bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Inconsistencies in Thermohydraulic Characteristics Between Experimental and Numerical Data for DI Water Flow Through a Rectangular Microchannel
Authors: Schepperle Mark , Samkhaniani Nima , Magnini Mirco , Woias Peter , Stroh Alexander
Published: December 2023

Facing discrepancies between numerical simulation, experimental measurement, and theory is common in studies of fluid flow and heat transfer in microchannels. The cause of these discrepancies is often linked to the transition from the macroscale to the microscale, where the flow dynamics might be expected to deviate due to possible changes in dominant forces. In this work, an attempt is made to achieve agreement between experiment, numerical simulation, and theoretical description within the usual framework of laminar flow theory. For this purpose, the pressure drop, friction factor, and Poiseuille number under isothermal conditions and the temperature profile, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and thermal performance index under diabatic conditions (heating power of 10 W) in a heat sink with a stainless steel microchannel with a hydraulic diameter of 850 μm were investigated numerically and experimentally for mass flow rates between 1 and 68 gmin−1. The source of inconsistencies in pressure drop characteristics is found to be linked to the geometrical details of the utilized microchannel, for example, the design of inlet/outlet manifolds, the artifacts of manufacturing technique, and other features of the experimental test rig. For the heat transfer characteristics, it is identified that an appropriate estimation of the outer boundary condition for the numerical simulation remains the crucial challenge to obtain a reasonable agreement. The paper provides a detailed overview of how to account for these details to mitigate the discrepancies and to establish a handshake between experiments, numerical simulations, and theory.
Synthesis and Analysis of Plane–Space Switching Mechanisms Based on a Plane-Symmetric Eight-Bar Linkage
Authors: Liu Jingfang , Zuo Haoran , Ding Huafeng , Li Meng
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a novel synthesis method for constructing plane–space switching mechanisms based on the symmetric plane of the regular prism. First, the structure equation and motion characteristic of plane-symmetric eight-bar linkage are presented. Then, the plane-symmetric seven-bar linkage and rhombic Bricard linkage are obtained by locking the joint of the eight-bar linkage. Four types of plane–space switching mechanisms are constructed based on the synthesis method and switching linkage units. These switching mechanisms can expand completely into planar configurations and fold completely into spatial configurations. Subsequently, the kinematics of the coupled branch chain is analyzed, through which the folded and contractive characteristics of the mechanism are revealed. Then, the concept of the distributed circle of joints is proposed, and the enveloping performance of the mechanism is approximately analyzed. This paper provides a new idea and synthesis method for designing new deployable mechanisms.
Selective tuning of nasal coarticulation and hyperarticulation across slow-clear, casual, and fast-clear speech styles
Authors: Cohn Michelle , Zellou Georgia
Published: December 2023

This study investigates how California English speakers adjust nasal coarticulation and hyperarticulation on vowels across three speech styles: speaking slowly and clearly (imagining a hard-of-hearing addressee), casually (imagining a friend/family member addressee), and speaking quickly and clearly (imagining being an auctioneer). Results show covariation in speaking rate and vowel hyperarticulation across the styles. Additionally, results reveal that speakers produce more extensive anticipatory nasal coarticulation in the slow-clear speech style, in addition to a slower speech rate. These findings are interpreted in terms of accounts of coarticulation in which speakers selectively tune their production of nasal coarticulation based on the speaking style.
Emotional prosody perception and production are linked in prelingually deaf children with cochlear implants
Authors: Chatterjee Monita , Feller Ava , Kulkarni Aditya M. , Galvin John J.
Published: December 2023

Links between perception and production of emotional prosody by children with cochlear implants (CIs) have not been extensively explored. In this study, production and perception of emotional prosody were measured in 20 prelingually deaf school-age children with CIs. All were implanted by the age of 3, and most by 18 months. Emotion identification was well-predicted by prosody productions in terms of voice pitch modulation and duration. This finding supports the idea that in prelingually deaf children with CIs, production of emotional prosody is associated with access to auditory cues that support the perception of emotional prosody.
School shootings increase NRA donations
Authors: Roemer Tobias
Published: December 2023

The United States has experienced a tragic increase in school shootings in recent years. Despite substantial media attention being paid to such incidents and widespread support for stricter gun control measures, substantial legislative action remains absent, however. To make sense of this puzzle, this paper focuses on the mobilizing responses of gun rights supporters in the aftermath of such events. Using granular data from 225,000 donations to the NRA’s political action committee in a difference-in-differences design, this study provides causal estimates showing substantial increases in both donation amounts and donor numbers after school shootings. These results provide insight into the counter-mobilizing responses of the pro-gun political right after shootings. In contrast to the typically transient nature of gun control movements, these counter-mobilizing responses are notably durable. The results of this study have important implications for our understanding of the complexities of, and obstacles to, gun regulation in the United States.
Role of hierarchy structure on the mechanical adaptation of self-healing hydrogels under cyclic stretching
Authors: Li Xueyu , Cui Kunpeng , Zheng Yong , Ye Ya Nan , Yu Chengtao , Yang Wenqi , Nakajima Tasuku , Gong Jian Ping
Published: December 2023

Soft materials with mechanical adaptability have substantial potential for various applications in tissue engineering. Gaining a deep understanding of the structural evolution and adaptation dynamics of soft materials subjected to cyclic stretching gives insight into developing mechanically adaptive materials. Here, we investigate the effect of hierarchy structure on the mechanical adaptation of self-healing hydrogels under cyclic stretching training. A polyampholyte hydrogel, composed of hierarchical structures including ionic bonds, transient and permanent polymer networks, and bicontinuous hard/soft-phase networks, is adopted as a model. Conditions for effective training, mild overtraining, and fatal overtraining are demonstrated in soft materials. We further reveal that mesoscale hard/soft-phase networks dominate the long-term memory effect of training and play a crucial role in the asymmetric dynamics of compliance changes and the symmetric dynamics of hydrogel shape evolution. Our findings provide insights into the design of hierarchical structures for adaptive soft materials.
3D-printed multilayer structures for high–numerical aperture achromatic metalenses
Authors: Pan Cheng-Feng , Wang Hao , Wang Hongtao , S Parvathi Nair , Ruan Qifeng , Wredh Simon , Ke Yujie , Chan John You En , Zhang Wang , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Yang Joel K. W.
Published: December 2023

Flat optics consisting of nanostructures of high–refractive index materials produce lenses with thin form factors that tend to operate only at specific wavelengths. Recent attempts to achieve achromatic lenses uncover a trade-off between the numerical aperture (NA) and bandwidth, which limits performance. Here, we propose a new approach to design high-NA, broadband, and polarization-insensitive multilayer achromatic metalenses (MAMs). We combine topology optimization and full-wave simulations to inversely design MAMs and fabricate the structures in low–refractive index materials by two-photon polymerization lithography. MAMs measuring 20 μm in diameter operating in the visible range of 400 to 800 nm with 0.5 and 0.7 NA were achieved with efficiencies of up to 42%. We demonstrate broadband imaging performance of the fabricated MAM under white light and RGB narrowband illuminations. These results highlight the potential of the 3D-printed multilayer structures for realizing broadband and multifunctional meta-devices with inverse design.
An evolutionarily conserved serine protease network mediates melanization and Toll activation in
Drosophila
Authors: Shan Tisheng , Wang Yang , Bhattarai Krishna , Jiang Haobo
Published: December 2023

Melanization and Toll pathway activation are essential innate immune mechanisms in insects, which result in the generation of reactive compounds and antimicrobial peptides, respectively, to kill pathogens. These two processes are mediated by phenoloxidase (PO) and Spätzle (Spz) through an extracellular network of serine proteases. While some proteases have been identified in
Drosophila melanogaster
in genetic studies, the exact order of proteolytic activation events remains controversial. Here, we reconstituted the serine protease framework in
Drosophila
by biochemical methods. This system comprises 10 proteases, i.e., ModSP, cSP48, Grass, Psh, Hayan-PA, Hayan-PB, Sp7, MP1, SPE and Ser7, which form cascade pathways that recognize microbial molecular patterns and virulence factors, and generate PO1, PO2, and Spz from their precursors. Furthermore, the serpin Necrotic negatively regulates the immune response progression by inhibiting ModSP and Grass. The biochemical approach, when combined with genetic analysis, is crucial for addressing problems that long stand in this important research field.
Beating resonance patterns and extreme power flux skewing in anisotropic elastic plates
Authors: Kiefer Daniel A. , Mezil Sylvain , Prada Claire
Published: December 2023

Elastic waves in anisotropic media can exhibit a power flux that is not collinear with the wave vector. This has notable consequences for waves guided in a plate. Through laser-ultrasonic experiments, we evidence remarkable phenomena due to slow waves in a single-crystal silicon wafer. Waves exhibiting power flux orthogonal to their wave vector are identified. A pulsed line source that excites these waves reveals a wave packet radiated parallel to the line. Furthermore, there exist precisely eight plane waves with zero power flux. These so-called zero–group-velocity modes are oriented along the crystal’s principal axes. Time acts as a filter in the wave-vector domain that selects these modes. Thus, a point source leads to beating resonance patterns with moving nodal curves on the surface of the infinite plate. We observe this pattern as it emerges naturally after a pulsed excitation.
Effecting change in the aftermath of school shootings
Authors: Bartos Bradley J.
Published: December 2023

School shootings energize pro-gun advocates but better organized and more enduring gun control efforts could affect legislative change after such tragedies.
TrkA-mediated sensory innervation of injured mouse tendon supports tendon sheath progenitor cell expansion and tendon repair
Authors: Cherief Masnsen , Xu Jiajia , Li Zhao , Tower Robert J. , Ramesh Sowmya , Qin Qizhi , Gomez-Salazar Mario , Yea Ji-Hye , Lee Seungyong , Negri Stefano , Xu Mingxin , Price Theodore , Kendal Adrian R. , Fan Chen-Ming , Clemens Thomas L. , Levi Benjamin , James Aaron W.
Published: December 2023

Peripheral neurons terminate at the surface of tendons partly to relay nociceptive pain signals; however, the role of peripheral nerves in tendon injury and repair remains unclear. Here, we show that after Achilles tendon injury in mice, there is new nerve growth near tendon cells that express nerve growth factor (NGF). Conditional deletion of the
Ngf
gene in either myeloid or mesenchymal mouse cells limited both innervation and tendon repair. Similarly, inhibition of the NGF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) abrogated tendon healing in mouse tendon injury. Sural nerve transection blocked the postinjury increase in tendon sensory innervation and the expansion of tendon sheath progenitor cells (TSPCs) expressing tubulin polymerization promoting protein family member 3. Single cell and spatial transcriptomics revealed that disruption of sensory innervation resulted in dysregulated inflammatory signaling and transforming growth factor–β (TGFβ) signaling in injured mouse tendon. Culture of mouse TSPCs with conditioned medium from dorsal root ganglia neuron further supported a role for neuronal mediators and TGFβ signaling in TSPC proliferation. Transcriptomic and histologic analyses of injured human tendon biopsy samples supported a role for innervation and TGFβ signaling in human tendon regeneration. Last, treating mice after tendon injury systemically with a small-molecule partial agonist of TrkA increased neurovascular response, TGFβ signaling, TSPC expansion, and tendon tissue repair. Although further studies should investigate the potential effects of denervation on mechanical loading of tendon, our results suggest that peripheral innervation is critical for the regenerative response after acute tendon injury.
Intravascular placement and migration of a colonic stent into the inferior mesenteric vein
Authors: Paolini Michael , Brozovich Marc , Kostiuk Andrew , Stahlfeld Kurt
Published: December 2023

Colonic self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are commonly used to treat large bowel obstruction due to gastrointestinal malignancy with great success. While mortality is negligible, morbidity from both early and late complications can be significant. Stent perforation, erosion and migration are the most feared complications. We present the first reported case of wire-associated colon perforation with placement and migration of an SEMS into the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). A man in his early 60s presented with a large bowel obstruction due to a colorectal mass. He underwent endoscopic colonic SEMS placement for colonic decompression. The stent was later found to be within the IMV, requiring a colon resection and retrieval of the stent.
ICAM-1 and CRP as biomarkers of 3-month outcome in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Rakhimbaeva Gulnora Sattarovna , Abdurakhmonova Kutlibika Bakhtiyor kizi
Published: December 2023

Background

It is clear that, inflammation deteriorates cerebral injury during the acute phase of stroke. While this process is going on, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) has a crucial role to play in mediating migration of immune cells into the damaged area. Furthermore, C reactive protein (CRP) is an essential inflammatory molecule in human organism. This research aims to investigate the association between ICAM-1, highly sensitive CRP(hs-CRP) and the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

118 patients with AIS who were treated at Tashkent Medical Academy were participants in this research project. Blood samples were collected from patients on an empty stomach within 24 hours of admission. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used in order to assess the functional prognosis in 3 months following the case of stroke in patients. The inadequate prognosis is described as mRS≥3. Each biomarker’s potential to predict has also been evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

ICAM-1 was identified to be an independent predictor of 3-month outcome (OR 1.05, 95 % CI 0.848 to 1.625; p=0.02) (area under the curve (AUC)=0.82 %). Independent associations with functional outcome were also found to be true for hs-CRP (OR 1.22, 95 % CI 0.78 to 1.86; p=0.03) (AUC=0.74 %).

Conclusions

The outcomes of a 3-month study carried out on patients with AIS showed ICAM-1 and hs-CRP to be independent predictors.
Mitogenome evolution in Trichoderma afroharzianum strains: for a better understanding of distinguishing genus
Authors: Özkale Evrim , Doğan Özgül , Budak Mahir , Mahir Korkmaz Ertan
Published: December 2023

Trichoderma afroharzianum ( Hypocreales) is known as an important mycoparasite and biocontrol fungus and feeds on fungal material by parasitizing other fungi. Recent studies indicate that this species is also an ear rot pathogen in Europe. Here, the complete mitochondrial genome of three T. afroharzianum strains was sequenced using next-generation sequencing and comparatively characterized by the reported Trichoderma mitogenomes. T. afroharzianum mitogenomes were varying between 29 511 bp and 29 517 bp in length, with an average A + T content of 72.32%. These mitogenomes contain 14 core protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, one gene encoding the ribosomal protein S3, and three or four genes including conserved domains for the homing endonucleases (HEGs; GIY-YIG type and LAGLIDADG type). All PCGs are initiated by ATG codons, except for atp8, and all are terminated with TAA. A significant correlation was observed between nucleotide composition and codon preference. Four introns belonging to the group I intron class were predicted, accounting for about 14.54% of the size of the mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the positions of T. afroharzianum strains within the genus of Trichoderma and supported a sister group relationship between T. afroharzianum and T. simmonsii. The recovered trees also supported the monophyly of all included families and of the genus of Acremonium. The characterization of mitochondrial genome of T. afroharzianum contributes to the understanding of phylogeny and evolution of Hypocreales.
On negative mass, partition function and entropy
Authors: Campos S. D.
Published: December 2023

This work examines some aspects related to the existence of negative mass. The requirement for the partition function to converge leads to two distinct approaches. Initially, convergence is achieved by assuming a negative absolute temperature, which results in an imaginary partition function and complex entropy. Subsequently, convergence is maintained by keeping the absolute temperature positive while introducing an imaginary velocity. This modification leads to a positive partition function and real entropy. It seems the utilization of imaginary velocity may yield more plausible physical results compared to the use of negative temperature, at least for the partition function and entropy.
Some subvarieties of semirings variety COSn•
Authors: Mao Yilin , Shao Yong , Cheng Yanliang
Published: December 2023

Green’s ∗-relations on semirings satisfying additional identities [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are studied. Equivalent characterizations of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are obtained and equivalent conditions are given for the above relations to be congruences. It is proved that semiring classes determined by these congruences are varieties.
Fairness in Deep Learning: A Survey on Vision and Language Research
Authors: Parraga Otavio , More Martin D. , Oliveira Christian M. , Gavenski Nathan S. , Kupssinskü Lucas S. , Medronha Adilson , Moura Luis V. , Simões Gabriel S. , Barros Rodrigo C.
Published: December 2023

Despite being responsible for state-of-the-art results in several computer vision and natural language processing tasks, neural networks have faced harsh criticism due to some of their current shortcomings. One of them is that neural networks are correlation machines prone to model biases within the data instead of focusing on actual useful causal relationships. This problem is particularly serious in application domains affected by aspects such as race, gender, and age. To prevent models from incurring unfair decision-making, the AI community has concentrated efforts on correcting algorithmic biases, giving rise to the research area now widely known as
fairness in AI
. In this survey paper, we provide an in-depth overview of the main debiasing methods for fairness-aware neural networks in the context of vision and language research. We propose a novel taxonomy that builds upon previous proposals but is tailored for deep learning research to better organize the literature on debiasing methods for fairness. We review all important neural-based methods and evaluation metrics while discussing the current challenges, trends, and important future work directions for the interested researcher and practitioner.
Traceable Group-Wise Self-Optimizing Feature Transformation Learning: A Dual Optimization Perspective
Authors: Xiao Meng , Wang Dongjie , Wu Min , Liu Kunpeng , Xiong Hui , Zhou Yuanchun , Fu Yanjie
Published: December 2023

Feature transformation aims to reconstruct an effective representation space by mathematically refining the existing features. It serves as a pivotal approach to combat the curse of dimensionality, enhance model generalization, mitigate data sparsity, and extend the applicability of classical models. Existing research predominantly focuses on domain knowledge-based feature engineering or learning latent representations. However, these methods, while insightful, lack full automation and fail to yield a traceable and optimal representation space. An indispensable question arises: Can we concurrently address these limitations when reconstructing a feature space for a machine learning task? Our initial work took a pioneering step towards this challenge by introducing a novel self-optimizing framework. This framework leverages the power of three cascading reinforced agents to automatically select candidate features and operations for generating improved feature transformation combinations. Despite the impressive strides made, there was room for enhancing its effectiveness and generalization capability. In this extended journal version, we advance our initial work from two distinct yet interconnected perspectives: 1) We propose a refinement of the original framework, which integrates a graph-based state representation method to capture the feature interactions more effectively and develop different Q-learning strategies to alleviate Q-value overestimation further. 2) We utilize a new optimization technique (actor-critic) to train the entire self-optimizing framework in order to accelerate the model convergence and improve the feature transformation performance. Finally, to validate the improved effectiveness and generalization capability of our framework, we perform extensive experiments and conduct comprehensive analyses. These provide empirical evidence of the strides made in this journal version over the initial work, solidifying our framework’s standing as a substantial contribution to the field of automated feature transformation. To improve the reproducibility, we have released the associated code and data by the Github link https://github.com/coco11563/TKDD2023_code.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy improves glucose-insulin homeostasis by enhancing β-cell function and survival via FGF15/19
Authors: Soares Gabriela M. , Balbo Sandra L. , Bronczek Gabriela A. , Vettorazzi Jean F. , Marmentini Carine , Zangerolamo Lucas , Velloso Lício A. , Carneiro Everardo M.
Published: December 2023

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) decreases insulin secretion, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation in pancreatic islets from obese mice. In addition, VSG increased fibroblast growth factor (FGF)15 circulating levels in obese mice, as well as the expression of FGF receptor 1 ( Fgfr1) and its coreceptor β-klotho ( Klb), both in pancreatic islets from VSG mice and in INS-1E β-cells treated with the serum from these mice. Serum from operated mice protects INS-1E cells from dysfunction and apoptosis, which was mediated by FGF15/19.
Motor unit activity and synaptic inputs to motoneurons in the caudal part of the injured spinal cord
Authors: Bao Shancheng , Lei Yuming
Published: December 2023

This study analyzed motor unit (MU) function below the lesion epicenter in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). We found reduced MU discharge rates and action potential amplitudes in participants with SCI compared with controls. The strength of common synaptic inputs to motoneurons was reduced in patients with SCI, with increased force variability primarily due to low-frequency oscillations of common inputs. This study enhances understanding of neurophysiological and behavioral changes in disuse muscle atrophy post-SCI.
Estimates of persistent inward currents in lower limb muscles are not different between inactive, resistance-trained, and endurance-trained young males
Authors: Goreau Valentin , Hug François , Jannou Anthony , Dernoncourt François , Crouzier Marion , Cattagni Thomas
Published: December 2023

Chronic resistance and endurance training can lead to specific adaptations in motor unit activity. The contribution of α-motoneuronal persistent inward currents (PICs) to these adaptations is currently unknown in healthy young individuals. Therefore, we studied whether estimates of α-motoneuronal PIC magnitude are higher in chronically trained endurance- and resistance-trained individuals. We also studied whether there is a relationship between the estimates of α-motoneuronal PIC magnitude of different lower limb muscles.
Reduced Libido Is a Major Factor in Decreased Erectile Function among Men with Mild COVID-19
Authors: Yang Peng , Zhu Tianle , Ma Yukuai , Gao Rui , Gao Pan , Liu Xi , Gao Jingjing , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng
Published: December 2023

During the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, among men infected with SARS-CoV-2, little attention has been given to reduced libido and its associations with decreased erectile function, even though there may be physical and psychological factors that contribute to the two. So the purpose of the study is to determine the correlation between decreased erectile function and reduced libido in SARS-CoV-2 infected people during the COVID-19 pandemic and to describe the associated clinical, psychic, and lifestyle parameters. We recruited 321 eligible men with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the urology clinic of our hospital. We used the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) module, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to independently evaluate the subjects, collect relevant data, and analyze the data. In this study, we show that both libido and erectile function were decreased after SARS-CoV-2 infection (p<0.0001), and reduced libido was strongly correlated with decreased erectile function (p<0.0001; odds ratio (OR) = 11.33). In addition, anxiety (OR = 2.41, CI = 1.13–5.23), (p<0.05), symptomatic infection (OR = 3.293, CI = 1.11–11.48), (p<0.05), and body mass index (OR = 0.88, CI = 0.83–0.92), (p<0.05) were also associated with decreased erectile function. So, we think that during the COVID-19 pandemic, for erectile dysfunction patients who decreased erectile function after SARS-CoV-2 infection, we should not only pay attention to patients’ erectile function status but also to patients’ reduced libido status.
Difference in Quality and Volatile Flavor Compounds of Zingiber officinale Roscoe with Different Drying Methods
Authors: Chen Jiani , Wang Jinhua , Ge Yonghui , Ping Hongrui , Liu Wenxuan
Published: December 2023

In order to study the effect of different drying methods on the quality of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in Guizhou Province, the study comparatively analyzed the edible quality, functional components, and volatile flavor compounds of dried ginger. The results revealed that vacuum freeze-drying (VFD) was superior to vacuum microwave drying (WAD), hot air drying (HAD), and natural drying (ND) in terms of retaining ginger color change, rehydration rate, flavonoids, and ginger spicy element. The polyphenol retention in VFD ginger was second only to that in WAD ginger. A total of 86 volatile flavor compounds were detected in fresh ginger and all four drying samples. Ester and aldehyde compounds were identified as the main flavor components in dried ginger, with variations observed among the different drying methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the nearest neighbor algorithm successfully distinguished the ginger samples treated with different drying methods. The aroma activity value (OAV) was calculated based on the threshold, and 12 volatile flavor compounds with OAV ≥1 were identified as the key aroma components of ginger. The aroma profiles of ginger were generally similar across the four different drying methods, among which WAD ginger exhibited distinct flavor characteristics associated with drying. This study employed physicochemical properties, active components, and GC-IMS to evaluate the effect of different drying methods on ginger, providing valuable insights for the processing and flavor quality control of drying ginger.
Nutrient Digestibility and Retention of Potential Feed Ingredients for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) Aquaculture in Iran
Authors: Salehi Hamed , Reiser Stefan , Focken Ulfert
Published: December 2023

To overcome the aquafeed challenges for aquaculture in Iran, the world’s largest rainbow trout producer, the nutrient digestibility and retention of eight rendered poultry by-products, and two plant protein sources were investigated. The test ingredients were added to a casein-based semipurified reference diet as control diet and fed to juvenile rainbow trout in three runs. During the experimental runs, test ingredients were added to the control diet in a ratio of 30 : 70. The diets were then fed to the animals in four replicates. TiO2 was used as marker and feces were collected by settling method. The apparent protein digestibility coefficient for poultry by-product meals (PBM), feather meals (FeM), poultry protein concentrate (PPCon), blood meal (BM), canola meal (CM), and Iranian soybean meal (IRSBM) were 73%–93%, 73%–96%, 100%, 87%, 94%, and 97%, respectively. The nitrogen productive value for PBM ranged 27%–46%, both PPCon and IRSBM 37%, CM 24%, BM 23%, and FeM from −6% to 18%. Citric acid supplementation of the alkaline thermochemically hydrolyzed FeM improved the digestibility of crude lipid and organic matter from 6% and 88% to 55% and 92%, respectively. The assessment of digestibility as well as nutrient retention analysis for tested feed components indicated that refined PBM and PPCon, both CM and IRSBM could be used in rainbow trout diets as value-added and eco-friendly protein sources. The findings of this study can assist fish nutritionists and key players in the aquafeed industry in adopting a sustainable approach to aquaculture by selecting locally available raw materials that demonstrate high nutrient retention in rainbow trout.
Depressive-Like Effects of Foreclosing: A Cross-Sectional Study of Hair Cortisol Concentration
Authors: Portella Maria J. , González-González Isabel , Jubero Miriam , Trujols Joan , Pérez Víctor
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Foreclosing and home eviction have been associated with various negative health outcomes, probably due to exposure to such stressful circumstance, but there is no evidence about foreclosure and home eviction to elicit cortisol responses. Methods: Participants who recently had received a court eviction notice were compared to subjects suffering a depressive disorder and to healthy controls in terms of hair cortisol concentrations. Results: Subjects under the stressful circumstance of foreclosure and patients with depression showed comparable concentrations in most of the hair segments while healthy subjects displayed the lowest levels of cortisol. Conclusion: The findings show that foreclosure and home eviction are associated with increased cumulative hair cortisol and with depressive-like symptoms. Foreclosing procedures yielded to maintain high levels of cortisol which may increase the risk to develop major depression.
The Impact of Surgical Expertise on the Cost-Effectiveness of Stapes Surgery
Authors: Cohen-Vaizer Mauricio , Dreyfuss Michael , Na’ara Shoorok , Shinnawi Shadi , Laske Roman
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Otosclerosis is the primary cause of conductive hearing loss with normal otoscopy. As the condition worsens, certain patients may develop a sensorineural component. Patients with successful surgeries may still need hearing aids, which creates a dilemma for health professionals as there are insufficient data to make informed decisions. This study investigated the influence of the surgeon’s proficiency level, individual patient factors (e.g., age at the time of intervention and survival rates), and surgery costs on the cost-effectiveness of stapes surgery. Methods: We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis using an adapted Markov model incorporating annual all-cause mortalities. In addition, we introduced sensitivity analyses to address the effects of surgical expertise on adults with bilateral conductive hearing loss due to otosclerosis. A model was developed based on a decision tree with treatment options and complication scenarios for otosclerosis patients undergoing stapes surgery or receiving hearing aids. Annual all-cause mortality was considered. A sensitivity analysis was performed assigned to different training levels (“experts” and “less experienced”) to simulate the effects of surgical experience on the cost-effectiveness of surgical outcomes. Successful surgery was defined as closing of the air-bone gap to 10 dB or less. Based on published data, “experts” were simulated with a 93.7% success rate, and “less experienced” were manufactured with a 68.9% success rate. Results: Stapes surgery provides improved quality of life (QoL) compared to hearing aids with lower cumulative costs up to 87 years of age in the case of “expert” surgeons and up to 78 years of age, when performed by “less experienced” surgeons. Conclusions: Primary stapes surgery is highly cost-effective and delivers improved QoL compared to hearing aids with lower cumulative costs. Additionally, undergoing stapes surgical training remains highly cost-effective.
Relationship between Dialysate Bicarbonate Concentration and All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wan Jingfang , Lin Jing , Wang Weidong , Fu Lili , Zhang Weiwei , Liu Jun , Xiang Yang , Chen Jia , He Yani , Chen Kehong
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The optimal dialysate bicarbonate concentration (DBIC) for hemodialysis (HD) remains controversial. Herein, we analyzed the effect of dialysate bicarbonate levels on mortality in HD patients. Methods: Patients undergoing maintenance HD were recruited from the HD unit of the Daping Hospital. Patients were categorized into quartiles according to their DBIC level (quartile 1: <31.25 mmol/L, n = 77; quartile 2: 31.25–32.31 mmol/L, n = 76; quartile 3: 32.31–33.6 mmol/L; n = 81; quartile 4: ≥33.6 mmol/L, n = 79). Demographic and clinical data were collected. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the association between DBIC and all-cause mortality. Results: We included 313 patients undergoing maintenance HD with a mean DBIC of 32.16 ± 1.59 mmol/L (range, 27.20–34.72 mmol/L). The patients in quartile 4 were more likely to have higher pre- and post-HD serum bicarbonate concentrations than those in other quartiles. The mortality rate was lowest in quartile 2 (10.53%). The survival time was significantly lower in the quartile 4 group than in the other quartiles (p = 0. 008, log-rank test). After full adjustment, the hazard ratio (per 3 mmol/L higher DBIC) for all-cause mortality was 4.29 (95% confidence interval, 2.11–8.47) in all patients, whereas no significant association was observed between DBIC and initial hospitalization. Conclusions: Our data indicate that DBIC is positively associated with all-cause mortality. A DBIC concentration of 31–32 mmol/L may benefit patient outcomes. This study provides an evidence-based medical basis for optimal dialysis prescription in the future.
Screening Second Victims for Emotional Distress: Assessment of the Clinimetric Properties of the WITHSTAND-PSY Questionnaire
Authors: Busch Isolde Martina , Mazzi Maria Angela , Berti Loretta , Wu Albert W. , Cosci Fiammetta , Marinelli Veronica , Moretti Francesca , Rimondini Michela
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Adverse events (AEs) are a leading cause of patient morbidity and mortality, greatly impacting healthcare providers’ well-being (second victim (SV) phenomenon). Since it is not accurately captured by existing psychometric instruments, we developed a clinimetric instrument for assessing SVs’ emotional distress before and after an AE. Methods: Content validity and clinical utility of the WITHSTAND-PSY Questionnaire (WS-PSY-Q) were examined using cognitive interviews. Rasch analysis (n = 284) was applied for clinimetric assessment (i.e., construct, concurrent, and clinical validity, internal consistency), considering two crucial psychological facets of the SV phenomenon (1st: emotional impact of the AE, 2nd: current emotional state). Results: The Rasch partial credit model was used. The 1st facet demonstrated overall acceptable clinimetric properties with the subscale anxiety meeting clinimetric threshold values (e.g., all items with ordered thresholds, Loevinger’s coefficient h ≥ 0.40; Person Separation Reliability Index (PSI) = 0.7). The 2nd facet showed overall better clinimetric properties for both subscales (e.g., h ≥ 0.40, PSI = 0.82 and 0.79, respectively; receiver operating characteristic area of 0.80 and 0.86, respectively). For both datasets, item fit statistics, except those for item 19, were within the critical range (z-score < ±2.5), and meaningful differential functioning analysis was observed for only 4 (out of 24) items. Local dependency was not observed, except for two item couples in the depression subscales. Conclusions: The WS-PSY-Q is the first clinimetric tool assessing SVs’ emotional distress. It should be regarded as part of the armamentarium used by clinicians to assess in-depth healthcare providers’ psychological reactions in the aftermath of an AE to mitigate burnout and allostatic overload.
Efficacy of Levetiracetam as Add-On Therapy in the Treatment of Seizures in Neonates
Authors: Rondagh Mathies , De Vries Linda S. , Peeters-Scholte Cacha M.P.C.D. , Tromp Selma C. , Steggerda Sylke. J.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: There is no consensus regarding the efficacy of add-on therapy with levetiracetam (LEV) in the treatment of seizures in neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of add-on therapy with LEV for achieving >80% seizure reduction after phenobarbital (PB) treatment. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of near term neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with EEG-confirmed seizures despite treatment with PB as first-line therapy and using LEV as 2nd-, 3rd- or 4th-line treatment. Antiseizure medication was administered according to national guidelines. All neonates were monitored with 2-channel amplitude-integrated electroencephalography. The total seizure burden in minutes, 2 h before and 4 h after administration of LEV, was calculated using raw EEG. Primary outcome was the efficacy of LEV in achieving >80% seizure reduction. The efficacy of additional midazolam (MDZ) and lidocaine (LDC) was also calculated. Results: A total of 47 full-term neonates were included. The mean total loading dose of LEV was 40 mg/kg (36–44 mg/kg). Seizure etiology consisted of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (n = 11), hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke (n = 16), central nervous system infection (n = 8), genetic (n = 8), metabolic disorders (n = 3), and unknown (n = 1). Following LEV administration, >80% seizure reduction was observed in 17% (8/47) of neonates, whereas it was 23% (6/26) after MDZ and 92% (23/25) after LDC administration. Discussion: Although the cumulative loading dose of LEV was low and the group of infants studied was heterogeneous, the efficacy of LEV as add-on therapy for the treatment of seizures in neonates was limited. The highest seizure reduction rate was seen after LDC administration.
Experiencias de madres y padres adolescentes sobre educación sexual en colegios ecuatorianos
Authors: Castillo-Nuñez Jessica , Cevallos-Neira Ana , Arpi-Becerra Nancy , López-Alvarado Silvia , Jerves Elena
Published: December 2023

(analytical)Sexual education in the educational system is a right of adolescents. In Latin America, despite the progress in the implementation of sexual education to prevent adolescent pregnancy, deficiencies are also evident. With the aim of exploring the sexual education experiences of adolescent fathers and mothers in schools, a qualitative study was developed in Cuenca. 19 semi-structured interviews were carried out (10 mothers; 9 adolescent fathers), and a thematic analysis of the information was used. It was found that, despite the established guidelines, sexual education is scarce and biased; Its implementation is unsystematic, with a bio-medical and moralistic approach and; it does not consider sexual development needs of adolescents. This reveals worrying gaps in the educational system that may contribute to the development of life skills.
A structural heart-brain axis mediates the association between cardiovascular risk and cognitive function
Authors: Jaggi Akshay , Conole Eleanor L.S. , Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , Gkontra Polyxeni , McCracken Celeste , Szabo Liliana , Neubauer Stefan , Petersen Steffen E. , Cox Simon R. , Lekadir Karim
Published: December 2023

Elevated vascular disease risk associates with poorer cognitive function, but the mechanism for this link is poorly understood. A leading theory, the structural-functional model argues that vascular risk may drive adverse cardiac remodelling, which, in turn, leads to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and subsequent brain structural damage. This model predicts that variation in heart and brain structure should associate with both greater vascular risk and lower cognitive function. This study tests that prediction in a large sample of the UK Biobank (N = 11,962). We assemble and summarise vascular risk factors, cardiac magnetic resonance radiomics, brain structural and diffusion MRI indices, and cognitive assessment. We also extract “heart-brain axes” capturing the covariation in heart and brain structure. Many heart and brain measures partially explain the vascular risk—cognitive function association, like left ventricular end-diastolic volume and grey matter volume. Notably, a heart-brain axis, capturing correlation between lower myocardial intensity, lower grey matter volume, and poorer thalamic white matter integrity, completely mediates the association, supporting the structural-functional model. Our findings also complicate this theory by finding that brain structural variation cannot completely explain the heart structure—cognitive function association. Our results broadly offer evidence for the structural functional hypothesis, identify imaging biomarkers for this association by considering covariation in heart and brain structure, and generate novel hypotheses about how cardiovascular risk may link to cognitive function.
Classification accuracy of structural and functional connectomes across different depressive phenotypes
Authors: Yeung Hon Wah , Stolicyn Aleks , Shen Xueyi , Adams Mark J. , Romaniuk Liana , Thng Gladi , Buchanan Colin R. , Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , Bastin Mark E. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Cox Simon R. , Smith Keith M. , Whalley Heather C.
Published: December 2023

Phenotyping of major depressive disorder (MDD) can vary from study to study, which, together with heterogeneity of the disorder, may contribute to the inconsistent associations with neuroimaging features and underlie previous problems with machine-learning methods for MDD diagnostic applications. In this study, we examined the classification accuracy of structural and functional connectomes across different depressive phenotypes, including separating MDD subgroups into those with and without self-reported exposure to childhood trauma (CT) (one of the largest risk factors for MDD associated with brain development). We applied logistic ridge regression to classify control and MDD participants defined by six different MDD definitions in a large community-based sample (N=14,507). We used brain connectomic data based on six structural and two functional network weightings and conducted a comprehensive analysis to (i) explore how well different connectome modalities predict different MDD phenotypes commonly used in research, (ii) whether stratification of MDD based on self-reported exposure to childhood trauma (measured with the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ)) may improve the accuracies, and (iii) identify important predictive features across different MDD phenotypes. We found that functional connectomes outperformed structural connectomes as features for MDD classification across phenotypes. The highest accuracy of 64.8% (chance level 50.0%) was achieved in the Currently Depressed (defined by the presence of more than five symptoms of depression in the past 2 weeks) sample with additional CTQ criterion using partial correlation functional connectomes. The predictive feature overlap, measured using Jaccard index, indicated that there were neurobiological differences between MDD patients with and without childhood adversity. Further analysis of predictive features for different MDD phenotypes with hypergeometric tests revealed sensorimotor and visual subnetworks as important predictors of MDD. Our results suggest that differences in sensorimotor and visual subnetworks may serve as potential biomarkers of MDD.
From Data Doubles to Data Demons: Reflections on a CripTech
Collaboration
Authors: Forlano Laura , Barrio Itziar
Published: December 2023

This article describes a collaboration between the authors around a series of robotic sculptures that were created by Barrio with data from Forlano’s “smart” insulin pump and sensor system. Forlano, a type 1 diabetic for over 10 years, expands upon previous writing about her experience as a “disabled cyborg.” As CripTech art, the robotic sculptures, discussed here as data demons, complicate and expand contemporary discourses on artificial intelligence and design. By engaging themes such as data as labor, data as material, and data as relations, this article ultimately argues that both people and technologies are disabled.
Remote Access: Crip Nightlife, Artistry, and Technoscience
Authors: Gotkin Kevin , Hamraie Aimi
Published: December 2023

Since 2020, Kevin Gotkin has spearheaded disability nightlife events for the virtual Remote Access series for the Critical Design Lab, a multidisciplinary and multi-institution arts and design collaborative. Aimi Hamraie directs the Critical Design Lab and coined the term crip technoscience. Hamraie interviews Gotkin about the genesis of this disability arts and culture party and how it has evolved into an ongoing experiment in critical access-making. The authors focus on the elements of artistic production, presentation, and exhibition that required crip technoscience interventions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experimental Modalities: Crip Representation and Access with Electronic Arts Intermix
Authors: Martin Darrin
Published: December 2023

In collaboration with Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI), a nonprofit video arts distributor, the author has found videos in EAI’s collection that may reflect upon themes of disability and/or engage modes of access like captioning and audio description. The video/film works referenced in conceptual and performance practices have been broadly tethered to the word “experimental” and situated in this context to engage with accessibility even for works that resist and challenge the very nature of legibility. This essay is the author’s first attempt to explore an archive to identify video artworks that represent disability (whether deliberately or not) and present alternative modes of access (whether deliberately or not) with the intent of laying a groundwork for curations that tap into possibilities within accessibility formats.