bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clear Speech From the Start: Basic Pronunciation and Listening Comprehension in North American English
Authors: Kaltenböck Gunther
Published: November 2023

Judy B. Gilbert. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001
Women's preferences for NIPT as a first‐line test in England and France: Challenges for genetic counseling practices
Authors: Perrot Adeline , Clarke Angus , Vassy Carine , Horn Ruth
Published: November 2023

Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is provided in the private and public sectors worldwide as a first‐ or second‐tier test. In England and France, NIPT is fully funded and offered as a contingent strategy with different probability cut‐offs (1:150 and 1:1000). These different approaches to define the target population for NIPT have implications for how women experience their antenatal care. The paper explores and compares the perceptions and difficulties of women in England and France who took NIPT as a second‐tier screening test. It is based on a semi‐structured qualitative interview study with 17 women in England and France conducted between September 2021 and May 2022. The interviews were cross‐analyzed using thematic analysis. Our findings show that most women express a preference for the offer of NIPT as a first‐line screening test. Some issues with the contingent model, related to the access to information and termination of pregnancy (TOP), the disparities of NIPT uptake, and risks of generating anxiety with combined first‐trimester screening (cFTS), could be addressed by a universal strategy for T21, T13, and T18. Nevertheless, this strategy could present some challenges for genetic counseling due to: women's understanding and expectations of NIPT; adequate information and counseling about the scope and limits of NIPT; concerns about the routinization of NIPT in the first‐line offer; limitations and uncertainties associated with the provision of expanded NIPT in France; the remaining importance of other screening tests; and associated costs.
Deep Learning k‐Space‐to‐Image Reconstruction Facilitates High Spatial Resolution and Scan Time Reduction in Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging Breast MRI
Authors: Sauer Stephanie Tina , Christner Sara Aniki , Lois Anna‐Maria , Woznicki Piotr , Curtaz Carolin , Kunz Andreas Steven , Weiland Elisabeth , Benkert Thomas , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Baeßler Bettina , Grunz Jan‐Peter
Published: November 2023

Background

For time‐consuming diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the breast, deep learning‐based imaging acceleration appears particularly promising.

Purpose

To investigate a combined k‐space‐to‐image reconstruction approach for scan time reduction and improved spatial resolution in breast DWI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

133 women (age 49.7 ± 12.1 years) underwent multiparametric breast MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T/T2 turbo spin echo, T1 3D gradient echo, DWI (800 and 1600 sec/mm2).

Assessment

DWI data were retrospectively processed using deep learning‐based k‐space‐to‐image reconstruction (DL‐DWI) and an additional super‐resolution algorithm (SRDL‐DWI). In addition to signal‐to‐noise ratio and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) comparisons among standard, DL‐ and SRDL‐DWI, a range of quantitative similarity (e.g., structural similarity index [SSIM]) and error metrics (e.g., normalized root mean square error [NRMSE], symmetric mean absolute percent error [SMAPE], log accuracy error [LOGAC]) was calculated to analyze structural variations. Subjective image evaluation was performed independently by three radiologists on a seven‐point rating scale.

Statistical Tests

Friedman's rank‐based analysis of variance with Bonferroni‐corrected pairwise post‐hoc tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Both DL‐ and SRDL‐DWI allowed for a 39% reduction in simulated scan time over standard DWI (5 vs. 3 minutes). The highest image quality ratings were assigned to SRDL‐DWI with good interreader agreement (ICC 0.834; 95% confidence interval 0.818–0.848). Irrespective of b‐value, both standard and DL‐DWI produced superior SNR compared to SRDL‐DWI. ADC values were slightly higher in SRDL‐DWI (+0.5%) and DL‐DWI (+3.4%) than in standard DWI. Structural similarity was excellent between DL‐/SRDL‐DWI and standard DWI for either b value (SSIM ≥ 0.86). Calculation of error metrics (NRMSE ≤ 0.05, SMAPE ≤ 0.02, and LOGAC ≤ 0.04) supported the assumption of low voxel‐wise error.

Data Conclusion

Deep learning‐based k‐space‐to‐image reconstruction reduces simulated scan time of breast DWI by 39% without influencing structural similarity. Additionally, super‐resolution interpolation allows for substantial improvement of subjective image quality.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Prognostic value of preoperative De Ritis ratio on oncological outcomes in patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Sretenovic Milan , Lisicic Nikola , Bulat Petar , Radisavcevic Djordje , Bumbasirevic Uros , Cegar Bojan , Milojevic Isidora Grozdic , Grujicic Sandra Sipetic , Milojevic Bogomir
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aimed to assess the prognostic value of De Ritis ratio on oncological outcomes in patients suffering from urothelial bladder cancer and undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).

Patients and Methods

Analytical cohort comprised a single‐center series of 367 patients treated between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients were classified into two groups based on De Ritis ratio (<1.3 [normal] vs. ≥1.3 [high]). Along with the Kaplan‐Meier survival probability, cox proportional hazard regression models were used.

Results

A total of 299 patients were included, 60.5% of them having a De Ritis ratio of <1.3% and 39.5% with a De Ritis ratio of ≥1.3. Preoperative increased De Ritis ratio was associated with age (p = 0.001), gender (p = 0.044), cancer‐related death (p = 0.001), overall death (p = 0.001), and tumor stage (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis implied that preoperative De Ritis ratio was a significant independent prognosticator of overall survival (HR 0.461; 95% CI 0.335–0.633; p < 0.001) and CSS (HR 0.454; 95% CI 0.330–0.623; p < 0.001). Only tumor stage (HR 1.953; 95% CI 1. 106–3.448; p = 0.021) was independently associated with recurrence‐free survival (RFS). De Ritis ratio was not independently associated with RFS in multivariate analyses. During the follow up, a total of 198 (66.2%) patients died, including 173 (57.9%) from BC, 5‐year CSS was 45.8%.

Conclusions

De Ritis ratio is an independent prognostic factor of cancer specific and overall survival in patients treated with RC for urothelial BC. RC patients may benefit from the use of the De Ritis ratio as a valid predictive biomarker.
Tuning the hydrogen storage capacity of MOF‐650 by Mg2+/Ca2+ substitution and B, N co‐doped atoms: Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation and periodic density functional theory
Authors: Prasetyo Niko , Oktavian Rama , Sirrullah Ahmad
Published: November 2023

This study used periodic density functional theory and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the effects of the co‐doping of B and N atoms and substituting Zn2+ with Mg2+ or Ca2+ in the organic linker groups of MOF‐650. The functionalization increased the polarity of the organic groups, stabilizing the interaction between the MOF and hydrogen molecules. The highest average binding energy of the adsorbed hydrogen in MOF‐650 NB‐C7‐azulene‐Mg was calculated to be −4.75 to 5.40 kcal/mol for the α adsorption sites. Using the substitution of NB azulene and metal cations being Mg2+ or Ca2+, The hydrogen storage capacity of functionalized MOF‐650 was increased to 22 mg/g at 90 bar/298 K, implying the modification strategy of MOF‐650 would strengthen the interaction between MOF frameworks and hydrogen molecules.
Modulating the thermoelectric transport properties of the novel material Er2Te3 via strain
Authors: Xia Yuhong , Yang Zhenqing , Zhou Lulu , Shao Changjin
Published: November 2023

The rare‐earth chalcogenide Er2Te3, characterized by its low lattice thermal conductivity, represents a highly promising and innovative thermoelectric material. However, there have been limited studies exploring its thermoelectric properties in depth. Additionally, it has been discovered that strain engineering is an effective method for enhancing thermoelectric properties, a technique successfully applied to relevant materials. In this study, we employed a first‐principles approach in conjunction with the semi‐classical Boltzmann transport theory to investigate the thermoelectric properties of Er2Te3 materials under −4% to 4% strain. The results indicate that applying compressive strain modulates thermoelectric properties more effectively than tensile strain for Er2Te3. Under strain modulation, the maximum power factor for both p‐type and n‐type Er2Te3 increases significantly, from 0.9 to 2.5 mW m−1 K−2 and from 14 to 18 mW m−1 K−2 at 300 K, respectively. Moreover, the figure of merit (ZT) for p‐type and n‐type Er2Te3 improves notably, from 0.15 to 0.25 and from 1.15 to 1.35, respectively, under −4% strain. Consequently, the thermoelectric properties of Er2Te3 materials can be significantly enhanced through strain application, with n‐type Er2Te3 demonstrating substantial potential as a thermoelectric material.
Establishing Ultralow Self‐Discharge Zn‐I2 Battery by Optimizing ZnSO4 Electrolyte Concentration
Authors: Wang Hanbing , Liu Xuan , Zhong Junsen , Du Lingyu , Yun Shan , Zhang Xiaolong , Gao Yanfeng , Kang Litao
Published: November 2023

As one of promising candidates for large‐scale energy‐storage systems, Zn‐I2 aqueous battery exhibits multifaceted advantages including low cost, high energy/powder density, and intrinsic operational safety, but also suffers from fast self‐discharge and short cycle/shelf lifespan associating with I3− shuttle, Zn dendrite growth, and corrosion. In this paper, the battery's self‐discharge rate is successfully suppressed down to an unprecedent level of 17.1% after an ultralong shelf‐time of 1 000 h (i.e., 82.9% capacity retention after 41 days open‐circuit storage), by means of manipulating solvation structures of traditional ZnSO4 electrolyte via simply adjusting electrolyte concentration. Better yet, the optimized 2.7 m ZnSO4 electrolyte further prolongs the cycle lifespan of the battery up to >10 000 and 43 000 cycles at current density of 1 and 5 A g−1, respectively, thanks to the synthetic benefits from reduced free water content, modified solvation structure and lowered I2 dissolution in the electrolyte. With both long lifespan and ultralow self‐discharge, this reliable and affordable Zn‐I2 battery may provide a feasible alternative to the centuries‐old lead‐acid battery.
New families of scale separated vacua
Authors: Carrasco Rafael , Coudarchet Thibaut , Marchesano Fernando , Prieto David
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Massive type IIA flux compactifications of the form AdS4 × X6, where X6 admits a Calabi-Yau metric and O6-planes wrapping three-cycles, display families of vacua with parametric scale separation between the compactification scale and the AdS4 radius, generated by an overall rescaling of internal four-form fluxes. For toroidal orbifolds one can perform two T-dualities and map this background to an orientifold of massless type IIA compactified on an SU(3)-structure manifold with fluxes. Via a 4d EFT analysis, we generalise this last construction and embed it into new branches of supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric vacua with similar features. We apply our results to propose new infinite families of vacua based on elliptic fibrations with metric fluxes. Parametric scale separation is achieved by an asymmetric flux rescaling which, however, in general is not a simple symmetry of the 4d equations of motion. At this level of approximation the vacua are stable but, unlike in the Calabi-Yau case, they display a non-universal mass spectrum of light fields.
The $$ {D}_3^{(2)} $$ spin chain and its finite-size spectrum
Authors: Frahm Holger , Gehrmann Sascha , Nepomechie Rafael I. , Retore Ana L.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Using the analytic Bethe ansatz, we initiate a study of the scaling limit of the quasi-periodic $$ {D}_3^{(2)} $$

D
3

2

spin chain. Supported by a detailed symmetry analysis, we determine the effective scaling dimensions of a large class of states in the parameter regime γ ∈ (0,$$ \frac{\pi }{4} $$

π
4

). Besides two compact degrees of freedom, we identify two independent continuous components in the finite-size spectrum. The influence of large twist angles on the latter reveals also the presence of discrete states. This allows for a conjecture on the central charge of the conformal field theory describing the scaling limit of the lattice model.
Peripheral and ocular microvascular alterations in systemic sclerosis: observations from capillaroscopic assessments, perfusion peripheral analysis, and optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Cutolo Carlo Alberto , Cere Andrea , Toma Paola , Cannavacciuolo Tommaso , Toma Chiara , Balito Serena , Gerli Veronica , Smith Vanessa , Sulli Alberto , Paolino Sabrina , Gotelli Emanuele , Traverso Carlo Enrico , Nicolò Massimo , Cutolo Maurizio , Hysa Elvis
Published: November 2023

To investigate the correlations between finger microvascular morphology and function in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the status of ocular microcirculation, as detected by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The enrollment included 32 SSc patients, classified according to the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria, and 27 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. The participants underwent comprehensive rheumatological and ophthalmological examinations, as well as NVC, LASCA, and OCTA analysis on the same day at a single center from March to October 2022. SSc patients receiving intravenous prostanoids cycles were assessed at least 1 month after infusion. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata® 15.1. Significant direct correlations were observed between the mean capillary number (at NVC) and the mean perfusion of fingers (at LASCA) with the retinal and choroidal perfusion (at OCTA) (all p < 0.05). In addition, a significantly reduced retinal and choroidal perfusion was detected in SSc patients vs controls (all p < 0.05). Interestingly, diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients exhibited a lower choroidal perfusion (p = 0.03) but an increased choroidal thickness (CT) than limited cutaneous SSc patients (p < 0.001). CT was increased also in patients with positive Scl70 antibodies and with a history of digital ulcers directly correlating with disease duration (r = 0.67, p = 0.001). Finally, the combination of LASCA and OCTA parameters showed a significant discrimination capacity between SSc patients and controls, with an area under the curve of 0.80 [95% CI (0.74, 0.87)]. Peripheral microvascular damage is correlated with impaired ocular microcirculation in SSc. The increased choroidal thickness observed in dcSSc may be related to local sub-endothelial extracellular matrix deposition. The combined analysis of choroidal and fingertip perfusion offers preliminary insights that may complement traditional diagnostic methods for SSc.
Identification of gene expression biomarkers to predict clinical response to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Palmowski Andriko , Strehl Cindy , Pfeiffenberger Moritz , Häupl Thomas , Schad Martina , Kallarackal Jim , Prothmann Ulrich , Dammann Denise , Bonin Mark , Brandt Andreas , Schneider Udo , Gaber Timo , Buttgereit Frank
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To identify biomarkers at the gene expression level to predict response to methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

MTX-naïve patients with RA were started on MTX and followed up over three months. The disease activity score 28 (DAS28) was used to classify patients into responders and non-responders. Genome-wide gene expression analysis was performed in CD4 + and CD14 + mononuclear cells sampled from whole blood at baseline to identify differentially expressed genes in responders versus non-responders. Gene selection methods and prediction modelling obtained the most relevant differentially expressed genes. A logistic regression prediction model was subsequently constructed and validated via bootstrapping. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve was calculated to judge model quality.

Results

Seventy-nine patients with RA (53.4 ± 13.9 years, 74.7% females) were enrolled, and 70 finished the study with a documented treatment EULAR response (77.1% responders). Forty-six differentially expressed genes were found. The most promising genes were KRTAP4-11, LOC101927584, and PECAM1 in CD4 + cells and PSMD5 and ID1 in CD14 + cells. The final prediction model using these genes reached an AUC of 90%; the validation set’s AUC was 82%.

Conclusions

Our prediction model constructed via genome-wide gene expression analysis in CD4 + and CD14 + mononuclear cells yielded excellent predictions. Our findings necessitate confirmation in other cohorts of MTX-naïve RA patients. Especially if used in conjunction with previously identified clinical and laboratory (bio)markers, our results could help predict response to MTX in RA to guide treatment decisions.

Key Points• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may or may not respond to treatment with methotrexate, which is the recommended first-line drug in guidelines around the world.• In non-responders, valuable time is lost until second-line treatments are started.• This study aimed at predicting response to methotrexate by identifying differentially expressed genes from peripheral blood samples.• The final prediction model yielded excellent prognostic values, but validation in other cohorts is necessary to corroborate these findings.
Divergence of separated nets with respect to displacement equivalence
Authors: Dymond Michael , Kaluža Vojtěch
Published: November 2023

We introduce a hierarchy of equivalence relations on the set of separated nets of a given Euclidean space, indexed by concave increasing functions $$\phi :(0,\infty )\rightarrow (0,\infty )$$

ϕ
:
(
0
,
∞
)
→
(
0
,
∞
)

. Two separated nets are called $$\phi $$
ϕ
-displacement equivalent if, roughly speaking, there is a bijection between them which, for large radii R, displaces points of norm at most R by something of order at most $$\phi (R)$$

ϕ
(
R
)

. We show that the spectrum of $$\phi $$
ϕ
-displacement equivalence spans from the established notion of bounded displacement equivalence, which corresponds to bounded $$\phi $$
ϕ
, to the indiscrete equivalence relation, corresponding to $$\phi (R)\in \varOmega (R)$$

ϕ
(
R
)
∈
Ω
(
R
)

, in which all separated nets are equivalent. In between the two ends of this spectrum, the notions of $$\phi $$
ϕ
-displacement equivalence are shown to be pairwise distinct with respect to the asymptotic classes of $$\phi (R)$$

ϕ
(
R
)

for $$R\rightarrow \infty $$

R
→
∞

. We further undertake a comparison of our notion of $$\phi $$
ϕ
-displacement equivalence with previously studied relations on separated nets. Particular attention is given to the interaction of the notions of $$\phi $$
ϕ
-displacement equivalence with that of bilipschitz equivalence.
Ionic thermoelectric effect in Cu2-δSe during phase transition
Authors: Trawiński Bartosz
Published: November 2023

The ionic Seebeck coefficient was studied in copper selenide with Cu1.99Se, Cu1.95Se and Cu1.8Se stoichiometry which was synthesized with a melt crystallization method. To measure the ionic Seebeck coefficient of copper ions, 0.15C6H12N4CH3I + 0.85CuI solid-state electrolyte was prepared. Electrolyte layers were pressed with copper selenide powder into a sandwich-like structure. At the temperature of 410 K, the materials have ionic Seebeck coefficient values close to each other, about 1100 μV/K. In the case of β-phase structure (Cu1.8Se material), changes in the measured Seebeck coefficient were observed—with decreasing temperature, the ionic thermopower firstly increased reaching about 1230 μV/K and then decreased to 950 μV/K at 355 K. In the Cu1.99Se material, a phase transition to the α-phase was observed during cooling. The ionic Seebeck coefficient values gradually increased from 1030 to 1220 μV/K at 370 K, when the material is in the low-temperature phase. The measured difference between the ionic thermopower of the two phases well matches calculations based on the entropy of the transition (presence part of the Seebeck coefficient) and different activation energies of ionic transport (transport part).

Graphical abstract
The Building Information Modelling Through Information Technology and Impacts on Selected Circular Economy Performance Indicators of Construction Projects
Authors: Behúnová Annamária , Mandičák Tomáš , Behún Marcel , Mésároš Peter
Published: November 2023

The building information modeling represents the management of construction projects based on relevant information and work with them. In the era of digitization, it represents a space for modeling information about constructions to implement and increase the digital level in the construction industry as well. One of the goals of implementing new technologies is to improve performance and efficiency. The current situation within the pressure for sustainability and so-called green solutions brings new challenges, but also perspectives on technologies with the aim of increasing sustainability in every phase of the construction project. One of the tools should be the very implementation of these solutions to support the use of information and information systems to support the achievement of goals. Improving performance and achieving goals in circular economy and a higher level of sustainability itself is intended to quantify performance and change. Key performance indicators need to be monitored and evaluated. It is believed that building information modeling can achieve selected performance indicators. Due to the principles of the circular economy, there is pressure to monitor indicators that will lead to an increase in performance and indicators associated with this concept. In the research, based on relevant studies, the key performance indicators of the circular economy in the management of construction projects were determined. Due to the perception of sustainability through economic sustainability, material costs, material consumption, recycling costs, rate of use of recycled materials, waste management costs were monitored. The goal of the research was to quantify the impacts of building information modeling on selected performance indicators within the concept of circular economy. The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of using BIM on selected performance indicators. The research took place in three countries, namely Slovakia, Croatia, and Slovenia. The respondents were the main participants in the construction project. Data processing was based on the search for relationships and dependencies between the rate of use of information building modeling and selected key performance indicators.
Fear of Deportation and Hispanic Early Adolescent Substance Use: a Moderated Mediation Model of Stress and Hope
Authors: Cox Ronald B. , Lin Hua , Larzelere Robert E. , Bao Juan
Published: November 2023

Reports of deportation can create a state of chronic fear in children living in mixed-status immigrant families over their own or a loved one’s potential deportation. One indicator of health disparities among youth is elevated rates of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use (ATOD). Yet little is known about the effects of fear of deportation (FOD) on ATOD or what might promote resilience. We explore the associations between FOD and ATOD use, how stress mediates this relationship, and whether hope moderates the mediated pathway from FOD to ATOD. Participants were 200 first- and second-generation 7th grade Hispanic youth (49% female) assessed across three waves of data. A moderated mediation model tested the indirect effect of FOD on ATOD through stress and whether hope moderated these associations. FOD was measured by the Family Fear of Deportation Scale. Snyder’s Children’s Hope Scale measured hope. Stress was measured by a short version of Pediatric Psychological Stress Measure. ATOD was adapted from the Monitoring the Future project. FOD was not directly associated with ATOD use. However, this path was fully mediated by stress. Hope significantly moderated the path from FOD to stress such that a one unit increase in hope completely offset the effects of FOD on stress. Hope did not moderate the path from stress to ATOD use. Interventions that increase awareness of deportation trauma, alleviate stress, and promote hope may help prevent, delay initiation into, and/or decrease ATOD among Hispanic first- and second-generation youth.
A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application
Authors: Mertens Esther C. A. , Siezenga Aniek M. , van der Schalk Job , van Gelder Jean-Louis
Published: November 2023

We developed and tested a smartphone-based intervention, FutureU, that aims to stimulate future-oriented thinking and behavior by strengthening the degree to which people identify with their future self. In order to examine the potential of this intervention prototype and opportunities for further optimization, we evaluated 1) the immediate and long-term efficacy of the intervention, and 2) intervention effects after each of three intervention modules. To this end, we conducted a randomized controlled pilot study among first-year university students (N = 176). Results showed a decrease in goal commitment immediately after the intervention. At 3-months follow-up, trends showed an increase in future orientation and in self-efficacy. During the intervention, there was a positive effect on vividness of the future self after the first module. Although there is scope for improvement, the findings highlight the potential of the intervention to increase people’s future-oriented thinking and behavior.
Role of chloride on the instability of blue emitting mixed-halide perovskites
Authors: Karlsson Max , Qin Jiajun , Niu Kaifeng , Luo Xiyu , Rosen Johanna , Björk Jonas , Duan Lian , Xu Weidong , Gao Feng
Published: November 2023

Although perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have seen unprecedented development in device efficiency over the past decade, they suffer significantly from poor operational stability. This is especially true for blue PeLEDs, whose operational lifetime remains orders of magnitude behind their green and red counterparts. Here, we systematically investigate this efficiency-stability discrepancy in a series of green- to blue-emitting PeLEDs based on mixed Br/Cl-perovskites. We find that chloride incorporation, while having only a limited impact on efficiency, detrimentally affects device stability even in small amounts. Device lifetime drops exponentially with increasing Cl-content, accompanied by an increased rate of change in electrical properties during operation. We ascribe this phenomenon to an increased mobility of halogen ions in the mixed-halide lattice due to an increased chemically and structurally disordered landscape with reduced migration barriers. Our results indicate that the stability enhancement for PeLEDs might require different strategies from those used for improving efficiency.

Graphical Abstract
An archaeometric approach to biocontamination with manganese pigments in ancient marine hunter-gatherers of the Atacama Desert: health, ideological, and socioecononic considerations
Authors: Arriaza Bernardo , Figueroa Leonardo , Ogalde Juan Pablo , Standen Vivien , Halcrow Siân , Amarasiriwardena Dulasiri , Van Hoesen John , Castelleti José
Published: November 2023

The use of poisonous pigments for mortuary preparation in ancient hunter-gatherers allows us to investigate the relationship between this practice with socio-economic organization, mortuary ideology, and potential impacts on human health from overexposure to these dangerous compounds. About 6000 years ago, the Chinchorro people, maritime hunter-gatherers in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile, began mining manganese to ornament the dead, representing the earliest form of artificial mummification in the world. We present the analysis of the bones from 68 Chinchorro mummies using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, revealing, for the first time, the presence of manganese in their bodies. We excluded the potential diagenesis by comparison of manganese concentration difference between the cemetery soils and outer coating of the mummy and by manganese source identification by SEM/EDX. Approximately 84% (57/68) of individuals have manganese concentrations beyond normal 1 ppm and 20.6% (14/68) were overexposed to levels of higher toxicity (≥ 10 ppm), with no sex differences, suggesting equal participation in manganese handling. We conclude that manganese exploitation and refining for the ritualistic treatment of the dead posed a serious occupational hazard for the living, with evidence that many of the Chinchorro people were likely involved in these activities. This is relevant, considering manganese dust inhalation produces neurological disorders and Parkinson-like symptoms. These findings open new avenues for research into the long history of anthropogenic pollution in the Americas and the importance of mineral gathering and processing as part of a broader subsistence spectrum undertaken by these ancient hunters, gatherers, and fishers.
Flexible working arrangements as privilege or entitlement? Type of access to flexible working arrangements shapes reciprocal beliefs and social exchange relationships in hybrid work teams
Authors: Hartner-Tiefenthaler Martina , Zedlacher Eva , Clarke Sharon
Published: November 2023

Literature suggests that employees reciprocate the ‘privilege’ for flexible working arrangements (FWA) with higher effort. Drawing on social exchange theory, our interview study investigated how leaders shape members’ beliefs about the need to reciprocate the access to FWA. Based on 20 interviews nested in ten teams from two organisations, we analysed how FWA are perceived and negotiated between team leaders and their members, and whether low or high prevalence of FWA in teams plays a role for establishing social exchange relationships. The interviews took place prior to Covid-19. While in one organisation access to FWA was negotiated individually only due to a specific need, in the other organisation it was facilitated more easily and granting FWA had evolved as a social norm. Our findings indicate that in both contexts FWA indeed initiated social exchange relationships, as team members often tried to return the favour for access to FWA by maintaining the performance and/or by showing high flexibility. When FWA were granted to selected members only (low prevalence), ‘score-keeping’ and ‘quid-pro-quo exchanges’ were mentioned as important exchange rules in the accounts. In the organisation with high FWA prevalence, cooperative team routines showed that members felt the need to reciprocate the favour to other team members or the organisation rather than directly to the leader. However, even in this organisation, leaders were able to establish employees’ belief in privilege and their obligation to reciprocate in order for them not to lose access to FWA. Our findings show the role of the leader in shaping and instrumentalising FWA. The study has high practical relevance for hybrid teams and discusses the essential role of leaders in FWA.
A comparative analysis of compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Authors: Dong Limin
Published: November 2023

Compulsory conciliation is featured as a residual means in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, yet it is still an important dispute settlement procedure. In terms of jurisdiction and settlement of competence disputes, compulsory conciliation is closely related to arbitration and litigation under Article 287. The recommendations and reports of the Conciliation Commission are not legally binding. Compared with arbitration and litigation, compulsory conciliation has advantages in the form of procedural flexibility and controllability of results. Concerning the number of maritime delimitation cases referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and Annex VII arbitral tribunals, all of them do not have a significant advantage over conciliation. The Conciliation Commission enjoys greater flexibility in the application of law and procedures, and its recommendations may even go beyond the request of the parties. Given that the procedure has a nonadversarial character, and the conciliation agreements are typically based on the voluntariness of the disputing parties, the willingness to comply and enforce is better than arbitration and litigation. It also has advantages over arbitration and litigation in terms of the political and time cost. Thus, with greater understanding and practice of the procedure, it will play a more important role in maritime dispute settlements.
The community voices program to facilitate community–academic researcher partnerships: Stakeholder perspectives on the program’s usefulness
Authors: Ramirez Magaly , Wool Jenny , Bishop Sonia , Hara-Hubbard KeliAnne K. , Jang Sou Hyun , Leong Judy , Hassell Laurie , Ko Linda K.
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

The Institute of Translational Health Sciences (Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program hub) developed a program coined Community Voices to invite communities to submit project ideas and be matched with academic researchers. We describe formative research to understand community and academic researcher perspectives on how the program could facilitate collaborations addressing community priorities.

Methods:

We conducted four focus groups with 31 community-based organization (CBO) representatives and 11 semi-structured interviews with academic researchers in the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho regions. Questions included the appeal of Community Voices to engage community and academic partners, potential program usefulness, and Community Voices’ potential role in building community–academic partnerships. We used an inductive, constant comparison approach to code transcripts and thematic analysis to generate themes.

Results:

Most CBO representatives were female (87.1%) and Hispanic/Latino (61.3%). Most academic researchers had a PhD (63.6%) and worked at a university (81.8%). The themes were: (1) community–academic partnerships built on trust will offer mutual benefit, (2) community-initiated project ideas should prioritize community needs, (3) matchmaking will accelerate connections but should not replace time to foster partnership, (4) Community Voices should go beyond matchmaking and provide ongoing support/training, and (5) fostering effective communication is key to partnership success.

Conclusions:

Community Voices is a novel, bidirectional community engagement program model that advances current practices of prioritizing researchers’ project ideas. This community-driven program may shift the future direction of community engagement practices where prioritizing community’s ideas becomes the norm of community–academic partnerships in clinical and translational science.
Toward a new phase of Du Châtelet scholarship: From Institutions de Physique (1740) to Institutions Physiques (1742)
Authors: Lin Qiu
Published: November 2023

There is a mysterious twofold change in Du Châtelet’s position on Newtonian attraction: from acceptance thereof as an explanatory principle in Essai sur l’optique (ca. 1738–39), to rejection in the 1740 Institutions, and returning to acceptance again in her Commentary (1756) to Newton’s Principia. In this article, I suggest that we turn to the 1742 Institutions for answers. There, Du Châtelet introduces physical explanation and maintains that we can appeal to certain physical qualities (such as attraction) for explanatory force. Using this case study, I argue that the scholarship will benefit greatly from turning to the 1742 edition going forward.
Can knowledgeable experts assess costs and outcomes as if they were ignorant? An experiment within precision medicine evaluation
Authors: Dulsamphan Thamonwan , Juntama Parntip , Suwanpanich Chotika , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Silzle Madison , Poonmaksatit Sathida , Boonsimma Ponghatai , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Visudtibhan Anannit , Lusawat Apasri , Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Kapol Nattiya , Lochid-amnuay Surasit , Sribundit Namfon , Samprasit Nathapol , Morton Alec , Teerawattananon Yot
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of the standard approach in expert judgment for evaluating precision medicines, in which experts are required to estimate outcomes as if they did not have access to diagnostic information, whereas in fact, they do.

Methods

Fourteen clinicians participated in an expert judgment task to estimate the cost and medical outcomes of the use of exome sequencing in pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy in Thailand. Experts were randomly assigned to either an “unblind” or “blind” group; the former was provided with the exome sequencing results for each patient case prior to the judgment task, whereas the latter was not provided with the exome sequencing results. Both groups were asked to estimate the outcomes for the counterfactual scenario, in which patients had not been tested by exome sequencing.

Results

Our study did not show significant results, possibly due to the small sample size of both participants and case studies.

Conclusions

A comparison of the unblind and blind approach did not show conclusive evidence that there is a difference in outcomes. However, until further evidence suggests otherwise, we recommend the blind approach as preferable when using expert judgment to evaluate precision medicines because this approach is more representative of the counterfactual scenario than the unblind approach.
New Pathways into the Profession: How Organisations Have Realised the Value of Apprenticeships in Library, Information, Knowledge, Records and Archives
Authors: Laybats Claire
Published: November 2023

For many years apprenticeships were associated with heavy industry and skilled manual work, but in more recent times the focus has shifted towards other fields and professions, including librarianship. In 2017 CILIP – the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals – began working with employers across sectors designing apprenticeships specific to library, information, knowledge and archives work. The Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprenticeship was the first to be developed and came online in 2019 and to date over 100 apprentices have been through the apprenticeship, while other apprenticeships to do with the profession are now up and running. Here Claire Laybats, Professional Services Development Manager for CILIP, gives LIM the full story.
Yemisi Dina
Authors: Breslin Mike
Published: November 2023

Yemisi Dina, the President of the Canadian Association of Law Libraries/ Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques de Droit (CALL/ACBD), talks to LIM co-editors Mike and Jas Breslin about her globetrotting career, the challenges facing the profession both in Canada and the rest of the world, strengthening the links between CALL/ACBD and BIALL, and why we should treat new technology such as AI as an opportunity rather than a threat.
A study of self-perceived change in CBT competence among Norwegian therapists undertaking a 2-year CBT training for working with young people
Authors: Martinsen Kristin D. , Fredriksen Anne Lise , Lunde-Hansen Christian , Torbjørnsen Kirsten , Fedøy Barbro
Published: November 2023

The rising prevalence of mental illness among youth has underscored the critical need for proficient therapists trained in effective methods for treating prevalent mental disorders. As mental health services grapple with resource constraints, the demand for shorter training programs has increased. This study aimed to investigate whether therapist competence improves continuously over a two-year cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training course, whether specific CBT skills show greater improvement than generic skills, and whether self-perceived competence varies based on therapist characteristics. Data were gathered from seven different CBT training courses spanning the years 2013–2021 involving a total of 151 Norwegian therapists. Therapist self-assessed their CBT competence using the Cognitive Therapy and Adherence Scale (CTACS). The collected data were analysed using mixed effects models using the R program. The findings revealed a significant increase in self-reported competence throughout the two-year training period. Notably, skills related to case formulation and CBT techniques displayed the most substantial improvements, indicating a high level of competence attained by the conclusion of training. No significant interactions were identified between time and therapist characteristics. The outcomes of this study support the efficacy of in-depth training through an extended CBT course spanning multiple semesters. The observed progress in CBT skills suggests that investments in therapist training can yield high levels of competence. Furthermore, this investment appears warranted regardless of therapists’ individual characteristics.

Key learning aims

(1)

To gain insight into the differential development of generic and CBT specific competence during CBT training.

(2)

To reflect on the significance of therapist characteristics in the training process.

(3)

To reflect on the possible importance of reaching a high level of CBT competence during CBT training.
Laboratory Earthquake Rupture Interactions With a High Normal Stress Bump
Authors: Cebry Sara B. L. , Sorhaindo Kian , McLaskey Gregory C.
Published: November 2023

To better understand how normal stress heterogeneity affects earthquake rupture, we conducted laboratory experiments on a 760 mm poly (methyl‐mathacrylate) PMMA sample with a 25 mm “bump” of locally higher normal stress (∆σbt). We systematically varied the sample‐average normal stress () and bump prominence (). For bumps with lower prominence () the rupture simply propagated through the bump and produced regular sequences of periodic stick‐slip events. Bumps with higher prominence () produced complex rupture sequences with variable timing and ruptures sizes, and this complexity persisted for multiple stick‐slip supercycles. During some events, the bump remained locked and acted as a barrier that completely stopped rupture. In other events, a dynamic rupture front terminated at the locked bump, but rupture reinitiated on the other side of the bump after a brief pause of 0.3–1 ms. Only when stress on the bump was near critical did the bump slip and unload built up strain energy in one large event. Thus, a sufficiently prominent bump acted as a barrier (energy sink) when it was far from critically stressed and as an asperity (energy source) when it was near critically stressed. Similar to an earthquake gate, the bump never acted as a permanent barrier. In the experiments, we resolve the above rupture interactions with a bump as separate rupture phases; however, when observed through the lens of seismology, it may appear as one continuous rupture that speeds up and slows down. The complicated rupture‐bump interactions also produced enhanced high frequency seismic waves recorded with piezoelectric sensors.
Reoxidation of Reduced Peat Organic Matter by Dissolved Oxygen: Combined Laboratory Column‐Breakthrough Experiments and In‐Field Push‐Pull Tests
Authors: Obradović Nikola , Joshi Prachi , Arn Silvan , Aeppli Meret , Schroth Martin H. , Sander Michael
Published: November 2023

Electron transfer to peat particulate organic matter (POM) as terminal electron acceptor (TEA) in anaerobic respiration has been hypothesized to lower methane emissions from peatlands by competitively suppressing methanogenesis and/or allowing for anaerobic oxidation of methane. We herein provide evidence for two critical aspects of this hypothesis: (a) peat POM is present in a reduced state in situ in the anoxic peat subsurface, and (b) reduced POM at the oxic‐anoxic interface in peat soils can be oxidized by dissolved oxygen (DO), restoring its TEA capacity. We reacted reduced POM from three ombrotrophic bogs in Sweden with DO in soil‐packed column‐breakthrough experiments (CBEs), mimicking oxidation reactions at the oxic‐anoxic interface. Breakthrough of DO was substantially retarded relative to the inert tracer bromide, consistent with DO reduction by POM. Control experiments confirmed abiotic DO reduction and excluded DO consumption through aerobic respiration. Modeling DO breakthrough revealed fast and slowly reacting POM moieties with reaction times spanning minutes to days. Complementary push‐pull tests (PPTs) in the anoxic subsurface of one bog confirmed results from laboratory CBEs: lower recoveries of injected DO compared with bromide supported DO reduction by reduced POM. Rates of reduction of injected DO decreased with increasing number of injections, consistent with continuous oxidation of reduced POM. Electron‐donating capacities of POM to DO in CBEs and PPTs were comparable at 40–130 μmol e−/g dry POM. Our results substantiate that POM is a regenerable TEA at oxic‐anoxic interfaces in peat soils and, thereby, may substantially lower CH4 emissions from peatlands.
Validation of the transplant conditioning intensity (TCI) index for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Spyridonidis Alexandros , Labopin Myriam , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Ganser Arnold , Stelljes Matthias , Craddock Charles , Wagner-Drouet Eva Maria , Versluis Jurjen , Schroeder Thomas , Blau Igor Wolfgang , Wulf Gerald. G. , Dreger Peter , Olesen Gitte , Sengeloev Henrik , Kröger Nicolaus , Potter Victoria , Forcade Edouard , Passweg Jakob , de Latour Régis Peffault , Maertens Johan , Wilson Keith M. O. , Bourhis Jean Henri , Finke Juergen , Brissot Eolia , Bazarbachi Ali , Giebel Sebastian , Savani Bipin P. , Nagler Arnon , Ciceri Fabio , Mohty Mohamad
Published: November 2023

The intensity of the conditioning regimen given before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) can vary substantially. To confirm the ability of the recently developed transplant conditioning intensity (TCI) score to stratify the preparative regimens of allo-HCT, we used an independent and contemporary patient cohort of 4060 transplant recipients with acute myeloid leukemia meeting inclusion criteria from the discovery study (allo-HCT in first complete remission, matched donor), but who were allografted in a more recent period (2018–2021) and were one decade older (55–75 years, median 63.4 years), we assigned them to a TCI category (low n = 1934, 48%; intermediate n = 1948, 48%, high n = 178, 4%) according to the calculated TCI score ([1–2], [2.5–3.5], [4–6], respectively), and examined the validity of the TCI category in predicting early non-relapse mortality (NRM), 2-year NRM and relapse (REL). In the unadjusted comparison, the TCI index provided a significant risk stratification for d100 and d180 NRM, NRM and REL risk. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for significant variables, there was an independent association of TCI with early NRM, NRM and REL. In summary, we confirm in contemporary treated patients that TCI reflects the conditioning regimen related morbidity and anti-leukemic efficacy satisfactorily and across other established prognostic factors.