bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parents, friends, and classmates: reference groups and dropout from vocational education and training in Germany
Authors: Siembab Matthias 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study examines the influence of social contexts on the decision to either complete or leave the first vocational education and training (VET) position among young German apprentices—an aspect that has received little attention in dropout research. In particular, the role of three reference groups—parents, friends and classmates at vocational school—in shaping this decision is examined. Using longitudinal data from the German National Educational Panel Study, the analysis addresses two key research questions: (1) Which reference groups are associated with the dropout decision? (2) And how do they influence the decision-making process? For this purpose, the study primarily investigates apprentices’ perceptions of the normative expectations and career ambitions of these groups, and compares the occupational achievements of apprentices and their parents. Two main results are found: (a) Parents and friends have a normative function; apprentices are more likely to complete their VET successfully if they believe that their parents and friends expect them to do so. (b) Both classmates and parents serve a comparative function; if apprentices perceive high career ambitions among their classmates, this may be intimidating and increase the risk of dropping out—in favor of switching to another training occupation. In addition, having parents with a higher occupational status seems to encourage apprentices to pursue a more demanding career path in the case of a change in training occupation. This study supports the notion that a multitude of actors contribute to the success of VET. Therefore, it could be beneficial for career guidance and counseling efforts to extend beyond individual counseling and consider actors who, although indirectly involved in VET, act as important reference groups for apprentices.
CK1δ/ε-mediated TDP-43 phosphorylation contributes to early motor neuron disease toxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ko Vivian I. , Ong Kailee , Kwon Deborah Y. , Li Xueying , Pietrasiewicz Alicia , Harvey James S. , Lulla Mukesh , Bhat Guruharsha , Cleveland Don W. , Ravits John M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHyperphosphorylated TDP-43 aggregates in the cytoplasm of motor neurons is a neuropathological signature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These aggregates have been proposed to possess a toxic disease driving role in ALS pathogenesis and progression, however, the contribution of phosphorylation to TDP-43 aggregation and ALS disease mechanisms remains poorly understood. We’ve previously shown that CK1δ and CK1ε phosphorylate TDP-43 at disease relevant sites, and that genetic reduction and chemical inhibition could reduce phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) levels in cellular models. In this study, we advanced our findings into the hTDP-43-ΔNLS in vivo mouse model of ALS and TDP-43 proteinopathy. This mouse model possesses robust disease-relevant features of ALS, including TDP-43 nuclear depletion, cytoplasmic pTDP-43 accumulation, motor behavior deficits, and shortened survival. We tested the effect of homozygous genetic deletion of Csnk1e in the hTDP-43-ΔNLS mouse model and observed a delay in the formation of pTDP-43 without significant ultimate rescue of TDP-43 proteinopathy or disease progression. Homozygous genetic deletion of Csnk1d is lethal in mice, and we were unable to test the role of CK1δ alone. We then targeted both CK1δ and CK1ε kinases by way of CK1δ/ε-selective PF-05236216 inhibitor in the hTDP-43-ΔNLS mouse model, reasoning that inhibiting CK1ε alone would be insufficient as shown by our Csnk1e knockout mouse model study. Treated mice demonstrated reduced TDP-43 phosphorylation, lowered Nf-L levels, and improved survival in the intermediate stages. The soluble TDP-43 may have been more amenable to the inhibitor treatment than insoluble TDP-43. However, the treatments did not result in improved functional measurements or in overall survival. Our results demonstrate that phosphorylation contributes to neuronal toxicity and suggest CK1δ/ε inhibition in combination with other therapies targeting TDP-43 pathology could potentially provide therapeutic benefit in ALS.
Seismic clusters and fluids diffusion: a lesson from the 2018 Molise (Southern Italy) earthquake sequence
Authors: Gentili Stefania , Brondi Piero , Rossi Giuliana , Sugan Monica , Petrillo Giuseppe , Zhuang Jiancang , Campanella Stefano 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe identification of seismic clusters is essential for many applications of statistical analysis and seismicity forecasting: uncertainties in cluster identification leads to uncertainties in results. However, there are several methods to identify clusters, and their results are not always compatible. We tested different approaches to analyze the clustering: a traditional window-based approach, a complex network-based technique (nearest neighbor—NN), and a novel approach based on fractal analysis. The case study is the increase in seismicity observed in Molise, Southern Italy, from April to November 2018. To analyze the seismicity in detail with the above-mentioned methods, an improved template-matching catalog was created. A stochastic declustering method based on the Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) model was also applied to add probabilistic information. We explored how the significant discrepancies in these methods’ results affect the result of NExt STrOng Related Earthquake (NESTORE) algorithm—a method to forecast strong aftershocks during an ongoing cluster—previously successfully applied to the whole Italian territory. We performed a further analysis of the spatio-temporal pattern of seismicity in Molise, using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the ETAS algorithm, as well as other analyses, aimed at detecting possible migration and diffusion signals. We found a relative quiescence of several months between the main events of April and August, the tendency of the events to propagate upwards, and a migration of the seismicity consistent with a fluid-driven mechanism. We hypothesize that these features indicate the presence of fluids, which are also responsible for the long duration of the sequence and the discrepancies in cluster identification methods’ results. Such results add to the other pieces of evidence of the importance of the fluid presence in controlling the seismicity in the Apennines. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of refined methods to identify clusters and encourages further detailed analyses when different methods supply very different results.
Graphical Abstract
Effect of bridgmanite-ferropericlase grain size evolution on Earth’s average mantle viscosity: implications for mantle convection in early and present-day Earth
Authors: Paul Jyotirmoy , Golabek Gregor J. , Rozel Antoine B. , Tackley Paul J. , Katsura Tomoo , Fei Hongzhan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRecent experimental investigations of grain size evolution in bridgmanite-ferropericlase assemblages have suggested very slow growth for these bimodal phases. Despite numerous speculations on grain size-dependent viscosity, a comprehensive test with realistic grain size evolution parameters compatible with the lower mantle has been lacking. In this study, we develop self-consistent 2-D spherical half-annulus geodynamic models of Earth’s evolution using the finite volume code StagYY to assess the role of grain size on lower mantle viscosity. We explore several models with and without grain size evolution to compare their effects on mantle viscosity. In models with grain size evolution, we consider three scenarios: (1) uniform grain growth throughout the entire mantle with a composite rheology, (2) different grain growth in the upper and lower mantle with a composite rheology, and (3) different grain growth in the upper and lower mantle with purely diffusion creep rheology. In the case of different grain size evolution, the upper mantle’s grain size evolution law is controlled by forsterite-enstatite grain growth, while the lower mantle’s grain size evolution law is controlled by bridgmanite-ferropericlase grain growth. Our results suggest that mantle viscosity is primarily controlled by temperature, whereas grain size has a minor effect compared to the effect of temperature. We attribute two primary reasons for this: First, the bridgmanite-ferropericlase growth is very slow in the lower mantle and the grain size variation is too small to significantly alter the mantle viscosity. Secondly, if grains grow too fast, thus the mantle deforms in the dislocation creep regime, making viscosity grain size-independent. To establish the robustness of this finding we vary several other model parameters, such as surface yield strength, phase transition grain size reset, different transitional stresses for creep mechanisms, pressure dependence on grain growth, and different grain damage parameters. For all our models, we consistently find that grain size has a very limited effect on controlling lower mantle viscosity in the present-day Earth. However, large grain size may have affected the lower mantle viscosity in the early Earth as larger grains of single phase bridgmanite could increase the viscosity of the early mantle delaying the onset of global convection.
Study of SERS activity of different gold nanostructures prepared by electron beam lithography
Authors: Li Hao , Liu Gen , Zhang Yi , Hao Luzhen , Zou Pinggen , Xu Yuchen , Ji Mei , Yu Xue , Li Jiangli , Ma Yanqing , Ma Lei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPlasmonic metal nanostructure prepared by photolithography technology can be used as a uniform and stable substrate with high SERS activity. However, there is only limited research on the precisely regulated metal nanostructures and the systematic studies on the relation between the structure and SERS response. Herein, different gold nanostructure arrays (including circles, equilateral triangles, squares, regular pentagons, regular hexagons, pentagrams, and hexagram) have been prepared using electron beam lithography (EBL). Rhodamine B were employed as the probe molecule. The effect of the shapes, sizes (s), spacing (d), and rotation angle (α) of different shapes gold on SERS activities were systematically investigated under the excitation of 532 nm laser. Further finite element method based electromagnetic field simulations unveiled the correlation between the local electromagnetic field strengths and the SERS activities, which also verified the proportional relation between the fourth power of the electromagnetic field intensity (LE) and enhancement factor (EF).
Vaccination and fertility: modelling the potential impact of Covid-19 vaccination on total fertility rate in Czechia
Authors: Slabá Jitka , Kocourková Jiřina , Šťastná Anna , Dzúrová Dagmar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAs with Northern European countries, Czechia experienced unexpected fertility developments during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fertility in Czechia increased between 2020 and 2021 from 1.76 children per woman to 1.83. However, between 2021 and 2022, fertility fell significantly to just 1.62 children per woman. The main change that occurred between 2020 and 2021, which is thought to have affected fertility one year later, comprised vaccination against Covid-19. This vaccination of the adult population was very specific in terms of both its scope and the timing of vaccination for each age group as organised by the state. The mass scale of the vaccination campaign and its implementation within a very short period of time were unprecedented. However, along with the significant degree of uncertainty concerning the appropriateness of vaccination for pregnant women, vaccination was seen as a factor that potentially acted to significantly change women’s reproductive plans in the short term and, as a consequence, potentially exerted a significant short-term impact on both birth rates and fertility indicators. This study models the maximum potential impact of vaccination on fertility levels under the assumption that all the vaccinated women chose to avoid conception in the month in which they were vaccinated. Applying the indirect standardisation principle, we calculated the expected monthly live births after excluding women who were vaccinated nine months earlier. The comparison of hypothetical and observed fertility revealed that the perceived potential impact of vaccination was largely consistent with the observed fertility decline in Czechia between 2021 and 2022.
Variable effects of non-falciparum species infections on malaria disease severity in high transmission regions in Senegal
Authors: Diagne Aissatou , Sambe Babacar Souleymane , Gaba Folly Mawulolo , Sarr Ibrahima , Diatta Arona Sabène , Sadio Ousmane , Diaw Serigne Ousmane Mbacké , Diatta Hélène Ataume Mawounge , Diouf Babacar , Vigan-Womas Inès , Mbengue Babacar , Niang Makhtar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn malaria endemic countries, non-falciparum species are often mixed with Plasmodium falciparum in patients with uncomplicated malaria, and their contribution to malaria severity and death is poorly studied. This study assesses the contribution of non-falciparum species to malaria severity in three regions of Senegal with the highest malaria incidence.We analysed 617 blood samples obtained between 2015 and 2021 from confirmed malaria patients at health facilities in Kedougou, Kolda and Tambacounda in Senegal. Plasmodium species composition was determined by PCR and their distribution were analysed according to age and disease severity, and the relative risk of developing severe malaria.Overall, 94.8% of samples contained P. falciparum either as single or mixed with other species. Non-falciparum P. ovale, P. vivax and P. malariae species were detected in 60.12, 13.61 and 1.62% of samples, respectively. Severe malaria was primarily due to P. falciparum, but co-infection with P. vivax led to a 1.63-fold significant (p = 0.05) increased risk of developing severe malaria, contrasting with the non-significant reduced risk (OR = 0.78; CI 95: 0.55–1.11; p = 0.16) associated with P. ovale infections. Children aged < 15 years old significantly suffered of SM than adults patients, whereas no significant association was found in relation to patient’ sex.This study reports the first association of non-falciparum species infections with clinical malaria phenotypes in patients from the three most malaria-affected regions in Senegal. Non-falciparum P. ovale and P. vivax species in combination with P. falciparum had a protective and worsening effect, respectively. The findings suggest that interventions targeting only P. falciparum might not be sufficient to eliminate the overall malaria burden, and should take into account the neglected non-falciparum species.
Utilization of dark septate endophytes (DSE) to control pathogens causing diseases in various cultivated plants: a review
Authors: Mariani Mariani , Surono Surono , Marhani Marhani , Mirsodi Muhammad , Rosdayanti Henti , Lestari Mirta Ardi , Sukmawati Dalia , Sriherwanto Catur 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi characterized by sterile conidia, melanin pigment, and the formation of melanized structures such as intercellular hyphae and microsclerotia, enabling them to colonize plant roots. They exhibit a broad geographic distribution, spanning temperate forests, tropical to arctic regions, and mountainous ecosystems and are associated with approximately 600 plant species.

Results
DSE fungi have garnered attention for their potential as biocontrol agents against pathogens affecting numerous cultivated plants. Several DSE species, including Phialochepala fortini, Chadospora sp., Veronaeopsis simplex, Harpophora oryzae, Acrocalymma vagum, Pyrenochaetopsis terricola, Cladophialophora chaetospira, and Penicillium oxalicum, have been identified as effective biocontrol agents against diseases caused by Fusarium spp., Verticillium spp., Rigidoporus sp., Pyricularia sp., Ganoderma sp., and Colletotrichum sp. DSE fungi have ability to produce metabolite compounds. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of plant pathogens.

Conclusion
Therefore, DSE fungi holds significant potential as an agent for controlling plant pathogens in various cultivated plants. Future study directions include (1) exploring, isolating, and identifying DSE strains antagonistic to pathogens affecting different plants from various ecosystems because the use of DSE as a biocontrol agent for plant pathogens is still limited, (2) investigating the impact of DSE fungi diversity on the production of antimicrobial compounds, and (3) exploring the synergistic effects of DSE consortia with other biocontrol agents in effectively managing diseases in various cultivated plants.
Trends in Osteoporosis Drug Therapy Receipt Among Commercial and Medicare Advantage Enrollees in the United States, 2011-2022
Authors: Everhart Alexander O , Brito Juan P , Clarke Bart L , Herrin Jeph , Karaca-Mandic Pinar , Kennel Kurt A , Parimi Nehu , Rosen Clifford J , Takagi Mark , McCoy Rozalina G 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Context
A national assessment of osteoporosis drug therapy (ODT) use can inform the extent of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of osteoporosis.

Objective
The aim was to describe trends in ODT use by age, sex, fragility fracture, and documented osteoporosis.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of patient-quarter observations for adults aged ≥50 years with commercial or Medicare Advantage health insurance in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse between 2011 and 2022. The primary outcome was the proportion of patient-quarter observations with ODT use stratified by age, sex, fragility fracture, and documented osteoporosis. Cuzick tests were performed to assess trends ODT use.

Results
Analysis of 166 673 420 patient-quarter observations revealed that over 70% of patients with fragility fractures did not have documented osteoporosis. Among women aged ≥65 years with documented osteoporosis, ODT fill rates increased between 2011 and 2022 from 36.3% to 50.1% for women without fragility fractures (P &lt; .001) and from 30.8% to 43.7% for women with fragility fractures (P &lt; .001). However, ODT fill rates declined (9.2% to 7.4% between 2011 and 2022) for women with fragility fractures and no documented osteoporosis (P = .015). Similar trends were observed among women aged 50-64 years and men.

Conclusion
ODT use for patients with documented osteoporosis has increased but remains low. Low rates of ODT use for patients with fragility fractures in the absence of documented osteoporosis suggests that underdiagnosis of osteoporosis contributes to underuse of ODTs.
Policy-Induced Fertility Suppression and Marital Satisfaction: Evidence From a Natural Experiment in China
Authors: Tong Yuying , Zheng Bingdao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Having children is widely regarded as one of the most important benefits and purposes of marriage, particularly in societies that uphold traditional family values. Consequently, the suppression of fertility could have far-reaching implications for marital life that transcend childbearing itself. Previous studies have examined the impact of health-induced fertility suppression, but a gap remains in understanding how policy-induced fertility restrictions affect marital satisfaction. This study employs a nationally representative sample to examine whether Chinese couples’ marital satisfaction improves when the potential marital utility on fertility is enhanced following the transition from the one-child to the universal two-child policy in China. Using a difference-in-differences design, the study finds that men who desire multiple children experience increased marital satisfaction after the policy change. Conversely, the same is not observed for women. Our study provides compelling evidence that the increase in marital satisfaction for husbands is driven by the improved evaluation of the marital fertility value rather than other unintended policy effects. Further, the policy-induced satisfaction improvement is more pronounced among men with more severely constrained or deeply ingrained fertility desires. The article discusses the broad impact of fertility policy on family life, the gender-imbalanced perception of this policy shift, and its theoretical and policy implications.
Principles of Stereotactic Surgery
Authors: Jensen Michael A. , Neimat Joseph S. , Kerezoudis Panagiotis , Ali Rushna , Richardson R. Mark , Halpern Casey H. , Ojemann Steven G. , Ponce Francisco A. , Lee Kendall H. , Haugen Laura M. , Permezel Fiona E. , Klassen Bryan T. , Kondziolka Douglas , Miller Kai J. 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Stereotactic procedures are used to manage a diverse set of patients across a variety of clinical contexts. The stereotactic devices and software used in these procedures vary between surgeons, but the fundamental principles that constitute safe and accurate execution do not. The aim of this work is to describe these principles to equip readers with a generalizable knowledge base to execute and understand stereotactic procedures.

METHODS:
A combination of a review of the literature and empirical experience from several experienced surgeons led to the creation of this work. Thus, this work is descriptive and qualitative by nature, and the literature is used to support instead of generate the ideas of this framework.

RESULTS:
The principles detailed in this work are categorized based on 5 clinical domains: imaging, registration, mechanical accuracy, target planning and adjustment, and trajectory planning and adjustment. Illustrations and tables are used throughout to convey the concepts in an efficient manner.

CONCLUSION:
Stereotactic procedures are complex, requiring a thorough understanding of each step of the workflow. The concepts described in this work enable functional neurosurgeons with the fundamental knowledge necessary to provide optimal patient care.