bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People with Neuro-motor Impairment, Lack of Speech, and General Passivity Can Engage in Basic Forms of Activity and Communication with Technology Support
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Navarro Jorge , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Mellino Antonella , Arcuri Pietro , Alberti Gloria , Chiariello Valeria
Published: April 2024

Objectives

People with neuro-motor impairment, lack of speech and general passivity live in a marginalized and isolating condition. This study used a technology-aided program to help three of these people achieve basic activity (i.e., accessing music videos and listening to stories and/or answering questions) and communication (i.e., video calling or sending messages to preferred partners).

Methods

The study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. During the intervention, the participants were provided with the technology system that entailed a tablet and two touch or two optic sensors. Within each session, the tablet presented the participants with choice periods (i.e., periods in which they could choose between music videos and communication with distant partners) interspersed with stories plus questions or questions periods.

Results

During the baseline (without the technology system), the participants were not able to make choices (failing to access music videos or communication events) or to answer questions. During the intervention sessions, all participants used the technology successfully to access music videos and communication events and to answer questions independently.

Conclusions

The results suggest that simple technology can be adapted to help people like the participants of this study achieve basic forms of functional activity and communication.
TSLAM: a tag-based object-centered monocular navigation system for augmented manual woodworking
Authors: Settimi Andrea , Yang Hong-Bin , Gamerro Julien , Weinand Yves
Published: April 2024

TimberSLAM (TSLAM) is an object-centered, tag-based visual self-localization and mapping (SLAM) system for monocular RGB cameras. It was specifically developed to support a robust and augmented reality pipeline for close-range, noisy, and cluttered fabrication sequences that involve woodworking operations, such as cutting, drilling, sawing, and screwing with multiple tools and end-effectors. By leveraging and combining multiple open-source projects, we obtain a functional pipeline that can map, three-dimensionally reconstruct, and finally provide a robust camera pose stream during fabrication time to overlay an execution model with its digital-twin model, even under close-range views, dynamic environments, and heavy scene obstructions. To benchmark the proposed navigation system under real fabrication scenarios, we produce a data set of 1344 closeups of different woodworking operations with multiple tools, tool heads, and varying parameters (e.g., tag layout and density). The evaluation campaign indicates that TSLAM is satisfyingly capable of detecting the camera’s millimeter position and subangular rotation during the majority of fabrication sequences. The reconstruction algorithm’s accuracy is also gauged and yields results that demonstrate its capacity to acquire shapes of timber beams with up to two preexisting joints. We have made the entire source code, evaluation pipeline, and data set open to the public for reproducibility and the benefit of the community.

Graphic abstract
Analyzing and mitigating parasitic capacitances in planar transformers for high-frequency operation
Authors: Lee Sujeong , Kim Seokwon , Shin Jong-Won , Kim Wonhee
Published: April 2024

Planar magnetic components are compact and less susceptible to skin effect due to their thin copper layers. However, the increase in parasitic capacitance has been a challenge in high-frequency operation of planar transformers (PTs). Parasitic capacitances resonate with inductance and may damage switch devices. Thicker printed circuit board (PCB) and reconfigured windings are suggested in this paper to mitigate the parasitic capacitances. A detailed analysis of the parasitic capacitances is performed with a prototype PT. The resonant frequency increased from 1.27 to 1.63 MHz with a 0.4 mm thicker PCB. The reconfigured PT was 1.38 MHz, 0.3 MHz higher than the original PT.
A systematic narrative synthesis review of the effectiveness of genre theory and systemic functional linguistics for improving reading and writing outcomes within K-10 education
Authors: Green Clarence , Giblin Iain , Mulder Jean
Published: April 2024

This paper reports a systematic narrative synthesis review conducted on the educational effectiveness of genre theory/systemic functional linguistics pedagogies for improving reading and writing outcomes in K-10 education within mainstream classrooms in Australia, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, and Canada. This framework has significant influence on reading and writing curriculum, teacher training, and literacy practices. However, its evidence base has never been systematically reviewed. An exhaustive database search sourced 7846 potentially relevant studies, which were screened according to guidelines for evaluating evidence through systematic narrative synthesis reviews and standardly applied criteria for educational evidence (e.g., The Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation, What Works Clearinghouse). Very few peer-reviewed intervention studies with control groups and quantitatively measured outcomes were found. A surprising result. Those studies showing positive effects had flaws in research design and quality that preclude their use as educational evidence. This systematic review indicates that there is insufficient rigorous evidence of the benefits, or lack thereof, of genre theory/systemic functional linguistics–based approaches to teaching reading and writing within K-10 education, at least in terms of measurable outcomes for students. More high-quality research needs to be undertaken as the current research record is not sufficient to prove or disprove the value of this approach.
The effects of a resiliency intervention program on indicators of resiliency and burnout in psychiatry residents
Authors: Riese Amy , McGrady Angele , Brennan Julie , Lynch Denis , Valentine Daniel , Nowak Jordin
Published: April 2024

Studies have documented the stress and burnout related to medical residency and the need to design programs to reduce burnout. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention for psychiatric residents to improve resiliency and reduce burnout. A six-session program was offered that included mindfulness, self-regulation, and coping strategies. The program was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Standardized assessment tools measuring perceived stress, mindfulness, professional quality of life, burnout and resiliency were used pre and post program. Burnout was defined based on any one of the three criteria for burnout: high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization or low personal accomplishment. Six one-hour sessions were offered to residents during protected time during the academic year. Analysis compared residents who met and did not meet criteria for burnout pre and post program. Twenty-seven residents provided informed consent, and 23 had complete data on the indicators of burnout. Seven of 23 met criteria for burnout and those significantly reduced their perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, burnout and increased their mindfulness scores post program (p < 0.05). The residents who improved their mindfulness scores post program significantly improved resiliency, reduced secondary traumatic stress and perceived stress (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the scores of residents who did not meet criteria for burnout. Residents experiencing burnout significantly improved indicators of burnout, while those not reporting burnout did not worsen. Mindfulness was an important component of this program since residents gaining in mindfulness skills also reduced scores on indicators of burnout post program.
Spatial structures of different particles in helicon plasma
Authors: Zhang Zun , Zhang Jikun , Sun Yuzhe
Published: April 2024

The spatial density structures of different particles (high-energy electron excited ionic and low-energy electron excited neutral particles) in both discharge and plume plasmas of a helicon source were characterized by an optical emission spectroscope (OES) and a Langmuir probe. Filters of 480 nm band pass and 600 nm high pass were used to distinguish the ionic and the excited neutral particles, respectively. The ion energy distributions at the outlet of the discharge tube with different magnetic field were obtained by a four-grid retarding field energy analyzer (RFEA). Results show that as RF input power increased, the helicon discharge modes change from a capacitive (E mode) to an inductive (H mode) to a wave coupling or a helicon discharge (W mode). After reaching the W mode, neutral particles are basically saturated, but ions will experience another growth as the power increases. Moreover, the reversed applied magnetic field can change the axial distribution of ion density (ionization region). The IEDF test results show that the maximum (most probable) ion energy increases with increasing input power. Meanwhile, the reversed magnetic field (+ 50 A) can increase the maximum ion energy by about 15 eV, which is believed to be the ionization/acceleration zone is close to the ion energy test point. Therefore, the directed ion energy is more correlated with the ion density distribution excited by high-energy electrons.
The dynamic impact of non-renewable and renewable energy on carbon dioxide emissions and ecological footprint in Indonesia
Authors: Idroes Ghalieb Mutig , Hardi Irsan , Rahman Md. Hasanur , Afjal Mohd , Noviandy Teuku Rizky , Idroes Rinaldi
Published: April 2024

The global trend of environmental degradation, marked by escalating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and expanding ecological footprints, poses a significant risk to the planet and leads to global warming. This decline in the environment is primarily attributed to the extensive use of non-renewable energy sources and substantial economic activities. This study investigates the dynamic impact of non-renewable energy (coal, gas, and oil), renewable energy, economic growth, and capital formation on CO2 emissions and the ecological footprint in Indonesia spanning from 1965–2022. Employing Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and a robustness test with Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR) techniques, we seek to establish long-term associations among the studied variables. Preliminary findings, supported by our primary models, reveal that every increase in coal and gas directly results in higher CO2 emissions but does not affect ecological footprints. Conversely, every increase in oil affects the rise of ecological footprints but not CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, the rise in renewable energy will reduce both CO2 emissions and ecological footprints, consequently enhancing Indonesia's environmental quality. Furthermore, increasing economic growth will increase both CO2 emissions and ecological footprint, while the rise in capital formation reduces the ecological footprint. The Granger causality test showed unidirectional causality from CO2 emissions to renewable energy and also revealed bidirectional causality between ecological footprint and renewable energy. This study clarifies the patterns of energy emissions in Indonesia and provides policymakers with recommendations for maintaining environmental sustainability, including investing in renewable energy use and transitioning away from non-renewable energy, given the pressing climate challenges and the goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
Abnormal frequency of the memory B cell subsets and plasmablasts in patients with congenital severe hemophilia A: correlation with “Inhibitor” formation
Authors: Zekavat Omid Reza , Movahednezhad Yasaman , Shahsavani Amin , Haghpanah Sezaneh , Shokrgozar Negin , Golmoghaddam Hossein , Kalani Mehdi , Bordbar Mohammad Reza , Arandi Nargess
Published: April 2024

Background

Development of antibodies against infused Factor VIII (FVIII) or "inhibitors" represents a major challenge following FVIII replacement therapy in patients with hemophilia A (HA). Recent studies have shown that certain cellular compartments of the immune system contribute to the production of such antibodies. Herein, we determined the frequency of class-switched CD19+IgD−CD27+/non-class-switched CD19+IgD+CD27+ memory B cell subsets and CD19+CD27hiCD38hi plasmablasts in patients with severe HA and their association with the development of inhibitors in these patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional case–control study enrolled 32 patients with severe HA, including 8 with and 24 without inhibitors, and 24 healthy individuals. The frequencies of the memory B cell subsets and plasmablasts were determined using flow cytometry.

Results

The frequency of CD19+IgD+CD27+ non-class-switched memory B cells was significantly lower in patients with HA (including both patients with and without inhibitors) than in healthy controls. The percentages of both CD19+IgD−CD27+ class-switched and CD19+IgD+CD27+ non-class-switched memory B cells did not differ significantly between patients with and without inhibitors. HA patients with inhibitors had significantly higher proportions of CD19+CD27hiCD38hi plasmablasts than the control group as well as the inhibitor (-) ones. No significant correlation was observed between the inhibitor levels with the percentages of memory B cell subsets and plasmablasts.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate a dysregulated proportion of CD19+IgD+CD27+ non-class-switched memory B cells and CD19+CD27hiCD38hi plasmablasts in patients with severe HA. Therefore, strategies targeting memory B-cell/plasmablast differentiation may have promising outcomes in the management of inhibitor formation in patients with severe HA.
Aerodynamic characteristics of different configurations of mechanically deployable aerodynamic decelerator in subsonic region
Authors: Yun C. , Liu D.
Published: April 2024

The deceleration effect of the deployable aerodynamic decelerator is not as good as a parachute in the subsonic region. This paper proposes a novel concept of using a parachute-like configuration (PLC) to enhance the deceleration performance of the mechanically deployable aerodynamic decelerator (MDAD) through structural transformation. The MDAD turned into the PLC from the sphere cone configuration (SCC) at Ma 0.8. The aerodynamic characteristics of the two configurations are analysed deeply. Compared to the SCC, the results show that the drag coefficient increases effectively, and the maximum increases is about 10% in the PLC. The airflow is altered by the MDAD configuration, which can affect the surface pressure and temperature. During the transformation process, the axial and normal force coefficients tend to stabilise. However, the static stability of the PLC deteriorates sharply compared to the SCC when the angle-of-attack exceeds 45°.
The challenges of implementing infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship programs in resource-constrained settings
Authors: Abbas Salma
Published: April 2024

The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is disproportionately high in low and middle-income countries. Barriers to implementing effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention programs include the lack of a structural framework, consensus guidelines, educational opportunities, trained personnel, funding, and access to resources such as manpower, information technology, and diagnostics. Socioeconomic instability with supply chain interruptions, poor skilled staff retention, absence of mandates, and inadequate support to enforce existing policies further aggravates the situation. Failure to implement measures to tackle AMR and HAIs effectively will result in repercussions globally.
Positive effects of audit and feedback on antimicrobial use in hospitalized patients limited to audited patients
Authors: Engel-Dettmers Elske M. , Al Naiemi Nashwan , Dijkema Hero E. , Braakman-Jansen Annemarie L.M.A. , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette J.E.W.C. , Sinha Bhanu
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Audit and feedback is an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategy, with the potential to also optimize antimicrobial use in non-audited patients. This study aimed to determine whether audit and feedback reduce antimicrobial use in both audited and non-audited patients.

Design:

Before-after trial with a 1-year intervention period and 2.5-year historical cohort.

Setting:

750-bed community hospital in the Netherlands.

Patients:

All patients admitted to the urology wards during the 3.5-year study period were observed. Patients were classified as using antimicrobials if any antimicrobial was used for therapeutic reasons. Patients using antimicrobials prophylactically were excluded from measurements.

Intervention:

The AMS team provided audit and feedback on antimicrobial use for patients using antimicrobials for 2 days. Retrospectively, antimicrobial use and length of stay (LOS) were compared with the historical cohort.

Results:

Audits modified antimicrobial treatment in 52.8% of the cases. De-escalating, stopping, and switching from intravenous to oral treatment accounted for 72% of these modifications. Compared to patients from the cohort, who also used antimicrobials for 2 days, antimicrobial use decreased from 14.21 DDD/patient (95% CI, 13.08–15.34) to 11.45 DDD/patient (95% CI, 8.26–14.64; P = .047) for audited patients. Furthermore, mean LOS decreased from 7.42 days (95% CI, 6.79–8.06) to 6.13 days (95% CI, 5.38–6.89; P = .031). However, looking at all patients admitted to the urology wards, the percentage of patients using antimicrobials and total antimicrobial use remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

Audit and feedback reduce antimicrobial use and LOS, but only for audited patients. Positive effects are not automatically transferred to patients for whom no audits have been performed.
Novel radiation and targeted therapy combinations for improving rectal cancer outcomes
Authors: Pennel Kathryn , Dutton Louise , Melissourgou-Syka Lydia , Roxburgh Campbell , Birch Joanna , Edwards Joanne
Published: April 2024

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used as standard treatment for rectal cancer. However, response rates are variable and survival outcomes remain poor, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Research is focused on identifying novel methods for sensitising rectal tumours to RT to enhance responses and improve patient outcomes. This can be achieved through harnessing tumour promoting effects of radiation or preventing development of radio-resistance in cancer cells. Many of the approaches being investigated involve targeting the recently published new dimensions of cancer hallmarks. This review article will discuss key radiation and targeted therapy combination strategies being investigated in the rectal cancer setting, with a focus on exploitation of mechanisms which target the hallmarks of cancer.
The structure of turbulence in unsteady flow over urban canopies
Authors: Li Weiyi , Giometto Marco G.
Published: April 2024

The topology of turbulent coherent structures is known to regulate the transport of energy, mass and momentum in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). While previous research has primarily focused on characterizing the structure of turbulence in stationary ABL flows, real-world scenarios frequently deviate from stationarity, giving rise to nuanced and poorly understood changes in the turbulence geometry and associated transport mechanisms. This study sheds light on this problem by examining topological changes in ABL turbulence induced by non-stationarity and their effects on momentum transport. Results from a large-eddy simulation of pulsatile open channel flow over an array of surface-mounted cuboids are examined. The analysis reveals that the flow pulsation triggers a phase-dependent shear rate, and the ejection-sweep pattern varies with the shear rate during the pulsatile cycle. From a turbulence structure perspective, it is attributed to the changes in the geometry of hairpin vortices. An increase (decrease) in the shear rate intensifies (relaxes) these structures, leading to an increase (decrease) in the frequency of ejections and an amplification (reduction) of their percentage contribution to the total momentum flux. Furthermore, the size of the hairpin packets undergoes variations, which depend on the geometry of the constituting hairpin vortices, yet the packet inclination preserves its orientation throughout the pulsatile cycle. These observations reinforce the important role non-stationarity holds in shaping the structure of ABL turbulence and the momentum transport mechanisms it governs.
Enhanced recovery caused by nonlinear dynamics in the wake of a floating offshore wind turbine
Authors: Messmer Thomas , Hölling Michael , Peinke Joachim
Published: April 2024

An experimental study in a wind tunnel is presented to explore the wake of a floating wind turbine subjected to harmonic side-to-side and fore–aft motions under laminar inflow conditions. The wake recovery is analysed as a function of the frequency of motion

$f_p$

, expressed by the rotor-based Strouhal number,

$St = f_p D / U_{\infty }$

(

$D$

is the rotor diameter,

$U_{\infty }$

the inflow wind speed). Our findings indicate that both directions of motion accelerate the transition to the far-wake compared with the fixed turbine. The experimental outcomes confirm the computational fluid dynamics results of Li et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 934, 2022, p. A29) showing that sideways motions lead to faster wake recovery, especially for

$St \in [0.2, 0.6]$

. Additionally, we find that fore–aft motions also lead to better recovery for

$St \in [0.3, 0.9]$

. The recovery is closely linked to nonlinear spatiotemporal dynamics found in the shear layer region of the wake. For both directions of motion and

$St \in [0.2, 0.55]$

, the noisy wake dynamics lock in to the frequency of the motion. In this synchronised-like state, sideways motions result in large coherent structures of meandering, and fore–aft movements induce coherent pulsing of the wake. For fore–aft motion and

$St \in [0.55, 0.9]$

, the wake shows a more complex quasiperiodic dynamic, namely, a self-generated meandering mode emerges, which interacts nonlinearly with the excitation frequency

$St$

, as evidenced by the occurrence of mixing components. The coherent structures grow nonlinearly, enhance wake mixing and accelerate the transition to the far-wake, which, once reached, exhibits universal behaviour.
Characterization of partial wetting by CMAS droplets using multiphase many-body dissipative particle dynamics and data-driven discovery based on PINNs
Authors: Kiyani Elham , Kooshkbaghi Mahdi , Shukla Khemraj , Koneru Rahul Babu , Li Zhen , Bravo Luis , Ghoshal Anindya , Karniadakis George Em , Karttunen Mikko
Published: April 2024

The molten sand that is a mixture of calcia, magnesia, alumina and silicate, known as CMAS, is characterized by its high viscosity, density and surface tension. The unique properties of CMAS make it a challenging material to deal with in high-temperature applications, requiring innovative solutions and materials to prevent its buildup and damage to critical equipment. Here, we use multiphase many-body dissipative particle dynamics simulations to study the wetting dynamics of highly viscous molten CMAS droplets. The simulations are performed in three dimensions, with varying initial droplet sizes and equilibrium contact angles. We propose a parametric ordinary differential equation (ODE) that captures the spreading radius behaviour of the CMAS droplets. The ODE parameters are then identified based on the physics-informed neural network (PINN) framework. Subsequently, the closed-form dependency of parameter values found by the PINN on the initial radii and contact angles are given using symbolic regression. Finally, we employ Bayesian PINNs (B-PINNs) to assess and quantify the uncertainty associated with the discovered parameters. In brief, this study provides insight into spreading dynamics of CMAS droplets by fusing simple parametric ODE modelling and state-of-the-art machine-learning techniques.
Reactive control of velocity fluctuations using an active deformable surface and real-time PIV
Authors: McCormick Findlay , Gibeau Bradley , Ghaemi Sina
Published: April 2024

This study demonstrates an experimental realization of turbulence control strategies previously explored by Choiet al.(J. Fluid Mech., vol. 262, 1994, pp. 75–110) through numerical simulations. To conduct the experiments, a deformable surface with a streamwise array of 16 independently controlled actuators was developed. A real-time particle image velocimetry (RT-PIV) system was also created for flow measurements. The objective of the control strategy was to target the sweep and ejection motions of the vortex shedding from a spherical cap placed in a laminar boundary layer. Reactive control strategies consisted of wall-normal surface deformations that opposed or complied with the wall-normal (v) or streamwise (u) velocity fluctuations obtained from the RT-PIV. The results showed two primary outcomes of the control approach. Firstly, it effectively hindered the advancement of sweep motions towards the wall. Secondly, it disrupted the periodic shedding of vortices. Thev-control with opposing wall motions andu-control with compliant wall motions exhibited strong inhibition of sweep motions, while thev-control with compliant andu-control with opposing wall motions showed weaker inhibition. All reactive control cases resulted in the disruption of vortex shedding. In some instances, this disruption was accompanied by increased turbulent kinetic energy due to the generation of additional flow motions. However, thev-control with opposing wall motions significantly reduced the vortex-shedding energy while maintaining total turbulent kinetic energy close to or below that of the unforced flow. Overall, the experiments show the effectiveness of reactive control strategies in mitigating sweep motions and disrupting vortical structures, offering insights for developing reactive control strategies.
COUNTING IN UNCOUNTABLY CATEGORICAL PSEUDOFINITE STRUCTURES
Authors: VAN ABEL ALEXANDER
Published: April 2024

We show that every definable subset of an uncountably categorical pseudofinite structure has pseudofinite cardinality which is polynomial (over the rationals) in the size of any strongly minimal subset, with the degree of the polynomial equal to the Morley rank of the subset. From this fact, we show that classes of finite structures whose ultraproducts all satisfy the same uncountably categorical theory are polynomial R-mecs as well as N-dimensional asymptotic classes, where N is the Morley rank of the theory.
Caches, Memory, and Ritual at the Maya City of Cival
Authors: Ahern Kaitlin R.
Published: April 2024

This article examines Middle and Late Preclassic period ritual activity and caches discovered in the Central E Group complex at the ancient Maya site of Cival, which is located in northeastern Peten, Guatemala. It focuses on a series of excavations conducted in 2013 and 2014 at Structure 9, the E Group's western radial pyramid and uses theories of social memory and sacred place to provide insight into the recently discovered caches, termination rituals, and the deliberate destruction of architectural features found there. It also draws on previous ritual activity conducted in the Central E Group plaza and the site's broader history to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the role of this complex as a sacred place and hub of memory at Cival for more than 1,000 years.
Sharp conditions for the validity of the Bourgain–Brezis–Mironescu formula
Authors: Davoli Elisa , Di Fratta Giovanni , Pagliari Valerio
Published: April 2024

Following the seminal paper by Bourgain, Brezis, and Mironescu, we focus on the asymptotic behaviour of some nonlocal functionals that, for each

$u\in L^2(\mathbb {R}^N)$

, are defined as the double integrals of weighted, squared difference quotients of

$u$

. Given a family of weights

$\{\rho _{\varepsilon} \}$

,

$\varepsilon \in (0,\,1)$

, we devise sufficient and necessary conditions on

$\{\rho _{\varepsilon} \}$

for the associated nonlocal functionals to converge as

$\varepsilon \to 0$

to a variant of the Dirichlet integral. Finally, some comparison between our result and the existing literature is provided.
Comparison of quality of life in vestibular schwannoma patients managed with observation, radiotherapy or microsurgery
Authors: Ball Jessica F , Low Jacob C M , Kasbekar Anand V , Lesser Tristram H
Published: April 2024

Objectives

In decision making regarding the management of vestibular schwannomas, alongside clinical outcomes, an understanding of patient reported health-related quality of life measures is key. Therefore, the aim of this research is to compare health-related quality of life in vestibular schwannoma patients treated with active observation, stereotactic radiotherapy and microsurgical excision.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with unilateral sporadic vestibular schwannomas between 1995 and 2015 at a specialist tertiary centre was conducted. Patients completed the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life questionnaire and handicap inventories for dizziness, hearing and tinnitus.

Results

Of 234 patients, 136 responded (58.1 per cent). Management modality was: 86 observation, 23 stereotactic radiotherapy and 25 microsurgery. Females reported significantly worse dizziness; males reported significantly worse physical disability. Patients less than 65 years old reported significantly worse tinnitus and pain scores. Overall, quality of life was higher in the observation group.

Conclusion

Conservative management, where appropriate, is favourable with higher quality-of-life outcomes in this cohort. This must be weighed against the risks of a growing tumour.
The distribution of the red-throated ascidian Herdmania momus shifts northwards in association with ocean warming in the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Hwang Choul-Hee , Lee Su Jin , Seok Hyeong Ju , Kim Hyun-Jung , Hwang InSeo , Kang Min Gu , Park Joo Myun
Published: April 2024

Climate change poses a major threat to marine ecosystems, with its effects felt worldwide. A major effect of climate change on marine ecosystems is the rise in water temperature, leading to a northward expansion of habitats for marine organisms. Herdmania momus, a species of ascidians (sea squirts), originally found in tropical and subtropical regions, was introduced to the Korean Peninsula. In this study, we examined the habitat of H. momus along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula between 2016 and 2022. We found that H. momus settlements were observed across the entire survey area, with confirmed habitation in Busan in 2016, Ulsan in 2021, and Gyeongju (the northernmost location) in 2022. The observed habitation trend indicates a rapid geographical expansion, occurring approximately 79 years earlier than previously predicted. These observations demonstrate that marine organisms are undergoing a more rapid geographical expansion than previously projected. These unexpected findings should inform government policies related to proactive measures and strategies for managing the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Developing the WE BEAT Well-Being Education Programme to foster resilience and build connection in paediatric heart disease
Authors: Cousino Melissa K. , Dusing Catherine R. , Rea Kelly E. , Glenn Thomas , Armstrong Blake , Les Andrea S. , Hansen Jesse E. , Pasquali Sara K. , Schumacher Kurt R.
Published: April 2024

Background:

The study of psychological well-being and related resilient outcomes is of increasing focus in cardiovascular research. Despite the critical importance of psychological well-being and related resilient outcomes in promoting optimal cardiac health, there have been very few psychological interventions directed towards children with heart disease. This paper describes the development and theoretical framework of the WE BEAT Wellbeing Education Program, a group-based psychoeducation and coping skills training intervention designed to improve psychological well-being and resilience in adolescents with paediatric heart disease.

Methods:

Program development was informed by patient and family needs and input gathered via large, international survey methods as well as qualitative investigation, a theoretical framework, and related resilience intervention research.

Results:

An overview of the WE BEAT intervention components and structure of the programme is provided.

Conclusions:

The WE BEAT Wellbeing Education Program was developed as one of the first resiliency-focused interventions in paediatric heart disease with an overall objective to foster positive psychological well-being and resilient outcomes through a health promotion and prevention lens in an accessible format while providing access to safe, peer-to-peer community building. Feasibility pilot results are forthcoming. Future directions include mobile app-based delivery and larger-scale efficacy and implementation trials.
A flexible choice of comrades: the dynamic identity of the Muslim Huis of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
Authors: Nakanishi Tatsuya
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates how Hui scholars imagined the membership of their community during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as sharing communal religious duties, such as Islamic education and funeral rites, which were correctively imposed by an Islamic doctrine on all Muslims. The analysis is mainly based on two texts. One is an inscriptive text drafted in Arabic and Persian by Ma Minglong in A.H. 1079 (1668–1669) and inscribed by his son in 1673 in Wuchang, Hubei province. The other is Tianfang dianli (Commentary on Rites of Islam), written in Chinese by Liu Zhi (d. after 1724) based on Arabic and Persian Islamic books. The analysis shows that these Hui scholars have flexibly demarcated their communities from those whom they regarded as “other” Muslims, depending on various situations. Additionally, this paper illuminates how Hui scholars’ various and flexible delineations of “us” facilitated their negotiations for advantageous positions toward Muslim rivals, as well as non-Muslims who suspected their orthodoxy. This relativizes the argument that Hui scholars understood themselves as being simultaneously Chinese and Muslim when they situated themselves vis-à-vis Chinese literati—an argument that has been often repeated in the study of Hui Muslims.
Einflussfaktoren auf die frühe Mutter-Kind-Interaktion
Authors: Möwisch Dave , Attig Manja , Weinert Sabine
Published: April 2024

Zusammenfassung: Mütterliche Sensitivität und Anregung stellen zwei wichtige Dimensionen des mütterlichen Interaktionsverhaltens dar und sind zudem bedeutsam für die kindliche Entwicklung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wurden verschiedene Einflussfaktoren auf die mütterliche Sensitivität und Anregung bei Familien (Mütter und ihre sieben Monate alten Kinder) untersucht, die in sozioökonomisch benachteiligten Stadtgebieten wohnen und an der Förderstudie „BRISE“ (Bremer Initiative zur Stärkung frühkindlicher Entwicklung) teilnehmen. Außerdem wurden Zusammenhänge zwischen der Teilnahme an frühen Fördermaßnahmen, wie beispielsweise dem Programm TippTapp, und der mütterlichen Sensitivität sowie Anregung in der Mutter-Kind-Interaktion analysiert. Einbezogen werden konnten Daten von 152 Müttern und ihren Kindern. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass insbesondere sozioökonomische Hintergrundmerkmale, wie die mütterliche Bildung, mit einer höheren Sensitivität verbunden waren, auch unter Kontrolle von weiteren Merkmalen, die für Mutter-Kind-Interaktionen relevant sind. Hinsichtlich des mütterlichen Anregungsverhaltens zeigten sich in diesem jungen Alter geringere Zusammenhänge mit potenziellen Einflussfaktoren. Die Befunde deuten zunächst an, dass die Teilnahme am Förderprogramm TippTapp positiv mit der mütterlichen Sensitivität assoziiert ist. Dieser Effekt bleibt allerdings bei Kontrolle von weiteren sozioökonomischen Variablen nicht bestehen.
Geologic Provinces Beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet Constrained by Geophysical Data Synthesis
Authors: MacGregor Joseph A. , Colgan William T. , Paxman Guy J. G. , Tinto Kirsty J. , Csathó Beáta , Darbyshire Fiona A. , Fahnestock Mark A. , Kokfelt Thomas F. , MacKie Emma J. , Morlighem Mathieu , Sergienko Olga V.
Published: April 2024

Present understanding of Greenland's subglacial geology is derived mostly from interpolation of geologic mapping of its ice‐free margins and unconstrained by geophysical data. Here we refine the extent of its geologic provinces by synthesizing geophysical constraints on subglacial geology from seismic, gravity, magnetic and topographic data. North of 72°N, no province clearly extends across the whole island, leaving three distinct subglacial regions yet to be reconciled with margin geology. Geophysically coherent anomalies and apparent province boundaries are adjacent to the onset of faster ice flow at both Petermann Glacier and the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream. Separately, based on their subaerial expression, dozens of unusually long, straight and sub‐parallel subglacial valleys cross Greenland's interior and are not yet resolved by current syntheses of its subglacial topography.
A Tilted Broad Plume Underneath the Greenland Cratonic Keels
Authors: Wang Dan , Gao Stephen S. , Liao Yangyang , Liu Kelly H.
Published: April 2024

To advance our comprehension of the complex geological history and mantle dynamics in the North Atlantic region, we employ all available broadband seismic data recorded in Greenland to reveal an abnormal mantle transition zone (MTZ) structure. Central and eastern Greenland exhibits depressed 410 and 660 km discontinuities (d410 and d660, respectively) bordering the MTZ, indicative of a substantial thermal anomaly associated with an underlying plume, surpassing the 1,800°C threshold for post‐garnet phase transitions at the d660. Variations in MTZ thickness across Greenland stem from differing temperature anomalies at the d410 and d660, possibly linked to a tilted plume within the MTZ. These findings corroborate geodynamic models, elucidating the interaction between post‐garnet phase transitions and upwelling plumes. The results shed light on the origin of the enigmatic Icelandic hotspot track and its influence on the thermal and lithospheric structures beneath Greenland.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Upper‐Ocean Salinity Over the North Pacific in 2004–2021
Authors: Kawai Yoshimi , Katsura Shota , Hosoda Shigeki
Published: April 2024

Interannual variations in upper ocean salinity in the North Pacific Ocean (NP) were examined comprehensively over a period of 18 years (2004–2021) with gridded data sets considering vertical profiles of salinity. The salinity in nearly half of the basin varied in phase with a slight lag, and the rest of the basin exhibited the opposite phase on a decadal scale. The average salinity above 400 dbar prominently increased in the eastern and western mid‐latitude regions from approximately 2010 to the latter half of the 2010s, and decreased in the central subarctic and subtropics during the same period. This spatial pattern was similar to that of temperature change. While the freshening in the subtropics was remarkably above 100 dbar, salinity changes in the subarctic were large even in the subsurface. The first mode of the complex empirical orthogonal function analysis indicated the eastward (westward) propagation of salinity anomalies in the subarctic (subtropics), that is, a clockwise shift. Salinity budget analysis revealed that the changes in the 2010s were mainly caused by geostrophic advection in zonal regions around 40°N and 20°N, and the eastern NP. Precipitation also contributed to freshening in the subtropics, but not in the central subarctic. The meridional migration of salinity fronts in the subarctic and subtropics induced by wind stress, which is meridional contraction of the subtropical gyre, contributed to freshening in the central NP. It is unclear whether salinification in the eastern and western regions inevitably synchronizes and should be further examined.
Weather‐Induced Satellite Orbit Perturbations
Authors: Motlaghzadeh S. , Vasiuta M. , Bister M. , Navarro Trastoy A. , Tuppi L. , Mayer‐Gürr T. , Järvinen H.
Published: April 2024

Satellites in Earth's orbit are exposed to Earth radiation, consisting of reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation, thereby exerting a non‐conservative force that causes acceleration and affects the orbits. Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow‐On (GRACE‐FO) mission aiming to retrieve the Earth's gravity potential is critically dependent on accounting for this force and all other non‐gravitational forces. There are both diurnal and seasonal variations in the Earth's radiation pressure, of which the seasonal variability can be represented by climatology. Nevertheless, the daily variations in the Earth's radiation pressure, due to the transient changes in the weather; for example, clouds and their properties, are not accounted for in the orbit perturbations studies. We show here that the top‐of‐atmosphere radiation fluxes computed with a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model explain most of the measured short‐term variations in the radial acceleration of the GRACE‐FO satellite. Our physics‐based modeling corrects a hitherto unexplained lack of power spectral density in the measured accelerations. For example, we can accurately model the accelerations associated with a tropical storm in the Indian Ocean in December 2020, which would not be possible when using climatological data. Our results demonstrate that using a global numerical weather prediction model significantly improves the simulation of non‐gravitational effects in the satellites' orbits. In the 7‐day data set, OpenIFS‐simulated acceleration exhibited higher accuracy than climatological‐data‐simulated acceleration (2.5 compared to 2.6 nms−2) and an improved precision (2.6 compared to 3.0 nms−2). This advancement contributes to a more precise orbit determination across various applications in Earth sciences.
Soluble Organic Compounds and Cyanide in Apollo 17 Lunar Samples: Origins and Curation Effects
Authors: Elsila Jamie E. , Aponte José C. , McLain Hannah L. , Simkus Danielle N. , Dworkin Jason P. , Glavin Daniel P. , Zeigler Ryan A. , McCubbin Francis M. ,   the ANGSA Science Team
Published: April 2024

We analyzed 12 Apollo 17 samples through the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program to determine the abundances of a variety of compound classes, including amino acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids, and cyanide‐releasing species. Analyzed samples included portions of double drive tube 73001/73002, the bottom half of which (73001) was hermetically sealed under lunar vacuum, as well as lunar regolith samples from three different illumination environments that had been curated frozen for ∼50 years. Consistent with previous results, we detected low levels of amino acids in the hot‐water extracts of most samples (0.55–12.03 nmol/g in unhydrolyzed samples; 0.53–72.38 nmol/g after acid hydrolysis of the extracts). We also detected one‐carbon and two‐carbon species of amines, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids (i.e., methylamine, ethylamine, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, formic acid, acetic acid) not previously reported in lunar samples, as well as insoluble cyanide‐forming species. Although these compounds are potential precursor molecules for amino acids, no specific precursor relationships could be determined. Nylon contamination was the likely source of some amino acids. Abundances of some species (e.g., cyanide) decreased with increasing depth in the drive tube, suggesting that exogenous delivery and concentration mechanisms near the surface outweighed surface degradation processes. In addition, we observed the potential cold trapping of volatile amines in the persistently shadowed samples analyzed. Finally, we noted the effects of different curation conditions; hermetic sealing appeared to preserve higher amounts of volatile compounds, while frozen curation did not have a noticeable preservation effect on the organic volatiles analyzed here.
Contributions of Parameterized Gravity Waves and Resolved Equatorial Waves to the QBO Period in a Future Climate of CESM2
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Kyu , Chun Hye‐Yeong , Richter Jadwiga H. , Simpson Isla R. , Garcia Rolando R.
Published: April 2024

Contributions of the resolved waves and parameterized gravity waves to changes in the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in a future simulation (2015–2100) under the SSP370 scenario are investigated using the Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2) with enhanced vertical resolution and are compared with those from four CESM2 historical simulations (1979–2014). The maximum QBO amplitude of the future simulation is 26.0 m s−1, which is slightly less than that of the historical simulations (27.4–29.3 m s−1). However, the QBO period in the future simulation is much shorter: 21.6 months in the early‐future (2015–2050) and 12 months in the late‐future (2065–2100) period, than in the historical simulations (23.5–30.9 months). The shortened QBO period in the future is primarily due to increases in both resolved wave forcing and parameterized gravity wave drag (GWD) in the stratosphere, with a more significant contribution by the GWD. As convective activity becomes stronger in the future simulation, the momentum flux of parameterized convective gravity waves at the cloud top increases, resulting in stronger GWD in the stratosphere. The increases in the magnitude of westward GWD dominate those of eastward GWD in the stratosphere. This is due to a significant increase in westward momentum flux in the troposphere, especially during the descending easterly QBO, and enhanced westerlies in the lowermost stratosphere, which introduces a westward anomaly. For the resolved waves, Kelvin wave forcing is a key contributor to increased eastward forcing in the future simulation, with relatively minor contributions by other equatorial planetary waves.
How do I recognise and manage visual snow syndrome?
Authors: Fraser Clare L.
Published: April 2024

Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is becoming increasingly recognised by clinicians and self-diagnosed by our patients thanks to online search tools. Previously this phenomenon was overlooked or dismissed leading to increased patient anxiety. Now, however, we need to be careful with that we are not making what would seem to be an easy diagnosis of VSS when actually we are missing any underlying or mimic conditions.