bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real time organ hypoperfusion detection using Indocyanine Green in a piglet model
Authors: Oppermann Carolin , Dohrn Niclas , Pardes Helin Yikilmaz , Klein Mads Falk , Eriksen Thomas , Gögenur Ismail
Published: June 2024

Background

Preserving sufficient oxygen supply to the tissue is fundamental for maintaining organ function. However, our ability to identify those at risk and promptly recognize tissue hypoperfusion during abdominal surgery is limited. To address this problem, we aimed to develop a new method of perfusion monitoring that can be used during surgical procedures and aid surgeons’ decision-making.

Methods

In this experimental porcine study, thirteen subjects were randomly assigned one organ of interest [stomach (n = 3), ascending colon (n = 3), rectum (n = 3), and spleen (n = 3)]. After baseline perfusion recordings, using high-frequency, low-dose bolus injections with weight-adjusted (0.008 mg/kg) ICG, organ-supplying arteries were manually and completely occluded leading to hypoperfusion of the target organ. Continuous organ perfusion monitoring was performed throughout the experimental conditions.

Results

After manual occlusion of pre-selected organ-supplying arteries, occlusion of the peripheral arterial supply translated in an immediate decrease in oscillation signal in most organs (3/3 ventricle, 3/3 ascending colon, 3/3 rectum, 2/3 spleen). Occlusion of the central arterial supply resulted in a further decrease or complete disappearance of the oscillation curves in the ventricle (3/3), ascending colon (3/3), rectum (3/3), and spleen (1/3).

Conclusion

Continuous organ-perfusion monitoring using a high-frequency, low-dose ICG bolus regimen can detect organ hypoperfusion in real-time.
A surgical activity model of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for co-operation with collaborative robots
Authors: Younis R. , Yamlahi A. , Bodenstedt S. , Scheikl PM. , Kisilenko A. , Daum M. , Schulze A. , Wise P. A. , Nickel F. , Mathis-Ullrich F. , Maier-Hein L. , Müller-Stich BP. , Speidel S. , Distler M. , Weitz J. , Wagner M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very frequent surgical procedure. However, in an ageing society, less surgical staff will need to perform surgery on patients. Collaborative surgical robots (cobots) could address surgical staff shortages and workload. To achieve context-awareness for surgeon-robot collaboration, the intraoperative action workflow recognition is a key challenge.

Methods

A surgical process model was developed for intraoperative surgical activities including actor, instrument, action and target in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (excluding camera guidance). These activities, as well as instrument presence and surgical phases were annotated in videos of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed on human patients (n = 10) and on explanted porcine livers (n = 10). The machine learning algorithm Distilled-Swin was trained on our own annotated dataset and the CholecT45 dataset. The validation of the model was conducted using a fivefold cross-validation approach.

Results

In total, 22,351 activities were annotated with a cumulative duration of 24.9 h of video segments. The machine learning algorithm trained and validated on our own dataset scored a mean average precision (mAP) of 25.7% and a top K = 5 accuracy of 85.3%. With training and validation on our dataset and CholecT45, the algorithm scored a mAP of 37.9%.

Conclusions

An activity model was developed and applied for the fine-granular annotation of laparoscopic cholecystectomies in two surgical settings. A machine recognition algorithm trained on our own annotated dataset and CholecT45 achieved a higher performance than training only on CholecT45 and can recognize frequently occurring activities well, but not infrequent activities.

The analysis of an annotated dataset allowed for the quantification of the potential of collaborative surgical robots to address the workload of surgical staff. If collaborative surgical robots could grasp and hold tissue, up to 83.5% of the assistant’s tissue interacting tasks (i.e. excluding camera guidance) could be performed by robots.
Healthy environments for athleTes (HEAT): environmental conditions along a 90 km ultra-marathon event, South Africa
Authors: Havenga H. , Gharbi D. , Sewry N. , Language B. , Neumann F. H. , Finch J. M. , Hill T. , Boulter J. , Jordaan E. , Piketh S. J. , Schwellnus M. , Burger R. P.
Published: June 2024

This paper provides an overview of the HEAT (Healthy Environments for AthleTes) project, which aims to understand the impact of environmental conditions on athlete health and performance during major sporting events such as long-distance running, cycling, and triathlons. In collaboration with the SAFER (Strategies to reduce Adverse medical events For the ExerciseR) initiative, the HEAT project carried out a field campaign at the 2022 Comrades Marathon in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The measurement campaign deployed seven weather stations, seven PM2.5 monitors and one spore trap along the 90 km route to capture spatially representative measurements of complex micro-climates, allergenic aerospora, and particulate matter exposure. The results indicate that runners were exposed to moderate risk heat stress conditions. Novel findings from this initial campaign shows elevated and potentially harmful PM2.5 levels at spectator areas, possibly coinciding with small fire events around the race day festivities. Our findings show values PM2.5 levels over the WHO 24-h guidelines at all stations, while 2000 µg/m3 at two stations. However, the lack of an acute exposure standard means direct health impacts cannot be quantified in the context of a sport event. The HEAT project highlights important aspects of race day monitoring; regional scale climatology has an impact on the race day conditions, the microclimatic conditions (pollution and meteorology) are not necessarily captured by proximity instruments and direct environmental measurements are required to accurately capture conditions along the route.
A theoretical explanation for how a nutrition counseling and medically tailored meal delivery program benefitted participants living with lung cancer
Authors: Rothpletz-Puglia Pamela , Smith Jade , Pavuk Chloe , Leotta Jana , Pike Kimberli , Presley Carolyn J. , Krok-Schoen Jessica L. , Braun Ashlea , Cohen Mary Kathryn , Rogers Gail T. , Chui Kenneth Kwan Ho , Zhang Fang Fang , Spees Colleen K.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess participants’ perceptions and experiences while participating in a Food is Medicine medically tailored meal plus intensive nutrition counseling intervention to create a theoretical explanation about how the intervention worked.

Methods

This interpretive qualitative study included the use of semi-structured interviews with active participants in a randomized controlled trial aimed at understanding how a medically tailored meal plus nutrition counseling intervention worked for vulnerable individuals with lung cancer treated at four cancer centers across the USA. During the 8-month long study, participants in the intervention arm were asked to be interviewed, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional content analysis with principles of grounded theory.

Results

Twenty individuals participated. Data analysis resulted in a theoretical explanation of the intervention’s mechanism of action. The explanatory process includes three linked and propositional categories leading to patient resilience: engaging in treatment, adjusting to diagnosis, and active coping. The medically tailored meals plus nutrition counseling engaged participants throughout treatment, which helped participants adjust to their diagnosis, leading to active coping through intentional self-care, behavior change, and improved quality of life.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that a Food is Medicine intervention may buffer some of the adversity related to the diagnosis of lung cancer and create a pathway for participants to experience post-traumatic growth, develop resilience, and change behaviors to actively cope with lung cancer. Medically tailored meals plus intensive nutrition counseling informed by motivational interviewing supported individuals’ adjustment to their diagnosis and resulted in perceived positive behavior change.
Effect of multiple firings on optical and mechanical properties of Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate glass-ceramic of varying thickness
Authors: Rizk Amr , Abdou Ahmed , Ashraf Reem , Omar Sarah
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effect of multiple firings on color, translucency, and biaxial flexure strength of Virgilite-containing (Li0.5Al0.5Si2.5O6) lithium disilicate glass ceramics of varying thickness.

Materials and methods

Sixty discs were prepared from Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate blocks. Discs were divided according to thickness (n = 30) into T0.5 (0.5 mm) and T1.0 (1.0 mm). Each thickness was divided according to the number of firing cycles (n = 10); F1 (Control group): 1 firing cycle; F3: 3 firing cycles, and F5: 5 firing cycles. The discs were tested for color change (ΔE00) and translucency (TP00) using a spectrophotometer. Then, all samples were subjected to biaxial flexure strength testing using a universal testing machine. Data were collected and statistically analyzed (α = 0.5). For chemical analysis, six additional T0.5 discs (2 for each firing cycle) were prepared; for each firing cycle one disc was subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and another disc was subjected to Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results

Repeated firing significantly reduced the translucency of F3 and F5 compared to F1 in T0.5 (p < 0.001), while for T1.0 only F5 showed a significant decrease in TP00 (p < 0.001). For ΔE00, a significant increase was recorded with repeated firings (p < 0.05) while a significant decrease resulted in the biaxial flexure strength regardless of thickness.

Conclusions

Repeated firings had a negative effect on both the optical and mechanical properties of the Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

Clinical relevance

Repeated firings should be avoided with Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate ceramics to decrease fracture liability and preserve restoration esthetics.
The effect of preoperative botulinum toxin a injection on traction force during hernia repair: a prospective, single-blind study, intra-patient comparison using contralateral side as a control
Authors: Woo Soo Hyun , Lee Seok Joon , Park Jun-Young , Kim Eun Key
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Ventral hernias are a common complication of laparotomy, posing challenges particularly when primary fascial closure is unattainable. Although chemical component separation using preoperative botulinum toxin A (BTX) injections has emerged as a promising adjunct, objective evidence of its efficacy remains limited. This study aimed to objectively assess the effect of preoperative BTX on traction force during ventral hernia repair.

Methods

A prospective, single-blind study was conducted on patients with midline incisional hernias following liver transplantation. BTX was administered unilaterally, and the traction force required to medially advance the anterior rectus sheath was measured intraoperatively. Pre- and post-injection CT scans were analyzed for changes in hernia size and LAW muscle measurements. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate traction force differences between BTX-injected and uninjected sides.

Results

Ten patients underwent hernia repair with primary fascial closure achieved in all cases. Comparison of pre- and post-injection CT scans showed no significant changes in hernia size. LAW muscle length increased by 1.8 cm, while thickness decreased by 0.2 cm. Intraoperative traction force measurements revealed a significant reduction on the BTX-injected side compared to the uninjected side (p < 0.0001). The traction force ratio on the BTX-injected to the uninjected side averaged 57%, indicating the efficacy of BTX in reducing tension.

Conclusion

Preoperative BTX significantly reduces traction force during ventral hernia repair, highlighting its potential as an adjunctive therapy in complex cases. While challenges remain in patient selection and outcome assessment, BTX offers a promising avenue for enhancing abdominal wall reconstruction outcomes and reducing surgical complications.
A focus group study for the design of a web-based tool for improving problem-solving in older adults
Authors: Cipolletta Sabrina , Signorello Dario , Zuppiroli Sara , Hering Alexandra , Ballhausen Nicola , Mioni Giovanna , Kliegel Matthias , Gaspari Mauro , Stablum Franca
Published: June 2024

The development of easily accessible and usable social and cognitive enhancement trainings is becoming a priority to reduce the impact of aging on quality of life. Since most activities of daily living (e.g., making a meal) require problem-solving skills, problem-solving interventions could be used to improve and/or maintain functional abilities in aging to prolong independence. To design an effective problem-solving training and increase older adults' adherence to the training, this study examined older adults' perceptions of their challenges in activities of daily living, their skills and difficulties in using information technology (IT), and their motivations and expectations for participating in a web-based problem-solving training activity. Four focus groups (two in Italy and two in the Netherlands) were conducted with older adults aged between 65 and 84 years, a total of 27 participants. The data were analyzed using the Atlas.ti 8 software for the thematic analysis. The analysis identified five thematic areas: interests and activities, difficulties and concerns, experiences and motivations for training, expertise and resources, suggestions for the design of the new training. The results were used to develop a first prototype of a Shared, Web-based, Intelligent Flexible Thinking Training (SWIFT), adapted to future user needs. The participation of older adults in this design phase was critical to understanding their needs, motivations, and expectations regarding the implementation and use of a cognitive enhancement training.
Historical trends of heavy metals applying radio-dating and neutron activation analysis (NAA) in sediment cores, Burullus Lagoon, Egypt
Authors: Ghanem Alia , Nada Afaf , Abu-Zeid Hosnia , Madcour Waiel , Shetaia Said A. , Imam Noha
Published: June 2024

Burullus lagoon is part of Egypt’s protected area network. The lagoon serves as a reservoir for drainage water discharged from agricultural areas, and the lake’s sediments provide a unique opportunity to record environmental behavior and reconstruct of the heavy metal contamination history. In the present study, the sediment chronology, sedimentation rates, and metal accumulation fluxes were estimated in four sediment cores using 210Pb dating models to evaluate how human activities have affected the coastal environment. Using the radioisotopes 210Pb and 137Cs, radiometric dating was carried out using gamma-ray spectrometry. At the Egypt Second Research Reactor (ETRR-2), the element concentrations were determined using the instrumented neutron activation analysis (INAA- k0 method). Our findings show that the constant rate of supply (CRS), which has been verified with the peak of artificial radionuclide 137Cs, is the best model performed for the chronology of Burullus Lagoon. The average sedimentation rate, according to 210Pb dating models, is 0.85 cm/year. The large variation in sedimentation rates, especially after the 1990s, is consistent with an increase in the anthropogenic flux of heavy metals. This may be led into a significant environmental problem such as reducing the size of the lake and degrading the quality the water in Burullus Lagoon. Enrichment factor (EF) of the studied elements displayed the following order: Cl > Ca > Na > Br > Zn > Ta > Ti > V > Cr > Sc > Mg > Mn > Fe > Hf which is higher than unity. Furthermore, the Nemerow pollution index (PI Nemerow) revealed that pollution was increasing in the direction of the drains and slightly polluted. Consequently, pollutant indices showed that urbanization and industrial development may have increased the depositional fluxes of the metals in sediments over time.
Classifying moisture sources associated with snowfall in the mountains of Lesotho
Authors: Marinaki Alexi M. , Fitchett Jennifer M.
Published: June 2024

An average of eight snowfall events occur each year in the eastern Lesotho Highlands. These snowfall events are typically associated with cut-off low (CoLs) systems and mid-latitude cyclones. However, the moisture sources of the snowfall are unclassified and unclear. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, an air mass back trajectory model, has been used to evaluate moisture source waters locally in southern Africa and internationally in China and Europe. This study uses HYSPLIT to determine the source moisture of snow in Lesotho. A list of all 82 snowfall events in Lesotho spanning 2017 to 2022 was compiled using the Snow Report SA Instagram page, including the date and location of snowfall. A 72-hour back trajectory for each snowfall event was initiated for both Afriski and the whole of Lesotho. This amounts to models of moisture source trajectories for 28 and 82 snowfall days, respectively. These air mass pathways are classified according to their frequency per snowfall event, per month in the snow season, per year and for the full period. From this, associated moisture source regions and dominant air mass trajectories were identified. This study reports that the air mass trajectories associated with Afriski and Lesotho as a whole are very similar. The most common pathway of air mass trajectories transporting snow-bearing moisture to Lesotho was an inland trajectory from the northern regions of southern Africa. This pathway makes up 16.6% of all trajectories reported and is associated with the Angola Low, the Congo Air Boundary and the St. Helena High Pressure.
Current Management of Neuroendocrine Tumour Liver Metastases
Authors: Sharma Aditya , Muralitharan Mughilan , Ramage John , Clement Dominique , Menon Krishna , Srinivasan Parthi , Elmasry Mohamed , Reed Nick , Seager Matthew , Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

This article aims to illustrate the current state of investigations and management of liver metastases in patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rising in incidence globally and have become the second most prevalent gastrointestinal malignancy in UK and USA. Frequently, patients have metastatic disease at time of presentation. The liver is the most common site of metastases for gastro-enteropancreatic NETs. Characterisation of liver metastases with imaging is important to ensure disease is not under-staged.

Recent Findings

Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography are now becoming standard of care for imaging liver metastases. There is an increasing armamentarium of therapies available for management of NETs and loco-regional therapy for liver metastases. The data supporting surgical and loco-regional therapy is reviewed with focus on role of liver transplantation.

It is important to use appropriate imaging and classification of NET liver metastases. It is key that decisions regarding approach to treatment is undertaken in a multidisciplinary team and that individualised approaches are considered for management of patients with metastatic NETs.
Neoadjuvant talazoparib in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutation-positive, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer: exploration of tumor BRCA mutational status
Authors: Telli Melinda L. , Litton Jennifer K. , Beck J. Thaddeus , Jones Jason M. , Andersen Jay , Mina Lida A. , Brig Raymond , Danso Michael , Yuan Yuan , Symmans William F. , Hopkins Julia F. , Albacker Lee A. , Abbattista Antonello , Noonan Kay , Mata Marielena , Laird A. Douglas , Blum Joanne L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Talazoparib monotherapy in patients with germline BRCA-mutated, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) showed activity in the neoadjuvant setting in the phase II NEOTALA study (NCT03499353). These biomarker analyses further assessed the mutational landscape of the patients enrolled in the NEOTALA study.

Methods

Baseline tumor tissue from the NEOTALA study was tested retrospectively using FoundationOne®CDx. To further hypothesis-driven correlative analyses, agnostic heat-map visualizations of the FoundationOne®CDx tumor dataset were used to assess overall mutational landscape and identify additional candidate predictive biomarkers of response.

Results

All patients enrolled (N = 61) had TNBC. In the biomarker analysis population, 75.0% (39/52) and 25.0% (13/52) of patients exhibited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, respectively. Strong concordance (97.8%) was observed between tumor BRCA and germline BRCA mutations, and 90.5% (38/42) of patients with tumor BRCA mutations evaluable for somatic-germline-zygosity were predicted to exhibit BRCA loss of heterozygosity (LOH). No patients had non-BRCA germline DNA damage response (DDR) gene variants with known/likely pathogenicity, based on a panel of 14 non-BRCA DDR genes. Ninety-eight percent of patients had TP53 mutations. Genomic LOH, assessed continuously or categorically, was not associated with response.

Conclusion

The results from this exploratory biomarker analysis support the central role of BRCA and TP53 mutations in tumor pathobiology. Furthermore, these data support assessing germline BRCA mutational status for molecular eligibility for talazoparib in patients with TNBC.
Sedimentary characteristics and model of Cambrian storm in Xuzhou area
Authors: Yue Deng , Yongwang Zhang , WeiLe Hou , Xiaoran Wang
Published: June 2024

The storm deposition types within the Dabeiwang area of Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, showcase a wide range of diversity and distinctly apparent characteristics. Based on measured sections and thin-section observations, we have studied the typical characteristics of storm deposition in this area, divided the sedimentary sequence, and summarized a comprehensive model of storm deposition. Various rock types such as thick-bedded dolomitic limestone, oolitic limestone, and calcirudite are developed in the study area. The calcirudite exhibits bamboo leaf-like morphology and various distribution forms. Typical storm sedimentary structures such as scour surfaces and mound cross-bedding were identified in the study area. Based on the distance of the gravel layer from the storm center and the depositional environment, the storm sedimentary sequence in the study area can be divided into allopatric-proximal-lagoon facies storm deposit, allopatric-distal-oolitic shoal facies storm deposit, autochthonous-supratidal facies storm deposit, allopatric-distal-interbeach marine storm deposit, sub-allopatric-tide zone facies storm deposit, and autochthonous-tide zone facies storm deposit. We summarize the comprehensive model of Cambrian storm deposition in the Dabeiwang area of Xuzhou, which has enriched the research results of Cambrian storm deposition in Xuzhou and provides support for the construction of a lithofacies paleogeographic pattern.
Innovation Performance in the Digital Divide Context: Nexus of Digital Infrastructure, Digital Innovation, and E-knowledge
Authors: Hussain Hadi , Jun Wen , Radulescu Magdalena
Published: June 2024

Due to speedily changing surroundings and market opportunities, a firm’s digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly significant as it performs a vital role in enhancing its innovation performance and equals viable benefits to the digital divide. The firm’s success is mainly dependent on its novelty and ability to innovate. The pivotal role of the digital infrastructure in increasing innovation performance has been explored in studies relating to innovation. The current research explores how digital infrastructure enhances innovation performance by examining the interplay between digital innovation and the moderating role of e-knowledge. Utilizing quantitative methods, this study gathered data through questionnaires from 383 respondents across various SMEs in China. The results highlight the significant impact of digital infrastructure on improving innovation performance. Additionally, the findings emphasize that digital innovation plays a crucial role in influencing the relationship between digital infrastructure and innovation performance. Furthermore, the study reveals that e-knowledge intervenes in this relationship, acting as a critical moderator. These insights underscore the complex dynamics of digital infrastructure’s role in fostering innovation within SMEs. The study extends an existing pool of knowledge regarding the large-scale influence of digital infrastructure on innovation performance. This shows that digital innovations and e-knowledge deliver through the mechanism of digital infrastructure linkage and contribute to improved innovation performance.
Local climate, air quality and leaf litter cover shape foliar fungal communities on an urban tree
Authors: Faticov Maria , Amorim Jorge H. , Abdelfattah Ahmed , van Dijk Laura J. A. , Carvalho Ana Cristina , Laforest-Lapointe Isabelle , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: June 2024

Foliar fungi on urban trees are important for tree health, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Yet, we lack insights into how urbanization influences foliar fungal communities. We created detailed maps of Stockholm region’s climate and air quality and characterized foliar fungi from mature oaks (Quercus robur) across climatic, air quality and local habitat gradients. Fungal richness was higher in locations with high growing season relative humidity, and fungal community composition was structured by growing season maximum temperature, NO2 concentration and leaf litter cover. The relative abundance of mycoparasites and endophytes increased with temperature. The relative abundance of pathogens was lowest with high concentrations of NO2 and particulate matter (PM2.5), while saprotrophs increased with leaf litter cover. Our findings show that urbanization influences foliar fungi, providing insights for developing management guidelines to promote tree health, prevent disease outbreaks and maintain biodiversity within urban landscapes.
Higher analogues of discrete topological complexity
Authors: Alabay Hilal , Borat Ayşe , Cihangirli Esra , Erdal Esma Dirican
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we introduce the nth discrete topological complexity and study its properties such as its relation with simplicial Lusternik–Schnirelmann category and how the higher dimensions of discrete topological complexity relate with each other. Moreover, we find a lower bound of n-th discrete topological complexity which is given by the nth usual topological complexity of the geometric realisation of that complex. Furthermore, we give an example for the strict case of that lower bound.
Advancing Psoriasis Care through Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Smith Payton , Johnson Chandler E. , Haran Kathryn , Orcales Faye , Kranyak Allison , Bhutani Tina , Riera-Monroig Josep , Liao Wilson
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

Machine learning (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), has been vital in advancing tasks such as image classification and speech recognition. Its integration into clinical medicine, particularly dermatology, offers a significant leap in healthcare delivery.

Recent Findings

This review examines the impact of ML on psoriasis—a condition heavily reliant on visual assessments for diagnosis and treatment. The review highlights five areas where ML is reshaping psoriasis care: diagnosis of psoriasis through clinical and dermoscopic images, skin severity quantification, psoriasis biomarker identification, precision medicine enhancement, and AI-driven education strategies. These advancements promise to improve patient outcomes, especially in regions lacking specialist care. However, the success of AI in dermatology hinges on dermatologists’ oversight to ensure that ML’s potential is fully realized in patient care, preserving the essential human element in medicine.

This collaboration between AI and human expertise could define the future of dermatological treatments, making personalized care more accessible and precise.
Eating and Cognition in Two Animals without Neurons: Sponges and Trichoplax
Authors: Bechtel William , Bich Leonardo
Published: June 2024

Eating is a fundamental behavior in which all organisms must engage in order to procure the material and energy from their environment that they need to maintain themselves. Since controlling eating requires procuring, processing, and assessing information, it constitutes a cognitive activity that provides a productive domain for pursuing cognitive biology as proposed by Ladislav Kováč. In agreement with Kováč, we argue that cognition is fundamentally grounded in chemical signaling and processing. To support this thesis, we adopt Cisek’s strategy of phylogenetic refinement, focusing on two animal phyla, Porifera and Placozoa, organisms that do not have neurons, muscles, or an alimentary canal, but nonetheless need to coordinate the activity of cells of multiple types in order to eat. We review what research has revealed so far about how these animals gather and process information to control their eating behavior.
Evaluation and Management of Shoulder Dysfunction in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lee Hwajin , Stubblefield Michael D.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

Shoulder dysfunction widely affects function and quality of life of cancer survivors. This paper discusses the etiology, identification, evaluation, and management of the common shoulder impairments seen in cancer survivors, particularly those with breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Recent Findings

Shoulder dysfunction can be caused by a wide range of sources, often as a sequelae of cancer treatments including surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation therapy. These can change the shoulder biomechanics leading to musculoskeletal disorders such as rotator cuff disease and adhesive capsulitis. Other etiologies include neuromuscular complications, such as post-breast surgery pain syndrome and radiation fibrosis syndrome, and lymphovascular disorders such as lymphedema and axillary web syndrome. Metastatic bone disease and primary bone cancer should be considered for those with intense shoulder pain. Detailed history and physical exam, and in some cases, imaging can assist with evaluation of shoulder issues. Exercise, physical and occupation therapy are essential in managing shoulder dysfunction.

Shoulder dysfunction can limit function and quality of life for cancer survivors. It is important to consider the possible etiologies as accurate diagnosis is critical for optimal treatment.
Negotiating the Complexities and Polysemy of the Notion of Interculturality in Higher Education: Views from Students at a Minority-Serving Institution
Authors: Yuan Mei , Dervin Fred , Mi Junkui , Chen Ning
Published: June 2024

The notion of interculturality is complex and polysemous in global research and education. Considering the turbulent times that the world has experienced in recent years, it is increasingly important to confront and enrich this significant scientific notion to make it more inclusive and epistemologically diverse. This paper has two main objectives. First, it reviews the current state of the global literature on the notion of interculturality in education published in English, observing how different ideologies occupy the field—from dominating voices to ‘minor’ ones which are more glocalized (global + local). On the basis of this review calling for more ‘minor’ voices to be heard, the core of the paper is based on the analysis of discussions between Chinese students at a specific institution of higher education (a ‘minority-serving institution’ or Minzu University) in China, where students from the 56 different Minzu groups of China live, study and cooperate together. The glocal ideology of Minzu (often mistranslated as ‘ethnic’ in English), a form of interculturality, is specific to this context and has not been systematically researched. Three groups of students with different ‘Minzu/ethnic’, linguistic and study profiles were paired together to discuss what interculturality could mean and entail. Three interrelating layers of discourses were identified through a dialogical discourse analysis of what the students co-constructed together: glocality, politics and philosophy of life for all. In general, the students demonstrated a nuanced understanding of interculturality that intersected partly with global academic discourses of interculturality. Their insights contributed advanced reflections and critical thoughts on the notion, highlighting the need for a collaborative and innovative approach to its understanding and utilization.
Examining Second Language (L2) Learners’ Engagement with AWE-Teacher Integrated Feedback in a Technology-Empowered Context
Authors: Cheng Xiaolong , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: June 2024

While studies on teacher written feedback and automated writing evaluation (AWE) feedback have proliferated in recent decades, little attention has been paid to how AWE-teacher integrated feedback would influence students’ engagement and their writing performance in second language (L2) writing. Against this backdrop, a quasi-experimental design was adopted to address this important gap. In our study, an intervention was implemented in two classes of English major sophomores in China, with a treatment group receiving AWE-teacher integrated feedback and a comparison group receiving teacher feedback. Data were collected from multiple sources over a 13-week semester to explore the Chinese EFL learners’ engagement with the integrated feedback and their writing performance. Results showed that the students in the treatment group engaged with feedback more profoundly in behavior and cognition than those in the comparison group while both groups demonstrated similar affective engagement. Furthermore, compared with the comparison group, the treatment group improved their writing performance in content, organization, vocabulary, and language use significantly. Important implications are also discussed.
Exploratory Study on Dyadic Interactions with and without Objects in Western Humans and Chimpanzees
Authors: Linaza José Luis , Trevarthen Colwyn , Gómez Juan-Carlos , González-del-Yerro Asunción
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study is to analyse the development of communication and cooperation in three different kinds of dyads: a western human dyad, a chimpanzee dyad, and a dyad composed of a human and a baby chimpanzee. These three different kinds of dyads participated in this research. We observed them for 12.37 h, 9 h, and 10.6 h, respectively, using narrative register and/or video tape recordings. The results show the different roles that objects play in their interaction. In the first case, the objects were used but did not catch the partners’ attention; in the second, the baby chimp asked the person who had engaged with her previously in interactive formats, for an object. In the last case, the objects were not only asked for but also made the centre of communicative acts, for which this communication had the only aim. However, the communicative repertoires of the baby chimpanzees that were analysed did not include protodeclaratives, and their expressions were dependent on contexts. The other characteristics of their social and communicative development are discussed.
The international system and the clash of world orders
Authors: Sakwa Richard
Published: June 2024

In 1945, humanity came together to create the Charter International System. It expressed the hope that after the most catastrophic war the world had yet seen, a superior system of international relations could emerge. The ‘spirit of 1945’ gave rise to the United Nations and its foundational Charter, reinforced subsequently by numerous declarations, protocols and conventions. The system delivers many public goods, including the system’s specialised agencies, but above all by establishing the normative and legitimate framework for the conduct of international politics. The Charter system today faces unprecedented challenges. The tension between the multilateralism and normative aspirations for peace and development represented by the Charter system and the competitive practices of international politics has become a contradiction and possibly an antinomy—an irreconcilable difference. The creation of competing blocs (world orders) in Cold War I prevented consensus on fundamental matters, however, all sides proclaimed their allegiance to the Charter system. When the Soviet bloc disintegrated in 1989–1991, the Charter system faced a new challenge—the quest for global hegemony of the remaining world order, the Political West led by the US. This bloc claimed certain tutelary privileges, formulated initially in terms of a ‘liberal international order’ and later in the form of the ‘rules-based order’, over the Charter International System. This resulted in conflicts and even wars, but is today countered by the emergence of a Political East. Cold War II today is more challenging and dangerous than the first, primarily due to the threat posed to the very existence of the Charter systems and its norms.
Mean Affect Moderates the Association between Affect Variability and Mental Health
Authors: Jenkins Brooke N. , Ong Lydia Q. , Ong Anthony D. , Lee Hee Youn , Boehm Julia K.
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence suggests that within-person variation in affect is a dimension distinct from mean levels along which individuals can be characterized. This study investigated affect variability’s association with concurrent and longitudinal mental health and how mean affect levels moderate these associations. The mental health outcomes of depression, panic disorder, self-rated mental health, and mental health professional visits from the second and third waves of the Midlife in the United States Study were used for cross-sectional (n = 1,676) and longitudinal outcomes (n = 1,271), respectively. These participants took part in the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE II), where they self-reported their affect once a day for 8 days, and this was used to compute affect mean and variability. Greater positive affect variability cross-sectionally predicted a higher likelihood of depression, panic disorder, mental health professional use, and poorer self-rated mental health. Greater negative affect variability predicted higher panic disorder probability. Longitudinally, elevated positive and negative affect variability predicted higher depression likelihood and worse self-rated mental health over time, while greater positive affect variability also predicted increased panic disorder probability. Additionally, mean affect moderated associations between variability and health such that variability-mental health associations primarily took place when mean positive affect was high (for concurrent mental health professional use and longitudinal depression) and when mean negative affect was low (for concurrent depression, panic disorder, self-rated mental health, and longitudinal self-rated mental health). Taken together, affect variability may have implications for both short- and long-term health and mean levels should be considered.
Role of electrochemical cell configuration on the selectivity of CuZnAl-oxide-based electrodes for the continuous CO2 conversion: aqueous electrolyte vs. catholyte-less configuration
Authors: Guzmán Hilmar , Albo Jonathan , Irabien Angel , Castellino Micaela , Hernández Simelys
Published: June 2024

This research is a significant step forward in understanding how the electrochemical cell setup influences CO2 conversion. The performance of Cu–Zn–Al metal oxide-based catalysts was compared in two reactor configurations: a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) cell with an aqueous electrolyte and a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) cell operating in the gas phase without catholyte. The different operations induced significant morphological and crystalline structural changes, profoundly impacting the catalytic behaviour. The MEA configuration, for instance, led to the formation of a higher Cu0/Cu1+ ratio in the catalysts, promoting C–C coupling for C2H4 production. Conversely, the GDE operation favoured alcohol (ethanol and methanol) production by balancing copper oxidation states formed in situ in the presence of the aqueous catholyte. Zn and Al oxides also played a role in stabilising the resulting Cu species, some of which remained oxidised on the electrode surface. These findings underscore the crucial influence of varying cell operation conditions on catalyst reconstruction, shaping the quantity of Cu0 + Cu1+ species formed in situ to tailor catalyst selectivity.
Lightweight Image Encryption Using a Novel Chaotic Technique for the Safe Internet of Things
Authors: Gilmolk Ali Mohammad Norouzzadeh , Aref Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2024

Recently, the field of lightweight cryptography (LWC) has emerged in response to the security needs of low-cost, widely used technology. It is essential to implement an encryption approach with access control to give less complex, more flexible, and safe access to sensitive data. In this work, a novel lightweight chaotic encryption approach with fuzzy access control is presented to encrypt light images in the IoT domain, while maintaining image quality. With the aid of multiplexer modeling and information shift register technology, the algorithm’s design combines random and chaotic mapping approach based on a specific password key with a predetermined number of fuzzy logic shifts on the password key for the image pixels. Further, to extract the private key with complexity and boost defense against attacks, a shift register and logical xor combination is employed. The simulation of the proposed model for AVR microcontroller has been done under MATLAB software and the design of various encryption components has been used to implement lightweight mapping. The proposed system has been evaluated in terms of histogram analysis, adjacent pixel correlation analysis, contrast analysis, homogeneity analysis, energy analysis, NIST analysis, error mean square analysis, information entropy, pixel number change rate, integrated mean change intensity, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and time complexity. Remarkably, the proposed technique has demonstrated high efficiency. The simulation results show that the homogeneity, energy, contrast, NPCR, and UACI criteria have improved by 11.5%, 13.1%, 19%, 0.53%, and 0.12%, respectively, compared to other methods in other articles.
Tectonic Evolution of the Proto‒Tethys in the Early Devonian: Insights From the Turbidite in the North Qilian Belt, NW China
Authors: Mao Qigui , Xiao Wenjiao , Yan Zhen , Li Rui , Wang Hao , Song Dongfang , Sang Miao , Tan Zhou
Published: June 2024

The Devonian tectonic setting is still controversial in the Proto‒Tethyan North Qilian belt. The Hexi Corridor of the North Qilian belt occupies a key position in constraining the tectonic evolution of the Proto‒Tethyan Ocean and the growth of the Asian continent. Turbidites, as an important component of the Jiayuguan mélange in the Hexi Corridor, consist of conglomerate, pebbly sandstone, sandstone, siltstone, calcareous mudstone, and chert that feature typical Bouma sequences of Ba, Bc, Bcd, Babc and/or Bab. They are strongly deformed into NW‒trending folds with NE‒ and SW‒inclined thrust faults. Detrital zircon U‒Pb dating results demonstrate that these sediments successively young to the southwest with maximum depositional ages (MDA) ranging from 560 Ma to 411 Ma, indicating that the youngest block was deposited after 411 Ma. Petrological, geochemical and detrital zircon U‒Pb age data indicate the sedimentary rocks provenanced from weak weathering, recycling, and multiple mixing sources, and that the dominant source was the Andean‒type Alxa arc. Together with the published data, we suggest that double‒sided subduction of the North Qilian Ocean (Proto‒Tethyan Ocean) occurred between the North Qilian arc and the Andean‒type Alxa arc during the early Devonian.
Compositional Characterization of Glassy Volcanic Material From VSWIR and MIR Spectra Using Partial Least Squares Regression Models
Authors: Leight C. J. , Ytsma C. , McCanta M. C. , Dyar M. D. , Glotch T. D.
Published: June 2024

The glass phase in volcanic rocks presents a challenge to obtaining compositional data from visible and short‐wave‐infrared (VSWIR) and mid‐infrared (MIR) spectral data of remote surfaces due to its amorphous structure and variable composition. Nonetheless, glass is a common phase in volcanic materials because it forms via the rapid quench of magma and can constitute up to the entirety of a volcanic deposit. Use of partial least squares regression (PLS) to predict glass contents creates models that are insensitive to viewing geometry and sample conditions such as grain size and spectrally inactive compositional variables, enhancing the ability to detect glasses with remote sensing. PLS models are used here to predict crystallinity and oxide composition of samples from VSWIR and MIR spectral data using training spectra from natural volcanic rocks and geologically relevant synthetic samples. Three spectral resolutions of VSWIR and MIR spectra (1, 10, and 100 nm/band, and 1.9, 19, and 190 cm−1/band, respectively) were tested to assess the effects of collection configuration on different spectrometers. PLS models trained on 1 nm and 1.9 cm−1 data sets have the lowest uncertainties of glass modal abundance for VSWIR and MIR, respectively. MIR models predicting sample wt. % SiO2 and FeO, and VSWIR models of wt. % FeO provide accurate estimates (e.g., RMSE‐P of 3.4 wt. % FeO) at all spectral resolutions. Results are based on training data sets skewed to mafic compositions, which affects model accuracies.
North Atlantic Warming Hole Modulates Interhemispheric Asymmetry of Future Temperature and Precipitation
Authors: Park In‐Hong , Yeh Sang‐Wook , Dewitte Boris , Wang Guojian , Kirtman B. P. , An Soon‐Il
Published: June 2024

The observed cooling in the subpolar North Atlantic, known as the warming hole, is receiving much attention because of its relationship with the climate sensitivity in the Earth System Models (ESMs). However, the impact of its future projection on the global climate remains unclear due to large uncertainties. Here, we show that the future warming hole changes will affect the interhemispheric asymmetry of temperature and precipitation by modulating the Northern Hemisphere (NH) warming. Models with a weaker warming hole in the future project stronger NH warming by injecting more non‐radiative fluxes to the atmosphere. This leads to an asymmetric warming contrast between the two hemispheres, resulting in a meridional shift of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone and more precipitation increases in the NH. Our study implies that the future warming hole controls the interhemispheric heat exchanges and associated changes in the global temperature and precipitation, suggesting that its improved simulation is essential.