bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La evaluación en la praxis de las relaciones públicas
Authors: Acosta Salazar Diana
Published: May 2024

Esta investigación estudia las prácticas de evaluación que imperan en las agencias de relaciones públicas costarricenses. La metodología consistió en un enfoque mixto con análisis triangulado. Se demuestra que las técnicas más utilizadas no alcanzan a mostrar los cambios, efectos o impactos de la actividad comunicativa en los públicos objetivo, aunque se presentan como resultados de la efectividad de la profesión. El enfoque de las prácticas evaluativas se centra en lo cuantitativo y prioriza el nivel de outputs. El uso del monitoreo de prensa, el publicity, el retorno de inversión y los indicadores de cumplimiento, acompañados del análisis de redes sociales, son las principales herramientas aplicadas. El estudio identifica deficiencias en la planificación, un enfoque operativo del trabajo y desconocimiento de metodologías para la evaluación. Esto coincide con experiencias de otras latitudes y podría tener un impacto en la credibilidad y percepción del aporte de la profesión a las organizaciones.
Influence of Post-Processing and Build Direction on the Wear Behavior of Laser Powder Bed Fused Maraging Steel
Authors: Kuriachen Basil , Vinay Katari , Joshy Jino
Published: May 2024

The present study investigates the effect of post-processing (heat treatment: solutionizing at 850 °C for 2 h with aging at 490 °C for 3 h and cryogenic treatment at −196 °C for 24 h) and the effect of build direction (along the build direction (BD) and perpendicular to the build direction (PBD)) on the wear behavior of maraging steel fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The results are also compared with conventional hot forged samples. The pin-on disc equipment was used to conduct the wear experiments with an EN31 steel disk as the counter body. Heat treatment decreased the wear-rate of LPBF material by 54.78% and 83.84% in BD and PBD, respectively. This is due to the restriction of grain expansion by the Ni-based precipitants in age-hardening treatment. The cryogenic treatment further decreased the wear-rate of LPBF material by 87.84% and 90.9% in BD and PBD, respectively. This significant reduction can be attributed to the change of phase to martensite, as confirmed through microstructure and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Moreover, hot forged material also obtained a reduced wear-rate after heat and cryogenic treatments. The highest wear resistance was found with the LPBF cryo-treated BD sample due to increased hardness from 388 HV to 640 HV. The worn surface of test samples was examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray, 3D profilometer, and XRD analysis. Oxidation wear, adhesive wear, and abrasive wear are the predominant wear mechanisms identified using SEM.
Computationally Efficient and Interface Accurate Dual-Grid Phase-Field Simulation of Turbulent Drop-Laden Flows
Authors: Schenk Maximilian , Giamagas Georgios , Roccon Alessio , Soldati Alfredo , Zonta Francesco
Published: May 2024

In this work, we develop a dual-grid approach for the direct numerical simulations of turbulent multiphase flows in the framework of the phase-field method (PFM). With the dual-grid approach, the solution of the Navier–Stokes equations (flow-field) and of the Cahn–Hilliard equation (phase-field) are performed on two different computational grids. In particular, a base grid—fine enough to resolve the flow down to the Kolmogorov scale—is used for the solution of the Navier–Stokes equations, while a refined grid—required to improve the description of small interfacial structures—is used for the solution of the Cahn–Hilliard equation (phase-field method). The proposed approach is validated, and its computational efficiency is evaluated considering the deformation of a drop in a two-dimensional shear flow. Analyzing the computational time and memory usage, we observe a reduction between ≃30% and ≃40% (with respect to the single-grid approach), depending on the grid refinement factor employed for the phase-field variable. The applicability of the approach to a realistic three-dimensional case is also discussed, by focusing on the breakage of a thin liquid sheet inside a turbulent channel flow. Indications on the grid resolution representing a good compromise between accuracy and computational efficiency in drop-laden turbulence are also provided.
Direct Ink Writing on a Rotating Mandrel—Additive Lathe Micro-Manufacturing
Authors: Deshpande Anupam Ajit , Pan Yayue
Published: May 2024

Among the promising techniques within additive manufacturing (AM), direct ink writing (DIW) stands out for its ability to work with a wide range of materials, including polymers, ceramics, glass, metals, and cement. However, DIW encounters a significant challenge in creating complex tubular structures, such as vascular scaffolds with microscale features. To address this challenge, our research investigates a novel method known as additive lathe direct ink writing (AL-DIW). AL-DIW entails the precise dispensing of ink onto a rotating mandrel to fabricate intricate hollow tubular structures with overhanging geometries. In this research, we present a series of test cases involving tubular structures, comprising straight-line patterns, curved line designs, and complex stent configurations, to underscore the efficacy of this technique in crafting hollow tubular geometries with microscale features. This study not only highlights the capabilities of AL-DIW but also contributes to the broader advancement of additive manufacturing techniques for various applications.
Some, but not all, cochlear implant users prefer music stimuli with congruent haptic stimulation
Authors: Aker Scott C. , Faulkner Kathleen F. , Innes-Brown Hamish , Vatti Marianna , Marozeau Jeremy
Published: May 2024

Cochlear implant (CI) users often report being unsatisfied by music listening through their hearing device. Vibrotactile stimulation could help alleviate those challenges. Previous research has shown that musical stimuli was given higher preference ratings by normal-hearing listeners when concurrent vibrotactile stimulation was congruent in intensity and timing with the corresponding auditory signal compared to incongruent. However, it is not known whether this is also the case for CI users. Therefore, in this experiment, we presented 18 CI users and 24 normal-hearing listeners with five melodies and five different audio-to-tactile maps. Each map varied the congruence between the audio and tactile signals related to intensity, fundamental frequency, and timing. Participants were asked to rate the maps from zero to 100, based on preference. It was shown that almost all normal-hearing listeners, as well as a subset of the CI users, preferred tactile stimulation, which was congruent with the audio in intensity and timing. However, many CI users had no difference in preference between timing aligned and timing unaligned stimuli. The results provide evidence that vibrotactile music enjoyment enhancement could be a solution for some CI users; however, more research is needed to understand which CI users can benefit from it most.
The odd-number cyclo[13]carbon and its dimer, cyclo[26]carbon
Authors: Albrecht Florian , Rončević Igor , Gao Yueze , Paschke Fabian , Baiardi Alberto , Tavernelli Ivano , Mishra Shantanu , Anderson Harry L. , Gross Leo
Published: May 2024

Molecular rings of
N
carbon atoms (cyclo[
N
]carbons, or C

N

) are excellent benchmarking systems for testing quantum chemical theoretical methods and valuable precursors to other carbon-rich materials. Odd-
N
cyclocarbons, which have been elusive to date, are predicted to be even less stable than even-
N
cyclocarbons. We report the on-surface synthesis of cyclo[13]carbon, C
13
, by manipulation of decachlorofluorene with a scanning probe microscope tip. We elucidated the properties of C
13
by experiment and theoretical modeling. C
13
adopts an open-shell configuration with a triplet ground state and a kinked geometry, which shows different extents of distortion and carbene localization depending on the molecular environment. Moreover, we prepared and characterized the C
13
dimer, cyclo[26]carbon, demonstrating the potential of cyclocarbons and their precursors as building blocks for carbon allotropes.
18th-century body politics
Enlightenment Biopolitics: A History of Race, Eugenics, and the Making of Citizens
William Max Nelson
University of Chicago Press, 2024. 328 pp.
Authors: Davies Surekha
Published: May 2024

Troubling eugenicist ideas appeared alongside calls for liberty and equality in the works of Enlightenment thinkers
Imaging without barriers
Authors: Anazodo Udunna C. , Plessis Stefan du
Published: May 2024

Low-field magnetic resonance imaging can be engineered for widespread point-of-care diagnostics
The predictive power of genetic variation
Authors: Uyeda Josef C. , McGlothlin Joel W.
Published: May 2024

New analyses show that trait variability links evolution across vastly different timescales
Mr. Thorp goes to Washington
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: May 2024

On 2 April, I received an email that changed the course of the next 2 weeks. The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, chaired by United States Congressman Brad Wenstrup, invited me to testify along with my counterparts at
Nature
and
The Lancet
. The purpose of the public hearing (Academic Malpractice: Examining the Relationship Between Scientific Journals, the Government, and Peer Review) was to determine whether government officials, specifically former National Institutes of Health leaders Francis Collins and Anthony Fauci, steered journals to publish papers suppressing the idea that COVID-19 may have arisen from a lab accident in Wuhan, China. I was not subpoenaed to appear but made the decision to testify voluntarily. My counterparts, who are based in the United Kingdom, decided not to attend.
Report offers harsh verdict on global polio vaccine switch
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: May 2024

Draft evaluation calls 2016 decision to change oral vaccines a “failure”
Shedding light on bacteria–host interactions with the aid of TnSeq approaches
Authors: Torres Marta , Paszti Sarah , Eberl Leo
Published: May 2024

Bacteria are highly adaptable and grow in diverse niches, where they often interact with eukaryotic organisms. These interactions with different hosts span the entire spectrum from symbiosis to pathogenicity and thus determine the lifestyle of the bacterium. Knowledge of the genetic determinants involved in animal and plant host colonization by pathogenic and mutualistic bacteria is not only crucial to discover new drug targets for disease management but also for developing novel biostimulant strategies. In the last decades, significant progress in genome-wide high-throughput technologies such as transposon insertion sequencing has led to the identification of pathways that enable efficient host colonization. However, the extent to which similar genes play a role in this process in different bacteria is yet unclear. This review highlights the commonalities and specificities of bacterial determinants important for bacteria–host interaction.
Genomic fingerprints of the world’s soil ecosystems
Authors: Graham Emily B. , Garayburu-Caruso Vanessa A. , Wu Ruonan , Zheng Jianqiu , McClure Ryan , Jones Gerrad D.
Published: May 2024

Despite the explosion of soil metagenomic data, we lack a synthesized understanding of patterns in the distribution and functions of soil microorganisms. These patterns are critical to predictions of soil microbiome responses to climate change and resulting feedbacks that regulate greenhouse gas release from soils. To address this gap, we assay 1,512 manually curated soil metagenomes using complementary annotation databases, read-based taxonomy, and machine learning to extract multidimensional genomic fingerprints of global soil microbiomes. Our objective is to uncover novel biogeographical patterns of soil microbiomes across environmental factors and ecological biomes with high molecular resolution. We reveal shifts in the potential for (i) microbial nutrient acquisition across pH gradients; (ii) stress-, transport-, and redox-based processes across changes in soil bulk density; and (iii) greenhouse gas emissions across biomes. We also use an unsupervised approach to reveal a collection of soils with distinct genomic signatures, characterized by coordinated changes in soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity and in bulk density and clay content that may ultimately reflect soil environments with high microbial activity. Genomic fingerprints for these soils highlight the importance of resource scavenging, plant-microbe interactions, fungi, and heterotrophic metabolisms. Across all analyses, we observed phylogenetic coherence in soil microbiomes—more closely related microorganisms tended to move congruently in response to soil factors. Collectively, the genomic fingerprints uncovered here present a basis for global patterns in the microbial mechanisms underlying soil biogeochemistry and help beget tractable microbial reaction networks for incorporation into process-based models of soil carbon and nutrient cycling.

IMPORTANCE

We address a critical gap in our understanding of soil microorganisms and their functions, which have a profound impact on our environment. We analyzed 1,512 global soils with advanced analytics to create detailed genetic profiles (fingerprints) of soil microbiomes. Our work reveals novel patterns in how microorganisms are distributed across different soil environments. For instance, we discovered shifts in microbial potential to acquire nutrients in relation to soil acidity, as well as changes in stress responses and potential greenhouse gas emissions linked to soil structure. We also identified soils with putative high activity that had unique genomic characteristics surrounding resource acquisition, plant-microbe interactions, and fungal activity. Finally, we observed that closely related microorganisms tend to respond in similar ways to changes in their surroundings. Our work is a significant step toward comprehending the intricate world of soil microorganisms and its role in the global climate.
Consensus recommendations for the assessment and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children and young people
Authors: Amin Sam , Monaghan Marie , Forrest Katharine , Harijan Pooja , Mehta Vishal , Moran Matthew , Mukhtyar Bina , Muthusamy Brinda , Parker Alasdair , Prabhakar Prab , Whitehouse William P , Krishnakumar Deepa
Published: May 2024

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a potentially disabling condition. There is a lack of evidence and national guidance on how to diagnose and treat paediatric IIH, leading to variation in clinical practice. We conducted a national Delphi consensus via the Children’s Headache Network to propose a best-practice diagnostic and therapeutic pathway.

Methods

The Delphi process was selected as the most appropriate methodology for examining current opinion among experts in the UK. 104 questions were considered by 66 healthcare professionals, addressing important aspects of IIH care: assessment, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and surveillance. General paediatricians, paediatric neurologists, ophthalmologists, opticians, neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons with a clinical interest or experience in IIH, were invited to take part.

Results

The Delphi process consisted of three rounds comprising 104 questions (round 1, 67; round 2, 24; round 3 (ophthalmological), 13) and was completed between March 2019 and August 2021. There were 54 and 65 responders in the first and second rounds, respectively. The Delphi was endorsed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, which engaged 59 ophthalmologists for round 3.

Conclusions

This UK-based Delphi consensus process reached agreement for the management of paediatric IIH and has been endorsed by the Children’s Headache Network and more broadly, the British Paediatric Neurology Association. It provides a basis for a pragmatic clinical approach. The recommendations will help to improve clinical care while minimising under and over diagnosis.
Borderline tumour recurrence: how quickly does the tumour grow?
Authors: Mitchell Sian , Ramajayan Thushanee , Sayasneh Ahmad
Published: May 2024

This abstract describes a case of the growth of a serous borderline tumour recurrence and cyst to papillary projection ratio with associated ultrasound images. The aetiology, presentation and management of such cases are explored and compared to the literature.
Acquired hyperkalaemia leading to periodic paralysis: an emergency department perspective
Authors: Arbab Preh , Anwar Zofishan , Aamir Raveeha , Ahmed Fareed
Published: May 2024

Hyperkalaemia is one of the common electrolyte imbalances dealt with in the emergency department and is caused by extracellular accumulation of potassium ions above normal limits usually greater than 5.0–5.5 mmol/L. It is found in a total of 1–10% of hospitalised patients usually associated with chronic kidney disease and heart failure. The presentation can range from being asymptomatic to deadly arrhythmias. The appearance of symptoms depends on the rate of change rather than just the numerical values. The rare presentation includes periodic paralysis characterised by the sudden onset of short-term muscle weakness, stiffness or paralysis. Management goals are directed towards reducing potassium levels in emergency settings and later on avoiding the triggers for future attacks. In this case, we present a man in his 50s with the generalised weakness later on diagnosed as hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis secondary to tumour lysis syndrome. Emergency physicians dealing with common electrolyte imbalances should keep a sharp eye on their rare presentation and their precipitating factors and should act accordingly.
Autoimmune encephalitis in glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy
Authors: Zhao Charlie Weige , Gheihman Galina , Nigam Minali , Manzano Giovanna S
Published: May 2024

Autoimmune encephalitis due to glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is a rare cause of subacute neuropsychiatric changes. In this case, a young patient presented with a viral prodrome and meningismus, followed by progressive encephalopathy and movement disorders over the span of 2 weeks. Due to his clinical trajectory, inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, initial normal brain imaging and negative serum autoimmune encephalopathy panel, his initial diagnosis was presumed viral meningoencephalitis. The recurrence and progression of neuropsychiatric symptoms and myoclonus despite antiviral treatment prompted further investigation, inclusive of testing for CSF autoimmune encephalopathy autoantibodies, yielding a clinically meaningful, positive GFAP autoantibody. This case highlights the importance of appropriately testing both serum and CSF autoantibodies when an autoimmune encephalitic process is considered. Through this case, we review the clinical and radiographic manifestations of GFAP astrocytopathy, alongside notable pearls pertaining to this autoantibody syndrome and its management.
Classroom Promotion of Oral Language (CPOL): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of a school-based intervention to improve children’s literacy outcomes at grade 3, oral language and mental health
Authors: Goldfeld Sharon , Snow Pamela , Eadie Patricia , Munro John , Gold Lisa , Le Ha N D , Orsini Francesca , Shingles Beth , Lee Katherine , Connell Judy , Watts Amy
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Oral language and literacy competence are major influences on children’s developmental pathways and life success. Children who do not develop the necessary language and literacy skills in the early years of school then go on to face long-term difficulties. Improving teacher effectiveness may be a critical step in lifting oral language and literacy outcomes. The Classroom Promotion of Oral Language trial aims to determine whether a specifically designed teacher professional learning programme focusing on promoting oral language can lead to improved teacher knowledge and practice, and advance outcomes in oral language and literacy for early years school children, compared with usual practice.

Methods and analysis

This is a two-arm cluster multisite randomised controlled trial conducted within Catholic and Government primary schools across Victoria, Australia. The intervention comprises 4 days of face-to-face professional learning for teachers and ongoing implementation support via a specific worker. The primary outcome is reading ability of the students at grade 3, and the secondary outcomes are teacher knowledge and practice, student mental health, reading comprehension and language ability at grade 1; and literacy, writing and numeracy at grade 3. Economic evaluation will compare the incremental costs of the intervention to the measured primary and secondary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee #CF13/2634-2013001403 and later transferred to the University of Melbourne #1545540. The investigators (including Government and Catholic partners) will communicate trial results to stakeholders, collaborators and participating schools and teachers via appropriate presentations and publications.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN77681972; Pre-results.
Evaluation of adherence to pharmacological treatments by undocumented migrants with chronic diseases: a 10-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fiorini Gianfrancesco , Pellegrini Giacomo , Franchi Matteo , Rigamonti Antonello Emilio , Marazzi Nicoletta , Sartorio Alessandro , Corrao Giovanni , Cella Silvano Gabriele
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To investigate the time course of medication adherence and some of the factors involved in this process in undocumented migrants with chronic diseases.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A big non-governmental organisation in Milano, Italy, giving medical assistance to undocumented migrants.

Participants

1918 patients, 998 females and 920 males, with at least one chronic condition (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), mental health disorders) seen over a period of 10 years (2011–2020). Their mean age was 49.2±13 years.

Results

Adherence to medications decreased over 1 year in all patients. This was more evident during the first 2 months of treatment. Patients on only one medication were less adherent than those on more than one medication; at 6 months the percentage of patients with high adherence was 33% vs 57% (p<0.0001) for diabetes, 15% vs 46% (p<0.0001) for mental disorders and 35% vs 59% (p<0.0001) for CVDs. Patients with mental disorders had the lowest adherence: 25% at 6 months and 3% at 1 year. Mental disorders, when present as comorbidities, greatly reduced the probability of being highly adherent: risk ratio (RR) 0.72 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.91; p=0.006) at 3 months, RR 0.77, (95% CI 0.59 to 1.01; p=0.06) at 6 months, RR 0.35 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.94; p=0.04) at 1 year. This was especially evident for patients with CVDs, whose percentage of high adherents decreased to 30% (p=0.0008) at 6 months and to 3% (p=0.01) at 1 year. We also noted that highly adherent patients usually were those most frequently seen by a doctor.

Conclusions

Interventions to increase medication adherence of undocumented migrants with chronic diseases are necessary, particularly in the first 2 months after beginning treatment. These should be aimed at people-centred care and include more outpatient consultations. Educational interventions should especially be taken into consideration for patients on monotherapy.
Did COVID-19 ICU patient mortality risk increase as Colorado hospitals filled? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Johnson David R , Ghosh Debashis , Wagner Brandie D , Carlton Elizabeth J
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To assess whether increasing levels of hospital stress—measured by intensive care unit (ICU) bed occupancy (primary), ventilators in use and emergency department (ED) overflow—were associated with decreasing COVID-19 ICU patient survival in Colorado ICUs during the pre-Delta, Delta and Omicron variant eras.

Design

A retrospective cohort study using discrete-time survival models, fit with generalised estimating equations.

Setting

34 hospital systems in Colorado, USA, with the highest patient volume ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants

9196 non-paediatric SARS-CoV-2 patients in Colorado hospitals admitted once to an ICU between 1 August 2020 and 1 March 2022 and followed for 28 days.

Outcome measures

Death or discharge to hospice.

Results

For Delta-era COVID-19 ICU patients in Colorado, the odds of death were estimated to be 26% greater for patients exposed every day of their ICU admission to a facility experiencing its all-era 75th percentile ICU fullness or above, versus patients exposed for none of their days (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.54; p=0.0102), adjusting for age, sex, length of ICU stay, vaccination status and hospital quality rating. For both Delta-era and Omicron-era patients, we also detected significantly increased mortality hazard associated with high ventilator utilisation rates and (in a subset of facilities) states of ED overflow. For pre-Delta-era patients, we estimated relatively null or even protective effects for the same fullness exposures, something which provides a meaningful contrast to previous studies that found increased hazards but were limited to pre-Delta study windows.

Conclusions

Overall, and especially during the Delta era (when most Colorado facilities were at their fullest), increasing exposure to a fuller hospital was associated with an increasing mortality hazard for COVID-19 ICU patients.
Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus chest compressions only after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: An Shulin , Liu Yi , Xi Qian , Zhang Yongqing , Gao Yongli , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The 2020 American Heart Association guidelines encourage lay rescuers to provide chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation to simplify the process and encourage cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation. However, recent clinical trials had contradictory results about chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This study will aim to compare standard and chest compressions-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods and analysis

This study will retrieve only randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases. Data on study design, participant characteristics, intervention details and outcomes will be extracted by a unified standard form. Primary outcomes to be assessed are hospital admission, discharge, and 30-day survival, and return of spontaneous circulation. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework will evaluate the quality of evidence. Cochrane’s tool for assessing the risk of bias will evaluate risk deviation. If the I2statistic is lower than 40%, the fixed-effects model will be used for meta-analysis. Otherwise, the random-effects model will be used. The search will be performed following the publication of this protocol (estimated to occur on 30 December 2024).

Discussion

This study will evaluate the effect of chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and provide evidence for cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

No patient or public entity will be involved in this study. Therefore, the study does not need to be ethically reviewed. The results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications and committee conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021295507.
Medical researchers’ perceptions regarding research evaluation: a web-based survey in Japan
Authors: Minoura Akira , Shimada Yuhei , Kuwahara Keisuke , Kondo Makoto , Fukushima Hiroko , Sugiyama Takehiro
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Japanese medical academia continues to depend on quantitative indicators, contrary to the general trend in research evaluation. To understand this situation better and facilitate discussion, this study aimed to examine how Japanese medical researchers perceive quantitative indicators and qualitative factors of research evaluation and their differences by the researchers’ characteristics.

Design

We employed a web-based cross-sectional survey and distributed the self-administered questionnaire to academic society members via the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences.

Participants

We received 3139 valid responses representing Japanese medical researchers in any medical research field (basic, clinical and social medicine).

Outcomes

The subjective importance of quantitative indicators and qualitative factors in evaluating researchers (eg, the journal impact factor (IF) or the originality of the research topic) was assessed on a four-point scale, with 1 indicating ‘especially important’ and 4 indicating ‘not important’. The attitude towards various opinions in quantitative and qualitative research evaluation (eg, the possibility of research misconduct or susceptibility to unconscious bias) was also evaluated on a four-point scale, ranging from 1, ‘strongly agree’, to 4, ‘completely disagree’.

Results

Notably, 67.4% of the medical researchers, particularly men, younger and basic medicine researchers, responded that the journal IF was important in researcher evaluation. Most researchers (88.8%) agreed that some important studies do not get properly evaluated in research evaluation using quantitative indicators. The respondents perceived quantitative indicators as possibly leading to misconduct, especially in basic medicine (strongly agree—basic, 22.7%; clinical, 11.7%; and social, 16.1%). According to the research fields, researchers consider different qualitative factors, such as the originality of the research topic (especially important—basic, 46.2%; social, 39.1%; and clinical, 32.0%) and the contribution to solving clinical and social problems (especially important—basic, 30.4%; clinical, 41.0%; and social, 52.0%), as important. Older researchers tended to believe that qualitative research evaluation was unaffected by unconscious bias.

Conclusion

Despite recommendations from the Declaration on Research Assessment and the Leiden Manifesto to de-emphasise quantitative indicators, this study found that Japanese medical researchers have actually tended to prioritise the journal IF and other quantitative indicators based on English-language publications in their research evaluation. Therefore, constantly reviewing the research evaluation methods while respecting the viewpoints of researchers from different research fields, generations and genders is crucial.
What recovery domains are important following a total knee replacement? A qualitative, interview-based study
Authors: Khatri Chetan , Dhaif Fatema , Ellard David , Rodrigues Jeremy Neil , Underwood Martin , Mitchell Paul , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To explore people’s views of recovery from total knee replacement (TKR) and which recovery domains they felt were important.

Design

Semi-structured interviews exploring the views of individuals about to undergo or who have undergone TKR. A constant-comparative approach with thematic analysis was used to identify themes. The process of sampling, collecting data and analysis were continuous and iterative throughout the study, with interviews ceasing once thematic saturation was achieved.

Setting

Tertiary care centre.

Participants

A purposive sample was used to account for variables including pre, early or late postoperative status.

Results

12 participants were interviewed, 4 who were preoperative, 4 early postoperative and 4 late postoperative. Themes of pain, function, fear of complications, awareness of the artificial knee joint and return to work were identified. Subthemes of balancing acute and chronic pain were identified.

Conclusions

The results of this interview-based study identify pain and function, in particular mobility, that were universally important to those undergoing TKR. Surgeons should consider exploring these domains when taking informed consent to enhance shared decision-making. Researchers should consider these recovery domains when designing interventional studies.
Helping patients prepare their dependent children for parental death: mixed-methods evaluation of a codeveloped training programme for palliative and allied healthcare professionals in the UK
Authors: Cockle-Hearne Jane , Groothuizen Johanna Elise , Ream Emma
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To evaluate how the codesigned training programme, ‘No conversation too tough’, can help cancer, palliative and wider healthcare professionals support patients to communicate with their dependent children when a parent is dying. We examined perceptions of learning provided by the training, its contribution to confidence in communicating with families when a parent is dying, and subjective experience of, and reactions to, the training. We also explored potential changes in practice behaviours.

Design

Pre–post, convergent, parallel, mixed-methods study. Motivations for practice change were measured quantitatively, and qualitatively through semi-structured interviews. Non-parametric analysis was conducted for self-efficacy and outcome expectancy measures; descriptive statistics examined perceptions of usefulness; intentions to use learning in practice and reactions to the training. Semi-structured interviews examined motivations and perceptions of learning in depth. A 6-week, practice log recorded immediate practice effects and reflections.

Setting

1-day training delivered 3 times, total delegates 36: online December 2021, February 2022, face-to-face March 2022. Questionnaires delivered correspondingly in online or paper formats, semi-structured interviews online.

Participants

Pre–post: palliative care professionals (n=14/12), acute cancer clinical nurse specialists (n=16/11), other healthcare professionals (n=5/5).

Results

Positive changes were observed in self-efficacy (17 of 19 dimensions p<0.003) and outcome expectancies (3 of 14 beliefs p<0.036). Perceptions of usefulness and intentions to use learning in practice mean scores were 82–94 (scales 0=low to 100=high). There was high affirmation for sharing learning and influencing change in the workplace and wider practice. Content, style and delivery were positively endorsed. Further elements to be included in the training were identified.

Conclusions

The training programme has the potential to effect change in practice behaviours. A large-scale study will evaluate the roll-out of the training delivered to individual professionals and whole teams across the UK. It will provide longer-term feedback to understand practice behaviour and mediators of change across professional roles.
Landscape of the gut mycobiome dynamics during pregnancy and its relationship with host metabolism and pregnancy health
Authors: Fu Yuanqing , Gou Wanglong , Wu Ping , Lai Yuwei , Liang Xinxiu , Zhang Ke , Shuai Menglei , Tang Jun , Miao Zelei , Chen Jieteng , Yuan Jiaying , Zhao Bin , Yang Yunhaonan , Liu Xiaojuan , Hu Yayi , Pan An , Pan Xiong-Fei , Zheng Ju-Sheng
Published: May 2024

Objective

The remodelling of gut mycobiome (ie, fungi) during pregnancy and its potential influence on host metabolism and pregnancy health remains largely unexplored. Here, we aim to examine the characteristics of gut fungi in pregnant women, and reveal the associations between gut mycobiome, host metabolome and pregnancy health.

Design

Based on a prospective birth cohort in central China (2017 to 2020): Tongji-Huaxi-Shuangliu Birth Cohort, we included 4800 participants who had available ITS2 sequencing data, dietary information and clinical records during their pregnancy. Additionally, we established a subcohort of 1059 participants, which included 514 women who gave birth to preterm, low birthweight or macrosomia infants, as well as 545 randomly selected controls. In this subcohort, a total of 750, 748 and 709 participants had ITS2 sequencing data, 16S sequencing data and serum metabolome data available, respectively, across all trimesters.

Results

The composition of gut fungi changes dramatically from early to late pregnancy, exhibiting a greater degree of variability and individuality compared with changes observed in gut bacteria. The multiomics data provide a landscape of the networks among gut mycobiome, biological functionality, serum metabolites and pregnancy health, pinpointing the link between
Mucor
and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The prepregnancy overweight status is a key factor influencing both gut mycobiome compositional alteration and the pattern of metabolic remodelling during pregnancy.

Conclusion

This study provides a landscape of gut mycobiome dynamics during pregnancy and its relationship with host metabolism and pregnancy health, which lays the foundation of the future gut mycobiome investigation for healthy pregnancy.
Charge asymmetric fall under gravity of a plate in general relativity
Authors: Halilsoy M. , Memari V.
Published: May 2024

Charged test particle geodesics determine the fall toward a regular plate whose metric is expressed in plane-symmetric form depending only on the z-direction. Falling conditions are obtained in the test electric/magnetic Maxwell fields for both anisotropic and isotropic plates. These results have implications for particle/antiparticle fall differences in the case of a general relativistic plate.
Inflation in simple one-loop effective potentials of perturbative quantum gravity
Authors: Arbuzov A. , Kuznetsov D. , Latosh B. , Shmidt V.
Published: May 2024

We study inflation in scalar–tensor perturbative quantum gravity driven by a one-loop effective potential. We consider effective potentials generated by three models. The first model describes a single scalar field with a nonvanishing mass. The second model describes a massless scalar field with nonminimal coupling to the Einstein tensor. The third model generalizes the Coleman–Weinberg model for the gravitational case. The first model can be consistent with the observational data for [Formula: see text] e-foldings. The second model can be consistent with the observational data for [Formula: see text] e-foldings. We did not find parameters that make the generalized Coleman–Weinberg model consistent with the observational data. We discuss the implications of these results and ways to improve them with other terms of effective action.
Natural Language Reasoning, A Survey
Authors: Yu Fei , Zhang Hongbo , Tiwari Prayag , Wang Benyou
Published: May 2024

This survey article proposes a clearer view of
Natural Language Reasoning (NLR)
in the field of
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
, both conceptually and practically. Conceptually, we provide a distinct definition for NLR in NLP, based on both philosophy and NLP scenarios; discuss what types of tasks require reasoning; and introduce a taxonomy of reasoning. Practically, we conduct a comprehensive literature review on NLR in NLP, mainly covering classical logical reasoning,
Natural Language Inference (NLI)
, multi-hop question answering, and commonsense reasoning. The article also identifies and views backward reasoning, a powerful paradigm for multi-step reasoning, and introduces defeasible reasoning as one of the most important future directions in NLR research. We focus on single-modality unstructured natural language text, excluding neuro-symbolic research and mathematical reasoning.

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What Is a Plant Cell Type in the Age of Single-Cell Biology? It's Complicated
Authors: Rusnak Byron , Clark Frances K. , Vadde Batthula Vijaya Lakshmi , Roeder Adrienne H.K.
Published: May 2024

One of the fundamental questions in developmental biology is how a cell is specified to differentiate as a specialized cell type. Traditionally, plant cell types were defined based on their function, location, morphology, and lineage. Currently, in the age of single-cell biology, researchers typically attempt to assign plant cells to cell types by clustering them based on their transcriptomes. However, because cells are dynamic entities that progress through the cell cycle and respond to signals, the transcriptome also reflects the state of the cell at a particular moment in time, raising questions about how to define a cell type. We suggest that these complexities and dynamics of cell states are of interest and further consider the roles signaling, stochasticity, cell cycle, and mechanical forces play in plant cell fate specification. Once established, cell identity must also be maintained. With the wealth of single-cell data coming out, the field is poised to elucidate both the complexity and dynamics of cell states.
Controllable Fabrication of Silicon Solar Cells with Inverted or Upright Pyramid Structures by a One-Step Copper Catalysis Method
Authors: Huo Chenliang
Published: May 2024

Silicon has garnered significant attention as the primary material for solar cell preparation. Traditional alkaline etching solutions are limited to creating an upright pyramid structure on monocrystalline silicon surfaces. However, research indicates that an inverted pyramid structure exhibits superior light-trapping properties compared to the upright pyramid structure. In this study, we employed a one-step copper ion metal-assisted chemical etching process to fabricate an inverted pyramid structure on monocrystalline silicon wafers. This method allows for the customization of either inverted or upright pyramid structures by adjusting the concentration of specific solution components. Characterization of the textured silicon wafers reveals that the inverted pyramid structure exhibits lower reflectivity than both the upright pyramid structure and polished silicon. By integrating this texturing technique into the solar cell production line, we successfully produced solar cells with both inverted and upright pyramid structures. Evaluation of various solar cell parameters demonstrates that the inverted pyramid structure outperforms the upright pyramid structure, showcasing lower reflectivity and higher photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Genetic Association between Lipid-Regulating Drug Targets and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Drug Target Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Shengnan , Zhang Ming , Yang Peng , Guo Jianbin , Liu Lin , Yang Zhi , Nan Kai
Published: May 2024

Background. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a diabetic microvascular complication and a leading cause of vision loss. However, there is a lack of effective strategies to reduce the risk of DR currently. The present study is aimed at assessing the causal effect of lipid-regulating targets on DR risk using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Method. Genetic variants within or near drug target genes, including eight lipid-regulating targets for LDL-C (HMGCR, PCSK9, and NPC1L1), HDL-C (CETP, SCARB1, and PPARG), and TG (PPARA and LPL), were selected as exposures. The exposure data were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS project. The outcome dataset related to DR was obtained from the FinnGen research project. Inverse-variance-weighted MR (IVW-MR) was used to calculate the effect estimates by each target. Sensitivity analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the results. Results. There was suggestive evidence that PCSK9-mediated LDL-C levels were positively associated with DR, with OR (95% CI) of 1.34 (1.02-1.77). No significant association was found between the expression of HMGCR- and NPC1L1-mediated LDL-C levels; CETP-, SCARB1-, and PPARG-mediated HDL-C levels; PPARA- and LPL-mediated TG levels; and DR risk. Conclusions. This is the first study to reveal a genetically causal relationship between lipid-regulating drug targets and DR risk. PCSK9-mediated LDL-C levels maybe positively associated with DR risk at the genetic level. This study provides suggestive evidence that PCSK9 inhibition may reduce the risk of DR.
Predictive Models for Suicide Attempts in Major Depressive Disorder and the Contribution of EPHX2: A Pilot Integrative Machine Learning Study
Authors: Zheng Shuqiong , Zeng Weixiong , Wu Qianyun , Li Weimin , He Zilong , Li Enze , Tang Chong , Xue Xiang , Qin Genggeng , Zhang Bin , Yin Honglei
Published: May 2024

Suicide is a major public health problem caused by a complex interaction of various factors. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder associated with suicide; therefore, it is essential to prioritize suicide prediction and prevention within this population. Integrated information from different dimensions, including personality, cognitive function, and social and genetic factors, is necessary to improve the performance of predictive models. Besides, recent studies have indicated the critical roles for EPHX2/P2X2 in the pathophysiology of MDD. Our previous studies found an association of EPHX2 and P2X2 with suicide in MDD. This study is aimed at (1) establishing predictive models with integrated information to distinguish MDD from healthy volunteers, (2) estimating the suicide risk of MDD, and (3) determining the contribution of EPHX2/P2X2. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 472 prospectively collected participants. The machine learning (ML) technique using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier was employed to evaluate the performance and relative importance of the extracted characteristics in recognising patients with MDD and depressed suicide attempters (DSA). In independent validation set, the model with clinical and cognitive information could recognise MDD with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.938 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.898–0.977), and genetic information did not improve classification performance. The model with clinical, cognitive, and genetic information resulted in a significantly higher AUC of 0.801 (95% CI, 0.719–0.884) for identifying DSA than the model with only clinical information, in which the three single nucleotide polymorphisms of EPHX2 showed important roles. This study successfully established step-by-step predictive ML models to estimate the risk of suicide attempts in MDD. We found that EPHX2 can help improve the performance of suicidal predictive models. This trial is registered with NCT05575713.