bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Tropical Cyclone Thermodynamic Structure with TROPICS Observations
Authors: Munsell Erin B. , Braun Scott A. , Greenwald Thomas , Bennartz Ralf , Blackwell William J.
Published: January 2025

This study examines the three-dimensional thermodynamic structure of a rapidly intensifying tropical cyclone (TC) through the utilization of synthetic retrievals based off of the specifications of NASA’s Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission. Proxy TROPICS vertical profiles of temperature and water vapor mixing ratio generated from the Hurricane Nature Run (HNR1) are utilized to analyze the TC structure over a 10-day period that includes the HNR1 TC’s rapid intensification (RI) from a tropical storm to a major hurricane. Analyses are performed to assess how accurately TROPICS may be able to determine thermodynamic profiles both within the storm and in the environment by validating against the HNR1 model data. It is found that the TROPICS retrievals compare favorably with the HNR1 data at most heights and times with errors consistently less than the proposed mission requirements (2 K for temperature; 25% for humidity). In addition, the retrievals show the ability to qualitatively track extensive dry air that is present in the vicinity of the TC. Although a substantial dry bias is present within the storm region of the TC (between 0 and 200 km from the surface center) in the 350–550-hPa layer in the TROPICS retrievals, this bias is reduced when the retrievals associated with precipitating grid points are removed from the analyses. However, despite this filtering, a significant bias remains, which suggests that the TROPICS retrievals will likely lose accuracy in regions of stronger scattering.
John Chrysostom (and His Listeners) on the Lord's Prayer
Authors: Leyerle Blake
Published: January 2025

Although the Our Father was, as Robert Hill observed, the prayer for John Chrysostom, his reflections on the Lord's Prayer have received little attention. On first glance, the neglect is hardly surprising. Inasmuch as his comments reiterate typical themes for the late fourth-century preacher (communal solidarity, spiritual goods, ethical action, and recollection of the judgment), they do not seem especially novel or arresting. When read, however, as a response to his listeners’ assumptions, Chrysostom's words take on added interest: they allow us a rare glimpse into the beliefs and practices of “ordinary” lay Christians. Although they too recited the Lord's Prayer—perhaps daily—they were not focused on personal ethical reformation or on future invisible things. For them, prayer was a means to protect their household and to secure immediate, tangible goods; their practice included the use of amulets, oaths, and curses. It is this outlook, more familiar to us from the material record than from the teachings of the church fathers, that illuminates Chrysostom's comments on the Lord's Prayer. Because he hoped to shift his listeners’ views, he attached his most characteristic themes to the prayer attributed to Jesus. The familiarity of these teachings, far from being a weakness, shows the strength of Chrysostom's pedagogical program.
Using Applied Behavior Analysis Procedures to Change the Behavior of Students with Visual Disabilities: A Research Review
Authors: DeMario N.C. , Crowley E.P.
Published: January 2025

This article reviews 66 studies using applied behavior analysis methods to change the behaviors of students with visual disabilities, documenting the participants, targeted behaviors, procedures used, outcomes, and follow-ups. On the basis of this analysis, the authors present recommendations for future researchers on the selection of subjects, target behaviors, appropriate procedures, and settings.
AI Performer Bias: Listeners Like Music Less When They Think it was Performed by an AI
Authors: Ansani Alessandro , Koehler Friederike , Giombini Lisa , Hämäläinen Matias , Meng Chen , Marini Marco , Saarikallio Suvi
Published: January 2025

Contextual information can shape the aesthetic judgements of music compositions. Recently, a study proposed the existence of an AI composer bias; namely, listeners tend to like music less when they think (or are told) that it was composed by an AI. In this online study ( N = 120), we used a cross-over experimental design to verify whether such bias extends to audiovisual music performance. The participants rated three videos of classic piano music performances in two versions with identical audio: one with a professional pianist who pretended to play, and one with the piano playing automatically, allegedly thanks to an AI. As hypothesised, the participants rated the performances as more likeable, engaging, higher in emotional valence, and of higher quality when the pieces were “performed” by the pianist. Notably, these effects were insensitive to the participants’ musical expertise but moderated by their attitudes toward AI. Interestingly, when asked what differences they had found between the two renditions, the participants confabulated about differences in rhythm, tempo variations, dynamics, and dissonances, pointing to underlying psychological processes, such as expectations and beliefs about humanness. Implications for Aesthetics and the Psychology of Art are discussed.
Understanding Acts of Resistance Among Immigrant-Origin Emerging Adult College Students During the 2016 Election of Trump
Authors: Raza Syeda S. , Katsiaficas Dalal , Juárez Jennifer , Maravilla Joanna V. , Hajeissa Clemencia Y. , Saravia Lydia A.
Published: January 2025

With shifts in sociopolitical contexts marked by Trump’s 2016 election and increasing anti-immigrant discourse, the purpose of this study was to explore how immigrant-origin emerging adult college students define and engage in acts of resistance. In 2017, data were collected from 12 semi-structured focus group interviews at an urban Midwestern university. Our sample included 41 participants ( Mage = 20.11, SD = 1.35 years) with 32 female and five male participants. Twenty-four participants were born in the U.S., and 13 were first-generation immigrants. 44.2% percent of the participants identified as Asian ( n = 19), 27.9% as Hispanic/Latin@ ( n = 12), 11.6% as White ( n = 5), 7% as Black/African American ( n = 3), and 9.3% identified with multiple racial groups ( n = 4). Through a thematic analysis, we found that participants conceptualized resistance as standing up for themselves, engaging in protests, and unifying with others. Students noted the complicated role of family in facilitating and hindering their resistance and named competing responsibilities and a sense of vulnerability as major hindrances. Implications include developing ways to best support immigrant-origin emerging adult college students’ ability to engage in resistance to foster a critical consciousness and validate their identities, which can promote positive youth development.
Study on automated guided vehicle collision avoidance mechanism with external computer vision
Authors: Yingbo Zhao , Cong Sun , Xinyu Bu
Published: January 2025

In industrial automation, safely operating Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in dynamic environments is challenging. Traditional collision avoidance methods, which rely on technologies like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), have limitations in detection range, accuracy, and cost. This study introduces a new method called the Collision Avoidance System with External Computer Vision (CAECV). CAECV uses two cameras which are equipped on the wall in the factory to detect obstacles, and AGV don’t need to equip any obstacle detection sensors. The detection algorithm, combining YOLOv8 with an attention mechanism, excels at identifying obstacles. The system then converts image coordinates to global coordinates using inverse perspective mapping for precise obstacle localization. Experimental comparisons with traditional TIM laser scanning radar show that CAECV outperforms in detection range, response time, accuracy, and cost. CAECV offers a broader detection range, quicker response, and lower error rates. As more AGVs are deployed, CAECV becomes significantly more cost-effective than LiDAR-based systems. Moreover, CAECV can be integrated with LiDAR systems to enhance AGV obstacle avoidance. CAECV represents a scalable, accurate, and economical advancement in AGV collision avoidance technology for modern industrial use.
Effect of the transmission system on adhesion control and characteristics of a locomotive under different straight rail surface conditions
Authors: Liu Kexin , Chen Zaigang , Zhou Ziwei , Song Zongying
Published: January 2025

As the speed of heavy-haul trains is increased and transportation efficiency is improved, wheel-rail adhesion control has become a critical factor for train safety. Under the scenario of straight track, a dynamic model of the heavy-haul train considering the locomotive transmission system is established. Then, a wheel-rail adhesion control model is developed to research wheel-rail adhesion control and characteristics under complex service conditions, such as friction coefficients and train speeds. The results indicate that the wheelset angular acceleration and the wheelset longitudinal creepage considering the transmission system are larger than without considering the transmission system. Train speeds and friction coefficients are key factors affecting the adhesion control effect and characteristics. Effective control of the wheelset slipping is achieved. In the single torque control process, the torque adjustment time considering the transmission system is longer, the control efficiency is smaller and the control effect is worse. The transmission system will reduce the effect of adhesion control. Thus, it is necessary to consider the effect of the transmission system in adhesion control research.
Rapid authentication of Cuscutae Semen with imbalanced sample categories using a handheld near infrared spectrometer
Authors: Peng Xinying , Yu Xiangyang , Lin Jinfeng , Liu Xiaoxiao , Jiang Zhongjun , Chen Manli , Cai Yefan , Yin Jianwei , Zhang Changhua
Published: January 2025

Chinese herbal medicines, primarily derived from plants and natural sources, are widely incorporated into the formulation of health foods and dietary supplements. Ensuring their authenticity is crucial for maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This study introduces a method for rapid authentication of Chinese herbal medicines using a handheld near-infrared spectrometer coupled with chemometrics. Focusing on Cuscutae Semen, prone to market adulteration, the method involves spectral data collection, data preprocessing, feature processing, and classification algorithm. To address the challenge of imbalanced datasets prevalent in practice, synthetic minority over-sampling technique with tomek links (SMOTETomek) comprehensive data sampling was applied, enhancing model discrimination. The resulting model, combining Savitzky-Golay smoothing with the first derivative and a random forest classifier (SGFD_RF), achieved high accuracy in category authentication, with macro-averaged area under the curve (AUC_macro) scores of 0.997 (cross-validation) and 0.945 (test set). And the f-score and recall of the test set reached 0.954 and 0.955, respectively. For content authenticity detection, the SGFD_RF model displayed outstanding performance, with AUCs of 0.995 (cross-validation) and 1.000 (test set). Both f-score and recall of the test set reached 1.000. The study also demonstrated that the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling algorithm could reduce data dimensionality and training time, while providing even more precise classification with only 8 features. This approach offers a rapid and reliable solution for on-site herbal medicine authentication.
The semiotics of culture in light of commonalities and conflicts in Lotmanian and Peircean theories
Authors: Rodríguez Higuera Claudio Julio
Published: January 2025

This article will outline in general lines the tenets of Lotmanian and Peircean semiotics, observing their possible intersections and interactions as well as their theoretical incompatibilities. As history would have it, both traditions stem from different roots, and their playing along cannot be taken for granted. In examining these historical roots in light of the naturalizing project of current (bio)semiotics, we can hope to find some points to connect the more general points of the theories, despite potential conflicts in their views. It will be argued that the more mainstream accounts of biosemiotics can offer a productive prospect for the interface in the analysis of culture and cognition, while a rereading of Lotmanian commitments to a specific form of cultural semantics can bridge theoretical positions held within the Peircean paradigm of biosemiotics.
Synthesis and analysis of an integrated suspension energy harvesting system for continuous half-width speed bumps
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie , Cheng Ho-Chih , Her Ming-Guo , Karkoub Mansour
Published: January 2025

Global warming and climate change have become an important issue that the world is focusing on due to its apparent impact on lives and economies around the world. Efforts have been put into developing more environmentally friendly vehicles ranging from hybrid to fully electrical vehicles. In addition, research efforts have been made to develop and embed energy harvesters in vehicles to reuse some of the energy usually released into the environment. This study is about the development of an energy harvesting suspension system and investigates its performance using a continuous half-width deceleration bump. A 3D vehicle model with 4 harvesters embedded in the suspension is used in the analysis. The focus is on the effect of harvesters’ parameters and speed bump’s physical characteristics on the power generation performance of the harvesters. The main objective is to maximize electricity and minimize the ride comfort efficiency index using a multi-objective optimization function in conjunction with a genetic algorithm. This study proposes an innovative self-powering method that utilizes a chassis energy harvester to convert vibrations into magnetoelectric effects. It enables autonomous green energy generation for transportation vehicles and can be applied to vehicles traversing consecutive speed bumps. In addition to effectively reducing speed, the energy harvester generates green electricity to supplement the power supply of electric vehicles.
Between plans and realities: Reflecting on experiences of participatory research in archiving residential Children’s homes in Scotland and Germany
Authors: Burns Andrew , Schäfer Maximilian
Published: January 2025

In this paper, two researchers with backgrounds in ethnography describe and reflect on their experiences from a qualitative, transnational study called 'Back to the Future: Archiving in Residential Children's Homes (ARCH) in Scotland and Germany. Important goals of the study are the investigation and development of digital community archives for young people, care workers and care leavers from residential homes in order to support their memories of shared everyday life. Methodologically, the study is based on ideas of participatory research in combination with ethnographic elements, although there were some changes in the implementation compared to the original plan. These changes were made on the basis of conditions found in the field and represented attempts to achieve the goals of the study despite some unexpected situations and developments. This resulted in moments of tension, which we reflect on self-critically in this article. Using the example of our research, we highlight some of the opportunities and challenges of qualitative study designs that seek to understand and change realities in the context of social work.
Multi-dimensional failure risk load prediction of electric motor based on physical model and data-driven approach
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhao Lihui , Zhang Dongdong , Kong Zhiguo , Qin Chunyang , Yan Chuliang
Published: January 2025

Dynamic prediction of failure risk loads is a critical prerequisite for system damage monitoring and service life evaluation. As the failure mechanism of electric vehicle drive motors under multi-source load excitations is complex, and the risk load poses challenges in rapid acquisition, a physics-based and data-driven method for multi-dimensional failure risk load prediction of motors is proposed. Based on actual operational data collected from users, we analyze the failure risk loads of various components of a motor. A physical simulation model of the motor is established to extract multi-dimensional failure risk load time history, and the effectiveness of the simulation model is verified using data from bench tests. Moreover, using the physical model simulation data as a foundation, a two-stage data-driven model is constructed. In the first stage, the genetic algorithm optimized back propagation neural network (GA-BPNN) model is implemented for multi-dimensional loss prediction of the motor, and serves as the primary input for the second stage model, which integrates prediction accuracy and training efficiency. In the second stage, by comprehensively considering the spatial and temporal correlation features with the input layer reconstructed using correlation matrix weights, an improved convolutional neural network with bidirectional long short-term memory (CNN-BiLSTM) model is employed to predict multi-scale loads. Compared with traditional models, the proposed method exhibits significantly improved prediction accuracy, with R2 greater than 0.95. Furthermore, the damage error between the predicted load and the expected load is within 10%, which provides technical support for reliability evaluation and life prediction of electric motor.
Transforming financial inclusion: Google Pay’s strategic alliances for nomadic community empowerment
Authors: Rajeswari PS , Vinoth Balaji V , Jalaludeen A
Published: January 2025

Google Pay has made significant strides globally, transforming how consumers conduct purchases and manage their finances. It boasts over 150 million users across 40 countries, with widespread adoption driven by its user-friendly interface and extensive features. Google Pay’s partnerships with local financial institutions, NGOs, and community leaders have promoted financial inclusion, particularly in underbanked and underserved communities. It has been instrumental in promoting the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has revolutionized digital payments in India and is being expanded to other countries. Despite Google Pay’s efforts to expand its services to underbanked populations, it faces significant challenges in promoting financial inclusion especially among nomadic communities. Nomadic marginalized communities are groups of people who lead a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place without a permanent home, and often face significant social and economic disadvantages like limited internet connectivity, digital literacy, and the transient nature of their lifestyle. Despite these obstacles, this case explores how Google Pay overcomes the challenges in digital payment systems like mobile wallets and digital currencies have the potential to significantly improve financial inclusion by providing access to banking services for the unbanked and underbanked population. Google Pay deals with nomadic marginalized communities to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment. By providing tailored financial services, digital literacy programs, and improved internet connectivity, Google Pay helps these communities access essential financial tools, participate in the economy, and build resilience against economic challenges.
A conceptual model for advanced/metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer: a review of qualitative studies and results from patient interviews
Authors: Sowell France Ginchereau , de Milliano Thom , Brady Keri J. S. , Foglia Ginamarie , Sasane Medha , Bensfia Samira , Reaney Matthew
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite approvals of new first-line immunotherapies for advanced/metastatic gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction cancer (aGC/GEJC), patients’ median survival is around 14 months and their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is affected by disease-related symptoms and treatment-related side effects. Using a targeted literature review (TLR) and patient interviews, this study identified disease- and treatment-related concepts that are important to patients with aGC/GEJC and their HRQoL.

Methods

A TLR was conducted to identify primary qualitative studies from 2018 to 2021 on patients’ experiences with aGC/GEJC. The results, supplemented with the results of two previously identified studies from 2017, were used to develop a preliminary conceptual disease model of aGC/GEJC and an interview guide. Next, one-to-one concept elicitation interviews were conducted where patients with aGC/GEJC were asked about symptoms, impacts on daily life, experience of care, treatment expectations, and clinical trials. The conceptual model was refined using these patient experience data.

Results

Four studies selected from the TLR and the two previously summarized studies identified 47 symptoms (15 disease-related, 20 treatment-related, 12 disease- and treatment-related) and 35 impacts. Interviews with 20 patients identified 36 symptoms. The 12 most important symptoms (mentioned by ≥ 50% of patients; average disturbance ratings: ≥5, scale: 0 'not disturbing' to 10 'extremely disturbing') were: nausea, fatigue, temperature sensitivity, indigestion, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, early satiety, swallowing difficulties, taste alterations, abdominal pain, general pain. Symptoms were mostly attributed to systemic treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy), followed by surgery. Thirty-one impacts emerged from the interviews, the most common being emotional disturbances, impacts on daily activities and families, and requiring assistance from caregivers. Patients were mostly positive about their experience of care, willing to enroll in clinical trials, and keen to receive innovative treatments with few side effects. The final conceptual disease model details the symptoms and impacts of aGC/GEJC.

Conclusions

The conceptual model provides valuable data on signs/symptoms and impacts of aGC/GEJC affecting patients’ lives. This can guide the clinical outcome assessment strategy for the development of innovative treatments more comprehensively than input from physicians alone, to ensure treatments improve both patients’ survival and HRQoL. Interviews also help understand patients’ perspectives on clinical trials.
Refinement of a meaning-centered counseling program for Chinese patients with advanced cancer: integrating cultural adaptation and implementation science approaches
Authors: Lui Florence , Zhang Qingyi , Bao George Chengxi , Narang Bharat , Chen Ruo Yan , Niu Yunshan , Leng Jennifer , Breitbart William
Published: January 2025

Background

This mixed methods study identified needed refinements to a telehealth-delivered cultural and linguistic adaptation of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Chinese patients with advanced cancer (MCP-Ch) to enhance acceptability, comprehensibility, and implementation of the intervention in usual care settings, guided by the Ecological Validity Model (EVM) and the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM).

Methods

Fifteen purposively sampled mental health professionals who work with Chinese cancer patients completed surveys providing Likert-scale ratings on acceptability and comprehensibility of MCP-Ch content (guided by the EVM) and pre-implementation factors (guided by PRISM), followed by semi-structured interviews. Survey data were descriptively summarized and linked to qualitative interview data. Three analysts independently coded the transcripts according to EVM and PRISM domains; discrepancies were resolved through discussion and consensus.

Results

Quantitative findings showed high appropriateness and relevance of MCP-Ch across five EVM domains of Language, Metaphors/Stories, Goals, Content, and Concepts. Qualitative analysis yielded 23 inductive codes under the seven EVM domains: (1) Language (3 subcodes), (2) Persons (2 subcodes), (3) Metaphors/Stories (2 subcodes), (4) Methods (8 subcodes), (5) Content (2 subcodes), (6) Goals (4 subcodes), and (7) Concepts (2 subcodes). Themes based on PRISM included (1) Intervention characteristics (organizational perspective, 7 subcodes; and patient perspective, 6 subcodes) (2) External environment (2 subcodes), (3) Implementation and sustainability infrastructure (4 subcodes), and (4) Recipients (organizational characteristics, 5 subcodes; and patient characteristics, 4 subcodes).

Conclusion

Recommendations for next steps include increasing the MCP-Ch protocol’s flexibility and adaptability to allow interventionists to flexibly tailor MCP-Ch material to meet patients’ individual needs, simplifying content to improve comprehension and acceptability, providing additional training to Chinese-serving providers to increase adoption and sustainability, and considering interpreter-assisted delivery to increase access. Findings yielded important information to maximize cultural relevance as well as the implementation and sustainability potential of MCP-Ch in real-world settings.
Unraveling the genetic mysteries of spinal muscular atrophy in Chinese families
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Chen Duo , Li Qianqian , Zhao Xuechao , Chen Chen , Liu Lina , Jiang Miao , Zhao Zhenhua , Wang Yanhua , Kong Xiangdong
Published: January 2025

Objective

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disorder encompassing 5q and non-5q forms, causing muscle weakness and atrophy due to spinal cord cell degeneration. Understanding its genetic basis is crucial for genetic counseling and personalized treatment options.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed families of patients suspected of SMA at our institution from February 2006 to March 2024. Various molecular techniques, including multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis, long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with nested PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole-exome sequencing were employed to establish a thorough genetic variant profile in 680 Chinese pedigrees with clinically suspected SMA.

Results

Out of 680 families suspected of having SMA, 675 exhibited mutations in the SMN1 gene, while three families were linked to mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene. One family exhibited a genetic variation in the NEB gene, and another family exhibited a variation in the SCO2 gene. Among the families with mutations in the SMN1 gene, 645 families exhibited either E7‒E8 or E7 homozygous deletion. Some families displayed E7‒8 heterozygous deletions along with other mutations, such as E1 or E1‒6 heterozygote deletion and point mutations. Furthermore, one family demonstrated a compound-heterozygous double mutation, while another carried a type “2 + 0” mutation alongside a point mutation.

Conclusions

This study comprehensively analyzed the genetics of suspected familial SMA cases in the Chinese population, providing insights into the molecular genetic mechanisms of SMA and the utility of various detection techniques. The findings revealed important implications for genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and targeted therapies in clinical practice.
Los olvidados: Non-BRCA variants associated with Hereditary breast cancer in Mexican population
Authors: Aguilar Dione , Garza-Rodríguez María Lourdes , Muñiz-Garza Carolina Elizabeth , Nuñez Fernando Alcorta , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia Mayte , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , Pérez-Ibave Diana Cristina , Burciaga-Flores Carlos Horacio
Published: January 2025

Background

Hereditary predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is a pathological condition with increased cancer risk, including breast (BC), ovarian cancer (OC), and others. HBOC pathogenesis is caused mainly by germline pathogenic variants (GPV) in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, other relevant genes are related to this syndrome diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, including TP53, PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, etc. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of non-BRCA genes in HBOC patients of Northeast Mexico.

Methods

This multicentric study included 1285 patients with HBOC diagnosis from four oncologic centers in northeast Mexico from 2016 to 2023. Genomic and clinical data were analyzed based on multi-gene panel results and electronic records of the medical geneticist consultation. For the data analysis of qualitative and quantitative variants, JASP statistical software (version 0.18.1) was used, taking p < 0.05 as a significant result.

Results

We found that 32.7% of the patients had at least one GPV in non-BRCA genes. The five most frequent non-BRCA genes were CHEK2, PALB2, MUTYH, CDKN2A, and ATM. Among the group of non-BRCA genes, six are involved in the homologous repair pathway (HR), and three are related to DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways. In analyzing GPVs in molecular pathways, both have similar frequencies with no statistical difference for BC.

Conclusion

Multi-gene testing implementation improves the detection of often overlooked genes related to HBOC pathogenesis and treatment. Non-BRCA GPVs in Northern Mexico correspond to one-third of the HBOC cases, including HR and DDR pathways genes that would be misdiagnosed if not tested. HR patient carriers are potential targets of iPARP therapies. The optimal approach to cancer treatment for non-BRCA mutation carriers warrants further investigation to develop newer therapies.
Thoracolumbar fascia ultrasound shear strain differs between low back pain and asymptomatic individuals: expanding the evidence
Authors: Tomita Norio , Roy-Cardinal Marie-Hélène , Chayer Boris , Daher Stacey , Attiya Ameer , Boulanger Aline , Gaudreault Nathaly , Cloutier Guy , Bureau Nathalie J.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To compare thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) shear strain between individuals with and without nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP), investigate its correlation with symptoms, and assess a standardized massage technique’s impact on TLF shear strain.

Methods

Participants were prospectively enrolled between February 2021 and June 2022. Pre- and post-intervention TLF ultrasound and pain/disability questionnaires were conducted. Cumulated (C|ShS|L) and maximum (Max|ShS|L) shear strain parameters were computed from radiofrequency data, and TLF thickness was measured on reconstructed B-mode images. Statistical analysis included linear mixed-effects regression.

Results

Thirty-two NSLBP participants (mean age, 57 ± 9 years [standard deviation]; 21 women) and 32 controls (51 ± 10 years; 22 women) (p = 0.02) were enrolled. The mean shear strain was higher in NSLBP participants (C|ShS|L: 327.1% ± 106.0 vs 290.2% ± 99.8, p < 0.0001; Max|ShS|L: 8.1% ± 2.8 vs 7.0% ± 2.4, p < 0.0001) than controls, while mean TLF thickness (1.6 mm ± 1.0 vs 1.5 mm ± 0.9; p = 0.43) was comparable. Elastography parameters correlated with pain [C|ShS|L estimate [β], 0.01 [95% CI: 0.002, 0.02]; p = 0.02); Max|ShS|L [β], 0.003 [95% CI: 0.001, 0.005]; p < 0.001)] and disability [C|ShS|L [β] 0.02 [95% CI: 0.005, 0.03]; p = 0.009); Max|ShS|L [β] 0.003 [95% CI: 0.001, 0.006]; p = 0.002)] scores. Neither C|ShS|L (β, 0.13 [−0.27, 0.53]; p = 0.53) nor Max|ShS|L (β, −0.02 [−0.10, 0.05]; p = 0.59) changed post-intervention.

Conclusion

Individuals with NSLBP demonstrated elevated TLF shear strain compared to controls, with similar TLF thickness. The shear strain correlated with pain and disability scores, yet a brief massage did not influence shear strain.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04716101. Registered 14 January 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04716101.

Critical relevance statement

Ultrasound shows elevated TLF shear strain in lower back pain sufferers compared to controls. This correlates with symptoms, suggesting a role as a pain generator. Further investigation into its anatomy, mechanical characteristics, and pathophysiology is crucial for better understanding.

Key Points

Structural and mechanical alterations of the TLF may contribute to low back pain.

Elevated TLF lateral shear strain was found in patients with NSLBP.

A brief standardized massage therapy technique did not influence elastography parameters.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of degassing on scaling in hypersaline system: Tuzla geothermal field, Turkey
Authors: Tonkul Serhat , André Laurent , Baba Alper , Demir Mustafa M. , Regenspurg Simona , Kieling Katrin
Published: January 2025

A serious issue with geothermal power plants is the loss of production and decline in power plant efficiency. Scaling, also known as mineral precipitation, is one of the frequently-observed issue that causes this loss and decreasing efficiency. It is heavily observed in the production wells when the geothermal fluid rises from the depths due to a change in the fluid’s physical and chemical properties. Scaling issue in geothermal power plants result in significant output losses and lower plant effectiveness. In rare instances, it might even result in the power plant being shut down. The chemistry of the geothermal fluid, non-condensable gases, pH, temperature and pressure changes in the process from production to reinjection, power plant type and design, and sometimes the materials used can also play an active role in the scaling that will occur in a geothermal system. ICP–MS was used to evaluate the chemical properties of the fluids. On the other hand, XRD, XRF and SEM were used to investigate the chemical and mineralogical compositions of the scale samples in analytical methods. For the numerical approach, PhreeqC and GWELL codes were used to follow the chemical reactivity of the geothermal fluid in Tuzla production well. The novelty of this study is to determine potential degassing point and to characterize the mineralogical assemblage formed in the well because of the fluid composition, temperature and pressure variations. During production, geothermal fluids degas in the wellbore. This causes a drastic modification of the chemistry of the Tuzla fluids. This is why it is focused the calculations on the nature of the minerals that are able to precipitate inside the well. According to simulation results, the degassing point is estimated to be about 105 m depth, consistent with the field observations. If a small quantity of precipitated minerals is predicted before the boiling point, degassing significantly changes the fluid chemistry, and the model predicts the deposition of calcite along with smaller elements including galena, barite, and quartz. The simulation results are consistent with the mineral composition of scaling collected in the well.
The Gendered Impact of Depression on Undergraduate Students’ Research Gains: Can More Competent Mentors Help?
Authors: Grineski Sara E , Avondet Callie , Morales Danielle X. , Collins Timothy W. , Chavez Yolanda , Armendariz Sergio
Published: January 2025

For women and transgender/gender nonconforming students, experiencing depression reduced their personal and skills gains from undergraduate research, but higher quality mentoring attenuated that negative effect for personal gains. For men, depression was not significantly associated with their gains from undergraduate research.
The Association Between Serum Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Incident Cardiovascular Disease Among Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: An Jun , Zhang Shiyang , Cheng Xu , Jia Chengyong , Zhang Xin , Yan Yan , Zhao Zhuoya , Liu Yuenan , Guan Youbing , Li Peiwen , Zhang Jin , He Meian
Published: January 2025

Background

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. However, it is unclear whether PCB exposure increases the additional risk of CVD among type 2 diabetes (T2D) cases. This study aims to investigate the associations between serum concentrations of PCBs and incident CVD among T2D cases.

Methods

The study population was derived from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort in 2008 and followed up until December 31, 2018, with a total of 2806 participants with T2D included; 1180 of them developed CVD during the follow-up. Cox proportional hazard regression models and quantile g-computation method were conducted for the associations of serum PCB levels with incident CVD risk.

Results

Compared with the first quartile, the risk of incident CVD was increased by 25%, 30%, and 28% in the fourth quartile of serum concentrations of PCB28, PCB52, and PCB101, respectively. Similar results were obtained for lower-chlorinated PCBs (PCB28 + PCB52 + PCB101) with a hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.257 (1.063, 1.486) and 1.346 (1.139, 1.589) in the third and fourth quartiles, respectively (P  trend = .001). Quantile g-computation indicated that mixed exposure to PCBs increased the risk of CVD, and the top 3 weights of PCB congeners were PCB101, PCB52, and PCB28.

Conclusion

Serum PCB independently increased the risk of incident CVD among T2D cases, in which lower-chlorinated PCBs played a dominant role.
Gender Identity Stigma, Teachers’ Acceptance, and Parental Support as Predictors of Mental Health Among Self-Identified LGBT Senior High School Students
Authors: Carpiso Symon , De Jose Elmer
Published: January 2025

Background Despite the growing global attention to LGBT mental health, a gap in healthcare research remains, particularly in the Philippine context, specifically among senior high school students. Methods The main purpose of the study was to investigate whether gender identity stigma, teachers’ acceptance, and parental support were predictors of mental health among LGBT senior high school students utilizing the predictive research design. A non-probability sampling, specifically the combination of convenience and snowball sampling was employed. A total of four hundred senior high school students participated in the study. Results Results revealed that the gender identity stigma, teachers’ acceptance, and parental support significantly predict the mental health of the respondents (F (3, 396) = 37.695, p<.001. Specifically, Gender Identity Stigma (β = -.224, t = -4.542, p < .001) negatively predicted Overall Mental Health while both Teachers’ Acceptance (β = .201, t = 4.493, p < .001) and Parental Support (β = .253, t = 5.102, p < .001) positively predicted the Overall Mental Health. Conclusions It was found out that Gender Identity Stigma, Teachers’ Acceptance, and Parental Support are predictors of mental health among LGBT senior high school students, this helped in developing intervention programs that will enhance the existing policy on gender and development in the education sector.
The genome sequence of the leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781)
Authors: McCulloch James , Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual female specimen of Plagiodera versicolora (leaf beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 236.70 megabases. Most of the assembly (98.31%) is scaffolded into 16 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 20.31 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,216 protein-coding genes.
Applications of MDMA in Modern Medicine - A Literature Review
Authors: Podlasiewicz Wiktoria , Siudziński Paweł , Łyko Mateusz , Skoczylas Alicja , Kurasz Jakub , Maj Wojciech , Tomaszewska Wiktoria , Pala Katarzyna , Dudziak Piotr , Nowak Anna , Golińska Maria
Published: January 2025

MDMA or 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a psychoactive substance, exhibiting mild hallucinogenic properties, that became widely known as a recreational party drug. However, its ability in helping individuals access deeply rooted emotions has prompted significant interest in its potential applications within clinical practice. MDMA’s mechanism of action involves increasing the release of serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. This process enhances neuroplasticity, fosters empathy and aids in trauma processing and fear extinction. This study aims to explore the potential uses of MDMA in medicine, particularly in treating mental illnesses. The article was developed using data from the „PubMed” and „Google Scholar” databases, with particular emphasis on articles published after 2021. When combined with psychotherapy, MDMA offers significant therapeutic benefits, especially for patients resistant to conventional treatments. Existing research primarily highlights its effectiveness in managing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders, with emerging evidence suggesting potential benefits for conditions like depression and eating disorder. While recreational use of MDMA poses risks, its use in a controlled environment demonstrates a favourable safety profile. Despite the highly promising results of MDMA- assisted therapy so far, additional clinical research is crucial to enable this drug to revolutionise future treatment methods.
Physical activity patterns following major lower limb amputation
Authors: Wójtowicz Katarzyna , Walczak Agata , Gajek-Flanczewska Wiktoria , Wirkijowska Małgorzata , Woźniak Paulina , Flanczewski Sebastian , Wirkijowski Jakub , Wietrzykowska Ewa , Śliwińska Martyna , Podraza Anna , Sobolewska Dominika , Michalczyk-Fraszka Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

Introduction and aim of study: Lower limb amputation is one of the most common acquired disabilities. The main aim of the study was to assess global trends regarding the procedure, investigate the current trends in post-amputation care, particularly in terms of returning to physical fitness, and identify potential fields of interest in order to improve the everyday life of people with lower limb amputation.
Materials and methods: The authors based this review paper on a widespread analysis of scientific articles published in Science Direct, PubMed, UpToDate, Cochrane, Springer, and Google Scholar, the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study, and government platforms.
Results: The collected information emphasizes the existence of numerous barriers discouraging from participating in sports. The post-amputation care is crucial and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Chronic pain restricts physical activity significantly. Different types of movement focused on specific muscle groups improve functionality.
Conclusions: Disability as a result of lower limb amputation is a significant social issue requiring more action to improve its visibility. New strategies ought to be implemented to educate people with disabilities on the importance of physical activity. The new technologies that are currently under investigation may bring some novelty to the topic in the future.
Keywords: Amputation, Artificial limbs, Rehabilitation, Para-Sports
Understanding Rett Syndrome: Genetic, clinical and therapeutic perspectives - literature review
Authors: Urbańska Sylwia , Witas Aleksandra , Borowska-Łygan Martyna , Pięta Justyna
Published: January 2025

Introduction and Objective: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects the female. The disease develops after 6 months of age causing abnormalities in the child's development. The aim of this article is to bring together the latest information and clinical, genetic and therapeutic perspectives on RTT.
Review Methods: The review was based on publicly available PubMed and Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2019 to 2024 using the following phrases: rett syndrome, rett syndrome treatment, rett syndrome rehabilitation, MECP2. Publications were analyzed using a non-systematic review method to create a brief synthesis of the available information. 
Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: Rett syndrome is characterised by a loss-of-function mutation in the MECP2 gene, which is located on the long arm of the X chromosome. The diagnosis is confirmed by clinical criteria such as complete loss of acquired targeted hand skills, spoken language, gait abnormalities and confirmation of the mutation in the MECP2 gene. Treatment focuses on multidisciplinary management of the symptoms associated with the disease and an individualised rehabilitation programme. Recent studies show positive effects of trofinetide treatment, and gene therapy, genome editing and ataluren promise to be a promising treatment for RTT.
Summary: The authors highlight the need for development of early diagnosis of RTT in infants, rehabilitation focused on family-centred care (FCC) and the need for further research towards innovative treatments for Rett Syndrome.
Analysis And Evaluation of Currently Used Standards/Norms/Guidelines for the Design and Installation of Emergency Lighting
Authors: Ochenkowski Marcin , Popielarczyk Tomasz
Published: January 2025

Aim: The aim of this publication is to present the results of theoretical research - assessment of normative and legal documents used to design and install emergency lighting systems in selected countries. The aim of the research was to analyze and compare emergency lighting systems in Poland, against the background of selected standards from different parts of the world. Introduction: Seven standards were adopted for the analysis and assessment of currently used standards/norms/guidelines for designing and installing emergency lighting in the world, therefore differences in the approach to design are noticeable. The analysis took into account the guidelines and standards of countries such as: United Arab Emirates, United States, Australia, Netherlands, Norway, Great Britain and Poland. European countries base their design requirements on the European standard EN 1838 and EN 50172, taking into account their own guidelines. The requirements that appear in Australian and NFPA standards look slightly different, which were also an inspiration for the standards of the United Arab Emirates, which we can consider the best described and most rigorous. During the analysis, standards/guidelines were compared in terms of requirements for places requiring application, light intensity, type of lighting and installation of emergency lighting fixtures. The study also describes the requirements for dynamic lighting systems, for which there is no Polish standard and for now come from the German DIN VDE standard for visual evacuation guidance systems. Methodology: Theoretical research was used in the research process, such as: analysis of literature and legal documents, synthesis, generalization, inference, comparison and analogy. The analysis took into account guidelines and standards of countries such as: United Arab Emirates, United States, Australia, Netherlands, Norway, Great Britain and Poland. The selection of individual countries was guided by the level of development of these systems in a given country and the availability of source documents. Conclusions: Based on the analysis, it can be stated that in all the standards analyzed, the safe evacuation from a facility threatened by fire and loss of basic power supply is the most important. All countries also approach the issue of facilities in which these systems should be used in a similar way. The requirements in Europe are largely based on the EN 1838 standard, while the United States and the United Arab Emirates are based on the NFPA. The problem is the lack of a European standard for dynamic lighting systems, the current requirements come from the German standard DIN VDE V 0108-200 for Visual evacuation guidance systems, which will probably become an inspiration for the creation of the EN standard in the future.