bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissociation of White Matter Bundles in Different Recovery Measures in Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Osa García Alberto , Brambati Simona Maria , Brisebois Amélie , Houzé Bérengère , Bedetti Christophe , Desautels Alex , Marcotte Karine 
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:
Poststroke aphasia (PSA) recovery shows high variability across individuals and at different time points. Although diffusion biomarkers from the ventral and dorsal streams have demonstrated strong predictive power for language outcomes, it is still unclear how these biomarkers relate to the various stages of PSA recovery. In this study, we aim to compare diffusion metrics and language measures as predictors of language recovery in a longitudinal cohort of participants with PSA.

METHODS:
Participants were recruited at a stroke unit at the emergency room, and underwent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging scanning and language assessment within 3 days (acute phase) after stroke, with behavioral follow-ups at subacute (10±3 days) and chronic phases (>6 months). We conducted regression analyses on language performance (cross-sectional), Δscores between all time points (acute-subacute, subacute-chronic, acute-chronic), and relative Δscores between all time points (Δscore/language baseline score), with acute diffusion metrics from language-related white matter tracts, lesion size, language baseline scores, and demographic data as predictors.

RESULTS:

Thirty-nine participants presenting PSA were recruited, and 24 participants (mean age, 73 years; 8 women) completed the 3-time point assessment in total. The best prediction model of performance scores used axial diffusivity from the left arcuate fasciculus in both the subacute (
R
2
=0.785) and chronic stages (
R
2
=0.626). Moreover, the prediction of ∆scores depended on axial diffusivity from the left inferior frontal-occipital fasciculus in the subacute stage (
R
2
=0.5) and depended additionally on axial diffusivity from the right inferior frontal-occipital fasciculus in the chronic stage (
R
2
=0.68). The prediction of mediation analyses showed that the lesion load of the left arcuate fasciculus mediated the relationship between axial diffusivity from the left arcuate fasciculus and chronic language performance.

CONCLUSIONS:
Language performance at subacute and chronic time points could be predicted by the integrity of the left arcuate fasciculus, whereas Δscores in the subacute and chronic phases depended on the left inferior frontal-occipital fasciculus, showing a dissociation of the white matter pathways about language outcomes. These results suggest a functional differentiation of the dual-stream components in PSA recovery.
Plasma Phenylacetylglutamine Levels and Prognosis of Ischemic Stroke: A Multicenter Prospective Study Based on the CATIS Trial
Authors: He Yu , Yang Pinni , Shi Mengyao , Zhong Chongke , Peng Hao , Guo Daoxia , Chang Xinyue , Liu Yi , Chen Jing , Wang Aili , Zhang Yonghong , He Jiang , Xu Tan , Zhu Zhengbao 
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:
Phenylacetylglutamine is implicated in platelet clotting and thrombosis, but its prognostic value in ischemic stroke remains unclear. We aimed to explore the associations of plasma phenylacetylglutamine levels with adverse outcomes after ischemic stroke in a multicenter prognostic cohort study.

METHODS:
Our multicenter prognostic cohort study included 3564 Chinese patients with ischemic stroke from the CATIS (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke). All patients were followed up at 3 months after ischemic stroke onset. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score, 3–6) at 3 months after ischemic stroke.

RESULTS:

During 3 months of follow-up, 877 participants experienced the primary outcome. After multivariate adjustment, each 500 ng/mL increase of phenylacetylglutamine was associated with a 7% (
P
=0.012), 6% (
P
=0.016), and 6% (
P
=0.028) increased risk of the primary outcome, major disability, and death, respectively. The odds ratios or hazard ratios in the highest versus the lowest quartile of plasma phenylacetylglutamine were 1.62 ([95% CI, 1.18–2.23];
P
trend
=0.001) for the primary outcome, 1.62 ([95% CI, 1.16–2.24];
P
trend
=0.001) for major disability, and 2.59 ([95% CI, 1.19–5.60];
P
trend
=0.025) for death, respectively. There was a significantly worse shift in the distribution of modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months with higher phenylacetylglutamine quartiles (
P
trend
=0.003). Multiple-adjusted spline regression model showed a linear relationship between phenylacetylglutamine and primary outcome (
P
value for linearity<0.001). The addition of plasma phenylacetylglutamine to conventional risk factors significantly improved the risk reclassification for the primary outcome (net reclassification improvement, 19.34%;
P
<0.001; integrated discrimination improvement, 0.23%;
P
=0.019).

CONCLUSIONS:
Elevated plasma phenylacetylglutamine levels at baseline were associated with increased risks of adverse clinical outcomes at 3 months after ischemic stroke, suggesting that phenylacetylglutamine may be a promising prognostic biomarker for ischemic stroke. Further studies are needed to investigate whether phenylacetylglutamine is a stroke-specific biomarker.
Diffusion kurtosis imaging, MAP-MRI and NODDI selectively track gray matter myelin density in the primate cerebral cortex
Authors: Reveley Colin , Ye Frank Q. , Leopold David A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) has been widely used to model the trajectory of myelinated fiber bundles in the white matter. Increasingly, it is also used to evaluate the microstructure of the cerebral cortex gray matter. For example, in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the cortex, fractional anisotropy (FA) correlates strongly with the anisotropy of cellular anatomy, while radial diffusivity (RD) tracks the anisotropy of myelinated fibers. However, no DTI parameter shows specificity to gray matter myelin density. Here, we show that three higher-order diffusion parameters—the mean diffusion kurtosis (MK), the Neurite Density Index (NDI) from neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and the Non-Gaussian (NG) parameter from mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI—each track the laminar and regional myelin density of the primate cerebral cortex in fine detail. We carried out ultra-high-resolution, multi-shelled dMRI in ex-vivo marmoset monkey brains. We compared the spatial mapping of the MK, NDI, and ND diffusion parameters to the cortical myelin distribution of these brains, with the latter obtained in two ways: First, using histological sections finely co-registered to the MRI, and second using magnetization transfer ratio MRI scans (MTR), an established non-diffusion method for imaging myelin density. We found that, in contrast to DTI parameters, each of these higher-order diffusion measures captured the spatial variation of myelin density in the cortex. The demonstration that diffusion parameters exhibit both sensitivity and specificity for gray matter myelin density will allow dMRI to more effectively track human disease, in which myelinated and non-myelinated tissue compartments are affected differentially.
Psychometric Assessment of the Temporal Bisection Task with Discrete and Continuous Response Formats
Authors: Quan Ivan , Lagacé-Cusiac Rebekka , Grahn Jessica 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The temporal bisection task has long been used to study time perception as well as measure individual differences in time perception ability. The task involves training participants on short and long reference durations before presenting intermediate durations and asking participants to classify them as ‘short’ or ‘long’. However, there is little information about how well the bisection task measures individual differences in timing ability. To bridge this gap, we assessed the psychometric properties of measures obtained from a classic temporal bisection task: Weber ratio and percent correct. Because measures with binary responses tend to require many trials to reach adequate reliability, we also assessed the psychometric properties of a modified bisection task which used a continuous response format. In this task, participants represented intermediate durations on a visual analogue scale. Estimation error was used as the outcome measure. Participants (n = 46) completed the classic and modified bisection tasks twice across two sessions approximately one week apart. The modified bisection task had excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability, while the classic task had fair to good internal consistency and good test–retest reliability. Overall, estimation error had the highest reliability, followed by percent correct, and then Weber ratio. In terms of validity, there was excellent convergent validity between the classic and modified bisection tasks. As an exploratory analysis, we assessed how the number of trials affected the reliability of each outcome measure across the two tasks. Based on this, we make recommendations on how to optimize reliability for both tasks in future research.
Weather as Fuel—The Wicked Problem of Renewable Energy
Authors: Seitter Keith L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A key component of mitigating climate change is reducing society’s dependence on fossil fuels, which will require replacing them with clean energy sources. The key strategy being pursued in the United States (and most other countries) is to rapidly scale up our use of renewable energy sources. Electricity generation provided by wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels, in particular, has been growing rapidly, and most energy experts expect them to be the dominant forms of electricity generation in the future. Given the dependence these energy sources have on weather conditions (windiness and cloudiness, respectively), it is useful to view weather as the “fuel” for these renewables in the same way that coal or natural gas serves as the fuel in generating electricity in a fossil-fuel power plant. This paper uses a novel thought experiment to drive home this concept, while also exploring the complexity of providing reliable power on a grid dominated by renewable generation. The paper then shows how the transition to renewable energy falls into the class of problems known as “wicked problems” and discusses approaches that will be needed to make progress. The current status of addressing these complex issues is reviewed through the lens of the wicked problem paradigm.
Cloud Droplet Size Distributions Governed by Condensation, Collision–Coalescence, and Sedimentation. Part II: Analytical Expressions for Size Distribution Shape and Asymptotic Behavior for Large-Droplet Tails
Authors: Kuntzleman Jacob , Krueger Steven K. , Shaw Raymond A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Droplet growth via condensation and collision–coalescence has been investigated in the limit of very weak coalescence growth: a collector-mode approximation emerges for coalescence growth that consists solely of droplets in the tail collecting droplets near the main mode of the cloud droplet size distribution and that does not deplete the mode. In this second part, the approximation is formalized, leading to a simplified form of the collision–coalescence term in the equation governing the evolution of the droplet size distribution. This form allows for analytical solutions for transient growth and for steady-state distributions representing a balance between condensation, collision–coalescence growth, and removal by sedimentation. The solutions lead to an expression for the drizzle growth time, formally, the finite time in which a droplet approaches infinite size. The drizzle growth time is related to a transition radius at which droplet growth switches from condensation-dominated to coalescence-dominated. The solutions also provide a dimensionless group that governs the steady-state distribution shape, which is referred to as the drizzle number. The solutions are checked by comparing to a Monte Carlo model developed in part 1, and it is found that the analytical solution is excellent when the drizzle number is much greater than unity, which is the typical situation for the microphysical conditions achievable in a convection–cloud chamber. The steady-state size distribution has the form of a modified gamma distribution, with a transition to a power-law tail at a sufficiently large radius. The solutions are not only formally valid for a convection–cloud chamber but can also be extended to shallow, mixed-layer clouds such as mixing fogs.
Evaluation of Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) Error Statistics Stratified by Internal Structure and Environmental Metrics
Authors: Alvey George R. , Alaka Ghassan J. , Gramer Lew , Hazelton Andrew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study quantifies tropical cyclone (TC) error statistics from the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) across different environmental conditions (e.g., vertical wind shear) and inner-core structural metrics. A particular focus is the evolution of poorly understood aspects of internal TC structure, including vortex tilt, and their impact on forecast errors. Although previous studies have demonstrated that vortex tilt, vertical wind shear, and precipitation processes impact TC intensity and track, this is the first known study to stratify these cooperative interactions to gain insights into their relationships with forecast errors. A 3-yr retrospective sample of forecasts in the North Atlantic basin from two HAFS configurations (HAFS-A and HAFS-B) demonstrates that TCs with larger tilt magnitudes have larger forecast track errors on average than smaller tilt TCs. Smaller tilt magnitudes have larger absolute intensity errors in short-range forecasts, whereas larger tilt magnitudes tend to have larger negative intensity biases at medium range. TCs with a tilted vortex are shown to have both left-of-shear [maximizing downshear left (DSL)] and left-of-tilt-oriented positional track biases. Furthermore, those cases with greater downshear biases tend to have more convection and larger positive intensity biases, highlighting the importance of the interplay between inner-core characteristics and forecast errors.
Making it real: Actioning the mental health strategy with Pacific Island communities
Authors: Gopalkrishnan Narayan , Crookes Annie 
Published: October 2024

Objective This paper explores the practical implications of the World Health Organization strategy of focussing on community-based mental health and wellbeing ecosystems in the context of the Pacific Island Countries. It draws on the expertise of the participants of a collaborative workshop held during the Creating Futures conference in 2023 to discuss successes, challenges, barriers, opportunities in the implementation of the framework and to examine potential future actions. Conclusions Some of the significant factors that make for effective and sustained community-based mental health systems include appropriate central coordination and oversight of community-based services, adequate frameworks for quality assurance, meaningful data collection and sustained long-term funding, as well as a range of workforce factors. Flexible and place-based approaches also need to be considered in effective implementation, moving away from Western diagnostic ‘labels’ to communication that is effective at the local level. Positive community resources as well as the relative youth of the mental health sector in the Pacific Island Nations are huge opportunities to develop affective and appropriate community mental health systems.
Thyroid function tests in healthy kittens aged between 2 and 16 weeks
Authors: Marino Christina L , Bolton Timothy A , Casal Margret L 
Published: October 2024

Objectives This study aimed to determine thyroid hormone concentrations in a cohort of healthy kittens due to the paucity of information in the literature, and the potential for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) to contribute to fading kitten syndrome (FKS). Methods The serum concentrations of total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (fT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured in 19 healthy kittens aged 2–16 weeks. Results Mean TT4, fT4, TT3 and fT3 concentrations significantly differed across age groups. Mean TT4 and fT4 concentrations peaked at 6 and 5 weeks of age, respectively. The TT4 concentration exceeded the adult cat reference interval (ACRI) in 54% (32/59) of samples at week 6, with the highest TT4 concentration being 7.1 µg/dl (91 nmol/l). Mean TT3 and fT3 concentrations also peaked at 6 weeks of age. Mean TT3 concentration started below the ACRI until 4 weeks of age, after which it remained within the ACRI. The mean fT3 concentration was within the ACRI at all ages. The mean TSH concentration did not differ across age groups and remained within the ACRI in nearly 100% of samples. Conclusions and relevance Peak TT4, fT4, TT3 and fT3 concentrations in healthy kittens at 5 and 6 weeks of age are likely due to changes in the maternal transfer of thyroid hormones after weaning and organ system development. Knowing healthy neonatal and pediatric thyroid hormone concentrations in a cohort of kittens might help a veterinarian interpret thyroid hormone levels when trying to rule out CH in a kitten with FKS.
Evaluating mammography screening in observational cohort designs: the importance of avoiding lead time bias
Authors: RØssell Eeva-Liisa , Lousdal Mette Lise , Viuff Jakob H. , StØvring Henrik 
Published: October 2024

Aims: To investigate the potential lead time bias of the evaluation model (extended follow-up for women diagnosed with breast cancer) used to evaluate mammography screening in a recent Danish study. This model was compared with two traditional models. Methods: We retrieved data on women diagnosed with breast cancer in each county of Norway from 1986 to 2016. In a population-based open cohort study, the change in incidence-based mortality (IBM) was estimated by relative rate ratios comparing a screening period with a historical period for each of three age groups: women eligible for screening and younger and older ineligible women. We applied the evaluation model, and for comparison two traditional IBM models from a recent Norwegian study: one without extended follow-up and no possibility of lead time bias and one with extended follow-up irrespective of diagnosis, possibly diluting any screening effect. Results: The evaluation model estimated an extra 11% reduction in breast cancer mortality among the screening eligible relative to ineligible women. However, this result could largely be ascribed to lead time bias inflated by overdiagnosis and a decreasing mortality from other causes among eligible women. A reduction in breast cancer mortality was observed for both eligible and younger and older ineligible women across models, and relative rate ratios close to 1 were obtained using the two traditional IBM models, indicating no effect of screening on breast cancer mortality. Conclusions: Two models without lead time bias found no reduction in breast cancer mortality, whereas the evaluation model estimated a reduction attributable to lead time bias.
Market Access, Population Mobility and Labor Force Structure: Evidence From China’s High-Speed Railway
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Guo Jie , Zhang Shu 
Published: October 2024

Population mobility is becoming a common phenomenon worldwide which can contribute to the development of individuals and societies. This paper offers that the launch of HSR would facilitate population mobility and spatial disparity. We also find that the HSR connection mainly affects migration of people under 14 and 15 to 64 years old, with no effect on the old over 65. This implies that labor-led family migration has become the main form of movement under the effect of HSR. Furthermore, HSR connection has promoted the concentration of high-skilled labor and the outflow of low-skilled labor in large cities. This study offers useful insights for policy makers that concerns transport infrastructure and the issue of household and workforce structure it raises. JEL: O30, O18, D60, L31.
Effect of Structural Configurations on Mechanical and Shape Recovery Properties of NiTi Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Porous Structures
Authors: Wei Shuaishuai , Song Bo , Zhang Lei , Wang Xiaobo , Fan Junxiang , Zhang Zhi , Shi Yusheng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBased on the advantages of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) porous structures, extensive research on NiTi shape memory alloy TPMS scaffolds has been conducted. However, the current reports about TPMS porous structures highly rely on the implicit equation, which limited the design flexibility. In this work, novel shell-based TPMS structures were designed and fabricated by laser powder bed fusion. The comparisons of manufacturability, mechanical properties, and shape recovery responses between traditional solid-based and novel shell-based TPMS structures were evaluated. Results indicated that the shell-based TPMS porous structures possessed larger Young’s moduli and higher compressive strengths. Specifically, Diamond shell structure possessed the highest Young’s moduli of 605.8±24.5 MPa, while Gyroid shell structure possessed the highest compressive strength of 43.90±3.32 MPa. In addition, because of the larger specific surface area, higher critical stress to induce martensite transformation, and lower austenite finish temperature, the Diamond shell porous structure exhibited much higher shape recovery performance (only 0.1% residual strain left at pre-strains of 6%) than other porous structures. These results substantially uncover the effects of structural topology on the mechanical properties and shape recovery responses of NiTi shape memory alloy scaffolds, and confirm the effectiveness of this novel structural design method. This research can provide guidance for the structural design application of NiTi porous scaffolds in bone implants.