bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CASPR2‐related epilepsy: A distinctive and unrecognized form of epilepsy in adult and elderly males
Authors: Michelucci Roberto , Pasini Elena , Riguzzi Patrizia , Tappatà Maria , Giannoccaro Maria Pia , Micalizzi Elisa , Lechiara Anastasia , Mattioli Pietro , Benedetti Luana , Villani Flavio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the clinical features of contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2)‐IgG‐associated seizures.MethodsNine patients were retrospectively collected from two epilepsy centers. For each patient we obtained a full clinical, neurophysiological, and MRI study along with detection of antineuronal autoantibodies from serum and CSF. The patients were followed up for 1–6 years.ResultsThe patients were nine male subjects aged 56–85 years (mean: 66) with a 1‐ to 14‐year (mean: 6,3 median: 6) history of seizures. The seizures were classified as focal onset seizures with impaired awareness, usually preceded by epigastric aura (two), piloerection (two), olfactory hallucinations (two), nausea and dizziness (one). Tonic–clonic seizures were present in five patients. Seizure frequency was high in six cases and sporadic in three. Most patients reported memory impairment (eight) or behavioral/mood changes (four). Interictal EEGs usually showed bilateral or unilateral temporal epileptiform abnormalities. A number of seizures arising from the temporal lobes, with bilateral asynchronous onset, were recorded on long‐term video‐EEG monitoring in two patients. MRI disclosed nonspecific white matter T2 hyperintensities suggestive of chronic vascular changes in four patients and bilateral T2‐FLAIR amygdalo‐hippocampal hyperintensity in three cases. Neuropsychological study demonstrated various degrees of cognitive impairment in the majority of cases. Increased titers of CASPR2 autoantibodies were detected in the serum and CSF, which persisted over time in four cases. Drug resistance to common anti‐seizure medications was present in seven cases who benefited from immunotherapy.SignificanceCASPR2‐IgG testing should be performed among old male patients with a recent or even not recent onset of focal seizures with impaired awareness particularly when these seizures are accompanied by cognitive impairment or behavioral disturbances. In these cases, anti‐seizure medications may be ineffective while immunotherapy may lead to a prompt improvement of seizures and cognitive deficits.
The effects of kiwifruit consumption on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pam Pedram , Goudarzi Mohammad Ali , Ghotboddin Mohammadi Shirin , Asbaghi Omid , Aghakhani Ladan , Clark Cain C. T. , Hashempur Mohammad Hashem , Haghighat Neda 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe current systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of kiwifruit intake on anthropometric indices and key cardiometabolic parameters. Related articles were found by searching PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus to detect relevant Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) and novel systematic reviews relating to kiwi consumption in adults, up to August 2023. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were assessed and reported using standard methods. Six RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. Analyzing overall effect sizes demonstrated a significant reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels (WMD: −9.30 mg/dL; 95% CI: −17.56 to −1.04, p = .027), whereas no significant alterations of triglycerides (TG) (WMD: −12.91 mg/dL; 95% CI: −28.17 to 2.34, p = .097), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −7.66 mg/dL; 95% CI: −17.85 to 2.52, p = .141), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (WMD: 2.87 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.36 to 6.11, p = .141), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: 1.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: −1.43 to 3.56, p = .404), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: 0.15 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.40, 0.70, p = .0598), body weight (BW) (WMD: 0.85 kg; 95% CI: −1.34 to 3.04, p = .448), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: 0.04 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.75 to 0.83, p = .920), and waist circumference (WC) (WMD: 0.18 cm; 95% CI: −1.81 to 2.19, p = .855) were found. Our findings suggest that consuming kiwifruit does not have a significant impact on anthropometric indices and cardiometabolic factors, except for LDL‐C levels.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves for beef patties preservation: Antioxidant and inhibitory activities, half‐life, and sensory attributes
Authors: Al‐Baidhani A. M. S. , Hashim Alia Z. , Al‐Qutaifi Haider K. , Al‐Hilphy Asaad R. , Waseem Muhammad , Madilo Felix Kwashie , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study aims to examine employing ultrasound‐assisted extraction of bioactive components from Moringa oleifera leaves and apply them in beef patties preservation, as well as antioxidant and inhibitory activities and sensory qualities. The study included studying the chemical content and minerals of the M. oleifera leaves, preparation of aqueous and alcoholic extracts using an ultrasound device, then exploring the extraction yield. The results proved that the extraction yield by ultrasound using ethanol at 80% was the highest, reaching 19.22%. The total phenols in the ultrasonic extract with moringa leaves aqueous extract (AMEUS) amounted to 120,755 mg/mL. Since the AMEUS exhibited the highest value of 68.308 mg/mL calic acid – eight phenolic compounds discovered by HPLC – the total content of flavonoids was also calculated. The inhibitory and antioxidant effects of moringa leaf extracts are well documented. We monitored the changes in chemical indicators, such as the value of peroxide and thiobarbituric acid, as well as the percentage of free fatty acids and physical characteristics, such as water‐carrying capacity, pH, and pigments, for storage periods 0, 4, 8, and 12 days after adding AMEUS to beef patties at a concentration of 0.5%. The patties were kept under refrigeration at 4 ± 1°C during this time. The values of peroxide number, thiobarbituric acid, free fatty acid, and metmyoglobin pigment were decreased in the beef patties treated with the AMEUS. However, they increased continuously during the cryopreservation period, and there was a significant increase in water‐holding capacity (WHC) when the beef patties were treated with AMEUS. The results also showed that adding AMEUS to beef patties improved their qualitative characteristics.
Mathematical analysis of a mesoscale model for multiphase membranes
Authors: Fuchs Jakob , Röger Matthias 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this article, we introduce a mesoscale continuum model for membranes made of two different types of amphiphilic lipids. The model extends work by Peletier and the second author (Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 193, 2009) for the one‐phase case. We present a mathematical analysis of the asymptotic reduction to the macroscale when a key length parameter becomes arbitrarily small. We identify two main contributions in the energy: one that can be connected to bending of the overall structure and a second that describes the cost of the internal phase separations. We prove the ‐convergence towards a perimeter functional for the phase separation energy and construct, in two dimensions, recovery sequences for the convergence of the full energy towards a 2D reduction of the Jülicher–Lipowsky bending energy with a line tension contribution for phase separated hypersurfaces.
Brain activations elicited during task‐switching generalize beyond the task: A partial least squares correlation approach to combine fMRI signals and cognition
Authors: Skolasinska Paulina , Qin Shuo , Voss Michelle , Lee Hyun Kyu , Basak Chandramallika 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAn underlying hypothesis for broad transfer from cognitive training is that the regional brain signals engaged during the training task are related to the transfer tasks. However, it is unclear whether the brain activations elicited from a specific cognitive task can generalize to performance of other tasks, esp. in normal aging where cognitive training holds much promise. In this large dual‐site functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we aimed to characterize the neurobehavioral correlates of task‐switching in normal aging and examine whether the task‐switching‐related fMRI‐blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals, engaged during varieties of cognitive control, generalize to other tasks of executive control and general cognition. We therefore used a hybrid blocked and event‐related fMRI task‐switching paradigm to investigate brain regions associated with multiple types of cognitive control on 129 non‐demented older adults (65–85 years). This large dataset provided a unique opportunity for a data‐driven partial least squares–correlation approach to investigate the generalizability of multiple fMRI‐BOLD signals associated with task‐switching costs to other tasks of executive control, general cognition, and demographic characteristics. While some fMRI signals generalized beyond the scanned task, others did not. Results indicate right middle frontal brain activation as detrimental to task‐switching performance, whereas inferior frontal and caudate activations were related to faster processing speed during the fMRI task‐switching, but activations of these regions did not predict performance on other tasks of executive control or general cognition. However, BOLD signals from the right lateral occipital cortex engaged during the fMRI task positively predicted performance on a working memory updating task, and BOLD signals from the left post‐central gyrus that were disengaged during the fMRI task were related to slower processing speed in the task as well as to lower general cognition. Together, these results suggest generalizability of these BOLD signals beyond the scanned task. The findings also provided evidence for the general slowing hypothesis of aging as most variance in the data were explained by low processing speed and global low BOLD signal in older age. As processing speed shared variance with task‐switching and other executive control tasks, it might be a possible basis of generalizability between these tasks. Additional results support the dedifferentiation hypothesis of brain aging, as right middle frontal activations predicted poorer task‐switching performance. Overall, we observed that the BOLD signals related to the fMRI task not only generalize to the performance of other executive control tasks, but unique brain predictors of out‐of‐scanner performance can be identified.
The computational and neural substrates of individual differences in impulsivity under loss framework
Authors: Jiang Keying , Zhao Guang , Feng Qian , Guan Shunping , Im Hohjin , Zhang Bin , Wang Pinchun , Jia Xuji , Zhu Haidong , Zhu Ye , Wang He , Wang Qiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNumerous neuroimaging studies have identified significant individual variability in intertemporal choice, often attributed to three neural mechanisms: (1) increased reward circuit activity, (2) decreased cognitive control, and (3) prospection ability. These mechanisms that explain impulsivity, however, have been primarily studied in the gain domain. This study extends this investigation to the loss domain. We employed a hierarchical Bayesian drift‐diffusion model (DDM) and the inter‐subject representational similarity approach (IS‐RSA) to investigate the potential computational neural substrates underlying impulsivity in loss domain across two experiments (n = 155). These experiments utilized a revised intertemporal task that independently manipulated the amounts of immediate and delayed‐loss options. Behavioral results demonstrated positive correlations between the drift rate, measured by the DDM, and the impulsivity index K in Exp. 1 (n = 97) and were replicated in Exp. 2 (n = 58). Imaging analyses further revealed that the drift rate significantly mediated the relations between brain properties (e.g., prefrontal cortex activations and gray matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex and precuneus) and K in Exp. 1. IS‐RSA analyses indicated that variability in the drift rate also mediated the associations between inter‐subject variations in activation patterns and individual differences in K. These findings suggest that individuals with similar impulsivity levels are likely to exhibit similar value processing patterns, providing a potential explanation for individual differences in impulsivity within a loss framework.
Relational spirals and thriving: A longitudinal investigation of older workers
Authors: Amarnani Rajiv K. , Huang Miaojia , Bordia Prashant , Sykes‐Bridge Imogen , Garcia Patrick Raymund James M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThriving is believed to occur when employees feel a sense of progress and momentum in the organization. This conceptual basis for thriving is inherently temporal—implying an underlying individual change process—which sets thriving apart from other well‐being criteria in the Human Resource Management literature. However, surprisingly little research has demonstrated and unpacked the change and development processes that lead to thriving. In this article, we develop and test a theoretical model of the dynamic origins of thriving in a socially important context: the aging workforce. Specifically, we propose that older workers thrive when they experience relational spirals: a deepening of the employee‐organization relationship as psychological contracts and role expansion drive each other in a mutually reinforcing spiral. Results from a large‐scale nationally representative longitudinal study of 3370 Australian older workers—spanning 1.5 years and three time points—support the proposed model. Older workers' relational psychological contracts and role expansion formed a mutually reinforcing spiral process over time which ultimately led to higher levels of thriving. These results held even after imposing autoregressive control of lagged variables at earlier time points, and after accounting for the contributions of transactional psychological contracts to the spiral process. Our theorizing and empirical approach brings dynamic processes to the forefront of HR research on thriving, and points to implications for the role of HR in successful aging.
Robust phase extraction from complex signals/fringe patterns for optical communications in 5G and beyond through continuous wavelet ridge technique
Authors: Haridas Divya , Singh Jyoti , Jayasingh J. Roopa , Deepa D. , Ramya K. C. , Tharkar Ankush D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe rapid progress in high‐precision optical instruments necessitates sophisticated image processing techniques for extracting vital information from generated images. Most of these instruments output images comprising RGB pixels. Deciphering these pixel values into phase information poses a significant challenge, especially in the presence of background noise. This study focuses on utilizing Two‐Dimensional Continuous Wavelet Transforms (2‐D CWT) for analyzing fringe patterns with varying noise levels and fringe alignments, crucial for high‐precision optical systems pivotal in enhancing the performance and reliability of optical communication systems in advanced 5G networks. The simulation results demonstrate that 2‐D CWT efficiently extracts phase information from complex and highly noisy fringes while requiring less computational time. Furthermore, the algorithm effectively handles noise disturbances with a commendable degree of accuracy, ensuring robust performance in 5G‐enabled optical systems critical for supporting ultra‐high‐speed data transmission and low‐latency communication requirements. This research contributes to optimizing image analysis techniques for 5G optical systems, facilitating their integration into next‐generation communication networks.
RAFT copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate in a hexylpyridinium ionic liquid
Authors: Madrid Ludhovik Luiz , Perez Ser John Lynon , Arco Susan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSmart polymers undergo significant physical or chemical changes in response to stimuli like temperature and pH. Achieving a narrow molecular weight distribution is crucial for their sensitivity. Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) in ionic liquids is an effective method for synthesizing such polymers due to its favorable kinetics and environmental benefits. Most studies use imidazolium ionic liquids, while pyridinium ionic liquids are less common despite their easy synthesis. This study reports the first successful RAFT copolymerization of di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMEMA) and methyl methacrylate in N‐hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate ([HPY][PF6]). Both linear and hyperbranched copolymers (Mn > 25,000) with narrow molecular weight distribution were synthesized, showing observable temperature responses and biocompatibility. The linear copolymers had a desirable dispersity (Ð) of less than 1.10, while the hyperbranched copolymer had a Ð of 2.034. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) of the copolymers were close to or below the LCST of PDEGMEMA (26°C). This study indicates that pyridinium ionic liquids can be explored as a suitable solvent for synthesizing methacrylate‐based smart polymers.
Validation of the comprehensive assessment of acceptance and commitment therapy processes for youth: The CompACT‐Y
Authors: Morey Alex , Samuel Victoria , Lewis Matthew , Williams Marc 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic approach which aims to increase psychological flexibility. Higher psychological flexibility has been associated with reduced psychological distress, mental health symptoms and improvements in well‐being and functioning. Reviews of ACT for children and young people (CYP) indicate it shows potential as an effective treatment for a range of difficulties, however a comprehensive measure of psychological flexibility processes does not exist for CYP. Following revision of the adult Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (CompACT), through cognitive interviewing with adolescents and consultation with ACT experts, the present study aimed to assess the factor structure and validity of the revised youth measure (the CompACT‐Y).MethodThe CompACT‐Y measure was administered alongside measures of ACT processes, mental health and well‐being to 334 young people across six UK schools, to assess for convergent and concurrent validity.ResultsExploratory factor analysis indicated a 19‐item three‐factor structure was the most stable, with all items loading above 0.50. The CompACT‐Y correlated with measures of psychological flexibility (r = ‐0.64 – 0.66), mental health (r = −0.58 – −0.66), well‐being (r = 0.57–0.65) and behaviour (r = −0.63) as expected, indicating acceptable convergent and concurrent validity.ConclusionsThe CompACT‐Y appears to be a valid and reliable measure of psychological flexibility in young people. Further research is needed to replicate the findings and confirm factor structure, validity and reliability, particularly in younger adolescents and those from diverse backgrounds. The CompACT‐Y offers a promising tool to improve the methodological rigour of ACT studies in young people, and has implications for the use of ACT in clinical practice.
Characterization of sperm morphology in two species of Neotropical bats: Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos (Phyllostomidae, Chiroptera)
Authors: Dip Ana Sofía , Martín Eduardo , Hernández Marcela Beatriz , Miotti María Daniela 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSperm morphology is considered the best indicator of male fertility. In Neotropical bats, important aspects of sperm morphology have been scantly studied. The aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos. A total of 11 specimens were analyzed from the Colección de Mamíferos Lillo: five A. planirostris and six S. erythromos. The fixed epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by the routine cytological procedure with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscope. A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The percentage of normal/abnormal spermatozoa was estimated and the sperm abnormalities were classified. Both species showed morphologically simple spermatozoa with a spatulate head, a short neck, a helical midpiece and a tail that tapers at the final end, similar to other species of Phyllostomidae. The differences observed were: apex of the head was conical in A. planirostris and was oval in S. erythromos; longer head and midpiece in S. erythomos and longer sperm in A. planirostris. Both species showed a high percentage of sperm with normal appearance: 65% for A. planirostris and 72% for S. erythromos. The main sperm abnormalities were: scattered tails and heads, coiled tails, folded midpieces and presence of cytoplasmic droplets. The present work will improve the understanding of their reproductive biology.Research Highlights
Morphological descriptions and morphometric analyses of the sperm of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos were carried out with optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.
Evaluation of the potential of achachairu peel (Garcinia humilis) for the fortification of cereal‐based foods
Authors: Gomes Sandra M , Rodrigues Ilana C , Silva Flávio A , Santos Lúcia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAchachairu is an exotic fruit that is being studied for its bioactive compound composition. However, there is scarce information on the properties of its by‐products and their incorporation into food. In this study, achachairu peels were used to obtain phenolic‐rich and sustainable ingredients. Furthermore, their potential for use in the fortification of food, particularly cereal‐based products, was evaluated. Different ratios of ethanol:water were used to extract the phenolic compounds from achachairu (100:0, 90:10 and 70:30). The optimal extract was characterised regarding its total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti‐enzymatic properties. Finally, achachairu peel powder and extract were incorporated into bread and their influence on the texture, antioxidant properties and shelf life of the product was evaluated.RESULTSHigh‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis showed that the 90:10 extract contained a higher phenolic composition than the other samples. The achachairu extract presented a TPC of 88.7 mgGAE g−1, good antioxidant capacity towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and the capacity to inhibit the activity of α‐amylase by almost 80%. The addition of achachairu peel powder and extract to bread increased its hardness, chewiness and gumminess, not affecting the remaining texture parameters. An increase in the TPC, antioxidant properties and shelf life of the product was also observed.CONCLUSIONThis study proves the potential for achachairu by‐products incorporated into cereal‐based products to improve their biological properties while extending the food shelf life. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.