequency and PDI. The proposed models outperform the best performing models that are already in use for long‐range TC activity prediction. With a lead‐time as long as up to 8 months, this effort is the first to investigate the possibility of forecasting the frequency and PDI of post‐monsoon TC activity over the NIO with good accuracy. Therefore, the developed models show an operational potential for seasonal TC activity forecast over the NIO.
Clinical Utility of Tectal Plate Measurements on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Amrami Abigail , Singh Neha Atulkumar , Ali Farwa , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Stephens Yehkyoung C. , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Midbrain atrophy is a characteristic feature of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), observed in PSP‐Richardson's syndrome (PSP‐RS) and to a lesser extent PSP‐parkinsonism (PSP‐P).

Objective

Our aim was to critically evaluate the utility of manual magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the midbrain tectal plate as a diagnostic biomarker in PSP.

Methods

Length of the tectal plate and width of the superior and inferior colliculi were measured in 40 PSP (20 PSP‐RS and 20 PSP‐P) patients and compared with 20 Parkinson's disease and 20 healthy control subjects.

Results

Tectal plate length was reduced in both PSP groups compared with Parkinson's disease and control subjects and was most abnormal in PSP‐RS followed by PSP‐P. Reduced tectal plate length was associated with worse PSP Rating Scale scores.

Conclusions

Simple manual measurements of tectal plate length show utility as a diagnostic biomarker in PSP, particularly for PSP‐RS.
Researchers, Head Start programs address maternal depression
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2024

An online program developed by researchers at Georgia State University and the Oregon Research Institute aims to help low‐income mothers struggling with depression. Designed with input from Head Start mothers and staff, the program is being disseminated in Head Start programs throughout the country.
Study examines impact of ED safety planning on MH service use
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2024

Observing efforts to determine whether safety planning for suicidal patients in the emergency department (ED) is linked to lower readmissions, researchers found that safety planning was in fact associated with fewer subsequent ED and inpatient admissions among patients treated in the ED for suicidal behavior.
Caregiver perceptions of child heath behaviors and weight during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Tokala Meghan , Weber Jacee , Gilbert Renee , Dreyer Gillette Meredith L. , August Keith J. , Befort Christie A. , Bates Carolyn R.
Published: April 2024

Background

Changes in health behaviors and weight are common during the early phases of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, and may negatively impact treatment tolerability. Given that ALL is most prevalent in children, caregivers play an essential role in shaping health behaviors during treatment. This study presents a qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews with caregivers of youth in the early phases of ALL treatment.

Procedure

Caregivers (N = 17, 95% female) of a child (M age = 6.76 years) diagnosed with ALL and on treatment for less than 1 year (M = 8.7 months since diagnosis) completed a semi‐structured interview about perceptions of their child's nutrition, physical activity, sedentary time, and weight during ALL treatment. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clark's six‐step framework (2006). Two coders established reliability (alpha = .88) and used a multi‐pass coding system to extract themes.

Results

Caregivers’ concerns around their child's weight during ALL treatment primarily centered around avoiding malnutrition. Weight gain during treatment was less of a concern and often viewed as protective. Caregivers reported encouraging their child to eat palatable, calorie‐dense foods to mitigate risk for weight loss. Caregivers also expressed concern that children were less active and more sedentary due to treatment‐related pain. Caregivers discussed health behaviors during treatment as being child‐directed, rather than parent‐ or provider‐directed.

Conclusion

Future interventions may consider strategies to engage in joint parent–child decisions and caregiver education around risks of excessive weight gain during treatment. Interventions should include anticipatory guidance and aim to support parents in developing skills to support their child's health behaviors during treatment.
The preparation and feasibility analysis of magnetic orientation method in the study of thermal insulation composite materials in the field of electronic packaging
Authors: You Zeyu , Weng Ling , Wu Zijian , Zhang Xiaorui , Wang Yongliang
Published: April 2024

As an emerging field of current technological development, the heat dissipation performance of electronic packaging materials has become the key to determining product reliability. Therefore, the applied thermal interface materials (TIMs) need to simultaneously meet the performance indicators of thermal conductivity, mechanics, and insulation. Although BN had excellent in‐plane thermal conductivity and insulation performance, it is currently difficult to achieve vertical orientation of powder which leads the layered powder cannot complete a continuous and effective heat transfer path along the Z‐axis direction inside the composite material. In order to solve the above two problems, out‐of‐plane thermal conductive composite was prepared by introducing magnetic oriented method. In order to comprehensively evaluate the thermal conductivity, mechanical and electrical properties, BN@Fe3O4/EP magnetic oriented composites were compared with BN@PDA‐Al2O3/EP composite prepared by mechanical blending method. The vertical thermal conductivity of the magnetic oriented composite material was 2.24 W/(m·K) at 30 vol%, which was 3.39 times that of the blended composite material and 12.4 times that of pure EP. This proves that the magnetic oriented composite materials prepared by the research institute can meet the vertical heat transfer needs in the field of electronic packaging and have high research value in this area.

Highlights

BN@Fe3O4 core–shell particles were prepared with both thermal conductivity and magnetic controllability.

The thermosetting composites were prepared by heated through preliminary gel point and then cured at high temperature.

The orientation of powder inside the matrix was constructed, resulted in excellent out‐of‐plane heat transfer performance.

Comparisons were made between various properties of magnetic oriented materials and conventional blend materials.

The magnetic orientation method is feasible in the field of electronic packaging.
The impact of climate change and related extreme weather on people with limb loss
Authors: Ruxin Talia R. , Morgenroth David C. , Benmarhnia Tarik , Halsne Elizabeth G.
Published: April 2024

The human health consequences of climate change and extreme weather events are well documented. Published literature details the unique effects and necessary adaptation planning for people with physical disabilities in general; however, the specific impacts and plans for people with limb loss have yet to be explored. In this article, we discuss the impacts related to threats due to heat, cold, severe storms, and power outages. We describe how climate change uniquely affects people with limb loss and underscore the need for rehabilitation care providers and researchers to: (1) study the health impacts of climate change on people with lower limb loss; (2) educate themselves and patients on the climate crisis and climate preparedness; (3) co‐develop resiliency strategies with patients, governments, and community organizations to improve adaptive capacity; and (4) advocate for policy changes that will enact protections for this at‐risk population.
Resilient data‐driven asymmetric bipartite consensus for nonlinear multi‐agent systems against DoS attacks
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Yichao , Zhao Junbo , Zuo Shan
Published: April 2024

In this article, we study an unified resilient asymmetric bipartite consensus (URABC) problem for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with both cooperative and antagonistic interactions under denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. We first prove that the URABC problem is solved by stabilizing the neighborhood asymmetric bipartite consensus error. Then, we develop a distributed compact form dynamic linearization method to linearize the neighborhood asymmetric bipartite consensus error. By using an attack compensation mechanism to eliminate the adverse effects of DoS attacks and an extended discrete state observer to enhance the robustness against unknown dynamics, we finally propose a distributed resilient data‐driven adaptive control (DDAC) algorithm to solve the URABC problem. A numerical example validates the proposed results.
Nanoscale Helical Optical Force for Determining Crystal Chirality
Authors: Cheng An‐Chieh , Pin Christophe , Sunaba Yuji , Sugiyama Teruki , Sasaki Keiji
Published: April 2024

The deterministic control of material chirality has been a sought‐after goal. As light possesses intrinsic chirality, light‐matter interactions offer promising avenues for achieving non‐contact, enantioselective optical induction, assembly, or sorting of chiral entities. However, experimental validations are confined to the microscale due to the limited strength of asymmetrical interactions within sub‐diffraction limit ranges. In this study, a novel approach is presented to facilitate chirality modulation through chiral crystallization using a helical optical force field originating from localized nanogap surface plasmon resonance. The force field emerges near a gold trimer nanogap and is propelled by linear and angular momentum transfer from the incident light to the resonant nanogap plasmon. By employing Gaussian and Laguerre–Gaussian incident laser beams, notable enantioselectivity is achieved through low‐power plasmon‐induced chiral crystallization of an organic compound–ethylenediamine sulfate. The findings provide new insights into chirality transmission orchestrated by the exchange of linear and angular momentum between light and nanomaterials.
NHC‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Transformations Involving α‐Bromoenals
Authors: Doraghi Fatemeh , Ameli Mahmoud , Ansariashlaghi Shirin , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: April 2024

α‐Haloenals, especially, α‐bromoenals considered as one of the important building blocks in organic synthesis. They can participate in various (3+2)‐, (3+3)‐, (3+4)‐, and (2+4)‐annulation reactions with other organic molecules in the presence of an NHC catalyst to produce enantioenriched carbo‐, and heterocyclic compounds. Herein, we have described NHC‐catalyzed enantioselective transformations of α‐bromoenals in the synthesis of various heterocycles, and carbocycles, as well as acyclic organic compounds.
Clinical value of Alzheimer's disease biomarker testing
Authors: Patel Khushbu J. , Yang David , Best John R. , Chambers Colleen , Lee Philip E. , Henri‐Bhargava Alexandre , Funnell Clark R. , Foti Dean J. , Pettersen Jacqueline A. , Feldman Howard H. , Nygaard Haakon B. , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek R. , DeMarco Mari L.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

In the Investigating the Impact of Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostics in British Columbia (IMPACT‐AD BC) study, we aimed to understand how Alzheimer's disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing—used in medical care—impacted medical decision‐making (medical utility), personal decision‐making (personal utility), and health system economics.

METHODS

The study was designed as an observational, longitudinal cohort study. A total of 149 patients were enrolled between February 2019 and July 2021. Patients referred to memory clinics were approached to participate if their dementia specialist ordered AD CSF biomarker testing as part of their routine medical care, and the clinical scenario met the appropriate use criteria for lumbar puncture and AD CSF biomarker testing. For the medical utility pillar, detailed clinical management plans were collected via physician questionnaires pre‐ and post‐biomarker disclosure.

RESULTS

Patients with completed management questionnaires (n = 142) had a median age of 64 (interquartile range: 59–69) years, 48% were female, and 60% had CSF biomarker profiles on the AD continuum. Clinical management changed in 89.4% of cases. AD biomarker testing was associated with decreased need for other diagnostic procedures, including brain imaging (–52.0%) and detailed neuropsychological assessments (–63.2%), increased referrals and counseling (57.0%), and guided AD‐related drug prescriptions (+88.4% and –50.0% in biomarker‐positive and ‐negative cases, respectively).

DISCUSSION

AD biomarker testing was associated with significant and positive changes in clinical management, including decreased health care resource use, therapy optimization, and increased patient and family member counseling. While certain changes in management were linked to the AD biomarker profile (e.g., referral to clinical trials), the majority of changes were independent of baseline clinical presentation and level of cognitive impairment, demonstrating a broad value for AD biomarker testing in individuals meeting the appropriate use criteria for testing.
Sufficient Criteria for Stabilization Properties in Banach Spaces
Authors: Egidi Michela , Gallaun Dennis , Seifert Christian , Tautenhahn Martin
Published: April 2024

We study abstract sufficient criteria for cost-uniform open-loop stabilizability of linear control systems in a Banach space with a bounded control operator, which build up and generalize a sufficient condition for null-controllability in Banach spaces given by an uncertainty principle and a dissipation estimate. For stabilizability these estimates are only needed for a single spectral parameter and, in particular, their constants do not depend on the growth rate w.r.t. this parameter. Our result unifies and generalizes earlier results obtained in the context of Hilbert spaces. As an application we consider fractional powers of elliptic differential operators with constant coefficients in $$L_p(\mathbb {R}^d)$$

L
p

(

R

d

)

for $$p\in [1,\infty )$$

p
∈
[
1
,
∞
)

and thick control sets.
CT and MRI findings of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary bladder: comparison with urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Kawaguchi Masaya , Kato Hiroki , Koie Takuya , Noda Yoshifumi , Hyodo Fuminori , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CT and MRI findings to differentiate small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) from urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urinary bladder.

Materials and methods

This study included 90 patients with histopathologically confirmed bladder cancer (10 SCNECs and 80 UCs). Eight patients with bladder SCNEC and 80 with UC underwent CT and MRI, whereas the remaining two patients with SCNEC underwent CT alone before treatment. CT and MRI findings were retrospectively evaluated and compared between the two pathologies.

Results

The maximum diameter (36.5 mm vs. 19.0 mm, p < 0.01) and height (22.0 mm vs. 14.0 mm, p < 0.01) of the tumor in bladder SCNEC were higher than in UC. The pedunculated configuration (20% vs. 61%, p < 0.05) and irregular tumor margins (20% vs. 76%, p < 0.01) in bladder SCNEC were less common than in UC. The CT attenuation of the solid component in unenhanced CT images was higher in bladder SCNEC than in UC (37 Hounsfield unit [HU] vs. 34 HU, p < 0.01). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the solid component in bladder SCNEC was lower than in UC (0.49 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 1.02 × 10−3 mm2/s, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In comparison with UC, bladder SCNEC was larger, had higher unenhanced CT attenuation, and had a lower ADC value. The pedunculated configuration and irregular tumor margins were typical of bladder UC.

Graphical abstract
Spacer rotation technique allows precise evaluation of gap balance in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Matziolis Georg , Layher Frank , Vogt Sophia , Bergner Leah , Wassilew Georgi , Kirschberg Julia
Published: April 2024

The symmetry of the flexion and extension gap influences the functional and long-term outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Most surgeons check it by applying varus and valgus stress using spacers. This technique has limited accuracy and could be easily extended by rotational movement of the spacer. The objective was to determine the detection threshold and interobserver reliability of this technique. In an in vitro setting with a human cadaveric knee, gap asymmetries were simulated by different medially and laterally applied forces. Using an optical measurement system, the pivot point of the spacer was calculated as a function of the gap symmetry in the first part of the experiment. In the second part, the detection threshold and interobserver reliability of 4 surgeons were determined. For this purpose, gap asymmetries were adjusted to between 0 and 120N in a blinded trial. With a symmetrical gap, the centre of rotation of the spacer was located in the centre of the tibia. With increasing gap asymmetry, the centre of rotation of the spacer shifted to the tight side. This shift was approximately linearly dependent on the force difference. A perfectly balanced gap was detected by the examiners in 50% of the cases. From a force difference of 40N, all examiners identified the gap asymmetry in all cases (ICC = 1.0). The method of spacer rotation described is suitable for reliably detecting gap differences at ≥ 40N, independently of the examiner.
Influence of aberrant right hepatic artery on survival after pancreatic resection for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head
Authors: Petrova Ekaterina , Mazzella Elena , Eichler Katrin , Gruber-Rouh Tatjana , Schulze Falko , Bechstein Wolf O. , Schnitzbauer Andreas A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery (aRHA), arising from the superior mesenteric artery, is a common variant of the liver vascular anatomy. Considering that tumor spread occurs along vessels, the question arises, whether the presence of an aRHA influences the oncologic outcome after resection for cancer of the pancreatic head.

Methods

Patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head, who underwent resection from 2011 to 2020 at the Frankfurt University Hospital, Germany, were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical records and computed tomography imaging were reviewed for the presence of aRHA. Overall and disease-free survival as well as hepatic recurrence were analyzed according to the presence of aRHA.

Results

aRHA was detected in 21 out of 145 patients (14.5%). The median overall survival was 26 months (95%CI 20.8–34.4), median disease-free survival was 12.1 months (95%CI 8.1–17.3). There was no significant difference in overall survival (26.1 versus 21.4 months, adjusted hazard ratio 1.31, 95%CI 0.7–2.46, p = 0.401) or disease-free survival (14.5 months versus 12 months, adjusted hazard ratio 0.98, 95%CI 0.57–1.71, p = 0.957) without and with aRHA. The hepatic recurrence rate was 24.4.% with conventional anatomy versus 30.8% with aRHA (adjusted odds ratio 1.36, 95%CI 0.3–5.38, p = 0.669). In the multivariable analysis, only lymphatic vessel invasion was an independent prognostic factor for hepatic recurrence.

Conclusions

The presence of an aRHA does not seem to influence the long-term survival and hepatic recurrence after resection for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head.
The role of body–object interaction in children’s concept processing: insights from two Chinese communities
Authors: Xu Zhengye , Liu Duo
Published: April 2024

A rating of body–object interactions (BOIs) reflects the ease with which a human body can interact physically with a word’s referent. Studies with adults have demonstrated a facilitating BOI effect in language tasks, with faster and more accurate responses for high BOI words (e.g., cup) than low BOI words (e.g., coal). A few studies have explored the BOI effect in children. However, these studies have all adopted adult-rated BOIs, which may differ from children’s. Using child-rated BOIs, the present study investigated the BOI effect in Chinese children and its relationship with age, as well as whether there was a community difference in the BOI effect. Children (aged 7–8) from Mainland China (N = 100) and Hong Kong SAR (HK; N = 90) completed a lexical decision task used to measure the BOI effect. The children were asked to judge whether each item was a real Chinese word; each real word was assigned a child-rated BOI score. After controlling nonverbal intelligence, gender, working memory, and Chinese character reading, a significant BOI effect was observed at the response accuracy and speed levels. The accuracy and latency analyses illustrated a community difference; the BOI effect was smaller in the HK children. This study suggests that BOI measures may be sensitive to the ecological differences between tested communities. The findings support the need for further investigations into the BOI effect across Chinese communities, particularly those in Mainland China.
Jacobi polynomials for the first-order generalized Reed–Muller codes
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryosuke
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we give the Jacobi polynomials for first-order generalized Reed–Muller codes. We show as a corollary the nonexistence of combinatorial 3-designs in these codes.
Behavioral and social drivers of COVID-19 vaccination initiation in the US: a longitudinal study March─ October 2021
Authors: Abad Neetu , Bonner Kimberly E , Huang Qian , Baack Brittney , Petrin Robert , Das Dhiman , Hendrich Megan A. , Gosz Madeline S. , Lewis Zachary , Lintern David J. , Fisun Helen , Brewer Noel T.
Published: April 2024

Many studies have examined behavioral and social drivers of COVID-19 vaccination initiation, but few have examined these drivers longitudinally. We sought to identify the drivers of COVID-19 vaccination initiation using the Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) Framework. Participants were a nationally-representative sample of 1,563 US adults who had not received a COVID-19 vaccine by baseline. Participants took surveys online at baseline (spring 2021) and follow-up (fall 2021). The surveys assessed variables from BeSD Framework domains (i.e., thinking and feeling, social processes, and practical issues), COVID-19 vaccination initiation, and demographics at baseline and follow-up. Between baseline and follow-up, 65% of respondents reported initiating COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination intent increased from baseline to follow-up (p < .01). Higher vaccine confidence, more positive social norms towards vaccination, and receiving vaccine recommendations at baseline predicted subsequent COVID-19 vaccine initiation (all p < .01). Among factors assessed at follow-up, social responsibility and vaccine requirements had the greatest associations with vaccine initiation (all p < .01). Baseline vaccine confidence, social norms, and vaccination recommendations were associated with subsequent vaccine initiation, all of which could be useful targets for behavioral interventions. Furthermore, interventions that highlight social responsibility to vaccinate or promote vaccination requirements could also be beneficial.
$$\theta $$-splitting densities and reflection positivity
Authors: Ziebell Jobst
Published: April 2024

A simple condition is given that is sufficient to determine whether a measure that is absolutely continuous with respect to a Gaußian measure on the space of distributions is reflection positive. It readily generalises conventional lattice results to an abstract setting, enabling the construction of many reflection positive measures that are not supported on lattices.
Utilizing plasma-generated N2O5 gas from atmospheric air as a novel gaseous nitrogen source for plants
Authors: Yamanashi Taro , Takeshi Shouki , Sasaki Shota , Takashima Keisuke , Kaneko Toshiro , Ishimaru Yasuhiro , Uozumi Nobuyuki
Published: April 2024

Fixing atmospheric nitrogen for use as fertilizer is a crucial process in promoting plant growth and enhancing crop yields in agricultural production. Currently, the chemical production of nitrogen fertilizer from atmospheric N2 relies on the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process. Therefore, developing a low-cost and easily applicable method for fixing nitrogen from the air would provide a beneficial alternative. In this study, we tested the utilization of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) gas, generated from oxygen and nitrogen present in ambient air with the help of a portable plasma device, as a nitrogen source for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Nitrogen-deficient plants supplied with medium treated with N2O5, were able to overcome nitrogen deficiency, similar to those provided with medium containing a conventional nitrogen source. However, prolonged direct exposure of plants to N2O5 gas adversely affected their growth. Short-time exposure of plants to N2O5 gas mitigated its toxicity and was able to support growth. Moreover, when the exposure of N2O5 and the contact with plants were physically separated, plants cultured under nitrogen deficiency were able to grow. This study shows that N2O5 gas generated from atmospheric nitrogen can be used as an effective nutrient for plants, indicating its potential to serve as an alternative nitrogen fertilization method for promoting plant growth.
Reduced insulin/IGF-1 signalling upregulates two anti-viral immune pathways, decreases viral load and increases survival under viral infection in C. elegans
Authors: Duxbury Elizabeth M. L. , Carlsson Hanne , Kimberley Annabel , Ridge Yvonne , Johnson Katie , Maklakov Alexei A.
Published: April 2024

Reduced insulin/IGF-1 signalling (rIIS) improves survival across diverse taxa and there is a growing interest in its role in regulating immune function. Whilst rIIS can improve anti-bacterial resistance, the consequences for anti-viral immunity are yet to be systematically examined. Here, we show that rIIS in adult Caenorhabditis elegans increases the expression of key genes in two different anti-viral immunity pathways, whilst reducing viral load in old age, increasing survival and reducing rate-of-senescence under infection by naturally occurring positive-sense single-stranded RNA Orsay virus. We found that both drh-1 in the anti-viral RNA interference (RNAi) pathway and cde-1 in the terminal uridylation-based degradation of viral RNA pathway were upregulated in early adulthood under rIIS and increased anti-viral resistance was not associated with reproductive costs. Remarkably, rIIS increased anti-viral gene expression only in infected worms, potentially to curb the costs of constitutively upregulated immunity. RNA viruses are found across taxa from plants to mammals and we demonstrate a novel role for rIIS in regulating resistance to viral infection. We therefore highlight this evolutionarily conserved signalling pathway as a promising therapeutic target to improve anti-viral immunity.
Von der Defensive zur Cyberoffensive? Aktive Cyberabwehr, Hackbacks und der Diskurs der Akteure in der deutschen Cybersicherheitspolitik
Authors: Schmoldt Janine
Published: April 2024

Dieser Beitrag behandelt die deutsche Cybersicherheitsdebatte zur aktiven Cyberabwehr aus verfassungs- und völkerrechtlicher Sicht. Der Akteursdiskurs wird rekonstruiert, um zu ermitteln, wer im Falle eines Cyberangriffs unterhalb der Schwelle eines bewaffneten Konflikts ein Mandat zur aktiven Cyberabwehr erhalten sollte. Rechtliche Fragen und mögliche Risiken aktiver Cyberabwehrmaßnahmen werden adressiert und die Konsequenzen für die internationalen Beziehungen sowie die internationale Sicherheitspolitik erläutert.
Enabling magnetic pulse welding for dissimilar tubular arrester cable joints
Authors: Graß M. , Sommer N. , Böhm S.
Published: April 2024

Climate change exacerbates the need for resource-efficient and cost-effective production processes across manifold industries, including the field of electrical connections. This specific field is characterized by a conflict of objectives, i.e., weight reductions while maintaining joint strength and electrical conductivity. From a material point of view, the use of aluminum as a conductor material is suitable for this application, as it is lighter than copper, a classical conductor material. Electrical conductors are often used in the form of flexible cables, so-called stranded wires. This type of conductor as well as the fact that the sole use of aluminum in electrical systems is not feasible, e.g., because the predetermined connection terminals of power electronic components are made of copper, creates a substantial demand for dissimilar aluminum-copper cable arrester joints. However, traditional fusion-based welding processes have proved incapable of reliably producing these dissimilar aluminum-copper joints because of thermophysical effects and chemical incompatibilities, the latter eventually leading to the formation of intermetallic phases. These phases adversely affect the quality of the joint in terms of both mechanical and electrical performance. Yet, magnetic pulse welding, a pressure welding process, is ideally suited for producing dissimilar metal joints on the basis of a low energy input during the welding process. Consequently, the formation of intermetallic phases is restrained. However, magnetic pulse welding has not been sufficiently investigated for the reliable contacting of stranded cables to tubular arresters. As a result, this paper focuses on the fabrication of tubular stranded cable arrester joints using magnetic pulse welding. To shed light on possible material combinations, aluminum-to-aluminum and copper-to-copper joints as well as their dissimilar counterparts are welded. Subsequently, the joints are characterized with regard to their microstructure and quasi-static material strength. Electrical characterization comprises the four-wire Kelvin measurement method to evaluate the resistance of the electrical joints. The results demonstrate that magnetic pulse welding is ideally suited to join the aforementioned material combination and joint configuration due to its process characteristics eventually leading to material continuity. As a result, the stranded wires are welded to the tubular arresters rather than crimped. Consequently, a comparative analysis of the joint properties with those of the joining partners shows that the measured electrical resistances and mechanical tensile forces may be considered very good.
Towards efficient similarity embedded temporal Transformers via extended timeframe analysis
Authors: Olorunnimbe Kenniy , Viktor Herna
Published: April 2024

Price prediction remains a crucial aspect of financial market research as it forms the basis for various trading strategies and portfolio management techniques. However, traditional models such as ARIMA are not effective for multi-horizon forecasting, and current deep learning approaches do not take into account the conditional heteroscedasticity of financial market time series. In this work, we introduce the similarity embedded temporal Transformer (SeTT) algorithms, which extend the state-of-the-art temporal Transformer architecture. These algorithms utilise historical trends in financial time series, as well as statistical principles, to enhance forecasting performance. We conducted a thorough analysis of various hyperparameters including learning rate, local window size, and the choice of similarity function in this extension of the study in a bid to get optimal model performance. We also experimented over an extended timeframe, which allowed us to more accurately assess the performance of the models in different market conditions and across different lengths of time. Overall, our results show that SeTT provides improved performance for financial market prediction, as it outperforms both classical financial models and state-of-the-art deep learning methods, across volatile and non-volatile extrapolation periods, with varying effects of historical volatility on the extrapolation. Despite the availability of a substantial amount of data spanning up to 13 years, optimal results were primarily attained through a historical window of 1–3 years for the extrapolation period under examination.
Social Capital and Hit-and-Run Road Accidents: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Castriota Stefano , Rondinella Sandro , Tonin Mirco
Published: April 2024

We use data on Italian road accidents involving pedestrians in the period 2000–2016 to study the link between social capital and the driver’s decision to flee. Running away is a serious crime which affects the victim’s probability to survive after the accident. We merge detailed police records on road accidents with data on social capital at the province level and find a strong negative correlation between social capital and the decision to run away. The analysis is in line with previous studies suggesting that social capital is an important driver of human behaviour even in situations characterized by strict time constraints and dramatic psychological conditions.
Weiterbildungsberatung im Online-Format – Zur Analyse digitaler Dokumente
Authors: Schmidt-Lauff Sabine , Rathmann Marie
Published: April 2024

Online-Weiterbildungsberatung kann mittlerweile auf ein eigenständiges beraterisches Profil zurückgreifen, um Ratsuchenden individuelle Zugänge der Problembearbeitung sowie Möglichkeiten zur Entfaltung von Lern- und Bildungspotenzialen in allen Lebensphasen und -bereichen anzubieten. Grundsätzlich bildet die gesamte Lebenswelt, in der Erwachsene handeln, denken und fühlen (analog wie digital), den Horizont möglicher Beratungsanlässe. Auf Basis praxistheoretischer Grundannahmen zu digital-gestützten Interaktionen werden über eine qualitative Online-Forschung entlang digitaler Dokumente sowie einer semiotischen Interaktionsanalyse eines exemplarischen Online-Portals der Weiterbildungsberatung (www.der-weiterbildungsratgeber.de) Aktivierungslogiken, digital-mediale Ordnungen sowie Adressierungspraktiken rekonstruiert.