bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta‐analysis comparing the effects of cemented and uncemented prostheses on wound infection and pain in patients with femoral neck fractures
Authors: Xu Ze , Zhang Ke , Cheng Kai , Sun Guangwei , Zhang Yaning , Jia Jian
Published: August 2023

To providing evidence‐based recommendations for surgery in patients with femoral neck fractures, a meta‐analysis was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of cemented and uncemented prostheses on postoperative surgical site wound infection and pain in these patients. Relevant studies on the use of cemented prostheses in femoral neck fractures were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Ovid, CNKI, and Wanfang databases from the time of their establishment until March 2023. Two authors independently screened and extracted data from the included and excluded literature according to predetermined criteria. Review Manager 5.4 software was used to perform meta‐analyses on the collected data. A total of 27 articles comprising 34 210 patients (24 646 cases in the cemented group and 9564 cases in the uncemented group) were included in the final analysis. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that, compared with the uncemented group, cemented prostheses significantly reduced the incidence of surgical site wound infections (odds ratio [OR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.88, p < 0.001) and relieved surgical site wound pain (standardised mean difference: −0.76, 95% CI: −1.12–0.40, p < 0.001), but did not reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers after surgery (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.20–1.26, p = 0.140). Therefore, existing evidence suggests that the use of cemented prostheses in femoral neck fracture surgery can significantly reduce the incidence of surgical site wound infections and relieve surgical site wound pain, which is worthy of clinical recommendation.
Are current wound classifications valid for predicting prognosis in people treated for limb‐threatening diabetic foot ulcers?
Authors: Chang Ya‐Chu , Huang Yu‐Yao , Hung Shih‐Yuan , Yeh Jiun‐Ting , Lin Cheng‐Wei , Chen I‐Wen , Wei Hung‐Hui , Yang Hui‐Mei , Huang Chung‐Huei
Published: August 2023

This study aims to investigate whether the current wound classifications were valid for the treatment prognosis of subjects treated for limb‐threatening diabetic foot ulcers (LTDFU). A total of 1548 patients with LTDFU and infection were studied, with wounds recorded using the Wagner, Texas, PEDIS and WIfI classifications while major lower extremity amputations (LEAs) or in‐hospital mortality incidences were defined as poor outcomes. Among them, 153 (9.9%) patients received major LEAs and 38 (2.5%) patients died. After adjustments, the Wagner classification and Texas stage as well as clinical factors such as comorbidity with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), being under dialysis and having serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin were independent factors for prognosis. For patients without dialysis, Wagner and Texas stage stood out independently for prognosis. For patients on dialysis, only levels of CRP (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2 in Wagner, OR = 2.0 in WIfI, OR = 2.2 in Texas, OR = 2.3 in PEDIS) and albumin (OR = 0.4 in four classifications) were valid predictors. The Wagner system and Texas stage were valid for predicting prognosis in treatment for LTDFUs, suggesting a role of vascular perfusion. MACE history, levels of CRP and albumin level should assist in prediction; more significantly, only levels of CRP and albumin appeared valid for those subjects undergoing dialysis.
Solid particle erosion in ceramic matrix composites and environmental barrier coatings: A perspective
Authors: Presby Michael J. , Stokes Jamesa L. , Harder Bryan J.
Published: August 2023

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are key technologies that can enable improvements in the thermal and propulsive efficiency of gas turbine engines. However, CMCs and EBCs are susceptible to various life limiting damage modes associated with the engine operating environment such as oxidation, recession, thermomechanical stress/strain, corrosion, foreign object damage (FOD), and solid particle erosion (SPE). Despite its importance, there is a limited understanding of the SPE behavior of CMCs and EBCs in the literature. This paper reviews the status of SPE research for CMCs and EBCs and provides a perspective towards future research.
Deviation scores: An innovative approach to interpreting cognitive test results for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Talapatra Devadrita , Snider Laurel , Coleman Jeanine , Thompson Talia , Reinhardt Jessica S. , Hessl David , Riley Karen
Published: August 2023

Background

Students with Intellectual Disability undergo frequent cognitive testing. Testing with this population is limited by insensitivity to relative strengths and weaknesses due to floor effects.

Aim

The study explored the utility of deviation scores via four case studies as a supplement to educational decision‐making.

Methods

Four students with Intellectual Disability completed cognitive testing. Deviation scores were calculated using age dependent raw z‐score transformations to determine deviation from the standardization sample norms.

Results

The application of deviation scores highlighted true relative strengths and weaknesses for students with Intellectual Disability rather than documenting previously known deficits. The four cases studies illustrated where deviation scores could, or could not, add value above and beyond traditional scoring.

Discussion

Deviation scores can supplement placement and service decisions for students. Practical and psychometric considerations are reviewed.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the usefulness of deviation scores in providing meaningful information to school‐ and clinic‐based practitioners.
Sex differences in clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes in patients admitted for ventricular tachycardia: 2016–2018
Authors: Prasitlumkum Narut , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Kaewput Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Jongnarangsin Krit , Nademanee Koonlawee
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The concurrent data on sex disparities in VT management and outcomes have remained unclear. Therefore, our objective was to determine the impact of sex on ventricular tachycardia (VT) management and outcomes in patients admitted with VT, dervied from the US National Inpatient Sample database (NIS).

Methods

We used data from the US NIS to identify hospitalized adult patients who were admitted with VT between 2016 and 2018. Regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of sex on VT management, in‐hospital mortality, complications, length of stay, and hospitalization costs.

Results

Of the database, a total of 146 070 patients, who were primarily hospitalized for VT, were approximated. Among these, women comprised 25.5%; they were significantly younger and had fewer comorbidities. Of procedural aspects, women were less likely to receive an angiogram, mechanical support, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation, and VT ablation compared to men. Notably, women were associated with higher do‐not‐resuscitate rates and in‐hospital cardiac arrests than men. No differences in in‐hospital mortality and cardiogenic shock were observed between men and women (p > .05). Length of stay was significantly longer for women, while no differences in hospital costs were observed in both sexes.

Conclusion

Significant sex disparities in management and outcomes were observed in admitted patients with VT. Our results reflect the need for further studies to explore factors causing such diversities.
Identification of the novel markers of PPAR signalling affecting immune microenvironment and immunotherapy response of lung adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Junhui , Ren Xin , Zhang Zhengbin , Zhou Meilan , Li Yuehua , Wang Jianjie , Li Quan , Zhu Qi , Wu Gang
Published: August 2023

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are essential for cellular physiological processes. However, there is less research on the PPAR‐related genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Open‐access data were get from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) databases. All the analysis were conducted in the R software based on different R packages. In this study, we gauged the PPAR score employing a set of 72 PPAR‐associated genes and probed the biological impact of this score on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Subsequently, we established a unique signature composed of eight PPAR‐related genes (ANGPTL4, ACSL3, ADIPOQ, FABP1, SLC27A1, ACOX2, PPARD and OLR1) to forecast the prognosis of LUAD. The signature's effectiveness in predicting survival was validated through the receiver operating characteristic curve in the TCGA‐LUAD cohort. As per the pathway enrichment analysis, several crucial oncogenic pathways and metabolic processes were enriched in high‐risk individuals. Further, we observed that these high‐risk patients exhibited heightened genomic instability. Additionally, compared to the low‐risk cohort, high‐risk patients demonstrated diminished immune components and function. Intriguingly, high‐risk patients exhibited a potential heightened sensitivity to immunotherapy and certain drugs, including Gefitinib, Afatinib, Erlotinib, IAP_5620, Sapitinib, LCL161, Lapatinib and AZD3759. The prognosis model based on eight PPAR‐related genes has satisfactory prognosis prediction efficiency. Meanwhile, our results can provide direction for future studies in the relevant aspects.
Learning from the early careers of master clinicians
Authors: Murthy Vivek K. , Boscardin Christy , Cumbler Ethan , Irobunda Christopher , McQuillan Mark A. , Phillips Linda G. , Suneja Manish , Wright Scott M. , Dhaliwal Gurpreet
Published: August 2023

Background

Master clinicians are recognized as multidimensional experts in clinical medicine. Studying their formative clinical activities could generate insights to guide medical trainees and early career clinicians.

Objectives

To investigate which early career activities were adopted more commonly by master clinicians than their matched peers and to characterize master clinicians' early career activities across institutions and specialties.

Subjects and Methods

We surveyed master clinicians at seven medical centres about their early career activities. For master clinicians in the Department of Medicine (DOM), we also surveyed matched internist peers.

Results

Of 150 master clinician respondents, 65% were internists (DOM); 35% practiced in other specialties. Compared to their internist peers, there was a trend toward internist master clinicians reading more about their patients' conditions (6.0 vs. 4.8 h per week), reading more case reports (4.0 vs. 2.1 per month), engaging in more frequent teaching duties and devoting less time to research.

Conclusions

The early career activities identified in this study can be adopted by clinicians pursuing clinical excellence and promoted by training programs that seek to foster life‐long learning.
Voluntary and involuntary singlehood: Salience of concepts from four theories
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jacki
Published: August 2023

Reconfiguring theoretical approaches is needed as growing numbers of adults are experiencing extended periods of singlehood. There is a central distinction in intentionality, which creates a voluntary or involuntary status. Voluntary individuals have chosen to be marriage‐free. Involuntary individuals wish to be cohabited/married but have been unable to do so. The purpose of this paper is to describe the linkages among characteristics of voluntary/involuntary singlehood and concepts from four theories (social exchange, symbolic interactionism, family development, chaos). These theories were chosen because they are commonly addressed in family science teaching and scholarship. They are used as conceptual lenses to guide relational or familial research, but there has been little attention to their potential linkages to singlehood. Given the voluntary‐involuntary distinction, linkages are drawn to each type. This paper highlights how four traditional theories can be bridged with diverse components of singlehood experiences.
An exotic pathogenetic mechanism of angiogenesis in oral lichen planus—A systematic review
Authors: Keerthika R. , Kamboj Mala , Girdhar Akhil , Narwal Anjali , Devi Anju , Anand Rahul , Juneja Manish
Published: August 2023

Objective

Angiogenesis plays a vital role at the molecular level in various inflammatory lesions, that lead to their chronicity. Oral lichen planus is an immune‐mediated chronic inflammatory disorder. The angiogenetic role and exact mechanisms in oral lichen planus are still unclear due to a dearth of studies. Its clinical significance with angiogenesis also requires further elucidation necessitating a thorough review of the studies that have been conducted so far. The present review was designed to identify the dependence of oral lichen planus progression on angiogenesis which could aid in devising metronomic treatments required to halt the progression of this disease.

Materials and Methods

A thorough search was made using MEDLINE by PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases. Original research articles, that immunohistochemically evaluated angiogenesis in oral lichen planus were included for review. Risk of bias was analysed for each study using Modified Newcastle‐Ottawa scale and Review Manager 5.4 was used to output its result.

Results

Twenty‐nine published articles were included for data synthesis. The most commonly employed antibody was CD34, however, upregulated VEGF expression was the principal while ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and PECAM‐1 were critical angiogenic factors to mediate angiogenesis in oral lichen planus.

Conclusion

The current evidence supports that angiogenesis, a fundamental pathogenetic mechanism of oral lichen planus, leads to its persistence and chronicity. However, studies with a larger sample size, standard evaluation criteria, different subtypes, and adequate follow‐up are warranted.
Science and the ‘emancipation of the mind’: dreams, the mind, and slavery
Authors: Smith Laura Elizabeth , Driggers E. Allen
Published: August 2023

Dreams were a subject of interest to philosophers thinking about the connection between the mind and the body in the nineteenth century. Many scholars have pointed out that the mind and the body were intimately linked and affected each other. Although science was on its way to becoming more technical and numbers focused in its investigatory practices, medical students and other physician‐philosophers investigated the nature of sleep and dreams. Medical students and advanced researchers speculated on the nature of consciousness and mused on where the mind travels to during the sleep processes. Other romantic figures like Dr Polydori speculated on the nature of sleep walking in their medical dissertations. Dreams also had a powerful moral and motivational component, as dreams and activities in dreams, drove people like Benjamin Rush to embrace abolition. Other promoters of abolition used the nature of dreams to discusses the dreadfulness and suffering of slavery.
Putting provenance into perspective: the relative importance of restoration site conditions over seed sourcing
Authors: Robinson Jake M. , Breed Martin F. , Maher Nicole L. , Gibson Dylan , Ducki Luisa C. , Standish Rachel J. , Veneklaas Erik J. , Merritt David J. , Prober Suzanne M. , Renton Michael , Broomfield Sarah , Dobrowolski Mark P. , Krauss Siegfried L.
Published: August 2023

Post‐mining scenarios present challenges for restoration in a wide range of environments, especially in the context of climate change. The source of seed for restoration has been an issue of intense focus, as seed provenance can impact plant fitness and restoration outcomes. However, post‐mining landscapes require substrate reconstruction prior to vegetation re‐establishment. Critically, the relative importance of provenance and substrate in ecosystem recovery has been rarely quantified in a statistically rigorous framework. We established a large provenance trial with Banksia attenuata and Eucalyptus todtiana at two Western Australian mine sites in post‐mining reconstructed and adjoining un‐mined substrates. We show that site and substrate were 4 and 26 times more important than provenance in explaining survival for B. attenuata and E. todtiana, respectively. At one site, there was 100% mortality in the post‐mining substrate but high survival and no clear provenance effect in the un‐mined substrate. At the second site, there was again no clear provenance effect, but E. todtiana survival was higher in the post‐mining than un‐mined substrate. Our results show that post‐mining substrate changes can overwhelm provenance issues. Consequently, where substrates are highly impacted, alternative restoration targets and/or greater investment in substrate research are needed to improve restoration outcomes. Due to the thousands of mines across the world, this is an internationally relevant finding with important implications for investment into global ecosystem recovery.
‘Come parto imperfetto’: Paratexts and organization in a sixteenth‐century book of secrets
Authors: Celani Ruben
Published: August 2023

This essay addresses the Secreti diversi et miracolosi, one of the many ‘books of secrets’ (collections of medical and craft recipes) which crowded the sixteenth‐century Venetian book market. First published in 1563 and spuriously ascribed to the physician Gabriele Falloppia, this book was already subject to significant structural changes in its second edition (1565). The editors of the first and second editions, Giovanni Antonio Di Maria and Borgaruccio Borgarucci, discussed their respective choices concerning the arrangement of the collection in their prefatory letters. This essay examines the prefatory and organizational paratexts of both editions, which reveal a tension between the readability of the book and the reliability of its contents. It argues that the different paratextual strategies pursued by Di Maria and Borgarucci had a profound impact on the contours of ‘Falloppia’’s literary identity, the functions envisioned for the collection, and the epistemological value of the recipes therein. The editorial history of the Secreti diversi also prompts broader considerations on the popularity of books of secrets, showing how this was not only a matter of content but also, and often more importantly, how that content was presented to the readers.
Mediating effects of sleep on mental health in older adolescents: Findings from the Burn 2 Learn randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leahy Angus A. , Diallo Thierno M. O. , Eather Narelle , Duncan Mitch J. , Smith Jordan J. , Morgan Philip J. , Lubans David R.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Our study explored the mediating effect of sleep‐related variables on older adolescents' mental health in the context of a school‐based physical activity intervention.

Methods

We evaluated the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) intervention using a cluster randomized controlled trial, which included two cohorts. Participants for this sub‐study were from the second cohort, which included 292 older adolescents (16.0 ± 0.5 years) from 10 secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia. Teachers at intervention schools delivered two high‐intensity activity breaks (approximately 10 mins) per week to students during academic lessons. Participants completed measures of mental health (i.e., perceived stress and internalizing problems) and hypothesized mediators (i.e., sleep duration, sleep latency, awakenings, and daytime sleepiness) at baseline (February–April 2019) and post‐intervention (August–September 2019). Single mediation analyses were conducted to explore the potential mediating effects of sleep variables on mental health outcomes using a product‐of‐coefficient test.

Results

We observed a small statistically significant effect for perceived stress (β = −0.11, SE = 0.034, p = 0.002), but not for internalizing problems (β = 0.02, SE = 0.051, p = 0.760). There were no significant intervention effects for sleep‐related variables. Several sleep‐related variables were associated with mental health outcomes but no mediated effects were found.

Conclusion

The B2L intervention had a small beneficial effect on perceived stress, however our mediation analyses suggest this was not explained by changes in sleep‐related variables. Markers of sleep were associated with mental health constructs, highlighting the importance of sleep for good psychological health. However, in the context of a physical activity intervention, effects on mental health may be driven by other behavioral, neurobiological, or psychosocial mechanisms.
Characterization of two novel alleles, HLA‐C*03:638 and HLA‐DQB1*03:02:38
Authors: Loginova Maria , Paramonov Igor
Published: August 2023

Two novel HLA alleles were detected using next generation sequencing technology.
Quantitative increases of extracellular vesicles in prolonged cold storage of platelets increases the potential to enhance fibrin clot formation
Authors: Nash J. , Davies A. , Saunders C. V. , George C. E. , Williams J. O. , James P. E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Platelet derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) display a pro‐coagulant phenotype and are generated throughout platelet concentrate (PC) storage. Cold storage (CS) of PCs is thought to provide a superior haemostatic advantage over room temperature (RT) storage and could prolong the storage time. However, the effect of storage conditions on EV generation and PC function is unknown. We investigated EV production under CS and RT conditions and assessed whether these EVs exhibited a more pro‐coagulant phenotype in model experiments.

Materials and Methods

Buffy‐coat‐derived PCs in a platelet additive solution (PAS) to plasma ratio of approximately 65:35 were stored at RT (22 ± 2°C) or CS (4 ± 2°C) for a prolonged storage duration of 20 days. Impedance aggregometry assessed platelet function. EVs were isolated throughout storage and quantified using nanoparticle tracking analysis. EVs were applied to a coagulation assay to assess the impact on fibrin clot formation and lysis.

Results

CS produced significantly larger EVs from day 4 onwards. EV concentration was significantly increased in CS compared to RT from day 15. EVs, regardless of storage, significantly reduced time to clot formation and maximum optical density measured compared to the no EV control. Clot formation was proportionate to the number of EV applied but was not statistically different across storage conditions when corrected for EV number.

Conclusion

EVs in CS and RT units showed similar clot formation capacity. However, the higher number of larger EVs generated in CS compared to RT suggests PC units derived from CS conditions may overall exhibit a haemostatically superior capacity compared to RT storage.
Runoff water loaded with road de‐icing salts: Occurrence, environmental impact and treatment processes
Authors: Ebrahimi Gardeshi Mitra , Arab Hamed , Benguit Alae , Drogui Patrick
Published: August 2023

To ensure road safety during winter, it is necessary to use de‐icing salts. However, the detrimental effects of these salts on aquatic ecosystems, vegetation, lakes, ground and surface water, and soils have become a major concern in recent years. This review aims to discuss the adverse environmental impact of using de‐icing salts on the environment and explore current conventional methods used for managing and treating runoff water. Additionally, desalination techniques in terms of their effectiveness and energy requirements have been discussed. By comparing energy costs and considering the salinity levels of runoff water containing de‐icing salts, electrodialysis as a potential technique is introduced to be combined with conventional approaches for removing and recovering salt from runoff water loaded from road de‐icing salt.
Procyanidins: A promising anti‐diabetic agent with potential benefits on glucose metabolism and diabetes complications
Authors: Qaed Eskandar , Almoiliqy Marwan , Al‐Hamyari Bandar , Qaid Abdullah , Alademy Haneen , Al‐Maamari Ahmed , Alyafeai Eman , Geng Zhaohong , Tang Zeyao , Ma Xiaodong
Published: August 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with alarming worldwide health implications and high mortality rates, largely due to its complications such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Recent research has shown that procyanidins (PC), a type of flavonoid, have strong antioxidant and free radical elimination effects, and may be useful in improving glucose metabolism, enhancing pancreatic islet cell activity, and decreasing the prevalence of DM complications. This review article presents a systematic search for peer‐reviewed articles on the use of PC in the treatment of DM, without any language restrictions. The article also discusses the potential for PC to sensitise DM medications and improve their efficacy. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated promising results in improving the biological activity and bioavailability of PC for the treatment of DM. The article concludes by highlighting the potential for novel materials and targeted drug delivery methods to enhance the pharmacokinetics and bioactivity of PC, leading to the creation of safer and more effective anti‐DM medications in the future.
Ontogenetic instars of Zygoribatula excavata, with remarks on juveniles of Oripodoidea (Acari: Oribatida)
Authors: Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: August 2023

Information on the morphological ontogeny of oribatid mites of the family Oribatulidae is very scarce, and the juveniles of most species are unknown yet. In this work, the ontogenetic instars of the semicosmopolitan species, Zygoribatula excavata Berlese, 1916 are studied. The juvenile instars of this species are morphologically similar to those of the other species of Zygoribatula, and this genus can be included among those in which species are difficult to distinguish based on juvenile characteristics alone. As information on the morphological ontogeny of most species of Oribatulidae is still insufficient or unknown, a comparison on the juvenile characteristics of the families belonging to the superfamily Oripodoidea is given based on our own data and available literature sources. The major characteristics of juvenile instars of 10 families and 21 genera are presented. There are few characters, such as body shape and size, pattern of cuticle, excentrosclerites at gastronotic setae, size and morphology of setiform organs, such as bothridial as well as gastronotic setae that distinguish the families or genera of Oripodoidea.
New species of Tuberemaeus (Acari, Oribatida, Scheloribatidae) from trees in Southern Vietnam
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: August 2023

Two new species of Tuberemaeus (Oribatida, Scheloribatidae)—T. salavatulini sp. nov. and T. bifossatus sp. nov.—are described, based on adults collected from tree branches of Haldina cordifolia in Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam. The generic diagnosis of Tuberemaeus is revised. An identification key to known species of Tuberemaeus is given.
High energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) Cr Kα measurement of bulk Ag
Authors: Zborowski C. , Vanleenhove A. , Hoflijk I. , Vaesen I. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: August 2023

Silver was analyzed using high-resolution high-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of Ag obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include survey scan and high-resolution spectra of Ag 3d, Ag 3p3/2, Ag 3s; Ag 2p3/2, Ag 2s.
Identification of words in whispered speech: The role of cues to fricatives' place and voicing
Authors: Jesus Luis M. T. , Ferreira Joana F. S. , Ferreira Aníbal J. S.
Published: August 2023

The temporal distribution of acoustic cues in whispered speech was analyzed using the gating paradigm. Fifteen Portuguese participants listened to real disyllabic words produced by four Portuguese speakers. Lexical choices, confidence scores, isolation points (IPs), and recognition points (RPs) were analyzed. Mixed effects models predicted that the first syllable and 70% of the total duration of the second syllable were needed for lexical choices to be above chance level. Fricatives' place, not voicing, had a significant effect on the percentage of correctly identified words. IP and RP values of words with postalveolar voiced and voiceless fricatives were significantly different.
Basin scale coherence of Kauai-Beacon m-sequence transmissions received at Wake Island and Monterey, CA
Authors: Gemba Kay L. , Durofchalk Nicholas C. , Dall'Osto David R. , Andrew Rex K. , Leary Paul , Howe Bruce M. , Smith Kevin B.
Published: August 2023

The 75 Hz Kauai-Beacon source is well-situated for observing the North Pacific Ocean acoustically, and ongoing efforts enable transmissions and analysis of broadband signals in 2023 and beyond. This is the first demonstration of acoustic receiving along paths to Wake Island (∼3500 km) and Monterey Bay (∼4000 km). The 44 received m-sequence waveforms exhibit excellent phase stability with processing gain approaching the maximum theoretical gain evaluated over the 20 min signal transmission duration. The article concludes with a discussion on the future source utility and highlights research topics of interest, including observed Doppler (waveform dilation), thermometry, and tomography.
“Please say what this word is”: Linguistic experience and acoustic context interact in vowel categorization
Authors: Stilp Christian , Chodroff Eleanor
Published: August 2023

Ladefoged and Broadbent [(1957). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 29(1), 98–104] is a foundational study in speech perception research, demonstrating that acoustic properties of earlier sounds alter perception of subsequent sounds: a context sentence with a lowered first formant (F1) frequency promotes perception of a raised F1 in a target word, and vice versa. The present study replicated the original with U.K. and U.S. listeners. While the direction of the perceptual shift was consistent with the original study, neither sample replicated the large effect sizes. This invites consideration of how linguistic experience relates to the magnitudes of these context effects.
In-Season Resisted-Jump Training Enables Power, Agility, and Jump-Ability Maintenance in University-Level Male Rugby Players
Authors: Oosthuizen Cobus , Kramer Mark
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To determine the effects and transferability of a resisted-jump training program on strength, speed, power, and agility maintenance during the in-season phase of rugby training. Methods: Thirty high-level male rugby players (age: 21.78 [1.86] y; height: 1.83 [0.10] m; mass: 95.17 [10.45] kg) participated in a crossover, within-subject study design. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment groups (resistance band [VertiMax, VM] or control [Con]) and evaluated on jumping, sprinting, agility, and strength over a 4-week period. A 10-week wash-out period was initiated, followed by a crossover that incorporated randomization of the treatment sequence (ie, receiving VM during the first or second phase of the testing period). Within- and between-groups differences for each variable of interest were evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model. Results: No significant treatment (VM vs Con) or time (pre vs postintervention) effects were evident across all variables (all P > .197), although the order or treatment allocation may play a role for strength (P = .037) and jumping (P = .003). Power, agility, and countermovement-jump height were statistically equivalent for the intervention period. Following the VM treatment, changes in strength seem to transfer favorably to changes in agility (r = −.54, P < .05) but no other variables, and no significant associations were evident for the Con treatment. Conclusion: Regardless of treatment, power, agility, and jump height were conserved throughout the treatment period. Although changes in mean sprint and strength were not significantly different from zero, it was not possible to conclude whether performance decrements could be eliminated.
Bell-state measurement exceeding 50% success probability with linear optics
Authors: Bayerbach Matthias J. , D’Aurelio Simone E. , van Loock Peter , Barz Stefanie
Published: August 2023

Bell-state projections serve as a fundamental basis for most quantum communication and computing protocols today. However, with current Bell-state measurement schemes based on linear optics, only two of four Bell states can be identified, which means that the maximum success probability of this vital step cannot exceed 50%. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a scheme that amends the original measurement with additional modes in the form of ancillary photons, which leads to a more complex measurement pattern, and ultimately a higher success probability of 62.5%. Experimentally, we achieve a success probability of (57.9 ± 1.4)%, a substantial improvement over the conventional scheme. With the possibility of extending the protocol to a larger number of ancillary photons, our work paves the way toward more efficient realizations of quantum technologies based on Bell-state measurements.
TNIK is a conserved regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism in obesity
Authors: Pham T. C. Phung , Dollet Lucile , Ali Mona S. , Raun Steffen H. , Møller Lisbeth L. V. , Jafari Abbas , Ditzel Nicholas , Andersen Nicoline R. , Fritzen Andreas M. , Gerhart-Hines Zachary , Kiens Bente , Suomalainen Anu , Simpson Stephen J. , Salling Olsen Morten , Kieser Arnd , Schjerling Peter , Nieminen Anni I. , Richter Erik A. , Havula Essi , Sylow Lykke
Published: August 2023

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are growing health challenges with unmet treatment needs. Traf2- and NCK-interacting protein kinase (TNIK) is a recently identified obesity- and T2D-associated gene with unknown functions. We show that TNIK governs lipid and glucose homeostasis in
Drosophila
and mice. Loss of the
Drosophila
ortholog of
TNIK
,
misshapen
, altered the metabolite profiles and impaired de novo lipogenesis in high sugar–fed larvae.
Tnik
knockout mice exhibited hyperlocomotor activity and were protected against diet-induced fat expansion, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. The improved lipid profile of
Tnik
knockout mice was accompanied by enhanced skeletal muscle and adipose tissue insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glucose and lipid handling. Using the T2D Knowledge Portal and the UK Biobank, we observed associations of
TNIK
variants with blood glucose, HbA1c, body mass index, body fat percentage, and feeding behavior. These results define an untapped paradigm of TNIK-controlled glucose and lipid metabolism.
Reconstructing past disturbance in coral communities using U-Th dating of dead coral skeletons
Authors: Clark Tara R. , Roff George , Chapman Tess , Markham-Summers Hannah , Hammerman Nicholas M. , Liu Faye , Feng Yuexing , Pandolfi John M. , Zhao Jian-xin
Published: August 2023

In the absence of detailed broad-scale studies, both spatially and temporally, the overall status (disturbed, recovering, or in decline) of many of the reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef remains uncertain. Moreover, of the numerous and varied threats, their relative role in impacting individual reefs is generally unclear. Here, we adopt a novel approach to reliably reconstruct historical disturbance events at Rib and Davies Reefs, two mid-shelf reefs, using uranium-thorium (U-Th) dating of dead corals. Corrected 230Th ages obtained from dead Acropora spp. bracket time periods of lowest coral cover observed during independent ecological surveys in the late 1980s and 2000s at 1988.2 ± 1.3 and 2003.9 ± 6.2 CE, shortly after the arrival of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) at Rib Reef in 1983–1985 and 2000–2002, respectively. At Davies Reef, 230Th ages dated to 1999.2 ± 1.2 CE when coral cover was halved as a result of Cyclone Tessi and an “unknown” disturbance in 2000–2001. Prior to modern surveys, there is remarkable overlap in 230Th ages between reefs, with repeated peaks in the age distribution having a return period of ~10–15 years, akin to the periodicity of modern CoTS outbreaks. Our findings suggest that U-Th dating of dead corals can provide a robust foundation for understanding disturbance history and show promise in contributing to the effective monitoring of coral communities by providing a reliable benchmark with which to assess recovery.
Supplemental Material: Geoscience academic hiring networks reinforce historic patterns of inequity
Authors: Dahl Robyn Mieko
Published: August 2023

Item S1: Network nodelist, a spreadsheet that includes all nodes included in the network. Item S2: Network edgelist, a spreadsheet that maps every connection between nodes in the network. 
Advances in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Raha Oishik , Hall Charles , Malik Abid , D'Anna Lucio , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Kwan Joseph , Banerjee Soma
Published: August 2023

Mechanical thrombectomy is a ground breaking treatment for acute ischaemic stroke caused by occlusion of a large vessel. Its efficacy over intravenous thrombolysis has been proven in multiple trials with a lower number needed to treat than percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. However, access to this key treatment modality remains limited with a considerable postcode lottery across the UK and many parts of the world. The evidence base for mechanical thrombectomy dates back to 2015. Since then, there have been important advances in establishing and widening the criteria for treatment. This narrative review aims to summarise the current evidence base and latest advances for physicians and academics with an interest in recanalisation treatments for acute ischaemic stroke.
Trajectories of cognitive processing speed and physical disability over 11 years following initiation of a first multiple sclerosis disease-modulating therapy
Authors: Longinetti Elisa , Englund Simon , Burman Joachim , Fink Katharina , Fogdell-Hahn Anna , Gunnarsson Martin , Hillert Jan , Langer-Gould Annette Magdalene , Lycke Jan , Nilsson Petra , Salzer Jonatan , Svenningsson Anders , Mellergård Johan , Olsson Tomas , Piehl Fredrik , Frisell Thomas
Published: August 2023

Background

We analysed the COMparison Between All immunoTherapies for Multiple Sclerosis (NCT03193866), a Swedish nationwide observational study in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), to identify trajectories of processing speed and physical disability after disease-modulating therapy (DMT) start.

Methods

Using a group-modelling approach, we assessed trajectories of processing speed with oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and physical disability with Expanded Disability Status Scale, from first DMT start among 1645 patients with RRMS followed during 2011–2022. We investigated predictors of trajectories using group membership as a multinomial outcome and calculated conditional probabilities linking membership across the trajectories.

Results

We identified 5 stable trajectories of processing speed: low SDMT scores (mean starting values=29.9; 5.4% of population), low/medium (44.3; 25.3%), medium (52.6; 37.9%), medium/high (63.1; 25.8%) and high (72.4; 5.6%). We identified 3 physical disability trajectories: no disability/stable (0.8; 26.8%), minimal disability/stable (1.6; 58.1%) and moderate disability (3.2; 15.1%), which increased to severe disability. Older patients starting interferons were more likely than younger patients starting rituximab to be on low processing speed trajectories. Older patients starting teriflunomide, with more than one comorbidity, and a history of pain treatment were more likely to belong to the moderate/severe physical disability trajectory, relative to the no disability one. There was a strong association between processing speed and physical disability trajectories.

Conclusions

In this cohort of actively treated RRMS, patients’ processing speed remained stable over the years following DMT start, whereas patients with moderate physical disability deteriorated in physical function. Nevertheless, there was a strong link between processing speed and disability after DMT start.
Poor regeneration of pine after mountain pine beetle attack in colder boreal regions of Canada
Authors: Lieffers Victor J. , Benedik Julie , Stadt Ken , Macdonald S. Ellen
Published: August 2023

The recent expansion of mountain pine beetle (MPB, Dendroctonus ponderosae) from its native range in western North America into northern boreal pine forests in Alberta, Canada has resulted in conditions for tree regeneration that are dramatically different from those after wildfire, the predominant natural disturbance in these forests. We assessed natural regeneration post-MPB for northern boreal lodgepole pine sites in Alberta, Canada via intensive surveys of small plots at 33 severely attacked pine stands and using data from 205 permanent sample plots representing various site types and levels of MPB mortality. We used model selection to identify factors explaining regeneration. Overall, pine regeneration was very poor 6–9 years post-MPB; only 42% of the 33 intensively surveyed plots and only 9% of the 205 permanent plots had pine seedlings. This poor regeneration is attributed to high levels of cone serotiny in these populations, unsuitable regeneration microsites due to undisturbed litter or feathermoss layers, and competition from the residual canopy and understory vegetation. Other species (aspen, birch, poplar, and black and white spruce) were found on most sites, either as post-attack regeneration or regeneration established in advance. Without intervention, many of these stands will likely transition away from pine, to broadleaf and other conifer species.
Higgs–Higgs scattering and the (non-)existence of the Higgsonium
Authors: Shastry Vanamali , Giacosa Francesco
Published: August 2023

We study the Higgs–Higgs scattering process and the possible emergence of a Higgs–Higgs bound state (Higgsonium) in any Higgs potential with the vacuum expectation value and second derivative matching the corresponding values from the Standard Model (SM). From the tree-level Higgs–Higgs scattering amplitude, we construct the unitarized amplitude using two different unitarization schemes (the well-known on-shell and N/D methods). We reproduce the known result that there is no Higgsonium state in the SM and, in addition, we determine the S-, D-, and G-wave SM scattering lengths, both at tree-level and upon unitarization. In doing so, we refine previous results by checking the convergence of the N/D approach. Next, we extend the calculation for non-SM potentials and investigate under which conditions a formation of a bound state close to the Higgs–Higgs threshold is possible. In this way, the assumption that no Higgsonium exist, imposes certain bounds on the values of the self-interaction parameters that complement those imposed by the vacuum stability condition.
Recognizing different types of ocean plate stratigraphy in the southeastern South Qilian Accretionary Belt, northeastern Tibet Plateau
Authors: Tao Lu , Zhang Hongfei , Gao Zhong , Lu Zhuo , Yang He , Zhang Liqi
Published: August 2023

Dissection of relicts of ocean plate stratigraphy (OPS) in orogens could provide important insights into oceanic evolution, orogenic formation and continental growth. Here we describe a study of petrology, geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes for OPS in the South Qilian Accretionary Belt with the aim of providing new constraints on the evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean (PTO). Three types of OPS units were recognized by their differing petrological, geochemical and isotopic features. Type 1 OPS, representing relicts of ocean islands or seamounts, comprises ocean island basalt and gabbro (
t
 = 525 ± 4 Ma, (
87
Sr/
86
Sr)
i
 = 0.7035–0.7039 and

ε

Nd
(
t
) = +3.63 to +4.16) and (siliceous) carbonate rocks. Type 2 OPS, representing fragments of normal oceanic crust, consists of normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) and basaltic andesite ((
87
Sr/
86
Sr)
i
 = 0.7059–0.7063 and

ε

Nd
(
t
) = +6.33 to +7.44), chert and siliceous mudstone. Type 3 OPS could be oceanic plateau-derived and comprises enriched (E)-MORB and dolerite ((
87
Sr/
86
Sr)
i
 = 0.7051–0.7064 and

ε

Nd
(
t
) = +4.81 to +6.24), carbonate–siliceous mudstone and carbonate rock. These OPS units witnessed evolution of the PTO. Using available studies on regional arc-type magmatism and U–Pb geochronological data for detrital zircon in this study, a model of ‘trench jam accompanying subduction flip induced by accretion of the OPS’ is put forward.

Supplementary material
: Zircon U–Pb data, whole-rock major and trace element data and a supplementary figure are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6764637

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists
Subject Matter Expert (SME) Onboarding 101: Improving development efficiency and course quality through SME training
Authors: Leslie Heather , Lizardo Alejandra
Published: August 2023

A common challenge for instructional designers and administrators of online programs is ensuring that projects are completed within the development timeframe and course content meets high standards for quality. This article describes a training course that was developed to meet those challenges. The course prepares subject matter experts (SMEs) to work with a design team made up of instructional designers and instructional technologists so that SMEs can plan their course content using a backward design framework. SMEs participate in a fully asynchronous online course with other SMEs where they can collaborate and brainstorm ideas. Having SMEs take an online course that resembles the online course they will later be designing allows them to gain insight from a learner perspective, which can help them design a learner-centered course. As a result, this training program has improved the course development process to help the university meet its goals for quality online learning.
Exploiting Blockchain to Make AI Trustworthy: A Software Development Lifecycle View
Authors: Zhang Peiyun , Ding Song , Zhao Qinglin
Published: August 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a very powerful technology and can be a potential disrupter and essential enabler. As AI expands into almost every aspect of our lives, people raise serious concerns about AI misbehaving and misuse. To address this concern, international organizations have put forward ethics guidelines for constructing trustworthy AI (TAI), including privacy, transparency, fairness, robustness, accountability, and so on. However, because of the black-box characteristics and complex models of AI systems, it is challenging to translate these guiding principles and aspirations into AI systems. Blockchain, an important decentralized technology, can provide the capabilities of transparency, traceability, immutability, and secure sharing and hence can be used to make AI trustworthy. In this paper, we survey studies on blockchain-based TAI (BTAI) from a software development lifecycle view. We classify the lifecycle of BTAI into four stages: Planning, data collection, model development, and system deployment/use. Particularly, we investigate and summarize the trustworthy issues that blockchain can achieve in the latter three stages, including (1) data transparency, privacy, and accountability; (2) model transparency, privacy, robustness, and fairness; and (3) robustness, privacy, transparency, and fairness of system deployment/use. Finally, we present essential open research issues and future work on developing BTAI systems.