bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A structural equation model analysis of English for specific purposes students' attitudes regarding computer-assisted language learning: UTAUT2 model
Authors: Bessadok Adel , Hersi Mustafa
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the key determinants affecting the acceptance and utilization of Blackboard as a Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) platform among Saudi university students pursuing English as a foreign language (EFL) courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Understanding how to engage EFL students in their learning requires identifying the factors that influence their acceptance and use of CALL tools, particularly on Blackboard's LMS platform. This study proposes and validates a research framework that predicts students' behavioral intentions and usage of CALL by utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) by Venkatesh et al. (2012). This research model provides insight into the various drivers that impact CALL acceptance via Blackboard LMS. The study's findings demonstrate UTAUT2's superior ability to address the fear of technology adoption and provide valuable insights into the factors that influence technology intention and usage.

Findings

The study's findings indicate that performance expectancy, social influence, effort expectancy and price value significantly affect the attitudes of EFL students toward using CALL. The habit factor was the most robust predictor of behavioral intention and technology use, indicating that CALL usage can become automatic for students and improve their engagement in EFL learning. The study highlights the importance of providing better technical and organizational support to EFL students who want to use CALL more effectively. The theoretical and practical implications of the study's findings are thoroughly discussed.

Originality/value

Understanding how to engage EFL students in their learning requires identifying the factors that influence their acceptance and use of CALL tools, particularly on Blackboard's LMS platform. This study proposes and validates a research framework that predicts students' behavioral intentions and usage of CALL by utilizing the UTAUT2 by Venkatesh et al. (2012). This research model provides insight into the various drivers that impact CALL acceptance via Blackboard LMS. The study's findings demonstrate UTAUT2's superior ability to address the fear of technology adoption and provide valuable insights into the factors that influence technology intention and usage.
How information technology influences organizational communication: the mediating role of organizational structure
Authors: Chew XinYing , Alharbi Raed , Khaw Khai Wah , Alnoor Alhamzah
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study is interested in knowing “the role of the organizational structure as a mediating variable of the relationship between the information technology and organizational communication”.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in several service companies, and the study adopted the questionnaire as a basic tool for the data collection on the practical side, as 267 opinions were surveyed, in addition to conducting personal interviews, and the normal distribution of data was tested, analyzing, describing and diagnosing study variables, testing correlations and determining direct effects.

Findings

Findings show that there is no direct and significant statistical impact of information technology on organizational communications. Whereas there was a positive, direct and statistically significant impact of information technology on the organizational structure. There was also a positive, direct and statistically significant effect of the organizational structure on organizational communication.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is restricted to the role of the organizational structure as a mediating variable of the relationship between the influence of information technology on organizational communication.

Practical implications

As part of the practical implication, the paper suggests the need to increase support and attention to the importance of information technology in service organizations in order to increase coordination and organizational communication and achieve a high ability to explore and exploit ideas.

Originality/value

Apart from the fact that several companies were engaged, the organizational structures of these companies were engaged too to examine the impacts of Information technology (ICT) on organizational communication.
Standards needed? An exploration of qualifying exams from a literature review and website analysis of university-wide policies
Authors: McLaughlin Jacqueline E. , Morbitzer Kathryn , Meilhac Margaux , Poupart Natalie , Layton Rebekah L. , Jarstfer Michael B.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

While known by many names, qualifying exams function as gatekeepers to graduate student advancement to PhD candidacy, yet there has been little formal study on best qualifying exam practices particularly in biomedical and related STEM PhD programs. The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of qualifying exams through an examination of the literature and exploration of university-wide policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a literature review of studies on qualifying exams and completed an external evaluation of peer institutions’ and internal institutional qualifying exam requirements to inform our discussion of qualifying exams practices in PhD training at a research-intensive US institutions.

Findings

This study identified the need for more research on qualifying exams to establish evidence-based best practices. The authors found a wide variety of qualifying exam formats, with little evidence in support for specific formats. The authors also found little evidence that student expectations are made clear. The lack of evidence-based best practices coupled with insufficient clarity for students has a real potential to disadvantage PhD students, particularly first generation, underrepresented minority, international and/or other trainees who are not privileged or socialized to navigate training environments with vague landmarks such as the qualifying exams.

Originality/value

There are very few studies that evaluate qualifying exams in US doctoral education, particularly in STEM fields, and to the authors’ knowledge, there has been no analysis of campus-wide policies on qualifying exams reported. The lack of evidence for best practices and the need for to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of qualifying exams are discussed.
Honest floral signalling traits vary across and within populations in an insect‐pollinated plant
Authors: Eisen Katherine E. , Boutsi Sotiria , Halley John M. , Pace Loretta , Petrén Hampus , Thosteman Hanna , Friberg Magne
Published: July 2023

In flowering plants that produce concealed rewards, pollinator foraging preferences may select for floral advertisement traits that are correlated with rewards. To date, studies have not focused on the potential for honest signals to vary across populations, which could occur due to differences in pollinator communities or plant mating system.

We tested for variation in honest signals across and within populations and mating systems in Arabis alpina, a broadly distributed arctic‐alpine perennial herb that is visited by a variable community of insects. In a greenhouse common garden, we tested for correlations between corolla area, floral scent and nectar volume in 29 populations. In 12 field populations, we examined variation in pollen limitation and corolla area.

Across and within populations and mating systems, larger flowers generally produced more nectar. Total scent emission was not correlated with nectar production, but two compounds—phenylacetaldehyde and benzyl alcohol—may be honest signals in some populations. Corolla area was correlated with pollen limitation only across populations.

Our results suggest that honest signals may be similar across populations but may not result from contemporary direct selection on floral advertisements.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
‘Am I a good enough therapist?’: Self‐doubt among speech and language therapists
Authors: Gold Rinat , Gold Azgad
Published: July 2023

Background

The therapeutic process is fraught with various feelings. This research focused on a specific type of negative feeling, namely self‐doubt (SD).

Aim

To explore and characterize the nature of SD among speech and language therapists (SLTs) (the frequency of SD, situations that trigger SD, emotions and thoughts related to SD, and coping strategies) in various stages of occupational experience.

Methods & Procedures

A total of 267 SLTs answered an online survey. Respondents represented SLTs in all stages of vocational experience, with varying academic degrees, from a variety of employment settings. The survey addressed situations that trigger SD, thoughts, and emotions associated with SD and the background information of the respondents. Frequency distributions of the responses of the participants were determined, and independent‐samples Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to examine if there were differences between groups that differed in their occupational experience on the frequency of SD, attitudes towards SD and emotions related to SD.

Outcomes & Results

Differences were found between SLTs in various stages of professional development in several aspects of SD. Novice SLTs reported significantly higher levels of SD compared with experienced SLTs. In the face of SD, novice SLTs consider career abandonment significantly more than do experienced SLTs. They perceive themselves as a failure when experiencing SD to a significantly greater extent than do more experienced SLTs. In addition, SD is associated with various negative emotions.

Conclusions & Implications

Self‐doubt is a natural professional feeling. It may be harmful especially in the early stages of professional development. Our findings call for support and guidance in the face of SD.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

Healthcare professionals report feeling SD. This feeling may have deleterious effects on well‐being and career satisfaction and is especially harmful in young therapists.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study characterizes the nature of SD among SLTs in various stages of occupational experience. Our findings indicate that SD is reported among SLTs at all career stages, especially in novice SLTs. Self‐doubt is associated with a range of negative thoughts and emotions, and it may be triggered by various situations. Nonetheless, it is a topic that our respondents rarely learn about.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Normalising and validating SD is important to SLTs’ resilience and may facilitate coping. This may be achieved by learning about the subject of SD in graduate programmes. In addition, mentors should create a safe learning culture to allow sharing SD and challenging situations, especially in the first years of occupational experience.
A Double machine learning trend model for citizen science data
Authors: Fink Daniel , Johnston Alison , Strimas‐Mackey Matt , Auer Tom , Hochachka Wesley M. , Ligocki Shawn , Oldham Jaromczyk Lauren , Robinson Orin , Wood Chris , Kelling Steve , Rodewald Amanda D.
Published: July 2023

Citizen and community science datasets are typically collected using flexible protocols. These protocols enable large volumes of data to be collected globally every year; however, the consequence is that these protocols typically lack the structure necessary to maintain consistent sampling across years. This can result in complex and pronounced interannual changes in the observation process, which can complicate the estimation of population trends because population changes over time are confounded with changes in the observation process.

Here we describe a novel modelling approach designed to estimate spatially explicit species population trends while controlling for the interannual confounding common in citizen science data. The approach is based on Double machine learning, a statistical framework that uses machine learning (ML) methods to estimate population change and the propensity scores used to adjust for confounding discovered in the data. ML makes it possible to use large sets of features to control for confounding and to model spatial heterogeneity in trends. Additionally, we present a simulation method to identify and adjust for residual confounding missed by the propensity scores.

To illustrate the approach, we estimated species trends using data from the citizen science project eBird. We used a simulation study to assess the ability of the method to estimate spatially varying trends when faced with realistic confounding and temporal correlation. Results demonstrated the ability to distinguish between spatially constant and spatially varying trends. There were low error rates on the estimated direction of population change (increasing/decreasing) at each location and high correlations on the estimated magnitude of population change.

The ability to estimate spatially explicit trends while accounting for confounding inherent in citizen science data has the potential to fill important information gaps, helping to estimate population trends for species and/or regions lacking rigorous monitoring data.
Employer ratings in social media and firm performance: Evidence from an explainable machine learning approach
Authors: Ylinen Mika , Ranta Mikko
Published: July 2023

This study examines the ability of crowdsourced employee opinions about their workplace to reveal value‐relevant information about corporate culture. We investigate the employee‐friendly (EF) corporate culture values that are strongly associated with firm value and operating performance using a unique social media dataset of approximately 250,000 crowdsourced employee reviews to evaluate 18 distinct characteristics of a firm's corporate culture. The explainable machine learning model is used to examine the nonlinear associations and relative importance of employee‐friendly cultural values. We find that several employee‐friendly corporate culture features are associated with firms' value (Tobin's Q) and operating performance (ROA). Our findings reveal two features whose association is clearly superior to other EF culture variables in our explainable machine learning model: pride in the company for Tobin's Q and job security for ROA. Based on the SHAP values, their effects are positive, significant, and relatively linear.
Defibrillation strategies for refractory ventricular fibrillation out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Abuelazm Mohamed T. , Ghanem Ahmed , Katamesh Basant E. , Hassan Abdul Rhman , Abdalshafy Hassan , Seri Amith Reddy , Awad Ahmed K. , Abdelnabi Mohamed , Abdelazeem Basel
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) and vector‐change defibrillation (VCD) have been suggested to enhance clinical outcomes for patients with ventricular fibrillation (VF) refractory of standard defibrillation (SD). Therefore, this network meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of DSED, VCD, and SD for refractory VF.

Methods

A systematic review and network meta‐analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, WOS, SCOPUS, and Cochrane through November 15th, 2022. R software netmeta and netrank package (R version 4.2.0) and meta‐insight software were used to pool dichotomous outcomes using odds ratio (OR) presented with the corresponding confidence interval (CI). Our protocol was prospectively published in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022378533.

Results

We included seven studies with a total of 1632 participants. DSED was similar to SD in survival to hospital discharge (OR: 1.14 with 95% CI [0.55, 2.83]), favorable neurological outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤2 or cerebral performance category ≤2) (OR: 1.35 with 95% CI [0.46, 3.99]), and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (OR: 0.81 with 95% CI [0.43; 1.5]). In addition, VCD was similar to SD in survival to hospital discharge (OR: 1.12 with 95% CI [0.27, 4.57]), favorable neurological outcome (OR: 1.01 with 95% CI [0.18, 5.75]), and ROSC (OR: 0.88 with 95% CI [0.24; 3.15]).

Conclusion

Double sequential external defibrillation and VCD were not associated with enhanced outcomes in patients with refractory VF out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest, compared to SD. However, the current evidence is still inconclusive, warranting further large‐scale RCTs.
Donor, patient age and exposure to antibiotics are associated with the outcome of faecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Baunwall Simon M. D. , Hansen Mette M. , Andreasen Sara E. , Eriksen Marcel K. , Rågård Nina , Kelsen Jens , Grosen Anne K. , Mikkelsen Susan , Erikstrup Christian , Dahlerup Jens F. , Hvas Christian L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI), but its effect varies inexplicably.

Aims

To optimise the effectiveness of FMT for rCDI and validate determinants for effect

Methods

We conducted a cohort study, including all patients treated with FMT for rCDI between October 2018 and June 2020. Statistical process control was used to evaluate the impact of prospective quality improvement on the effect of single FMT treatments per 10–11 patients. Targeting an 80% effect, optimisations included changes to processing procedures, preparation and clinical application of FMT. The primary outcome was the resolution of Clostridioides difficile‐associated diarrhoea at week 8. If CDI recurred, FMT was repeated. All patients were followed for 8 weeks after their latest FMT.

Results

183 patients with rCDI received 290 FMT treatments. A single FMT achieved resolution at week 8 in 127 (69%, 95% CI: 62%–76%), while repeated FMT cumulatively achieved resolution in 167/183 (91%, 95% CI: 86%–95%). The single FMT effect varied between 36% and 100% over time. In a mixed‐effect model, patient age above 65 years, non‐rCDI antibiotics at week 1 post‐FMT, and donor were associated with effect. Neither increasing the dosages of faecal microbes nor standardising the processing improved outcomes.

Conclusion

FMT has a high cumulative effectiveness in patients with rCDI following multiple administrations, but the single FMT effect is variable and may be optimised using statistical process control. Optimising FMT by considering patient age, post‐FMT antibiotics, donor and multiple administrations may improve the treatment outcomes.

ClinicalTrials.gov (Study identifier: NCT03712722).
Reflections into Ptolemaic Glass II: Characterizing Yellow, Yellowish‐orange, Red, and Brown Inlays from Tebtynis
Authors: Bettineschi Cinzia , Angelini Ivana
Published: July 2023

A systematic and extensive analytical study was carried out on the loose inlays discovered in the Ptolemaic workshop of Tebtynis (Fayum oasis, Egypt). This paper presents data derived from the multi‐methodological archaeometric investigations (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, micro‐Raman spectroscopy) performed on a set of intentionally colored and opacified glasses. In particular, we will discuss the textural, chemical, and mineralogical results related to the study of the yellow, yellowish‐orange, red, and brown inlays and semi‐finished/waste products now preserved at the Museo Egizio, Torino. The results highlight the presence of natron (low‐magnesium glasses, LMG) and plant ash (high‐magnesium glasses, HMG) base glass, coexisting with intermediate composition. Yellow samples are opacified using lead antimonates doped with iron and sometimes tin; conversely, yellowish‐orange specimens and the only brown sample are characterized by nanocrystals of cuprite. Red glasses are found in two variants: Dull reds are HMG with colloidal metallic copper particles, while sealing‐wax reds show LMG composition, associated with dendritic cuprite dispersed in a transparent, greenish matrix.
Early mediaeval lead glass bangles from Czermno, Poland: Results of elemental and lead isotopes analyses
Authors: Wajda Sylwia , Merkel Stephen W. , Florkiewicz Iwona , Jansen Moritz , Marciniak‐Maliszewska Beata , Wagner Barbara , Wołoszyn Marcin
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the results from analysis of thirty 12th to 13th century glass bangles from Czermno, eastern Poland. Study of the primary glass composition was carried out by laser ablation ICP‐MS and electron probe microanalysis. Lead isotope analyses were conducted to determine the origin of the glass's main raw material. Two types of lead glass were distinguished, high‐lead glass and Slavic lead ash glass, both of which were common in Central and Eastern Europe in the early Middle Ages. Isotopic investigations show that the lead flux for the Slavic glass likely came from the Cracow–Upper Silesia region in southern Poland.
Metal‐free laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy using transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglycolic acid sheet and fibrin glue: A case report
Authors: Yamasaki Yoichi , Kurahara Hiroshi , Oi Hideyuki , Hozaka Yuto , Idichi Tetsuya , Kawasaki Yota , Mataki Yuko , Ohtsuka Takao
Published: July 2023

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is the standard surgery for malignant and premalignant tumors of the pancreatic body and tail. A stapler is commonly used to close the pancreatic stump due to its simplicity; however, the use of a stapler is associated with the risk of metal allergy and postoperative pancreatic fistula, especially in thick pancreases. Here, we present a case of LDP without metal instruments, including staplers and clips, in a 54‐year‐old woman with a metal allergy and a thick pancreas. The pancreatic stump was closed using the transpancreatic mattress suture method with a polyglycolic acid sheet (PGA) and fibrin glue. The postoperative course was uneventful. Metal‐free LDP is useful and can be adopted regardless of the patient's background, such as a metal allergy or pancreatic thickness.
Is polypharmacy associated with difficulty taking medicines in people aged ≥85 living at home? Findings from the Newcastle 85+ Study
Authors: Davies Laurie E. , Todd Adam , Sinclair David R. , Robinson Louise , Kingston Andrew
Published: July 2023

It is unclear whether polypharmacy is associated with difficulty taking medications amongst people aged ≥85 living at home. This is despite the projected decline in availability of family carers, who may support independent living. Using Newcastle 85+ Study data and mixed‐effects modelling, we investigated the association between polypharmacy and difficulty taking medications amongst 85‐year‐olds living at home, over a 10‐year time period. Polypharmacy was not associated with difficulty taking medications as either a continuous (OR = 0.99 [0.91–1.08]) or categorical variable (5–9 medications, OR = 0.69 [0.34–1.41]; ≥10 medications, OR = 0.85 [0.34–2.07]). The significant predictors included disability, visual impairment and cognitive impairment. Our results suggest that people aged ≥85 living at home with disability, visual impairment and/or cognitive impairment will have difficulty taking their medications, regardless of how many they are prescribed. Therefore, healthcare professionals should routinely ask about, assess and address problems that these patient groups may have with taking their medicines, independent of the number of drugs taken.
Constructing Time-Invariant Dynamic Surveillance Rules for Optimal Monitoring Schedules
Authors: Dong Xinyuan , Zheng Yingye , Lin Daniel W. , Newcomb Lisa , Zhao Ying-Qi
Published: July 2023

Dynamic surveillance rules (DSRs) are sequential surveillance decision rules informing monitoring schedules in clinical practice, which can adapt over time according to a patient's evolving characteristics. In many clinical applications, it is desirable to identify and implement optimal time-invariant DSRs, where the parameters indexing the decision rules are shared across different decision points. We propose a new criterion for DSRs that accounts for benefit-cost tradeoff during the course of disease surveillance. We develop two methods to estimate the time-invariant DSRs optimizing the proposed criterion, and establish asymptotic properties for the estimated parameters of biomarkers indexing the DSRs. The first approach estimates the optimal decision rules for each individual at every stage via regression modeling, and then estimates the time-invariant DSRs via a classification procedure with the estimated time-varying decision rules as the response. The second approach proceeds by optimizing a relaxation of the empirical objective, where a surrogate function is utilized to facilitate computation. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate the superior performances of the proposed methods. The methods are further applied to the Canary Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS).
Immune modulation in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients treated with nilotinib and interferon‐alpha
Authors: Irani Yazad D. , Hughes Amy , Kok Chung H. , Clarson Jade , Yeung David T. , Ross David M. , Branford Susan , Hughes Timothy P. , Yong Agnes S. M.
Published: July 2023

The addition of interferon to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), to improve deep molecular response (DMR) and potentially treatment‐free remission (TFR) rates in chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CP‐CML) patients is under active investigation. However, the immunobiology of this combination is poorly understood. We performed a comprehensive longitudinal assessment of immunological changes in CML patients treated with nilotinib and interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) within the ALLG CML11 trial (n = 12) or nilotinib alone (n = 17). We demonstrate that nilotinib+IFN transiently reduced absolute counts of natural killer (NK) cells, compared with nilotinib alone. Furthermore, CD16+‐cytolytic and CD57+CD62L−‐mature NK cells were transiently reduced during IFN therapy, without affecting NK‐cell function. IFN transiently increased cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) responses to leukaemia‐associated antigens (LAAs) proteinase‐3, BMI‐1 and PRAME; and had no effect on regulatory T cells, or myeloid‐derived suppressor cells. Patients on nilotinib+IFN who achieved MR4.5 by 12 months had a significantly higher proportion of NK cells expressing NKp46, NKp30 and NKG2D compared with patients not achieving this milestone. This difference was not observed in the nilotinib‐alone group. The addition of IFN to nilotinib drives an increase in NK‐activating receptors, CTLs responding to LAAs and results in transient immune modulation, which may influence earlier DMR, and its effect on long‐term outcomes warrants further investigation.
Solidarity with atypical workers? Survey evidence from the General Motors versus United Auto Workers strike in 2019
Authors: Lima Aranzaes Carla , Lyhne Ibsen Christian , DeOrtentiis Philip S. , Tapia Maite
Published: July 2023

In this article, we examine the extent to which typical workers act in solidarity with atypical workers. We collected unique survey data from United Auto Workers striking against General Motors in 2019 during the strike and after the ratification vote. Although solidarity was generally high, we do find that typical workers with longer tenure exhibit less solidarity with atypical workers and that they are more prone to be on strike due to material reasons. In the second survey, after workers had voted on the proposed contract, we find that typical workers were more prone to vote yes to the agreement for self‐interested, material reasons and that solidarity with atypical workers had a significant, negative effect on the probability of voting yes to the agreement. Our findings support notions that insiders strike and vote according to self‐interests. We discuss these findings in light of the insider/outsider, dualization and union strategy literature.
Impresarios of identity: How the leaders of Czechoslovakia's ‘Candlelight Demonstration’ enabled effective collective action in a context of repression
Authors: Jurstakova Klara , Ntontis Evangelos , Reicher Stephen
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an analysis of identity leadership (Haslam et al., The new psychology of leadership: Identity, influence and power, Routledge, 2020) in the 1988 ‘Candlelight Demonstration’ in Bratislava which was a precursor to the 1989 Velvet Revolution. The analysis is based on interviews with the five remaining leaders of the demonstration and addresses three core issues. First, how leaders use performative means (identity impresarioship) as well as limited rhetorical means (identity entrepreneurship) to assemble protestors and create a sense of shared identity amongst them. Second, how these strategies of mobilization are linked to the highly repressive context in which the demonstration took place. Third, we analyse the extent to which these strategies are rooted in a psychological understanding of the processes of mobilization. We conclude by addressing the implications for our general understanding of leadership and the mobilization of collective action and the need for more research into these processes under conditions of repression.
Disruption of tonic endocannabinoid signalling triggers cellular, behavioural and neuroendocrine responses consistent with a stress response
Authors: Petrie Gavin N. , Balsevich Georgia , Füzesi Tamás , Aukema Robert J. , Driever Wouter P. F. , van der Stelt Mario , Bains Jaideep S. , Hill Matthew N.
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Endocannabinoid (eCB) signalling gates many aspects of the stress response, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is controlled by corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Disruption of eCB signalling increases drive to the HPA axis, but the mechanisms subserving this process are poorly understood.

Experimental Approach

Using an array of cellular, endocrine and behavioural readouts associated with activation of CRH neurons in the PVN, we evaluated the contributions of tonic eCB signalling to the generation of a stress response.

Key Results

The CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251, neutral antagonist NESS243 and NAPE PLD inhibitor LEI401 all uniformly increased Fos in the PVN, unmasked stress‐linked behaviours, such as grooming, and increased circulating CORT, recapitulating the effects of stress. Similar effects were also seen after direct administration of AM251 into the PVN, while optogenetic inhibition of PVN CRH neurons ameliorated stress‐like behavioural changes produced by disruption of eCB signalling.

Conclusions and Implications

These data indicate that under resting conditions, constitutive eCB signalling restricts activation of the HPA axis through local regulation of CRH neurons in the PVN.
Long‐term evaluation of peri‐implant keratinized mucosa stability after free epithelialized graft and keratinized mucosa shifting procedures: A retrospective study up to 13 years
Authors: Chen Ya‐Chi , Lai Yu‐Lin , Yen Jui‐Ying , Lin Yi‐Chun , Chen Hsuan‐Hung , Lee Shyh‐Yuan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the risk of less than 2 mm keratinized mucosa (KM) width occurrence after free epithelialized graft (FEG) and keratinized mucosa shifting (KMS) procedures using survival analysis. In addition, KM dimensional changes were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

This study included 76 implants in 36 patients with insufficient KM (<2 mm). The implants underwent either FEG or KMS procedures. The mid‐buccal KM width was measured from surgery to the end of a one 13‐year follow‐up period.

Results

Mean follow‐up durations were 9.2 ± 3.9 years for FEG and 6.3 ± 4.2 years for KMS. Two implants in FEG and nine implants in KMS exhibited a KM width of less than 2 mm during follow‐up. The hazard ratios for KMS compared to FEG were 6.48 (crude) and 6.54 (adjusted), both statistically significant (p < .05). The incidence rate of KMS (4.06%) was higher than that of FEG (0.63%), with an average incidence time of 3.38 years for KMS and 8.82 years for FEG post‐surgery. FEG showed a significant shrinkage within 6 months (33% ± 22%), whereas KMS demonstrated a gradual decrease over 13 years (34% ± 25%). FEG exhibited significantly greater width change than KMS during a 5‐year follow‐up (p < .05).

Conclusions

FEG and KMS enhanced PIKM but exhibited different long‐term reduction patterns. FEG demonstrated rapid shrinkage, while KMS displayed gradual and continuous reduction. Moreover, KMS presented a higher risk and incidence of KM width less than 2 mm compared to FEG.
An Integrated Model of Collaborative Skill Acquisition: Anticipation, Control Tuning, and Role Adoption
Authors: Dimov Cvetomir M. , Anderson John R. , Betts Shawn A. , Bothell Dan
Published: July 2023

We studied collaborative skill acquisition in a dynamic setting with the game Co‐op Space Fortress. While gaining expertise, the majority of subjects became increasingly consistent in the role they adopted without being able to communicate. Moreover, they acted in anticipation of the future task state. We constructed a collaborative skill acquisition model in the cognitive architecture ACT‐R that reproduced subject skill acquisition trajectory. It modeled role adoption through reinforcement learning and predictive processes through motion extrapolation and learned relevant control parameters using both a reinforcement learning procedure and a new to ACT‐R supervised learning procedure. This is the first integrated cognitive model of collaborative skill acquisition and, as such, gives us valuable insights into the multiple cognitive processes that are involved in learning to collaborate.
The Multiple Perspectives Theory of Mental States in Communication
Authors: Heller Daphna , Brown‐Schmidt Sarah
Published: July 2023

Inspired by early proposals in philosophy, dominant accounts of language posit a central role for mutual knowledge, either encoded directly in common ground, or approximated through other cognitive mechanisms. Using existing empirical evidence from language and memory, we challenge this tradition, arguing that mutual knowledge captures only a subset of the mental states needed to support communication. In a novel theoretical proposal, we argue for a cognitive architecture that includes separate, distinct representations of the self and other, and a cognitive process that compares these representations continuously during conversation, outputting both similarities and differences in perspective. Our theory accounts for existing data, interfaces with findings from other cognitive domains, and makes novel predictions about the role of perspective in language use. We term this new account the Multiple Perspectives Theory of mental states in communication.
Association of obstructive sleep apnea with cardiometabolic diseases and cardiovascular mortality
Authors: Gao Jia , Shi Licheng , Zhu Xuanfeng , Liu Jiannan
Published: July 2023

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the leading respiratory disorders, increasing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. In the study, we investigated the association between OSA and the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults.

Methods

Participants were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The baseline covariates were compared between participants with and without OSA status. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore the association between OSA and cardiometabolic diseases, while Cox proportional regression was performed for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

OSA status was positively associated with higher risks of cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.45; p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.22–1.76; p < 0.001), and cardiovascular diseases (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08–1.54; p = 0.006) after adjusting for numerous covariates. However, no associations of OSA with all‐cause or cardiovascular mortality were observed.

Conclusion

OSA was associated with a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, but had no significant association with all‐cause or cardiovascular mortality in adults.
Transcriptomic evidence for Brachyury expression in the caudal tip region of adult Ptychodera flava (Hemichordata)
Authors: Arimoto Asuka , Nishitsuji Koki , Hisata Kanako , Satoh Noriyuki , Tagawa Kuni
Published: July 2023

Most metazoans have a single copy of the T‐box transcription factor gene Brachyury. This gene is expressed in cells of the blastopore of late blastulae and the archenteron invagination region of gastrulae. It appears to be crucial for gastrulation and mesoderm differentiation of embryos. Although this expression pattern is shared by most deuterostomes, Brachyury expression has not been reported in adult stages. Here we show that Brachyury of an indirect developer, the hemichordate acorn worm Ptychodera flava, is expressed not only in embryonic cells, but also in cells of the caudal tip (anus) region of adults. This spatially restricted expression, shown by whole‐mount in situ hybridization, was confirmed by Iso‐Seq RNA sequencing and single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq) analysis. Iso‐Seq analysis showed that gene expression occurs only in the caudal region of adults, but not in anterior regions, including the stomochord. scRNA‐seq analysis showed a cluster that contained Brachyury‐expressing cells comprising epidermis‐ and mesoderm‐related cells, but which is unlikely to be associated with the nervous system or muscle. Although further investigation is required to examine the roles of Brachyury in adults, this study provides important clues for extending studies on Brachyury expression involved in development of the most posterior region of deuterostomes.
Survival of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who underwent spinal deformity correction
Authors: Arshad Ayesha , Tsirikos Athanasios I.
Published: July 2023

Aim

We investigated survival rates after scoliosis correction in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and evaluated factors that can affect them.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study from 2000 to 2022 with a minimum 2‐year postoperative follow‐up. We reviewed the hospital records/spinal radiographs and analysed data with XLSTAT. Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression survival analysis was performed.

Results

Forty‐three patients had a mean age at surgery of 14 years 5 months. Mean postoperative follow‐up was 10 years 10 months. There was no operative or 30‐day postoperative mortality in this group. Twenty‐four patients died because of cardiorespiratory failure. Median survivorship was 14 years 2 months, with the longest observed survival being 22 years 6 months given the limitation of the length of postoperative follow‐up. The degree of preoperative coronal imbalance and pelvic obliquity, as well as intraoperative blood loss, were factors that significantly affected survival. The impact of preoperative sagittal imbalance and extension of the fusion to the sacrum/pelvis trended towards significance. In contrast, age at surgery, preoperative/postoperative scoliosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, scoliosis and pelvic obliquity flexibility or correction indices, postoperative coronal/sagittal balance, need of preoperative non‐invasive ventilation, preoperative feeding disorders, development of surgical complications, and length of hospital and intensive care unit stay were exposure variables that did not affect postsurgical survival in patients with DMD.

Interpretation

Survival of up to two decades or more was possible among young patients with DMD after scoliosis correction. This was affected by factors that related to disease and deformity severity, as well as surgical morbidity.

What this paper adds

There was no operative or 30‐day postoperative mortality in this group of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) undergoing scoliosis correction.

Survival probabilities at 5‐year, 10‐year, 15‐year, and 20‐year intervals post‐surgery were 92%, 80%, 33%, and 12% respectively.

Scoliosis surgery achieved good deformity correction and a balanced spine that was maintained at follow‐up.

Respiratory failure, severe pneumonia, and left ventricular failure were the leading causes of death in the study participants.

Preoperative global coronal imbalance, pelvic obliquity, and intraoperative blood loss significantly predicted survival.

Factors that affected survival after scoliosis surgery were associated with perioperative morbidity and disease or deformity severity in the DMD group.
Initial case series of a novel sensing deep brain stimulation device in drug‐resistant epilepsy and consistent identification of alpha/beta oscillatory activity: A feasibility study
Authors: Chua Melissa M. J. , Vissani Matteo , Liu David D. , Schaper Frederic L. W. V. J. , Warren Aaron E. L. , Caston Rose , Dworetzky Barbara A. , Bubrick Ellen J. , Sarkis Rani A. , Cosgrove G. Rees , Rolston John D.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Here, we report a retrospective, single‐center experience with a novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) device capable of chronic local field potential (LFP) recording in drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) and explore potential electrophysiological biomarkers that may aid DBS programming and outcome tracking.

Methods

Five patients with DRE underwent thalamic DBS, targeting either the bilateral anterior (n = 3) or centromedian (n = 2) nuclei. Postoperative electrode lead localizations were visualized in Lead‐DBS software. Local field potentials recorded over 12–18 months were tracked, and changes in power were associated with patient events, medication changes, and stimulation. We utilized a combination of lead localization, in‐clinic broadband LFP recordings, real‐time LFP response to stimulation, and chronic recordings to guide DBS programming.

Results

Four patients (80%) experienced a >50% reduction in seizure frequency, whereas one patient had no significant reduction. Peaks in the alpha and/or beta frequency range were observed in the thalamic LFPs of each patient. Stimulation suppressed these LFP peaks in a dose‐dependent manner. Chronic timeline data identified changes in LFP amplitude associated with stimulation, seizure occurrences, and medication changes. We also noticed a circadian pattern of LFP amplitudes in all patients. Button‐presses during seizure events via a mobile application served as a digital seizure diary and were associated with elevations in LFP power.

Significance

We describe an initial cohort of patients with DRE utilizing a novel sensing DBS device to characterize potential LFP biomarkers of epilepsy that may be associated with seizure control after DBS in DRE. We also present a new workflow utilizing the Percept device that may optimize DBS programming using real‐time and chronic LFP recording.
VLSI implementation of image compressor using probabilistic run length coding
Authors: Boddu Mahesh , Mandal Soumitra Kumar
Published: July 2023

Multimedia applications, such as image processing including image and video transfer, heavily rely on reduction. The traditional device methods to picture reduction use more space, energy, and processing time. The majority of current efforts use the Golomb‐Rice encoding, due to its larger memory requirement and higher computing difficulty. So, this research concentrated on hardware design‐oriented probability run length (PRL) coding technique based on lossless colour image compression. The block truncation coding (BTC) features of the compression process are used by the suggested PRL method. The proposed image compression hardware consists of various modules such as a Parameter calculator, fuzzy table, bitmap generator, BTC parameters training, prediction, and error control, and PRL‐based finite state machine (PRL‐FSM). The proposed image compressor utilizes the parameter calculator block, which estimates the block type based on the image pixel intensities for each sub‐block. Thus, each block of the image is compressed by using a new block type and generates a variable block size. The proposed method utilizes the PRL‐BTC encoding method, which also calculates the probability of error between the compressed image to the test image. The process is iterated until the performance trade‐off between hardware cost and compression ratio (CR) is achieved. Hence, both smooth regions and non‐smooth regions of images are perfectly compressed by the probability‐based block selection. The simulation results show that the proposed method resulted in a better area, power, delay metrics, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), and CR compared to the state of art approaches.
How does the pore solution chemistry influence the passivation of reinforced alkali‐ and salt‐activated slag materials?
Authors: Gevaudan Juan Pablo , Timounay Yousra , Mayrhofer Leonhard , Zarshenas Mohammad , Moseler Michael
Published: July 2023

Service life predictions of reinforced concrete structures are underpinned by the passivation film chemistry, structure, and thickness. In this work, we present how the formation of passive films at the steel–concrete interface of reinforced alkali‐ and salt‐activated slag materials can be affected by the pore solution chemistry, namely, pH, Eh, and chemical composition. Thermodynamic simulations are used to illustrate the time‐dependent changes to the pore solution chemistry, where estimated electrical conductivities of the pore solution are used as a single‐value parameter to understand the solution complexity and capacity for charge transfer. A set of passivation reactions are proposed to understand the effects of OH− and HS− (reduced sulfur species) competition on the passivation pathways. These passivation reactions become more complex considering that a reducing pore solution might not establish until 3 days into the curing process—a crucial factor explaining the significant differences in the phase composition of passive films of activated slag materials (FeOOH, FeS). This study sheds light on recent progress in understanding these initial passivation reactions, emphasizing the essential role of material design and, therefore, the pore solution chemistry of these cements, along with significant insights for vital research and development concerning the corrosion durability of activated slag materials.
High‐performance Cu2O‐based photocatalysts enabled by self‐curling nanocelluloses via a freeze‐drying route
Authors: Wang Zezhen , Xin Xipeng , Xu Yifeng , Liu Qingdong , Zhu Yiqiu , Song Xuefeng , Liu Zhen , Xu Jijin , Liu Jing , Gao Lian
Published: July 2023

Enhancing the photocatalytic stability of Cu2O in the degradation of tetracycline is a great challenge in combating environmental water pollution because it is prone to deactivation by photocorrosion in aqueous environment. In this study, Cu2O/cellulose microfiber aerogel is synthesized through freeze‐drying, utilizing the self‐curling effect of cellulose and then calcined to produce Cu2O/C composite aerogel. The derived Cu2O/C composite aerogel features hollow carbon microfibers anchored with Cu2O nanocubes. Due to the curling structure and conductivity of the carbon microfibers, the photodegradation efficiency of the obtained Cu2O/C composite aerogel for tetracycline is drastically improved to 97.3% under 120 min of visible‐light irradiation, and remains a cycling photodegradation rate of 84.3% after 10 cycles. The Cu2O/C composite aerogel shows remarkable strategies for designing and constructing Cu2O‐based photocatalyst in the practical photodegradation of tetracycline under visible‐light exposure.