bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cloud's silver lining? The impact of policy interventions on new and maturing technology ventures' online recruitment
Authors: Lucas David S. , Bellavitis Cristiano , Park U. David
Published: January 2023

Research summary

We synthesize the external enablement (EE) framework with insights from labor economics and strategic human capital to theorize how restrictive policy interventions shape technology ventures' employee recruitment, attending to both sides of the hiring dyad. We engage in a quantitative study of over 220,000 recruiting interactions between technology ventures and candidates on a prominent digital networking platform surrounding the early COVID‐19 pandemic policy responses. We find that firms' recruitment declined significantly while candidates' responsiveness increased during the early COVID‐19 policy interventions. In turn, young technology ventures were enabled to hire more during the interventions, whereas maturing ventures were enabled to hire differently—acquiring candidates with greater entrepreneurial orientation. Our work extends the EE framework to human resource strategies and to heterogeneous enablement across firm age.

Managerial summary

Hiring is a critical task for young and maturing venture firms, and environmental disruptions can impinge heavily on recruiting processes. We study how restrictive policy interventions shape technology ventures' employee recruitment. Examining over 220,000 recruiting interactions on a major digital platform before and during the early COVID‐19 policy responses, we find that restrictive policy interventions alter the technology venture labor market, deterring some firms from recruiting while making others more successful in their continued hiring efforts. Furthermore, we discover that maturing firms are more adaptive than young firms in their selection of candidates during policy interventions—seeking employees with more entrepreneurial characteristics.
A mechanochemically created durable dynamic superhydrophilic‐like surface
Authors: Zhu Yan , Li Wenbo , Yang De‐Quan , Sacher Edward
Published: January 2023

Superhydrophilicity (superwettability) is generally defined as either a static water contact angle near 0° or water completely wetting the surface. Here, we show that there is a superhydrophilic‐like surface that has a large static water contact angle but demonstrates superhydrophilicity in its dynamic water contact performance. We found that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surfaces showed such behavior following mechanical abrasion with sandpaper. We have evaluated the wettability of the abraded PET surfaces by using static water contact angle (SWCA) measurements and the dynamic water contact performance (DWCP) of impacting droplets, the latter including water sprays, water immersion, anti‐fogging and water droplet impact tests. The water was found to completely wet the abraded PET surfaces on spraying or immersion, although the measured SWCA was as high as 70°, similar to that of the unabraded PET surface. For the abraded PET surface, both the water layer thickness on water immersion and the subsequent drying time were similar to those of an especially coated superhydrophilic layer on the unabraded surface. Accordingly, superhydrophilicity may be determined by the process used to measure it.
A network approach to compute hypervolume under receiver operating characteristic manifold for multi‐class biomarkers
Authors: Feng Qunqiang , Liu Pan , Kuan Pei‐Fen , Zou Fei , Chen Jianan , Li Jialiang
Published: January 2023

Computation of hypervolume under ROC manifold (HUM) is necessary to evaluate biomarkers for their capability to discriminate among multiple disease types or diagnostic groups. However the original definition of HUM involves multiple integration and thus a medical investigation for multi‐class receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis could suffer from huge computational cost when the formula is implemented naively. We introduce a novel graph‐based approach to compute HUM efficiently in this article. The computational method avoids the time‐consuming multiple summation when sample size or the number of categories is large. We conduct extensive simulation studies to demonstrate the improvement of our method over existing R packages. We apply our method to two real biomedical data sets to illustrate its application.
Blowing‐Combustion Synthesis of Sponge‐like NixZn1−xFe2O4 and Its Structural and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Chen Chuan , Yao Tianhao , Qian Sen , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Ximin
Published: January 2023

Spinel ferrites have been widely used in various fields, among which nickel‐zinc (NiZn) ferrites have drawn much attention due to their high electrical resistivity as well as low eddy current loss. To accommodate highly‐integrated modern electronic devices, the preparation methods for nano/micro‐sized NiZn ferrites have been widely discussed. Nevertheless, these current synthesis routes are usually cost/time‐consuming, which hinders their large‐scale production for practical applications. Herein, we present a facile, low‐cost synthesis strategy for NiZn ferrites (NixZn1−xFe2O4, x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) through a blowing‐combustion method. The effect of Ni/Zn molar concentration on the structure, morphology as well as magnetic properties has been thoroughly investigated through X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. Thanks to the synergetic effect of the pure phase and moderate Ni molar concentration, the Ni0.75Zn0.25Fe2O4 shows an enhanced saturation magnetization of 44.98 emu/g. More importantly, this blowing‐combustion method may also be commonly applied to other spinel ferrites with different stoichiometric ratios and heteroatom doping.
Conductive Polymer‐Coated 3D Printed Microneedles: Biocompatible Platforms for Minimally Invasive Biosensing Interfaces
Authors: Keirouz Antonios , Mustafa Yasemin L. , Turner Joseph G. , Lay Emily , Jungwirth Ute , Marken Frank , Leese Hannah S.
Published: January 2023

Conductive polymeric microneedle (MN) arrays as biointerface materials show promise for the minimally invasive monitoring of analytes in biodevices and wearables. There is increasing interest in microneedles as electrodes for biosensing, but efforts have been limited to metallic substrates, which lack biological stability and are associated with high manufacturing costs and laborious fabrication methods, which create translational barriers. In this work, additive manufacturing, which provides the user with design flexibility and upscale manufacturing, is employed to fabricate acrylic‐based microneedle devices. These microneedle devices are used as platforms to produce intrinsically‐conductive, polymer‐based surfaces based on polypyrrole (PPy) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). These entirely polymer‐based solid microneedle arrays act as dry conductive electrodes while omitting the requirement of a metallic seed layer. Two distinct coating methods of 3D‐printed solid microneedles, in situ polymerization and drop casting, enable conductive functionality. The microneedle arrays penetrate ex vivo porcine skin grafts without compromising conductivity or microneedle morphology and demonstrate coating durability over multiple penetration cycles. The non‐cytotoxic nature of the conductive microneedles is evaluated using human fibroblast cells. The proposed fabrication strategy offers a compelling approach to manufacturing polymer‐based conductive microneedle surfaces that can be further exploited as platforms for biosensing.
A review study on unmanned aerial vehicle and mobile robot technologies on damage inspection of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Wang Jiehui , Ueda Tamon
Published: January 2023

For damaged buildings that had suffered from a destructive earthquake, timely damage inspection is essential to evaluate their residual seismic safety as well as to assess the long‐term maintenance capacity for planning a suitable structural rehabilitation strategy for further service. However, the conventional inspection method by human hands is time‐consuming, highly costly, and risky for inspectors in the fieldwork. Thus, in this present study, the current situation for structural damage inspection is summarized, the future potentials of newly developed technology in this field are explored, and the application and usage of robotic technologies with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and mobile robots that are rapidly developed recently have been reviewed and evaluated. In this work an overview is given of the practical applications of the UAV‐ and mobile robot‐based damage inspection, in which these robotic machines are employed as useful tools to inspect and monitor the damaged condition of infrastructure facilities or buildings by collecting photography data. In addition, a conceptual comparison with the conventional approach is given to allow a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of a robotic technology‐aimed damage inspection approach. Also, a discussion on instructions, recommendations, existing challenges, and future directions to address the robotic technology‐aimed damage inspection approach into further practice is presented.
Effects of naringin on oxidative stress, inflammation, some reproductive parameters, and apoptosis in acrylamide‐induced testis toxicity in rat
Authors: Sengul Emin , Gelen Volkan , Yildirim Serkan , Cinar İrfan , Aksu Emrah Hicazi
Published: January 2023

Acrylamide (ACR) is used in many fields such as cosmetics, paper, and textile industries. It also occurs at very high temperatures in some foods. Gonadotoxic effects of ACR have been found in experimental animals. Many studies use flavonoids to prevent the reproductive side effects of ACR. Naringin (NA) is a flavonoid and it has been determined by studies that it has no toxic effect on tissues. In our study, we aimed to determine the protective effect of NA against the damage of ACR on testicular tissue and the reproductive system in rats. In our study, 50 Spraque Dawley male rats weighing 220‐250 grams were used. Control: Only intragastric saline was administered for 10 days. ACR: Animals received ACR (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 10 days. NA50+ACR: Animals were given NA for 10 days and each NA was one hour after the administration of ACR. NA100+ACR: Animals received NA for 10 days and one hour after each NA was given ACR. NA100: Animals were given NA for 10 days. At the end of the applications, the rats were euthanized by cervical dislocation under anesthesia. Serum FSH, LH, and Dihydrotestosterone levels were compared between the groups. In addition, oxidative stress, inflammation, expression of some reproductive enzymes, and apoptosis markers were determined in testicular tissues. When these parameters were compared between groups, ACR induced testicular dysfunction and tissue damage in rats. We determined that only the NA application did not cause tissue damage. and the administration of NA along with ACR significantly reduced ACR‐induced testis toxicity.
Review on micro nano bubble technology for condensation heat transfer
Authors: Senthilkumar Gnanamani , Balaje Sekar Mangaiyarkkarasi , Jayaseelan Ellappan
Published: January 2023

The objective of this review paper is to implement and investigate of micro‐nano bubble technology for enhancement of condensation heat transfer. Micro‐nano bubbles dispersions in aqueous solutions can stay for a substantial time. As an example, 20 micron size micro‐nano bubbles take daily to rise one meter. Because the inertia force of fluid current exceeds the buoyant force, any currents within a large vessel would be anticipated to entrain kind of micro‐nano bubble dispersion. Micro‐nano bubbles will vaporize hotter water toward the center of the plume and convert that extra heat of transition to the cold wall, where it will condense the vapors and release latent heat if the condenser is arranged in the micro‐nano bubble‐assisted airlift configuration.
Update on canine anorchia: A review
Authors: Cicirelli Vincenzo , Burgio Matteo , Mrenoshki Daniela , Cseh Sandor , Aiudi Giulio , Lacalandra Giovanni Michele
Published: January 2023

Abnormalities of the external genitals are an important issue in dog breeding because of the unfavourable qualities and characteristics of breeds, resulting in consistent economic losses. Despite their significance, little scientific attention has been given to these problems. Although there are several reviews on cryptorchidism in dogs, none have described anorchia. Testicular agenesis is a rare reproductive disorder with a congenital origin. Moreover, no author has described the diagnostic procedure for making a definitive diagnosis of anorchia in dogs. It is important to have a well‐structured diagnostic scheme to help practical veterinarians make a confirmatory diagnosis. This review article aims to provide an update on canine anorchia diagnosis based on the poor research studies published in recent years. We have also contributed to the pathogenesis of this disorder using human medicine studies. Finally, the review includes therapeutic hypotheses that can be expanded in future studies.
Iranian Children’s Drawings of God: Demographic and Contextual Considerations
Authors: Khodayarifard Mohammad , Pourhosein Reza , Pakdaman Shahla , Zandi Saeid
Published: January 2023

In 2014, we collected more than 3000 drawings of God in Iran. Here we present the conditions for this collection and the results derived from it. We interpret our findings from the perspective of developmental psychology, and discuss them in terms of social, cultural, and contextual factors (media, formal and informal education). We consider God representation with regard to Iranian-Islamic culture. Additionally, we make a brief comparison between our findings, drawn from participants in Iran, and the findings of studies conducted in Western cultures. Finally, limitations of the study and future research directions are critically discussed.
Clustered PHD domains in KMT2/MLL proteins are attracted by H3K4me3 and H3 acetylation-rich active promoters and enhancers
Authors: Stroynowska-Czerwinska Anna Maria , Klimczak Magdalena , Pastor Michal , Kazrani Asgar Abbas , Misztal Katarzyna , Bochtler Matthias
Published: January 2023

Histone lysine-specific methyltransferase 2 (KMT2A-D) proteins, alternatively called mixed lineage leukemia (MLL1-4) proteins, mediate positive transcriptional memory. Acting as the catalytic subunits of human COMPASS-like complexes, KMT2A-D methylate H3K4 at promoters and enhancers. KMT2A-D contain understudied highly conserved triplets and a quartet of plant homeodomains (PHDs). Here, we show that all clustered (multiple) PHDs localize to the well-defined loci of H3K4me3 and H3 acetylation-rich active promoters and enhancers. Surprisingly, we observe little difference in binding pattern between PHDs from promoter-specific KMT2A-B and enhancer-specific KMT2C-D. Fusion of the KMT2A CXXC domain to the PHDs drastically enhances their preference for promoters over enhancers. Hence, the presence of CXXC domains in KMT2A-B, but not KMT2C-D, may explain the promoter/enhancer preferences of the full-length proteins. Importantly, targets of PHDs overlap with KMT2A targets and are enriched in genes involved in the cancer pathways. We also observe that PHDs of KMT2A-D are mutated in cancer, especially within conserved folding motifs (Cys4HisCys2Cys/His). The mutations cause a domain loss-of-function. Taken together, our data suggest that PHDs of KMT2A-D guide the full-length proteins to active promoters and enhancers, and thus play a role in positive transcriptional memory.

Graphical Abstract
The new German evidence-based guideline on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma—key aspects for radiation oncologists
Authors: Oertel Michael , Berdel Christian , Held Gerhard , Herfarth Klaus , Schmidberger Heinz , Ernst Moritz , Lenz Georg , Borchmann Peter , Eich Hans Theodor
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma subtype treated successfully with immunochemotherapy. However, there are conflicting data on the role and impact of consolidative radiation therapy (RT). The publication of the national evidence-based guideline on DLBCL prompted us to review relevant passages on radiation oncology.

Methods

The following article reviews the evidence and recommendations given in the current German evidence-based guideline on DLBCL regarding RT and summarizes pivotal aspects. Additional literature is presented to provide a comprehensive background for the published recommendations.

Results

RT shall be administered to all patients with localized positron emission tomography(PET)-positive residues after completion of immunochemotherapy and should use a dose of 30–40 Gray in normofractionation. For RT planning, PET information before and after immunochemotherapy shall be used, with either a PET-CT in the RT treatment position or an image fusion to the planning CT. Conformal techniques shall be used for target volume coverage, with a risk–benefit evaluation for the individual patient. Additionally, RT may be used in the treatment context of various subtypes of DLBCL as well as in the recurrent or refractory treatment situation.

Conclusion

RT remains an integral part of the treatment repertoire of DLBCL. With the use of PET-guided treatment, RT is indicated for patients with metabolically active tumors. In the context of the ongoing development of targeted therapies, new RT indications may evolve.
Particulate cartilage and platelet-rich plasma treatment for knee chondral defects in sheep
Authors: Alcaide-Ruggiero Lourdes , Molina-Hernández Verónica , Morgaz Juan , Fernández-Sarmiento J. Andrés , Granados María M. , Navarrete-Calvo Rocío , Pérez José , Quirós-Carmona Setefilla , Carrillo José M. , Cugat Ramón , Domínguez Juan M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Articular cartilage is vulnerable to multiple types of damage and it has limited reparative and regenerative capacities due to its absence of vascularity. Although a large number of therapeutic strategies exist to treat chondral defects, they have some limitations, such as fibrocartilage formation. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the chondrogenic regenerative properties of an autologous-made matrix of particulated cartilage and platelet-rich plasma (PACI + PRP) implantation for the treatment of full-thickness chondral defects in sheep.

Methods

A full-thickness 8 mm diameter cartilage defect was created in the weight-bearing area of the medial femoral condyle in both knees of 16 sheep. The right knees of all animals were treated with particulated autograft cartilage implantation and platelet-rich plasma, while the left knees were injected with Ringer’s lactate solution or hyaluronic acid. The sheep were killed 9 or 18 months after surgery. Macroscopic evaluations were performed using three different scoring systems, and histopathological evaluations were performed using a modified scoring system based on different scoring systems.

Results

The PACI + PRP groups showed statistically significant differences in the percentage of defect repair and chondrocytes in the newly formed cartilage tissue at 18 months compared to 9 months.

Conclusions

The results suggest that macroscopic appearance, histological structure and chondrocyte repair were improved when using PACI + PRP treatment for chondral defects, producing an outcome similar to the surrounding healthy cartilage. PACI + PRP is a totally autologous, easy, and unexpensive treatment that can be performed in one-step procedure and is useful as a therapeutic option for knee chondral defects.
Effect of four-week cannabidiol treatment on cognitive function: secondary outcomes from a randomised clinical trial for the treatment of cannabis use disorder
Authors: Lees Rachel , Hines Lindsey A. , Hindocha Chandni , Baio Gianluca , Shaban Natacha D. C. , Stothart George , Mofeez Ali , Morgan Celia J. A. , Curran H. Valerie , Freeman Tom P.
Published: January 2023

Rationale

Chronic cannabis use is associated with impaired cognitive function. Evidence indicates cannabidiol (CBD) might be beneficial for treating cannabis use disorder. CBD may also have pro-cognitive effects; however, its effect on cognition in people with cannabis use disorder is currently unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to assess whether a 4-week CBD treatment impacted cognitive function. We hypothesised that CBD treatment would improve cognition from baseline to week 4, compared to placebo.

Methods

Cognition was assessed as a secondary outcome in a phase 2a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group and placebo-controlled clinical trial of 4-week daily 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg CBD for the treatment of cannabis use disorder. Participants had moderate or severe DSM-5 cannabis use disorder and intended to quit cannabis use. Our pre-registered primary cognitive outcome was delayed prose recall. Secondary cognitive outcomes were immediate prose recall, stop signal reaction time, trail-making task performance, verbal fluency and digit span.

Results

Seventy participants were randomly assigned to placebo (n = 23), 400 mg CBD (n = 24) and 800 mg CBD (n = 23). A 200 mg group was eliminated from the trial because it was an inefficacious dose at interim analysis (n = 12) and was not analysed here. For the primary cognitive outcome, there was no effect of CBD compared to placebo, evidenced by a lack of dose-by-time interaction at 400 mg (0.46, 95%CIs: − 1.41, 2.54) and 800 mg (0.89, 95%CIs: − 0.99, 2.81). There was no effect of CBD compared to placebo on secondary cognitive outcomes, except backwards digit span which increased following 800 mg CBD (0.30, 95%CIs: 0.02, 0.58).

Conclusions

In this clinical trial for cannabis use disorder, CBD did not influence delayed verbal memory. CBD did not have broad cognitive effects but 800 mg daily treatment may improve working memory manipulation.

Clinical trial registration

The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02044809) and the EU Clinical Trials Register (2013–000,361-36).
The microbiome of kidney stones and urine of patients with nephrolithiasis
Authors: Lemberger Ursula , Pjevac Petra , Hausmann Bela , Berry David , Moser Daniel , Jahrreis Victoria , Özsoy Mehmet , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Veser Julian
Published: January 2023

The incidence of nephrolithiasis is rising worldwide. Although it is a multifactorial disease, lifestyle plays a major role in its etiology. Another considerable factor could be an aberrant microbiome. In our observational single-center study, we aimed to investigate the composition of bacteria in kidney stones and urine focusing on patients with features of metabolic syndrome. Catheterized urine and kidney stones were collected prospectively from 100 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic nephrolithotomy between 2020 and 2021 at our clinic. Microbiome composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Detection of bacteria was successful in 24% of the analyzed kidney stones. These patients had a prolonged length of stay compared to patients without verifiable bacteria in their stones (2.9 vs 1.5 days). Patients with features of metabolic syndrome were characterized by kidney stones colonized with classical gastrointestinal bacteria and displayed a significant enrichment of Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Stones of patients without features of metabolic syndrome characterized by Ureaplasma and Staphylococcaceae. Patients with bacteria in their kidney stones exhibit a longer length of stay, possibly due to more complex care. Patients presenting with features of metabolic syndrome displayed a distinct stone microbiome compared to metabolically fit patients. Understanding the role of bacteria in stone formation could enable targeted therapy, prevention of post-operative complications and new therapeutic strategies.
Benefits of PECS Block as Part of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol for Breast Cancer Surgery in an Asian Institution: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Diana Kavinya , Teh Mei‐Sze , Islam Tania , Lim Woon‐Lai , Beh Zhi‐Yuan , Taib Nur Aishah Mohd
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Regional analgesia techniques have been increasingly used for post‐operative pain management following mastectomy. We aim to evaluate analgesic benefits of pectoral nerve (PECS2) block incorporated as part of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing mastectomy in University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.

Material and methods

A single centre, cohort study evaluating 335 women who have undergone unilateral mastectomy between January 2017 and March 2020 in Malaysia. Regional anaesthesia were given pre‐operatively via ultrasound guided pectoral and intercostal nerves block (PECSII).

Results

Utilization of regional anaesthesia increased from 11% in 2017 to 43% in 2020. Types and duration of surgeries were comparable. Opiod consumption was 3 mg lower in those who had PECS2 block ((27 [24–30] mg), in comparison with those who received general anaesthesia only (30 [26–34] mg), p < 0.001, and length of stay was half a day shorter in the regional anaesthesia group and these were statistically significant. However, pain score (2 [1–3]; 2 [1–3], p=0.719) and post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (32.6–32.5%, p = 0.996) were similar.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of PECS2 block as a component of ERAS protocol for mastectomy in an Asian hospital. This study also inferred that patients may be safely discharged within 24 h of surgery and therefore, same day surgery may be feasible in selected group of patients undergoing mastectomy and this could imply overall cost benefits.
Chloroacetate esterase reaction combined with immunohistochemical characterization of the specific tissue microenvironment of mast cells
Authors: Atiakshin Dmitri , Kostin Andrey , Buchwalow Igor , Morozow Denis , Samoilova Vera , Tiemann Markus
Published: January 2023

This study provides a combined histochemical method for detecting enzyme activity of chloroacetate esterase simultaneously with immunolabeling of the components of a specific tissue microenvironment on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. Chromogenic detection of the molecular targets within and outside the mast cells provides novel options in determining the histoarchitectonics of organ-specific mast cell populations, studying the functional significance of chloroacetate esterase and specifying the immune landscape of the tissue microenvironment.
Recovery and stress of control center dispatchers in the first waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Schumann Heiko , Thielmann Beatrice , Botscharow Julia , Böckelmann Irina
Published: January 2023

Control center dispatchers (CCDs) are exposed to high levels of work-related mental stress, which are exacerbated by the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the recovery and stress state of CCDs during the first and second waves of the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic. A total of 490 CCDs (n = 440, t1 and n = 50, t2) with a mean age of 42.26 ± 8.79 years participated directly at the end of the first wave from June to August 2020 (t1) and during the second wave between January and February 2021 (t2) of the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic. The short form (EBF-24/A; test form S2) of the Kallus recovery-stress questionnaire (EBF) was applied. Over the course of the two survey phases, the dimensions strain significantly increased (t1: 2.47 ± 1.08 vs. t2: 3.12 ± 0.93 points, p < 0.001) and recovery significantly decreased (t1: 3.03 ± 0.94 vs. t2: 2.50 ± 0.81 points, p < 0.001). Significant to highly significant differences were present in the EBF dimensions of the two waves in the majority of cases, even when taking the waves into account. For the variable “recovery in the social field”, a medium effect was noticeable in the corrected model (η2 = 0.064). The SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic illustrates that the stress experience increased from the first to the second waves, and the recovery of CCDs decreased. These data provide a directional trend as the pandemic is ongoing, and stress and strain situations in control centers may continue to worsen. Immediate health promotion and prevention measures are essential.
Spinal cord stimulation in non-reconstructable critical limb ischemia: a retrospective study of 71 cases
Authors: Piedade G. S. , Vesper J. , Reichstein D. , Dauphin A. K. , Damirchi S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapeutic option for patients with a peripheral arterial disease with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and consequent ischemic rest pain. Neuromodulation is chosen when vascular reconstruction is not possible or failed. Data about the effect of SCS over limb salvage rates are dissonant.

Method

We report on a retrospective cohort of CLI patients who were implanted with SCS systems between July 2010 and December 2013 in a single center. Major amputation, postoperative complications, and death were recorded.

Results

Seventy-two CLI patients underwent SCS implantation, with 35 of them classified as non-reconstructable and 37 with previous but failed or only partially successful vascular procedures. A total of 21 subjects were at Fontaine’s stage III (29.2%), and the remaining 51 were at stage IV (70.8%). In total, 26.4% of the patients had diabetes (n = 19), two of them at Fontaine’s stage III. The mean follow-up was 17.1 ± 10.5 months. At the last follow-up, 59.2% of all patients (42/71), 85.7% of Fontaine’s stage III (18/21), 48.0% of Fontaine’s stage IV (24/50), and 52.6% of diabetic patients (10/19) were alive without major amputation. The probability of limb survival at 12 months was 72% for all patients, 94% for Fontaine’s stage III, 62% for Fontaine’s stage IV, and 61% for diabetic patients. The probability of survival at 12 months for patients who underwent major limb amputation (n = 25) was 86% with a mean survival time of 31.03 ± 4.63 months.

Conclusions

Non-reconstructable CLI patients treated with SCS can achieve meaningful clinical outcomes with few procedure-related complications. The therapy may be more beneficial in patients classified as Fontaine’s Stage III.
Mixed reality and sensor real-time feedback to increase muscle engagement during deep core exercising
Authors: Lancere L. , Jürgen M. , Gapeyeva H.
Published: January 2023

In lower extremity amputee rehabilitation programs, difficult-to-master targeted activation of deep core muscles and pursed-lip breathing training are prescribed to treat poor movement quality and to improve recovery after amputation. Non-invasive wireless sensors and mixed reality (MR) technologies are proposed as a solution. The main aim was to validate a novel rehabilitation technology by exploring whether a combined verbal and visual mixed reality feedback (VF + MR) will initiate a greater change in muscle electrical activation magnitude compared to verbal feedback only (VF) during exercising. The second objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of specific exercise program targeted to engage specifically deep core muscles. Pre-post-test cross-over study involved electromyographic activity (EMG) analysis from Transversus Abdominis (TA) and Multifidus (MF) muscles and self-reported questionnaires to evaluate the efficiency of MR feedback. Anthropometric data, state of health, subjective low back pain (Oswestry Disability Index), and physical activity level (IPAQ) estimation were analysed. The data from 13 patients following unilateral transtibial and transfemoral amputation showed a significant EMG increase in (VF + MR) for Chair Lean (p = 0.03) and Bent Leg Raise (p = 0.0005) exercises for TA muscle. Even though there was no significant difference in Back Bridge and Side Plank exercises, 6 to 10 participants depending on the exercise, had an increase of EMG in the range of 50–400% for both – TA and MF muscles. The proposed solution has a high potential for increasing motivation, self-awareness, and muscle engagement during exercises, based on EMG and self-reported questionnaire data.
Swedish students’ everyday school life and teachers’ assessment dilemmas: peer strategies for ameliorating schoolwork for assessment
Authors: Rönn Charlotta , Pettersson Daniel
Published: January 2023

In contemporary ways of thinking about education there is an enhanced focus on individual students’ results and less on students’ collaborative processes for attaining good results. This may appear peculiar, given that the Swedish curriculum for the nine-year compulsory school states that students should be given opportunities to compose texts together with others and give and receive feedback on them. This is also in line with societal desires to motivate students to take responsibility for their lifelong learning. The evolving ethnographic research design, comprising observations, audio-visual recordings and follow-up interviews with students at a Swedish lower secondary school (Years 8 and 9), investigated the informal social strategies that students enacted when doing formal schoolwork and how they reflected on them. Goffman’s (1959/1990) dramaturgical metaphors of the back region, front region and impression management were applied as theoretical points of departure. The findings showed that some students worked hard at their schoolwork in ways that corresponded with societal desires and ideal learning curves. Other students aimed at more effortless achievements and relied heavily on peers and digital devices when taking shortcuts to produce formal assignments. These students’ potential learning curves showed a broken arrow of knowledge development, resulting in assessment dilemmas for teachers and possible mismatches in their grading.
Entropic herding
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Suzuki Hideyuki , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: January 2023

Herding is a deterministic algorithm used to generate data points regarded as random samples satisfying input moment conditions. This algorithm is based on a high-dimensional dynamical system and rooted in the maximum entropy principle of statistical inference. We propose an extension, entropic herding, which generates a sequence of distributions instead of points. We derived entropic herding from an optimization problem obtained using the maximum entropy principle. Using the proposed entropic herding algorithm as a framework, we discussed a closer connection between the herding and maximum entropy principle. Specifically, we interpreted the original herding algorithm as a tractable version of the entropic herding, the ideal output distribution of which is mathematically represented. We further discussed how the complex behavior of the herding algorithm contributes to optimization. We argued that the proposed entropic herding algorithm extends the herding to probabilistic modeling. In contrast to the original herding, the entropic herding can generate a smooth distribution such that both efficient probability density calculation and sample generation become possible. To demonstrate the viability of these arguments in this study, numerical experiments were conducted, including a comparison with other conventional methods, on both synthetic and real data.
Ernährungskommunikation in Schwangerschaft und früher Kindheit: Erkenntnisse aus zwei Literaturreviews
Authors: Hastall Matthias R. , Nellen Cosima , Röhm Alexander , Lueg Marie-Christin , Zensen-Möhring Johannes , Eiser Stefanie , Reiss Katharina , Flothkötter Maria
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

In der Schwangerschaft sowie im Säuglings- und Kleinkindalter werden entscheidende Weichen für die spätere Gesundheit gestellt. Das trifft in besonderem Maße auf die Ernährung zu. Unbestritten ist, dass Kommunikation eine wesentliche Rolle dabei spielt, ob ernährungsbezogene Präventionsprogramme erfolgreich sind bzw. sein können.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, den internationalen Forschungsstand zu kommunikationsbasierten ernährungsbezogenen Interventionen bei Schwangeren, jungen Familien und Kindern im Alter bis 36 Monate aus einem kommunikationswissenschaftlichen Blickwinkel zu analysieren. Erhoben wurde, welche Kommunikationsstrategien im Kontext der Ernährungskommunikation erfolgreich waren und welche nicht.

Material und Methoden

Zwei Reviews des internationalen Forschungsstands zu kommunikativen Interventionen im Kontext der Ernährung in Schwangerschaft und früher Kindheit wurden durchgeführt: Ein Scoping Review von 187 Übersichtsarbeiten sowie ein systematisches Review von 65 Einzelstudien mit einem mittleren oder hohen Evidenzgrad.

Ergebnisse

Obwohl sich keine Übersichtsarbeit fand, in der verschiedene kommunikative Zugänge im Detail diskutiert wurden, ergab das Scoping Review viele Hinweise auf Erfolgsfaktoren und Barrieren ernährungsbezogener Interventionen. Das systematische Review der Einzelstudien illustrierte u. a. die wichtige Rolle interpersoneller Ansprachen (z. B. durch Kinder- und Jugendärztinnen und -ärzte, Frauenärztinnen und -ärzte, Hebammen), sowohl einzeln als auch ergänzend zu massenmedialen, digitalen (z. B. Apps) oder Social-Media-Interventionszugängen.

Schlussfolgerung

Verschiedene kommunikative Zugänge der Ernährungskommunikation werden bislang unzureichend in der nötigen Differenziertheit diskutiert und sind überwiegend schlecht in der Literatur dokumentiert. Ein gesicherteres und umfangreicheres Wissen über evidenzbasierte Kommunikationsstrategien im Kontext von Schwangerschaft und früher Kindheit ist nötig, wenn ernährungsbezogene Präventionsprogramme erfolgreich sein sollen.
Pathogenesis and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia
Authors: Lin Xiaoyun , Gao Peng , Zhang Qian , Jiang Yan , Wang Ou , Xia Weibo , Li Mei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Hemophilia is a rare X-linked recessive inherited bleeding disorder caused by mutations of the genes encoding coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX). Patients with hemophilia (PWH) often have a high risk of osteoporosis and fractures that is usually ignored. Herein, we review the underlying mechanisms of osteoporosis and the increased risk of fractures and their treatment in patients with FVIII or FIX deficiency.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify original research articles, meta-analyses, and scientific reviews on the mechanisms or treatment of osteoporosis in PWH.

Results

The pathogenic mechanisms of osteoporosis in PWH are multifactorial and remain unclear. The available evidence shows that FVIII and FIX deficiency may directly affect bone metabolism by interfering with the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. Other potential mechanisms of osteoporosis in PWH include thrombin deficiency and the unloading and immobilization of bone, which will affect osteoblast and osteoclast activity by changing the cytokine profiles. The treatment of osteoporosis in PWH includes antiresorptive, anabolic, and dual-action drugs; weight-bearing exercise; fall prevention; and prophylactic coagulation factor replacement therapy. However, clinical studies of the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic agents in osteoporosis of PWH are urgently needed.

Conclusion

This review summarizes recent progress in research on the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in PWH and provides insights into potential treatment for osteoporosis in PWH.
Wetting Behavior and Functionality Restoration of Cold-Sprayed Aluminum-Quasicrystalline Composite Coatings
Authors: Jafari Reza , Kiilakoski Jarkko , Honkanen Mari , Vippola Minnamari , Koivuluoto Heli
Published: January 2023

Coating design is an efficient strategy to engineer wettability of surfaces and adjustment of the functionality to the necessities in industrial sectors. The current study reveals the feasibility of functional aluminum/quasicrystalline (Al-QC) composite coatings fabrication by cold spray technology. A commercially available Al-based quasicrystalline powder (Al-Cr-Fe-Cu) was combined with aluminum alloy (Al6061) feedstock materials to make coatings with various compositions. A set of cold spray process parameters was employed to deposit composite coatings with different QC-Al ratios and Al6061 coatings as counterparts. The wettability of the coating surfaces was measured by static water droplet contact angles using a droplet shape analyzer and investigation of the dynamic of water droplet impact by high-speed imaging. Through microstructural studies, the Al-QC composites revealed dense structure, well-integrated and adherent deposits, providing structural reliability and enhanced hydrophobic behavior. In the last step of this work, composite coatings were deposited over eroded cold-sprayed Al6061 and a selected composite to demonstrate the feasibility of repairing the damaged part and function restoring. The results and approach used in this work provide understanding of cold-sprayed Al-QC composite coatings manufacturing and their wetting behavior state for cross-field applications.
bZIP transcription factors repress the expression of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) high molecular weight glutenin subunit genes in vegetative tissues
Authors: Éva Csaba , Moncsek Blanka , Szőke-Pázsi Kitti , Kunos Viola , Mészáros Klára , Makai Szabolcs , Sági László , Juhász Angéla
Published: January 2023

High molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW GS) represent an important fraction of endosperm-specific seed-storage proteins that provide elasticity to bread dough. Previously, the second cis-regulatory module (CRM2) was found to be one of the most conserved part of HMW GS promoters, which indicated its pre-eminent role in their gene regulation. Here, we observed that deletion of CRM2 from the promoters of the Bx7 and By8 HMW GS genes increased the leakage of their transient expression in wheat leaf tissue. The effect of a VP1, an Myb and an antisense bZIP transcription factor (TF)-binding site, potentially involved in endosperm-specific regulation within CRM2, was then studied. The activity of a Bx7 gene promoter containing a mutant CRM2 with altered VP1 and Myb TF-binding sites, but an intact bZIP TF-binding site, was similarly low to that of the wild type in leaves. Transactivation analysis and EMSA indicated the binding of TFs TabZIP34 and TabZIP115 to the Skn-1 motif GTCAT in CRM2 and the repression of Bx7 and By8 HMW GS gene promoter activity in leaves. TabZIP34 and TabZIP115 may be involved in the downregulation of HMW GS gene expression in vegetative tissues and early-stage endosperm as well its modulation during seed maturation.
Correction to: Properties Augmentation of Cast Hypereutectic Al–Si Alloy Through Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Bates William P. , Patel Vivek , Rana Harikrishna , Andersson Joel , De Backer Jeroen , Igestrand Mattias , Fratini Livan
Published: January 2023

Graphical abstract
Bearing Fruit: Miocene Apes and Rosaceous Fruit Evolution
Authors: Spengler Robert N. , Kienast Frank , Roberts Patrick , Boivin Nicole , Begun David R. , Ashastina Kseniia , Petraglia Michael
Published: January 2023

Extinct megafaunal mammals in the Americas are often linked to seed-dispersal mutualisms with large-fruiting tree species, but large-fruiting species in Europe and Asia have received far less attention. Several species of arboreal Maloideae (apples and pears) and Prunoideae (plums and peaches) evolved large fruits starting around nine million years ago, primarily in Eurasia. As evolutionary adaptations for seed dispersal by animals, the size, high sugar content, and bright colorful visual displays of ripeness suggest that mutualism with megafaunal mammals facilitated the evolutionary change. There has been little discussion as to which animals were likely candidate(s) on the late Miocene landscape of Eurasia. We argue that several possible dispersers could have consumed the large fruits, with endozoochoric dispersal usually relying on guilds of species. During the Pleistocene and Holocene, the dispersal guild likely included ursids, equids, and elephantids. During the late Miocene, large primates were likely also among the members of this guild, and the potential of a long-held mutualism between the ape and apple clades merits further discussion. If primates were a driving factor in the evolution of this large-fruit seed-dispersal system, it would represent an example of seed-dispersal-based mutualism with hominids millions of years prior to crop domestication or the development of cultural practices, such as farming.
The effect of face-to-face versus online learning on student performance in anatomy: an observational study using a causal inference approach
Authors: Diong Joanna , Lee Hopin , Reed Darren
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to estimate the causal effect of face-to-face learning on student performance in anatomy, compared to online learning, by analysing examination marks under a causal structure.

Methods

We specified a causal graph to indicate how the mode of learning affected student performance. We sampled purposively to obtain end-semester examination marks of undergraduate and postgraduate students who learned using face-to-face (pre-COVID, 2019) or online modes (post-COVID, 2020). The analysis was informed by the causal graph. Marks were compared using linear regression, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess if effects were robust to unmeasured confounding.

Results

On average, face-to-face learning improved student performance in the end-semester examination in undergraduate students (gain of mean 8.3%, 95% CI 3.3 to 13.4%; E-value 2.77, lower limit of 95% CI 1.80) but lowered performance in postgraduate students (loss of 8.1%, 95% CI 3.6 to 12.6%; E-value 2.89, lower limit of 95% CI 1.88), compared to online learning.

Discussion

Under the assumed causal graph, we found that compared to online learning, face-to-face learning improved student performance in the end-semester examination in undergraduate students, but worsened student performance in postgraduate students. These findings suggest that different modes of learning may suit different types of students. Importantly, this is the first attempt to estimate causal effects of the mode of learning on student performance under a causal structure. This approach makes our assumptions transparent, informs data analysis, and is recommended when using observational data to make causal inferences.
Self-regulated learning with mobile devices for university students: exploring the impacts on academic vocabulary development
Authors: Boroughani Tahereh , Xodabande Ismail , Karimpour Sedigheh
Published: January 2023

The present study explored the impact of mobile-assisted self-regulated learning (SRL) on developing university students’ knowledge of academic vocabulary in English. The participants were 49 students in experimental (N = 28) and control (N = 21) learning conditions. Those in the experimental group studied 70 academic words using digital flashcards application installed on their mobile devices (i.e., smartphones), and the control group learned the same words using traditional materials (i.e., word lists). The participants’ vocabulary knowledge was tested before and after the treatment, and their test scores were analyzed using mixed between-within-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings indicated a significant main effect for time in both SRL interventions, as both strategies were effective in scaffolding university students’ academic vocabulary development, and the learning gains were significant in post- and delayed post-tests. Additionally, the findings revealed a significant main effect for mobile-assisted SRL in that participants in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group on post-treatment tests. Accordingly, the results provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of mobile-assisted vocabulary learning in the SRL mode. The study offers implications for addressing the academic vocabulary learning needs of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students.