bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in graduate student views on the professional climate in economics
Authors: May Ann Mari , McGarvey Mary G. , Toshmatova Muazzam
Published: November 2023

This research examines graduate student's views on the professional climate in economics using a comprehensive survey of students enrolled in economics Ph.D. programs in the United States. Topics discussed include stress and work/life balance, disciplinary climate in the profession, departmental climate, and the prevalence of sexual harassment. We find significant gender differences in views on all four topics—particularly in views on departmental climate and disciplinary climate in the profession. We analyze the results based on gender, rank of the institution, public versus private institutional status, and representation of women faculty in departments.
Cache‐aided UAV‐assisted relaying networks: Performance analysis and system optimization
Authors: Wang Zhe , Yang Chun , Xie Binyu
Published: November 2023

The utilization of distributed multi‐agent unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for computing tasks in remote areas has gained significant traction in recent years due to their adaptability and capability to access hard‐to‐reach regions that are inaccessible to ground‐based methods. However, establishing wireless communication between UAVs and ground‐based data sources in remote areas presents considerable challenges, particularly when UAVs are in motion. To tackle this challenge, this article investigates a cache‐aided relaying system in the presence of UAVs, wherein a ground‐based decode‐and‐forward relay equipped with cache space is deployed to facilitate wireless communication between UAVs and a central data source. Within the scope of this system, we first analyze the probability of transmission outage, providing an analytical expression for performance evaluation. We commence with the case of a single stationary UAV, subsequently expanding to multiple stationary UAVs, and ultimately incorporating multiple dynamic UAVs. Subsequently, we enhance the system performance by minimizing the outage probability through efficient power resource allocation among users. By means of mathematical modeling and simulations, this research examines the influence of various factors, including the cache size at the relay and the working mode of the UAV, on the system performance. Finally, simulations are conducted to validate the proposed analysis.
Macroecological patterns in European butterflies unveil strong interrelations between larval diet breadth, latitudinal range size and voltinism
Authors: Seifert Carlo L. , Fiedler Konrad
Published: November 2023

Diet breadth is one of the fundamental species traits of an herbivorous insect as it strongly determines its ecological niche and, at the same time, its ability to cope with changing environmental conditions. To what extent this trait is associated with other characteristics that may influence a species' ability to respond to environmental changes, however, is yet poorly understood. Using European butterflies as a model group of holometabolous insect herbivores, we here tested whether larval diet breadth is positively related with latitudinal range size (i.e. north–south extent of global distribution), voltinism and adult body size. We further investigated whether range size, voltinism, and body size are associated with each other. In order to test for these relationships, we based our analyses on a solid, time‐calibrated butterfly phylogeny as well as on an updated host plant database that reflects interactions between butterfly larvae and their food plants in a yet unparalleled breadth and depth. We further calculated two measures to reflect the fundamental dietary niche of a species: taxonomic diet breadth and phylogenetic diet breadth. Irrespective of diet breadth measure, we found that diet breadth increases with latitudinal range size. We further found an overall higher diet breadth for species that are capable to realise multiple broods per year (i.e. multivoltine species) compared to obligatorily univoltine species. Contrary to expectation, our results indicated a negative relationship between larval diet breadth and adult body size. Regarding our explorative analyses, we observed a positive link between voltinism and latitudinal range size, while neither one of these variables was associated with body size. Taken together, our study shows that larval diet breadth, latitudinal range size and voltinism are positively linked in European butterflies, and we argue that these interrelationships are important in determining a species' overall potential to cope with changing environmental conditions.
Changes in seed abundance driven by overgrazing and rainfall variability trigger variations in the diet of a small harvester ant
Authors: Vullo Lucía , Lopez de Casenave Javier , Miretti María Florencia , Cao Ana Laura , Marone Luis , Pol Rodrigo G.
Published: November 2023

Some species are severely affected by global change, whereas others can survive or even thrive under the same circumstances. Species with more flexible behaviours can better cope with changes in the environment than those with more stereotyped behaviours; therefore, knowing the limits of behavioural flexibility is critical to predict their responses to global change.

Livestock grazing is the most widespread land use in deserts and a major driver of vegetation change. In turn, unpredictable and sporadic rainfall can increase the negative impact of grazing. The interaction of both factors is more relevant nowadays as a consequence of climate change.

In the central Monte desert, cattle grazing and inter‐annual variations in rainfall reduce the abundance of seeds preferentially consumed by granivorous animals. There we analysed the dietary flexibility of the specialist harvester ant Pheidole spininodis in response to inter‐annual variations in seed availability during four consecutive years at sites with contrasting grazing pressure.

Pheidole spininodis expanded its diet by including other items and decreasing seed consumption as seed availability decreased over the years, but this response did not differ between grazing conditions, probably because the drastic reduction in seed abundance at the regional scale blurred the contrast between grazed and ungrazed sites.

Our results highlight the potential dietary flexibility of a specialist species that, under adverse conditions, can modify its diet. Future studies should investigate whether these changes in the diet of P. spininodis in contexts of low resource availability may have negative effects on its survival, as previously reported for other granivorous species.
Aesthetics for a polite society: Language and the marketing of second‐hand goods in eighteenth‐century London
Authors: Blondé Bruno , de Mulder Alessandra , Stobart Jon
Published: November 2023

The late early modern period witnessed critical consumer transitions across Europe. Yet, while the explosion of the material world and the transition from an ‘old luxury’ material culture to a ‘new luxury’ model is well documented, our understanding of the underlying value systems of consumer goods is still under‐developed. Building on a database of eighteenth‐century advertisements for household auctions in the London‐based Daily Advertiser, this article maps the value systems that characterized elite secondary markets in London. We find the language of consumption growing in complexity and sophistication as the eighteenth century progressed, but historiographically, key concepts such as fashion and modernity played minor and sometimes unexpected roles. While silverware is traditionally perceived as a store of wealth and marker of status, and hence a textbook ‘old luxury’, in the auction advertisements it is often praised for its design value. Chinaware, often attributed a central role in forging an affordable yet fashion‐sensitive ‘new luxury model’, is paradoxically valued for its age and patina. In fact, the boundaries between ‘new’ and ‘old’ luxuries were never clear‐cut. The intrinsic value of material culture continued to matter, and the language of consumption continued to reproduce social inequalities, much as it did in previous centuries.
Predominant right temporal lobe atrophy: Clinical, neuropsychological and structural differences based on amyloid status
Authors: Di Napoli Jacopo , Arighi Andrea , Conte Giorgio , Carandini Tiziana , Sacchi Luca , Arcaro Marina , Fenoglio Chiara , Sorrentino Federica , Mercurio Matteo , Pietroboni Anna M. , Giardinieri Giulia , Triulzi Fabio , Galimberti Daniela , Scarpini Elio , Fumagalli Giorgio G.
Published: November 2023

Background

Predominant right temporal atrophy is a radiological sign usually associated with frontotemporal dementia but this sign can also be present in Alzheimer's disease. Given the overlap of clinical symptoms between the two conditions, it is important to know which characteristics allow them to be differentiated.

Objectives

To compare clinical, neuropsychological and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of subjects with prominent right anterior temporal atrophy, depending on the status of amyloid biomarkers.

Methods

Among patients followed in the dementia center of Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, subjects with right anterior temporal atrophy, defined as grade 3 or 4 on the corresponding visual rating scale, were identified. Only subjects with both an MRI scan and amyloid status available were considered. For selected subjects, data were extracted from clinical and neuropsychological records at initial presentation and at last available follow‐up. Two raters applied a protocol of eight visual rating scales to compare brain atrophy and white matter hyperintensities.

Results

Of 497 subjects, 17 fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 7 amyloid‐positive and 10 amyloid‐negative. At initial presentation, executive dysfunction and topographical disorientation were more common in amyloid‐positive patients. At follow‐up, behavioral symptoms, such as social awkwardness and compulsive attitude, were more frequent in the amyloid‐negative patients. Amyloid‐positive patients presented an overall worse neuropsychological performance, especially in the language and visuospatial domain, and had higher scores on the right anterior cingulate visual rating scale.

Conclusion

Patients with predominant right temporal atrophy showed clinical, neuropsychological and radiological differences, depending on the status of amyloid biomarkers.
Establishing the link between motivational disturbances and behavioural rigidity in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Horne Kristina , Ahmed Rebekah M. , Piguet Olivier , Irish Muireann
Published: November 2023

Background

Rigid and inflexible behaviours are common in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), manifesting in compulsive pursuit of specific interests, routines, and rituals. Paradoxically, these changes occur alongside profound motivational disturbances including apathy and anhedonia. While posited to be related, no study to date has explored the link between motivational changes and behavioural rigidity in FTD.

Methods

Carer ratings for 71 FTD participants (26 semantic dementia [SD], 45 behavioural variant [bvFTD]) were obtained on the Dimensional Apathy Scale (apathy), the Snaith‐Hamilton Pleasure Scale (hedonic tone) and the Cambridge Behavioural Inventory–Revised (CBI‐R; behavioural changes). A rigidity index was created from existing items on the CBI‐R. Whole‐brain voxel‐based morphometry was used to explore associations between rigidity and grey matter intensity in the combined FTD group.

Results

Behavioural rigidity was significantly related to apathy severity (r = 0.57) and decreased hedonic tone (r = −0.36) in the combined FTD group. Multiple linear regression revealed a significant diagnosis × hedonic tone interaction (β = −1.40), whereby lower hedonic tone predicted rigidity in SD (r = −0.65) but not in bvFTD (r = −0.18). In contrast, the relationship between rigidity and apathy did not differ between the groups (β = −0.42). At the neural level, rigidity correlated with degeneration of predominantly right‐sided frontostriatal structures including, notably, the nucleus accumbens.

Conclusions

As the first study to demonstrate a link between motivational changes and behavioural rigidity in FTD, our findings have important clinical implications. By identifying candidate mechanisms of behavioural rigidity, our findings can inform targeted interventions to manage inflexible patterns of thought and behaviour in daily life.
Weighted distance classification method based on data intelligence
Authors: Koren Michal , Koren Oded , Peretz Or
Published: November 2023

In today's world, data is essential for enhancing an organization's development and decision‐making processes. Implementing artificial intelligence is necessary to analyse data and make meaningful recommendations. Machine learning distance classification methods are used to classify observations in various algorithms, such as K‐nearest neighbours (KNN), learning vector quantization and support vector machines, and are commonly used in academia and industry. However, this procedure faces a significant challenge in finding optimal parameters (i.e., distance metrics and the desired number of neighbours) in multidimensional datasets. This study presents a novel variation of a general method for classifying new observations. The method defines a new measure called closeness, which represents the proximity between an observation and the distribution. The advantages of this method are the use of both parametric and non‐parametric distance metrics and the ability to classify observations in cases where the simple method does not provide a clear answer. This method was demonstrated using KNN over three datasets and was observed to succeed in providing correct classifications, while the simple KNN method did not. The results showed that the proposed method increased the accuracy score to 40.7% in two of the three cases and that the closeness values were well defined by the proximity between the new observation and the given distribution. In addition, the F1 score increased up to 47.97%. The innovative method introduced here may be examined and used in various distance classification algorithms.
Fractal based automatic detection of complexity in COVID‐19 X‐ray images
Authors: Thangaraj C. , Easwaramoorthy D. , Muhiuddin G. , Selmi Bilel , Kulish Vladimir
Published: November 2023

The coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Scientists and medical practitioners have warned that this fatal virus could spread quickly from person to person in its early stages and its impact will be far more vigorous than the previously discovered viruses. The World Health Organization has given warning propaganda to all nations about this harmful virus. However, the diffusion speed of COVID‐19 was so rapid that it spread to all countries much faster than the researchers predicted, causing the widespread human disaster. The genetic variations of COVID‐19 have also astounded researchers today, as it modifies its mutation with very large genetic strains. The virus is regarded as a human version of the disease, resulting in the common cold, dry cough, and respiratory problems in severe cases. According to health organisations, the coronavirus directly affects the lungs, causing main problems such as difficulty breathing. It is also tough for physicians to diagnose the disease level properly by using the regular process. Even though the virus can be detected in regular testing methods, even computed tomography (CT) and X‐ray images are widely used in the medical field to identify the respiratory problems caused by the COVID‐19 virus. Like COVID‐19, some other types of pneumonia respiratory diseases also affect the human lungs. The fractal dimension (FD) is an interesting non‐linear measure to describe the complexity of visual images. In this context, the complexity of X‐ray images is analysed by using the fractal dimension. The fractal dimension is an excellent non‐linear measurement for describing the complexity of realistic images. The difference between the complexity of the X‐ray images of COVID‐19‐infected patients and the X‐ray images of other types of pneumonia respiratory diseases is well explained by using the fractal dimension. It is also concluded that the fractal dimension discriminates the lung diseases due to COVID‐19 from various pneumonia respiratory diseases.
Relationship between blood pressure and cognitive impairment in elderly outpatients with cardiometabolic diseases
Authors: Ishikawa Joji , Toba Ayumi , Tamura Yoshiaki , Araki Atsushi , Harada Kazumasa
Published: November 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between high or low blood pressure (BP) and cognitive function in elderly outpatients with cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods

We evaluated the association between BP and the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community‐based Integrated Care System‐21 items (DASC‐21), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool (MoCA) (N = 677).

Results

The patients' mean age was 79.2 ± 6.3 years (male 35.3%), and BP was 132.1 ± 18.1/73.5 ± 12.2 mmHg. Systolic BP (SBP) was linearly related to the DASC‐21 score (r = −0.122, P = 0.004), but not to the MMSE score (P = 0.101) or MoCA score (P = 0.802). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that lower SBP was significantly related to the DASC‐21 score, even after controlling for confounding factors (B = −0.411 per 10 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.673 to −0.149; P = 0.002). Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that lower SBP was associated with DASC‐21 ≥ 31 (odds ratio = 0.838 per 10 mmHg, P = 0.048). An MMSE score ≤23 was significantly associated with higher SBP in patients without a history of hypertension but with lower SBP in those with hypertension, those on hypertensive medication, and those with dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

Higher BP was associated with a higher prevalence of probable dementia in those without a history of hypertension, even in late life. In those with hypertension and those taking antihypertensives with comorbidities of stroke or heart failure, lower BP was associated with probable dementia, which was largely dependent on reduced activities of daily living, as measured by the DASC‐21 score. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 110–117.
Imperative practices: The political inclusion of diasporas in Poland, Hungary and Lithuania
Authors: Popyk Anzhela , Lesińska Magdalena
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to present an in‐depth comparative analysis of how three states in Central and Eastern Europe—Hungary, Poland and Lithuania—ensure the political inclusion of their diaspora members by providing citizenship and electoral rights. The authors promote a broad understanding of diaspora that includes both emigrants and descendants as well as kin minorities. The analysis is based on a three‐dimensional analytical model (Lesińska & Popyk, CMR Spotlight 2, 2021) of diaspora policy. The paper examines the ‘thickness’ of political inclusion based on the relationship between citizenship and electoral rights at two stages: de jure and de facto. It reveals that the democratic rights of citizenship and voting are grounded not only in formal inclusion but, more importantly, in the accurate procedures involving those rights and access to them. The analysis demonstrates that extensive citizenship and voting rights are not necessarily associated with the factual political inclusion of all diaspora groups equally.
A two‐layer approach for solving robust decentralized multiproject scheduling problem with multi‐skilled staff
Authors: You Weibao , Xu Zhe , Yu Yining , Zhao Song
Published: November 2023

Uncertain activity durations and multi‐skilled staff allocation are two practical factors that are difficult to cope with in real project management. This paper studies a new decentralized resource‐constrained multiproject scheduling problem with uncertain activity durations and multi‐skilled staff allocation. The robust project scheduling is employed to tackle uncertainty. We name it the robust decentralized resource‐constrained multiproject scheduling problem with multi‐skilled staff (RDMPSP‐MS). To formulate this problem, a two‐layer model containing local scheduling and global coordination decision‐making is established based on the multiagent system. To solve this model, a two‐layer approach (TLA) is developed. In the TLA, a starting time criticality heuristic method is adopted to handle the local scheduling problem, and a global resource allocation heuristic algorithm is designed to allocate multi‐skilled staff. The computational experiments are conducted on the adapted Multi‐Project Scheduling Problem LIBrary (MPSPLIB) data set. The results show that the proposed TLA outperforms seven heuristic algorithms based on priority rules regarding solution quality and efficiency on most problem subsets. It is further verified that the robustness of the baseline schedule deteriorates with the increase in problem size and activity duration variability level. Additionally, the results of this research provide practical guidance for managers who expect to determine reasonable project deadlines in a decentralized multiproject environment.
Effects of hybrid closed‐loop system on glycemic control and psychological aspects in persons with type 1 diabetes treated with sensor‐augmented pump: A prospective single‐center observational study
Authors: Akiyama Tomoaki , Yamakawa Tadashi , Orime Kazuki , Ichikawa Masahiro , Harada Marina , Netsu Takumi , Akamatsu Ryoichi , Nakamura Keita , Shinoda Satoru , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: November 2023

Aims/Introduction

This study evaluated the effects of the Medtronic MiniMed 770G hybrid closed‐loop system on glycemic control and psychological aspects in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

This 3‐month prospective observational study included 22 participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus who used the Medtronic MiniMed 640G predictive low‐glucose suspend system and were switched to the 770G system. Time in the range of 70–180 mg/dL and glycated hemoglobin levels were evaluated; satisfaction, emotional distress and quality of life were assessed using self‐reported questionnaires, including the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire Status, Problem Area in Diabetes and Diabetes Therapy‐Related Quality of Life.

Results

Time in the range of 70–180 mg/dL increased (63.5 ± 13.4 to 73.0 ± 10.9% [mean ± standard deviation], P = 0.0010), and time above the range of 181–250 mg/dL decreased (26.9 ± 8.9 to 19.6 ± 7.1%, P < 0.0005). Glycated hemoglobin levels decreased (7.7 ± 1.0 to 7.2 ± 0.8%, P = 0.0021). The percentage of participants with time below the range of 54–69 mg/dL <4% of readings increased from 91% to 100% (P < 0.0005). No significant changes were detected in the satisfaction, emotional distress and quality of life levels, but increased sensor calibration might be related to worsened emotional distress and quality of life.

Conclusions

The hybrid closed‐loop system decreased hyperglycemia and minimized hypoglycemia, but did not improve psychological aspects compared with the predictive low‐glucose suspend system, probably because sensor calibration was increased.
Identification and classification of principal features for analyzing unwarranted clinical variation
Authors: McOwiti Apollo O. , Tao Wei , Tao Cui
Published: November 2023

Rationale, Aims, and Objective

Unwarranted clinical variation (UCV) is an undesirable aspect of a healthcare system, but analyzing for UCV can be difficult and time‐consuming. No analytic feature guidelines currently exist to aid researchers. We performed a systematic review of UCV literature to identify and classify the features researchers have identified as necessary for the analysis of UCV.

Methods

The literature search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. We looked for articles with the terms ‘medical practice variation’ and ‘unwarranted clinical variation’ from four databases: Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE and CINAHL. The search was performed on 24 March 2023. The articles selected were original research articles in the English language reporting on UCV analysis in adult populations. Most of the studies were retrospective cohort analyses. We excluded studies reporting geographic variation based on the Atlas of Variation or small‐area analysis methods. We used ASReview Lab software to assist in identifying articles for abstract review. We also conducted subsequent reference searches of the primary articles to retrieve additional articles.

Results

The search yielded 499 articles, and we reviewed 46. We identified 28 principal analytic features utilized to analyze for unwarranted variation, categorised under patient‐related or local healthcare context factors. Within the patient‐related factors, we identified three subcategories: patient sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and preferences, and classified 17 features into seven subcategories. In the local context category, 11 features are classified under two subcategories. Examples are provided on the usage of each feature for analysis.

Conclusion

Twenty‐eight analytic features have been identified, and a categorisation has been established showing the relationships between features. Identifying and classifying features provides guidelines for known confounders during analysis and reduces the steps required when performing UCV analysis; there is no longer a need for a UCV researcher to engage in time‐consuming feature engineering activities.
Bone mineral density and the risk of incident dementia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lary Christine W. , Ghatan Samuel , Gerety Meghan , Hinton Alexandra , Nagarajan Archana , Rosen Clifford , Ross Ryan D. , Bennett David A. , DeStefano Anita L. , Ikram Mohammad A. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Kiel Douglas P. , Seshadri Sudha , Beiser Alexa
Published: November 2023

Background

It is not known whether bone mineral density (BMD) measured at baseline or as the rate of decline prior to baseline (prior bone loss) is a stronger predictor of incident dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis of three longitudinal studies, the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), the Rotterdam Study (RS), and the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), modeling the time to diagnosis of dementia as a function of BMD measures accounting for covariates. We included individuals with one or two BMD assessments, aged ≥60 years, and free of dementia at baseline with follow‐up available. BMD was measured at the hip femoral neck using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), or at the heel calcaneus using quantitative ultrasound to calculate estimated BMD (eBMD). BMD at study baseline (“baseline BMD”) and annualized percentage change in BMD prior to baseline (“prior bone loss”) were included as continuous measures. The primary outcome was incident dementia diagnosis within 10 years of baseline, and incident AD was a secondary outcome. Baseline covariates included age, sex, body mass index, ApoE4 genotype, and education.

Results

The combined sample size across all three studies was 4431 with 606 incident dementia diagnoses, 498 of which were AD. A meta‐analysis of baseline BMD across three studies showed higher BMD to have a significant protective association with incident dementia with a hazard ratio of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.23–0.96; p = 0.038) per increase in g/cm2, or 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84–0.995) per standard deviation increase. We observed a significant association between prior bone loss and incident dementia with a hazard ratio of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.12–1.51; p < 0.001) per percent increase in prior bone loss only in the FHS cohort.

Conclusions

Baseline BMD but not prior bone loss was associated with incident dementia in a meta‐analysis across three studies.
Social determinants of health and incident postoperative delirium: Exploring key relationships in the SAGES study
Authors: Arias Franchesca , Dufour Alyssa B. , Jones Richard N. , Alegria Margarita , Fong Tamara G. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: November 2023

Background

Examining the associations of social determinants of health (SDOH) with postoperative delirium in older adults will broaden our understanding of this potentially devastating condition. We explored the association between SDOH factors and incident postoperative delirium.

Methods

A retrospective study of a prospective cohort of patients enrolled from June 18, 2010, to August 8, 2013, across two academic medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts. Overall, 560 older adults age ≥70 years undergoing major elective non‐cardiac surgery were included in this analysis. Exposure variables included income, lack of private insurance, and neighborhood disadvantage. Our main outcome was incident postoperative delirium, measured using the Confusion Assessment Method long form.

Results

Older age (odds ratio, OR: 1.01, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.00, 1.02), income <20,000 a year (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.26), lack of private insurance (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.38), higher depressive symptomatology (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.04), and the Area Deprivation Index (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.04) were significantly associated with increased risk of postoperative delirium in bivariable analyses. In a multivariable model, explaining 27% of the variance in postoperative delirium, significant independent variables were older age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.02), lack of private insurance (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02, 1.36), and depressive symptoms (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03). Household income was no longer a significant independent predictor of delirium in the multivariable model (OR:1.02, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.15). The type of medical insurance significantly mediated the association between household income and incident delirium.

Conclusions

Lack of private insurance, a social determinant of health reflecting socioeconomic status, emerged as a novel and important independent risk factor for delirium. Future efforts should consider targeting SDOH factors to prevent postoperative delirium in older adults.
Nutritional screening and assessment tools for patients with cirrhosis based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria
Authors: He Yumei , Hu Ling , Wu Shiyan , Li Lu , Zhong Ke , Li Jiazhen , Liu Na , Sun Xiaobin , Wang Qiong , Sun Chao , Wu Liping
Published: November 2023

Background

Malnutrition is highly prevalent and associated with complications and mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Patients with cirrhosis were screened using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool and the Skeletal Muscle Index. Then, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and consistency with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria results were calculated. We also analysed the association between nutritional status and short‐term prognosis.

Results

We enrolled 125 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 59.20% and 60.00% were malnourished based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria and Skeletal Muscle Index. Some 53.60% and 65.60%, respectively, were classified medium‐to‐high nutritional risk by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool. The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool had the best predictive value, and it was more sensitive and had a better negative predictive value than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Tool. The Skeletal Muscle Index also had good sensitivity and predictive value. The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool, Skeletal Muscle Index and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria showed high concordance. The 3‐ and 6‐month mortality rates were significantly higher for patients with moderate‐to‐high nutritional risk or malnutrition, regardless of the tool.

Conclusions

When assessing cirrhosis with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool is best for nutritional screening and the Skeletal Muscle Index is also a good nutritional assessment tool.
Evaluating the Usability of the Wellness School Assessment Tool Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WellSAT WSCC): A School Wellness Policy Assessment Tool*
Authors: Connolly Katherine , Koslouski Jessica B. , Chafouleas Sandra M. , Schwartz Marlene B. , Edmondson Bonnie , Briesch Amy M.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Adoption of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model has been slowed by a lack of available tools to support implementation. The Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT) WSCC is an online assessment tool that allows schools to evaluate the alignment of their policies with the WSCC model. This study assesses the usability of the WellSAT WSCC.

METHODS

Using a convergent mixed methods design, we collected qualitative and quantitative data from 5 school‐based participants with roles in development and evaluation of policy. Participants explored the platform while engaging in a think‐aloud procedure and scored a sample policy using the platform. They also completed the System Usability Scale and responded to open‐ended questions about the usability of the platform.

RESULTS

Participants rated the WellSAT WSCC as an above‐average user experience, but data suggested several areas for improvement, including improved instructions, enhanced visual design of the platform, and guidance for subsequent policy changes.

CONCLUSION

The WellSAT WSCC provides an above‐average user experience but can be improved to increase user experience. These improvements increase the potential for greater use to facilitate integration of the WSCC model into school policy.
Sig‐Wasserstein GANs for conditional time series generation
Authors: Liao Shujian , Ni Hao , Sabate‐Vidales Marc , Szpruch Lukasz , Wiese Magnus , Xiao Baoren
Published: November 2023

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have been extremely successful in generating samples, from seemingly high‐dimensional probability measures. However, these methods struggle to capture the temporal dependence of joint probability distributions induced by time‐series data. Furthermore, long time‐series data streams hugely increase the dimension of the target space, which may render generative modeling infeasible. To overcome these challenges, motivated by the autoregressive models in econometric, we are interested in the conditional distribution of future time series given the past information. We propose the generic conditional Sig‐WGAN framework by integrating Wasserstein‐GANs (WGANs) with mathematically principled and efficient path feature extraction called the signature of a path. The signature of a path is a graded sequence of statistics that provides a universal description for a stream of data, and its expected value characterizes the law of the time‐series model. In particular, we develop the conditional Sig‐ metric that captures the conditional joint law of time series models and use it as a discriminator. The signature feature space enables the explicit representation of the proposed discriminators, which alleviates the need for expensive training. We validate our method on both synthetic and empirical dataset and observe that our method consistently and significantly outperforms state‐of‐the‐art benchmarks with respect to measures of similarity and predictive ability.
Mothers' sociodemographic factors and use of health professionals for child feeding advice
Authors: House Eve , Xu Huilan , Taki Sarah , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth , Baur Louise , Wen Li M.
Published: November 2023

This study examined sociodemographic factors associated with mothers seeking child feeding advice from health professionals (HPs). Cross‐sectional analysis of survey data from linked randomized controlled trials was conducted. Surveys asked which sources of feeding information mothers used when their child was 6 months and 5 years old. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and use of information from HPs. Here, 947 and 405 mothers completed 6‐month and 5‐year surveys, respectively. At 6 months, multiparous mothers were less likely to seek advice from child and family health nurses (CFHNs) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.558, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.416–0.749) and other HPs (AOR: 0.706, 95% CI: 0.542–0.919), unmarried mothers were less likely to seek advice from other HPs (AOR: 0.582, 95% CI: 0.342–0.990). At 5 years, mothers with household income ≥$80,000 p.a. were less likely to seek advice from CFHNs (AOR: 0.514, 95% CI: 0.302–0.875) and working mothers less likely to seek advice from general practitioners (GPs) (AOR: 0.581, 95% CI: 0.374–0.905). Mothers born in Australia were less likely to seek information from CFHNs (AOR: 0.462, 95% CI: 0.257–0.833) and GPs (AOR: 0.431, 95% CI: 0.274–0.677). There was a greater likelihood that multiparous mothers (AOR: 2.114, 95% CI: 1.272–3.516) and mothers of children whose fathers had not attended university (AOR: 2.081, 95% CI: 1.256–3.449) had never sought advice from CFHNs, and that mothers who had not attended university (AOR: 1.769, 95% CI: 1.025–3.051), multiparous (AOR: 1.831, 95% CI: 1.105–3.035) and employed (AOR: 2.058, 95% CI: 1.135–3.733) mothers had never sought advice from other HPs. Understanding sociodemographic factors associated with seeking child feeding advice from HPs may inform priorities for engaging families in health promotion.
Between teacher candidates’ reflection and teacher educators’ evaluation: Fluctuations in epistemic (a)symmetry in feedback conversations
Authors: Turan Pınar , Yiğitoğlu Aptoula Nur
Published: November 2023

Evidence‐based reflective practices are promoted in all recent frameworks for language teacher education (LTE). Through dialogic evidence‐based feedback sessions, reflectional sequences make trainees join a virtuous cycle in which they reconsider and readjust their methods of teaching. However, research into how mentor and trainees orient to this evidence in interaction remains scarce. With this need in mind, this study investigates post‐observation conversations (POCs) in a language teaching practicum. The recordings of 17 video‐mediated POCs are sequentially and functionally analyzed using multimodal conversation analysis. The data suggests that the fluctuations in knowledge (a)symmetries serve as a catalyst for the progression of reflection‐ and evaluation‐oriented sequences. The mentors strategically downgrade their epistemic position to index the trainees’ experiential knowledge and invite reflection. However, when mentors initiate evaluation‐oriented sequences, they systematically insert their epistemic primacy to limit any potential resistance that would challenge their epistemic authority to evaluate. The video medium also creates unique multimodal opportunities for their mutual orientation to evidence. The findings are conducive to expanding research into reflective practice in LTE and have pedagogical and research implications for our understanding of the sequential and relational organization of epistemics in feedback conversations.
Ependymoma‐like tumor with mesenchymal differentiation (ELTMD) with ZFTA:NCOA1 fusion: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Dorwal Pranav , White Christine , Goh Anna FN , Kumar Amit , McEniery Jane , Walker Rick , Robertson Thomas
Published: November 2023

Ependymal tumors are classified based on their location, histology, and molecular characteristics. Supratentorial ependymomas (ST‐EPNs) are a group of circumscribed supratentorial gliomas, which usually have pathogenic fusions involving either zinc finger translocation associated (ZFTA) (formerly C11orf95) or YAP1. A subtype of ependymoma was recently described and labeled ependymoma‐like tumors with mesenchymal differentiation (ELTMDs). We describe a case of a 5‐year‐old boy who presented with a right frontal tumor. The diagnosis was challenging, and a correct diagnosis could only be reached after reanalysis of methylation data with a more recent version of the classifier and RNA fusion testing, which revealed ZFTA:NCOA1 (nuclear receptor coactivator 1) fusion. There are only a handful of cases of this entity, which is being reported for its rarity and the diagnostic challenge it poses.
Heat tolerance of a tropical–subtropical rainforest tree species Polyscias elegans: time‐dependent dynamic responses of physiological thermostability and biochemistry
Authors: Zhu Lingling , Scafaro Andrew P. , Vierling Elizabeth , Ball Marilyn C. , Posch Bradley C. , Stock Frederike , Atkin Owen K.
Published: November 2023

Heat stress interrupts physiological thermostability and triggers biochemical responses that are essential for plant survival. However, there is limited knowledge on the speed plants adjust to heat in hours and days, and which adjustments are crucial.

Tropical–subtropical rainforest tree species (Polyscias elegans) were heated at 40°C for 5 d, before returning to 25°C for 13 d of recovery. Leaf heat tolerance was quantified using the temperature at which minimal chl a fluorescence sharply rose (Tcrit). Tcrit, metabolites, heat shock protein (HSP) abundance and membrane lipid fatty acid (FA) composition were quantified.

Tcrit increased by 4°C (48–52°C) within 2 h of 40°C exposure, along with rapid accumulation of metabolites and HSPs. By contrast, it took > 2 d for FA composition to change. At least 2 d were required for Tcrit, HSP90, HSP70 and FAs to return to prestress levels.

The results highlight the multi‐faceted response of P. elegans to heat stress, and how this response varies over the scale of hours to days, culminating in an increased level of photosynthetic heat tolerance. These responses are important for survival of plants when confronted with heat waves amidst ongoing global climate change.
Plant litter loss exacerbates drought influences on grasslands
Authors: Chen Wanjie , Jiang Lin , Jia Ruoyu , Tang Bo , Jiang Hongzhi , Wang Yang , Lu Xiaoming , Su Jishuai , Bai Yongfei
Published: November 2023

Plant litter is known to affect soil, community, and ecosystem properties. However, we know little about the capacity of litter to modulate grassland responses to climate change.

Using a 7‐yr litter removal experiment in a semiarid grassland, here we examined how litter removal interacts with a 2‐yr drought to affect soil environments, plant community composition, and ecosystem function.

Litter loss exacerbates the negative impacts of drought on grasslands. Litter removal increased soil temperature but reduced soil moisture and nitrogen mineralization, which substantially increased the negative impacts of drought on primary productivity and the abundance of perennial rhizomatous graminoids. Moreover, complete litter removal shifted plant community composition from grass‐dominated to forb‐dominated and reduced species and functional group asynchrony, resulting in lower ecosystem temporal stability.

Our results suggest that ecological processes that lead to reduction in litter, such as burning, grazing, and haying, may render ecosystems more vulnerable and impair the capacity of grasslands to withstand drought events.
Complete pathway elucidation and heterologous reconstitution of (+)‐nootkatone biosynthesis from Alpinia oxyphylla
Authors: Deng Xiaomin , Ye Ziling , Duan Jingyu , Chen Fangfang , Zhi Yao , Huang Man , Huang Minjian , Cheng Weijia , Dou Yujie , Kuang Zhaolin , Huang Yanglei , Bian Guangkai , Deng Zixin , Liu Tiangang , Lu Li
Published: November 2023

(+)‐Nootkatone is a natural sesquiterpene ketone widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. It is also regarded as one of the most valuable terpenes used commercially. However, plants contain trace amounts of (+)‐nootkatone, and extraction from plants is insufficient to meet market demand. Alpinia oxyphylla is a well‐known medicinal plant in China, and (+)‐nootkatone is one of the main components within the fruits.

By transcriptome mining and functional screening using a precursor‐providing yeast chassis, the complete (+)‐nootkatone biosynthetic pathway in Alpinia oxyphylla was identified.

A (+)‐valencene synthase (AoVS) was identified as a novel monocot‐derived valencene synthase; three (+)‐valencene oxidases AoCYP6 (CYP71BB2), AoCYP9 (CYP71CX8), and AoCYP18 (CYP701A170) were identified by constructing a valencene‐providing yeast strain. With further characterisation of a cytochrome P450 reductase (AoCPR1) and three dehydrogenases (AoSDR1/2/3), we successfully reconstructed the (+)‐nootkatone biosynthetic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, representing a basis for its biotechnological production.

Identifying the biosynthetic pathway of (+)‐nootkatone in A. oxyphylla unravelled the molecular mechanism underlying its formation in planta and also supported the bioengineering production of (+)‐nootkatone. The highly efficient yeast chassis screening method could be used to elucidate the complete biosynthetic pathway of other valuable plant natural products in future.
Plant demographic knowledge is biased towards short‐term studies of temperate‐region herbaceous perennials
Authors: Römer Gesa , Dahlgren Johan P. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Stott Iain M. , Jones Owen R.
Published: November 2023

Plant demography has a long history resulting in a large knowledge base. Comparative analysis of this information allows exploration of the drivers of demographic patterns globally and the study of life‐history evolution. Studies aiming to generalise demographic patterns rely on data being derived from a representative sample. However, the data are likely to be taxonomically, geographically and methodologically biased. Matrix population models (MPMs) are widely‐used in plant demography, so an assessment of publications using MPMs is a convenient way to assess the distribution of plant demographic knowledge using this modelling approach. We assessed bias in this knowledge using data from the COMPADRE Plant Matrix Database, containing MPMs for > 700 species. We show that tree species and tropical areas are under‐represented, while herbaceous perennials and temperate areas are over‐represented. There is a positive association between the number of studies per country and per capita GDP. Most studies have low spatiotemporal replication with 43% of studies conducted over < four years, and only 17% replicated across > three sites. This limited spatiotemporal coverage means existing data may not represent the environmental conditions the species experience. These biases and knowledge gaps inhibit theory development and limit current utility for identifying useful generalities for management decisions, such as typical responses to climate change. It is likely that similar biases extend to other demographic modelling tools such as integral projection models. We urge researchers to address these biases and close these knowledge gaps.