bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE ORNAMENTALITY OF WOODY PLANTS IN THE FAR NORTH
Authors: Goncharova Oxana A. , Lipponen Irina N. , Zotova Olesya E. , Poloskova Elena Yu.
Published: March 2024

The literature widely presents methods that allow evaluating and comparing the decorative qualities of woody plants of different genera and families. But there is no universal method for assessing the decorative qualities of woody plants and the existing methods are not applicable to high latitudes. The purpose of the work was to develop approaches and methods for assessing the decorativeness of woody plants in the Far North. The following approaches were used: the exclusion of the descriptive characteristics of the criterion, the introduction of a question-answer (yes or no) system, the introduction of measurable criteria; accounting of at least 3–5-year data of phenological observations. The assessment of the decorative qualities of woody plants consists of evaluating the crown architectonics, foliage, flowering and fruiting. It includes reduction coefficients that take into account the amount of plant organ damage. The overall assessment of the object can be represented by the sum of all criteria assessments or the decorativeness curve. The advantages of the proposed methodology are the exclusion of the descriptive characteristics of the criterion and the use of criteria calculated on the basis of real data on the plant, while providing the possibility of refining the coefficients for other places of growth.
A COMPARATIVE MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS – “OPTIMAL” AND “NON-OPTIMAL” DICHOTOMIES IN SPLENIC ARTERIAL VASCULATURE OF HUMANS
Authors: Dadashev Ali Sh. , Zenin Oleg K. , Miltykh Ilia S. , Kafarov Edgar S.
Published: March 2024

Background. Detailed knowledge of the splenic arterial vasculature is essential for the minimally invasive surgery. A promising area of research in this regard is the quantitative analysis of the vasculatures of parenchymatous organs as a fractal or quasi-fractal system."

Purpose. to determine the morphometric features in different groups of dichotomies (‘optimal’/’non-optimal’) of the splenic arterial vasculature in individuals of different sex and age.

Materials and methods. The morphometric features of ‘optimal’ and ‘non-optimal’ dichotomies (according to C.D. Murray’s and H.B.M Ulings’ criteria) were studies using corrosion casts of splenic arterial vasculature (67 individuals, 1st and 2nd adulthood period, both sexes).

Results. The ‘optimal’ dichotomies equaled 1% according to C.D. Murray’s criteria and 9% by H.B.M. Ulings criteria out of total number of dichotomies investigated in splenic arterial vasculature corrosion casts. The relative amount of ‘optimal’ dichotomies in slightly higher in men than in female. Whereas relative number of ‘optimal’ dichotomies is lower in 1st adulthood period that in 2nd adulthood. ‘Optimal’ dichotomies are mainly located at the proximal generation and division level of splenic arterial vasculature. They are bigger in size, less symmetrical in comprising with ‘non-optimal’ ones.

Conclusion. Morphometric parameters vary significantly in different sex and age groups which should be considered for numerical modelling of splenic arterial vasculature.
AGROECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOWING METHODS AND SOWING RATES OF SAFLORO DYE SEEDS IN THE VOLGOGRAD REGION
Authors: Solonkin Andrey V. , Sukhareva Elena P. , Belikina Anna V.
Published: March 2024

Background. Safflower belongs to the category of insurance oilseeds, it is able to grow and form a seed crop for vegetable oils in extremely arid conditions. The production of safflower seeds is associated with extreme conditions, and therefore it is necessary to clarify in the arid climate of the Volgograd region in the zone of light chestnut soils the optimal seed sowing rate and an effective method of sowing it.

Purpose. To study and determine the methods of sowing safflower seeds and the optimal sowing rates in agricultural landscapes in the zone of light-chestnut soils, the dry steppe of the Nizhnevolzhsky region to obtain high-quality seeds.

Materials and methods. A single-factor field experiment was laid in 2022, in the steppe zone with a hydrothermal coefficient of 0.6-0.4. On the site for obtaining seeds, safflower was sown according to its predecessor - black fallow. Since autumn, the main tillage was carried out - disking, in the spring, spring harrowing in two tracks, followed by pre-sowing cultivation. The cultivars of dyeing safflower Aleksandrit, Volgogradsky 15 were sown, the originator of which is the Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The repetition in the experiment is threefold, the variants are continuous. All repetitions in the experiment are placed in one field. The area of the experimental plot is 180 m2. The weather conditions during the period of formation of the safflower crop are characterized as dry, HTC 0.6, and the reserve of productive moisture during the sowing period in the meter layer was 12.72 mm. placement of options is systematic, sequential, in blocks in one tier

Results. The conducted studies made it possible to determine that the highest yield of safflower was obtained from the Alexandrite variety of 1.22 t/ha in sowing with row spacing, a width of 15 cm and a seeding rate of 30 kg/ha and a profitability of producing high-quality seeds of 238.9%.

Conclusion. Under the conditions of light chestnut soils in the dry steppe of the Volgograd region, it is advisable to sow safflower between rows, the width of which is 15 cm, and the optimal seeding rate is 30 kg/ha, while the economic benefit of seed production will be up to 238.9%.
SLUDGE DEPOSITS OF A FORMER PHOSPHOR-PRODUCING PLANT AS AN OBJECT OF ACCUMULATED ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE AND A SOURCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS
Authors: Zaitseva Nina V. , May Irina V. , Maksimova Ekaterina V. , Chupakhina Ludmila V. , Selyanova Tatyana V.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. The study is relevant due to many objects of accumulated environmental damage located in Russia and the necessity to identify priority ones for immediate elimination to reduce health and environmental hazards. The aim of the study was to assess and characterize public health risks on a territory influenced by sludge deposits created by formed economic activities of a phosphor-producing plant.

Materials and methods. Sludge deposits with the total volume of wastes higher than 287 thousand m3 were selected as a research object. They were located in close proximity to a residential area and had been abandoned for 14 years. Their total square equaled 8.4 hectares. We collected background data and technical documentation on the object of accumulated environmental damage and accomplished wide-scale instrumental measurements of soils, surface water, and ambient air on the territory influenced by it. Health risks were assessed using the method based on fuzzy set theory; more than 50 quantitative and qualitative indicators were considered in the process. They described the object itself as well as ambient air, water, soil, and public health on adjoining territories.

Results. The study gave evidence that the phosphor sludge deposits polluted environmental objects with heavy metals (manganese, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, mercury, and lead). Nickel levels in water equaled 7.5 MPC and mercury levels reached 10 MPC. Apart from metals, soils were polluted with impermissible levels of oil products and microbes. Health risks were estimated as ‘high’ for people living in the closest settlement. Major causes for such high risks include toxicity of wastes, a long period during which the object has existed as a source of pollution, and its proximity to residential areas.

Conclusion. The object creates high health risks and is to be eliminated immediately.
PROFOUND INVESTIGATION OF DUST CHEMICAL COMPONENT IN INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS FOR CORRECT ESTIMATION OF GEOECOLOGICAL IMPACT AND MONITORING
Authors: May Irina V. , Zagorodnov Sergey Yu.
Published: March 2024

Background. Effective management of dust emissions from industrial enterprises should be based on reliable data on emission sources and emitted components. Correct estimation of geoecological impacts exerted by dust emissions is a complicated process due to chemical diversity of the soil component in them.

  Aim. The aim was to test a practical approach to identifying actual ambient air pollution with solid particles in a zone influenced by an economic entity for correct estimation of impacts and monitoring of ambient air quality.

Materials and methods. Samples of industrial dust emissions were analyzed with a scanning electronic high-resolution microscope (magnification was from x5 to x300,000; acceleration voltage varied between 0.3 to 30 kW) with S3400N HITACHI x-ray fluorescent device (the limit of detection was approximately 5–10 mass % and the minimum field of view was 100 µm). X-ray photographs were processed by using XRD 6000/7000 software, Version 5.21. The results obtained by calculating dispersion of the dust component were mapped with ArcView 3.2 and ArcGIS 9.3.1., GIS-platforms created by ESRI.

Results. Complex investigations of dust emissions were performed at a selected enterprise and this made it possible to identify a profile of the dust component in emissions from major sources. Actual composition of dusts emitted by the analyzed enterprise was established to differ fundamentally from the data declared in the inventory lists of emissions issued by the enterprise. The results of dispersion calculations gave grounds for spotting out substances that were priority (marker) ones for the analyzed production and we also estimated actual effects produced by dust emissions on ambient air.

Conclusions. The study results allow concluding that a dust emission profile is a reliable instrument for estimating actual impacts of an industrial enterprise on ambient air. It can be applied to solve tasks within setting standards, monitoring and estimating actual impacts exerted by anthropogenic dust emissions when environmental measures are being planned and developed.
PROFESSIONAL WELL-BEING AND RESILIENCE OF DOCTORS AND MEDICAL STAFF
Authors: Shmeleva Elena A. , Kislyakov Pavel A. , Karaseva Tatiana V. , Silaeva Olga A. , Prijatkin Danila A.
Published: March 2024

Background. The well-being of doctors and medical staff is vital to their professional activities. Resilience is recognized as a key condition for well-being and is an important factor in socionomic professions. In medical practice, resilience helps doctors and medical staff cope with difficulties and overcome burnout.

Purpose. The aim is to study the relationship of well-being in the professional activities of doctors and medical personnel with resilience and conditions supporting it.

Methods. A group of 178 medical workers, including doctors, secondary and junior medical personnel, was studied. The resilience scale provided a general indicator of resilience and its components, the WHO well-being scale assessed well-being over the past two weeks. The attractiveness of the profession, the mood it evokes and the satisfaction of the individual with the need for security were evaluated. The relationships between the variables were studied using Spearman correlation coefficients, taking into account the position and multiple regression analysis.

Results. Significant positive correlations were found between well-being and general resilience (r = 0,599, p < 0,01), position (r = 0,361, p < 0,01), attractiveness of the profession (r = 0,359, p < 0,01), mood (r = 0,361, p < 0,01) and satisfaction with the need for security (r = 0,159, p < 0,05).

Conclusion. Well-being in the professional sphere of doctors and medical personnel is associated with commitment to professional activity, control and risk-taking, attractiveness of the profession, the mood that it causes, satisfaction of the need for psychological security. The results obtained confirm the consideration of resilience as a resource component of the professional well-being of doctors and medical personnel. Strategies for ensuring well-being in the profession should take into account the practices of interventions that stimulate the identified correlates.
Librarian Advisors for Undeclared Students: Understanding the Advisee Experience
Authors: Walker Wiley Claire , Mills Jenny
Published: March 2024

Many institutional models exist for advising undeclared students, a group often requiring much guidance and support through the advising and discernment process. This research explored the experience of undeclared students with a librarian advisor. Fifteen students were interviewed after they declared a major to understand how they perceived their advising experience and their satisfaction with advising and their advisor. Overall, students reported feeling mostly satisfied with their librarian advisors. Most students would choose a librarian as their advisor again. Although interview data was largely positive, areas for improvement were identified.
Use of amniotic membrane in hard-to-heal wounds: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Ditmars Frederick S , Kay Kristen E , Broderick T Christopher , Fagg W Samuel
Published: March 2024

Objective:

Hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds negatively impact patients and are a source of significant strain on the healthcare system and economy. These wounds are often resistant to standard of care (SoC) wound healing approaches due to a diversity of underlying pathologies. Cellular, acellular, and matrix-like products, such as amniotic membranes (AM), are a potential solution to these challenges. A growing body of evidence suggests that AM may be useful for treatment-resistant wounds; however, limited information is available regarding the efficacy of dehydrated amniotic membrane (DHAM) on multi-aetiology, hard-to-heal wounds. Therefore, we analysed the efficacy of DHAM treatment in reducing the size of hard-to-heal diabetic and venous leg ulcers (VLUs) that had failed to improve after SoC-based treatments.

Method:

In this multicentre retrospective study, we analysed wound size during clinic visits for patients being treated for either diabetic or VLUs. During each visit, the treatment consisted of debridement followed by application of DHAM. Each wound was measured after debridement and prior to DHAM application, and wound volumes over time or number of DHAM applications were compared.

Results:

A total of 18 wounds in 11 patients were analysed as part of this study. Wounds showed a significant reduction in volume after a single DHAM application, and a 50% reduction in wound size was observed after approximately two DHAM applications. These findings are consistent with reports investigating DHAM treatment of diabetic ulcers that were not necessarily resistant to treatment.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this study is the first to directly compare the efficacy of standalone DHAM application to hard-to-heal diabetic and venous leg ulcers, and our findings indicate that DHAM is an effective intervention for resolving these types of wounds. This suggests that implementing this approach could lead to fewer clinic visits, cost savings and improved patient quality of life.

Declaration of interest:

This research was supported in part by Merakris Therapeutics, US, and facilitated access to deidentified patient datasets, which may represent a perceived conflict of interest; however, the primary data analysis was performed by FSB who is unaffiliated with Merakris Therapeutics. TCB is a founder, employee of and shareholder in Merakris Therapeutics; WSF is a co-founder of, consultant for, and shareholder in Merakris Therapeutics, and was also supported by the National Institutes of Health National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Clinical and Translational Science Awards Grant KL2 Scholars Program (KL2TR001441). The research was also supported through endowments to WSF from the University of Texas Medical Branch Mimmie and Hallie Smith Endowed Chair of Transplant Research and the John L Hern University Chair in Transplant Surgery.
Vorticism and Iron: Architectural Dialogue in Faulkner's "Mirrors of Chartres Street"
Authors: Foley Amy
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: William Faulkner shows the objective and subjective world in intimate dialogue throughout his fiction. His pattern of representing bodies in conversation with buildings through movement and perception is integral to his vision of embodied experience. This article demonstrates how Faulkner employs competing romantic and modernist architectures in service of a descriptive ontology and a new theory of architecture. In "Mirrors of Chartres Street," Faulkner offers a new mode of building that rejects the use of property or tools, heroizing the body itself as a means of building and dwelling.
Humanizing the Lived Experiences of Muslim, Immigrant-Origin, Women Doctoral Students, and Black Women Faculty: A Photovoice Study
Authors: Stewart Saran , Elgoharry Yasmin , Elgoharry Ayaa
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Using the frameworks of Critical Race Feminism (CRF) and Representational Intersectionality, we employ photovoice as a form of Participatory Action Research (PAR) method to illustrate the lived experiences and voices of Muslim, immigrant-origin, women doctoral students, and Black faculty in predominantly and historically white institutions (PHWIs) within the United States (U.S.). The findings illustrate how we make meaning of our academic experiences, and challenge grand narratives that are rooted in anti-Blackness, anti-Muslim, anti-immigration, sexism, classism, racism, and other forms of social oppressions in order to provide and develop humanizing approaches to be seen and valued within higher education. This study expands on strategies to support and empower graduate and faculty women of color in the Academy as they navigate and find humanizing approaches to succeed in PHWIs.
'More than lip service': LGBTQ+ Social Justice Educational Interventions as Institutional Benign Neglect
Authors: Catalano D. Chase J. , Tillapaugh Daniel , Christiaens Roman , Simms Sy
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Using Ahmed's (2012) scholarship on diversity work and institutional life as a conceptual framework, we examine how LGBTQ+ social justice educational intervention (SJEI) facilitators described the challenges of their role. We found LGBTQ+ SJEI facilitators descriptions of their role revealed institutional dynamics that undermine purported support of equity-based work. Institutional realities that facilitators faced were neither intentionally malicious nor hostile, and encapsulated by the descriptor of benign neglect. Our findings expose how LGBTQ+ SJEIs operate as non-performatives treated with benign neglect through unenforceable authority, administrative gaslighting, and resource scarcity.
Imaging the intracellular refractive index distribution (IRID) for dynamic label-free living colon cancer cells via circularly depolarization decay model (CDDM)
Authors: Wang Huijun , Zhang Lu , Huang Jie , Yang Zewen , Fan Chen , Yuan Li , Zhao Hong , Zhang Zhenxi , Liu Xiaolong
Published: March 2024

Label-free detection of intracellular substances for living cancer cells remains a significant hurdle in cancer pathogenesis research. Although the sensitivity of light polarization to intracellular substances has been validated, current studies are predominantly focused on tissue lesions, thus label-free detection of substances within individual living cancer cells is still a challenge. The main difficulty is to find specific detection methods along with corresponding characteristic parameters. With refractive index as an endogenous marker of substances, this study proposes a detection method of intracellular refractive index distribution (IRID) for label-free living colon cancer (LoVo) cells. Utilizing the circular depolarization decay model (CDDM) to calculate the degree of circular polarization (DOCP) modulated by the cell allows for the derivation of the IRID on the focal plane. Experiments on LoVo cells demonstrated the refractive index of single cell can be accurately and precisely measured, with precision of 10−3 refractive index units (RIU). Additionally, chromatin content during the interphases (G1, S, G2) of cell cycle was recorded at 56.5%, 64.4%, and 71.5%, respectively. A significantly finer IRID can be obtained compared to the phase measurement method. This method is promising in providing a dynamic label-free intracellular substances detection method in cancer pathogenesis studies.
Data encryption with chaotic light in the long wavelength infrared atmospheric window
Authors: Didier Pierre , Zaminga Sara , Spitz Olivier , Wu Jiagui , Awwad Elie , Maisons Gregory , Grillot Frederic
Published: March 2024

In environments where traditional fiber optic cables are impractical, free-space optical communications offer a promising solution for transmitting large amounts of data, especially in the mid-infrared wavelength range. Despite the advantages of minimal atmospheric interference and stable signals, the vulnerability of wireless optical communications to eavesdropping poses a significant challenge. This study addresses this challenge by demonstrating a method for privately transmitting optical data using photonic chaos from distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers operating at 9.3 µm. Signal processing techniques are applied to enhance the quality of the transmission over distances exceeding 30 m, accompanied by a comprehensive analysis of the photonic chaos complexity to ensure data confidentiality. These findings mark a significant advancement in developing private communications systems within the thermal atmospheric window, with a substantially reduced risk of interception by adversaries. The research not only contributes to secure communications but also has potential implications for enhancing security of data transmission in challenging environments, impacting various industries and applications.
Reconciling quantum and classical spectral theories of ultrastrong coupling: role of cavity bath coupling and gauge corrections
Authors: Hughes Stephen , Gustin Chris , Nori Franco
Published: March 2024

Cavity quantum-electrodynamics (QED) is a rich area of optical physics, where extreme light–matter coupling can give rise to ultrastrong coupling. The ultrastrong coupling regime presents some fascinating uniquely quantum mechanical effects, such as ground state virtual photons and vacuum squeezing. Focusing on the widely adopted Hopfield model with cavity dissipation, we show how the linear spectrum of an ultrastrong coupled cavity and a dipole can be described either classically or quantum mechanically, but only when the quantum model includes (i) corrections to maintain gauge invariance, and (ii) a specific type of cavity bath coupling, which has so far not been identified. We also show the impact of this bath model on the quantum Rabi model, which has no classical analog in ultrastrong coupling. These results can be used to guide emerging experiments and significantly impact current models and interpretations of ultrastrong coupling between light and matter.
Long-read sequencing for fast and robust identification of correct genome-edited alleles: PCR-based and Cas9 capture methods
Authors: McCabe Christopher V. , Price Peter D. , Codner Gemma F. , Allan Alasdair J. , Caulder Adam , Christou Skevoulla , Loeffler Jorik , Mackenzie Matthew , Malzer Elke , Mianné Joffrey , Nowicki Krystian J. , O’Neill Edward J. , Pike Fran J. , Hutchison Marie , Petit-Demoulière Benoit , Stewart Michelle E. , Gates Hilary , Wells Sara , Sanderson Nicholas D. , Teboul Lydia
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent developments in CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing tools have facilitated the introduction of precise alleles, including genetic intervals spanning several kilobases, directly into the embryo. However, the introduction of donor templates, via homology directed repair, can be erroneous or incomplete and these techniques often produce mosaic founder animals. Thus, newly generated alleles must be verified at the sequence level across the targeted locus. Screening for the presence of the desired mutant allele using traditional sequencing methods can be challenging due to the size of the interval to be sequenced, together with the mosaic nature of founders.

Methodology/Principal findings

In order to help disentangle the genetic complexity of these animals, we tested the application of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequencing at the targeted locus and found that the achievable depth of sequencing is sufficient to offset the sequencing error rate associated with the technology used to validate targeted regions of interest. We have assembled an analysis workflow that facilitates interrogating the entire length of a targeted segment in a single read, to confirm that the intended mutant sequence is present in both heterozygous animals and mosaic founders. We used this workflow to compare the output of PCR-based and Cas9 capture-based targeted sequencing for validation of edited alleles.

Conclusion

Targeted long-read sequencing supports in-depth characterisation of all experimental models that aim to produce knock-in or conditional alleles, including those that contain a mix of genome-edited alleles. PCR- or Cas9 capture-based modalities bring different advantages to the analysis.
Barriers to implementing patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines in specialised care units, KwaZulu-Natal: A qualitative study
Authors: Gqaleni T. M. H. , Mkhize Sipho W.
Published: March 2024

Background

Globally, increased occurrences of patient safety incidents have become a public concern. The implementation of Patient safety incidents reporting and learning guidelines is fundamental to reducing preventable patient harm. To improve the implementation of these guidelines in specialised care units in KwaZulu-Natal, the views of healthcare professionals were unearthed.

Aim

This study explores the healthcare professionals’ views toward the implementation of Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines in specialised care units.

Methods

A descriptive, explorative qualitative approach was used to collect qualitative data from healthcare professionals working in specialised care units. The study was conducted in specialised care units of three purposely selected public hospitals in two districts of KwaZulu-Natal. Group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted from August to October 2021. Content data analysis was performed using Tesch’s method of analysis process.

Results

The main themes that emerged during data analysis were; ineffective reporting system affecting the communication of Patient safety incident guidelines, inadequate institutional and management support for the healthcare professionals, insufficient education and training of healthcare professionals, and poor human resources affecting the implementation of Patient Safety Incident guidelines. The findings highlighted that there were more major barriers to the implementation of the Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that the Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines are still not successfully implemented in the specialised care units and the barriers to implementation were highlighted. For rigorous implementation in South Africa, the study recommends revised Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines, designed in consultation with the frontline healthcare professionals. These must consist of standardised, simple- user-friendly reporting process as well as a better implementation strategy to guide the healthcare professionals. Continuous professional development programmes may play an important role in the facilitation of the implementation process.
The development and diversity of religious cognition and behavior: Protocol for Wave 1 data collection with children and parents by the Developing Belief Network
Authors: Weisman Kara , Ghossainy Maliki E. , Williams Allison J. , Payir Ayse , Lesage Kirsten A. , Reyes-Jaquez Bolivar , Amin Tamer G. , Anggoro Florencia K. , Burdett Emily R. R. , Chen Eva E. , Coetzee Lezanie , Coley John D. , Dahl Audun , Dautel Jocelyn B. , Davis Helen Elizabeth , Davis Elizabeth L. , Diesendruck Gil , Evans Denise , Feeney Aidan , Gurven Michael , Jee Benjamin D. , Kramer Hannah J. , Kushnir Tamar , Kyriakopoulou Natassa , McAuliffe Katherine , McLaughlin Abby , Nichols Shaun , Nicolopoulou Ageliki , Rockers Peter C. , Shneidman Laura , Skopeliti Irini , Srinivasan Mahesh , Tarullo Amanda R. , Taylor Laura K. , Yu Yue , Yucel Meltem , Zhao Xin , Corriveau Kathleen H. , Richert Rebekah A. ,   on behalf of the Developing Belief Network
Published: March 2024

The Developing Belief Network is a consortium of researchers studying human development in diverse social-cultural settings, with a focus on the interplay between general cognitive development and culturally specific processes of socialization and cultural transmission in early and middle childhood. The current manuscript describes the study protocol for the network’s first wave of data collection, which aims to explore the development and diversity of religious cognition and behavior. This work is guided by three key research questions: (1) How do children represent and reason about religious and supernatural agents? (2) How do children represent and reason about religion as an aspect of social identity? (3) How are religious and supernatural beliefs transmitted within and between generations? The protocol is designed to address these questions via a set of nine tasks for children between the ages of 4 and 10 years, a comprehensive survey completed by their parents/caregivers, and a task designed to elicit conversations between children and caregivers. This study is being conducted in 39 distinct cultural-religious groups (to date), spanning 17 countries and 13 languages. In this manuscript, we provide detailed descriptions of all elements of this study protocol, give a brief overview of the ways in which this protocol has been adapted for use in diverse religious communities, and present the final, English-language study materials for 6 of the 39 cultural-religious groups who are currently being recruited for this study: Protestant Americans, Catholic Americans, American members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, and religiously unaffiliated Americans.
A cross-cultural examination of temporal orientation through everyday language on social media
Authors: Hou Xin Daphne , Guntuku Sharath Chandra , Cho Young-Min , Sherman Garrick , Zhang Tingdan , Li Mingyang , Ungar Lyle , Tay Louis
Published: March 2024

Past research has shown that culture can form and shape our temporal orientation–the relative emphasis on the past, present, or future. However, there are mixed findings on how temporal orientations vary between North American and East Asian cultures due to the limitations of survey methodology and sampling. In this study, we applied an inductive approach and leveraged big data and natural language processing between two popular social media platforms–Twitter and Weibo–to assess the similarities and differences in temporal orientation in the United States of America and China, respectively. We first established predictive models from annotation data and used them to classify a larger set of English Twitter sentences (NTW = 1,549,136) and a larger set of Chinese Weibo sentences (NWB = 95,181) into four temporal catetories–past, future, atemporal present, and temporal present. Results show that there is no significant difference between Twitter and Weibo on past or future orientations; the large temporal orientation difference between North Americans and Chinese derives from their different prevailing focus on atemporal (e.g., facts, ideas) present (Twitter) or temporal present (e.g., the “here” and “now”) (Weibo). Our findings contribute to the debate on cultural differences in temporal orientations with new perspectives following a new methodological approach. The study’s implications call for a reevaluation of how temporal orientation is measured in cross-cultural studies, emphasizing the use of large-scale language data and acknowledging the atemporal present category. Understanding temporal orientations can guide effective cross-cultural communication strategies to tailor approaches for different audience based on temporal orientations, enhancing intercultural understanding and engagement.
Now it’s your turn!: Eye blink rate in a Jenga task modulated by interaction of task wait times, effortful control, and internalizing behaviors
Authors: Gunther Kelley E. , Fu Xiaoxue , MacNeill Leigha A. , Jones Morgan , Ermanni Briana , Pérez-Edgar Koraly
Published: March 2024

Dopamine is a versatile neurotransmitter with implications in many domains, including anxiety and effortful control. Where high levels of effortful control are often regarded as adaptive, other work suggests that high levels of effortful control may be a risk factor for anxiety. Dopamine signaling may be key in understanding these relations. Eye blink rate is a non-invasive proxy metric of midbrain dopamine activity. However, much work with eye blink rate has been constrained to screen-based tasks which lack in ecological validity. We tested whether changes in eye blink rate during a naturalistic effortful control task differ as a function of parent-reported effortful control and internalizing behaviors. Children played a Jenga-like game with an experimenter, but for each trial the experimenter took an increasingly long time to take their turn. Blinks-per-second were computed during each wait period. Multilevel modeling examined the relation between duration of wait period, effortful control, and internalizing behaviors on eye blink rate. We found a significant 3-way interaction between effortful control, internalizing behaviors, and duration of the wait period. Probing this interaction revealed that for children with low reported internalizing behaviors (-1 SD) and high reported effortful control (+1 SD), eye blink rate significantly decreased as they waited longer to take their turn. These findings index task-related changes in midbrain dopamine activity in relation to naturalistic task demands, and that these changes may vary as a function of individual differences in effortful control and internalizing behaviors. We discuss possible top-down mechanisms that may underlie these differences.
A novel method for the isolation of single cells mimicking circulating tumour cells adhered on Smart Bio Surface slides by Laser Capture Microdissection
Authors: Visci Grazia , Tolomeo Doron , Lonoce Angelo , Arshadi Aram , Bascetta Lorenzo , Trotta Gianluca , van Riel Margot , Vermeesch Joris Robert , Carbone Roberta , Storlazzi Clelia Tiziana
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the importance of isolating single cells from blood circulation for several applications, such as non-invasive tumour diagnosis, the monitoring of minimal residual disease, and the analysis of circulating fetal cells for prenatal diagnosis, urged the need to set up innovative methods. For such applications, different methods were developed. All show some weaknesses, especially a limited sensitivity, and specificity. Here we present a new method for isolating a single or a limited number of cells adhered to SBS slides (Tethis S.p.a.) (a glass slide coated with Nanostructured Titanium Dioxide) by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and subsequent Whole Genome Amplification. SBS slides have been shown to have an optimal performance in immobilizing circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from early breast cancer patients. In this work, we spiked cancer cells in blood samples to mimic CTCs. By defining laser parameters to cut intact samples, we were able to isolate genetically intact single cells. We demonstrate that SBS slides are optimally suited for isolating cells using LCM and that this method provides high-quality DNA, ideal for gene-specific assays such as PCR and Sanger sequencing for mutation analysis.
A nationwide epidemiological study of testicular torsion: Analysis of the Japanese National Database
Authors: Hiramatsu Aya , Den Hiroki , Morita Masashi , Ogawa Yoshio , Fukagai Takashi , Kokaze Akatsuki
Published: March 2024

Testicular torsion is a severe urological emergency caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord. The nationwide incidence of testicular torsion in Japan has not been previously reported. Accordingly, we aimed to estimate the nationwide incidence of testicular torsion using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) and examine the orchiectomy rate. This cross-sectional study was based on data from the NDB. We extracted data of patients aged < 21 years with documented testicular torsion and relevant treatment from January 2018 to December 2020. Testicular torsion was identified based on the Japanese standardized disease codes. The national incidence rate between 2018 and 2020 was calculated and assessed according to age and region of origin. Orchiectomy rates were evaluated according to age. The nationwide incidence rates of testicular torsion were 14.46, 15.09, and 15.88 per 100,000 males aged < 21 years in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. The orchiectomy rate was 7.1%. Testicular torsion was most frequently observed during winter. A similar trend was observed nationwide. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report the nationwide incidence of testicular torsion in Japan.
Parental decision making about safer sleep practices: A qualitative study of the perspectives of families with additional health and social care needs
Authors: Barrett Simon , Barlow Jane , Cann Hannah , Pease Anna , Shiells Kate , Woodman Jenny , McGovern Ruth
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Despite a decline in Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy in the UK since 2004, inequalities have widened with higher rates among families from deprived backgrounds and those known to child protection services. Almost all cases involve parents who had engaged in unsafe sleeping practices despite awareness of safer sleeping advice.

Objective

To understand the perspectives surrounding safer sleep of families supported by statutory child protection agencies, and use behavior change theory to inform how approaches to providing safer sleep advice to these families may be modified.

Participants and setting

We interviewed 14 mothers, 2 fathers and one grandmother, who had recent contact with child protection services in northeast England.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews, with purposive sampling. The COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation) structured our analysis.

Results

Parents described how anxiety, sleep deprivation, settling infants, illness, and a desire to bond with infants influence their decision making about sleep. Parents valued credible, trusted sources and understanding how safer sleep practices protect infants. Responses to questions about ‘out of routine’ situations suggested social pressures surrounding routines and ‘good parenting’ may preclude parents from acknowledging risks and planning for these situations.

Conclusion

Open conversations tailored to the needs of families, focused upon understanding why and when parent(s) do or do not follow safer sleep guidance seem a promising way of promoting safer sleep practices. Safer sleep discussions with these families are likely to be best delivered as part of wider infant care by professionals who have an established and continuing trusting relationship with parents. While advice and information should be provided by any professional in contact with the family with the necessary expertise, sensitive conversations around sleeping practices, particularly co-sleeping, may be more easily facilitated by professionals where the statutory responsibility for safeguarding is less apparent.
Characteristics of patients with longer treatment period of lenvatinib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A post-hoc analysis of post-marketing surveillance study in Japan
Authors: Yamashita Tatsuya , Suzuki Natsumi , Motoyoshi Katsuaki , Zhu Wanjun , Furuse Junji
Published: March 2024

Patient profiles suitable for long-term lenvatinib treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) are yet to be fully understood. This post-hoc analysis aimed to identify such patient characteristics and explore the impact of treatment duration and relative dose intensity (RDI) on treatment outcomes. The data were obtained from 703 patients in a multicenter, prospective cohort study in Japan. Lenvatinib-naïve patients with uHCC were enrolled between July 2018 and January 2019 and were followed up for 12 months. Moreover, patients were dichotomized using the median treatment duration into the longer- (≥177 days; n = 352) or shorter-treatment (<177 days; n = 351) groups. The longer-treatment group often had better performance status, lower Child-Pugh score and better modified albumin-bilirubin grade than the shorter treatment group (p<0.05 for all). The objective response rate (47.6% vs. 28.2%; p<0.001) and disease control rate (92.4% vs. 60.2%; p<0.001) were both significantly higher in the longer-treatment groups than in the shorter-treatment groups. The proportion of patients with any adverse drug reactions was generally similar between the two treatment groups. Within the longer-treatment group, the disease control rate was high regardless of dose modification (i.e., RDI <100% vs. ≥100% during the initial 177 days) (91.2% vs. 98.0%). In conclusion, patients with longer treatment tended to have better overall conditions. Lenvatinib dose modifications at the physician’s discretion, considering the balance between effectiveness and safety, may contribute to the long-term treatment.
Does the index in Morse taper connection affect the abutment stability? An in vitro experimental study
Authors: Goyeneche Valentina Paz , Cortellari Guillermo Castro , Rodriguez Fernando , De Aza Piedad N. , Maria da Costa Eleani , Scarano Antonio , Júnior Nilton De Bortoli , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre
Published: March 2024

The present study compared three different implant and abutment sets of type Morse taper (MT) connection, with- and without-index, were analyzed regarding their mechanical behavior without and with cyclic load application simulating the masticatory function. Ninety implant and abutment (IA) sets were used in the present study, divided into three groups (n = 30 samples per group): Group A, Ideale solid straight abutment (one piece) without index; Group B, Ideale abutment with an angle of 30-degree (two pieces) without index; Group C, Ideale abutment with an angle of 30-degree (two pieces) with index. The abutment stability quotient (ASQ) values, detorque value and rotation angle were measured before and after the cycling load. Twenty IA sets of each group were submitted to mechanical load at 360,000 cycles. The ASQ without load were 64.7 ± 2.49 for the group A, 60.2 ± 2.64 for the group B, 54.4 ± 3.27 for the group C; With load were 66.1 ± 5.20 for the group A, 58.5 ± 6.14 for the group B, 58.9 ± 2.99 for the group C. Detorque values were lower in groups B and C compared to group A (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of the index did not influence the stability values. However, solid straight abutments (group A) showed higher values of stability compared to groups of angled abutments (groups B and C).
Preclinical toxicity analyses of lentiviral vectors expressing the HIV-1 LTR-specific designer-recombinase Brec1
Authors: Beschorner Niklas , Künzle Paul , Voges Maike , Hauber Ilona , Indenbirken Daniela , Nakel Jacqueline , Virdi Sanamjeet , Bradtke Peter , Lory Niels Christian , Rothe Michael , Paszkowski-Rogacz Maciej , Buchholz Frank , Grundhoff Adam , Schambach Axel , Thirion Christian , Mittrücker Hans-Willi , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Hauber Joachim , Chemnitz Jan
Published: March 2024

Drug-based antiretroviral therapies (ART) efficiently suppress HIV replication in humans, but the virus persists as integrated proviral reservoirs in small numbers of cells. Importantly, ART cannot eliminate HIV from an infected individual, since it does not target the integrated provirus. Therefore, genome editing-based strategies that can inactivate or excise HIV genomes would provide the technology for novel curative therapies. In fact, the HIV-1 LTR-specific designer-recombinase Brec1 has been shown to remove integrated proviruses from infected cells and is highly efficacious on clinical HIV-1 isolates in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that Brec1 has the potential for clinical development of advanced HIV-1 eradication strategies in people living with HIV. In line with the preparation of a first-in-human advanced therapy medicinal product gene therapy trial, we here present an extensive preclinical evaluation of Brec1 and lentiviral vectors expressing the Brec1 transgene. This included detailed functional analysis of potential genomic off-target sites, assessing vector safety by investigating vector copy number (VCN) and the risk for potential vector-related insertional mutagenesis, as well as analyzing the potential of Brec1 to trigger an undesired strong T cell immune response. In conclusion, the antiviral designer-recombinase Brec1 is shown to lack any detectable cytopathic, genotoxic or T cell-related immunogenic effects, thereby meeting an important precondition for clinical application of the therapeutic lentiviral vector LV-Brec1 in novel HIV-1 curative strategies.
Employing an innovative underwater camera to improve electronic monitoring in the commercial Gulf of Mexico reef fish fishery
Authors: Neidig Carole , Lee Max , Patrick Genevieve , Schloesser Ryan
Published: March 2024

Vessel electronic monitoring (EM) systems used in fisheries around the world apply a variety of cameras to record catch as it is brought on deck and during fish processing activities. In EM work conducted by the Center for Fisheries Electronic Monitoring at Mote (CFEMM) in the Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish fishery, there was a need to improve upon current technologies to enhance camera views for accurate species identification of large sharks, particularly those that were released while underwater at the vessel side or underneath the hull. This paper describes how this problem was addressed with the development of the first known EM system integrated underwater camera (UCAM) with a specialized vessel-specific deployment device on a bottom longline reef fish vessel. Data are presented based on blind video reviews from CFEMM trained reviewers of the resulting UCAM video footage compared with video from only the overhead EM cameras from 68 gear retrievals collected from eight fishing trips. Results revealed that the UCAM was a successful tool for capturing clear underwater video footage of released large (>2m) sharks to enable reviewers to improve individual species identification, determination, and fate by 34.4%. This was particularly important for obtaining data on incidental catches of large protected shark species. It also provided clear underwater imagery of the presence of potential predators such as marine mammals close to the vessel, more specifically bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) during gear retrieval, which often damaged or removed catch. This information is intended to assist researchers in need of gathering critical data on bycatch in close proximity to a vessel in which conventional overhead EM cameras are limited.