bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projecting the current and potential future distribution of New Zealand’s invasive sturnids
Authors: Atsawawaranunt Kamolphat , Whibley Annabel , Cain Kristal E. , Major Richard E. , Santure Anna W.
Published: January 2024

Invasive species threaten native ecosystems, the economy and human health. Improved understanding of an invasive species’ ecological niche, and whether it has differentiated in the invasive compared to the native range, will enable better prediction of areas at risk of future invasions. Here, we characterise the ecological niche of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) and common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), in their native range and in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they were introduced over 140 years ago. Common myna and common starling are two of the most invasive bird species in the world and are agricultural pests, competitors to native fauna and may act as disease vectors. Using biologically justified environmental variables and occurrence data, we construct ecological niche models (ENMs) using five algorithms. Based on the ENM algorithm with highest transferability, we identify key environmental variables to compare the niches of the two species in New Zealand and the native range, and between the two species in New Zealand. For both species, we find no evidence of niche divergence between New Zealand and their native range despite their long invasion history. However, we do find evidence for niche differences between the two species in New Zealand. Our future suitable habitat predictions suggest little range expansion of the already-widespread starlings in New Zealand, but large areas at risk of future myna invasion in New Zealand’s South Island. Our results support ongoing management of myna populations, especially in the South Island where the Cook strait may already provide some barrier to dispersal.
Dynamic Via-points and Improved Spatial Generalization for Online Trajectory Generation with Dynamic Movement Primitives
Authors: Sidiropoulos Antonis , Doulgeri Zoe
Published: January 2024

Dynamic Movement Primitives (DMP) have found remarkable applicability and success in various robotic tasks, which can be mainly attributed to their generalization, modulation and robustness properties. However, the spatial generalization of DMP can be problematic in some cases, leading to excessive overscaling and in turn large velocities and accelerations. While other DMP variants have been proposed in the literature to tackle this issue, they can also exhibit excessive overscaling as we show in this work. Moreover, incorporating intermediate points (via-points) for adjusting the DMP trajectory to account for the geometry of objects related to the task, or to avoid or push aside objects that obstruct a specific task, is not addressed by the current DMP literature. In this work we tackle these unresolved so far issues by proposing an improved online spatial generalization, that remedies the shortcomings of the classical DMP generalization, and moreover allows the incorporation of dynamic via-points. This is achieved by designing an online adaptation scheme for the DMP weights which is proved to minimize the distance from the demonstrated acceleration profile to retain the shape of the demonstration, subject to dynamic via-point and initial/final state constraints. Extensive comparative simulations with the classical and other DMP variants are conducted, while experimental results validate the practical usefulness and efficiency of the proposed method.
Next generation sequencing of high-grade adult-type diffuse glioma in the Netherlands: interlaboratory variation in the primary diagnostic and recurrent setting
Authors: van Opijnen Mark P. , Broekman Marike L. D. , Cuppen Edwin , Dubbink Hendrikus J. , ter Elst Arja , van Eijk Ronald , Mühlebner Angelika , Jansen Casper , van der Geize Robert , Speel Ernst-Jan M. , Groenen Patricia J. T. A. , de Vos Filip Y. F. , Wesseling Pieter , de Leng Wendy W. J. , Maas Sybren L. N.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Next generation sequencing (NGS) is an important tool used in clinical practice to obtain the required molecular information for accurate diagnostics of high-grade adult-type diffuse glioma (HGG). Since individual centers use either in-house produced or standardized panels, interlaboratory variation could play a role in the practice of HGG diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the current practice in NGS application for both primary and recurrent HGG.

Methods

This nationwide Dutch survey used the expertise of (neuro)pathologists and clinical scientists in molecular pathology (CSMPs) by sending online questionnaires on clinical and technical aspects. Primary outcome was an overview of panel composition in the different centers for diagnostic practice of HGG. Secondary outcomes included practice for recurrent HGG and future perspectives.

Results

Out of twelve neuro-oncology centers, the survey was filled out by eleven (neuro)pathologists and seven CSMPs. The composition of the diagnostic NGS panels differed in each center with numbers of genes ranging from 12 to 523. Differences are more pronounced when tests are performed to find therapeutic targets in the case of recurrent disease: about half of the centers test for gene fusions (60%) and tumor mutational burden (40%).

Conclusion

Current notable interlaboratory variations as illustrated in this study should be reduced in order to refine diagnostics and improve precision oncology. In-house developed tests, standardized panels and routine application of broad gene panels all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Future research would be of interest to study the clinical impact of variation in diagnostic approaches.
The Association Between Preoperative Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Levels and the Total Body Weight Loss in Women Post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Khattab Mohamed Hamdy , Said Sami M. , Fayez Mina abdelmalak , Elaguizy Menatallah Mohamed , Mohamed Abdelkarem A. A. , Ghobashy Ahmed Mostafa
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the well-described optimal initial clinical response of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in the treatment of obesity, some patients do not achieve optimal initial clinical response. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has currently shown an association with post-bariatric surgery weight loss. This study aimed to assess the IGF-1 levels in female patients with obesity, the change after surgery, and their association with the metabolic profile and weight loss after surgery.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective study that was conducted on adult female patients who were recruited for SG. The patients underwent clinical and laboratory investigations that included the IGF-1 measurement. At the 1-year follow-up, the same clinical and laboratory measures were repeated.

Results

This study included 100 female patients. At the 1-year follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), fasting HbA1C levels (p < 0.001), and triglycerides (p < 0.001), as well as a statistically significant increase in HDL (p < 0.001) and IGF-1 (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that, among the patients baseline characteristics, the significant predictors for the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were the patients’ BMI (p < 0.001) and IGF-1 levels (p < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that an IGF1 cutoff value of ≤ 23 ng/ml detected suboptimal initial clinical response, with a sensitivity of 95.35% and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusion

This study underscores the significant impact of SG on weight loss and metabolic improvements in female patients. Baseline IGF-1 levels emerged as a crucial predictor of optimal initial clinical response.

Graphical Abstract
Mind the Gap: Unraveling the Intricate Dance Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and Bone Health
Authors: Karnik Sonali J. , Margetts Tyler J. , Wang Hannah S. , Movila Alexandru , Oblak Adrian L. , Fehrenbacher Jill C. , Kacena Melissa A. , Plotkin Lilian I.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

This review examines the linked pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease/related dementia (AD/ADRD) and bone disorders like osteoporosis. The emphasis is on “inflammaging”—a low-level inflammation common to both, and its implications in an aging population.

Recent Findings

Aging intensifies both ADRD and bone deterioration. Notably, ADRD patients have a heightened fracture risk, impacting morbidity and mortality, though it is uncertain if fractures worsen ADRD. Therapeutically, agents targeting inflammation pathways, especially Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and TNF-α, appear beneficial for both conditions. Additionally, treatments like Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1), known for anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are gaining attention.

The interconnectedness of AD/ADRD and bone health necessitates a unified treatment approach. By addressing shared mechanisms, we can potentially transform therapeutic strategies, enriching our understanding and refining care in our aging society. This review article is part of a series of multiple manuscripts designed to determine the utility of using artificial intelligence for writing scientific reviews.
Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation “Homophobia in Healthcare Employees”: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Değer Vasfiye Bayram , Kaçan Havva
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The study was conducted to examine the attitudes of healthcare employees toward homosexuals and the factors affecting them, while homophobic thoughts and behaviors are based on heteronormative cultural beliefs and gender stereotypes.

Methods

This study was planned as a cross-sectional and completed with 720 healthcare employees. The Demographic Information Form and Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale were used in the study. Data were collected between January 06 and January 10, 2022.

Results

The mean homophobia total score of the employees was determined as 97,503 ± 25,807. Homophobia levels of male healthcare employees, those who thought homosexuality is a disease, and those who stated that homosexuality can be caused by taking an example had increasing homophobia levels. The level of homophobia decreases in the presence of homosexual friends, those who can talk freely about homosexuality, and healthcare employees who support same-sex marriage.

Conclusions

Recognition of individuals with different sexual orientations by healthcare employees will reduce homophobic attitudes toward these individuals. Examining the level of homophobia in healthcare institutions and ensuring that discriminatory attitudes or behaviors toward individuals from different sexual orientations are determined to be effective on the quality of healthcare and access to healthcare services.

Policy Implications

There is a healthcare system in which patients are generally assumed to be heterosexual; healthcare employees are not prepared to work with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual patients in general. Studies conducted on this subject indicate that more studies are needed on the subject to implement a healthcare policy focusing on sexual diversity in healthcare services and to discuss healthcare practices for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual population.
Getting ready for digital shift: the level of acceptance towards educational technology among faculty members in higher education institutions in Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Equlinet Misganaw , Zegeye Robel Tezera , Wondie Shewatatek Gedamu , Negash Tadese Tamire , Siyoum Mekdim Tadesse
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Understanding the extent to which faculty members' beliefs, attitudes, and acceptance of educational technologies for learning is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of technology and ensuring its long-term viability. However, higher education institutions have made significant investments in educational technology for learning without fully comprehending faculty members' beliefs, attitudes, and level of acceptance of these technologies. This lack of understanding has hindered the effectiveness of these investments. Therefore, this study aims to examine faculty members' beliefs, attitudes and level of acceptance towards educational technology in higher education institutions in Ethiopia.

Methods

A survey was conducted at five public higher education institutions that offer priority health training programs. The survey collected data using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, focusing on four key determinants. Faculty members were asked to rate these determinants on a scale of 1 to 5. Each determinant was analyzed separately, examining the mean value and standard deviation. An overall mean score was calculated by combining all the determinants. Additionally, a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine how different demographic factors influenced faculty members' acceptance of technology for student learning.

Result

A total of 330 faculty members participated in the study. The majority of respondents were male lecturers who held a second degree qualification. On average, the participants were 32.9 years old and had six years of teaching experience. Interestingly, nearly three fourth (72.6%) of faculty members hold positive beliefs and exhibit a high level of acceptance of educational technology. Furthermore, the likelihood of accepting and utilizing technologies for learning was found to be 2.3 times higher for faculty members working in teaching settings at research institutions.

Conclusion

Faculty members have a favorable attitude towards educational technology, demonstrating a high level of acceptance. This positive belief holds significant implications and is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of technology and ensuring its long-term viability.
Legal assessment of ingrown horns and other horn-related anomalies in cattle and sheep
Authors: Andersson Johanna , Beck-Friis Johan , Sarenbo Sirkku
Published: January 2024

Cattle and sheep horns have the potential to grow in such a way that the horn bends toward the animal’s head and, if left untreated, may penetrate the skin, causing pressure, pain, and suffering. According to the Swedish Animal Welfare Act, animals must be looked after in a way that prevents ingrown horns; otherwise, the person responsible for the animal may be prosecuted. Here, we present a review of 32 legal cases that occurred in Sweden between 2008 and 2022 for which the charge involved horn-related anomalies in cattle or sheep. The aim being to investigate the nature of these horn-related anomalies and the circumstances under which they occur. Of the legal cases, 53% were discovered during official animal welfare control on farms and 44% at an abattoir during pre-slaughter inspection. These include extreme injuries, e.g. both horns penetrating the periosteum into the skull bone, or a horn penetrating into the eye or oral cavity. The reasons offered by the accused for failing to detect animals with horn-related anomalies included that the animal appeared normal, that it was long-haired, shy, or hard to reach, or that the horns had not undergone gradual growth but had accidentally or suddenly penetrated the skin. Overall, 81% of the cases led to convictions; however, none of these resulted in imprisonment. Reasons for acquittals included insufficient crime description or evidence as to how the horn-related anomaly occurred or of the animal being exposed to suffering. A number of recommendations are provided that could help limit the occurrence of ingrown horns.
A wall model for large-eddy simulation of highly compressible flows based on a new scaling of the law of the wall
Authors: Debroeyer Romain , Rasquin Michel , Toulorge Thomas , Bartosiewicz Yann , Winckelmans Grégoire
Published: January 2024

Wall modelling in large-eddy simulation (LES) is of high importance to allow scale resolving simulations of industrial applications. Numerous models were developed and validated for incompressible flows, including a simple quasi-analytical model based on Reichardt's formula that approximates the law of the wall. In this paper, a scaling is proposed to generalize this wall model to highly compressible flows. First, the results of wall-resolved LES (wrLES) of adiabatic compressible turbulent channel flows at

$Re_\tau = 1000$

and at centreline Mach numbers of

$M_c= 0.76$

and

$1.5$

are presented. Then, three potential scalings of the incompressible wall model are proposed, and their a priori performance is evaluated : (i) the Howarth–Stewartson scaling, (ii) an improved Van Driest scaling and (iii) a new scaling obtained from a blending of those two. The results of wall-modelled LES (wmLES) of compressible channel flows using these three models are compared with the reference wrLES data, showing the superior accuracy of the hybrid scaling. The consistency of the new wall model at low Mach numbers is also verified by comparing the results of a wmLES at

$M_c= 0.25$

with those of reference incompressible DNS data at

$Re_\tau = 1000$

and

$5200$

. Finally, the proposed wall model is also applied to a turbulent channel flow at

$M_c=1.5$

and

$Re_\tau =5200$

.
The stress in static granular media under gravity
Authors: Krishnaraj K.P. , Nott Prabhu R.
Published: January 2024

A fundamental open problem in the mechanics of granular media is the determination of the stress in the static state. It is known that the static stress depends strongly on how the grain assembly is created and the nature of confining boundaries. Non-trivial spatial variations have been observed even in simple geometries, posing long-standing challenges to continuum modelling. In this paper, we create gravity-deposited grain packings computationally and devise a method to visualise the paths of load transmission, which we call force lines. We show that the force lines reflect the flow during deposition, thereby encoding preparation history. We then show that the force lines coincide with ensemble averaged biased random walks in the particle contact network; this identification yields a closure relation for the stress, which together with the static momentum balances fully determines the stress field. The model makes accurate predictions for the stress in piles and silos, even for unusual deposition methods, thereby showing promise for more general scenarios.
The Ability of Human Rights to Limit the State’s Power to Punish in Europe: Connecting Prison and Mental Health Policies through the Concept of “Transpolicies”
Authors: Cliquennois Gaëtan , Snacken Sonja
Published: January 2024

While scholars have pointed out the factors determining the impediments to and efficacy of international human rights rules, poor attention has been paid to human rights violations relating to transfers between prison and psychiatric detention. There is a lack of intersection of policy spheres in this regard that should be remedied. Our contribution aims to challenge traditional sociolegal boundaries by integrating the intersection of policy and subdisciplines that cover penal justice (prison and police stations), psychiatric institutions, and human rights.

Raising the question of human rights’ ability to limit the state’s power to punish in Europe compels us to explore different forms of “transinstitutionalization,” especially between prisons and psychiatric institutions and between prisons and immigration detention centers that present as “total institutions” (hosting populations perceived to be “deviant”), and share many similarities, including the risk of human rights violations. We forge the concept of “transpolicies” to take into account the mutual influence and the domino effects of such detention policies that are acknowledged, and both promoted and fought, by the European human rights institutions. In the empirical part, we focus on the increasing interactions between prison and mental health policies, taking Belgium as an example as it is known to raise specific human rights challenges.
MAXIMAL SUBSEMIGROUPS OF INFINITE SYMMETRIC GROUPS
Authors: MENDES-GONÇALVES SUZANA , SULLIVAN R. P.
Published: January 2024

Brazilet al. [‘Maximal subgroups of infinite symmetric groups’,Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3)68(1) (1994), 77–111] provided a new family of maximal subgroups of the symmetric group$G(X)$defined on an infinite setX. It is easy to see that, in this case,$G(X)$contains subsemigroups that are not groups, but nothing is known about nongroup maximal subsemigroups of$G(X)$. We provide infinitely many examples of such semigroups.
Franklin’s “Cemented Tomb”: The Jamme Report of 1928 Revisited
Authors: Taichman Russell S.
Published: January 2024

Few details are known about the fate of the Franklin Expedition after it departed England in 1845. What we do know is derived from the archaeological record, Inuit testimony and brief communications written in 1847 and 1848 from the Expedition. During the 1860s, Charles Francis Hall went to the Arctic in search of survivors, papers, and relics. During Hall’s second expedition, two Inuit testimonies emerged which reported unusual site(s) on the Westcoast of King William Island which were reputedly built by the Expedition. Hall believed these sites were either a burial site or a cemented document vault(s). The first testimony, recorded by Hall himself, was obtained from a Pelly Bay Inuk, Sŭ-pung-er, in 1866. The second was collected from Pelly Bay Inuit by members of Hall’s support team, including Peter Bayne, in Hall’s absence in 1868. Eventually, the second testimony was sold to the Canadian Government in the form of a report written by George Jamme after Bayne’s death in 1928. Until now, only extracts of the Jamme Report have been available. This paper describes the background to the Jamme report and presents it in its entirety along with critiques so that scholars in the future may have this tool.
Protective efficacy of Nerium oleander extract on spermatogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Karimi Afrooz , Kohpeyma Farhad , Asadi Ebrahim , ziyaee Maryam , Karimi Samaneh
Published: January 2024

Men with diabetes frequently experience spermatogenic dysfunction, which is the most significant sign that diabetes has harmed their ability to reproduce. The effect of various doses of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Nerium oleander leaves on the pituitary–gonadal axis, sperm motility and number, antioxidant system, changes in testicular tissue structure, and spermatogenesis in healthy and diabetic rats has been examined in the current study. Eighty male rats that had been streptozotocin-induced diabetic and healthy were divided into eight groups: (1) control, (2) Nerium (50 mg/kg), (3) Nerium (100 mg/kg), (4) Nerium (200 mg/kg), (5) DM (6) DM+Nerium (50 mg/kg), (7) DM+Nerium (100 mg/kg) and (8) DM+Nerium (200 mg/kg) and were administered orally for 48 days consecutive. Following the studies, analysis of the testicular tissues’ antioxidant capacity as well as sperm parameters, Johnsen’s scoring and morphometric evaluation, histology, biochemical and stereology studies were performed.

The outcomes showed that Nerium 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably enhanced the testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and reproductive organs to varying degrees in diabetic rats. After Nerium 50 mg/kg administration, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) levels in the testicular tissue were increased whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly decreased. Nerium may help protect against diabetic-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in male rats by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in lower dosages.
The spectrum of psychiatric manifestations in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: A systematic review of published case reports and case series
Authors: Garg Ravindra K. , Kar Sujita K. , Malhotra Hardeep S. , Pandey Shweta , Jain Amita , Rizvi Imran , Uniyal Ravi , Kumar Neeraj
Published: January 2024

Data related to psychiatric manifestations in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is currently available only in the form of isolated case reports. In this systematic review, we evaluated the spectrum of psychiatric manifestations and their impact on the course and outcome of SSPE. Data were obtained from 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar), with the most recent search conducted on March 27, 2023. The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the PROSPERO registration number for the protocol is CRD42023408227. SSPE was diagnosed using Dyken’s criteria. Extracted data were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet. To evaluate the quality of the data, the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool was employed. Our search resulted in 30 published reports of 32 patients. The mean age was 17.9 years. Schizophrenia, catatonia, and poorly characterized psychotic illnesses were the 3 most common psychiatric presentations that were seen in 63% (20/32) of cases. Catatonia was seen in 4 patients. Affective disorders, mania, and depression were reported among 22% (7/32) cases. In approximately 81% (26/32) cases, the course of SSPE was acute fulminant. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs had poor or no response. Out of 17 patients, who received antipsychotic drugs, 6 patients noted severe extrapyramidal adverse effects. SSPE often masquerades as a psychiatric disorder. Unresponsive psychiatric symptoms, early extrapyramidal signs, and progressive encephalopathy indicate SSPE.
Anxiolytic impact of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in patients with co‐morbid insomnia and generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Lau Parky , Starick Elisha , Carney Colleen E.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for chronic insomnia that also improves non-sleep symptoms, such as mood and anxiety. Identifying sleep-specific variables that predict anxiety change after CBT-I treatment may support alternative strategies when people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) do not improve from standard GAD treatment.

Aims:

To investigate CBT-I on changes in anxiety and evaluate whether changes in sleep-specific variables predict anxiety outcomes.

Methods:

Seventy-two participants presenting with insomnia and GAD (GAD-I) completed four sessions of CBT-I. Participants completed daily diaries and self-report measures at baseline and post-treatment.

Results:

CBT-I in a co‐morbid GAD-I sample was associated with medium reductions in anxiety, and large reductions in insomnia severity. Subjective insomnia severity and tendencies to ruminate in response to fatigue predicted post-treatment anxiety change, in addition to younger age and lower baseline anxiety.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that younger GAD-I participants with moderate anxiety symptoms may benefit most from the anxiety-relieving impact of CBT-I. Reducing perceived insomnia severity and the tendency to ruminate in response to fatigue may support reductions in anxiety in those with GAD-I.
Integrated photogrammetry, lava geochemistry and palynological re-evaluation of the early evolution of the topographically constrained Mull Lava Field, Scotland
Authors: JOLLEY David W. , MILLETT John , HOLE Malcolm , PUGSLEY Jessica
Published: January 2024

Photogrammetry was used to elucidate complex strata relationships between isolated outcrops of the Palaeocene lava fields of SW Mull, part of the North Atlantic Igneous Province. Subsequent sampling for lava geochemistry and palynology was undertaken based on interpretation of these photogrammetry models. Coherent units of Plateau- and Staffa-type lavas were identified using lava geochemistry, in particular using rare earth elements (REEs), divisions supported by multivariate statistics. Lavas with three different REE compositional clusters were identified within the Staffa magma type and four within the Plateau type of SW Mull. Understanding the distribution of these lava types was achieved using the interpreted photogrammetry models and analysis of prominent interbedded sedimentary rock units and their correlative unconformities. Probably the most renowned rocks of SW Mull are the thick columnar jointed lavas, including those of the Isle of Staffa. REE geochemistry reveals that lavas of both Staffa- and Plateau-type geochemistry occur as columnar jointed facies associated with what has previously been attributed to the Staffa Lava Formation. Instead, the SW Mull Lava Field was initiated by eruption of Plateau-type lava into a fault-controlled valley. Subsequent eruptions of Staffa-type lavas partially infilled this structure, which was finally overfilled by a thick succession of younger Plateau-type lavas. The geochemical characteristics of this Plateau–Staffa–Plateau lava succession indicate that magma reservoirs deep in the crust were succeeded by shallow melts during a period of crustal extension. This phase of shallow melting induced topographical instability and formation of sedimentary interbeds and correlative unconformities that characterise the Staffa-type lava succession. Subsequent compressive tectonics forced a return to deep crustal melts. Interbed palynofloral compositional data indicate that eruption of the later Plateau-type lavas likely took place within a period of ~2.5 million years during the Selandian to early Thanetian period.
Position-independent self-adaptive wireless power transfer: topology, modeling, and design
Authors: West David , Ge Jinqun , Wang Guoan
Published: January 2024

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is an emerging technology with many promising applications where transmitting power via wired connections is undesirable. However, near-field WPT between magnetically coupled inductors is highly susceptible to positional changes, with power transfer efficiency (PTE) suffering if the coils are misaligned. To combat this effect, many position-independent, self-adaptive, inductive WPT schemes have been developed. Recent work indicates that it is possible to passively achieve high PTE across the operating range with nonlinear capacitors. In this work, the functionality of nonlinear WPT circuits is investigated, and fundamental design equations are derived and validated. A simplified design procedure is proposed for the position-independent self-adaptive WPT using nonlinear capacitors, wherein the ideal capacitance is extracted for each coupling factor. The efficacy of the method is demonstrated with an experimental circuit. Future work in this area is also proposed.
Contribution of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics to predict initial referrals to psychosocial interventions in patients with serious mental illness
Authors: Barbalat Guillaume , Plasse Julien , Chéreau-Boudet Isabelle , Gouache Benjamin , Legros-Lafarge Emilie , Massoubre Catherine , Guillard-Bouhet Nathalie , Haesebaert Frédéric , Franck Nicolas
Published: January 2024

Aims

Psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) is at the core of psychiatric recovery. There is a paucity of evidence regarding how the needs and characteristics of patients guide clinical decisions to refer to PSR interventions. Here, we used explainable machine learning methods to determine how socio-demographic and clinical characteristics contribute to initial referrals to PSR interventions in patients with serious mental illness.

Methods

Data were extracted from the French network of rehabilitation centres, REHABase, collected between years 2016 and 2022 and analysed between February and September 2022. Participants presented with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, autism spectrum disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. Information from 37 socio-demographic and clinical variables was extracted at baseline and used as potential predictors. Several machine learning models were tested to predict initial referrals to four PSR interventions: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), cognitive remediation (CR), psychoeducation (PE) and vocational training (VT). Explanatory power of predictors was determined using the artificial intelligence-based SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) method from the best performing algorithm.

Results

Data from a total of 1146 patients were included (mean age, 33.2 years [range, 16–72 years]; 366 [39.2%] women). A random forest algorithm demonstrated the best predictive performance, with a moderate or average predictive accuracy [micro-averaged area under the receiver operating curve from ‘external’ cross-validation: 0.672]. SHAP dependence plots demonstrated insightful associations between socio-demographic and clinical predictors and referrals to PSR programmes. For instance, patients with psychotic disorders were more likely to be referred to PE and CR, while those with non-psychotic disorders were more likely to be referred to CBT and VT. Likewise, patients with social dysfunctions and lack of educational attainment were more likely to be referred to CR and VT, while those with better functioning and education were more likely to be referred to CBT and PE.

Conclusions

A combination of socio-demographic and clinical features was not sufficient to accurately predict initial referrals to four PSR programmes among a French network of rehabilitation centres. Referrals to PSR interventions may also involve service- and clinician-level factors. Considering socio-demographic and clinical predictors revealed disparities in referrals with respect to diagnoses, current clinical and psychological issues, functioning and education.
Topography and Time Shape Mire Morphometry and Large‐Scale Mire Distribution Patterns in the Northern Boreal Landscape
Authors: Ehnvall B. , Ratcliffe J. L. , Nilsson M. B. , Öquist M. G. , Sponseller R. A. , Grabs T.
Published: January 2024

Peatlands are major terrestrial soil carbon stores, and open mires in boreal landscapes hold a considerable fraction of the global peat carbon. Despite decades of study, large‐scale spatiotemporal analyses of mire arrangement have been scarce, which has limited our ability to scale‐up mire properties, such as carbon accumulation to the landscape level. Here, we use a land‐uplift mire chronosequence in northern Sweden spanning 9,000 years to quantify controls on mire distribution patterns. Our objectives include assessing changes in the spatial arrangement of mires with land surface age, and understanding modifications by upland hydrotopography. Characterizing over 3,000 mires along a 30 km transect, we found that the time since land emergence from the sea was the dominant control over mire coverage, especially for the establishment of large mire complexes. Mires at the youngest end of the chronosequence were small with heterogenous morphometry (shape, slope, and catchment‐to‐mire areal ratios), while mires on the oldest surfaces were variable in size, but included larger mires with more complex shapes and smaller catchment‐to‐mire ratios. In general, complex topography fragmented mires by constraining the lateral expansion, resulting in a greater number of mires, but reduced total mire area regardless of landscape age. Mires in this study area occurred on slopes up to 4%, indicating a hydrological boundary to peatland expansion under local climatic conditions. The consistency in mire responses to spatiotemporal controls illustrates how temporal limitation in peat initiation and accumulation, and topographic constraints to mire expansion together have shaped present day mire distribution patterns.
Fabrication of high performance based deep-blue OLED with benzodioxin-6-amine-styryl-triphenylamine and carbazole hosts as electroluminescent materials
Authors: Dhineshkumar E. , Arumugam N. , Manikandan E. , Maaza M. , Mandal Abhishek
Published: January 2024

The present study reports synthesis of phenathroimidazole derivatives structures following donor–acceptor relation for high performance deep-blue light emitting diodes. Herein, methyl substituted benzodioxin-6-amine phenanthroimidazoles Cz-SBDPI and TPA-SBDPI derivatives that provide the blue light were designed and synthesized. These Cz-SBDPI and TPA-SBDPI show higher glass transition (Tg) temperatures of 199 and 194 °C and demonstrate enhanced thermal properties. Apart from enhanced thermal stability these compounds also exhibit superior photophysical, electrochemical and electroluminescent properties. The non-doped carbazole based device display improved electroluminescent performances than those of TPA-based devices. The strong orbital-coupling due to decreased energy barrier between Cz-SBDPI transitions result in deep blue emission with CIE—0.15, 0.06. For non-doped Cz-SBDPI device; high L (brightness):12,984 cd/m2; ηc (current efficiency): 5.9 cd/A; ηp (power efficiency): 5.7 lm/W and ηex (external quantum efficiency): 6.2% was observed. The results show that the D–A emitters can serve as simple but also as an effective approach to devise cheap electroluminescent materials that has high efficiency and can serve as OLED devices.
A home-based lifestyle intervention program reduces the tumorigenic potential of triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Baldelli Giulia , Natalucci Valentina , Ferri Marini Carlo , Sisti Davide , Annibalini Giosuè , Saltarelli Roberta , Bocconcelli Matteo , Gentilini Veronica , Emili Rita , Rocchi Marco Bruno Luigi , Lucertini Francesco , Barbieri Elena , Brandi Giorgio , De Santi Mauro
Published: January 2024

Translational research for the evaluation of physical activity habits and lifestyle modifications based on nutrition and exercise has recently gained attention. In this study, we evaluated the effects of serum samples obtained before and after a 12-week home-based lifestyle intervention based on nutrition and exercise in breast cancer survivors in terms of modulation of the tumorigenic potential of breast cancer cells. The home-based lifestyle intervention proposed in this work consisted of educational counselling on exercise and nutritional behaviors and in 12 weeks of structured home-based exercise. Triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was cultured in semi-solid medium (3D culture) with sera collected before (PRE) and after (POST) the lifestyle intervention program. Spheroid formation was evaluated by counting cell colonies after 3 weeks of incubation. Results show a slight but significant reduction of spheroid formation induced by serum collected POST in comparison to those obtained PRE. Moreover, statistical analyses aimed to find physiologic and metabolic parameters associated with 3D cell proliferation revealed the proliferative inducer IGF-1 as the only predictor of cell tumorigenic potential. These results highlight the importance of lifestyle changes for cancer progression control in a tertiary prevention context. Translational research could offer a useful tool to identify metabolic and physiological changes induced by exercise and nutritional behaviors associated with cancer progression and recurrence risk.
Association between cortical thickness and cognitive ability in very preterm school-age children
Authors: Choi Uk-Su , Shim So-Yeon , Cho Hye Jung , Jeong Hyejin
Published: January 2024

Very preterm children, born before 32 weeks of gestation, are at risk for impaired cognitive function, mediated by several risk factors. Cognitive impairment can be measured by various neurodevelopmental assessments and is closely associated with structural alterations of brain morphometry, such as cortical thickness. However, the association between structural alterations and high-order cognitive function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neurodevelopmental associations between brain structural changes and cognitive abilities in very preterm and full-term children. Cortical thickness was assessed in 37 very preterm and 24 full-term children aged 6 years. Cortical thickness analysis of structural T1-weighted images was performed using Advanced Normalization Tools. Associations between cortical thickness and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were evaluated by regression analysis based on ordinary least square estimation. Compared with full-term children, very preterm children showed significant differences in cortical thickness, variously associated with cognitive abilities in several brain regions. Perceptual reasoning indices were broadly correlated with cortical thickness in very preterm and full-term children. These findings provide important insights into neurodevelopment and its association with cortical thickness, which may serve as a biomarker in predictive models for neurodevelopmental diagnosis of high-order cognitive function.
Damage to the orbicularis oculi muscle may impair the development of dermatochalasis
Authors: Krajewska-Węglewicz Larysa , Felczak Paulina , Adamek Dariusz , Dorobek Małgorzata
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this article is to investigate the changes that occur in the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) in patients with dermatochalasis. The OOM specimens from 26 patients were collected during upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Each specimen was divided into three parts, which were then examined using different techniques: formalin embedding for light microscopy, free freezing for histochemical examination, and fixation in 3% glutaraldehyde for electron microscopy. The severity of dermatochalasis was classified according to the anatomical landmarks. 78 specimens from patients with dermatochalasis were evaluated. Under light microscopy, specimens showed an increase in muscle fiber size variation, rounding of muscle fibers, and lobulation of myocytes in a fibrotic background. Under electron microscopy, loss of myofilaments, vacuolar vesicles, and swollen mitochondria were observed, along with osmophilic aggregates resembling nemadine bodies and collagen fibrils. A statistically significant association between the progression of dermatochalasis and the presence of aggregates resembling nemaline bodies was found (p- value < 0.005). Significant changes occur in the OOM in patients with dermatochalasis and the presence of aggregates resembling nemaline bodies is correlated with the degree of eyelid drooping. Thus, OOM may contribute in dermatochalasis progression.
Exosomal circRHCG promotes breast cancer metastasis via facilitating M2 polarization through TFEB ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Shen Hong-yu , Xu Jia-lin , Zhang Wei , Chen Qin-nan , Zhu Zhen , Mao Yuan
Published: January 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive cancer with distant metastasis. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that exosomes are involved in TNBC metastasis. Elucidating the mechanism underlying TNBC metastasis has important clinical significance. In the present study, exosomes were isolated from clinical specimens and TNBC cell lines. Colony formation, EdU incorporation, wound healing, and transwell assays were performed to examine TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Macrophage polarization was evaluated by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR analysis of polarization markers. A mouse model of subcutaneous tumor was established for assessment of tumor growth and metastasis. RNA pull-down, RIP and Co-IP assays were used for analyzing molecular interactions. Here, we proved that high abundance of circRHCG was observed in exosomes derived from TNBC patients, and increased exosomal circRHCG indicated poor prognosis. Silencing of circRHCG suppressed TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. TNBC cell-derived exosomes promoted M2 polarization via delivering circRHCG. Exosomal circRHCG stabilized BTRC mRNA via binding FUS and naturally enhanced BTRC expression, thus promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of TFEB in THP-1 cells. In addition, knockdown of BTRC or overexpression of TFEB counteracted exosomal circRHCG-mediated facilitation of M2 polarization. Furthermore, exosomal circRHCG promoted TNBC cell proliferation and metastasis by facilitating M2 polarization. Knockdown of circRHCG reduced tumor growth, metastasis, and M2 polarization through the BTRC/TFEB axis in vivo. In summary, exosomal circRHCG promotes M2 polarization by stabilizing BTRC and promoting TFEB degradation, thereby accelerating TNBC metastasis and growth. Our study provides promising therapeutic strategies against TNBC.
Imines with rare α-heteroatom substituted amine components generated in situ via the Staudinger/aza-Wittig tandem reaction and their application in multicomponent reactions
Authors: Paramonova Polina , Eliseev Ilia , Dar'in Dmitry , Bakulina Olga
Published: January 2024

A series of α-heteroatom substituted methyl azides (XCH2N3, where X = N-HetAr, Sar, OR) have been evaluated for the in situ generation of imines via the Staudinger/aza-Wittig tandem reaction and subsequently coupled with four types of multicomponent reactions.
Fluorescent ratiometric supramolecular tandem assays for phosphatase and phytase enzymes
Authors: Atkinson Kirk M. , Smith Bradley D.
Published: January 2024

Two continuous ratiometric fluorescent assays for phosphate hydrolase enzymes are created based on selective binding and quenching of a responsive visible dye in the presence of a non-responsive deep-red reference dye.
Implementing Dysphagia Outcome Assessments into Clinical Settings: Leveraging Principles of Implementation, Dissemination, and Psychometrics
Authors: Krisciunas Gintas P. , Scheel Rebecca , Slavin Mary
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Myriad dysphagia assessment tools have been designed, but their application is variable. This is partly due to a lack of implementation and dissemination strategy as well as to limited guidance regarding which instruments are optimally designed and best used for clinical and research applications.

Method:

This tutorial provides a high-level overview of implementation and dissemination, their interaction with psychometrics and knowledge coproduction, and how these concepts relate to proper development and widespread application of contextually relevant, psychometrically optimized, evidence-based dysphagia assessment instruments.

Results:

A review of the literature identified two dysphagia assessment instruments that purposefully integrated implementation and dissemination processes after measurement development. Application of knowledge coproduction was not identified in any papers reporting development and testing of dysphagia assessment instruments. A better understanding of coproduction and psychometrics when developing measures, while simultaneously applying implementation science and dissemination strategies, can result in the development of optimal dysphagia assessment tools that are more consistently adopted into clinical practice.

Conclusions:

Clinicians and researchers should promote the development of psychometrically sound measures, and employ principles of implementation science and effective dissemination strategies to advocate for, and promote the use of, well-designed instruments within their appropriate clinical contexts. Support from governing bodies and funding agencies could enhance future efforts to develop, and encourage widespread uptake of, optimally developed dysphagia assessment tools.