bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The drivers of sustainable homeownership
Authors: Liu Liyi
Published: October 2024

This article introduces a novel measure of homeownership sustainability—homeownership longevity—and examines patterns of sustainable homeownership across multiple mortgage characteristics from 2012 onward, using a unique and nationally representative data set of first‐time homeowners, the National Mortgage Database borrower sample. Importantly, the unit of observation is the individual borrower and the data track how long each borrower remains a homeowner throughout the sample period. The results show that first‐time homebuyers have remained homeowners at high rates since 2012 with over 60% maintaining homeownership throughout the entire sample period. Although there are statistically significant differences in expected homeownership longevity by loan origination characteristics, the absolute magnitudes of these differences are small. Notably, the disparity among racial and ethnic groups in terms of homeownership longevity is small. The high rates and relative uniformity of homeownership longevity for this population suggest that self‐selection into homeownership and existing underwriting standards have allocated mortgage credit to households highly likely to maintain homeownership.
Physical, textural, and sensory characteristics of gluten‐free cupcakes developed with native and modified by hydrothermal treatment green plantain flours
Authors: Mendes Bruna de Andrade Braga , Almeida Matheus Ferreira , Silva Gabriela Leite , Amparo dos Anjos Dioneire , Fontan Gabrielle Cardoso Reis , Rebouças São José Alcebíades , Veloso Cristiane Martins
Published: October 2024

Gluten‐free diets are characterized by lower nutritional quality. The use of green plantain flour in gluten‐free formulations appears as an alternative to overcome this deficiency, considering that green plantains have a relevant content of bioactive compounds, dietary fiber, including resistant starch. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of native and modified by hydrothermal treatment green plantain whole flours in the form of gluten‐free cupcakes. The density, yield, and microstructure of the dough, specific volume (SV), height, crumb analysis, color, texture, and sensory acceptability of the cupcakes were evaluated. Partial replacement (40%) of rice flour by native and modified flours produced darker, redder cupcakes, less yellowish and with less color intensity. Sensory analysis revealed higher acceptance for cupcakes with native and modified flours, compared to the control, for appearance, flavor, texture, aroma, and overall acceptance. The native flour was the most viable option, as the cupcake produced with it showed the best values for hardness and chewiness, without changing elasticity and SV, in addition to superior sensory acceptance than the control and similar to cupcakes with other modified flours.

Practical Application

Pursuing to meet the market demand for gluten‐free products, with the cake being one of the most requested products in this market, and taking in account that green banana, from different cultivars, has gained interest for the production of flours. The production of flour and bakery products is of great interest to the food industry, not only because of its flavor and properties but also due to the economic and sustainable viability of producing whole green plantain flour with the potential for application, promoting diversification and innovation in the gluten‐free functional products market.
KIFC3 promotes the progression of non–small cell lung cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Mu Yu , Liu Haoxiang , Luo Anni , Zhang Qingxiang
Published: October 2024

Background

Kinesin family member C3 (KIFC3), as reported, plays important roles in several tumor types. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether KIFC3 has effects on non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development.

Materials and methods

KIFC3 expression was detected by RT‐PCR, and its correlation with prognosis was analyzed by GEPIA website. Small interfering RNA against KIFC3 were adopted for modulating KIFC3 expression in NSCLC cells. KIFC3 effects on NSCLC cell proliferation were determined using the MTT and clone formation assay. Matrigel invasion and wound healing assays were adopted for measuring the invasion and migration capability of NSCLC cells. Western blot was applied for measuring the levels of proteins associated with the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway in NSCLC cells.

Results

KIFC3 was markedly increased in NSCLC samples and cells. KIFC3 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration in NSCLC. Mechanically, KIFC3 silencing suppressed NSCLC progression through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Conclusions

KIFC3 lack suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration which works, at least partially, by the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings suggest that targeting KIFC3 via the PI3K/Akt pathway may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
The effect of addback statutes on CEO compensation
Authors: Hrazdil Karel , Lobo Gerald , Zhang Ray , Zhang Weiji
Published: October 2024

Exploiting the adoption of addback statutes, which occurred at different times, as exogenous shocks to corporate taxable income, we examine the effect of tax policy changes on the compensation of chief executive officers (CEOs). We provide evidence that CEOs of firms headquartered in states affected by addback statutes experienced a decrease in total compensation; the decrease is stronger for firms with higher intangibles and asset replacement costs relative to book values, and weaker for firms whose CEOs are more powerful. Our results have important implications for policy‐makers who strive to combat pay inequality and managerial myopia through tax laws.
Development and validation of nomogram for predicting the cancer‐specific survival among patients aged 80 and above with early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Guo Qiang , He Yuan , Chen Shai , Hu Sheng , Wang Silin , Su Lang , Zhang Wenxiong , Xu Jianjun , Wei Yiping , Luo Guiping
Published: October 2024

Background

The use of nomograms in predicting the prognosis of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in elderly patients, is not widespread. A validated prognostic model specifically for NSCLC patients over 80 years old holds promising potential for clinical application in forecasting patient outcomes.

Methods

The prognostic value of various factors for NSCLC patients aged 80 and above was evaluated using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2017). Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves, Cox proportional hazards regression models, and nomogram were utilized to evaluate the impact of each factor on cancer‐specific survival (CSS).

Results

A cohort comprising 7045 individuals was selected for inclusion in the analysis. Through rigorous statistical analysis, 10 independent prognostic factors were identified and incorporated into the nomogram. The nomogram's receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC) was higher than that of the AJCC 7th edition TNM staging system's predicted CSS (0.744 versus 0.602), establishing the superior prognostic value of the nomogram.

Conclusions

We have successfully created a highly accurate and discriminative nomogram that enables oncologists to predict the survival outcome of each individual patient with I/II NSCLC who is 80 years or older.
Migrant placemaking as a response to governing through mobility‐making: An ethnic enclave and a digital community in South Korea
Authors: Shin HaeRan , Gutierrez Cassandra
Published: October 2024

This paper examines migrant placemaking in South Korea as a proactive response to governing power that works through making (im)mobilities. Unlike previous discussions that have viewed migrants' empowerment in political activities and identity‐related in a particular type of enclaves, this study sees migrant placemaking as a proactive response to governing through mobilities and comprehensively embraces various types of placemaking in South Korea. Based on mix‐up of various qualitative research methods, this study documents the migrant placemaking practices over time of two representative and quite different migrant groups: Chosǒnjok's enclave in Kuro‐Taerim area of Seoul and Latin Americans' digital communities. The former represents a big migrant group's physical and discursive migrant placemaking. Chosǒnjok migrants struggled with their stigmatised images and mistrust towards both China and Korea. The latter represents a small migrant group's digital placemaking. Latin American migrants were left without much knowledge about and recognition from the Korean society. We demonstrate how in seeking a community for themselves they adapt their environment, thereby empowering themselves. In demonstrating the interrelation of migrant placemaking and governing power, this study contributes to the understanding of the circuits of power, mobility and place in the case of migrants in South Korea.
A ‘Back Door’ Exploration of Social Problems in Comic Strip Dialogues With Marginalized Children
Authors: Røkkum Nina Helen Aas , Serbati Sara
Published: October 2024

Based on 35 comic strip dialogues with marginalized children in Italy, Norway and Slovenia, as well as three individual interviews with Italian practitioners, this article introduces a methodological approach that offers a ‘back door’ for exploring social problems embedded in the everyday lives of children. The analysis demonstrates the importance of adopting an everyday life perspective as an analytical strategy in conversations with children in marginalized life situations. This means shifting the focus away from solely examining risk factors and instead promoting a contextual understanding of risk, with an emphasis on amplifying the diverse voices of children.
Chromosome 8p Syndromes Clinical Presentation and Management Guidelines
Authors: Santucci Kourtney , Malik Kristina E. , Angione Katie , Bennink Dana , Gerk Andrea , Mancini Drew , Stringfellow Megan , Dinkel Tristen , Demarest Scott , Miele Andrea S. , Saenz Margarita
Published: October 2024

Rearrangements of the p‐arm of Chromosome 8 can result in a spectrum of neurodevelopmental challenges, along with increased risk of epilepsy, structural brain and cardiac malformations, persisting developmental delays, and other health challenges. The majority of patients reported on in this sample are characterized by an inverted‐duplication deletion rearrangement, but deletions, duplications, and mosaic ring changes in 8p result in similar phenotype. In this report, we add to the phenotypic and functional description of these patients according to their specific chromosomal rearrangement, share neuro‐psychometric values, and propose surveillance care guidelines for caregivers and medical providers of patients with Chromosome 8p Syndromes. Observations from clinical experience with 24 patients seen at our 8p‐dedicated Multi‐Disciplinary Neurogenetics program are shared.
A Strong Candidate Gene for Nonsyndromic Intellectual Disability Phenotype: SGSM3
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ayberk , Saglam Kubra Adanur , Yilmaz Mustafa , Cebi Alper Han
Published: October 2024

SGSM proteins are small modulator proteins interacting with proteins in the RAS signaling pathway. Studies with mouse and human tissues indicated that SGSM genes were highly expressed in the brain and could be expressed at different levels at different stages of development in fetal and adult brain tissue. It was first reported by Birnbaum et al. that the SGSM3 gene might be associated with a Mendelian inherited disease in families of Ashkenazi Jews with clinical manifestations of intellectual disability (ID). In this study, a novel homozygous stop‐gain (NM_015705.6: c.1576C>T: p.(Arg526Ter)) variation was detected in the SGSM3 gene in two siblings with short stature and ID findings. The report of two cases with bi‐allelic LOF variants in the SGSM3 gene from different populations with similar clinical manifestations strengthens the potential of this gene as a candidate gene for the nonsyndromic ID phenotype. Functional studies are required to investigate the signaling pathways affected by SGSM3 gene variations to produce the ID phenotype and their effect on the functioning of neurons.
Roost characteristics and fidelity of silver‐haired bat maternity colonies in a floodplain cottonwood forest
Authors: Schwab Nathan A. , Chesonis Tessa N. , Doherty Kyle , Ramsey Philip
Published: October 2024

The maternal roosting behavior of migratory, tree‐dwelling bat species remains poorly understood. From 2016 to 2020 we radio‐tagged 53 adult female silver‐haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and tracked them to their day roosts to evaluate roosting habits in a cottonwood (Populus) forest in the floodplain of the Bitterroot River in western Montana. We investigated roost tree characteristics of maternity colonies such as canopy closure, tree size, and decay stage, as well as the daily roost fidelity of tagged bats. Additionally, we marked 55 bats with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to assess interannual fidelity to summer habitat. We tracked bats to 94 unique roost trees. Based on previous studies, we expected silver‐haired bat maternity colonies to roost in tall, large diameter trees. We modeled roosting probability as a function of tree height, day of year, and the interaction of these terms. We found bats preferred taller trees earlier in the year, but overall roosting probability decreased throughout the season and tree height had lesser influence on roosting probability later in the year. Bats used tall trees with high canopy closure in early stages of decay during periods of pregnancy and lactation, while the effect of these tree attributes lessened later in the season, perhaps after lactation when energetic constraints were reduced for adult females to prepare for migration by entering torpor during the day. Bats used an average of 5.2 roost trees during the young rearing period and remained in the same roost for an average of 1.5 consecutive days. While daily roost fidelity was low, we documented interannual fidelity to summer habitat from nine individuals. We found silver‐haired bat roosting preferences vary with time, are tree‐specific, and policies targeting conservation of the species should manage flood regimes to promote cottonwood establishment, height growth, and a mosaic of riparian habitats.
Wenn der Patient die Wahl hat – Therapiezufriedenheit und Patientenpräferenzen bei der Behandlung aktinischer Keratosen
Authors: Lang Berenice M. , Zielbauer Sebastian , Stege Henner , Grabbe Stephan , Staubach Petra
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Aktinische Keratosen (AK) zeigen eine steigende Inzidenz und haben als häufigste (prä)kanzeröse Läsionen der hellhäutigen Bevölkerung einen enormen Behandlungsbedarf. Um die Adhärenz zu erhöhen, ist die Erhebung von therapiebezogenen Bewertungen der verschiedenen Behandlungsarten durch die Patienten von großer Bedeutung.

Patienten und Methodik

Eingeschlossen wurden 100 Patienten mit AK, die mit mindestens zwei verschiedenen Therapieoptionen behandelt wurden. Sie bewerteten ihre Therapien anhand eines Fragebogens (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication [TSQM], maximal 100 Punkte pro Kategorie) und einer Likert‐Skala (LS; 1 = sehr zufrieden, 6 = nicht zufrieden). Ergänzend wurden die Patienten nach ihren Bedürfnissen bezüglich Therapieziel, Kosten, Art, Dauer und Ort der Therapie befragt.

Ergebnisse

81% der Studienteilnehmer waren männlich. Das Durchschnittsalter war 74 Jahre. 95% wiesen eine Feldkanzerisierung auf. Es wurden acht häufig eingesetzte Therapieverfahren durch die Patienten bewertet (Chirurgie, Kryotherapie, diverse Topika, photodynamische Therapie). Die Zufriedenheitswerte des TSQM lagen zwischen 78,47 ± 16,07 (chirurgische Verfahren) und 53,03 ± 22,13 (Diclofenac in Hyaluronsäure). Statistisch signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Verfahren ergaben sich nur im Bereich Wirksamkeit. Nebenwirkungen wurden als gering eingestuft. Niedrige Rezidivrate und sichere Entfernung waren die wichtigsten Therapieziele (LS: 1,18 ± 0,44 und 1,27 ± 53).

Schlussfolgerungen

Das Verständnis der Patientenpräferenzen ist essenziell für die Adhärenz und damit von hoher Bedeutung für den Therapieerfolg von AK. Personalisierte Ansätze sollten bei der Therapiewahl berücksichtigt werden.
Bringing the assessment and treatment of diabetes distress into the real world of clinical care: Time for a shift in perspective
Authors: Fisher Lawrence , Guzman Susan , Polonsky William , Hessler Danielle
Published: October 2024

Aims

Diabetes distress (DD) refers to the emotional and behavioural challenges associated with managing this demanding chronic disease over time. DD is alarmingly common and it has a significant impact on self‐management behaviours and clinical outcomes. Thus, there is growing recognition that DD is a pressing problem that deserves careful attention in clinical care. Translating the application of validated DD assessment and intervention protocols from the research to the clinical setting, however, presents challenges that require a reconsideration of some common assumptions about what DD is, how prevalent it is, how it presents itself clinically, how it might best be assessed and by whom.

Methods

We employed data from six large‐scale studies using five common DD measures. Using these data, we review and challenge several common assumptions about DD.

Results

These data suggest that, because of its relative ubiquity, DD should not be viewed as a ‘co‐morbidity’ or ‘complication’ of diabetes and it should not be seen as a mental health/illness ‘condition’. Furthermore, we argue that DD assessment should: (1) be accepted as a standard part of comprehensive diabetes care, (2) occur regularly using broad rather than brief screening measures and (3) be addressed directly by diabetes clinicians, rather than exclusively by behavioural specialists.

Conclusions

The results form the basis of a series of suggestions to enhance the translation, adoption and implementation of DD knowledge derived from the research setting directly into the real world of clinical care.
Characteristics and temporal evolution of asymptomatic diffusion‐weighted imaging lesions in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)
Authors: Shen Ying‐Chi , Chen Ya‐Fang , Cheng Yu‐Wen , Chen Chih‐Hao , Jeng Jiann‐Shing , Tang Sung‐Chun
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

The role of asymptomatic diffusion‐weighted imaging‐positive (aDWI+) lesions in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) patients remains unclear, and their radiographic features may differ from those of symptomatic diffusion‐weighted imaging‐positive (sDWI+) lesions. We aimed to investigate the clinicoradiographic characteristics of aDWI+ lesions in CADASIL patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Taiwan CADASIL Registry. aDWI+ lesions were defined as incidentally detected DWI+ lesions without corresponding acute neurological deficits. We compared the baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without aDWI+ lesions and analyzed their radiological features and evolution in relation to sDWI+ lesions.

Results

Among 154 enrolled patients (mean age 62 ± 10 years), 17 (11%) had aDWI+ lesions. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups, but those with aDWI+ lesions had more lacunes (median 8 vs. 2), multiple cerebral microbleeds (CMBs; 85% vs. 40%), and anterior temporal white matter hyperintensity (WMH; 47% vs. 14%). Multivariable analysis showed that aDWI+ lesions were associated with anterior temporal WMH (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 1.5–21.0) after adjusting for multiple lacunes, multiple CMBs, and total WMH score. Compared to sDWI+ lesions, aDWI+ lesions were more often small infarcts (<1 cm; 89% vs. 23%) and less likely to involve the corticospinal tract (11% vs. 96%). Among the 11 aDWI+ lesions with follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging, seven became microinfarcts, three became lacunes, and one disappeared.

Conclusions

aDWI+ lesions in CADASIL are not uncommon and are associated with higher burdens of small vessel disease and anterior temporal WMH. Further research is needed to assess their long‐term impact on CADASIL.
Longitudinal associations between parents' job characteristics, parenting, and adolescent academic outcomes
Authors: McCredie Kate , Hokke Stacey , Leach Liana S. , Cooklin Amanda R.
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study sought to understand the prospective relationship between parents' jobs, parenting, and adolescents' subsequent school performance.

Background

Recent research shows that parents' poor job quality and work–family conflict (WFC) are adversely associated with young people's mental health and socioemotional well‐being, with much less known about impacts on adolescents' academic outcomes.

Method

We used data from a nationally representative Australian cohort study to test a longitudinal model linking parents' job characteristics, WFC, and parenting warmth and irritability in early high school, and adolescents' academic achievement in middle high school. Separate models were run for mothers (N = 2,676) and fathers (N = 2,615), and additional multigroup models examined differences between low‐income and middle‐ and high‐income parents.

Results

Findings suggest that parents' WFC increases parenting irritability, which in turn is adversely associated with academic outcomes, particularly for low‐income mothers. Findings also showed that low‐income fathers' WFC was directly associated with poorer academic outcomes.

Conclusion

Parents' WFC in early high school may affect adolescents' achievement in middle high school, with some risks compounded for low‐income households.

Implications

This study is among the first to establish a relationship between parents' WFC and adolescents' academic performance and highlights the importance of parents' job resources in supporting adolescent academic outcomes.
Child emotional problems: Associations with maternal distress and parenting practices
Authors: Xiao Bowen , Wang Jingyao , Feng Yuemin , Wang Shumin , Li Yan
Published: October 2024

Objective

The primary aim of the present study was to explore the associations among COVID‐19 distress, maternal parenting practices (e.g., adaptive and maladaptive parenting), COVID‐19 exposure, and emotional problems of preschoolers (ages 3 to 6) in Chinese culture.

Background

In the current study, we focused on Shanghai kindergarteners who, due to the complete COVID‐19 citywide lockdown, experienced an interruption in learning and social interaction.

Method

Participants were 382 mothers of children (Mage = 5.49 years, SD = 0.62; 53.4% boys) from one kindergarten in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Upon obtaining consent, mothers completed the measures (administered via an online survey website) of COVID‐19 exposure, COVID‐19 distress, and maternal parenting practices and child's emotional problems.

Results

Our main finding showed that the relation between COVID‐19 exposure and children's emotional problems is serially explained by COVID‐19 distress and maladaptive parenting.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic has induced and exacerbated a variety of stressors that impact mothers' parenting behavior, which in turn exacerbated child emotional problems.

Implications

This research adds to our understanding of the negative impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Chinese families.
Effect of pressure, temperature, and particle size on cold sintered ZnO for transparent thick films on polymer substrates
Authors: Button C. A. , Mantheakis E. , Wang G. , Reaney I. M.
Published: October 2024

The role of pressure, temperature, and particle size on cold sintering of ZnO has been investigated with a view to developing transparent thick films for device applications. Coarse ZnO (∼90–250 nm, cZnO) particles exhibited equiaxed grain growth under all conditions eventually achieving grain sizes of ∼ 0.5–1.0 µm at 300°C/375 MPa. In contrast, nano‐ZnO (40–80 nm, nZnO), exhibited grain growth along the c‐axis with a broader grain size distribution (0.5–4 µm) at higher temperatures and pressure (300°C/375 MPa) than cZnO. The broader grain size distribution is attributed to greater dissolution for nZnO compared with cZnO coupled with redistribution of Zn acetate/acetic acid into pores. ZnO continues to dissolve and reprecipitate within the pores throughout the densification process resulting in localized, larger grain sizes. In plane grain growth normal to the pressing direction was observed at and near the sample surface particularly in nZnO, which is attributed to constrained‐sintering. Some abnormal grain growth (10–20 µm) was also sporadically observed near or at the surface of nZnO (300°C/375 MPa) due to greater rates of reprecipitation as the transient solvent volatilizes adjacent to the die wall/plunger. Tape casting was used to fabricate single and multiple layers (≈30 µm) of ZnO on Kapton® to demonstrate the potential for device fabrication. Transparency was achieved by choosing cold sintering conditions (200°C/250 MPa) for nZnO that gave ∼95% relative density while restricting a majority of grain growth to <200 nm so that internal light scattering from grain boundaries was avoided.
Tailoring the stoichiometry in NdNbO4 for advanced thermal barrier coating applications
Authors: Indupuri Satish , Kumar Rahul , Kumar K. Vijay , Kiran P. Sai , Kumari Priyanka , Kumar Keshri Anup
Published: October 2024

RENbO4 ceramics have the potential to serve as a viable alternative to YSZ for advanced thermal barrier coatings. However, the fabrication of stoichiometric plasma spray RENbO4 coatings remains unexplored. Herein, we proposed a strategy to deposit a stoichiometric NdNbO4 coating using the atmospheric plasma spray technique. This was accomplished by the addition of excess Nb2O5 in feedstock powder to compensate for the evaporated Nb2O5 during the plasma spray process. The influence of powder composition and critical plasma spray parameters (CPSP) on the microstructure and phase formation of NdNbO4 coatings were characterized. Further, quantitative assessment of Nb2O5 evaporation with varying plasma parameters was also characterized using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, the support vector machines (SVM) model was used to construct a relation between the initial powder composition, CPSP, and stoichiometry of the coating. This strategy can be used for the fabrication of stoichiometric RENbO4 coatings for next‐generation thermal barrier coatings.
LTF ameliorates cartilage endplate degeneration by suppressing calcification, senescence and matrix degradation through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Li Tao , Liu Yuchi , Cao Jian , Pan Chongzhi , Ding Rui , Zhao Jiangminghao , Liu Jiahao , He Dingwen , Jia Jingyu , Cheng Xigao
Published: October 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD)‐induced cervical and lumbar herniations are debilitating diseases. The function of intervertebral disc (IVD) mainly depends on the cartilage endplate (CEP), which provides support and waste removal. Therefore, IDD stems from the degeneration of CEP. Our study shows that the expression of lactotransferrin (LTF), an iron‐binding protein, is significantly decreased in degenerated human and rat CEP tissues. In addition, we found that LTF knockdown promoted calcification, senescence, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in human endplate chondrocytes. Furthermore, the in vivo experiment results confirmed that the JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor AG490 significantly reversed these effects. In addition to investigating the role and mechanism of LTF in CEP degeneration, this study provides a theoretical basis and experimental evidence to improve IDD treatment.
A multisite feasibility study of integrated cognitive‐behavioral treatment for co‐existing nocturia and chronic insomnia
Authors: Fung Constance H. , Huang Alison J. , Markland Alayne D. , Schembri Michael , Martin Jennifer L. , Bliwise Donald L. , Cheng Jing , Alessi Cathy A. , Johnson Theodore M. , Burgio Kathryn L. , Muirhead Lisa , Neymark Alison , Der‐Mcleod Erin , Sergent Taressa , Chang Ann , Bauer Scott R. , Spencer Colette , Guzman Andrew , Vaughan Camille P.
Published: October 2024

Background

Nocturia (waking from sleep at night to void) and chronic insomnia frequently co‐exist in older adults, contributing synergistically to sleep disturbance. Treatments typically target either nocturia or insomnia rather than simultaneously addressing shared mechanisms for these disorders.

Methods

We conducted a multisite feasibility study to: (1) test and refine a protocol for recruitment, randomization, and assessment of older adults with co‐existing nocturia and insomnia; and (2) examine preliminary changes in outcome measures to inform a future larger, multisite clinical trial. Participants were men and women aged 60 years and older recruited from outpatient clinics, reporting an average of two or more nocturia episodes per night over the past 4 weeks and meeting diagnostic criteria for chronic insomnia disorder. Participants were randomized to receive either integrated cognitive‐behavioral therapy for insomnia and nocturia or a health education control program involving five weekly visits with a trained nurse practitioner interventionist. Outcomes (e.g., nocturia episodes) were measured 1‐week post‐treatment and 4‐month post‐randomization. Descriptive statistics examined the feasibility of outcomes to guide preparations for a future efficacy trial.

Results

Of 245 adults screened, 55% were ineligible and 25% declined to participate. Sixty‐one percent of 49 participants who provided informed consent were randomized. Of the 30 participants randomized (mean age = 70.6 years, 60% White), 14 were assigned to integrated cognitive‐behavioral treatment and 16 to the control group. All randomized participants provided 4‐month follow‐up data. At 4 months, mean nightly nocturia episodes decreased by 0.9 (SD 1.0) in the integrated treatment group and by 0.2 (SD 1.2) in the control group compared with baseline.

Discussion

Findings demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting, randomizing, and collecting outcome data from older adults (predominantly male) assigned to an integrated cognitive‐behavioral therapy for coexisting insomnia and nocturia or a health education control program.
Slowly expanding lesions are associated with disease activity and gray matter loss in relapse‐onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yokote Hiroaki , Miyazaki Yusei , Fujimori Juichi , Nishida Yoichiro , Toru Shuta , Niino Masaaki , Nakashima Ichiro , Miura Yoshiharu , Yokota Takanori
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Slowly expanding lesions (SELs) have been proposed as novel MRI markers of chronic active lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the mechanism through which SELs affect brain volume loss in patients with MS remains unknown. Additionally, the prevalence and significance of SELs in Asian patients with MS remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between SELs and no evidence of disease activity (NEDA)‐3 status as well as brain volume loss in Japanese patients.

Methods

A total of 99 patients with relapse‐onset MS were retrospectively evaluated. SELs were identified on brain MRI based on local deformation when consecutive scans were registered longitudinally. We developed a logistic regression model and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to evaluate the association between the number of SELs and disease activity and changes in brain volume.

Results

During the observation period (2.0 ± 0.22 years), 35 patients developed at least one SEL. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that ≥2 SELs were associated with 0.2 times the risk of achieving a NEDA‐3 status. GLMMs revealed that the number of SELs was negatively associated with volume changes in the cortex (p = .00169) and subcortical gray matter (p = .00964) after correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

SELs were identified in Japanese patients with MS during the 2‐year observation period. The number of SELs is associated with disease activity and brain volume loss, suggesting that the number of SELs could be a biomarker of disease activity in MS.
Efficacy and Safety of Lemborexant for Insomnia Patients With Nocturia—A Prospective Study
Authors: Togo Yoshikazu , Kaizuka Yohei , Nagasawa Seiji , Kajio Keisuke , Kondoh Nobuyuki , Taguchi Keizo
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Nocturia is considered a clinical problem when nocturnal urinary frequency is two or more times. For affected patients, development of depression, falling, and increased mortality rate are matters of concern. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of lemborexant for insomnia patients with nocturia.

Methods

Insomnia patients (Athens Insomnia Scale [AIS] ≥ 6) who typically awoke twice or more during the night to urinate and were examined at our institutions from June 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled. Each was administrated 5 mg of lemborexant, one tablet, daily for 4 weeks. Total AIS score, nocturia frequency, individual frequency‐volume chart findings, and N‐QOL score were examined before and after administration.

Results

Of the 37 patients recruited, 5 were excluded, thus 32 were enrolled and subjected to analyses. Following lemborexant therapy, the mean AIS total score was significantly decreased from 11.4 to 7.8 (p < 0.01) as was mean number of nocturia episodes from 3.4 to 2.3 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean single voided urine volume at night was significantly increased from 182.5 to 225.3 mL (p < 0.001)and mean period of undisturbed sleep was significantly extended from 105.3 to 174.8 min (p < 0.001), while mean total N‐QOL score was significantly improved from 49.6% to 64.8% (p < 0.001). As for adverse events, mild somnolence was observed in three cases.

Conclusions

Lemborexant may be effective and safe for use in insomniac patients with nocturia.
Resolving disputes in mediated “gig” work: How marketplace structure influences the impartiality of dispute handling by labor market intermediaries
Authors: Corporaal Greetje F. , Lehdonvirta Vili
Published: October 2024

Scholars of work disputes have mostly focused on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) by employer organizations. With the context of work changing, disputes in mediated “gig” work should also be subject to scholarly analysis. To examine factors influencing the impartiality of ADR by labor market intermediaries, we focus on intermediary dispute handlers and the relationships these private regulators have with dispute parties. Building on the ethnography of disputing literature, we uncover how, depending on the structure of their marketplaces, intermediaries may frame their third‐party role differently and influencing the impartiality of their ADR processes. The paper illustrates this point, drawing on fieldwork inside a labor platform and a temporary staffing agency. Existing explanations focus on the promise of impartiality of ADR by an external third‐party. Using interview, observational, and archival data, we analyze third‐party roles in mediated labor markets and posit that impartiality is primarily linked to marketplace structure.
Causality of visceral adipose tissue on chronic kidney disease and renal function measure indicators, and mediation role of hypertension: Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Teng‐Yu , Wang Jun‐Chi , Zhao Qi‐Jian , Zhou Xiang‐Ning , Jiang Yu‐Ting , Ren Lian , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2024

Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with obesity, few studies have used visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as an indicator to investigate its causal effect on CKD. Therefore, Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to study the causal effects of VAT on CKD and its potential mediation by hypertension. Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) statistics on VAT exposure were obtained from the UK Biobank, while GWAS datasets of CKD outcomes were obtained from CKDGen and FinnGen (validation study). Furthermore, VAT was considered the exposure, with the estimated glomerular filtration rate based on creatinine (eGFR (crea)), estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C (eGFR(cys)), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) employed to assess the causal effect of VAT on kidney test indicators. Lastly, a two‐step MR method was used to study the mediating role of hypertension in the pathogenesis of VAT among patients with CKD. VAT exhibited a positive causal association with CKD, irrespective of whether the GWAS datasets from CKDGen (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.29, P = 1.433140e−04) or FinnGen (1.47, 1.30 to 1.67, p = 2.500000e−09). VAT was not causally associated with eGFR (crea) (1.00, 0.99 to 1.00, p = 0.53), was negatively associated with eGFR (cys) (0.95, 0.93 to 0.97, P = 5.070000e−10), and was positively associated with BUN (1.02,1.01 to 1.02, P = 7.824860e−04). The mediating effect of VAT on CKD via hypertension was 45.8% (95% CI: 26.4 65.1). VAT has a positive causal effect on CKD, with hypertension playing a significant role. However, the effects of VAT on renal function indicators require further investigation.
Socioeconomic status self‐deception as a way to perpetuate classist societies
Authors: Melita Davide , Alcañiz‐Colomer Joaquín , Matamoros‐Lima Juan , Ríos Silvestre Ariza , Moya Miguel
Published: October 2024

Socioeconomic status self‐deception refers to the motivated tendency to perceive oneself as having a higher subjective status than would correspond to objective conditions. This can be a powerful mechanism to legitimize the social order. We proposed that when people perceive the surrounding social environment to be classist, people tend to self‐deceive themselves by overestimating their socioeconomic status. This mechanism, in turn, would lead to justify the system to a higher extent and show less support for redistribution, and reduce relative deprivation and status anxiety. These hypotheses were tested across four pre‐registered studies on different high‐quality samples, different operationalization of the variables in our model, and both cross‐sectional and longitudinal observations. On the one hand, the results do not provide evidence of a link between perceiving a classist climate and socioeconomic status self‐deception. On the other hand, socioeconomic status self‐deception was confirmed to predict higher system justification, and lower support for redistribution, status anxiety and relative deprivation. The construct and operationalization of socioeconomic status self‐deception proposed in this research could help reconcile opposing predictions by system justification theory and social dominance theory, and understand why individuals low on socioeconomic status would oppose policies which could benefit them.
Assessing motivational biases in brain and behavior: Event‐related potential and response time concomitants of the approach–avoidance task
Authors: Sege Christopher T. , Lopez James W. , Hellman Natalie M. , McTeague Lisa M.
Published: October 2024

The approach–avoidance task (AAT) is designed to measure implicit motivated action biases instantiated by emotional stimuli and alterations in such biases that drive psychiatric disorder. While some research has measured AAT event‐related potential (ERP) correlates to establish bias sensitivity even at a neural level, a lack of work with unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral stimuli together and a common focus on psychiatric disorder‐matched (rather than generally emotional) content limits conclusions that can be drawn. Thus, current work extends the AAT literature by testing ERP modulations across normatively unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral conditions; and supporting the task's use as an individual difference assessment, it also provides data on AAT reliability and initially explores anxiety‐related effects when stimuli are not disorder‐matched. In 38 participants including 19 anxiety treatment‐seeking individuals, 32 sensor electroencephalography revealed robust N100, N200, and late positive potential (LPP) ERP components and bias‐consistent modulations for unpleasant images (reduced N200s on unpleasant push relative to pull trials; enhanced LPP for unpleasant compared to neutral trials). Meanwhile, modulations were less consistent with emotion‐driven bias for other conditions—that is, LPPs were enhanced but N200 was not modulated for pleasant images, and for neutral images, N200 was unexpectedly enhanced on push compared to pull trials. Following these analyses, reliability tests revealed excellent raw ERP reliabilities but lower reliabilities for modulation scores, and comparing treatment‐ to non‐treatment‐seeking groups showed no preliminary indication of ERP modulation changes when stimuli are not personally relevant. How these findings together inform understanding of AAT as a measure of bias is discussed.
Memory detection with concurrent behavioral, autonomic, and neuroimaging measures in a mock crime
Authors: Wang Chongxiang , Yi Xingyu , Li Hongrui , Ke Ni , Lei Zhili , Fu Genyue , Lin Xiaohong Allison
Published: October 2024

Concealed information test (CIT) has been utilized for long to perform single measurements. The combination of multiple measures outperforms single measures because of the diverse cognitive processes they reflect and the reduction in random errors facilitated by multiple measures. To further explore the performance of the CIT with multiple measurements, 57 participants were recruited and randomly assigned into guilty and innocent groups. Subsequently, simultaneously recorded reaction time (RT), skin conductance responses (SCRs), heart rate (HR), and neuroimaging data were collected from functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect participants' concealed information in a standard CIT. The results demonstrated that all indicators including RT (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.87), SCRs (AUC = 0.79), HR (AUC = 0.78), and fNIRS (channel 8, AUC = 0.85) could differentiate guilty and innocent groups. Importantly, the use of multiple indicators achieved higher detection efficiency (AUC = 0.96) compared to the use of any single indicator. These results illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of integrating multiple indicators for concealed information detection in CIT.
Heavenly metrics, hyper‐Lagrangians and Joyce structures
Authors: Dunajski Maciej , Moy Timothy
Published: October 2024

In [Proc. Sympos. Pure Math., American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 2021, pp. 1–66], Bridgeland defined a geometric structure, named a Joyce structure, conjectured to exist on the space of stability conditions of a triangulated category. Given a non‐degeneracy assumption, a feature of this structure is a complex hyper‐Kähler metric with homothetic symmetry on the total space of the holomorphic tangent bundle. Generalising the isomonodromy calculation which leads to the Joyce structure in [Math. Ann. 385 (2023), 193–258], we obtain an explicit expression for a hyper‐Kähler metric with homothetic symmetry via construction of the isomonodromic flows of a Schrödinger equation with deformed polynomial oscillator potential of odd‐degree . The metric is defined on a total space of complex dimension and fibres over a ‐dimensional manifold which can be identified with the unfolding of the ‐singularity. The hyper‐Kähler structure is shown to be compatible with the natural symplectic structure on in the sense of admitting an affine symplectic fibration as defined in [Lett. Math. Phys. 111 (2021), 54]. Separately, using the additional conditions imposed by a Joyce structure, we consider reductions of Plebański's heavenly equations that govern the hyper‐Kähler condition. We introduce the notion of a projectable hyper‐Lagrangian foliation and show that in dimension four such a foliation of leads to a linearisation of the heavenly equation. The hyper‐Kähler metrics constructed here are shown to admit such a foliation.
Diophantine approximation by rational numbers of certain parity types
Authors: Kim Dong Han , Lee Seul Bee , Liao Lingmin
Published: October 2024

For a given irrational number, we consider the properties of best rational approximations of given parities. There are three different kinds of rational numbers according to the parity of the numerator and denominator, say odd/odd, even/odd, and odd/even rational numbers. We study algorithms to find best approximations by rational numbers of given parities and compare these algorithms with continued fraction expansions.
Pacific Ocean Windspeeds Prediction by Gaidai Multivariate Risks Evaluation Method, Utilizing Self-Deconvolution
Authors: Gaidai Oleg
Published: October 2024

The current study advances research on the consequences of global climate change by utilizing the novel Gaidai multivariate risks evaluation methodology to conduct spatiotemporal analysis of areal windspeeds. Multidimensional structural and environmental dynamic systems that have been either physically observed or numerically simulated over a representative time-lapse are particularly suitable for the Gaidai risks evaluation methodology. Current research also presents a novel non-parametric deconvolution extrapolation method. As this study has shown, given in situ environmental input, it is possible to accurately predict environmental system hazard risks, based even on a limited underlying dataset. Furthermore, because of their complex nonlinear cross-correlations between various environmental system-critical dimensions or components and large dimensionality, environmental dynamic systems are difficult to handle using traditional methods for evaluating risks. In the North Pacific, close to the Hawaiian Islands, NOAA buoys gathered raw in situ wind speed data, which has been utilized in the current study. Areal ocean wind speeds constitute quite a complex environmental dynamic system that is challenging to analyze because of its nonlinear, multidimensional, cross-correlated nature. Global warming had impacts on ocean windspeeds in the recent decade. Developing novel state-of-the-art environmental system risk evaluation methods is a principal component of modern offshore structural analysis in light of adverse weather. The advocated novel risk/hazard assessment approach may be used for resilient island cities design, especially those that are near ocean shore and hence exposed to extreme weather.
Dynamical Casimir effect with screened scalar fields
Authors: Báez-Camargo Ana Lucía , Hartley Daniel , Käding Christian , Fuentes Ivette
Published: October 2024

Understanding the nature of dark energy and dark matter is one of modern physics' greatest open problems. Scalar-tensor theories with screened scalar fields like the chameleon model are among the most popular proposed solutions. In this article, we present the first analysis of the impact of a chameleon field on the dynamical Casimir effect, whose main feature is the particle production associated with a resonant condition of boundary periodic motion in cavities. For this, we employ a recently developed method to compute the evolution of confined quantum scalar fields in a globally hyperbolic spacetime by means of time-dependent Bogoliubov transformations. As a result, we show that particle production is reduced due to the presence of the chameleon field. In addition, our results for the Bogoliubov coefficients and the mean number of created particles agree with known results in the absence of a chameleon field. Our results initiate the discussion of the evolution of quantum fields on screened scalar field backgrounds.