bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Onset of climate‐change impact on the renowned Oncorhynchus metapopulation of Yellowstone Lake revealed by Leslie modeling of annual gill‐net catches
Authors: Kaeding Lynn R.
Published: February 2024

The native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri; YCT) of Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, comprise a metapopulation that inhabits an ecologically simple and uniquely pristine environment. A recent study Bayesian fit an age‐structured Leslie model that had a local climate index (total annual mean‐daily air temperatures >0°C at the lake's north shore) as its only driver (regulating age‐0 YCT survival) to data for a key YCT spawning stock (median fish age, 5 years) from 1977 to 1992, before predation from an illegally introduced and growing lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) population (1994 discovery) measurably affected YCT population dynamics. Results showed the new climate regime that began in the late 1970s had an overarching effect and largely explained declining spawning runs, although a growing predation effect became evident near lake trout discovery and quickly became the major YCT population driver. In the present study, that model was likewise fitted to estimated abundances of age‐5 YCT (~75% mature) that had been annually (also 1977–1992) gill‐netted from Yellowstone Lake and thus characterized the metapopulation. Results showed age‐0 YCT survival declined when a climate index of 1440 was reached and exceeded. Metapopulation recovery to historically high levels requires that the climate index decline to and remain near or below 1440 and—as shown by another recent study—that the lake trout population be reduced to its mid‐1990s levels. The most recent time of evident YCT metapopulation persistence at historically high levels and broadest spatial extent occurred under those simultaneous conditions.
Generalized functional linear model with a point process predictor
Authors: Sun Jiehuan , Lee Kuang‐Yao
Published: February 2024

Point process data have become increasingly popular these days. For example, many of the data captured in electronic health records (EHR) are in the format of point process data. It is of great interest to study the association between a point process predictor and a scalar response using generalized functional linear regression models. Various generalized functional linear regression models have been developed under different settings in the past decades. However, existing methods can only deal with functional or longitudinal predictors, not point process predictors. In this article, we propose a novel generalized functional linear regression model for a point process predictor. Our proposed model is based on the joint modeling framework, where we adopt a log‐Gaussian Cox process model for the point process predictor and a generalized linear regression model for the outcome. We also develop a new algorithm for fast model estimation based on the Gaussian variational approximation method. We conduct extensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of our proposed method and compare it to competing methods. The performance of our proposed method is further demonstrated on an EHR dataset of patients admitted into the intensive care units of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2001 and 2008.
Ionic Bonding Without Directionality Facilitates Efficient Interfacial Bridging for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Lulan , Chen Letian , Chen Zijing , Wu Jianqiang , Lou Tiantian , Li Yiming , Zhou Zhen , Li Hongshi , Li Guoran , Meng Qingbo
Published: February 2024

Interface passivation through Lewis acid–base coordinate chemistry in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is a universal strategy to reduce interface defects and hinder ion migration. However, the formation of coordinate covalent bonding demands strict directional alignment of coordinating atoms. Undoubtedly, this limits the selected range of the interface passivation molecules, because a successful molecular bridge between charge transport layer and perovskite bottom interface needs a well‐placed molecular orientation. In this study, it is discovered that potassium ions can migrate to the hollow sites of multiple iodine ions from perovskite to form K‐Ix ionic bonding, and the ionic bonds without directionality can support molecular backbone rotation to facilitate polar sites (carboxyl groups) chelating Pb at the bottom perovskite interface, finally forming a closed‐loop bonding structure. The synergy of coordinate and ionic bonding significantly reduces interface defects, changes electric field distribution, and immobilizes iodine at the perovskite bottom interface, resulting in eliminating the hysteresis effect and enhancing the performance of PSCs. As a result, the corresponding devices achieve a high efficiency exceeding 24.5% (0.09 cm2), and a mini‐module with 21% efficiency (12.4 cm2). These findings provide guidelines for designing molecular bridging strategies at the buried interface of PSCs.
20 µm Micro‐LEDs Mass Transfer via Laser‐Induced In Situ Nanoparticles Resonance Enhancement
Authors: Sun Weigao , Ji Lingfei , Lin Zhenyuan , Zhang Litian , Wang Zhiyong , Qin Wenbin , Yan Tianyang
Published: February 2024

Ultrafast laser is expected as a promising strategy for micro‐LEDs (µ‐LEDs) transfer due to its inherent property of suppressing thermal effects. However, its ultrahigh peak power and the unclear transfer mechanism make its transfer quality and efficiency unsatisfactory. Here, the study reports the high‐precision mass transfer of 20 µm fine‐pitch µ‐LEDs via in situ nanoparticles (NPs) resonance enhancement in burst mode ultraviolet picosecond laser irradiation. This technique suppresses the thermal melting effect and rapid cooling behavior of plasma by temporal modulation of the burst mode, generating NPs‐induced resonance enhancement that accurately and controllable drives a single unit up to tens of thousands of µ‐LEDs. The transfer of large µ‐LED arrays with more than 180 000 chips is also demonstrated, showing a transfer yield close to 99.9%, a transfer speed of 700 pcs s−1, and a transfer error of <±1.2 µm. The transferred µ‐LEDs perform excellent optoelectronic properties and enable reliable device operation regardless of complex strain environments, providing a reliable strategy for preparing broader classes of 3D integrated photonics devices.
Dielectric Design of High Dielectric Constant Poly(Urea‐Urethane) Elastomer for Low‐Voltage High‐Mobility Intrinsically Stretchable All‐Solution‐Processed Organic Transistors
Authors: Zhang Mingxin , Sun Jing , Zhao Guodong , Tong Yanhong , Wang Xue , Yu Hongyan , Xue Peng , Zhao Xiaoli , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2024

Stretchable organic transistors for skin‐like biomedical applications require low‐voltage operation to accommodate limited power supply and safe concerns. However, most of the currently reported stretchable organic transistors operate at relatively high voltages. Decreasing their operational voltage while keeping the high mobility still remains a key challenge. Here, the study presents a new dielectric design to achieve high‐dielectric constant poly(urea‐urethane) (PUU) elastomer, by incorporating a flexible small‐molecular diamine crosslinking agent 4‐aminophenyl disulfide (APDS) into the main chain of (poly (propylene glycol), tolylene 2,4‐diiso‐cyanate terminated) (PPG‐TDI). Compared with commercial elastomers, the PUU elastomer as dielectric of the stretchable organic transistors shows the outstanding advantages including lower surface roughness (0.33 nm), higher adhesion (45.18 nN), higher dielectric constant (13.5), as well as higher stretchability (896%). The PUU dielectric enables the intrinsically stretchable, all‐solution‐processed organic transistor to operate at a low operational voltage down to −10 V, while preserving a substantial mobility of 1.39 cm2 V−1 s−1. Impressively, the transistor also demonstrates excellent electrical stability under repeated switching of 10 000 cycles, and remarkable mechanical robustness when stretched up to 100%. The work opens up a new molecular engineering strategy to successfully realize low‐voltage high‐mobility stretchable all‐solution‐processed organic transistors.
Retention modeling of therapeutic peptides in sub‐/supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Neumann Jonas , Schmidtsdorff Sebastian , Schmidt Alexander H. , Parr Maria K.
Published: February 2024

Chromatographic modeling software packages are valuable tools during method optimization steps. These are well established for reversed‐phase applications utilizing retention time (RT) prediction to optimize separations and receive robust methods, which is of high interest for the analysis of pharmaceuticals. In contrast to liquid chromatography, the knowledge of RT prediction in supercritical fluid chromatography is limited to a manageable number of studies.

This study uses the software DryLab to predict the RTs of the peptides bacitracin (Bac), colistin, tyrothricin (Tyro), and insulin analogs. Gradient time, column temperature, and the ternary composition (terC) of carbon dioxide, methanol (MeOH), and acetonitrile (ACN) in the gradient elution are varied in a feasibility approach using a neutral (Viridis BEH) and an amino‐derivatized aromatic (Torus 2‐PIC) stationary phase. In the second part, chromatographic optimization is performed in silico through gradient adjustments to optimize the separation of the fingerprint of Bac. The final gradient method utilizes a Viridis BEH column (100 × 3.0 mm, 1.7 μm), carbon dioxide, and a modifier consisting of ACN/MeOH/water/methanesulfonic acid (60:40:2:0.1, v:v:v:v). In addition, changes in the retention order of Tyro compounds with the proportion of the terC in combination with a Torus Diol column are investigated.
Humanizing History: Using Historical Fiction Texts to Develop Disciplinary and Racial Literacies
Authors: La Croix Leslie , Vesely Colleen K. , Steen Bweikia F.
Published: February 2024

Historical fiction is a powerful genre for inviting children into meaningful conversations centered on the lived experiences of others. Historical inquiry immerses readers in interdisciplinary research experiences and complements language arts Common Core State Standards that call for a balance of fiction and non‐fiction text. Antiracist lenses enhance inquiry conversations and help students articulate nuanced understandings of the fictionalized historical events while developing disciplinary and racial literacy knowledge necessary for humanizing history. This article highlights how we, as teacher educators, use historical fiction to engage teacher candidates in inquiry‐based social studies lessons to develop their disciplinary and racial literacy skills and practices. Then, we offer an example of how to integrate the C3 inquiry approach using Finding Langston (Cline‐Ransome, 2018), a historical fiction text set during the Great Migration, to engage elementary‐aged readers in explorations of history, sparking children’s agency and engagement in their own learning.
Cadaveric comparison of two techniques for intraoperative placement of tibial plateau levelling osteotomies in dogs
Authors: Jaworski Janusz , Meek Matt , Malortie Selena , Dudley Robert
Published: February 2024

Background

Both tibial tuberosity fractures and deviation from the planned postoperative tibial plateau angle have been associated with poor centring of tibial plateau levelling osteotomies (TPLOs). The aim of this cadaveric study was to compare two techniques for centring the osteotomy and preserving the tibial tuberosity width (TTW).

Methods

Stifle radiographs were obtained from 20 limbs of 10 dogs. TPLO was planned on each stifle, and a two‐wire technique (TWT) and a technique using the medial collateral ligament (MCL) as an intraoperative landmark were planned. The techniques were executed and marked with radiopaque pins. Further radiographs were obtained and analysed.

Results

On average, TWT resulted in a 20.4% increase in TTW and medial collateral ligament technique (MCLT) resulted in a 13.4% decrease. Expressed as a percentage of the radial saw size, the average error in the centring of the osteotomy arising from the TWT was 13.4% and that from the MCLT was 14.2%.

Limitations

This study had a small sample size and involved a single surgeon.

Conclusion

Neither technique reliably identified the desired centre of the osteotomy, and both had a similar magnitude of error. MCLT resulted in reduced TTW, while TWT resulted in increased TTW. A reduced TTW has been associated with an increased risk of tibial tuberosity fracture, so MCLT is not recommended for clinical use.
The achievement gap thesis reconsidered: artificial intelligence, automation, and meaningful work
Authors: Scripter Lucas
Published: February 2024

John Danaher and Sven Nyholm have argued that automation, especially of the sort powered by artificial intelligence, poses a threat to meaningful work by diminishing the chances for meaning-conferring workplace achievement, what they call “achievement gaps”. In this paper, I argue that Danaher and Nyholm’s achievement gap thesis suffers from an ambiguity. The weak version of the thesis holds that automation may result in the appearance of achievement gaps, whereas the strong version holds that automation may result on balance loss in possibilities for workplace achievements, i.e., in the appearance of an overall gappier work landscape. Against the strong version of the achievement gap thesis, I characterize situations where automation may result in boons to meaning-conferring workplace achievements: the appearance of what I call achievement spread and achievement swaps. Nevertheless, Danaher and Nyholm are right to worry about some uses of automation whereby human workers become subservient to AI. But these situations are better framed, I argue, as autonomy gaps rather than achievement gaps.
Dynamics of Antimicrobial Resistance Carriage in Koalas (Phascolarctos Cinereus) and Pteropid Bats (Pteropus Poliocephalus) Before, During and After Wildfires
Authors: McDougall Fiona K. , Speight Natasha , Funnell Oliver , Boardman Wayne S. J. , Power Michelle L.
Published: February 2024

In the 2019–2020 summer, wildfires decimated the Australian bush environment and impacted wildlife species, including koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) and grey headed flying fox pups (Pteropid bats, Pteropus poliocephalus). Consequently, hundreds of koalas and thousands of bat pups entered wildlife hospitals with fire-related injuries/illness, where some individuals received antimicrobial therapy. This study investigated the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pre-fire, fire-affected and post-fire koalas and Pteropid bat pups. PCR and DNA sequencing were used to screen DNA samples extracted from faeces (koalas and bats) and cloacal swabs (koalas) for class 1 integrons, a genetic determinant of AMR, and to identify integron-associated antibiotic resistance genes. Class 1 integrons were detected in 25.5% of koalas (68 of 267) and 59.4% of bats (92 of 155). Integrons contained genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, trimethoprim and beta-lactams. Samples were also screened for blaTEM (beta-lactam) resistance genes, which were detected in 2.6% of koalas (7 of 267) and 25.2% of bats (39 of 155). Integron occurrence was significantly higher in fire-affected koalas in-care compared to wild pre-fire koalas (P < 0.0001). Integron and blaTEM occurrence were not significantly different in fire-affected bats compared to pre-fire bats (P > 0.05), however, their occurrence was significantly higher in fire-affected bats in-care compared to wild fire-affected bats (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0488 respectively). The observed shifts of AMR dynamics in wildfire-impacted species flags the need for judicious antibiotic use when treating fire-affected wildlife to minimise unwanted selective pressure and negative treatment outcomes associated with carriage of resistance genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Endoscopic and surgical treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis—a comparison of short- and long-term outcome
Authors: Timmermann Lea , Schönauer Svenja , Hillebrandt Karl Herbert , Felsenstein Matthäus , Pratschke Johann , Malinka Thomas , Jürgensen Christian
Published: February 2024

Background

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is still related to high morbidity and mortality rates. Minimal-invasive treatment options, such as endoscopic necrosectomy, may decrease peri-interventional morbidity and mortality. This study aims to compare the initial operative with endoscopic treatment on long-term parameters, such as endocrine and exocrine functionality, as well as mortality and recurrence rates.

Methods

We included 114 patients, of whom 69 were treated with initial endoscopy and 45 by initial surgery. Both groups were further assessed for peri-interventional and long-term parameters.

Results

In the post-interventional phase, patients in the group of initial surgical treatment (IST) showed significantly higher rates of renal insufficiency (p < 0.001) and dependency on invasive ventilation (p < 0.001). The in-house mortality was higher in the surgical group, with 22% vs. 10.1% in the group of patients following initial endoscopic treatment (IET; p = 0.077). In long-term follow-up, the overall mortality was 45% for IST and 31.3% for IET (p = 0.156). The overall in-hospital stay and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were significantly shorter after IET (p < 0.001). In long-term follow-up, the prevalence of endocrine insufficiency was 50% after IST and 61.7% after IET (p = 0.281). 57.1% of the patients following IST and 16.4% of the patients following IET had persistent exocrine insufficiency at that point (p =  < 0.001). 8.9% of the IET and 27.6% of the IST patients showed recurrence of acute pancreatitis (p = 0.023) in the long-term phase.

Conclusion

In our cohort, an endoscopic step-up approach led to a reduced in-hospital stay and peri-interventional morbidity. The endocrine function appeared comparable in both groups, whereas the exocrine insufficiency seemed to recover in the endoscopic group in the long-term phase. These findings advocate for a preference for endoscopic treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis whenever feasible.
Refeeding syndrome and psychopharmacological interventions in children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: a focus on olanzapine-related modifications of electrolyte balance
Authors: Pruccoli Jacopo , Barbieri Elena , Visconti Caterina , Pranzetti Beatrice , Pettenuzzo Ilaria , Moscano Filomena , Malaspina Elisabetta , Marino Marastella , Valeriani Beatrice , Parmeggiani Antonia
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between the use of olanzapine, a psychopharmacological intervention commonly prescribed in Anorexia Nervosa treatment, and the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome. Despite the acknowledged nutritional and biochemical impacts of olanzapine, the literature lacks information regarding its specific association with Refeeding Syndrome onset in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. This is a naturalistic, retrospective, observational study, reporting the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome in children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa, treated or untreated with olanzapine. Dosages and serum levels of olanzapine were assessed for potential associations with the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome and specific variations in Refeeding Syndrome–related electrolytes. Overall, 113 patients were enrolled, including 46 (41%) who developed a Refeeding Syndrome. Mild (87%), moderate (6.5%), and severe (6.5%) Refeeding Syndrome was described, at a current average intake of 1378 ± 289 kcal/day (39 ± 7.7 kcal/kg/die), frequently associated with nasogastric tube (39%) or parenteral (2.2%) nutrition. Individuals receiving olanzapine experienced a more positive phosphorus balance than those who did not (F(1,110) = 4.835, p = 0.030), but no difference in the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome was documented. The mean prescribed doses and serum concentrations of olanzapine were comparable between Refeeding Syndrome and no-Refeeding Syndrome patients.

    Conclusion: The present paper describes the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome and its association with olanzapine prescriptions in children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa. Olanzapine was associated with a more positive phosphorus balance, but not with a different occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome. Further, longitudinal studies are required.

What is Known:• Refeeding Syndrome (RS) is a critical complication during refeeding in malnourished patients, marked by electrolyte (phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) imbalances.• Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic with nutritional and biochemical impacts, is used in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) treatment, however data concerning its association with RS are lacking.

What is New:• The study observed RS in 46/113 (41%) young patients with AN.• Olanzapine-treated individuals showed a higher improvement in serum phosphate levels than untreated ones, although no impact on the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome was observed.
Critical Examination of the Representativeness of Austenite Grain Growth Studies Performed In Situ Using HT-LSCM and Application to Determine Growth-inhibiting Mechanisms
Authors: Kern Maximilian , Bernhard Michael , Presoly Peter , Brandl Dominik , Bernhard Christian
Published: February 2024

This contribution critically addresses the potential of HT-LSCM experiments for in situ observations of austenite grain growth (AGG). By quantifying AGG for various alloys, the impact of impurity induced solute drag effects (SDE) and second phase precipitation Zener pinning forces (PZ) on AGG can be estimated. Also the grain boundary mobility (GBM) can be determined. The measured arithmetic mean of the time-resolved grain size distributions as a function of temperature and chemical composition is the most important value for quantification. The obtained data is then used to contribute to mathematical models of classical grain growth theory and to allow conclusions on parametrization of SDE and PZ. In this contribution, grain size measurements at the sample surface (in situ and ex situ) are compared with ex situ bulk measurements and experiments on grain growth in the single-phase austenite region (γ-Fe) under isothermal annealing conditions at different temperatures are presented. Grain growth results include high-purity Fe (Fe > 99.98%), binary Fe‑P, Fe‑C, and quaternary Fe-C-Nb‑N systems. For the alloys investigated, it is assumed that grain growth in high-purity Fe occurs without the influence of solute drag or precipitation mechanisms. In Fe‑P, it is shown that grain growth is inhibited by the segregation of impurity atoms at the grain boundaries (GB), which allows conclusions to be drawn about the influence of SDE. In the case of Fe-C-Nb‑N systems, the influence of Nb(C,N) precipitation on grain growth due to Zener pinning forces is presented.
Physical activity and psychopathology: are long-term developmental trajectories of physical activity in children and adolescents associated with trajectories of general mental health problems and of attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms?
Authors: Ganjeh Parisa , Hagmayer York , Meyer Thomas , Kuhnert Ronny , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , von Steinbuechel Nicole , Rothenberger Aribert , Becker Andreas
Published: February 2024

A medium-to-high level of physical activity (PA) may have at least a short-term positive effect on psychopathology in children and adolescents. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of PA in non-adult age groups on their general mental health problems and/or ADHD symptoms, using trajectories of concurrent development over a period of 10 years. This study employed data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) collected at three time points (baseline, Wave 1, Wave 2, over 10 years) from 17,640 children and adolescents. Using parent-reported data from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), different developmental trajectories of general mental health problems (SDQ-total) and ADHD symptoms (SDQ-H/I) were identified with latent class mixed models (LCMM) statistics. This was also applied to parent- and self-reported data of three levels of PA. The latter was assessed according to WHO recommendations. The joint probability of class membership for SDQ-total as well as ADHD symptoms with PA was calculated to generate the concurrent developmental trajectories between variables. Results showed a 4-class trajectory model for both SDQ-total and ADHD symptoms among boys and girls. The majority of children and adolescents showed “low general difficulties” and “low ADHD symptoms” over the period of 10 years. Three distinct trajectories in boys and four distinct trajectories in girls were found for PA. Most of the participants showed an “increasing–decreasing activity” trajectory. No statistically significant correlations were found between the different SDQ-total or ADHD symptom trajectories and the trajectories of PA in the two genders. Taken together, our findings did not indicate any significant relationship between waxing and waning PA course over 10 years and various classes of mental health problems for children and adolescents. In contrast to our cross-sectional findings, no steady long-term medium/high-level of PA was present, which could (at least partly) explain the non-significant findings.
Recycling water treatment sludge into a novel eco-friendly core–shell lightweight aggregate and its application
Authors: Mahanna Hani , Alaa Ahmed , Salah Heba , Tahwia Ahmed M.
Published: February 2024

Disposal of water treatment sludge (WTS) has become an important issue of global environmental concern due to problems and costs. This study explored the feasibility of cold-bond methodology to produce an eco-friendly core–shell lightweight aggregate (LWA) from WTS, expanded perlite (EP), and cement. The effect of cement and WTS content on the properties of the LWA was studied. The findings revealed that the crushing strength, loose bulk density, 24-h water absorption, and 28-d water absorption of produced LWA ranged from 0.45 to 3.1 MPa, 1.05 to 1.25 g/cm3, 12.4 to 22%, and 22 to 27%, respectively. In addition, increasing the WTS content in the shell has a positive impact on the pH of the produced LWA. Furthermore, the SEM microstructure graphs revealed the efficient interference in the LWA particles between the cement–WTS composite and the perlite. The results also prove the possibility of using the produced LWA to produce structural lightweight concrete, with compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and dry density of 24 MPa, 2.98 MPa, and 1840 kg/m3, respectively, with a consistent thermal conductivity of 0.72 W/m K and good acoustic insulation.

Graphical abstract
Prognostic impact of peripheral blood WT1 mRNA dynamics in patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with venetoclax combination therapy
Authors: Sato Honami , Kobayashi Takahiro , Kameoka Yoshihiro , Teshima Kazuaki , Watanabe Atsushi , Yamada Masahiro , Yamashita Takaya , Noguchi Shinsuke , Michisita Yoshihiro , Fujishima Naohito , Kuroki Jun , Takahashi Naoto
Published: February 2024

Background

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) mRNA quantification is a useful marker of measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, whether monitoring the WT1 mRNA levels may predict the outcome of venetoclax (VEN) combination therapy in AML is not reported. This study aims to elucidate whether WT1 mRNA dynamics could predict long-term prognosis.

Methods

33 patients with untreated or relapsed/refractory AML evaluated for peripheral blood WT1 dynamics in VEN combination therapy were analyzed.

Results

The median age was 73 years (range 39–87). Azacitidine was combined with VEN in 91% of patients. Overall, the median overall survival (OS) was 334 days (95% CI 210–482), and the complete remission (CR) plus CR with incomplete hematologic recovery rate was 59%. A 1-log reduction of WT1 mRNA values by the end of cycle 2 of treatment was associated with significantly better OS and event-free survival (EFS) (median OS 482 days vs. 237 days, p = 0.049; median EFS 270 days vs. 125 days, p = 0.02). The negativity of post-treatment WT1 mRNA value during the treatment was associated with significantly better OS and EFS (median OS 482 days vs. 256 days, p = 0.02; median EFS not reached vs. 150 days, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of these two parameters as strong EFS predictors (HR 0.26, p = 0.024 and HR 0.15, p = 0.013, respectively). The increase in WT1 mRNA values was correlated with relapse.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that WT1 mRNA dynamics can be a useful marker for assessing long-term prognosis of VEN combination therapy for AML.
Evidence of premature vascular dysfunction in young adults who regularly use e-cigarettes and the impact of usage length
Authors: Matheson Chloe , Simovic Tijana , Heefner Allison , Colon Marisa , Tunon Enrique , Cobb Kolton , Thode Christopher , Breland Alison , Cobb Caroline O. , Nana-Sinkam Patrick , Garten Ryan , Rodriguez-Miguelez Paula
Published: February 2024

Background

Electronic (e-) cigarettes are increasingly popular tobacco products on the US market. Traditional tobacco products are known to cause vascular dysfunction, one of the earliest indicators of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. However, little is known about the effect of regular e-cigarette use on vascular function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of regular e-cigarette use on vascular function and cardiovascular health in young, healthy adults.

Methods

Twenty-one regular users of e-cigarettes (ECU) and twenty-one demographically matched non-users (NU) completed this study. Vascular health was assessed in the cutaneous microcirculation through different reactivity tests to evaluate overall functionality, endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDD), and endothelium-independent vasodilation (EID). Macrovascular function was assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD).

Results

Our results suggest that regular users of e-cigarettes present with premature microvascular impairment when compared to non-users. Specifically, they exhibit lower hyperemic (p = 0.003), thermal (p = 0.010), and EDD (p = 0.004) responses. No differences in EID between the groups were identified. We also identified that individuals who use e-cigarettes for longer than 3 years also present with systemic manifestations, as observed by significantly reduced macrovascular (p = 0.002) and microvascular (p ≤ 0.044) function.

Conclusions

Our novel data suggests that young, apparently healthy, regular users of e-cigarettes present with premature vascular dysfunction in the microcirculation when compared to non-users. We have also identified systemic vascular dysfunction affecting both the micro and macrovasculature in those young individuals who used e-cigarettes for longer than 3 years. Taken together, these findings associate regular e-cigarette use with premature vascular dysfunctions and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Semi-supervised attribute reduction for hybrid data
Authors: Li Zhaowen , He Jiali , Wang Pei , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: February 2024

Due to the high cost of labelling data, a lot of partially hybrid data are existed in many practical applications. Uncertainty measure (UM) can supply new viewpoints for analyzing data. They can help us in disclosing the substantive characteristics of data. Although there are some UMs to evaluate the uncertainty of hybrid data, they cannot be trivially transplanted into partially hybrid data. The existing studies often replace missing labels with pseudo-labels, but pseudo-labels are not real labels. When encountering high label error rates, work will be difficult to sustain. In view of the above situation, this paper studies four UMs for partially hybrid data and proposed semi-supervised attribute reduction algorithms. A decision information system with partially labeled hybrid data (p-HIS) is first divided into two decision information systems: one is the decision information system with labeled hybrid data (l-HIS) and the other is the decision information system with unlabeled hybrid data (u-HIS). Then, four degrees of importance on a attribute subset in a p-HIS are defined based on indistinguishable relation, distinguishable relation, dependence function, information entropy and information amount. We discuss the difference and contact among these UMs. They are the weighted sum of l-HIS and u-HIS determined by the missing rate and can be considered as UMs of a p-HIS. Next, numerical experiments and statistical tests on 12 datasets verify the effectiveness of these UMs. Moreover, an adaptive semi-supervised attribute reduction algorithm of a p-HIS is proposed based on the selected important degrees, which can automatically adapt to various missing rates. Finally, the results of experiments and statistical tests on 12 datasets show the proposed algorithm is statistically better than some stat-of-the-art algorithms according to classification accuracy.
Experimental study on the seismic enhancement of brick masonry spandrels using a single-sided composite reinforced mortar coating
Authors: Gams Matija , Boem Ingrid , Gattesco Natalino , Rizzi Emanuele , Dudine Allen
Published: February 2024

The paper reports on four cyclic tests of brick masonry spandrels in reference state and strengthened state. The tests were carried out on full-scale, H-shaped masonry panels to investigate the coupling role of the spandrel in connecting two piers in a historical masonry wall subjected to in-plane lateral actions. Two 250-mm-thick solid-brick masonry samples were tested—one single-leaf, the other two-leaves masonry. Both samples were tested before and after strengthening by applying a Composite Reinforced Mortar (CRM) coating on one surface. The CRM coating consisted of a lime mortar coating (nominal thickness = 30 mm), reinforced with mesh made of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) that was anchored to the wall by GFRP transverse connectors. For the double-leaf masonry, there were additional transverse connectors made of steel bars in concrete cores (artificial diatones) to prevent masonry leaves separation and to improve the bonding of the CRM coating to the masonry. The test responses are compared in terms of crack pattern, failure mode, resistance, displacement and energy dissipation capacity. The tests showed the effectiveness of the proposed CRM system, which increased the spandrel resistance by 33% and 125% in the single—and double-leaf masonry, respectively, with the ultimate drift being 3.2% (one order of magnitude greater than for the unstrengthened reference samples). Data on energy dissipation and the equivalent viscous damping are also collected and compared. Importantly, the presence of the reinforcing mesh and the composite action of the coating and the wall changed the damage evolution and response mechanism, which resulted in a much better seismic response.
A self-stiffening compliant intracortical microprobe
Authors: Sharafkhani Naser , Long John M. , Adams Scott D. , Kouzani Abbas Z.
Published: February 2024

Utilising a flexible intracortical microprobe to record/stimulate neurons minimises the incompatibility between the implanted microprobe and the brain, reducing tissue damage due to the brain micromotion. Applying bio-dissolvable coating materials temporarily makes a flexible microprobe stiff to tolerate the penetration force during insertion. However, the inability to adjust the dissolving time after the microprobe contact with the cerebrospinal fluid may lead to inaccuracy in the microprobe positioning. Furthermore, since the dissolving process is irreversible, any subsequent positioning error cannot be corrected by re-stiffening the microprobe. The purpose of this study is to propose an intracortical microprobe that incorporates two compressible structures to make the microprobe both adaptive to the brain during operation and stiff during insertion. Applying a compressive force by an inserter compresses the two compressible structures completely, resulting in increasing the equivalent elastic modulus. Thus, instant switching between stiff and soft modes can be accomplished as many times as necessary to ensure high-accuracy positioning while causing minimal tissue damage. The equivalent elastic modulus of the microprobe during operation is ≈ 23 kPa, which is ≈ 42% less than the existing counterpart, resulting in ≈ 46% less maximum strain generated on the surrounding tissue under brain longitudinal motion. The self-stiffening microprobe and surrounding neural tissue are simulated during insertion and operation to confirm the efficiency of the design. Two-photon polymerisation technology is utilised to 3D print the proposed microprobe, which is experimentally validated and inserted into a lamb’s brain without buckling.
Consumer reactions to technology in retail: choice uncertainty and reduced perceived control in decisions assisted by recommendation agents
Authors: Rohden Simoni F. , Espartel Lélis Balestrin
Published: February 2024

The emergence of artificial intelligence technologies, such as recommendation agents, presents new challenges and opportunities for marketing. Recommendation agents assist consumers in their online grocery shopping decisions by analyzing data on preferences and behaviors. This research highlights that while recommendation agents can reduce choice overload and make purchase decisions easier for consumers, they are also associated with higher uncertainty in decision-making. Three experimental studies confirmed that purchases aided by recommendation agents are perceived as more uncertain and reduced perceptions of control over the choices explain this outcome. Furthermore, lower choice satisfaction and purchase intentions are confirmed as consequences of perceived uncertainty. Personal characteristics such as risk aversion and maximization tendencies are considered boundary conditions for these effects.
“At a Glance:” The Role of Diagrammatic Representations in Eugenics Appropriations of the “Infamous Juke Family”
Authors: Ceccon Andrea
Published: February 2024

The case of the Juke family is one of the most notable episodes of the history of eugenics in the USA. The Jukes were initially brought to the fore in the 1870s by a famous investigation that aimed at estimating the interplay of heredity and environment in determining the problems of poverty and crime. This inquiry triggered a harsh confrontation between two polar interpretations of the study, an “environmentalist” one and a “hereditarian” one. It was with the later reassessment of the case made by the Eugenics American Office (ERO) in the 1910s that the controversy was considered closed with the victory of the eugenicists’ hereditarian stance. As a result, the family was made a living proof of the alleged hereditary nature of crime and pauperism and a case study in support of the eugenicists’ plea for the sterilization of people deemed the bearers of hereditary defectiveness. In this article, I explore the role played by pedigrees and other diagrammatic representations in the eugenicists’ appropriation of the meaning of the case of the Juke family and the role played by this appropriation in asserting the superiority of the ERO’s method of work over rival approaches.
Thermal Conductivity of Liquid trans-1,2-Dichloroethene (R-1130(E)): Measurement and Modeling
Authors: Al-Barghouti Karim S. , Rowane Aaron J. , Bell Ian H. , Huber Marcia L. , Perkins Richard A.
Published: February 2024

The thermal conductivity of liquid trans-1,2-dichloroethene (R-1130(E)) was measured at temperatures ranging from 240 K to 340 K and pressures up to 25 MPa using a transient hot-wire instrument. A total of 447 thermal conductivity data points were measured along six isotherms. Each isotherm includes data at nine pressures, which were chosen to be at equal density increments starting at a pressure of 0.1 MPa (or slightly above the saturation pressure of R-1130(E) at temperatures above its normal boiling point) to a maximum pressure of 25 MPa. The combined expanded uncertainty of the presented experimental data is 1.4% at a 95% confidence level. The experimental data were used to evaluate the performance of an extended corresponding states (ECS) model and a residual entropy scaling (RES) model. Both models were applied in a totally predictive mode, and in a mode where the experimental data were used to tune the model parameters. A volume-translated Peng–Robinson equation of state was used to provide thermodynamic properties needed to apply both models. In a totally predictive mode, the ECS model had an average absolute relative deviation (ΔAARD) of 6.89% relative to the experimental data with the largest deviation being − 8.33%. The RES model in a totally predictive mode showed an ΔAARD of 2.55% with the largest deviation being − 5.81%. When model parameters were fitted to the experimental data, both the ECS and the RES model represented the experimental data to within its uncertainty of 1.4%.
Visualization and analysis of mapping knowledge domains for optic neuritis: a bibliometric research from 2013 to 2022
Authors: Jiang Bo , Hong Nan , Zhao Fangkun , Dong Feng
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To explore the global research trends, hotspots and frontiers of optic neuritis (ON) over the past decade through qualitative and quantitative analysis of bibliometrics.

Methods

Publications on ON from 2013 to 2022 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). VOSviewer and CiteSpace were mainly used to facilitate bibliometric analysis and visualization.

Results

A total of 3027 papers were retrieved from peer-reviewed publications and the annual research output increased over time. Neurosciences neurology was the most published area. The USA was the most productive and influential country, and in the focus of international cooperation. University College London was the most productive organization and Charite Medical University of Berlin had the largest number of cooperating partners. Paul F contributed the largest number of publications and Wingerchuk DM ranked first among the co-cited authors. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders was the most prolific journal publishing ON research. The most co-cited references mainly focused on the diagnostic criteria for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The keywords formed the following four clusters: the pathophysiology of MS-ON; the autoantibody markers and diagnostic criteria of NMOSD-ON and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disorder-ON (MOGAD-ON); the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of ON; and the treatment of ON.

Conclusion

This bibliometrics analysis showed a systematic view of the evolutionary process, research hotspots, and future directions of ON research. It can provide insights for ON research and valuable information for neuro-ophthalmologic specialists to evaluate research policies and promote international cooperation.
Visual Attention in Joint Attention Bids: A Comparison Between Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Toddlers
Authors: Ozdemir Selda , Akin-Bulbul Isik , Yildiz Erol
Published: February 2024

Impairments in joint attention are considered core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are crucial for early assessment and intervention. However, existing information about visual attention during joint attention and its relation to developmental functioning is limited. The current study investigated the visual attention differences between toddlers with ASD and typically developing (TD) toddlers during single and multiple joint attention cue conditions. This study further examined whether visual attention in joint attention Area of Interests (AOIs) is related to cognitive, language, and motor development in participants. Participants included 56 toddlers with ASD and 56 TD toddlers, aged 18–36 months. A passive viewing paradigm was used to assess participants’ visual attention across four different joint attention conditions. Study results showed that toddlers with ASD displayed limited visual attention towards joint attention AOIs, Target, Face, and Target and Face AOIs, in all conditions. As the joint attention cues increased from Condition 1 to Condition 4, toddlers with ASD showed increased visual attention directed towards the Target AOI over the Face AOI. Moreover, increased visual attention on the joint attention AOIs was associated with improved cognitive and language development in toddlers with ASD. This research broadens our understanding of the positive relationships between visual attention to joint attention AOIs and cognitive as well as language development in toddlers with ASD, suggesting that early interventions targeting joint attention may offer promising pathways for treatment.
Uncovering the generic and alloy-specific governing parameters of deformation-induced martensitic transformation in austenitic steel
Authors: Shen Chunguang , Mu Wangzhong , Wang Chenchong , Xu Wei , Hedström Peter
Published: February 2024

In this work, a hybrid modeling approach, combining machine learning (ML) and computational thermodynamics, has been applied to predict deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT) and explore the generic and alloy-specific parameters governing DIMT in austenitic steels. The DIMT model was established based on the ensemble ML algorithms and a comprehensive set of physical variables. The developed model is highly generalizable as validated on unseen alloys. The generic governing parameters of DIMT are in good agreement with previous studies in the literature. However, the evaluated alloy-specific governing parameters reveal large differences between grades, e.g., 204 series of austenitic stainless steels has a quite balanced correlation between strain, stress, temperature, and DIMT, while the 301 series has much stronger correlation between stress and DIMT. The findings in the current study emphasize the importance that a general DIMT model for steels should include both stress and strain, as well as other governing parameters, since DIMT can be both stress-assisted and strain-induced transformation, and often the effect of applied mechanical driving force and the formation of new nucleation sites interact.

Graphical abstract
Potential role of the lncRNA "HOTAIR"/miRNA "206"/BDNF network in the alteration in expression of synaptic plasticity gene arc and BDNF level in sera of patients with heroin use disorder through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway compared to the controls
Authors: Khalifa Fatma Nada , Hussein Riham F. , Mekawy Dina M. , Elwi Heba M. , Alsaeed Shimaa Ahmed , Elnawawy Yassmin , Shaheen Somaya H.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Heroin use disorder (HUD) is a seriously increasing health issue, accounting for most deaths among drug abusers. Studying non-coding ribonucleic acid gene expression among drug abusers is a promising approach, as it may be used in diagnosis and therapeutics.

Participants and methods

A total of 49 male heroin-dependent patients and 49 male control participants were recruited from Kasr Al Ainy Psychiatry and Addiction outpatient clinics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Sera were gathered. qRT-PCR was utilized for the detection of gene expression of non-coding RNAs such as "HOX transcript antisense RNA" (HOTAIR), micro-RNA (miRNA-206), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Activity Regulated Cytoskeleton Associated Protein (Arc). Sera Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels were assessed using ELISA. Using a western blot made it possible to determine the protein expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR.

Results

The study demonstrated that gene expressions of HOTAIR, AKT, PI3K, and Arc were considerably lowered between cases and controls, while gene expressions of miR-206 and mTOR1 were significantly raised. PI3K and AKT protein expressions were downregulated, while mTOR expressions were upregulated. BDNF levels were significantly decreased in some cases.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that decreased HOTAIR in HUD relieves miR-206 inhibition, which thus increases and affects downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ARC, and BDNF expression. This may be shared in addictive and relapsing behaviors.

Graphical Abstract