bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Beware, I am large and dangerous’ – human listeners can be deceived by dynamic manipulation of the indexical content of agonistic dog growls
Authors: Pongrácz Péter , Dobos Petra , Zsilák Borbála , Faragó Tamás , Ferdinandy Bence
Published: March 2024

Dishonest vocal signals about body size are rarely encountered, however, dogs are capable of modifying indexical information in their growls. This apparent acoustic body-size manipulation could be affected by the level of threat experienced by the dog. We tested whether this natural size manipulation actually affects how listeners assess the size of the dog, thus whether it could be considered as a successful indexical information manipulation. We requested human participants to assess dog growls, originally recorded when dogs encountered various ‘threatening strangers’ (of different sex, stature). The participants heard several sets of growl pairs, where they had to guess, which growl belonged to the ‘larger dog’. In the Control condition, dog growls originated from two different dogs in a pair; in the Test condition, growls of the same dog were presented pair by pair, always recorded in the presence of different threatening humans. Human listeners reliably picked the larger dog from two differently sized animals based on their growls alone. In the Test condition, participants thought that the dog was ‘larger’ when it was threatened by a female experimenter, and when the dog was growling at a larger sized human. We found that while growl length modulation was the main factor behind size-choice decisions in the case of female strangers, formant dispersion difference contributed the most when listeners chose which dog was the larger in the case of male opponents. Our results provide firsthand evidence of dogs’ functionally deceptive vocalizations towards humans, a phenomenon which has not been shown before in any interspecific scenario.
The anterior communicating artery variants: a meta-analysis with a proposed classification system
Authors: Triantafyllou George , Tudose Răzvan Costin , Tsiouris Christos , Tsakotos George , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane , Kalamatianos Theodosis , Chrissicopoulos Christos , Al-Nasraoui Katerina , Koutserimpas Christos , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Natsis Konstantinos , Kotrotsios Anastasios , Piagkou Maria
Published: March 2024

Morphological and morphometric variants of the anterior communicating artery (AComA) have been described by multiple studies; however, a complete classification system of all possible morphological variants with their prevalence is lacking. The current systematic review with meta-analysis combines data from different databases, concerning the AComA morphological and morphometric variants (length and diameter). Emphasis was given to the related clinical implications to highlight the clinical value of their knowledge. The typical AComA morphology occurs with a pooled prevalence (PP) of 67.3%, while the PP of atypical AComA is 32.7%. The identified AComA morphological variants (artery’s hypoplasia, absence, duplication, triplication, differed shape, fenestration, and the persistence of a median artery of the corpus callosum- MACC) were classified in order of frequency. The commonest presented variants were the AComA hypoplasia (8%) and the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) fusion (5.9%), and the rarest ones were the MACC persistence (2.3%), and the AComA triplication (0.7%). The knowledge of those variants is essential, especially for neurosurgeons operating in the area. Given the high prevalence of AComA aneurysms, an adequate and complete classification of those variants is of utmost importance.
Molecular diagnostics of hepatobiliary and pancreatic neoplasias
Authors: Longerich T. , Stenzinger A. , Schirmacher P.
Published: March 2024

Neoplasias of the hepatopancreatobiliary tract are growing in numbers, have the poorest prognosis of all major cancer entities, and thus represent a rising clinical problem. Their molecular diagnostic has dramatically improved, contributing to tumor subtyping, definition of malignancy, and uncovering cases with hereditary predisposition. Most of all, predictive molecular testing allows to identify cases amenable to treatment with the rising number of approved targeted drugs, immune-oncological treatment, and clinical trials. In this review, the current state of molecular testing and its contribution to clinical decision-making are outlined.
In-person versus electronic screening for social risks among carers of pediatric inpatients: A mixed methods randomized trial
Authors: Smithers Lisa Gaye , MacPhail Catherine , Chan Lily , Downes Maeve , Neadley Kate , Boyd Mark
Published: March 2024

We aimed to compare disclosure of social risks according to self-report on an iPad versus face-to-face questions from a health professional and to explore carers’ experiences of screening. This two-arm, parallel group, randomized trial was conducted from January 19, 2021, to December 17, 2021, in a public hospital pediatric ward serving a disadvantaged area of an Australian capital city. Carers of children aged ≤ 5 years admitted to the Children’s Ward were eligible. The primary outcome was disclosure of social risks. The screener included nine items on food security, household utilities, transport, employment, personal and neighborhood safety, social support, housing and homelessness. Disclosure of social risks was similar between the self-completion (n = 193) and assisted-completion (n = 193) groups for all 9 items, ranging 4.1% higher for worrying about money for food (95% CI − 11.4, 3.1%) among the assisted-completion group, to 5.7% (−1.6, 13.0%) higher for unemployment among the self-completion group. In qualitative interviews, participants were positive about screening for social risks in the hospital ward setting and the majority indicated a preference for self-completion.

  Conclusion: Differences in the disclosure of social risks according to self- versus assisted-completion were small, suggesting that either method could be used. Most carers expressed a preference for self- completion, which is therefore recommended as the ideal mode for such data collection for Australian pediatric inpatient settings.

  Trial registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (www.anzctry.org.au; #ACTRN12620001326987; date of registration 8 December 2020).

What is Known:• Most evidence on screening of social risks in pediatric inpatient settings is from the USA.• Little is known about disclosure of social risks in countries with universal health care and social welfare.

What is New:• Disclosure of social risks was similar for electronic compared with face-to-face screening.• Carers preferred electronic completion over face-to-face completion.
Investigating maternal and neonatal health outcomes associated with continuing or ceasing dexamphetamine treatment for women with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder during pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Russell Danielle J. , Wyrwoll Caitlin S. , Preen David B. , Kelty Erin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is becoming more commonly diagnosed in women, consequently, more women of reproductive age are taking ADHD medication, such as dexamphetamine. However, the safety associated with continuing or ceasing dexamphetamine during pregnancy is unclear. This study investigates outcomes associated with the continuation of dexamphetamine during pregnancy compared to those who ceased or were unexposed.

Methods

A population-based retrospective cohort of women from Western Australia who had been dispensed dexamphetamine during pregnancy and gave birth between 2003 and 2018. Women had either continued to take dexamphetamine throughout pregnancy (continuers, n = 547) or ceased dexamphetamine before the end of the second trimester (ceasers, n = 297). Additionally, a matched (1:1) comparison group of women who were dispensed an ADHD medication prior to pregnancy but not during pregnancy (unexposed) was included in the study (n = 844). Multivariable generalised linear models were used to compare maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Results

Compared to continuers, ceasers had greater odds of threatened abortion (OR: 2.28; 95%CI: 1.00, 5.15; p = 0.049). The unexposed had some benefits compared to the continuers, which included lower risk of preeclampsia (OR: 0.58; 95%CI: 0.35, 0.97; p = 0.037), hypertension (OR: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.93; p = 0.036), postpartum haemorrhage (OR: 0.57; 95%CI: 0.41, 0.80; p = 0.001), neonatal special care unit admittance (OR: 0.16; 95%CI: 0.12, 0.20; p < 0.001) and fetal distress (OR: 0.73; 95%CI: 0.54, 0.99; p = 0.042).

Conclusion

Continuing dexamphetamine throughout pregnancy was not associated with an increase in adverse neonatal and maternal health outcomes compared to ceasing. Ceasing dexamphetamine during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of threatened abortion compared with continuing dexamphetamine. However, this is something that requires further investigation due to the small sample size, difficulties examining timing, and the inability to examine spontaneous abortions. The unexposed showed some benefits compared to the continuers, suggesting that where possible the cessation of dexamphetamine prior to pregnancy may be advisable.
Plastic deformation effect on contact behaviour in granular materials
Authors: Altuhafi F. N. , Baudet B. A. , Coop M. R.
Published: March 2024

Contact tests on machined and natural granite showed that extensive plastic deformation which extends to the core shape is happening before the cross-over from the behaviour of an elastic rough surface to the Hertzian behaviour of an elastic smooth contact when all asperities have yielded in the surface. The plastic deformation, which was found to take place when the estimated maximum stresses at the contact reaches about 0.6 of the material hardness, affects the behaviour during normal loading as the material will start to deform at constant stiffness after reaching these stresses. The plastic deformation during lateral loading also affects the applicability of lateral loading models. The data yielded a much lower lateral stiffness which is around one order of magnitude less than that predicted by the available contact models.
Hereditary spastic paraparesis type 18 (SPG18): new ERLIN2 variants in a series of Italian patients, shedding light upon genetic and phenotypic variability
Authors: Cioffi Ettore , Gioiosa Valeria , Tessa Alessandra , Petrucci Antonio , Trovato Rosanna , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Casali Carlo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is a group of central nervous system diseases primarily affecting the spinal upper motor neurons, with different inheritance patterns and phenotypes. SPG18 is a rare, early-onset, complicated HSP, first reported as linked to biallelic ERLIN2 mutations. Recent cases of late-onset, pure HSP with monoallelic ERLIN2 variants prompt inquiries into the zygosity of such genetic conditions. The observed relationship between phenotype and mode of inheritance suggests a potential dominant negative effect of mutated ERLIN2 protein, potentially resulting in a milder phenotype. This speculation suggests that a wider range of HSP genes could be linked to various inheritance patterns.

Purpose and background

With documented cases of HSP loci exhibiting both dominant and recessive patterns, this study emphasizes that the concept of zygosity is no longer a limiting factor in the establishment of molecular diagnoses for HSP. Recent cases have demonstrated phenoconversion in SPG18, from HSP to an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-like syndrome.

Methods and results

This report highlights two cases out of five exhibiting HSP-ALS phenoconversion, discussing an observed prevalence in autosomal dominant SPG18. Additionally, the study emphasizes the relatively high incidence of the c.502G>A variant in monoallelic SPG18 cases. This mutation appears to be particularly common in cases of HSPALS phenoconversion, indicating its potential role as a hotspot for a distinctive SPG18 phenotype with an ALS-like syndrome.

Conclusions

Clinicians need to be aware that patients with HSP may show ALS signs and symptoms. On the other hand, HSP panels must be included in genetic testing methods for instances of familial ALS.
Potassium transporter OsHAK17 may contribute to saline-alkaline tolerant mechanisms in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Nampei Mami , Ogi Hiromu , Sreewongchai Tanee , Nishida Sho , Ueda Akihiro
Published: March 2024

Rice production is seriously affected by saline-alkaline stress worldwide. To elucidate the saline-alkaline tolerance mechanisms in a novel tolerant rice variety, Shwe Nang Gyi (SNG), we investigated ion accumulation in SNG and Koshihikari (KSH), which is a saline-alkaline sensitive rice variety, and the candidates for saline-alkaline inducible genes in SNG using RNA-seq. SNG had superior ion accumulation capacity, such as K and Zn, compared to KSH. In contrast, SNG accumulated the same level of Na content in its leaf blades as KSH despite the higher dry weight of the SNG leaf blades. We further found that the expression of numerous genes, including several K+ transporter/high-affinity K+ transporter/K+ uptake protein/K+ transporter (HAK/KUP/KT) family members, were upregulated in SNG, and that OsHAK17 and OsHAK21 expression levels in the roots were significantly higher in SNG than in KSH. Moreover, yeast complementation analysis revealed that OsHAK17 was involved in K+ uptake under high-Na conditions. These results suggested that SNG has an effective K+ acquisition system supported by OsHAK17 functioning in saline-alkaline environments.
Compatible relative open books on relative contact pairs via generalized square bridge diagrams
Authors: Arıkan M. F. , Taşpınar İ. Ö.
Published: March 2024

Using square bridge position, Akbulut-Ozbagci and later Arikan gave algorithms both of which construct an explicit compatible open book decomposition on a closed contact 3-manifold which results from a contact $$(\pm 1)$$

(
±
1
)

-surgery on a Legendrian link in the standard contact 3-sphere. In this article, we introduce the “generalized square bridge position” for a Legendrian link in the standard contact 5-sphere and partially generalize this result to the dimension five via an algorithm which constructs relative open book decompositions on relative contact pairs.
Promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies among maize farmers in Ghana: using digital advisory services
Authors: Asante Bright O. , Ma Wanglin , Prah Stephen , Temoso Omphile
Published: March 2024

Although policy and advisory communities have promoted the use of digital advisory services (DAS) to stimulate technology adoption among smallholder farmers, little is known about whether DAS use encourages farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural (CSA) technologies. This study addresses the gap by estimating data collected from 3197 maize-producing households in rural Ghana and considering three CSA technologies: row planting, zero tillage, and drought-tolerant seeds. A recursive bivariate probit model is utilized to mitigate selection bias issues. The results show that DAS use significantly increases the probabilities of adopting row planting, zero tillage, and drought-tolerant seeds by 12.4%, 4.2%, and 4.6%, respectively. Maize farmers’ decisions to use DAS are influenced by their age, gender, education, family size, asset value, distance to farm, perceived incidence of pest and disease, perceived drought stress, and membership in farmer-based organizations (FBO). Furthermore, the disaggregated analysis reveals that DAS use has a larger impact on the row planting adoption of female farmers than males.
MDS, Hermitian almost MDS, and Gilbert–Varshamov quantum codes from generalized monomial-Cartesian codes
Authors: Barbero-Lucas Beatriz , Hernando Fernando , Martín-Cruz Helena , McGuire Gary
Published: March 2024

We construct new stabilizer quantum error-correcting codes from generalized monomial-Cartesian codes. Our construction uses an explicitly defined twist vector, and we present formulas for the minimum distance and dimension. Generalized monomial-Cartesian codes arise from polynomials inmvariables. When$$m=1$$m=1our codes are MDS, and when$$m=2$$m=2and our lower bound for the minimum distance is 3, the codes are at least Hermitian almost MDS. For an infinite family of parameters, when$$m=2$$m=2we prove that our codes beat the Gilbert–Varshamov bound. We also present many examples of our codes that are better than any known code in the literature.
Life cycle assessment of a LiFePO4 cylindrical battery
Authors: Botejara-Antúnez Manuel , Prieto-Fernández Alejandro , González-Domínguez Jaime , Sánchez-Barroso Gonzalo , García-Sanz-Calcedo Justo
Published: March 2024

Reduction of the environmental impact, energy efficiency and optimization of material resources are basic aspects in the design and sizing of a battery. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the environmental impact associated with the life cycle of a 7.47 Wh 18,650 cylindrical single-cell LiFePO4 battery. Life cycle assessment (LCA), the SimaPro 9.1 software package, the Ecoinvent 3.5 database and the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method were used for this purpose. Environmental impacts were modelled and quantified using the dual midpoint-endpoint approach and the “cradle-to-gate” model. The results showed the electrodes to be the battery components with the highest environmental impact (41.36% of the total), with the negative electrode being the most unfavourable (29.8 mPt). The ageing, calibration and testing process (53.97 mPt) accounts for 97.21% of the total impact associated with the production process’s consumption of energy, and 41.20% of the total impact associated with the battery. This new knowledge will allow a more detailed view of the environmental impact of cylindrical cell LiFePO4 batteries, favouring the identification of critical points to enhance their sustainable production.
Self-selected versus imposed running intensity and the acute effects on mood, cognition, and (a)periodic brain activity
Authors: Braunsmann Leonard , Beermann Finja , Strüder Heiko K. , Abeln Vera
Published: March 2024

The beneficial psychological effects of exercise might be explained by self-determination theory and autonomy. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are even less elucidated. Previously neglected, aperiodic (1/f) brain activity is suggested to indicate enhanced cortical inhibition when the slope is steeper. This is thought to be associated with an increased cognitive performance. Therefore, we hypothesize that running with a self-selected intensity and thus given autonomy leads to stronger neural inhibition accompanied by psychological improvements. Twenty-nine runners performed two 30-min runs. First, they chose their individual feel-good intensity (self-selected run; SR). After a 4-weeks washout, the same speed was blindly prescribed (imposed run; IR). Acute effects on mood (Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, MoodMeter®), cognition (d2-R, digit span test) and electrocortical activity (slope, offset, 1/f-corrected alpha and low beta band) were analyzed before and after the runs. Both runs had an equal physical workload and improved mood in the Felt Arousal Scale, but not in the Feeling Scale or MoodMeter®. Cognitive performance improved after both runs in the d2-R, while it remained stable in the digit span test after SR, but decreased after IR. After running, the aperiodic slope was steeper, and the offset was reduced. Alpha activity increased after SR only, while low beta activity decreased after both conditions. The aperiodic features partially correlated with mood and cognition. SR was not clearly superior regarding psychological effects. Reduced aperiodic brain activity indicates enhanced neural inhibition after both runs. The 1/f-corrected alpha band may emphasize a different neural processing between both runs.
An In Vitro Study for the Role of Schizophrenia-Related Potential miRNAs in the Regulation of COMT Gene
Authors: Tonk Onur , Tokgun Pervin Elvan , Yılmaz Özge Sarıca , Tokgun Onur , Inci Kubilay , Çelikkaya Büşra , Altintas Nuray
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to analyze the possible association of miR-30a-5p, miR-30e-5p, and miR-34a-5p identified as potential candidate miRNAs in schizophrenia, with the COMT gene. Candidate miRNAs were obtained from the TargetScan database. The SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line was used as a cellular model for schizophrenia. miR-30a-5p, miR-30e-5p, and miR-34a-5p mimics were transfected into the SH-SY5Y cell line. Total RNA was isolated from transfected cells and RNA-IP samples and reverse transcripted for miRNA and mRNA analysis. RT-qPCR and western blot were performed to observe changes in expression levels of COMT. RNA-ımmunoprecipitation was performed to determine RNA–protein interactions after mimic transfection. In the study, it was observed that COMT gene expression levels decreased significantly after miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p expressions, whereas increased significantly as a result of miR-30e-5p transfection. RNA-IP data have shown that the amount of COMT pulled down by Ago2 was increased after miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p transfections. RNA-IP results revealed that miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p are direct targets for the COMT gene.
Economic Risk Assessment of Future Debris Flows by Machine Learning Method
Authors: Qiu Chenchen , Su Lijun , Pasuto Alessandro , Bossi Giulia , Geng Xueyu
Published: March 2024

A reliable economic risk map is critical for effective debris-flow mitigation. However, the uncertainties surrounding future scenarios in debris-flow frequency and magnitude restrict its application. To estimate the economic risks caused by future debris flows, a machine learning-based method was proposed to generate an economic risk map by multiplying a debris-flow hazard map and an economic vulnerability map. We selected the Gyirong Zangbo Basin as the study area because frequent severe debris flows impact the area every year. The debris-flow hazard map was developed through the multiplication of the annual probability of spatial impact, temporal probability, and annual susceptibility. We employed a hybrid machine learning model—certainty factor-genetic algorithm-support vector classification—to calculate susceptibilities. Simultaneously, a Poisson model was applied for temporal probabilities, while the determination of annual probability of spatial impact relied on statistical results. Additionally, four major elements at risk were selected for the generation of an economic loss map: roads, vegetation-covered land, residential buildings, and farmland. The economic loss of elements at risk was calculated based on physical vulnerabilities and their economic values. Therefore, we proposed a physical vulnerability matrix for residential buildings, factoring in impact pressure on buildings and their horizontal distance and vertical distance to debris-flow channels. In this context, an ensemble model (XGBoost) was used to predict debris-flow volumes to calculate impact pressures on buildings. The results show that residential buildings occupy 76.7% of the total economic risk, while road-covered areas contribute approximately 6.85%. Vegetation-covered land and farmland collectively represent 16.45% of the entire risk. These findings can provide a scientific support for the effective mitigation of future debris flows.
Georg Ebers’ Professorenromane und die frühe Ägyptologie
Authors: Lickhardt Maren
Published: March 2024

Georg Ebers’ wirkliche oder vermeintliche Popularität auf Basis eines historischen Romans über das alte Ägypten trägt zur Etablierung bzw. Ausweitung ägyptologischer Lehrstühle in Deutschland bei. Der Artikel arbeitet heraus, warum der Roman populär war, und vollzieht besagten Etablierungsprozess nach. Anschließend wird Ebers’ zweifache Entpopularisierung untersucht. Zum einen eignet sich sein Roman aufgrund seiner literarästhetisch ›populären‹ Signatur wenig zur Kanonisierung. Zum anderen trägt Ebers’ Schüler Adolf Erman zu einer endgültigen Ausdifferenzierung und Spezialisierung des Fachs bei, indem er eine Schließung vornimmt und die populäre Außenseite der Ägyptologie samt Ebers abschneidet.
Detection and quantitative microbial risk assessment of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae in a river used for drinking, domestic, fresh produce irrigation and recreational purposes
Authors: Ozochi Chizoba A. , Okonkwo Christopher C. , Adukwu Emmanuel C. , Ujor Victor C. , Enebe Matthew C. , Chigor Vincent N.
Published: March 2024

Cholera infection results from the ingestion of water or food contaminated with toxigenic Vibrio cholerae. This study evaluated the occurrence of toxigenic V. cholerae in Asata River, Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria, and estimated V. cholerae infection risks from use of the River water for drinking, domestic and recreational purposes. Vibrio was detected and quantified using membrane filtration technique and thiosulfate–citrate–bile salts–sucrose agar. Isolates were screened by PCR, using specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (its) region between 16 and 23S rRNA and the cholera toxin (ctx) gene. Sequenced 16SrRNA gene amplicons of two selected isolates were used for phylogenetic analysis. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was conducted using the β-Poisson dose–response model. About 81% (58/72) of Asata River samples recorded Vibrio counts above 1.0 $$\times$$
×
 103 cfu/100 mL. Of the fifty Vibrio isolates screened, its was detected in 54% (27/50), out of which 74% (20/27) had the ctx gene of toxigenic V. cholerae. Evolutionary relatedness of the sequenced isolates to V. cholerae was revealed. The estimated risks of cholera infection in persons exposed to untreated Asata River water were above 0.5 for all the exposure scenarios, for both the rainy and dry seasons. The risks were highest (~ 0.9) for exposure via drinking water and annual risk of infection was deduced to have a probability of 1.0. Therefore, dependence on the untreated Asata River water for drinking, recreational, domestic and irrigation purposes may present a potential public health risk of cholera outbreak. We recommend increased monitoring and surveillance of River water for Vibrio abundance and that Asata River be protected from further degradation.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms in a cohort of Egyptian patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Authors: El Demerdash Doaa Mohamed , Saber Maha Mohamed , Ayad Alia , Gomaa Kareeman , Abdelkader Morad Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by immune response dysregulations. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) plays a central role in immune checkpoint pathways and preventing autoimmune diseases by regulating immune tolerance. We aimed to explore the potential association between CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and ITP as well as study their impact on the response to therapy.

Methods

We investigated two CTLA-4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs: 231775 and rs: 3087243) using real-time PCR as well as the plasma levels of CTLA-4 by ELISA in 88 patients with ITP and 44 healthy participants (HC).

Results

CTLA-4 (rs: 3087243) A > G polymorphism analysis showed most HC had the homozygous AA genotype, which was statistically significant compared to patients with ITP. Plasma levels of CTLA4 were statistically lower in patients with acute ITP. There was no correlation between CTLA-4 (rs: 231775 and rs: 3087243) A/G SNPs were not correlated to the response to all lines of therapy assessed (corticosteroids, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, splenectomy, and rituximab).

Conclusion

CTLA-4 CT 60 A/G may affect the susceptibility of ITP, but both CTLA-4 + 49 A/G and CT60 A/G did not impact the response of patients with ITP to different lines of therapy.
Overcrowding in the Dispatching Centre During the COVID-19 Crisis: Are Medical Students a Resource?
Authors: Douillet Delphine , Plard Delphine , Morin François , Courjault Yannick , Gaultier Gwladys , Lerolle Nicolas , Templier François , Roy Pierre-Marie , Savary Dominique
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

In February, the emergence of COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID - 19) in France made it necessary to rapidly adapt emergency and SAMU services in order to take care of many infected patients. To respond to the increase in the number of calls in the dispatch centers, reinforcements were necessary on the fronts of the Medical Regulation Assistants (ARM). The aim of this study was to assess the relevance of medical students’ responses to first calls exclusively concerning COVID-19.

Methods:

This prospective, observational cohort study was carried out at the University Hospital Centre (CHU) in Angers. Twenty medical students mostly in the 5th year were voluntarily enrolled in the first line COVID-19 call taker team. Calls on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th starting day for each medical student, and randomly selected calls from the experienced first-line call taker were listened to by a medical expert to assess the adequate level of prioritization and orientation (emergency physician or general practitioner). The percentage of agreement between the expert, students, and experienced first-line call handlers were assessed. All participants gave their free consent to participate. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Angers (N° 2020-48).

Results:

From March 18 to April 23, 2020, 302 calls from medical students (n = 20 students) and 40 calls from experienced first-line call handlers were analyzed. The average prioritization agreement rate between the expert and students was 76.16% (95% Confidence Interval: 71.04 to 80.62%) (n = 230/302) compared to 87.50% (95% CI: 73.9 to 94.5%) (n = 45/50) for the experienced first-line call handlers (P = 0.15). Medical students took more time per call with an absolute difference of 2 minutes 16 seconds (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The lessons to be observed from this COVID-19 crisis are that in the early days of increasing calls heralding a strain on the healthcare system, support by medical students must be considered.
Effectiveness of an Intervention Program to Enhance the Self-Confidence of Kindergarten Teachers Dealing with Radiation-Related Health Concerns from Parents of Young Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Moriyama Nobuaki , Nakayama Chihiro , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Kuga Tomomi , Yasumura Seiji
Published: March 2024

Objective:

This study examined the effectiveness of an intervention program to enhance the self-confidence of kindergarten teachers who address radiation-related health concerns among parents following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011, wherein radiation anxiety among mothers with young children was high. Kindergarten teachers are expected to address the concerns of these parents

Methods:

Participants from 2 private kindergartens in Fukushima City were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 10), which received an intervention program comprising lectures, group discussions, and presentations, or the control group (n = 16), which received only written materials used in the intervention program. Changes in the measured scores post-intervention were calculated, and the mean values were compared between both groups using the Student’s t-test.

Results:

The primary outcome was self-confidence, and the difference-in-differences approach was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention program. The study found a more significant difference between pre- and post-intervention self-confidence in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

The intervention program effectively enhanced the self-confidence of kindergarten teachers in dealing with radiation-related health concerns of parents with young children.
Association between carotenoid intake and periodontitis in diabetic patients
Authors: Li Fengli , Wang Ge , Zhang Yujie
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary carotenoid intake and periodontitis in diabetic patients. Data on diabetic patients were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014 for this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake of carotenoids was assessed through the first 24-hour dietary recall interview. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were conducted by trained dental examiners. Subgroup analysis was conducted in terms of age, gender, the number of missing teeth, cardiovascular disease, smoking, and anti-diabetic drugs. Totally 1914 diabetic patients were included, with 1281 (66.93%) in the periodontitis group. After adjusting for age, gender, race, education, smoking, dental implants, hepatitis, and the number of missing teeth, α-carotene intake ≥55.82 mcg was associated with lower odds of periodontitis than α-carotene intake <55.82 mcg [OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53–0.91, P = 0.010]; lutein and zeaxanthin intake ≥795.95 mcg was associated with decreased odds of periodontitis than lutein and zeaxanthin intake <795.95 mcg (OR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.57–0.98, P = 0.039). The association between carotenoid intake and periodontitis varied across different subpopulations. In diabetes, dietary intake of α-carotene and lutein and zeaxanthin was inversely associated with the odds of periodontitis, which may facilitate clinical periodontitis management.
The third age interrupted: experiences of living in a retirement village during the first year of COVID-19 in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Gilbert Andrew Simon , Garratt Stephanie M. , Ostaszkiewicz Joan , Batchelor Frances , Brijnath Bianca , Dang Christa , Dow Briony , Goh Anita M. Y.
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic in Australia has profoundly affected older adults, particularly in the state of Victoria, which experienced strict lockdown restrictions six times since the pandemic began in 2020; totalling 245 days over three years. This study explored the experiences of older adults living in retirement villages during the first three lockdowns in Victoria from March 2020 to February 2021. We draw on the concept of the ‘third age’ to explore how residents’ post-retirement social and lifestyle aspirations were disrupted by the pandemic and associated lockdowns. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 residents during January and February 2021. All data were analysed using thematic mapping. Five key themes were identified: (1) benefits and frustrations of retirement village living during a pandemic; (2) the loss of amenities and activities; (3) heightened loneliness and social isolation; (4) reaching out to others; and (5) variable experiences of operators’ response. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted short-term and long-term issues around social isolation and the management of retirement villages, it has also demonstrated the resilience of residents and the strength of community ties and relationships. Retirement villages are promoted as age-friendly environments that enable an active and healthy post-retirement lifestyle. Yet our findings reveal heterogeneity within village populations. When services closed during lockdowns, this revealed a tension between the policy assumption that retirement villages are a housing consumption choice, and the unmet needs of those residents who depend on village services for day-to-day functioning.
Quadratic associations between cardiovascular stress reactivity and development of cool and hot executive functions in adolescents
Authors: Lü Wei , Huang Yefei
Published: February 2024

Stress affects executive functions and exploring the association between stress-induced physiological reactivity and executive functions could highlight the potential mechanism of the stress-cognitive function link. Our study examined the linear and nonlinear associations between cardiovascular stress reactivity and cool and hot executive functions among adolescents. In November 2021 (T1), 273 Chinese adolescents between 11 and 14 (Mage = 12.93, SDage = 0.79) underwent a speech task during which their cardiovascular data were recorded, and they completed a Flanker task and an Emotional Stroop task. In May 2023 (T2), 253 adolescents again completed the Flanker and Emotional Stroop tasks. Cool and hot executive functions were assessed using the intra-individual reaction time variability of the Flanker task and Emotional Stroop task, respectively. Results showed that cardiovascular stress reactivity was positively linearly associated with cool executive functions at T1 and quadratically (inverted U-shaped) associated with cool executive functions at T1 and hot executive functions at T1 and T2. These findings suggest that compared to very high and very low cardiovascular reactivity, moderate to high cardiovascular reactivity to a structured social challenge is associated with better cool and hot executive functions.
The effectiveness of immersive learning technologies in K–12 English as second language learning: A systematic review
Authors: Weng Yueqi , Schmidt Matthew , Huang Wanju , Hao Yuanyue
Published: March 2024

Immersive learning technologies offer K–12 English learners simulated contexts for language acquisition through virtual interactions, influencing learner attitudes and enhancing cross-curricular skills. While past literature reviews have explored learners’ English skills and emotions, few have delved into the learning effectiveness of immersive technologies for K–12 students. This systematic review analyzed 33 studies from 2012 to 2021, focusing on research designs, the role of immersive technologies in English learning, and the theoretical underpinnings of these studies. Results highlight the methods used to gauge learning effectiveness, the ways immersive technologies bolster learners’ attitudes and skills, and a noticeable gap in theoretical grounding. Recommendations for future research are provided.
The “Joy Hook,” “Weird Feedback Loops,” “Quick Hit Pieces,” and “Usefulness”
Authors: Harlig Alexandra , Easter Makeda , Fuhrer Margaret
Published: March 2024

While dance has captured attention across platforms and media, remuneration is constrained by copyright issues, a devaluation of dance as a product, and racism. Media coverage of economic, labor, and crediting concerns in popular dance is a critical part of the circuit of creation, discourse, and culture-shifts in online dance. Coverage has an important role in an age of online organizing and the exposure economy, while it simultaneously extracts value from the creators being covered.
The Human Labor of Digital Humanities
Authors: Hunter E.B.
Published: March 2024

At the institutional and individual level, interest is growing in theatre and performance studies digital humanities (DH) projects. Too often, this interest fizzles out in the leap from digital imaginings to production timelines that real people must execute (with real budgets). A thorough understanding of the labor structures that drive such projects is necessary in developing realistic, sustainable models of DH work.
What Other Movement Is There?
Authors: Maguire-Rosier Kate , Abe Naoko , Andreallo Fiona
Published: March 2024

The way robots move often evokes horror. Dance—as an embodied, movement-based art form open to possibility—can expand motion-based Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) beyond popular approaches based on anthropomorphism and late-capitalist efficiency. The “super-machinic” robotic system coopts human-centered movement and perpetuates neoliberal capitalist agendas. Dance offers a provocation for HRI and an invitation to reimagine how we move.
Breathing Down My Neck
Authors: Müller-Trede Lisa
Published: March 2024

In this digital video supplement to the issue, Lisa Müller-Trede restages a 2022 performance in which she hired an actor to deliver her talk and then interrupted “her” talk at a conference on affective computing—an event that bursts open the academic norms that forbid consideration of the violent uses to which AI research, especially when connected to human bodies, can lend itself.
Presence and Physiovalence
Authors: Ueno Ken
Published: March 2024

The tendency to reduce the movements of performers in media art to data results in a flattening of identities and makes the performers’ essence seemingly insignificant. Two case studies showcase what might be lost through datafication, even as they resist it: Lucinda Childs “walking” in Bach 6 Solo by Robert Wilson, and Michael Jackson standing still at the start of his 1993 Super Bowl Halftime show. The desire to detach the body from aesthetic significance can be traced back to America’s historical racism.
Influence of Lee Wave Breaking on Far‐Field Mixing in the Deep Ocean
Authors: Zheng Kaiwen , Zhang Zhiwei , Yang Zhibin , Sun Hui , Guan Shoude , Huang Xiaodong , Zhou Chun , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei
Published: March 2024

Breaking of internal lee waves generated by flow‐topography interaction is an important driving mechanism for abyssal mixing. By assuming that lee‐wave‐driven mixing is a local process, direct measurements in the past mainly focused on the water column over rough topography. In this study, a non‐local role of lee waves on remote mixing is investigated by using mooring observations in the northwestern Philippine Basin and a series of 2‐dimensional high‐resolution numerical simulations. We find that the breaking of lee waves can generate near‐inertial waves (NIWs) which can propagate away from their generation sites. The NIWs have strong vertical shear which can significantly elevate turbulent dissipation and mixing over remote uneven seafloor. Based on the topography perturbations numerical experiments, we find that for the remote gentle topography with inverse Froude number (Fr−1) between 0 and 0.5, the arrival of upstream NIWs can elevate the near‐bottom layer (0–1,000 m above bottom) dissipation rate and vertical diffusivity by 9.2 and 10.4 times, respectively at 30–50 km away from the NIWs source. For the remote rough topography with Fr−1 between 0 and 4, the corresponding increases are 3.5 and 4.4 times, respectively. The mechanism of upstream NIWs to elevate the downstream dissipation and mixing is through strengthening the shear instability over the far‐field topography, which is associated with NIWs' interactions with the topography and the generated lee waves therein. The results of this study will provide a foundation for improving the mixing parameterizations associated with current‐topography interactions.
Formation and Variability of Barrier Layer in the South Pacific
Authors: Jiang Jindong , Shi Jiuxin , Zhu Yaohua , Wei Zexun
Published: March 2024

The oceanic barrier layer (BL), dominated by salinity stratification, plays an important role in regulating heat exchange between the mixed layer and the interior ocean. However, the salinity contribution is ignored or underestimated when analyses relying only on temperature threshold methods. Here we introduce the Turner Angle method to quantify the salinity contribution and to obtain relatively accurate BL thickness (BLT), and further to investigate the spatial‐temporal distribution, thickness variation and formation mechanism of the BL in the South Pacific using the updated Argo data during 2005–2021. With the successful usage of this method, we eliminate 41% of the invalid BLs and therefore improve the assessment of the BLs in the South Pacific. Formation of the thick BLs in the South Pacific is attributed to the faster deepening rate of the isothermal layer than the mixed layer. The deepening rate of the isothermal layer is facilitated by subsurface subantarctic mode water while that of the mixed layer is constrained by the subsurface salinity maximum in the South Pacific. On the interannual scale, the BLT in the South Pacific manifests a quasi‐biennial variability, which is closely connected with the variability in the isothermal layer depth and is primarily caused by the anomalous winds driven by the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). The SAM‐related anomalous winds regulate the isothermal layer and further the BL by exerting influences air‐sea heat fluxes and the Ekman layer advection.
Flash Drought in the South of Yangtze River and the Potential Impact of North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Ma Feng , Yuan Xing , Li Hua , Wang Yumiao
Published: March 2024

Flash droughts (FDs), a type of drought with rapid onset, occurred in growing season have damaging impacts on crops, ecosystem and hence livelihoods. However, the associated physical mechanism were not well understood, which prohibits a skillful early warning. Based on the reanalysis data for 1961–2022, we diagnosed the characteristics, antecedent meteorological conditions and large‐scale atmospheric circulation of FDs over the region south of Yangtze River (SYR), a hotspot region of FDs. The FDs tend to occur during the periods before (i.e., from April to mid‐June) and after (i.e., early July–September) Meiyu season (B‐Meiyu and A‐Meiyu periods). Large precipitation deficits and rapid elevated temperature caused by anomalous subsidence and moisture divergence are responsible for the onset of FDs during the two periods. The North Atlantic tripole‐like sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) modes have potential impact on the anomalous circulations via modulating Rossby wave trains, but with different locations among the two periods. During B‐Meiyu period, the SSTA mode is characterized by positive SSTA over subtropical North Atlantic and negative SSTAs over the tropical and mid‐latitude ocean, triggering a “+ − + − + −” circulation pattern over North Atlantic–Eurasia, which reinforces the East Asian trough (EAT). Anomalous northeasterly winds dominate the SYR suppressing moisture transport from the tropics. The SSTA mode locates farther to the north during A‐Meiyu period, inducing a “+ − + − +” wave train over mid‐latitude North Atlantic‐Eurasia, leading to the strengthening of the western Pacific subtropical high. The high‐pressure anomalies control the SYR, resulting in anomalous subsidence and hence negative precipitation anomalies.
Prediction of Tropical Cyclogenesis Based on Machine Learning Methods and Its SHAP Interpretation
Authors: Loi Chi Lok , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Liang Yu‐Chiao
Published: February 2024

This study trains three machine learning models with varying complexity—Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Neural Network—to predict cyclogenesis at a forecast lead time of 24 hr for given tropical disturbances identified by an optimized Kalman Filter algorithm. The overall performance is competent in terms of f1‐scores (∼0.8) compared to previous research of the same kind. An assessment by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values reveals that mid‐level (500 hPa) vorticity is the most influential factor in deciding if a tropical disturbance is developing or non‐developing for all three models. Wind shear and tilting are found to hold a certain level of importance as well. These results encourage further experiments that use physical models to explore the dynamical, mid‐level pathway to tropical cyclogenesis. Another usage of SHAP values in this work is to explain how a machine learning model decides if an individual tropical disturbance case will develop, by listing the contribution of each feature to the output genesis probability, illustrated by a case study of Typhoon Halong. This increases the reliability of the machine learning models, and forecasters can take advantage of such information to issue tropical cyclone formation warnings more accurately. Several caveats of the current machine learning application in the studies of tropical cyclogenesis are discussed and can be considered for future research. These can benefit the interpretation and emphasis of certain output fields in the operational dynamical prediction system, which can contribute to more timely cyclogenesis forecasts.