bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal organoid coculture systems: current approaches, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Al-Qadami Ghanyah , Raposo Anita , Chien Chia-Chi , Ma Chenkai , Priebe Ilka , Hor Maryam , Fung Kim
Published: December 2024

The intestinal microenvironment represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem, comprising a diverse range of epithelial and nonepithelial cells, a protective mucus layer, and a diverse community of gut microbiota. Understanding the intricate interplay between these components is essential for uncovering the mechanisms underlying intestinal health and disease. The development of intestinal organoids, three-dimensional (3-D) mini-intestines that closely mimic the architecture, cellular diversity, and functionality of the intestine, offers a powerful platform for investigating different aspects of intestinal physiology and pathology. However, current intestinal organoid models, mainly adult stem cell-derived organoids, lack the nonepithelial and microbial components of the intestinal microenvironment. As such, several coculture systems have been developed to coculture intestinal organoids with other intestinal elements including microbes (bacteria and viruses) and immune, stromal, and neural cells. These coculture models allow researchers to recreate the complex intestinal environment and study the intricate cross talk between different components of the intestinal ecosystem under healthy and pathological conditions. Currently, there are several approaches and methodologies to establish intestinal organoid cocultures, and each approach has its own strengths and limitations. This review discusses the existing methods for coculturing intestinal organoids with different intestinal elements, focusing on the methodological approaches, strengths and limitations, and future directions.
Hyperglycemia inhibits AAA expansion: examining the role of lysyl oxidase
Authors: Jespersen Kathryn E. , Xiong Wanfen , Santhanam Lakshmi , Terrin Michael , Matsumura Jon , Curci John A. , Blackwelder William , Brown Clayton H. , Martinez Yus Marta , Baxter B. Timothy
Published: December 2024

AAA grows slower in patients affected by diabetes. This growth inhibition is lost when the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) is blocked in diabetic mice. The predominant arterial isoform of LOX, LOX-like 2 (LOXL2), overlaps with type IV collagen in the outer media of murine aneurysm tissue. Circulating LOXL2 correlates inversely with AAA growth in patients. Type IV collagen cross-linking by LOXL2 may play a role in the AAA growth inhibition associated with diabetes.
Quantification of the pulmonary vasculature in mice under chronic hypoxia with contrast-free pulmonary angiography in vivo imaging
Authors: Farha Samar , Madden Evan , Trotter Dylan , Zlojutro Violetta , Kirkness Jason P. , Fouras Andreas , Erzurum Serpil , Asosingh Kewal
Published: December 2024

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) combined with contrast-free pulmonary angiography (CFPA) is a novel lung scanning technology capable of assessing pulmonary vascular morphology in vivo in murine models.
Evidence on sex differences in sports performance
Authors: Joyner Michael J. , Hunter Sandra K. , Senefeld Jonathon W.
Published: December 2024

Sex differences in sports performances continue to attract considerable scientific and public attention, driven in part by high profile cases of: 1) biological male (XY) athletes who seek to compete in the female category after gender transition, and 2) XY athletes with medical syndromes collectively known as disorders or differences of sex development (DSDs). In this perspective, we highlight scientific evidence that informs eligibility criteria and applicable regulations for sex categories in sports. There are profound sex differences in human performance in athletic events determined by strength, speed, power, endurance, and body size such that males outperform females. These sex differences in athletic performance exist before puberty and increase dramatically as puberty progresses. The profound sex differences in sports performance are primarily attributable to the direct and indirect effects of sex-steroid hormones and provide a compelling framework to consider for policy decisions to safeguard fairness and inclusion in sports.
Differential effects of stimulation waveform and intensity on the neural structures activated by lumbar transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Finn Harrison T. , Parono Marel , Bye Elizabeth A. , Taylor Janet L. , Gandevia Simon C. , Héroux Martin E. , Butler Jane E.
Published: December 2024

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSS) can evoke muscle responses by activation of sensory and/or motor axons. The relative contribution of these varies across the muscles tested. We found evidence for activation of sensory axons with TSS for tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius but not for vastus medialis. In cases where sensory axons were activated, conventional TSS activated relatively more sensory axons than high-frequency burst TSS.
A Review of Polymer Laser Sintering and Fused Deposition Modelling of Polymers
Authors: Mwania Fredrick , Maringa Maina , van der Walt Jacobus
Published: December 2024

Currently, the world is undergoing the fourth industrial revolution, also referred to as Industry 4.0, which is characterised by a set of new technological advances in the industrial and production sectors. Additive manufacturing (AM) is considered an essential factor in this new era because of its ability to process a wide spectra of materials, produce customised products, promote sustainability and develop intricate components which are unachievable using conventional manufacturing techniques. The field of AM is rapidly evolving and has seen unprecedented uptake in many industries. Different types of AM technologies have been developed over the last three decades to process different materials, such as polymers, composites, metals, ceramics and alloys. Both industry and academia have made a considerable effort to investigate the use of AM technologies to print different types of polymers because of the possibility to reach new markets. This comprehensive review focuses on polymer laser sintering (PLS) and fused deposition modelling (FDM), which are the most commonly employed AM methods for polymers. This review outlines the processes, process parameters, available commercial polymeric materials, benefits, challenges, and applications of the two technologies. PLS and FDM are multifactorial processes that produce final components whose quality is subject to the process parameters. This review, therefore, delves into the different process parameters for the two technologies and their impacts. The article also lists the available commercial polymeric materials, for each of the methods, to assist researchers and industries to select most suitable materials based on their processability and characteristics. A detailed discussion of applications of the two technologies is outlined in this review. The study provides a comprehensive detail of the benefits and challenges of PLS and FDM. Last, the study also outlines the future works for the two techniques.
Redefining Diabetes Care: Evaluating the Impact of a Carbohydrate‐Reduction, Health Coach Approach Model in New Zealand
Authors: Zinn Caryn , Campbell Jessica L. , Po Marina , Sa’ulilo Losi , Fraser Lily , Davies Glen , Hawkins Marcus , Currie Olivia , Unwin David , Crofts Catherine , Harris Nigel , Stewart Tom , Schofield Grant
Published: December 2024

This study explores a novel healthcare model employed in the primary care setting integrating a carbohydrate‐reduction dietary approach and health coaching for managing prediabetes (PD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in New Zealand. Using qualitative methods, we conducted focus groups with 46 patients and individual interviews with health coaches and general practitioners across two regions. Five major themes emerged from inductive thematic analysis: reduced carbohydrate lifestyles, health coaching, implementation, empowerment, and sustainability. Patients reported significant health improvements, including weight loss, reduced medication burden, and increased energy. Challenges included resistance from some medical professionals and negative public perceptions. Health coaching played a crucial role in patient care, providing individualised support and enhancing health literacy. The study found that this model both improved patient outcomes and also alleviated the burden on healthcare professionals by managing time‐intensive aspects of patient care. Barriers to the adoption of this model include scepticism about low‐carbohydrate diets and the need for more education and awareness among healthcare professionals. The findings suggest that this healthcare model has the potential to transform the management of PD and T2D in primary care, shifting patients from lifelong medication dependence to significant health improvements and potential disease remission or reversal.
SABO–LSTM: A Novel Human Behavior Recognition Method for Wearable Devices
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yu Guibo , Deng Shijie
Published: December 2024

With the popularity of wearable devices, human behavior recognition technology is becoming increasingly important in social surveillance, health monitoring, smart home, and traffic management. However, traditional human behavior recognition methods rely too much on the subjective experience of managers in hyperparameter selection, resulting in an inefficient parameter optimization process. To address this problem, this paper proposes a long short–term memory (LSTM) neural network model based on a subtraction‐average–based optimizer (SABO) for human behavior recognition in wearable devices. Compared to the traditional method, the SABO–LSTM model significantly improves the recognition accuracy by automatically finding the optimal hyperparameters, which proves its innovation and superiority in practical applications. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, four evaluation metrics, including F1 score, precision, recall, and accuracy, are used to validate it on the UCI‐HAR dataset and the WISDM dataset, and control groups are introduced for comparison. The experimental results show that SABO–LSTM can accurately perform the human behavior recognition task with an accuracy of 98.84% and 96.37% on the UCI‐HAR dataset and the WISDM dataset, respectively. In addition, the experimental model outperforms the control model on all four evaluation metrics and outperforms existing recognition methods in terms of accuracy.
Inhibiting Tyrosine Kinase 2 Ameliorates Antiphospholipid Syndrome Nephropathy
Authors: Tang Kuo-Tung , Chen Yu-Sin , Chen Tzu-Ting , Chao Ya-Hsuan , Kung Shu-Ping , Chen Der-Yuan , Lin Chi-Chien
Published: December 2024

Objective: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of β2‐glycoprotein I (β2‐GPI)‐targeting antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and vascular thrombosis or obstetrical complications. One of its severe manifestations is nephropathy.

Methods: To examine the role of type I interferon (IFN) and therapeutic potential of tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) inhibition, we administered BMS‐986202, a novel Tyk2 inhibitor, in a mouse model of APS nephropathy. We administered BMS‐986202 to BALB/c mice at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Biochemical and histological characteristics of APS nephropathy were then determined. The type I IFN signature in the kidney was also evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The Tyk2 inhibitor reversed the elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and microalbuminuria in the murine model of APS nephropathy. In addition, the Tyk2 inhibitor reversed the pathological vascular changes in the kidney as judged in electron microscopy (EM), and fibrin and C3 deposition as revealed in immunohistochemistry (IHC). An increased expression levels of IFN signature (IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) and Mx1) in the kidneys of APS mice were found. Tyk2 inhibition reversed such an upregulation.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the key role of type I IFN in the pathogenesis of APS nephropathy. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of Tyk2 inhibition was demonstrated in a murine model of APS nephropathy. Our results could provide a new treatment strategy for this debilitating disease.
Nicotine Metabolite Ratio in People with HIV Who Smoke Cigarettes Receiving Pharmacologic and Behavioral Cessation Therapy
Authors: Shuter Jonathan , Davis Olivia A. , deFilippi Chris , Christenson Robert H. , Li Lan , Potts Wendy , Himelhoch Seth
Published: December 2024

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) smoke cigarettes at triple the rate of the general population in the United States. Efforts to increase quit rates in this group have met with limited success. The nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) has shown promise as a phenotypic marker that may be useful in selecting the most appropriate cessation treatments for people who smoke cigarettes. We completed a randomized controlled trial of individual intensive counseling and/or varenicline treatment for PWH in the Baltimore area who smoke cigarettes, and we measured serum 3′ hydroxycotinine and cotinine at baseline and calculated the ratio of these two values, i.e., the NMR, for each participant. Herein, we present summary statistics and measures of association, or lack thereof, of NMR values with a variety of behavioral parameters and clinical outcomes related to tobacco use and tobacco treatment. The NMR was calculated for 155 PWH who were currently using tobacco cigarettes. The mean age was 52.9 years, 62.3% male, 91.0% Black, and they smoked a mean of 10.6 cigarettes/day. The mean NMR was 0.43, similar to that reported from other PWH cohorts. We did not find any significant correlation between NMR and cigarettes/day, nicotine dependence, temptation to smoke, or nicotine withdrawal symptoms. We did not find that lower NMR was predictive of successful cessation, nor was it associated with varenicline intolerance in those who received varenicline.

Prevention Relevance: People with HIV suffer disproportionately from lung, head and neck, and other tobacco-related cancers as a consequence of high smoking rates. There is an urgent need to mitigate this harm, and the use of the NMR to personalize tobacco treatment is an area of active interest.
Impact of Overall and Specific Dimensions of Schizotypy on Theory of Mind
Authors: Glisker Richard A.N. , Papouchis Nicholas , Meehan Kevin B. , Morrison Matthew J. , Kimhy David
Published: December 2024

Background: Impairments in theory of mind (ToM) are highly prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia, resulting in substantial functional deficits. However, research on impairments in individuals with schizotypy has yielded inconsistent findings, with some studies finding ToM deficits in overall schizotypy, other studies finding ToM deficits in only specific schizotypy dimensions, and yet other studies finding no ToM deficits at all. One potential key factor that may account for this discrepancy is the use of schizotypy measures that do not adequately measure specific schizotypy dimensions. Additional limitations are employment of ToM measures that rely heavily on explicit cultural knowledge, verbal/reading comprehension, and/or other cognitive abilities. Method: To address these discrepant findings, we used the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief Revised (Updated; SPQ-BRU) and the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS) to tap overall schizotypy and specific schizotypy dimensions. To measure ToM, we used the Frith-Happé animations (FHA) and Strange Stories Film Task (SSFT). We examined the hypothesized negative relationship between schizotypy and ToM in a sample of 233 nonclinical individuals. Results: Regression analysis indicated no significant relationship between overall schizotypy and ToM on both the FHA (b = 0.01, t(196) = −0.75, p = 0.46) and SSFT (b = −0.20, t(195) = −1.69, p = 0.09). However, it did find that the negative schizotypy dimension was associated with poorer ToM performance on both the FHA (b = −0.11, t(194) = −2.7, p = 0.008) and SSFT (b = −0.12, t(193) = −3.22, p = 0.001). Also, exploratory analyses employing an extreme-group design approach indicated high schizotypy and high negative schizotypy groups displayed weaker ToM performance within all specific schizotypy dimensions. Conclusion: These results indicate that ToM impairments are present in schizotypy, especially within the negative schizotypy dimension. The results suggest important methodological implication for studying ToM in schizotypy and conceptualizing the latent structure of schizotypy.
Endovascular Management of a Portal Vein Pseudoaneurysm following Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Oor Jelmer E. , Groeneweg Eline , Bloemsma Gijs C. , Bokkers Reinoud P.H. , Klaase Joost M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Portal vein pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potential life-threatening complication following pancreatoduodenectomy. We herein report on the successful, minimally invasive treatment of this serious complication. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old male patient who had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy with portal vein wedge resection at another facility presented to our department due to persistent bile leakage and intermittent bleeding. Abdominal computed tomography scanning demonstrated a large fluid collection surrounding the pancreatojejunostomy, with an occlusion of the common hepatic artery as well as a portal vein pseudoaneurysm. Treatment was performed by means of a minimally invasive approach, including endovascular portal vein stent placement and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) through the dehiscent hepaticojejunostomy. This was followed by the placement of a percutaneous pigtail in the peripancreatic fluid collection for adequate drainage. Antibiotics were administered for a total duration of 6 weeks following stent placement. In the subsequent weeks, the PTBD could be internalized and the pigtail removed, after which patient was discharged. During outpatient visits, a contrast injection through the PTBD confirmed the absence of bile leakage, after which the drain could be removed. Conclusion: This article presents one of the few published cases of portal vein pseudoaneurysm following pancreatoduodenectomy and underscores the vital role of minimally invasive endovascular stent and PTBD placement in managing this rare and potentially lethal complication.
Risankizumab and Certolizumab Pegol Dual-Targeted Therapy for Crohn’s Disease and Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Case Report
Authors: Lehmann Anouk , Vosbeck Juerg , Kyburz Diego , Hruz Petr , Niess Jan Hendrik
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is challenging, with CD refractory to anti-TNF antibodies. Here, we present for the first time a case treated with dual-targeted therapy (DTT) using the anti-IL-23 monoclonal risankizumab and the anti-TNF antibody certolizumab pegol. Case Presentation: Our patient initially presented with axSpA at the age of 27. Nine years later, CD was diagnosed by the age of 36. One year after the diagnosis of CD, a spontaneous ileal perforation occurred as part of a disease course refractory to multiple anti-TNF antibodies and intolerance to immunomodulators. However, the axSpA showed a response to the anti-TNF certolizumab pegol. After stopping certolizumab pegol, we enrolled the patient into the M15-991 induction trial (MOTIVATE) and the maintenance trial (FORTIFY) testing the anti-IL-23 antibody risankizumab versus placebo in CD with failure to prior biological therapy. As a result, risankizumab induced a CD response but failed to control the axSpA. Considering the CD refractory and the axSpA responding to anti-TNFs, we initiated a DTT with risankizumab and certolizumab pegol. Risankizumab and certolizumab pegol together improved both CD and axSpA. As adverse events, there were only two episodes of spontaneously resolving common colds during the 19-month reviewed period. Conclusion: DTT using risankizumab and certolizumab pegol is effective in CD and axSpA without serious adverse events in our patient. Combining biologicals that target specific pathways in immune-mediated diseases promises excellent potential in CD associated with extraintestinal manifestations.
Adjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab in renal cell carcinoma: real-world experiences from a retrospective, multi-institutional cohort
Authors: Mattigk Angelika , Cano Garcia Cristina , Klümper Niklas , Cox Alexander , Hahn Oliver , Junker Kerstin , Erdmann Kati , Schmucker Philipp , Flegar Luka , Zengerling Friedemann , Banek Severine , Ellinger Jörg , Buerk Bjoern Thorben , Huber Johannes , Kalogirou Charis , Zeuschner Philip , Hoeh Benedikt
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Adjuvant pembrolizumab versus placebo significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients at high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy in KEYNOTE-564 trial (NCT03142334). The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of adjuvant pembrolizumab in a real-world setting.

Methods:
In this multicenter retrospective study, RCC patients receiving adjuvant pembrolizumab between 01/22 and 10/23 at seven tertiary referral centers were included. DFS and treatment safety were assessed.

Results:
52 patients with RCC were included. 24 (46%), 5 (9.6 %), 22 (42%) and 1 (1.9%) patients were classified as intermediate to high risk (IR to HR), high risk (HR), M1 with no evidence of disease (M1NED) and unknown. At a median follow-up of 6 months, DFS rates at 6 months were 64.2% in the overall cohort. In subgroup analyses, M1NED patients demonstrated significantly lower DFS compared to non-metastatic (combined: IR to HR/ HR) patients (log rank: p=0.025). Regarding toxicity, grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 26% of patients. Treatment discontinuations were reported in 20% of the patients.

Conclusion:
Recurrence rates in the M1NED group remained high and occurred earlier in our real-world compared to KEYNOTE-564. Long-term toxicities were comparable to clinical trials data.
Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis induced by high-dose insulin in an adolescent male with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bayrak Demirel Ozge , Koc Cansu , Tercan Ummahan , Abali Saygin , Kardelen Asli Derya , Yildiz Melek , Poyrazoglu Sukran , Baş Firdevs , Darendeliler Feyza
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a rare but severe complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by acute muscle weakness. This study reports the first case of THPP in an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and Graves' disease, triggered by high-dose insulin, high carbohydrate intake, and strenuous exercise. It highlights the clinical presentation, management, and implications of THPP in this context.

Case presentation: A 17-year-old male patient with T1DM and Graves’ disease presented to the emergency department with weakness in the extremities. The patient had engaged in strenuous exercise, high dose rapid-acting insulin, and consumed a large amount of rice shortly before the onset of the symptoms. He exhibited hypertension and tachycardia, with diminished muscle strength and deep tendon reflexes with severe hypokalemia (1.6 mmol/L). Treatment with potassium and magnesium replacements was initiated. The patient's symptoms resolved within five hours, and his neurological examination was normalised. Hypokalemia did not recur during follow-up. All symptoms improved rapidly with potassium replacement, beta-blocker therapy, and antithyroid treatment.

Conclusion: This case represents the first documented instance of THPP in an adolescent with T1DM and Graves' disease. This entity should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute paralysis in patients with known thyrotoxicosis or those exhibiting symptoms such as tachycardia and hypertension. Insulin treatment in a hyperthyroid diabetic patient may increase the risk of THPP.
Job Security, Labour Law Reforms, and Youth Unemployment: Flexicurity’s Role in Shaping Turkey’s Future Workforce
Authors: Kabakçı Günay Eylül
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates how flexicurity—combining full social security with labour market flexibility—might be able to help Turkey with its particular labour market issues. A concept that originated in Denmark and was incorporated into the EU's 1997 European Employment Strategy, flexicurity aims to strike a balance between worker protection and enterprise flexibility. Flexicurity in the EU has demonstrated the potential to address structural unemployment and low workforce participation. To use this model in Turkey, nevertheless, one must modify it to fit the unique economic and demographic conditions of the nation. High rates of youth unemployment, poor labour force participation, particularly among women, and restricted job mobility are all problems in Turkey. An inclusive workforce could be promoted in Turkey by implementing customised flexicurity concepts, such as active labour market policies and improved employment security. It explores how Turkey can use flexicurity to advance economic equity and growth by drawing on Dual Labour Market Theory, which makes a distinction between primary (stable) and secondary (unstable) employment sectors; Human Capital Theory, which emphasises the importance of education in economic outcomes; and Historical-Institutional Theory, which focusses on the role of labour market policies. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we examine the effects of graded security contracts on job mobility and stability in Turkey's recent employment reforms. An adjusted flexicurity strategy that prioritises job security, income stability, and better job transitions may improve the resilience and inclusivity of Turkey's labour market, according to the findings. With this model, Turkey can accomplish its long-term economic modernisation objectives as well as its current employment demands by paving the road for a more equal and competitive labour market.
Semantic and Phonological Abilities Inform Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Sustained Aphasia Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Dresang Haley C. , Harvey Denise Y. , Vnenchak Leslie , Parchure Shreya , Cason Sam , Twigg Peter , Faseyitan Olu , Maher Lynn M. , Hamilton Roy H. , Coslett H. Branch
Published: December 2024

A growing body of evidence has shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can enhance word-retrieval abilities in chronic aphasia. However, there remains significant variability in the efficacy of combined rTMS and language treatments. This study investigated how semantic and phonological characteristics of baseline word-retrieval impairments may influence the efficacy of rTMS on long-term naming improvements following language treatment in individuals with chronic aphasia. Thirty participants with post-stroke aphasia underwent 10 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS to right pars triangularis followed by a modified constraint-induced language treatment (mCILT). Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to active rTMS and 11 participants were assigned to sham rTMS. All participants completed the Philadelphia Naming Test (PNT) at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. We coded PNT errors and fit data to the semantic-phonological (or SP) computational model (Foygel & Dell, 2000) to derive semantic and phonological parameter weights. We ran linear regressions for the proportional improvement in naming, with fixed effects for interactions between rTMS, time, and baseline parameter weights. While there was no immediate effect of rTMS post-treatment, rTMS combined with mCILT improved long-term naming more than language therapy alone. Furthermore, greater baseline semantic and phonological characteristics of word-retrieval abilities were each associated with increased rTMS-induced gains in proportional naming improvements. These patterns were maintained at both 3 and 6 months post-treatment. This study is among the first in a larger sample to demonstrate that individual differences in lexical retrieval contribute to variability in sustained rTMS and aphasia treatment outcomes.
IndoCulture: Exploring Geographically Influenced Cultural Commonsense Reasoning Across Eleven Indonesian Provinces
Authors: Koto Fajri , Mahendra Rahmad , Aisyah Nurul , Baldwin Timothy
Published: December 2024

Although commonsense reasoning is greatly shaped by cultural and geographical factors, previous studies have predominantly centered on cultures grounded in the English language, potentially resulting in an Anglocentric bias. In this paper, we introduce IndoCulture, aimed at understanding the influence of geographical factors on language model reasoning ability, with a specific emphasis on the diverse cultures found within eleven Indonesian provinces. In contrast to prior work that has relied on templates (Yin et al., 2022) and online scrapping (Fung et al., 2024), we create IndoCulture by asking local people to manually develop a cultural context and plausible options, across a set of predefined topics. Evaluation of 27 language models reveals several insights: (1) the open-weight Llama–3 is competitive with GPT–4, while other open-weight models struggle, with accuracies below 50%; (2) there is a general pattern of models generally performing better for some provinces, such as Bali and West Java, and less well for others; and (3) the inclusion of location context enhances performance, especially for larger models like GPT–4, emphasizing the significance of geographical context in commonsense reasoning.1
Investigating Perceptions of the Social Responsibility of Scientists and Engineers
Authors: Alimin Masnaini , Mun Jiyeong , Lee Hyunju
Published: December 2024

With the rapid advancement of science and technology, attention to the social responsibility of STEM professionals has grown. This study explored perceptions of social responsibility among STEM college students in South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where emphasis on STEM education is increasing. Participants included 606 students from South Korea, 310 from Malaysia, and 223 from Indonesia. Using the Views of Social Responsibility of Scientists and Engineers (VSRoSE) instrument, we found minimal variation in average scores across countries for factors like human welfare (HUMAN), environmental sustainability (ENVIR), and societal risk consideration (CONSEQ), although Korean students scored lower in other factors. Indonesian students showed significant differences by major, with natural science students scoring higher. Gender differences emerged, with female students generally scoring higher in HUMAN and ENVIR factors across countries. These findings provide guidance for developing STEM education programs that foster social responsibility.
The Early Thought of Gotō Shimpei and the Origins of State Hygiene in Japan, 1879–1890
Authors: SHANNON Kerry
Published: December 2024

In this article, I examine the genesis of theories on state hygiene (kokka eisei 国家衛生) as formulated by Gotō Shimpei 後藤新平 (1857–1929). I show how Gotō’s formulation of his famed but fraught concepts of state formation extended from his experiences as a doctor in Aichi prefecture and as a medical official serving the Japanese state. It was during this time that Gotō first developed both a theoretical framework and a practical schema for Japan’s hygienic modernization. This involved promoting doctors to government positions whereby they would create public (health) policy and oversee its implementation by hygiene police, agents who acted as intermediaries between state and subject. Gotō’s experience as a public health official also informed his later belief that detailed ethnographic accounts of local life would abet the government’s project of engendering fidelity to the nation. Using the underexplored regional health surveys that he composed while a young bureaucrat, I analyze how Gotō came to believe that mapping local life would enable government officials to amalgamate and fuse customary health practices to the larger goals of the Meiji state. I then show how such ideas were reflected in Principles of National Hygiene (Kokka eisei genri 国家衛生原理 1889), Gotō’s most famous theoretical treatise. The aim in this article is thus to contextualize the development of Gotō’s thought within his work as a doctor, bureaucrat, and a hygiene ethnographer to illuminate how his approach to public health developed within the crucible of a modernizing Japan.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum angiopoietin-like 4 level in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Song Xiuyun
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is the most common respiratory disease in preterm infants (PIs). The implication of Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) was reported in lung diseases. We delved into the role of serum ANGPTL4 in NRDS diagnosis/prognosis.

Methods

Totally 256 PIs were prospectively selected, including 128 NRDS infants and 128 non-NRDS PIs. NRDS infants were assigned into Survival and Death groups. ANGPTL4 level in PIs and its diagnostic and prognostic value for NRDS were separately assessed by ELISA and receiver operating characteristic curve. The independent risk factors (IRFs) for death in NRDS infants were analysed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

NRDS infants exhibited reduced gestational age, birth weight, and 5 min Apgar score. ANGPTL4 level rose in NRDS infants, and increased with NRDS severity. Serum ANGPTL4 level was negatively correlated with 5 min Apgar score in NRDS infants. The area under the curve of serum ANGPTL4 for the diagnosis of NRDS was 0.902, with 88.28% sensitivity, 86.72% specificity, and 255.98 ng/mL cut-off value; the AUC for the diagnosis of severe NRDS was 0.741, with 66.67% sensitivity, 79.52% specificity, and 625.5 ng/mL cut-off value. Low gestational age, birth weight and 5 min Apgar score, severe NRDS, and elevated serum ANGPTL4 levels were IRFs for death in NRDS infants. NRDS infants with increased serum ANGPTL4 level displayed decreased survival rate and short survival time.

Conclusions

ANGPTL4 exhibited high diagnostic value and predictive value for death in NRDS, and it served as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of NRDS.
Coupled vibration characteristics of a drive system during automatic transmission power shifting
Authors: Su Chengyun , Wang Meitao , Yuan Yanling , Li Wenguan , Liu Xiao
Published: December 2024

To elucidate the vibration principle and effectively mitigate noise during power shifting in an automatic transmission, this study investigates a power split automatic transmission. The transmission principle and power flow path are analyzed using the centralized mass method and Lagrange equation. A vibration model that encompasses both clutches and gears is established for the coupling system. The dynamic model and vibration principle of clutches during power shifting are determined. Subsequently, the dynamic vibration characteristics are solved considering engine speed as a time-domain excitation source, while analyzing the dynamic transmission error. By optimizing gear modification parameters and structural stiffness, measures to reduce both dynamic transmission error and vibrational response during power shifting are obtained. Through vehicle-based vibration analysis and testing, a comparison is made between optimized gear parameters’ vibrational response characteristics and noise test data; revealing significant improvement in vibration performance by 3%–6%. A new approach is suggested for studying the vibration characteristics and dynamic response of automatic transmissions during power shifting, which provides both theoretical importance and practical benefit in effectively minimizing vehicle vibrations and noise.
Case report: C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6NCrl mice displaying neurological signs after deworming with ivermectin
Authors: Eriksson M. , Nylén S.
Published: December 2024

For over 40 years, ivermectin has served as an effective anti-parasitic drug used in human and veterinary medicine. In laboratory animal facilities it is used prophylactically or therapeutically to maintain the health status of the colony or experimentally in studies. Although ivermectin is generally safe to use, there are reports of neurotoxicity associated with ivermectin crossing the blood–brain barrier due to overdosing or blood–brain barrier dysfunction. In mice, P-glycoprotein maintains the blood–brain barrier and mice with a mutation in the P-glycoprotein encoding gene mdr1a are 50–100 times more sensitive to ivermectin. Signs of neurotoxicity include ataxia, bradypnea, recumbency, tremor, and death. We report neurotoxicity after ivermectin administration was used for the purpose of eradicating the murine-specific intestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus in C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6NCrl mice. The mice were dewormed by subcutaneous administration of 10 or 20 mg/kg ivermectin to eradicate all stages of Heligmosomoides polygyrus. At 24–48h after deworming, 5% ( n = 4) of the mice presented with tremor, ataxia, and/or head tilt. The affected mice were euthanised and gross pathological findings were found in one of the four mice (left-sided hydronephrosis). We assume that the observed neurological effects were due to defects in the blood–brain barrier, overdosing or individual sensitivity. This report provides a reason for caution when deworming laboratory mice subcutaneously with ivermectin at doses of 10 mg/kg or higher.
Illumination correction of dyed fabrics method using the kernel extreme learning machine based on the improved Aquila Optimizer
Authors: Peng Laihu , Zhang Xiaorong , Li Jianqiang , Ru Xin , Hu Xudong
Published: December 2024

Different environmental light affects the effect of textile surface color rendering, thus affecting the accuracy of machine vision-based textile quality inspection. In order to solve this problem, we propose an illumination correction model based on the improved Aquila Optimizer (AO) for the kernel extreme learning machine (KELM). First, a simulated annealing algorithm is used, and its better solution is used as the initial population of the AO, which increases the global search capability and improves the stability of the algorithm. Second, the KELM model is introduced and the AO optimization algorithm is used to obtain the optimal penalty parameter [Formula: see text] and kernel parameter γ of the KELM, thus constituting the SA-AO-KELM model. Finally, some textile images are selected to test the effect of the constructed light correction model using their chromaticity features, and the effect of light in the image is eliminated according to the model output. In order to verify the effectiveness of the designed illumination correction method, this paper adopts the chromatic aberration detection for the comparative analysis of the images before and after correction to evaluate the effect of illumination correction on improving the performance of textile color quality detection. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper can effectively improve the textile image presentation. The average color difference between the corrected image and the standard image is calculated to be 2.9991 using CIEDE2000, which reduces the color difference by about 24.43% compared with the traditional kernel extreme learning machine.
Crystallization and rheological properties of long-chain branched PBS polyesters and effect on multifilament properties
Authors: Chen Yong , Pan Xiaohu , Li Naixiang , Huang Weikuan , Wang Chaosheng , Wu Jing , Wang Huaping
Published: December 2024

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable material widely used in the field of plastic parts and films. However, its weak molecular entanglement limits its development in several fields, e.g., fibers. To address this issue, in this study, the relationship between macromolecular entanglement and branching structures on the crystallization and rheological properties of PBS were investigated. Both strategies strongly affect the performance of PBS by influencing its crystallinity and crystallization rate, spherulite growth and morphology. The decrease of spherulite growth is about 15 μm s−1 at 85°C of the modified long-chain branched PBS. The structure also has a major influence on the rheological properties of the polymer: the network structure of the branched modified polyester makes PBS exhibit higher melt elasticity, which expands the processing window of PBS. Based on previous research, PBS multifilament were prepared by melt spinning. The existence of branched structure can significantly improve the performance of PBS fibers, the strength of PBS-POY fiber can reach 1.62 cN dtex−1, but it shows greater thermal stress value. This provides a new route for the preparation of degradable PBS fibers.
Performance research and structure optimization of quartz-covered alumina high-strength wear-resistant yarn
Authors: Chen Qianfu , Jiang Peiqing , Hua Kerun , Li Qingyang , He Chong , Li Wenbin
Published: December 2024

Improved abrasion resistance and shear performance of alumina fiber yarns is crucial to the weaving process. Herein, a series of novel SiO2@Al2O3 single-layer and double-layer covered yarns were prepared by winding 48 tex quartz yarn on the outer layer of 120–600 tex alumina yarn with wrapping twist of 50–500 twists/m. Wear resistance, shear force, and tensile fracture properties of the covered yarn were tested and analyzed. Wrapping twist ranges from 50 to 400 twists/m, with increased wrapping twist improving the SiO2@Al2O3 covered yarn's breaking strength, shear force, and wear resistance. As wrapping twist ranges from 400 to 500 twists/m, uneven winding and wear of quartz yarn weaken the breaking strength, wear resistance, and shear properties of SiO2@Al2O3 covered yarn. SiO2@Al2O3 double-layer covered yarn exhibits superior shear force, wear resistance, and tensile breaking strength compared with its single-layer counterpart. In comparison with the initial alumina yarn, wear resistance of SiO2@Al2O3 covered yarn improves by 50%, whereas the maximum shear strength and tensile breaking strength increase by 125% and 15%, respectively. High-strength, wear-resistant SiO2@Al2O3 covered yarn is suitable for alumina fabrics and braid structures, and is expected to be widely used in aerospace and the high-temperature insulation industry.
Balance of waterproofness, breathability, and higher flexibility of electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride membrane blended graphene for functional garment
Authors: Li Liang , Liao Xilin , Zeng Yuan , Wang Huiping , Ge Beibei , Wang Yucheng , Liu Rangtong
Published: December 2024

Flexibility, waterproofness, and breathability are fundamental demands for functional clothing and personal protective equipment. To solve problems caused by the low tensile strength and contradictions between hydraulic pressure and breathability of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) electrospun membrane, graphene was added to PVDF spinning fluid to prepare a graphene/PVDF composite nanofibrous membrane using N, N-dimethylacetamide as a solvent, and the morphological structure, waterproofness, breathability, and mechanical flexibility of the nanofibrous membranes were characterized. The results show that the graphene/PVDF composite nanofibrous membrane was synergistically improved in waterproofness and breathability, and that the moisture permeability of the PVDF membrane increased from 2915.92 g/(m2 24 h) of pristine PVDF nanofibrous membrane to 4415.37 g/(m2 24 h) of 0.15 wt% graphene/PVDF composite nanofibrous membrane. This indicates that the addition of graphene can significantly improve the moisture permeability of PVDF nanofiber membrane. This finding is accompanied with a decrease in the contact angle and hydraulic pressure, from 143.5° and 23.4 kPa, respectively, for the PVDF membrane to 125° and 13.7 kPa, respectively, for the 0.15 wt% graphene/PVDF composite nanofibrous membrane, and indicates that the waterproofing performance was reduced. Controlling the graphene concentration at 0.1125 wt% was beneficial to improving both waterproofness and breathability. The average fiber diameter of the graphene/PVDF composite nanofibrous membrane with different graphene concentrations changed from 317 nm for the PVDF membrane to 355 nm (0.05 wt%) or 1268 nm (0.15 wt%) for the graphene/PVDF composite nanofibrous membrane. The incorporation of graphene in PVDF can satisfactorily change the flexibility of the PVDF nanofibrous membrane: the fracture strength and elongation of the PVDF membrane are 6.7 MPa and 8.3%, respectively, while the fracture strength and elongation of the graphene/PVDF composite nanofibrous membrane are, respectively, 13.2–19.8 MPa and 9.1%–17.9%. This work provides guidance for the preparation of a novel, smart, flexible, waterproof, breathable, wearable PVDF-based nanofiber membrane.
Delivering a South African mathematics mindset intervention via Social Networking Service (WhatsApp)
Authors: Morse Katherine
Published: December 2024

Growth mindset interventions delivered to mathematics students have resulted in improved mathematics performance in numerous countries in the global north. South African high school students consistently underperform on international measures of mathematics achievement. This study investigates whether a culturally adapted growth mindset intervention delivered on WhatsApp can make a significant difference to mathematics performance in South Africa. In addition, it investigates whether WhatsApp delivery is feasible and acceptable to high school participants. The intervention employed a combination of YouTube videos, text information and facilitated WhatsApp conversations and combined simplified information on neural plasticity, learning strategies, and growth mindset messaging. The intervention utilised a field-based, quasi-experimental design with 301 students, 160 in the experimental condition. Mixed-methods data were collected, including mathematics performance and mathematics mindsets tracked over 18 months and user engagement and feedback in the intervention. In mixed-effects linear regression, students receiving the intervention showed a significant change in their mathematics performance over time, controlling for baseline differences between the schools. WhatsApp was a well-accepted medium for delivering this intervention. This study adds to the understanding of behaviour change and the use of WhatsApp to deliver behaviour change interventions. The results underscore the importance of teaching study strategies alongside growth mindset content to equip students with the appropriate skills to act on their changed beliefs.