bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INSPIRE: Single-beam probed complementary vibrational bioimaging
Authors: Fu Pengcheng , Zhang Yongqing , Wang Siming , Ye Xin , Wu Yunhong , Yu Mengfei , Zhu Shiyao , Lee Hyeon Jeong , Zhang Delong
Published: December 2024

Molecular spectroscopy provides intrinsic contrast for in situ chemical imaging, linking the physiochemical properties of biomolecules to the functions of living systems. While stimulated Raman imaging has found successes in deciphering biological machinery, many vibrational modes are Raman inactive or weak, limiting the broader impact of the technique. It can potentially be mitigated by the spectral complementarity from infrared (IR) spectroscopy. However, the vastly different optical windows make it challenging to develop such a platform. Here, we introduce in situ pump-probe IR and Raman excitation (INSPIRE) microscopy, a nascent cross-modality spectroscopic imaging approach by encoding the ultrafast Raman and the IR photothermal relaxation into a single probe beam for simultaneous detection. INSPIRE inherits the merits of complementary modalities and demonstrates high-content molecular imaging of chemicals, cells, tissues, and organisms. Furthermore, INSPIRE applies to label-free and molecular tag imaging, offering possibilities for optical sensing and imaging in biomedicine and materials science.
Optical-resolution parallel ultraviolet photoacoustic microscopy for slide-free histology
Authors: Cao Rui , Luo Yilin , Zhao Jingjing , Zeng Yushun , Zhang Yide , Zhou Qifa , le da Zerda Adam , Wang Lihong V.
Published: December 2024

Intraoperative imaging of slide-free specimens is crucial for oncology surgeries, allowing surgeons to quickly identify tumor margins for precise surgical guidance. While high-resolution ultraviolet photoacoustic microscopy has been demonstrated for slide-free histology, the imaging speed is insufficient, due to the low laser repetition rate and the limited depth of field. To address these challenges, we present parallel ultraviolet photoacoustic microscopy (PUV-PAM) with simultaneous scanning of eight optical foci to acquire histology-like images of slide-free fresh specimens, improving the ultraviolet PAM imaging speed limited by low laser repetition rates. The PUV-PAM has achieved an imaging speed of 0.4 square millimeters per second (i.e., 4.2 minutes per square centimeter) at 1.3-micrometer resolution using a 50-kilohertz laser. In addition, we demonstrated the PUV-PAM with eight needle-shaped beams for an extended depth of field, allowing fast imaging of slide-free tissues with irregular surfaces. We believe that the PUV-PAM approach will enable rapid intraoperative photoacoustic histology and provide prospects for ultrafast optical-resolution PAM.
Synergistic label-free fluorescence imaging and miRNA studies reveal dynamic human neuron-glial metabolic interactions following injury
Authors: Zhang Yang , Savvidou Maria , Liaudanskaya Volha , Singh Pramesh , Fu Yuhang , Nasreen Amreen , Coe Marly , Kelly Marilyn , Snapper Dustin , Wagner Chelsea , Gill Jessica , Symes Aviva , Patra Abani , Kaplan David L. , Beheshti Afshin , Georgakoudi Irene
Published: December 2024

Neuron–glial cell interactions following traumatic brain injury (TBI) determine the propagation of damage and long-term neurodegeneration. Spatiotemporally heterogeneous cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolic pathways are involved, leading to challenges in developing effective diagnostics and treatments. An engineered three-dimensional brain tissue model comprising human neurons, astrocytes, and microglia is used in combination with label-free, two-photon imaging and microRNA studies to characterize metabolic interactions between glial and neuronal cells over 72 hours following impact injury. We interpret multiparametric, quantitative, optical metabolic assessments in the context of microRNA gene set analysis and identify distinct metabolic changes in neurons and glial cells. Glycolysis, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) and glutathione synthesis, fatty acid synthesis, and oxidation are mobilized within glial cells to mitigate the impacts of initial enhancements in oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation within neurons, which lack robust antioxidant defenses. This platform enables enhanced understanding of mechanisms that may be targeted to improve TBI diagnosis and treatment.
Cryo-EM structure of Nipah virus RNA polymerase complex
Authors: Wang Yiru , Zhao Lixia , Zhang Yi , Wang Yuhan , Tang Jiao , Liu Simiao , Gao Huihan , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zinzula Luca , Kornberg Roger D. , Zhang Heqiao
Published: December 2024

Nipah virus, a member of the
Paramyxoviridae
family, is a highly pathogenic nonsegmented, negative-sense RNA virus (nsNSV) which causes severe neurological and respiratory illnesses in humans. There are no available drugs or vaccines to combat this virus. A complex of large polymerase protein (L) and phosphoprotein (P) of Nipah virus supports replication and transcription and affords a target for antiviral drug development. Structural information required for drug development is lacking. Here we report the 2.9-angstrom cryo–electron microscopy structure of the Nipah virus polymerase-phosphoprotein complex. The structure identifies conserved amino acids likely important for recognition of template RNA by nsNSVs and reveals the locations of mutation-prone sites among Nipah virus strains, which may facilitate the development of therapeutic agents against Nipah virus by targeting regions unaffected by these mutation sites.
Nucleo-cytoplasmic environment modulates spatiotemporal p53 phase separation
Authors: Datta Debalina , Navalkar Ambuja , Sakunthala Arunima , Paul Ajoy , Patel Komal , Masurkar Shalaka , Gadhe Laxmikant , Manna Shouvik , Bhattacharyya Arpita , Sengupta Shinjinee , Poudyal Manisha , Devi Jyoti , Sawner Ajay Singh , Kadu Pradeep , Shaw Ranjit , Pandey Satyaprakash , Mukherjee Semanti , Gahlot Nitisha , Sengupta Kundan , Maji Samir K.
Published: December 2024

Liquid-liquid phase separation of various transcription factors into biomolecular condensates plays an essential role in gene regulation. Here, using cellular models and in vitro studies, we show the spatiotemporal formation and material properties of p53 condensates that might dictate its function. In particular, p53 forms liquid-like condensates in the nucleus of cells, which can bind to DNA and perform transcriptional activity. However, cancer-associated mutations promote misfolding and partially rigidify the p53 condensates with impaired DNA binding ability. Irrespective of wild-type and mutant forms, the partitioning of p53 into cytoplasm leads to the condensate formation, which subsequently undergoes rapid solidification. In vitro studies show that abundant nuclear components such as RNA and nonspecific DNA promote multicomponent phase separation of the p53 core domain and maintain their liquid-like property, whereas specific DNA promotes its dissolution into tetrameric functional p53. This work provides mechanistic insights into how the life cycle and DNA binding properties of p53 might be regulated by phase separation.
Erratum to: “2+1B” Technetium-99m Tricarbonyl Complexes with N,N'-Bidentate Ligands and Methyl 14-Isocyano-3-methyltetradecanoate
Authors: Miroslavov A. E. , Kuz’menko P. M. , Tyupina M. Yu. , Sakhonenkova A. P. , Sidorenko G. V. , Kochergina A. R. , Krotov S. A.
Published: December 2024

Erratum
Erratum to: Structural, Electromagnetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Ion Pollutants Adsorption in Water by Gallium Nitride Nanomaterial: a Green Chemistry Application
Authors: Mollaamin F. , Monajjemi M.
Published: December 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1990793124340037
Erratum to: The Ionospheric Electric Field Perturbation with an Increase in Radon Emanation
Authors: Denisenko V. V. , Rozanov E. V. , Belyuchenko K. V. , Bessarab F. S. , Golubenko K. S. , Klimenko M. V.
Published: December 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1990793124340049
LiLTv2: Language-substitutable Layout-image Transformer for Visual Information Extraction
Authors: Wang Jiapeng , Lin Zening , Huang Dayi , Xiong Longfei , Jin Lianwen
Published: December 2024

Visual Information Extraction (VIE) has experienced substantial growth and heightened interest due to its pivotal role in intelligent document processing. However, most existing related pre-trained models typically can only process the data from a certain (set of) language(s)—often just English, representing a distinct limitation. To solve it, we present a
L
anguage-subst
i
tutable
L
ayout-image
T
ransformer (LiLTv2). It can be pre-trained just once on mono-lingual documents and then collaborate with off-the-shelf textual models in other languages during fine-tuning. Firstly, LiLTv2 utilizes a new dual-stream model architecture, one stream for substitutable text information and the other for layout and image information. Then, LiLTv2 has improved upon the optimization strategy and the diverse tasks adopted in the pre-training stage. Finally, we innovatively propose a teacher-student knowledge distillation learning with segment-level multi-modal features named SegKD. Extensive experimental results on widely used benchmarks can demonstrate the superior effectiveness of our method.
Increased Porosity in NiO-YSZ Tubular Substrate for High Performance Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell Using LaGaO3 Film
Authors: Liu Bin , Song Jun Tae , Watanabe Motonori , Inada Miki , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: December 2024

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are an important subject for storage of renewable energy such as solar or wind power. In this study, tubular type SOECs using La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 (LSGM) electrolyte film were prepared on NiO-Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) with different porosity and it was found that the porosity of the Ni-YSZ tubular substrate is an important parameter for achieving initial high current density and also low rate of durability by preventing the pulse potential noise. The addition of cornstarch as pore-formers was effective for increasing channel size (3.9 μm of average radius) in Ni-YSZ substrate and when 15 wt% cornstarch was added for extruding NiO-YSZ substrate, the tubular cell exhibited the superior initial performance, 0.69 A cm−2 at 1.6 V in SOEC mode at 873 K. This cell also shows smaller degradation rate by suppression of the pulse potential noise and the high coulomb efficiency of H2 formation. Increase in porosity of Ni-YSZ substrate is highly important for increasing the initial performance and long-term stability of SOEC.
Effect of the Particle Size Averaging Method on the Predicted Behavior of Lithium-ion Batteries According to the Pseudo-2D Model
Authors: Castro Michael T. , Ocon Joey D.
Published: December 2024

The pseudo-2D (P2D) model is widely utilized in the modeling of lithium-ion batteries for product design and state monitoring applications. The P2D model relies on an average electrode particle size as an input parameter, but existing literature has been inconsistent as to how this is obtained. In this work, we examined the effect of the particle size averaging method on the behavior of Li-ion batteries as predicted by the P2D model. We first set up a standard P2D model that only considers representative sizes and a modified P2D model that accounts for the entire size distribution. Number average, volume-surface average, and D50 particle sizes were then obtained for graphite anodes and lithium iron phosphate and nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathodes typically found in commercial lithium-ion cells. Lastly, the results generated by monodisperse and polydisperse models were compared. It was found that using the volume-surface average and D50 sizes result in accurate predictions of the energy density and cell capacity with respect to the polydisperse model, while using the number average particle size may result in notable discrepancies. For this reason, the number average particle size, or getting a simple average particle size from scanning electron microscopy images, should be avoided.
Center of mass states render multijoint torques throughout standing balance recovery
Authors: Jakubowski Kristen L. , Martino Giovanni , Beck Owen N. , Sawicki Gregory S. , Ting Lena H.
Published: December 2024

Reactive balance control requires coordination of neurally-mediated feedforward and feedback pathways to generate stabilizing joint torques at the hip, knee, and ankle. Using a sensorimotor response model, we decomposed reactive joint torques into feedforward and feedback contributions based on delays relative to the center of mass kinematics. Responses across joints were driven by the same signals, but contributions from feedforward versus feedback pathways differed, likely due to differences in musculotendon properties between proximal and distal muscles.
Early Molecular Response to Imatinib First‐Line Therapy and Predictive Factors of Poor Outcomes for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Koffi Kouassi Gustave , Bognini Sara Akou , Silué Dohoma Alexis , Kamara Ismael , Kouakou Ines , N’dhatz Emeraude , Kouakou Boidy , Nanho Danho Clotaire , Okou David Tea
Published: December 2024

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time, the early molecular response (EMR) to imatinib at 3 months for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and to determine the predictive factors that influence poor outcome and response.

Methods: 60 newly diagnosed CML patients were enrolled from May 2018 to June 2023. They received imatinib and prospectively underwent a molecular evaluation. Their EMR was assessed using a RT‐qPCR method and expressed as the BCR::ABL1 IS transcript level at 3 months. Potential factors impacting the EMR were identified using the Cox proportional hazard regression models. The effects of an EMR on the cumulative incidence of a deep molecular response (DMR) were also evaluated.

Results: Out of the 60 CML patients recruited, 29 (48%) achieved an optimal response with TKI therapy after 3 months. The cumulative rate of molecular response was 16 (36%) for a major molecular response (MMR), 10 (23%) for MR4, 8 (18%) for MR4.5, and 6 (14%) for MR5, while 4 (9%) showed indetectable transcript. In addition, as 26 (90%) of patients with optimal response at 3 months showed a DMR, we determined that an optimal response to TKI at 3 months was significantly correlated with a DMR. We also identified through multivariate analysis that seven independent risk factors significantly influenced an EMR to TKI. These factors included male, late diagnosis, advanced performance status, the presence of splenomegaly, high‐ELTS risk groups, a BCR::ABL1 domain mutation, and complete hematologic response after more than 30 days.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that an EMR at 3 months has a predictive value for a DMR. In addition, a MMR and a DMR can be predicted using a combination of parameters that either have a significant impact on the optimal response, or that can serve as prognostic indicators for molecular response, especially in low‐income countries, where molecular assessment and monitoring are not available or possible.
Two‐View Image Semantic Cooperative Nonorthogonal Transmission in Distributed Edge Networks
Authors: Wang Wei , Cai Donghong , Dong Zhicheng , Yu Lisu , Xu Yanqing , Liu Zhiquan
Published: December 2024

With the wide application of deep learning (DL) across various fields, deep joint source–channel coding (DeepJSCC) schemes have emerged as a new coding approach for image transmission. Compared with traditional separated source and CC (SSCC) schemes, DeepJSCC is more robust to the channel environment. To address the limited sensing capability of individual devices, distributed cooperative transmission is implemented among edge devices. However, this approach significantly increases communication overhead. In addition, existing distributed DeepJSCC schemes primarily focus on specific tasks, such as classification or data recovery. In this paper, we explore the wireless semantic image collaborative nonorthogonal transmission for distributed edge networks, where edge devices distributed across the network extract features of the same target image from different viewpoints and transmit these features to an edge server. A two‐view distributed cooperative DeepJSCC (two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC) with or without information disentanglement scheme is proposed. In particular, the two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC with information disentanglement (two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC‐D) is proposed for achieving balancing performance between multitasking of image semantic communication; while the two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC without information disentanglement only pursues outstanding data recovery performance. Through curriculum learning (CL), the proposed two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC‐D effectively captures both common and private information from two‐view data. The edge server uses the received information to accomplish tasks such as image recovery, classification, and clustering. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC‐D scheme is capable of simultaneously performing image recovery, classification, and clustering tasks. In addition, the proposed two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC has better recovery performance compared to the existing schemes, while the proposed two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC‐D not only maintains a competitive advantage in image recovery but also has a significant improvement in classification and clustering accuracy. However, the proposed two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC‐D will sacrifice some image recovery performance to balance multiple tasks. Furthermore, two‐view‐DC‐DeepJSCC‐D exhibits stronger robustness across various signal‐to‐noise ratios.
Combination of Biogas Residues and Bacillus Interactions Stimulates Crop Production and Salinity Tolerance in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Abbasi Muhammad Waseem , Hussain Naveed , Tariq Marium , Qasim Muhammad , Wei Qu , Guo Jianbin , Yang Shoujun , Dong Renjie , Abideen Zainul , El-Sheikh Mohamed A.
Published: December 2024

Stress tolerance in cereal crops like Sorghum is important to address food security and land development for saline agriculture. Salinity is considered one of the most devastating abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and yield, specifically in water‐scared areas of the world. Biogas residue is a good source of plant nutrients with enriched fertilizer for crop yield and productivity. In this study, seeds were sown in the soil supplied with biogas residues (0% and 5% w/w). After seedling establishment, three Bacillus strains (B26, BS, and BSER) were introduced around the roots of Sorghum. Saline water irrigation started after a week of bacterial inoculation. Sorghum plants were uprooted after 30 days of saline water irrigation. Results indicated that the Bacillus strain and biogas residues showed the highest plant growth in both (0 and 75 mM) salinity levels. Further, this Bacillus strain modulated Sorghum’s secondary metabolites (phenols and flavonoids) and osmoprotectants (proline and soluble sugars) under salinity stress. Reduction in salinity stress demonstrated lower activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase; however, guaiacol peroxidase activities were enhanced in Bacillus (BS strain) treated plants with biogas residues application. Among the three strains, BS strain demonstrated better results with biogas residues under salinity stress in Sorghum bicolor.
Figure 3 from Kinetics of Nirogacestat-Mediated Increases in B-cell Maturation Antigen on Plasma Cells Inform Therapeutic Combinations in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Shearer Todd , Comstock Melissa , Williams Rex L. , Johnson Mark C. , Cendrowicz Ewa , Leonowens Cathrine , Smith Margaret , Baughman Todd M. , Breitbach Caroline J. , Cheng Shinta , Green Damian J.
Published: December 2024

Nirogacestat PK in healthy participants.
Growth and cognitive outcome in very preterm infants with postnatal cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Griesmaier Elke , Hammerl Marlene , Sappler Maria , Zimmermann Martina , Gande Nina , Winkler Ira , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Neubauer Vera
Published: December 2024

Introduction There are conflicting data on the association between postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and growth and cognitive outcome in very preterm infants. The aim of the current study was to systematically evaluate the effect of postnatal CMV infection on growth and cognitive outcome in an unselected, contemporary cohort of very preterm infants.
Methods Infants <32 gestational weeks (2011-2018) were screened for postnatal CMV infection. We compared head circumference, weight and length from birth to three months corrected age, mental development at 12 and 24 months corrected age (Bayley Scales of Infant (Toddler) Development II/III) and intelligence quotient at five years (Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II, Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III or Snijders-Oomen Non-verbal Intelligence Test) between infants with and without postnatal CMV infection.
Results The final study cohort consisted of 431 infants with a median gestational age of 29.9 (23.7-31.9) weeks. Of these, 20 (4.6%) infants had a postnatal CMV infection. Median ∆ z scores from birth to the corrected age of three months for head circumference, weight and length did not differ between infants with and without postnatal CMV infection. Continuous and categorized parameters of cognitive development did not differ between the two groups. A subgroup analysis of infants <28 gestational weeks showed similar results.
Conclusion We did not observe a negative effect of postnatal CMV infection on growth or cognitive development of very preterm infants. These findings should be taken into account when discussing the use of raw mother's milk in the feeding of preterm infants.
Atypical bilateral hyperpigmented macules on the lower legs possibly due to cyclophosphamide.
Authors: Yamamoto Jun , Fujimura Taku , Asano Yoshihide
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Chemotherapeutic agents occasionally induce various cutaneous adverse events, but hyperpigmentation due to cyclophosphamide is extremely rare.
Case presentation: A case of atypical bilateral hyperpigmented macules on the lower legs possibly due to cyclophosphamide was presented. A physical examination on his initial visit revealed xerotic skin exhibiting brownish discoloration with black scales on both lower legs. In addition, diffuse pigmented macules were distributed on the nail beds and tongues. Dermoscopic findings revealed brownish unstructured areas and black dots consistent with follicles. A biopsy specimen from his lower leg showed an increased melanin in the basal and stratum corneum. We diagnosed him as having bilateral hyperpigmented macules on the lower legs possibly due to cyclophosphamide.
Conclusion: Although the mechanism of hyperpigmentation caused by cyclophosphamide is still unknown, our present case suggests that cutaneous hyperpigmentation is likely due to direct stimulation of hair follicles by cyclophosphamide.
Lourdes Sola. Ideias econômicas, decisões políticas: técnicos e políticos no governo da economia
Authors: Ribeiro Ivy Renee Augusto , Giannecchini Laura
Published: December 2024

Book review:  Ideias econômicas, decisões políticas: técnicos e políticos no governo da economia, São Paulo, Edusp, 2023, by Lourdes Sola.
Culture, Sexual Orientation, and Distress Among LGBQ Asian and Pacific Islander Individuals
Authors: Kase Colleen A. , Chong Eddie S. K. , Mohr Jonathan J.
Published: December 2024

Individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) heritage who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBQ) are underrepresented within the racial/ethnic minority and sexual minority literature. The present exploratory study examined how API cultural variables (i.e., enculturation, collectivism, norm conformity) and sexual orientation stigma variables (i.e., internalized homonegativity, concealment, outness to family) separately and interactively predicted distress in a sample of 378 LGBQ API adults. Results revealed interaction effects for each of the cultural and sexual orientation stigma variables. For example, the relation between enculturation and distress was found to be negative at low levels of internalized homonegativity but positive at very high levels of internalized homonegativity. These findings illustrate the dynamic interplay between culture and sexual orientation for LGBQ APIs.
EXPRESS: Fixing Onlies versus Advancing Multiples: Number of Children and Parents’ Preferences for Educational Products
Authors: Wang Phyllis Xue , Liang Ce , Wang Qiyuan
Published: December 2024

Due to a continuous decline in fertility rates in recent decades, the number of one-child families has been increasing in both developing and developed countries. Given this significant shift in family structure, it is imperative to investigate the complex dynamics of how the number of children within a family—whether it is a one-child family or a family with multiple children—affects parents’ decision-making in the realm of education. Using a mixed-method approach, seven main studies, including a secondary data analysis (Study 1) and a field study (Study 2), and four supplementary studies, consistently found that, compared with multi-child parents, one-child parents have a stronger relative preference for deficit-based over strength-based educational products. Both mediation and moderation analyses suggest that this effect is driven by one-child parents’ heightened parenting prevention focus. The current research not only enriches our understanding of parenting dynamics, educational decision-making, and parenting regulatory focus, but also has implications for a myriad of disciplines, including marketing, psychology, economics, and sociology. More importantly, it carries substantial implications for marketers, educators, and policymakers.
Network Agenda Setting, or Networked Framing? (Non)correspondence Between User and Right-Wing Media Semantic Networks on YouTube
Authors: Hsiao Yuan , Hindman Matthew
Published: December 2024

How does media shape and reflect right-wing rhetoric in the U.S.? Theories of media effects have moved towards networked approaches to agenda setting and framing, but it remains uncertain how issue attributes or frames emerge in the U.S. media ecosystem in which users themselves can shape political rhetoric through discussion on social media. We provide the largest test to date of the different predictions of networked agenda setting (NAS) theory and networked framing, through a semantic network analysis of all 19,112 video transcripts and 661,958,464 user comments posted on the YouTube channels of four major U.S. conservative media outlets between January 2019 and March 2021. Both overall, and within key topics like COVID-19 or Black Lives Matter, we find that user comments diverge strongly from video transcripts, with users repeatedly introducing associations, emotionally charged rhetoric, and conspiracy theories not originally present. Our results challenge claims by network agenda setting scholars that “objects and attributes can be transferred simultaneously in bundles” from the media agenda to the public agenda, but are more consistent with scholarship on networked framing. We argue that future work should strive to synthesize both approaches.
Analyzing the Effects of a Repeated Reading Intervention on Reading Fluency With Generalized Linear Mixed Models
Authors: Li Haoran , Avendaño Sarah M. , Bak Moon Young Savana
Published: December 2024

In the United States, only approximately one-third of students read at or above proficiency level. Moreover, the difference in reading proficiency of students is severely disproportionate for students with disabilities compared to students without disabilities. Reading fluency is a precursor for academic success and one of the six aspects of reading that contributes to effective reading skills. Many studies have examined the effectiveness of repeated reading to improve reading fluency. However, existing literature has mixed evaluations of whether repeated reading can be considered evidence-based reading intervention practice for students with disabilities. The current study examined the effects of a repeated reading intervention on reading fluency for three middle school students with learning disabilities. To address limitations of traditional single-case experimental design analytical methods such as visual analysis and nonoverlap indices, our study provided empirical researchers with a step-by-step procedure of using an advanced statistical method for single-case experimental designs, namely, generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to analyze data. The results presented by GLMMs showed that repeated reading intervention can significantly improve reading fluency for some students with learning disabilities. Implications, limitations, and future directions from both empirical and methodological perspectives were also discussed.
A long-term follow-up study of the changes in localized intravascular coagulation-related indexes after sclerotherapy of venous malformation
Authors: Zheng Miao , Zhong Hai-Yan , Sun Yi-Ran , Zou Ming-Li , Chen Yong-Pei , Yuan Si-Ming
Published: December 2024

Objective

Localized intravascular coagulation (LIC) is a unique phenomenon associated with venous malformations (VMs). This study investigated the changes in LIC related indexes following sclerotherapy of VMs and its correlation with therapeutic efficacy.

Methods

From August 2019 to September 2023, patients who met the following criteria were enrolled into this study: (1) individuals with venous malformations accompanied by LIC; (2) those who had undergone a minimum of three sclerotherapy sessions; (3) blood coagulation function tests were conducted prior to each treatment; and (4) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were conducted both before and after three times of treatment. Those who fail to meet with the previous inclusion criteria were excluded. The coagulation profile prior to each sclerotherapy treatments was assessed. The therapeutic outcomes were evaluated at the end of treatment.

Results

A total of 21 patients were enrolled into the study, with the age ranging from 4 to 61 years old. Elevated D-dimer levels, with or without a decrease in fibrinogen (FIB) and an increase in fibrin degradation products (FDP) are clinical features of VMs with LIC. The coagulation indexes tend to settle down with several sclerotherapy treatments. There were 5 cases in the significantly improved group, 13 cases in the improved group, and 3 cases in the no improved group when it came to efficacy assessment. The better therapeutic efficacy is more pronounced the improvement of LIC.

Conclusions

LIC gradually returns to normal during sclerotherapy, and the degree of recovery is directly related to the treatment’s efficacy. One useful metric to evaluate the effectiveness of sclerotherapy for VMs is the improvement of LIC.
MINOCA as the result of coronary artery aneurysm thrombosis
Authors: Rokyta Oksana
Published: December 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) can be caused by many factors. In addition to the typical obstruction or stenosis of the coronary arteries, there is heterogenic MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). A rare cause of MINOCA is the thrombosis of a coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). This current case report describes a male patient with CAA thrombosis as the cause of MINOCA following surgery for a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient underwent angiography that identified three CAAs that were located as follows: (i) in the proximal part of the left anterior descending artery (5.55 mm); (ii) in the distal part of the circumflex artery (8.05 mm); and (iii) in the distal part of the right coronary artery (6.61 mm). Thrombotic masses were identified within all three structures. The patient received balloon angioplasties without stent implanting and recovered well. The patient was also notable for the presence of two brain artery aneurysms that were the cause of the previous strokes that he had experienced. This case report also reviews the literature in order to: (i) summarize the aetiological factors and clinical manifestations of CAA; (ii) discuss the diagnostic methods for CAA; (iii) describe the medical and surgical management of CAA; and (iv) assess the prognosis of this rare clinical event.
Light Weight Deflectometer Configurations for Testing Thin Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Ordaz Margarita , Doyle Jesse D.
Published: December 2024

The light weight deflectometer (LWD) is used to determine fundamental soil properties such as deflection and modulus. Recently, the LWD has been investigated as a potential structural evaluation tool for thin flexible pavements to generate input data for structural performance prediction models of thin flexible pavements. The falling weight deflectometer (FWD) can be used for the evaluation of thin flexible pavements; however, the relatively high cost and logistics burden, which also may render FWD unsuitable for many local agencies, are disadvantageous for the rapid assessment of dispersed rural roadways. The LWD is a potential alternative; however, since various LWD models are available and multiple testing configurations are possible, this study focused on determining which LWD configuration(s) produce structural responses that most closely correspond to FWD. Ten different LWD combinations of base plate diameter, drop weight, and drop height were tested on two full-scale thin asphalt test sections under closely comparable temperature and moisture conditions. The LWD’s ability to indicate structural conditions was compared with that of the FWD through impulse stiffness modulus. The distribution of stress within the pavements was measured during testing. In addition, the LWD’s repeatability was assessed and found to be similar to that of the FWD. As a result, the small 5.91-in. plate diameter, 22-in. drop height, and largest available hammer weights for both LWD models obtained good repeatability and the closest correspondence to FWD when tested on thin flexible pavements.
Effects of small incision cataract surgery and routine ultrasonic phacoemulsification on vision recovery, anterior segment parameters and corneal regularity
Authors: Zhu Yueqing , Liu Weijie , Liang Yong
Published: December 2024

Objective

To compare the effects of minor incision cataract surgery (SICS) and routine ultrasonic phacoemulsification (PHACO) on vision recovery, anterior segment parameters and corneal regularity.

Methods

Ninety-two age-related cataract patients (100 eyes) were prospectively selected from January 2017 to December 2019. Fifty cases (50 eyes) were treated with SICS, while the remaining 42 cases (50 eyes) underwent PHACO. Their post-operative visual acuity, central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation and proportion of hexagonal cells were compared.

Results

CCT was more extensive in the two groups one week after the operation than before, while it returned to the pre-operative level 6 weeks after. Compared with before the operation, CCT had a significant difference in the two groups one week after the operation (P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant difference six weeks after the operation (P > 0.05). CCT had a substantial difference between the two groups 1-week after operation (P < 0.05). The endothelial cell density had a significant difference in PHACO group 1 and 6 weeks after operation compared to before (P < 0.01). In contrast, the two groups had no significant difference at each time point before and after operation (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the coefficient of corneal endothelial cell area variation or proportion of hexagonal cells between the two groups at each time point (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

SICS and PHACO have comparable clinical effects. For patients with senile hard-nucleus cataracts, SICS is characterised by fewer surgical complications.
Whistle, whine and modal implications due to the electromechanical coupling of an electric powertrain
Authors: Souza Marcos Ricardo , Andreou Panagiotis , Offner Guenter , Sopouch Martin , Diwoky Franz , Haris Ahmed , Mohammadpour Mahdi , Theodossiades Stephanos
Published: December 2024

Electric (e-) powertrain Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) shows tonal behaviour due to the electromagnetic (EM) forces in the e-motor (leading to whistling noise) and the gear meshing (leading to whining noise). Tonal excitations activate different system modes as the motor speed changes, amplifying whistling and whining. Accurate prediction of resonance speeds and aggressive NVH is essential. Due to EM interactions, the e-motor exhibits EM torsional stiffness, affecting the system dynamics. Past studies considered EM stiffness in torsional vibration lumped parameter models, mostly neglecting flexible components (i.e. powertrain housing). In this work, the EM stiffness is calculated using the Frequency Response Function method and is included for the first time in the modal analysis of a three-dimensional e-powertrain model. This enables e-powertrain electromechanical coupling analysis during the design phase, considering the housing three-dimensional flexibility, a key NVH contributor. Conducting modal analysis with the EM stiffness shows effects on the system natural frequencies, along with the mode shapes at different frequency ranges and operating speeds, establishing an accurate design method to describe the e-powertrain dynamics and provide clearer insight on the NVH physics.
Multi-objective optimization of an electrical injector in Urea-SCR system
Authors: Shi Youcheng , Li Zheng , Zhang Hucheng , Shan Junfeng
Published: December 2024

Electrical injector is mainly used in non-air-assisted urea dosing systems to atomize and inject urea water solution. It consists of solenoid switch valve and injector. A good performance of the electrical injector can improve dosing precision of urea dosing system. To investigate dynamic characteristics of the electrical injector, an equivalent magnetic circuit model of the solenoid valve was established and magnetic field of the solenoid valve was also simulated using a three-dimensional finite element model. The results show that the calculation error of the two models is 6%, demonstrating that the equivalent magnetic circuit model can effectively predict the magnetic characteristics of the solenoid. Taking opening time, closing time, and coil area of the electrical injector as objective functions, a multi-objective optimization algorithm was used to optimize the design parameters of the electrical injector. Opening and closing processes of the optimized electrical injector under different pressures and driving voltages were measured through laser triangulation sensor. The experimental results showed that calculation results of the proposed theoretical model were close to the measurement results. The opening time of the optimized injector has been reduced by 11%, the response of the injector has significantly improved.
Institutional Bricolage and Collective Action: A Case Study of a Farmers’ Producer Organisation in Tamil Nadu, South India
Authors: Suresh Veena , S. S. Sreejith , S. Vivek , Santha Sunil D.
Published: December 2024

Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) are conceived as fundamental institutional mechanisms at the village and cluster levels to strengthen the Farmers’ Producer Organisations (FPOs) by pooling their existing resources, gaining better access to other resources and sharing mutual benefits. However, diverse stakeholders could perceive the notion of collective engagement differently. Whether they are actors representing the state, community or other civil society organisations, their respective values, interests, knowledge and power relations could vary, resulting in social discontinuities rather than the intended innovation outcome. Often, such collectives could end up pursuing specific neoliberal functions rather than empowerment as such. This article examines the nature of such interfaces in a women’s FIG promoted by an FPO in Tamil Nadu, South India. Guided by the critical institutionalism and situated knowledge perspective, this article explores how the FPO, as a dynamic institution, mediates relationships between the members’ local contexts, the state and the market. Further, this article highlights the nature of the agency women farmers’ exercise in responding to the resulting institutional dynamics and uncertainties. Insights from this article could enable us to understand the diverse contextual factors that shape farmers’ collective, specifically women, in shaping social change and institutional innovation.
Productivity growth of Spanish tourist wineries using a directional distance approach
Authors: Hernández-Guedes Christian , Pérez-Rodríguez Jorge V
Published: December 2024

This paper analyses, in a two-step procedure, the productivity growth of 69 Spanish wineries (period 1998-2022) which offer tourism activities at their installations. To do so, we firstly calculate the total factor productivity (TFP) change using a directional distance function (DDF) and the Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen (LHM) TFP indicator introduced by Ang and Kerstens (2017), which allows us to correctly distinguish between technological change (TC), technical inefficiency change (TINC) and scale inefficiency change (SINC). Although a high efficiency is found in median terms, productivity decreased during the period in cumulative terms. This is explained by two contrasting forces: a positive TINC and SINC, and a negative TC. In a second step, we analyse the effect of some factors on TFP change and its components using a dynamic panel data model. Several practical implications are proposed based on these outcomes.
The Fragrant Legacy: Reviving the Craft of Ittar-making in Kannauj Amidst Modern Challenges
Authors: Shukla Satish Kumar , Mukherjee Anirban
Published: December 2024

This article explores the rich cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship of ittar-making in Kannauj, India. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Kannauj’s ittar-making practices have been passed down through generations, maintaining the purity of natural perfume production through traditional methods like the ‘deg-bhapka’ distillation technique. The study emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship, as described by Richard Sennett, in which mastery of skill, creativity and perfection play central roles. The article offers an evocative depiction of the craftsmen’s lifeworld, emphasizing the camaraderie and mutual support inherent in the craft, while highlighting the process of skill transmission through immersive and experiential learning. Through in-depth narratives from artisans and unit owners, the study underscores the challenges of preserving this heritage amidst the growing popularity of synthetic perfumes, changing consumer preferences, rising cost of production and lack of marketing acumen. The article concludes that while the ittar industry struggles with declining demand, it retains potential for revival through better marketing strategies, ‘appropriate’ technological integration and institutional support. Ultimately, the craft’s survival depends on balancing its rich intangible cultural heritage with contemporary economic and social realities.
Transient patterns of advanced brain ageing in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Stratton Tatiana , Bahnsen Klaas , Geisler Daniel , Bernardoni Fabio , Gaser Christian , Ehrlich Stefan , Walton Esther
Published: December 2024

Background

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterised by undernutrition, significantly low body weight and large, although possibly transient, reductions in brain structure. Advanced brain ageing tracks accelerated age-related changes in brain morphology that have been linked to psychopathology and adverse clinical outcomes.

Aim

The aim of the current case–control study was to characterise cross-sectional and longitudinal patterns of advanced brain age in acute anorexia nervosa and during the recovery process.

Method

Measures of grey- and white-matter-based brain age were obtained from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans of 129 acutely underweight female anorexia nervosa patients (of which 95 were assessed both at baseline and after approximately 3 months of nutritional therapy), 39 recovered patients and 167 healthy female controls, aged 12–23 years. The difference between chronological age and grey- or white-matter-based brain age was calculated to indicate brain-predicted age difference (BrainAGEGM and BrainAGEWM).

Results

Acute anorexia nervosa patients at baseline, but not recovered patients, showed a higher BrainAGEGM of 1.79 years (95% CI [1.45, 2.13]) compared to healthy controls. However, the difference was largely reduced for BrainAGEWM. After partial weight restoration, BrainAGEGM decreased substantially (beta = −1.69; CI [−1.93, −1.46]). BrainAGEs were unrelated to symptom severity or depression, but larger weight gain predicted larger normalisation of BrainAGEGM in the longitudinal patient sample (beta = −0.65; CI [−0.75, −0.54]).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in patients with anorexia nervosa, undernutrition is an important predictor of advanced grey-matter-based brain age, which itself might be transient in nature and largely undetectable after weight recovery.
Early antibiotic exposure and risk of psychiatric and neurocognitive outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Green Jessica Emily , Wrobel Anna , Todd Emma , Marx Wolfgang , Berk Michael , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Castle David , Cryan John F. , Athan Eugene , Hair Christopher , Nierenberg Andrew A. , Jacka Felice N. , Dawson Samantha
Published: December 2024

Background

The prenatal and early-life periods pose a crucial neurodevelopmental window whereby disruptions to the intestinal microbiota and the developing brain may have adverse impacts. As antibiotics affect the human intestinal microbiome, it follows that early-life antibiotic exposure may be associated with later-life psychiatric or neurocognitive outcomes.

Aims

To explore the association between early-life (in utero and early childhood (age 0–2 years)) antibiotic exposure and the subsequent risk of psychiatric and neurocognitive outcomes.

Method

A search was conducted using Medline, PsychINFO and Excerpta Medica databases on 20 November 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and certainty was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) certainty assessment.

Results

Thirty studies were included (n = 7 047 853 participants). Associations were observed between in utero antibiotic exposure and later development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (odds ratio 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11–1.27) and early-childhood exposure and later development of ASD (odds ratio 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01–1.40), ADHD (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI: 1.20–1.48) and major depressive disorder (MDD) (odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.60). However, studies that used sibling control groups showed no significant association between early-life exposure and ASD or ADHD. No studies in MDD used sibling controls. Using the GRADE certainty assessment, all meta-analyses but one were rated very low certainty, largely owing to methodological and statistical heterogeneity.

Conclusions

While there was weak evidence for associations between antibiotic use in early-life and later neurodevelopmental outcomes, these were attenuated in sibling-controlled subgroup analyses. Thus, associations may be explained by genetic and familial confounding, and studies failing to utilise sibling-control groups must be interpreted with caution. PROSPERO ID: CRD42022304128