bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Could Higher Education System Help Attract International Organisations? Differences Between China, the U.S., Switzerland, and the Netherlands
Authors: Xu Jia , Jin Hengshan
Published: January 2025

As more regions seek to attract international organisations (IOs) to improve their lack of voice in the global community, researchers have increasingly examined the factors that influence the IO location decisions. While these studies inform policy development, most focus on external factors such as international relations, with limited attention to a city's internal qualities. We reviewed the existing literature systematically to identify the factors that influence the location selection of IOs and deeply discussed the neglected factors as well as how to improve them. We especially explored “talents gathering” factor and analysed what could the higher education system contribute to it. We found out three main influencing factors: economy, government action, and talent gathering, among which the third is the most pivotal one. Specifically, even economically robust regions might lose IOs if political instability or other issues hinder timely payment of dues. Government policies should foster networks to prevent competition between different levels of governance. Additionally, IO tends to have less mobile talent pools compared to other industries, making it harder for these organisations to establish a talent base in new locations. Furthermore, an interesting finding is that higher education may greatly foster building the IO ecosystem within a city. We found that, compared to Western models, Chinese universities lack specialised programs to train professionals for IOs, offer insufficient practical resources, and are unaware of the need to establish employment support systems. These observations highlight the need for decision‐makers of higher education institutions (HEIs) and governments to maximise resources to build the local IO ecosystem and IO employment support system.
Computational complexity as a potential limitation on brain–behaviour mapping
Authors: Ozkirli Ayberk , Herzog Michael H. , Jastrzębowska Maya A.
Published: January 2025

Within the reductionist framework, researchers in the special sciences formulate key terms and concepts and try to explain them with lower‐level science terms and concepts. For example, behavioural vision scientists describe contrast perception with a psychometric function, in which the perceived brightness increases logarithmically with the physical contrast of a light patch (the Weber‐Fechner law). Visual neuroscientists describe the output of neural circuits with neurometric functions. Intuitively, the key terms from two adjacent scientific domains should map onto each other; for instance, psychometric and neurometric functions may map onto each other. Identifying such mappings has been the very goal of neuroscience for nearly two centuries. Yet mapping behaviour to brain measures has turned out to be difficult. Here, we provide various arguments as to why the conspicuous lack of robust brain–behaviour mappings is rather a rule than an exception. First, we provide an overview of methodological and conceptual issues that may stand in the way of successful brain–behaviour mapping. Second, extending previous theoretical work (Herzog, Doerig and Sachse, 2023), we show that brain–behaviour mapping may be limited by complexity barriers. In this case, reduction may be impossible.
Deciphering the Patterns and Correlates of Zooplankton Functional Diversity in Mountain and Lowland Ponds
Authors: Fernández‐Aláez Camino , Manzanal Sofía , Fernández‐Aláez Margarita , García‐Girón Jorge
Published: January 2025

Biodiversity studies have usually been conducted considering only the taxonomic dimension of ecological communities. However, diversity measurements taking into account the functional traits of species may be more sensitive in capturing aspects of community functioning that are not apparent with the more traditional taxonomic approach. Functional diversity (either based on alpha or beta diversity levels) is, therefore, a facet of diversity that provides a link between ecosystem functioning and community structure and may be an important metric for assessing the impact of global change in the context of applied conservation schemes.

Zooplankton is a key element of lentic ecosystems due to its linkage between primary producers and secondary consumers. Here, we tried to disentangle the spatial patterns and correlates of zooplankton functional alpha and beta diversity along a relatively wide altitudinal gradient (700–2100 m a.s.l.) across central and northwestern Spain. We also identified key environmental controls of zooplankton functional alpha diversity across an extensive set of lowland (48) and mountain (28) ponds sampled in 2004–2005 and 2007–2008, respectively. We also assessed whether replacement or richness differences drove overall functional beta diversity patterns and evaluated the relative contributions of geographical and environmental distances to spatial variation in functional diversity.

Our findings highlighted the importance of environmental filtering with increasing elevation, leading to a potentially concomitant decrease in functional alpha diversity values. However, altitudinal variation was not related to changes in functional beta diversity patterns, which were mostly the result of the pure loss or gain of species traits both in lowland and mountain ponds. We suggest that eutrophication associated with agricultural development was the main factor underlying the functional homogenisation of zooplankton communities in lowland ponds. Local environmental filtering was more strongly associated with functional beta diversity and its dominant trait richness difference component than with geographical distances.

This study supports the prediction that elevation fosters changes in different aspects of the variation of zooplankton community functions. Our results highlighted the importance of local conditions determining the functional architecture of zooplankton communities, both in physiologically extreme environments (mountains) and in lowland areas suffering from agricultural pressures and associated eutrophication processes. However, the fraction characterising relationships between functional diversity and environmental correlates was generally low. This suggests the prevalence of idiosyncratic responses and random stochastic events in structuring variation of trait composition in freshwater zooplankton communities.
Swimming Into Future Breakthroughs From Kyoto, Japan: Report of the 18th International Zebrafish Conference (IZFC2024)
Authors: Hirata Hiromi , Ishitani Tohru , Okamoto Hitoshi
Published: January 2025

The 18th International Zebrafish Conference (IZFC2024) took place from August 17 to 21, 2024, at Miyako Messe in Kyoto, Japan. This conference attracted 641 researchers from around the world along with 83 virtual participants, making it the largest gathering since the COVID‐19 pandemic. The event featured two keynote lectures, three award lectures, 36 plenary talks, 90 oral presentations, and 374 poster presentations. Participants also engaged in luncheons, workshops, and community sessions, all aimed at exploring innovative technologies, enhancing scientific environments and strengthening connections within the research community. Additionally, the conference included cultural elements that allowed participants to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions, enriching their overall experience. This commitment to blending scientific inquiry with cultural appreciation ensured that participants gained valuable insights into the latest research while enjoying a taste of Japan's rich heritage. Overall, IZFC2024 successfully promoted collaboration and innovation in zebrafish research while celebrating the unique cultural aspects of Japan, making this conference an unforgettable event for everyone involved.
Cognitive Task Complexity and Learner Engagement: Evidence From Direction‐Giving Map Tasks
Authors: Jackson Daniel O.
Published: January 2025

Task‐based language teaching (TBLT), a pedagogy focused on learner needs and communicative abilities, influences language education in many locales. TBLT researchers have independently pursued, and yielded valuable insights concerning, the roles of cognitive task complexity (CTC) and learner engagement, although less work has been carried out to weave these strands together. Based on a thorough review of the literature, this study aimed to contribute to work on CTC and engagement by hypothesizing that differences in learner engagement across simpler versus more complex tasks should be clearer on measures of cognitive engagement than on those of affective engagement. To test this hypothesis, a study was conducted with learners of English as an additional language in Japan who performed a series of direction‐giving map tasks. The analyses leveraged robust statistics appropriate to the dataset to uncover larger effect sizes for behavioral and cognitive measures of engagement than for affective measures. These findings are discussed in terms of the intersection of CTC and engagement. The article concludes with a discussion of pedagogical implications, noting, as well, the limitations of the study.
Factors Influencing Tibetan College Students’ Willingness to Communicate in Their Second Language in China: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Jiang Yang
Published: January 2025

In the context of globalization, Tibetan students’ second language (L2) communication skills are crucial to allow effective intercultural communication and personal development. To better understand and promote the willingness of Tibetan university students to communicate in their L2, this study adapts the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by introducing the concept of “language growth mindset (LGM)” to replace the original model's “Attitude (ATT)” component in conjunction with the L2 motivational self system (L2MSS). This mixed methods study utilized structural equation modelling (SEM) for quantitative analysis and NVivo for the open coding of qualitative interview data. The study participants were 409 Tibetan students from four universities in China. Data were collected using questionnaires and in‐depth interviews. The SEM model validated the applicability of TPB and L2MSS in explaining the willingness to communicate in an L2 (L2WTC). The findings indicate that (a) a comprehensive model based on TPB and L2MSS can explain 52.9% of the variance in L2WTC; (b) LGM, Ideal L2 Self (IS), and Ought‐to L2 Self (OS) positively influence L2WTC; (c) perceived behavioral control (PBC) positively impacts LGM, while subjective norms (SN) do not affect LGM; and (d) LGM does not mediate the relationship between SN and OS.
Enhancing ionic conductivity and structural stability of LiTa2PO8 through Sc3+ doping
Authors: Boyuan Wang , Ziwei Li , Haizhong Wang , Longxing Xie , Chencheng Sun , Haofeng Tan , Qian Zhang , Dmytro Sydorov , Lei Han
Published: January 2025

LiTa2PO8 (LTPO) is a novel inorganic ceramic electrolyte that has garnered significant attention due to its high ionic conductivity. However, in all‐solid‐state battery systems, the tantalum (Ta) within the crystal structure of this electrolyte is prone to reduction by lithium at the anode, resulting in the conversion of Ta5+ to Ta3+ and Ta2+. This reduction induces instability in both the structural integrity and performance of the electrolyte, thereby adversely affecting the cycling performance of solid‐state batteries. To improve the stability of the crystal structure, large‐radius scandium (Sc3+) ions were introduced into LTPO. The results demonstrate that Sc3+ ions can effectively replace some of the Ta5+ sites within the structure, thereby altering the crystal framework and increasing the unit cell volume. The incorporation of Sc3+ ions not only promotes the growth of LTPO crystals but also enhances grain connectivity. This modification expands the pathways for lithium‐ion transport, thereby significantly enhancing the room temperature ionic conductivity of LTPO. The synthesized Li1.08Ta1.96Sc0.04PO8 exhibits an impressive ionic conductivity of 5.12 × 104 S/cm. Furthermore, lithium symmetric cells fabricated from Li1.08Ta1.96Sc0.04PO8 demonstrate exceptional cycling stability, underscoring the potential of this doped material for practical applications in energy storage systems.
The Impact of Judicial Leadership on Consensus Formation: Evidence From the Supreme Court of Norway
Authors: Bentsen Henrik Litleré , Skiple Jon Kåre , McKenzie Mark Jonathan , Grendstad Gunnar
Published: January 2025

Which judicial leaders are more successful in achieving consensus? This article examines the impact of the leadership of presiding justices on consensus formation on the Norwegian Supreme Court where cases are distributed randomly to two parallel decisional panels. We hypothesize that presiding justices with certain characteristics (e.g., gender and chief justice), when in charge of the decision‐making process, are more willing and better able to forge consensus, which could lead to greater respect for courts and the rule of law. We account for a variety of characteristics of the justices, as well as several conditions under which the cases were decided. The results confirm that both chief justices and female justices, when operating as the presiding justice of the panel, are significantly more likely to steer the case towards a unanimous decision as compared to their fellow justices. Legal academics serving as presiding justices had no discernable impact on consensus formation. The results provide evidence outside the American context that chief justices and women justices have the ability to achieve greater consensus. As such, diversity and appointments have consequences for judicial leadership and for consensus formation on a court.
Prevalence of Depression in Older Adults and the Potential Protective Role of Volunteering: Findings From the LongROAD Study
Authors: Xi Yitao , Mielenz Thelma J. , Andrews Howard F. , Hill Linda L. , Strogatz David , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Betz Marian E. , Jones Vanya , Eby David W. , Molnar Lisa J. , Lang Barbara H. , Li Guohua
Published: January 2025

Background

As the US population continues to age, depression and other mental health issues have become a significant challenge for healthy aging. Few studies, however, have examined the prevalence of depression in community‐dwelling older adults in the United States.

Methods

Baseline data from the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers study were analyzed to examine the prevalence and correlates of depression in a multisite sample of community‐dwelling adults aged 65–79 years who were enrolled and assessed between July 2015 and March 2017. The Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression scale was used to determine the depression status.

Results

Of the 2990 study participants, 186 (6.2%) had depression at the time of assessment. Elevated prevalence of depression was found in those who were 65–69 years of age (7.9%); were women (7.2%); were not married (8.1%); had attained an education of high school or less (8.3%); or had annual household incomes less than $50,000 (10.7%). Older adults with a positive history of depression or chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus and anxiety) had a significantly higher prevalence of depression whereas those engaged in volunteering activities had a significantly lower prevalence of depression. With adjustment for demographic characteristics and comorbidities, volunteering was associated with a 43% reduction in the odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio: 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.81).

Conclusions

The point prevalence of depression in this multisite sample of community‐dwelling older adults in the United States was 6.2%, which varied significantly with demographic characteristics and comorbid conditions. Engagement in volunteering activities might help older adults to reduce their risk of depression.
Long‐Term Trajectories of Older Adults Served by an Emergency Department/Hospital‐Based Elder Mistreatment Response Program
Authors: Baek Daniel , Gottesman Elaine , Makaroun Lena K. , Elman Alyssa , Stern Michael E. , Shaw Amy , Mulcare Mary R. , McAuley Jennine , LoFaso Veronica M. , Itzkowitz Jaclyn , Chang E‐Shien , Hancock David , Bloemen Elizabeth M. , Lindberg Daniel M. , Sharma Rahul , Lachs Mark S. , Pillemer Karl , Rosen Tony
Published: January 2025

Background

An emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization provides an opportunity to identify elder mistreatment and initiate intervention, but this seldom occurs. To address this, we developed the Vulnerable Elder Protection Team (VEPT), a novel interdisciplinary consultation service. We explored the long‐term trajectories of patients receiving VEPT evaluation and intervention.

Methods

We followed up at multiple intervals for 12 months older adults seen by VEPT from 9/1/2020–3/27/2023 with high or moderate concern for mistreatment who were discharged to the community, an elder abuse shelter, or rehabilitation facilities. We collected information through telephone calls to the older adult and others involved. We also analyzed separately cases in which the patient re‐presented to the ED/hospital with VEPT consultation during the follow‐up period.

Results

A total of 157 older adults met criteria for follow‐up, and 30 of these (16.4%) died within 12 months. At 1 month, elder mistreatment was no longer occurring in 47.5% and still occurring but reduced in 20.3%, with 29.7% having no contact with the perpetrator and 17.8% having reduced contact. At 12 months, elder mistreatment was no longer occurring in 60.9% and still occurring but reduced in 14.5%, with 34.8% having no contact with the perpetrator and 17.4% having reduced contact. During the 12‐month follow‐up period, 16 (10.2%) patients re‐presented to the ED with VEPT consultation, with 12 having persistent concern for ongoing elder mistreatment. Reasons included older adults/caregivers not accepting intervention or being willing to separate as well as VEPT reliance on community‐based agencies and programs after discharge.

Conclusions

We observed improved post‐discharge safety for elder mistreatment victims who engaged with the VEPT program, with this increased safety durable over 1 year. Re‐presentations highlighted the complexity of elder mistreatment intervention. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential value of an ED/hospital‐based elder mistreatment response team, a promising new geriatric care model.
Clinical 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging: Impact and patient value in neurological disorders
Authors: de Vries Elisabeth , Hagbohm Caroline , Ouellette Russell , Granberg Tobias
Published: January 2025

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a cornerstone of non‐invasive diagnostics and treatment monitoring, particularly for diseases of the central nervous system. Although 1.5‐ and 3 Tesla (T) field strengths remain the clinical standard, the advent of 7 T MRI represents a transformative step forward, offering superior spatial resolution, contrast, and sensitivity for visualizing neuroanatomy, metabolism, and function. Recent innovations, including parallel transmission and deep learning–based reconstruction, have resolved many prior technical challenges of 7 T MRI, enabling its routine clinical use. This review examines the diagnostic impact, patient value, and practical considerations of 7 T MRI, emphasizing its role in facilitating earlier diagnoses and improving care in conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), dementia, parkinsonism, tumors, and vascular diseases. Based on insights from over 1200 clinical scans with a second‐generation 7 T system, the review highlights disease‐specific biomarkers such as the motor band sign in ALS and the new diagnostic markers in MS, the central vein sign, and paramagnetic rim lesions. The unparalleled ability of 7 T MRI to study neurological diseases ex vivo at ultra‐high resolution is also explored, offering new opportunities to understand pathophysiology and identify novel treatment targets. Additionally, the review provides a clinical perspective on patient handling and safety considerations, addressing challenges and practicalities associated with clinical 7 T MRI. By bridging research and clinical practice, 7 T MRI has the potential to redefine neuroimaging and advance the understanding and management of complex neurological disorders.
Positional obstructive sleep apnea in children prescribed continuous positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Kevat Ajay , Alwadhi Dhruv , Chew Ai Xin , Iyer Kartik , Chawla Jasneek , Suresh Sadasivam , Collaro Andrew
Published: January 2025

Positional obstructive sleep apnea, in which there is a ≥ 2:1 predominance of obstructive events in the supine position, is a sleep‐disordered breathing phenotype with a targeted treatment in the form of positional device therapy. We sought to determine the prevalence of positional obstructive sleep apnea in a cohort of children prescribed continuous positive airway pressure therapy, ascertain risk factors for the condition, and determine the associated continuous positive airway pressure treatment adherence rate. A retrospective cohort study of all children > 2 years old from a single tertiary paediatric centre prescribed continuous positive airway pressure therapy over an 8‐year period was conducted. Positional obstructive sleep apnea prevalence was established by analysing positional and respiratory event data from the participants' original diagnostic polysomnography. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy adherence was determined using data from machine download. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine participant demographic and clinical factors associated with positional obstruction. Positional obstructive sleep apnea (defined by Bignold's criteria modified for paediatric use) prevalence in the cohort of 237 analysed participants was 38%. Suboptimal continuous positive airway pressure adherence was noted in 30% of this group based on initial machine download, performed a median of 96 days post‐treatment initiation. Higher age and lower obstructive apnea–hypopnea index were independent predictors of positional obstructive sleep apnea, whereas neurodevelopmental diagnosis, presence/absence of rapid eye movement‐related obstructive sleep apnea, overweight/obesity status and history of adenoidectomy/adenotonsillectomy were not. For children, positional device therapy is a treatment option worthy of further consideration and research.
Consumer Environmental Awareness in a Green Managerial Delegation Contract Under Common Ownership
Authors: Xing Mingqing , Lee Sang‐Ho
Published: January 2025

This study examines consumers' environmental awareness (CEA) in a green managerial delegation contract with environmental incentives under common ownership. We find that higher CEA increases environmental incentives, while an increase of common ownership may reduce environmental incentives if CEA is high enough. We also demonstrate that an increase of common ownership is profitable to the industry through environmental incentives only when both CEA and common ownership are small enough, but a higher CEA can reduce the industry‐wide profitable level of common ownership. Our analysis reveals that the government should monitor the higher level of common ownership and induce higher environmental incentives as CEA increases.
Combining In Vivo Two‐Photon and Laser Speckle Microscopy With the Ex Vivo Capillary‐Parenchymal Arteriole Preparation as a Novel Approach to Study Neurovascular Coupling
Authors: Evans Lowri E. , Gray Anna L. , Walsh Katy R. , Danby Thea G. E. , Pritchard Harry A. T. , Allan Stuart M. , Gurney Alison M. , Greenstein Adam S. , Schiessl Ingo
Published: January 2025

Objective

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) decline is increasingly recognized as an area of importance for targeting neurodegenerative disorders, yet full understanding of the mechanisms that underlie CBF changes are lacking. Animal models are crucial for expanding our knowledge as methods for studying global CBF and neurovascular coupling in humans are limited and require expensive specialized scanners.

Methods

Use of appropriate animal models can increase our understanding of cerebrovascular function, so we have combined chronic cranial windows with in vivo two‐photon and laser speckle microscopy and ex vivo capillary‐parenchymal arteriole (CaPA) preparations. Chronic cranial windows allow for longitudinal direct observation of the cerebral microvasculature and surrounding parenchyma while the CaPA preparation can assess capillary and arteriole function in isolation of the neuronal tissue.

Results

Here, we found that extra‐dural cranial windows and related imaging protocols do not affect vascular function in the CaPA preparation. Cortical vessels from animals that have undergone imaging can therefore be taken to discover physiological alterations in the cerebral vasculature that contribute to any observed in vivo changes.

Conclusion

This approach will enhance neurodegenerative research with the benefit of limiting animal usage.
Gut Neuropathies and Intestinal Motility Disorders
Authors: Wattchow David A. , Brookes Simon J. H. , Spencer Nick J. , De Giorgio Roberto , Costa Marcello , Dinning Phil G.
Published: January 2025

Background

The enteric nervous system plays a key role in the coordination of gastrointestinal motility together with sympathetic, parasympathetic, and extrinsic sensory pathways. In some cases, abnormalities in neural activity in these pathways contribute to disorders of gut motility. Where this is associated with damage or death of enteric neurons, usually detected by microscopy, this is considered a gut neuropathy.

Purpose

This review summarizes recent advances in the identification of neuropathies in a range of gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Effect of temperature on circadian clock functioning of trees in the context of global warming
Authors: Estravis‐Barcala Maximiliano , Gaischuk Sofía , Gonzalez‐Polo Marina , Martinez‐Meier Alejandro , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A. , Yanovsky Marcelo J. , Bellora Nicolás , Arana María Verónica
Published: January 2025

Plant survival in a warmer world requires the timely adjustment of biological processes to cyclical changes in the new environment. Circadian oscillators have been proposed to contribute to thermal adaptation and plasticity. However, the influence of temperature on circadian clock performance and its impact on plant behaviour in natural ecosystems are not well‐understood.

We combined bioinformatics, molecular biology and ecophysiology to investigate the effects of increasing temperatures on the functioning of the circadian clock in two closely related tree species from Patagonian forests that constitute examples of adaptation to different thermal environments based on their altitudinal profiles.

Nothofagus pumilio, the species from colder environments, showed a major rearrangement of its transcriptome and reduced ability to maintain rhythmicity at high temperatures compared with Nothofagus obliqua, which inhabits warmer zones. In altitude‐swap experiments, N. pumilio, but not N. obliqua, showed limited oscillator function in warmer zones of the forest, and reduced survival and growth.

Our findings show that interspecific differences in the influence of temperature on circadian clock performance are associated with preferred thermal niches, and to thermal plasticity of seedlings in natural environments, highlighting the potential role of a resonating oscillator in ecological adaptation to a warming environment.
A Nomogram to Predict Mortality in Patients With Severe Oral and Maxillofacial Space Infections
Authors: Zhu Hanyi , Qian Wentao , Li Yanxiang , He Zhiyuan , Shi Huan , Wang Baoli
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to explore the risk factors for death in extremely severe oral and maxillofacial space infection (OMSI) patients and to use these findings to establish a nomogram model that can be used to predict individual patient prognosis.

Methods

Patients with extremely severe OMSI seen between 2020 and 2024 were enrolled (N = 102). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the associations between clinical factors and the risk of death, and a nomogram was developed to visualise the model. Model accuracy and clinical utility of the nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Six variables were associated with death. Three independent risk factors for death were identified by multivariate logistic regression: history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (OR: 7.716; 95% CI: 0.988–52.122; p = 0.050), D‐dimer (OR: 1.162; 95% CI: 1.048–1.28; p = 0.004), and serum creatinine level (OR: 1.011; 95% CI: 1.002–1.020; p = 0.018). The nomogram had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.819.

Conclusion

A history of RA, D‐dimer and serum creatinine are independent prognostic factors for overall survival in OMSI patients. The nomogram model showed good concordance and accuracy.
Efficacy of Auricular Therapy for Motor Impairment After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mao Yingqi , Xu Donghan , Yan Peiyu , Li Yu , Du Jiaan , Zheng Yi , Wu Qibiao , Yu Lili , Qiu Tao
Published: January 2025

Background

A high number of stroke patients cannot recover fully from motor impairment despite early rehabilitation. Auricular therapies, usually given by acupuncture doctors or nurses, have been widely used among these post‐stroke patients. Potential benefits of auricular therapies were shown in recent clinical trials.

Objectives

The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the clinical effects of auricular therapy in the treatment of post‐stroke motor impairment.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases were searched from their inception to May 2023. Randomised controlled trials of auricular therapy for the treatment of post‐stroke motor impairment met the screening criteria. The primary outcome was the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA). The secondary outcomes included the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA‐UE), Chinese Stroke Scale (CSS), clinical efficacy and the Barthel Index Scale (BI). Meta‐analysis was carried out using RevMan software 5.3.

Results

Twenty‐eight RCTs with 1993 patients were included. The meta‐analysis results suggested that compared with conventional treatment, auricular therapy combined with conventional treatment significantly improved the FMA score (MD: 15.07, 95% CI, 12.56 to 17.59), the FMA‐UE score (MD: 6.49, 95% CI, 5.54 to 7.45), the clinical efficacy (RR: 1.20, 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.29) and the BI score (MD: 10.26, 95% CI, 9.11 to 11.40), while the combination treatment significantly decreased the CSS score (MD: −2.98, 95% CI, −4.38 to −1.59).

Conclusion

Auricular therapy, as an adjunctive treatment to the conventional treatment, improved post‐stroke motor impairment and self‐care ability. Early auricular therapy of the patients in the early disease stage may lead to better improvement. Further well‐designed, large‐size clinical studies are needed.

Implications for Practice

This study suggested that auricular therapy could be used as a complementary therapy with conventional treatment for improving motor impairment and self‐care ability among post‐stroke patients with motor impairment in hospitals, long‐term care facilities and homes.
The Incorporation of Melanosomes by Senescent Keratinocytes Causes the Accumulation of Melanin due to Decreased Energy Metabolism
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroko , Ando Hideya
Published: January 2025

In solar lentigo, a typical age‐related pigmentary disorder of the skin, abundant melanin is deposited in the basal layer of keratinocytes and not spontaneously eliminated. The reason for the prolonged melanin accumulation in keratinocytes is not fully understood. Therefore, we focused on the energy metabolism of keratinocytes that incorporate melanosomes, specialized organelles where melanin pigment is synthesized, and investigated the mechanism of melanin accumulation in keratinocytes. Energy metabolism in keratinocytes after the addition of melanosomes was assessed by measuring ATP levels, lactate production, and oxygen consumption rate. Energy limitations after melanosome addition were evaluated by microscopy. Cells with incorporated melanosomes were stained for senescence and proliferation markers. The results showed that keratinocytes upregulated their energy metabolism after melanosome incorporation and energy limitations increased the amount of melanin per cell. Keratinocytes positive for senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase, a cellular senescence marker, accumulated large amounts of melanin, while keratinocytes positive for 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, a proliferation marker, contained little melanin. These findings indicate that senescent keratinocytes tend to accumulate melanin, which may be due to their impaired energy metabolism and thus inability to activate energy metabolism after melanosome incorporation. Our results suggest that melanosome incorporation by senescent keratinocytes causes the persistent melanin deposition in solar lentigo.
It's Getting Better All the Time: Decreased Cumulative Incidence of Waitlist Mortality in Pediatric Candidates Following 2018 Heart Allocation Policy Change
Authors: Donnelly Conor , Motter Jennifer D. , Patel Suhani S. , Long Jane J. , Liyanage Luckmini , Varma Manu , Singh Rakesh K. , Segev Dorry L. , Massie Allan B.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In October 2018, the OPTN changed adult heart transplant (HT) allocation policy, increasing the number of adult candidates that had higher priority than pediatric candidates, potentially disadvantaging pediatric waitlist registrants.

Methods

To understand the impact of this policy change, we used SRTR data to identify 1469 pre‐policy (7/2016–9/2018) and 2901 (10/2018–12/2022) post‐policy pediatric (< 18 years) HT registrants. We quantified mortality and transplant risks using weighted cause‐specific hazard models, and then using weighted competing risks regression. We further stratified these analyses by age to understand risks for those in direct competition with adults for organs (≥ 12 years).

Results

Post‐policy, patients were more likely to need VAD prior to HT. There were no changes in post‐policy access to HT (weighted hazard ratio [wHR] = 0.96 1.03 1.11, p = 0.43). Mortality risk censoring for transplantation declined by 20% post‐policy (wHR = 0.64 0.80 1.02, p = 0.05). When accounting for competing risks of transplantation, post policy, mortality decreased by 24% compared to pre‐policy (weighted subdistribution HR [wSHR] = 0.61 0.76 0.94, p = 0.02). Post policy, 1‐year transplant rate did not change in those < 12years (68.2%–71.0%, p = 0.77), but in those ≥ 12years, transplant rate increased (77.3%–81.0%, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Mortality on the waitlist decreased and access to HT for pediatric registrants did not decline following the 2018 policy change. The decreased mortality rate may reflect changes in patient casemix and/or improved patient care. Continued surveillance is important in ensuring equity in pediatric, and adult, HT.
Prevention of Infections Among Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Asplenia or Hyposplenism
Authors: Espinoza‐Candelaria Gabriela J. , Yildirim Inci , Yamada Masaki , Minniear Timothy D. , L'Huillier Arnaud G. , Dulek Daniel E. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Ardura Monica I. , Michaels Marian G.
Published: January 2025

Pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with splenic dysfunction are at increased risk for infections, and tailored guidance on the management of asplenia/hyposplenism among SOT recipients is often lacking. The purpose of this article is to provide practice recommendations via a frequently asked questions (FAQs) format that focuses on three main domains: the identification of asplenia/hyposplenism among SOT recipients/candidates, prophylactic strategies for mitigating the risk of invasive disease associated with splenic dysfunction in the context of transplantation, and the provision of appropriate patient counseling on the risks associated with asplenia/hyposplenism. Answers to the FAQs are based on international expert opinion informed by practices for managing splenic dysfunction and associated data in other populations with asplenia. Gaps in the existing literature and relevant research aims are emphasized.
EEG Microstates in the Study of Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Review of Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Berchio Cristina , Kumar Samika S. , Narzisi Antonio , Fabbri‐Destro Maddalena
Published: January 2025

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects both children and adults. Microstate (MS) analyses, a data‐driven approach that identifies stable patterns in EEG signals, offer valuable insights into the neurophysiological characteristics of ADHD. This review summarizes findings from 13 studies that applied MS analyses to resting‐state and task‐based brain activity in individuals with ADHD. Relevant research articles were retrieved from electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and Scopus. The reviewed studies applied MS analyses to explore brain activity differences in ADHD populations. Resting‐state studies consistently reported alterations in MS organization, with increased duration (MS‐D) and changes in temporal dynamics (MS‐C), potentially reflecting executive dysfunctions and delayed maturation of the default mode network. Additionally, MS B demonstrated promise in distinguishing between ADHD subtypes based on differences in visual network function. Task‐based and event‐related potential (ERP) studies, using paradigms like the continuous performance task (CPT) or Go–NoGo Task, identified MS abnormalities (i.e., N2, P2, P3, CNV) linked to inhibition and attentional resource allocation. Preliminary evidence suggests that MS analyses hold potential for distinguishing individuals with ADHD from control groups. The integration of machine learning techniques holds promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and identifying ADHD subtypes, while MS analyses may also help monitor the effects of stimulant medications like methylphenidate by tracking neurophysiological changes. However, this review highlights the need for more standardized methodologies to enhance the generalizability and replicability of findings. These efforts will ultimately contribute to a deeper understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie ADHD.
May a Single Presurgical High‐Field MRI Sequence Replace Standard Radiographs for TPLO Surgical Planning in Dogs?
Authors: Mattei Chiara , Pratesi Andrea , Bernardini Marco , Specchi Swan
Published: January 2025

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease causes variable stifle instability assessed by specific clinical tests. Radiographs are performed to measure the tibial plateau angle (TPA) for planning tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery. Concomitant damage to other intra‐articular structures, for which clinical detection is unreliable, may occur and potentially affect the surgical outcome. Joint assessment during TPLO through instrumented inspection is therefore advised, though it increases the risk of complications. Magnetic resonance imaging offers a noninvasive alternative, adds information about intra‐ and periarticular structures, and could potentially be used for TPA measurements. This prospective study aimed to (1) assess the correlation between the TPA measured with the standard presurgical radiographs and with a single sagittal intermediate‐weighted fat‐saturated MRI sequence and (2) compare the surgical findings with the information obtained by the MRI sequence. Twenty‐one stifles were included; TPA correlation using radiographs‐MRI was available for 17 stifles, and surgery‐MRI comparison was available for 18 stifles. A strong significant correlation was identified between the TPA measurements on radiographs‐MRI (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.923; p‐value <.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of MRI to detect surgically confirmed complete versus partial CCL rupture were 85.7% and 75%, respectively; MRI identified 7 of 8 surgically confirmed injured menisci and detected abnormal signal intensity in 8 of 10 medial menisci and nine caudal cruciate ligaments reported as normal intra‐operatively. The MRI additionally identified abnormal subchondral bone signals in nine stifles and muscular hyperintensity in six cases. This presurgical MRI sequence might replace standard radiographs for TPA measurements and can provide information about concomitant joint injuries with potential prognostic impact.
Confined spaces in space: Cerebral implications of chronic elevations of inspired carbon dioxide and implications for long‐duration space travel
Authors: Carr Jay M. J. R. , Ainslie Philip N. , Day Trevor
Published: January 2025

Cerebrovascular regulation is critically dependent upon the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (), owing to its effect on cerebral blood flow, tissue , tissue proton concentration, cerebral metabolism and cognitive and neuronal function. In normal environments and in the absence of pathology, at least over acute time frames, hypercapnia is usually managed readily via the respiratory chemoreflex arcs and/or acid–base buffering capacity, such that there is minimal impact on cerebrovascular and neurological function. However, in non‐normal environments, such as enclosed spaces, or with pathology, extended exposures to elevations in can be detrimental to cerebral health. Given the direct effect of protons on cellular function, even if pH is normalized, it is feasible that higher proton concentrations could still produce detrimental effects. Although it seems that humans can work safely in mildly hypercapnic environments for extended periods, chronic respiratory acidosis can cause bone demineralization, renal calcification, perinatal developmental abnormalities, systemic inflammation and impairments in cognitive function and visuomotor skills and can produce cerebral acidosis, potentially inducing sustained alterations in cerebral function. With the advancement of new initiatives in spaceflight, including proposed long‐duration missions to Mars, the study of the effects of chronic inspired CO2 on human health is relevant. In this review, we draw on evidence from preclinical, physiological and clinical research in humans to summarize the cerebral ramifications of prolonged and chronic exposures to elevated partial pressures of inspired CO2 and respiratory acidosis.
Nonlinear Mechanical Properties of Irregular Architected Materials
Authors: Wang Ruicheng , Bian Yijie , Liu Ke
Published: January 2025

Architected materials have received increasing attention due to their exotic mechanical properties including ultra-high stiffness-to-weight ratio, strength, energy absorption, and toughness. Typically, their mechanical properties and deformation behavior arise from the periodically tessellated unit cells. Although periodicity in conventional architected materials promises homogeneity and predictability in mechanical behaviors, it imposes a strong restriction on the design space of architected materials. Inspired by biomaterials, aperiodic and disordered designs significantly expand the design space and have been proven effective in controlling and optimizing linear elastic properties. Taking a step further, here we focus on the nonlinear properties of irregular lattice materials under large deformation, including the stress–strain curve and specific energy absorption. Such materials are generated by a nature-inspired virtual growth program that assembles predefined geometric building blocks in a stochastic yet controllable manner. The nonlinear properties are analyzed through quasi-static compression experiments and large-scale numerical simulations. Based on the well-agreed experimental and numerical results, through the lens of machine learning techniques, the nonlinear properties show a strong correlation with the appearance frequency of the building blocks and their local connectivity, regardless of the nondeterministic nature of the microstructures. A practical constitutive model is proposed for future developments such as generative design and engineering application. Our research offers valuable insights and serves as an inspiration for deeper exploration into the intricate structure–property relationships within materials with aperiodic and disordered microstructures.
Dynamics of an Electric Field Vulnerable Morpho-Elastic Biological Membranes
Authors: Agrawal Ankush , Khurana Aman , Kumar Deepak
Published: January 2025

This work presents the dynamic modeling and analysis of an electric field vulnerable morpho-elastic biological membranes. Such smart membranes combine electrical properties with active functionalities, creating flexible and responsive surfaces. A continuum physics-based electro-morpho-elastic model is developed to predict the dynamic response of the smart membrane and interrogate the impact of isotropic and anisotropic growth along with fiber orientations at different prestretches. The governing equation of motion for the membrane dynamics is derived by applying Newton’s second law. The findings of the model solutions offer an understanding of how the DC and AC dynamic actuation modes modify the nonlinear behavior of membranes. The free and forced vibrations are illustrated using the Poincaré map, phase diagrams, and time-history response. Notably, the steady oscillation around the stable equilibrium stretch, whose magnitude decreases with the enrichment in membrane anisotropy and fiber orientation, decreases with anisotropic growth. Additionally, the system energy rises with the anisotropy parameter and shifts from isotropic to anisotropic growth, decreasing with greater fiber orientation.
Si-doped HZO and ZrO2 for hysteresis free
high-k dielectric
Authors: Kashyap Harshil , Lee Ping-Che , Chae Kisung , Passlack Matthias , Yadav Ajay K. , Wong Keith , Nemani Srini , Yieh Ellie , Spiegelman Jeffrey , Cho Kyeongjae , Khan Asif Islam , Kummel Andrew C.
Published: January 2025

Thin high-k dielectrics play a crucial role in achieving low leakage and high capacitance dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) cells. Various high-k materials, such as amorphous HfO2, have shown significant improvements over SiO2. In this study, a novel coreactant, HOOH, is shown to have successfully facilitated the doping of Si into thermal atomic layer deposition ZrO2, which converts an unstable antiferroelectric tetragonal phase after postdeposition anneal into a nonswitching dielectric. Si-doped HZO and Si-doped ZrO2 thin films exhibited a high-k value (∼45) without hysteresis with ±1.5 V operation consistent with a tetragonal phase with a high coercive field. Moreover, the dielectric constant is insensitive to oxide thickness, and an equivalent oxide thickness of 3.5 Å has been achieved in sub-5 nm thickness. The study reveals the potential of high-k Si-doped antiferroelectric HZO in high-performance DRAM or decoupling capacitors.