bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Personal Research Project that Turned into My Life's Work
Authors: KAYAN SHIPRA
Published: January 2025

My journey to becoming a social impact founder that started with a simple research question – “Why didn't we see college educated refugees (who generally don't have the right to work in their host countries) work on remote work platforms like Upwork instead.” This initial question led me down an unlikely path of discovery, experimentation and entrepreneurship that I hadn't planned on. In sharing my story, I want to inspire reflection on pros and cons of getting deeply invested in your research topic, so deeply that it becomes your life's work..
The Ethnographer in the Machine: Everyday Experiences with AI‐enabled Data Analysis
Authors: WALSH SUZANNE , PALLAS‐BRINK JAROSLAVA
Published: January 2025

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI)‐enabled research tools in qualitative research has generated new and novel ways for researchers to interact with AI in data analysis, such as through the application of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) algorithms on qualitative datasets. With the advancement of AI technologies, and its sensationalization within broader culture, sociotechnical entanglements have become increasingly complex, asking ever more of ethnographers, pushing their understandings of what constitutes the analytic process and the insights derived. It is critical for ethnographers to recognize the relationship inherent in interactions with AI‐enabled research tools and develop a flexible approach to conceptualizing the researcher's role within these relationships given the fast‐paced changes AI will likely bring to how ethnographers approach analyzing data. Scant interrogation has been placed specifically on AI‐enabled qualitative data analysis and the relationship created between researcher and algorithm. This researcher‐AI relationship is a relatively unknown territory and is deserving of greater explication. This paper proposes a model of researcher‐AI interaction and argues that ethnographers can smartly leverage AI in data analysis if they deepen their understanding of AI tools.
Researcher Positionality & Identity Validation: A Case Study in Organizational Friction over the Framing of a Demographic Questionnaire
Authors: HOLTON‐RAPHAEL NIA , MAULDIN CHELSEA , ROTHMAN MEERA
Published: January 2025

This case study, co‐authored by junior and senior members of a design‐research organization, examines internal friction that arose from junior researchers proposing to expand the sex and gender options on a data collection tool. This proposal blossomed into a larger debate around researcher positionality and the intended purpose of the data collection tool. This case study traces how the organization navigated this friction, outlines the literature they used to anchor their debate, and summarizes the language and practice standards ultimately adopted by the team. This discussion, occurring over several months, was complex and challenging, particularly within an organization that valorizes transparent, collaborative, and human‐centered decision‐making. We believe this case study, showcasing the researchers' efforts to navigate these sensitive issues, holds value for other researchers and organizations negotiating not just specific demographic terms, but differing understandings of roles and identities held by early‐career and late‐career researchers.
Optimal Task Allocation and Sequencing for Flight Test Based on a Memetic Algorithm With Lexicographic Optimisation
Authors: Tian Bei , Xiao Gang , Shen Yu , Jiang Xingwei
Published: January 2025

The flight test plays an important role in the development of an aircraft. Currently, with the increasing complexity and higher validation requirements for aircraft, there is a crucial need to generate high‐quality flight test task schedules in an efficient way. This paper proposes a flight test task scheduling problem (FTTSP), which involves assigning suitable aircraft and executing the flight test tasks in a given order. Generally, the flight test duration (FTD) is the primary optimisation objective for the flight test task schedule, as it has a direct impact on aircraft development costs and the time to enter the market. In this study, the FTTSP not only considers FTD but also takes into account task transfer consumption (TTC). A mixed‐integer linear programming mathematical model is first formulated to describe the FTTSP characteristics with the optimisation of the FTD and the TTC in a sequential manner. Then, a memetic algorithm with lexicographic optimisation (MALO) is proposed, which can efficiently obtain a high‐quality solution and ensure that the most critical metric can be fully optimised. In MALO, a two‐vector encoding and a task logic relationship repair mechanism based on the binary tree are established. An idle time insertion decoding method is designed to improve the aircraft utilisation rate. In addition to the selection, crossover and mutation operators, a local search operator is designed to enhance the solution quality. Finally, the full‐scale test instances are generated for the FTTSP to evaluate the algorithm's performance. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and competitiveness of the MALO in generating a high‐quality schedule for flight test tasks.
Industry 4.0 and the Importance of an Ecosystem‐Based Approach: An Empirical Investigation Based on a Mixed‐Method Analysis
Authors: Boyer James
Published: January 2025

This paper will analyze the role of the innovation ecosystem (IES) in the industry implementation process of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) at company level. Based on a mixed‐method analysis using econometric models and content analysis, we have investigated the implementation process of industry 4.0‐enabling technologies of 123 manufacturing companies in the Hauts‐de‐France region of France. We have showed that the implementation process of industry 4.0‐enabling technologies is facilitated by the complexities of relationships between actors, complementarities among actors, particularly between start‐ups and others ecosystem stakeholders, and the role of regional policies (innovation support). Our quantitative results confirm that complex relationships with heterogenous actors within an IES positively affect the implementation process of Industry 4.0 at company level. While our qualitative analysis has showed that business‐to‐business relationships were decisive, our quantitative analysis has gone further and has showed that the more a given company develops diverse forms of relationships with other companies within the IES, the higher the level of I4.0 implementation‐enabling technologies there are in the company. Both qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate the importance of university‐industry linkage and of business incubators for the I4.0 implementation process, in enabling technologies at company level. A further result that completes our econometric study is the clear identification by company managers of the key role played by collaborative innovation projects and by start‐ups as providers of new solutions in fostering their I4.0 technological development. Therefore, our research calls for an ecosystem‐based approach to fostering I4.0 implementation at company level.
Low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in migraine are not related to headache frequency: A case‐control study in patients with high‐frequency/chronic migraine
Authors: Haro Marina , Gárate Gabriel , Hernández José Luis , Olmos José Manuel , Muñoz María , González‐Quintanilla Vicente , Pascual Julio
Published: January 2025

Background

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations have been shown to be low in patients with migraine, but results are controversial regarding the current role of vitamin D in migraine severity. Using a case–control design, we aimed to evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels in a group of females with high‐frequency episodic migraine/chronic migraine (HF/CM) and analyze its association with headache frequency and serum calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) levels.

Methods

Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in 97 females with HF/CM (age 48.9 ± 9.4 years) and 146 healthy females (47.4 ± 8.1 years). Participants taking vitamin D supplements were excluded. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were determined by electrochemiluminescence (Roche, Germany), and CGRP levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Abbexa, UK).

Results

Mean 25(OH)D levels in females with HF/CM (median [interquartile range] 19.0 [13.0–24.5] ng/mL) were below the values considered for insufficiency or deficiency and significantly lower than controls (25.0 [19–29.8] ng/mL; p < 0.0001). Fifty (51.5%) patients with HF/CM had levels below 20 ng/mL. There was no significant association between vitamin D levels and monthly headache days (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient [rho]: −0.086; p = 0.404) or with serum α (rho: 0.114; p = 0.267) and β‐CGRP (rho: 0.113; p = 0.276) levels. Serum 25(OH)D levels in females with HF/CM with a minimum daily sunlight exposure were significantly higher than those without (23.0 [15.0–26.0] ng/mL vs. 14.0 [10.0–20.0] ng/mL; p < 0.001). Females with HF/CM who performed exercise had higher, albeit not significant, plasma 25(OH)D levels than those who did not (21.0 [15.5–28.0] ng/mL vs. 16.5 [12.0–24.0] ng/mL; p = 0.059).

Conclusions

Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were low in many patients with HF/CM. Because there was no correlation with migraine frequency or serum CGRP levels, this deficiency seems to be a direct consequence of the migraine impact. Our data do not support either a relationship of 25(OH)D levels with migraine severity or the use of vitamin D supplements as a specific migraine treatment, although further studies are needed.
Association of C4 Null Alleles and Persistently Low C4 in Asian Indian Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Jeevanagi Sachin R. , Mehta Pankti , Aaron Rekha , Danda Debashish , Danda Sumita , Kabeerdoss Jayakanthan
Published: January 2025

The association between heterozygous C4 deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unclear. There is a lack of data in South Asian Indians on any possible association of C4A and C4B null alleles with lupus. We aimed to study the prevalence of C4A and C4B null alleles in a cohort of SLE patients with persistently low C4 levels compared to healthy controls (HC). Patients with SLE and HC were recruited for this prospective observational study. C4 (C4AQ and C4BQ) polymorphisms were tested using a touch‐down polymerase chain reaction protocol. One hundred and three SLE patients and 103 HC were included in the study. Persistently low C4 levels were observed in 25 (23.6%) of SLE. The frequency of C4A and C4B null alleles was similarly distributed across SLE and HC (4% and 3.8%, respectively). Univariate analysis showed a low age, higher proportion of elevated dsDNA, and higher positive anti‐SSA (Sjogren's syndrome‐related antigen A) antibodies at presentation were associated in SLE patients with the null allele group on comparison without the null allele group. However, these associations did not persist in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, C4 null allele frequency was similar in SLE and HC. No characteristic associations were observed in SLE with C4 null alleles was observed. Therefore, C4 null allele is an unlikely explanation for persistently low C4 in South Indian Asian patients with lupus.
Replication Study and Meta‐Analysis of the Contribution of Seven Genetic Polymorphisms in Immune‐Related Genes to the Risk of Gastric and Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Zhou Weiguang , Yuan Siqi , Kang Wenqiang , Deng Xiangyuan , Zhou Hang , Ruan Jiangyi , Feng Xianhong , Qi Meifang , Chen Bifeng
Published: January 2025

Recently, it has been realized that immune processes participate in the pathogenesis of human cancers. A large number of genetic polymorphisms in immune‐related genes have been extensively examined for their roles in the susceptibility of gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), including IL4 gene rs2070874, IL4RA gene rs1801275, IL18 gene rs187238, IL18RAP gene rs917997, IL17A gene rs8193036, IL23R gene rs1884444 and IL23R gene rs10889677. However, there is no consistent conclusion, which calls for further research. In this case–control study, these 7 genetic polymorphisms were genotyped by Sanger sequencing in a total of 1247 patients with cancer (GC/CRC: 460/787) and 800 healthy individuals. A total of 31 previous studies and our present study were included in this meta‐analysis. The case–control study revealed that in Hubei Chinese population, rs2070874, rs187238 and rs10889677 were significantly associated with CRC risk, whereas only rs917997 was significantly associated with GC risk. The meta‐analysis showed that rs2070874, rs917997, rs8193036 and rs1884444 were significantly associated with GC risk in Chinese population, whereas rs2070874 in total population, rs1801275 in Asian population and rs187238 in Chinese population were significantly associated with CRC risk. IL4 gene rs2070874, IL18RAP gene rs917997, IL17A gene rs8193036 and IL23R gene rs1884444 may serve as the susceptible factors for GC carcinogenesis in Chinese population. IL4 gene rs2070874 in total population, IL4RA gene rs1801275 in Asian population and IL18 gene rs187238 in Chinese population may be genetic biomarkers for CRC susceptibility.
Efficacy of Subcutaneous, Sublingual and Oral Immunotherapy for Allergens: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lisiecka Maria Zofia
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous, sublingual, oral specific immunotherapy in patients who suffer from allergic conditions to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, house dust mites and Alternaria alternata spores. A literature search was performed separately for each type of allergen and each administration route of the drug. As a result, it was found that all administration routes were quite effective. However, each type of immunotherapy was most effective for certain allergens. Subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy have proven effective for aeroallergens such as pollen from grass, trees, weeds and house dust mites. Despite this, subcutaneous immunotherapy had a number of disadvantages in the form of the duration of treatment and a greater prevalence of side effects. Some authors suggest that for allergies to house dust mites, the most effective method of immunotherapy was the subcutaneous method of administration, compared with sublingual and nasal. Sublingual therapy was safe enough for all types of allergens under study, however, to achieve the same effect as the subcutaneous method of administration. In addition, oral immunotherapy has been shown to be effective for food allergies with obvious symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, oral immunotherapy is the only approved treatment for allergies in the elderly, due to the low risk of side effects. The time‐accelerated and dosage‐enhanced immunotherapy was also effective and safe. These data prove the effectiveness and safety of each administration route of specific allergens for specific immunotherapy in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and even atopic dermatitis.
A qualitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators to early lower limb assessment and onward referral for specialist treatment for patients with venous ulceration
Authors: Bolton Saghdaoui Layla , Lampridou Smaragda , Davies Alun Huw , Onida Sarah , Wells Mary
Published: January 2025

Guidance for venous leg ulceration (VLU) recommends compression therapy and early referral for specialist vascular assessment within two weeks. Few patients receive timely assessment and referral. Reasons for this are unclear. The aim of this work was to explore nurses' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to early assessment of VLU and referral for specialist treatment. One‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews explored experiences caring for and referring patients with VLU to a vascular specialist. Maximum variation sampling and inductive thematic analysis were used. Eighteen nurses participated. Findings suggest junior nurses lack knowledge and confidence to care for VLU and often revert to a ‘task‐based’ approach, exacerbated by staff shortages and limited training. Because VLU occurs in the context of competing conditions and pressures, comprehensive assessments are missed, and the need for referral is not established or prioritised. Supporting patients to self‐manage is seen as a possible solution. Nurses reported disjointed pathways between primary and secondary care, compounded by poor MDT collaboration, ineffective communication systems and inadequate data sharing. Consequently, when the need for referral is established, communicating this between healthcare organisations is complex. Organisational and behavioural barriers impact nurses' ability to promote timely referral. Further exploration with patients and other healthcare professionals is needed.
Comparison of cell‐scaffold interactions in a biological and a synthetic wound matrix
Authors: Hong Joon Pio , Maitz Joanneke , Mörgelin Matthias
Published: January 2025

Wound healing is a central physiological process that restores the barrier properties of the skin after injury, comprising close coordination between several cell types (including fibroblasts and macrophages) in the wound bed. The complex mechanisms involved are executed and regulated by an equally complex, reciprocal signalling network involving numerous signalling molecules such as catabolic and anabolic inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines, chemokines). In chronic wound environments, the balance in the molecular signatures of inflammatory mediators is usually impaired. Thus, we compared the ability of a collagen‐based wound matrix against a synthetic wound matrix to attract fibroblasts and macrophages that deliver these signalling molecules. In particular, the balance between pro‐ and anti‐ inflammatory cytokine secretion was assessed. We found that the natural collagen‐based matrix was the most efficient adhesive substrate to recruit and activate fibroblasts and macrophages on its surface. These cells secreted a variety of cytokines, and the natural biomaterial exhibited a more balanced secretion of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators than the synthetic comparator. Thus, our study highlights the ability of native collagen matrices to modulate inflammatory mediator signatures in the wound bed, indicating that such devices may be beneficial for wound healing in the clinical setting.
Comparison between artificial dermis with split‐thickness skin graft and full‐thickness skin graft for reconstruction of joint‐involved burn wounds: A retrospective review from a tertiary burn centre
Authors: Yeh Jui‐Po , Lin Ko‐Chien
Published: January 2025

We aimed to compare the scar quality and recovery rate of joint activity for patients with joint‐involved burn injuries receiving either artificial dermis (AD) with split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) or full‐thickness skin graft (FTSG) for reconstruction. The primary outcomes were %skin graft (SG) take. Secondary outcomes included complications such as the infection rate and donor site morbidity, 12‐month scar quality evaluated using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), recovery rate of joint activity and incidence of scar contracture requiring further revision. Twenty‐eight patients between 1 August 2021, and 1 August 2023, were enrolled. Twelve patients received AD‐STSG while the other 16 patients underwent FTSG for reconstruction. The median %SG take was 95.0% (interquartile range [IQR] 6.3%) and 96.0% (IQR 10.0%) for the AD‐STSG and FTSG groups (p = 0.71). The FTSG group had significantly better 12‐month scar quality (median VSS 4.0 [IQR 1.3] vs. 6.0 [IQR1.5], p < 0.01) and recovery rate of joint activity (median 82.5% [IQT 15.0%] vs. 70.0% [IQR 7.5%], p < 0.01) compared with AD‐STSG group. However, two patients in the FTSG group (12.5%) suffered partial wound dehiscence of the donor site, whereas no patients experienced donor site morbidity in the AD‐STSG group (p = 0.49). The incidence of scar contracture requiring further revision was 25.0% (3/12) in the AD‐STSG group and 12.5% (2/16) in the FTSG group (p = 0.62). In conclusion, AD‐STSG could be an alternative treatment over FTSG for larger joint‐involved burn wounds (>200 cm2) owing to lesser donor site morbidity with admissible cosmetic outcomes and functional recovery.
Early experience on injectable micronized putty type human‐derived acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in management of diabetic foot wounds in Singapore
Authors: Quah Alison Mei Fern , Ng Marcus Jia Ming , Zhang Li , Chan Yam Meng , Neo Shufen , Mak Malcolm , Hong Qiantai , Tan Glenn , Pan Ying , Yong Enming
Published: January 2025

Diabetic foot wounds (DFW) are notoriously difficult to treat owing to poor vascularity, delayed healing and higher rates of infection. Human‐derived acellular dermal matrices (ADM) have been used in DFW treatment, utilizing a matrix scaffold for new tissue generation. We investigate the efficacy of a micronized injectable human‐derived ADM in the treatment of DFW. We retrospectively recruited 13 patients with diabetic foot wounds. Wounds were adequately debrided, and a micronized injectable ADM was applied. Wound sizes were recorded prior to treatment, at 2 and 4 weeks post‐treatment. The mean defect of wounds treated was 19.21 cm3. Our results showed a statistically significant reduction in wound size of 45% and 59% at 2 and 4 weeks post‐treatment, respectively (p < 0.01). ADM was also effective in infected DFW as 84% of our wounds had positive tissue cultures at the time of application. Micronized injectable ADM has proven to be an effective treatment for DFW. Advantages include a ready‐to‐use injectable, single‐stage treatment, minimal pain, mouldable matrix to fit any wound shape, allows for outpatient treatment and simple wound dressings.
The Role of RyR2 Mutations in Congenital Heart Diseases: Insights Into Cardiac Electrophysiological Mechanisms
Authors: Lv Tingting , Li Siyuan , Li Qing , Meng Lingbing , Yang Jing , Liu Lianfeng , Lv Changhua , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2025

Ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) protein, a calcium ion release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of myocardial cells, plays a crucial role in regulating cardiac systolic and diastolic functions. Mutations in RyR2 and its dysfunction are implicated in various congenital heart diseases (CHDs). Studies have shown that mutations in the RYR2 gene, which encodes the RyR2 protein, are linked to several cardiac arrhythmias, including catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), long QT syndrome (LQTS), calcium release deficiency syndrome (CRDS), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Additionally, RyR2 mutations have been associated with multiple genetic cardiomyopathies, such as left ventricular non‐compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Through various cell and animal models, researchers have developed mutant RyR2 models demonstrated that these mutations often lead to calcium dysregulation, typically resulting in either a gain or loss of function. This comprehensive review delves into the current understanding of RyR2 mutations and their impact on cardiac electrophysiology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms linking these mutations to arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies—an essential step in advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Long RP Tachycardia and Short RP Tachycardia: Is the Nodoventricular Pathway a Culprit or an Innocent Bystander?
Authors: Mizutani Akinobu , Okada Masato , Tanaka Koji , Tanaka Nobuaki , Nagashima Koichi , Scheinman Melvin M.
Published: January 2025

We encountered a single case in which a transition between orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia with a concealed nodoventricular pathway and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia with a bystander nodoventricular pathway was observed.
Targeting circFOXO3 to Modulate Integrin β6 Expression in Periodontitis: A Potential Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Xu Mingyan , Zhu Feixiang , Guo Yifan , Liu Fan , Shi Songlin , Yang Ling , Huang Rui , Deng Xiaoling
Published: January 2025

Aims

Circular RNA forkhead box O3 (circFOXO3) is crucial in regulating inflammation in lung and heart injuries. However, its role in periodontitis remains unclear. We sought to elucidate the effects of circFOXO3 on periodontitis progression and related molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to quantify and localize circFOXO3 expression. The mechanism by which circFOXO3 promotes inflammation in periodontitis was investigated using epithelial cells, human gingival epithelium and a rat model of ligature‐induced periodontitis.

Results

circFOXO3 expression was abnormally high in the gingival epithelial tissues of patients with periodontitis. Elevated circFOXO3 levels down‐regulated microRNA (miR)‐141‐3p, leading to increased FOXO3 expression. FOXO3 interacted with JunB to form a transcriptional‐repression complex that inhibited the integrin β6 (ITGβ6)‐mediated activation of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) in epithelial cells. Through the miR‐141‐3p/FOXO3/JunB axis, circFOXO3 suppressed TGF‐β signalling, thereby exacerbating periodontal inflammation. Finally, circFOXO3 inhibition hindered disease progression and restored TGF‐β activity in vivo via the FOXO3/JunB/ITGβ6 pathway.

Conclusion

Our study identified a novel mechanism by which circFOXO3 contributes to periodontal inflammation through a complex transcriptional regulatory network involving miR‐141‐3p, FOXO3, JunB and ITGβ6. These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets for the development of effective treatments for this debilitating disease.
Distal Access Catheter Improves Balloon Guide and Stent Retriever Thrombectomy Outcomes in Nonagenarians
Authors: Puig Josep , Werner Mariano , Dolz Guillem , Pascagaza Alejandro , Daunis‐i‐Estadella Pepus , Comas‐Cufí Marc , González Eva , Fondevila Jon , Vega Pedro , Murias Eduardo , Romero Veredas , Martínez Carlos , Aparici‐Robles Fernando , Morales‐Caba Lluis , Remollo Sebastià , Rodríguez‐Caamaño Isabel , Pérez‐García Carlos , Rosati Santiago , Bashir Saima , Vielba‐Gomez Isabel , Aixut Sonia , Paipa Andrés Julian , Martínez‐Fernández Javier , Aguilar Yeray , Fandiño Eduardo , Barbieri Giorgio , García‐Villalba Blanca , Cuba Víctor , Castaño Miguel , Blasco Jordi ,   ROSSETTI Group
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose

The safety and effectiveness of endovascular techniques in elderly patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) remain controversial. We investigated the angiographic and clinical outcomes of nonagenarians treated with different endovascular techniques using a balloon guide catheter (BGC), distal aspiration catheter (DAC), and/or stent retriever (SR).

Methods

We analyzed the data from the Registry of Combined versus Single Thrombectomy Techniques (ROSSETTI) of consecutive nonagenarian patients with anterior circulation LVO and compared the outcomes of those treated with BGC+noDAC+SR (101‐group), BGC+DAC+SR (111‐group), and noBGC+DAC+SR (011‐group). Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and clinical outcome data (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 h [24h‐NIHSS] and modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months) were compared. Predictors of the first‐pass effect (FPE), defining Modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2c‐3 (mTICI 2c‐3) after one pass, were explored.

Results

Of the 4111 patients from the ROSSETTI registry, 243 nonagenarians (68.7% female) were included in the analysis. The distribution of endovascular techniques was 101‐group (61.4%), 111‐group (15.6%), and 011‐group (23%). The 101‐group and 111‐group had significantly shorter procedural times than the 011‐group. The 111‐group had a higher FPE rate, a lower number of passes, and a higher rate of final mTICI ≥2c than the other groups. The 24h‐NIHSS score was significantly lower in the 111‐group. In multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor for FPE was the BGC+DAC+SR endovascular technique (odds ratio 2.74 [confidence interval 1.16–6.47]; p = 0.021).

Conclusions

The addition of a DAC to a BGC increases the likelihood of FPE in nonagenarians with anterior circulation LVO SR‐based thrombectomy for acute stroke.
Comparison of removal of intestinal foreign bodies using orogastric retrieval techniques versus gastrotomies in dogs and cats
Authors: Prettegiani B. , Maritato K.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The objective of the study is to describe a surgical technique of intestinal foreign body retrieval without gastrotomy using an endoscopic grasper and digital manipulation, and to compare short‐term outcomes with patients who had similar obstructive intestinal foreign bodies removed via gastrotomy.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs and cats with intestinal foreign bodies that underwent treatment with either the orogastric retrieval technique or gastrotomy between November 2021 and July 2023 were extracted. A comparison of the short‐term outcomes was performed between the techniques.

Results

Fifty cases were enrolled with all cases having material manipulated out of the obstructive location in the intestinal tract and removed either by gastrotomy or orogastric retrieval via digital manipulation of the material into an endoscopic grasper or orogastric tube. No statistical differences were appreciated in intra‐operative or post‐operative complication rate, time to first meal or time to discharge. The gastrotomy procedures took 11.98 minutes longer than the endoscopic retrieval group.

Clinical Significance

Surgical removal of foreign bodies through a laparotomy‐assisted orogastric retrieval technique is possible without the assistance of an endoscopy unit and offered no difference in complication rate or surgical outcomes.
Honour and humiliation: Emotional economies of war and defeat
Authors: Frevert Ute
Published: January 2025

The article looks at nationalism, war and defeat from a history of emotions perspective. It frames nationalism as a political programme and mindset that enlists emotions of belonging and solidarity, but also fear, anger, hatred and contempt. Investigating the role and experience of wars within nationalist emotional economies, the article mainly focuses on the power of national honour to integrate and involve people of all classes, races and genders. By drawing on honour's opposite, shame, it then analyses stories of defeat in terms of what they tell us about the construction and experience of humiliation. Timewise, the article covers the ‘age of nationalism’, that is the 19th and 20th centuries, with particular reference to the First World War. The case studies mostly concern Central and Western Europe, and chiefly France and Germany.
The Influence of Electroencephalographic Density Spectral Array Guidance of Sevoflurane Administration on Recovery From General Anesthesia in Children. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: de Heer Iris J. , Raab Hannah A. C. , de Vries Joost , Karaöz‐Bulut Gulhan , Weber Frank
Published: January 2025

Background

In children, monitoring depth of anesthesia is challenging because of the still developing brain. Electroencephalographic density spectral array monitoring provides age‐ and anesthetic drug‐specific electroencephalographic patterns, making it suitable for use in children. Yet, not much is known about the benefits of using density spectral array on post‐operative recovery in children.

Aim

In this randomized controlled trial, the primary aim was to investigate the influence of density spectral array monitoring during general anesthesia on the speed of recovery after surgery.

Methods

Children aged 6 months–12 years scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia supplemented with caudal analgesia had either sevoflurane anesthesia titrated to maintain a characteristic density spectral array pattern or based on a predefined end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration of 2.3% (standard care group). The time interval between the discontinuation of sevoflurane and the moment when discharge criteria from the operating room were met (Steward score of 3 or more) was defined as the primary outcome parameter of this trial.

Results

Data from 96 children were analyzed. The time until discharge readiness from the operating room was shorter in group density spectral array (6 min. [13[4–16.8]]) than in group standard care (12 min. [18[6–24.3]]), with a difference between medians of 6 min (95% CI −7 to 0), p = 0.041. The mean end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration during the surgical procedure was lower in group density spectral array, 1.8% (0.34) versus 2.3% (0.1) in group standard care (95% CI 0.4–0.7), p < 0.001.

Conclusion

This randomized controlled trial provides initial evidence of an added value of density spectral array monitoring in terms of the speed of recovery and allows sevoflurane to be dosed 22% lower during maintenance than with a more traditional approach using a minimal alveolar concentration of 0.9.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05525104
The mobilizing effects of California's Proposition 47 on high incarceration communities
Authors: Krishnamurthy Arvind
Published: January 2025

Existing research provides conflicting accounts of whether indirect exposure to the American carceral state mobilizes geographically proximate community voters. One possible reason for these mixed findings may be a missing connection between electoral participation and expectations of change in criminal legal policies. To remedy this problem, I leverage the inclusion of a well‐publicized ballot initiative in California, Proposition 47. The 2014 measure would substantially reduce the incarcerated population in the state and lower sanctions for non‐violent criminal offenses. Using census tract‐level vote returns and incarceration rates, I show that increasing levels of tract incarceration are associated with an increase in turnout during the year of Proposition 47 (3.8 to 6.9 pp) relative to past turnout levels. In addition, I show that higher tract incarceration rates are associated with more support for the Proposition (6.9 pp. difference). These results suggest that carceral state exposure may affect community political engagement differently based on the direct policy relevance of a given election for changing carceral state functioning.
Who Takes the Cake? The Heterogeneous Effect of European Central Bank Accommodative Monetary Policy across Income Classes
Authors: Bárcena‐Martín Elena , Martín‐Fuentes Natalia , Pérez‐Moreno Salvador
Published: January 2025

This work provides evidence of the heterogeneous effects of the ECB's monetary policy across income classes. In particular, this investigation focuses on the labor market channel. Based on EU‐SILC data, we estimate country‐specific structural vector autoregressions (SVAR) models to analyze the impact of the expansionary monetary policy shocks over the 2006–2019 period. The results suggest that monetary easing helped decrease unemployment rates for lower‐ and middle‐income classes, to a larger extent for the former. This differential impact is accounted for a stronger improvement in job finding rates for classes located at the bottom of the income distribution. Conversely, the employment status of the upper class remained largely unaffected. The analysis identifies a positive impact of expansionary monetary policy on real labor income, which seems to have mostly benefitted the upper class. Overall, our results suggest that expansionary monetary policy helped decrease labor income inequality by exerting a stronger positive impact on lower‐income households.
Small‐ and large‐group instruction and a didactic method in mathematics for low‐performing adolescents: results from a randomized field experiment
Authors: Gunnes Trude , Kirkebøen Lars J. , Lindenskov Lena , Rønning Marte
Published: January 2025

There is an increasing focus on helping low‐performing adolescents in school. We have randomly exposed low‐performing adolescents in mathematics in grade 8 to variations in key school inputs: teacher training, teaching material, and group size. Test scores of students in small groups taught by newly trained teachers provided with teaching material increased by 0.06 standard deviation. We find no impact on students in large groups with trained teachers and no new teaching material. Classroom observations indicate higher implementation fidelity of the didactic method among teachers of small groups, suggesting that targeted instruction with suitable teaching material in small and homogeneous groups can improve results for low‐performing adolescents and reduce achievement gaps in lower secondary education.
Influence of Menstrual Phase and Symptoms on Sleep Before and After Matches for Professional Footballers
Authors: Brown Georgia A. , Fullagar Hugh H. K. , Duffield Rob
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the association of menstrual cycle phase and symptoms with objective and subjective sleep measures from professional footballers before and after matches. Twenty‐three non‐hormonal contraceptive‐using professional footballers (from four clubs) were monitored for up to four menstrual cycles during a domestic league season. Menstrual phases (menstruation, mid‐late follicular, luteal) were determined using calendar counting and urinary hormone tests (luteinizing hormone and pregnandiol‐3‐glucuronide). Players rated the severity of 18 symptoms on the evenings of matches and the following two evenings. Individual daily summed menstrual symptom severity (MSS) scores were calculated. Subjective sleep quality was rated the morning of matches and the following two mornings. Objective sleep (bedtime, waketime, total sleep time [TST], sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency) obtained from actigraphy was measured the night prior to (MN−1), of (MN), and following (MN+1) matches. Linear mixed models were performed for each sleep measure to examine the effects of menstrual phase and symptoms. Bedtime was significantly later for MN (p < 0.001), waketime was significantly earlier for MN+1 (p < 0.001), and TST was significantly longer for MN−1 (p < 0.001). Menstrual phase did not have a significant effect on any sleep variable (p > 0.05). Increased MSS score was associated with increased TST (p = 0.03) and increased waketime (p = 0.03). Increased lower back pain severity and mood changes/anxiety severity were associated with increased waketime (p = 0.048) and TST (p = 0.009), respectively. Overall, bedtime and waketime were affected by the night related to matches, with increased TST the night before a match. Menstrual phase was not related to any objective or subjective sleep variables, whilst increasing menstrual symptom severity was related to later waketime and longer TST.
Hydro Tasmania — King Island Case Study
Authors: Gamble Simon , Piekutowski Marian , Willems Ryan , Rao K. R.
Published: January 2025

Hydro Tasmania has developed a remote island power system in the Bass Strait, Australia, that achieves a high level of renewable energy penetration through the integration of wind and solar generation with new and innovative storage and enabling technologies. The ongoing development of the power system is focused on reducing or replacing the use of diesel fuel while maintaining power quality and system security in a low inertia system. In recent years Hydro Tasmania has undertaken several renewable energy developments on King Island with the aim to reduce dependence on diesel, reduce operating cost and greenhouse gas emissions, and demonstrate the potential for renewable energy penetration in power systems. This has been achieved through the substitution of diesel based generation with renewables such as wind and solar and the integration of enabling technologies such as storage and a dynamic frequency control resistor. The projects completed to date include:

The results achieved to date include 85% instantaneous renewable energy penetration and an annual contribution of over 35%, forecast to increase to 45% post commissioning of the resistor. Hydro Tasmania has designed a further innovative program of renewable energy and enabling technology projects. The proposed King Island Renewable Energy Integration Project, which recently received funding support from the Australian Federal Government, is currently under assessment to be rolled out by Hydro Tasmania (including elements with our partners CBD Energy) by 2012. These include:

This program of activities aims to achieve a greater than 65% long term contribution from renewable energy sources (excluding biodiesel contribution), with 100% instantaneous renewable energy penetration. The use of biodiesel will see a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The projects will address the following issues of relevance to small and large scale power systems aiming to achieve high levels of renewable energy penetration:
Hydropower of Asia, Mideast, South America
Authors: Rao K. R.
Published: January 2025

This chapter covers the hydropower challenges confronted and potential for sustainability in Asia, Middle East and South America. As is well known China has made phenomenal strides during the past decade in tapping its hydropower resources which the editor has tried to capture in a few pages in this chapter. The coverage of Indian subcontinent is covered in Chapter 3. The hydropower resources of Middle East (MENA) has been abundantly addressed by the authorities of the subject in an expose provided by them in this chapter. The hydropower resources of South America has bene addressed by the editor in the final part of this chapter.
Front Matter
Authors: Rao K.R
Published: January 2025

This frontmatter contains the Table of Contents, Dedication, Preface and Introduction. It is available for access by clicking on the PDF icon below.

eBook keywords: hydro, wave, tidal applications, hydropower generation, energy storage, renewable energy, hybrid hydro energy, global wave, global hydro, tidal energy.
Boron atoms migration during epitaxial growth of boron-doped single-crystal diamond
Authors: Zhu Yulong , Li Xingyan , Gou Li
Published: January 2025

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) films are essential for the fabrication of electronic devices with P+ or P− layers. However, the boron atoms in the intrinsic diamond substrates due to the concentration gradient may affect the height of the Schottky barrier based on these BDD films. BDD films with different concentrations of boron atoms were deposited on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond seeds by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. Laser confocal Raman spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the migration of boron atoms during the CVD deposition process. The results indicate that the diffusion depth is below 20 μm with a boron atom concentration of 1020 cm−3 at a deposition time of 10 h. The boron atom diffusion depth is below 8 μm at a fixed CH4/H2 ratio of 2% after 5 h deposition. The characteristic peak of boron atoms is not detected by Raman spectroscopy after 3 h deposition, while the infrared spectrum indicates that the boron atom concentration is more than 1018 cm−3. Consequently, the boron atom concentration and the diffusion depth in CVD seeds can be regulated by controlling the CH4/H2 ratio and the deposition time. Planar diamond-based Schottky diodes based on the prepared P+ or P− layer exhibit distinct rectification characteristics.
Neoproterozoic–early Paleozoic evolution of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraints from eclogites in the Beishan Orogenic Belt (NW China)
Authors: Wang Tingyi , Cawood Peter A. , Diwu Chunrong , Zhao Guochun
Published: January 2025

Eclogites provide important constraints on the processes of plate subduction, collision, and the overall tectonic evolution of orogens. The Gubaoquan eclogite is the only one identified in the Beishan Orogenic Belt, which constitutes the southernmost part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. U-Pb dating of the eclogite indicates a Neoproterozoic metamorphic age of 887 ± 7 Ma and an Ordovician age of 461 ± 15 Ma for the eclogite-facies metamorphism. Multi-proxy (zircon, monazite, rutile, and apatite) U/Th-Pb geochronology and trace element geochemistry reveal that they have experienced multiple tectonothermal events in the Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic. The protolith of the Gubaoquan eclogite is of continental origin, and along with the extensive distribution of the Neoproterozoic arc-related rocks probably formed near the periphery of Rodinia. Given the continental setting of the protolith of the Gubaoquan eclogite, we suggest that eclogite-facies metamorphism at ca. 461 Ma was due to subduction under the Shuangyingshan-Huaniushan arc, which is manifested as an arc-continental collision process.
Interactions between megathrust behavior and forearc deformation in the Andreanof segment of the Aleutian Subduction Zone, offshore Alaska, USA
Authors: Cortés-Rivas Valeria , Shillington Donna J. , Lizarralde Dan , Mark Hannah
Published: January 2025

To explore controls on megathrust behavior and its connection with forearc deformation, we studied the Andreanof segment of the Aleutian Subduction Zone (offshore Alaska, USA), which has a simple geological history as a relatively young intra-oceanic subduction zone. Here, the forearc shows greater uplift and compression in the strongly coupled Adak region compared to the weakly coupled Atka region. Using multichannel seismic reflection data, we found that the incoming plate in both regions exhibits similar characteristics along the segment, suggesting that its properties do not account for the varying megathrust behavior and forearc deformation. Instead, differences between the Atka and Adak regions in the thickness of the methane hydrate stability zone, as marked by a bottom-simulating reflector, suggest more heat advection, and thus dewatering, in the Adak region, where the more developed fault network may enable fluid drainage, thereby lowering pore pressure at the megathrust and promoting coupling. Higher coupling allows for seismic and stress cycling that would sustain forearc permeability by faulting. Our results suggest a feedback between deformation and coupling that may be active or latent in other more complex subduction zones but in concert with or masked by other factors.
Longitudinal corneal hysteresis changes predict structural progression in medically controlled, early-to-moderate, open-angle glaucoma with a history of refractive surgery
Authors: Lee Jihei Sara , Bae Hyoung Won , Kim Chan Yun , Lee Sang Yeop
Published: January 2025

Background

The present study aims to identify the relationship between longitudinal changes in corneal hysteresis (CH) and progressive retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thinning in a cohort of medically controlled, early-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients with a history of laser refractive surgery (LRS).

Methods

A total of 123 consecutive eyes with a diagnosis of medically controlled (peak intraocular pressure (IOP)<18 mm Hg), early-to-moderate OAG with a history of LRS underwent measurements of CH, corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) and RNFL thicknesses every 6 months. Linear models were used to investigate the relationship between CH change and RNFL thickness change over time.

Results

Of 123 eyes, 30 eyes (24.4%, 42.9±9.3 years, 36.7% males) demonstrated RNFL loss (93 eyes no progression, 44.4±9.6 years, 30.1% males). No statistically significant difference was found in IOP, but significantly greater decrease in CH was noted in the progression group (−2.525% baseline (95% CI −4.974 to −0.076) vs 1.068% baseline (95% CI, −0.322 to 2.458); p=0.013). Relative CH change was greater for more advanced stage of OAG among the progression group. Patients with the greatest relative CH decrease over time was 1.7 times more likely to present RNFL loss (HR 1.705, 95% CI 1.113 to 2.611, p=0.014).

Conclusions

Longitudinal decrease in CH over time was greater in those showing structural progression than those without progression among medically controlled, early-to-moderate OAG with a history of LRS. Decrease in CH was significantly associated with faster RNFL loss. Larger CH changes indicate a higher risk of OAG progression in those with a history of LRS.