bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-regulation facets differentially predict internalizing symptom trajectories from middle childhood to early adolescence: a longitudinal multimethod study
Authors: Klinge Johanna L. , Warschburger Petra , Busching Robert , Klein Annette M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Internalizing symptoms are among the most common psychological symptoms in childhood and adolescence, are highly stable and can cause severe impairment. Current research discusses lower capacities of self-regulation (SR) as risk factors for the development of internalizing symptoms. The present study identifies trajectories of internalizing symptoms in the transition phase from middle childhood to adolescence and examines multiple SR facets as predictors of potentially unfavorable trajectories, also in the presence of other established risk factors.

Methods

The study utilized a community sample of N = 1453 (52.2% female) German children, who provided data at up to three measurement points (t1: 6–11 years, t2: 7–11 years, t3: 9–13 years). Trajectories of internalizing symptoms were based on parents’ ratings of the emotional problems scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. SR facets were assessed using multiple methods and informants. Two multinomial regression analyses were conducted to predict class membership by (1) SR facets and gender and (2) SR facets, gender, and other established risk factors (education status, family adversity, peer problems).

Results

Using growth mixture modelling, we identified three trajectory classes with stable low (n = 1200), increasing (n = 124), and early high decreasing internalizing symptoms (n = 129). In the regression analysis controlling for risk factors, membership in the increasing trajectory was significantly predicted by higher emotional reactivity (OR = 2.65, p < .001), higher cognitive flexibility/set-shifting (OR = 1.48, p = .032), and higher family adversity (OR = 1.38, p = .046). Membership in the early high decreasing trajectory was significantly predicted by higher emotional reactivity (OR = 4.15, p < .001), higher inhibitory control (OR = 1.47, p = .045), lower working-memory updating (OR = 0.69, p = .016), lower delay of gratification (OR = 0.75, p = .028), and higher family adversity (OR = 1.63, p = .001).

Conclusions

SR facets incrementally and differentially predict potentially unfavorable trajectories of internalizing symptoms from age 6 to 13, surpassing the predictive value of gender or education status. Higher emotional reactivity emerged as the most influential factor, which could therefore be addressed in future prevention and intervention efforts.
AAV-compatible optogenetic tools for activating endogenous calcium channels in vivo
Authors: Kook Yeon Hee , Lee Hyoin , Lee Jinsu , Jeong Yeonji , Rho Jaerang , Heo Won Do , Lee Sangkyu
Published: October 2023

Calcium ions (Ca2+) play pivotal roles in regulating diverse brain functions, including cognition, emotion, locomotion, and learning and memory. These functions are intricately regulated by a variety of Ca2+-dependent cellular processes, encompassing synaptic plasticity, neuro/gliotransmitter release, and gene expression. In our previous work, we developed ‘monster OptoSTIM1’ (monSTIM1), an improved OptoSTIM1 that selectively activates Ca2+-release–activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels in the plasma membrane through blue light, allowing precise control over intracellular Ca2+ signaling and specific brain functions. However, the large size of the coding sequence of monSTIM1 poses a limitation for its widespread use, as it exceeds the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV). To address this constraint, we have introduced monSTIM1 variants with reduced coding sequence sizes and established AAV-based systems for expressing them in neurons and glial cells in the mouse brain. Upon expression by AAVs, these monSTIM1 variants significantly increased the expression levels of cFos in neurons and astrocytes in the hippocampal CA1 region following non-invasive light illumination. The use of monSTIM1 variants offers a promising avenue for investigating the spatiotemporal roles of Ca2+-mediated cellular activities in various brain functions. Furthermore, this toolkit holds potential as a therapeutic strategy for addressing brain disorders associated with aberrant Ca2+ signaling.
Recommendations for the classification of germline variants in the exonuclease domain of POLE and POLD1
Authors: Mur Pilar , Viana-Errasti Julen , García-Mulero Sandra , Magraner-Pardo Lorena , Muñoz Inés G. , Pons Tirso , Capellá Gabriel , Pineda Marta , Feliubadaló Lidia , Valle Laura
Published: October 2023

Background

Germline variants affecting the proofreading activity of polymerases epsilon and delta cause a hereditary cancer and adenomatous polyposis syndrome characterized by tumors with a high mutational burden and a specific mutational spectrum. In addition to the implementation of multiple pieces of evidence for the classification of gene variants, POLE and POLD1 variant classification is particularly challenging given that non-disruptive variants affecting the proofreading activity of the corresponding polymerase are the ones associated with cancer. In response to an evident need in the field, we have developed gene-specific variant classification recommendations, based on the ACMG/AMP (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology) criteria, for the assessment of non-disruptive variants located in the sequence coding for the exonuclease domain of the polymerases.

Methods

A training set of 23 variants considered pathogenic or benign was used to define the usability and strength of the ACMG/AMP criteria. Population frequencies, computational predictions, co-segregation data, phenotypic and tumor data, and functional results, among other features, were considered.

Results

Gene-specific variant classification recommendations for non-disruptive variants located in the exonuclease domain of POLE and POLD1 were defined. The resulting recommendations were applied to 128 exonuclease domain variants reported in the literature and/or public databases. A total of 17 variants were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, and 17 as benign or likely benign.

Conclusions

Our recommendations, with room for improvement in the coming years as more information become available on carrier families, tumor molecular characteristics and functional assays, are intended to serve the clinical and scientific communities and help improve diagnostic performance, avoiding variant misclassifications.
miR-125a-5p regulates the sialyltransferase ST3GAL1 in murine model of human intestinal campylobacteriosis
Authors: Kraski Angelina , Mousavi Soraya , Heimesaat Markus M. , Bereswill Stefan , Einspanier Ralf , Alter Thomas , Gölz Greta , Sharbati Soroush
Published: October 2023

Background

Zoonotic microorganisms are increasingly impacting human health worldwide. Due to the development of the global population, humans and animals live in shared and progressively crowded ecosystems, which enhances the risk of zoonoses. Although Campylobacter species are among the most important bacterial zoonotic agents worldwide, the molecular mechanisms of many host and pathogen factors involved in colonisation and infection are poorly understood. Campylobacter jejuni colonises the crypts of the human colon and causes acute inflammatory processes. The mucus and associated proteins play a central host-protective role in this process. The aim of this study was to explore the regulation of specific glycosyltransferase genes relevant to differential mucin-type O-glycosylation that could influence host colonisation and infection by C. jejuni.

Results

Since microRNAs are known to be important regulators of the mammalian host cell response to bacterial infections, we focussed on the role of miR-125a-5p in C. jejuni infection. Combining in vitro and in vivo approaches, we show that miR-125a-5p regulates the expression of the sialyltransferase ST3GAL1 in an infection-dependent manner. The protein ST3GAL1 shows markedly increased intestinal levels in infected mice, with enhanced distribution in the mucosal epithelial layer in contrast to naïve mice.

Conclusion

From our previous studies and the data presented here, we conclude that miR-125a-5p and the previously reported miR-615-3p are involved in regulating the glycosylation patterns of relevant host cell response proteins during C. jejuni infection. The miRNA-dependent modulation of mucin-type O-glycosylation could be part of the mucosal immune response, but also a pathogen-driven modification that allows colonisation and infection of the mammalian host.
Plants acquired mitochondrial linear plasmids horizontally from fungi likely during the conquest of land
Authors: Wei Yutong , Gong Zhen , Han Guan-Zhu
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial linear plasmids have been sporadically reported in fungi and plants. Yet, much remains obscure about the diversity, distribution, and evolution of mitochondrial linear plasmids. Here, through phylogenomic analyses across 7,163 cellular organisms (including 991 plants), we find that mitochondrial linear plasmids are widely present in land plants and fungi. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that plants are likely to have acquired mitochondrial linear plasmids horizontally from fungi before or during the conquest of terrestrial environments by plants. Gene content analyses show that mitochondrial linear plasmids harbor a highly dynamic and promiscuous repertoire of genes. Our study refines the understanding of the origin and evolution of mitochondrial linear plasmids.
Gradual loaded exercise of knee extension muscles using an orthosis after wide resection of a femoral sarcoma and quadriceps muscle: a case report
Authors: Kitade Ippei , Oki Hisashi , Sakamoto Takumi , Matsumine Akihiko
Published: October 2023

Background

Details of improved gait ability after wide resection of soft tissue sarcomas that necessitate removal of portions of the quadricep muscle have not yet been reported. We describe a patient with improved gait ability following a rehabilitation program after wide resection of a soft tissue sarcoma that included four components of the quadricep muscle.

Case presentation

An 85-year-old Japanese man underwent wide resection of an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma that included portions of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The rectus femoris, vastus medialis, sartorius, and vastus intermedius were separated in the maximally bulging region of the tumour. Three weeks postoperatively, gait exercise was initiated using a rigid knee orthosis with a dual-adjustable lock knee. The contraction loading of the knee extension muscle was controlled by adjusting the hinge motion range of the orthosis as follows: fully extended, fixed knee 0°–30°, and free range. Under this regimen, he could walk independently without a rigid orthosis within 5 weeks postoperatively but could not sit on his heels during daily living activities. At six months, there was no clinical evidence of recurrent tumours or complications.

Conclusions

Postoperative gait ability might be affected by not only the number of resected muscles but also by the function of the separated muscles and the cross-sectional area of the remaining muscle. Gradually loaded exercise of the knee extension muscles using an orthosis could result in an improved gait motion for patients who undergo wide resection of a sarcoma that includes four components of the quadriceps femoris.
Association of triglyceride–glucose index with coronary severity and mortality in patients on dialysis with coronary artery disease
Authors: Xie Enmin , Ye Zixiang , Wu Yaxin , Zhao Xuecheng , Li Yike , Shen Nan , Guo Xiaochun , Gao Yanxiang , Zheng Jingang
Published: October 2023

Background

The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is validated as a reliable biomarker of insulin resistance and an independent predictor of cardiovascular prognosis. However, the prognostic value of the TyG index in patients on dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) remained unexplored. This study aimed to determine the association between the TyG index and CAD severity and mortality in these patients.

Methods

A total of 1061 dialysis patients with CAD were enrolled in this multi-center cohort study from January 2015 to June 2021. The extent and severity of CAD were evaluated using the multivessel disease and Gensini score (GS). Patients were followed up for all-cause death and cardiovascular death.

Results

The multivariable logistic regression model indicated that the TyG index was significantly associated with multivessel disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–1.94, P = 0.001), and high GS (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.61, P = 0.003). After adjusting for baseline risk factors, the hazards of all-cause death and cardiovascular death were 1.23 (95% CI 1.06–1.43, P = 0.007), and 1.33 (95% CI 1.11–1.59, P = 0.002), independent of CAD severity. Restricted cubic spline analysis identified a dose–response association between the TyG index and both CAD severity and mortality (all P for nonlinearity > 0.05). When modeling the TyG index as a categorical variable, these independent associations remained. Subgroup analyses did not substantially modify the results. Furthermore, incorporating the TyG index into the existing risk prediction model improved the predictive accuracy for all-cause death and cardiovascular death, as evaluated by C-statistic, continuous net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement.

Conclusions

In patients on dialysis with CAD, the TyG index was significantly associated with more severe CAD as well as mortality. These results highlight the clinical importance of the TyG index for assessing CAD severity and risk stratification in patients on dialysis with CAD.
Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery and receipt of prison healthcare: an international scoping review
Authors: Hearty Pip , Canvin Krysia , Bellass Sue , Hampton Sarah , Wright Nat , Sheard Laura
Published: October 2023

Background

People being held in prison are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 infection, as places of detention are high-risk environments for spread of infection. Due to this risk, many prisons across the globe introduced measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The pandemic changed almost all aspects of prison life, including prison healthcare provision. We undertook a scoping review to understand what is known about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the receipt and delivery of prison healthcare. This scoping review is part of a wider mixed-methods study focusing more specifically on the impact that Covid-19 had on prison healthcare delivery in England.

Methods

We conducted an international scoping review of peer-reviewed articles published between December 2019 and January 2022, across six electronic databases. We also conducted a hand search of key journals and the reference lists of included articles.

Results

Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria. The articles focused primarily on prisons in high-income countries and mostly explored the impact that the pandemic had on the provision of drug treatment services. Some aspects of drug treatment services were more impacted than others, with those delivered by external providers and preparations for release particularly hindered. Whilst prison mental health services were purportedly available, there were changes regarding how these were delivered, with group therapies suspended and most consultations taking place using telehealth. The articles reported both digital and non-digital adaptations or innovations to prison healthcare services to ensure continued delivery. Collaboration between different agencies, such as the prison itself, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organisations, was key to facilitating ongoing provision of healthcare to people in prison.

Conclusions

Covid-19 impacted on prison healthcare internationally, but different treatment services were affected in disparate ways, both within and between countries. The published literature concentrates on the impact on drug treatment services. Prison healthcare providers rapidly adapted their processes to attempt to maintain service provision.
Impact of perceived social support and psychological capital on university students’ academic success: testing the role of academic adjustment as a moderator
Authors: Hassan Mehdi , Fang Shuanghu , Malik Aamir Abbas , Lak Tauqeer Ahmad , Rizwan Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Background

Academic adjustment is a significant predictor of the academic success of students. The aim of this study is to examine how academic adjustment plays an important role as a moderator in perceived social support, psychological capital, and success outcome relationships among university students.

Methods

Three hundred seventy-three valid questionnaires were collected from different departments of different universities using convenience sampling method. Smart PLS 3.0 was used for data analysis.

Results

The study results indicated that perceived social support and psychological capital have a significant direct impact on academic adjustment and academic success. The results of the study also demonstrated that the relationships between perceived social support, psychological capital, and successful outcomes are partially and moderated by academic adjustment.

Conclusion

This research develops a predictive model for examining students’ academic adjustment to university and the outcomes of success based on social capital theory and conservation of resources theory. The current study suggests that it is necessary for policymakers to make full use of their ability to enable students to adjust to university life effectively. Higher education institutions should therefore pay full attention to the development of students’ academic skills that contribute to academic success.
Associations between body composition and cardiovascular disease risk in pre- and postmenopausal women
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Alwis Gayani , Lenora Janaka , Lekamwasam Sarath
Published: October 2023

Background

Menopause transition is a critical phase of women’s life since body composition and cardiovascular risk factors begin to change during this period. This study investigated the associations between body composition and cardiovascular disease risk (CVDR) in pre (PrMW) and postmenopausal women (PMW).

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study involving 184 PrMW and 166 PMW, selected randomly from Bope-Poddala area in Galle, Sri Lanka was carried out. Total-body fat mass (TBFM, kg), total body skeletal muscle mass (TBSMM, kg), total body bone mineral density (TBBMD, g/cm2) and total body bone mineral content (TBBMC, g) were measured with total body DXA scanner and they were taken as indices of body composition. CVDR was evaluated using Framingham risk score (FRS%) and individual CVDR factors, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP, mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, mmHg), fasting blood sugar (FBS, mg/dl), total cholesterol, (TC, mg/dl), tryglycerides (TG, mg/dl), high-density lipoprotein (HDL, mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, mg/dl). Correlations between indices of body composition and CVDR factors were assessed with adjusted partial correlation (adjusted for socio-demographic and gynecologic status, age, daily calorie consumption and physical activity level).

Results

Mean(SD) age of PrMW and PMW were 42.4(6.0) and 55.8(3.8) years respectively. TBFM correlated with SBP and DBP (r range; 0.15 to 0.21) and TBSMM correlated with SBP, DBP and HDL (r range; − 0.24 to 0.17) only in PrMW (p < 0.05). TBBMD correlated only with FBS in PMW (r; − 0.21, p = 0.01). TBBMC did not show correlations with CVDR factors (p > 0.05). Body composition indices did not show correlations with total CVDR estimated by FRS and in both groups of women (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Both SBP and DBP are associated with FM and SMM in different ways among PrMW. This association, however, was not seen among PMW. FBS is associated with BMD only in PMW.
Effects of two different angiotensin receptor blockers on blood glucose level and HbA1c in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with hypertension
Authors: Bhati Shafat Iqbal , Haque S. F. , Siddiqi S. S. , Ahmad Rizwan
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbance of carbohydrate, fats, and protein metabolism. Type 2 diabetes mellitus results from reduced insulin secretion, decreased glucose utilization, and increased glucose production, which results in hyperglycemia. Hypertension further increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, renal failure, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are very effective antihypertensive drugs. This study was done to find the effects of two different angiotensin receptor blockers on various biochemical markers in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods

This was a prospective interventional study, comparing two ARBs Azilsartan and telmisartan, involving 76 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Results

Both drugs controlled blood pressure equally. The study showed that improvement in fasting plasma glucose was more with Azilsartan as compared to Telmisartan but their mean difference is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The improvement in post-prandial plasma glucose and HbA1C was more with Telmisartan as compared to Azilsartan but only mean HbA1C was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Telmisartan has a better impact on HbA1c reduction than Azilsartan, as a part of the pleotropic effect of ARBs.
Role of Modeling and Simulation in Preclinical and Clinical Long-Acting Injectable Drug Development
Authors: Siemons Maxime , Schroyen Bram , Darville Nicolas , Goyal Navin
Published: October 2023

Innovations in the field of long-acting injectable drug development are increasingly being reported. More advanced in vitro and in vivo characterization can improve our understanding of the injection space and aid in describing the long-acting injectable (LAI) drug’s behavior at the injection site more mechanistically. These innovations may enable unlocking the potential of employing a model-based framework in the LAI preclinical and clinical space. This review provides a brief overview of the LAI development process before delving deeper into the current status of modeling and simulation approaches in characterizing the preclinical and clinical LAI pharmacokinetics, focused on aqueous crystalline suspensions. A closer look is provided on in vitro release methods, available biopharmaceutical models and reported in vitro/in vivo correlations (IVIVCs) that may advance LAI drug development. The overview allows identifying the opportunities for use of model-informed drug development approaches and potential gaps where further research may be most warranted. Continued investment in improving our understanding of LAI PK across species through translational approaches may facilitate the future development of LAI drug products.

Graphical Abstract
Generalized limited penetrable vector visibility graph
Authors: Ren Weikai , Jin Ningde , Jin Zhijun
Published: October 2023

The paper introduced a new way for converting the multivariate time series to complex network combining the vector visibility graph and limited penetrable theory, and the concept is discussed on the generalized limited penetrable range, termed as generalized limited penetrable vector visibility graph. The proposed method is verified by the Lorenz system. We use the four kinds of network structure characteristic to evaluate the noise resistance of the method quantitatively, and provide the strategy with guidance for choosing the optimal limited penetrable range. The results show that the limited penetrable vector visibility graph inherits the noise resistance of limited penetrable visibility graph in the multivariate time series analysis. The generalized limited penetrable range is discussed to clarify the effect on the network structure.
Race, Place, and Education: Charting the Wine-Whine Merger in the U.S. South
Authors: Bridwell Keiko , Renwick Margaret E. L.
Published: October 2023

Over the past century, the wine-whine merger has transitioned from a localized regional feature to a nearly ubiquitous characteristic of U.S. English, a pattern of language change whose social correlates have largely gone unexplored. The present study draws from the Digital Archive of Southern Speech (DASS), a database of 64 linguistic interviews collected in 1970–83, to analyze the distribution of [hw] and [w] pronunciations of morpheme-initial ‹wh› across social and linguistic variables during a time and in a place where the [hw] variant was still common. Results reveal that while all speakers exhibited variation between [hw] and [w] for ‹wh›, with content words exhibiting [hw] at higher rates than function words, intraspeaker variation remained stable across apparent time for White speakers, suggesting that the wine-whine merger had not yet reached this demographic. However, [hw] use sharply declined among Black speakers over the same period, demonstrating a divergence from the local White varieties corresponding to a changing cultural landscape. Further variation in the pronunciation of ‹wh› occurs across subregions of the South. Finally, college-educated speakers were more likely to use [hw], suggesting that this variant should be interpreted as a prestige feature that persisted in the South.
Complex Variation in the Construction of a Sociolinguistic Persona: The Case of Vice President Kamala Harris
Authors: Holliday Nicole
Published: October 2023

Over the past few decades, sociolinguists have begun to take greater interest in how public figures, such as politicians, may employ variation at different levels of linguistic structure in the construction of a public persona. These figures are of particular interest because their public and constructed usages may also illuminate wider social usages and indices of specific linguistic variables. This article presents results from analyses of multiple aspects of ethnolinguistic variation in the speech of Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2019–20 Democratic Party primary debates. In particular, it focuses on her use of selected morphosyntactic features associated with African American Language, vowel systems associated with California and African American identities, and topic-based differences in the use of selected prosodic variables. Together, these results show how Harris selectively employs both enregistered and subtle linguistic variables in the establishment of a highly specific sociolinguistic identity that comports with her unique positions politically, socially, and racially. The results of this study expand our knowledge about how the complexities of speaker identity are reflected in sociolinguistic variation, while further illuminating how speakers in the public sphere use variation to reflect and construct both who they are and who we want them to be.
Abscisic acid biosynthesis is necessary for full auxin effects on hypocotyl elongation
Authors: Emenecker Ryan J. , Cammarata Joseph , Yuan Irene , Howard Caroline , Ebrahimi Naghani Shekufeh , Robert Helene S. , Nambara Eiji , Strader Lucia C.
Published: October 2023

In concert with other phytohormones, auxin regulates plant growth and development. However, how auxin and other phytohormones coordinately regulate distinct processes is not fully understood. In this work, we uncover an auxin-abscisic acid (ABA) interaction module in Arabidopsis that is specific to coordinating activities of these hormones in the hypocotyl. From our forward genetics screen, we determine that ABA biosynthesis is required for the full effects of auxin on hypocotyl elongation. Our data also suggest that ABA biosynthesis is not required for the inhibitory effects of auxin treatment on root elongation. Our transcriptome analysis identified distinct auxin-responsive genes in root and shoot tissues, which is consistent with differential regulation of growth in these tissues. Further, our data suggest that many gene targets repressed upon auxin treatment require an intact ABA pathway for full repression. Our results support a model in which auxin stimulates ABA biosynthesis to fully regulate hypocotyl elongation.
Initial Assessment and Management of Select Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Team Physician Consensus Statement
Authors: HERRING STANLEY A. , KIBLER W. BEN , PUTUKIAN MARGOT , BOYAJIAN-O'NEILL LORI A. , CHANG CINDY J. , FRANKS R. ROB , HUTCHINSON MARK , INDELICATO PETER A. , O’CONNOR FRANCIS G. , POWELL AMY , ROACH RYAN , SAFRAN MARC , STATUTA SIOBHAN M. , SUTTON KAREN
Published: October 2023

Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently in sport during practice, training, and competition. Injury assessment and management are common responsibilities for the team physician. Initial Assessment and Management of Musculoskeletal Injury—A Team Physician Consensus Statement is title 23 in a series of annual consensus documents written for the practicing team physician. This statement was developed by the Team Physician Consensus Conference, an annual project-based alliance of six major professional associations. The goal of this document is to help the team physician improve the care and treatment of the athlete by understanding the initial assessment and management of selected musculoskeletal injuries.
Understanding Partnership Formation and Repeated Contributions in Federated Learning: An Analytical Investigation
Authors: Bi Xuan , Gupta Alok , Yang Mochen
Published: October 2023

Limited access to large-scale data is a key obstacle to building machine learning (ML) applications in practice, partly due to a reluctance of information exchange among data owners out of privacy and data security concerns. To address this “information silo” problem, federated learning (FL) techniques have been proposed to enable decentralized model training via an orchestrating central server and have received increasing attention in several industries (including healthcare and finance). Despite its superior privacy protection property, adoption of FL is limited by a lack of systematic understanding of its underlying economics. In this paper, we take an analytical approach to answer two questions: (1) when do data owners prefer to form a FL partnership over building ML models by themselves and (2) how can different contractual mechanisms be used to promote repeated contributions to FL (the cooperative outcome that benefits all participants). We formulate an iterated prisoner’s dilemma (IPD) model that accounts for unique FL characteristics, including the specification of the payoff matrix and the involvement of a central server to sanction noncooperation. We find that partnership formation requires participants to be not too forward-looking in temporal preferences, which is contrary to the conventional wisdom in IPD. Furthermore, to promote repeated contributions, it is insufficient to only rely on penalties imposed by the central server or by participants for noncooperation, but a combination of both is enough. Our work advances theoretical understanding of the economics of FL and provides prescriptive insights that can inform FL participant selection and contract design.

This paper was accepted by D. J. Wu, information systems.

Funding: This work was partially supported by Cisco Research.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.00611 .
How Do Product Recommendations Help Consumers Search? Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Wan Xiang (Shawn) , Kumar Anuj , Li Xitong
Published: October 2023

Product recommendations can benefit consumers’ online product search via multiple underlying mechanisms, such as showing products that offer them high value, facilitating navigation on the website, or exposing more product information. However, it is unclear ex ante which is the primary underlying mechanism that drives the benefits of product recommendations to consumers. We conducted a randomized field experiment to estimate the benefits of an item-based collaborative filtering (CF) recommendation system to consumers. We collect unique data on the affinity scores computed by an item-based CF algorithm to develop measures of a product’s net value and horizontal (taste) fit for consumers. Our results indicate that product recommendations help consumers search for higher-value products that are lower priced, fit their tastes better, or both. Besides that, we find that the ability to find higher-value products (rather than easy navigation or exposure to more product information) is the primary driver for consumers’ higher purchase probabilities under recommendations. We further find a higher benefit of recommendations in product categories with higher price dispersion and heterogeneity in consumers’ tastes, providing additional evidence for the lower price and better horizontal fit mechanisms. Finally, we find that when made available, consumers substitute their usage of other search tools on the website with product recommendations. Our findings have important implications for online retailers, policymakers, regulators, and item-based CF recommendation system design.

This paper was accepted by D. J. Wu, information systems.

Funding: This work was supported by the Public Utility Research Center of the University of Florida, the Hi! PARIS Fellowship, the HEC Foundation, and the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University [Grant 102720].

Supplemental Material: Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4951 .
Comparing Sequential Forecasters
Authors: Choe Yo Joong , Ramdas Aaditya
Published: October 2023

Anytime Valid Comparison of Sequential Forecasters

How do we compare forecasters that each make a probabilistic prediction on a sequence of events (e.g., weather and sports)? In “Comparing Sequential Forecasters,” Choe and Ramdas propose flexible approaches to sequential inference on the mean score difference between any two forecasters. To estimate this time-varying quantity, the authors propose a sequential analog of confidence intervals, called confidence sequences (CSs). These CSs correctly cover the score difference under continuous monitoring, and the evaluator can freely peek at the scores to stop the experiment (“anytime valid”). The authors further develop a complementary anytime valid approach called e-processes, which quantify the evidence against the claim that one forecaster is never better than the other in mean scores. The validity of these methods does not depend on stationarity or other assumptions on how the score differences evolve sequentially. In their paper, the authors showcase CSs and e-processes for comparing real-world baseball and weather forecasters.
Word Reading and Word Writing Development of First Graders with and without Developmental Dyslexia: Considering Meaning Accessibility
Authors: Lee Kahyun , Jang Woojeong , Eom Jimok , Pae Soyeong
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study investigated the developmental characteristics of word reading and word writing abilities in developmental dyslexia comparing to typical development. Methods: Two evaluations were conducted individually at the end of each semester for first graders with and without developmental dyslexia, 30 students in each group. After reading and writing 14 two-syllable words considering meaning accessibility, each student’s performance was analyzed and compared by grapheme units. Results: Typically developing students (TD) already demonstrated high performance in meaning word reading and writing as well as non-word reading at the end of the first semester while developmental dyslexic students showed significant improvement at the end of the second semester, but performance remained lower compared to TD students. In non-word writing, both groups showed developmental progress from the end of the first semester to the end of the second semester. However, the developmental gap between the two groups persisted. Conclusion: Despite providing 20-30 intervention sessions, developmental dyslexic students showed consistently lower performance in word reading and writing tasks compared to TD students. The results of this study suggest the urgent need for systematic and individualized intervention support at a higher frequency. The low performance in the non-word task suggests that developmental dyslexic students still have limited ability in phoneme-grapheme mapping through the non-lexical route for phoneme-grapheme correspondent words, highlighting the importance of evaluating tasks that consider meaning. Given that the dyslexic first graders developmental pattern is parallel to the TD students in non-word writing, Korean first graders seem to be actively developing spelling and transcription skills.
Point of care testing in the perioperative period
Authors: Russell Evelina , Hartley Robert
Published: October 2023

The range of point of care tests continues to increase. Point of care testing is frequently undertaken by nonlaboratory personnel and clinicians should understand the tests available and their applicability in clinical practice.
A new remarkable species of the genus Trichodromeus Luze, 1903 from central Nepal (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini)
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: October 2023

Trichodromeus abbreviatus sp. nov., a new species with reduced hind wings from central Nepal, is described and illustrated. It can be distinguished from all species of the genus by the shape of the very short elytra, the lack of hind wings and tomentose spots in the middle of abdominal tergites IV–V, and the external and internal morphology of the aedeagus.
Digital Physeal Arrest Following Dactylitis in a Child
Authors:   Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, UK,, Ow Nadya Liyana , Nottage Matthew ,   Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, UK,, Bale Peter ,   Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK., Buddhdev Pranai ,   Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, UK,
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Following trauma, premature growth arrest is a common outcome when the injury affects the pediatric growth plate. Dactylitis describes global inflammation affecting one or more digits in the hand or foot. It occurs in various seronegative arthropathies and septic arthritis. Physeal fusion following dactylitis is uncommon and is not described in the current literature. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 12-year-old boy, whose minor non-penetrating injury resulted in circumferential edema of his left third upper limb digit, typical of dactylitis. No evidence of infection was found during clinical examination or blood work. Significant stiffness of the digit remained over the course of a few months with spontaneous resolution following functional hand therapy. The child presented to pediatric orthopedics with cessation of longitudinal growth. Evidence of premature physeal fusion of the involved phalanges was confirmed on radiographs. Conclusion: Growth arrest following dactylitis has not previously been reported. Clinicians managing this condition should be aware of this rare complication. We recommend that inflammation is treated promptly, and patients are monitored clinically and radiologically to address any potential functional deficit. Keywords: Dactylitis, pediatric orthopedics, orthopedics, rheumatology, growth arrest, premature growth arrest.
Arthroscopic Meniscus Trephination: A Novel Technique for the Treatment of Symptomatic Meniscal Degeneration: Surgical Technique and Literature Review
Authors:   Jefferson Health Northeast 3B Orthopaedics, Philadelphia, PA, USA., Tfayli Yehia , Nassar Joseph E ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon., Naja Ahmad Salaheddine ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon., Al-Taki Muhyeddine ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Meniscal pathology constitutes a major reason for a vast number of patients suffering from knee pain. It is, in general, attributed either to meniscal tearing or degeneration. Debridement and partial meniscectomy, or repair, when possible, is the mainstay surgical approach for refractory knee pain from meniscal degeneration or tears. Sometimes, the patient has clinical symptoms of meniscal pathology, but despite those highly suggestive clinical symptoms, the patient turns out, during knee arthroscopy, to have meniscal degeneration and hardening of the meniscus without frank tearing of the meniscus Surgical Technique: To initiate meniscal trephination, we first conduct a diagnostic knee arthroscopy to examine the suprapatellar space, the gutters, and the anterior knee space for any pathologies. Following this, both menisci are inspected for any signs of tearing or hardening. For the purposes of our study, the medial meniscus is considered pathological if it shows signs of degeneration or hardening, which then justifies our intervention. An 18-gauge spinal needle, manually bent for the procedure, is inserted through the portal to perform trephination on the hardened menisci. Care is taken to adequately space the needle insertion points to prevent accidental tearing. Our trephination technique aims to soften the meniscus, facilitating its ability to compact and compress when patients ambulate. Additionally, the needle insertion points help attract blood flow to the meniscus, thereby enriching it with growth factors and stem cells that may aid in improving the degenerative condition. Conclusion: Meniscal trephination is benign and effective for meniscal degenerative pathologies. The procedure allows for a healthier meniscus, free from degeneration, that would otherwise disable patients. The intervention does not have long-term adverse effects. To this end, more comparative trials are required to confirm the effectiveness of the technique and to ensure minimal to no associated side effects. Keywords: Trephination, Meniscus, Knee, Degeneration
Trans sacral Endoscopic Laser Decompression – A Case Report, Technical Note and Literature review
Authors:   Yonsei Okay Hospital, Uijeongbu, South Korea., Sakhrekar Rajendra , Ha Ji Soo ,   Yonsei Okay Hospital, Uijeongbu, South Korea., Han Hee-Don ,   Yonsei Okay Hospital, Uijeongbu, South Korea.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The concept of sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression (SELD) is based on the introduction of a steerable catheter in the sacral hiatus followed by the insertion of a fiberoptic laser system into the ventral side of the epidural disc space with an epiduroscope. This procedure enables the direct decompression of the ruptured annulus as the laser vaporizes the bulging disc in the herniated part, cauterization of the sinuvertebral nerve, adhesiolysis of structures nearby the nerve root, and irrigation of inflammation with saline and steroids. Case Report: A 44-year-old man presented to the outpatient department with a 12-month history of low back pain. His back pain had increased progressively. At the time of presentation, his back pain VAS score was 7/10 and his ODI score was 44. He had received non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for more than 6 months and an epidural injection elsewhere with minimal relief from symptoms. On physical examination, power in the lower limbs was 5/5 as per the MRC grading, and deep tendon reflexes were normal. Conclusion: The procedure is a useful technique in treating lumbar disc herniation with rapid pain relief and improvements in functional outcomes without any injury to paraspinal muscles or any resection of the ligaments and bony structures. SELD is safe, precise, and effective in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar lesions. Improvements in the optics and visuals with advancements in lasers’ ability to ablate tissue could be beneficial. Large, randomized, and multicenter trials are needed to further explore the potential of SELD. Keywords: Trans-sacral epiduroscopic decompression, Ho: YAG laser, lumbar back pain, minimally invasive, VAS score
Grey Model for Stream Flow Prediction
Authors: B Vishnu , P Syamala
Published: October 2023

Abstract – Design, operation and planning of water resources, irrigation and water supply systems require estimation of stream flow. A grey system or stochastic approach is required for dealing with the hydrological complexities of mid and long-term stream flow prediction. Generally relatively long period data series of stream flow records is required for the prediction using stochastic methods. In developing countries like India, availability of long period hydrological records is a problem. Grey system theory is applicable in the case of unclear inner relationship, uncertain mechanisms and insufficient information and requires only small samples for parameter estimation. Stream flow records of Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala, India is subjected to grey analysis. Model parameters were estimated using leastsquares method. Statistical indices for the developed models indicate their ability to predict stream flow in the river under study with reasonable accuracy.
Transventricular transforaminal endoscopic fenestration with cysto-ventriculoperitoneal shunt to manage a third ventricular arachnoid cyst: a case report
Authors: Yuliatri Nia , Widjaya Ingrid Ayke , Harlyjoy Alphadenti , Wibawa Gibran Aditiara , Satyanegara
Published: October 2023

Regular ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is commonly used as the first option to manage a third ventricular arachnoid cyst due to the lack of facilities, unfamiliarity with endoscopic techniques, or misdiagnosis as purely obstructive hydrocephalus. A 9-year-old girl with obstructive hydrocephalus due to a third ventricular arachnoid cyst was treated with a VP shunt. 2 months later, the previous shunt device was removed due to an infection. Following a sterile cerebrospinal fluid analysis culture, we conducted a navigation-assisted transventricular transforaminal endoscopic fenestration and cysto-VP programmable shunt placement. A decrease in ventricular dilatation was seen on follow-up. This approach was justified due to the possibility of establishing communication with normal cisterns, the high rate of cyst elimination, and the potential for achieving shunt independence. Performing an endoscopic fenestration followed by cysto-VP shunt placement could be an optimal option for managing this condition.
Total Soil Phosphorus Detection Using Laser-Induced Fluorescence-Assisted Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Soni S. , Viljanen J. , Uusitalo R. , Veis Pavel
Published: October 2023

Laser-Induced Fluorescence-Assisted Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS-LIF) is demonstrated for total phosphorus detection in soil. The LIF assistance improved the LIBS method’s selectivity and the detection limit enabling phosphorus monitoring in samples with low phosphorus content.
Shifted Excitation Raman Difference Spectroscopy (SERDS) as a Promising Tool for Textile Material Identification
Authors: Sowoidnich Kay , Rudisch Katharina , Maiwald Martin , Sumpf Bernd , Pufahl Karsten
Published: October 2023

Shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) is successfully applied for textile analysis. SERDS effectively separates Raman signals from fluorescence and enables a distinction of dyed and undyed textiles made of cotton, viscose, wool, and polyester.
Improving Detection of Fecal Contamination in Water Using Machine-Learning-Assisted Fluorescence Spectra Analysis
Authors: Maharjan Rijan , Parajuli Nripesh , Gautam Sishir , Bastola Suvechhya , Waiba Prashant , Thapa Anusa , Rajbhandari Prajwal , Krauss Thomas , Dhakal Ashim
Published: October 2023

Spectral information from humic like-fluorescence, in addition to the spectra of tryptophan-like fluorescence, improve the Receiver Operating Characteristic for detection of fecal contamination in water. To demonstrate this, we apply the random forest algorithm to enhance specificity for detection of 1 CFU/100 ml of fecal coliforms by ~21%.