bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xenophanes' Poetic Travels
Authors: Spelman Henry
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Scholars hold that Xenophanes was a wandering rhapsode or a perpetually itinerant performer. This consensus depends on the combination of a misunderstanding of one testimonium (D.L. 9.18 = A1), a misapprehension of another testimonium as a fragment (B45), and a questionable interpretation of one genuine fragment (B8), which probably describes not Xenophanes' bodily travels but rather the travels of his disembodied thought through the panhellenic circulation of his poetry. Rather than being some sort of special itinerant figure, this essay argues, Xenophanes was a settled elite and a celebrated poet during his own lifetime whose movements reflected his participation in normal networks of xenia and patronage.
One Head Is Worse Than Three: Varro's Trikaranos and the So-Called First Triumvirate
Authors: McAlhany Joseph
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The Trikaranos , a work of Varro's preserved only by title in Appian's Bellum Civile , has usually been considered a satirical attack on the alliance of Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus in 59 b.c.e. as a "three-headed monster." However, a re-examination of the evidence reveals that the Trikaranos was instead a pseudonymous satire directed not at the political alliance of the three men, but at Caesar alone, who was attacked as the single autocrat who spoke for all three members of the so-called "first triumvirate."
Deciphered Shorthand in Justice Hyde's Supreme Court Notebooks, Calcutta, India, 1780–1782
Authors: Johnson Carol Siri , Otis Andrew
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The legal notebooks of Justice John Hyde are an important source of information about India’s first Supreme Court, established in Calcutta in 1774. The notebooks contain 22,000 pages of handwriting by the first sitting judges, including significant shorthand passages by Justice Hyde that have not been deciphered until now. This paper describes the decoding of the shorthand and its contents. Hyde used shorthand to securely record his views on the profit-making activities of his fellow judges, Sir Elijah Impey and Sir Robert Chambers, and the effects these had on the Court’s integrity, public image and ability to enforce its jurisdiction. The decrypted shorthand adds to documentation on a contentious shift from a patronage-based social system to systematized rule of law in late eighteenth century British India.
"The spirit moving him": Allan Kardec's Spiritisme in, and around, Joyce's Ulysses
Authors: Kosters Onno
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT: As the "codifier" of Le Spiritisme , the French writer, translator, and educator Allan Kardec (1804-1868) was a prominent figure among the promotors of the occult. The five books he wrote on the spirit world became best-sellers, both in France and abroad. Joyce, whose largely skeptical interest in the occult has been widely researched, owned one of Kardec's works and flagged passages in it. This article considers the varied ways in which Joyce may have used Kardec's teachings and vocabulary (for instance, "metempsychosis," "reincarnation," and " noctambules ") in Ulysses . The cabman's shelter of "Eumaeus," in particular, functions as a spirit cabinet fit for a séance to be witnessed by Stephen and Bloom, "our two noctambules" ( U 16.326).
Digital Reconstruction and Interpretation of Great Sites: Case of Severely Damaged Yingtianmen in Luoyang
Authors: Zhang Lie , Xiao Jinliang , Pan Husheng
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Luoyang was a famous capital in the Sui and Tang dynasties. As one of the highest standard city gate buildings in ancient China, Yingtianmen has cultural connotations and academic value. The Yingtianmen site is now seriously damaged due to its long history, making its exploration challenging. This paper adopts an interdisciplinary research method to perform the digital reconstruction of this site and uses field data obtained from archaeological discoveries and spatial 3D measurement. Multisource data come from various historical documents on other architectural sites and murals in the same period as well as relevant clues such as architectural construction skills and artistic styles in the Sui and Tang dynasties. A set of workflow and methods for the digital reconstruction of large sites is developed that includes the integration of multisource data, reconstruction of a parametric model, and interpretation of digital art. The research results have important academic value in promoting the evolution of research and education and the teaching of the history, culture, art, and form of Yingtianmen and Dongfangchengmen buildings. The formed workflow and methods provide a reference and demonstration for the digital reconstruction of similar large sites with serious damage.
Government Responses to Climate Change
Authors: Lieberman Evan , Ross Michael
Published: May 2024

Social scientists should be more deliberate in how they define and measure government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The authors highlight key distinctions among three dimensions of climate policy: the commitments made by governments, the actions that governments take, and the outcomes they produce. In turn, the authors detail the challenges of measuring these dimensions, and discuss the tradeoffs of alternative measurement strategies, including how well they meet the accepted standards for measurement validity. The authors also identify promising avenues for further research.
Angle-dependent quantum efficiency correction for improved signal accuracy in small-scale Scheimpflug lidar systems
Authors: Chen Siying , Yin Jiarui , Chen He , Tan Wangshu , Guo Pan , Jiang Yurong , Xu Qingyue , Li Daoming , Xue Fan , Wu Huiyun
Published: May 2024

Wide-incidence-angle detection in Scheimpflug lidar causes pixel-wise variations in signal intensity due to differences in quantum efficiency across the detector. This study proposes an angular response correction factor and a correction method to address the difference caused by a wide incidence angle. A Scheimpflug lidar system was developed with a 405 nm laser and an array image sensor; it achieved a detection angle of 11.4°. Experiments with uniform atmosphere and smoke aerosols demonstrated the effectiveness of the correction method. For uniform atmosphere, it ensured consistent signal intensity. In smoke aerosol detection, the Klett method revealed the correction factor’s role in counteracting small-scale variations in the extinction coefficient. The method improved the extinction coefficient accuracy within 4 m by 4%–75%.
Experimental demonstration of improved reference-frame-independent quantum key distribution over 175km
Authors: Tian Zhiyu , Xie Ziran , Wang Rong , Zhang Chunmei , Sun Shihai
Published: May 2024

Reference-frame-independent (RFI) quantum key distribution (QKD) presents promising advantages, especially for mobile-platform-based implementations, as it eliminates the need for active reference frame calibration. While RFI-QKD has been explored in various studies, limitations in key rate and distance persist due to finite data collection. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate an improved RFI-QKD protocol proposed by Zhu et al. [Opt. Lett. 47, 4219 (2022)10.1364/OL.470558], featuring a statistical quantity for bounding information leaked to Eve that exhibits more insensitivity to statistical fluctuations and more robustness to variations in the reference frame. Taking into account finite-size considerations and potential general attacks, RFI-QKD is implemented over a distance of 175 km in this work. We believe that our study extends the communication distance achievable by RFI-QKD, thereby constituting a notable advancement for its practical application.
Dual-polarization pump rejection filter in silicon nitride technology
Authors: Medina David E. , Tanzilli Sébastien , Vivien Laurent , Labonté Laurent , Wilmart Quentin , Olivier Ségolene , Guerber Sylvain , Cassan Éric , Alonso-Ramos Carlos
Published: May 2024

On-chip pump rejection filters are key building blocks in a variety of applications exploiting nonlinear phenomena, including Raman spectroscopy and photon-pair generation. Ultrahigh rejection has been achieved in the silicon technology by non-coherent cascading of modal-engineered Bragg filters. However, this concept cannot be directly applied to silicon nitride waveguides as the comparatively lower index contrast hampers the suppression of residual light propagating in the orthogonal polarization, limiting the achievable rejection. Here, we propose and demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, strategy to overcome this limitation based on non-coherent cascading of the modal- and polarization-engineered Bragg filters. Based on this concept, we experimentally demonstrate a rejection exceeding 60 dB for both polarizations, with a bandwidth of 4.4 nm. This is the largest rejection reported for silicon nitride Bragg gratings supporting both polarizations.
Post-ensemble generation with Airy beams for spatial and spectral switching in incoherent imaging
Authors: Gopinath Shivasubramanian , Anand Vijayakumar
Published: May 2024

Spatial, temporal, and spectral resolutions and field-of-view are important characteristics of any imaging system. In most, if not all, it is impossible to change the above characteristics after recording a digital picture, video, or hologram. In recent years, there have been investigations on the possibilities to change the above characteristics post-recording. In this Letter, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we report novel recording and reconstruction methods built upon the principles of coded aperture imaging that allow changing the axial and spectral resolutions post-recording. We named this method—post-ensemble generation with Airy beams for spatial and spectral switching (PEGASASS). In PEGASASS, light from an object point is converted into Airy beams and recorded such that every recording has a unique Airy pattern. An ensemble of Airy patterns is constructed post-recording and the axial and spectral resolutions are tuned by controlling the chaos in the ensemble. The above tunability is achieved without adversely affecting the lateral resolution. Proof-of-concept experimental results of PEGASASS in 3D in both (x,y,z) and (x,y,λ) and 4D in (x,y,z,λ) are presented. We believe that PEGASASS has the potential to revolutionize the field of imaging and holography.
Physical interactions between specifically regulated subpopulations of the MCM and RNR complexes prevent genetic instability
Authors: Yáñez-Vilches Aurora , Romero Antonia M. , Barrientos-Moreno Marta , Cruz Esther , González-Prieto Román , Sharma Sushma , Vertegaal Alfred C. O. , Prado Félix
Published: May 2024

The helicase MCM and the ribonucleotide reductase RNR are the complexes that provide the substrates (ssDNA templates and dNTPs, respectively) for DNA replication. Here, we demonstrate that MCM interacts physically with RNR and some of its regulators, including the kinase Dun1. These physical interactions encompass small subpopulations of MCM and RNR, are independent of the major subcellular locations of these two complexes, augment in response to DNA damage and, in the case of the Rnr2 and Rnr4 subunits of RNR, depend on Dun1. Partial disruption of the MCM/RNR interactions impairs the release of Rad52 –but not RPA–from the DNA repair centers despite the lesions are repaired, a phenotype that is associated with hypermutagenesis but not with alterations in the levels of dNTPs. These results suggest that a specifically regulated pool of MCM and RNR complexes plays non-canonical roles in genetic stability preventing persistent Rad52 centers and hypermutagenesis.
ART coverage and viral suppression among female sex workers living with HIV in eThekwini, South Africa: Baseline findings from the Siyaphambili study
Authors: Comins Carly A. , Baral Stefan , Mcingana Mfezi , Shipp Lily , Phetlhu Deliwe Rene , Young Katherine , Guddera Vijayanand , Hausler Harry , Schwartz Sheree
Published: May 2024

In South Africa >60% of female sex workers (FSW) are living with HIV, the majority of whom are not virally suppressed. Identifying multi-level determinants of viral suppression is central to developing implementation strategies to promote retention in HIV care and viral suppression among FSW with unmet treatment needs. Adult cisgender FSW living with HIV for ≥6 months, conducting sex work as their primary source of income, and residing in Durban (South Africa) were enrolled into the Siyaphambili Study, a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. Baseline viral load and CD4 were assessed, and an interviewer-administered survey was conducted, capturing socio-demographic, reproductive and sexual history and behaviors, vulnerabilities, substance use, mental health, and stigma. We assessed baseline determinants of viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) using bivariate and multivariable robust poisson regression, considering associations across the individual, network, environmental and macrostructural levels. From June 2018 –March 2020, 1,644 women were screened, with 1,391 eligible FSW living with HIV enrolled. The analyses were conducted among the 1,373 participants with baseline data. Overall, 65% (889/1,373) of participants were reported to be on antiretroviral therapy and 38% (520/1,373) were virally suppressed. In the multivariable model, FSW who experienced a lack of housing in the prior six months were less likely to be virally suppressed (aPR: 0.72, 95%CI 0.56–0.91), while older FSW (aPR: 1.46 95%CI: 1.16–1.83 for 30–39 years old vs. 18–29 years old; aPR: 2.15 95%CI: 1.64–2.80 for 40+ years vs. 18–29 years old) and FSW reporting hormonal or long-acting contraception use were more likely to be virally suppressed (aPR: 1.19 95% CI: 1.00–1.43). We found vulnerability to be high among FSW living with HIV in South Africa and identified individual and structural determinants associated with viral suppression. Taken together these results suggest optimizing HIV treatment outcomes necessitates supporting younger sex workers and addressing housing instability.

Trial registration: NCT03500172.
Tungiasis among children in Kenya is associated with poor nutrition status, absenteeism, poor school performance and high impact on quality of life
Authors: Elson Lynne , Kamau Christopher , Koech Sammy , Muthama Christopher , Gachomba George , Sinoti Erastus , Chondo Elwyn , Mburu Eliud , Wakio Miriam , Lore Jimmy , Maia Marta , Adetifa Ifedayo , Orindi Benedict , Bejon Phillip , Fillinger Ulrike
Published: May 2024

Tungiasis is a highly neglected tropical skin disease caused by the sand flea, Tunga penetrans. The flea burrows into the skin inducing a strong inflammatory response, leading to pain and mobility restrictions with potential impacts on quality of life. Few countries implement control efforts and there are few data on the impact of the disease to support policy decisions. We conducted a survey to determine the impact of tungiasis among primary school children across nine counties of Kenya. A total of 10,600 pupils aged 8 to 14 years were randomly selected from 97 primary schools and examined for tungiasis. For 81 cases and 578 randomly selected controls, anthropometric measurements were made, and school attendance and exam scores were collected from school records. Of those with tungiasis, 73 were interviewed regarding their quality of life using a tungiasis-specific instrument. Mixed effect ordered logistic and linear models were used to assess associations between disease status and impact variables. Compared to uninfected pupils, those with tungiasis had lower weight-for-age z-scores (adjusted β -0.41, 95% CI: -0.75–0.06, p = 0.020), missed more days of school the previous term (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01–2.21, p = 0.046) and were less likely to receive a high score in mathematics (aOR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08–0.40, p<0.001) and other subjects. Pupils with severe disease (clinical score >10) were four times more likely to experience severe pain than those with mild disease (OR 3.96, 95% CI: 1.35–11.64, p = 0.012) and a higher impact on their quality of life than those with mild disease (aOR 3.57, 95% CI: 1.17–10.8, p = 0.025) when adjusted for covariates. This study has demonstrated tungiasis has a considerable impact on children’s lives and academic achievement. This indicates the need for integrated disease management for school-aged children to protect their physical and cognitive development and their future prospects.
A study protocol for predictors of post-discharge mortality among children aged 5–14 years admitted to tertiary hospitals in Tanzania: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Meleki Elton Roman , Mongella Stella , Furia Francis Fredrick
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Globally, millions of children and adolescents die every year from treatable and preventable causes. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 55% of deaths of children aged 5–14 years in 2017. Despite this high burden, minimal effort has been directed toward reducing mortality among older children and adolescents in comparison to under-fives. Mortality rates of children post-discharge vary between 1–18% in limited-resource countries and are reported to exceed in-hospital mortality. In Tanzania, there is limited data regarding post-discharge mortality and its predictors among children aged 5–14 years.

Objectives

This study aims to determine the post-discharge mortality rate and its predictors among children aged 5–14 years admitted to pediatric wards at MNH, MOI, and JKCI.

Methods and analysis

This will be a prospective observational cohort study that will be conducted among children aged 5–14 years admitted to pediatric wards at Muhimbili National Hospital, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institue, and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institue in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire and will include socio-demographic characteristics, clinical factors, and patients’ outcomes. Post-discharge follow-up will be done at months 1, 2, and 3 after discharge via phone call. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23. The association of demographic, social economic, and clinical factors with the outcome of all causes, 3 months post-discharge mortality will be determined by Cox regression, and survival rates will be displayed through Kaplan-Meier curves.

Discussion

This study will determine post-discharge mortality among children aged 5–14 years and its predictors in Tanzania. This information is expected to provide baseline data that will be useful for raising awareness of clinicians on how to prioritize and plan a proper follow-up of children following hospital discharge. These data may also be used to guide policy development to address and reduce the high burden of older children and adolescent mortality and may be used for future studies including those aiming to develop prediction models for post-discharge mortality among older children and adolescents.
Correlation of two different devices for the evaluation of primary implant stability depending on dental implant length and bone density: An in vitro study
Authors: Lee Jungwon , Lim Young-Jun , Ahn Jin-Soo , Kim Bongju , Baek Yeon-Wha , Lim Bum-Soon
Published: May 2024

Non-invasive objective implant stability measurements are needed to determine the appropriate timing of prosthetic fitting after implant placement. We compared the early implant stability results obtained using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and damping capacity analysis (DCA) depending on the implant length and bone density. Total 60, 4.0 mm diameter implants of various lengths (7.3 mm, 10 mm, and 13 mm) were used. In Group I, low-density bone was described using 15 PCF (0.24 g/cm3) polyurethane bone blocks, and in Group II, 30 PCF (0.48 g/cm3) polyurethane bone blocks were used to describe medium density bone. RFA was performed using an Osstell® Beacon+; DCA was performed using Anycheck®. Measurements were repeated five times for each implant. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05. In Group I, bone density and primary implant stability were positively correlated, while implant length and primary implant stability were positively correlated. In Group II, the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and implant stability test (IST) values in did not change significantly above a certain length. Primary implant stability was positively correlated with bone density and improved with increasing implant length at low bone densities. Compared with the Osstell® Beacon+, the simplicity of Anycheck® was easy to use and accessible.
Fathers’ involvement in raising children with intellectual disabilities: Mothers’ ratings of the contribution of their spouses
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Safi Mohammed , Belbase Shashidhar , Al Mughairbi Fadwa , Xie Quizhi , Al Shatheli Mahmoud , Almarzooq Shamsa
Published: May 2024

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) is a lifelong condition characterized by individuals’ inability to perform cognitive tasks and participate in daily living activities. While parenting children with ID has been reported to be demanding, studies draw mainly on mothers. In contexts such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is little literature on fathers’ involvement in raising children with IDs.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore, from the perspectives of mothers, the extent of fathers’ involvement in raising children with ID in the UAE.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-eight (N = 158) mothers with children with ID completed the fathers’ involvement in disability and rehabilitation scale. Mothers who had enrolled their children with ID in special schools or receiving services at rehabilitation centres were invited to participate in this study. The data were subjected to the following analyses: mean computation, multivariate analysis of variance, hierarchical regression, and moderation analysis.

Results

The results showed high fatherly support, participation in training, and contribution to the development of their children with ID. However, the mothers’ ratings showed the fathers’ ambivalence toward parenting children with ID. A relationship was found between attitude and support, as well as marital status and the educational level of mothers, providing insight into the involvement of fathers.

Conclusion

The study recommends training programs aimed at improving the attitudes of fathers toward raising children with ID and other study implications.
Prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Kogi state, Nigeria–Findings from a Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey
Authors: Penzin Selben , Jolley Emma , Ogundimu Kolawole , Mpyet Caleb , Ibrahim Nazaradden , Owoeye Joshua Foluso , Isiyaku Sunday , Shu’aibu Joy , Schmidt Elena
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment among adults in Kogi, Nigeria.

Methods

A Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) protocol was used with additional tools measuring disability and household wealth to measure the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment (VI) and associations with sex, disability, wealth, cataract surgical coverage and its effectiveness.

Results

Age- and sex-adjusted all-cause prevalence of bilateral blindness was 3.6% (95%CI 3.0–4.2%), prevalence of blindness among people living with additional, non-visual disabilities was 38.3% (95% CI 29.0–48.6%) compared to 1.6% (95%CI 1.2–2.1%; χ2 = 771.9, p<0.001) among people without additional disabilities. Cataract was the principal cause of bilateral blindness (55.3%). Cataract surgical coverage (CSC) at visual acuity (VA) 3/60 was 48.0%, higher among men than women (53.7% vs 40.3%); 12.0% among people with non-visual disabilities; 66.9% among people without non-visual disabilities, being higher among people in the wealthiest two quintiles (41.1%) compared to the lowest three (24.3%). Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage at Visual Acuity 6/60 was 31.0%, higher among males (34.9%) than females (25.5%), low among people with additional, non-visual disabilities (1.9%) compared to people with no additional disabilities (46.2%). Effective CDC was higher among people in the wealthiest two quintiles (411%) compared to the poorest three (24.3%). Good surgical outcome (VA>6/18) was seen in 61 eyes (52.6%) increasing to 71 (61.2%) eyes with best correction. Cost was identified as the main barrier to surgery.

Conclusion

Findings suggest there exists inequalities in eye care with women, poorer people and people with disabilities having a lower Cataract Surgical Coverage, thereby, underscoring the importance of eye care programs to address these inequalities.
Ergonomic benefit using heads-up display compared to conventional surgical microscope in Japanese ophthalmologists
Authors: Kamei Motohiro , Suzuki Hisaharu , Terayama Hideyuki , Ghafouri Rana , Ainslie-Garcia Margaret H. , Ferko Nicole C. , Cheng Hang , O’Boyle Derek , Nakamura Makoto
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Occupational musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in ophthalmic surgeons and can impact surgeons’ well-being and productivity. Heads-up displays may reduce ergonomic stress compared to conventional microscopes. This cross-sectional, non-interventional study compared ergonomic experience between heads-up display and conventional ocular microscopes.

Methods

The study protocol was approved by the independent ethics committee and nonprofit organization MINS Institutional Review Board. An online questionnaire was distributed to a sample of ophthalmic surgeons in Japan with experience operating with heads-up display. The questionnaire captured surgeon-specific variables, the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and custom questions to compare heads-up display and conventional microscope and understand long-term impacts of musculoskeletal disorders.

Results

Analysis was conducted on responses from 67 surgeons with a mean 25 years of practice and 2.7 years using heads-up display. Many surgeons agreed or strongly agreed that heads-up display reduced the severity (40%) and frequency (40%) of pain and discomfort, improved posture (61%), and improved overall comfort (61%). Of respondents who experienced asthenopia (n = 59) or pain/discomfort during operation (n = 61), 54% reported improvement in asthenopia and 72% reported feeling less pain/discomfort since using heads-up display. Overall, 69% reported preference for heads-up display.

Conclusion

This study provides novel data on musculoskeletal disorders and the long-term impacts of ergonomic strain reported by ophthalmologists building on existing literature demonstrating ergonomic and other advantages of heads-up display. Future studies with objective ergonomic assessment are warranted to validate these findings.
Cohort profile: The Social media, smartphone use and Self-harm in Young People (3S-YP) study–A prospective, observational cohort study of young people in contact with mental health services
Authors: Bye Amanda , Carter Ben , Leightley Daniel , Trevillion Kylee , Liakata Maria , Branthonne-Foster Stella , Cross Samantha , Zenasni Zohra , Carr Ewan , Williamson Grace , Vega Viyuela Alba , Dutta Rina
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The Social media, Smartphone use and Self-Harm (3S-YP) study is a prospective observational cohort study to investigate the mechanisms underpinning associations between social media and smartphone use and self-harm in a clinical youth sample. We present here a comprehensive description of the cohort from baseline data and an overview of data available from baseline and follow-up assessments.

Methods

Young people aged 13–25 years were recruited from a mental health trust in England and followed up for 6 months. Self-report data was collected at baseline and monthly during follow-up and linked with electronic health records (EHR) and user-generated data.

Findings

A total of 362 young people enrolled and provided baseline questionnaire data. Most participants had a history of self-harm according to clinical (n = 295, 81.5%) and broader definitions (n = 296, 81.8%). At baseline, there were high levels of current moderate/severe anxiety (n = 244; 67.4%), depression (n = 255; 70.4%) and sleep disturbance (n = 171; 47.2%). Over half used social media and smartphones after midnight on weekdays (n = 197, 54.4%; n = 215, 59.4%) and weekends (n = 241, 66.6%; n = 263, 72.7%), and half met the cut-off for problematic smartphone use (n = 177; 48.9%). Of the cohort, we have questionnaire data at month 6 from 230 (63.5%), EHR data from 345 (95.3%), social media data from 110 (30.4%) and smartphone data from 48 (13.3%).

Conclusion

The 3S-YP study is the first prospective study with a clinical youth sample, for whom to investigate the impact of digital technology on youth mental health using novel data linkages. Baseline findings indicate self-harm, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and digital technology overuse are prevalent among clinical youth. Future analyses will explore associations between outcomes and exposures over time and compare self-report with user-generated data in this cohort.
Using a standardized sound set to help characterize misophonia: The International Affective Digitized Sounds
Authors: Trumbull Jacqueline , Lanier Noah , McMahon Katherine , Guetta Rachel , Rosenthal M. Zachary
Published: May 2024

Misophonia is a condition characterized by negative affect, intolerance, and functional impairment in response to particular repetitive sounds usually made by others (e.g., chewing, sniffing, pen tapping) and associated stimuli. To date, researchers have largely studied misophonia using self-report measures. As the field is quickly expanding, assessment approaches need to advance to include more objective measures capable of differentiating those with and without misophonia. Although several studies have used sounds as experimental stimuli, few have used standardized stimuli sets with demonstrated reliability or validity. To conduct rigorous research in an effort to better understand misophonia, it is important to have an easily accessible, standardized set of acoustic stimuli for use across studies. Accordingly, in the present study, the International Affective Digitized Sounds (IADS-2), developed by Bradley and Lang (Bradley MM et al., 2007), were used to determine whether participants with misophonia responded to certain standardized sounds differently than a control group. Participants were 377 adults (132 participants with misophonia and 245 controls) recruited from an online platform to complete several questionnaires and respond to four probes (arousal, valence, similarity to personally-relevant aversive sounds, and sound avoidance) in response to normed pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral IADS-2 sounds. Findings indicated that compared to controls, participants with high misophonia symptoms rated pleasant and neutral sounds as significantly more (a) arousing and similar to trigger sounds in their everyday life, (b) unpleasant and (c) likely to be avoided in everyday life. For future scientific and clinical innovation, we include a ranked list of IADS-2 stimuli differentiating responses in those with and without misophonia, which we call the IADS-M.
Analysis of Greek prehistoric combat in full body armour based on physiological principles: A series of studies using thematic analysis, human experiments, and numerical simulations
Authors: Flouris Andreas D. , Petmezas Stavros B. , Asimoglou Panagiotis I. , Vale João P. , Mayor Tiago S. , Giakas Giannis , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Koutedakis Yiannis , Wardle Ken , Wardle Diana
Published: May 2024

One of the oldest complete suits of European armour was discovered in 1960 near the village of Dendra, in Southern Greece, but it remained unknown whether this armour was suitable for extended use in battle or was purely ceremonial. This had limited our understanding of the ancient Greek–Late Bronze Age–warfare and its consequences that have underpinned the social transformations of prehistoric Europe and Eastern Mediterranean. In a series of archeo-physiological studies, merging knowledge in archaeology, history, human physiology, and numerical simulation, we provide supporting evidence that the Mycenaean armour found at Dendra was entirely compatible with use in extended combat, and we provide a free software enabling simulation of Late Bronze Age warfare. A group of special armed-forces personnel wearing a replica of the Dendra armour were able to complete an 11-hour simulated Late Bronze Age combat protocol that we developed from a series of studies based on the available evidence. Numerical simulation of the thermal exchanges in Late Bronze Age warfare extended this conclusion across different environmental conditions and fighting intensities. Our results support the notion that the Mycenaeans had such a powerful impact in Eastern Mediterranean at least partly as a result of their armour technology.
A prospective study of mental wellbeing, quality of life, human-animal attachment, and grief among foster caregivers at animal shelters
Authors: Powell Lauren , Ackerman Roxy , Reinhard Chelsea L. , Serpell James , Watson Brittany
Published: May 2024

Foster care programs at animal shelters have emerged as an important tool for promoting animal welfare and supporting shelter life-saving efforts. Preliminary evidence suggests that foster caregiving may also be health-promoting for humans. The goals of this study were to investigate the experiences of foster caregivers at animal shelters based on measures of positive and negative affect, quality of life, and grief, and to describe human-animal attachment among foster populations. Between March 2022 and 2023, 131 foster caregivers from five shelters in the United States completed three online surveys before, during and after providing foster care to a shelter animal. Positive affect decreased significantly from baseline to post-foster (F = 5.71, p<0.01), particularly among dog caregivers (F = 6.17, p<0.01). Negative affect remained unchanged (F = 0.47, p = 0.63). Foster caregivers perceived their foster animal provided companionship, affection and emotional support, although dog foster caregivers reported significantly higher emotional (U = 313.50, p<0.01) and social/physical quality of life (t = 4.42, p<0.01) than cat foster caregivers. Caregivers reported low mean avoidant and anxious attachment, suggesting they were able to develop secure bonds with their foster animals. Retention of fosters was also strong, with 86% of caregivers reporting they were likely to provide foster care in the future. Our findings suggest that fostering at animal shelters may serve as a One Health intervention to offer companionship, affection and emotional support to human caregivers while promoting animal welfare. However, these benefits did not translate to improvements in caregiver mental wellbeing, so caution should be applied when considering foster caregiving as a potential mental health promotion tool.
Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of knee extensor strength measured by a novel device incorporated into a weight stack machine vs. handheld and isokinetic dynamometry
Authors: Sahu Pradeep K. , Goodstadt Noel , Ramakrishnan Arun , Silfies Sheri P.
Published: May 2024

Background

The current clinical gold standard for assessing isometric quadriceps muscle strength is an isokinetic dynamometer (IKD). However, in clinics without an IKD, clinicians default to using handheld dynamometers (HHD), which are less reliable and accurate than the IKD, particularly for large muscle groups. A novel device (ND) was developed that locks the weight stack of weight machines, and measures forces applied to the machine, turning this equipment into an isometric dynamometer. The objectives of this study were to characterize the test-retest reliability of the ND, determine the within-day and between-days inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity compared with that of the HHD, in healthy volunteers (HV) and individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) for measuring knee extensors isometric muscle force.

Materials and methods

29 healthy (age = 28.4 ± 7.4 years) and 15 knee OA (age = 37.6 ± 13.4 years) participants completed three maximum force isometric strength testing trials on dominant side knee extensor muscles on three devices (ND, HHD, and IKD) in two separate sessions by two raters. The maximum force (Fmax) produced, and the force-time series were recorded. Reliability and validity were assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman Plots, Pearson’s r, and cross-correlations.

Results

The ND demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2,3 = 0.97). The within-day (ICC2,3 = 0.88) and between-day inter-rater reliability (ICC2,3 = 0.87) was good for HHD. The ND showed excellent within-day (ICC2,3 = 0.93) and good between-day (ICC2,3 = 0.89) inter-rater reliability. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed HHD systematic bias and underestimation of force particularly with quadriceps force values exceeding 450 N. Mean differences were found in maximum force between HHD vs. IKD (MDabs = 58 N, p < .001) but not the HHD vs. ND (MDabs = 24 N, p = .267) or ND vs. IKD (MDabs = 34 N, p = .051). The concurrent validity of Fmax (r = 0.81) and force-time curve correlation (0.96 ± 0.05) were the highest between the ND and IKD.

Conclusions

The ND’s test-retest reliability and concurrent validity make it a potential strength assessment tool with utility in physical therapy and fitness settings for large muscle groups such as the knee extensors.
Exploring concurrent validity of the CLN2 Clinical Rating Scale: Comparison to PedsQL using cerliponase alfa clinical trial data
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Gissen Paul , de los Reyes Emily , Olaye Andrew , Camp Charlotte , Curteis Tristan , Griffiths Annabel , Butt Thomas , Cohen-Pfeffer Jessica , Slasor Peter , Sisic Zlatko , Jain Mohit , Schulz Angela
Published: May 2024

Background

The CLN2 Clinical Rating Scale evaluates disease progression in CLN2 disease, an ultra-rare, neurodegenerative disorder with late infantile onset. To validate the Clinical Rating Scale, a comparison with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was conducted utilising clinical trial data investigating cerliponase alfa use in CLN2 disease.

Methods

Linear regression and mixed effects models were used to investigate the relationship between the Clinical Rating Scale and PedsQL using open-label, single-arm, phase 1/2 (NCT01907087) and ongoing extension study (NCT02485899) data of 23 children with CLN2 disease treated with cerliponase alfa for ≥96 weeks.

Results

Correlations between the four Clinical Rating Scale domains were low. Linear mixed effects analyses showed significant correlation between PedsQL and Clinical Rating Scale (Total score or motor-language [ML] score adjusted p-values <0.05), driven by the relationship with the PedsQL Physical domain. A statistically significant relationship was identified between the Clinical Rating Scale motor domain and PedsQL (Total score: adjusted p-value = 0.048, parameter estimate [PE] = 8.10; Physical domain score: adjusted p-value = 0.012; PE = 13.79).

Conclusions

Each domain of the Clinical Rating Scale provides unique information on disease state. Validity of the scale is supported by its relationship with the PedsQL. Among the four domains of the Clinical Rating Scale, motor has the highest correlation to PedsQL, suggesting motor function as a driver of patients’ quality of life. The lack of association between the remaining domains of the Clinical Rating Scale and PedsQL suggests that additional disease-specific measures may be needed to fully capture the quality of life impact of CLN2 disease.

Trial registration

NCT01907087, NCT02485899.
Intermuscular coherence as an early biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The protocol for a prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Issa Naoum P. , Aydin Serdar , Polley Eric , Carberry Nathan , Garret Mark A. , Smith Sean , Habib Ali A. , Baumgartner Nicholas W. , Soliven Betty , Rezania Kourosh
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe the protocol of a prospective study to test the validity of intermuscular coherence (IMC) as a diagnostic tool and biomarker of upper motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

This is a multicenter, prospective study. IMC of muscle pairs in the upper and lower limbs is gathered in ∼650 subjects across three groups using surface electrodes and conventional electromyography (EMG) machines. The following subjects will be tested: 1) neurotypical controls; 2) patients with symptomatology suggestive for early ALS but not meeting probable or definite ALS by Awaji Criteria; 3) patients with a known ALS mimic. The recruitment period is between 3/31/2021 and 12/31/2025. Written consent will be sought from the subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative during enrollment.

Results

The endpoints of this study include: 1) whether adding IMC to the Awaji ALS criteria improve its sensitivity in early ALS and can allow for diagnosis earlier; 2) constructing a database of IMC across different ages, genders, and ethnicities.

Significance

This study may validate a new inexpensive, painless, and widely available tool for the diagnosis of ALS.
Mindfulness and inhibitory control: Insights from the stop signal task with neutral and reward-associated stimuli
Authors: Logemann-Molnár Zsófia , Veres-Székely Anna , Demetrovics Zsolt , Logemann H. N. Alexander
Published: May 2024

Mindfulness has been linked to enhanced inhibitory control, yet the dynamics of this relationship, especially in reward situations, are not well understood. Our cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between trait mindfulness and a performance measure of inhibitory control as a function of reward context operationalized by stimuli characteristics, and temporal inhibitory demands. Thirty-six individuals aged 19 to 41 filled out the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and performed a stop signal task (SST), that included both neutral (stone images) and reward-related (money images) stimuli. The SST encompassed four conditions: neutral go/neutral stop, neutral go/reward stop, reward go/neutral stop, and reward go/reward stop, requiring participants to suppress reactions either during or after encountering reward-related stimuli. The relevant index of inhibitory control is the stop signal reaction time (SSRT), a performance measure of inhibitory control. Our findings showed no notable variation in the relationship between the MAAS score and SSRT across the different conditions. However, there was an overall significant effect of MAAS score on SSRT, irrespective of condition. Results may reflect the benefit of mindfulness on inhibitory control after generalized reward exposure.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy for focal liver lesions: Adverse events and diagnostic yield in a single-centre analysis
Authors: Pöschel Theresa , Blank Valentin , Schlosser Tobias , Lingscheidt Thomas , Böhlig Albrecht , Wiegand Johannes , Karlas Thomas
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Ultrasound-guided biopsy of focal liver lesions (FLL) is a well-established procedure with crucial impact on therapeutic decisions. The safety and accuracy depend on needle type, tumour location and comorbidities. Modern oncological concepts often require large tumour specimens which may increase the procedural risk.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively collected data from consecutively scheduled ultrasound-guided FLL biopsies performed in an interdisciplinary ultrasound unit at a university hospital from 2015–2020. We analysed complication rates, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcome in a one-year period.

Results

Of 426 scheduled interventions, 339 were included: 322 primary biopsies (40% female, median age 65 years, median BMI 25.4 kg/m2) and 17 rebiopsies in cases with undetermined diagnosis. Indications comprised 309 (96%) cases with suspected malignant lesions. Important comorbidities were type 2 diabetes (n = 107, 33%) and cirrhosis (n = 64, 20%). A conclusive histopathological diagnosis was achieved in 270 (84%) cases with a weak association with lesion size (OR 1.12 per cm, 95%CI 0.99–1.27). Greater BMI (OR 0.60 per 10 BMI points, 95%CI 0.34–1.05) showed a trend towards an insufficient diagnosis. Relevant complications occurred in 8 (2.5%) cases (2 major; 1 life-threatening). Multiple passes showed a trend towards adverse events (OR 2.32 for > 1 pass, 95%CI 0.99–5.42). 93 (29%) patients died during a median follow-up of 171 days.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided FLL biopsy is an efficient and safe diagnostic measure. The limitations of the procedure and its associated risks should be considered in patients with advanced malignancies.
Insights into hydrothermal treatment of biomass blends: Assessing energy yield and ash content for biofuel enhancement
Authors: Vallejo Fidel , Yánez-Sevilla Diana , Díaz-Robles Luis Alonso , Cubillos Francisco , Espinoza-Pérez Andrea , Espinoza-Pérez Lorena , Pino-Cortés Ernesto , Cereceda-Balic Francisco
Published: May 2024

This study explores the Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) treatment of lignocellulosic biomass blends, delving into the influence of several key parameters: temperature, additive nature and dosage, residence time, and biomass composition. Rapeseeds, Pinus radiata sawdust, oat husks, and pressed olive served as the studied biomasses. One hundred twenty-eight experiments were conducted to assess the effects on mass yield (MY), energy yield (EY), higher heating value (HHV), and final ash content (ASH) by a Factorial Experimental Design. The derived model equations demonstrated a robust fit to the experimental data, averaging an R2 exceeding 0.94, affirming their predictive accuracy. The observed energy yield ranged between 65% and 80%, notably with sawdust and olive blends securing EY levels surpassing 70%, while rapeseed blends exhibited the highest HHV at 25 MJ/kg. Temperature emerged as the most influential factor, resulting in an 11% decrease in MY and a substantial 2.20 MJ/kg increase in HHV. Contrastingly, blend composition and additive presence significantly impacted ASH and EY, with all blends exhibiting increased ASH in the presence of additives. Higher initial hemicellulose and aqueous extractive content in raw biomass correlated proportionally with heightened HHV.