bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating the effect of white matter microstructure in the estimation of magnetic susceptibility in ex vivo mouse brain
Authors: Sandgaard Anders Dyhr , Kiselev Valerij G. , Henriques Rafael Neto , Shemesh Noam , Jespersen Sune Nørhøj
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To extend quantitative susceptibility mapping to account for microstructure of white matter (WM) and demonstrate its effect on ex vivo mouse brain at 16.4T.

Theory and Methods

Previous studies have shown that the MRI measured Larmor frequency also depends on local magnetic microstructure at the mesoscopic scale. Here, we include effects from WM microstructure using our previous results for the mesoscopic Larmor frequency of cylinders with arbitrary orientations. We scrutinize the validity of our model and QSM in a digital brain phantom including from a WM susceptibility tensor and biologically stored iron with scalar susceptibility. We also apply susceptibility tensor imaging to the phantom and investigate how the fitted tensors are biased from . Last, we demonstrate how to combine multi‐gradient echo and diffusion MRI images of ex vivo mouse brains acquired at 16.4T to estimate an apparent scalar susceptibility without sample rotations.

Results

Our new model improves susceptibility estimation compared to QSM for the brain phantom. Applying susceptibility tensor imaging to the phantom with from WM axons with scalar susceptibility produces a highly anisotropic susceptibility tensor that mimics results from previous susceptibility tensor imaging studies. For the ex vivo mouse brain we find the due to WM microstructure to be substantial, changing susceptibility in WM up to 25% root‐mean‐squared‐difference.

Conclusion

impacts susceptibility estimates and biases susceptibility tensor imaging fitting substantially. Hence, it should not be neglected when imaging structurally anisotropic tissue such as brain WM.
Gefahr für Universitäten: Angriff aus dem Cyberspace
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: September 2023

Cyberangriffe können eine Universität oder ein Forschungsinstitut vollständig lahmlegen. Mit jedem Fall wächst aber auch die Verteidigungsfähigkeit: Universitäten stärken ihre Forschung zur IT‐Sicherheit.
Herbizide und die Deutsche Bahn
Authors: Gerhartz Wolfgang , Louis Eckhart
Published: September 2023

Die Seniorexperten Chemie (SEC) sind unter anderem dafür bekannt, dass sie ihre Meinung in der Öffentlichkeit sagen. Die Korrespondenz mit dem Eisenbahnbundesamt ist ein Beispiel dafür.
Identification of enteral nutrition errors in a single‐center quality‐improvement audit
Authors: Schwarz Elise , Nass Olivia , Giocondo Vanessa , Kozeniecki Schneider Michelle L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) therapy is a multistep process including evaluation, prescription, procurement, dispensing, labeling, administration, and monitoring. EN therapy is prone to human errors, but these are poorly defined in the literature. The purpose of this study was to audit EN administration practices to quantify errors of execution and identify which components of the EN order were labeled, administered, or documented incorrectly.

Methods

On 2 nonconsecutive days, we identified all hospitalized patients with active EN orders and prospectively collected the following information: EN formula hanging/documented, formula hang time, infusion rate/documented rate (continuous EN), infused volume and documented schedule (intermittent EN), and EN modular documentation. Mismatches to the EN order were considered errors. We reviewed 1 month of hospital EN‐related safety events for comparison.

Results

Of 1045 data points collected from 160 patients, we identified 275 errors of execution: 135 labeling errors and 140 administration errors. The most common were hang time >48 h (85%), wrong number of modulars documented (48%), and wrong infusion rate (19%). We found one reported safety event (wrong formula delivered but not infused).

Conclusion

We identified a 15.9% error rate in EN order execution/documentation and 14% compliance with documentation of 48‐h hang time. Errors (safety events) were grossly underreported. This highlighted several areas of opportunity to improve current EN use process, consistent with previous research on EN and oral nutrition supplement administration. Based on our findings, we plan to recommend implementation of EN barcoding at our institution, to model the familiar medication administration record.
Preparation of high‐hydrophobic polyvinyl alcohol‐based composite aerogel fibers containing organosilicon for effective thermal insulation
Authors: Sun Tao , Zhang Weiwei , Liu Yixuan , Xu Wanrong , Sun Jun , Wang Jianjun , Qin Chuanxiang , Dai Lixing
Published: September 2023

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aerogel fibers exhibit encouraging potential as thermal insulation materials, but their hydrophilicity easily results in severe collapse of the aerogel pore structure. Therefore, hydrophobic modification of PVA aerogel fibers is of significance to their structural stability and durability. Here, a novel process was proposed to continuously generate high‐hydrophobic PVA‐based composite aerogel fibers containing polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) by introducing methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) through freeze‐thawing, freeze‐spinning, and freeze‐drying processes. With optimized freezing time and MTMS content, the PVA‐based composite solution showed good spinnability, and the resulting PVA/PMSQ (PVASi) aerogel fibers were endowed with markedly enhanced hydrophobicity and excellent weavability due to sufficient mechanical properties. Most importantly, the aerogel fibers possessed excellent hydrophobic structural stability after 12 h or 50‐cycle soaking and 50‐cycle washing. Benefiting from these superior characteristics, the aerogel fibers were demonstrated to be effective thermal insulators in high humidity (>90% relative humidity) and after washing for 50 cycles.
Functionalized semi‐crystalline polyethylene with polar groups at branch end enabled by bulky cationic palladium catalysts
Authors: Wu Xinyue , Zou Wenping , Dai Shengyu
Published: September 2023

Transition metal‐catalyzed copolymerization of ethylene with polar monomers is the most direct and efficient way to prepare polar functionalized polyethylene. Generally, the classical Brookhart type α‐diimine Pd(II) catalysts produced hyperbranched functionalized polyethylene with polar groups at the branch ends, which turns out to be amorphous polymer materials. In this contribution, we described the synthesis and characterization of three bulky diarylmethyl α‐diimine ligands and the corresponding Pd(II) complexes. Lightly branched (21–27/1000C) polyethylenes with high molecular weights (317.8–640.0 kg/mol) and high melting points (94–101°C) were prepared using these Pd(II) complexes at high activities (well above 105 g/mol.h). The resulting polyethylene materials exhibited high stress (23.8‐34.3 MPa) and high strain (559–839%) at break values with typical properties of thermoplastics. Polar functionalized semi‐crystalline polyethylenes with moderate incorporation ratios (0.35–2.99 mol%) and high melting points (84–109°C) were prepared using complexes Pd1‐3 in the copolymerization of ethylene with several polar comonomers (methyl acrylate and 10‐undecenoic acid and 10‐methyl undecanoate). The 1H and 13C NMR spectral analysis revealed that these polar functionalized polyethylenes have a low branching density (19–34/1000C) and are predominantly methyl‐branched, with polar groups located at the end of the branches. In addition, the 4‐methoxy group on the ligands in this work would facilitate the insertion of polar monomers in the copolymerization of ethylene with various polar monomers.
Atmospheric water vapour transport in ACCESS‐S2 and the potential for enhancing skill of subseasonal forecasts of precipitation
Authors: Reid Kimberley J. , Hudson Debra , King Andrew D. , Lane Todd P. , Marshall Andrew G.
Published: September 2023

Extended warning of above‐average and extreme precipitation is valuable to a wide range of stakeholders. However, the sporadic nature of precipitation makes it difficult to forecast skilfully beyond one week. Subseasonal forecasting is a growing area of science that aims to predict average weather conditions multiple weeks in advance using dynamical models. Building on recent work in this area, we test the hypothesis that using large‐scale horizontal moisture transport as a predictor for precipitation may increase the forecast skill of the above‐median and high‐precipitation weeks on subseasonal time‐scales. We analysed retrospective forecast (hindcast) sets from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's latest operational subseasonal‐to‐seasonal forecasting model, ACCESS‐S2, to compare the forecast skill of precipitation using integrated water vapour transport (IVT) as a proxy, compared to using precipitation forecasts directly. We show that ACCESS‐S2 precipitation generally produces more skilful forecasts, except over some regions where IVT could be a useful additional diagnostic for warning of heavy precipitation events.
Molecular Dynamics Analysis of the Structural Behavior of Aluminum Ion in the Slag of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–Li2O System
Authors: Jiao Shiyan , Guo Peiyao , Chen Feichi , Min Yi , Liu Chengjun
Published: September 2023

In the study of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–Li2O system slag, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to analyze the behavior of Al3+ at different alkalinities. The results show that the AlO bond length increases with increasing alkalinity and is unstable compared to the SiO bond. The [AlO4]5− tetrahedra are less stable than the [SiO4]4− tetrahedra. The higher the alkalinity, the shorter the AlO bonds and the longer the CaO bonds, thus destroying the aluminum‐oxygen ionophore. Increasing alkalinity converts complex structures into simpler ones, such as AlOAl, bringing the OAlO bond angles closer to the ideal tetrahedron. Reduced slag polymerization increases the distance between neighboring [AlO4]5− tetrahedra, thereby increasing the AlOAl bond angles. The [SiO4]4− tetrahedra prefer to bond with the [AlO4]5− tetrahedra. The change in SiOAl is less than that of SiOSi. The dissociation of CaO provides the O2−, which allows the depolymerization of SiOSi to form nonbridging oxygen SiO, whereas the depolymerization of SiOAl occurs when alkalinity is sufficient to form the SiO and AlO bonds. The [AlO4]5− tetrahedra are more likely to bond with [AlO4]5− tetrahedra than [AlO4]5− tetrahedra.
On the moral permissibility of robot apologies
Authors: Kureha Makoto
Published: September 2023

Robots that incorporate the function of apologizing have emerged in recent years. This paper examines the moral permissibility of making robots apologize. First, I characterize the nature of apology based on analyses conducted in multiple scholarly domains. Next, I present a prima facie argument that robot apologies are not permissible because they may harm human societies by inducing the misattribution of responsibility. Subsequently, I respond to a possible response to the prima facie objection based on the interpretation that attributing responsibility to a robot is analogous to having an attitude toward fiction. Then, I demonstrate that there are cases of robot apologies where the prima facie objection does not apply, by considering the following two points: (1) apology-related practices found in our human-to-human apologies, and (2) a difference in the degree of harm caused by robot failures and the resulting apologies. Finally, given the current norms governing our apology-related practices, I argue that some instances of making robots apologize are permissible, and I propose conducting critical robotics research questioning the validity of such norms.
Surface quality prediction by machine learning methods and process parameter optimization in ultra-precision machining of AISI D2 using CBN tool
Authors: Adizue Ugonna Loveday , Tura Amanuel Diriba , Isaya Elly Ogutu , Farkas Balázs Zsolt , Takács Márton
Published: September 2023

High-quality machining is a crucial aspect of contemporary manufacturing technology due to the vast demand for precision machining for parts made from hardened tool steels and super alloys globally in the aerospace, automobile, and medical sectors. The necessity to upheave production efficiency and quality enhancement at minimum cost requires deep knowledge of this cutting process and development of machine learning-based modeling technique, adept in providing essential tools for design, planning, and incorporation in the machining processes. This research aims to develop a predictive surface roughness model and optimize its process parameters for ultra-precision hard-turning finishing operation. Ultra-precision hard-turning experiments were carried out on AISI D2 of HRC 62. The response surface method (RSM) was applied to understand the effect of process parameters on surface roughness and carry out optimization. Based on the data gained from experiments, machine learning models and algorithms were developed with support vector machine (SVM), Gaussian process relation (GPR), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and artificial neural network (ANN) for the prediction of surface roughness. The results show that all machine learning models gave excellent predictive accuracy with an average MAPE value of 7.38%. The validation tests were also statistically significant, with ANFIS and ANN having MAPE values of 9.98% and 3.43%, respectively. Additional validation tests for the models with new experimental data indicate average R, RMSE, and MAPE values of 0.78, 0.19, and 36.17%, respectively, which are satisfactory. The RSM analysis shows that the feed is the most significant factor for minimizing surface roughness Rɑ, among the process parameters, with 92% influence, and optimal cutting conditions were found to be cutting speed = 100 m/min, feed = 0.025 mm/rev, and depth of cut = 0.09 mm, respectively. This finding can be helpful in the decision-making on process parameters in the precision machining industry.
Patient specific instrumentation in ACL reconstruction: a proof-of-concept cadaver experiment assessing drilling accuracy when using 3D printed guides
Authors: Zee Mark J. M. , Pijpker Peter A. J. , Kraeima Joep , Viddeleer Alain R. , Diercks Ronald L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Accurate positioning of the femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction is of the utmost importance to reduce the risk of graft failure. Limited visibility during arthroscopy and a wide anatomical variance attribute to femoral tunnel malposition using conventional surgical techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a patient specific 3D printed surgical guide allows for in vitro femoral tunnel positioning within 2 mm of the planned tunnel position.

Materials and Methods

A patient specific guide for femoral tunnel positioning in ACL reconstruction was created for four human cadaveric knee specimens based on routine clinical MRI data. Fitting properties were judged by two orthopedic surgeons. MRI scanning was performed both pre- and post-procedure. The planned tunnel endpoint was compared to the actual drilled femoral tunnel.

Results

This patient specific 3D printed guide showed a mean deviation of 5.0 mm from the center of the planned femoral ACL origin.

Conclusion

In search to improve accuracy and consistency of femoral tunnel positioning in ACL reconstruction, the use of a patient specific 3D printed surgical guide is a viable option to explore further. The results are comparable to those of conventional techniques; however, further design improvements are necessary to improve accuracy and enhance reproducibility.
Ultrasound assessment of humeral shaft nonunion risk: a feasibility and proof of concept study
Authors: Oliver William M. , Nicholson Jamie A. , Bell Katrina R. , Carter Thomas H. , White Timothy O. , Clement Nicholas D. , Duckworth Andrew D. , Simpson A. Hamish R. W.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To determine the feasibility and reliability of ultrasound in the assessment of humeral shaft fracture healing and estimate the accuracy of 6wk ultrasound in predicting nonunion.

Methods

Twelve adults with a non-operatively managed humeral shaft fracture were prospectively recruited and underwent ultrasound scanning at 6wks and 12wks post-injury. Seven blinded observers evaluated sonographic callus appearance to determine intra- and inter-observer reliability. Nonunion prediction accuracy was estimated by comparing images for patients that united (n = 10/12) with those that developed a nonunion (n = 2/12).

Results

The mean scan duration was 8 min (5–12) and all patients tolerated the procedure. At 6wks and 12wks, sonographic callus (SC) was present in 11 patients (10 united, one nonunion) and sonographic bridging callus (SBC) in seven (all united). Ultrasound had substantial intra- (weighted kappa: 6wk 0.75; 12wk 0.75) and inter-observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 6wk 0.60; 12wk 0.76). At 6wks, the absence of SC demonstrated sensitivity 50%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) 91% in nonunion prediction (overall accuracy 92%). The absence of SBC demonstrated sensitivity 100%, specificity 70%, PPV 40% and NPV 100% in nonunion prediction (overall accuracy 75%). Of three patients at risk of nonunion (Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures < 8), one had SBC on 6wk ultrasound (that subsequently united) and the others had non-bridging/absent SC (both developed nonunion).

Conclusions

Ultrasound assessment of humeral shaft fracture healing was feasible, reliable and may predict nonunion. Ultrasound could be useful in defining nonunion risk among patients with reduced radiographic callus formation.
Frontotemporal-spectrum disorders and functional independence in non-demented ALS patients
Authors: Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , Solca Federica , Torre Silvia , Gentile Francesco , Scheveger Francesco , Olivero Marco , Colombo Eleonora , Maranzano Alessio , Manzoni Martina , Morelli Claudia , Doretti Alberto , Verde Federico , Silani Vincenzo , Ticozzi Nicola , Poletti Barbara
Published: September 2023

Background

The present study aimed at determining whether, net of motor confounders, neuropsychological features affect functional independence (FI) in activities of daily living (ADLs) in non-demented amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

Methods

N = 88 ALS patients without frontotemporal dementia were assessed for FI—Katz’s Basic ADL Scale (BADL) and Lawton-Brody’s Instrumental ADL Scale (IADL)—, cognition—Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS)—and behaviour—Beaumont Behavioural Inventory and Dimensional Apathy Scale. The association between cognitive and behavioural measures and BADL/IADL scores was assessed by covarying for demographics, anxiety and depression levels, disease duration and motor confounders—i.e. ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores, progression rate and both King’s and Milano-Torino stages.

Results

Higher scores on the ECAS-Language were associated with higher IADL scores (p = 0.005), whilst higher apathetic features—as measured by the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS)—were inversely related to the BADL (p = 0.003). Whilst IADL scores were related to all ECAS-Language tasks, the DAS-Initiation was the only subscale associated with BADL scores. Patients with abnormal ECAS-Language (p = 0.023) and DAS (p = 0.008) scores were more functionally dependent than those without.

Discussion

Among non-motor features, language changes and apathetic features detrimentally affect FI in non-demented ALS patients.
Neurologic outcomes for adult spinal cord ependymomas stratified by tumor location: a retrospective cohort study and 2-year outlook
Authors: Chee Keanu , Chatain Grégoire P. , Kortz Michael W. , Serva Stephanie , Shrestha Keshari , Ung Timothy H. , Witt Jens-Peter , Finn Michael
Published: September 2023

Determine whether craniocaudal spinal cord tumor location affects long-term neurologic outcomes in adults diagnosed with spinal ependymomas (SE). A retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent surgical resection for SE over a ten-year period was conducted. Tumor location was classified as cervical, thoracic, or lumbar/conus. Primary endpoints were post-operative McCormick Neurologic Scale (MNS) scores at < 3 days, 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years. One-way ANOVA was performed to detect significant differences in MNS scores between tumor locations. Twenty-eight patients were identified. The average age was 44.2 ± 15.4 years. Sixteen were male, and 13 were female. There were 10 cervical-predominant SEs, 13 thoracic-predominant SEs, and 5 lumbar/conus-predominant SEs. No significant differences were observed in pre-operative MNS scores between tumor locations (p = 0.73). One-way ANOVA testing demonstrated statistically significant differences in post-operative MNS scores between tumor locations at < 3 days (p = 0.03), 6 weeks (p = 0.009), and 1 year (p = 0.003); however, no significant difference was observed between post-operative MNS scores at 2 years (p = 0.13). The mean MNS score for patients with thoracic SEs were higher at all follow-up time points. Tumors arising in the thoracic SE are associated with worse post-operative neurologic outcomes in comparison to SEs arising in other spinal regions. This is likely multifactorial in etiology, owing to both anatomical differences including spinal cord volume as well as variations in tumor characteristics. No significant differences in 2-year MNS scores were observed, suggesting that patients ultimately recover from neurological insult sustained at the time of surgery.
Exploring automatic text-to-sign translation in a healthcare setting
Authors: Esselink Lyke , Roelofsen Floris , Dotlačil Jakub , Mende-Gillings Shani , de Meulder Maartje , Sijm Nienke , Smeijers Anika
Published: September 2023

Communication between healthcare professionals and deaf patients has been particularly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have explored the possibility to automatically translate phrases that are frequently used in the diagnosis and treatment of hospital patients, in particular phrases related to COVID-19, from Dutch or English to Dutch Sign Language (NGT). The prototype system we developed displays translations either by means of pre-recorded videos featuring a deaf human signer (for a limited number of sentences) or by means of animations featuring a computer-generated signing avatar (for a larger, though still restricted number of sentences). We evaluated the comprehensibility of the signing avatar, as compared to the human signer. We found that, while individual signs are recognized correctly when signed by the avatar almost as frequently as when signed by a human, sentence comprehension rates and clarity scores for the avatar are substantially lower than for the human signer. We identify a number of concrete limitations of the JASigning avatar engine that underlies our system. Namely, the engine currently does not offer sufficient control over mouth shapes, the relative speed and intensity of signs in a sentence (prosody), and transitions between signs. These limitations need to be overcome in future work for the engine to become usable in practice.
A hydrogenated amorphous silicon detector for Space Weather applications
Authors: Grimani Catia , Fabi Michele , Sabbatini Federico , Villani Mattia , Antognini Luca , Bashiri Aishah , Calcagnile Lucio , Caricato Anna Paola , Catalano Roberto , Chilà Deborah , Cirrone Giuseppe Antonio Pablo , Croci Tommaso , Cuttone Giacomo , Dunand Sylvain , Frontini Luca , Ionica Maria , Kanxheri Keida , Large Matthew , Liberali Valentino , Martino Maurizio , Maruccio Giuseppe , Mazza Giovanni , Menichelli Mauro , Monteduro Anna Grazia , Morozzi Arianna , Moscatelli Francesco , Pallotta Stefania , Passeri Daniele , Pedio Maddalena , Petasecca Marco , Petringa Giada , Peverini Francesca , Piccolo Lorenzo , Placidi Pisana , Quarta Gianluca , Rizzato Silvia , Stabile Alberto , Talamonti Cinzia , Thomet Jonathan , Tosti Luca , Wheadon Richard James , Wyrsch Nicolas , Zema Nicola , Servoli Leonello
Published: September 2023

The characteristics of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) detector are presented here for monitoring in space solar flares and the evolution of strong to extreme energetic proton events. The importance and the feasibility to extend the proton measurements up to hundreds of MeV is evaluated. The a-Si:H presents an excellent radiation hardness and finds application in harsh radiation environments for medical purposes, for particle beam characterization and, as we propose here, for space weather science applications. The critical flux detection limits for X rays, electrons and protons are discussed.
What is the nature of stem cells? A unified dispositional framework
Authors: Suárez Javier
Published: September 2023

This paper presents an account of the nature of stem cells based on the philosophical concept of disposition. It is argued that stem cells can be conceived as dispositional objects, and adopting this attitude allows overcoming some of the controversies surrounding the nature of stemness (most notably, the state vs. entity debate) because it offers a framework that accommodates the lessons from different theories. Additionally, the account is simultaneously useful for interpreting stem cell experiments and guiding potential interventions. The account shows how different levels, both molecular and emergent network-level, play the primary causal role in explaining some empirical results, and hence they suggest that the explanations can be mechanistic or topological, respectively. The realization that any of these levels may play a more prominent causal role than another allows suggesting interventions at the genetic, molecular and population levels.
Multiperiod Bankruptcy Prediction Models with Interpretable Single Models
Authors: Beade Ángel , Rodríguez Manuel , Santos José
Published: September 2023

This study considers multiperiod bankruptcy prediction models, an aspect scarcely considered in research despite its importance, since creditors must assess the risk of loans over the entire life of the debt and not at a specific point in the future. Two possibilities for the implementation of multiperiod prediction models are considered: Multi-Model multiperiod Bankruptcy Prediction Models (MMBPM) and Single-Model multiperiod Bankruptcy Prediction Models (SMBPM). The former considers the conditional probabilities obtained by individual models predicting bankruptcy at specific times in the future, while the latter is a single model predicting bankruptcy at a specific time interval in the future. The results show that there are no significant differences between the two approaches when compared using data after the learning period. However, SMBPMs have the important advantage of interpretability for decision-making, which is discussed with examples. Moreover, a comparison of SMBPM performance with external references is performed.
Intraregional variability of exotic and native zooplankton in Basque coast estuaries (inner Bay of Biscay): effect of secondary dispersion, estuary features and regional environmental gradients
Authors: Barroeta Ziortza , Uriarte Ibon , Iriarte Arantza , Villate Fernando
Published: September 2023

The zooplankton of five estuaries of the Basque coast (southeast Bay of Biscay) was surveyed in summer 2019 to check the intraregional spread of exotic species and analyse the cross-estuary differences in brackish and neritic communities related to the arrival of exotic species and the summertime geographic gradient of water temperature. Results revealed that all the studied estuaries have been colonized by Oithona davisae but not by Acartia tonsa and Pseudodiaptomus marinus. Environmental constraints due to estuarine hydrological features partly explained such differences, and the role of secondary spread opportunities remained less clear. Cross-estuary differences in the brackish community mainly reflected changes in the dominance of the native species Acartia bifilosa relative to different exotic copepod species. The neritic holoplankton differed in the contribution of thermophilic species in agreement with the thermal west–east increase of surface water temperature in the inner Bay of Biscay in summer. The detection of large numbers of larvae of the exotic crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii only in one of the estuaries highlighted the role of exotic benthic species in enhancing intraregional differences in estuarine meroplankton. Differences in the dominance of neritic or brackish species as a function of salinity and distance from coastline were also explored.
Prisons of Poverty and Politics: How Russian Human Rights Workers Embed Themselves in Middle Class Social Movements
Authors: Zeveleva Olga
Published: September 2023

Human rights NGOs contribute to the formation of norms and policies around penality, and inform social understandings of what constitutes acceptable punishment. This article turns to the symbolic group-making work of human rights workers as agents who work with prisoners, and who also construct the image of the prisoner for the rest of society. I zoom in on the case of prison NGO work in Russia, a non-democratic country, and answer two questions: first, how do prison NGOs construct the image of the prisoner, and articulate their relationship with their social base and their networks of civic engagement? Second, what organizational behaviors do these articulations encourage? Drawing on 18 semi-structured interviews and observation at prison NGOs based in Moscow, the study shows that Russian NGO workers often view themselves and act as members of a middle class social movement in Russia. While NGOs tend to focus on the most economically disadvantaged and socially isolated groups in their work, the prisoners they depict when addressing the public and the press tend to represent more educated groups with higher levels of symbolic capital (political prisoners, those convicted of economic crimes, and former state employees), reflecting a desire to put prison on the middle class agenda. At the same time, prison NGO employees employ a class lens in their work with prisoners, and determine how to help prisoners based on their assessment of how the socio-economic background of the prisoner intersects with ethnicity, religion, ability/disability, region where they are serving their sentence, and region where they are from. In other words, prison NGO workers view prisoners through the resources they can accumulate using the simultaneous, intersecting dimensions of their status and their relation to other groups both in prison and outside.
Digital Humanitarian Mapping and the Limits of Imagination in International Law
Authors: Johns Fleur
Published: September 2023

Humanitarian maps assembled using digital technology are indicative of transformations underway in how the world is made knowable, sensible, and actionable, including for international legal purposes. These transformations are exemplified by the Missing Maps Project (MMP), an initiative of the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, a U.S.-registered non-profit, and three other non-governmental organisations operating internationally: American Red Cross; British Red Cross; and Médecins Sans Frontières. Projects such as the MMP make it harder for international lawyers to lay claim to, and seek to imaginatively reorient, shared repositories of common sense. Meanwhile, international legal scholars continue to propagate ideas that the world may be reimagined with their help, largely without regard to such transformations. In lieu of imagination’s standard evocation to the end of enhancing critical agency in international legal writing, this article contends that the idiosyncratic notion of imagination advanced in the writings of Walter Benjamin may be better attuned to ongoing shifts in sense-making apparent in international humanitarian mapping. Walter Benjamin’s atypical rendering of imagination as a ‘purely receptive, uncreative’ force in a field of technological reproduction offers international legal scholars another way of thinking about agency and prospects for re-forming their field in the face of its burgeoning digitalisation.
For the love of my child: How parents’ relative extrinsic aspirations for children and interdependent self-construal predict their relational well-being
Authors: Chen Kaiyuan , Kim Jinhyung , Zhang Hong , Clark D. Angus , Schlegel Rebecca J.
Published: September 2023

Self-determination theory suggests that holding extrinsic aspirations (e.g., getting rich) over and above other aspirations bears negative implications for one’s relational well-being. The present research examined whether this pattern generalizes to the aspirations people hold for significant others and more specifically whether parents’ extrinsic aspirations for children (AFC), relative to other AFC, predict their well-being in their relationships with children. We also examined whether this relationship varies depending on parents’ interdependent self-construal. Results of four correlational studies (N = 998 parents) revealed that, overall, relative extrinsic AFC predicted lower relational well-being. However, this relationship was attenuated among parents high (vs. low) in interdependent self-construal. This pattern of moderation was observed among U.S. parents at different stages of parenthood and partially replicated among a sample of Chinese parents. The findings suggest that interdependent self-construal could buffer against the negative implications of prioritizing extrinsic AFC for parental well-being.
Cross-sectional examination of the proficiency of year 1 and year 2 children’s alphabet-letter-writing skills
Authors: Mathwin Kathryn , Chapparo Christine , Challita Julianne , Hinitt Joanne
Published: September 2023

The objective for beginning writers is to learn how to generate alphabet-letters which are recognisable and easy to read. This study investigated the accuracy of Year 1 and 2 children’s alphabet-letter-writing by evaluating their alphabet and orthographic knowledge, following evidence which identifies these skills as important for correctly representing the Latin alphabet-letters in written form. 408 typical children from the first two years of formal schooling were recruited from eight Western Australian schools and asked to write the twenty-six-lowercase alphabet-letters under three different writing conditions: from memory; the initial sounds of words; and copying. Performance was measured using the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) System of Task Analysis (Stage One). Analyses revealed the mean average number of the 26- lowercase alphabet-letters correctly written from memory was 8.17 (Year 1) and 12.76 (Year 2). Mean averages were similar across the three writing conditions. Comparative analysis showed children in Year 2 were significantly better than Year 1 children at recalling the alphabet-sequence, sound-letter-translation, and retrieving the letter-shape, letter-case, and letter-orientation. No significant difference was found in name-to-letter translation, letter-formation, or letter-placement skills. The results highlighted that many typical Year 1 and 2 children have difficulty accurately generating all 26- lowercase alphabet-letters. The findings suggested that the way early writers learn to form and place an alphabet-letter, whether it is accurate or not, is how they continue to write the alphabet-letter through their early school journey. Considerations for evaluation and instruction of alphabet-letter-writing are discussed.
Mapping explanatory language in neuroscience
Authors: Kostić Daniel , Halffman Willem
Published: September 2023

The philosophical literature on scientific explanation in neuroscience has been dominated by the idea of mechanisms. The mechanist philosophers often claim that neuroscience is in the business of finding mechanisms. This view has been challenged in numerous ways by showing that there are other successful and widespread explanatory strategies in neuroscience. However, the empirical evidence for all these claims was hitherto lacking. Empirical evidence about the pervasiveness and uses of various explanatory strategies in neuroscience is particularly needed because examples and case studies that are used to illustrate philosophical claims so far tend to be hand-picked. The risk of confirmation bias is therefore considerable: when looking for white swans, all one finds is that swans are white. The more systematic quantitative and qualitative bibliometric study of a large body of relevant literature that we present in this paper can put such claims into perspective. Using text mining tools, we identify the typical linguistic patterns used in the alleged mechanistic, dynamical, and topological explanations in the literature, their preponderance and how they change over time. Our findings show abundant use of mechanistic language, but also the presence of a significant neuroscience literature using topological and dynamical explanatory language, which grows over time and increasingly differentiates from each other and from mechanistic explanations.
Investigating the Prevalence of Copper and Zinc Abnormalities in Patients Pre and Post bariatric Surgery—an Australian Experience
Authors: Zarshenas Nazy , Tapsell Linda C. , Batterham Marijka , Neale Elizabeth P. , Talbot Michael L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Bariatric surgery predisposes patients to nutritional deficiencies. There are limited studies on zinc and copper abnormalities in this cohort.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of these abnormalities in a cohort of Australian bariatric patients. Inflammatory markers, adherence to multivitamin supplementation (MVS) and the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were also investigated.

Material and Methods

Data was collected on all patients who attended a single clinic in Sydney, Australia, from August 2020 to August 2021.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 231 patients (76.2% female; mean pre-operative body mass index of 43.4 ± 7.1 kg/m2), most of whom underwent sleeve gastrectomy (78.8%). Data were collected preoperatively and then at ≤ 6 months, 1 and > 2 years postoperatively. Prior to surgery, low levels of zinc (2.1%) and copper (0.7%) were rare, but elevated copper levels were common (16.7%) and potentially related to an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (47.7%). Following surgery at > 2 years, the mean total weight loss (TWL) was 33.5 ± 12.4. CRP levels improved over time. Post operatively, low zinc (2.7–3.6%) and copper (1.5%) levels were rare. Patients with low levels in zinc and copper were a higher-risk group and generally exhibited GI symptoms, despite taking MVS.

Conclusion

In the initial post-operative stages and with good adherence to MVS containing copper and zinc, abnormalities may not be a concern. Patients with GI symptoms appear to be at higher risk of abnormalities; increasing awareness, thorough screening, and more comprehensive supplementation are recommended.

Graphical Abstract
Mucosal Melanoma: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Treatment
Authors: Sergi Maria Chiara , Filoni Elisabetta , Triggiano Giacomo , Cazzato Gerardo , Internò Valeria , Porta Camillo , Tucci Marco
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review

Summarize the writings published in the last years on the management and novel therapies of mucosal melanoma (MM).

Recent Findings

New research has demonstrated a difference between MM and cutaneous melanoma (CM) in their genomic and molecular landscapes, explaining the response's heterogeneity. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have limited benefit, but novel therapies are rapidly expanding.

MM is aggressive cancer occurring in gastrointestinal, respiratory, or urogenital mucosa; whose incidence is greater in the Asian population. The etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear since UV exposure is not a proven risk factor as in cutaneous melanoma. In contrast to CM, lesions on the mucosal surface are less likely to be recognized early; therefore, the disease is diagnosed in an advanced stage. Clinical manifestations, such as bleeding or pain, can help to detect this tumor, although the prognosis remains unfavorable with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. The mutational landscape of MM includes mutations of BRAF and NRAS, as well as mutations in the c-KIT/CD117 gene (in 50% of patients), thus limiting therapeutic interventions to immunotherapy. However, clinical studies show less responsiveness to immunotherapy compared to CM, therefore novel therapeutic strategies targeting new molecules are needed to improve the survival of patients with MM.
Visual analysis of interface deformation in multiphase flow
Authors: Straub Alexander , Karch Grzegorz K. , Steigerwald Jonas , Sadlo Filip , Weigand Bernhard , Ertl Thomas
Published: September 2023

In multiphase flows, the evolution of fluid-fluid interfaces is of interest in many applications. In addition to fluid dynamic forces governing the flow in the entire volume, surface tension determines droplet interfaces. Here, the analysis of interface kinematics can help in the investigation of interface deformation and the identification of potential breakups. To this end, we developed a visualization technique using metric and shape tensors to analyze interface stretching and bending. For interface stretching, we employ the eigenpairs of the metric tensor defined for the deformation rate of the fluid surface. For interface bending, we present a technique that locally captures the interface curvature change in terms of a shape tensor, extracting its principal directions and curvatures. We then visualize interface deformation by combining both representations into a novel glyph design. We apply our method to study multiphase flow simulations with particular emphasis on interface effects. These include the interplay between fluid dynamics and surface tension forces leading to breakup processes following droplet collisions, as well as droplet-droplet interactions of different fluids where Marangoni convection along the surface is explicitly taken into account.

Graphical abstract
Multi-faceted approach to decreasing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for viral upper respiratory tract infections
Authors: Shubeilat Jamilah , Ilges Dan , Ton Angie , Huang Angela , Seville M. Teresa
Published: September 2023

Background: Prescribing of antibiotics for viral upper respiratory infection (URI) remains a pressing public health problem. We sought to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for viral URIs at primary-care practices at Mayo Clinic Arizona (MCA). Methods: Diagnostic codes for URIs commonly caused by viruses were categorized as tier 3 (ie, never prescribe). The inappropriate prescribing rate was defined as the number of tier 3 encounters resulting in a prescription for a URI antibiotic divided by the total number of tier 3 encounters. MCA primary-care departments, including family medicine, community internal medicine, emergency medicine, and women’s health internal medicine, were included in the intervention. Each department was briefed on the project, including baseline department prescribing data, and was provided education. Education topics included appropriate indications for antibiotics, patient-centered strategies for reducing antibiotic use, and a review of electronic resources developed specifically for the project. Resources included a syndromic ambulatory order panel (EZ ID Respiratory Order Panel) and a viral prescription pad, which contains simplified over-the-counter recommendations for symptomatic management of viral URIs and patient education. Quarterly peer comparison reports were provided to the department chairs and/or site leads. Our goal was to reduce inappropriate prescribing by 22% in 2022. An Epic dashboard (SlicerDicer model) was developed to track data on an ongoing basis. We used χ2 tests to compare categorical variables. Results: Department education was completed by June 2022 (Fig. 1). The annual antibiotic prescribing rate for tier 3 encounters decreased by 29% from a baseline rate 23.6% in 2021 to 16.4% in 2022 (P < .001). The posteducation prescribing rate (June 2022–December 2022) was 13.1%. Utilization of the EZ ID ambulatory order panel increased from an average of 1.5 uses per month in 2021 to 13.3 uses per month in 2022 (Fig. 2). Repeated healthcare contact for URIs within 14 days of tier 3 encounters did not differ among patients prescribed and not prescribed an antibiotic in all of 2022 (3.8% vs 3.9%; P = .91) or during the posteducation period (1.8% vs 4.2%; P = .14). There was no appreciable diagnostic shift over the course of 2022 (Fig. 3). Conclusions: A multifaceted intervention, which included baseline education, promotion of syndrome-specific order panels, dissemination of resources for symptomatic management, and distribution of peer comparison reports, resulted in significant reduction of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for URIs.

Disclosure: None
Fear of missing organisms (FOMO): Diabetic foot and osteomyelitis management opportunities
Authors: Morelli Morgan , Son Andrea , Bitar Yanis , Hecker Michelle
Published: September 2023

Background: Hospitalizations for diabetic foot infections and lower-extremity osteomyelitis are common. Use of empiric antibiotic therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also common. Guidelines recommend antibiotic therapy based on severity of illness, risk factors for MRSA and P. aeruginosa, and local prevalence. We evaluated the concordance between empiric antibiotic therapy and both culture results and definitive antibiotic therapy with a focus on MRSA and P. aeruginosa. We also evaluated how well MRSA and pseudomonal risk factors were predictive of culture results with these organisms. Methods: We conducted a cohort study of all patients admitted to our hospital system in 2021 with a diagnosis of a diabetic foot infection or lower-extremity osteomyelitis. Patients were included if they had an International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis code of M86, E10.621, E11.621, or E08.621. Patients were excluded if antibiotics were for another indication or if they were aged <18 years. In patients with multiple hospitalizations only the first hospitalization was included. Empiric antibiotic therapy included antibiotics started by the admitting team. Definitive antibiotic therapy included the final antibiotic course either completed during admission or prescribed at the time of discharge. MRSA risk factors included prior positive culture with MRSA within the last year, hospitalization with IV antibiotics within 90 days, intravenous drug use, or hemodialysis. Pseudomonal risk factors included prior positive culture with P. aeruginosa within the last year or hospitalization with IV antibiotics within 90 days. Results: In 2021, 260 unique patients were admitted with suspected diabetic foot infections or lower-extremity osteomyelitis. 68 patients had >1 admission. Empiric anti-MRSA and antipseudomonal therapy was administered to 224 (86%) and 214 (82%) patients, respectively. Definitive anti-MRSA and antipseudomonal therapy was administered to 76 (30%) and 51 (20%) patients, respectively. Of the 195 patients who had wound cultures, 29 (15%) and 18 (9%) had positive cultures for MRSA and P. aeruginosa respectively (Fig.). The negative predictive value of MRSA risk factors for predicting a negative culture with MRSA was 91%. The negative predictive value of pseudomonal risk factors for predicting a negative culture with P. aeruginosa was 95%. Conclusions: Our data suggest an opportunity for substantial reductions in empiric anti-MRSA and antipseudomonal therapy for diabetic foot infection and lower-extremity osteomyelitis. The absence of MRSA and pseudomonal risk factors was reasonably good at predicting the absence of a positive culture with these organisms.

Disclosure: None