bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relevance acquisition through motivational incentives: Modeling the time-course of associative learning and the role of visual features
Authors: Grassi Francesco , Kulke Louisa , Lepauvre Alex , Schacht Anne
Published: April 2024

Motivational relevance associated with symbolic stimuli impacts both neural and behavioral responses, similar to visual stimuli with inherent emotional valence. However, the specific effects of associated relevance on early sensory stages and lexico-semantic processing of these stimuli remain unclear, particularly considering the role of low-level visual features in relevance acquisition. To address these issues, we employed an associative learning paradigm in which we manipulated visual features, but not the stimuli themselves. The study (N = 48) included a learning phase, where pseudowords were associated with either gain, loss, or neutral outcomes. This was followed by a test phase the next day, involving an old/new decision task, in which stimuli were presented in either the same or a different font. During both phases, pupil responses and event-related brain potentials (P1, Early Posterior Negativity (EPN), Late Positive Complex (LPC), P3) were measured. Stronger pupil responses and increased neural activation in early visual encoding (P1) and lexico-semantic processing (EPN) were observed during relevance acquisition, particularly for loss associations. After relevance acquisition, the most substantial effect on modulating lexico-semantic processing was observed for gain associations, as evidenced by both behavioral responses and neural activity. During the test phase, exposure to incongruent visual features of the stimuli influenced the same processes that were observed during relevance acquisition. Notably, these effects of visual feature congruence were independent of those of associated motivational relevance. These results highlight the dynamic nature of motivational relevance effects, revealing differential effects observed during acquisition and the test phase, as well as between earlier perceptual processing and later neural and behavioral responses.
Identification of diffusion, kurtosis, and propagator MRI markers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in post-mortem human tissue
Authors: Comrie Courtney J. , Carlson Rhea , Ahsan Zarif , Moshkriz Ashley , Sawyer Travis W. , Intorcia Anthony J. , Serrano Geidy E. , Beach Thomas G. , Hutchinson Elizabeth B.
Published: April 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible degenerative brain disease affecting 6.7 million Americans and while the hallmark AD pathologies of plaques and tangles follow a stereotyped progression during the course of the disease, clinical markers for early diagnosis are lacking and approximately 20% of all AD cases are ultimately misdiagnosed. Conventional clinical MRI is capable of reporting severe brain atrophy, but fails to recognize earlier biomarkers associated with more subtle cellular and molecular changes. Microstructural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are promising to address this challenge and may sensitively detect and distinguish tissue degeneration, tauopathies, and beta amyloid plaques to improve accuracy of diagnosis and enable early detection. The objective of this study was to identify and compare the most promising microstructural markers of AD pathology over a range of diffusion and relaxometry-based MRI techniques from conventional to advanced. To accomplish this, we performed MRI microscopy of post-mortem human temporal lobe specimens (n = 14) at high resolution and image quality and evaluated the relative influence of metrics across multiple microstructural MRI frameworks using principal component analysis (PCA). We performed additional correlation analysis between metrics identified by PCA and clinical neuropathology scores of Braak stage and plaque and tangle load. Hippocampal diffusion and restriction metrics contributed most to the first principal component, and the correlation with Braak score was positive for diffusivity and negative for restriction metrics. Additionally, the MAP-MRI propagator anisotropy (PA) metric of microscale anisotropy was strongly and negatively correlated with AD pathology while the conventional fractional anisotropy (FA) metric showed little or no correspondence and there was not a strong association between FA and PA by PCA. Entorhinal cortex findings were minimal except for reported increases in restriction due to plaque content. Taken together, our findings suggest that microstructural MRI metrics of restriction and diffusion are most prominent and may reflect degenerative processes in AD brain tissue and that microscale anisotropy may be more advantageous than conventional FA for the detection of subtle and earlier cellular changes in AD.
Through their eyes: Multi-subject brain decoding with simple alignment techniques
Authors: Ferrante Matteo , Boccato Tommaso , Ozcelik Furkan , VanRullen Rufin , Toschi Nicola
Published: April 2024

To-date, brain decoding literature has focused on single-subject studies, that is, reconstructing stimuli presented to a subject under fMRI acquisition from the fMRI activity of the same subject. The objective of this study is to introduce a generalization technique that enables the decoding of a subject’s brain based on fMRI activity of another subject, that is, cross-subject brain decoding. To this end, we also explore cross-subject data alignment techniques. Data alignment is the attempt to register different subjects in a common anatomical or functional space for further and more general analysis.

We utilized the Natural Scenes Dataset, a comprehensive 7T fMRI experiment focused on vision of natural images. The dataset contains fMRI data from multiple subjects exposed to 9,841 images, where 982 images have been viewed by all subjects. Our method involved training a decoding model on one subject’s data, aligning new data from other subjects to this space, and testing the decoding on the second subject based on information aligned to the first subject. We also compared different techniques for fMRI data alignment, specifically ridge regression, hyper alignment, and anatomical alignment.

We found that cross-subject brain decoding is possible, even with a small subset of the dataset, specifically, using the common data, which are around 10% of the total data, namely 982 images, with performances in decoding comparable to the ones achieved by single-subject decoding. Cross-subject decoding is still feasible using half or a quarter of this number of images with slightly lower performances. Ridge regression emerged as the best method for functional alignment in fine-grained information decoding, outperforming all other techniques.

By aligning multiple subjects, we achieved high-quality brain decoding and a potential reduction in scan time by 90%. This substantial decrease in scan time could open up unprecedented opportunities for more efficient experiment execution and further advancements in the field, which commonly requires prohibitive (20 hours) scan time per subject.
Automated deep learning segmentation of high-resolution 7 Tesla
postmortem MRI for quantitative analysis of structure-pathology correlations in
neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Khandelwal Pulkit , Duong Michael Tran , Sadaghiani Shokufeh , Lim Sydney , Denning Amanda E. , Chung Eunice , Ravikumar Sadhana , Arezoumandan Sanaz , Peterson Claire , Bedard Madigan , Capp Noah , Ittyerah Ranjit , Migdal Elyse , Choi Grace , Kopp Emily , Loja Bridget , Hasan Eusha , Li Jiacheng , Bahena Alejandra , Prabhakaran Karthik , Mizsei Gabor , Gabrielyan Marianna , Schuck Theresa , Trotman Winifred , Robinson John , Ohm Daniel T. , Lee Edward B. , Trojanowski John Q. , McMillan Corey , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J. , Detre John A. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Das Sandhitsu R. , Wisse Laura E. M. , Wolk David A. , Yushkevich Paul A.
Published: April 2024

Postmortem MRI allows brain anatomy to be examined at high resolution and to link pathology measures with morphometric measurements. However, automated segmentation methods for brain mapping in postmortem MRI are not well developed, primarily due to limited availability of labeled datasets, and heterogeneity in scanner hardware and acquisition protocols. In this work, we present a high-resolution dataset of 135 postmortem human brain tissue specimens imaged at 0.3 mm3 isotropic using a T2w sequence on a 7T whole-body MRI scanner. We developed a deep learning pipeline to segment the cortical mantle by benchmarking the performance of nine deep neural architectures, followed by post-hoc topological correction. We evaluate the reliability of this pipeline via overlap metrics with manual segmentation in 6 specimens, and intra-class correlation between cortical thickness measures extracted from the automatic segmentation and expert-generated reference measures in 36 specimens. We also segment four subcortical structures (caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus), white matter hyperintensities, and the normal appearing white matter, providing a limited evaluation of accuracy. We show generalizing capabilities across whole-brain hemispheres in different specimens, and also on unseen images acquired at 0.28 mm3 and 0.16 mm3 isotropic T2*w fast low angle shot (FLASH) sequence at 7T. We report associations between localized cortical thickness and volumetric measurements across key regions, and semi-quantitative neuropathological ratings in a subset of 82 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum diagnoses. Our code, Jupyter notebooks, and the containerized executables are publicly available at the project webpage (https://pulkit-khandelwal.github.io/exvivo-brain-upenn/).
Functional MR elastography measures visual cortex stiffening proportional to visual contrast intensity in regions of activation
Authors: Palnitkar Harish R. , Murphy Matthew C. , Sui Yi , Glaser Kevin J. , Manduca Armando , Welker Kirk M. , Campeau Norbert , Huston John , Ehman Richard L. , Arani Arvin
Published: April 2024

Functional MRI (fMRI) is widely used to spatially localize neural activity in the brain associated with functional stimuli. Functional MR Elastography (fMRE) has recently been introduced as a complementary approach that measures the mechanical response to functional stimulus. The hypothesis of the current study is that the stiffness change in fMRE is proportional to the underlying neural activity. This hypothesis is tested by measuring the median stiffness change in the visual cortex as a function of luminance-matched contrast intensity of a checkerboard visual stimulus in 16 healthy subjects. The fMRE signal in the visual cortex was observed to be proportional to the contrast intensity of the visual stimulus. In regions of activation, fMRE signal increased in the range of 2 ± 1% to 5.8 ± 1% and fMRI signal increased by the expected 0.4 ± 0.2% to 0.9 ± 0.2%, for contrast levels of 5% to 100%, respectively. In conclusion, this study shows that the fMRE signal in the visual cortex can be directly modulated by the contrast intensity of a visual stimulus. The presence of some overlap between fMRI and fMRE regions of activation may suggest two distinct mechanisms governing the fMRI and fMRE signals, which will be investigated in future studies.
Perceptual Expectations Are Reflected by Early Alpha Power Reduction
Authors: Sáringer Szabolcs , Fehér Ágnes , Sáry Gyula , Kaposvári Péter
Published: April 2024

The predictability of a stimulus can be characterized by its transitional probability. Perceptual expectations derived from the transitional probability of the stimulus were found to modulate the early alpha oscillations in the sensory regions of the brain when neural responses to expected versus unexpected stimuli were compared. The objective of our study was to find out the extent to which this low-frequency oscillation reflects stimulus predictability. We aimed to detect the alpha-power difference with smaller differences in transitional probabilities by comparing expected stimuli with neutral ones. We studied the effect of expectation on perception by applying an unsupervised visual statistical learning paradigm with expected and neutral stimuli embedded in an image sequence while recording EEG. Time–frequency analysis showed that expected stimuli elicit lower alpha power in the window of 8–12 Hz and 0–400 msec after stimulus presentation, appearing in the centroparietal region. Comparing previous findings of expectancy-based alpha-band modulation with our results suggests that early alpha oscillation shows an inverse relationship with stimulus predictability. Although current data are insufficient to determine the origin of the alpha power reduction, this could be a potential sign of expectation suppression in cortical oscillatory activity.
Rheological Properties of Bentonite/Polymer Based Drilling Fluid Under Different pH Conditions
Authors: Ouaer Hocine
Published: April 2024

To success the drilling operations, different criteria must be taken in account. One of the most important criterion is the design and performance of drilling fluids, which is greatly related to their rheological properties. Furthermore, it is crucial to study the rheological behavior of water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite/polymer. The current study aims at addressing the influence of pH on the rheological properties of bentonite/polymer based drilling fluid, furthermore, recommending the best range of pH, which provides high performance and safety of this drilling fluid. The obtained results showed that shear stress increased when increasing pH. It can be also noticed that the plastic viscosity (PV) and yield point (YP) of the drilling fluid 1 (F1) increased in high pH region and decreased in the other pH region. The plastic viscosity of the drilling fluid 2 (F2) is not significant. The higher value of YP/PV is located at a pH of 8.44, and this ratio decreases when increasing pH. These findings proved that keeping pH superior to 7 and inferior to 12 resulted in good rheological properties of drilling fluids that will help to remove the rock cuttings from the borehole to surface, and minimize the total cost of the drilling operations.
Inequality and social harm: Revisiting the Spirit Level debate by reproducing and updating it, as well as reanalysing the data with qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Greener Ian
Published: April 2024

This article explores the relationship between inequality and social harm, revisiting the original “Spirit Level” data from Wilkinson and Pickett, updating it for a later time period, and considering what difference it makes to their results by addressing criticisms made of their original research by using an alternative measure of inequality and expanding the range of possible causal factors. To achieve this, it makes use of both the original method used by Wilkinson and Pickett and that of a different approach, Qualitative Comparative Analysis. It finds that a measure of the kind of democracy (lower “integrative democracy”), along with higher inequality, are the key factors at the root of solutions for explaining higher social harm in both periods, which both follow up the suggestions by Wilkinson and Pickett about the role of democracy in explaining social problems, as well as making the extent and means of that relationship clearer.
Cannabis-Related Political Discourse on Twitter: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Athey Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Twitter is a widely used platform for following current events and prominent celebrities, influencers, and political leaders. Politicians use Twitter to share their viewpoints and disseminate information about legislative changes, prompting inquiries into their role in influencing public opinion on social media. This study examines a set of cannabis-related tweets ( n = 10,410) authored by current U.S. Governors and members of Congress (as of March 2022) to understand the nature of political discourse on social media. The dataset is analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, while a subsample ( n = 1714) is subject to a qualitative thematic analysis. Most tweets are informative and neutral in tone, although some politicians use non-neutral language to convey their message. Cannabis tweets can be categorized into six themes: economy, government/governing process, public health, justice, substance use/abuse, and other. The results have implications for future research and our understanding of political discourse on social media.
Sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on improved sliding mode observer
Authors: Zhou Qixun , Wang Yihang , Zhang Yingxing , Zhang Long , Shi Keke
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problems of chattering and low accuracy of rotor position observation in traditional sliding mode observer sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor, an improved sliding mode observer sensorless control method is proposed. First, the sigmoid function is used to replace the traditional switching function, which can effectively improve the chattering problem of the sliding mode observer. Then, an adaptive back electromotive force observer is designed to avoid the use of low-pass filter and phase compensation and reduce the high-frequency harmonics in the back electromotive force estimation. Finally, the speed and rotor position information are obtained by improving the phase-locked loop, and the fundamental harmonics caused by the inverter nonlinearity are suppressed. The simulation and experimental results show that the improved sliding mode observer can effectively weaken the chattering problem of the system, and improve the position observation accuracy and the robustness of the system.
Mechanical ventilation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support – New trends and continuing challenges
Authors: Szuldrzynski Konstanty , Kowalewski Mariusz , Swol Justyna
Published: April 2024

Background

The impact of mechanical ventilation on the survival of patients supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains still a focus of research

Methods

Recent guidelines, randomized trials, and registry data underscore the importance of lung-protective ventilation during respiratory and cardiac support on ECMO.

Results

This approach includes decreasing mechanical power delivery by reducing tidal volume and driving pressure as much as possible, using low or very low respiratory rate, and a personalized approach to positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting. Notably, the use of ECMO in awake and spontaneously breathing patients is increasing, especially as a bridging strategy to lung transplantation. During respiratory support in V-V ECMO, native lung function is of highest importance and adjustments of blood flow on ECMO, or ventilator settings significantly impact the gas exchange. These interactions are more complex in veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO configuration and cardiac support. The fraction on delivered oxygen in the sweep gas and sweep gas flow rate, blood flow per minute, and oxygenator efficiency have an impact on gas exchange on device side. On the patient side, native cardiac output, native lung function, carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and oxygen consumption (VO2) play a role. Avoiding pulmonary oedema includes left ventricle (LV) distension monitoring and prevention, pulse pressure >10 mm Hg and aortic valve opening assessment, higher PEEP adjustment, use of vasodilators, ECMO flow adjustment according to the ejection fraction, moderate use of inotropes, diuretics, or venting strategies as indicated and according to local expertise and resources

Conclusion

Understanding the physiological principles of gas exchange during cardiac support on femoro-femoral V-A ECMO configuration and the interactions with native gas exchange and haemodynamics are essential for the safe applications of these techniques in clinical practice. Proning during ECMO remains to be discussed until further data is available from prospective, randomized trials implementing individualized PEEP titration during proning.
The Safe Home Care Intervention Study: Implementation Methods and Effectiveness Evaluation
Authors: Sama Susan R. , Quinn Margaret M. , Gore Rebecca J. , Galligan Catherine J. , Kriebel David , Markkanen Pia K. , Lindberg John E. , Fallon Pamela J.
Published: April 2024

Home care (HC) aides experience numerous safety hazards in clients’ homes; many hazards also put clients at risk. We hypothesized that safety coaching led by nurse managers (NMs) during their initial HC needs assessment could prompt clients to improve safety conditions in their homes. Following a 2-arm proof-of-concept intervention study design, intervention NMs used motivational interviewing (MI), facilitated by a safety handbook and video, to coach clients on home safety improvements. Control arm NMs performed intake assessments with no changes to usual practices. Intervention effectiveness was assessed by NMs and aides. Three HC agencies and two elder services contributed 35 intervention and 23 control homes. NMs coached 97% of clients and reported that 94% were engaged; 63% implemented improvements. NMs’ and aides’ assessments were consistent; homes with clients reported by NMs as resistant to safety changes had higher aides’ hazard scores. Client coaching can be effective for improving HC safety.
Sense of Freedom in the Golden Years: Disentangling the Complex Ties Between Community Safety Concerns and Depressive Symptoms in Later Life
Authors: Zhang Yujie
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the “Negative Spillover Effect”—a conceptual framework that highlights the correlation between older adults’ community safety concerns and depressive symptoms. It explores the moderating influence of the sense of freedom in this relationship. Through the analysis of data from 3408 participants in the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey, employing a two-stage least squares regression approach, the study uncovers the intricate role of the sense of freedom in influencing the depressive symptoms of older adults based on their community safety concerns. The sense of freedom serves as a protective factor against the adverse psychological effects of community safety concerns when they are strong. However, this protective role diminishes when coupled with a low perception of the fair match between labor input and living condition rewards. The study underscores the importance of addressing and mitigating the negative spillover effect to foster sustainable and equitable community development. Reducing these adverse effects is essential for enhancing the mental health and well-being of the older demographic.
Footprint Elevation and Fullness of the Upper Pole of the Breast in Free-Style Reduction Mammaplasty Procedures
Authors: Elmelegy Nader
Published: April 2024

Background:

Despite the significant advances in the reduction mammaplasty fields, they all have drawbacks. A persistent lack of fullness in the upper pole was observed after 6 to 8 months in most of the instances given by the pioneers. The author’s goal was to enhance the cosmetic aspect of the breast and to achieve this goal; they searched for a superior approach that could provide upper pole fullness over the long term.

Patients and methods:

The project aimed to achieve all the other objectives of breast reduction while also enhancing the footprint elevation and fullness of the upper pole in free-style reduction mammaplasty surgeries. This study was carried out on 117 patients between February 2015 and July 2021.

Results:

In this study, the upper breast border produced an esthetically acceptable upper border in 114 (97.4%) cases for 2 to 7 years, whereas the outcomes were unsatisfactory for 4 patients (2.6%).

Conclusions:

The second rib, the second intercostal space, the third rib, the third intercostal space, or more are the possible starting levels of the upper border of the breast footprint. By severing the superior breast ligament and attaching the medial and lateral pillars to the pectoral fascia at the level of the second rib, the upper border of the breast can be stably elevated.

Level of Evidence:

IV therapeutic
Fuzzy process capability evaluation model for asymmetric tolerance production
Authors: Yu Chun-Min , Chen Kuen-Suan
Published: April 2024

Process capability indices (PCIs) are commonly applied assessment tools which enable the evaluation of process quality during production processes and also allow internal engineers to conveniently and effectively communicate with each other. Many studies have indicated that improving process capabilities not only increases product value but also reduces rates of scrap and rework and betters product availability. Furthermore, enhancing product quality also lengthens product lifespan and delays recovery. Clearly, quality is a crucial factor of corporate sustainability. The quality characteristics of many machine products have asymmetric tolerances, so PCIs with asymmetric tolerances are needed to evaluate these quality characteristics. Many researchers have stressed that sample sizes are not usually large due to cost and technical considerations as well as corporate demands for swift responses. Also, small sample sizes are associated with an increased risk of misjudgement. To address this, we developed a fuzzy evaluation method based on confidence intervals for PCIs with asymmetric tolerances. This approach incorporated expert experience and accumulated data to boost evaluation accuracy and diminish the likelihood of misjudgement resulting from sampling errors.
Modeling and optimizing of laser-assisted waterjet process parameters for near-damage-free micromachining of monocrystalline silicon
Authors: Liu Xuefei , Huang Chuanzhen , Liu Hanlian , Liu Dun , Yao Peng , Zou Bin , Zhu Hongtao , Wang Zhen , Xu Longhua , Huang Shuiquan
Published: April 2024

Monocrystalline silicon-based microstructure functional surfaces are widely used in the field of photoelectricity. However, the traditional process is prone to damage due to the hardness and brittleness of monocrystalline silicon. In this study, the depth, width, and depth-width ratio of the micro-V-groove on the surface of monocrystalline silicon were studied using laser-assisted waterjet technology. Firstly, the nanosecond laser pulse width was optimized to minimize processing damage. Then, the response surface method (RSM) was employed to optimize the V-groove’s depth-width ratio and show the process parameters’ interactive effects. The results show that the heated affected zone (HAZ) and lattice disorder at 10 ns are significantly smaller than those at other pulse widths, and there is almost no amorphous phase on the surface of V-grooves. Single process parameter usually has different effects on the size of the V-groove, and the process parameters have significant interactive effects, which are discussed in detail in the study. According to the prediction model, the highest depth-width ratio of a V-groove is 1.39. Near-damage-free V-groove with a high depth-width ratio helps to lower the reflectivity and increase the hydrophobicity of monocrystalline silicon.
Justice in Contention: The Dynamics of Legal Mobilisation in Caimanes’ Environmental Struggle
Authors: Smart Sebastian
Published: April 2024

This paper examines legal mobilisation in socio-environmental movements through the Caimanes case, a Chilean community opposing the Los Pelambres mining project. It integrates structural and agency perspectives, highlighting the community's adaptation to political and legal opportunities and focusing on distributive environmental justice. The study identifies two protest cycles: the first seeking compensation, leading to community divisions, and the second addressing mining externalities, fostering unity and solidarity. It discusses judicial mobilisation's limitations, including challenges in aligning community and legal advisors’ aims and constraints within the Chilean judicial system. The analysis, based on fieldwork and secondary sources, contributes to understanding legal strategies in environmental justice movements, emphasising strategic decision-making's importance.
Effect of single-radius design on in vivo kinematics during stair activities after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kono Kenichi , Yamazaki Takaharu , Tamaki Masashi , Ishibashi Teruya , Tanaka Sakae , Tomita Tetsuya
Published: April 2024

Background

The single-radius design is one of the major total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs and widely used all over the world. The objective of this study was to compare in vivo kinematics between the anteroposterior (AP) single-radius design with mediolateral (ML) single-radius (Non Restricted Geometry; NRG) and ML dual-radius (Triathlon) during stair activities.

Methods

A total of 21 knees in 18 patients (NRG group: 10 knees in 7 patients, Triathlon group: 11 knees in 11 patients) with a clinically successful posterior stabilized TKA were examined. Under fluoroscopic surveillance, each patient performed stair ascending and descending motions. In vivo kinematics were analyzed using 2D/3D registration technique. The knee flexion angle, rotation angle, varus-valgus angle, AP translation of the femorotibial contact point for both the medial and lateral sides of the knee, and post-cam engagement were evaluated.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in rotation angle and AP translation at each flexion angle. Examining the varus-valgus angle, the NRG group showed varus position at an early flexion angle during both stair activities. Post-cam engagement was observed in both groups during both stair activities. The mean flexion angle of engagement in the NRG group, the post of which was located anterior to the Triathlon, was larger than that in the Triathlon group during both stair activities.

Conclusion

Despite the same AP single-radius TKA, ML single-radius might affect varus motion at an early flexion angle.
Levels of dialogicity and narrativity in teacher discourse and its relationship with student learning among high school students in a language class / Niveles de dialogicidad y narratividad en el discurso docente y su relación con el aprendizaje alcanzado por estudiantes de enseñanza media en la asignatura de Lenguaje
Authors: Villarroel-Henríquez Verónica , Bruna-Jofre Daniela
Published: April 2024

This study sought to ascertain the relationship between the varying levels of dialogicity and narrativity found in the discourse of different teachers when teaching, as well as their students’ learning of the same curricular content. A multilevel, correlational quantitative design was used, with the data collection technique of classroom teacher observation, to determine the teachers’ levels of dialogicity and narrativity. Questionnaires were also administered to students to assess their learning and the quality of their recall of the content taught in the classes. The participants were 13 teachers with proven pedagogical excellence in language and communication who taught classes in 13 Chilean schools, as well as their 350 students in their last year of high school education. Using a linear hierarchical model, we concluded that there is a positive, significant relationship between the narrativity of the teacher discourse and student learning. We also found that males learned better with more narrative teachers, while females learned better with more dialogic teachers.
Self-images of school dropout in Barcelona: analysis from system justification theory / Autoimágenes sobre abandono escolar en Barcelona: análisis desde la teoría de la justificación del sistema
Authors: Cavieres-Higuera Héctor , García-Gracia Maribel , Merino-Pareja Rafael , Ihnen-Gómez María-Jesús
Published: April 2024

Sociocognitive theories assume that group membership has a direct impact on social identity. Vulnerable groups can develop different strategies to lessen the psychological discomfort caused by disadvantageous social membership. Some of these mechanisms operate by validating the social order. This article shows how implicit self-stereotypes operate in a group of students who have dropped out of school. The approach is qualitative based on these young people’s discourses on their educational trajectories, their school experiences and their reasons for dropping out. The analysis allows self-stereotypical elements with repercussions at the level of social justification to be identified and is complemented by a brief sociodemographic description to characterize the group in terms of their social disadvantage.
Diversity Is Diverse: Social Justice Reparations and Science
Authors: Jussim Lee
Published: April 2024

Because the term “diversity” has two related but different meanings, what authors mean when they use the term is inherently unclear. In its broad form, it refers to vast variety. In its narrow form, it refers to human demographic categories deemed deserving of special attention by social justice–oriented activists. In this article, I review Hommel’s critique of Roberts et al. (2020), which, I suggest, essentially constitutes two claims: that Roberts et al.’s (2020) call for diversity in psychological science focuses exclusively on the latter narrow form of diversity and ignores the scientific importance of diversity in the broader sense, and ignoring diversity in the broader sense is scientifically unjustified. Although Hommel’s critique is mostly justified, this is not because Roberts et al. (2020) are wrong to call for greater social justice–oriented demographic diversity in psychology but because Hommel’s call for the broader form of diversity subsumes that of Roberts et al. (2020) and has other aspects critical to creating a valid, generalizable, rigorous, and inclusive psychological science. In doing so, I also highlight omissions, limitations, and potential downsides to the narrow manner in which psychology and the broader academy are currently implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Strategic white matter hyperintensity locations associated with post-stroke cognitive impairment: A multicenter study in 1568 stroke patients
Authors: Coenen Mirthe , de Kort Floor AS , Weaver Nick A , Kuijf Hugo J , Aben Hugo P , Bae Hee-Joon , Bordet Régis , Chen Christopher PLH , Dewenter Anna , Doeven Thomas , Dondaine Thibaut , Duering Marco , Fang Rong , van der Giessen Ruben S , Kim Jonguk , Kim Beom Joon , de Kort Paul LM , Koudstaal Peter J , Lee Minwoo , Lim Jae-Sung , Lopes Renaud , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , Staals Julie , Yu Kyung-Ho , Biessels Geert Jan , Biesbroek J Matthijs
Published: April 2024

Background:

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) occurs in up to 50% of stroke survivors. Presence of pre-existing vascular brain injury, in particular the extent of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), is associated with worse cognitive outcome after stroke, but the role of WMH location in this association is unclear.

Aims:

We determined if WMH in strategic white matter tracts explain cognitive performance after stroke.

Methods:

Individual patient data from nine ischemic stroke cohorts with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were harmonized through the Meta VCI Map consortium. The association between WMH volumes in strategic tracts and domain-specific cognitive functioning (attention and executive functioning, information processing speed, language and verbal memory) was assessed using linear mixed models and lasso regression. We used a hypothesis-driven design, primarily addressing four white matter tracts known to be strategic in memory clinic patients: the left and right anterior thalamic radiation, forceps major, and left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus.

Results:

The total study sample consisted of 1568 patients (39.9% female, mean age = 67.3 years). Total WMH volume was strongly related to cognitive performance on all four cognitive domains. WMH volume in the left anterior thalamic radiation was significantly associated with cognitive performance on attention and executive functioning and information processing speed and WMH volume in the forceps major with information processing speed. The multivariable lasso regression showed that these associations were independent of age, sex, education, and total infarct volume and had larger coefficients than total WMH volume.

Conclusion:

These results show tract-specific relations between WMH volume and cognitive performance after ischemic stroke, independent of total WMH volume. This implies that the concept of strategic lesions in PSCI extends beyond acute infarcts and also involves pre-existing WMH.

Data access statement:

The Meta VCI Map consortium is dedicated to data sharing, following our guidelines.
The AHA/ASA and DSM-V diagnostic criteria for vascular cognitive impairment identify cases with predominant vascular pathology
Authors: Folloso Melmar C , Villaraza Steven G , Yi-Wen Lo , Pek-Lan Khong , Tanaka Tomotaka , Hilal Saima , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Li-Hsian Chen Christopher
Published: April 2024

Background:

There are major challenges in determining the etiology of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) clinically, especially in the presence of mixed pathologies, such as vascular and amyloid. Most recently, two criteria (American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)) have been proposed for the clinical diagnosis of VCI but have not as yet been validated using neuroimaging.

Aims:

This study aims to determine whether the AHA/ASA and DSM-V criteria for VCI can distinguish between cases with predominantly vascular pathology and cases with mixed pathology.

Methods:

A total of 186 subjects were recruited from a cross-sectional memory clinic–based study at the National University Hospital, Singapore. All subjects underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and carbon 11-labeled Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C] PiB) positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Diagnosis of the etiological subtypes of VCI (probable vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI), possible VaMCI, non-VaMCI, probable vascular dementia (VaD), possible VaD, non-VaD) were performed following AHA/ASA and DSM-V criteria. Brain amyloid burden was determined for each subject with standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) values ⩾1.5 classified as amyloid positive.

Results:

Using κ statistics, both criteria had excellent agreement for probable VaMCI, probable VaD, and possible VaD (κ = 1.00), and good for possible VaMCI (κ = 0.71). Using the AHA/ASA criteria, the amyloid positivity of probable VaMCI (3.8%) and probable VaD (15%) was significantly lower compared to possible VaMCI (26.7%), non-VaMCI (33.3%), possible VaD (73.3%), and non-VaD (76.2%) (p < 0.001). Similarly, using the DSM-V criteria, the amyloid positivity of probable VaMCI (3.8%) and probable VaD (15%) was significantly lower compared to possible VaMCI (26.3%), non-VaMCI (32.1%), possible VaD (73.3%), and non-VaD (76.2%) (p < 0.001). In both criteria, there was good agreement in differentiating individuals with non-VaD and possible VaD, with significantly higher (p < 0.001) global [11C]-PiB SUVR, from individuals with probable VaMCI and probable VaD, who had predominant vascular pathology.

Conclusion:

The AHA/ASA and DSM-V criteria for VCI can identify VCI cases with little to no concomitant amyloid pathology, hence supporting the utility of AHA/ASA and DSM-V criteria in diagnosing patients with predominant vascular pathology.

Data access statement:

Data supporting this study are available from the Memory Aging and Cognition Center, National University of Singapore. Access to the data is subject to approval and a data sharing agreement due to University policy.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pediatric Primary Care
Authors: Nasir Arwa K. , Strong-Bak Whitney , Bernard Marie
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives:

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to experience significant delays in diagnosis and interventions. One of the main factors contributing to this delay is a shortage of developmental-behavioral specialists. Diagnostic evaluation of ASD by primary care pediatricians (PCPs) has been shown to be reliable and to decrease the interval from first concern to diagnosis. In this paper, we present the results of a primary care ASD diagnosis program in which the PCP serves as the primary diagnostician and leverages the infrastructure of the primary care medical home to support the child and family during the pre- and post-diagnostic periods, along with data on parental satisfaction with this model.

Methods:

Retrospective data from a cohort of patients evaluated through this program were analyzed to determine the mean age at diagnosis and interval from referral for evaluation to diagnosis. We used survey methodology to obtain data from parents regarding their satisfaction with the process.

Results:

Data from 8 of 20 children evaluated from April 2021 through May 2022 showed a median age of diagnosis of 34.5 months compared to the national average of 49 months. Mean interval from referral for evaluation to diagnosis was 3.5 months. Parental survey responses indicated high satisfaction.

Conclusions:

This model was successful in shortening the interval from referral to diagnosis resulting in significant decrease of age at diagnosis compared with the national average. Widespread implementation could improve access to timely diagnostic services and improve outcomes for children with ASD.
Determination of Compassion and Compassion Fatigue in Intensive Care Nurses
Authors: Özan Ahmet , Polat Hatice
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Compassion is defined as the sadness felt by a living thing or a person due to a negative situation. Compassion fatigue describes emotional, physical, social and spiritual exhaustion or a decrease in these feelings. The concept of compassion, which is at the center of nursing, may be related to compassion fatigue in nurses.

Objective

The aims of the study were to determine the level of compassion fatigue and compassion among intensive care nurses and to examine the relationship between them.

Methods

This study was conducted through descriptive research and cross-sectional survey. The population of the research consisted of intensive care nurses from two hospitals in Turkey. Since the universe is accessible, the sample selection method was not used ( n = 182). Demographic data form, Compassion Fatigue sub-dimension of the Professional Quality of Life Scale and Compassion Scale were used in the study.

Results

The mean score of the nurses’ compassion fatigue was 15.86 ± 7.22, and compassion was 72.21 ± 7.28. There was a moderate negative relationship between compassion and compassion fatigue ( r = −.405). It was determined that the nurses’ compassion was at a moderate level and their compassion fatigue was at a low level.

Conclusion

It can be assumed that ICU nurses’ compassion is at a medium level and their compassion fatigue is at a low level. It was established that as the compassion level of the nurses increased, the level of compassion fatigue decreased. Developing a sense of compassion in nurses working in intensive care units can reduce compassion fatigue.
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in patients with immunoglobulin light-chain AL amyloidosis
Authors: Lopedote Paolo , Evans Benjamin , Marchetti Alfredo , Chen Tianzeng , Moscvin Maria , Boullt Samuel , Bolli Niccolò , Bianchi Giada
Published: April 2024

Immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of misfolded monoclonal free light chains, with cardiac complications accounting for patient mortality. Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has been associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in the general population. Its significance in AL amyloidosis remains unclear. We collected clinical information and outcome data on 76 patients with a diagnosis of AL amyloidosis who underwent deep targeted sequencing for myeloid neoplasia–associated mutations between April 2018 and August 2023. Variant allele frequency was set at 2% to call CHIP-associated mutations. CHIP mutations were present in patients with AL amyloidosis at a higher frequency compared with age-matched control individuals. Sixteen patients (21%) had at least 1 CHIP mutation. DNMT3A was the most frequent mutation (7/16; 44%). Compared with patients without CHIP, patients with CHIP had a higher prevalence of t(11;14) translocation (69% vs 25%, respectively; P = .004). Furthermore, among patients with renal involvement, those with CHIP had a lower Palladini renal stage (P = .001). At a median follow-up of 32.5 months, the presence of CHIP was not associated with worse overall survival or major organ dysfunction progression-free survival. Larger studies and longer follow-up are needed to better define the impact of CHIP in patients with AL amyloidosis.
The Val Biandino Intrusive Suite (central Southern Alps, N Italy): new geochronological and geochemical data on the Early Permian magmatic activity in the Southalpine Domain
Authors: Zanchetta Stefano , Crippa Chiara , Zanchi Andrea , Montemagni Chiara
Published: April 2024

The Early Permian in the present-day Europe area was a time when a major tectonic shift occurred, leading from the tectonic collapse of the Variscan orogeny to the crustal extension and thinning that characterized the Early Permian times. Crustal extension was associated with extensive magmatism at different crustal levels: from gabbro in the lower crust or at the mantle/crust transition to subaerial high-SiO2 volcanic activity. In the whole Southalpine Domain, the Early Permian intrusive bodies occur from the west (e.g. Ivrea-Verbano Complex and “Graniti dei Laghi”) to the east (Ifinger, Brixen and Cima d’Asta intrusive complexes). Among these, in the central Southern Alps (comprised between the Giudicarie Belt and the Lake Como), minor intrusive complexes also occur. The Val Biandino Intrusive Suite consists of two magmatic units: the Val Biandino Quartz-Diorite (VBQD) and the Valle di San Biagio Granite (VSBG). The first of them consists of gabbro-diorite to granodiorite bodies associated with leucocratic cordierite-bearing granitic dikes that intruded the pre-Permian basement. To the west, a W-dipping normal fault of Permian age represents the boundary between this unit and the Valle di San Biagio porphyric granite. All rock varieties of the Val Biandino Intrusive Suite display a high-K calc-alkaline affinity with metaluminous to peraluminous character. Field crosscutting relationships point to a late generation of the cordierite granites of the Val Biandino Quartz-Diorite unit with respect to the more mafic types. SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating provided an age of 285.2 ± 1.9 Ma for a cordierite granite of the Val Biandino Quartz-Diorite unit and 283.2 ± 1.9 Ma for the porphyric Valle di San Biagio Granite. Geochemical data suggest that gabbro-diorite, quartz-diorite, granodiorite and leucogranite are not co-magmatic. The existing gaps in term of SiO2 wt% and the higher HREE contents in mafic and intermediate rocks with respect to granite coupled with similar LREE in all rocks support this hypothesis. The high Rb/Sr ratios (> 1) in leucogranite, together with the occurrence of white mica and cordierite point to a significant contribution of crustal partial melting in their genesis. The Val Biandino Intrusive Suite was likely formed through the interaction of magma genesis at the mantle/crust transition and partial melting of the heterogeneous pre-Permian basement of the Southalpine Domain. This scenario explains the strong heterogeneity displayed by the relatively small intrusive complex and the strong crustal signature exhibited by all the magmatic types of the Val Biandino Intrusive Suite.