bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron Reservoir Effect of Adjacent Fe Nanoclusters Boosts Atomic Fe Active Sites on Porous Carbon for the Both Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction and CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: He Jiaxin , Xu Li , Qin Chenchen , Zhang Jian , Liu Daomeng , Li Qingyi , Feng Ziyi , Wang Junzhong , Liu Peigen , Li Hongbao , Yang Zhengkun
Published: August 2024

Electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) are greatly significant in renewable energy‐related devices and carbon‐neutral closed cycle, while the development of robust and highly efficient electrocatalysts has remained challenges. Herein, a hybrid electrocatalyst, featuring axial N‐coordinated Fe single atom sites on hierarchically N, P‐codoped porous carbon support and Fe nanoclusters as electron reservoir (FeNCs/FeSAs‐NPC), is fabricated via in situ thermal transformation of the precursor of a supramolecular polymer initiated by intermolecular hydrogen bonds co‐assembly. The FeNCs/FeSAs‐NPC catalyst manifests superior oxygen reduction activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.91 V in alkaline solution, as well as high CO2 to CO Faraday efficiency (FE) of surpassing 90% in a wide potential window from −0.40 to −0.85 V, along with excellent electrochemical durability. Theoretical calculations indicate that the electron reservoir effect of Fe nanoclusters can trigger the electron redistribution of the atomic Fe moieties, facilitating the activation of O2 and CO2 molecules, lowering the energy barriers for rate‐determining step, and thus contributing to the accelerated ORR and CO2RR kinetics. This work offers an effective design of electron coupling catalysts that have advanced single atoms coexisting with nanoclusters for efficient ORR and CO2RR.
High‐Strength MOF‐Based Polymer Electrolytes with Uniform Ionic Flow for Lithium Dendrite Suppression
Authors: Xu Mei , Liang Shuaitong , Shi Haiting , Miao Junping , Tian Feng , Cui Wenhui , Shao Ruiqi , Xu Zhiwei
Published: August 2024

The uneven formation of lithium dendrites during electroplating/stripping leads to a decrease in the utilization of active lithium, resulting in poor cycling stability and posing safety hazards to the battery. Herein, introducing a 3D continuously interconnected zirconium‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF808) network into a polyethylene oxide polymer matrix establishes a synergistic mechanism for lithium dendrite inhibition. The 3D MOF808 network maintains its large pore structure, facilitating increased lithium salt accommodation, and expands anion adsorption at unsaturated metal sites through its diverse large‐space cage structure, thereby promoting the flow of Li+. Infrared‐Raman and synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering results demonstrate that the transport behavior of lithium salt ion clusters at the MOF/polymer interface verifies the increased local Li+ flux concentration, thereby raising the mobility number of Li+ to 0.42 and ensuring uniform Li+ flux distribution, leading to dendrite‐free and homogeneous Li+ deposition. Furthermore, nanoindentation tests reveal that the high modulus and elastic recovery of MOF‐based polymer electrolytes contribute to forming a robust, dendrite‐resistant interface. Consequently, in symmetric battery systems, the system exhibits minimal overpotential, merely 35 mV, while maintaining stable cycling for over 1800 h, achieving low–overpotential lithium deposition. Moreover, it retains redox stability under high voltages up to 5.3 V.
The Collaborative Literacy Coaching Framework for Transformation: Humanizing Prerequisites for Reflective Practitioners
Authors: Caylor Emily C.
Published: August 2024

Literacy coaching is a professional learning model designed to provide teachers with supportive partnerships as they enhance their literacy instruction (L'Allier et al., 2010). However, the enhancement of instruction requires teachers to make changes to long‐standing instructional practices. To prepare for change, teachers must have the psychological safety and time to explore their beliefs, values, and identities and how these intrapersonal factors support or hinder change (Dewey, 1933). Literacy coaches can guide teachers through this preparation by using The Collaborative Literacy Coaching Framework for Transformation, which focuses on the cultivation of relationships, the examination of intrapersonal factors, the acknowledgment of how these factors impact instruction, and the need to plan for change. I will share a detailed outline of this framework and share the stories of three teachers who were better prepared for change while working within it.
NRK at FoRC 2024 Subtask I: Exploiting BERT-Based Models for Multi-class Classification of Scholarly Papers
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Kiet , Dang Van Thin
Published: August 2024

This study presents the system developed by team NRK for SubTask I of the Field of Research Classification (FoRC) - NLSP 2024. The task focuses on single-label, multi-class classification of general scholarly papers. Our approach exploits the capabilities of various pre-trained BERTopology models, combined with a straightforward ensemble voting scheme to enhance classification performance. The proposed system achieved competitive results, ranking within the Top 5 on the final scoreboard.
The Art of Transformation: Enabling Organisational Change in Healthcare Through Design Thinking, Appreciative Inquiry, and Creative Arts-Based Visual Storytelling
Authors: Miller Evonne , Johnstone Sarah , Winter Abigail
Published: August 2024

This chapter tells the story of a complex organisational change to a healthcare service, splitting rehabilitation functions across two hospitals in the same region. The design project was developed to help the healthcare providers (clinicians, nurses, and allied health professionals) from both hospitals reach an understanding of the strengths that each hospital provided to its patients, with one large hospital in a busy metropolitan area and the other a small hospital in a rural area. Using arts-based design methods including design thinking, workshops, journey maps, and photovoice experiences from both providers and consumers, the HEAL team were able to help the rehabilitation service providers see the value in the requirements of the organisational change and the potential benefits in the new distributed service.
Graphics and Icons for Healthcare with a Focus on Cultural Appropriateness, Diversity, and Inclusion
Authors: Scharoun Lisa , Ryan Zoe , Miller Evonne
Published: August 2024

This chapter describes a project to re-work two existing posters used in Emergency Departments across Queensland. The posters depicted how to provide a urine sample, using both text and graphics. After user testing, the Princess Alexandra Hospital worked with the QUT Design Lab to redevelop the two posters (male and female) into one that used gestural drawing (rather than graphically explicit images) and specific colours to make the urine sample collection process simpler for all consumers.
The mode of delivery after operative fixation of pelvic ring fractures–a retrospective observational study
Authors: Mennen Anna H. M. , Posthuma Jelle J. , Kooijman Eline M. , Trietsch Marjolijn D. , De Vries Eefje N. , Bloemers Frank W. , Goslings J. Carel , Van Embden Daphne
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether retained hardware after surgical treatment for a pelvic fracture prior to pregnancy affects the choice of delivery method. The study aims to provide insights into the rates of vaginal delivery and caesarean sections, understanding whether the mode of delivery was influenced by patient preference or the recommendations of obstetricians or surgeons, and examining the rate of complications during delivery and postpartum.

Methods

All women of childbearing age who underwent surgical fixation for a pelvic ring fracture between 1994 and 2021 were identified. A questionnaire was sent about their possible pregnancies and deliveries. Of the included patients, surgical data were collected and the fracture patterns were retrospectively classified. Follow-up was a minimum of 36 months.

Results

A total of 168 women with a pelvic fracture were identified, of whom 13 had a pregnancy after surgical stabilization. Eleven women had combined anterior and posterior fracture patterns and two had isolated sacral fractures. Four women underwent combined anterior and posterior fixation, the others either anterior or posterior fixation. Seven women had a total of 11 vaginal deliveries, and 6 women had 6 caesarean sections. The decision for vaginal delivery was often the wish of the mother (n = 4, 57%) while the decision to opt for caesarean section was made by the surgeon or obstetrician (n = 5, 83%). One woman in the vaginal delivery group suffered a postpartum complication possibly related to her retained pelvic hardware.

Conclusion

Women with retained hardware after pelvic ring fixation can have successful vaginal deliveries. Complications during labor or postpartum are rare. The rate of primary caesarean sections is high (46%) and is probably influenced by physician bias. Future research should focus on tools that can predict labor outcomes in this specific population, and larger multicenter studies are needed.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Attitude of aspiring orthopaedic surgeons towards artificial intelligence: a multinational cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Pawelczyk Johannes , Kraus Moritz , Eckl Larissa , Nehrer Stefan , Aurich Matthias , Izadpanah Kaywan , Siebenlist Sebastian , Rupp Marco-Christopher
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of aspiring orthopaedic surgeons on artificial intelligence (AI), analysing how gender, AI knowledge, and technical inclination influence views on AI. Additionally, the extent to which recent AI advancements sway career decisions was assessed.

Materials and methods

A digital survey was distributed to student members of orthopaedic societies across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Subgroup analyses explored how gender, AI knowledge, and technical inclination shape attitudes towards AI.

Results

Of 174 total respondents, 86.2% (n = 150) intended to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery and were included in the analysis. The majority (74.5%) reported ‘basic’ or ‘no’ knowledge about AI. Approximately 29.3% believed AI would significantly impact orthopaedics within 5 years, with another 35.3% projecting 5–10 years. AI was predominantly seen as an assistive tool (77.8%), without significant fear of job displacement. The most valued AI applications were identified as preoperative implant planning (85.3%), administrative tasks (84%), and image analysis (81.3%). Concerns arose regarding skill atrophy due to overreliance (69.3%), liability (68%), and diminished patient interaction (56%). The majority maintained a ‘neutral’ view on AI (53%), though 32.9% were ‘enthusiastic’. A stronger focus on AI in medical education was requested by 81.9%. Most participants (72.8%) felt recent AI advancements did not alter their career decisions towards or away from the orthopaedic specialty. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between AI literacy (p = 0.015) and technical inclination (p = 0.003). AI literacy did not increase significantly during medical education (p = 0.091).

Conclusions

Future orthopaedic surgeons exhibit a favourable outlook on AI, foreseeing its significant influence in the near future. AI literacy remains relatively low and showed no improvement during medical school. There is notable demand for improved AI-related education. The choice of orthopaedics as a specialty appears to be robust against the sway of recent AI advancements.

Level of evidence

Cross-sectional survey study; level IV.
Endoscopic ear surgery in the treatment of chronic otitis media with atelectasis
Authors: Iannella Giannicola , Pace Annalisa , Greco Antonio , De Virgilio Armando , Croce Enrica , Maniaci Antonino , Lechien Jerome R. , Gioacchini Federico Maria , Re Massimo , Cammaroto Giovanni , Perrone Tiziano , Cocuzza Salvatore , Magliulo Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Atelectasis otitis media (AtOM) is a chronic condition where the tympanic membrane (TM) becomes retracted towards the middle ear and the ossicular chain. Surgical treatment for this condition could be indicated based on stage of atelectasis, patient’s clinical condition and hearing loss. Over the years, AtOM has been treated with various types of tympanoplasty under microscopic view. The aim of this study is to present the results of endoscopic ear surgery in AtOM.

Methods

Forty-five patients who underwent endoscopic trans-canal tympanoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative features, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were collected.

Results

Preoperatively, none of the study's patients were classified with a Sadè Grade I, whereas grades II, III and IV were 3 (6.6%), 23 (32.1%) and 19 (67.8%) respectively. The 3 patients with Sadè grade II showed a conductive hearing loss higher than 20 dB and a continuous ear fullness, therefore they were surgically treated. The postoperative graft success rate was estimated at 95.5%. During follow-up, 2 patients showed a TM perforation (at 6 and 12 months after surgery) whereas 1 patient experienced a recurrence of atelectasis in the TM (16 months after surgery). The overall success rate at the final follow-up was calculated at 88.8%. The average preoperative air-conduction threshold was 51.1 ± 21.5, which reduced to 34.6 ± 22.1 (p = 0.04) at follow-up. The preoperative air–bone gap decreased from 28 ± 7.2 to 11.8 ± 10 (p = 0.002) after surgery.

Conclusion

Atelectasis otitis media might be suitable for exclusive endoscopic surgical treatment, as it appears to exhibit a low recurrence rate and promising audiological outcomes.
Delayed facial nerve palsy after vestibular schwannoma resection: risk factors, extent and prognosis
Authors: Simon Miriam , Althaus Laurenz , Burggraf Manuel , Albrecht Angelika , Schipper Jörg , Kristin Julia
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Facial nerve palsies may develop during the postoperative period of microsurgical removal of vestibular schwannomas (VSs), even after normal facial function for days or weeks after surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the pathomechanism and predictive factors of delayed palsy.

Material and method

The clinical data of 193 patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgery between 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 134 patients were included. The patients showed intact facial nerve function up to 24 h after surgery. All patients (n = 20) with palsy from postoperative day 4 were included and collectively referred to as delayed facial nerve palsy (DFNP). Various factors were checked using a binomial regression analysis.

Results

The mean age of patients with DFNP was 57.8 years (55% female, 45% male). 70% had VS with KOOS ≥ 3, and 60% underwent surgery via a translabyrinthine approach Among the 16 patients with DFNP-related neurotropic pathogens, 25% were seropositive for herpes simplex virus. Most patients (n = 9/20) experienced onset of palsy between postoperative days 6 and 10. Of the four variables included in the significance test, three were significant: KOOS ≥ 3 (p < .04), ipsilateral vestibular organ failure (p < .05), and age group (p < .03). After therapy, 100% of patients recovered almost complete facial nerve function.

The parameters mentioned above (KOOS classification and ipsilateral vestibular dysfunction) could be proven risk factors for the occurrence of DFNP.
Thalamic ventral-Oralis complex/rostral zona incerta deep brain stimulation for midline tremor
Authors: Scerrati Alba , Gozzi Andrea , Cavallo Michele Alessandro , Mantovani Giorgio , Antenucci Pietro , Angelini Chiara , Capone Jay Guido , De Bonis Pasquale , Morgante Francesca , Rispoli Vittorio , Sensi Mariachiara
Published: August 2024

Background

Midline Tremor is defined as an isolated or combined tremor that affects the neck, trunk, jaw, tongue, and/or voice and could be part of Essential Tremor (ET), or dystonic tremor. The clinical efficacy of deep brain stimulation for Midline Tremor has been rarely reported. The Ventral Intermediate Nucleus and Globus Pallidus Internus are the preferred targets, but with variable outcomes. Thalamic Ventral-Oralis (VO) complex and Zona Incerta (ZI) are emerging targets for tremor control in various etiologies.

Objective

To report on neuroradiological, neurophysiological targeting and long-term efficacy of thalamic Ventral-Oralis complex and Zona Incerta deep brain stimulation in Midline Tremor.

Methods

Three patients (two males and one female) with Midline Tremor in dystonic syndromes were recruited for this open-label study. Clinical, surgical, neurophysiological intraoperative testing and long-term follow-up data are reported.

Results

Intraoperative testing and reconstruction of volume of tissue activated confirmed the position of the electrodes in the area stimulated between the thalamic Ventral-Oralis complex and Zona Incerta in all patients.

All three patients showed optimal control of both tremor and dystonic features at short-term (6 months) and long-term follow-up (up to 6 years). No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

In the syndromes of Midline Tremor of various origins, the best target for DBS might be difficult to identify. Our results showed that thalamic Ventral-Oralis complex/Zona Incerta may be a viable and safe option even in specific forms of tremor with axial distribution.
Future acceptance of automated insulin delivery systems in youths with type 1 diabetes: validation of the Italian artificial pancreas-acceptance measure
Authors: Franceschi Roberto , Pertile Riccardo , Marigliano Marco , Mozzillo Enza , Maffeis Claudio , Zaffani Silvana , Dusini Carlotta , Antonelli Annalisa , Candia Francesca Di , Maltoni Giulio , Cantarelli Erika , Minuto Nicola , Bassi Marta , Rabbone Ivana , Savastio Silvia , Passanisi Stefano , Lombardo Fortunato , Cherubini Valentino , Saltarelli Maria Alessandra , Tumini Stefano
Published: August 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire to examine the future acceptance of Automatic insulin delivery systems (AIDs), their perceived usefulness, ease of use, and trust in the device in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

A questionnaire in Italian, based on the Technology Acceptance Model, was developed to examine intention to use AIDs, considered as a measure of future acceptance, and its determinants to use the system. A total of 43 questions for children and 46 for parents were included, and a 5-point Likert scale was used.

Results

239 subjects with T1D using multiple daily injections (MDI) or sensor-augmented pump (SAP) and their parents completed the questionnaire. The completion rate was excellent, with almost 100% of items answered. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient for children and adolescents was 0.92 and 0.93 for parents, indicating excellent internal consistency in both groups. Parent-youth agreement was 0.699 (95% confidence interval: 0.689–0.709), indicating a good agreement between the two evaluations. Factor analysis identified measurement factors for the “artificial pancreas (AP)-acceptance labeled benefits and hassles of AIDs, and the internal consistency of the total scale was alpha = 0.94 for subjects with T1D and 0.95 for parents. The level of AP acceptance was more than neutral: 3.91 ± 0.47 and 3.99 ± 0.43 (p = 0.07) for youths and parents, respectively (possible score range 1 to 5, neutral score is 3.0). Parents reported higher scores in the benefit items than children-adolescents (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

We developed a new questionnaire based on the items available in the literature, and we demonstrated that the “AP-acceptance” reveals a meaningful factor structure, good internal reliability, and agreement between parent–young people evaluations. This measure could be a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers to assess AP acceptance in pediatric patients with T1D and their parents. This patient profiling approach could help to enroll candidates for AIDs with proper expectations and who most likely will benefit from the system.
Primary decompressive craniectomy in patients with large intracerebral hematomas due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Wenz Fabian , Ziebart Andreas , Hackenberg Katharina A. M. , Rinkel Gabriel J. E. , Etminan Nima , Abdulazim Amr
Published: August 2024

Background

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) can alleviate increased intracranial pressure in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with concomitant space-occupying intracerebral hemorrhage, but also carries a high risk for complications. We studied outcomes and complications of DC at time of ruptured aneurysm repair.

Methods

Of 47 patients treated between 2010 and 2020, 30 underwent DC during aneurysm repair and hematoma evacuation and 17 did not. We calculated odds ratios (OR) for delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), angiographic vasospasm, DCI-related infarction, and unfavorable functional outcome (extended Glasgow Outcome Scale 1–5) at three months. Complication rates after DC and cranioplasty in the aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were compared to those of all 107 patients undergoing DC for malignant cerebral infarction during the same period.

Results

In DC versus no DC patients, proportions were for clinical DCI 37% versus 53% (OR = 0.5;95%CI:0.2–1.8), angiographic vasospasm 37% versus 47% (OR = 0.7;95%CI:0.2–2.2), DCI-related infarctions 17% versus 47% (OR = 0.2;95%CI:0.1–0.7) and unfavorable outcome 80% versus 88% (OR = 0.5;95%CI:0.1–3.0). ORs were similar after adjustment for baseline predictors for outcome. Complications related to DC and cranioplasty occurred in 18 (51%) of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients and 41 (38%) of cerebral infarction patients (OR = 1.7;95%CI:0.8–3.7).

Conclusions

In patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and concomitant space-occupying intracerebral hemorrhage, early DC was not associated with improved functional outcomes, but with a reduced rate of DCI-related infarctions. This potential benefit has to be weighed against high complication rates of DC in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.
Expression of microRNA-223 and microRNA-214 in gingival crevicular fluid of smoker and nonsmoker periodontitis patients, an observational diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: AbdelKawy Maha , Tarrad Nayroz Abdel Fattah , Shaker Olfat Gamil , Hassan Sandy
Published: August 2024

Objective

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that affects a wide range of populations. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. miRNAs are now considered potential diagnostic markers for many inflammatory diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the expression of microRNA-223(miRNA-223) and microRNA-214 (miRNA-214) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of smoker and nonsmoker with periodontitis.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective study among 42 participants: 14 healthy controls, 14 nonsmoker periodontitis participants, and 14 smokers with periodontitis. Eligibility criteria for inclusion were consecutive adults, aged 20–60 years, with stage III periodontitis grade B/C and no systemic diseases. All consenting participants had gingival crevicular fluid samples collected after diagnosis to assess miRNA-214 and -223 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results

ROC curve analyses for the non-smoker periodontitis group showed that miR-214 as a predictor in comparison to miR-223 had higher sensitivity [92.86%-64.29%], same specificity [100%], and a significantly higher area under the curve [0.974–0.796] respectively (p = 0.036). As for the smoker periodontitis group, a ROC curve with miR-214 as predictor in comparison to miR-223 had higher sensitivity [100%-71.43%], same specificity [100%], and a non-significantly higher area under the curve [1–0.872], respectively (p = 0.059).

Conclusion

Both miRNA-214 and 223 are reliable potential diagnostic markers for periodontitis, with miRNA-214 being more accurate for smokers with periodontitis.

Clinical relevance

Both miRNA-214 and 223 could be considered for potential chair-side diagnostics, by simply collecting GCF detecting the disease in its first steps and aid in preventing unrepairable damage.
Temporal patterns in adolescent psychiatric treatment and outcomes: a nationwide register-based cohort follow-up
Authors: Bergström Tomi , Valtanen Kari , Miettunen Jouko , Gauffin Tapio , Kurtti Mia
Published: August 2024

The rise in mental health problems among adolescents in high-income countries presents a challenge to service systems. For the development of services, there is a need for better insight into temporal psychiatric treatment-trends and outcomes. This study aims to analyze time-trends in both psychiatric treatment patterns and outcomes, utilizing a national sample of all adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment in Finland from 2003 to 2013. For time-trend-analysis, the sample was divided into two cohorts, using the onset year of 2008 as a cutoff. For each case, information on psychiatric treatment was gathered from registers within a five-year follow-up period from the onset of treatment or to death. The association between the inclusion year and outcome variables was studied via weighted generalized linear models. Adolescents in the latter cohort had a greater proportion (p < 0.001) of mood and anxiety diagnoses, a lower likelihood of hospitalization, a higher average of outpatient visits, and greater usage of psychotropics (excluding benzodiazepines). Those whose treatment began after 2008 were more likely to be alive (baseline characteristic adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.7, 95%CI: 0.6–0.8) and still in treatment contact (aOR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.3–1.4) after four years from the onset. There was no difference in the long-term disability ratio. The results indicate favorable developments towards outpatient care in mental health services for adolescents with a significant decrease in mortality. Approaches to further developing cost-effective, personalized mental health services are discussed.
Does kinship with the silverback matter? Intragroup social relationships of immature wild western lowland gorillas after social upheaval
Authors: Tamura Masaya , Akomo-Okoue Etienne François , Mangama-Koumba Lilian Brice , Wilfried Ebang Ella Ghislain , Mindonga-Nguelet Fred Loïc
Published: August 2024

In primates living in one-male groups, the sole resident male is often an important social partner for group immatures. For such groups, however, replacement of the male and subsequent disruptions of their relationships are almost inevitable. Here, we described social relationships of immature wild western lowland gorillas within a habituated group, where two natal and eight immigrant immatures lived with the resident silverback. We recorded 5 m proximities among group members as an indicator of social closeness. We found that natal immatures spent more time within 5 m of the silverback than immigrant ones. The social closeness between the silverback and the younger immigrant immatures sharply increased after 1 year, but these values were still below those of the natal immatures. Regarding the development of independence from the mother, we found no significant difference between natal and immigrant immatures. The socially preferred nonmother mature for natal immatures was the silverback, whereas many immigrant immatures preferred a paternal adult sister who had previously co-resided with them in a previous group. Our results suggest that familiarity may be an important determinant of the social closeness between the silverback and immatures, but 1 year of co-residence might be too short to construct sufficient familiarity. The paternal sister may have played a pivotal role in the assimilation of immigrant immatures into the non-natal group. Nonetheless, it is not negligible that the silverback and immigrant immatures formed day-to-day close proximities. His tolerance toward co-residence with immigrant immatures can be considered a reproductive tactic.
Towards assessing and improving the reliability of ultrashort echo time quantitative magnetization transfer (UTE-qMT) MRI of cortical bone: In silico and ex vivo study
Authors: Shin Soo Hyun , Moazamian Dina , Tang Qingbo , Jerban Saeed , Ma Yajun , Du Jiang , Chang Eric Y.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess and improve the reliability of the ultrashort echo time quantitative magnetization transfer (UTE-qMT) modeling of the cortical bone.

Materials and Methods

Simulation-based digital phantoms were created that mimic the UTE-qMT properties of cortical bones. A wide range of SNR from 25 to 200 was simulated by adding different levels of noise to the synthesized MT-weighted images to assess the effect of SNR on UTE-qMT fitting results. Tensor-based denoising algorithm was applied to improve the fitting results. These results from digital phantom studies were validated via ex vivo rat leg bone scans.

Results

The selection of initial points for nonlinear fitting and the number of data points tested for qMT analysis have minimal effect on the fitting result. Magnetization exchange rate measurements are highly dependent on the SNR of raw images, which can be substantially improved with an appropriate denoising algorithm that gives similar fitting results from the raw images with an 8-fold higher SNR.

Discussion

The digital phantom approach enables the assessment of the reliability of bone UTE-qMT fitting by providing the known ground truth. These findings can be utilized for optimizing the data acquisition and analysis pipeline for UTE-qMT imaging of cortical bones.
Modeling properties of chromosome territories using polymer filaments in diverse confinement geometries
Authors: Nahali Negar , Oshaghi Mohammadsaleh , Paulsen Jonas
Published: August 2024

Interphase chromosomes reside within distinct nuclear regions known as chromosome territories (CTs). Recent observations from Hi-C analyses, a method mapping chromosomal interactions, have revealed varied decay in contact probabilities among different chromosomes. Our study explores the relationship between this contact decay and the particular shapes of the chromosome territories they occupy. For this, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to examine how confined polymers, resembling chromosomes, behave within different confinement geometries similar to chromosome territory boundaries. Our simulations unveil so far unreported relationships between contact probabilities and end-to-end distances varying based on different confinement geometries. These findings highlight the crucial impact of chromosome territories on shaping the larger-scale properties of 3D genome organization. They emphasize the intrinsic connection between the shapes of these territories and the contact behaviors exhibited by chromosomes. Understanding these correlations is key to accurately interpret Hi-C and microscopy data, and offers vital insights into the foundational principles governing genomic organization.
Correlates of Tobacco Use Among People with Mental Illness Within Asia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Parul Parul , Joseph Bindu , Datta Sunil , Rahman Muhammad Aziz
Published: August 2024

Tobacco use among people with mental illness is one of the contributing risk factors for premature morbidity and mortality. Two in three people with mental illness are current smokers with deteriorating physical health and quality of life. This review outlines the prevalence and predictors of tobacco use among people with mental illness in Asia. Twenty-five cross-sectional studies were selected from the exhaustive search of databases. Ten countries emerged based on the number of studies conducted within Asia among people diagnosed with mental illness and tobacco use, namely, India (8), China (7), Pakistan (2), Singapore (2), Sri Lanka (01), Japan (01), Jordan (01), Malaysia (01), Korea (01), and Taiwan (01). The prevalence of tobacco use was in the range of 3.6% to 89.4%, with the measure of precision at 95% confidence. The highest and lowest prevalence was reported in China, followed by India. Being male, separated, lower education, unemployed, lack of family support, a psychotic diagnosis, lack of knowledge, motivation, and a coping mechanism were predictors of tobacco use. This review emphasized the extent and predictors of tobacco use among this vulnerable group that need to be reflected while initiating and implementing cessation strategies by healthcare providers.
Guidelines for using financial incentives in software-engineering experimentation
Authors: Krüger Jacob , Çalıklı Gül , Bershadskyy Dmitri , Otto Siegmar , Zabel Sarah , Heyer Robert
Published: August 2024

Context:

Empirical studies with human participants (e.g., controlled experiments) are established methods in Software Engineering (SE) research to understand developers’ activities or the pros and cons of a technique, tool, or practice. Various guidelines and recommendations on designing and conducting different types of empirical studies in SE exist. However, the use of financial incentives (i.e., paying participants to compensate for their effort and improve the validity of a study) is rarely mentioned

Objective:

In this article, we analyze and discuss the use of financial incentives for human-oriented SE experimentation to derive corresponding guidelines and recommendations for researchers. Specifically, we propose how to extend the current state-of-the-art and provide a better understanding of when and how to incentivize.

Method:

We captured the state-of-the-art in SE by performing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) involving 105 publications from six conferences and five journals published in 2020 and 2021. Then, we conducted an interdisciplinary analysis based on guidelines from experimental economics and behavioral psychology, two disciplines that research and use financial incentives.

Results:

Our results show that financial incentives are sparsely used in SE experimentation, mostly as completion fees. Especially performance-based and task-related financial incentives (i.e., payoff functions) are not used, even though we identified studies for which the validity may benefit from tailored payoff functions. To tackle this issue, we contribute an overview of how experiments in SE may benefit from financial incentivisation, a guideline for deciding on their use, and 11 recommendations on how to design them.

Conclusions:

We hope that our contributions get incorporated into standards (e.g., the ACM SIGSOFT Empirical Standards), helping researchers understand whether the use of financial incentives is useful for their experiments and how to define a suitable incentivisation strategy.
Identifying Correlates of Demanding and Responsive Features in Helicopter and Overprotective Parenting
Authors: Ryan Katherine M. , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J. , Speechley Molly , Stuart Jaimee , Soenens Bart , Zimmermann Grégoire , Van Petegem Stijn
Published: August 2024

The terms helicopter and overprotective parenting (HP, OP) have been used interchangeably, but there could be unexamined differences, including differences in correlations with other aspects of parenting and social-contextual conditions. In this study, we explored the factor structure of two commonly used measures of HP and OP in a sample of 701 Australian parents of adolescents (aged 16 – 19 years) and compared the correlations of the emergent factors with measures of parenting behaviors, mental health, and parenting pressures. Two factors were found that differentiated 13 items that referred to generally controlling and demanding OP behaviors (Demanding OP) from 8 items that referred to parenting under conditions of child difficulty suggesting a response to the child needs (Responsive OP). Before adjustment (i.e., zero-order correlations), but especially after adjusting for scores on the other factor (i.e., partial correlations), Demanding OP was associated with less positive (e.g., autonomy support) and more negative (e.g., control) parenting behaviors, as well as higher scores on parent anxiety, child anxiety and antisocial behavior, parental burnout, social comparison to parents on social media, and job/financial pressures. After adjustment for Demanding OP, Responsive OP aligned with positive parenting and more enjoyment of parenting, but was not associated with burnout or parent anxiety, and had little association with child mental health. Yet, Responsive OP was associated with more pressure to be an ideal parent. Both Demanding and Responsive OP were associated with more overvaluation of the child.
Intraoperative zero-heat-flux thermometry overestimates nasopharyngeal temperature by 0.39 °C: an observational study in patients undergoing congenital heart surgery
Authors: Brandes Ivo F. , Tirilomis Theodor , Nemeth Marcus , Wieditz Johannes , Bräuer Anselm
Published: August 2024

During surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) temperature management is crucial. Vesical (Tves) and nasopharyngeal (TNPH) temperature are usually measured. Whereas Tves slowly responds to temperature changes, TNPH carries the risk of bleeding. The zero-heat-flux (ZHF) temperature monitoring systems SpotOn™ (TSpotOn), and Tcore™ (Tcore) measure temperature non-invasively. We evaluated accuracy and precision of the non-invasive devices, and of Tves compared to TNPH for estimating temperature. In this prospective observational study in pediatric and adult patients accuracy and precision of TSpotOn, Tcore, and Tves were analyzed using the Bland-Altman method. Proportion of differences (PoD) and Lin´s concordance correlation coefficient (LCC) were calculated. Data of 47 patients resulted in sets of matched measurements: 1073 for TSpotOn vs. TNPH, 874 for Tcore vs. TNPH, and 1102 for Tves vs. TNPH. Accuracy was − 0.39 °C for TSpotOn, -0.09 °C for Tcore, and 0.07 °C for Tves. Precisison was between − 1.12 and 0.35 °C for TSpotOn, -0.88 to 0.71 °C for Tcore, and − 1.90 to 2.05 °C for Tves. PoD ≤ 0.5 °C were 71% for TSpotOn, 71% for Tcore, and 60% for Tves. LCC was 0.9455 for TSpotOn, 0.9510 for Tcore, and 0.9322 for Tves. Temperatures below 25.2 °C (TSpotOn) or 27.1 (Tcore) could not be recorded non-invasively, but only with Tves. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00010720.
Classification of Practical Floor Moisture Damage Using GPR - Limits and Opportunities
Authors: Klewe Tim , Strangfeld Christoph , Ritzer Tobias , Kruschwitz Sabine
Published: August 2024

Machine learning in non-destructive testing (NDT) offers significant potential for efficient daily data analysis and uncovering previously unknown relationships in persistent problems. However, its successful application heavily depends on the availability of a diverse and well-labeled training dataset, which is often lacking, raising questions about the transferability of trained algorithms to new datasets. To examine this issue closely, the authors applied classifiers trained with laboratory Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data to categorize on-site moisture damage in layered building floors. The investigations were conducted at five different locations in Germany. For reference, cores were taken at each measurement point and labeled as (i) dry, (ii) with insulation damage, or (iii) with screed damage. Compared to the accuracies of 84 % to 90 % within the laboratory training data (504 B-Scans), the classifiers achieved a lower overall accuracy of 53 % for on-site data (72 B-Scans). This discrepancy is mainly attributable to a significantly higher dynamic of all signal features extracted from on-site measurements compared to laboratory training data. Nevertheless, this study highlights the promising sensitivity of GPR for identifying individual damage cases. In particular the results showing insulation damage, which cannot be detected by any other non-destructive method, revealed characteristic patterns. The accurate interpretation of such results still depends on trained personnel, whereby fully automated approaches would require a larger and diverse on-site data set. Until then, the findings of this work contribute to a more reliable analysis of moisture damage in building floors using GPR and offer practical insights into applying machine learning to non-destructive testing for civil engineering (NDT-CE).
TAM-associated CASQ1 mutants diminish intracellular Ca2+ content and interfere with regulation of SOCE
Authors: Gamberucci Alessandra , Nanni Claudio , Pierantozzi Enrico , Serano Matteo , Protasi Feliciano , Rossi Daniela , Sorrentino Vincenzo
Published: August 2024

Tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) is a rare myopathy characterized by muscle weakness and myalgia. Muscle fibers from TAM patients show characteristic accumulation of membrane tubules that contain proteins from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Gain-of-function mutations in STIM1 and ORAI1, the key proteins participating in the Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE) mechanism, were identified in patients with TAM. Recently, the CASQ1 gene was also found to be mutated in patients with TAM. CASQ1 is the main Ca2+ buffer of the SR and a negative regulator of SOCE. Previous characterization of CASQ1 mutants in non-muscle cells revealed that they display altered Ca2+dependent polymerization, reduced Ca2+storage capacity and alteration in SOCE inhibition. We thus aimed to assess how mutations in CASQ1 affect calcium regulation in skeletal muscles, where CASQ1 is naturally expressed. We thus expressed CASQ1 mutants in muscle fibers from Casq1 knockout mice, which provide a valuable model for studying the Ca2+ storage capacity of TAM-associated mutants. Moreover, since Casq1 knockout mice display a constitutively active SOCE, the effect of CASQ1 mutants on SOCE inhibition can be also properly examined in fibers from these mice. Analysis of intracellular Ca2+ confirmed that CASQ1 mutants have impaired ability to store Ca2+and lose their ability to inhibit skeletal muscle SOCE; this is in agreement with the evidence that alterations in Ca2+entry due to mutations in either STIM1, ORAI1 or CASQ1 represents a hallmark of TAM.
How nitrogen deposition hampers common juniper regeneration in heathlands
Authors: Veldhuis Erik R. , Verheyen Kris , Smolders Alfons J. P. , Smit Chris
Published: August 2024

Aims

Common Juniper (Juniper communis) populations in western Europe are rapidly declining due to a lack of regeneration, which has been linked to nitrogen (N) deposition. However, the mechanisms by which N deposition affects juniper are not clear. Nitrogen deposition can lead to N eutrophication and soil acidification, which cause nutrient leaching and metal mobilisation with potential negative impacts on juniper regeneration. We investigated associations among soil element concentration (soil [E]), needle element concentration (needle [E]) and plant performance in terms of height growth and viable seed production.

Methods

We sampled adult females and juveniles across 6 natural heathland areas in the Netherlands and Belgium, and applied linear mixed models for eleven elements to test associations among plant performance, soil [E], and needle [E].

Results

Soil [E] was reflected in needle [E], which subsequently was associated with juniper growth. However, direct associations between soil [E] and growth were absent. Seed viability was positively associated with soil Mg concentration, marginally with Ca and needle Ca and K concentrations, and negatively with soil NO3 and needle N, S and Zn concentrations. Generally seed viability, needle Ca and K concentrations were low. Soil Al/P ratio was a better predictor for needle P than soil P concentration indicating that Al inhibits P uptake.

Conclusion

We conclude that 1) N eutrophication reduces seed viability, but increases growth, 2) nutrient leaching reduces nutrient uptake, seed viability and subsequently growth, and 3) Al mobilisation reduces P uptake and indirectly growth. N deposition amplifies these mechanisms and therefore inhibits regeneration and survival of juniper populations in western Europe.
Suitability of raw and heat-treated Amaranthus spinosus in broiler diets: Effects on growth performance, meat antioxidant capacity, haemato-biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, and cecal volatile fatty acid profile
Authors: Gebeş Emre Sunay , Yalçın Sakine , Ramay Muhammad Shazaib , Ünal Akın , Filikçi Kürşat
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus, either raw or heat-treated) into broiler diets on growth performance, meat antioxidant capacity, haemato-biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, and cecal volatile fatty acid profile. A total of 210 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with each treatment comprising six replicates of seven birds each. The control group received a diet based on maize and soybean meal, while the remaining dietary groups were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to the control, with exact levels of 10% and 20% raw or heat-treated amaranth in the diet. Body weight and feed intake were monitored on days 0, 10, 24, and 39 of the study. On day 39, two birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood sampling, followed by slaughtering for further parameter examination. Incorporating A. spinosus up to 20% in broiler diets had no adverse effect on body weight gain compared to the control. However, higher levels of amaranth led to a negative impact on the feed conversion ratio, attributed to increased feed intake. Furthermore, amaranth supplementation did not negatively influence carcass yield or various organ weights, except for the gizzard, which was heavier in the amaranth-fed groups. Notably, amaranth supplementation reduced abdominal fat, enhanced meat antioxidant status, and had no detrimental effects on blood biochemical or hematological indices. Additionally, amaranth feeding resulted in decreased blood triglyceride levels but had no effect on cholesterol levels. While heat treatment of amaranth did not significantly alter the performance of broiler chickens, it enhanced the beneficial effects of amaranth feeding on the histomorphological features of the duodenum and ileum, and increased blood IgG levels. The cecal volatile fatty acid profile remained largely unaffected by amaranth inclusion, although heat-treated amaranth led to increased levels of branched-chain fatty acids and valerate. Overall, the findings suggest A. spinosus as a promising alternative feed ingredient for broilers when included at 10% of the diet. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of various amaranth species, processing methods and enzyme supplementation on poultry nutrition to expand its inclusion rate.