bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number of teeth and functional disability in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Komiyama Takamasa , Ohi Takashi , Miyoshi Yoshitada , Kogure Mana , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi , Tsuji Ichiro , Watanabe Makoto , Hattori Yoshinori
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study determined whether tooth loss was associated with the development of functional disability and estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) of functional disability due to tooth loss, along with risk factors for functional disability such as physical function and cognitive impairment.

Methods

The participants were 838 community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥70 years living in the Tsurugaya district in Japan in 2003. The exposure variable was the number of remaining teeth (counted by trained dentists). Other variables were age, sex, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, educational attainment, physical function and social support. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the incidence of functional disability for each risk factor, such as tooth loss. The functional disability PAF due to tooth loss was estimated, and risk factors for functional disability were identified.

Results

In total, 619 (73.9%) participants developed functional disability during follow‐up. A multivariable model showed that those with <20 teeth (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08–1.53) were more likely to develop functional disability than those with 20 teeth or more. PAF estimation for functional disability was shown to have decreasing values in the following order: age, female sex, tooth loss and reduced physical function.

Conclusions

Tooth loss was associated with the development of functional disability in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults. While retaining teeth may be a potential strategy for avoiding functional disability, clinical studies on the effect of dental treatment on preventing functional disability are warranted.
Importance of gamma‐glutamyl transferase elevation in patients with Fontan‐associated liver disease
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Ogasawara Yuri , Taniai Makiko , Shimada Eriko , Inai Kei , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Nakai Yousuke
Published: July 2024

Aim

In patients with Fontan‐associated liver disease (FALD), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are often elevated, however, its clinical importance is unclear. We investigated the relationship between the clinical course of FALD and GGT levels.

Methods

We enrolled 145 patients with FALD who underwent right‐heart catheterization (RHC) and visited our department. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was administered to 62 of the patients. Patients with GGT levels <50 and ≥50 U/L were compared. Follow‐up RHC was undertaken in 76 patients. Cases in which GGT levels decreased by ≥10% or <50 U/L were defined as improved (n = 33).

Results

Patients with GGT levels ≥50 U/L had significantly lower levels of albumin and higher levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) but no significant differences in RHC factors. Over a 4.6‐year period, 43.4% showed improvement in GGT levels. Improved cases had significantly lower total bilirubin (1.1 vs. 1.6 mg/dL), AST (22 vs. 28 U/L), and ALT (18 vs. 27 U/L) levels than nonimproved cases (n = 29, p < 0.05), and the change in platelet count (−0.5 vs. −3.0 × 10−4/μL) was significantly lower in the latter (p = 0.03). The improvement rate was significantly higher in UDCA‐treated cases (55.2%) with GGT levels ≥50 U/L compared to cases not treated with UDCA (18.2%, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In cases of FALD with no improvement in GGT level, the platelet count decreased over time, suggesting progression of fibrosis. Physicians should be aware of the importance of a high GGT level in patients with FALD.
Experimental manipulation of nest temperature and relative humidity reduces ectoparasites and affects body condition of Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Authors: García‐del Río Marina , Cantarero Alejandro , Castaño‐Vázquez Francisco , Merino Yago , García‐Velasco Javier , Merino Santiago
Published: July 2024

Many models predict changes in the distribution and incidence of diseases associated with climate change. However, studies exploring the effect of microclimatic changes on host–parasite relationships are scarce. In this study, we increased temperature or humidity in Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus nestboxes during the breeding season, to analyse the effect of each variable on the abundance of ectoparasites and, also, on the body condition of the hosts. Temperature and humidity were experimentally increased on average by about 2°C and 15%, respectively. The abundance of blowfly Protocalliphora azurea pupae was significantly reduced in nests with increased temperature compared with control nests and those with increased humidity, and was also significantly reduced in nests with increased humidity compared with control nests. The abundance of mites Dermanyssus spp. was significantly reduced in nests with increased humidity. However, there was no significant effect of the experiment on the abundance of flea Ceratophyllus gallinae larvae, biting midges (Culicoides spp.) and blackflies (Simuliidae). The body condition of nestlings was lower in nests with increased humidity and slightly lower in heated nests. However, the body condition of adults was not significantly affected by the experiment. In addition, blowfly pupae and biting midge abundance were negatively related to the body condition of the nestlings, and biting midge abundance was also negatively related to the body condition of the adults. Overall, an increase in temperature and humidity reduces the abundance of ectoparasites, which suggests that these parasites are sensitive to sudden changes in the microclimate in which they develop. Moreover, these fluctuations negatively affect the body condition of Blue Tit nestlings despite the concurrent decrease of parasites in nests. In other words, the expected benefit to the nestlings from the reduction in parasites does not occur because the microclimate also adversely affects nestlings, probably affecting their heat exchange with the nest environment.
Methods, precision, and analytical sensitivity of a novel low‐plasma‐volume assay of fibrinolytic capacity utilizing the euglobulin fraction
Authors: Bruzek Steven , Betensky Marisol , Sochet Anthony A. , Goldenberg Neil A. , Ignjatovic Vera
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Fibrinolysis is a critical aspect of the hemostatic system, with assessment of fibrinolytic potential being critical to predict bleeding and clotting risk. We describe the method for a novel low‐plasma‐volume assay of fibrinolytic capacity utilizing the euglobulin fraction (the “modified mini‐euglobulin clot lysis assay [ECLA]”), its analytic sensitivity to alterations in key fibrinolytic substrates/regulators, and its initial applications in acute and convalescent disease cohorts.

Methods

The modified mini‐ECLA requires 50 μL of plasma, a maximal read time of 3 h (with most results available within 60 min), and is entirely performed in a 96‐well microplate. Assay measurements were obtained in a variety of commercial control and deficient plasmas representing clinically relevant hypo‐ and hyperfibrinolytic states, and in three distinct adolescent cohorts with acute or convalescent illness: critically ill, following endotracheal intubation; acute COVID‐19‐related illness; and ambulatory, 3 months following a venous thromboembolic event.

Results

In 100% and 75% deficient plasmas, hypofibrinolysis for plasminogen‐deficient, fibrinolysis for alpha‐2‐antiplasmin‐deficient, and hyperfibrinolysis for plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1‐deficient plasmas were observed.

Conclusion

The modified mini‐ECLA Clot Lysis Time Ratio (“CLTR”) demonstrated moderate‐strength correlations with the Clot Formation and Lysis (CloFAL) assay, is analytically sensitive to altered fibrinolytic states in vitro, and correlates with clinical outcomes in preliminarily‐studied patient populations.
Custom fabricated three‐dimensional printed surgical guide for trephine bur in autogenous bone graft: A technique report
Authors: Kim Jaewon , Kaenploy Jekita , Lee Du‐Hyeong , Ashsams Nur , Arany Praveen R.
Published: July 2024

This technique presents a workflow that designs the custom surgical guide to cover a trephine bur using simple slicer software and three‐dimensional (3D) printing to perform the semilunar technique. This method in autogenous bone grafting surgery harvests a thin layer of cortical bone in the donor site with a trephine bur. Its biologically favorable, round shape can be used as a shell to reconstruct the ridge with a 3D contour acceptable for future implant placement. A 78‐year‐old female patient required vertical and horizontal bone grafting for future implant placement due to the infection caused by the vertically fractured root of a premolar. The patient's cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) file was translated into a standard tessellation language (STL) file, and recipient and donor site models were created. Simulated surgery was done using the software first to detect any possible complications during surgery. The trephine bur planned for use in surgery was measured in necessary dimensions, and the values were added to create a guide for surgery in slicer software. Then, it was 3D‐printed with a stereolithography (SLA) printer. After testing the fit of the guide, it was further tested on a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printed donor site model to check if the desired shape and size of the plate were acquired after harvest. Then, the plates were used for model surgery on the recipient site model. After no issues from the previous steps, the final patient surgery was approved and completed with success. This technique utilizes the SLA printing method to create the custom surgical guide for a trephine bur without using commercially available products. Moreover, it could be tested on FFF 3D‐printed anatomical models to ensure its validity. With this innovative technique, clinicians can efficiently perform a semilunar technique, facilitating the surgery and improving patient care.
Novel MRI‐Based Pedicle Bone Quality Score Independently Predicts Pedicle Screw Loosening after Degenerative Lumbar Fusion Surgery
Authors: Li Qiujiang , Fu Haiying , Yang Huiliang , Yang Xi , Wang Lei , Song Yueming
Published: July 2024

Pedicle screw loosening after posterior lumbar fusion is associated with poor bone quality, which often determines screw pull‐out strength, insertion torque, and vertebral body loading characteristics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score were associated with poor bone quality. Current evidence suggests that pedicle bone quality (PBQ) has a greater impact on screw stability. However, the correlation between MRI‐based PBQ score and screw loosening has not been reported.

Purpose

To introduce and evaluate an MRI‐based PBQ score to determine its effectiveness in predicting pedicle screw loosening following lumbar fusion surgery.

Methods

The retrospective study analyzed 244 patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with pedicle screws between December 2017 and December 2021, with CT and MRI imaging before surgery. Data collected included patient demographics and preoperative radiological data. Radiographic screw loosening was measured at 12 months postoperatively. Clinical assessments included pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. The PBQ score was measured using MRI scans. We use univariate analysis for preliminary screening of the risk factors of screw loosening. Subsequent analysis involved multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictive factors for screw loosening. We constructed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to ascertain the discriminative capacity of the PBQ score. The area under the curve (AUC) quantified its predictive accuracy. Additionally, we evaluated the association between PBQ score and screw loosening using Spearman's correlation analysis.

Results

Overall, 244 patients who underwent PLIF with pedicle screw fixation participated in this study, including 35 in the loosening group and 209 in the non‐loosening group. PBQ score in the loosening group was significantly higher than that in the non‐loosening group. On multivariate logistic regression, the higher PBQ score (OR = 8.481, 95% CI: 3.158–22.774; p < 0.001) and the lower mean Hounsfield unit (HU) value of L1‐4 (OR = 0.967, 95% CI 0.951–0.984; p < 0.001) were the variables that significantly predicted screw loosening. The AUC for the PBQ score and HU value were 0.751 (95% CI: 0.673–0.828) and 0.702 (95% CI: 0.612–0.791). The PBQ score optimal cutoff to differentiate patients with loosening and with non‐loosening was calculated as 3.045 with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 76.9%, while the optimal cutoff of the HU value was 151.5 with a sensitivity of 64.6% and specificity of 89.5%.

Conclusions

The association between the PBQ score and the propensity for lumbar pedicle screw loosening was found to be substantial. As a predictive measure, the PBQ score outperformed the HU value in forecasting the likelihood of screw loosening post‐posterior lumbar fusion.
Towards the adoption of climate change acts in the Visegrad Group countries
Authors: Balounová Eva , Snopková Tereza
Published: July 2024

The majority of Western European countries have adopted a framework climate law (a climate change act [CCA]) to serve as a comprehensive basis for their climate policy and set economy‐wide climate targets. By contrast, among the new European Union Member States, only Malta and Hungary have adopted such a CCA. In Czechia, Poland and Slovakia, a draft CCA exists, yet their adoption is uncertain. This article therefore focuses on countries of the Visegrad Group (Czechia, Poland and Slovakia) and examines the chances of adopting an effective CCA in these countries, taking into account trends, pressures and needs. The article proposes elements that these climate laws should contain, considering the specific situation in these States.
Communicating the science of suicide prevention: A call to action for psychologists
Authors: Bond Allison E. , Rodriguez Taylor R. , Bandel Shelby L. , Hamilton Jessica L. , Boyd Simone I. , Gordon Kathryn , Anestis Michael D.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Suicide is a major public health concern within the United States, and prevention efforts are essential for decreasing the suicide rate. Researchers and clinicians have knowledge and effective treatments for preventing suicide; however, their impact is limited to those with access to services. Science Communication (SciComm) is an effective tool that can be integrated into the field of suicide prevention and can bridge the gap between scientific findings and the general population. SciComm can help disseminate evidence‐based strategies for suicide prevention, dispel misinformation on suicide, and normalize help‐seeking.

Purpose

In this article, we propose specific, tangible ways that SciComm can be integrated into graduate school programs, mentorship, career advancement requirements and can help enact systemic change within the field of suicide prevention. Additionally, we discuss why it is important that the field of suicide prevention, specifically, adopts a SciComm framework. Embracing SciComm can help the field of suicide prevention to have a broader impact and can help to reduce rates of suicide.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐B*46:96 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Dong Lina , Pi Wenwen , Chen Nanying , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: July 2024

HLA‐B*46:96 differs from HLA‐B*46:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 479 C>T.
Las redes sociales como herramienta de comunicación de los funcionarios judiciales
Authors: Rueda Fonseca María del Socorro
Published: July 2024

Este artículo se concentra en la reflexión del eventual uso de las redes sociales por parte de un funcionario judicial, como lo es un juez de la República, y las diferentes implicaciones que conlleva. Para poder llevar esto a cabo, se estudian diferentes factores que complementan la reflexión, tales como los principios de las redes sociales, sus implicaciones éticas, en relación con la judicatura. De igual forma, desde un punto de análisis más apegado al derecho, se estudian casos que conforman un precedente en la materia, al igual que las normativas vigentes y los principios básicos que la forjan.
Trust, Workload, and Performance in Human–Artificial Intelligence Partnering: The Role of Artificial Intelligence Attributes in Solving Classification Problems
Authors: Lotfalian Saremi Mostaan , Ziv Isabella , Asan Onur , Bayrak Alparslan Emrah
Published: July 2024

Intelligent systems have been rapidly evolving and play a pivotal role in assisting individuals across diverse domains, from healthcare to transportation. Understanding the dynamics of human–artificial intelligence (AI) partnering, particularly how humans trust and collaborate with intelligent systems, is becoming increasingly critical to design effective systems. This paper presents an experimental analysis to assess the impact of AI design attributes on users’ trust, workload, and performance when solving classification problems supported by an AI assistant. Specifically, we study the effect of transparency, fairness, and robustness in the design of an AI assistant and analyze the role of participants’ gender and education background on the outcomes. The experiment is conducted with 47 students in undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs using a drawing game application where the users are asked to recognize incomplete sketches revealed progressively while receiving recommendations from multiple versions of an AI assistant. The results show that when collaborating with the AI, participants achieve a higher performance than their individual performance or the performance of the AI. The results also show that gender does not have an impact on users’ trust and performance when collaborating with different versions of the AI system, whereas education level has a significant impact on the participants’ performance but not on trust. Finally, the impact of design attributes on participants’ trust and performance highly depends on the accuracy of the AI recommendations, and improvements in participants’ performance and trust in some cases come at the expense of increased workload.
MoS2-assisted growth of highly-oriented AlN thin films by low-temperature van der Waals epitaxy
Authors: Patouillard J. , Bernard M. , Cadot S. , Gassilloud R. , Bernier N. , Grenier A. , Mantoux A. , Blanquet E. , Martin F. , Raynaud C. , Gianesello F.
Published: July 2024

Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a wide bandgap material used in acoustic devices, piezo- micro-electromechanical system and is promising for other electronic applications. However, for most applications, the AlN crystalline quality obtained by PVD or MOCVD is insufficient, and suitable growth substrates providing an adapted lattice match and coefficient of thermal expansion are limited. Alternatively, monocrystalline AlN wafers are not yet available in 200/300 mm sizes and suffer from high costs and quality issues. Here, we propose a novel approach involving a two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) material as a seed layer, which displays an excellent lattice matching with AlN (>98%) allowing a strong enhancement in the c axis texture of sputtered AlN layers on Si(100)/SiO2 thermal oxide (500 nm) substrates. We have successfully demonstrated an eightfold improvement of the AlN (002) rocking curve compared to reference samples grown on thermal SiO2, thus providing a relevant and cost-effective process for the large-scale deployment of high-quality III-N materials on silicon-based substrates.
How is your feedback perceived? An experimental study of anticipated and delayed conversational feedback
Authors: Boudin Auriane , Rauzy Stéphane , Bertrand Roxane , Ochs Magalie , Blache Philippe
Published: July 2024

This article presents a different experiment examining the impact of feedback timing on its perception. Dialog sequences, featuring a main speaker's utterance followed by a listener's feedback, were extracted from spontaneous conversations. The original feedback instances were manipulated to be produced earlier, up to 1.5 s in advance, or to be delayed, up to 2 s later. Participants evaluated the feedback acceptability and engagement level of the listener. The findings reveal that 76% of the time feedback remains acceptable regardless of the delay. However, engagement decreases after a 1-s delay while no consistent effect is observed for feedback anticipation.
High-performance silicon photonic single-sideband modulators for cold-atom interferometry
Authors: Kodigala Ashok , Gehl Michael , Hoth Gregory W. , Lee Jongmin , DeRose Christopher T. , Pomerene Andrew , Dallo Christina , Trotter Douglas , Starbuck Andrew L. , Biedermann Grant , Schwindt Peter D. D. , Lentine Anthony L.
Published: July 2024

The laser system is the most complex component of a light-pulse atom interferometer (LPAI), controlling frequencies and intensities of multiple laser beams to configure quantum gravity and inertial sensors. Its main functions include cold-atom generation, state preparation, state-selective detection, and generating a coherent two-photon process for the light-pulse sequence. To achieve substantial miniaturization and ruggedization, we integrate key laser system functions onto a photonic integrated circuit. Our study focuses on a high-performance silicon photonic suppressed-carrier single-sideband (SC-SSB) modulator at 1560 nanometers, capable of dynamic frequency shifting within the LPAI. By independently controlling radio frequency (RF) channels, we achieve 30-decibel carrier suppression and unprecedented 47.8-decibel sideband suppression at peak conversion efficiency of −6.846 decibels (20.7%). We investigate imbalances in both amplitudes and phases between the RF signals. Using this modulator, we demonstrate cold-atom generation, state-selective detection, and atom interferometer fringes to estimate gravitational acceleration, g ≈ 9.77 ± 0.01 meters per second squared, in a rubidium (
87
Rb) atom system.
Weakly ionized gold nanoparticles amplify immunoassays for ultrasensitive point-of-care sensors
Authors: Zhang Jiangjiang , Chai Fengli , Li Jia’an , Wang Saijie , Zhang Shuailong , Li Fenggang , Liang Axin , Luo Aiqin , Wang Dou , Jiang Xingyu
Published: July 2024

Gold nanoparticle–based lateral flow immunoassays (AuNP LFIAs) are widely used point-of-care (POC) sensors for in vitro diagnostics. However, the sensitivity limitation of conventional AuNP LFIAs impedes the detection of trace biomarkers. Several studies have explored the size and shape factors of AuNPs and derivative nanohybrids, showing limited improvements or enhanced sensitivity at the cost of convenience and affordability. Here, we investigated surface chemistry on the sensitivity of AuNP LFIAs. By modifying surface ligands, a surface chemistry strategy involving weakly ionized AuNPs enables ultrasensitive naked-eye LFIAs (~100-fold enhanced sensitivity). We demonstrated how this surface chemistry–amplified immunoassay approach modulates nanointerfacial bindings to promote antibody adsorption and higher activity of adsorbed antibodies. This surface chemistry design eliminates complex nanosynthesis, auxiliary devices, or additional reagents while efficiently improving sensitivity with advantages: simplified fabrication process, excellent reproducibility and reliability, and ultrasensitivity toward various biomarkers. The surface chemistry using weakly ionized AuNPs represents a versatile approach for sensitizing POC sensors.
Precise arraying of perovskite single crystals through droplet-assisted self-alignment
Authors: Zhang Jianglei , Yang Yifan , Li Weijun , Tang Zigao , Hu Zhiying , Wei Haotong , Zhang Junhu , Yang Bai
Published: July 2024

Patterned arrays of perovskite single crystals can avoid signal cross-talk in optoelectronic devices, while precise crystal distribution plays a crucial role in enhancing device performance and uniformity, optimizing photoelectric characteristics, and improving optical management. Here, we report a strategy of droplet-assisted self-alignment to precisely assemble the perovskite single-crystal arrays (PSCAs). High-quality single-crystal arrays of hybrid methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr
3
) and methylammonium lead chloride (MAPbCl
3
), and cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr
3
) can be precipitated under a formic acid vapor environment. The crystals floated within the suspended droplets undergo movement and rotation for precise alignment. The strategy allows us to deposit PSCAs with a pixel size range from 200 to 500 micrometers on diverse substrates, including indium tin oxide, glass, quartz, and poly(dimethylsiloxane), and the area can reach up to 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters. The PSCAs exhibit excellent photodetector performance with a large responsivity of 24 amperes per watt.
Delocalized quinolinium-macrocyclic peptides, an atypical chemotype for CNS penetration
Authors: Pingitore Valeria , Pancholi Jessica , Hornsby Thomas W. , Warne Justin , Pryce Gareth , McCormick Laura J. , Hill Julia , Bhosale Gauri , Peng Jing , Newton Lydia S. , Towers Greg J. , Coles Simon J. , Chan Ah Wing Edith , Duchen Michael R. , Szabadkai Gyorgy , Baker David , Selwood David L.
Published: July 2024

Macrocyclic drugs can address an increasing range of molecular targets but enabling central nervous system (CNS) access to these drugs has been viewed as an intractable problem. We designed and synthesized a series of quinolinium-modified cyclosporine derivatives targeted to the mitochondrial cyclophilin D protein. Modification of the cation to enable greater delocalization was confirmed by x-ray crystallography of the cations. Critically, greater delocalization improved brain concentrations. Assessment of the compounds in preclinical assays and for pharmacokinetics identified a molecule JP1-138 with at least 20 times the brain levels of a non-delocalized compound or those reported for cyclosporine. Levels were maintained over 24 hours together with low hERG potential. The paradigm outlined here could have widespread utility in the treatment of CNS diseases.
Harmine and exendin-4 combination therapy safely expands human β cell mass in vivo in a mouse xenograft system
Authors: Rosselot Carolina , Li Yansui , Wang Peng , Alvarsson Alexandra , Beliard Kara , Lu Geming , Kang Randy , Li Rosemary , Liu Hongtao , Gillespie Virginia , Tzavaras Nikolaos , Kumar Kunal , DeVita Robert J. , Stewart Andrew F. , Stanley Sarah A. , Garcia-Ocaña Adolfo
Published: July 2024

Five hundred thirty-seven million people globally suffer from diabetes. Insulin-producing β cells are reduced in number in most people with diabetes, but most individuals still have some residual β cells. However, none of the many diabetes drugs in common use increases human β cell numbers. Recently, small molecules that inhibit dual tyrosine-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) have been shown to induce immunohistochemical markers of human β cell replication, and this is enhanced by drugs that stimulate the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor (GLP1R) on β cells. However, it remains to be demonstrated whether these immunohistochemical findings translate into an actual increase in human β cell numbers in vivo. It is also unknown whether DYRK1A inhibitors together with GLP1R agonists (GLP1RAs) affect human β cell survival. Here, using an optimized immunolabeling-enabled three-dimensional imaging of solvent-cleared organs (iDISCO
+
) protocol in mouse kidneys bearing human islet grafts, we demonstrate that combination of a DYRK1A inhibitor with exendin-4 increases actual human β cell mass in vivo by a mean of four- to sevenfold in diabetic and nondiabetic mice over 3 months and reverses diabetes, without alteration in human α cell mass. The augmentation in human β cell mass occurred through mechanisms that included enhanced human β cell proliferation, function, and survival. The increase in human β cell survival was mediated, in part, by the islet prohormone VGF. Together, these findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential and favorable preclinical safety profile of the DYRK1A inhibitor–GLP1RA combination for diabetes treatment.
Supplemental Material: Salinity reconstruction in Proterozoic depositional systems
Authors: Liu Zhanhong , al. et
Published: July 2024

Table S1: Elemental results of the study sections. Table S2: The Cambrian–Silurian and Devonian–Recent salinity dataset. 
Estimated changes in free sugar consumption one year after the UK soft drinks industry levy came into force: controlled interrupted time series analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2011–2019)
Authors: Rogers Nina Trivedy , Cummins Steven , Jones Catrin P , Mytton Oliver , Rayner Mike , Rutter Harry , White Martin , Adams Jean
Published: July 2024

Background

The UK soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) was announced in March 2016 and implemented in April 2018, encouraging manufacturers to reduce the sugar content of soft drinks. This is the first study to investigate changes in individual-level consumption of free sugars in relation to the SDIL.

Methods

We used controlled interrupted time series (2011–2019) to explore changes in the consumption of free sugars in the whole diet and from soft drinks alone 11 months after SDIL implementation in a nationally representative sample of adults (>18 years; n=7999) and children (1.5–19 years; n=7656) drawn from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Estimates were based on differences between observed data and a counterfactual scenario of no SDIL announcement/implementation. Models included protein consumption (control) and accounted for autocorrelation.

Results

Accounting for trends prior to the SDIL announcement, there were absolute reductions in the daily consumption of free sugars from the whole diet in children and adults of 4.8 g (95% CI 0.6 to 9.1) and 10.9 g (95% CI 7.8 to 13.9), respectively. Comparable reductions in free sugar consumption from drinks alone were 3.0 g (95% CI 0.1 to 5.8) and 5.2 g (95% CI 4.2 to 6.1). The percentage of total dietary energy from free sugars declined over the study period but was not significantly different from the counterfactual.

Conclusion

The SDIL led to significant reductions in dietary free sugar consumption in children and adults. Energy from free sugar as a percentage of total energy did not change relative to the counterfactual, which could be due to simultaneous reductions in total energy intake associated with reductions in dietary free sugar.
Computationally Hard Problems for Logic Programs under Answer Set Semantics
Authors: Shen Yuping , Zhao Xishun
Published: July 2024

Showing that a problem is
hard
for a model of computation is one of the most challenging tasks in theoretical computer science, logic and mathematics. For example, it remains beyond reach to find an
explicit
problem that cannot be computed by polynomial size propositional formulas (PF). As a model of computation, logic programs (LP) under answer set semantics are as expressive as PF and also

\(\mathtt{NP}\)

-complete for satisfiability checking. In this article, we show that the PAR problem is hard for LP, i.e., deciding whether a binary string contains an odd number of

\(1\)

’s requires
exponential
size LP. The proof idea is first to transform logic programs into equivalent boolean circuits and then apply a probabilistic method known as
random restriction
to obtain an exponential lower bound. Based on the main result, we generalize a sufficient condition for identifying hard problems for LP and give a separation map for an LP family from a computational point of view, whose members are all equally expressive and share the same reasoning complexity.
Breaking On-Chip Communication Anonymity Using Flow Correlation Attacks
Authors: Weerasena Hansika , Mishra Prabhat
Published: July 2024

Network-on-chip (NoC) is widely used to facilitate communication between components in sophisticated system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Security of the on-chip communication is crucial because exploiting any vulnerability in shared NoC would be a goldmine for an attacker that puts the entire computing infrastructure at risk. We investigate the security strength of existing anonymous routing protocols in NoC architectures, making two pivotal contributions. Firstly, we develop and perform a machine learning (ML)-based flow correlation attack on existing anonymous routing techniques in NoC systems, revealing that they provide only packet-level anonymity. Secondly, we propose a novel, lightweight anonymous routing protocol featuring outbound traffic tunneling and traffic obfuscation. This protocol is designed to provide robust defense against ML-based flow correlation attacks, ensuring both packet-level and flow-level anonymity. Experimental evaluation using both real and synthetic traffic demonstrates that our proposed attack successfully deanonymizes state-of-the-art anonymous routing in NoC architectures with high accuracy (up to 99%) for diverse traffic patterns. It also reveals that our lightweight anonymous routing protocol can defend against ML-based attacks with minor hardware and performance overhead.
The Organism as the Niche: Physiological States Crack the Code of Adult Neural Stem Cell Heterogeneity
Authors: Chaker Zayna , Makarouni Eleni , Doetsch Fiona
Published: July 2024

Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist in the adult mammalian brain and are able to give rise to new neurons and glia throughout life. The largest stem cell niche in the adult mouse brain is the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) lining the lateral ventricles. Adult NSCs in the V-SVZ coexist in quiescent and actively proliferating states, and they exhibit a regionalized molecular identity. The importance of such spatial diversity is just emerging, as depending on their position within the niche, adult NSCs give rise to distinct subtypes of olfactory bulb interneurons and different types of glia. However, the functional relevance of stem cell heterogeneity in the V-SVZ is still poorly understood. Here, we put into perspective findings highlighting the importance of adult NSC diversity for brain plasticity, and how the body signals to brain stem cells in different physiological states to regulate their behavior.
Recent Progress in the Electroweak Structure of Light Nuclei Using Quantum Monte Carlo Methods
Authors: King Garrett B. , Pastore Saori
Published: July 2024

Nuclei will play a prominent role in searches for physics beyond the Standard Model as the active material in experiments. In order to reliably interpret new physics signals, one needs an accurate model of the underlying nuclear dynamics. In this review, we discuss recent progress made with quantum Monte Carlo approaches for calculating the electroweak structure of light nuclei. We place particular emphasis on recent β decay, muon capture, neutrinoless double β decay, and electron scattering results.
Experimentation at a Muon Collider
Authors: Casarsa Massimo , Lucchesi Donatella , Sestini Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Experimental activities involving multi-TeV muon collisions are a relatively recent endeavor. The community has limited experience in designing detectors for lepton interactions at center-of-mass energies of 10 TeV and beyond. This review provides a short overview of the machine characteristics and outlines potential sources of beam-induced background that could affect the detector performance. The strategy for mitigating the effects of the beam-induced background on the detector at

 TeV is discussed with a focus on the machine–detector interface, detector design, and implementation of reconstruction algorithms. The physics potential at this center-of-mass energy is evaluated using a detailed detector simulation that incorporates the effects of the beam-induced background. This evaluation concerns the Higgs boson couplings and the Higgs field potential sensitivity, which then are used to obtain confidence on the expectations at 10 TeV. The physics and detector requirements for an experiment at

 TeV, outlined here, form the foundation for the initial detector concept at that center-of-mass energy.
Treatment of Slaughterhouse Plant Wastewater by Sequential Chemical Coagulation-Continuous Flow Electrooxidation Process
Authors: Akhtar Nawid Ahmad , Gengec Erhan , Kobya Mehmet
Published: July 2024

Wastewater from a small animal slaughterhouse (SWW) was treated by a two-step process: coagulation/flocculation (CF) followed by continuous flow electrooxidation (CFEO). Initially, a coagulant dose of 0.8 kg m−3 in the CF process, using FeCl3 at pH 8.5, achieved 52% COD and 63% turbidity removal (effluent: 2000 mg l−1 and 65.2 NTU). Alum, (optimum pH = 6.5), yielded 50% COD and 55% turbidity removal (effluent of 2100 mg l−1 and 78.5 NTU). Subsequently, when employing the CFEO process following the CF process with FeCl3, the study achieved highly efficient results. Specifically, under optimum conditions (residence time in the CFEO reactor, τ = 240 min, wastewater feed rate to the reactor = 15 ml min−1, and current density = 300 A m−2), the COD and turbidity removal efficiencies reached 99.60% (resulting in an effluent of 8 mg l−1) and 99.9% (resulting in an effluent of <0.10 NTU), respectively. In conclusion, the CF + CFEO consecutive treatment process demonstrated remarkable treatment efficiencies, with COD and turbidity removal rates of 99.9% and 99.9%, respectively. Moreover, the total operating cost of this treatment process was found to be 3.60 US $/m3.
Ischemic preconditioning: what else can it do…?
Authors: Rowe Grant S. , De Marco Kristen
Published: July 2024

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can enhance maximal strength likely due to neural priming. Cruz et al. (Cruz R, Tramontin AF, Oliveira AS, Caputo F, Denadai BS, Greco CC. Scand J Med Sci Sports 34: e14591, 2024) examined the neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for the ergogenic effect. Although key neurophysiological measures remained largely unchanged, voluntary activation and maximal strength were greater following IPC than sham-IPC. Although the mechanistic evidence remains inconclusive, the greater maximal strength provides further evidence of the ergogenic benefit of IPC. Researchers should continue examining the broader functional implications of IPC.
Initial and corrective submovement encoding differences within primary motor cortex during precision reaching
Authors: Schwartze Kevin C. , Lee Wei-Hsien , Rouse Adam G.
Published: July 2024

Neuronal recordings matched with kinematic behavior were collected in a precision center-out task that often required corrective movements. We reveal large differences in preferred direction and depth of modulation between initial and corrective submovements across the neural population. We then present a model of the neural population describing how these shifts in tuning create different subspaces for signaling initial and corrective movements likely to improve motor precision.
A New Hyperspectral Image Identification Method Based on LSDA and OSELM
Authors: Zhou Chengjiang , Yang Mingli , Duan Sasa , Shao Lu , Zhang Zhilin , Liu Yunfei
Published: July 2024

To solve the problems of information loss and nonlinear transformation of hyperspectral image dimensionality reduction methods and the problem that recognition methods are sensitive to noise and cannot be trained online, a new hyperspectral image identification method based on locality sensitive discriminant analysis (LSDA) and online sequential extreme learning machine (OSELM) is proposed. Firstly, LSDA is used to reduce the redundant information and data noise, and the local structure and discriminant information of the hyperspectral image are extracted on the basis of reducing the data dimension. Then, a real‐time recognition model based on OSELM is constructed to identify various terrain targets in hyperspectral images through online real‐time updates of data. According to the experimental results of the Pavia University dataset and Salinas dataset, the proposed LSDA‐OSELM not only achieved the maximum overall accuracy (OA) of 97.56 and 97.88 but also obtained the maximum kappa coefficient of 0.9726 and 0.9774. Compared with several new dimensionality reduction methods and identification methods, the proposed LSDA‐OSELM has achieved a leading position in both OA and kappa indicators. The proposed method improves the generalization ability and accuracy of hyperspectral image target recognition models. In the future, its computational complexity and parameter robustness are expected to be further improved and applied in practical application scenarios.
Motivation to Lead: A Study of the Supportive Nursing Leadership Environment
Authors: Al Sabei Sulaiman , Ross Amy Miner , Al Yahyaei Asma , Labrague Leodoro , Al-Rwajfah Omar , Deterding Kylee
Published: July 2024

Background. With projected nursing shortages, an aging workforce, and the imminent retirement of nurse leaders, nursing leadership shortages are a concern. While several studies have indicated the interest of nurses in pursuing leadership positions, limited research has focused on examining the influence of the leadership practice environment on nurses’ motivation to lead. Aim. The aims of the study were to (1) assess the relationship between the leadership environment and the motivation of nurses to lead and (2) determine whether there are particular aspects of the leadership environment that influence motivation to lead. Methods. A cross‐sectional research design was used to collect data from 435 nurses working in 16 public and private hospitals in Oman. Leadership Environment Scale and Motivation to Lead Scale were used to assess participants’ perceived leadership environment and their motivation to engage in formal leadership roles, respectively. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the relationship between the perceived leadership environment and the motivation of nurses to undertake leadership roles. Findings. Nurses reported a mean scale value of 3.208 out of 5 (SD = 0.467) for their motivation to lead, which exceeds the midpoint, indicating a strong motivation to engage in formal leadership roles. Nurses reported a mean score of 3.194 out of 4 (SD = 0.661), which exceeds the midpoint, suggesting a favorable perception of leadership environment. The findings showed a significant relationship between the leadership environment and nurses’ motivation to lead. Specifically, self‐organization (β = 0.185, p = 0.001, CI = 0.086–0.378), agents (β = 0.221, p = 0.002, CI = 0.124–0.474), and transformative exchange (β = 0.100, p = 0.037, CI = 0.101–0.142) were characteristics of the leadership environment that were associated with greater motivation to engage in leadership. Conclusion. This study emphasizes the importance of cultivating a supportive leadership environment as a potential strategy to attract nurses to assume formal nursing leadership roles. Implications for Nursing Management. Strategies to improve nurses’ motivation to lead in a complex healthcare environment include improving nurses’ active involvement in their organization, creating a collegial supportive and mentoring leadership culture, and improving transformative exchange by supporting career and educational advancement.
Changing the High‐Risk Behaviors of Injecting Drug Users in Iran: Application Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Khani Jeihooni Ali , Mohammadkhah Fatemeh , Bijani Mostafa , Harsini Pooyan Afzali
Published: July 2024

Background. Injection risk behavior is a major predictor of HIV infection. The present study was conducted to survey the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on changing high‐risk behaviors (the high‐risk behaviors of injecting and behaviors of transmitting blood diseases to others) of injecting drug users under the coverage of addiction harm reduction centers. Methods. This study is an experimental research on 120 drug addicts in 2021‐2022. Two addiction harm reduction centers in Fasa City, Iran, were chosen randomly (one as the test group and the other as the control group). The data collection tool is made up of two parts. The first part is a questionnaire on demographics. The second part is a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior, which was made using information from different sources and studies. The training program was set up based on the pretest results and the theory of planned behavior for the test group. Before and six months after the educational intervention, the experimental and control groups filled out the questionnaire. With a significance level of 0.05, the independent t, chi‐square, and paired t statistical tests were used to examine the data using the SPSS 22 program. Results. In the test group, the average age of addicts was 37.42 ± 10.55 years, while in the control group, the average age was 38.36 ± 10.09 years (p = 0.244). Six months after the educational intervention, all TPB theory’s constructs (knowledge, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior of injecting drug users) were higher in the test group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion. The results show the effect of this educational intervention in reducing high‐risk behaviors related to injection in injection drug addicts, so it is suggested as a useful method to reduce high‐risk injection behaviors in these people.
Transforming Polycotton Textile Waste into New Bicomponent Fibers: An Investigative Study
Authors: Kronberg Simon , Baghaei Behnaz
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to develop an innovative recycling method for end‐of‐life polycotton textiles, eliminating the need for component separation. The use of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ac]) as an ionic liquid solvent facilitated the dissolution of cotton, enabling the creation of a spinning dope containing cellulose and polyester fibers. Successful spinning of bicomponent fibers ensued, followed by comprehensive fiber evaluation. The dissolution of cotton was achieved with [EMIM][Ac], and spinning trials were conducted to devise a suitable method for regenerated cellulose. Tensile tests on the produced cellulosic fibers clearly demonstrated an increase in tensile strength with higher cellulose concentration. The introduction of polyester fibers to the spinning dope, comprising [EMIM][Ac] and cotton, posed challenges to the entire spinning process. Tensile tests on the resulting bicomponent fibers revealed a decrease in tensile strength compared to pure regenerated cellulose fibers. This reduction was attributed to increased voids and irregular polyester fiber distribution, corroborated by microscopy images and a wicking test. It was concluded that the quantity and length of polyester fibers significantly influenced the tensile strength of the bicomponent fibers, with lower concentrations and shorter fibers resulting in higher strength.